Indian Weekender 4 December 2015

4 December, 2015 Vol. 7 Issue 37 www.iwk.co.
nz
NZs first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper
The pulse of Kiwi-Indians
A magical december:
SANTA is here
CONTENTS
4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz
Red
NEW ZEALAND
Pg 5
Five-year pathway student

visas launched
Pg 17
OPINION/EDITORIAL
The truth behind Turkey
downing a Russia plane
Pg 24
RAZZMATAZZ
Your staple style guide
Black
INDIA ABROAD
Mayas kitchen adventures
Pg 21
Australias biggest Hindu

temple opens
Pg 25
FEATURE
Orange
Pg 30
FACE OF THE WEEK

A new singer on the block
AT HOP cards
will cost $10 from
17 December 2015.
NEW
ARRIVAL
You can still get one now for $5.

You can buy an AT HOP card:
Online at AT.govt.nz/athop
At train and ferry Ticket Offices.
At Customer Service Centres
At selected retailers
(for details visit AT.govt.nz/retailers).
Remember, AT HOP provides at least
a 20% discount off single trip cash fares
(excludes NiteRider, Airbus Express
(SkyBus), and Waiheke ferry services).
The purchase price is non-refundable. Cards must be topped
up before use (minimum top up $5).
Terms of use and registered prospectus for the AT HOP cards
are available at AT.govt.nz/athop. The obligations of Auckland
Transport under the AT HOP cards are unsecured.
7B Douglas Alexander Parade, Albany

PH: (09) 263 0145 | M: 027 787 4736
E: albany@bathandtile.co.nz
w w w.bathand tile.co.nz
WORK6098
132E Cavendish Drive, Manukau City

PH: (09) 263 0145 | M: 022 043 1589
E: manukau@bathandtile.co.nz
For more information visit

AT.govt.nz/athop or phone 09 366 4467
@AklTransport
NEW ZEALAND
www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015
Red
Black
Orange
PM John Key addresses Paris Climate

Change Conference
IWK Bureau
rimeMinister John Key

has told the UN Climate
Change Conference in
Paris that it must produce a
meaningful agreement.
NewZealand
wants
a
deal that puts the world on a
pathway towards limiting global
temperature rise to no more
than 2C.
Every country needs to
contribute towards this goal.
While New Zealands emissions
are small on a global scale,
we are determined to make
a strong contribution to the
international effort.
Thats why we have set
ourselves a target of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions to
30 per cent below 2005 levels,
by 2030. A significant increase
on our current target of five per
cent below 1990 emission levels
by 2020. We wanted to ensure
our target was achievable and

didnt impose unfair costs on any
particular sector or group.
Mr Key says New Zealand
faces unique domestic challenges
in
reducing
greenhouse
gas emissions. Almost 80 per
cent of our electricity already
comes from renewable energy and
around half of our emissions are
from agriculture, where there are
not yet cost effective technologies
to reduce emissions. But we are
working hard to change that.
$20m for research to help

reduce emissions
Mr Key announced the
government will invest $20 million
over four years in theGlobal
Research Alliance on Agricultural
Greenhouse Gases,which works to
reduce emissions from livestock,
cropping and rice production.
The Alliance is gaining real
momentum so Im pleased to
announce that NewZealand
Prime Minister John Key at COP21
is going to boost its funding

by $20 million over four
years, to capitalise on some
exciting new research to reduce
methane emissions.
This builds on the $65m New
Zealand has already spent over
the last three years to help Pacific
Nations securereliable and
clean energy. New Zealand has
been at the forefront of efforts
to shift the Pacific from reliance

on fossil fuels to renewable
electricity. This work to address
energy insecurity and build
resilience will continue as we
step up our support for climate
change adaptation.
Removal
of
fuel subsidies
fossil
Mr Key says New Zealand is

also taking a strong lead in the
global push for the removal of

fossil fuel subsidies. Earlier today
I delivered UNFCCC Executive
Secretary, Christiana Figueres, a
message on behalf of close to 40
nations calling for the removal of
fossil fuel subsidies.
Countries subsidised fossil
fuels to the tune of US$500 billion
in 2014.Removing these subsidies
frees up money, which would
be better spent on low-carbon
energy, health or education.
It also makes no sense to be
calling for emissions reductions
on one hand, while subsidising
emissions on the other.
These are practical initiatives
aimed at getting real outcomes.
Mr Key chaired part of todays
Leaders meeting in Paris.
The government takes climate
change very seriously and we
are committed to ensuring New
Zealand does its fair share.
Read about Narendra Modi
at the conference on page 18
STRAWBERRY FRESH CREAM

GATEAU
$52
FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
www.gateauhouse.com
Head shop: 309 Dominion Rd, Mt.Eden 09)630-8333, 630-7744
CBD: 332 Queen St, CBD 09) 368-5646 CBD: 18 High St, CBD 09) 303-2636
Newmarket: 142 Broadway, Newmarket 09) 524-6845
Dannemora: Unit 7, 14 Bishop Lenihan Place, East Tamaki 09) 278-9008
Henderson: Unit 6, 42 Paramount Drive, Henderson 09)837-0104
Gleneld 20 Link Drive, Gleneld 09)444-1004
Expert team & highly experienced
FREE CONSULTANCY
(text us to receive free return call)
CALL US!
021 0245 2038 / 022 636 6854
OUR SERVICES
Permanent Residency | Student Visa | Work Visa
Spouse Visa | Visitor Visa
Suite:1203, Level 12, 300 Queen St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Ph: 09 973 5574 75, Fax: 09 973 5576
Email: info@sharva.co | Website: www.sharva.co
NEW ZEALAND
Ho Ho Ho! Santa Parade on Queen

Red
Rizwan Mohammad
t was a beautiful Sunday

morning
as
thousands
gathered with their picnic
chairs, mats and drinks on Queen
Street, Auckland for the 82nd
Santa Parade 2015. The carnival
started at 1 p.m. with three massive
Farmer balloons hovering on the
boulevard followed by skaters
clad in red angel dresses, giftwrapped Christmas-themed car
and a small girl riding a unicorn.
The crowd greeted their
favourite cartoon characters
the minions, chipmunks, Charlie
Brown and Snoopy and Cookie
Bearswith applause and hoots.
This years new attractions
were Children of the World
River Rhapsody, Flower Power,
Dancing Zombies with Monster
Mash, Sebastian the Sea Serpent
Aucklanders enjoy the grand march of the bands, dancers, cartoon characters and Santa at the
2015 Farmers Santa Parade on Queen Street
IWK Bureau
For one in five children, their

holiday happiness came crashing
down after reading a Tweet or
Facebook post saying that Santa is
make believe.
The research shows that
seven per cent of children
have turned cyber sleuth and
looked through their parents
Internet
search
history
or
online shopping accounts to
find evidence that mum and
dad had procured the Christmas
presents, not Mr Claus and
his elves.
The age belief ends

According to new research
of 2,058 New Zealand parents,
by virtual private network
providerwww.hidemyass.com,
the Internet is playing a major role
in altering childrens Christmas
beliefs. One in seven parents said
that the Internet was responsible
for their children finding out that
Santa Claus is not real.
A
generation
ago,
the
responding
parents
stopped
believing in Santa at an average
of 8 years old compared with
children born in the last 20
years where the average age they
Orange
and Pohutukawa trees. The

parade concluded with the
Santa sleigh on an ice block with
reindeers and a Kiwi.
Families undeniably had a
great time, with party poppers
bursting on the streets and
clowns greeting the kids on the
block. The Christmas celebrations
have begun!
Keeping the belief in

Santa alive
he internet is contributing
to children discovering
Santa isnt real at a younger
age driving down the average
age Kiwi kids stop believing from
almost nine years old in their
parents childhood to under seven
years old.
Children
will
eventually
discover the truth about Santa but
it is now happening much earlier
than parents are happy with.
Because of social media, targeted
advertising and the truth of Santa
being just a Google search away,
youngsters are more likely to
come across the reality.
Black
stopped believing in Santa was

just over 6 years old.
The online culprits
The most common online
offender was advertising. Thirtyeight per cent of children had
their Santa suspicions raised after
seeing ads online for the gifts
theyd wished for in their letters to
the North Pole.
Over a third performed a Google
search for Santa and clicked onto
a web page explaining that he
was no more than a merry myth.
While 29 per cent children simply
watched on in the background as
their parents shopped online for
Christmas presents.
Keep believing in Santa

To help parents keep the
wonder alive, HMA! has made
available a simple plug-in that can
be installed on home computers
to let children continue to browse
the internet without stumbling on
un-Christmassy news.
TheKeep
Believing
in
Santaplug-in can be downloaded
free from the HMA!website.
The development of the
software has already been
welcomed by 64 per cent of
parents in New Zealand who are
keen to see an online feature that
will help preserve the mystery
of Santa Claus for their children
that little bit longersomething
68 per cent see as important.
HRC: all must

fight for gender
equality
he
Human
Rights
Commission
is
welcoming the launch of
the United Nations HeForShe
gender equality campaign in
New Zealand.
Gender equality is a human
right that half of all New Zealanders
are yet to realise: we need the
other half to stand alongside
us, said EEO Commissioner Dr
Jackie Blue.
Involving men and boys is
about truly standing shoulder to
shoulder, side by side. Equality
should not be a fight women have
to lead on their own.
HeForShe is a global UN
initiative thatpromotes gender
equality around the world
with a focus on men taking an
active role.
Dr Blue said New Zealands
White Ribbon Campaign is
an excellent example of men
working shoulder to shoulder
with women.
White Ribbon is about men
making a public stand against
violence and their voices and
participation are crucial, said

Dr Blue.
With gender equity male
business leaders also have a key
role to play as they dominate
publicly listed boards (86%)
and senior management teams
at 80%.
New Zealand women were
the first in the world to vote in
a general election, more than a
century later we need to aim to be
the first nation in the world where
women have equal opportunities
and where there is a zero gender
pay gap, said Dr Blue.
NEW ZEALAND
Five-year student visas

launched
Red
Black
Orange
IWK Bureau
arly this week, New Zealand

introduced a pathway student visa
pilotvalid up to a maximum of
five yearsthat will allow international
students to undertake a progression of up
to three consecutive programmes of study
with education providers on a single visa.
Tertiary
Education,
Skills
and
Employment Minister Steven Joyce
and Immigration Minister Michael
Woodhouse announced that the visa will be
implemented on December 7 for an initial
pilot period of 18 months and will cover
more than 500 primary, secondary and
tertiary institutions.
This 18-month pilot has been designed
to make New Zealand more competitive for
international students.
The international education industry
is already worth $2.85 billion dollars in
foreign exchange each year, and pathway
student visas are an important initiative
that will help us in our goal to double the
value of international education to New
Zealand by 2025, said Mr Joyce.
The key features of the visa are:
}} Education providers will be required to
have a 90% global student visa approval
rate for entry into the pilot
}} Providers will enter into a formal
agreement
between
themselves
to
manage
pastoral
care
and
education progress
}} Qualifying
education
providers
participating in the pilot will be
published on the INZ (Immigration New
Zealand) website
Home Loans
Business Loans
Commercial Loans
Fast Pay Plans
Better rates and stress free loans

Advice on best loan structures
Suman Sharma
Mortgage Adviser
}} Students will provide an offer of place and

paid tuition fees for the first programme
of study/year and conditional offers for
subsequent programmes of study
}} Students will provide evidence of
maintenance funds for the first year
of study
}} Work rights will be granted for the visa
duration if the first programme of study
qualifies for work rights under existing
immigration instructions
Mr Woodhouse said, The 18-month
period will enable INZ to evaluate
outcomes of the pathway student visa pilot
programme such as student transition rates
from the first and the second programme
of study and how well the arrangements
between providers are working.
They will also lead to efficiency gains
for Immigration New Zealand and the
industry as students will not need to apply
for as many visas.
Phone: 09 266 9890

Mobile: 022 044 4455
info@reliancefinance.co.nz
Life & Health Insurance

Trauma & TPD
Income Proctection
Mortgage P. Plans
Call in for right advice and
economical quote for all your
insurance needs
Suresh Sharma
(Ex NZ/UK Bank Manager)
Insurance Adviser
Phone : 09 625 3800
Mobile: 021 82 7575
suresh@relianceinsurance.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND
Shanti Niwas launches

emergency housing
project
IWK Bureau
hanti Niwas announced

the opening of Shanti
Niwas
Emergency
Housing (SNEH) in partnership
with Rancchod Group. SNEH will
provide emergency shelter for
senior citizens from the Indian
and South Asian community who
are in an abusive environment,
at risk of being abused, or in dire
need of emergency housing.
Shanti Niwas has been in the
fore front of providing various
culturally appropriate services
for
the
enhancement
and
wellbeing of the older people
of Indian and South Asian
origin living in Auckland region
since 1994.
In
2012,
KHUSHIElder
Abuse and Neglect Prevention
project was started, to recognise,
prevent and respond to abuse and
neglect of older people and ensure
their wellbeing. While delivering
its services, Shanti Niwas noticed
the need of providing short-/longterm shelter for the seniors in
abusive situations or in dire need
of housing in our community.

