By Rajani Chaudhary- Australian Indian Radio

BROWN Plains store ‘Salt N Spice’ owner Neelu Sharma came face to face with every shop owner’s worst nightmare, on 30 July at approximately 7pm while she was closing for the evening two robbers yielding a knife entered her shop and demanded money.

Neelu spoke with Australian Indian Radio on how the tragic events of this night has affected her as not only a business owner but as a woman.

 On the night of the robbery, Neelu while closing for the night was talking to her husband over the phone when two adults with covered faces entered her shop armed with a knife and demanded she hand over the cash. Standing behind the counter with nowhere to escape one of the assailants held a knife close to her and continued to demand money. Neelu tried to escape and suffered a deep cut to the hand, with bleeding hand she was forced to open the till and give their daily takings. They also demanded her mobile so that she could not get any outside help.

This brave business woman not knowing that the police were on the way drove herself to get medical assistance. Her husband Sumant could hear her screams through the phone and knew something was wrong, he called the police and headed to the shop. The police later questioned Neelu about the incident and are continuing with the investigation.

Sumant and Neelu have worked hard to build their shop up, this cowardly act has left Neelu feeling scared to go into the shop alone. The incident has left her very shaken, she thinks twice before she opens the door even for a family member.

She believes that the robbers thought that she was an easy target being a woman and that she would not fight much. This is something that her and her husband never thought would happen to them or their business. They believed that an Indian grocery store would not be a target for robbery as they don’t hold much cash on the premises. This robbery proves this thinking incorrect.

Neelu and Sumant want to spread this message to the community especially the Indian community not to think that it can’t happen to you. Sumant as a husband and protector wants to warn others about safety, what happened to his wife cannot be changed but we can learn a lesson from it and secure our working environment for women.

Family, friends and customers have been showing support by way of cards and flowers and also listening and encouraging her. Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio wish her a speedy recovery and continued success.

Carols in the Park from 3pm to 7pm at 284 St Vincents Road, Banyo

• Jumping Castle
• Food
• Music
• Santa @ 6pm

Mind blowing Films are delighted to bring to you an entertainment packed holiday season with our impressive line up of movies. We commence the season with the free-spirited, contemporary love story Befikre produced and directed by Aditya Chopra! Followed by the most awaited release of 2016, Dangal, a biographical sports drama film starring Aamir Khan.

To keep the New Year’s festive fever alive, Sarvann will hit the screens on 13^th January. 26^th January is going to be an action packed day with Kaabil and Raaes releasing on the same day. Kaabil is a romantic action thriller, featuring Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautam in the lead roles. Raees, the film that has been in the news, stars Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Befikre

Release Date: 9 December 2016

• Starring: Ranveer Singh, VaaniKapoor
• Language: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
• Producer: Aditya Chopra
• Production House: Yash Raj Films
• Director: Aditya Chopra

Synopsis: Befikre is a story that celebrates being carefree in love. A quintessential Delhi boy Dharam (Ranveer Singh) comes to Paris for work and in search of adventure. Just when he is about to embark on this journey of his life he bumps into a wild, free spirited, French born Indian girl Shyra (VaaniKapoor).

A feisty romance ensues between the two in which both of their personalities- one being an equal match for the other are tested to the limit. Battling their ups and downs, both realize that love is a leap of faith that can only be taken by those who dare to love.

Dangal

Release Date: 23rd December 2016

• Starring: Aamir Khan, SakshiTanwar, Fatima Sana Shaikh
• Language: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
• Producer: Aamir Khan, KiranRao&Siddharth Roy Kapur
• Director: Nitish Tiwari

Synopsis: Dangal, which means ‘wrestling’, revolves around the extraordinary life of Mahavir Singh, an ex-wrestler who could never accomplish his dream of winning India an international Gold medal in wrestling. He has to give up on his dream due to financial pressures.

Mahavir Singh pacifies himself and resolves if not him, his would be son would one day realize his dream. However, destiny has other plans. Over almost two decades he and his wife are blessed with four children, all girls. Mahavir Singh loses hope.

But, when one day his eldest daughter Geeta, now 14 years old and the second one Babita, now 12 years old, bash up some grown up boys from the neighborhood for teasing them, he realizes that his daughters have what it takes to be world-class wrestlers. Hope is back in his life. After all, a gold medal is a gold medal whether a boy wins it or a girl.

He trains them with boys, like boys, to beat boys in various local village-wrestling tournaments. He removes every temptation that comes between his daughters and wrestling. He makes sure they don’t just fight, but fight to win.

Against all odds he bravely embraces all criticism from the society, lack of money, apathy from officials and much more, but never gives up… all to see India win Gold.

Sarvann

Release Date: 13^th January 2017

• Starring: Amrinder Gill, Ranjit Bawa, Simi Chahal
• Language: Punjabi (With English Subtitles)
• Producer: Priyanka Chopra, Dr. Madhu Chopra, Deepshika Deshmukh
• Production House: Purple Pebble Pictures
• Director: Karaan Guliani

Synopsis: Actor Priyanka Chopra’s maiden Punjabi film as a producer, titled Sarvann, will hit the screens in January.The film features Amrinder Gill and will be produced by Priyanka’s mother Madhu Chopra under their home banner.

