01FEB2019 | Vol 10 Issue 44

Better fares
& better paid
drivers.*

Waitangi Day Trent Boult Sonam Kapoor

Nationwide destroys India "Do not believe
events lined up Black Caps win in labelling
4th ODI actors
Pg 02 Pg 05Pg 22 Pg 09 Pg 29
www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 01, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 3

Several events across NZ mark

India’s 70th R-Day celebrations
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD Centre on this occasion following communities separated by language

K
iwi-Indians rejoiced as
India’s flag was unfurled and
flew high at several places in
Aotearoa on Saturday, January 26,
to mark the occasion of India’s 70th
Republic Day.
India celebrates January 26 – the
day when its constitution came into
effect – to mark the occasion of
becoming a republic, which signifies
complete freedom from any form of
foreign rule.
Kiwi-Indians across New Zealand
celebrated the zeal of Republic Day-
with four significant gatherings
marking and celebrating the
auspicious day.
Wellington
nearly 250 guests at the Wellington
Indian Association Community Hall
with a cultural programme.
performance by the Maori group
Whakarewarewa from Rotorua.
The event also included awarding
the footprints of the historic Indian
Independence Day event at MG
Centre last year that brought all the
community organisations under
one roof to celebrate a festival of
significance.
The event was attended by over
1000 people from every Indian
community organisation and
performers of each organisations
displaying their love for the
country through songs, dances and
skit performances. Young Kiwi-
Indian dancers also performed a
Bharatnatyam dance.
National List MP Dr Parmjeet
Parmar, Labour MP for New Lynn
Deborah Russel, attended.
Ms Russel, quoting fellow Labour
and united by the spirit of patriotism
and the love for their motherland.
Earlier the celebratory event in
NZ’s biggest city had started in the
morning itself with a small group of
selected representatives of the Kiwi-
Indian diaspora, coming together in
an invite-only event at the residence
of Hon Consul of India, Bhav
Dhillon.
The event commenced with the
flag hoisting ceremony followed
by a singing of the Indian National
Anthem and loud chants of ‘Vande
Mataram’ and ‘Jai Hind’ by the
community leaders gathered at the
event.
“You have all come on a Saturday
morning, the day despite being the

K
iwi-Indians in Wellington
gathered at the Wellington
Indian Association Community Hall
to celebrate Republic Day with High
Commissioner of India, Sanjiv Kohli
hoisting the tricolour at the event
centre.
The morning event gathered around
a hundred community members who
after the flag hoisting attended the
cultural event- performances by
The High Commissioner was
joined by Deputy Secretary, Trade
& Economic Group Vangelis Vitalis
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
& Trade. The other dignitaries
invited were Minister for Ethnic
Communities Jenny Salesa, Members
of Parliament Paul Eagle and Greg
O’Connor from the Labour Party,
Nicola Willis and Brett Hudson from
the National Party.
The audience also included several
medals from the Govt. of India to
the winners of the Bharat Ko Janiye
Quiz and a Letter of Appreciation to
the Whakarewarewa singer for her
rendition of Vaishnav Janato, as part
of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth
anniversary celebrations.
There was also an Indian dance
performance by the students from a
Wellington dance school.
Auckland
List MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan
mentioned about the knowledge and
information she received about India’s
republic history, the Constitution of
India and the inaugural ‘Tryst with
Destiny’ address made by the first
Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru
on India’s freedom.
Ms Russel read the passage ‘At the
stroke of the midnight hour when the
world sleeps, India will awake to life
start of a long four-day holiday, that
echoes your love and commitment
towards your motherland, India,” Mr
Dhillon said.
“You are the pride of the country,
and the country is your pride – your
actions and contributions to the
greater community and the multi-
ethnic communities of New Zealand
makes India proud of its citizens,
and we proudly identify ourselves as

young Kiwi-Indians children dressed
in ethnic Indian wear singing patriotic
numbers in the festive mood.
Later in the evening, the High
Commission hosted a reception for
members from diplomatic missions,
mayors, NZ Government officials
and leaders from the Kiwi and Kiwi-
Indian community.
Celebrations began with a welcome
N
ew Zealand Indian Central
Association (NZICA), the
oldest community organization for
the Kiwi-Indians organised a big
celebratory event at Mahatma Gandhi
and freedom...’ Kiwi-Indians,” Mr Dhillon added.
The event included an array of The official address was followed
cultural performances by both young by a light breakfast and entertainment
and elder members of the community programme of singing of patriotic
representing diverse Indian songs by two singers.

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 4 NEW ZEALAND
Government to take away sales
incentives in insurance industry
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
T
he Government agreed at
Cabinet on Tuesday, January
29, to fast-track customer
protection measures in the financial
sector.
A report released by the FMA and
RBNZ highlighted major issues in
the insurance sector impacting on
consumers. This follows a report
on banking conduct and culture
released in December. The problems
highlighted in both reports are
similar, Commerce and Consumer
Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi says,
though more extensive in life insurance.
”There are gaps in the regulation of the sector
that are exposing consumers and we are going
to address them. We need a regime where banks
and insurers are focused on good outcomes for
the consumer and are not conflicted by sales
rewards.
“The report has found New Zealand life
insurance industry has a culture that prioritises
sales over customer interests and customers
deserve better. Cabinet today agreed we are
going to get rid of sales incentives in the
insurance industry that are driving behaviour
that is not in the best interest of consumers.
“Incentives such as overseas trips and loaded
upfront commissions can cause a conflict for
the salesperson. We have also heard about
insurance policies being sold to people who are
ineligible for cover, premiums continuing to be
charged for a policy that’s no longer in effect,
and policyholders not being effectively notified
of increases in premiums.
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“This, with the findings from the earlier
report on banking conduct and culture, mean
that we have to take action. We plan to release
a consultation paper on the changes by May
and introduce legislation later this year,” Kris
Faafoi says.
A comparison of life insurance commissions
worldwide shows New Zealanders are paying a
high rate of commissions – more than 20 percent
of the cost of the premium. In comparison,
consumers in Many European countries pay
less than 10 percent, and in Australia just
over 10 percent. Annual premiums paid by
consumers for life insurance total $2.57 billion,
with 4 million life insurance policies in New
Zealand.
Minister of Finance Hon Grant Robertson
says that while the industry has started to
address issues raised in the reports it is clear
that the Government needs to act on regulation
Our Office: 20 Lambie Drive,
Manukau, Auckland
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Friday, February 01, 2019
A comparison of life
insurance commissions
worldwide shows New
Zealanders are paying a
high rate of commissions
– more than 20 percent of
the cost of the premium
and conduct of financial institutions,
including banks.
“We want to see:
Clearer duties on banks and insurers to
consider a customer’s interests and outcomes,
and to treat customers fairly.
An appropriately resourced regulator to
monitor the conduct of banks and insurance
companies, with strong penalties for breaching
duties.
Changes applied to both banking and
insurance, since the issues identified in both
are similar. There are also overlaps between
the sectors, with banks often selling insurance
products.
A strong response to internal sales incentives
and soft commissions.
“Because the issues identified with insurance
and banking are similar, we will consider
changes that apply across both sectors.
“Also, while this report focuses on life
New Zealand drops
to second place in
corruption index 2018
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
N
ew Zealand has dropped
from its previous first
position to now second
position in the Global Perceptions
Index 2018.
New Zealand had shared the
number position with Denmark
in 2015 and 2016 with 91 and 90
points and retained its first-rank in
2017 with 89 points when Denmark
dropped to the second position with
88 points.
This year New Zealand had lost two points
(to 87) – a notable trend of the last few years
where NZ had successively lost points despite
maintaining top rank - whereby ceding the first
place to Denmark.
The index that ranks 180 countries and
territories by their perceived levels of public
sector corruption according to experts and
businesspeople uses a scale of 0 to 100, where
0 is highly corrupt, and 100 is very clean.
Transparency International released its report
Corruption Perceptions Index 2018 on Tuesday,
January 29, ranking Denmark and New Zealand
in the top two spots with 88 and 87 points
respectively out of 100.
New Zealand has been witnessing a drop of
one point in 2015, 2016 and 2017, with two
points in the 2018 index.
Since the inception of the TI-CPI in 1995,
New Zealand has vied for first place with the
Scandinavian countries. For the 2017 TI-CPI,
Denmark came second to New Zealand.
New Zealand’s drop in ranking is primarily
due to poorer results from the survey conducted
The Indian Weekender
insurers, it’s possible the
vulnerabilities it identifies
may exist across the broader
insurance industry.
“We will consult with the
public and industry on these
changes, but we are going to
move as quickly as possible on
this because New Zealanders
need to have confidence their
rights and interests are being
protected.”
Kris Faafoi says the
consultation on these measures
will run alongside work already
underway to update insurance contract law.
“Current contract law is based on legislation
that was written more than 100 years ago – and
there are a number of improvements that need
to be made. These include better disclosure
protections for consumers, to address situations
where insurers can completely avoid a policy
when a policy holder does not disclose
something – even if it was an unintentional
non-disclosure or one unrelated to the claim a
policy holder is making.
“It is an ambitious timeframe but my
intent is to have both pieces of legislation in
Parliament by mid-2020, because it is time to
ensure consumers get protection that is clearly
needed.”
The FMA is supplying individual feedback to
the 16 life insurers reviewed, with a response
and action plan on how they will address their
issues due back to the FMA by June 2019.
by one of the 13 sources of the TI-CPI, the
World Economic Forum’s Executive Opinion
Survey.
Because of the closeness of the TI-CPI values
amongst the top-ranked group of countries, it is
unclear if this change for New Zealand is a one-
time deviation or a warning from executives of
emerging concerns here.
India goes up three notches in Global
Corruption Index
Meanwhile, India, on the other hand, has
climbed three notches up- from 81st in 2017 to
78th in 2018
China, which was ranked 77 in 2017,
dropped ten positions and is ranked 87 in 2018.
However, Pakistan, which was ranked 117 in
2017, is at the same position in 2018.
Countries Syria and South Sudan were
ranked at the bottom respectively. The US has
dropped out of the top 20 countries for the first
time in 2011.
It said that the US had dropped four points
since last year with a score of 71. “This marks
the first time since 2011 that the US falls outside
of the top 20 countries on the CPI.”
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 01, 2019
Nationwide events
to commemorate
Waitangi Day 2019
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
P
rime Minister and Minister for
Arts, Culture and Heritage,
Jacinda Ardern has on Thursday,
January 31, announced series of events
on marae and lake fronts, in community
centres, local museums and town squares
throughout the country to commemorate
Waitangi Day 2019. 
“I’m delighted the Commemorating
Waitangi Day Fund has distributed
$288,000 to support 46 events across the
country and encourage all New Zealanders to
come together to experience those taking place
in their communities,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“From large-scale events attracting tens of
thousands of people such as those at Hoani
Waititi Marae in Auckland and the Porirua
Waterfront, to smaller gatherings in areas as
far flung as the Chatham Islands and to the
significant commemorations at Waitangi, these
events are an opportunity for us to reflect on the
signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
 “From dawn ceremonies to concerts at dusk,
there will be plenty of opportunities for friends
and whānau to be together.
“Explorations of te Tiriti history include
heritage bus tours of the Waipā District,
a Treaty trail scavenger hunt through the
streets of Kaikōura, community kōrero at Tu
Tama o Wahine o Taranaki in New Plymouth
with marae open days, kapa haka, and dance
performances featuring throughout the country.
  “These community-led events, promoting
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  “I’m thrilled to see all the varied and
thought-provoking events planned for Waitangi
Day 2019, and encourage people to take part.
  “Together we can reflect on what it means
to be a New Zealander and how Te Tiriti o
Waitangi underpins this,” Ms Ardern said.
For more information and a full list of funded T 8159888
events check the Manatū Taonga, Ministry for
Culture and Heritage website:  E sandran@sandranbalan.com
https://mch.govt.nz/funding-nz-culture/
ministry-grants-awards/commemorating-
waitangi-day-fund
 6 NEW ZEALAND
Team India loves traditional Māori Pōwhiri welcome
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
W
hile cricket fans are being
mesmerised by one of the most
dominant performances by a visiting
Indian-cricket team in the recent memory, Team
India on the other hand was captivated by the
traditional Māori ‘Pōwhiri’ welcome received
at the Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui.
The visiting team was offered a Pōwhiri on
Friday, January 25, a day before its official
match the next day, when the team reached
stadium for its optional practice session.
It was a first for a Powhiri welcome to be
offered to a visiting sports team at the the Mt
Maunganui ground.
India’s opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan
when asked about the Māori welcome at the
afternoon press conference before the second
ODI responded with a big smile and expressed
the boost he and the team felt by the Pōwhiri.
“I loved it, and I would say that we all loved
it,” he said.
Beware: Phone scammers targeting public
pretending to work for NZ Police and Spark
¡¡ IWK BUREAU This is a variation on previous scams seen by
P
olice are asking people to be wary of a
telephone scam in which the caller claims
to work for NZ Police and Spark NZ.
Ironically, the caller claims to be targeting
internet fraud.
The victim is asked to purchase multiple
iTunes cards at their own expense and provide
the numbers to the scam artist, who then
redeems the gift cards and breaks contact with
the victim while maintaining remote access to
the victim’s computer.
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The visiting team was offered a Pōwhiri on Friday, January
25, a day before its official match the next day, when the
team reached stadium for its optional practice session
Police, where the scammer claims to be from a
widely recognised organisation in order to gain
the victim’s trust.
These scams run constantly and while most
people will not respond or buy into them, some
people are more vulnerable.
We urge people to have conversations with
vulnerable or elderly family members, to help
ensure they are aware of the tactics often used
by scammers and don’t become victims.
Business owners who note customers buying
multiple gift cards of high monetary value
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Friday, February 01, 2019 The Indian Weekender
Image courtesy: NZ Herald “I have watched it on YouTube earlier, but
when I watched in real it was a totally amazing
feeling, the energy they created was amazing.
“The whole ceremony was really good and at
the end, the way we met them. It’s good to see
the culture and embrace it, the way we shook
hands and touched heads together, I’m sure that
passes energy, and it was amazing,” Shikhar
Dhawan told reporters.
Batsman Rohit Sharma led the Indian team
and staff on to the ground where they faced a
stirring haka.Tauranga kaumātua Turi Ngatai
later addressed the visitors, in both te reo Māori
and English.
Ngatai told the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend
afterwards the Tangata Whenua were pleased
and “humbled” to welcome the special visitors
from the subcontinent.
Indian captain Virat Kohli and his wife and
Bollywood star Anushka Sharma missed the
welcome ceremony at the grounds.
should check they are not being pressured or Information on other scams that are
duped into purchasing such large amounts.
currently operating can be found on the
Police’s message on scams like this is simple Consumer Protection NZ website: https://
– do not engage with anyone on the phone if www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-
you think you are being scammed – hang up
help/scamwatch
immediately and report the incident.
If you are in doubt as to a caller’s legitimacy, Consumer Protection NZ, along with
ask if you can call them back, or just hang up. Netsafe, also provides helpful advice and
Regardless of whether you have lost any information about keeping safe online.
money, if you have installed a program Anyone who believes they are a victim of
allowing remote access to your computer, we a scam, in person, over the phone or online,
recommend you seek assistance to ensure it is should immediately report it to their bank, and
safely removed. then to their local Police.
ISO 9001 New Community
Patrol launched in
CERTIFIED
GCS
Mt Wellington
¡¡ IWK BUREAU
A
group of residents are now
patrolling Mt Wellington
streets, looking out for
suspicious activity.
  The newly-formed
Wellington Community Patrol was
Mt
launched at a ceremony held at Mt
Wellington Community Church on
Friday, January 25.
  The launch marks 6 months
since the patrol was initiated by local MP for Maungakiekie
Denise Lee at her public meeting on crime and safety in the Mt
Wellington area.
 Among those in attendance at the event were local MP for
Maungakiekie Denise Lee, Police, Community Patrols of New
Zealand Trust Board members, and Mt Wellington Community
Patrol volunteers and supporters.
 “It’s great to see such a strong sense of caring for the safety of
people in this community with the launch of the Mt Wellington
Community Patrol, which marks the 170th affiliated community
patrol in New Zealand ” Ms Lee said.
 “I would like to congratulate them and thank them for the crime
prevention work they will be doing to keep our neighbourhoods
safe. Our volunteers will be a valued addition to Mt Wellington,”
Ms Lee said.
 Community Patrols of New Zealand is a national organisation
that supports over 5,000 volunteers who work closely with Police
as extra eyes and ears. They  receive regular Police guidance,
training and tasking.
“Evidence shows that high visibility in hot spot area helps
to reduce crime and victimisation, so we really appreciate
the opportunity to work in partnership with CPNZ and other
Community Volunteer groups who selflessly volunteer their time
AND IT to work with police to help keep our communities safe,” Ms Lee
said.
Better fares &
better paid drivers.*
 8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, February 01, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Football lovers gear up for Tenzing-Hillary

Cup in Auckland
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

F
ootball is one of the most loved and
followed sports in the world. The sport
has gained huge momentum in Indian
subcontinent recently and amongst the Indian
diaspora with the Indian Football Team now
ranked 97 in the world from 173 in 2015.
The New Zealand Nepal Society and New
Zealand Nepalese Association are bringing
the Tenzing-Hillary Cup 2018 to Auckland
this year with eight teams competing for the
ultimate championship.
Golden Ball or Best Player
The tournament was formerly known as
($100), Golden Gloves or
the Nepalese Association of New Zealand
Best Goalie ($100), Golden
Incorporated Cup (NANI) and was first started
Boot or Highest Scorer
in 2015 and has been played in Bay of Plenty,
($100).
Auckland and Christchurch in the previous
This year the tournament
years. Auckland will be hosting the tournament
is jointly organised by FC
after three years on Saturday and Sunday,
Khukuri and Gurkha FC,
February 2 and 3 at the Crum Park, Green Bay
both Auckland based Nepali
in Auckland.
football clubs.
The eight teams of eleven players on each side
“This joint partnership
participating in the tournament are FC Khukuri
in Auckland this time,” Mr Chhetri added. is an indication of the
FC, FC Khukuri United, and Gurkha FC from
The inaugural tournament was held in 2015 unity and harmony that is
Auckland, NABOP from Bay of Plenty, Druk
in Bay of Plenty hosted by NABOP (Nepalese displayed by our young
FC from Palmerston North, Bhutanese Nelson
Association of Bay of Plenty) in which FC Nepali generation. This
Football Club from Nelson, Nepal United FC
and Lhotshampa from Christchurch. Khakuri from Auckland was declared the partnership also exemplifies
winner. FC Khakuri continued its winning spell the values that this tournament aims to set and begin on Saturday, February 2 at 8:45 a.m. by
“We are a group of young, energetic and
in 2016 and 2017 when the matches were held is a model example to our younger generation Lady June Hillary, Acting Honorary Consul of
passionate youth who aim to bring about
positive changes in our community and in Auckland and Bay of Plenty respectively. who so dearly look up to these group of Nepal in New Zealand Peter Gibbs, President
represent Nepal in New Zealand as a model The Nepal NZ Friendship Society Canterbury players,” Mr Chettri said. of New Zealand Nepal Society Inc. and New
thriving young community through a sports (NNZFSC), Christchurch hosted the fourth The event is supported by NRNA NZ, New Zealand Nepal Chamber of Commerce Inc.
event,” Prayash Chhetri, Joint-Secretary of the tournament in 2018, and Lhotshampa FC lifted Zealand Nepal Society, New Zealand Nepal Dinesh Khadka, and President of New Zealand
New Zealand Nepal Society told The Indian the cup who are defending their title in 2019. Chamber of Commerce Inc, New Zealand Nepal Association Shreedhar Basnyat.
Weekender. Besides the winners and runners-up prizes, Nepal Association and GoalNepal.com will be Labour MP from Mt Roskill Michael Wood
“We are expecting around 700 people to there are awards for every category such as the Digital Media Partner of the tournament. will be the guest for the prize distribution
come and see the tournament over the weekend Shield Award ($300), Fair Play Award ($500), The official ceremony of the tournament will ceremony on Sunday, February 13.