The main objective of this shelter
is to provide a safe and secure
environment to our elders in such
situations. Clients will be housed
for an initial period of three
weeks, with a maximum stay of
three months.
The initial period of three
weeks will be used to provide
breathing space for families as
well as enable social workers
to assess and identify suitable
programmes for arriving at
positive outcomes for the elderly.
SNEHs first option is to get the
elders back to their families,
however if moving back is not
an option, then the organisation
will look into alternative long-
term arrangement.
Shanti Niwas will
assist its clients by
providing
ongoing
counselling
and
mediation services.
Social workers will
work with the clients
and
help
them
with the process of
resettlement. Shanti
Niwas proposes to charge a
small fee to the clients to defray
a part of the expenses incurred
in running and maintaining the
SNEH facilities. SNEH at this
stage will not cater to clients with
high medical needs due to lack
of resources.
Dosti Visiting service of
Shanti Niwas will supplement
the
rehabilitation/resettlement
of the client during the stay and
after discharge.
Dosti is a befriending volunteer
service where a trained volunteer
visits elders who live alone or with
partners and are house bound or
socially isolated from community
either due to ill health, age,
mobility, culture or other issues.
Lack of accessibility
to transport impacts
disabled people
Red
IWK Bureau
national
transport
survey revealed that
disabled people use
transport less than non-disabled
people and find it less easy to use.
It highlights that these access
issues are impacting on peoples
quality of life.
The Kiwi Transport Survey was
undertaken in September and
October by CCS Disability Action
and TDG.The survey aimed to
provide information about the way
disabled and non-disabled people
viewed transport, how often they
used it and what barriers there
were in accessing transport.
Senior
Transportation
Researcher, Bridget Burdett, of
TDG said, The survey showed us
that if the transport industry is
to improve the profile of disabled
people in planning we need to
measure who is excluded from
transportnot just who isnt
included.When we measure who
is excluded we understand what
is needed for people to be fully
includedand what this will take.
Ms Burdett said people who
had
mobility
impairments
found trains and buses and even
footpaths less easy to use.Almost
Black
Orange
750 people who responded to the

web-based survey were aged above
74 years.
CCS Disability Action and
TDG also surveyed professionals
working within the transport
sector, with 250 respondents
providing their views on transport
planning and design.
Ms Burdett said while more
than 80% of transport sector
respondents said they thought
our standards for vehicles were
adequate for all usersonly 40%
thought we had an adequate
standard for all users when it
came to our footpaths. And, fewer
than 10% of respondents thought
New Zealand had good data about
who used footpaths, who didnt
and why people didnt use them.
The Kiwi Transport Survey
results were shared with key
stakeholders in the transport
industry and disabled people in
Wellington on December 1.
The survey is part of a wider
Measuring Accessible Journeys
project being led by CCS Disability
Action.The project has received
funding from the Ministry of
Social
Developments
Think
Differently Fund and has the aim
of developing a transport system
that demonstrates inclusion.
Long White Cloud launching to rally Kiwis
iwi pop/rock royalty

has
joined
with
international
awardwinning multimedia Attitude
Group to produce music track
with a lofty social goal.
Long White Cloud talks of
Kiwi pride and unity. It has been
produced to drive public awareness
of the 25% of New Zealands
population who live with some
form of disability.
The song will be launched at the
2015 Attitude Awardsa black tie
event to celebrate UN sanctioned
International Day of People
with Disability and acknowledge
people with disabilities.
Robyn
Scott-Vincent,
Attitudes founder and CEO, says
the idea grew after she met Mike
Chunn, a founding member of the
world renowned band Split Enz,
and told him she thought Kiwis
with disabilities would appreciate
an anthem.
I thought it would be good
to rally the nation ahead of the
Rio 2016 Paralympics and to
have something to make people
stop and think for two minutes
about the one million Kiwis
who live with a disability and
rise above their challenges,
Scott-Vincent says.
Chunn had the perfect song
Long White Cloudand that it
needed to be part of a significant
celebration. I sent Robyn a

demo of a song written by my old
school friend Paul Fitzgerald,
Chunn says. Long White Cloud
personifies New Zealand, the
nation and its people. Very, very
few songs do that. It is us singing
about our nation hood in evocative
and stirring language.
Chunn, who has publicly
spoken about his own past issues
with agoraphobia and his fear
of leaving secure places that
restricted his travel and forced
him to leave Split Enz, called on
musical industry friends Leza
I thought it would be
good to rally the nation
ahead of the Rio 2016
Paralympics and to
have something to
make people stop and
think for two minutes
about the one million
Kiwis who live with
a disability and rise
above their challenges
Scott-Vincent
Corban and Callum Martin to help
him with the musical production.
Corban sorted the vocals and
Above: Ntalie Te Paa, a talented musician from Takapuna

Below: Mike Chunn, founding member of the band Split Enz
Martin, who is formerly of the

Kiwi band The Checks, helped
him with the musical backing
and arrangement at Roundhead
Studios. Former Split Enz mate
Eddie Rayner added his magic
when he mixed and mastered the
track in his home studio.
The
final
recording
is
triumphant, Chunn says. It
captures the very essence of the
songs purpose, which is to portray
a single New Zealand voice, a
nations collective spirit and the
summation of all of that under
the powerful image of the Long
White Cloud.
Scott-Vincent
and
Chunn
agreed from the outset that
the artists to perform the song
should be new talentan ideal
fit for Chunns Play it Strange

Trust, which encourages young
New Zealanders to develop song
writing and musical performance
skills. Chunn chose two young
and blind vocalists he has been

mentoring across several years.
One of the artists is not a
complete newcomer to the
spotlight. Natalie Te Paa, a
talented musician from Takapuna,
has performed many times before,
including at the Attitude Awards.
Blind from birth, the 20-year-old
now combines her musical career
with university studies.
The
other
singer,
Cam
Dawson, is a 15-year-old from
Blenheim. Also blind, Dawson
has been featured on the Attitude
programme on TVOne singing
and playing the piano.
Scott-Vincent is calling on New
Zealanders to join the awareness
campaign and become social
messengers by sharing the Long
White Cloud video via downloads
fromAttitudeLive.com, YouTube,
Spotify and iTunes.
The nation has adopted
songs as sports anthems before,
she says.
This is an original song with
a Kiwi flavour. We are asking
people to take a moment to stop
and think about those more than
a million people in New Zealand
who live with mental health issues,
disabilities and chronic ill-health.
Everyone will know someone who
is affected. December 3 is the day
to stop and think how we can
better support them.
NEW ZEALAND
Foss welcomes $25m boost

for visiting driver safety
Red
Black
Orange
ssociate
Transport
Minister
Craig Foss is welcoming the NZ
Transport Agencys $25 million
boost to visiting driver safety initiatives.
For more than six months the
government and Visiting Driver Signature
Project (VDSP) partners have been
continuously rolling out initiatives to help
visiting drivers keep themselves and others
safe on New Zealand roads, Mr Foss says.
This significant funding boost is yet
another demonstration of the governments
commitment to improving safety for all
road users.
The funding will be split between state
highway and local government initiatives,
as well as a social marketing programme.
While a programme of initiatives is
still being developed, its likely to include
further rumble strips, improved rest
area signage, barriers, slow vehicle bays,
shoulder widening and more keep left
arrows, Mr Foss says.
This is about saving lives and reducing
the harm weve all seen caused on our roads,
especially around some of our most popular
tourist destinations.
OUR SERVICES
The list of both government and

private sector safety initiatives is extensive
and covers every stage of a tourists visit
planning, booking, in-flight, on arrival and
on our roads.
Still, there is more to be done.This
additional investment will help strengthen
and reinvigorate our efforts to ensure
visitors have a safe and enjoyable time in
New Zealand.
Advertise in the
most widely read
Kiwi-India publication
call at 022-3251630
Visitor Visa
Work Visa
Student Visa - Enrollment to all leading Colleges and Universities
Overseas Spouse Visa
Residence Applications
Family Category
Business Category
New Zealand Citizenship Application
Section 61 request & Special Direction
For all your immigration and study needs, contact:
MADHU BEHL
LL.M, GCNZIA
Licensed Immigration Adviser
Licence No.: 201 300492
MANAV BEHL
ENZ Trained Agent
M: 021 0534 992
Ph: 09-6315 219, 4-1 King Edward Avenue, Epsom,

Auckland 1023, New Zealand
E-mail: mmimmigrations@gmail.com, mm4education@gmail.com
www.mmimmigration.co.nz
/mmimmigration
NEW ZEALAND
Guiding and
educating GenNext
Red
Black
Orange
Rizwan Mohammad
N
SENDING
MONEY TO A
BANK ACCOUNT
THESE HOLIDAYS
Show your loved ones youre thinking about them.
Send money direct to a bank account at one of over
200 PostShops nationwide.
$10
FROM
PLUS NO RECEIVERS FEE*
Visit your local PostShop today
moving money for better
*Fees subject to change (local taxes and service charges may apply). Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. Subject to terms
and conditions of service. Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain conditions, including amount sent, destination country,
currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action(s), identification requirements, Agent locations hours,
difference in time zones or selection of delayed options. Additional restrictions may apply. See Western Union Send Form and Terms and Conditions
for details. Western Union transaction limits do apply. Network data as at 12 November 2015. 2015 Western Union Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
avin and Naidu were among

some of the proudest parents
in New Zealand when their
young daughter, ShantiPushpal, walked
on stage to receive a medal for studying
English and maths far beyond her school
grade level.
We were very proud, Navin said.
Its a huge achievement for someone
her age. She has put in a lot of effort to
achieve this. We always support her,
but seeing her up on the stage was an
amazing experience for me as a parent.
The event held on November 29
at the Hilton Hotel in Auckland was
the Annual Kumon Advanced Student
Forum that brought together some of
the brightest students from around
New Zealand. At just seven years
old, ShantiPushpal was one of the
youngest students to be awarded for
her achievements in Kumon, as she can
understand high school level English
and solve math problems studied in
Year 5.
To inspire the students, speaking at
the forum were Manukau East National
List MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Natalie
Tsang who completed the Kumon
English Programme in Year 6, and
Daniel Flynn, co-founder of the popular
ThankYou Movement in Australia.
The young ShantiPushpal
said she related the most with
Natalies story of overcoming
challenges in Kumon: I liked
the forum because I liked
Natalies story of how she kept
on going even though it was
challenging, and it was great
to see other kids who have
completed maths and English
programmes because I want to
do that too.
For Navin and Naidu,
the event was a chance to
see where ShantiPushpals
advanced learning can take her and a
chance to introduce a special guest to
Kumon. The Forum gave us an idea
of where ShantiPushpal can go to from
here. It gave us huge motivation to
be a guiding light for her through the
Kumon programmes, Naidu said. We
also invited ShantiPushpals primary
school principal, Wayne Bainbridge
from Matipo Primary, so we have
been involved in getting him to know
about Kumon and the achievements
that can come with it. He put a photo
of ShantiPushpal and himself on the
school website and Facebook pages and
since then, we have got so many people
asking us about Kumon! she said.
Besides her advanced maths and
English knowledge, ShantiPushpal,
who started Kumon when she was four,
has been developing other skills. I see
Kumon can benefit children beyond the
subjects. It helps children to become a
complete learner and be disciplined.
The way I see it is, you need to brush
your teeth every day and you need to
nourish your mind every day as well,
Naidu said.
From top: National List MP Kanwaljit Bakshi with the

Kumon team, ShantiPushpal with her Kumon Instructor,
Bhairavi Shah, and awardees with their medals
Navin agrees that Kumon is more

than maths and English, Shes picking
up habits that will hold her in good
stead in the future, he said. She sits
down and does her math in the morning
and her English in the evening. That
will become a habit over the years and
as she grows older, it will stay with her.
ShantiPushpal is looking forward to
continue her learning over the holidays
and her goal is to be invited to next
years Kumon Advanced Student Forum
and to one day complete the Kumon
programmes. I would really like to
complete the Kumon programmes
because it is really interesting to know
all those facts! she said.
Approximately 100 students of all
ages were awarded for their academic
achievements on the day. The event
was also attended by a team of robotics
students from Auckland University,
Robotics Association (AURA), who
exhibited small robot vehicles and
cartoonist Rob McLeay who ran
cartooning workshop.
NEW ZEALAND
Red
Black
Orange
Labour line-up to take the

2017 election
pposition Leader Andrew

Little
has
announced
a strong and talented
shadow Cabinet to take Labour into
the 2017 election.
Labour had an impressive
intake of fresh faces after last years
election and newest MPs have now
had a year to show what theyre made of.
This reshuffle rewards hard work and
continues my drive to renew our Caucus
line up.
Kelvin Davis moves up after he shone
the spotlight on Serco scandals and the
treatment of detainees in Australia. He will
now take on Mori Development.
Megan Woods joins the front bench
in recognition of the important work she
is leading in Canterbury and on climate
change.Newer faces Jenny Salesa and Peeni
Henare move into the Shadow Cabinet,
along with Meka Whaitiri who takes on

local government.
High profile MPJacinda Ardern moves
up along with Phil Twyford who adds
Auckland Issues to his bow.
Stuart Nash moves into the Shadow
Cabinet and picks up police. Her tireless
campaigning on paid parental leave sees
Sue Moroney promoted.
Todays reshuffle is a strong mix of
new talent and experienceand builds
a solid team to win in 2017, Andrew
Little says.
READ ONLINE AT
www.indianweekender.co.nz
10-year passports back
nternal
Affairs
Minister
Peter
Dunne welcomed New Zealands
return to 10-year adult passports on
November 30.
Legislation necessary to effect this
change, a change driven by public demand,
was passed into law on October 20 and
enables the Passports Office to start issuing
10-year adult passports to applicants from
November 30.
It is gratifying to announce the wait is
over and New Zealanders can now apply
for and receive a passport that has a more
practical lifespan that reflects their travel
patterns and requirements.
This decision was in response to public
calls for a longer passport life and my
government colleagues listened to those
wishes. Government, indeed Parliament as
whole, have made a pragmatic decision that
balances security considerations and the
need to make travel easy and affordable for
New Zealanders.
Im also delighted the Department of
Internal Affairs has responded quickly to
this change and worked very hard to put the
necessary changes in place to ensure that
10-year passports can be issued ahead of
the Christmas period, Mr Dunne says.
Mr Dunne advises travellers wanting
a 10-year passport before Christmas
should submit their application as soon

as possible.
The Department is expecting to process
around 3,000 passport applications every
day in the lead up to Christmas so it is
important intending Kiwi travellers submit
their applications as soon as possible
to allow time for their passports to be
processed and couriered back to them.
For quicker processing, renewals should
be made online via our world-class online
passport service, Mr Dunne says.
The fee for standard adult passports
issued in New Zealand is $180 and child
passports are $105 (including GST). The fee
for adult passports continues to subsidise
child passports by 42 per cent.
NEW ZEALAND
10
Hep A berries must be

Auckland building
consents continue to surge recalled
Red
Orange
he latest figures released by

Statistics New Zealand showing
the number of building consents
in Auckland at an 11-year high have been
welcomed by Building and Housing
Minister Dr Nick Smith, who says strong
momentum is underway for Aucklands
new house build rate.
There were 8,935 consents issued
for Auckland in the year to Octoberthe
highest in any year to October since 2004.
The 805 consents issued for Auckland
last month is an increase of 25 per cent
on the previous month, and an increase
of 36 per cent on October 2014. This data
confirms that solid progress is being made
in lifting the pace of Aucklands residential
construction, Dr Smith says.
Todays (November 30) figures are the
latest in a recent series indicating the pace
of Aucklands new house build rate. The
National Construction Pipeline Report has
projected that an extra 80,000 new homes
will be built in the six years to 2020, as
compared to the 30,000 in the preceding
six years.
The Household Labour Force Survey
shows the number of people employed
in Aucklands construction industry has
increased from 45,000 to 75,000 over the
past three years.
The government is continuing to free
up more land faster through the Auckland
Housing Accord, together with the council.
Last week Mayor Len Brown and I released
the latest monitoring report, which showed
we are on target at the two-year mark of the
Black
Accord. We also have in place initiatives

to constrain building materials costs,
rein in development contributions, cut
compliance costs and invest in improved
sector productivity. Our new $435 million
HomeStart support package, which
came into effect April 1, will help 90,000
people into home ownership over the next
five years.
We need to keep our foot on the
accelerator to ensure we support this
positive momentum. The next steps in
the governments programme include
advancing new housing on Crown-owned
land in Auckland, supporting the Auckland
Council in the completion of the new
Auckland Unitary Plan, consulting on a
new Urban Development National Policy
Statement, and reform of the Resource
Management Act to address the longterm issues affecting housing supply
and affordability.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Concrete workers required in Hawkes Bay

We are a fast growing specialist precast concrete
manufacturing company in Hastings, sunny Hawkes Bay.
Due to expansion and restructuring we have several
vacancies for precast concrete workers to join our team.
Experience in either precast concrete manufacture or
the construction industry is essential.
We offer good pay rates, a stimulating fun working
environment and great working conditions.
We may be able to assist with accommodation.
1018 Manchester Street, Woolwich, Hastings 4120
T: 06 879 8364, F: 06 879 8360
E: mark@latteycivil.co.nz www.latteycivil.co.nz
CHALLENGING GRAVITY
inister for Primary

