09 MARCH2018 | Vol 9 Issue 49

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 2 NEW ZEALAND
Wife of road accident victim holds the
dream of Kiwi-life, with community support
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
N
ishat Abedi, the wife of ill-fated taxi
driver Abdul Raheem Fahad Syed who
lost his life in a tragic road accident
around Christmas last year, will be arriving
back in New Zealand for the first time after
losing her husband.
Gulam Faiz Mohammad, a close family
friend, told The Indian Weekender, that Ms
Abedi would be arriving in the second half
of this month along with his family who had
travelled back to India to support her at this
extremely difficult time.
“Ms Abedi had conveyed thanks to each
and everyone in the community who have
helped her during this hour of distress,” Mr
Mohammad said.
The community has played an instrumental
role in supporting Ms Abedi and her then five-
month-old son in salvaging, at least for now,
their much-cherished “dream of Kiwi-life”. The
support has been nothing less than exemplary.
Waseem Mohammad of Paradise Restaurant,
Sandringham, who was also closely involved,
along with many others, in rallying community
support expressed his satisfaction in salvaging
the Kiwi-dream of the family.
“It gives huge satisfaction to us that through
everyone’s collective efforts we were able to
help the family live their Kiwi-dream,” Mr
Mohammad told The Indian Weekender.
The tragic story of road accident of taxi-
driver Abdul Raheem Fahad Syed on December
23, just before the Christmas holidays last
year, has stirred many emotions across the
community and beyond.
Even Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in
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whose parliamentary constituency the family
lived, was terribly moved by the accident and
the fallout on the family.
“I was surrounded by my own family when
I read the news of this devastating accident. I
cannot comprehend the kind of loss Nishat
Abedi is feeling. My thoughts are with her at
this difficult time,” Ms Ardern then said to NZ
Herald.
Apart from the usual trail of devastation,
heartbreak and seemingly never-ending pain
that every instance of death leaves behind,
in this instance what was at stake was the
ability of Ms Abedi and her five-month son to
legitimately remain in the country as their visa
was due to expire in two months time.
At that time, Mr Syed was the family’s only
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Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender
Lees-Galloway, from where they were
The subsequently advised to apply with
the office of Associate Immigration
community has Minister Kris Faafoi.
played an instrumental However, The Indian
Weekender learned from
role in supporting Ms the office of Associate
Abedi and her then five- Minister Faafoi that such an
application was never placed.
month-old son in salvaging, In fact, Ms Abedi who
had taken time out from the
at least for now, their workforce after her studies
much-cherished “dream in NZ when the unfortunate
incident happened and almost
of Kiwi-life” threatened to destroy her and
her late husband’s Kiwi-dream, had
chosen to seek work visa, although with
help from the community.
Now three months after the tragic accident,
Ms Abedi is returning to live her Kiwi-dream
income-earner on a work visa which was due on an employer-supported work visa of two
to expire in February 2018, whereas Ms Abedi years.
was not working and looking after their newly It is an apt reminder of how collective
born son. community efforts can sometime make critical
With the unfortunate death of Mr Syed, difference in the lives of those who are less
not only the lives of Ms Abedi were turned fortunate than others.
completely upside down, but also their visa Meanwhile, earlier last month, Farshad
situation was in jeopardy as their visa was Bahadori Esfehani, the 20-year-old man
dependent on Mr Syed’s visa. charged over the fatal crash, appeared in
It was at this inopportune time that the an Auckland court on February 12 and was
community had rallied together to not only to granted bail.
provide support to finance body repatriation of According to court files, police had then
Mr Syed but also to save the Kiwi-dream of his reported that Mr Esfehani blew a breath alcohol
wife and son. reading of 908mcg per litre of breath, well over
First, an application for consideration of the 250mcg limit for a 20-year-old.
Ms Abedi’s visa on humanitarian grounds was The next hearing of on Mr Esfehani is due in
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 The Indian Weekender
High Commissioner Kohli meets media
and community leaders in Auckland
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
I
n a first of its kind, the High
Commissioner of India, Sanjiv
Kohli met with the members of
Indian media in New Zealand in an
open forum held at the newly opened
Auckland Consulate office.
The meeting was first in both
sense, the High Commissioner’s visit
to the Consulate Office and meeting
with Indian media in an open forum.
Mr Kohli arrived in Auckland on
Saturday, March 3, on a two-day
official tour to interact with the large
Indian diaspora.
The tour began with a meeting
with representatives of Indian
media where Mr Kohli straightaway
acknowledged the role of
ethnic media in extending High
Commission’s outreach to the
community.
“The main purpose of this meeting
today was to thank you, for helping
the High Commission in extending
its outreach to the Indian community
in NZ,” Mr Kohli said.
Mr Kohli began his address by
stating how well bilateral relations
between India and New Zealand
have progressed in the last two years
of his reign as High Commissioner.
“We started in 2016 when I joined
the mission here with an immediate
visit by the President of India.
The same year we had an inward
visit by the then Prime Minister of
New Zealand.
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Head of Chancellery, Sandeep Sood, Indian High Commissioner in NZ HE Sanjiv Kohli
and Hon. Consulate in Auckland, Bhav Dhillon at the event
“It doesn’t happen very often
that in the same year you have two
high-level visits, one inward and one
outgoing. Both those visits have put
the relationship on a fast track.
“This year we had a bilateral meet
between Indian and New Zealand
Prime Minister on the sides of East
Asia Summit, which was very
successful,” Mr Kohli said.
Subsequently, the forum was
opened for questions from the Indian
ethnic media, where questions were
expressed satisfaction on the number
raised on issues related to Passport,
of services currently being delivered
visa, electronic-visa, Overseas
from the Consulate Office, however
Citizens of India (OCI) card, and the
emphasised on the need to not see
requirement of Aadhaar Card back
the importance of the Office from the
in India.
at
NEW ZEALAND 3
prism of number of services currently A few ideas were proposed
being delivered. and delved into, and the High
“Our desire to open this office Commissioner assured that their
in Auckland was driven less by the office would soon be taking decisions
number of services to be offered but on these matters and announcing
by a desire to have our representative
publically.
on the ground in the city where a
Toward the end, Mr Kohli once
large number of Indian community
resides. again reminded everyone in the room
“With the growing size of our to disseminate information about
community in Auckland, there are a the Government of India’s coveted
programme “Know India,” whereby
large number of issues such as those
related to international students, students and young professionals
tragic deaths and accidents in the of the Indian origin are being
community and issues of domestic encouraged to feel connected with
problems, which sometimes involve their motherland and be motivated
visits to places like prisons, police and inspired by transformational
stations and hospitals.
Immediately after changes taking place in India.
“Our Consulate office acts as our
This year a “Know India Quiz” is
the meeting with eyes and ears in those situations by
offering immediate help to those in scheduled to be organised sometime
the media, the High in May 2018, followed by a few
need,” Mr Kohli affirmed.
Commissioner had rounds, and those who reach third
Immediately after the meeting with
and fourth round will be invited
a meeting with the media, the High Commissioner
had a meeting with the key leaders by the Government of India on a
the key leaders of of main community organisations in
15-day tour to India. The top three
main community
Auckland. winners will be further honoured and
organisations While the meeting with the press receive special awards at the Pravasi
was focused more on discussion and Bhartiya Divas Convention, 2019.
in Auckland. evaluation of the actions taken in the
The High Commissioner appealed
past, the meeting with the community
to all present on the occasion to
leaders was more forward-looking
The High Commissioner widely publicise the event, which
and futuristic.
should translate into community
The High Commissioner discussed
participation that rightly reflects
and received feedback from the
the size of Indian diaspora in
community leaders about merits of
organising some major community New Zealand.
events in this year. ••
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 4 NEW ZEALAND
High Commissioner visits Indian man Maungakiekie MP
fighting for life in Auckland hospital Denise Lee visits
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
H Auckland University
igh Commissioner of India,
Sanjiv Kohli quietly visited the
Auckland Hospital on Sunday,
March 4, to enquire about the condition
and the well being of Harish Gopal – an
Indian man struggling for his life in a
critical condition after a road accident in
Rotorua.
Hon. Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon
accompanied Mr Kohli and the High
Commission’s Head of Chancellery,
Sandeep Sood. The trio had a detailed
conversation with the team of doctors
taking care of Mr Gopal since the last
two weeks.
Doctors apprised Mr Kohli about the
state of Mr Gopal’s health and recovery
plan.
Mr Gopal continues to remain in
an induced coma and is currently on
life support system to assist an early
recovery.
Earlier The Indian Weekender had
reported that Mr Gopal was injured in
a road accident involving a motorised
bike and a car on Saturday, February 17,
in Taupo. He was immediately taken to
Rotorua hospital with multiple fractures
on the right leg.
It was then reported that Naresh,
one of the close friends of Mr Gopal,
who lived and worked in Auckland
had immediately travelled to Rotorua
hospital, where both were able to speak
with Mr Gopal’s uncle and inform about
the incident.
However, subsequently, the condition
of Mr Gopal had deteriorated, and he had
to be airlifted to Auckland hospital.
Since then Mr Gopal continued to
remain unconscious after being put on
an induced coma to assist in a better
recovery after a surgery was performed
on his right leg.
Mr Kohli had expressed satisfaction
with the world-class treatment and
attention given to Mr Gopal.
Speaking to The Indian Weekender
later about the visit, Mr Kohli said, “We
wish for an early and full recovery of
Mr Gopal.
“The kind of treatment and care that
the doctors and nurses at Auckland
Hospital are giving to Mr Gopal is truly
world class.
“We thank them for this compassionate
care extended to Mr Gopal."
As reported earlier, Mr Gopal had
arrived in New Zealand three years ago
on a student visa, and was currently on
Job-search visa, which expires soon
this month.
Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender
the Indian Club at
¡¡ RIZWAN
MOHAMMAD
N
ational MP for
Maungakiekie
applauded the work
and enthusiasm of young
student clubs at the University
of Auckland during her recent
O-week tour of the University
on Thursday, March 1.
Ms Lee along with National
Mr Kohli told The Indian Weekender
Party colleague and MP for
that their office would be writing to the Different clubs that
Tuki Tuki Lawrence Yule
government for a compassionate view on connected students with one
connected with several
the visa status. another through arts, culture,
Meanwhile, the parents and uncle of campus clubs at the University
politics, food and more
Mr Gopal had arrived from Nizamabad, including University of
impressed Ms Lee.
in the Indian state of Telangana, on Auckland Indian Society. The “We have such a rich culture
Monday, March 5. campus tour took place ahead here in New Zealand, and
The Indian Weekender has learned that of the Auckland Holi festival, Maungakiekie is no exception
which is one of the biggest to that. In my travels, it’s been
Auckland Hospital is providing them
celebrations of the Indian
with a place to stay near Mr Gopal at a encouraging to see families,
community.
much-subsidised rate. schools, universities, and
Earlier, New Zealand Telugu Ms Lee expressed her local businesses embrace the
Association (NZTA) set up a Givealittle enthusiasm about the diversity that surrounds them,”
page to raise funds to help Mr Gopal’s Waitakere Holi and Humm Ms Lee said.
family travel and accommodation needs. FM Holi celebrations that were “As Maungakiekie’s
A total of $8295.00 raised by 186 held earlier last weekend. She local MP, I will be working
generous donors has been collected till also offered her assistance hard to engage with ethnic
the time of writing of this story. to UoA Indian Society in communities including the
The link to the Givealittle page is bridging with the local Indian Indian community and ensure
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/taupo- MPs and arranging meetings in that our communities have a
accident-harish-gopal-critical-condition the future. voice,” she added.
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 5

Stellaris grew out of the work of

Frances Denz and Ron Scott

F
rances Denz is Member of the New
Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for
Service to Business and Community,
and the Senior New Zealand of the Year 2014.
She has also received the Tertiary Teaching
Excellence Award for forty years of innovative
teaching that helped numerous individuals.
Ron Scott s the Deputy Chair of the Bay
of Plenty District Health Board, Chair of
SILC Charitable Trust and a director of TECT
Holdings Ltd and a trustee of TECT. He is
also a former member of the Council of the
University of Waikato.
For more than fifty years between them they
had taught practical business skills to students
who wanted to start a business.
As they developed their own technical skills
in business and governance, they became
involved both as educators and consultants in
larger businesses, particularly Maori Trusts and
companies.
Stellaris developed a level 7 Certificate in
Governance to meet the New Zealand need for
quality company directors.
The private international education market
developed in New Zealand and it was an
obvious route for Stellaris to take, and two years
ago they opened their doors to international
students with a Level 7 Diploma in Business
and Strategy.
Ron now is the Chair of Stellaris PTE Ltd while
Frances is a director at Stellaris. The leadership
team is also involved in the local business and
education community which provides a regular
funnel of guest speakers to come and talk with
the students.
Currently Stellaris has two campuses, one in
Auckland CBD and the other in Tauranga CBD.
These are of a high standard and have room to
grow.
The Tauranga campus is part of the Tertiary
Education Precinct, providing an excellent
student environment. The precinct includes
Waikato University, TeOhomai Polytech and a
number of other Tertiary Institutions, making
for a fast developing and exciting student area
in the city centre.
Stellaris is focussed on becoming a boutique
provider with business as their centre of
excellence.