Carnatic music
concert coming
to Lower Hutt
in February
¡¡ IWK BUREAU

T
he New Zealand Indian Fine Arts
Society has been bringing artistes of
international calibre from India and
also staging local talent shows for the last 13
years in the Hutt and Wellington Regions.
In February, music fans will be delighted
to see Madurai G.S.Mani, a renowned music
veteran with several decades of experience
when he graces Auckland city and entertains
audiences with his unique thematic concert.
GS Mani’s concert will highlight the accompaniment (usually a violin), a rhythm
connection between the glorious Carnatic accompaniment (usually a mridangam), and a
classical music and how it has been used in tambura, which acts as a drone throughout the
South Indian films. Mr Mani will be accompanied performance.
on the tabla (Indian percussion) and the
EVENT DETAILS:
harmonium by local artists.
About Carnatic Music: The event will be held on Sunday, 24
Carnatic Music is usually associated with February from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Epuni
the music from Southern India including the
Hall on 38 Mitchell Street in Lower Hutt.
states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Sri Lanka. The primary emphasis The tickets for the community music
in Carnatic music is on vocal music; most event has been priced at $25 and $20 for
compositions are written to be sung, and even students and seniors citizens.
when played on instruments, they are meant to For more information about the event,
be performed in gāyaki singing style.
people can contact Bala on 021 0599405,
Carnatic music is usually performed by a small
ensemble of musicians, consisting of a principal Raghu on 027 2103477 and Gayathri on
performer (usually a vocalist), a melodic 022 1633485.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 01, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 9

Reduce summer holidays or not?

Thinking from an ethnic migrant’s perspective
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH If school holidays are so paramount for

F
inally, the day came, on Tuesday,
January 29, when I had to drop my
child to school again, after six weeks of
holidays.
Both, my child and us (me and my wife)
seemed to be pretty excited with the reopening
of schools.
It was the same for many other parents
dropping their kids to schools and with whom
we casually exchanged smiles and pleasantries.
Clearly, the reasons for kids’ excitement of
returning to school were different than us
parents.
In our regular catch-up with parents, there
was more about the kids’ excitement and what
everyone did during the school holidays and
less about the recent debate around the length
of summer holidays.
Unsurprisingly many Kiwi-Indians and
other ethnic migrant parents were supremely
unaware, and even more worryingly, reticent
to express any opinion on the issue when
explained briefly about the nature and the
origins of the debate.
National MP Nicola Wills had sought to
initiate a public debate in the country to see if
there was an appetite for reducing the number of
school holidays, especially during the summer.
From the looks of it, the debate has been
trampled much before it could become a public
debate in a real sense.
At least this is what social media is telling us.
The mainstream media’s posts on social
media about the story were immediately
inundated with disdain, if not an outright
rejection, of the suggestion to reduce the
summer holidays.
The social media opinion was backed with
media commentaries emphasising why any
idea of reducing school holidays was absolutely
rubbish and a symbol of poor-parenting and
selfish motives of parents, especially against
the teachers, for a number of reasons.
Surprisingly, this was despite many honest
confessions by parents about the cost escalation
as most of them have to take help of school
holiday programmes to negotiate through the
school holiday period.
In fact, many enthusiastic opponents of
the idea of reducing the number of school
holidays, vowed to happily continue with the
status quo, rather than explore what could be
Managing the exorbitant cost
involved in sending their kids
to school holiday programs
is one such pain, though
shared by many native Kiwi
residents as well.
the possibilities if we choose to challenge the
status quo.
Any voices of entertaining the idea were
either in the minority or were too feeble to put
forward their views.
If that was not enough, the Education
Minister Chris Hipkins was quick to dump the
seemingly rubbish idea in the bin by asserting
that the government had no such plans to bring
that change or support Nicola Wills’ members’
bill if it was to see the light of the day.
Adding insult to injury was the rant by the
Minister saying, “National has had plenty of
opportunities to change the law during their
time in charge.”
Through this assertion, the right of the
Opposition Party to raise any issues of
public interest was categorically rejected,
on the pretext that their own party was in the
government for three consecutive terms.
In this regard, it is submitted that while it
may be appropriate to rebut the Opposition in
the first six months or first year of the change of
the government, but definitely not in the second
year of government, especially in a three-year-
term parliament.
It reflects more of a disdain toward the public
than to the Opposition in a democracy.
The government might do well to keep
away from this tendency of disfranchising
the Opposition and rather come up with more
appropriate responses to the issues being raised.
Anyway, coming back to the main purpose
of this piece, that is to come up with an ethnic-
migrant perspective of the suggestion that a
number of school holidays should be reduced
or not.
A majority of ethnic migrants find negotiating
with their children’s school holidays – a
slightly different experience – like all other
social activity they indulge in their new country
of residence, in comparison to what they
would have experienced back in their country
of origin.
Managing the exorbitant cost involved in
sending their kids to school holiday programs
is one such pain, though shared by many native
Kiwi residents as well.
However, what is most startling for them is
the fact that despite evident discomfort around
the issue of school holidays there is the least
willingness to debate around the issue.
children’s overall well-being and learning
proficiency and development, then our society
should collectively be able to put systems
in place to facilitate cost-effective ways of
managing school holidays.
Indeed, the state has to play an instrumental
role in driving this change.
If the gap in rising living costs and wages
is the primary factor precipitating the pain of
working parents, then that is the area for the
governments to work.
Undoubtedly we are living in the modern
period of exceptionally high living costs that
require in most working families for both
parents to work, to just be able to make ends
meet. But that does not mean that the State
should also be reflecting similar helplessness
as of working parents, to find solutions of the
problem on hand.
Negotiating through school holidays is
a challenge, if not nightmare, for working
parents, even during semester breaks.
Maybe subsidising the school holiday
programmes could be an option to mull upon.
However, what many parents confided with
us is that managing costs of school holiday
programs were not their only concern.
At least many parents believe that there is not
a much constructive and productive use of the
time made available to children, out of schools,
especially with parents away at work.
For me personally, my child’s “screen-time”
goes exceptionally high during the school
holiday period as putting them in front of
television or laptops for a long time becomes a
convenient option either at their school holiday
programme or at our workplace.
It would be helpful to remind that school
holidays originally began in 19th century
England before being instinctively followed in
NZ for the primary reason to allow kids help
the adults during the harvest season.
So if school holidays were started at the first
place in response to societal needs in the past
then why societal requirements (both parents
working) of present times should not be able to
influence them.
Simply putting off an issue as relevant as
school holidays is not desirable. Sooner rather
than later we will have to think and act upon it,
therefore sooner is better.

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P
acer Trent Boult’s carnage with
the ball helped New Zealand
outsmart India by eight wickets
in the fourth and penultimate One Day
International match here on Thursday.
Although the hosts had already lost
the five match ODI rubber but this moral
boosting victory over the visitors in
under three-and-half hours, might help
New Zealand in the preparations for the
ICC Cricket World Cup.
Electing to field, Boult’s five wicket
haul and Colin de Grandhomme
disciplined bowling wrecked havoc on
India’s batting line-up to bowled them
out for 92 and then batters applied
themselves to overhaul the target in just
14.4 overs.
Boult’s 5/21, his fifth five wicket haul,
is the second best figures for New Zealand
against India in the limited overs format.
Previously it was pacer Shane Bond
(6/19) in 2005 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
their first wicket in the fourth delivery
of their innings. Martin Guptill (14)
slammed two boundaries and one six in
his four ball stay. Pacer Bhuvneshwar
Kumar dismissed the New Zealand
opener.
Kane Williamson (11), who seemed
good in the middle was next to depart.
Thanks to Bhuvneshwar’s brilliant
delivery which found the edge of
Williamson’s bat and landed in
wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik’s gloves.
He was dismissed in the seventh over
when the scoreboard read 39.
Henry Nicholas (30 not out) and
veteran batsman Ross Taylor (37 not
out) then applied themselves perfectly
and completed the proceeding with ease.
Despite having a long batting line-
up, India failed drastically as only two
batsmen -- Shikhar Dhawan (13) and
Hardik Pandya (16) -- only managed to
have a double-digit score.
Towards the end when India were
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reeling at 55/8, chinaman Kuldeep Yadav
(15) and leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal
(18 not out) forged a small but crucial
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scorer for India.
Brief Scores:
India 92/10 (Yuzvendra Chahal
18 not out, Hardik Pandya 16; Nimish Parikh
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10 NEW ZEALAND
Auckland's Kiwi-Indian soccer fans set to feast
on Wellington Phoenix’s next Eden Park outing
¡¡SANDEEP SINGH
A
uckland’s Kiwi-Indian
fans will have a rare
feast of watching two of
their biggest stars, Roy Krishna
and Sarpreet Singh, play in New
Zealand’s biggest city for the
A-League clash between Wellington
Phoenix and Melbourne Victory this
month in Eden Park.
The widely anticipated A-League
clash is scheduled for Friday,
February 15, on a weekend dubbed
by Eden Park as sports lovers’
extravaganza weekend, for hosting
another Super Rugby fixture
between the Blues and the Crusaders
the following night.
The A-League is the professional
men’s soccer league of Australia and
Wellington Phoenix is the only New
Zealand-based professional club
that competes at the highest level of
football in this part of the world.
There is huge expectation among
soccer fans for the match as the
Wellington Phoenix is coming to
New Zealand’s national stadium
with an enviable reputation of being
undefeated at the venue, along
with the recent win over the same
adversary at the away match in
Melbourne last week.
However, Kiwi-Indian soccer fans
will have added reason to be excited,
apart from the capital-based club’s
reputation – that of watching the
two Indian-origin star players play
at New Zealand’s largest city.
While Roy Krishna has attained
star status in the team completing
100 games for the club last
November, Sarpreet Singh’s stocks
have also risen fast in the previous
year.
Playing as a striker Roy Krishna
became the outright leading goal
scorer for the Wellington Phoenix
in December 2018, overtaking
previous
leader
Paul Ifill’s
33 goals for
the club. His fourth-round goal
against Brisbane Roar was deemed
the team’s Goal of the Year for the
2017–18 season.
Auckland-born Sarpreet Singh
who grew up playing for the local
club Onehunga Sports plays as
attacking midfielder for Wellington
Phoenix.
Sarpreet joined the Wellington
Phoenix Academy in early 2015
after impressing for the New
Zealand under-17 side, eventually
signing his first senior contract with
Friday, February 01, 2019
Wellington Phoenix in 2017.
After making a series of substitute
appearances in 2017, Sarpreet was
named in the starting line up for
the first time on February 2018 and
since then had become a regular in
the team.
He finished the season as the
second-highest goal scorer at the
club behind Andrija Kaluđerović,
despite only playing eleven games.
Carrying his form into the 2018-
19 season, Sarpreet capped for New
Zealand’s All White and winning
many accolades for his performance
in four-nation tournament in India in
June 2018.
His assists in All-White’s two
goals against much higher ranked
India in that tournament not only
helped All Whites defeat India on
their home turf but also won him
many fans in the country from where
his parents originally emigrated to
NZ.
Speaking highly about the two
players Wellington Phoenix General
Manager David Dome told The
Indian Weekender “We’re very
proud of our Phoenix players with
Indian heritage, in Roy Krishna and
Sarpreet Singh, they are two of the
brightest stars in the team and they
The Indian Weekender
are a credit to their families and
communities, being outstanding
both on and off the field.”
Further expressing confidence in
his team Mr Dome said, “It’s the
first time we’re heading back to
Eden Park since 2014 and the team
are looking forward to going back to
Auckland.
“The team have a great run so far
this season, with only one loss in 11
games to date and they are playing
an exciting style of football. 
“We have a talented team, with
a blend of young, up and coming
stars and experienced overseas and
foreign players. 
“We’re expecting a big crowd at
Eden Park, it’s one of New Zealand’s
greatest stadiums and our fans
always bring something special –
their singing and chanting – it’s a
unique experience and one that you
need to experience,” Mr Dome said.
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 01, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 11

Adithya Ashok star Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s

30th Annual Convention concludes
bowler of national ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

tournament H
undreds of Ahmadi
Muslims gathered together
over the Auckland
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD anniversary weekend to celebrate

A
the community’s 30th annual
uckland Under-17 Boys claimed the
convention. Bait ul Muqeet, the
New Zealand Cricket’s U17 National
largest purpose-built mosque in New
Tournament title defeating Central
Zealand, saw Muslims from all over
Districts in Lincoln earlier last week, with
the country converge to celebrate
Kiwi-Indian bowler for Auckland’s team,
the ‘Jalsa Salana’, an annual
Adithya Ashok, the highest wicket-taker in the
event started over a hundred years
tournament.
ago in the small town of Qadian,
This win is Auckland U17’s consecutive
India, by the Ahmadiyya Muslim
third win in the last three years and caps off a
Community’s founder Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam
remarkable season for Auckland’s age-group Minister of State for Ethnic Communities
Ahmad.
cricketers. Jenny Salesa was the chief guest for the special
“We chose the convention’s theme of ‘Islam
Auckland U17’s late push continued as they session held for external guests on Saturday,
and Human Rights’ because of the attention
upended top qualifiers Central Districts U17 by January 26.
this topic gets in the media nowadays, and the
five wickets to claim the 2018/19 national title The Minister highlighted the ethnic diversity
controversy sometimes associated with these
in a hard-fought final. of not just her local constituency, but of New
discussions. We want to stress that contrary to
Adithya Ashok was hailed hero in the second Zealand as a whole, and stressed on the steps
School Sports Awards in 2017. what some people may believe, Islam actually
last match that gave Auckland team a 151-run the government is taking to ensure equality
Adithya is a recipient of numerous awards champions upholding of Human rights. We
victory against Northern Districts and powered
such as best batsman from Eden Roskill Cricket have seen a number of charters introduced over for all ethnicities and religions. She lauded
the team into the finals against Central Districts.
Club, Overall Best Player for Suburbs New the last few centuries in an attempt to address the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for the
Ashok finished his ten overs with six maidens
Lynn Cricket Club in 2014 and 2015. He was abuses of human rights, but Islam introduced positive role it has played over the years in
and six wickets for 12 runs.
the captain of the New Zealand team at the the concepts of equality amongst all humans serving the society irrespective of any religious
“It was a match-winning performance
Junior Indoor World Cup U13 age group in well before these.” National President of the or cultural differences, and especially in the
by Adithya, which showed great control,”
Australia in 2015. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New Zealand integration in society of the newly arrived
Assistant Coach Matt Cowie of Auckland U17
He aims to play for the Black Caps starting Bashir Khan said addressing the gathering. refugees in the country.
Boys had said.
with getting selected in the U19 team and then “Prophet Mohammad’s farewell address laid Hon. Melissa Lee MP also addressed the
In the finals, Adithya settled for two wickets
into the main league of players. down very clearly the high expectations he had attendees of the convention. A number of
giving 39 runs off his ten overs, having claimed
Another player who has marked his place of Muslims as far as dealing with their fellow representatives of other faith groups and
CD captain Sam Sherriff in a top battle between
in the Auckland U17 Boys team was Kiwi- human beings was concerned – this is something members of public attended the sessions and
bat and ball.
Nepalese Dinesh Kharel who took one wicket that all Muslims and Islamic governments need had a chance to see the mosque as well as meet
Adithya , studied at Mount Albert Grammar
each in the semis and final match of the national to strive to achieve if they want to truly follow the members of the community.
School (MAGS) had received the Bowler of
tournament. their religion,” he added.
the Year award from Auckland Inter-Secondary

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12 NEW ZEALAND Friday, February 01, 2019 The Indian Weekender