Industries
Nathan
Guy must seek urgent
answers from his Ministry over
its handling of imported frozen
berries linked to a Hepatitis
A outbreak, Labours Primary
Industries spokesperson Damien
OConnor says.
The Ministry for Primary
Industries must publicly name the
affected products and recall them.
It is not good enough to just warn
people to boil the berries before eating
them. Thousands of people every day
around the country are drinking smoothies
full of berries.
Hepatitis A is particularly dangerous
for the elderly and those with chronic
liver damage.
Australian officials recalled important
frozen berries there in February. Nathan
Guy must explain whywhen there is a
joint Australasian approach to food safety
the same wasnt done here.
This latest scare is yet again proof that
Labour is right to call for the return of a
stand-alone food safety agency, Damien
OConnor says.
CoOL approach needed
frozen imported berries
for
The risk to consumers posed by frozen

imported berries contaminated with
Hepatitis A shows the need for New Zealand
to have Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL),
Labours Food Safety spokesperson Damien
OConnor says. The Ministry of Primary

Industries refusal to name the affected
products or the country these berries were
grown in is unhelpful to consumers, food
producers and importers of safe products.
When Australia took the urgent and
proper step of recalling contaminated
berries in February, the job of their food
safety authorities was undoubtedly assisted
by that countrys CoOL system.
New Zealand consumers want and
deserve to have clear origin labelling on
their food products.
The lack of information from MPI is
resulting in people around New Zealand
throwing away products that might be safe.
As a berry grower, I appreciate the high
standards New Zealand food producers
have to meet.
New food safety legislation demands
a precautionary approach at every part
of the food production chain. We expect
the Ministry to take the same approach
and identify the source of the Hepatitis A
contamination, Damien OConnor says.
NEW ZEALAND
11
Unstoppable GFS bags two more awards
Red
Black
Orange
IWK Bureau
November
team
two
Financial
23,
IBA
the
GFS
awards.
Best
Adviser
(Mortgage
and Insurance)this is the first year this

category was announced and Ajay Kumar
on behalf of GFS was the first winner in
New Zealand. It was presented by AIA CEO
Natalie Cameron and Mai Chen, Director of
BNZ Bank.
Best
Medium-Sized
BusinessThe
Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards

2015 (IBA) were presented at the Sky
City
Convention
and
eminent
Centre
by
Ministers
personalities
including
Steven Joyce (Minister for Economic

Development), Todd McClay (Associate
Minister for Trade), Craig Foss (Minister
for Small Business), Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
(Minister for Ethnic Communities), Mr.
(Editor-in-Chief, The National Business
Sandeep Sood (Charge dAffaires, High
Review), Steve Corbett (Chief Executive,
Commission of India), Mayor Len Brown,
e-Centre Ltd, Massey University) and Mike
Andrew Little (Leader of the NZ Labour

Party), Anthony Healy (CEO and MD of
BNZ) and Dr Jebamalai Vinanchiarachi
(Senior Economist and Former Principal
Advisor to the Director, United Nations
Industrial Development Organisation).
The
entries
were
judged
by
an
independent panel of judges, featuring

business leaders such as Nevil Gibson
IBZ Awards Ad_HalfPage_Final_Bleed_30nov2015_V3.pdf 1 30/11/2015 12:52:30 PM
CM
MY
CY
CMY
Skilling (Management Consultant, Director

SBS Bank), etc.
On receiving the awards, Ajay Kumar,
MD of GFS said,Thank you! To the nearly
4,000 families who inspired us to be
most careful about their homes, mortgage
and insurance. Thanks to the GFS team
for working as if these families were their
own. Over the years, GFS has been ranked
as Number 1/one of the top brokers/
On receiving the awards,

Ajay Kumar, MD of GFS
said,Thank you! To the
nearly 4,000 families who
inspired us to be most
careful about their homes,
mortgage and insurance.
Thanks to the GFS team for
working as if these families
were their own.
insurance advisers in New Zealand by ANZ

Bank, ASB Bank, AIA Insurance. Earlier
this year, it had also received the Excellence
in Customer Service award at Westpac
Auckland Business Awards.
These awards have given GFS more
responsibility and we know our customers
expectations will be higher. We assure you
we will always make our best endeavour to
fulfil the same.
Ajay Kumar and his team once again
thank you very much for your help, guidance
and motivation.
12
NEW ZEALAND
Red
The illusion of competition

David Shearer
Labour MP
hen it comes to some of

lifes basic expensesfood,
banking, electricity, building
materialsNew Zealand consumers pay
too much.
We have the illusion of competition and
choice that are supposed to keep prices low,
but sadly monopolies and backroom deals
are becoming the norm. There needs to be a
much more aggressive and comprehensive
look at some of our key industries and
take them to task. Let me give you
some examples. Bank profits for the four
Australian owned banksANZ, Westpac,
BNZ and ASBhit $4.4 billion after tax last

year: double the profits they made 10 years
ago. Thats a profit before tax of $1,350
for every man, woman and child in New
Zealand. Its hard to find another country in
the developed world where banking profits
are so high.
Our supermarkets too are owned out of
Australia. Two giant companies, Foodstuffs
and Progressive, together comprise a
duopoly. Because of them, New Zealanders
are stuck with one of the least competitive
grocery markets in the world.
Our electricity prices have climbed
dramatically over the last few years as well,
but no one has been able to pinpoint the
reason. Are the lines companies such as
Vector and Orion putting their prices up?
Is it the company that manages our grid,
Transpower, thats causing the increases?
Or are our retailers such as Meridian and
Contact charging more than they need to?
Theres no use consulting your bill to

work it outtheres no transparency. Why?
Because a lack ofclaritysuits the power
companies: they can blame increases
on othersand nobody has evidence to
the contrary.
My Electricity Transparency Bill, before
parliament at the moment, aims to change
this. If I have my way, Kiwi households will
finally get to see exactly whos charging
them for whatand whos behind any
price-rises.
Black
Orange
Meanwhile, prices for building materials

in New Zealand are sky-high. The cost of
Do It Yourself projects is now prohibitive
for many families. Its at least 20% cheaper
to build a house in Australia than it is here.
TV3
journalist
Michael
Morrah
recently revealed some of the murky deals
being struck between building product
manufacturers such as Fletchers and
Winstones and the big hardware stores.
With cosy arrangements between big
suppliers there is little competitionand
without that competition, we end up paying
outrageous prices.
The government is aware, but is avoiding
the issue rather than confronting it on
behalf of Kiwi consumers. That doesnt just
go for building products, but for banking,
the grocery monopoly, and power prices
too. Dont you agree that we should expect a
competitive market so that prices are more
affordable for a family budget?
PM misses mark on training Kiwi workers

Winston Peters
NZ First leader
ith
command
of
the
Christchurch Rebuild, the
countrys biggest ever short-
term building project under his belt, the

Prime Minister has failed to take the
opportunity to train workers.
It was an opportunity to turn out-ofwork Kiwis with trade skills, which could
now be put to good use in the building
industry in Auckland.
There are thousands of young New
Zealand on benefits or doing a bit of casual
work. They would prefer to have skills.
The government instead allowed tens
of thousands of workers to come in from
overseas. Now many of those workers will

have their visas extended so they can work
in Auckland.
This is pointless for a country. There is no
benefit in having our workers unemployed
and not contributing to the economy.
Many are stuck hanging around the
streets, watching TV for hours on end or
surfing the internet aimlessly.
They are paying the price for a
government failing to lead. Christchurch
was a missed opportunity.
White Ribbon Day a great step towards

ending domestic violence
Parmjeet Parmar
National List MP
have been advocating against domestic

violence for years in multiple roles.
As a member of the community, as a
Families Commissioner, and working in
media, I have seen the extensive damage
that violence in the home causes. I know
the difficulty and complexity that those who
work to help victims and educate people
must grapple with.
Now as an MP, I am proud to support
the governments family violence package
that came about from the Ministerial Group
on Family Violence and Sexual Violence.
A great deal of good work is being done,
but we are still a long way from achieving
the sort of meaningful change in peoples
lives that will end domestic violence in
our communities. In New Zealand, the
statistics we bear are disastrous. One in
three women will experience violence

from a partner. While only 20% of abuse
cases are reported, 2014 saw more than
100,000 police responses to family violence
incidents, and every year there are 3,500
convictions recorded for assaults by men
against women.
When police attend a family violence
callout every five and a half minutes and
family violence accounts for half of all
reported serious crime, we clearly have a
major problem that needs new approaches
to solve. White Ribbon Day and the whole

month of November has been an important
time to come together as a community to
show our commitment to ending domestic
violence and discuss what can be done
to change the way we think about family
violence. But it is a discussion we must
continue throughout the year.
It is only by engaging the whole
community in this discussion that we
can reach everyone that needs to hear the
message of the White Ribbon Campaign.
The governments approach has been to

take ideas from everyone who wants to add
to the discussion document on domestic
violence and see what can be used.
One new development being evaluated
is allowing police to take a victim statement
by video on their iPhone, making it easier
for victims to report abuse and for charges
and convictions to be more efficiently
processed. It is innovations like these that
will help change the difficulties that victims
and others face in coming forward.
I want to thank the White Ribbon
campaign and the White Ribbon
Ambassadors for all their work in
highlighting this issue and for educating so
many victims, perpetrators, and bystanders
about the real choices they face.
I also want to thank the many people
working in the family violence sector who
do great work in the face of a mammoth
task. Most importantly, everyone needs to
participate in education about respectful
relationships and seek out what they can do
to help the people around them.
We simply must find and do what
is necessary to make our homes and
communities safe for everyone.
NEW ZEALAND
Red
Black
Orange
Speed control this

holiday season
f youre driving, remember to check

your speed, as the speed threshold
reduced to 4km/h. Police will be
enforcing the reduced speed threshold from
December 1 to January 31, 2016.
This will be backed by a visible presence
on the nations roads as part of a targeted
road safety campaign, which will also
feature a focus on impaired driving and
other high-risk behaviour. This means
that every driver stopped can expect to be
breath tested.
Safety a focus
Police want all families to have a
great summer that is memorable for the
good times, not a summer ruined by the
grief of losing a family member to a fatal
crash, says Superintendent Steve Greally,
National Manager of Road Policing. Its
the loved ones that are left behind that have
to carry the pain and devastation a fatal
crash causes.
Speed threshold reduced for holiday season
Drink drive message getting through

With December 1 also marking the oneyear anniversary of legislation lowering the
adult alcohol limit, police are encouraged
that many drivers seem to be getting the
message and are deciding not to drive after
drinking. While it is still relatively early
days, whats pleasing is that as at the end
of October 2015, we have seen almost twoand-a-half-thousand fewer drivers caught
in the over 400mcg/80mg bracket since the
new legislation came in, compared with the
same period the previous year.
Make a splash this summer
lbert-Eden
Local
Board
is
providing a new play space
at Waterview Reserve, with
interactive water play, a playground waka,

fale-inspired
shade,
13
volleyball
net,
barbecues and drinking fountains. We are
working with the Well Connected Alliance,

the New Zealand Transport Agency and
the community to build a great park, says
board member and parks portfolio lead
Margi Watson.
The water will be the perfect place
Bridge draws mariners

approval
A
new
state-of-the-art
drawbridge next to the Milford
Marina is nearing completion
and is expected to be open for use
by Christmas.
The bridge provides local
residents with direct access to
Milford Reserve from Beach
Road, and provides a critical
sustainable transport connection
for walkers and cyclists between
Castor Bay and Milford.
It cost about $3 million to
design, consent and build.
An artists impression of the new drawbridge
Win-win for Devonport-Takapuna

Devonport-Takapuna Local BoardChair
Joseph Bergin says its a win-win project for
the area.
Its construction has been eagerly
awaited by those who have campaigned
for a long time for a new bridge to be built

after the old one was removed in the 1970s,
he says.
The design enables mariners to continue
using the marina as they have, whilst
providing an important link in our steadily
growing sustainable transport network.
for youngsters to cool off over summer,

while the playground and courts provide
a range of activities for people of
all ages.
The park also connects into a coastal
walkway along Oakley Creek. In addition to
the boards contribution, NZTA is building a

skate park, BMX track and basketball court,
with other features to be built throughout
2016 and 2017.
The playground is set to open by
mid-December.
14
FIJI
Red
Fiji joins world leaders in Paris
iji joined world leaders in

Paris to draft measures to
counter global warming
at the United Nations Climate
Change Conference.
Fiji is represented by a
40-member
delegation
from
government and the private
sector led by Prime Minister
Voreqe Bainimarama.
While it will be interesting to see
what world leaders have to offer in
their bid to fight climate change,
1.8 million people worldwide have
put their names to a collection

of faith-based petitions urging
political leaders at the summit to
take decisive action to curb global
warming and deliver a strong, fair
deal that helps poor countries
adapt to their changing climate.
The petitions were presented
to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) chief of staff, Daniele
Violetti and Special Envoy of
the French President for the
Protection of the Planet, Nicolas
Fiji PM meets Mimica in Brussels
rime Minister Voreqe

Bainimarama
met
European Commissions
(EC)
Commissioner
for
International Co-operation and
Development, Neven Mimica in
Brussels, Belgium.
The ECs growing role in Fijis
socio-economic
development
dominated the meeting.
Mr
Bainimarama
also
commended
the
European
Unions (EU) commitment to
reduce carbon emissions by 40
per cent by 2030.
He said this augured well for
the future of Pacific Small Island
Developing States and called on
the EUs support in the lead up to
the Climate Change talks in Paris.
Prime Minister Bainimarama
also met separately with the copresident of the ACP-EU Joint
Parliamentary Assembly, Louis
Michel, and the head of Cabinet
of High Representative/vicepresident, European External
Action
Services,
Stefano
Manservisi and discussed the
EUs trade agreements and
engagements with Fiji. Mr
Bainimarama highlighted the
need to strengthen partnerships,

especially in the sugar, fisheries
and forests sectors.
He also pointed out that the
assistance provided to Fiji would
complement the work carried
out by the FijiFirst Government
to
improve
the
lives
of
ordinary Fijians.
He also held discussions on the
role of the EU within the region
and highlighted the emerging role
of the Pacific Islands Development
Forum (PIDF) in addressing the
challenges faced by Pacific Small
Islands Development States.
Mr Bainimarama delivered
the keynote address at the 102nd
Session of the Council of Ministers
of the African, Caribbean and
Pacific Group of States in Brussels.
Source: Fiji Sun
Orange
From the Philippines, former

COP negotiator Yeb Sano, from
Brazil Cardinal Claudio Hummes,
from South Africa Archbishop
of Cape Town, the Rt Rev Thabo
Makgoba, from the US Rev
Kyoichi Sugino of Religions for
Peace International, from Kenya
Mithika Mwenda, co-ordinator of
the Pan African Climate Justice
Alliance and from Bangladesh
pilgrimage to Paris. Several key

individuals spoke at the event.
Lotifa
Begum
of
Islamic
Relief Worldwide.
Reddy tells why education important
Waqabaca presents
credentials in NZ
ijis new envoy to NZ

says he looks forward to
growing relations
Fijian High Commissioner to
New Zealand Filimone Waqabaca
presented his credentials to New
Zealands Governor-General Sir
Jerry Mateparae.
When
presenting
his
credentials at the Government
House in Wellington, he said Fiji
and New Zealand had a longstanding relationship that had
endured the test of recent times.
He said the two countries, now
re-engaging at various levels,
was a positive indication of the
mutual desire and commitment
to strengthen this friendship and
enhance bilateral co-operation.
Mr Waqabaca said it was
an honour to represent Fiji in
New Zealand and he looked
Hulot, on November 28 at the