Kaabil

Release Date: 26^th January 2017

• Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Yami Gautam
• Language: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
• Producer: Rakesh Roshan
• Production House: FilmKraft Production
• Director: Sanjay Gupta

Synopsis: Kaabil isa romantic action thriller film featuring Hrithik Roshan and Yami Gautum in lead roles both of which are blind but somehow manage to fall in love.

Rohan, 31, is a dubbing artist. His days are spent in the studio, nights at home. In today’s complex world, Rohan is a simple man with one dream – to lead a normal life and in time, to find someone with whom he can build a happy home. His journey leads him to meet the independent girl Supriya. Together, they begin to build the world of their dreams.

The grave tragedy leaves Rohan isolated and completely in the dark. In his quest for answers, Rohan stumbles upon the devastating truth of what really happened that compelled Supriya to leave him all alone.

Driven by his loss, rage and his undying love for Supriya, Rohan is propelled into a no holds barred battle of strength and wit against the powerful people responsible for destroying his perfect life.

Raees

Release Date: 26th January 2017

• Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, NawazuddinSiddiqui
• Language: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
• Producer: Ritesh Sidhwani, FarhanAkhtar and Gauri Khan
• Production House: Red Chillies Entertainment
• Director: Rahul Dholakia

Synopsis: Criticizing the prohibition of alcohol, prostitution and illegal drugs in Gujarat, this film unfolds the story of a cruel and clever bootlegger (Shah Rukh Khan), whose business is highly challenged by a tough cop (NawazuddinSiddiqui).

THE Government of Gujarat State of India is organised three one- day Vibrant Gujarat Promotional Road Shows at Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane as part of its delegation visit to Australia. The road show is aimed to promote Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 and will assist, strengthen sustainable economic and social development between Australia and India.

With the theme of “Gujarat Connecting India to World”, the road show will feature various activities, strengthening the cause of development and will promote cooperation between Australia and the State of Gujarat.

The road shows took place on August 1, at the Indian Consulate, Melbourne; August 3, at the Indian Consulate, Sydney and on August 5 in Brisbane.

Brisbane Indian Times and Australian Indian Radio met Delegation leader, Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Managing Director, Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation, Government of Gujarat at Marriott Brisbane for an exclusive interview. Mr Nitin Shukla gave an radio interview with Akashika Mohla

A delegation of the Government of Gujarat officials and businessmen visited Australia (Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane) from July 31 – August 5, 2016 to promote Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2017 met the representatives of the Government of Australia, various industries and businessmen.

Delegation leader, Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Managing Director, Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation, Government of Gujarat, said “We are looking forward for this opportunity to establish collaborations between various sector experts and businesses to strengthen relationship between the state of Gujarat and Australia. My last visit in September 2014 as part of the 16 member delegation proved to be successful and led to the participation of over 250 delegates from Australia in Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2015 and also leading to Sister State Partnership between Gujarat and New South Wales.”

This year, the focus sectors of the delegation’s visit will be Clean Energy and Clean Technologies, Mining and Mining technologies, Education, Sports and Sports Technologies, Research, Design and Financial Services.

Australia’s trade in goods and services with India was A$ 13.565 equivalent (US$9.72) billion in 2014-15 with Indian exports of goods amounting to A$3.805 (US$2.726)billion.

Gujarat’s manufacturing sector contributes over 25% to the state GSDP, much higher than the national average. Gujarat achieved the top spot amongst all states for Ease of Doing Business in an assessment conducted by The World Bank along with Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Govt. of India. The delegation will meet representatives from manufacturing and mining sector to establish and strengthening business relationships.

Organized from 10-13 January 2017 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, Vibrant Gujarat Summit will enter its 8^th edition and will be inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi. The Summit will bring together Heads of States and Governments, Ministers, leaders from the corporate world, senior policy makers, heads of international institutions and academia from around the world to further the cause of development and promote cooperation.

About Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit:

The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, which started in 2003 to rekindle the pace of investments in the state, has since established itself as the most important business events in the country. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is an example of the visionary approach of the Government of Gujarat towards inclusive and sustainable development by ensuring policy coherence and effective investment promotion. Far from the regional investment fair that characterized the first Summit in 2003, the biennial Summit has today become a unique forum for ideation, knowledge sharing, networking, explore business opportunities, sign cooperation agreements and partnerships, while setting the policy agenda to meet some of the current national challenges.

Having successfully organized seven constructive summits, Government of Gujarat, as part of its journey towards sustainable long-term growth and inclusive development is organizing the 8^th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit from the 10^th to 13^th of January 2017 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The Summit will bring together Heads of States and Governments, Ministers, executives from the corporate world, senior policy makers, heads of international institutions and academia from around the world to further the cause of development and promote cooperation.

Join us in celebrating this exciting Tamil cultural event – 3pm to 9pm at Robelle Domain Park, Springfield Central

Pongal Festival 2016

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• Admission FREE
• Tamil Arts
• Martial Arts
• Face Painting
• Kabaddi
• Magic Show
• Multicultural Cuisine

For more information contact thaaitamilschool@gmail.com / 0423730122

Courtesy: Shankar Jayapandian

This month of December – January, Danur masam of the Hindu calendar or Margazhi in Tamil Calendar (Margasirsh in Sanskrit) is considered very holy. As Kanchi Maha Periavar explains the significance of Margazhi. He states, Margazhi is the short period just before dawn for Devas, for whom a human year comes up to one day. In other words, whole year of humans (12 months) is deemed to be just one day (24hrs) for Devargal. (Of course the numerical calculation are used just from the eyes of humans for our better understanding). So when we divide this human’s time frame of 12 month by Devargal’s time frame of 24 hrs, we get that every 2 hrs of Devargal is one month for us. Simply put, for each month we go through Devargal sees that as 2hrs past. And this month Margazhi is the pre-dawn period for Devargal, the very early morning time. The time of awakening, the transit from the stillness and calm of the wintery night to a day of meaningful activities.