CELEBRATING 70th REPUBLIC DAY OF INDIA

Image courtesy Naren Bedekar Photography

 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 01, 2019 NEW ZEALAND 13

Government must Auckland Council: Time to

book your inorganic collection!
safeguard NZ’s ability ¡¡ IWK BUREAU

to innovate  New Zealand has had some great innovators

Dr Parmjeet Parmar
National List MP, Spokesperson for
Research, Science and Innovation
and we need more of them to add value to our
exports of goods and services and to improve
our standard of living.
 This Government may be struggling to make
progress because of the divergent views within
I
norganic collection is just one of
many options to get rid of unwanted
items during the year.
“It’s important to think about what
you can do to reuse, repair, or recycle
items before deciding to send them to
landfill,” Councillor Penny Hulse, chair
of the Environment and Community
committee, said in a media release.
“Thanks to your contributions to the in-person at their local service centre, or by

T
the coalition but that’s no excuse for inertia. inorganic collection service, more than 5000
he Government claims to be committed calling 09 301 0101.
 As a country, New Zealand should back itself tonnes of material have been diverted from
to building a more innovative economy, Once they’ve made a booking, they’ll be
in its ability to add more capacity to innovate landfill since the new service was rolled out in given a timeframe for when collections will
so it should explain why New Zealand’s 2015.”
and add value to what we’re good at and to find happen in their area. Residents will get an exact
innovation ranking is sliding. “How can you help contribute to a circular
new things to be good at. But the performance collection date by email, text or phone and
 New Zealand was ranked 28th on the economy? Let’s work together to keep
of the Research, Science and Innovation collections will take place between February
Bloomberg Innovation Index in 2013, when the Auckland clean and beautiful,” Councillor and November 2019.
former National Minister leaves Penny Hulse added. One can book as early as they like. If they no
Government me concerned A circular economy is one in which people longer need the service, they can easily cancel.
as Government keep resources in use for as long as possible, Here are some quick tips for when it’s time
created Callaghan
policy in this extract the maximum value from them whilst for your collection:
Innovation to they are in use, then recover, regenerate, reuse,
help lift our area is somewhat • Place your items (roughly a small trailer load
recycle or upcycle products and materials at the of material) within the boundary of your
performance. It woolly. end of that resource’s life. property. Collectors will then come and take
did, and New  Across Minister If one has items in good condition, then they it away for you
Zealand’s ranking Woods’ portfolios are encouraged to please consider selling or • Two trucks will come to clear your items
improved to 18th there has been donating them to their local charity or recycling away. One will take away reusable items, and
centre first. The remainder can be picked up in another will collect the rest as rubbish
within two years. a discernible
the inorganic collection. • Please don’t place your items on the kerbside,
  Now the tide’s lack of depth in Find out options for getting rid of specific
going out again. berm, or footpath, this will be treated as an
her knowledge items on the Auckland Council website. illegal dumping
New Zealand’s of the scientific Visit the Auckland Council website to check • Make sure it’s easy to identify which items
innovation ranking principles that which items you can put out for collection. are to be taken away and that they are
has fallen two years How does booking an inorganic collection easy for the collectors to remove. Visit our
should guide policy decisions.
in a row. The same trend may be emerging in work? website to check which items you can put out
 These global indexes may be pointing to a When one enters their address, the booking
the Global Innovation Index. slowdown in New Zealand’s innovation value for collection.
tool will let them know when their collection • The inorganic service is designed for items
  One of the most consistent themes I hear chain and shouldn’t be shrugged off. It could period is. Then they can fill in the necessary
from New Zealanders about what our economy that are not appropriate for your kerbside
make it harder for innovative businesses to information to make their booking. Bookings rubbish or recycling collection.
needs is that we need to move up the value attract investment and risk the loss of innovative close eight days before your collection For more about inorganic collections, go to
chain by supporting more innovation. work in New Zealand. period starts. You can also make a booking aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/inorganic

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 14 NEW ZEALAND Friday, February 01, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Fiji to host first

regional-
international
Hindi
conference This is the first ever international Hindi conference to be hosted
in Fiji and is poised to bring together 100-120 laureates, experts
and artists from about 15-20 countries all around the world,” a
press release from the office of Indian High Commissioner in
Fiji, Vishvas Sapkal said.

¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH भारतीय

organised byउच्चायोग,स
the Government of India व भारतीय
ुFiji We l l i nउच्चायोग,स
ाand based
in close gton- व
ु ा
H
cooperation with the Government of Hindi-
indi enthusiasts of New Zealand will ग,सुवा
भारतीय उच्चायो
High
have another opportunity to promoteCommission
the cause of Hindi language – the
High
of India Commission
the University of the South Pacific – the largest
and most prestigious educational institution of
educationist and
activist Sunita
of India High Commis
Suva
sion of India

third most spoken language of the world – in

the wider South Pacific region by participating
Suva
Fiji and the Pacific.
“This is the first ever international Hindi
Narayan
Suva has
been coordinating ं ी सम्मेऱि
रराष्ट्रीय हहद अंत
conference to be hosted in Fiji and is poised to efforts in New
15-17 माच,च 20
in the first ever regional international Hindi 19
bring together 100-120 laureates, experts and Zealand for this

अंतरराष्ट्रीय हहंदअं
ी सम्मे ऱि हहंदी सम्मेऱि
conference proposed to be held in Fiji on March

तरराष्ट्रीय
15-17, 2019. artists from about 15-20 countries all around historic event by ing topics:
Topics ase choose fro
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The conference – touted as the first regional the world,” a press release from the office of communicating ववषय - कृ पय ा निम् ि में से ववषय चुिें, Ple

international Hindi conference – is separate Indian High Commissioner in Fiji, Vishvas with the office of श्रेष्ठ ऩद्दतिम िं -Be
st methods of
teaching
हहिंदी शिऺण की

15-17 माचच, 2019

hi an d Hindi
the Indian High
nd
Sapkal said.
Ga

15-17 माचच, 2019

a
औय हहिंदी Maha
tm
from the recently held World Hindi Conference भह त्भ ग िंधी
level- challeng
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ndi at global
हहिंदी के स
वैश्ववक स्िय ऩय i teaching
importance of Hindi- and New Zealand, हहिंदी के भ ध्मभ
से कैरयमय - Caree
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Techn olo gy
enthusiasts of New Zealand along with other हहिंदी औय प्रौद्मोग
गकी - Hindi &
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व न गय ी शरप ऩ क भहत्व-Impo
and Australia Mr Sapkal said, Hindi language दे

pics
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दीिं - Youth an
मुव ऩीढी औय हहिं

Topics
भारतीय उच्र्ायोग,सव
High Commission of India, Suva
ु ा “Although we have
and are expecting guests
invited supporters in the
country.
पीजी भें हहिंदी -
आस्रेशरम भें हहिं
Hindi in Fiji
दी - Hindi in Au
stralia
Zealand

- कृपया निम्ि में सेअंववषय तरराष्ट्रीय ह द

चि ं ी सम्मेऱन
ें
Hindi in New
ु
ीरें ि भें हहिं द ी -
, Please choose from the following topics: न्मूज s
itiya Countrie
from all around the world Speaking to The हहिंद ी Hindi in Girm

ववषय - कृपया निम्ि में से ववषय चुिें, Please choose from the following topics:
दे ि ों भें -
गगयशभहिम
15-17 मार्च , 2019 a and Hi nd i
दी - Ramayan
our special focus is on Hindi- Indian Weekender, Mrs य भ मण औय हहिं
ukei and Hind
i
ऊक ई ब ष औय हहिंदीिं - I- Ta Urdu
ई of Hindi and
Narayan said, “This is
-ि
enthusiasts of NZ & Australia. rel ati on
तनकि सिंफध िं
गगररममटिया मजदूरों के 19 वीॊ शताब्दी के अॊत में आगमन के साथ ही , फीजी में टहदी प्रचमऱत हो गयी। ववमभन्न प्रदे शों - Clo se
हहिंदी औय उदूू क
िऺण कीऔपचाररक श्रेअखबार
ष्मशऺणठ―काशाॊऩद्दतिम िं -Best
से आए गगरममटिया मजदूरों ने सॊपकक भाषा के रूप में टहदी को अपनाया जजसे ―फीजी टहॊदी‖ कहा गया । टहॊदी फीजी के

से तनॊरतर चऱ रहाmethods of teaching and Hi nd i दन

a historic conference सिंस्थ ओिं क मोग
एक महत्वपूणक टहस्सा है । दे श में टहॊदी के चार रे डियो स्िे शन हैं जो 24 घॊिे चऱते हैं। एक
“I would like to invite all फ रीवुि औय हहिं
दी- Bollywood
सभ ज, सन िन
, सिंगभ व अन्म

हहिंदी शिऺण की श्रेष्ठ ऩद्दतिम िं -Best methods of teaching

lture
साप्ताटहक ततदूत ‖ है जो वषक 1935 है । फीजी में तीन ववश्वववद्याऱयों में स्नातक स्तर पर
े पवक स भें आमू n of Indian Cu
पीजी भें हहिंदी क i in promotio
in Fiji where Hindi is
टहॊदी पढाई जाती है फीजी में कमऱा प्रसाद ममश्र, जोंगगदर मसॊह कॉवऱ , िॉ सुब्रमणण और वववेकानॊद शमाक जैसे ऱेखक हुए हैं nd
Hindi language experts and दन- Ro le of Hi
द ी क मोग

भ ग िंधीइस्ते औय हहिंदी Mahatma Gandhi and

जजनकी रचनाशजतत पर टहॊदी को गौरव है । सबसे ज्यादा महत्वपूणक है कक फीजी में टहॊदी घर ,बाहर , बाजार सब जगह
के पवक स भें हहिं
ब यिीम सिंस्कृ ति
माऱ की जाती है । टहॊदी फीजी में एक जीवॊत भाषा है ।
Hindi enthusiasts from NZ and widely spoken and well सोिर भीिीम भें
हहिंदी - Social Me
dia and Hind
i

भह त्भ ग िंधी औय हहिंदी Mahatma Gandhi and Hindi

प्रस्ताववत सम्मेऱन फीजी में आयोजजत होने वाऱा पहऱा ऐततहामसक अॊतराकष्ट्रीय टहॊदी सम्मेऱन है । इस टहॊदी सम्मेऱन
– dio Journalism
entrenched in day to day ये डिमो ऩत्रक रयि
Ra
Australia to participate in the
का आयोजन भारत सरकार द्वारा मशऺा मॊत्राऱय, फीजी सरकार के सहयोग व युतनवसकिी ऑफ साउथ पैमसकफक के साथ

भीडिम - Hindi
ora Writings
Media
ममऱकर ककया जा रहा है । इसके अततररतत इसे फीजी के अन्य दो ववश्वववद्याऱयों फीजी नेशनऱ युतनवसकिी और युतनवसकिी
– Indian Diasp
ऑफ फीजी का सहयोग प्राप्त है । साथ ही भारतीय िायसपोरा की सभी प्रमुख सॊस्थाएॊ इसमें सहयोग कर रही हैं। सम्मेऱन प्रव सी स हहत्म 9 है ।
upcoming conference,” Mr life of the island country. ने की अिंतिभ तिग
थ -15 पयवयी, 201 ry, 2019.

हहिंदी भीडिम - Hindi Media

का आयोजन 15-17 माचक, 2019 को युतनवसकिी ऑफ साउथ पैमसकफक में भारत के उच्चायुतत माननीय श्री ववश्वास
n is 15th Febura
दों भें बेजें। बेज e of submissio
सपकाऱ के मागकदशकन में ककया जा रहा है ।
भें स य िंि 300 िब् rds. The last dat
• पवषम के सिंफिंध

कandस्ियpossibilities
ऩय हहिंदी के स भने चुनौिी औय सिंब वन एिं- Hindi Sapkal said. “We [all Hindi- I t
ic in 300 wo
sen top
at global
The conference would
level- challenges
educationists
and
here in
possibilities • Send your abs
tract on the cho

is noteworthy that Fiji has

वैश्ववक स्िय ऩय हहिंदी के स भने चन
ु ौिी औय सिंब वन एिं- Hindi at global level- challenges and possibilities
पजीकरण शुल्क- Registration Chargesववदे श- $100 यू.एस िाऱर ( आवास शाममऱ नहीॊ), स्थानीय शुल्क - $25

क भ ध्मभ से कैरयमय - Career through Hindi teaching

फीजीयन िाऱर, ववद्याथी – $10 फीजीयन िाऱर पतत-पत्नी– 40 फीजीयन िाऱर, पररवार—50 फीजीयन िाऱर

( केवऱ 12 वषक से बडे बच्चे)Foreign - USD $100 (Accommodation not included), Local - FJD $25 College
be officially inaugurated by NZ] are excited about the opportunity of produced many renowned scholars of Hindi
India’s Minister of External dialogue and conversation amongst different language like Kamla Prasad Mishra, Joginder
औय प्रौद्मोगगकी Payment हहिंदी के भ ध्मभ से कैरयमय - Career through Hindi teaching
Students –FJD $10 , With Spouse –40 FJD, Family—50 FJD

- Hindi can be made to High & Technology

Commission of India, Suva account at Bank of Baroda, Swift code
Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, and stakeholders working towards the common Singh Kanwal, Vivekanand Sharma, and Dr
would involve several cultural goal of promoting the Hindi language that Subramani and not to forget iTaukei-origin
हहिंदी औय प्रौद्मोगगकी - Hindi & Technology
BARBFJFJ Account No. 91010200000437

गयी शरपऩ क भहत्व-Importance पॊजीकरण शुल्क का भुगतान , भारतीय हाई कमीशन, सुवा के of नीचे टदए Devnagari Script
Email: hindi.suva@mea.gov.in, anilhindi@gmail.com

बैंक एकाऊॊि में जमा कराया जा performances including the comes naturally with any such mega event.” scholar of Fiji, Nemani Bainivalu, who was
सकता है ।
“The conference has the potential to
दे वन गयी शरपऩ क भहत्व-Importance of Devnagari Script
famous Ramleela presented awarded the ‘Vishva Hindi Samman’ in the
ीढी औय हहिं All theद ीिं -
interested Youth
participants and
may contact Mr. Hindi
Anil Sharma, Second
3301125/ 9992363 for further assistance/ coordination
Secretary (hindi.suva@mea.gov.in), Contact:
by well-renowned Shri Ram strengthen Hindi language in the South Pacific World Hindi Conference held in Mauritius, in

मव
ु ऩीढी औय हहिंदीिं - Youth and Hindi
region,” Mrs Narayan said.
भें हहिंदी -hindi.suva@mea.gov.in
सभी इच्छुक ककसी जानकारी या स्पष्ट्िीकरण के मऱए, श्री अतनऱ शमाक ( टितीय सगचव, टहॊदी एवॊ सामुदातयक मामऱे) को
Bhartiya Kala Kendra. August 2018.
Hindi) /याin Fiji
3301125 / 9992363 पर सॊपकक कर सकते हैं

It is important to note that Expressing support to the cause of promoting Making diasporic connections
रम भें हहिंदी - Hindi in Australia पीजी भें हहिंदी - Hindi in Fiji Shri Ram Bhartiya Kala Hindi language Indian High Commissioner to
The conference apart from promoting
Kendra’s Ramleela is not only New Zealand, Sanjiv Kohli told The Indian
the cause of Hindi language also offers the
रेंि भें on
हहिंpromoting
दी - Hindi the Hindi आस्रे शरम भें हहिंदी - Hindi in Australia
inlanguageNew inZealand particular one of the most important events in the cultural Weekender, “We are encouraging participation
opportunity of strengthening existing and
regions of the world. calendar of Delhi, but also regarded as the best and helping the expansion of Hindi teaching
making new diasporic connections in this part
हिम दे ि Indeed,ों भें the हहिंदSouth ी - Hindi न्मज
ू ीरेंि भें हहिंदी - Hindi in New Zealand
Pacific region in Girmitiya is an area Countries
Ramleela in India. capacities here in NZ.”
of the world.
of significant interest for the fact that Fiji is Apart from cultural performances, there What does Fiji have to offer?
ण औयtheहहिंonly दी -country Ramayana outside India where Hindi
and Hindi will be an opportunity for Hindi scholars and
गगयशभहिम दे िों भें हहिंदी - Hindi in Girmitiya Countries Fiji holds the unique reputation of being the
Given the size of the Indian diaspora in New
Zealand, Australia and Fiji, and their passion
experts to present research papers on more
ऊकई बisgrowingष औय हहिं द ीिं
an official language, accompanied with the
- I- Taukei and Hindi only country other than India to have the Hindi for retaining the elements of Indian heritage
य भ मण औय हहिंदी - Ramayana and Hindi
size of the global Indian diaspora in than twenty different topics, including Hindi in language as one of its official languages. This is and culture, such a conference is bound to offer
औय उदू क तनकि सिंफध
New Zealand and िं - Close relationcountries
Australia – the two major New Zealand, Hindi media, Hindi in Girmitiya
of Hindi and Urdu a statement on not only how Fiji has embraced new opportunities of strengthening diasporic
countries of the region. ई -ि ऊकई ब ष औय हहिंदीिं - I- Taukei and Hindi and diaspora literature, in the Hindi not just India’s Girmitiya population and their connections.
ि औय हहिं The दी- Hindi Bollywood Conference andis Hindi being Conference. descendants, but also the Hindi language. ••
हहिंदी औय उदू क तनकि सिंफध
िं - Close relation of Hindi and Urdu
भें हहिंदी के पवक स भें आमू सभ ज, सन िन, सिंगभ व अन्म सिंस्थ ओिं क मोगद न
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 1, 2019 FIJI 15