Faith in Climate Justice (Les
Religions Pour le Climat) event at
Salle de la L gion dHonneur in
Saint-Denis.
The hand-in was witnessed by
about 400 people including faith
leaders, COP21 delegates and
climate campaigners from around
the world including individuals
from countries such as Germany,
the UK, Philippines, Italy and
Scandinavia who have walked
hundreds of kilometres in a
Black
forward to contributing to the

growing relationship between
the two countries. I believe
that in the process there will be
more opportunities for further
collaboration
on
bilateral
issues as well as on the global
challenges of peace and security,
climate change and sustainable
development, he said.
Also in attendance was the
staff of the High Commission
and officials from the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs.
ducation is now seen

throughout the world as
the important sector of
the economy, says the Minister
for Education, Heritage and Arts,
Mahendra Reddy.
Speaking as chief guest at the
Monfort Boys Town graduation,
Mr Reddy said education was
critical for sustainable growth and
development for any country.
Its a binding constraint.
Education is always seen simply
as a vehicle that provides
employment opportunity for
livelihood for people, he said.
Education is important and
critical in terms of supporting
Most improved student of Montfort Boy's Town,Vikash Dayal receives his prize from the chief guest,Dr
Mahendra Reddy during the annual prize giving at the school
all the sectors of the economy to

grow and contribute to the overall
growth of the country. Mr Reddy
said this recognition of education
by government demonstrates its

commitment towards education
for all Fijians in the country.
Wedding with a difference
special
wedding
ceremony was conducted
at Vunivalu, Labasa.
It fulfilled a 25-year-old Labasa
hearing and speech impaired
mans dream to get married.
The dream came true when
he married his former classmate
who is also hearing and
speech impaired.
Vinay Chand and Sanjana
Mudaliar, 24, studied together for
eight years at the Labasa School
for Special Education.
They never dreamt that one
day they will get married. Their
former teacher, Shiu Prasad who
taught them for eight years and
now retired, said the wedding was
a joyous and historic moment for
the couple, relatives and those
who were at the function.
Vinay Chand getting married to Sanjana Mudaliar in Vunivau, Labasa
After Vinay completed his

Certificate in Graphic Design at
Fiji National University, he came
to me and using sign language
expressed his desire to get
married, Mrs Prasad said.
Seeing these two grow up, I
took the bravest step to talk to
both parents and finally we get

to be part of this great occasion.
Vinays father Bal Govind of
Naodamu, Labasa, said he never
thought his son would have a life
partner. Sanjana father Govind
Mudaliar said he always had high
hopes for his daughter.
Kiribati commends Fiji at COP21 summit
iji was once again praised

for leading the charge
to help countries that
were seriously under threat from
climate change.
This time around at a world
event, again, President Anote Tong
of Kiribati commended Fiji at the
COP21 in Paris for offering to help
his people and Tuvalu who may need
relocation because of the rising sea
level. He said, It is so heartening to

hear that Fiji in response to our calls
to the international community
has undertaken to accommodate
our people from Kiribati, our
people from Tuvalu in the event
climate change renders our
home uninhabitable.
Thank you Fiji, to which
leaders and officials in one of the
two plenaries where world leaders
are addressing COP21 gave a

hearty applause.
Kiribati has a population of
about 110,000 scattered over 33
small, low-lying islands extending
over a total area of 3.5m sq km.
President Tong also urged
negotiators to approach the next two
weeks as global citizens, and not to
bring their national political agenda
into the global negotiations.
FIJI
15
Miss Fiji makes it to category top 16
Red
Black
Orange
iss
Fiji,
Brittany
Hazelman is ranked
in the top 16 for the
Best National Dance and Costume
at the Miss World Pageant in
Sanya, China.
Miss World Fiji national
director and FBC TV producer
and presenter, Andhy Blake is
delighted with the achievement.
Mr Blake hopes Miss Hazelman
qualifies for the top eight to
perform in the finals.
It is exciting for Brittany and
Fiji to be selected into the top
sixteen for National Costume and
Dance. Our designer, Hupfeld
Passion for
fashion
Hoerder and choreographer, Navi

Fong of Vou worked extremely
hard to perfect the outfit and
dance, Mr Blake said.
He said getting that recognition
was a testament that Fiji had
world class talents.
It shows that Fiji has
great talents and Fiji excels in
National Costume.
Last year, we were rated tenth
and in 2012, we were placed first.
I am extremely grateful to
our creative team and commend
Brittany for carrying the costume
and dance off well. Miss
Hazelman completed her audition
o some people it may seem a

bit absurd to link fashion with
medicine but for Sidhant Maharaj,
his passion for fashion and design knows
no barriers.
The second-year medical laboratory
science student at the Fiji School
of Medicine is one of three finalists
shortlisted for Digicel Pacifics uniform
design competition.
Mr Maharaj, 21, said he entered the
competition for the opportunity to showcase
his creativity and talent in fashion designs.
I wouldnt miss this opportunity for the
world with such a prestigious company
such as Digicel.
My designs were inspired by modern
fashion trends and depicts my vision of
what would signify all Pacific islanders
and at the same time give it a stylish and
professional look, he said.
Mr Maharaj was also the winner of the
Style Magazines Best Street Wear of the
Year Award at the Project Jejemon Fashion
and Design Awards earlier this year.
In addition to studying for his MLS, Mr
Maharaj is designing a 60s themed outfit
for a client in addition to a wedding dress
with a western traditional fusion theme.
A statement from Digicel Pacific stated
Mr Maharaj also does voluntary work for
Auztec medical laboratories and the Society
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
His talents are not limited to fashion
only as Mr Maharaj won the 2013 National
Finals of Climate Zone, a first climate
change awareness educational competition
in the Pacific co-ordinated by the University
of the South Pacific and European Union.
He also participated in the 2013 Climate
Zone regional competition representing
Fiji alongside other Pacific Island countries
and emerging as the only undefeated team
in the competition.
Meanwhile, Digicel Pacific had launched
the uniform design competition with
the aim to offer people of the Pacific the
opportunity to help design the companys
new retail, corporate and casual uniforms.
The winner of this competition will
be presented with a prize of $US2,000
($F4306) plus the experience of managing
the entire design project from start to finish
with a select project team in Australia.
Mr Maharajs designs are currently in
production with internationally renowned
textile company Total Uniform Solutions,
and were showcased on the catwalk last
weekend at Style Fijis charity fashion event
at the Sofitel Resort & Spa.
Miss Fiji Brittany Hazelman at the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China
for talent in her campaign towards
Wednesday. The 118 contestants
the 65th Miss World Crown on
from around the world will be
Eco Travels
Holiday Package Deals
AFTER HOURS
Accredited Agent
New Year in
LAS VEGAS
Make your own way
to MUNICH
3 nights/4 days
from $698* per person
Land only
25nights/3
nights/6days
days
from
from$210*
$769*per
perperson
person
Land only
Fly Virgin
Australia
Weekend in
BRUGGE
DUBAI
1 nights/2 days
2 nights/3 days

Land only

Land only
departing on a tour of Hainan

before they compete in the Top
Model, Sports and Talent finals
that begin on December 5.
Mr Blake will be joining Miss
Hazelman on December 11 for
the national directors meeting
in Sanya.
Supporters can vote for Fiji by
downloading the Miss World App
on www.missworld.com and vote
for Peoples Choice.
The crowning will be held on
December 19 at the Crown of
Beauty Theatre and the event will
be telecast live on FBC TV.
0800 00 29 84
we will beat
any valid
written fare
ECO
www.
ecotr
CARD
avels
.co.nz
Loyalt
y
Card
1000
No.
01
Get registered
with Eco
Loyalty program
and win an iPad
in lucky draw on
1st december 2015
Special Fares to Indian Subcontinent

Lucky winner of
Eco Loyalty Programe

Starting from
$1195* (Incl. Taxes)
Starting from
$1075
Starting from
* (Incl. Taxes)
Starting from
Starting from
October 2015
Manreet Kaur
and Karamjot
Singh
www.ecotravels.co.nz
FREE MONEY TRANSFER*

Mt Albert: 0508 15 16 17
K Road: 0800 024409
Papatoetoe: 0800 024 411
Flat Bush: 0800 031 113
Henderson: 0800 024415
Manurewa: 0800 024413

Mt. Roskill: 0800 024414
New Lynn: 0800 031565
Pakuranga: 0800 024423
Three Kings: 0800 024410
Christchurch: 0800 024418

Hamilton: 0800 024408
Pukekohe: 0800 024246
Tauranga: 0800 024417
Wellington: 0800 031129
*Conditions Apply. All above fares are starting from and subject to availability.
INDIANEW ZEALAND
Thought of the week
Quiet people have the loudest minds.

Stephen King
Editorial
Courtesy :
Satish Acharya
sify.com
From the desk of the

Managing Editor
What would become of a sea captain, who whenever he saw a fog settling down
on the waters, or a storm coming up, would turn his ship around and sail back
to the port he had left? You know he would lose his job and be branded as an
incompetent and a coward. Every sea captain keeps his ship true to the compass and
he plows through fogs, storms or hurricanes to his distant goal. You are the captain
of your life ship, and it is up to you to bring it into port grandly. If you havent the
qualities of a good sea captain your ship is in danger.
Downright hard work, a purpose which never flags, a grit and nerve which never
retreat; these are the qualities that make life victorious. Orison SwettMarden from
Making Life a Masterpiece.
No one in life is free from trials and tribulations, but like I always say, the person
who wins in the end is the one who sticks to the fight even when they are hardest hit.
When one is amidst a difficult time, it is easy to not see the light at the end of the
tunnel or to believe that things in life will never change, but often people who emerge
victorious are the ones who refuse to give up. So no matter how hard the going gets,
I hope each one of you can find the strength to keep going. And when you think you
cannot, then it is important to reach out to someone who will put you right back on
track.
We have an exciting issue for our readers this week. On the lighter side, we
have another dose of Razzmatazz and a brand new column called Mayas Kitchen
Adventuresa food column with a difference and this time the focus is health and
fun. So you dont just get the recipes but also the goodness in the ingredients.
On the more serious issues, we deal with the issue of Climate Change bringing you
the best from Prime Minister John Key and Narendra Modi, the commitments to the
contribution each country is willing to make towards this. In the end, it boils down to
not just how each country can contribute towards a more sustainable planet, but how
each one of us can make a difference. I personally feel it also boils down to educating
people about sustainability and raising awareness on the subject of climate change. It
is about garnering more support and participation from peoples at large.
The Farmers Santa Parade hit the streets of Auckland CBD well and truly
heralding the silly season. One can see that people all over are winding down now
for the end of the year or shall I say Christmas cheer. Office Christmas parties are in
full swing, the sales are all coming on and one can see happy shoppers all around.
This can also be a stressful time for those who maybe struggling financially or also for
those who may be away from their families. Let us spare a thought for those people
and offer support wherever we can.
Pick of the week
Until next time.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan announce baby girland massive charity organisation called the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Giri Gupta
Indian Weekender : Volume 7 Issue 37

Publisher: Kiwi Media Group Limited
Managing Editor: Giri Gupta | girigupta@xtra.co.nz
Editor: Annu Sharma | editor@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Reporter: Swati Sharma | reporter@indianweekender.co.nz
Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | iwk.rizwan@gmail.com
Reporter: Esha Chanda | iwk.eshac@gmail.com
Reporter: Kumar Suresh | iwk.kumar@gmail.com
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan Desouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | designer@indianweekender.co.nz
Accounts and Admin.: Farah Khan | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
Sales and Marketing: 022 3251630 / 021 1507950 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
is not responsible for advertisers claims as appearing in the publication
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Indian Weekender is published by Kiwi Media Group, 98 Great South Road, Auckland
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Copyright 2015. Kiwi Media Group. All Rights Reserved.
Primo
Meaning: Excellent
Usage: If you could bring some beer to the barbeque that
would be primo
Tip from the trenches
Cooking tips
Always store spices in a cool, dark place as

humidity and light will cause the herbs and
spices to lose their flavour
Never try a new recipe or an ingredient when
cooking an important meal
Substitue half of the mayo with Greek-style
yogurt for a healthier version of creamy
dressings
Avoid burning garlic while sauteeing by slicing it
rather than mincing it
If youve added more salt to soups and stews,
throw in a potato. It will suck up the excess salt.
OPINION/EDITORIAL
17
Whodunnit: The truth behind Turkey

downing a Russian plane
Red
Black
Orange
Saeed Naqvi
was not in Turkey. It was in Syria. While

the pilot, Sergey Rumyantsev, was killed,
the navigator is alive. He is being treated
in Syria. He has confirmed what would
otherwise be speculative stories emanating
from Moscow.
There are other issues the US and NATO
must be confidentially sorting out with
Russia. Written into the understanding
between Washington and Moscow was an
obligation to give prior notice of every aerial
activity to the alliance partners. In this
instance, neither Washington nor NATO
were informed of the airspace violation by
Russia and that Turkey proposed to take
drastic action against the Russian aircraft.
Recently, an Ankara-Moscow hotline
was established to avert just the sort of
mishap which has generated fears of a wider
conflict. A senior Turkish official turned the
argument against the Russians.
Russians are under global sanctions and
their purchase of oil from ISIS for delivery
to the Syrian regime is in violation of these
sanctions. The official has, in his armoury,
the transcript of the warnings issued to the
erring Russian pilot. But the transcript only

records warning and no response and, by
that token, is weak testimony.
That Iraq and Syria are overcrowded
with divergent interests became clear in
February when Iraqs Army shot down two
British planes allegedly carrying weapons
for the ISIS in the Anbar province. The
incident was never denied largely because
Iraq Parliaments National Security and
Defence Committee had photos of the
planes that had been shot down.
And now that Prime Minister David
Cameron is rearing to go into Syria with
airstrikes (if only he can coax a nod of
approval from his parliament), he is
probably eager to reach out for the piece of
the Syrian pie he could not lay his hands on
all these months.
An amusing sketch that surfaces on the
social networks at intervals shows Uncle
Sam seated in an ornate carriage. An
Arab, looking rather like the Saudi King,
is in the drivers seat. He has a firm grip
on reins strapped to four burly, hooded
ISIS militants.
The message, consumed avidly in Iraq, is
that ISIS was, at one stage a Saudi-US asset.
Some of this activity boomeranged on the
US when an embarrassed Defence Secretary
Ashton Carter had to announce to the press
that a $500 million training programme
in Syria had been withdrawn after Syrian
opposition trained by the US had handed
their weapons to militants and sought safe
passage to heaven knows where.
So far the Syrian-Iraqi terrain has
been the graveyard of many regional and
Western reputations. Russians must keep
their fingers crossed.
asked to do? India goes to talk about the