The period just before dawn is this month of Margazhi and is therefore very sacred and it is common for all to visit the temples and sing Tiruppavai, Tiruvenbavai and Thirupalliyezhuchi in an intention to rouse the latent spiritual powers in every one of us. A time to realise we are not just human being having a spiritual experience, but we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

It is in this month, when the holiest Vaishnavite (People who worship Lord Vishnu) temple in Srirangam and the most sacred Saivite (People who worship Lord Shiva) one at Chidambaram, have their most important annual festivals, Vaikunda Ekadasi and Aarudra Darshan, respectively, both celebrated before sun rise.

Arudhra Darisanam or Aarudra Darshan is observed in this Tamil month of Margazhi. It is the celebration of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, which is represented in the form of the Nataraja. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva represents five activities, Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the complete cycle of creation to destruction. It takes place on the full moon night (along with Aarudra Birth Star). In the month of Margazhi this is also the longest night in a year. This year, Aarudra Darshan is on Wednesday, 11 January 2017.

Vaikunda Ekadasi happens about the same period in this month, which is one of the most important Ekadasis. On this day in Vishnu Temples the opening of the Vaikunda Dwaram or Swarga Vasal is an important event. This year, the date of Vaikunda Ekadasi is Sunday, 8^thJanuary 2017. In Australia and New Zealand it is marked on January 9, 2017.

In Bagavadgita, Krishna himself says, “Masanam Margaseersho Asmi”. Which means, “Of all the 12 months I am Margazhi”.

Music is given immense importance during this month. Not coincidentally many cities in India has this ‘season’ for music and dance recitals. Notably during the month, Thyagaraya Aaraadhana is celebrated in Tiruvaiyaru, in Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

Tiruppavai, Tiruvenbavai and Thirupalliyezhuchi are are considered a masterpiece by all devotees. These are sung in Temples early morning every day in the month of Margazhi. Aandal’s Tiruppavai and Manikkavasagar’s Tiruvenbavai and Thirupalliyezhuchi chants are very common in all temples is south India during this month.

Tiruvenbavai is a part of Thiruvasagam recited by Manikavasakar in praise of Lord Shiva. In the tradition of people who worship Lord Shiva, the Saivite conventional custom, there is 12 Thirumurai which is 12 volume compendium of songs and hymns in praise of the God. This Thiruvasagam is the 8^th Volume or 8^th Thirumurai, Tiruvenbavai is one among 51 verse in the entire composition of Thiruvasagam and has 20 individual songs. Lord Shiva is praised in Tamil language by many names, one of them is Athiraiyan, Thiru + Athirai is how we got the day Thiruvathirai. During the month of Margazhi 10 days before Thiruvadhurai day or otherwise called Arudhra Darisanam in every temple only Tiruvenbavai will be sung. The entire 12 Thirumurai will be divinely locked and kept aside as a sacred measure to maintain the sanctity. This shows the importance and reorganisation Tiruvenbavai is given. Many who are reading this article will know a lot more and better than me. Scholars will be able to give an in depth meaning and interpretation to this beautiful verse.

Tiruvenbavai is an early morning journey of young girls waking up other girls from deep sleep and going to the temple. The underlying implication is that every living soul is considered as a feminine energy form that looks to the masculine creator on this journey. As we read this Tiruvenbavai one form of our energy awakes initially and wakes up other energy with us to the ultimate awakened state which is Mukthi or Moksha. The 20 songs in Tiruvenbavai is the stunning portray of continues journey of awakening and that’s the word each verse ends with, awake.

This Tiruvenbavai was recited in the temple town of Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

I acknowledge the author of this picture taken from http://arunachalagrace.blogspot.com.au/2007_12_01_archive.html

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association wishes you all a Happy and peaceful 2017.

While we all enjoy the holiday season with our family and friends, the New Year comes with fresh hopes and determination. The GCHCA is strongly focused as ever to continue the goal of establishing the Hindu Cultural and Education Precinct. We hope to overcome the delay experienced in the last quarter of 2016 due to structural re-design required to get the building certifier approval which is a vital step in going further with construction.

While we say good bye to 2016, reflecting upon the year will help us focus and prioritize our goals for the New Year. 2016 was memorable for our progress in many fronts. The Association experienced significant support from Local, State and Federal Governments in 2016 and we continue to work along with them. Our youth supporters showed leadership and maturity and were involved in number of activities directly through the Association and outside Association. Our supporter base and membership roll increased. The new committee elected in August 2016 had many new faces injecting fresh blood.

In 2017, our main challenge is to raise at least $ 2.4 million required to complete stage 1 & 2   of the construction. We want to reach the wider community and involve them as members and supporters. We appeal to all of you to be part of this project and join the Association as a life member or financial contributor. We request all of you to spread the objectives and activities about this Association to your relatives, friends and other contacts and encourage them to join as a member or support by other means.