Fiji is one of India’s closest friends and Fijians working under

NZ Seasonal Work
takes pride in its own achievements: Sapkal Scheme expected to

C
elebrating India’s Republic increase this year

Day in Fiji is a great joy
because Fiji is one of India’s
closest friends and even as India
takes pride in its own achievements,
it also celebrates Fiji’s growth.
These were the words of the Indian
High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas
Sapkal who was speaking at the
celebration of India’s 70th Republic
Day at Novotel in Lami last night.
Sapkal says India has respect
for the independence of other
countries and India strongly pursues
international peace and harmony.
He says there has always been
good relations between India
and Fiji.
Speaking on behalf of the Fijian
government, the Chief of Protocol
from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Jonatani Tagivetaua congratulated the
people of India in their celebration.
Tagivetaua says the Indian
Constitution came into effect on the
26th of Jan 1950 with a democratic
government system which made the
country an independent republic.
He says India has set examples
for Fiji. The event was attended
by  President Jioji Konrote, Prime
Minister Voreqe Bainimarama,
Chief Justice Anthony Gates, Police
Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho,
Minister for Industry, Trade and
Tourism Premila Kumar, Minister
for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau,
Minister for Forestry Osea Naiqamu,
Minister for Employment Parveen
Bala and Minister for Lands
and Mineral Resources Ashneel
Sudhakar.
The event was attended by some
Permanent Secretaries and close to
400 guests.
T
he number of Fijians working
under the New Zealand
Recognised Seasonal
Employer Work Scheme has been
growing annually with total number
expected to increase to 60 this year
from the initial 12 in 2015.
Two employer representatives of
the Recognised Seasonal Employer
scheme, Heather Burton and Penny
Gibson met with Employment
Ministry Permanent Secretary Osea
Cawaru in a meeting to recruit more
seasonal workers.
Burton is the General Manager
Human Resource for EastPack
Limited, one of the first employers to
pilot the seasonal work program and
has been recruiting seasonal workers
from Fiji since 2015.
The total number of workers
recruited by East Pack Ltd has been
increasing over the years from the
initial 12 workers in 2015 and rose to
56 workers in 2018.
The Ministry fo Employment
says that this number will increase
again to 60 workers comprising of

Prime Minister: Focus on education

17 new workers and 43 returning
30 Fijians awarded workers for 2019. The 60 workers
Australia Awards Pacific are from the Provinces of Ra, Rewa,

T
Scholarships to study he posting of a school head to a faith-based Tailevu, Ba, Lomaiviti, Kadavu,
in Fiji institution has nothing to do with religious Serua and Namosi. Cawaru says

A
19-year-old student from
Nabouwalu, Bua is the
youngest recipient among
the 30 Fijians who were today
awarded the Australia Awards Pacific
Scholarships to study in Fiji.
Kartik Kaushal Singh is now able
to pursue his dreams of becoming an
electrical engineer.
He will be studying Diploma in
teachings, but it is about the academic welfare that the 43 returning workers were
and upbringing of our children whose education must not again selected by the employer this
be affected. year due to their excellent work
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made these performance and attitude.
comments as he broke his silence on the ongoing
debate between the Ministry of Education that insists Fiji calls on UN Security
that appointments are merit-based against faith-based
Council to lead efforts to
organisations, mainly the Roman Catholic Church of Fiji,
which wants members of the church to head its schools.
tackle growing security
The Prime Minister said the teaching of faith should challenges related to
always begin in our very own homes where the onus climate change

Electrical Engineering at the Fiji
National University.
Singh says helping his father who
is a mechanic by profession is what
inspired him to study to become an
electrical engineer.
Singh says he has faced challenges
since coming to Suva such as
familiarizing himself with travel
routes as well as the different
lifestyle.
Meanwhile, Ilisabeta Susunikoro
is also a proud recipient of the
scholarship says she will be
undertaking a Post Graduate Diploma
in Midwifery at the Fiji National
University.
The 41-year-old who is currently a
nurse in Namosi says that she loves
the challenges and wishes to upskill
to further help people.
should be on parents to guide children on life’s values.
He said it was not the job of teachers in an institution
to make children understand their faith better but they
were there to help students learn academically for a
brighter future.
“This issue of posting teachers has nothing to do with
the church. It is not about faith but about our children.
The ongoing issue about the faith-based schools should
not affect our children’s education.”
Mr Bainimarama said government’s main concern was
to ensure that students got the best education.
“My main concern is what will be taught to students
in those schools. I’m not concerned about religious
teachings because if this is prioritised then what about the
other subjects that students need to also learn,” he said.
“Too much on (Church) teachings and less on the
subjects to make them better equipped for the future,
especially iTaukei to excel and become engineers,
accountants and pilots.
from primary school at Lautoka Fijian to Draiba
Primary School, then to Ratu Kadavulevu School before
Marist Brothers High School.
“It is about our children and nothing to do with the
Church. When I attended Marist a brother was the
principal. There were prayers in the morning and other
prayer sessions during the day. It is the same today.”
Mr Bainimarama said he would not change his mind in
prioritising children’s education.
“Some of these changes are part of the reforms in
2009 and again stressed in 2017, it’s for the betterment
of Fijian children academically. We have to be careful on
this issue. It is simple to understand that the Government
is stressing that our children are given the best education
they can have. In reminding village elders to focus on
their children’s education he said “our job is to bring them
up in the respective faith and they should get the best
in education”.
Mr Bainimarama said he has had talks with leaders
of Seventh Day Adventist church, Roman Catholics of
Fiji and the Methodist Church of Fiji on this issue two
years ago.
F
iji has called on the UN
Security Councils to lead and
support national and regional
efforts to tackle growing security
challenges related to climate change.
While speaking a the addressing
the UN Security Council on climate
related disasters, Attorney General,
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted
that the effects of climate change
which maybe now be more
pronounced in some places over
others will none the less be a problem
that will ultimately affect each part of
the world.
He stressed that the open debate
at the UN Security Council on the
defining challenges of our times
is preparing the international
community to confront the growing
security consequences arising from
climate change induced natural

BABER: BALL GIRL PART OF OUR FAMILY

disasters.
Sayed-Khaiyum also highlighted
that extreme weather patterns make

T
he Fiji Airways Fijian 7s
team displayed something
special when they lifted the
ball girl high up in the air while they
said their final prayer before kickoff
against USA
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team
displayed something special when
they lifted the ball girl high up in the
air while they said their final prayer
before kickoff against USA in the
Cup final on Sunday.
Supported by Fijian fans that
turned out in force at the FMG
Stadium with their blue flags, they
applauded the special moment when
our economies and societies’ more
the Gareth Baber coached side lifted
"Humility fragile as seen time and time again
the little girl.
is a big part that when economic and social
“Humility is a big part of our
of our values, we fragility increase our institutions
values, we talk as a team and
talk as a team and suffer.
anybody is part of our family.
anybody is part of Sayed-Khaiyum says that Fiji is
“A ball girl coming in there is
our family." still in a phase where relocations
much as likely to be on this rugby
of coastal communities both
field as anybody else. It’s very
domestically and between countries
special for us to have people in the
can be managed voluntarily as Fiji
sport like that.” Baber said.
has offered support to host some of
The side was awarded the UL
our neighbours.
Mark of Excellence Award for the act
However, Sayed-Khaiyum stressed
of sportsmanship. Fiji has now won
that very soon these will become
two of the first three tournaments of
forced migrations on a scale that will
the World Sevens Series tied with Something truly unique to rugby sevens. @HSBC_Sport ball carrier gets lifted high
place severe stresses on our societies
USA on 57points. by Fiji!
and international arrangements.
 Thought of the week
"The will to succeed is important,
but what's more important is the
will to prepare."
Editorial – Bobby Knight

‘State of the Auckland Weather forecast for the week

February 1 – February 7, 2018
nation’ speech Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
and ‘year
of delivery’ Some sun
pleasant
Some sun
pleasant
Partly
Cloudy
Sunny
Pleasant
Sunny
Pleasant
Partial
sunshine
Sun
and

affirmation kicks
some
clouds

25° 25° 25° 25° 26° 27° 24°

off Kiwi politics 18° 18° 18° 17° 17° 18° 17°

in 2019
This week in New Zealand’s history
29 January 1842

N
ew Zealand’s political year kicked off this week with two remarkably
different, but largely expected speeches, by two different political
leaders, who delivered their supposedly defining messages in an equally
different setting.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern informed the media on Wednesday morning,
immediately after a strategic multi-planning retreat, that she has told her Labour
caucus members that 2019 will be the “year of delivery” for the government,
thus displaying her trademark feel-good style of politics.
Hours later, on the same day at a different location, down south in Christchurch,
National Leader Simon Bridges tried to wrest some early momentum for himself
and his party through the State of the Nation speech seeking to put taxes firmly
on the agenda of New Zealand politics.
The general reception to both of these addresses by leaders of the main political
parties, was on expected lines, as both media and the public were exceptionally
critical for one while approving for the other.
Lest some may hurriedly assume that this is because of two different styles of
politics and personalities that these two leaders bring, it is more because of one
being in government and the other in opposition.
It is largely observed that in politics there are more takers for the views of
those in power and hence more approval, than those in the opposition, who get
more disapproval.
Though both are unfair and not accurate. However, those in politics are
expected to know this and cannot complain.
In that respect, the Prime Minister’s message to her caucus about 2019 being
the year of delivery, which should have been interpreted as a “telling off” to the
non-performing or under-performing ministers in the government (and the last
count suggest there were too many) was largely reported as a casual “pep-talk”
in an “informal environment.”
Simon Bridges, on the other hand, got the exact reception as reserved for
all leader of the oppositions, more so when in the first term of being in the
opposition, whereby struggling to convince the audience, the public and the
experts about the promises that they strive to offer.
Mr Bridges’ attempt to lure New Zealand voters with a promise around a
gradual tax relief for three years was more a disguised attempt of setting the
political agenda around taxes rather than any meaningful difference in the lives
of Kiwi voters.
Expectedly, Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s pointed criticism of “fiscal
hole” in Mr Bridges’ projections also managed to receive much attention.
Regardless of the immediate hue and cry around these two main speeches this
week it is clear that 2019 will be decisive for both the leaders.
More so for Mr Bridges who is trying to lead the party from the trenches of the
opposition when the members of the caucus are more anxious and less forgiving,
than Ms Ardern who being comfortably placed in power has a bigger runway
ahead.
However, this year will set the agenda for the next year’s election and the
government all set to receive reports from several committees including tax
working groups, is expected to “deliver” and not hide behind the star power of
Ms Ardern.
Auckland's first Anniversary Day Regatta
Auckland’s Anniversary Day commemorates the arrival of Lieutenant-Governor William
Hobson in the Bay of Islands in 1840. Today it is best known for a regatta on Waitematā Harbour,
possibly the largest in the world.
30 January 1911
Bookies take last bets on New Zealand racecourses/2-
A 1910 amendment to the Gaming Act banned bookmakers from New Zealand racecourses,other
public places and hotels. The bookies were farewelled after the last race at Takapuna, with a band
playing appropriate tunes such as ‘We Parted on the Shore’.
31 January 1921
New Zealand's first regular airmail service begins
Piloted by Captain Euan Dickson, the first flight of the Canterbury Aviation Company’s new
airmail service left Christchurch at 8 a.m., carrying several hundred letters to Ashburton and
Timaru into the teeth of a south-westerly gale.
1 February 1842
New Zealand Company settlers arrive in Nelson
The Fifeshire arrived in Nelson with immigrants for the New Zealand Company’s first
settlement in the South Island. The company had been trying to purchase land in the area since
1839. Desire became necessity when news reached Wellington that several immigrant ships were
on their way from England.
Indian Weekender : Volume 10 Issue 44
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We’ve
doubled
our
double
deckers.

The new network.

More frequent. More connected.
 18 INDIA Friday, February 1, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Note ban brought down land prices,

helped youth buy cheap houses: Modi
P
rime Minister Narendra Modi
on Wednesday said that the
demonetization exercise
helped bring down prices of houses
and made them affordable for the
youth.
He said he was being asked about
the gains from the 2016 note ban
but the question should be put to the
youth who gained from it.
"I am asked about the benefits of
the note ban decision. You should
address this to the youth, who could
buy residential homes at affordable
rates after the decision," Modi said.
The Prime Minister said: "Black
money used to be parked in real
estate sector. But with decisions like
note ban, we put a check on it."
Modi was speaking after laying the
foundation stone of the extension of
the terminal building at Surat Airport.
He said the UDAAN scheme of
the Civil Aviation Ministry was the
result of his dream that the common
man should also be able to undertake
air travel.
"Today I am happy to say that the
scheme has catapulted our country
among the world's fastest-growing
aviation markets," Modi said.
Referring to the housing sector,
Modi said that his government built
1.30 crore houses during the last
four years of the NDA rule while
the Congress-led United Progressive
Alliance (UPA) built 25 lakh houses
over a decade.
Praising his own governance,
Modi said the previous governments
would have taken more than 25 years
to do the work that he had done in the
last four years.
The Prime Minister called upon
the people to vote a single-party
majority government at the Centre.
"For the last 30 years, the country
had a 'hung Parliament' and this had
affected development. Four years
ago, people voted a government
with a full majority after which the
country is progressing rapidly."

‘India saving $7bn yearly with PM’s LED

Mamata Banerjee challenges
Amit Shah: Prove claims or

movement’: Union minister Piyush Goyal W

quit politics
est Bengal Chief
Minister Mamata

P
Banerjee Wednesday
ower ministers, particularly of European
lashed out at BJP national president
countries, have thanked Modi for making
Amit Shah for alleging she sold her
LEDs affordable across the world after an
paintings to chit fund owners, and
87% decline in the prices of LED bulbs, he said.
asked him to prove his claims or
Railways and coal minister Piyush Goyal, resign from politics.
who was awarded the 2018 Carnot Prize for his Addressing a public meeting in
contribution to the energy policy in New Delhi Birbhum district, Banerjee came
on Wednesday, said the country was saving $7 down heavily upon him for saying
billion annually through the nation-wide LED West Bengal government copied
movement that was conceived by Prime Minister central government schemes and that
Narendra Modi. Power ministers, particularly Durga and Saraswati pujas are not
of European countries, have thanked Modi held here.
"The cost of
for making LEDs affordable across the “Some half-educated and illiterate
switchover to LEDs
world after an 87% decline in the prices leaders from Delhi are saying I have
for the nation must
of LED bulbs, he said. taken money from my paintings.
have been $2 billion at
He recalled how Modi had ushered Prove it that I have taken a single
most, maybe less. But we
in the LED revolution in the country by paisa into my account. I challenge
are saving $7 billion in
replacing a traditional light bulb with an you to prove it. They are speaking
electricity bills every Minister of Railways & Coal, Piyush Goyal (L) receives the ‘Carnot Prize’ from Fatih Birol. in an uncivilised manner without
LED bulb in the Prime Minister’s Office.
year." Executive Director, International Energy Agency, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Jan 30, 2019 showing evidence. Our party has sent
“The cost of switchover to LEDs for the
nation must have been $2bn at most, maybe charge) for power, coal, new & in October last year. a notice to him yesterday. If needed
less. But we are saving $7bn in electricity bills renewable energy from 2014 to 2017. Currently, Speaking on the occasion, Goyal said the we will file a defamation suit against
him,” Banerjee said.
every year,” Goyal said. Goyal also holds charge of the finance portfolio. country is expected to complete electrification of
Yesterday, Shah alleged that
International Energy Agency (IEA) executive Birol praised Goyal for donating the prize money of its railway network over the next four-five years.
state government is not taking any
director Fatih Birol, who was present at the $25,000 (around Rs 17,75,000) to the International “Over 4,000 kms of railway tracks were electrified
action against chit fund companies
ceremony, said India’s power sector reforms under Solar Alliance (ISA). The Kleinman Center for last year, which would increase to 6,000 kms this
as paintings of Mamata Banerjee
Goyal oversaw the world’s “biggest and most Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania year,” he said. was bought by owners of such
successful” LED programme. The award was School of Design formally presented the prize to According to Goyal, till five years ago, the companies. The BJP leader also
given to Goyal for his contribution to the power Goyal in New Delhi as he could not receive the average pace of electrification was only 600 kms alleged that Durga and Saraswati
sector when he was minister of state (independent award in the US due to the Amritsar train tragedy every year. Pujas are not held in Bengal.

Given green signal by party to contest again from Mathura: Hema Malini
On whether she would contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Mathura again,
Hema Malini said, “I have been given the green signal by higher-ups in the party and
have started work on these lines.”

B
JP MP Hema Malini Tuesday
claimed she had been given
the “green signal by higher-
ups” to contest again from Mathura.
She was elected to the Lok Sabha
from Mathura in 2014.
The actor-politician also promised
the people of her constituency
“modernisation” of the Mathura
Junction railway station.
“The railway officials are doing a
wonderful job on (modernisation) of
the station,” she told reporters after
inaugurating various projects at the
Mathura Junction.
On whether she would contest the
upcoming Lok Sabha elections from
Mathura again, Hema Malini said,
“I have been given the green signal
by higher-ups in the party and have
started work on these lines.”
She also said she would request
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to
introduce a train between Mathura
and Lucknow.
“I would request Railway Minister
Piyush Goel for introduction of a
train between Mathura and Lucknow
for the benefit of pilgrims coming
from eastern Uttar Pradesh,” she said.
Ranjan Yadav, DRM, Agra said the
modernisation of Mathura Junction
was on at a cost of Rs 20 crore. rooms, widening of entry at Gate station has been equipped with two
Facilities like escalators, two lifts, Number One have been undertaken scanners, apart from widening of the
foot-over bridge at Baad station, at a cost of Rs 8 crore, he said. entry and exit of Gate Number One
solar system, renovation of waiting ADRM D K Singh said the Mathura and renovating of the VIP lounge.
 20 INDIA Friday, February 1, 2019 The Indian Weekender

INDIA WILL SOON NEWS in BRIEF

MARK PRESENCE
India, China discuss counter-terrorism efforts

I ndia and China discussed regional and international counter-terrorism

efforts during the eighth meeting of the India-China Joint Working
Group on Counter-terrorism in Beijing on January 29-30, the External

ON MOON WITH Affairs Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Both sides assessed and exchanged views on regional and international
counter-terrorism situation, areas of mutual concerns, including cooperation

CHANDRAYAAN-2,
at bilateral and multilateral level," it stated.
The meeting came even as China, a member of the 1267 UN
committee, continues to block India's application to ban Pakistani terrorist
Masood Azhar.