issue of climate justice to its 300 million
people who do not have access to electricity.
The government has the mandate to resolve
the power poverty. Development and
access to power for citizens cannot be
held hostage to international relations
and obligations. This is where developing
countries such as India find themselves in
a spot of bother, as reducing dependence
on coal at present looks impractical.This
is because coal is at present the cheapest
source of producing power and India has
abundant reserves of it. Also, governments
have to subsidise new and renewable
energy that make them environmentally
good but financially costly. The solution
that countries such as India seem to look at

is boosting the renewable capacity over the
next few years more than the coal output
increases. It is a pragmatic stance since it
increases the output of Co2 emissions but
at the same time looks to move towards
renewable energy more so than ever before
and more than coal.The leaders have
already submitted their countries Intended
Nationally Determined Contributions to
COP-21.
India has pledged to reduce its emissions
by an estimated 3335 per cent by 2030
down from its 2005 level. It aims to do so
by focusing on solar and wind energy. It
is estimated that the funding requirement
to achieve this would be close to $2.5
trillion.The leaders that have gathered in
France must find solutions that are practical
and sustainable. The best way forward is to
commit to investing in R&D and radical
innovation in solar and other renewable
energy sources.
The issue of equity and access to power
for their citizens are of critical importance.
Leaders must look at finding solutions by
investing in energy technologies that are
novel and less polluting.
urkeman tribesmen, on the Syrian

side of the border with Turkey,
calling themselves the Syrian
Liberation Army, are actually in harness
to protect routes on which oil tankers have
been plying regularly from Syria to Turkey
for the Western market. This smuggling
enterprise is controlled by Bilal Erdogan,
son of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
The whodunnit nature of the incident is
explained by the extraordinary pressure on
the Presidents office brought by this extra
constitutional entity.
Ever since the Russians entered
the Syrian theatre as part of a broader
understanding with the US, these tankers
and the mercenary soldiers protecting them
have come under heavy Russian fire.
Moscow would be justified in being
somewhat puzzled that neither the US
nor NATO, with its vast intelligence
apparatus, spotted 90,000 barrels of oil
being clandestinely transported over the
border. Profits from this enterprise finances
groups that constitute the ISIS.
Turkey has been most enthusiastic and
active in supporting anti-Assad militancy in
Syria. When some of the groups patronised
by Turkey, mostly affiliated to the Muslim
Brotherhood, mutated into the Islamic
state, Turkey tried its best to have this
region of its operation, in Northern Syria,
declared a no-fly-zone.
The official Russian press note quotes
verbatim what Foreign Minister Sergey
Lavrov told his Turkish counterpart, Mevlut
Cavusoglu, on November 26: By shooting
down a Russian plane on a counter-terrorist
mission of the Russian Aerospace Force in
Syria, and one that did not violate Turkeys

air space, the Turkish government has in
effect sided with ISIS.
Lavrov added, Turkeys action appears
premeditated, planned and undertaken
with a specific object.
Even Washington has not come to
Turkeys rescue. On the specifics of the
shooting down of the Russian fighter jet,
US officials maintained the Russian plane
was in the Turkish air space for no more
than 17 seconds during which period 10
warnings could not have been given to the
Russian pilot as Turkey claims.
Even among Western countries that
recently forged an alliance against the
ISIS there are skeptics who see Turkey
playing both sides of the street. There are
serious suspicions that the shooting down
of the plane had been planned. As soon
as the Russian pilot and his navigator
ejected from the jet in a mountainous,
inhospitable terrain, their parachutes were
instantly targeted by machine guns, which
were clearly expecting the shooting of
the Russian plane in their area. This area
COP-21 must find practical, pragmatic,

sustainable solutions
Amit Kapoor
staggering 147 heads of state have

assembled at Paris to discuss and
possibly find a solution to the
problem of climate change at the COP-21.
The broad consensus that exists is that the
global temperatures should not be allowed to
breach the 2 degree Celsius change over the
pre-industrial atmospheric temperatures.
However, the foundations of this number
as well the likelihood of averting this limit
both seems shaky at present.
The reason is that the limit before it
become mainstream in the climate change
policy discourse was used by Yale economist
William Nordhaus. He used it to express
a first intuition to show that these levels
would take the climate outside the range of
observations, which have been made over
the last several hundred thousand years.
Post this, several conferences and
resolutions were passed but little serious
commitment is observed from most
stakeholders. In 2010, the Cancun
Agreements committed the governments
to hold the increase in global average
temperature below 2 degrees. However,
the limit in itself is arbitrary. It is used, as

it serves as an important benchmark for
governments to commit to measurable
targets. It forces the global leadership and
national leadership to find solutions within
this 2 degree limit.
Another major problem with the 2
degree limit is that it does not take into
account the historical contribution so far
that countries have made. This makes it
even more difficult to reach a consensus
on the limit. Developing countries such as
India have argued that since they have not
contributed to climate change in a massive
way in the past 150 years, why are they being
pressurised to reduce carbon emissions in
the same way developed countries have been
18
INDIA
Red
Black
Orange
Modi launches solar alliance, reminds

rich countries of green promises
ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

launched an alliance of some 120-odd
nations to harness solar energy better
and asked the rich nations to shoulder
their responsibilities in protecting the
environment, with funding and transfer
of clean technology to poor and emerging
economies. He said India would cut carbon
emission levels substantially by 2030 by
expanding renewable energy.
Today, when the energy sources and the
excesses of our industrial age have put our
planet in peril, the world must turn to Sun
to power our future, Modi said.
This is an alliance that brings together
the developed and developing countries,
governments and industries, laboratories
and institutions in a common enterprise,
he said, offering to host this initiative in
India, providing the requisite land and also
making a contribution of $30 million for
the proposed secretariat.
During his various engagements at the
21st Session of the Conference of Parties
(COP-21) under the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change and side
events, Modi said India has done its bit by
targeting 175 gigawatts of renewable energy
in seven years.
The entire world, 196 nations, have
come together to shape the future of this
world and the health of our planet. We want
the world to act with urgency. We want a
comprehensive, equitable and durable
PM Narendra Modi (centre) along with President of France Francois Hollande (left) and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon (right)
at launch of the International Solar Alliance during the COP21 Summit in Paris, France
agreement, which must lead us to restore

the balance between humanity and nature,
he said.
At another event on innovation attended
by French President Francois Hollande,
US President Barack Obama and Bill Gates
among others, Modi said it was imperative
to make renewable energy much cheaper
and more reliable and the conventional
sources cleaner, while developing newer
sources that are green.
Our innovation initiative should be
driven by public purpose, not just market
incentives, including on intellectual
property. That will make clean energy
technology available, accessible and
affordable for all. The prime minister
also held bilateral talks with Presidents
Hollande and Obama, as also Japanese

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, besides an
unexpected brief meeting with Pakistan
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
India will work closely with US on
Mission Innovation, he assured Obama,
referring to the initiative to dramatically
accelerate public and private involvement
on cutting-edge technologies to address
climate change, provide affordable clean
energy and create commercial opportunities
in this area.
The prime minister opened the India
pavilion at the convention to showcase the
countrys commitment towards renewable
energy and climate change.
Indias progress is our destiny and the
right of our people. But we must also lead in
combating climate change, said Modi. We

have a target for renewable generation of
175 gigawatts by 2022. We have got off to a
good start, with nearly 12 gigawatts likely to
be installed by 2016, more than three times
the current capacity, he said.
India has already submitted for the
consideration of the conference, what is
called the Intended Nationally Determined
Contributions, sought from the 196 member
states of the convention, offering to cut its
emission intensity by 33-35 per cent by
2030. Alluding to what rich nations needed
to do to protect the environment, he made
it clear that a pact reached in Paris must
be one of partnership, where resources
and technology are shared with poor and
developing economies, so as not to deprive
people who live between want and hope.
He also launched at the India Pavilion a
coffee table book, entitled Parampara, with
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar
and Power, Coal and New and Renewable
Energy Minister Piyush Goyal.
Modi also unveiled a book authored by
him on innovationsConvenient Action.
Addressing the plenary CoP 21 plenary
session, he said India has set ambitious
targets to cut carbon emissions.
By 2030, we will reduce emissions by
35 per cent of 2005 levels, and 40 per cent
of our installed capacity from non-fossil
fuels, he said.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES SPECIAL FARES TO INDIAN

SUB-CONTINENT STARTING FROM NZ$
1650
Outbound travel should commence

between 19th Jan and 30th Sep 2016*
Sale ends on 09 Dec 2015
Limited availability. Blackout dates apply
Call Now!
Shell 021 915346
Zulfi 021 915329
Tony 021 915340
Unit 0, 8 Bishop Lenihan Place, East Tamaki
P. 09 272 3522 / 272 3544 F. 09 272 3577
Email. travel_shop@xtra.co.nz | www.travelshopnz.co.nz
INDIA
Red
Black
19
Orange
Modi opens India Pavilion at

Paris with focus on renewables
rime Minister Narendra Modi

inaugurated the India pavilion
at the global climate change
conference in Paris, showcasing the
countrys commitment to renewable energy
for which a target of 175 GW of additional
capacity has been set by 2022.
The India Pavilion has used technology
to showcase Indias commitment to climate
change and focus on climate justice,
Modi said.
The India pavilion also seeks to
demonstrate the strong belief that the world
needs to look beyond climate change.
He said the pavilion also displays
the countrys harmony with nature and
environment, and added: Summit is
of great significance to Indias future. It
is a window to our tradition, progress,
aspirations and achievements: that
Indias progress.
The prime minister, who said climate
change was a major global challenge, also
launched a coffee table book Parampara.
He said India looked at the Paris convention
66 lakh
benefit
from Mudra
scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Barack Obama
with both commitment and hope. We
Change in a spirit of partnership, based on
approach the negotiations under the United
the principles of equity and common but
Nations Framework Convention on Climate
differentiated responsibility.
rime Minister Narendra Modi said

some 66 lakh people, including 24
lakh women, have benefitted from
the Mudra scheme that provides loans for
setting up business.
So far about 66 lakh people have
benefited ... with Rs.42,000 crore spent. I
am happy to announce that out of 66 lakh
people, some 24 lakh are women, Modi
said in his radio address Mann ki Baat.
He said that Dalits, tribal and people
belonging to the OBC category make up for
most beneficiaries.
The scheme is trying to help small
workers such as barbers, laundrymen,
milkmen, newspaper vendors who run the
economy, Modi said.
It provides a boost to three Es
Enterprises, Earning and Empowerment.
The scheme encourages enterprises,
provides opportunity for earning, and in
the truest sense empowers people. It is
helping small entrepreneurs.
20
INDIA
Knowledge, innovation key to

Indias growth: Mukherjee
onstructive use of Indias

1.1 billion minds could
free its society from all
woes it was currently facing,
President Pranab Mukherjee said.
It is for each one of us as an
individual to make a commitment
and to dedicate oneself to solving
the problems of society and
country, said the president,
after presenting the annual APJ
Abdul Kalam IGNITE Awards at
IIM-Ahmedabad.
On a three-day tour of
Gujarat, Mukherjee urged the
new generation to engage with
creative minds from industry,
business, entrepreneurs, society
leaders and with those who work
at the grassroots.
Mukherjee
said
it
was
imperative to address the pressing
issues confronting todays society
and the IIM must strive to be a
beacon of knowledge, nurture
President Pranab Mukherjee addresses during an exhibition at the Institute of Management-Ahmadabad

in Gujarat
other institutions with generous

mentorship, and maintain a
culture that blends the drive for
excellence and performance with
the spirit of collaboration and
compassion. He said that the
National Innovation Foundation
and IIM-Ahmedabad had given

a global identity to the Indian
model of social innovation.
Mukherjee encouraged the
institute to continue investing
energy
and
resources
in
nurturing
innovations
that
Red
accelerate the nations economic

progress and create a sustainable
inclusive society.
Innovation is a key to
economic
development
and
reflects the maturity of a nation
and society to respond to the
emerging needs and challenges.
It is a continuous process and
needs to be nurtured at each and
every step.
Innovation, higher education
and industry need to be closely
networked for maximum benefit
of the society. Any innovation
happening either at the grassroots
level or in the higher educational
institutions must be linked to
the industry for commercial
purposes, the president said.
He said the children of India
have proved that innovative
spirits can dispel any amount of
inertia and replace it with exciting
new possibilities.
There is some amount of intolerance: Naidu
dmitting
some
amount of intolerance
exists in the society,
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M.
Venkaiah Naidu said in the Rajya
Sabha that the issues need to be
localised and dealt with firmly.
The minister added instead of
that, issues are being generalised,
showing India in a poor light.
There is some amount of
intolerance in the society in
different areas, that has to be
identified, that has to be localised,
it has to be dealt with firmly,
Naidu said.
Instead of that, we are trying
to make it generalised, which in
turn shows India in a poor light,
which is not in national interest,
he said.
Keep that in mind and then
when intolerance debate takes
Union Minister for Urban Development, Housing

and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Parliamentary Affairs M. Venkaiah Naidu
place in the house, there are other

seniors who will participate in
that. I am only appealing. Let
us all be tolerant to each other,
and then tolerant towards the
mandate of the people, he
said.According to me, biggest
tolerance, biggest respect to the

constitution is respect of mandate
of people, he added.
This is also an important
aspect that there has to be respect
to verdict of the people. Respect
to the other mans belief, the
minister said.
Naidu also said there have
been incidents of intolerance
under different regimes and it
is not that it started happening
after Narendra Modi became the
prime minister.
...All these things have
not happened overnight after
Narendra Modi has become the
prime minister.
These things have been have
been happening in different
parts of country. I am not
trying to justify anything. The
atrocities on Dalits, are they
happening now? he asked.