GCHCA is planning to have a Public Information meeting on Friday the 20th of January 2017 after the Bajan around 8.00 pm. Your valuable suggestions and input at this important meeting would be appreciated. We invite all of you to participate in the Bajan and the meeting. The venue is, Helensvale Community Hall, No 31, Discovery Drive, Helensvale.

For more information about this project, please visit the GCHCA website. You are also more than welcome to contact the association’s President, Secretary or Treasurer if you have any further queries. All tax-deductible donations ($2 or more) can be deposited into the following:

Commonwealth Bank Account: The GCHCA Building Donation Account

BSB: 064-474 Account Number: 104 88 900

Web site: www.GoldCoastHindu.org.

Email: gchcan@gmail.com

The GCHCA wishes all you a Happy Pongal and looking forward to hear your views and suggestions at the public meeting.

The India-Australia Society  Inc. (IAS) is one of the oldest community organisations in Brisbane.  It was established in 1977 by number of like-minded people to serve the common needs wider Indian and Australian Communities. The IAS Inc. had its 39^th Annual General Meeting on 10^th December 2016 at Toowong Community Hall, Toowong.  The AGM was attended by number of its members and also attended by other community leaders such as Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, FICQ Patron and Mr. Palani Thevar, President of FICQ. 

After conclusion of first part of AGM with reports from Past President and Treasurer, Mr Tausif Khan thanked his committee and announced dispossession of the current executive committee and stepped down as president.  The members of AGM have  nominated Mr. Palani Thevar to be Returning officer to elect new office bearers of The India-Australia Society Inc.  All the positions of the society were elected anonymously without need for election for any particular position.  Ms. Ragamayi Yarlagadda got elected as President for 2017.  Her executive committee includes, Mr. Raju Tippana as Secretary, Mrs.  Vimala Menon as Treasurer, Mr. Ramanathan Karuppiah and Mr. Hafeez Ali Khan as Vice President 1 and Vice President 2, Mr. Krishan Nangia as Joint Secretary, Mr. Ali Taji as Joint Treasurer.  In addition these 7 executive team, there are 4  additional committee members also elected namely; Mr. Tausif Khan, Ms. Irene Singh, Ms. Ghazal Basit and Ms. Renate Khan. 

President  Ragamayi Yarlagadda thanked everyone for their support and welcomed the new executive committee. She thanked Mr Tausif Khan for his hard work for during 2016 and on behalf of The India-Australia Society Inc., she  presented him with a gift. She thanked all members of The IAS Inc. for electing her President and also expressed her sincere gratitude to Mr. Palani Thevar for taking time to attend the AGM and also to conduct the elections.  Ragamayi  also stressed that the new committee should try to get more youth involved in the organization and bridge the gap between young and elderly communities.  She indicated that her team will focus on both retaining current members and also recruiting new members.  She expressed her desire to work with other community organisations and also with parent organisation such as Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland for the common benefit of the both Indian and Australian Communities.  She indicated  that the new committee will meet in  early new year and discuss the agenda and activities for 2017.  The meeting was finished at 5.30 PM with light refreshments.

By Jitendra Deo – President APSQ

Namaste to all readers of Brisbane Indian Times. Happy New Year to all, and may you all have a blessed 2017.

I hope most of you have made some resolution for 2017, and please consider getting closer to reality of life, in terms of spirituality. Vedic verses state that people should know God, realisation of God should be the goal in life. Lack of knowledge and in some cases ignorance, mankind regard bodily pleasures, acquisition of wealth, worldly love, being the goal, but there is much more to be achieved from this life as Humans for our progression to next life, and strive for Moksha.

Arya Pacific Mahasammelan was held from 16 to 18 December 2016 at Vedic Centre in Auckland. APSQ was represented very well at the Mahasammelan and members presented papers, bhajans, and speeches. This inaugural Mahasammelan drew a wide section of Arya Samaj communities from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. People travelled all parts of these countries to be part of this wonderful congregation.

The three-day program was full of teachings from Vedas, Bhajans, presentations, drama, question answer sessions and of course sumptuous morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The program concluded with presentation of certificates, gifts from the hosts Arya Pacific Federation New Zealand Chapter by the chief guest Dr Ajit Singh, Auckland District Court Judge.

I wholeheartedly thank the host Arya Pacific Federation New Zealand chapter for their wonderful organisation and warm hospitality.

Each and every year, one receives a gift of something new and a repeat of something old. It is my belief that the Year 2017 will be up and down as usual. The thinking of the world changes every second. It is the creation of GOD who changes every moment into something new and this is what we refer to as “change is the law of nature”.

Someone may think – What is Life?

Life is a very pretty, precious and wonderful gift of lord, you cannot just sit down and let it laps around you. You must plunge into it and you must dive through it.

Life kisses us on both the cheeks, day and morn but laughs at our deeds, eve and dawn.

The universal law is important. It will give you anything you seriously believe in. It will provide you with thorns or roses depending on the energy you put in. Finally, you are the one in charge and you must accept that and stand alone.

If you think that God will come down and fix things for you, then let me tell you, you will keep waiting! God is out playing Golf.

First understand yourself and then try to understand others.

God Bless You All.

Yeh Varsh Mangalmay Ho.

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinam.

Forwarded by: Dhirubhai Desai – Event Coordinator.