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 6 NEW ZEALAND
Indian High Commissioner’s outreach
to community: Visits to temple and Gurudwara
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH
C
ontinuing the outreach
to the Indian community
in Auckland, the High
Commissioner of India, Sanjiv
Kohli visited Balmoral Temple,
Sandringham and Nanaksar
Gurudwara in Manurewa, on Sunday,
March 4
The visit was part of the High
Commissioner’s extended outreach
to the Indian community in Auckland
– New Zealand’s largest city where
about 80 per cent of the total Indian
community lives.
In a true reflection of the diverse
and yet very cohesive Indian
community in New Zealand, the
High Commissioner was very
warmly received by the members
of the public at both the places of
worship.
Earlier, probably in a first, the
High Commissioner had held a
meeting with the members of Indian
media and community leaders at the
newly opened Auckland Consulate
office on Saturday, March 3.
By his own admission, Mr Kohli
had arrived in Auckland after a gap of
four to five months, purely because
of the opening of the Consulate
Office, and therefore was committed
to making the most of it.
The second day of the visit was
exclusively reserved for outreach to
the general public and members of
the community, particularly at the
Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender
High Commissioner HE Sanjiv Kohli at Nanaksar
Gurudwara; Right: At the Balmoral Temple
temple and the Gurudwara, where a also need divine blessings to take the upstairs by the management team.
large number of people turn up every agenda forward, so I have come here Mr Kohli was also presented
weekend. to the temple and will also go to the with the traditional Shiropa by the
Gurudwara later. management team of the Gurudwara.
Visit to Balmoral temple
“There is no better place to get
M
Mr Sood and Mr Dhillon also
r Kohli started his day with
your inner peace and calm than a received Shiropa on the occasion.
a visit to Balmoral temple,
place like this. However, it seemed that the
Sandringham early morning, where
The management committee of community relished Mr Kohli’s
he participated in Pooja and Arti.
the temple, led by Roshan Nauhria, participation in the Langar, which
He was accompanied by Sandeep
Sood, Head of Chancellery, High Dinesh Pahuja, Jyoti Parashar, gave many people an opportunity to
Commission of India, and Bhav Sreesutha Nampally, Pandit Govind interact with the High Commissioner
Dhillon Hon. Consul of India, Sharma took the High Commissioner informally.
Auckland. to a tour of the temple premises and Later Mr Kohli also briefly
“We had a very useful meeting
Mr Kohli also met with children detailed the various initiatives being addressed members of the public
with the Indian media and the undertaken by the temple for the
participating in Hindi classes run present and spoke highly about
community leaders yesterday. education and promotion of Indian
at the temple, along with several the Sikh community and the value
“We are laying out the agenda for culture.
members of the public and the that the government and the people
what we want to do this year for the
management committee of the Visit to Nanaksar of India see in their tremendous
community.
temple. Gurudwara contribution to the growth and
“We had accomplished quite a few
T
Speaking to The Indian Weekender progress of the country.
things in the last two years. I think he visit to Nanaksar Gurudwara
on the occasion, Mr Kohli said, “It’s Soon after the Gurudwara visit,
there are still few areas where we can began with participation in
always a great experience to come Mr Kohli and Mr Sood left for
achieve more by working together. Langar – the community kitchen
back to the city which has the largest Wellington.
“Today being the second day, we – before a small official reception
share of the Indian diaspora in NZ.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 7

Suggestion for ‘taxes to change bad coming soon...

behaviour’ not well-founded: tax barrister
¡¡ DAVE ANANTH Wealth tax is not an option.

S
ir Michael Cullen’s suggestion about bringing new Wealth is subjective; there are
taxes to drive behaviour as appearing in stuff.co.nz on no set rules to determine one’s
Monday, March 5, is not well-founded.
“A wealth tax, a tax on financial transactions, a broader wealth. One man’s wealth may Daily deals website
capital gains tax, a land tax and new environmental taxes will
all be options considered by the Tax Working Group,” states
seem mediocre to another and
vice versa.
from
the report appearing in Stuff.
If the report is to be believed then Sir Cullen, has signalled
these possibilities of taxes to “change bad behaviours”.
Indian Weekender
Dave Ananth is a senior lawyer,
Sir Cullen was speaking to the International Fiscal
Association conference in Queenstown on Friday, March 2.
I am not sure what he means by “changing bad behaviour”.
a former Magistrate and advocate
in Malaysia before taking up a
For more details and
What is bad behaviour?
Don’t we already have enough tax laws in place, mainly
position with the Inland Revenue
Department in New Zealand as a
to get your deals
administered by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue to
change bad behaviour?
Prosecutor. He now practises as a
Tax Barrister, based in Auckland.
listed, call Anurag
Are we also to tax bad politicians and government
departments for overspending tax payer’s money?
The report also says “[Sir] Cullen appeared warm to at 020 413 33103
the idea of taxes on environmental and social ills, such as
greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and the
causes of obesity.
Does that mean the price of sugar, for
example, will be taxed as it causes obesity? Or
the price of fizzy drinks will be taxed?
Does Cullen think that people will consume
less sugar if there is a further tax?
I am not sure of his thinking, but if that were
true, then we will have to deal with inflation,
with prices of food and drinks to go up as many
foodstuff and drinks contain sugar.
Any cost increase due to further taxes will
only burden the consumer more.
This is not addressing the underlying issues.
Education is perhaps a stronger tool than
raising taxes.
There is also the likelihood of capital gains
Call Now
tax from income for investment property and
shares, according to reports.
09-263 4483
Any increase or introduction of taxes will
have a dramatic impact on the public at large,
0800202022
some more than the others. ...
Any hint of what might be taxed will also
create unnecessary speculation unhealthy for
the businesses.
It does cause anxiety among people. For
example, hoarding can happen, if there is
speculation a price of a certain good will be
taxed.
Personally, I think company tax rates should
be brought down in line with other OECD
countries and Asia.
The focus should be on reducing taxes
and at the same time increase in compliance,
enforcement and keeping up with the digital
economy.
With the many taxes and overheads now,
many businesses are barely surviving and not
making profits as one would expect.
Businesses are now putting in longer hours
to keep afloat.
I do not need to mention businesses which
have retrenched staff or moved to other
countries.
Wealth tax is not an option. Wealth is
subjective; there are no set rules to determine
one’s wealth. One man’s wealth may seem
mediocre to another and vice versa.
Hard work and business acumen are crucial
in creating wealth.
The Government instead should focus on
attracting investment which in turn will create
more jobs. More jobs pay more taxes.
An investment climate which is healthy,
bring companies which make profits and hence
pay more taxes.
Giving tax breaks to pioneer companies and
attracting major high-value players to come in
and invest in New Zealand is more crucial than
thinking about creating more taxes.
The more taxes the government imposes, the
application of these tax becomes complicated
and unattractive.
Let’s move on from this shallow thinking
and start thinking about creating wealth for MANUKAU BRANCH CITY BRANCH INVERCARGIL WHANGAREI
New Zealand.
Submissions to the Tax Working Group can
12 Lambie Drive 368 Queens Street 104 Dee street 1 Rathbone Street 09-263 4483
be made online at taxworkinggroup.govt.nz/
submissions/.
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154 GreatSouth Road
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194 Wairakei road, Bryndwr
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0800202022
 8 NEW ZEALAND Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

'When you start a new business,

then there is no going back'
Meet Giridharan Giri, Director of Relianz Group as he shares his journey as an Indian migrant in New Zealand
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD down to Relianz Forex Ltd. The name had always hard, as we had to market our product

T
he Indian Weekender has always
strived to give the community stories
that inspire and motivate them to make
their dreams and passions a reality. To bring
such stories to the community, The Indian
Weekender has started a new series talking to
successful Kiwi-Indian business people, know
their struggles in starting a venture in New
Zealand and making it a success it is today.
The Indian Weekender spoke to Giridharan
Giri, Director of Relianz Group, that has three
successful businesses under its umbrella in
New Zealand: Relianz Forex, Relianz Travel
and Loan Bazaar.
The first thing Mr Giri advises to budding
entrepreneurs to be prepared for the painful
process of learning through unfavourable
circumstances but one must endure through
such times as there is no going back.
Mr Giri started his Kiwi journey back in
2003 leaving his well-paid and incentivised
job in India to find an equally adventurous and
successful career in New Zealand. His first two
months were met with disappointments and
rejections as hundreds of his job applications
got declined. He jumped from one shop to
another meeting people and even went to the
office of Work & Income looking for a miracle.
However, after months of hunting, he was
finally called for three interviews on one single
day. He vividly recalls the Thursday, when
he barely had some hard cash in his pocket
attending an interview at a company Armour
Guard in Ellerslie at 3 p.m. when he was called
to appear at another interview in a short notice.
This interview went on to change his status
quo in life and quite significantly navigate the
course of his journey in New Zealand.
Mr Giri was determined to leave the interview
with the offer letter and at 7:30 p.m. starting
Monday the following week.
Mr Giri has not looked back since, working
there for almost two years until the company
was sold and he started under new management
as the first director of the company.
Carrying years of experience in the field of
foreign exchange in India under Thomas Cook
and American Express, and gained ample
exposure to the New Zealand market, it was
time for him to take the next major step, which
was starting something of his own.
“I was determined to start the firm but naming
the company was our first big challenge. We
had almost 200 names in mind, but we got
‘Reli’ for reliability and ‘anz’ for Australia-New
Zealand, and thus we finalised the name with
the tag ‘Your first Choice to Rely’. In 2009,
Relianz Forex had hit the market and picked up
eventually,” Mr Giri said in the interview.
The challenge to run and grow the business:
Relianz Forex started with just one staff at
the company’s head office on Dominion Road
and within 15 months had two more branches
coming up at New Windsor and Sandringham.
This stupendous success came with a personal
price of sacrifice of family time, health
and stress to Mr Giri but it did not stop his
determination to move forward.
“When a new thing starts, there come
unfavourable times that one has to endure
as there is no going back. You have to focus
on what you want to do, and that will get you
new challenges, and that too has to be faced,”
he adds.
“One of the biggest challenges is that your
family has to accept you because of your
engagement into your work. I worked tirelessly
even weekends for the first 15 months when the
branches were opened. There was a time when
my family sent me an email to communicate
with me,” MrGiri recalled.
“One time I received a love letter on an email
that really took me aback, and I cried virtual
tears. It was then I took a step back, spoke to
my family, explained to them that how this
venture is important and like a baby that needs
to be taken care of and nourished,” he said.
Speaking on how he reached out to the
community Mr Giri said, “Initial days are
and services to the community. We went from
house to house in different suburbs; shops, flea
market and my family would often join me.
People eventually started noticing my face and
as soon as they see me would ask the rate of
exchange. I was in Rose Gardens in Hamilton
when someone recognised me and asked me
the same question. It was delightful to see
the response from the community and that is
what has helped us to grow, now into different
markets too.”
Mr Giri advises one thing that a person
should never forget, and this is the roots where
he has come.
“Remember the days of your struggle, and
that will always give you direction to what
you should do, and it will bring the humility in
you,” he added.
Another important USP of his business to grow
and expand is giving back to the community.
He advises that it’s the community’s money
and trust that has made the business grow
and provided with all the success, and it has
to be returned to the community by providing
employment opportunities, supporting events,
helping the needy.
One advice that MrGiri gives to young
entrepreneurs is to have that passion, the drive
and determination to achieve your goal.
“Use whatever resources you have, invest
your time, passion and surround with the right
circle of people and most important of all, be
determined and your success is inevitable,” he
concluded.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 9

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 10 NEW ZEALAND Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Goan Association to have more

community engagement in 2018 The
¡¡ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD

T
community
he Goan Association of New
Zealand (GOANZ) completed
also celebrated
its 21 years of establishment
World Goa Day at Mt
this year and will host its annual Eden War Memorial Hall
general meeting on Saturday, March on in August last year and
10, to evaluate its performance for Goa’s patron saint, St
2017 and plan for 2018. Francis Xavier’s feast
GOANZ was established in May earlier in December
1996 and has since aimed to foster the 2017
welfare of the community and promote the
cultural knowledge, traditions and customs of
the Goan community in New Zealand.
The association is looking forward to having
more engagement with the community in
2018 by organizing more events for both the
youth-children and the elder members of the
Goan community. GOANZ current team is
headed by Calisto Vaz as the president, Milton
D’Souza as the treasurer, Maria Crasto as
secretary and Sushila Pinto as the coordinator
of the association.
The association since April 2017 organises
a community mass every two months on a
Saturday night at St Therese Parish in Three
Kings followed by a fellowship in the parish
hall accompanied with light refreshments.
The community also celebrated World
Goa Day at Mt Eden War Memorial Hall on
in August last year and Goa’s patron saint, St
Francis Xavier’s feast earlier in December
2017. The feast began with a Holy Mass
hosted by two Goan priests in New Zealand,
Fr Cyprian Fernandes from Dunedin and Fr
Raphael Lobo from East Coast Bays Parish in
Auckland. Both events saw over 300 people,
mainly GOANZ members and a few from
other Indian communities present there.
The association will hold its first mass for
this year on Saturday, March 10 followed by
the AGM and will call out to the community
looking for at least 6-10 members to form a
sub-committee.
The association plans to hold a soccer
tournament in the first half of 2018, World Goa
Day social and dance in August, a picnic in
October, talent hunt for GOANZ children and
seniors, and St Francis Xavier’s feast mass in
the first week of December followed by a mini-
fair and a fun Goan Carnival in February 2019.
GOANZ has recently signed an agreement to
sponsor a Konkani radio show called ‘Susegad
Danpaar’ on Planet FM 104.6, every month
over the next financial year. The show is hosted
by Richard Miranda, Hector de Souza and
Baptist Lobo, the trio called ‘The Good Guyz’
and is broadcast on Planet FM every Saturday
at 3.45 p.m. and is available online too.
Community members can join GOANZ and
can email their information to goa_nz@yaho.
co.nz before June 2018.