SAYS PM MODI Sumitra Mahajan says Ram temple should be

built at Ayodhya

L ok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said on Wednesday that she was a

"Ram Bhakt" and wanted a Ram temple to be built at Ayodhya.
Talking to reporters after an all-party meeting here ahead of the Budget

P
rime Minister Narendra Modi Rural Employment Guarantee Act session of Parliament, she said almost everyone assured her of one's
said on Sunday India will have also been tagged.  cooperation in smooth running of the House which will witness the last
soon mark its presence on He further said the government session before the general election.
the Moon with the Chandrayaan-2 has distributed NAVIC devices "There should be maximum discussion, and maximum number of issues
mission and appreciated the use of to fishermen which is helping in should be raised by members. Parliament is meant for discussion and as
space technology in saving assets providing them safety and developing parliamentarians, nation's interest should be a priority for us," she said.
and life and in delivering government the economy.  Asked if government will bring a full Budget, she said: "It is for the
schemes. Appreciating the use of space government to answer. But yes, such things have happened in the past too."
“We have created a world technology in devices for saving Asked about her remarks as a Speaker and as BJP MP on the Ram temple,
record for launching 104 satellites assets and life, he said: “Whether it she said: "I am still the Lok Sabha Speaker. I would be able to comment as a
simultaneously from the same is cyclone, or rail and road safety, all BJP MP after 15th (February). But as a Ram bhakt I would say that all Ram
spacecraft. We will soon register of these safety measures are being bhakts want a Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya."
India’s presence on the Moon through augmented by space technology.” Saudi Crown Prince likely to visit India next month

S
the Chandrayaan-2 campaign,” Modi Modi also mentioned that the
audi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin
said in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ monthly number of successful space missions
Salman is planning to visit India next month
radio address.  attempted since the country’s
in the wake of criticism by the international
He added that Indian satellites independence until 2014 have been
community over his handling of the murder of
symbolise the country’s growing equal to those successfully completed
Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the country's
power and help in establishing better in the past four years. 
nations.”  mission in Turkey last year, media reported.
relations with other countries. The Prime Minister remembered
Modi said the government is Citing sources, the Nikkei Asian Review
“It has contributed a great deal in Vikram Sarabhai saying that he
using space technology in delivering business journal reported from Riyadh that apart
fostering better relations with many played an important role in India’s
government schemes as well as from India, Prince Salman is also likely to visit China and South Korea in
countries of the world. The ‘South space program. 
maintaining accountability in February.
Asia Satellite’ has been a unique “Our space program has been
government programmes.  "The Crown Prince has drawn criticism from the international community,
initiative, which has gifted hues of possible due to innumerable young
Giving an example, he said the especially from the US and Europe, over his handling of the murder of
development to our neighbouring scientists... The sky and stars have
‘Housing For All’ scheme involves Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi," the report said.
allies,” Modi said.  always enthralled children. Our space
geo-tagging of about 40 lakh houses "He apparently hopes to counter criticism from the US and Europe
“Through its highly competitive programme provides an impetus
spread over 23 states. Along with this, by deepening energy cooperation with Asia," it stated. Saudi Arabia, the
launch services, today India not to children to think big and reach
more than 30.5 million properties world's largest oil exporter, is a major energy security partner of India.
only propels satellites of developing across those boundaries, which were
under Mahatma Gandhi National
countries but also those of developed considered impossible till today.”  Work on for visit by Israeli PM to India
I sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to visit India next
month for a second meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a little
over a year after his last visit to New Delhi, it is reliably learnt.
Though sources here were tight-lipped, they indicated that work was
underway for the visit. Netanyahu may arrive on February 11 but there was
no official confirmation. Netanyahu visited New Delhi on January 15 last
year during the course of which India and Israel signed nine agreements,

India to have world's only including in the areas of cyber security and oil and gas.
Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat recently visited India

completely-electrified and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported.
During Ben-Shabbat's visit, Netanyahu spoke to Modi over the phone and
planned the upcoming visit.

large railway network Meanwhile, Modi will also visit South Korea for a day on February 21-22
to receive the Seoul Peace Prize.
Gandhi reimagined by rural traditional artists

I ndia is targeting complete

electrification of its railway
previously been unable to accept
the award in the US due to the train
called the most economically viable
project he had ever come across.
G andhi, who has always inspired Indian
art and literature, is the focal point of an
exhibition of traditional art depicting various
network over the next four-five years, tragedy at Amritsar. The award "The cost of switchover to LEDs
events of his life by rural artisans.
which will make it the only such recognizes the transformations in for the nation must have been $2
Developed for the Export-Import Bank of
large rail network, Union Railway India's energy sector. billion at most, maybe less. But we
India (Exim Bank) and exhibited at the Nehru
Minister Piyush Goyal said. Accepting the award, Goyal said are saving $7 billion in electricity
Memorial Museum and Library here starting
He said that over 4,000 km of one can't have a nation with over 250 bills every year," he said.
Wednesday, these 25 paintings are a unique
railway tracks were electrified last million people living without access Goyal donated the award money
interpretation of Gandhi's life.
year, which would increase to 6,000 to energy, which was the case even to the International Solar Alliance to
institute the Diwakar Award which "The three monkeys, which is a pictorial maxim of 'see no evil, hear no
km this year. seven decades after independence.
"Till five years ago, we used to He said that over the last four-five would recognise an outstanding evil, speak no evil,' was one of the favourite themes of the artists and it
be able to electrify only 600 km years, the government had changed organisation every year working was manifested in several paintings of the Gond artists who worked on
every year," he said, while receiving that and now India had come from for special children and maximising the project," said Vikramaditya Ugra, Bank's General Manager. "All the
the fourth annual Carnot a period of energy shortage to the use of solar energy, an official paintings have a story to tell and the artists worked for over two months on
Till them," said Ugra.
Prize awarded to him by where it was -- grappling statement said.
five years The artists represent traditional art forms: Warli art, Gond art, North East
the Kleinman Centre with surplus power. He said the award was a recognition
ago, we used to weaving, Pattachitra art, Papier Mache art, Tanjore art, Sanjhi craft, Pattua
for Energy Policy He said it was perhaps of the holistic manner in which India
be able to electrify art, and Kalamkari art, among others. It is open for public viewing in Delhi
at the University of due to the world's largest was contributing to the global effort
only 600 km every till Saturday, after which the exhibition will travel to Pune, Ahmedabad,
Pennsylvania School programme to switch to fight climate change.
year, Kolkata and Mumbai.
of Design. Goyal had to LED bulbs, which he
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 1, 2019 INDIA ABROAD 21

KAMALA HARRIS KICKS OFF Kerala to launch

NRI pension
2020 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN scheme
T
he Kerala government will soon launch a

I
ndian American Senator Kamala Harris
has officially kicked off her campaign for
the Democratic presidential nomination
at a rally where she warned that the US and
the world were at «an inflection point» in
history and called on all Americans to "speak
the truth about what's happening".
Harris announced her official bid to run for
President in 2020 on January 21.  black and brown Americans are being locked
Before a crowd of more than 20,000 people
in her hometown Oakland, Harris on Sunday
threaded together a biography from her years
in the Bay Area with her work as a prosecutor
and a senator, and set those details against a
broader populist vision about “running to be
President of the people, by the people and for
all people”, reports The New York Times.
“We are at an inflection point in the history
of our world,” she said at the rally.  American story is each other,” she
“We are at an inflection point in the
history of our nation. We are here because
the American dream and our American
democracy are under attack and on the line
like never before... When we have leaders
who bully and attack a free press and
undermine our democratic institutions, that’s
not our America.”
Harris, 54, who became the first Indian
American and the second black woman to
serve in the US Senate when she took office
in 2017, has joined the most diverse field
of Democratic candidates in history for the ‹Pravasi Dividend Pension Scheme’ to provide
presidential bid. regular pension to Non Resident Keralites
During her 35-minute speech, she also on a one-time payment of Rs 5 lakh, Governor P.
discussed racism, police shootings and the Sathasivam said on Friday.
impact of police brutality, The Washington He announced the scheme during his address to the
Post reported. state Assembly.
“Too many unarmed black men and “My government is committed to the welfare of
women are killed in America. Too many millions of Pravasi Malayalis. The one-time payment
of Rs 5 lakh will be deposited with KIIFB (Kerala
up,” the Senator said.  Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) for financing
“Our criminal justice system needs drastic infrastructure projects,” said Sathasivam.
repair. Let’s speak that truth.” There are 2.1 million migrants from Kerala across
Harris framed her campaign as a response the world whose estimated total annual remittances to
to President Donald Trump, highlighting how the state has been found to be Rs 85,092 crore, a study
he has divided the country and attempting to said.
make the case that she would unite it. Of these, close to 90 per cent are in the Middle East.
“People in power are trying to Sathasivam pointed out that the state would set up
"People in
convince us that the villain in our a call centre with an international Toll Free Line to
power are trying
provide information, register complaints and details
to convince us that
said.  about action taken on various issues faced by the Non-
the villain in our
“But that is not our story. That Resident Indians.
American story is
is not who we are. That’s not our “A comprehensive interactive portal will also be
each other."
America. You see, our United States launched to provide information on job opportunities
of America is not about us versus them. with dignity and respect. I will lead in various countries, online attestation and recruitment
It’s about ‘we, the people’.” with integrity. And I will tell the truth.” processes.” He also spoke about the Loka Kerala
She mocked Trump’s foreign policy, Harris will have to first win the Democratic Sabha (LKS) that was established with the aim of
saying: “We have foreign powers infecting Party nomination next year battling several using the expertise, talent and resources of NRIs from
the White House like malware.”  candidates, including Tulsi Gabbard, the first Kerala for the overall growth and development of the
The Senator pledged that if she is elected Hindu elected to Congress, Senator Elizabeth state. The LKS was supposed to offer a meaningful
President, she “will always speak with Warren and former Housing Secretary say to the NRI community in implementing schemes
decency and moral clarity and treat all people Julian Castro. for building a new Kerala and the scheme proved to be

Sikhs in US to donate funds,

a success, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan later told
the media.
“We are soon going to have a regional meet of LKS

food to unpaid federal workers in the United Arab Emirates,” he said.

Cabinet approves agreement with

T
wo Sikh communities in the US Kuwait to safeguard domestic workers

state of Indiana will donate funds
and food to Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) workers, as they
remain unpaid due to the ongoing partial
government shutdown.
The Sikh community of Fishers, Indiana,
and Gurinder Singh Khalsa of SikhsPAC,
a national Sikh political action committee,
are coordinating with Mario Rodriguez,
Executive Director of the Indianapolis
Airport Authority, and Aaron Batt, TSA
Federal Security Director, to support TSA
agents, who are impacted by the shutdown,
the American Bazaar news portal reported.
“The community has come forward
and is keen to support the workers who
are undergoing the crisis of missing their
paychecks,” Khalsa told the portal.  efforts were “overwhelming and amazing”.
He said that $5,000 in gift/grocery cards
and more than $5,000 worth of hot food
will be delivered to the TSA agents at the
Indianapolis Airport on January 28.
Leading the community efforts, Khalsa is
currently working with several local grocery
stores that are eager to offer foodstuff at
discounted prizes.  “Our community kitchen will continue
“We are looking at the places that can offer
us good discounts so that we can deliver
Sikhs feeding US federal workers at a Gurudwara in Texas
maximum stuff to workers affected,” he
said. TSA official Batt said the communities’
To ensure that the community is able to
offer helping hands to federal workers until
the shutdown ends, the Sikhs in Fishers have
vowed to encourage more Sikh temples and
faith-based organisations in the state to
come forward in assisting in the coming
weeks if needed.
serving every Sunday and we will deliver
hot food weekly to our TSA public servants
on a weekly basis until the shutdown is
lifted,” Khalsa said.  to work with dignity were being raised. Appointments,
TSA falls under the Department of
Homeland Security and has about 60,000
employees.  also agreed to it," Prasad said.
Its workers are one of the lowest paid
employees and have been working without
pay since the shutdown began on December
22. TSA also has a much larger minority
concentration of employees with about 22.9
per cent of them being African American
employees, according to the Bureau of
Labour Statistics.
T
he Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved
the signing of an agreement with Kuwait
to safeguard three lakh Indians working as
domestic workers there and to provide a structured
framework for cooperation on matters related to them.
Briefing the media here on the Cabinet meeting
chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law
Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) was "a significant step" in
ensuring the safety, security and dignity of service
conditions of those domestic workers that include
90,000 women.
There are nine lakh Indians living in Kuwait, of
which three lakh are domestic workers.
"Issues about their safety, working conditions, need
service conditions, leave, and safety from contract
breaches are part of the MoU. Kuwait government has
The MoU will be initially valid for a period of five
years and it has a provision for automatic renewal.
Prasad said over 90 lakh Indians stay in various
Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including in
Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar.
Citing Modi's visit to Qatar and Yemen, he said the
agreement was part of the larger process to ensure the
safety of Indian expatriates.

Indian origin team develops model for safer self-driving cars

A
team of Indian American researchers
has developed a novel model that uses
human inputs to uncover Artificial
Intelligence (AI) "blind spots" in self-driving
cars, so that the vehicles can avoid dangerous
errors in the real world.
The model developed by MIT and Microsoft
researchers identifies instances in which
autonomous systems have "learned" from
training examples that don't match what's
actually happening in the real world.
Engineers could use this model to improve
the safety of AI systems, such as driverless
vehicles and autonomous robots.
"The model helps autonomous systems better
know what they don't know," said first author
Ramya Ramakrishnan from Computer Science
and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT.
"Many times, when these systems are
deployed, their trained simulations don't match
the real-world setting [and] they could make
mistakes, such as getting into accidents.
"The idea is to use humans to bridge that gap
between simulation and the real world, in a safe
way, so we can reduce some of those errors,"
explained Ramakrishnan.
The AI systems powering driverless cars are
trained extensively in virtual simulations to
prepare the vehicle for nearly every event on
the road.
But sometimes the car makes an unexpected
error in the real world because an event occurs
that should, but doesn't, alter the car's behaviour.
The researchers validated their method
using video games, with a simulated human
correcting the learned path of an on-screen
character.
The next step is to incorporate the model
with traditional training and testing approaches
for autonomous cars and robots with human
feedback.
 22 WORLD Friday, February 1, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Sea of white: ‘Hundreds of NEWS in BRIEF

thousands’ of fish dead in Suman Kumari becomes Pakistan’s first Hindu

Australia
woman judge: Report

S uman Kumari has become the first Hindu woman in Pakistan to be

appointed as a civil judge, according to a media report.

“
Hundreds of thousands” of fish
have died in drought-stricken
Australia in the last few days and
more mass deaths are likely to occur,
the authorities warned Tuesday.
Locals around the Darling River
were confronted with a sea of white,
as dead fish carpeted the waters near
the southeastern Outback town of
Menindee.
Just weeks after up to a million
were killed -- with scientists pointing
to low water and oxygen levels as
well as possibly toxic algae -- another
mass death occurred in the key food
growing region. Inspectors from
the New South Wales Department
of Primary Industries have visited
the site and said they found that
“hundreds of thousands of fish have
died”.
“Further fish deaths in the Darling
River are anticipated as a significant
number of fish have been observed
under stress,” the department said in
a statement.
The Darling River is part of the
Murray-Darling River system that
stretches thousands of kilometres
across several states.
With temperatures expected to rise
and no rain forecast, there remained
a “high risk of further fish kills over
the coming days and week,” officials
said. While the federal government
has blamed the deaths on a severe
drought, experts and locals say they
stem from the systemic depletion and
pollution of the river.
The inspectors added that the
latest bout of kills were likely linked
to “critically low levels of dissolved
oxygen” caused by a sharp drop
in temperatures after an extended
period of hot weather.
New South Wales Regional Water
Minister Niall Blair, who visited
Menindee Tuesday, told national
broadcaster ABC his government
was out of options, with installing
aerators in rivers only a “band-aid
solution”.
“It’s not a case of not being able
to spend money on something, there
just isn’t any other alternative that
anyone has offered up,” Blair said.
“The only thing that will really
change these conditions at the
moment is fresh water coming
through the system and there is just
no possibility of that at the moment.”
Australia’s eastern inland regions
have been hit by a prolonged drought,
with extreme heatwaves in recent
weeks exacerbating conditions.
The late arrival of the monsoon
season in northern Australia has also
contributed to heatwaves in some
regions.
Suman, who hails from Qambar-Shahdadkot, will serve in her native
district. She passed her LLB. examination from Hyderabad and did her
masters in law from Karachi’s Szabist University, Dawn reported.
According to Pawan Kumar Bodan, her father, Suman wants to provide
free legal assistance to the poor in Qambar-Shahdadkot.
“Suman has opted for a challenging profession, but I am sure she will go
places through hard work and honesty,” the father said.
Her father is an eye specialist while Suman’s elder sister is a software
engineer and another sister is a chartered accountant.
Suman is a fan of singers Lata Mangeshkar and Atif Aslam. This is not
the first time that a person from the Hindu community has been appointed
as a judge. The first judge from the Hindu community was Justice Rana
Bhagwandas, who served as the acting chief justice for brief periods
between 2005 and 2007. Hindus make up nearly 2 per cent of Pakistan’s total
population and Hinduism remains the second largest religion in Pakistan
after Islam.
Donald Trump to deliver State of the Union
Address on Feb 5
U S President Donald Trump will deliver the State of the Union Address
on February 5, as per the agreement reached between the White House
and Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
The traditional annual speech by President Trump was initially scheduled
for this Tuesday but had to be postponed because of the largest government
shutdown due to differences between the White House and opposition
Democrats on the issue of US-Mexico border wall.
“When I wrote to you on January 23rd, I stated that we should work
together to find a mutually agreeable date when government has reopened to
schedule this year’s State of the Union address,” Pelosi said in a fresh letter
to Trump dated January 28.