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir: 86 Scott Lane, North Maclean

www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au / Ph: 55486814 or Mob: 0481 238 360

Duncan Pegg MP – Member for Stretton

APPLICATIONS for the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program are now open and I encourage all local community organisations to apply. These grants, of up to $25,000, are available to local community groups and other organisations for projects that contribute to Queensland’s great multicultural success story. There is a total of $300 000 in project funding up for grabs.

Since being elected as the Member for Stretton, I have had the pleasure of meeting many local multicultural leaders from many different groups. I know the great work that these organisations do in our local area. That is why I am keen to see local groups get funding for their cultural and social projects that celebrate and promote Queensland multiculturalism.

Applications close on 3^rd February 2017, with the grants to be delivered from July 2017.

For more information or to apply for a grant please contact my office or visit:  www.communities.qld.gov.au/multicultural 

By Mala Dhanasekar

ALL across the world, special occasions are celebrated. These events and festivities stem from religious and ancient traditions and they are always associated with joy, making these occasions significant, educational and something that gets passed down through generations.

One tradition has been around since the ancient times and is globally celebrated and it is the harvest festival called Pongal. This term derives from the tradition of worshiping “The Sun”. This can been seen ranging from Aztec mythology to African traditions as well as throughout many different religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and of course, Hinduism. While the concept of these festivals are generally the same but the traditions on how they celebrate these festivities tend to vary.

The Thai Pongal festival is celebrated on the 14th January. It is one of the most important festivals for Tamil people, as it also symbolizes the Tamil New Year. The main aim of the festival is to convey an appreciation and show respect towards “The Sun” for various reasons, such as providing a life source for the agriculture.

Pongal festival runs for four days; Bhogi Pongal being the first day where people worship by using the first paddy harvested rice to create a traditional dish called Pongal, as named after the festival. The second day is called Perum Pongal (Thai Pongal) when people wear new clothes and it’s customary to use some oil on your body before taking a bath. The third day is called Mattu Pongal where animals involved in agriculture such as cattle are worshiped by being bathed and dressed in vibrant colours and festive attire. The fourth and final day is called Kanum Pongal where people pay a visit to their family and friends, while a prayer is performed by women and some rice is left outside for the birds to feast on.

As Pongal is fast approaching and Christmas having just passed, it’s important to remember that though we all celebrate different traditions, we all celebrate for the same reasons that, the epitome of festivals is always to show respect for one another, bring together family, friends and faith as well as to appreciate the importance of where you come from and what that land and those traditions have to offer.

The Thaai Tamil School will be proudly hosting the annual Pongal festival for 2017. The event details are as follows:

Date: 21 January 2017

Venue: Robelle Domain Park, Springfield Central

Time: 3pm – 9pm

Cost: Free entry

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The day will consist of both children and adult activities as well as food stalls being available between 3pm and 6pm. Some of the activities which will be held include a Kolam competition, a demonstration of Silambam, Martial Arts as well as dances, magic shows, face painting and fireworks.

A big thank you to the Competitive Queensland Multicultural grant, Media supporters, local community organisations and community volunteers for helping to make this event possible.

Mr Peter Russo Member of Parliament, Sunnybank is the ambassador for this Pongal Festival and we have an anticipated 3000+ attendance of both Tamil and non-Tamil community members from all around Brisbane.

We would like to invite political leaders and community leaders to attend the event to show their support. Anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor or anyone who is interested in hosting a stall, please contact Mr Mugunth Subramaniam on 0423730122.

Updated information regarding the event is available on the Facebook page “Pongal festival Queensland 2017. Event page: https://facebook.com/events/1163953357022877. Please check this out for further details.

By Sarat Maharaj

Since 2002, International Congress for Fiji Inc ( ICFI ) has been providing for school fees to needy students in years 11, 12, & 13, vocational level, and diploma level of their education. Up till end of 2014, ICFI had funded 12,500 high school students in the amount of $865,000. As part of the election policy, the Fiji government decided to pay for tuition fees to all high school students.

Since then, ICFI has been concentrating on assisting vocational training and diploma level students who were not part of the Ethnic Scholarship Program nor did they qualify for a Loan Scheme offered by the government. Students who cannot even afford a lunch, how could they possibly qualify for a loan? But, these students are hungry for knowledge, and ICFI is a willing provider of tuition fees for them.

There have been many success stories of such students who have made worthwhile the investment made by members and supporters of International Congress for Fiji Inc. Here, I would like to share with you readers a couple of cases where it is very apparent that had it not been for funding organisations the likes of ICFI, these students would fall through the cracks, with absolutely no hope and no future.

For privacy reasons, I will suppress the identity of the students and others for obvious reasons. In the first case, this female student’s brother had been studying on a scholarship. The mother got sick and was admitted in hospital for a long time. The father had a stroke. So, there was no income for the family. They became homeless, as they could not pay rent. The brother deferred his scholarship and returned home in Labasa to find work. His meagre income just barely met household expenses.