For
all the news,
updates and
gossip, visit
www.iwk.co.nz
 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 11

Telangana Jagruthi NZ brings stakeholders

together on international students' issues
¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH importance that the Government of India puts

I
n a first of its kind, the Telangana Jagruthi
New Zealand (TJNZ) had taken leadership
in bringing together different stakeholders
in NZ and Indian government, along with other
experts, to discuss some of the pressing issues
facing international students.
The seminar held on Sunday, March
4, brought together local MPs from the
government, Michael Wood and Priyanca
Radhakrishnan, and Bhav Dhillon, Hon.
Consul of India, from the High Commission
of India, along with experts from New Zealand
Qualification Authority (NZQA) to delve
into the issues related to the international
education sector.
TJNZ is the New Zealand chapter of
Telangana Jagruthi – a massive social
awakening movement back in the Indian state
of Telangana, seeking to invoke and celebrate a
common Telangana identity.
The TJNZ President Jyothi Mallikarjun
Reddy told The Indian Weekender that their
organisation is primarily focussed on raising
issues of students and women, along with
celebration the now resurgent festival of
Bathukamma.
“We focus only on three key issues throughout
the year, and student’s issues are one of them.
“The other two being the women issues and
the floral festival of Bathukamma,” Ms Reddy
said. Lately there has been a lot of noise around
international students, for right and wrong
reasons, especially those in our communities.
“We are trying to bring together key
stakeholders in international education on a
common platform and are hoping that students
would get much-needed support,” Ms Reddy
told The Indian Weekender.
The international education
sector is important
During the seminar, the importance of
international education sector for New Zealand
was widely and profusely acknowledged, by
both MPs in the government.
There was a consensus that the sector brings
a lot of financial wealth and international guests
to the countries who have potential to become
NZ’s longstanding friends and supporters all
around the world.
Mr Wood shared anecdotes of his political
mentor, former MP of Mt Roskill and Foreign
Minister of NZ and the current Mayor of
Auckland, Phil Goff, about the importance of
international education sector for the general
goodwill of brand NZ all around the world.
Ms Radhakrishnan, an international student
herself, reflected on how well NZ treats its
international students.
Members of Telangana
Jagruthi New Zealand at
the event
All is not well in the international
education sector
However, the broad consensus quickly
moved purposefully towards the realisation that
all was not well with the international education
sector.
Mr Wood set the agenda by reflecting upon
the current government’s views on the sector,
which is that the sector, being too good and
beneficial for NZ has grown too quickly, too
fast and without proper oversight – a situation
that they are determined to alter.
The government, especially the Immigration
Minister Ian Lees-Galloway is listening
to all stakeholders, including community
representatives and experts before coming out
with a policy that can address all supposedly
major pitfalls in the sector.
Mr Dhillon acknowledged the recent spurt in
the sector resulting in the increase in the number
of international students from India, and the
on this fact as reflected in his appointment as
the first-ever Hon. Consul of India in Auckland.
“The issues related to the overall welfare of
international students are of high priority for
the government of India.
“Lately the Consulate office has to deal with
an unusually high number of drowning deaths
of international students, which is both a source
of misery and concern for us,” Mr Dhillon said,
reflecting that Indian government’s concerns on
Indian students go wider than commonly heard
issues around their exploitation.
Gaps in the duty of care toward
international students
The speakers also pointed towards the gaps
in the duty of care towards the international
students, especially among some rogue agents
and education providers, who often work in
collusion without compassion for student
interests.
Apparently, it is these gaps in the duty of
care towards international students that is the
source of all issues within the sector and has
to be addressed sooner than later. However,
the challenge is to do this in a manner that
does not jeopardise the overall setting of the
international education sector.
Toward the end of the seminar, there was
a question-answer session, where many
international students raised questions and
problems that they face on a day-to-day basis
while pursuing an international education in the
country.
Indeed, this was a great community-led
initiative by Telangana Jagruthi NZ to move
the public debate from problems around issues
of international students to finding solutions to
those problems.

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 12 NEW ZEALAND Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Christchurch’s Indian community gets a piece of

its history back Old Stone House, built in 1870s, to house the Indian workers brought to the

A
s noted by renowned historian, Gordon Garden City by one of the earliest English settlers, John Cracroft Wilson,
Ogilvie in his book, The Port Hills of has finally reopened following a $2 million earthquake restoration project
Christchurch, a Chennai-born England-
educated ex-Magistrate of Mooradabad (Uttar
Ms Caroline Murray(right), and mayor Lianne Dalziel at
Pradesh), John Cracroft Wilson, arrived in the re-opening of the Old Stone House (picture courtesy:
Christchurch in 1854 with his 17 Indian Christchurch City Council
servants. This, arguably, is the first instance of
Indian immigrants arriving in the land of the
long white cloud.
When in Canterbury, Wilson, with the wealth
he accumulated in India, purchased three up-
country runs, the Lansdowne Station, and a
268-acre property on the Port Hills.
This Port Hills property, which stretched from
Huntsbury Hill to Worsleys Road and across
the skyline to Governors Bay, was later named
by Wilson as “Cashmere” after his favourite
part of India - “Kashmir”. In its prime, Wilson’s Earthquake damaged Old Stone House (File photo)

Cashmere estate covered almost 5000 acres.

Later, Wilson built a 11-bedroom homestead
(that came to be known as the Cracroft House
and was destroyed in the 2011 earthquakes),
gardener’s cottage, blacksmith shop, stables,
coach house, storage shed, and a dairy, on his
vast property.
Meanwhile, his Indian servants and their
families lived in dwellings set into recesses on
the eastern side of what is now called Shalamar
Drive. Some even went on to own land as well
as keep their own hoof stock.
Living in a strange land with cold climate,
and toiling day and night made survival difficult
for some. “The Indians never seemed to be at
ease there. They were frequently ill, believe the
place was haunted and often tried to defect,”
writes Ogilvie in his book.
Though to give Wilson some credit, who
was known to be public-spirited and capable of
great kindness, he did built an accommodation
house for his workers where they lived like
an extended family with stone quarried from
Marleys Hill in 1870. Just like an old English
farm house, the accommodation, which came
to be known as the Old Stone House, had
storage and stables, cooking floor, eating and
communal rooms, as well as sleeping quarters.
This remained the case for almost 100
years, until in 1966, John Cracroft, Wilson’s
descendants gifted the building to the Student
Christian Movement (SCM). Then in 1971,
the building was tragically gutted by fire. A
Cracroft Community Centre was formed, which
rebuilt the House in 1979.
Then 2011 happened.
While the near-by Cracroft House was
completely destroyed, the Old Stone House
sustained significant damage.
But like in the ‘70s, the community rallied
again, and finally last month, the Old Stone
House was reopened to the community after
a seven-year-long wait and a $2 million
earthquake restoration project.
The event was attended by Christchurch
Mayor Lianne Dalziel, Caroline Murray, a
great-great-granddaughter of John Cracroft
Wilson, and Tim Scandrett, Spreydon-
Cashmere Community Board member.
“The rebuilt Old Stone House is an integral
element of the city’s heritage, providing a
window to the past for future generations.
While Christchurch has several impressive
stone buildings, the Old Stone House is the only
one built for servants’ use,” Mr Scandrett said.

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 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 13

Humm FM and Bhartiya Samaj host the biggest Holi in NZ

¡¡ SANDEEP SINGH

C
olours, food, music and dance sum up the biggest Holi
celebration in the country hosted at Three Kings Reserve
last weekend.
Humm FM 106.2 and Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust pulled
a perfect weekend for the families in Auckland with the ‘Colours
in the Park’ Holi celebration on Saturday, March 3. More than
6,000 people were estimated to have visited the much anticipated
musical-fun event that started at noon until 7 p.m.
The event, besides being the most popular show in town, offered
more than one highlight to the audience. Food being the major
crowd pleaser, the event had 24 stalls camped on the ground, a

majority of which offered a range of amazing lip-smacking snacks

from the many cuisines of India.
Another big high point of the show was the medley dance
performance by the Humm FM team on the stage. DJs and RJs
of Humm FM wooed the audience with their dance performance,
adding another feather to the party.
This year the High Commission of India to New Zealand Sanjiv
Kohli graced the event accompanied by accompanied by Head of
Chancellery, High Commission of India, Sandeep Sood and Hon.
Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon.
The guests from Wellington accompanied Humm FM’s director
Roshila Prasad, Jeet Suchdev and Roopa Suchdev from Bhartiya
Samaj Charitable Trust and other dignitaries such as MPs Michael
Wood, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Kanwaljit Bakshi, Parmjeet
Parmar, former MP Mahesh Bindra, Puketapapa Local Board
Member Ella Kumar and other community leaders on the stage
wishing the audience the best of Holi.
Mr Kohli acknowledged the presence of the communities who
came together to celebrate the festival of colour and joy.
The event was led by the RJs of Humm FM and music provided
by renowned DJs from Auckland- DJ Jash, Shovic, Gizvelle, Razz
and Areeb who pulled the party till 7 p.m.
 14 NEW ZEALAND Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Ayushakti Ayurved’s expert pulse reader

Christchurch gets its Vaidya Dipali Shashtr in returns to Auckland!!
second mosque
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this year. This is the second
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in the Garden City after the
Al Noor Mosque located on
Deans Avenue.
Ibrahim Abdelhalim, Iman
of the new mosque said,
“With the blessing of almighty Linwood Islamic Centre, Christchurch
Allah and huge efforts from
our brothers and sisters, we
have begun regular daily five-times prayers,
as well as weekly Friday (jummah), with some
good attendance.
“Our mission is to cover all needs of Muslims
living in the eastern part of the city, and of
course for New Zealand Muslims in general.
Apart from prayers, we aim to conduct weekly
visits to Muslim families on Fridays, organise
weekend Islamic classes for children, provide
facilities for marriage ceremonies and funerals,
and celebrate all Muslim festivals including
Ramadan, Eid-al-fitr and Eid-al-adah. The
centre will also be open to any gathering,
meeting, or event organised by any ethnic
Muslim group.”
The Iman further informed that the new
mosque will in total cost $397,000 due by
2019. “This, considering no real state agents
involvement, no bank interest, no mortgage,
and no buying fees. We deal directly with the
owner who has given us a good amount of time
to pay in full.
“Therefore, we humbly request all our
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 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018
Indian railway experts begin
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A in the price - AG
team of Indian Railway experts
has arrived in Fiji to undertake an
assessment of the Fijian railway
network and recommend a plan of action for
upgrading the network to accommodate greater
freight and passenger travel.
The team was dispatched to Fiji by the Indian
Ministry of Railways following a meeting
between Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-
Khaiyum and the Indian Minister for Railways,
Piyush Goyal, during the World Sustainable
Development Summit held in New Delhi, India
last month.
The technical team arrived in Fiji on February
27, 2018 and consists of General Manager for
Special Projects, Prem Ranjan Kumar, General
Manager Rolling Stock, Akilesh Misra, and
General Manager for Transport and Economics,
Skirkant Kanbandhu.
Visit to Rarawai Sugar Mill
The technical team has already made a site
visit on Tuesday to the Rarawai Sugar Mill in
Ba and will continue site visitations throughout
the Western Division during the week.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum welcomed the expert
team to Fiji at a meeting yesterday in Suva
where he stressed the enormous benefits of
upgrading railway infrastructure in Fiji.
“Upgrading our railways systems to
accommodate greater freight will have an
Holi unites different backgrounds
S
tudents and teachers of Nadi Primary
School from different backgrounds
came together on Thursday to celebrate
Holi with colours and music.
Holi, commonly known as the festival of
colours, is observed by all Hindus around
the world. Head teacher Mala Singh said: “This
programme will educate our children about
Holi celebrations. Through this programme
the students will learn values in education.
“After the arrival of the indentured labourers,
Holi has developed its strong roots in Fiji
and is becoming one of the most anticipated
festivals among the Fiji Indians.
“The message received is that when a
person is honest and true to his or her
task and values he or she will always received is that
prosper. Wrong ways, unjust practices when a person is honest
and cruelty will lead to one’s downfall and true to his or her
and suffering and end,” Mr Singh said. task and values he or
Holi is a festival of great joy and she will always
celebration. It is one the most fun filled
religious festivals in the Hindu calendar
compared to other celebrations like Maha
Shivratri, Ram Naumi and Krishna Janam
Ashtami.
In Fiji, Holi like other religious observances,
has taken on a multiracial theme as people of
all races celebrate it together to bring about the
notion of peace and harmony.
This year the final day of the celebrations
President receives New Zealand, Belgium envoys
P
resident Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji
Konusi Konrote on Tuesday received
the credentials of the New Zealand and
Belgium ambassadors to Fiji at Borron House
in Suva.
New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan
Andrew Curr and Belgium Ambassador to Fiji
Marc Mullie presented their credentials after
inspecting a 25-member guard of honour by the
Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Prior to Mr Curr’s appointment he served as
Ambassador to Turkey and was also accredited
to the State of Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom
of Jordon, Georgia and Republic of Azerbaijan.
From Left: General Manager Rolling Stock Akhilesh Mishra, High Commissioner of India to Fiji Vishvas
Sapkal, General Manager Special Projects Prem Ranjan Kumar, Acting Prime Minister and Attorney-
General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Additional General Manager Transport and Economics Srikant Janbandhu,
Fiji Sugar Corporation Chief Operating Officer Navin Chandra, Director Policy and Research at Ministry of
Sugar Industry Reshmi Kumari and Commerce Officer at the Indian High Commission Sachin Mehta.
"And the introduction of
passenger travel will open
up Fiji in new ways that will
benefit tourism, agriculture,
transportation and many
other sectors of our growing
economy."
immediate impact for our farmers, including
our cane farmers, who will be able to cart more
"The
message
Teachers and students of Nadi Primary School celebrate Holi last week
was on March 2. But
schools, businesses and
religious groups held the
prosper." celebrations one week earlier.
Traditional songs were sung
with much merrymaking. Similar
celebrations will enlighten homes including
the various Ramayan Mandali nationwide.
According to the Hindu books, there is a
symbolic myth behind commemorating Holi
in relation to Lord Krishna. The scriptures
outline the reason for the use of colours during
the celebrations. Lord Krishna in his youth
His extensive tertiary qualifications include
a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese language,
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political
Science from Canterbury University, Teaching
Diploma (ATCL) in speech and Drama for
Trinity College in London and postgraduate
certificate in Strategic Studies from Victoria
University of Wellington.
Mr Curr has held various positions in
Wellington including as Development
Programme Manager, New Zealand Agency for
International Development division.
Prior to Mr Marc’s appointment, he was the
deputy head of the Office of Minister of Foreign
cane, reduce their cartage costs and increase
their profit margins.
“And the introduction of passenger travel
will open up Fiji in new ways that will benefit
tourism, agriculture, transportation and many
other sectors of our growing economy.  
“We are very keen to partner with the Indian
Government on this project and look forward
to receiving the full recommendation from the
technical team following the completion of
their assessment,” said the A-G.
despaired whether the fair-skinned Radha
and other girls would like him because of his
dark skin. His mother, tired of the desperation,
asked him to approach Radha and colour her
face in any colour he wanted.
This he did, and Radha and Krishna became
a couple. It was the begining of the use of
colour in the painting of faces.
On the day of Holi, groups and mandali’s
carry drums and other musical instruments, go
from house to house and even from street to
street to sing, dance and enjoy the events with
colours and sweets.
H.E President Major General (Ret’d) Jioji Konousi
Konrote (right) with H.E Jonathan Andrew Curr
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji after the
presentation of credentials.
FIJI 15
The rise in the price
of butter is due to
the global increase
A
ttorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
says the rise in the price of butter is due
to the global increase in the price over
the past year.
While speaking on butter prices in
parliament last week, Sayed-Khaiyum said that
NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad has been
misleading people in the rural areas in Vanua
Levu by claiming that the rise in the price of
butter has been driven by the government and
government policies.
Sayed-Khaiyum says what Prasad told the
people of Vanua Levu is completely false.
He says the reality is that the average landed
cost of butter slabs duty-free ranged from $13
to $14.48 per kilogram in 2017 compared to
$8.88 in the beginning of last year.
Sayed-Khaiyum says the reason is that the
price of butter worldwide has gone up as there
is a huge demand for butter.
There was an increase of 63% in the price
because most of the milk producers in the world
want to have higher value-added products from
milk as people want more cream or cheese.
He says Fiji Dairy imports majority of its
bulk requirements, which are butter slabs from
NZ with value addition done in Fiji.
He says butter prices in New Zealand fully
influence butter prices in Fiji.
The Attorney General says what we call
Rewa Butter is in fact already made in New
Zealand, and this has been done from the Sam
Speight days. Sayed-Khaiyum clarifies that for
years, Rewa Dairy has always had protection,
and Rewa Dairy has always brought in bulk
butter at zero duty.
He says that in order to protect Rewa Dairy,
there was a duty on fully packaged butter that
came from overseas and duty protection rate
was 27%. In 2009 to salvage Rewa Dairy
before the shares were divested, the duty was
increased to 32%.
Sayed-Khaiyum says Southern Cross Foods
Limited that runs Fiji Dairy took on the $17
million debt from Rewa Dairy when they
took over the company and they were given
protection for certain products for a limited
period of time. Southern Cross Foods also had
to invest in a farm themselves, chilling plants
were set up in Ba and Lautoka, another two
chilling plants will be set up in Nadroga and
Yaqara and they had to invest in modernising
the plant and machinery within 3 years.
Sayed-Khaiyum says NFP has said that they
will remove the zero concession enjoyed by Fiji
Dairy and allow all importers to compete on a
level playing field.
The Attorney General questions what
will happen to the 350 dairy farmers if the
concessions for Fiji Dairy are removed and
what will happen if we rely on milk imports
when the global prices go up.
He stresses that the price of butter or fuel and
other items will go up if it is transported from
Viti Levu to Vanua Levu.
Affairs and European Affairs and has served as
Ambassador of Belgium to Malaysia.
After joining diplomatic service in 1988,
Ambassador Mullie served at various
permanent missions of Belgium and at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He has a Master of Law from Ghent
University, Master in International and
European Law from Free University of Brussels
and Bachelor of Arts and Archaeology, Free
University of Brussels.
Ambassador Mullie will be non-resident to
Fiji as he will be based in Canberra, Australia.
 Thought of the week
"Dream, dream, dream. Dreams
transform into thoughts and
thoughts result in action"
Editorial –A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