Little blue penguins stolen from NZ nest NASA solar probe to make closest approach

T
to Sun in April
hree little blue penguins
have been stolen from their
burrow in New Zealand.
One of the penguins died in the
J ust 161 days after its launch, NASA's
Parker Solar Probe has completed its
first orbit of the Sun and has now begun
process and was left behind, but the second of 24 planned orbits, which
two were taken away, conservation will mark its closest approach to the Sun
officials said. in April, the US space agency has said.
Two men were seen using a Launched on August 12, the Parker
crowbar to prise rocks off the "The very Solar Probe, NASA's historic small car-
burrow of the smallest breed next day another sized probe, will journey steadily closer
of penguin, in Hawkes penguin was found to the Sun, until it makes its closest
Bay. They then hooked the dead floating nearby approach at 3.8 million miles.
birds out by their neck, the and it appears to have Throughout its mission, the probe will make six more Venus gravity assists
BBC reported. died from a head
and 24 total passes by the Sun.
The theft was carried injury"
The spacecraft completed its first orbit of the Sun, reaching the point in its
out January 24 night. The a population that is "The very next day another
orbit farthest from our star, called aphelion, NASA said in a statement.
Department of Conservation (DOC) declining in New Zealand and penguin was found dead floating
said they received reports of the two anyone found committing offences nearby and it appears to have died It has now begun the second of 24 planned orbits, on track for its second
seen digging while a woman held might be jailed up to two years and from a head injury," he added. perihelion, or closest approach to the Sun, on April 4, 2019.
a torch. It was not clear where the fined up to $68,500. They are a "It is a very vulnerable time for "It's been an illuminating and fascinating first orbit," said Andy Driesman,
birds were taken to and the suspects protected species in NZ. Authorities these wee penguins. They moult Project Manager at the Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics
have not yet been identified. believe the thefts might be an from January through to March and Laboratory.
The DOC said the theft was indication of a smuggling operation. stay in their burrows for protection... "We've learned a lot about how the spacecraft operates and reacts to the
"particularly disturbing". "We are really concerned as we (this) further suggests the poachers solar environment, and I'm proud to say the team's projections have been
Little blue penguins, which believe this might not be a one knew exactly when best to target very accurate," Driesman added.
typically measure just over 25cm off," said DOC's Hawkes Bay the birds," The BBC quoted Hansen Parker Solar Probe entered full operational status (known as Phase E) on
tall and weigh around 1kg, have Compliance Officer Rod Hansen. as saying. January 1, with all systems online and operating as designed.

PM Theresa May wants to re-open Brexit deal, EU says no

T
he House of Commons began a day-
long debate on May’s Brexit Plan B
after the agreement was voted down
earlier this month. She promised to return to
parliament with a revised agreement that will
be put to vote, likely on February 14.
May insists her agreement can still win
Parliament’s backing, if it is tweaked to
alleviate concerns on the Irish border concern.
British Prime Minister Theresa May on
Tuesday sought parliamentary approval to
return to Brussels to re-negotiate the withdrawal
agreement, but EU officials insisted that it is not
possible to re-open talks on the controversial
‘backstop’ for Ireland-Northern Ireland.
The House of Commons began a day-
long debate on May’s Brexit Plan B after the
agreement was voted down earlier this month.
She promised to return to parliament with a
revised agreement that will be put to vote,
likely on February 14.
The House was due to vote on Tuesday
evening on a series of amendments to the Plan
B, on issues such as ruling out leaving the
EU without an agreement, extending Article
50, and an alternative to the ‘backstop’ that
has emerged as the main sticking point across
parties.
May said she knew there was a “limited
appetite” in the EU to re-open talks, but she
believed she could “secure” it and return with
“significant and legally binding change.”
The backstop is supposed to be an insurance
policy to prevent a hard border between Ireland
(EU country) and Northern Ireland (part of the
UK) if trade talks are not finalised by the end of
the transition period in December 2020.
According to May, her government is “in
reach of a deal the House can stand behind”.
She said when she returns to Brussels she needs
the strongest voice behind her, adding that the
amendments “provide a cacophony of voices
when we need just one”.
Urging MPs to “give me the mandate I
need” to return to Brussels and demand that
the withdrawal agreement be re-negotiated,
she said: “The time has come for words to be
matched by deeds…if you want Brexit you clearly stated will of this House”.
have to vote for Brexit.” Labour wants that after Brexit, the United
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has Kingdom should remain in EU customs union
refused to join talks with May to find a way to prevent adverse impact on trade and jobs.
out of the impasse, asked which of the red lines Corbyn said a “permanent customs union” is
she had changed since the deal was defeated a “pragmatic solution that helps deliver the
two weeks ago: “She is refusing to accept the Brexit that people voted for”.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 1, 2019 SPORTS 23

ICC WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: NEWS in BRIEF

Mandhana stars as India thrash NZ Williamson returns for India T20Is

J N
hulan Goswami's 3/23 and half-centuries by Mandhana just picked up from where she had ew Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday recalled Kane
Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj helped left off in the first ODI, when she had Williamson for the three-T20I rubber against India after the
India thrash New Zealand by eight wickets scored her fourth century skipper missed the solitary T20I against Sri Lanka.
and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match in the Doug Bracewell has also been retained in the squad, having
ICC Women's Championship one-day international been brought in as a replacement for the injured Jimmy Neesham
series here on Tuesday. in the Sri Lanka T20I, but Henry Nicholls finds no place in the 14-
Like the first match, New Zealand struggled man squad, according to a statement from the International Cricket
against India's bowlers. Apart from Amy Council (ICC). 
Satterthwaite, who scored a gritty 71 runs, no other format. Once The squad also includes two new faces in all-rounder Daryl
batswomen contributed handsomely as Goswami again, she scored freely Mitchell and pacer Blair Tickner.  Tickner, meanwhile, will join
led the charge and restricted the hosts to and found a solid partner in the squad for the final T20I as replacement for Lockie Ferguson,
a modest 161 at the Bay Oval here, With captain Raj at the other end. who is in contention for the first two matches.
according to an ICC release. the win, India Raj scored relatively “Both Daryl and Blair have been rewarded for the strong form
Coming in to bat, India's have moved to No.2 slowly, but hit a couple
they’ve produced in domestic cricket,” New Zealand selector Gavin
Mandhana (90 not out) dominated on the Championship of sixes off Kasperek,
Larsen said.
the proceedings, forging an table, on 12 points after and as the target came
“They’ve been there or thereabouts for most of the season and both
impressive 151-run partnership 11 games, ahead of in sight she too
featured in our NZ A short format teams.”
with Mithali Raj (63 not out off New Zealand on net scored boundaries
111) for the third wicket. run-rate. more regularly. India not missing Paes: Bhupathi

But the victory was set up by
the bowlers. Goswami's opening over
accounted for Suzie Bates for a duck, and that
was a big blow for New Zealand. Then, Shikha
Pandey trapped Sophie Devine in front for seven.
When Ekta Bisht removed Lauren Down and
Amelia Kerr for 15 and 1 respectively, the hosts
were left tottering at 38/4. Maddy Green looked to
knuckle down with her captain, but fell to Poonam
Yadav after a 28-ball 9.
Satterthwaite took the lead and stitched together
a relatively brisk 58-run stand with Leigh Kasperek
before finally being dismissed by Yadav.
There were some handy contributions from
the lower order, but Goswami helped end the
resistance, dismissing Kasperek and Lea Tahuhu
for 21 and 12 respectively.
Goswami finished with 3/23, while Bisht, Deepti
Sharma and Yadav chipped in with two wickets
each.
India's chase had a rather wobbly start, though,
with Anna Peterson and Tahuhu accounting for
Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma early.
Unfortunately for the hosts, that was all the success
they were allowed.
I
Mandhana ndia’s non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathi on
remained unbeaten
Wednesday said the absence of his longstanding
and her knock
doubles partner Leander Paes won’t be felt in the
featured 13 fours and
latter’s own backyard when India take on Italy in a
a six. Raj scored 63
Davis Cup World Group qualifiers tie at the Calcutta
from 111 deliveries,
including two sixes South Club here on Saturday.
and four fours. Her Paes, who became the most successful doubles
second six brought player in the history of Davis Cup with a record
the winning runs 43 wins, was dropped from the squad with the new
for India. selection committee, led by Rohit Rajpal, saying they went largely by the
With the win, rankings. Asked if India would be at a disadvantage sans Paes in his own
India have moved backyard, Bhupathi dismissed it: “No, it’s not.”
to No.2 on the Bhupathi said it’s a captain’s ‘dream’ to have left-hander Prajnesh
Championship Gunneswaran in the side as it helps in the team balance.
table, on 12 points Prajnesh, who is the country’s highest ranked singles player, will
after 11 games, spearhead India’s challenge against the higher-ranked Italians led by World
ahead of New No.18 Marco Cecchinato, who upset Novak Djokovic in the French Open
Zealand on net quarterfinals last year.
run-rate.
Neymar sidelined for ten weeks with foot injury
L igue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced on Wednesday
that Neymar’s foot injury will see the Brazilian forward sidelined for the
next ten weeks, meaning he will miss both legs of their UEFA Champions
League round of 16 tie against Premier League side Manchester United.
In a statement, PSG said that the club had gathered a group of world
renowned medical experts at the Ooredoo Training Center to carry out a
thorough review of the injury to Neymar’s right foot, reports Xinhua news
agency. Neymar sustained the injury in a French Cup tie against Strasbourg
on January 23, which was later described by the club as a recurrence of a
previous injury. He had been sidelined for three months last season due to a
fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.
“As a result, Neymar is expected to return to the field within ten weeks,”
the statement read.
Looking forward to make the most of my good run in
Davis Cup: Prajnesh

A day after achieving a career-best ATP ranking of 102, rising tennis

player Prajnesh Gunneswaran on Tuesday said he would look to make
the most of his good run over the past year and help India do well against
stronger Italy in the Davis Cup World Group Qualifiers here on Friday.
Prajnesh, who is the country’s highest ranked singles player, will
spearhead India’s challenge against the higher-ranked Italians led by World
No.18 Marco Cecchinato, who upset Novak Djokovic in the French Open
quarterfinals last year. The 29-year old Prajnesh, who started 2018 as World
no.243 and ended it as No.104, won two ATP Challenger titles and also upset

India vs New Zealand: Shubman Gill

now World No.27 Denis Shapovalov on grass at the Stuttgart Open last year. 
He also won the men’s singles bronze at the Jakarta Asian Games.
“I’ve had enough tournaments over the last couple of years and I’ve had

becomes 227th ODI player for India,

a very good run in the last six months so I’m looking forward to using the
momentum and trying to do as well as possible here,” Prajnesh told reporters

receives cap from MS Dhoni

after India’s practice session at the Calcutta South Club.
Sharapova wins her 1st WTA match in Russia in 13 years

W
ith Virat Kohli rested
for the rest of the series,
young Shubman Gill got
to make his debut in the fourth ODI
at Hamilton. Gill, who was man of
the series in the Under 19 World
Cup last, has already received rave
reviews from all quarters and was in
roaring form in Ranji Trophy.
He received his cap from MS
Dhoni and thus became the 227th
player to represent India in ODI
cricket.
“Shubman Gill replaces Kohli,
Khaleel Ahmed replaces Shami. MS
is still not fit. He has shown a lot of
promise (Gill), he has played here
and was the Man of the Series in the
U-19 World Cup.Highly rated and
we wanted to see what he could offer
to the team,” stand-in skipper Rohit
Sharma at the toss.
Gill sweated it out at the nets and
drew praise from Virat Kohli who
confessed that the talent is exciting.
“I think there are some outstanding
talents. We saw Prithvi Shaw grab
the opportunity with both hands.
Shubman is a very exciting talent and
I saw him bat in the nets and I was
like wow I was not even 10 per cent
of that when I was 19,” Kohli said at
the end of the 3rd match.
R
ussian tennis star Maria Sharapova claimed her first WTA victory in her
country in 13 years in the first round of the St.
Petersburg Ladies Trophy.
Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam winner, beat
Daria Gavrilova of Australia 6-0, 6-4 to make the
second round on Monday.
She will next face her compatriot Daria Kasatkina.
Sharapova had only met Kasatkina once when she won
in straight sets in Montreal in August, reports Xinhua
news agency. Sharapova has rarely played the Russian tour events during her
career, and when she has she’s never got past the quarterfinals.
 24 FEATURES
Travel Special Feature
Lights,
camera,
Bollywood:
exploring
cinematic
Mumbai
O
ften called mayanagari
(city of dreams), Mumbai
is synonymous with
Bollywood, India’s largest film
industry and one of the biggest
movie machines on earth. As the
entertainment hub of the country,
it’s no surprise that the city is home
to hundreds of Bollywood actors,
directors, film-makers and wannabes,
and the city also appears in the
storylines of dozens of critically-
acclaimed movies, from local
hits such as the Academy-Award
nominated Salaam Bombay!, 2013
romance The Lunchbox and crime
drama Chandni Bar to international
releases such as The Hundred Foot
Journey, Slumdog Millionaire and
Million Dollar Arm.
If you’re interested in the art of
film-making and understanding how,
over the last century, Bollywood has
influenced and shaped Indian popular
culture, take time to explore the
many movie links in this cinematic
city, from Bollywood studios and
shooting locations to vintage cinema
halls and striking wall art inspired
by the stars. Here’s a quick guide on
how to turn your trip to Mumbai into
a blockbuster.
Get behind the scenes in
Bollywood
After opening its exclusive doors
only to actors for decades, Film City
Studio in Mumbai has now partnered
with the state tourism department to
offer visitors a chance to step into
their favourite Bollywood movies,
or at least the sets where they were
filmed. One of India’s largest film
studios, Film City offers weekend
bus tours to both indoor and outdoor
shooting sets for such hit movies such
as Shah Rukh Khan’s Happy New
Year and Josh, to name just a few.
Visitors can get lucky with snapping
photographs of celebrities too, as
stars regularly visit the canteen on
the premises.
For a more detailed look at the
industry, tour companies such as
Viator, Mumbai Film City Tours
and Thrillophilia offer group tours
giving insight into different aspects
of Indian film-making, including
its history and growth, the technical
processes of editing and dubbing,
and iconic movie locations. As in
Los Angeles, you can also take a tour
of the lavish, or sometimes humble,
homes where some of India’s top
cinema stars live or were born. Khaki
Tours and the Mumbai Darshan Tour
(run by Maharashtra Tourism) are
reliable options.
Hit the Mumbai theatre trail
Mumbai historians take pride in the
fact that the very first Indian movie,
Raja Harishchandra, filmed in 1913
by Dadasaheb Phalke using cameras,
lights and projectors shipped over
from Europe and America, has its
origins in the city. In the heyday of
Indian cinema that followed the end
of WWII, Sandhurst Road – today
occupied by the railway lines of the
Harbour local line – stretched from
Girgaum Chowpatty to Dongri, lined
with the grandest movie theatres of
its time: the Olympia, the Coronation,
the New Alhambra, the Majestic.
Most of these have vanished, or
now stand as forlorn shells, lost
in time, owing to the onslaught
of multiplex culture. However,
a handful can still be visited,
screening mostly obscure regional
movies, in a setting of decaying art-
deco grandeur. Cinephiles should
seek out the Alfred Theatre near
Kamathipura, or the nostalgically
dilapidated Nishant Talkies, New
Roshan Talkies and Moti Talkies,
dating from the transition away from
silent films, dotted between Grant
Road and Sandhurst Road.
To catch newly launched
Bollywood movies in a classic
theatre setting, head to the graceful,
art deco Regal Cinema on Colaba
Causeway, the rocketship-shaped
Eros at Churchgate, or the Metro
INOX Cinema (originally built
and run by MGM, the Hollywood
Studio), still sitting pretty at Marine
Lines.
Having completed the movie
theatre trail, tourists can head to
the recently reopened Royal Opera
House near Girgaum Chowpatty,
an architectural marvel from 1912.
As well as hosting the opera talent
of its day, the place is also credited
with being the making of the Kapoor
Khandaan family, the first proper
Bollywood dynasty, who grew up
watching stage shows and musicals
at the opera house in the dying days
of the Raj.
Locations, locations, locations
Unless you have an encyclopedic
knowledge of Bollywood films, it
may help to hire a guide, or at least
a taxi and driver, to explore the most
prominent landmarks in the city that
Friday, February 1, 2019
have doubled up as movie locations.
Start with the Gateway of India and
the iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel –
settings for many a Bollywood dance
routine – or head to the Colaba and
Bora Bazaar markets that featured
prominently in Aamir Khan’s
Talaash and Tom Cruise’s Mission
Impossible
Ghost Protocol respectively.
Film-makers have long been drawn
to the scenic promenade of Marine
Drive, where parts of the motorcycle
action thriller Dhoom, 2003 comedy-
drama Munnabhai MBBS, and
coming-of-age film Wake Up Sid
were filmed. There’s something
undeniably cinematic about the
crowds of young Mumbaikers
gathering on the edge of the urban
sprawl to soak up the fresh breezes
and calming sunrises and sunsets.
Come in the wee hours of morning,
when the city wakes up.
Next, head on to Bandra, the
The Indian Weekender
swanky northern suburb whose
boutiques, bars and restaurants cater
to many movie stars and icons of the
industry. Stroll around Bandstand,
Carter Road, Chapel Road, Pali-Hill
and the Worli Sea Link and you may
spot a star or two in the flesh.
Alternatively, wander through
the surrounding backroads and
narrow by-lanes, where you’ll
stumble across larger-than-life
murals depicting classic Bollywood
movies, such as the 1960 historical
drama masterpiece Mughal-E-Azam
and superstars such as Amitabh
Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and
Dadasaheb Phalke, the father of
Indian cinema.
Off-Beat Bollywood Locations
Not all movie locations are
glamorous. A number of agencies run
trips to the vast slum area of Dharavi,
where parts of Slumdog Millionaire
were shot. This doesn’t have to be
an intrusive experience. however.
On the best trips, guides from the
community will introduce you to
local people and explain not just the
area’s significance to Bollywood,
but also how its fame has helped
residents transform their lives. In the
process, you’ll be providing work
and income for Dharavi residents.
Another interesting spot is the
Mahalakshmi Dhobi Ghat, where
thousands of washermen make their
daily living pummelling the laundry
of city residents in concrete washtubs
in the open air. Bollywood paid
tribute to their energetic trade in the
namesake movie Dhobi Ghat.
Any list of popular movie locations
in Mumbai would be incomplete
without a mention of its beaches:
Juhu, Girgaum Chowpatty, and Aksa
beaches. An untold number of films
have set their stars on the sand, with
Juhu the beach of choice for cast-of-
hundreds song-and-dance numbers.
See it in its prime in the 1971 Rajesh
Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan flick
Anand. There’s one more cinematic
experience we shouldn’t overlook.
Film-makers periodically drop
by Apollo Bunder and the cheap
backpacker guesthouses of Colaba
when they need extras for crowd
scenes, offering a modest daily
payment in exchange for a fascinating
glimpse at how Bollywood works
from in front of the camera.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 1, 2019 FEATURES 25