Here is an extract of e-mail this girl wrote to ICFI recently: “Dear Sir, I am (name suppressed) student of Fiji National university would like thank you and your organization for helping me in paying my fees for trimester 2. Sir I am the person whom you interviewed on Saturday at around 3pm. Sir I would like to thank you for paying my fees for last trimester 2. I am very grateful to you and I was able to do my exam and pass with good grades. Sir I would like to thank you for every help that you provided to me. Sir below is my result and invoice for this trimester 3 and would be grateful for hear your reply soon. Yours faithfully”

Yes, the exam results were good, therefore ICFI approved payment of fees for trimester 3. Once this girl graduates with Accounting & Economics, she most certainly will get a reasonably good-paying job. Then, she will not only manage the household expenses, but also allow her brother to complete his studies.

In the second case, a widowed mother worked as a house maid to educate her son. But, the income was hardly enough to provide for food and shelter for the family, leave alone providing for education for her son. ICFI Board decided to help this bright but financially very poor young man. He had achieved good marks in high school which landed him an apprenticeship in aircraft engineering. Fees for his tertiary courses were much higher than that of a vocational training student. Because this student had progressively excelled with good grades, ICFI again decided to support him to the very end of his aircraft engineering career. The good news is that earlier this year, he completed his studies and secured a permanent position with Fiji Airways. Here is his e-mail to ICFI Secretary:

Bula sir, Hope you are well. I am good and there has not been any major damage during the cyclone. I have recently passed my third AMC Compass exam. Still waiting for vacancies to come out…will inform you of any updates…Find attached copy of my result. Have a nice day. Vinaka. (Vinaka means Thank you).

Followed by this e-mail: I am happy to tell you that I got the job as AME at Fiji Airways. The results just came out on Wednesday, 3 months after the interview. This couldn’t have been possible without your support. Vinaka.  

Now, these are only two of the many success stories! In Fiji, there are still thousands of cases, such as these, where students are struggling to finish a crucial stage of their education. They need our little help to get them across the line, and to start earning a living. Should you wish to participate in this noble course, you can contact myself on regmaharaj@gmail.com or any member of International Congress for Fiji Incorporated.

KHETRI, Rajasthan; The Eight annual Meena Ram Saini memorial function was held in Khetri Rajasthan from 30 Dec till 1^st Jan. The Cricket match began on 30^th December at the historic polo grounds of Khetri, Umesh Chandra inaugurated the tournament by cutting the ribbon and opening bat. The final match was played on 31^st December, Umesh Chandra presented the trophies to the winning team and the man of the match at the presentation ceremony. Usha Chandra presented special gifts to the players of the two teams who made it to the finals. This annual tournament is much looked forward to by everyone in Khetri.

The eighth annual Kavi Samellan (Poet Fest) in memory of Late Mr Meena Ram Saini, Umesh Chandra grandfather was held on first January 2017. Being a Sunday and public holiday people turned out in very large numbers to this annual function. According to the organising committee this was the largest turnout ever. The function was inaugurated by Respected Swami Ji of Ram Krishna Mission of Khetri. Umesh Chandra was given a Safa (Rajasthani Turban) as a sign of high respect. Usha Chandra was given a shawl of honour.

Poet Harish Hindustani presided over the proceedings, he has been doing this from the very first Kavi Samellan. The poets covered different topics including Comedy, Patriotism, Current affairs, and Romance. The poets and the topics were so interesting that not a single person left the venue till the end. Every year everyone eagerly awaits Umesh Chandra’s final speech, which he delivers in Hindi, this year inspired by the poets Umesh too made a small poem which was applauded by everyone. The poetry related to his heath condition despite which he there for the event.

The annual event is always funded by Umesh and Usha Chandra, their uncle Ram Jattan of London has partly contributed previously. The Organising committee consists of Dinesh Ram Saini, Gopal Ram Saini, Gopal Sharma (Patrakar), Keshav Saini and other volunteers. The event is well covered by local media and is attended by many government officials, politicians, police and local community leaders.

By Sarat Maharaj

Happy New Year to Everyone.

Hindustani Language and Culture School enters into its 25thh year of service in Brisbane. Yes, it is a proud moment for everyone associated with supporting to maintain our identity and heritage in Australia.

In the past recent years, many young parents have come into Queensland, and are settling down slowly. As part of the Access & Equity program for Health, Mainstream Education, Transport, etc, it is important to look at other needs of your children who will be growing in the Australian environment.

In the past 24 years, our school has seen many parents take full advantage of learning our mother tongue Hindi. For the convenience of parents and students, we have established two centres at Calamvale Community College, 11 Hamish St, Calamvale on South side, and Boondall State School, Roscommon Rd, Boondall on the North side.

In 2017, classes will commence on Saturday 28 January. Enrolments have already begun. All lessons are conducted under an approved curriculum by Education Queensland. Students wishing to take a language as a subject in mainstream school, can use Hindi as their language subject credit, if they have completed 80% attendance at Hindustani Language and Culture School. This is a fantastic arrangement.

For more information, please e-mail: hindischool_qld@outlook.com.

Courtesy: Shankar Jayapandian

This month of December – January, Danur masam of the Hindu calendar or Margazhi in Tamil Calendar (Margasirsh in Sanskrit) is considered very holy. As Kanchi Maha Periavar explains the significance of Margazhi. He states, Margazhi is the short period just before dawn for Devas, for whom a human year comes up to one day. In other words, whole year of humans (12 months) is deemed to be just one day (24hrs) for Devargal. (Of course the numerical calculation are used just from the eyes of humans for our better understanding). So when we divide this human’s time frame of 12 month by Devargal’s time frame of 24 hrs, we get that every 2 hrs of Devargal is one month for us. Simply put, for each month we go through Devargal sees that as 2hrs past. And this month Margazhi is the pre-dawn period for Devargal, the very early morning time. The time of awakening, the transit from the stillness and calm of the wintery night to a day of meaningful activities.