Six ways to win Auckland Weather forecast for the week

March 9 – March 15, 2018

at fundraising as Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu

a women start-up Reriods Cloudy, A Little A little Sunny and Sunshine Partly

founder
of Rain Breezy, afternoon morning pleasant with a Sunny
a pm rain rain shower
shower

S
tarting and scaling-up a business needs capital. Right capital, be it equity or debt 26° 24° 24° 24° 25° 23° 23°
or grant, can often be the critical difference between a successful business and 18° 18° 18° 18° 16° 16° 17°
the one that didn’t make it.
And yet, it looks like too few women are getting this capital.
Reports show that globally, and in India, the percentage of women founders raising This week in New Zealand’s history
venture capital ranges between two and seven per cent. At either end, the number is
abysmally low. 10 March 1869
You might think that for more stable businesses that go for debt funding, things will New Zealand Cross created
T
be better. But even there, the percentage of women getting funded appears to be less his medal was created because members of New Zealand’s colonial forces were not
than 10 per cent. eligible for the Victoria Cross. Only 23 were awarded, all to men who served in the New
Much is being said about the gender biases and the social structures that need to Zealand Wars, making it one of the world‘s rarest military honours.
change to ensure more women get funded. All of which helps move the needle.
But do you know what really leads to more women getting funded? It is more women 10 March 1995
getting funded. Success stories are also important because they are the true motivation
Auckland Warriors debut
to the next round of women sitting on the cusp of “should I do this”?
If you are one of those women founders who have decided to take the plunge and
are looking to raise funding, Simmi Sareen, CEO and Founder, Loans4SME has some
T he Auckland Warriors played their first match in the New South Wales Rugby League’s
expanded Winfield Cup competition.

top tips to help you on the journey:

Be optimistic: Study after study has shown that women are too cautious when
talking about their future. There are risks to every business but when pitching to
investors, focus instead the best-case scenario for your business. Yes, things can and
will go wrong but when looking for funding, start with your most optimistic goal.
Dream big in your pitch, in your business plan and in your financial model, then figure
out the resources to achieve your dreams.
Be prepared: Look beyond the media hype and you will find that most of
fundraising is boring stuff like business plans and documents. But this boring stuff is
what successful fundings are made of.
So even before you head out for that first investor meeting, there is much you can do
to set yourself up for success.
The business plan: Create a detailed business plan with a clear understanding of
financial data and the revenue/cost/customer numbers you are targeting month on
month. I am often surprised by how little understanding entrepreneurs have of their
cash flows and how much funding their business actually needs.
This is not your accountant’s job; understanding the financial data is core to a
founder’s role.
Research your investors: Just like you are on the lookout for funding, funds need to
deploy money they have raised. You just need to find the right ones.
After all, there is no point going to a bank for seed funding when they only finance
three-year-old companies. Talk to peers, mentors, advisors; get as much information
as you can about investors.
Get your documents in order: Because after the investor says yes to the idea, there
will be legal and financial diligence. Your financials, tax returns, patents, trademarks,
board meeting minutes and a truckload of other documents stand between that term
sheet and money in the bank -- so start getting them sorted today.
Be stubborn: Yes, it is hard to hear investors say no or tell you that your idea isn’t
12 March 1864
Arthur's Pass 'discovered'
T he summit of Arthur’s Pass over the Southern Alps between the headwaters of the Ōtira
and Bealey rivers marks the boundary between Canterbury and the West Coast.
The pass was known to Māori, who used it to bring pounamu (jade) across the Southern
Alps. It was crossed for the first time by Europeans in 1864 and named after the surveyor
Arthur Dobson.
13 March 1956
New Zealand's first test cricket victory
N ew Zealand was already 3–0 down in the series going into the fourth and final test at
Eden Park in Auckland. Their West Indies opponents included household names such
as Gary Sobers and Everton Weekes, who broke batting records for a New Zealand season.
Indian Weekender : Volume 9 Issue 49
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
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Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
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as great as you think it is.
Use all these rejections as an opportunity to get feedback, tweak the idea and get
back in there. Eventually, if you can clearly show the investor that your business has
the potential for multi fold returns, or if you can show a lender that your business has
enough cash flows to repay the loan, they will invest in you.
Remember that Lijjat Papad, now a multi-billion enterprise, started with an 80 rupee
loan and a lot of guts. Capital helps, but having a great idea and staying the course on
execution is what really makes for a successful business.
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
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Copyright 2017. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 NEW ZEALAND 17

Community leaders at Auckland Consulate

Members of Telangana Jagruthi NZ with HE Sanjiv Kohli Members of NZ Telugu Association with HE Sanjiv Kohli

Community members at the event Community members at the event

Representatives
of Indian media in
NZ at the Press
event

Community leaders
interact with Indian High
Commissioner HE
Sanjiv Kohli
 18 INDIA Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

MODI’S GLOBAL SOLAR TIES SET Modi to expand

TO BRIGHTEN WITH MACRON PUSH
T P
he International Solar
Alliance (ISA), jointly
launched by India and
France at the UN Climate Change
Conference over two years ago, is set
to turn to the sun to brighten its future
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and French President Emmanuel
Macron co-chairing its founding
conference in the national capital.
A brainchild of Modi, the India-
based alliance – a coalition of 56
signatories to the ISA Framework
Agreement – aims at accelerating
deployment of solar energy by
reducing costs and making adequate
funding available for its rapid
deployment in solar-rich member-
nations.
The ISA is a tremendous initiative
by India and France to accelerate
the inevitable technology-driven
renewable energy transformation of
the world’s electricity markets, Tim
Buckley, the Energy Finance Studies
Director with the US-based Institute
for Energy Economics and Financial
Analysis, said.
The deflationary benefits of
renewable energy are an added
bonus to consumers worldwide and
the policy learning evident from
India’s accelerated deployment are
exceptionally valuable as countries
as diverse as Egypt, the Philippines
and Thailand now embark on a
similar journey, he said.
With the backing of nearly 121
member-countries rich in solar
energy, 26 have so far ratified ISA’s
Framework Agreement.
ISA became a treaty-based
inter-governmental international
organisation on December 6, 2017,
registered under Article 102 of the
United Nations Charter.
Globally, India’s the third-biggest
solar installer after China and the
US. India has reached 20 GW
double over the next decade, its draft
“Ten Year Electricity Plan” calls for
this rising demand to be met with 275
GW of renewable energy capacity by
2027 -- without requiring new coal
plants beyond those already under
construction.
The cumulative solar capacity of
ISA member-countries is around 175
GW by end of 2017, around 44 per
cent of the global capacity.
However, these are concentrated
in China, India and Australia
with 130 GW, 20 GW and 7 GW
installations, respectively, or around
90 per cent of all ISA member-
country solar capacity. Tracing
ISA’s two-year journey, experts say
the key milestones include the joint
declaration signed on October 6 last
year with the European Investment
Bank to mobilise finance for
promoting solar energy.
ISA aims to mobilise more than
$1,000 billion in solar investments
by 2030 to minimise fossil fuel
dependence that help keep global
temperatures from rising above two
degrees Celsius by the end of the
century.
In the coming years, ISA could inspire and support At the last UN Climate Change
several developed and developing countries to advance Conference (COP-23) in Bonn last
year, ISA presented the Common
on a clean energy pathway by lowering financing Risk Mitigation Mechanism, its first
costs, developing common standards and encouraging offering to deepen solar markets and
knowledge sharing unlock finance for solar projects in
developing economies.
The Common Risk Mitigation
cumulative solar capacity, achieving at approximately 10.6 GW at year- Mechanism will create a global
the milestone four years ahead of end 2017, with another 4.3 GW of solar market, boosting confidence
the 2022 target originally set in the tenders pending auction. in the international development
National Solar Mission. The share of coal-based power community and private and public
It now aims to increase its solar plants in new installations declined institutional financiers.
capacity to 100 GW by 2022. India’s significantly from 62 per cent in As part of the Mechanism’s
solar installations in 2017 at 9,629 2016 to just 19 per cent in 2017, pilot phase, a $1 billion guarantee
MW was more than double the 4,313 whereas solar power led with around could crowd in up to $15 billion of
MW installed in 2016. 45 per cent of total power capacity investments for 20 GW of solar PV
Its pipeline of utility-scale additions. capacity in more than 20 countries.
projects under development stood While India’s power demand will
Beti Bachao
Beti Padhao
pan-India
rime Minister Narendra Modi
will launch the pan-India
expansion of Beti Bachao
Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme
from here on Thursday to mark
International Women’s Day.
BBBP, which was launched by
Modi in 2015 at Panipat in Haryana,
currently exists in 161 districts and
will be taken to 640 more.
Recently, Jhunjhunu attained a
remarkable achievement from having
the worst sex ratio at birth among
Rajasthan districts to attaining
minimum gender gap.
According to the 2011 census, the
ratio was 837 girls per 1,000 boys.
After seven years, the sex ratio is 955
girls per 1,000 boys.
As Jhujhunu has led from the front
in converting BBBP campaign into
a revolution, the scheme is being
expanded, from this small town
which has scripted a success story
to nationwide, said Chief Minister
Vasundhara Raje on Wednesday.
Raje, who was here to review
final arrangements to accord a warm
welcome to Modi, met several girl
students and requested them to
participate in Thursday’s event in
big numbers. A Women and Child
Development Ministry statement
said: “The Prime Minister will
interact with beneficiary mothers
and girl children and will distribute
certificates to best performing
districts under BBBP programme.” 
It added that Modi will also launch
the National Nutrition Mission ICDS
Common Application Software
nationwide on Thursday.
This mission strives to reduce
under-nutrition and low birth weight,
bring down anaemia among young
children, women and adolescent
girls and to reduce the prevalence of
stunting among children.