CHICKEN SOFT TACO

INGREDIENTS:
• 300 grams of Chicken boneless and skinless
• 1 - packet of soft taco tortillas ( Farrah’s Flamed Baked)

W
hen it is time to pick up my kids from their • 1 - onion
sports or after school, the first thing that comes • 1 tsp - Red chilli flakes
to my mind is the food, ‘what should I give • 1 tsp - Salt
him to eat’ ? • 4 tbsp - bread Crumbs
As we know, teenager years are the time of rapid growth • 6 tbsp - flour
and for growing teenagers it’s normal for them to start • 1 - egg
eating more than usual. They always expect something • 2 - lemons
delicious, so to match this expectations I have to come • 1 - packet of classic Broccoslaw salad ( Leaderbrand )
up with some new ideas. For these growing teenagers, • 1/2 cup chopped coriander
the snacks have to be something filling so I try to make • Spicy peri peri sauce
something filling and healthy, personally I feel extra food • Garlic Aioli sauce
provides extra energy. • Sriracha hot chilli sauce
To the mothers who are constantly thinking of what • Oil for frying
to make and are struggling with their teenager’s food • Cut the lemons into half’s and thinly slice the onion, METHOD:
tantrums, I hope these will help you. keep aside.
• Cut the lemons into halves and thinly slice the onion, keep aside.
• Beat egg in a bowl with a fork.
FISH SOFT TACO
INGREDIENTS:
• Pour and spread bread crumbs into a plate and keep
aside.
• Wash and the cut the Chicken into long thin strips squeeze half lemon, mix,
cover and keep it in the fridge.
• In a large bowl combine flour with chilli flakes, salt and chopped coriander,
• 2 - small Fish fillets • Heat oil in a deep pan on a medium heat.
mix it with a fork.
• 1 - packet of Soft taco tortillas ( Farrah’s flame baked ) • While the oil is getting heated up, add fish pieces to
• Add chicken pieces to the flour mixture, make sure it’s evenly coated.
• 1 - packet of classic Broccoslaw salad ( I use the flour mixture and toss it well until evenly coated.
• Beat the egg in a bowl.
Leaderbrand ) • Take Fish pieces that are covered with the flour
• Spread bread crumbs in a plate. Keep aside.
• 1 - onion, small mixture, dip one piece at a time into the egg and then
• Heat oil in a deep pan on a medium flame.
• 1 tsp - red chilli flakes roll it in the bread crumbs. Repeat this process with all
• Take the flour coated chicken piece, dip it the egg mixture and then roll it
• 1 tsp - salt the other fish pieces.
into the bread crumbs.
• 6 tbsp - Flour Then deep fry the coated fish pieces in batches for 1-2
• Repeat with all chicken pieces and keep it aside on the plate.
• 1 - egg minutes on each side or until cooked through and golden
• Then deep fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for 2-3 minutes on each
• 4 tbsp - bread crumbs in colour, keep aside on the kitchen paper towel.
side or until cooked through and golden in colour.
• 2 - lemons Heat a non-stick pan and warm up six soft tacos one by
• Keep these cooked chicken pieces on the kitchen paper towel for extra oil
• 1/2 cup chopped coriander one, flipping the sides and keep aside.
to be absorbed by the paper.
• Few basal leaves TO ASSEMBLE: • Heat non stick pan and warm up six soft tacos one by one flipping the sides
• Tartare sauce and keep aside.
• Place the Taco in a small plate, spread one tablespoons
• Spicy peri peri sauce
of tartare sauce on it then spread sliced onions and top TO ASSEMBLE:
• Oil to fry
up with two pieces of fried Fish.
• Place the warm soft taco on the plate. Spread one tablespoon of spicy peri
METHOD: • Spread some salad on the fish and squeeze over fresh
peri sauce on it.
• Debone and wash the Fish fillets, then pat dry the fish lemon.
• Top up with two chicken pieces and sprinkle some sliced onions and salad
with paper towel. Cut the fillets into 5 to 6 cm pieces • Drizzle spicy peri peri sauce with few basal leaves and
on it.
and keep aside. roll up the Taco to eat.
• Squeeze lemon on the chicken and salad mixture.
• In a large bowl combine flour with red chilli flakes, salt • Note: The above makes six tacos. For variations, you
• Drizzle garlic Aioli and Sriracha hot chilli sauce on the top and roll up to
and chopped coriander, mix it with the fork. can use your own favourite sauces for this recipe.
eat.

Grilled Chicken
G
rilled Chicken is a very popular recipe made with • 1/4 teaspoon coriander powder
chicken, hung curd and spices like cumin powder and • 1/4 teaspoon powdered black pepper
black pepper. It is a perfect chicken recipe for a quick • 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
meal and will be loved by everyone for its savoury flavours.
METHOD
This delicious and filling recipe is sure to woo your taste
buds. You can prepare this ideal dish for occasions like • To prepare this easy chicken recipe, wash the chicken and
anniversaries and kitty parties. prick it with a fork.
If you're planning to host a house party, then you must go • Now, in a large bowl, combine hung curd, ginger paste,
for this chicken recipe as it is sure to impress your guests. garlic paste, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin
Garlic paste adds a piquant aroma and flavour to this dish. powder, black pepper, salt and garam masala.
• Stir all the ingredients until well blended. Now add the
INGREDIENTS
chicken and apply the masala mixture all around it.
• 350 gm chicken • Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste • Once done, preheat the oven at 190 degree Celsius.
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder Remove chicken from marinade and place it on a
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder grilling tray.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt • Grill it for 1 hour, turning it in between.
• 1/2 cup hung curd • Check the chicken when it's fully cooked.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste • Serve it with salad or Indian bread.
26 TIME OUT
CROSSWORD NO: 4
SUDOKU NO: 4
HITORI NO: 4
Hitori – a logic puzzle with very simple
rules and challenging solutions. Can
you eliminate numbers until there are
no duplicates in any row or column?
Objective / Rules
Eliminate numbers until there are
no duplicates in any row or column.
Eliminate numbers by marking
Friday, February 1, 2019 The Indian Weekender
QUIZ QUESTIONS NO: 4 ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. ‘Triple Therapy drug cocktail’ is
a medicine to this disease. Which
disease?
2. Which award is known as the Nobel
Prize in music? 
3. Who is the most famous Pole-vaulter
of the world?
4. After observation of wild life of
this island Charles Darwin derived
the theory of Evolution. Name this
island? 
5. Which day is celebrated ad ‘World
Mother-Tongue Day’? 
6. What is the official name of North
Korea? 
7. Which country is known as Hermit
Kingdom?
8. Which are the official languages of
Switzerland?
9. Which is the biggest city of
Washington State? 
10. Who is known as the father of Modern
Turkey?
11. Which mathematical engineer of
America is known as Father of
Information Technology? 
12. Who is the father of Green
Revolution?
13. Which country’s capital is ‘Bogota’?
14. International Woman’s Day?
15. World Handicapped Day? 
16. World Forest Conservation Day?
17. World Water Conservation Day?
18.  World Atmospheric Day?
19. World Tuberculosis Abolishment
Day? 
20. World Oceanography Day?
21.  World Haemophilia Day?
22.  World Heritage Day? 
23. 7n which country the first modernized
census conducted? 
24. In which yearly book, UNO publishes
its census report?
25.  Which is the purest water of nature?
26. “Baby is a book. Teacher should study
each pages of this book” who said
this?
27.  Who formulated the principle ‘Tech
through play’?
28.  Who prepared intelligence test
firstly? 
29. Which country’s airline is KLM? 
30. Name the pope who had visited most
countries?
Holland. 30. John Paul II.
Rain water. 26. Rousseau. 27. Froebel. 28. Alfred Binet. 29.
17. 22. April 18. 23. America. 24.Demographic yearbook. 25.
March 22. 18. March 23. 19.March 24. 20. April 5. 21. April
13.Colombia. 14.March 8. 15.March 15. 16. March 21. 17.
10. Kemal Mustafa. 11.Claude Shannon. 12.Norman Borlaug.
Korea. 7. Korea. 8. German, French and Italian. 9. Seattle.
Ecuador. 5. February 21. 6. Democratic People’s Republic of
(Ukraine) 4. Galapagos Islands, at distance of 965 km from
Answers: 1.AIDS. 2. Polar Music Prize. 3. Sergey Bubka
Send us stories, drawings, poems
and other contributions by your little
ones along with their photographs
for this page. E-mail us at reporter@
indianweekender.co.nz
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE NO:4
See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo.
them in Black.
You are not allowed to have two
Black squares touching horizontally
or vertically (diagonally is ok).
Any White square can be reached
from any other (i.e. they are
connected).
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 1, 2019
5 cheats to make you look like a
morning person when you are not
Not a morning person? Following these steps will make you glow and create
the illusion that you rise and shine early! Getting out of bed at wee hours in
the morning to get ready for work or college can be quite a daunting task. How
do morning people manage to sleep and wake up on time, head to the gym
and complete everything on time? We can’t stand them but we’d still like to
attempt to be like them! Who wouldn’t want to wake up and not be cranky
early in the morning and finally get rid of those dark circles, right? These
tips are sure to add a little pep in your step and make it seem like you have got
a full 9 hours!
Hydrate
Y our skin does it its most important job
and heals itself when you are getting
rest and seeping. Dry and broken skin can’t
always be cured with bronzer and concealer.
For your skin to look clean, despite having less
than 6 hours of sleep, ensure you keep sipping
on water throughout the day. 8 glasses of water
a day is not a myth for it is sure to leave you
with bouncy and fresh skin. 
Caffeine
Y es, we know, we know, the side effects of
caffeine, but that comes into effect when
excess is consumed. A shot of espresso with
your breakfast cereal is sure to give you that hit
and start the day completely energised. 
Night time therapy
N o matter how late it is, the least you could
do is give yourself a five-minute massage.
Put adequate pressure on your temple area and
around your eyes and your cheeks. Do so with
some aloe vera gel for supple skin or some
Exfoliator
Ingredients:
• Sea salt
• Oil (Olive or almond)
Instructions:
• Mix equal parts of these and make a natural
scrub.
• Scrub it on to you face gently.
• This will leave you skin looking supple and
clean taking out all the impurities.
Face Cleanser
Ingredients:
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions:
• In a bowl, mix the two ingredients together.
• Rub on face
• It has antimicrobial qualities, and it cleans
your face and fights acne without stripping
your skin of natural oils. Also, coconut oil
is one of the best natural make-up remover
(tried and tested). Put the two together and
they're an unstoppable cleansing team.
• Just keep in mind that this might leave your
skin a little greasy but you can take care of
this by following it up with a toner.
Toner
Ingredients:
• 1 bag of chamomile tea
Instructions:
• Soak a bag of chamomile tea in a cup of hot
water for 15-20 minutes, or until it's cooled
down.
• Take a cotton pad, soak it in the tea, and
wipe it on the skin.
• This is the easiest. No measuring or mixing
involved! Toners usually take off that
excess grime and make-up that the cleanser
didn't catch, and chamomile DIY toner
leaves the skin squeaky clean and is gentle
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui
consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is available for
consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com
vanilla or lavender essential oil.  financial horizon brightens, motivating you to work harder to achieve your goals.
De-puff your face
T his is a celebrity-approved technique is
one that will help in de-puffing your face
almost instantly. Kate Moss dunks her face in
a bowl of freezing cold water as soon as she
wakes up. This reduces the puffiness around
her eyes, closes her pores and gives her skin a
bright glow.  discipline and not succumbing to temptations will help in maintaining good health.
Tightline and curl
A fool-proof way to help you look wide
awake even when you are not, is to
take some kajal which always comes to
the rescue, and tight line your upper and lower
eyelids. Following this, use that eyelash curler
to give those lashes some curls and more
oomph, that is sure to make you look wide
awake. 
and calming as it gets.
Face Mask
Ingredients:
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp oat flour
Instructions:
• Mix the concoction together.
• Apply it evenly across your face, let it sit
for 15 minutes, and wash it off.
• I'd give this concoction a solid A. The oat
flour helped to exfoliate my face while the
honey kept it moisturised, and your face
will glow!
Body Scrub
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
Instructions:
• Mix the two ingredients together.
• Scrub across your body, let it sit, and then
wash it off.
• Using a body scrub two times a week is
a must to get rid of all that dead skin and
dirt. This natural scrub will leave your skin
smooth and moisturised.
Body Moisturiser
Ingredients:
• Coconut oil or aloe vera
Instructions:
• Take it straight from the jar — or scoop out
the aloe from the plant — and slather it on.
• Coconut oil is a serious multitasker and
moisturises like no other. Aloe vera, on the
other hand, is good but a little sticky and
requires re-application often.
• Incorporate some of these recipes into your
skin-care routine, you will see the changes
and the good things these DIY at-home
products have to offer.
FEATURES 27
01 February 07 February | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
This is the time to put things that matter professionally to you in perspective. You
manage to take positive strides and overcome difficulties with confidence. On the
academic front, family provides all the support you need and leaves no stone unturned
in motivating you. Your desire of owning something big is likely to get fulfilled soon.
A windfall can be expected by some. Those trying to come back in shape will succeed
through sheer will power. Lucky Number:5 / Lucky Colour: Light Green
TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20)
If you need a better break, wait some more. Otherwise, build up on what you have
already obtained. You will find yourself full of energy this week, so make the most of it
in sorting out pending issues. At work, expect praise for your consistent performance.
Religious-minded may get ample opportunity to plan a pilgrimage. Family will be
most supportive of your endeavours. New sources of money are likely to be tapped
and will erase all financial worries. Lucky Number:18 / Lucky Colour:Red
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21)
You may have to become bolder, if you want to draw the line. Be thorough in what
you have been entrusted with. This way you will learn the ropes faster. You may
get a chance to spend time with close ones soon. Moneywise the week seems to
be excellent, as cash comes from different sources. You have ready excuses for not
shaking a leg, but that will not get you back in shape. Make your exercise routine
interesting. Lucky Number:15 / Lucky Colour: Chocolate
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 20)
Keep a tab on the social front and make it a point to respond to every invitation. The
Entrepreneurs are likely to make new clients that promise business. Your hectic
schedule is likely to tire you out and give very little time for love. Overindulgence in
favourite food and drinks threaten to affect health adversely. A piece of good news is
in the pipeline for some. Lucky Number: 2 / Lucky Colour: White
LEO (JuL21-Aug 20)
A set routine will find you going great guns on the professional front. Moneywise,
there will be no problem and you can even expect an increased package. A function
may become a good venue to meet people you had not met in a long time. Self-
Those in love are in for a rough weather, so don’t provoke partner. Meeting an old
schoolmate is possible this week. Lucky Number: 9 / Lucky Colour: Saffron
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 23)
You may be called upon to undertake an important assignment. This will add a feather
to your cap on the professional front. An increment you had been hoping for may now
come your way. You are likely to participate in some kind of celebrations with friends
and family. An expensive gift or money comes to you from a distant relative. Don’t
consume anything from outside as bad health is foreseen. You will rekindle your love
life. Lucky Number: 15 / Lucky Colour: Sea Green
LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
Your foresight will prove an added boon on the professional front. There is much
excitement foreseen on the domestic front. This is because some exciting people are
likely to drop in this week at your place. You are likely to spend an evening at an
exotic venue. Career-wise, you are likely to make the right moves and manoeuvre
yourself to an advantageous position. You find yourself fit, as you are becoming
increasingly health conscious. Be sympathetic to others’ plight. Lucky Number: 6
/ Lucky Colour: Peach
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Things happening without your knowledge will not affect you in the least, so don’t
lose sleep over it. Your efforts to cement the family bonds are likely to succeed.
Footing the bill for an expensive evening out will not be a problem for you. Meeting
important people on the professional front may be of advantage in the long run. It is
important to remain on good terms with seniors and colleagues on the academic front.
Lucky Number: 4 / Lucky Colour: Beige
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21)
You may need extra efforts to make a loss making venture profitable, but persistence
will pay. Domestic front seems peaceful and provides total rest and rejuvenation.
Financial gains may be expected, as old investments mature. Work front will not
be as hectic and give you time for a breather. An overseas leisure trip can become a
reality for some. Partner may seem extra sensitive this week. Love life threatens to
come under a cloud due to your lethargic approach. Lucky Number: 17 / Lucky
Colour: Forest Green
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Someone dictating you on the professional front may dilute your own efforts. A step
you are planning to take on the academic front should be discussed beforehand with
those close to you. Don’t invest money simply based on guesswork or gut feeling, as
you may stand to lose. Excess of any kind needs to be checked, as it may affect health
adversely. Someone not sticking to time may make you lose a lot of time in waiting.
Lucky Number: 9 / Lucky Colour: Dark Yellow
AQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19)
You are the best where occupational skills are concerned, but don’t sit on your laurels
as competitors are just round the corner. Family may not be able to give you time this
week, so be understanding. Enjoying the festival with friends and family may not
be as great as anticipated. At work, you may get into a tight corner over some issue.
Love life promises to be satisfying. A new diet plan will start to show positive results.
Lucky Number: 15 / Lucky Colour: Chocolate
PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
After a period of uneventful professional life, you will finally take the centre stage
on the professional front. A worry that has been nagging you for long is likely to
disappear. An impending major expenditure may require personal sacrifices regarding
your quality of life. The slow process of getting some paperwork done may prove
frustrating for loan seekers. Take care of health before you find yourself prone in bed!
A family youngster may shift permanently from home. Lucky Number: 22 / Lucky
Colour: Dark Slate Grey
 28 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, February 1, 2019 The Indian Weekender