The period just before dawn is this month of Margazhi and is therefore very sacred and it is common for all to visit the temples and sing Tiruppavai, Tiruvenbavai and Thirupalliyezhuchi in an intention to rouse the latent spiritual powers in every one of us. A time to realise we are not just human being having a spiritual experience, but we are spiritual beings having a human experience.

It is in this month, when the holiest Vaishnavite (People who worship Lord Vishnu) temple in Srirangam and the most sacred Saivite (People who worship Lord Shiva) one at Chidambaram, have their most important annual festivals, Vaikunda Ekadasi and Aarudra Darshan, respectively, both celebrated before sun rise.

Arudhra Darisanam or Aarudra Darshan is observed in this Tamil month of Margazhi. It is the celebration of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, which is represented in the form of the Nataraja. The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva represents five activities, Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, it represents the complete cycle of creation to destruction. It takes place on the full moon night (along with Aarudra Birth Star). In the month of Margazhi this is also the longest night in a year. This year, Aarudra Darshan is on Wednesday, 11 January 2017.

Vaikunda Ekadasi happens about the same period in this month, which is one of the most important Ekadasis. On this day in Vishnu Temples the opening of the Vaikunda Dwaram or Swarga Vasal is an important event. This year, the date of Vaikunda Ekadasi is Sunday, 8^thJanuary 2017. In Australia and New Zealand it is marked on January 9, 2017.

In Bagavadgita, Krishna himself says, “Masanam Margaseersho Asmi”. Which means, “Of all the 12 months I am Margazhi”.

Music is given immense importance during this month. Not coincidentally many cities in India has this ‘season’ for music and dance recitals. Notably during the month, Thyagaraya Aaraadhana is celebrated in Tiruvaiyaru, in Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

Tiruppavai, Tiruvenbavai and Thirupalliyezhuchi are are considered a masterpiece by all devotees. These are sung in Temples early morning every day in the month of Margazhi. Aandal’s Tiruppavai and Manikkavasagar’s Tiruvenbavai and Thirupalliyezhuchi chants are very common in all temples is south India during this month.

Tiruvenbavai is a part of Thiruvasagam recited by Manikavasakar in praise of Lord Shiva. In the tradition of people who worship Lord Shiva, the Saivite conventional custom, there is 12 Thirumurai which is 12 volume compendium of songs and hymns in praise of the God. This Thiruvasagam is the 8^th Volume or 8^th Thirumurai, Tiruvenbavai is one among 51 verse in the entire composition of Thiruvasagam and has 20 individual songs. Lord Shiva is praised in Tamil language by many names, one of them is Athiraiyan, Thiru + Athirai is how we got the day Thiruvathirai. During the month of Margazhi 10 days before Thiruvadhurai day or otherwise called Arudhra Darisanam in every temple only Tiruvenbavai will be sung. The entire 12 Thirumurai will be divinely locked and kept aside as a sacred measure to maintain the sanctity. This shows the importance and reorganisation Tiruvenbavai is given. Many who are reading this article will know a lot more and better than me. Scholars will be able to give an in depth meaning and interpretation to this beautiful verse.

Tiruvenbavai is an early morning journey of young girls waking up other girls from deep sleep and going to the temple. The underlying implication is that every living soul is considered as a feminine energy form that looks to the masculine creator on this journey. As we read this Tiruvenbavai one form of our energy awakes initially and wakes up other energy with us to the ultimate awakened state which is Mukthi or Moksha. The 20 songs in Tiruvenbavai is the stunning portray of continues journey of awakening and that’s the word each verse ends with, awake.

This Tiruvenbavai was recited in the temple town of Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

I acknowledge the author of this picture taken from https://arunachalagrace.blogspot.com.au/2007_12_01_archive.html

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association wishes you all a Happy and peaceful 2017.

While we all enjoy the holiday season with our family and friends, the New Year comes with fresh hopes and determination. The GCHCA is strongly focused as ever to continue the goal of establishing the Hindu Cultural and Education Precinct. We hope to overcome the delay experienced in the last quarter of 2016 due to structural re-design required to get the building certifier approval which is a vital step in going further with construction.

While we say good bye to 2016, reflecting upon the year will help us focus and prioritize our goals for the New Year. 2016 was memorable for our progress in many fronts. The Association experienced significant support from Local, State and Federal Governments in 2016 and we continue to work along with them. Our youth supporters showed leadership and maturity and were involved in number of activities directly through the Association and outside Association. Our supporter base and membership roll increased. The new committee elected in August 2016 had many new faces injecting fresh blood.

In 2017, our main challenge is to raise at least $ 2.4 million required to complete stage 1 & 2   of the construction. We want to reach the wider community and involve them as members and supporters. We appeal to all of you to be part of this project and join the Association as a life member or financial contributor. We request all of you to spread the objectives and activities about this Association to your relatives, friends and other contacts and encourage them to join as a member or support by other means.

GCHCA is planning to have a Public Information meeting on Friday the 20th of January 2017 after the Bajan around 8.00 pm. Your valuable suggestions and input at this important meeting would be appreciated. We invite all of you to participate in the Bajan and the meeting. The venue is, Helensvale Community Hall, No 31, Discovery Drive, Helensvale.