Arun Jaitley to contest Committed to win back

northeast's trust: Rahul
Rajya Sabha polls from Gandhi
Uttar Pradesh: BJP C
ongress President Rahul
Gandhi, who returned home

F
after a weekend trip to Italy,
inance minister Arun Jaitley will contest the Rajya on Monday said his party respected
Sabha elections from Uttar Pradesh while petroleum the mandate of the people of
minister Dharmendra Pradhan will do so from Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya
Madhya Pradesh, the BJP’s central election committee where the Congress failed to come
announced on Wednesday. to power in the recently-concluded
Jaitley is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat assembly polls.
and Pradhan from Bihar. In a tweet, Gandhi said the Congress had accepted the
The party announced the names of seven Union ministers mandate but would strive to win back the trust of the electorate
and one general secretary for the upcoming Rajya Sabha in the northeast.
polls in various states. "The Congress party respects the mandate of the people
The others will contest from the states they have been of Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya.We are committed to
elected from. strengthening our party across the northeast and to winning
Social justice minister Thawarchand Gehlot will contest back the trust of the people.
from Madhya Pradesh, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad "My sincere thanks to each and every Congress worker who
from Bihar and health minister JP Nadda from Himachal toiled for the party," Gandhi tweeted in the aftermath of the
Pradesh, the party said in a statement. election results. Gandhi who has in Italy to meet his grand-
The other two Union ministers, Parshottam Rupala and mother when the election results were announced.
Manusukh Mandaviya, will contest from Gujarat. The Congress emerged as the single largest party with 21
Bhupender Yadav, the party’s general secretary, will seats in Meghalaya but drew a blank in Nagaland and Tripura.
Even in Meghalaya it didn't get enough numbers to form
again contest from Rajasthan.
government. The BJP which won two seats in the state cobbled
The terms of all seven leaders ends on April 2 and all are
together an alliance with National People's Party (19), UDP
set to be elected again.
(6), PDF (4), HSPDP (2) and independent (1) to form a
majority in the House of 60-member Assembly.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 INDIA 19

Forbes India names 25 women

as ‘trailblazers’ in India
A
head of International
Women›s Day on March 8,
Forbes India has released a
its 'W-Power Trailblazers' issue this
weekend, featuring 25 women stars,
on the ascendency in business.
The 25 women stars included
names like Chiki Sarkar, publisher,
Juggernaut Books, Adhuna Bhabani,
founder-director, Bblunt, Anupriya
Acharya, CEO (India), Publicis
Media, Kavitha Sairam, co-founder,
FIB-SOL Life Technologies, Dina
Wadia and Shivpriya Nanda,
joint managing partners, J Sagar
Associates among others. Justice Gita Mittal to be
“We need to specify that this is not
a ranking but a qualitative selection conferred 'Nari Shakti' award
D
-- a grouping of ground breakers, elhi High Court acting are selected for these Puraskars.
game-changers and innovators Chief Justice Gita Mittal The Ministry of Women and
working across diverse sectors will be conferred with "Nari Child Development announces
such as technology, law, banking, Shakti Puraskar" on Thursday, a these national level awards for
statement said. eminent women, organisations and
insurance, media, biotech and the
Justice Mittal is one of the 30 institutions," it said.
startup sector,” Forbes India said in
individual awardees who have been A poster announcing the award
a statement.
selected for the Puraskar. read: "Justice Gita Mittal long
“Mandated quotas "Mandated of W-Power last year, a second At a recent gathering on advancing
"President Ram Nath Kovind will recognised that following a universal
smack of tokenism, quotas smack edition was imminent. women’s leadership in Mumbai, present awards at a special ceremony procedural approach in typical
and we have as of tokenism, and we This issue is Ginni Rometty spoke of how she to be held in Rashtrapati Bhavan courtroom trials involving sexual
many women have as many women unique because of the vehemently declined interview on International Women's Day on violence on women and children
who favour who favour reservations methodology used in requests for two years after being Thursday," the press statement said. severely impedes equal access
reservations as as those who would selection of the leaders. elevated to the top job at IBM. "To acknowledge women's to justice. It results in secondary
those who would like merit to be the We believe that this list Despite being the first woman to be achievements, the government of traumatisation during trial and further
like merit to be the decider." cannot be ranked hence we appointed CEO in the technology India confers Nari Shakti Puraskars exacerbates their victimisation."
decider,” said Brian adopt a qualitative approach,” giant’s 100-year history, Rometty on eminent women and institutions in "To address these procedural
Carvalho, Editor of Forbes said Joy Chakraborthy, CEO-Forbes held back. “I didn’t want to be recognition of their services towards bottlenecks and institutional barriers,
India, referring to the lack of women India and President-Revenue, labelled the first woman CEO. I just the cause of women empowerment. Justice Mittal as a judge of the
on company boards.  Network18. wanted to be a CEO,” she shrugged. "This year, 30 individual awardees Delhi High Court spearheaded the
With the overwhelming response The final list of 25 was identified “Judge me for my work, not for being and nine institutional awardees Vulnerable Witness Project," it said.
that we received for the first edition based on jury votes.  a woman.”
 20 INDIA ABROAD Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Defence cooperation among In LA museum,

see how Mughals
inspired iconic
India-Jordan: 12 agreements singed 17th Century

I Dutch painter
n keeping with New Delhi›s
increasing engagement with

West Asia, India and Jordan
signed 12 agreements, including
a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) on defence cooperation,
following a bilateral meeting
between Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and King of Jordan Abdullah II
Ibn Al Hussein on Thursday.
The MoU is aimed at promoting
cooperation between India and
Jordan in the field of defence
by defining the scope of such
cooperation and making provisions
for implementation of the cooperation
in some of the recognised areas like
training, defence industry, counter-
terrorism, military studies, cyber
security, military medical services
and peacekeeping, according
to the Ministry of External
Affairs.  New Delhi- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the King of Jordan
The two sides also signed
a MoU on cooperation
in the field of health and
medicine.
The objective of this
MoU is to establish and
encourage cooperation in
the fields of health, medical
science, medical education
and research on the basis of
equality and mutual benefits in
accordance with the respective
legislations and regulations of India
and Jordan.  medication
The various recognised areas of
mutual cooperation include universal
health coverage, services and IT
in health, health research, national
health statistics, diagnosis, treatment
and
of tuberculosis and regulation
of pharmaceuticals and medical
devices.
Another agreement was signed
on manpower cooperation which
Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein witness the exchange of MOUs at Hyderabad
House in New Delhi on Mar 1, 2018.
provides for cooperation
between India and Jordan
with a view to promote
best practices in the
administration of contract
employment of the Indian
nationals in Jordan.
Jordan is home to more than
10,000 Indians, who are employed
in the textile, construction and
manufacturing sectors, fertiliser
companies, health sector, universities,
IT and financial companies,
A MoU was also signed for setting
up of a next generation centre of
excellence (CoE) in Jordan for
training of at least 3,000 Jordanian
IT professionals over a period of five
years, and setting up of a resource
centre in India for training of master
trainers in the IT field from Jordan.
Other agreements signed include
long-term supply of rock phosphate
and fertilisers to India, mutual
assistance between India and
Jordan to ensure proper application
of the customs legislations in the
two countries, cultural exchange
programme between the two
countries from 2018 to 2022.
King Abdullah arrived here on
Tuesday on a three-day state visit.
This is his second visit to India after
his trip with Queen Rania in 2006.
A
museum is launching an
exhibition “Rembrandt and
the Inspiration of India”
that reveals how the 17th Century
Dutch painter was inspired by
artists from a dramatically different
culture in a country thousands of
kilometres away.
The March 13-June 24 exhibition
of paintings by Rembrandt
Harmenszoon van Rijn at the J. Paul
Getty Museum will include 23 of
his works, closely based on portraits
made by artists from Mughal India.
“These drawings mark a striking
diversion for this quintessentially
Dutch ‘Golden Age’ artist, the only
time he made a careful and extensive
study of art from a dramatically
different culture,” a J. Paul Getty
Trust statement said.
The trust is an international
cultural and philanthropic institution
devoted to the visual arts that
includes the J. Paul Getty Museum,
the Getty Research Institute, the
Getty Conservation Institute, and
the Getty Foundation.
“Rembrandt may be one of the
most famous painters in European
art history but there are still
remarkable discoveries to be made
about his work,” said Timothy
Potts, director of museum.
“This exhibition is a case in point,
demonstrating how Rembrandt
turned to the art of India to produce
some of his most exotic and
intriguing images.
"This vivid example of cultural

Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi wins 2018 Pritzker Prize

exchange reminds us how artists on
different continents take inspiration
from one another, a reality that of

I
ndian architect Balkrishna course continues to this very day.”
Doshi was awarded this year’s The exhibition pairs 20 of
Pritzker Prize for being able to Rembrandt’s surviving drawings
interpret architecture and transform depicting Mughal emperors,
it into buildings that respect Eastern princes, and courtiers with Indian
culture, at the same time that he has paintings and drawings of similar
improved the quality of life in his compositions, which had been
homeland, according to the judging brought to Amsterdam from the
panel’s statement. Dutch trading post in Surat.
The Pritzker Prize is regarded Rembrandt’s portraits reveal how
as architecture’s equivalent to the his contact with Mughal art inspired
Nobel Prize. Long considered to him to draw in a newly refined and
be one of India’s foremost living precise style.
architects and urban planners, Doshi “The critical eye and attentive
is widely known for designing curiosity Rembrandt turned towards
extensive low-cost housing projects Mughal portrait conventions still
and public institutions. captivates viewers today.
The judging panel said it "At this late stage in his career,
recognized the Pune-born architect around 1656-1661, this meticulous
for his “exceptional” work, his rendering is exceptional,” said
commitment and dedication to his Stephanie Schrader, the organiser of
country and its communities, the exhibition.
his influence as a professor "Over
The exhibition also examines
and for always being an the years,
how global trade and cultural
excellent example for Balkrishna Doshi
exchange impacted artists working
professionals and students has always created Balkrishna Doshi is the first from India to win architecture's highest honour
for Mughal emperors in India, who
the world over, Efe an architecture that is country and its “Doshi is acutely aware of the that his works are an extension were in turn inspired by Dutch and
reported. serious, never flashy people through high context in which his buildings are of his life, his philosophy and his Flemish printed images of European
“Over the years, or a follower of quality, authentic located. His solutions take into dreams, adding that he owes winning rules and scenes of daily life.
Balkrishna Doshi has always trends." architecture, he has account the social, environmental the coveted award to his “guru,” Among the treasures found in a
created an architecture that is created projects for public and economic dimensions, and Charles-Edouard Jeanneret - known Dutch East India ship, which sank
serious, never flashy or a follower of administrations and utilities, therefore his architecture is totally as Le Corbusier - with whom he en route to China in 1597, was a
trends,” the judging panel said educational and cultural institutions, engaged with sustainability,” the worked during the 1950s. He also package that contained 400 prints
“With a deep sense of responsibility and residences for private clients, panel - headed by Australia’s Glenn “humbly” thanked the judging panel by and after Dutch and Flemish
and a desire to contribute to his among others,” the statement added. Murcutt - said. Doshi, in turn, said for recognizing his work. artists.
 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 SPORTS 21

Virat, Shikhar Dhawan in top-bracket of BCCI

contracts; MS Dhoni demoted, Shami on hold
V
irat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Jasprit
Bumrah are among five players in
the newly-introduced A+ category
of BCCI’s latest contracts. MS Dhoni and R
Ashwin are in Group A whilst Mohammed
Shami’s contract has been withheld for the time
being.
Former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra
Singh Dhoni and senior off-spinner R Ashwin
found themselves relegated from the top-paid
bracket with the BCCI today introducing an
A+ category in the central contracts for which
only five players, including skipper Virat Kohli,
were picked. Mohammed Shami, against whom
there are allegations of domestic violence
and infidelity from his wife, is not among the
contracted players.
The batting troika of Kohli, Rohit Sharma,
and Shikhar Dhawan along with pacers
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah were
selected for the A+ category, which will ensure
them annual contracts worth Rs seven crore
each.
Dhoni and Ashwin have been bracketed in the
A category along with Ravindra Jadeja, Murali
Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and
Wridhhiman Saha. These seven players would
be eligible for a contract of Rs five crore.
The B category will feature KL Rahul,
Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra
Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma and
Dinesh Karthik.
In Grade C will be Kedar Jadhav, Manish
Pandey, Axar Patel, Karun Nair, Suresh Raina,
Parthiv Patel and Jayant Yadav.
The Grade B category contracts are worth Rs
three crore, while those in Grade C are of Rs
one crore.
The annual contracts are for the period from
October 2017 to September 2018.
“The Committee of Administrators (CoA)
was of the view that the performance and
position of Indian Cricket needs to be
recognised with the fee structure comparable to
the best in the world,” the BCCI said.
Among the women, World Cup stars Mithali
Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur and
Smriti Mandhana have been kept in the top
bracket, under which the annual contract is
worth Rs 50 lakh.