Referring to former finance
minister
P.
Chidambarams
comment that banning Salman
Rushdies Satanic Verses was
a mistake, Naidu said there
should be a uniform policy
on banning books and even
banning feelings.
Chidambaram said it was
wrong on their part to ban Salman
Rushdies book. There are two
things: One, people writing books
should not arouse social tension.
But at the same time about
freedom of expression and
freedom of speech, people have
got right, but there has to be
a broad consensus how do we
go about it. You ban Salman
Rushdies book, people are happy,
somebody ban Shivaji book, then
there is protest, he said.
Government committed to maintain

peace: Rajnath
ome Minister Rajnath

Singh has said the
government was ready
to discuss and fix the issue of
intolerance and will do anything
possible to maintain peace and
tolerance in the country.
Replying to the debate in the
Lok Sabha on the situation arising
out of incidents of intolerance,
the home minister said there
were forces that were making an
issue out it.
There has been an effort to
raise a question on our tolerance,
he said.
The minister said India
was, is and will be tolerant and
remains so under no pressure as
tolerance was in its culture. I
want to assure all political parties,
scientists, artistes and others that

we will not allow intolerance.
If they feel that there is
intolerance, please come and
discuss it, we will work on the
issue, he said.
I am prepared to sit with
you and would do everything
possible to ensure tolerance in
the country.
On the Dadri lynching incident,
where a Muslim was killed by a
mob following rumours that he
ate beef, the home minister said
the report from the Uttar Pradesh
government could not reach
any conclusion.
I was ready that if the state
government would ask for probe
by the CBI, I would allow it, he
said. On the issue of renowned
Home Minister Rajnath Singh
Kannada writer, research scholar

and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi,
who was shot dead in Karnataka
in August, the home minister said

the state CID was investigating
the matter but if the Karnataka
government wants it to be
probed by a central agency, the
government was ready for it.
If they want it to be probed
by the CBI, we are ready for it,
he said.
The home minister said the
government was being targeted in
the name of intolerance.
There have been attacks in
the name of intolerance, we are
not tolerant due to pressure from
somebody but its in our culture,
he said.
He said anybody who tries
to disturb peace in the country
would be dealt with strongly.
India
logs 7.4 %
growth
Black
Orange
he
Indian
economy
grew 7.4 per cent in the
second quarter ended
September,
showing
some
improvement over the seven per
cent expansion in the quarter
before but a notch lower than
the 8.4 per cent registered in the
same quarter of the last fiscal.
As per official data on gross
domestic product (GDP) released
by the Central Statistics Office
(CSO) under the statistics and
programme
implementation
ministry showed the growth
of 7.4 per cent was led mainly
by expansion in commercial
and financial services and
manufacturing output.
GDP, which is the aggregate
market value of all the goods and
services produced in the country,
had expanded by 8.4 per cent
in the corresponding quarter
of last fiscal.
GDP at constant (201112)
prices in Q2 of 201516 is
estimated at Rs.27.57 lakh crore
as against Rs.25.66 lakh crore in
Q2 of 2014-15, showing a growth
rate of 7.4 percent, a statement
quoted the CSO as saying.
Quarterly GVA (gross value
added) at Basic Price at constant
(2011-12) prices for Q2 of 2015
16 is estimated at Rs.25.80 lakh
crore, as against Rs.24.02 lakh
crore in Q2 of 201415, showing
a growth rate of 7.4 per cent over
the corresponding quarter of
previous year, it added.
The GVA, which is a gauge to
measure the value of goods and
services produced in a particular
sector or a grouping of industries,
had stood at 8.4 percent in
the corresponding quarter of
last fiscal.
According
to
the
data
released, economic activities
which registered growth of
more than seven per cent in
Q2 of 201516 over Q2 of
201415 are trade, hotels and
transport, communication and
services related to broadcasting,
financial, insurance, real estate
and
professional
services
and manufacturing.
During this period, the growth
in agriculture, forestry and
fishing was 2.2 per cent, mining
and quarrying grew 3.2 per cent,
electricity, gas, water supply and
other utility services growth
was 6.7 per cent, construction
at 2.6 per cent, and public
administration, defence and
other services grew 4.7 per cent,
CSO said.
INDIA ABROAD
Red
Black
21
Orange
US to work with India, China on climate change

Arun Kumar
esponding to Indian
Prime
Minister
Narendara Modis not
our fault message on climate
change, the US said President
Barack Obama has signalled a
willingness to work with India and
China for an ambitious climate
change agreement.
Obama had very constructive
meetings this week with Modi and
Chinese President Xi Jinping in
on the side-lines on Paris Climate
Summit, deputy National Security
Advisor Ben Rhodes told reporters
in Paris.
Now, today, very deliberately,
President Obama wanted to send
a signal with his meetings that we
were going to work with China
and work with India to pursue
an ambitious agreement here in
Paris, he said, according to a
White House transcript.
The US had helped to mobilise

a truly global effort over the
course of the last seven years with
a recognition that we needed
to bring together the entire
world, including major emerging
economies [such as] China and
India, Rhodes said.
Given the fact that they are
more and more the source of
carbon emissions, clearly we
have felt throughout the course
of this administration that China
and India need to be a part of the
solution, he said.
I think you heard Prime
Minister Modi reiterate with
the President his commitment
to
pursuing
an
ambitious
agreement, Rhodes said, noting,
India has put forward its
own targets.
In his meeting with Modi,
Obama said that he certainly
understands that whether its
India or another developing
country, there has to be a focus

on making sure that countries
can continue to lift people out
of poverty.
We have recognition, of
course, that you have hundreds
of millions of Indians who dont
even have access to electricity,
Rhodes said. At the same time,
Australias biggest Hindu temple opens
heSri Durga Temple

Australias biggest Durga
temple, built on the
western suburb of Melbourne,
opened on November 30, after
five years of construction, amid
fireworks to culminate seven days
of ceremonies.
Located in Rockbank, a rocky
district of Melton City, the new
building will provide a house of
Hindu worship to an ever-growing
population of Indians and other
Hindu nationalities in Australias
second largest city.
Rajan Zed, president of the
Universal Society of Hinduism
based in Nevada, said the
temple serves as an important
accomplishment to pass on
Hindu spirituality, concepts and
traditions to coming generations.
Besides
worship
services,
leaders of the Sri Durga Temple
are planning to make the temple
a non-profit organisation to
undertake charitable activities.
Among the projects under
consideration is thecollection and
distribution of clothing, medicine
and food to the less fortunate.
Blood donation camps are also
being planned.
Other programmes in the
pipeline include organising events
such as discussions, chanting and
meditation sessions, free yoga,
however, we can pursue an

ambitious climate agreement even
while India pursues an ambitious
development policy, he said.
And, in fact, we can pursue
the types of solutions that can
meet
both
climate
and
development challenges.
Noting that Modi had later
joined Obama at the US Mission
Innovation event, Rhodes said
this demonstrates a recognition
on the part of India and other
countries
about
making
investments in basic research.
If we are financing both from
the public sector but also from the
private sector renewable sources
of energy, that has the ability to
help us raise our ambitions in
terms of reducing our emissions,
but also can, frankly, be a source
of development for countries
like India and other countries
around the world. So I think, with
Prime Minister Modi, there was
recognition and a commitment to

pursuing an ambitious agreement
here in Paris.
In both meetings, Obama
clearly made the point that
addressing the challenge of climate
change and pursuing sustainable
economic development that lifts
people out of poverty around the
world are not competitive goals
In fact, they can be mutually
reinforcing. And I think US
leadership in working with our
traditional allies but also working
with China and India is going to
be essential to getting a good deal
here in Paris, Rhodes said.
As
Obama
himself
acknowledged
advanced
economies
have
important
responsibilities, that the whole
world has to be a part of this,
he said. And you cant have a
bifurcation of our commitments in
these various areas that prevents
consensus.
Indian-origin
engineer discovers new
green power source
Hindi classes, pilgrimages, helping

India-descent senior citizens and
students, and providing support
for local schools.
The temple will open daily and
will conduct aarti every day and
kirtan on Sundays.
For Hindus, Durga, a highly
revered Hindu Goddess, is
considered thesaviour of the
world from evil.
Hinduism,
the oldest and third largest
religion of the world, has

about one billion adherents
and moksh (liberation) is its
ultimate goal.
Pre-opening
ceremonies,
called Pran Pratishtha Program,
were held from November 24 and
ended on November 30 with the
opening of the temple.
(Rowena
Dela
Rosa
Yoons report from the Asian
Correspondent)
n Indian-origin engineer
and his team from
Concordia
University
have created a technology to
harness the electrical energy from
blue-green algae.
Both
photosynthesis
and
respiration, which take place
in plants cells, involve electron
transfer chains.
By trapping the electrons
released by blue-green algae
during
photosynthesis
and
respiration, we can harness the
electrical energy they produce
naturally,
said
engineering
professor
Muthukumaran
Packirisamy who did his MS
(mechanical)
from
Indian
Institute of Technology, Madras.
Also
known
as
cyanobacteria,
blue-green
algae are the most prosperous
microorganisms
on
earth.
By taking advantage of a process
that is constantly occurring all
over the world, we have created
a new and scalable technology
that could lead to cheaper ways of
generating carbon-free energy,
federalism in India. The event

took place last week in Aula
Pieter de Somer in Brussels,
the largest lecture hall of the
university and was attended
by more than 300 students
and faculty of KUL.Professor
Idesbald Goddeeris, who runs

the India programme at KU
Leuven, organised the event.A
panel discussion compared the
Indian Constitution with the
Belgian Constitution.M.S Vishnu
Sankar, practising lawyer in the
Supreme Court of India, spoke

on the concept of federalism as
enshrined in the Constitution
of India.
Indian Ambassador Manjeev
Singh Puri delivered the opening
address while a visiting Indian
said Packirisamy who is member

of the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers.
The invention, however, is still
in its early stages.
We have a lot of work to do
in terms of scaling the power cell
to make the project commercial,
he said.
Currently, the photosynthetic
power cell exists on a small scale
and consists of an anode, cathode
and proton exchange membrane.
The cyanobacteria or blue
green algae are placed in the
anode chamber. As they undergo
photosynthesis, the cyanobacteria
release electrons to the electrode
surface. An external load is
connected to the device to extract
the electrons and harness power.
Packirisamy hopes that the
micro-photosynthetic
power
cells will soon be used in various
applications, such as powering cell
phones and computers.
And maybe one day, they
will power the world, he added
in a paper published in the
journal Technology.
professor,
Rajendra
Jain,
provided a European Union
(EU) perspective.
The Constitution of India
was adopted on November 26,
1949, before it came into force on
January 26, 1950.
Belgian university honours B. R. Ambedkar
elgiums most prestigious

and oldest university, KU
Leuven (KUL) marked
Indias Constitution Day as an
honour to B. R. Ambedkar with
a big audience of international
relations and law students on
22
SPORTS
Red
Kumble leaves Mumbai

Indians
ricket legend Anil Kumble

decided to step down as
chief mentor of Mumbai
Indians with immediate effect.
The former leg-spinner has
been associated with the Indian
Premier League (IPL) outfit since
January 2013 and now has decided
to pursue other opportunities in
sports and cricket.
In his first year as mentor,
Mumbai Indians won the IPL and
the Champions League in 2013.
The outfit again won IPL this year.
I sign off with the obvious
satisfaction of moulding a set
of brilliant individuals to a high
performing unit. Over the three
being our crowning glory, said

Indias
highest
wicket-taker
in both Tests and One-Day
Internationals (ODI).
As I move on to pursue other
interests around cricket, I shall
be amiss if I do not express my
deep sense of appreciation to the
Ambani family for their unstinted
support and empowerment. The
players and my support team have
been an admirable bunch and
were a joy to work with. Finally,
I thank the fans for their constant
support. I wish the Mumbai
Indians
farewell,
convinced
that I remain a member of the
Ambani family.
will vie for the Puskas Award

for the best goal of the year. The
winners will be announced on
January 11.
would be interested in seeing the

best bikers of the world racing in
front of them and we would be
glad to put up a show, said the
three-time World Champion.
I am sure the people of India
would love to see the World
Championship coming here to see
us fighting on this circuit. If the
owners of the track and MotoGP
can make a deal, then we can have
a race here.
The Yamaha biker also rode a

few laps on the BIC, which hosted
three Formula 1 races from 2011 to
2013, praising the 5.1 track.
I went on the limit, as fast as
possible but had to slow down
because it had rained so the track
was wet.
The bike (Yamaha R3)
was obviously not as fast (as
a MotoGP bike), said the
28-year-old Spaniard.
It is an amazing young track.

It has very different corners; the
back straight is more than one km
long so it can really test riders. It is
a technical circuit and fun to ride
on. Overall, a very good circuit.
India was also supposed
to host the Superbike World
Championship in 2013 but
the round was cancelled due
to
operational
challenges
at the BIC.
uperstars Lionel Messi,

Neymar and Cristiano
Ronaldo were named on
the FIFA shortlist for the World
Footballer of the Year (Ballon
dOr) award for 2015.
FIFA
released
its
final
nominated list on its website
on Monday, November 30.
Real Madrids Portuguese star
Ronaldo has claimed the award in
the last two years. He is aiming to
win the worlds best player contest
for the fourth time, following
previous successes in 2008, 2013
and 2014.
FC
Barcelonas
Argentine
Messi has won the award for a
record four times between 2009
and 2012. None apart from Messi
and Ronaldo has won the award
since 2007.
Messis Barcelona teammate
Brazilian Neymar will be hoping to
break that. Luis Suarez, the other
offensive partner of Barcelonas
famed attacking trident was
also a strong contender to make
the final three, as was Bayern
Munichs Polish striker Robert
Lewandowski.
The three finalists for the
prestigious individual honour
were chosen from a 23-player

long list. Bayern Munichs Spanish
coach Pep Guardiola, together
with compatriot Luis Enrique
of Barcelona and Chiles Jorge
Sampaoli were nominated for the
World Coach of the Year award.
Americas Carli Lloyd, Japans
Aya Miyama and Germanys
Celia Sasic are in the running for
the womens Footballer of the
Year award.
AS
Romas
Alessandro
Florenzi, Messi and Vila Nova
Futebol Clubes Wendell Lira
Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar

shortlisted for Ballon dOr award
Clockwise from above: FC Barcelonas

Argentinian striker Lionel Messi, FC Barcelonas
forward Neymar and Real Madrids Portuguese
forward Cristiano Ronaldo
Orange
Poor technique, not

pitches responsible
for Proteas loss:
Mishra
rushing
aside
controversies over the
nature of the pitches
during the ongoing Test series
against South Africa, India
leg-spinner Amit Mishra said
that poor batting technique is
more responsible for bowlers
domination.
The pitches during the series
have been spinners paradise with
the first and third Tests at Mohali
and Nagpur respectively being
decided within three days. Even
the second Test in Bengaluru saw
12 wickets fall on the opening day
before heavy rain forced the match
to be abandoned.
There was a lot of turn in the
wickets, but the low scores were
more due to lack of technique
from the South African batsmen.
Many of the dismissals were due to
poor judgement of edges resulting
from a lack of proper application,
Mishra said.
He pointed out that since
Indians have to deal with fast
and bouncy tracks during foreign
tours, visiting teams have to cope
with the unique conditions in
the subcontinent.
Visiting teams have to adjust
to the conditions of the country
they are playing in. When we
travel outside the subcontinent,
we have to adjust to the pace and
bounce. So when other teams
visit us, they should adjust to
Indian conditions. It is all about
adaptability, Mishra said.
It is a given that there will be
more turn on offer when teams
come to India. Batsmen need to
do their homework and improve
their technique on pitches that
offer turn. I believe they are under
a lot of pressure because we have
not given them boundary balls,
he added.
Mishra lamented the fact
that the focus on the pitches has
undermined the performance of
the Indian spinners. The Indian
spin trio of Mishra, Ravichandran
years, Mumbai Indians met

unprecedented success winning
the IPL twice and the Champions
League once. Winning both
trophies in the same year (2013)
Black
Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja

have clinched 47 of the 50 South
African wickets to fall so far in the
series.
Ashwin is the most successful
bowler in the series with 24
wickets. Jadeja has 16 scalps to his
name while Mishra has seven.
We have not been given due
credit with so much talk about
the pitch. Our achievements
should have been highlighted
more and talked about. Our home
conditions have been like this for
the last 15 years and it is not from
today. When we went to Sri Lanka,
we got turning tracks there and
bowled well, Mishra said.
If the spinners are bowling
well, then at least praise them for
doing well. It is not that spinners
got wickets only because of these
pitches. We also have done well
outside the country, he added.
The leg-spinner is happy with
his form during the series and
asserted that the understanding
between the Indian bowlers is
responsible for their success.
It is important to understand
each others games and trust
each other to build a winning
combination, he said.
The delivery with which I
got Hashim Amla in Nagpur is
my second best after the one
with which I got AB de Villiers
out during the second innings in
Mohali. That was more crucial
as they had many wickets and
the target was not too big,
Mishra added.
Would love to see MotoGP in India: Lorenzo
eigning MotoGP World