For more information about this project, please visit the GCHCA website. You are also more than welcome to contact the association’s President, Secretary or Treasurer if you have any further queries. All tax-deductible donations ($2 or more) can be deposited into the following:

Commonwealth Bank Account: The GCHCA Building Donation Account

BSB: 064-474 Account Number: 104 88 900

Web site: www.GoldCoastHindu.org.

Email: gchcan@gmail.com

The GCHCA wishes all you a Happy Pongal and looking forward to hear your views and suggestions at the public meeting.

The India-Australia Society  Inc. (IAS) is one of the oldest community organisations in Brisbane.  It was established in 1977 by number of like-minded people to serve the common needs wider Indian and Australian Communities. The IAS Inc. had its 39^th Annual General Meeting on 10^th December 2016 at Toowong Community Hall, Toowong.  The AGM was attended by number of its members and also attended by other community leaders such as Prof. Prasad Yarlagadda, FICQ Patron and Mr. Palani Thevar, President of FICQ. 

After conclusion of first part of AGM with reports from Past President and Treasurer, Mr Tausif Khan thanked his committee and announced dispossession of the current executive committee and stepped down as president.  The members of AGM have  nominated Mr. Palani Thevar to be Returning officer to elect new office bearers of The India-Australia Society Inc.  All the positions of the society were elected anonymously without need for election for any particular position.  Ms. Ragamayi Yarlagadda got elected as President for 2017.  Her executive committee includes, Mr. Raju Tippana as Secretary, Mrs.  Vimala Menon as Treasurer, Mr. Ramanathan Karuppiah and Mr. Hafeez Ali Khan as Vice President 1 and Vice President 2, Mr. Krishan Nangia as Joint Secretary, Mr. Ali Taji as Joint Treasurer.  In addition these 7 executive team, there are 4  additional committee members also elected namely; Mr. Tausif Khan, Ms. Irene Singh, Ms. Ghazal Basit and Ms. Renate Khan. 

President  Ragamayi Yarlagadda thanked everyone for their support and welcomed the new executive committee. She thanked Mr Tausif Khan for his hard work for during 2016 and on behalf of The India-Australia Society Inc., she  presented him with a gift. She thanked all members of The IAS Inc. for electing her President and also expressed her sincere gratitude to Mr. Palani Thevar for taking time to attend the AGM and also to conduct the elections.  Ragamayi  also stressed that the new committee should try to get more youth involved in the organization and bridge the gap between young and elderly communities.  She indicated that her team will focus on both retaining current members and also recruiting new members.  She expressed her desire to work with other community organisations and also with parent organisation such as Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland for the common benefit of the both Indian and Australian Communities.  She indicated  that the new committee will meet in  early new year and discuss the agenda and activities for 2017.  The meeting was finished at 5.30 PM with light refreshments.

By Jitendra Deo – President APSQ

Namaste to all readers of Brisbane Indian Times. Happy New Year to all, and may you all have a blessed 2017.

I hope most of you have made some resolution for 2017, and please consider getting closer to reality of life, in terms of spirituality. Vedic verses state that people should know God, realisation of God should be the goal in life. Lack of knowledge and in some cases ignorance, mankind regard bodily pleasures, acquisition of wealth, worldly love, being the goal, but there is much more to be achieved from this life as Humans for our progression to next life, and strive for Moksha.

Arya Pacific Mahasammelan was held from 16 to 18 December 2016 at Vedic Centre in Auckland. APSQ was represented very well at the Mahasammelan and members presented papers, bhajans, and speeches. This inaugural Mahasammelan drew a wide section of Arya Samaj communities from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. People travelled all parts of these countries to be part of this wonderful congregation.

The three-day program was full of teachings from Vedas, Bhajans, presentations, drama, question answer sessions and of course sumptuous morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The program concluded with presentation of certificates, gifts from the hosts Arya Pacific Federation New Zealand Chapter by the chief guest Dr Ajit Singh, Auckland District Court Judge.

I wholeheartedly thank the host Arya Pacific Federation New Zealand chapter for their wonderful organisation and warm hospitality.

Each and every year, one receives a gift of something new and a repeat of something old. It is my belief that the Year 2017 will be up and down as usual. The thinking of the world changes every second. It is the creation of GOD who changes every moment into something new and this is what we refer to as “change is the law of nature”.

Someone may think – What is Life?

Life is a very pretty, precious and wonderful gift of lord, you cannot just sit down and let it laps around you. You must plunge into it and you must dive through it.

Life kisses us on both the cheeks, day and morn but laughs at our deeds, eve and dawn.

The universal law is important. It will give you anything you seriously believe in. It will provide you with thorns or roses depending on the energy you put in. Finally, you are the one in charge and you must accept that and stand alone.

If you think that God will come down and fix things for you, then let me tell you, you will keep waiting! God is out playing Golf.

First understand yourself and then try to understand others.

God Bless You All.

Yeh Varsh Mangalmay Ho.

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinam.

Forwarded by: Dhirubhai Desai – Event Coordinator.

Shree Vishnu Maya Mandir: 86 Scott Lane, North Maclean

www.shreevishnumayamandir.com.au / Ph: 55486814 or Mob: 0481 238 360