Injured Taylor
hammers career- RASS MEDIA p r e s e n t s
best 181 as NZ in association with

beat England
I
njury-hit Ross Taylor played through
the pain to score an unbeaten 181 and
remarkably seal a series-levelling five-
wicket win for New Zealand in the fourth one-
day international against England..
Taylor limped through much of his innings
in Dunedin after aggravating a thigh injury,
but batted on to compile a career-best innings
and make it 2-2 in the series with one to play.
New Zealand ended on 339 for five in reply to
England's 335 for nine, taking the five-match
series to a crunch decider in Christchurch.
Taylor scored 17 fours and six sixes as New
Zealand reached the target with three balls to
spare, wincing with pain after every shot in the
latter half of his innings.
His heroics in scoring his 19th ODI century
overshadowed a fine batting performance from
England, marred by a late collapse that cost
them dearly. Jonny Bairstow blazed his way
to 138 off 106 balls and Joe Root grafted out a
hard-fought 102 before England self-destructed Manish Tyagi
late in their innings.
New Zealand's chase then started disastrously Gaurav Gupta
when openers Martin Guptill and Colin Munro
both went for ducks.
Kane Williamson and Taylor rebuilt with an
84-run partnership before England's star all- Maheep Singh
rounder Ben Stokes dismissed the New Zealand
captain at 45 in the 17th over.
Taylor and Tom
Taylor's
Latham then
injury came
combined for
when he was on 109
a 187-run
and had to dive to avoid
partnership,
with Latham a run-out, inflaming the
contributing 71. thigh strain that forced
Taylor's injury him out of the previous
came when he match in the series
was on 109 and had
to dive to avoid a run- out,
inflaming the thigh strain that forced him out of
the previous match in the series. Unable to run
freely, he concentrated on hitting boundaries,
taking New Zealand to the position where
they needed 80 off the final 10 overs. England
R18
slowed New Zealand's momentum with
Latham's dismissal and Colin de Grandhomme's
departure on 23. Friday, 23 March • 7.30pm
Henry Nicholls looked nervy when he came
to the crease but worked well to give Taylor St. Cuthbert’s College, Epsom
most of the strike. Call 09 8497000 for further information
With three runs needed off the final over,
Nicholls faced two dot balls then smashed Tom Grab your seats at .co.nz
Curran for six as a tearful Taylor left the field
to a standing ovation. England should have SUPPORTED BY
put the match beyond reach after Bairstow and
Root had them at 267 for 1 in the 38th over.
But Bairstow's departure sparked a collapse
that saw six wickets go for 21 runs, ending their
hopes of setting a monster total on the small
University Oval ground.
 22 FEATURES Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

With
Ruby
Anardana Chicken
A delicious dry-style chicken snack
with pomegranate powder Genius kitchen hacks you wish
F someone had told you before
resh ruby-red pomegranates
(anardana) have an intensely

flavoured nectar encasing the seed
pods, which burst in crunchy bites with
each mouthful. Gentle air-drying makes
the taste more like molasses, adding a
depth of flavour and brightness. In this
recipe, dried and ground pomegranate
is used to infuse the chicken with a
delightfully tangy sourness. Slow-
cooking the pomegranate powder with
the chicken deepens its flavour even
more.
Preparation Time: 5 min
Marination Time: 1 hour to ovenight
Cooking time: 45b min
Serves: 8
Taste: Medium
INGREDIENTS:
• 12 medium-sized chicken
drumsticks (about 1.5kg)
• 2 cups thick plain yoghurt or Greek
yoghurt
• 4 Tbsp pomegranate powder
• 3 Tbsp meat masala powder
• 1 Tbsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 Tbsp oil for marinade
• Salt, to taste
• 2 medium lemons, cut into wedges
• 2 Tbps oil for basting
• 2 Tbps oil for cooking
METHOD
• Carefully prick the chicken
drumsticks all over with a fork, to
help the marinade soak in.
• Whisk yoghurt in a large bowl, add
pomegranate powder, meat masala
powder, cumin powder, garam
masala powder, red chili powder,
oil and salt. Stir to combine. Add
the chicken and mix to coat well.
Cover and place in the refrigerator
to marinate for at least one hour,
ideally overnight.
OVEN METHOD
Preheat oven to 200oC
• Line a large baking tray with a foil
to catch any drips. Lay a wire rack
over the foiled tray and arrange the
marinated drumsticks in the center
of the oven and cook for 20-30
minutes. Just turn it once, basting
with oil and return to oven for
another 15-20 mins until cooked
through.
STOVE-TOP METHOD
W
most redundant or difficult of tasks look easy. They will
definitely save a lot of time and efforts on your side.
Peeling, cutting, removing
• Heat the oil in a large heavy-
bottomed or electric frying pan
on medium heat. Add the chicken
drumsticks along with their
marinade and fry, turning often,
until they are cooked through, about
15–20 minutes. There is no need
to add more liquid as the chicken
will cook in its own juices and the
marinade.
• Serve with lemon wedges and Mint
Chutney the sides
RUBY'S TIP: To test if the chicken
is ready, insert a meat thermometer
into the thickest part of the drumstick,
making sure you do not hit a bone. When
the temperature reaches 74ºC/160ºF
the chicken is safely cooked through.
Generally speaking, there should be no
pink meat in the centre and the juices
should run clear.
orking in the kitchen can sometimes be a hassle where
certain tasks are just too frustrating for one to complete.
In that case, there are a few hacks that make even the
1. When you drop bits of eggshells in
the batter of cracked eggs, remove it
with the other half of the eggshell
instead of using a spoon for
wasting as little egg batter as
possible.
2. You can separate the
yolk from the egg white
in a batter with the
help of a plastic bottle.
Gently squeeze the
bottle as you place
the mouth above the
batter. As it reinflates
with air, it will scoop
the yolk right up.
3. To peel citrus fruits
like sweet limes and
oranges without the
mess and frustration, roll
the fruits or microwave
them for a minute for easy
peeling. Rolling the fruit
also helps in efficient juicing
as more of the liquid comes out.
4. Instead of cutting the lemon in
half if you want to use it only a few
drops of lemon juice, puncture the fruit
with a metal skewer and squeeze out exactly
what you require. 
5. Peeling ginger with a spoon is easier. 

Samosa is healthier than burger

Samosa vs burger: Which is less unhealthy? they are made with vegetables and spices and