Champion Jorge Lorenzo
expressed his wish to
see the pinnacle of motorcycle
racing in India, saying he
would like to race at the Buddh
International Circuit.
I can only hope and wish that
one day MotoGP comes to India. It
is such a big country with a lot of
people. I saw several people riding
bikes on the streets. I am sure they
KIDS
Red
Black
Orange
23
What do birds of prey eat?
Word serach
irds of prey will eat any

other animal, including
other birds. Insects such as
wasp grubs are favourites of
the honey buzzard.
Secretary birds like locusts,
and kestrels will catch beetles.
Some eagles eat other birds of
prey. Frogs, fish, snails, small
mammals, tortoises, antelopes,
monkeys, snakes, lizards, even
dead elephants and whales,
are
all on the
menu.
Did You Know
A group or large
number of hawks is called a
kettle. Kettles of the
Swainson hawk in Nebraska
like harvested field because
they can find plenty of
grasshoppers there.
Spot the difference
Many
birds of
prey eat
a variety
of insects,
including
wasps.
Frogs that live

in marshy area
are prey for marsh
hawks and harriers.
These birds also eat
mice, snakes and
insects.
Send us stories, drawings, poems and other contributions by your little ones along with
their photographs for this page. E-mail us at editor@ indianweekender.co.nz
24
FEATURES
Red
Black
Orange
Your staple style guide
he journey from a girl to a woman begins here. Wear your confidence as your
smile, and keep the energy high.
Archita Wad
Lesson 1: Embrace whites

An all-time classic, you cannot go wrong with a white outfit. Whether it is a dress
or a kurti, the purity of this colour will brighten your day. This works from a day
of travelling to a trip to the beach.
Lesson 2: Colour block
Bold colours from the 70s are back. Colour blocking always works and will
guarantee a second look. However, the bold look is certainly not for the fainthearted. Team it with accessories such as a headband or sun shades.
Lesson 4: Black and white stripes are in
Stripes never go out of fashion. They look good in workwear and even with jeans
They add a little extra to any silhouette. Team it with a bright-coloured scarf or a
bold necklace to give it a dash of colour.
Lesson 3: Mix and match
Create a new outfit by simply mixing colours from your wardrobe. Take it up a
notch by choosing different prints and ranking the colours from most used to least
used. Pair these prints with dresses and coats or smaller accessories.
Lesson 5: Maxis are always a good idea
Every girl should have a maxi in her wardrobe. It is just an easy anytime, anywhere
outfit, and you can never go wrong with it. Choose your pick from the different
stylesplain, printed or stripes.
FEATURES
Red
Black
Orange
Maya Shivam
25
eing a foodie, the kitchen is a place I love. I will

experiment and slog to create my magic in the
kitchen. No mundane everyday cooking for me;
if I am in the kitchen, it has to be special.
Being a nutritionist and a voracious follower of all
things related to food and its effects on the body, I will
often cook with ingredients that are oh! So good for
you. Olive oil is one of the few widely used culinary

oils that contains about 75% of its fat in the form of
oleic acid (a monounsaturated, omega-9 fatty acid).
Research has long been clear about the benefits of
oleic acid for proper balance of total cholesterol, LDL
cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in the body.
There are several other benefits of olive oil such as the
evidence to prove that use of olive oil reduces the risk of
type 2 diabetes, reduces the risk of a stroke, keeps the
Rosemary Lamb Greek Salad
heart young and also fights osteoporosis. Consumption

of olive oil is also known to help prevent skin cancer
and fight depression.
I am a big fan of olive oil, and so I thought what
better than to share with our readers some exciting uses
of this wonderful super food.
You can also find more detailed information on the
health benefits of olive oil on www.oliveoiltimes.com.
Preparation time: 15 minutes + 23 hours marinating | Cooking time: 1 hour | Serves : 4

INGREDIENTS:
cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp. chopped rosemary
1 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt and cracked black pepper
1 kg boneless lamb leg
SALAD:
250 g heirloom tomatoes, halved
1 Lebanese cucumber, sliced
cup pitted kalamata olives
red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup baby spinach leaves
100 g Greek Feta cheese, crumbled
cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. lemon juice
METHOD:
Combine the extra virgin olive oil with garlic, rosemary,
lemon juice, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the lamb
and coat well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for
23 hours.
Preheat oven to 180C. Drain the lamb from the marinade
and place in a baking tray lined with baking paper. Transfer
to oven and cook for 1 hour or until cooked to your liking.
Remove and cover loosely with foil.
While the lamb is resting, make the salad. Combine
the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, baby spinach and
Greek feta cheese. Divide between serving plates. Slice the
lamb and place a couple of slices on each plate. Drizzle with
combined extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice and serve
with crusty bread.
Honey and Pistachio Olive Oil Biscuits

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Makes: 12
INGREDIENTS:
Pour the olive oil mixture into the flour and
fold with a large metal spoon or spatula until
cup self raising flour
just combined.
cup plain flour
Roll the mixture into walnut sized balls and place
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Flatten,
cup honey
allowing room on the tray for spreading then sprinkle
1 tsp. finely grated orange zest
a little finely chopped pistachio in the centre of
1 egg, lightly beaten
each cookie.
1/3 cup chopped pistachios
Transfer the tray to the oven and cook for 15 minutes
Extra finely chopped pistachios (to garnish)
or
until
golden. Remove and set cookies aside on a cooling
METHOD:
rack
before
eating.
Preheat oven to 180C. Sift the flours into a large bowl.
Note: Substitute your favourite nut such as almond,
Whisk together the olive oil, honey, orange zest and egg for
hazelnut or walnuts if desired. Substitute lemon zest for
23 minutes or until frothy. Add the pistachios and whisk until
orange zest if desired.
fully combined.
Watermelon and Feta Salad

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: Nil | Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS:
1 pomegranate
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
small watermelon
150g Feta cheese, cut into cubes
Mint leaves, to serve
Cracked black pepper, to serve
METHOD:
Halve the pomegranate and collect the juice and seeds in
a bowl.
Mix with the extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
Cut the watermelon into thin wedges. Remove the skin
and discard.
Place on a serving platter and top with cubes of
Feta cheese.
Spoon over the pomegranate dressing and scatter with
mint leaves and a little cracked black pepper.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to serve.
** See Minerva Australia Facebook page
for more inspirational recipes
26
ENTERTAINMENT
Aamir Khans
remarks innocent:
Rajkumar Hirani
irector
Rajkumar
Hirani
says that actor Aamir Khans
controversial statements were
innocent and that the hype created
because of it shouldve been ignored.
If you take the answer what he said,
hes clearly said, I feel distressed, I feel
sad that my wife once said this to me. To
me, it was a very innocent answer, said
Hirani.
Perhaps he shared something from his
family conversations with the public, and
according to me, that (hype) shouldve
been ignored.
But the manner in which people have
attacked him, I see a bit of intolerance in
that, in certain sections, he added.
Hirani also said that people need to
become a bit more tolerant. I feel we need
to pick up on positive things and talk about
those things, we all need to be careful,

he added. The row began at the
Ramnath
Goenka
Excellence
in
Journalism Awards where numerous
other issues were discussed but Aamirs
statement that his wife suggested
they leave the country was picked up
everywhere and was slammed and
mocked at.
If you analyse that interview, its
not that Aamir Khan called for a press
conference and said, this is what I feel.
He was called for an award function.
He was asked on various topics and one
of the questions happened to be this (on
intolerance), Hirani said.
The Punjab unit of the Shiv Sena had
offered Rs. 1 lakh to anyone who slapped
Aamir, while another of its leaders said
that the PK actor should go to Pakistan,
Red
eteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar feels the acting standards of this

generation have largely improved from earlier eras but still there is no
one of the calibre of Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan or Balraj Sahni.
This could be something controversial I say but leave aside actors such as
Dilip Kumar, Bajraj Sahni or Amitabh Bachchan, who were brilliant actors, I
dont think that currently there is any actor who is of the standard of these
actors, he said at a media interaction during a seminar on Perfecting
Indian Cinema.
But the paradox is that by and large, acting standards have clearly
improved as compared to previous times. The hamming evident earlier is
absent today. Some positive developments have happened but this is also
true that you dont have another Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar or Balraj
Sahni, he added.
Akhtar, along with Salim Khan was responsible for some of the most
memorable stories in the films of the 1970s and the 1980s. At the same time,
they were also the brain behind melodramatic dialogues such as Mere paas ma
hai. Akhtar feels in some places things have improved in the industry while its
become worse in some departments.
Perhaps you can say that the writing standard isnt up to what it was previously.
Its also true that the cliches, theatrical dialogues are not seen nowadays. The
emotional depth now is insufficient and should be more.
Earlier, there used to be so much theatrics and other kinds of
drama, that this generation got so irritated by it and they went
on a separate path, he said.
He lavished praise on another writer-lyricist
Gulzars daughter Meghnas recent film Talwar
for its dialogues. Any good film of today, the
dialogue is of such a type that you wonder,
wow, can I write it like this. We recently
saw Talwar, see the dialogues in
the film, theres not one dialogue
which looks out of place.
I respect courts decision: Govinda
Orange
while members of the Hindu Sena even

booked tickets for Aamir and his family
for Pakistan.Aamirs religion also
came into the picture among numerous
negative remarks on the issue.
And this fact was connected to the
incident that he is a Muslim. This thought
had never even come in our minds.
Ive celebrated every Diwali at
Aamirs house. Today, Im sitting with
Javed sahab, but this thought that a
Hindu and Muslim are sitting together
didnt come to our minds, Hirani said.
This thought should be the last
thought. The manner in which this is
spreading, I feel there is a certain divide
thats been created, he added.
Hirani has delivered two blockbusters,
3 Idiots and PK with Aamir.
No actor of Dilip Kumar, Big B, Balraj

Sahnis level now: Javed Akhtar
ctor Govinda, who was urged by

the apex court to apologise to a fan
he slapped to end the dispute, says
the decision of the court is paramount for
him and that hell respect it.
Till the time I receive the letter from
the court, I cannot make a comment on it.
The decision of the court is paramount for
me and I will respect its decision, he said.
Asked if there was any funding for the fan
in question regarding the case, he replied,
Black
This is something worth thinking about.

From where is the funding coming? Its a
matter of thinking that this person lands
up illegally at a place out of love or out of
emotion or on the instruction of someone
or something similar.
Such a person never stretches such a
matter for so many years especially since
he is not someone who is a resident of this
place. Its surprising that its been 10 years
and these things (case) are happening now.
Govinda was caught on camera slapping

Santosh Bateshwar Ray on the sets of his
film Money Hai Toh Honey Hai in 2008.
The apex court, reminding Govinda that
he was big Bollywood star of yesteryears,
asked him to settle a dispute by apologising
to him. Bench of Chief Justice designateJustice T.S.Thakur and Justice V. Gopala
Gowda counselled Govinda show your big
heart and apologise and settle the matter.
Ranbir, Deepika
pairing extremely
special: Ranveer
ctor Ranveer Singh is in awe of

the performance of his colleagues
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika
Padukone in Tamasha. Praising Imtiaz Alis
directorial, Ranveer says the lead pair takes
the storytelling to a new level.
Tamasha is absolutely brilliant,
extraordinarily fabulous and exceedingly
nuanced. Ranbir, Deepika pairing is
extremely special. They truly up their
game. Whenever they come on-screen they
make the film delightful, said Ranveer at a
party to celebrate the success of Tamasha
in Mumbai.
Ranveer, who is rumoured to be dating
Deepika, will be seen romancing the actress
in his next Bajirao Mastani. Tamasha
narrates the story of internal conflict. It is
about two individuals, who meet while on a
holiday and decide to make-pretend during
the trip, but problems erupt when they
return to their real life. The film released on
November 27.
Ranveer went on talking about Ranbir as
he asserted, Ranbir is a stellar performer.
He inspires me, words are not enough to
explain his talent. I really look up to him.
The Gunday actor hopes for a
similar response to historical love saga
Bajirao Mastani.
ENTERTAINMENT
Red
Black
Orange
SENDING
MONEY
ONLINE
THIS
FESTIVE
SEASON
TO WIN A SHARE OF
$5,000
TRANSFER FEES FROM
$5
PLUS NO RECEIVERS FEE*
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

SEARCH FOR
Western Union Online

For more information visit westernunion.co.nz
moving money for better
* Fees subject to change (local taxes and service charges may apply). $5 to send up to $50, see westernunion.co.nz for sending other amounts. Western Union also makes money from currency exchange. Subject to terms and conditions of service.
Funds may be delayed or services unavailable based on certain conditions, including amount sent, destination country, currency availability, regulatory and foreign exchange issues, required receiver action(s), identification requirements,
Agent locations hours, difference in time zones or selection of delayed options. Additional restrictions may apply. Visit westernunion.co.nz for details.
2015 WESTERN UNION HOLDINGS, INC. All rights reserved.
27
28
ENTERTAINMENT
I will direct a film

next year: Dia Mirza
ctor-producer Dia Mirza, who

has explored various aspects in
showbiz, is now all set to wield the
megaphone next year.
Yes, I would like to direct a film I am
very much interested in it. I would also like
to gain more experience before I direct a
film as I am still learning and developing
my directing skills. If things go well then I
will direct a film next year, Dia said.
She said that her film will be based on
human stories and it will be a fresh script.
I havent decided yet whether I will also
be acting in it or not I am not sure whether I
will be able to juggle both, she said.
The actress who has lately been busy
donning the producers hat also assured
that she has not quit acting.
If I would have got an earth-shattering
script, I would have dropped everything
and worked on it. I love acting but that
earth shattering role has not come my way.
People feel I am not acting for some strange
reasons but thats not true, the 33-yearold said.
Film festivals look

down upon massy
films: Farah Khan
I think, for us in a way, they get your movie.