I always wanted to Bharat Ratna for Bhupen

Hazarika, Padma Shri
be an actor: Bhumi for Kader Khan
R
ecognising the colossal
contribution of Northeast’s

D
um Laga Ke Haisha star Bhumi Pednekar says getting multi-faceted cultural
into Bollywood was no accident as she always wanted icon Bhupen Hazarika, he was
to be an actor. picked posthumously to be
“I have always wanted to be an actor,” Bhumi said, adding conferred the Bharat Ratna,
that she started working at a young age and was persistent in her while late Bollywood actor
Kader Khan has been named for
belief that “eventually it would happen”.
the Padma Shri honour by the
Before trying in films, Bhumi was assistant to Shanoo Sharma,
government, it was announced
the casting director of Yash Raj Films (YRF), which produced
last week. The awardees for the
Dum Laga Ke Haisha.
year were announced on the eve of
Bhumi opened up about her decision of making her debut India’s 70th Republic Day.
when she appeared on an episode of chat show ‘Koffee with “The songs and music of Shri Bhupen
Karan’, to be aired on Star World. The episode will go on air on Hazarika are admired by people across generations. From
Sunday, said a statement. them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood.
She said: “As this script came along, I didn’t know they were He popularised India’s musical traditions globally. Happy that
auditioning me. So, Shanoo being Shanoo, she’s said, oh my the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen da,” Prime
God! Let’s do this mock audition.” Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
She agreed for the mock audition. With a magnificent oeuvre as a poet, music composer, singer,
"Shanoo
“Shanoo gave me four scenes to do and I actor, journalist, author and filmmaker, Hazarika continues to be
gave me four
did all of them back to back together and regarded as a cultural philosopher.
scenes to do and I
the audition happened,” said the actress. The other posthumous award in this year’s list is for Kader
did all of them back
“I guess when Sharat Katariya, my Khan, who died on December 31 last year after prolonged illness
to back together
director from Dum Laga Ke Haisha, kind in Canada. He has been recognised for his immense contribution
and the audition
of liked my work, so they told me oh! You to the world of films as a writer and actor par excellence. He was
happened"
know what, it wasn’t a mock audition. We 81. Malayalam star Mohanlal will get the Padma Bhushan. He
were actually auditioning you.” has had a prolific career spanning four decades, during which
When filmmaker and host Karan Johar wanted to know he has worked across Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and
Kannada films.
more about this experience was, she said: “Shanoo is a
The government will also confer the Padma Shri, the fourth-
very dramatic person. So Shanoo and I had a fight and
highest civilian honour on film celebrities Prabhudheva and
she was like, you are fired!’. I was like, What?’, she
Manoj Bajpayee. Manoj has been recognised for his work as an
was like yeah, you’re fired’.
actor, while Prabhudheva has been feted for his skills in dance.
I said, Over such a silly thing?’ and then she
From the world of music, the versatile singer-composer
said, From today, I don’t want to see your face
Shankar Mahadevan, who is proficient in classical as well as
because you’re being considered for Dum Laga
mainstream Hindi film music, has been chosen for the Padma
Ke Haisha.”
Shri.

Anil Kapoor an explosion of Sonam is courageous, beautiful: Arjun Kapoor

positive energy: Ranju Varghese
A
rjun Kapoor has praised Proud to have a sister like you.
his sister Sonam K. Ahuja Stay the child at heart that you are

C
horeographer Ranju Varghese
says actor Anil Kapoor, with
whom he worked on the
forthcoming film Total Dhamaal, is
an explosion of positive energy and
happiness. Varghese choreographed
actors like Ajay Devgn, Anil,
Madhuri Dixit Nene, Riteish
Deshmukh, Javed Jaffrey and Arshad
Warsi for the song Paisa yeh paisa
from Total Dhamaal.
“He is an explosion of positive
energy and happiness. His energy
and vibe are infectious. His passion
in his performance in each take was
as if it was his first film. He saw to it
that he was well rehearsed before the
shoot,” Varghese said in a statement.
“My team used to be super excited
about him coming for the rehearsal
because we all knew that it was going
to be a fun session with his one liners
and his contagious smile,” he added.
He also found Ajay’s personality
“warm and welcoming”.
“He claims to be a non-dancer,
but he would surprise you how he
memorises moves without any prior
rehearsal and performs the same with
no mistake in every take,” said the
choreographer.
for choosing Ek Ladki Ko
Dekha Toh Aisa Laga and called
her courageous.
The actor also said he is proud of
the actress and his uncle Anil Kapoor
for choosing a script they believed in
beyond the perceptions of the world.
Arjun on Tuesday tweeted a
childhood photograph of himself
along with Sonam and said
that the "Neerja" actress is the first
girl in his life that he loved "hanging
out with".
"Me trying to get this Ladki's
attention since childhood and her
finally noticing then looking straight
at the camera and not me! Sonam
from the time I remember you will
always be the first ladki in my life
that I loved hanging out with."
He then added that he is proud
and all the best for February 1,"
he wrote.
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga
seems to be talking on a pertinent
issue - marriages of middle class,
queer and Indian women.
The trailer of the film has
received a positive response
"So
proud of from the audience. Sonam
you and Anil is essaying an LGBTQ
Kapoor for going character in the
out on a limb and forthcoming movie.
of her and Anil for choosing a script you Anil is collaborating
choosing a script like believed in beyond the with his daughter Sonam
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh perceptions of the
Kapoor in Ek Ladki Ko
Aisa Laga. world. "
Dekha To Aisa Laga for the
"So proud of you and Anil first time.
Kapoor for going out on a limb and Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra
choosing a script you believed in and directed by debutant Shelly
beyond the perceptions of the world. Chopra Dhar, the film is slated to
You are courageous and beautiful. release on February 1, 2019.

A bad phase isn’t an unsuccessful period: Manisha Koirala

A
bad phase is not an unsuccessful period
but it can teach you new lessons, actress
Manisha Koirala said.
On the sidelines of the Jaipur Literature
Festival, she said: “Life is not a bed of roses.
There will be highs and lows in everybody’s
life. However, one should know that this
is a difficult time and tomorrow shall be
good phase.”
According to Manisha, cancer has changed
her as a person and she has become kinder,
more gentle and has started enjoying every
perspective of nature.
She said a tie-up between pharmaceutical
companies and the government can provide
cheap medical treatment for patients in India.
“I absolutely agree that cancer treatment is
expensive in India, but this working can help
ease the burden of patients,” she added.
However, she also emphasised that people
must have a healthy lifestyle so that they may
not need to go to the doctor.
Manisha said: “We need awareness on cancer
in our part of the world, that is developing
countries, as the developed countries are quite
aware on the same.
They visit doctors on time and hence, cancer
is caught at the initial stage and they get cured
on time. My body was giving me signs and
symptoms, but I was unaware of the cause. Had
I been aware of it, I would have gone earlier
and got cured earlier.”
She also urged women to come forward
for the cause of women empowerment by
not playing the victim card, but by becoming
winners and peaceful warriors.
Manisha also spoke about her book “Healed:
How Cancer Gave Me a New Life”.
She said: “When I was sick, I was searching
for positive stories. I could not get many stories,
except the success story of Lisa Ray and Yuvraj
Singh, who came out fighting successfully
with cancer.
“So I decided that when I get okay, I will
share my stories with people. I also believe that
sharing helps lower the burden from your head
and heart. Hence, I wrote the book and I am
here at JLF 2019 as I had decided to be here
once I become an author.
Manisha said there will be more books that
she will write.
“I shall continue acting as I am in love with
films and acting,” added the actress, who was
seen in “Lust Stories” and Sanju.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, February 1, 2019 ENTERTAINMENT 29

MY CENSOR BOARD IS MY OWN

HEART AND MIND: POOJA BHATT
F
rom producing a movie franchise like Jism to a film like Cabaret, actress-filmmaker Pooja
Bhatt has been redefining the image of women in Indian cinema since the 1990s. She says
she will never project women in a vulgar manner while celebrating their sensuality and
beauty.
“Since I started as an actress in the film industry, I realised the power of visuals, and how that
can fuel the imagination of our mind. It is very powerful. Therefore, I always cater to my own
sensibility first and then to the world,” Pooja said.
“My censor board is my own heart and mind. Our audience can say that the women in my
films are bold or sensual, but never ever vulgar. I can never look at a female body, even if it is
naked, in a vulgar manner,” added the daughter of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
On the projection of women in her films, the Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin actress said: “My gaze
is very different from that of Ekta Kapoor’s and that is quite visible in those two films - Ragini
MMS 2 and Jism 2.
“I am taking her example because she is successful and I have respect for her. Both the films
are produced by women and Sunny (Leone) is the common actress in them. But the projection is
very different. Perhaps that is why we both can look outside from the same window but see things
differently. I don’t only cater a film to the male audience, but also the female audience. That’s why I
also presented Randeep Hooda in a manner that I did in ‘Jism 2’.”
Pooja believes that more than showing skin on-screen, presentation of a character makes a woman
more sensual.
“When I did movies back in the day, there was no nudity in those films, but even then how come
people still found Phir Teri Kahani Yaad Aayee very sensual? Because it was the character I
played and how I was presented by the filmmaker.”
Having made her acting debut in 1989 with Daddy, Pooja gained popularity not only
for her on-screen performance but also for her bold screen image as an actress. She also
appeared on a magazine cover for which she painted her body.
Recounting that experience, she said: “There was no marketing plan behind painting my
body for a magazine cover. I did not find it vulgar... But recently, one media house did My
an article on 10 controversial magazine covers of 1990s, and mine was one of them.” censor
“I was like, after so many years, if that is controversial, then I guess I am relevant,” board is my own
heart and mind. Our
she said with a laugh. As a producer, Pooja has backed films like Sur: The Melody
audience can say that
of Life, Jism, Paap and Rog. the women in my films
According to her, the idea behind casting an actress who is most different from are bold or sensual,
the “so-called conventional” also comes from her conviction. but never ever
On the acting front, Pooja is busy preparing for the upcoming film Sadak 2, Jism 3 vulgar.
and also Jism the web series.
On what made her want to convert the film franchise into a web show, Pooja said: “Jism was
the first adult love story of our time. Murder could not have been made if ‘Jism’
wasn’t made. It opened a Pandora’s box.

Jackie Shroff
wants to do
Don't believe in labels: Sonam
N
ational award media at the promotional press conference something like that. I am humble enough
w i n n i n g of Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga to understand that I am certain kind of
everything actress Sonam along with his co-actors Anil Kapoor, person and actor.

V
eteran Kapoor, who is gearing Rajkummar Rao, Juhi Chawla, director "I can't do what other people do so, I
actor up for the release of her Shelly Chopra Dhar and producer Vidhu can only do what I can do. I don't think
Jackie forthcoming film Ek Ladki Vinod Chopra in Mumbai. I am talented enough to do what other
Shroff says he Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga, has Sonam Kapoor is essaying an LGBTQ people do, So, I am very happy in my
wants to work said she doesn't believe in character in the forthcoming movie. space.
on both -- the labels, which are associated Same-sex relationships continue to "I am just trying my very best to do
digital space with the actors in the be a taboo in India, despite the Supreme what I can do."
and in films for film industry. Court scrapping Section 377 that Anil Kapoor is collaborating with his
the big screen. Sonam Kapoor was criminalised "unnatural intercourse". actress daughter Sonam Kapoor in Ek
The 61-year- interacting with the And when it comes to lesbians, there is Ladki Ko Dekha To Aisa Laga for the
old actor has a further lack of acknowledgement or first time.
been in the "I
am not a understanding. When asked about his first reaction
industry for almost four decades. He However, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha when he heard script of the film, which
has appeared in more than 200 films political person. I
am very liberal person. To Aisa Laga seems to be revolved around a bold subject, Kapoor
in 11 languages.
I believe in aLive and talking on a pertinent issue said, "When I hear a script, I don't go into
He also did a short film "Khujli" Let Live' policy and - marriages of middle class, the knowledge of everything.
for the digital space and voiced the that's my way of queer and Indian women. "If I love the story and the character
character of Shere Khan in the Hindi thinking and that's
The trailer of the film has and if I am in that character then, the
version of Andy Serkis' "Mowgli: the way I am."
Legend Of The Jungle" on Netflix. received a positive response from rest follows."
Does he enjoy the digital space the audience. "I am not a political person. I am very
more or working for the big screen? When asked whether she had second liberal person.
Jackie said: "I am an actor who thoughts while playing a bold character "I believe in aLive and Let Live' policy
has been in the industry for last over in the film or not, Sonam said, "I don't and that's my way of thinking and that's
30 years... I used to do three films a know about bold character but there is the way I am.
day... I am open to do a lot of things. one thing that I don't believe in and "I believe in a democratic society
For me it is like acceptance...I want that's 'labels'. otherwise, when I listen to a story that
to do everything. When I decide to do a film or a time, I am an actor.
"Digital platform has such wide character, I get encouraged by the If I love the story and I love my role
reach. It takes time for films to fact that nobody else would say yes then, I just do it. After that, whatever
release. Here you can watch it when to it except for me." happens, it's entirely up to the audience,"
you want to watch it." When asked Sonam whether she he added.
On the Bollywood front, Jackie has thinks that she is pushing the envelope Produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra
several films in his kitty -- "Romeo for Indian actresses by playing these and directed by debutant Shelly Chopra
Akbar Walter", "Prasthanam", kind of characters, she said, "I don't Dhar, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga'
"Saho", "Firrkie" and "Bharat". think I am immodest enough to say is slated to release on February 1, 2019.
30 FEATURES Friday, February 1, 2019 The Indian Weekender

Holi 2K19 returns to Smales Farm on Auckland’s North

Shore Saturday February 16th 2019! This

The most visited Indian news

Date: Sunday, February 10
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10 weeks. No interest. No fees.

VENUE HIRE | ONSITE PARKING | TEMPLE WITHIN THE COMPLEX Auckland International
LARGE COMMERCIAL KITCHEN FACILITIES Buskers Festival 2019
Date: Friday, January 25- Sunday, February 28
Time: 12 p.m. onwards

INHOUSE CATERING SERVICES Venue: Auckland CBD, Waterfront

Hosted by Auckland International Buskers
Festival & SkCity Live
World Class Talent will be hitting the streets
of Auckland, New Zealand for the Nineteenth
time over Auckland Anniversary Weekend
2019. Acrobats, magicians, comedies, unicycle
champions and more will rendezvous around
Auckland’s CBD and waterfront to create the
electrifying atmosphere that is the Auckland
International Buskers Festival!.

Auckland Lantern Festival

Date: Thursday, February 14- Sunday,

February 17
Time: 7 p.m. onwards
Venue: Auckland Domain, Hosted by What’s
On in Auckland
The Lantern Festival is back, celebrating 20
years! Come and enjoy New Zealand’s largest
Chinese festival, celebrating the year of the pig,
An all-purpose indoor facility close to the heart of the city makes Mahatma Gandhi from Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 February, in the
Auckland Domain. Be entertained and dazzled
Centre a versatile and attractive Venue for Indian Weddings, business functions, by hundreds of handmade Chinese lanterns,
music and dance performances, martial arts
social gatherings and religious functions. Our knowledgeable priest provides demonstrations, traditional Chinese art and craft
– there’s a range of activities for all ages. Plus,
religious services and ceremonies including weddings. A large commercial Kitchen it’s free to attend!
If you’re all about the lanterns and less about
facilities and a wide range of catering options available for all occasions. the crowds, be sure to head to the Domain
on 14 February for the lantern appreciation
night (there will be no stalls, live entertainment
or food on this night). Keep an eye out for the
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES Tel: (09) 357 0665 or (09) 377 2424 full festival programme, available in 2019. For
more information on the Auckland Lantern
CONTACT US ON Email: office@aiai.org.nz Website: www.aiai.org.nz Festival, visit www.aucklandnz.com/lantern, and
follow What’s on in Auckland Facebook page!
STUDY
@ SIT2LRN
DISTANCE LEARNING

ENROL NOW FOR 2019

You can study full time or part time at
home or anywhere around the world. And
yes, SIT2LRN Distance Learning courses
are eligible for the Zero Fees scheme too!
With over 79 courses In 15 subject areas,
from Certificate to Masters, SIT2LRN has
an option for you.

SUBJECT AREAS
ª AGRICULTURE AND ª HEALTH SCIENCES
HORTICULTURE
ª HUMAN RESOURCES
ª ANIMAL CARE AND COACHING
ª ART, DESIGN AND ª MARKETING AND
PHOTOGRAPHY MANAGEMENT
ª BUSINESS ª PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
ª COMMUNICATION
ª SPORT, EXERCISE
ª EDUCATION
AND RECREATION
ª ENVIRONMENTAL
ª TRAVEL, TOURISM
MANAGEMENT
AND HOTEL
ª FILM MANAGEMENT
ª HEALTH AND SAFETY

Call today or email info@sit.ac.nz

0800 4 0 FEES
www.sit.ac.nz
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