A
ll the samosa lovers out there, this
news will make the foodie in you
happier. You can gorge on samosas
without feeling guilty as they are supposed to
be a healthier option as compared to burgers,
according to a recent report. We Indians cannot
do without good food. Be it cheese loaded pasta
or deep fried pakoras, we love to indulge in
them despite knowing they are unhealthy. CSE
has come forward to lessen our guilt to some
extent. The favorite Indian ‘chai’-time snack,
samosa has won the battle officially!
No preservatives
Samosas are better as compared to burgers as
no cheese or sauce with added preservatives are
used. Even though samosas are deep fried and
would come across as super unhealthy, they are
still better than burgers.The survey states that
the ingredients of the samosa such as wheat
flour, cumin, boiled potatoes, peas, salt, chilies,
spices, vegetable oil or ghee are mostly made of
chemical-free ingredients. Calories
Fresh ingredients While samosa has around 308 calories, a Diseases’ further mentions other Indian foods
From dough to potatoes, onions and ginger- burger’s calories may vary from 295-500, such as sauces that are made from natural
garlic that go into the samosa are fresh, unlike depending on the type of burger you are having ingredients and fresh juices that are a mixture
burger that uses pre-baked bread, pattis, which and the amount of cheese and mayo you are of fruit and water are also better than noodles
has been made in advance and other packed using in it. and canned juices that contain thickening
products like mayo, ketchup etc. The report titled ‘Body Burden: Lifestyle agents, synthetic food colors and added flavors.
 The Indian Weekender
CROSSWORD NO: 5
SUDOKU NO: 7
HITORI NO: 7
Hitori – a logic puzzle with very simple
rules and challenging solutions. Can
you eliminate numbers until there are
no duplicates in any row or column?
Objective / Rules
Eliminate numbers until there are
no duplicates in any row or column.
Eliminate numbers by marking
Friday, March 9, 2018 TIME OUT 23
QUIZ QUESTIONS NO: 5 ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS
1. What is the name of a
medicinal mud? Fango
2. What do you call a native of
Kenya? Kenyan
3. What is the official language
in Kosovo? Albanian
4. Which weekday is domingo
in Spanish and dimanche in
French? Sunday
5. What do you call a
motorcycle with four
wheels? Quad
6. How do you say AIDS in
French? Sida
7. What is the meaning of
the Arab word Habibi?
Sweetheart
8. What does the abbreviation
GPS mean? Global
Positioning System
9. What is the most spoken
language in the world?
Chinese language
10. What does the abbreviation
SMS mean? Short Message
Service
11. What is another word for
wall painting or mural?
Fresco
12. Which language group
includes Irish, Welsh and
Breton? Celtic languages
13. What is the meaning of the
following abbreviation:
IBM? International Business
Machines
14. What is the islamic term for
fast? Ramadan
15. What is the much nicer name
for the dung beetle, which
was used in the ancient
Egypt? Scarab
16. What is the Turkish word
for lamb? Kebab
17. What is the Spanish word
for black? Negro
18. What does glasnost mean in
Russian politics? Openness
19. What does the name of the
Russian newspaper Pravda
mean? Truth
20. What does the Latin proverb
-Errare Humanum est-
mean? Err is human
21. To which language is
Portuguese closely related?
Spanish language
22. What word is used in Hawaii
both to greet and to say
goodbye? Aloha
23. What is the singular of
Scampi? Scampo
24. Which is the world s second
largest French-speaking
city? Montreal (Canada)
Send us stories, drawings,
poems and other
contributions by your
little ones along with their
photographs for this page.
E-mail us at reporter@
indianweekender.co.nz
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE NO: 5
See how many differences you can find in the right or left photo.
them in Black.
You are not allowed to have two
Black squares touching horizontally
or vertically (diagonally is ok).
Any White square can be reached
from any other (i.e. they are
connected).
 24 FEATURES
GRIPPING TALE OF GISELLE RETOLD
SWAROOPA UNNI
W
hat a weekend it was! Based in
Dunedin, I flew to Auckland to
witness the grand opening of the
Auckland Arts Festival 2018. I booked my
tickets and flights early to watch Akram Khan’s
Giselle. With my hectic work and artistic life, I
was looking forward to watching a world class
act to and to get inspired. And did it inspire me?
Let us find out.
I rushed into the theatre along with two of
my friends who were Bangladeshi-Kiwis just
before the theatre doors were closed. This was
their first time at a ballet performance. I did
read up a little bit about the performance so I
knew what was coming. But my friends were
expecting dancers in their tutus with elaborate
set designs and I didn’t let them know that it
could be different from what they expected. We
quickly settled in and soon the lights dimmed
signaling the start of the performance.
Sticking to the crux of the original Giselle
plot (which can be read online), Akram Khan’s
version tells us the story of Giselle as one
among the community of migrant garment
factory workers who are referred to as the
Outcasts.
They aredispossessed of their jobs after
factory’s closure, and separated by a high wall.
Giselle (a brilliant Crystal Costa) is a strong
woman with hope while Albrecht (James
Streeter) is resilient and torn between his two
worlds. Hilarion(a fantastic Ken Saruhashi)
on the other hand loves Giselle secretly. He
VENICE
GEETANJALI
VASHISHT
V
enice has been known as the
“LaDominante,” “Queen of
the Adriatic,” “City of Water,” “City
of Masks,” “City of Bridges,” “The Floating
City,” and “City of Canals.”
It’s a beautiful dream you do not wish to wake
upfrom. It’s truly like a watercolour painting
that a camera can never do justice to. One of
the most beautiful placesever visited. Beautiful
as it looks, you can easily get lost in the maze
of canals, small streets, whimsical bridges, and
colourful buildings.
Land of Marco Polo, Casanova etc. If you are
big fan of history, like me, this will bring back
all those memories of Hollywood movies based
on Renaissance times.  Venice and is free.You will notice its uneven
Journey began ….. took Water Taxi to reach
Venice from Mainland.  Vanish soon, this is one manmademarvel, once
First Impression…….Incredible
A short walk will take you to St. Mark’s
Square (Piazza San Marco),a very large square,
with heaps of tourists husting bustling in mid
of Feb, which means cold but sun was shining
on us. This Square is called Venice’s Living
Roomwith lot of shops and cafés with inside
and outside seating(Coffee cost you more if you
sit outside in square i.e.: entertainment tax).
You can see lots of pigeons here they will come
and sit on you, your arm, head– very thrilling.
Just around the square is Saint Mark’s
is cunning and keeps changing his allegiance
between the Landlords and the Outcasts for his
own and community’s profit. Don’t we see this
in us humans in the present world?
As the curtains open, we see an arresting
image of monotone costume clad (interestingly,
the male dancers wear tunic and tights) dancers
against a wall with hand prints etched on it.
They seem to be pushing it. Albrecht, dressed
as one of the migrant factory workers, and
Giselle break into a dance.
The rest of the dancers join in with energetic,
powerful movements inspired by Kathak, folk
and ballet dances.
It was exciting to see the perfect
Alapadmams, Brahmarams, Simhamukhams
and Hamsasyams – all hand gestures from
Indian dance traditions fused into this
production. These movements resembled the
laborious work that they would have done at the
factory - repetitive, intense and full of strength.
The scene is interrupted by the unexpected
arrival of the Landlords. Their costumes are
over the top, loud and glittery and exude
ruthlessness. Albrecht tries to hide seeing his
Geet In
Wanderland
Basilica!The architecturally beautiful church.
Very much inviting, it was originally the Doge’s
private chapel, decorated with art treasures
brought back by Venetian ships after the fall of
Constantinople.
This is themost popular tourist stops in
floor because it is sinking (Venice might
financial capital of the world, originated from
marshlands). All around you can see lots with
little stories associated with them like the tall
columns from Constantinople with winged
Lions on them. Just right down the way from
St. Marks is the Bridge of Sighs Why is it
called the Bridge of Sighs?The view from the
Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice
that convicts would see before taken into the
prison. Go on top of Piazza San Marco for a
bird’s eye view of Venice. Be prepared to walk
a lot in Venice. Venice is full of gems, you will
Friday, March 9, 2018
fiancé Bethilde among them. Meanwhile,
Giselle tries to examine the fabric Bathilde
wears as she recognizes it as her work. Bathilde
removes one of her gloves and throws it on the
floor for Giselle to pick it up. An example of
how the powerless are treated.
The Landlord gives a command, and the
Outcasts encircle Giselle along with Hilarion
who takes her down. This is a fascinating
scene as the dancers move in close circles
fluctuating up and down and sideways. For a
moment, Giselle rises up through the dancers,
aching, filled with agony, reaching, falling, and
shattering down to a lifeless body as dancers
disperse. The Landlords retreat beneath
the Wall.
In Act II, a wrecked, abandoned ‘ghost’
factory is revealed. Myrtha (Sarah Kundi),
Queen of the Wilis summons Giselle from her
lifeless body.
The pas de deux in Act II between Albrecht
and Giselle is intense, sensuous, raw and
ethereal. We feel the love between them. The
choreographic sequence of Myrtha and the
Wilis with their Bamboo props as weapons is
notice it in every corner.There are so many
galleries, museums and church/cathedrals you
could wander through all day long throughout
Venice. We visited The Palazzo Ducale/ Doge’s
Palace and saw the grandeur of it.We weren’t
really allowed to take pics inside, so we only
got a couple but these will give you an idea of
how grand it is!
Must see place in Venice is theMurano Glass
factorywhere they demonstrate the ages-old
art of Venetian glass blowing and creating
masterpieces (do bring one back as souvenir).
There would be lot of people dressed up as
olden day’s venetians for photo opportunities,
make the most of it.Venice will keep you
occupied, not even a single dull moment.
Now comes the best part the Gondola Ride.
We hopped on one and icing on the cake was
Musicians along singing romantic songs while
we enjoy the ride in the Canals it was the most
The Indian Weekender
Theatre Review
chilling. The formations and the movements -
they were menacing, demonic and electrifying.
Additional music by Italian composer
Vincenzo Lamagnathat infuses electronica and
percussions along with excerpts from original
score helps build the tension and the crescendo.
Performed by The Auckland Philharmonic
Orchestra under the able baton of Gavin
Sutherland, their musicianship was a delight.
The set design with its wall that turns and rolls
has its own personality and place in this world
of migrant/refugee politics. This was designed
by Oscar-winning Tim Yip of Crouching Tiger,
Hidden Dragon fame.
This story with different layers is relevant to
today’s scenario of inequality in the world - the
powerful and the powerless, the wealthy and
the poor, the oppressor and the oppressed and
the marginalisation of migrants/refugees. Being
a South Asian migrant in New Zealand it was
exciting to see this perspective and felt that our
voices were being represented.
Choreographer Akram Khan is a UK based
Bangladeshi origin dancer and his movements
are abstract and the right fusion of classical
and contemporary. Culturally rich and the
narratively powerful the cast and crew gives a
gripping performance.Also, it has to be noted
that this is the most ethnically diverse cast of
dancers that I have ever seen perform ballet in
New Zealand.
It was indeed inspiring to see a new
perspective to Giselle – a perspective
challenging the socio-economic and political
norm that exists in the world that we live now.
We need more of this in this world.
 Swaroopa Prameela Unni is a performing
artist/ choreographer and Bharatanatyam
educator who founded Natyaloka School
of Indian Dance in Dunedin. Swaroopa has
performed at several prestigious dance
festivals across India and New Zealand. 
beautiful and romantic moment, had dejavu
Bollywood Movie moment truly majestic,
cruising through the little Canals leads you
to Canale Grande (Grand Canal),Venice even
better at dawn and we truly got immersed in
the scene.Reached Ponte dell’ Accademia,this
is one of the four bridges over the Grand Canal.
The view from bridge is amazing.
When you visit, do try Alfredo’s Fresh Pasta-
To-Go you can’t really go wrong with any
pasta/sauce combo that you choose but Creamy
Broccoli Alfredo Sauce with the Fettuccini
noodles and of course Italian Panini with Coffee
shot or Tuscany Wine highly recommended.
Overall, Venice was one of my favourite
stops in Italy! It is such  a magical, romantic
place with so much to do and see and never to
be forgotten.
Geetanjali is a technosavy travel
enthusiast hungry for creativity
 The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018
Samsung's Galaxy S9 has
a great secret feature
S
amsung’s Galaxy S9 has been hit by
a nasty pricing problem, but if you
are prepared to splash out regardless
there’s good news. Samsung didn’t announce
it at the launch, but the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy
S9 Plus both hide a great secret feature…
‘Great Secret Features’and ‘Nasty Surprises’
are my regular columns investigating the best
features / biggest problems hidden behind the
headlines.
Samsung
Samsung's Galaxy S9 and
Galaxy S9 Plus has much
stronger than they look
While you may have to
pay more for Samsung’s new
Galaxy smartphones than you
hoped, it seems you could save
money when it comes to repair
bills. Despite having similar
looks to last year’s Galaxy S8
and Galaxy S8 Plus, SamMobile
has discovered both new models
are substantially tougher.
Here’s are the three major changes:
1. All New Aluminium Core
2. Firstly Samsung has swapped
out the phones’ core aluminium
chassis. Out goes aluminium
compound AL 6013 and in
comes AL 7003, which is a
lot less prone to warping and
deforming under pressure. But
this is just the start.
3. Increased Drop Protection
4. Next is a subtle change to the metal
rim on both the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy
S9 Plus. It is 0.2mm thicker but, in
combination with AL 7003, it transfers
20% less shock to the precious glass
display when dropped.
5. More Durable Display
6. While smartphones always pickup
bumps, scratches and scuffs, the one that
really hurts is a cracked display. To this
end Samsung has made both Galaxy S9
and Galaxy S9 Plus displays 20% thicker
than the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus,
bumping their front glass thickness value
from 0.5T to 0.6T.
Samsung
Samsung's Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus
can take a beating
The only downside to these moves is it
increases the bulk of both models, even
though their slightly smaller bezels make
them fractionally shorter overall:
• Galaxy S8 - 148.9 x 68.1 x 8.0 mm
Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and fengshui
consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is available for
consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact
at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +919015607139 • www.askmanisha.com
(5.86 x 2.68 x 0.31-inch), 155g (5.36oz)
• Galaxy S9 - 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm (5.81
x 2.70 x 0.33-inch), 163g (5.75 oz)
• Galaxy S8 Plus - 159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm
(6.00 x 3.09 x 0.31-inch), 173g (6.10 oz)
• Galaxy S9 Plus - 158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm
(6.22 x 2.91 x 0.33-inch), 189g (6.67 oz)
• Ultimately this
isn’t much of
a compromise when Samsung has also
found space to retain the headphone jack
and microSD card as well as IP68 dust
and water resistance - even though their
battery life has concerns.
• Hopefully, these changes will inspire
Apple to do the same, especially given
the major iPhone price increasesit is
going to make…
FEATURES 25
March 9 to 15 March | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 20)
You may take the initiative of discussing your future with the one you love. Your
monetary situation may get shaky, as you make it a habit of overstepping the
budget. Attempts to appease a superior at work may prove counterproductive.
Joining a gym or starting an exercise regime is indicated for some and will help
bring them back in shape. Lucky Number: 4 / Lucky Colour: Viole
TAURUS (Apr 21-May 20)
Tone down your expectations from others as you may not be on their priority
list. An off mood lover will need your loving care to be brought into mood.
Pressure from the senior may press your domestic commitments. Something just
doesn’t seem right at the present moment, so take the next step only once you are
satisfied. Spend some time on the treadmill to shed your extra calories. Lucky
Number: 11 / Lucky Colour: Light Brown
GEMINI (May 21-Jun 21)
Too much work and little rest may play havoc with your health. Don’t take hasty
decisions on the financial front that might leave you regretting later on. Try being
satisfied with your current profile as a job switch now isn’t a good idea. Suitable
returns can be expected in a property transaction. A fitness tip given by someone
can benefit you, only if you adhere to it. Lucky Number: 9 / Lucky Colour:
Rose
CANCER (Jun 22-Jul 20)
You may find spouse a bit overbearing, but he or she will have a reason for
it.  You may be called upon to undertake a task which will raise your image
on the social front. Carrying on with the task entrusted to you at work will not
pose much difficulty. Some of you may get involved in preparing for something
important on the academic front. Improper handling of funds needs to be guarded
against. Lucky Number: 7 / Lucky Colour: Lemon
LEO (Jul 21-Aug 22)
Things may not be going your way on the social front, so don’t press your luck.
Not much headway is likely to be made at work for those involved in a time
consuming project. Expressing your inner feelings is likely to create a special
bond with lover. Solutions offered for a health problem may not prove effective;
a doctor’s guidance is must. Lucky Number: 8 / Lucky Colour: Violet
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 23)
Finding a superior in good mood can encourage you to project your request.
Money given in good faith will be returned with interest. It is best to steer clear of
gossip mongers, as you can end up getting mired in a controversy on the family
front. Good preparation blended with luck may find you sailing smoothly on the
academic front the coming week. Lucky Number: 5 / Lucky Colour: Forest
Green
LIBRA (Sep 24-Oct 23)
Those posted out of town may find it difficult to get leave to spend time with
family. Don’t leave anything to chance on the professional front, as you can
find yourself at the receiving end. Stress-induced fluctuating moods may prove
detrimental for your love life. Remaining well prepared at all times will help
in sidestepping disaster on the academic front. Lucky Number: 18 / Lucky
Colour: Chocolate
SCORPIO (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Keeping excellent health will not pose much difficulty for those suffering from a
lifestyle disease. Someone you are attracted to may make the first move, so expect
a whirlwind romance to sweep you off your feet the coming week! Keep your
speed in check on the road. Be prompt in discharging whatever responsibility
is given to you on the professional front. Lucky Number: 5 / Lucky Colour :
Turquoise
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23-Dec 21)
A trip abroad may be delayed due to some unforeseen reasons. Students will be
able to seek guidance to overcome academic difficulties. Some new procedures
instituted at work may prove a hindrance rather than a help. You are on the path
to achieving financial security by switching to saving mode. Someone is likely
to steal the limelight from you on the social front. Lucky Number : 1 / Lucky
Colour: Maroon
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 21)
Curb your tendency of not eating right to avoid ill health. Your expectations
from someone in the family may be dashed by his or her negative response.
Frustrations and disappointments in your current relationship cannot be ruled
out and may even make you look outwards. Clearing a tough competition or
examination is possible for some on the academic front. Lucky Number: 22 /
Lucky Colour: Pink
AQUARIUS (Jan 22-Feb 19)
Don’t take it easy on the academic front, as you can easily spoil your chances. .
Something that has been bugging you on the professional front is likely to get
resolved. Some complications are foreseen in matters related to property. Getting
into a romantic mood may be difficult, as you have too many things on your
mind. Taking up a workout routine will be in your interest. Lucky Number: 8 /
Lucky Colour: Brown
PISCES (Feb 20-Mar 20)
Things brighten up on the romantic front, as someone catches your fancy.
Financially, things may not look too bright as expenses rise. There is a risk of
things coming to a standstill on the professional front, but you will find a way to
get started once again. Some more hard work is required for achieving what you
have set out for on the academic front. Lucky Number : 11 / Lucky Colour :
Light Brown
26 ENTERTAINMENT Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

Shashi Kapoor, Sridevi remembered at Oscars

I
ndian cinema icon Shashi Kapoor
and India’s first female superstar
Sridevi were honoured at the 90th
Academy Awards ceremony during the “In
Memoriam” montage.
The Indian stars got a musical tribute
by Eddie Vedder who took the stage
to sing Tom Petty’s Room at the top.
Actress Jennifer Garner introduced the
segment by paying tribute to late star
Audrey Hepburn.
“There is no joy without sorrow,” Garner
said, and then acknowledged the loss of
film world with the departed souls.
Son of Prithviraj Kapoor and younger
brother of Raj Kapoor and Shammi
Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor made his
debut in Bollywood with the 1961
film “Dharmputra after working as a
child artist. He passed away in December
2017. Sridevi, known for her ability to
slip into myriad roles, expressive eyes,
sheer comic timing and her fluid
dancing skills, died on February 24.
Her death left everyone shocked,
and saddened. They were
included in the annual montage
along with stars such as John
Heard, Tony Anne Walker,
Jane Foray, Robert Osborne, Martin
Landau, Glenne Headly, Roger
Moore, George A. Romero and Jerry
Lewis.

OSCAR 2018
Oscars 2018: Complete list of winners
BEST PICTURE A SUPPORTING ROLE Richard King and Alex Gibson
The Shape of Water Allison Janney, I, Tonya DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM Icarus
Frances McDormand, Three Billboards A Fantastic Woman COSTUME DESIGN
Outside Ebbing, Missouri PRODUCTION DESIGN Phantom Thread, Mark Bridges
DIRECTING The Shape of Water ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING
Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water Production Design: Paul ROLE
ORIGINAL SONG Denham Austerberry; Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards
"Remember Me” from Coco Set Decoration: Shane Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson- Vieau and Jeff Melvin
Lopez and Robert Lopez SOUND MIXING
ORIGINAL SCORE Dunkirk, Mark
Dunkirk, Hans Zimmer Weingarten, Gregg
The Shape of Water, Alexandre Desplat Landaker, and Gary A.
CINEMATOGRAPHY Rizzo
Blade Runner 2049, Roger A. Deakins SOUND
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY EDITING
Get Out, Written by Jordan Peele Dunkirk,
LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
The Silent Child
DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)
Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405
FILM EDITING
Dunkirk, Lee Smith
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Coco
ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Dear Basketball
ACTRESS IN
The Indian Weekender Friday, March 9, 2018 ENTERTAINMENT 27