They get the business of your movie. But I
think here (in India), the ones who organise
the festivals, they tend to look down upon
commercial hit films or what they call the
masses love, Farah said.
The 50-year-old directors comment only
seems relevant after a veteran Bengali actor
Dhritiman Chatterjee, who has acted in
films by auteur as iconic as Satyajit Ray and
Mrinal Sen, objected to Bollywood star Anil
Kapoors tapori dance at the International
Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Farah, who has made films such as Main
Hoon Na and Happy New Year, said its
only ironic that actors and commercial film
directors are invited to film extravaganzas
to draw footfalls.
Her Om Shanti Om, which was screened
in Cairo where Farah was honoured with
the Faten Hamama Award for excellence
in cinema, starred Shah Rukh Khan and
launched Deepika Padukone. Interestingly,
the movie had over 40 actors appearing in
the course of the film, including 30 of them
in the deewangi deewangi song alone.
She hopes that film festivals on the home
turf start showcasing a mix of commercial
and non-commercial films.
I think if they had a mix of both, it
would be ideal... especially if they did not
ignore the commercial movies... the good
commercial movies, she said.
Perhaps steps are being taken as Salman
Khans blockbuster entertainer Bajrangi
Bhaijaan not just set the cash registers
ringing but also left people moist-eyed with
a heart-warming story.
Meanwhile, films such as The Lunchbox,
Masaan, Angry Indian Goddesses and Titli
are some offbeat movies from Hindi filmdom
that have found prominence at movie galas.
Farah is now planning to make a movie on
girl power, which will be produced by her
friend superstar Shah Rukh Khans banner
Red Chillies Entertainment.
Unfortunately, Bajirao... shooting was used to take back home. I am generally a

going on throughout the year, almost 250 switch on and off actor, but this character
Black
Orange
was very heart-wrenching.
days this year we were shooting, so to take Red
The film is slated for December
out time to host shows was not possible,
18 release.
said Ranveer.
But hopefully in the coming year, it
is very much on the cards and it should
happen very soon, he added.
Its been a long time that I have been
pursued to host various shows. In fact, half
a dozen offers have come already only in the
past year, the actor revealed.
Every time I would go for promotions
for any film, all the producers used to say
youre very cut out for televisionin terms
of your hosting capabilities and the kind of
energy you have, you suit television very
well. I understand all too well the power
and penetration of television, he added.
Ranveers AIB Roast partner Arjun
Kapoor recently ventured into television
with the seventh season of Fear Factor:
Khatron Ke Khiladi. Superstars Amitabh
Bachchan, Salman Khan and actress
Bipasha Basu have their shows going
on currently.
iteish Deshmukh, whose Marathi
Bajirao Mastani is Ranveers second
production Yellow has been
film of 2015 after family-based Dil
selected as the opening film of
Dhadakne Do.
the first International Film Festival for the
Persons with Disabilities (IFFPD), says
it is a special film and he is honoured
and excited with the selection. Yellow
is a special film and we are honoured and
excited to be the opening film at the first
international film festival for persons with
disabilities. Such initiatives are important
and will help spread the necessary
awareness, Riteish said in a statement.The
films director Mahesh Limaye called it a
proud moment for the entire team.
We are honoured to be the opening
film. Im very happy for Gauri Gadgil (on
whose life the story is based) who chased
her dreams and they came true. She is the
inspiration for all of us, he said.
The Department of Empowerment of
Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), union
ministry of social justice and empowerment,
has collaborated with the National Film
Development Corporation (NFDC) to
organise IFFPD, a unique three-day film
festival for persons with disabilities.
Yellow was selected among one of the
eight features in the competition category
and was screened on Tuesday.
Yellow a special
film for Riteish
Deshmukh
Did Bajirao
Mastani for
Bhansali: Priyanka
Chopra
ight years after it regaled Bollywood

audiences with its song and dance
sequences, filmy story line about
reincarnation and an ensemble cast, Farah
Khans Om Shanti Om was showcased at
the 37th Cairo International Film Festival
(CIFF) recently. The film-maker, however,
feels that commercial or massy films are
largely looked down upon at film festivals
in India. Farah was also feted in Cairo.
When a foreign film festival honours you,
Ranveer Singh
keen to foray into
television
ctor Ranveer Singh feels that he

is cut out for the medium of
television and wants to make his
debut on it soon after receiving numerous
offers in the past year.
I would have to agree that Im cut
out for television and I really do want to
make my debut on television very soon.
ctress Priyanka Chopra, who is not

playing the title role in Bajirao
Mastani, says she has a very
challenging role as Kashibai in the film,
which she took on only for director Sanjay
Leela Bhansali.
I did this film for Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
I know you all will ask me, Mastani is played
by Deepika (Padukone), and Bajirao is
played by Ranveer (Singh). So why did you
do this film? Let me tell you, I was the first
person to be cast in this film. I remember
Sanjay came to me with this script and he
was clear he wanted me to do this film,
Priyanka said.
I thought Kashibais character was very
heart-breaking. This is a feminine character
and it was very challenging for me to do the
role... Its a special film for me. I am just
super excited to be part of it, she added.
Priyanka Chopra will be seen playing
Bajiraos first wife in the movie.
It was not easy to do this role. I wanted
to get the Maharashtrian accent right and
there were many dramatic scenes, which I
I am a spokesman of
millions of Indians:
Anupam Kher
eteran actor Anupam Kher, who

is known for being vocal about his
opinions on social media, says he
is the spokesman of millions of Indians
who believes that India is the best.
I am a spokesman of millions of Indians
who believe East or West, India is the best
even with its shortcomings, Anupam wrote
on Twitter while having a chat session with
his fans and well-wishers.
The 60-year-old actor was also asked by
a fan whether he has any plans of following
in the footsteps of his actress-politician wife
Kirron Kher in the near future.
Not at all. I am happy to be an actor and
teacher and a motivational speaker, The
Shaukeens actor wrote.
On the silver screen, Anupam was seen
in Prem Ratan Dhan Payo starring Salman
Khan and will next be seen in Neeraj
Pandeys directorial M.S. Dhoni: The
Untold Story where he will be seen essaying
the role of cricketer M.S. Dhonis father Pan
Singh. Actor Sushant Singh Rajput will be
portraying Dhoni for the biopic, which is
slated to hit the theatres next year.
ENTERTAINMENT
Red
Black
Orange
Earlybird Fares
Return fare starting from
Delhi ...................... $1446*

Amritsar ............... $1484*
Hyderabad ........... $1370*
Mumbai ................... $1372*

Kolkata .................... $1372*
Ahmedabad ............ $1474*
*Offer ends on 31st December 2015 unless sold out prior.Advertised fares are all inclusive for travel on the route Auckland-India-Auckland(via Sydney/Melbourne/Delhi), priced as on 30th November 2015 for outbound travel on 21st March 2016 and
inbound travel on 20th April 2016, with 8 kg carry-on luggage and 30 kg check-in baggage.Travel between Auckland and Melbourne/Sydney permitted on our interline partner Air New Zealand (NZ) Virgin Australia (VA), Qantas (QF) only.Outbound travel is
permitted from 16th Feb 16 to 15th June 16 or 06th July 16 to 30th September 16.Travel must be completed within 3 months from the date of departure. Prices are correct as on 30th November 2015 and small variations in prices may occur as a result of
changes in airport taxes or currency fluctuations. Offer is subject to availability and fares are valid on Air India operated flights only. Basic fare and fuel surcharge are non refundable and change/no-show fees apply. For full termsand conditions, please
visitwww.airindia.com or contact your local travel agent or call Air India on (03) 90218720 / (02) 92833370.
Note:-Passengers travelling to Amritsar will be provided with STPC at Delhi airport if the same day connecting flight is not operated.
29
30
FEATURES
A new singer on the block
Red
Black
Orange
A recent University of Auckland graduate, Neel Patel works as a health promoter with East Tamaki Healthcare. Aside from his interest in the
game of cricket, he plays the tabla and guitar. But it is his passion for singing that piqued our interest. The Indian Weekender spoke to this
small town Gujarati boy who came to New Zealand last year armed with a degree in dental surgery and a passion for all things music.
ESHA CHANDA
IWK: How easy/difficult is it to make

your mark as a singer in New Zealand
as compared to India?
IWK: When did you develop an interest

in music?
Neel: I remember being dragged to a
tabla class when I was six after my mother
noticed me banging on a table whenever
a song played on TV. I hated going there,
as my teacher had a dog that freaked me
out and also because I had to miss out on
cricket. My teacher told my mother that I
should be trained in singing rather than in
tabla. It was difficult to find a good music
teacher in my town then, but my mother
made sure that I receive the best training
in music. She used to take me to Mumbai
every weekend where I received training in
voice culture and voice modulation from Mr
Panu Ray. He always told me that music is
not what you hear, it is what you feel.
Neel Patel
IWK: Is singing a
my passion.
hobby or would
I strive to balance music mere
you like to pursue it
with my profession.
professionally?
Although my ultimate goal Neel: Music has always
is to practice dentistry in been my passion. I
Auckland, whatever time strive to balance music
with
my
profession.
I get out of work and
Although my ultimate goal
studies, I invest it in is to practice dentistry in
Auckland, whatever time I get
music
IWK: Which artists
for. I like to be
creative
with
my
music,
and I have
always enjoyed
listening
to
shows
such
as MTV Coke
studio
and
MTV unplugged.
IWK: Where do you regularly perform

in Auckland?
Neel: After winning the Bollywood
B-Factor competition and Tarana-Idol by
Radio Tarana, I got many opportunities to
perform. I am not in any band, but I have
performed with a few of them. Hemant
Thaker, the renowned keyboard player in
Auckland along with Dinesh Raniga and
Kirit Patel, has helped me to gain a lot of
exposure and offered a lot of places where I
could perform. I recently performed a medley
of A.R. Rehmans composition at Miss India
NZ 2015 and sang garba during Navratri
in Christchurch.
Neel: After I came to New Zealand, I

tried to keep my passion for music alive.
I contacted bands and event organisers in
and around Auckland. However, initially, I
failed to get a positive response.
It was only after I won a couple of
only have a good tune but also good lyrics. I
competitions,
opportunities started coming
always relate tune to a body and the lyrics to
my
way.
The
constant support and love
its character.
from
people
has helped me grow as
A combination of
a
singer,
and ever since, there
Music
both is what I am
has
been
no looking back.
always
looking
has always been
do you look up to?
IWK: What
you enjoy?
genre
of
music
do
Neel: I enjoy slow and soft music such as

light Bollywood music and ghazals. I like it
when the song connects with my soul. This
has only been possible with songs that not
Hunua village summer fete
Date: Sunday, December 6

Time: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Venue: YMCA Camp Adair, 2487 Hunua Rd, Papakura,
Auckland
Escape the silly season and spend time with your family
and friends at Camp Adair. Enjoy local entertainment,
participate in camp Adairs outdoor activities, browse
through the market or take on the kids at some
old school games. The camp will have lucky-dips,
Devonshire tea, music, performance, craft, art and food.
And theres a mudslide, so dont forget to carry a change
of clothes. Admission is open to all.
Neel: I love Sonu Nigams

music. I used to imitate him since I was a
kid. I admire his versatility. He is one of
the few singers who can sing live without
missing a single note. His songs are packed
with emotions, and you learn something
new every time you listen to him. One of
my favourites sung by him is abhi mujh
mein kahin.
pies with fruit mince and chocolate that will be wrapped

in fabric. The class will provide all ingredients and is
restricted to 12 participants.
Admission is priced at $45 and can be bought by calling
0800 BUY TIX (289 849).
Sandringham food and spice tour

Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 2 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Venue: Sandringham Community Centre, 1820
Kitchener St, Auckland
Kids can cook: edible treats for

Christmas
Date: Saturday, December 5 and 12

Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Venue: Nosh Melting Pot, 422 Dominion Rd, Auckland
An engaging
and fun
interactive class
for children
aged between
five and 12, the
class will be
guide children
to create
Christmas
treats. Vanessa will be organising the class, who creates
an exciting atmosphere. In the December 5 class,
children will make hanging stained glass cookies for the
tree and little truffle balls that will go into a recycled box,
which they can decorate.
In the December 12 class, children will make minced
Tingle your taste buds at six great restaurants and three

spice markets. This two-hour walking tour discovers
the secrets of Sandringham village while tasting
various Indian culinary treats. The meeting point is at
Sandringham Community Centre (1820 Kitchener
Road). Tickets are priced at $45 and can be bought at
www.eatauckland.co.nz.
FCBD: comic book day

Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Arkham City Comics, shop 45a, 691 Manukau
Road, Auckland
The free comic book day is back and is only being held
at Arkham City Comics Auckland. On the day, you can
get two free comics just for visiting the store (till stocks
out of work and studies, I invest it

in music.
IWK: What are your future plans?

Neel: I hope to start practising dentistry
soon and invest maximum time in music.
Learning new musical instruments and
singing songs in different languages have
always been on my future agenda. I am also
looking forward to exciting music projects
coming up early next year.
last) and another two free comics if youre in a costume.

There will also be free sketches by local artists, free face
painting, free cans of V and free photo booth photos.
Admission is free.
Christmas at the Zoo

Time: 5 p.m. to
8 p.m.
Venue:
Auckland Zoo,
99 Motions Rd,
Auckland
Celebrate the
festive season
with roving
entertainers,
carolling elves, face painting and the famous singing
Santa show. Along with the Christmas concert, there will
be special animal encounters. Tickets are available from
Eventfinda or you can call 0800 BUY TIX (289 849). Last
entry at the Zoo is 6:45 p.m. The zoo will be closing at
4:30 p.m. and reopening at 5 p.m. for Christmas at the
Zoo. Find more details on www.aucklandzoo.co.nz.
Coca-Cola Christmas in the park

Time: 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Venue: Auckland Domain, Parnell
Gather your friends and family for a magical night under
the stars. Enjoy an evening of star-studded entertainment
and fabulous fireworks. Performances include Avalanche
City, Jessica Mauboy, Caleb Jago-Ward, Vince Harder,
Ben Lummis, Lavina Williams and Ester Stephens.
Admission is free for all. Find more details on www.
christmasinthepark.co.nz.
Red
Black
Orange
FEATURES
31
www.donha.co.nz
Top One Real Estate Limited
12 Osterley Way, Manukau 261 2555
1 Arranmore Dr, Botany 265 0318
Licensed (REAA 2008)

Indian Weekender 4 December 2015

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Indian Weekender 4 December 2015

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

4 December, 2015 Vol. 7 Issue 37 www.iwk.co.

NZs first Kiwi-Indian weekly newspaper

The pulse of Kiwi-Indians

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Five-year pathway student

Your staple style guide

Mayas kitchen adventures

Australias biggest Hindu

FACE OF THE WEEK

You can still get one now for $5.

7B Douglas Alexander Parade, Albany

132E Cavendish Drive, Manukau City

For more information visit

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

PM John Key addresses Paris Climate

rimeMinister John Key

our target was achievable and

$20m for research to help

Prime Minister John Key at COP21

is going to boost its funding

to shift the Pacific from reliance

Mr Key says New Zealand is

global push for the removal of

STRAWBERRY FRESH CREAM

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Expert team & highly experienced

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Ho Ho Ho! Santa Parade on Queen

t was a beautiful Sunday

For one in five children, their

The age belief ends

and Pohutukawa trees. The

Keeping the belief in

stopped believing in Santa was

Keep believing in Santa

HRC: all must

participation are crucial, said

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

Five-year student visas

arly this week, New Zealand

Better rates and stress free loans

}} Students will provide an offer of place and

Phone: 09 266 9890

Life & Health Insurance

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz

Shanti Niwas launches

hanti Niwas announced

of housing in our community.

750 people who responded to the

Long White Cloud launching to rally Kiwis

iwi pop/rock royalty

celebration. I sent Robyn a

Above: Ntalie Te Paa, a talented musician from Takapuna

Martin, who is formerly of the

fit for Chunns Play it Strange

and blind vocalists he has been

www.iwk.co.nz | 4 December 2015

Foss welcomes $25m boost

The list of both government and

For all your immigration and study needs, contact:

ENZ Trained Agent

M: 021 0534 992

Ph: 09-6315 219, 4-1 King Edward Avenue, Epsom,

4 December 2015 | www.iwk.co.nz