AUCKLAND’S HOTTEST BOLLYWOOD STATION

Jayaprada:
Aamir Khan on writing a book:
If I write, it would be about the
challenges I faced in my life
Sridevi was her own competition and career
S T
ridevi was her own competition and she had set goal for herself at every step oday, at the book launch
in her life, said Jayaprada, who worked with her in many movies. event of Rajkumar Hirani’s
“When we worked together in films, we used to compete against each wife Manjeet Hirani. Aamir
other. It was a healthy competition,” recalled Jayaprada while paying rich tributes to was a special guest. He was asked
Sridevi at a condolence meeting. if he writes a book, what would it
Jayaprada recalled that they acted together in 15 Telugu and Hindi movies and be about. Aamir Khan is touted as
whenever they had to appear in combination, there used to be competition, be it Mr Perfectionist of Bollywood. The
delivering a dialogue or giving an expression. talented actor has stood by his title
The former MP along with several personalities from Telugu film industry paid with the amount of work he has done
their tributes to Sridevi at a condolence meeting organised by film producer and in the movie industry. His conviction
politician T. Subbarami Reddy. and determination to his films are
Sridevi died last week in Dubai due to accidental "She wanted to the biggest proof of his incredible
drowning at a hotel bathtub. Her mortal remains were see her daughter performances.
cremated in Mumbai on Wednesday after several fans The actor is currently busy shooting
and film fraternity paid their last respects. She was 54.
Jhanvi becoming
for Thugs of Hindostan. The film the time I was seven, I remember
In a career that lasted 50 years, Sridevi acted in 300 a good actor like also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Fatima reading Trade Guide, and other box-
films in various languages including Tamil, Telugu, her. She, however, Sana Shaikh and Katrina Kaif in office journals.
Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. Some of her iconic left us before "We would check out the figures
vital roles.
films include Sadma, Nagina, Mr India, Khuda Gawah, of dad’s films, and there would be
watching her  Today, he unvieled Rajkumar
Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari, Kshana Kshanam a circuit-wise breakup. Within the
Hirani’s wife Manjeet Hirani’s book.
and Govinda Govinda. Jayaprada said she still daughter making industry, the [box-office] knowledge
At the event, he was asked that
could not believe that Sridevi is no the debut." was always there, since cinema has
what would be the book about if he
longer amidst them. “When I woke always been around as a business.”
writes it.
up to watch the television, it was a big shock not just for the  Aamir further added, “Today,
On this, he said, “I have not
film industry and her fans but for all the people,” she said. mainstream media is picking up box-
thought about writing a book. But
Recalling her association with the late actress, Jayaprada office figures, and that’s a choice
if I would do, it would be about my
said she believes that it was her good fortune that she you’re making.
life and career. It would be about the
got an opportunity to work with Sridevi. She said the In small towns, for instance,
challenges. Right now, I am so busy
loss was irreparable. when people didn’t know box-office
with my films that I can not get the
Jayaprada said Sridevi was a caring mother. “She numbers, one way to gauge stardom
time.” 
wanted to see her daughter Jhanvi becoming a good was if people had begun copying
When asked about a biopic on him,
actor like her. She, however, left us before watching an actor’s haircut. True? There are
he said, “ My life is boring.” 
her daughter making the debut.” many yardsticks for measuring how
 Rajkumar Hirani, here, added,
Veteran actor Krishnam Raju recalled that he acted popular a star is.
“Who wouldn’t want to make a film
with Sridevi in 4 to 5 films. Copying style is one of them.
on Aamir. He is writing his own book
“She always used to call me sir. She had lot of respect I remember when Mr Bachchan
from the last 50 years. Let’s see.”
for her seniors. She did not use to even sit in front of became a huge star, I wanted to get
Earlier, during an interaction
elders,” he said. Subbarami Reddy, who co-produced two bell-bottoms made like his. For me,
with a leading tabloid, spoke about
movies Chandini and Lamhe featuring Sridevi, recalled his long it is essentially about how many
the parameters to judge anyone’s
association with Sridevi. He was even planning a function to mark seats one fills.
stardom in the early 90s.
Sridevi’s 50 years in films.The MP said Sridevi was not just a great actor but It means that people love you and
He said, “Back in the ‘90s when
was also a good human being, a loving wife and caring mother. your work, and now they want to go
there wasn’t so much talk about
Veteran actor Babu Mohan, who could not make it to meeting, sent his and experience it. That’s important.”
box-office numbers, how could you
condolence message.
tell someone is finally a star? From

India living in many centuries Youths need leaders who

empower their voice: Dia
simultaneously: Shabana A ctress-activist Dia Mirza, impressed

V
by Canadian Prime Minister Justin
eteran actress-activist “We talk about education, but often
Trudeau, says young people need leaders
Shabana Azmi says people education re-enforces the gender
to help them recognise the power of their
in India are simultaneously stereotype and role play,” added the
voice. Dia, who met Trudeau last month
living in different centuries in various actress, who also stressed that the
in Delhi as the UN Goodwill Ambassador
parts of the country. definition of masculinity needs to be
for India, was floored to see how "well he
Shabana, Central Board of Film changed.
knows young minds".
Certification (CBFC) member Vani Tikoo thinks the conversation
"His keynote speech followed by his interaction with us was
Tripathi Tikoo and filmmaker Divya could have been outdated if there
indicative of how well he knows young minds. His answers were
Khosla were among those who would have been equal opportunity
evocative of empathy, a desire to help each person in the audience
gathered at the Ficci Frames 2018 everywhere. 
understand the role every person can play to inspire leadership,"
for a panel discussion. Considering “The conversation holds relevance.
Dia said in a statement. "Young people need leaders to help them
the presence of women at workplace The idea of a woman being as good
recognise the power of their voice," she added.
increasing in India and, at the same as a man to compete should
time, the incidence of sexual "The be stopped but why Navraj Hans happy with
violence growing, is gender idea of a to compare? The
woman being
positive reaction to 'Mundiyan'
equality an outdated topic competition should
of conversation? 
“Firstly, let’s
as good as a man
to compete should
be stopped but why
be with oneself and
not with a man. 
N avraj Hans, son of celebrated folk
singer Hans Raj Hans, has lent his
voice to the recreation of Mundian to bach
acknowledge the fact that to compare? The “Who says
ke song for Baaghi 2. He is happy with
India is living in many competition should be they are supreme?
the positive reaction to its new version.
centuries in different with oneself and not Therefore, I think
Recreated by Sandeep Shirodkar and sung
parts of the country with a man. " unless we are
by Navraj and Palak Muchhal, the song
simultaneously. breaking away from the
titled Mundiyan features actors Tiger Shroff
Yes, we have a woman President, stereotypical idea of gender
and Disha Patani. "I am so happy with the reactions that I am
woman Prime Minister, woman and role play set by the society and
getting on the song. I am glad this song came up to me. This is the
politicians, but at the same time there culture, the constant conversation on
second time I have sung for Tiger Shroff and this time it is special
are several girl children being killed gender equality will remain relevant
for me as this is one of my favourite childhood numbers," Navraj
because they are girls... both the and not outdated,” she added.
said. "Tiger and Disha have danced brilliantly on the song and I am
realities co-exist,” Shabana said. 
happy the audiences have liked it as well."
28 ENTERTAINMENT
Staying relevant for 20 years
is challenging: Neha Dhupia
F
rom the film world to a podcast show, judging
television non-fiction entertainers to running
a marathon – Neha Dhupia is doing it all. The
actress and former beauty queen says entering the film
industry was an adventurous step she took around
20 years ago, but staying relevant during all
these years has been quite a task. earned the
Neha, who made her screen debut with show because of
a Malayalam movie in 1994, and forayed my body of work.
into Bollywood with Qayamat: City Staying relevant
Under Threat in 2003, has been doing non- for 20 years is
fictional shows like MTV Roadies - Roadies challenging."
Xtreme, podcast “#NoFilterNeha” and other
chat shows, apart from movie projects of late.
She said: “There are so many TV shows that go off air
within three months of their beginning.
"MTV Roadies is one of the adventures TV shows
that has earned the credibility of 15 years from its
audience. And I am the only female judge on the show.
“I earned the show because of my body of work.
Staying relevant for 20 years is challenging.”
As for adventures in her own life, she said: “I think
the most adventurous thing that I have done in my life
is to become part of the Indian cinema industry, being a
complete outsider. So today, when I am getting an offer
of one of the longest-running youth show on Indian
television, it is purely a by-product of my credible work
in the industry. “I have enough and more stories to share.
At the same time, I have a lot of gratitude for what I
have got.” Neha actively participated in the Mumbai
For Pad Man, focus
was on film's impact,
notilmmaker
business: Balki
F
R. Balki, whose last directorial
venture Pad Man was on menstrual hygiene,
says the idea behind making the film was to
create awareness and not just generate box office.
And so, the makers are content with the response.
With Akshay Kumar leading the cast in the movie,
it did well at the box office but not as per expectations.
Asked if the subject affected the film's business,
Balki said: "When you make a film on menstruation,
the intention is never the box office number, but the
impact it creates. The best part is people now do not
shy away talking about menstruation.
"Even if 10 people changed their thought, I would
consider that as good sign. And whatever number our
film has got at the box office, it shows how many
people watched the film, keeping the intention of the
film in mind. For us, it is a huge achievement."
According to trade experts, while the film attracted
footfalls in metros, the small town audience was not
too enthusiastic about the subject. In that case, did the
film reach its target audience?
"Well, I think when it comes to awareness of
menstruation hygiene, even city people are also not
aware of it that well and it is also taboo for them.
Even inside Mumbai, if you go a little into the
interiors and suburban areas, people are not open
to talk about it. So we are trying to arrange a free
screening of the film in the rural areas, with Melinda
Gates Foundation... We have already started from the
outskirts of Maharashtra," he said. Balki conducted
a masterclass at the Ficci Frames 2018 on Tuesday.
He spoke about his journey from his first feature film
Cheeni Kum to Pad Man, apart from his special bond
with Amitabh Bachchan.
Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender
Aishwarya spreads
smiles among kids
born with clefts
A
ctress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said
she is happy to continue making a small
Marathon and is also associated with contribution in bringing about a larger
charitable social work. As for her film and effective change for children born with clefts.
career, she featured in a supporting Aishwarya is the global goodwill ambassador
role in Tumhari Sulu last year and, of Smile Train, an international cleft charity. It
this year, two films are in the celebrated the completion of 500,000 free
"I pipeline for her. cleft lip and palate reconstructive
“I have signed Pradeep surgeries for children born with
Sarkar’s upcoming ‘Eela’ clefts within 18 years of
where I am sharing screen starting its India programme.
space with Kajol. That apart, “I am proud to be
I have acted in a short film associated with Smile
directed by Karan Johar. It is part of Train for all these years
the anthology film Bombay Talkies 2,” and extend my heartfelt
congratulations to them for
she said. Roadies, where she is one of the “gang
changing the lives of half a
leaders”, keeps her kicked. She began her association
million cleft patients in India.
with the show in 2016, and its new season is set in
“Supporting this work
the northeast.
of Smile Train through The
“This show reflects the competitive side of Aishwarya Rai Foundation has been
my personality. I have come across many my small personal contribution in the larger picture
youngsters in the show and some of of honourable, effective change in the lives of cleft
their stories are really heart-touching. patients. I look forward to continuing this journey
The show is an honest space because of giving new reasons to smile to children born with
everything is real here, people and their clefts,” the former beauty queen said.
stories,” said Neha. Looking elegant in a pristine white ensemble,
Asked if she also wants to explore Aishwarya joined 100 doctors, former patients
the fiction space on TV, Neha said: and their families, including Pinki Sonkar of
“No, I won’t be able to commit Oscar winning documentary “Smile Pinki” at the
myself to a fictional show. That event. Smile Train also launched the Train in India
is a huge time-consuming initiative under which medical professionals from
commitment.” other countries in South Asia will be trained in cleft
care at its partner hospitals.
Film industry becoming progressive
over women roles: Renuka Shahane
A
ctress Renuka Shahane – gearing up career, only screen presence cannot satisfy produced by Excel
for her Bollywood comeback with 3 me.” Renuka’s loving character as the polite Entertainment, 3
Storeys -– has been trying to break and ever-smiling Pooja in romantic drama Storeys will release
free of the image of Pooja bhabhi of Hum Hum Aapke... trapped her in a way. on Friday.
Aapke Hain Koun..! and says the changing “That image was so stuck into the memory
age representation of women in Indian of the mass audience that, most of the time,
cinema is a progressive sign. people expected me to behave like Pooja
“There is a positive change and I bhabhi. The fact is I am a different individual
appreciate that. I think now our films are in real life.
going in the right direction. I am happy to “I am not always giving that perfect smile
observe how married women (actresses) are to the world, I also get angry, curious and feel
equally desirable now, unlike earlier days,” various other emotions... There are people I
Renuka, 52, said. meet in public places who tell me, ‘But Pooja
“Whether it is Anushka (Sharma), Kareena bhabhi to aise nahi baat karti hai’. To that, I
(Kapoor Khan) or Rani (Mukerji), they are have reacted saying, “Because I am Renuka,
all resuming work after their marriage and not Pooja bhabhi,” she said, giggling.
pregnancy. Good roles are written for a In 3 Storeys, the actress essays a
woman of our age. middle-aged grey-haired Catholic
"Vidya
“This is very progressive. There woman named Flory, who is
is making a
are various phases of our life waiting for someone.
huge difference with
and all of them are explored She said the team –
her kind of roles. She
on-screen now,” said Renuka, including Richa Chadha,
is playing her age, but
making a special mention of Pulkit Samrat and Sharman
with so much variety,
actress Vidya Balan. Joshi – underwent extensive
and that should be
“Vidya is making a huge workshops.
celebrated."
difference with her kind of roles. “However, on the first day
She is playing her age, but with so much of the shoot, as the camera rolled,
variety, and that should be celebrated,” she I felt a little nervous, which for me is a
said, adding that it is time for television show natural thing. With each scene, we actors
makers also to get the direction right. are creating the world of the character we
Renuka acted in several television shows play, so yes, I was a little conscious.”
like Imtihaan, Ghutan and Kora Kagaz in the This apart, Renuka – who is married to
late 1990s. On the big screen, she is making a actor Ashutosh Rana – is also planning to
comeback with 3 Storeys after 15 years. gear up for her directorial venture once her
Asked what made her choose 3 Storeys son’s board exams get over.
as her comeback vehicle, Renuka said: “I One to prioritise motherhood over career
always wanted a role that will challenge me growth always, Renuka said: “Firstly, this
as a performer, a character that is so opposite is my choice of being a full-time mother
of me, a character that will push me enough because I love my children. And look, there
to bring out the best in me. are (many) actresses, but for my children,
“After a certain point of time, I was getting they have only one mother and that is
roles where my characters had good presence me... they are mine, nothing could be more
on-screen, but were not in a great space as an important than them.”
actress, as a performer. At this stage of my Directed by Arjun Mukherjee and
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30 FEATURES Friday, March 9, 2018 The Indian Weekender

scenes, Anoushka Shankar brings a deep

St Patrick’s Day 2018 -
Biggest Greenest best
ever!
Date: Saturday, March 17
Time: 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday, March 18
Venue: The Shakespeare Hotel & Brewery- 61
Albert Street, Auckland CBD
“May your home always be too small to hold all
your Friends”  Date: Sunday, March 11
Don’t forget to diarise the most awaited
weekend of the year, come on in even just knock
off early on Saturday the 17th March, this is
gonna be a cracka!! It’s that time of year again,
this time we have gone Green, Loud and crazy
we want you to join us in biggest ever St Paddys
Day celebration at Shakespeare the popular,
prestigious and iconic pub in Auckland Voted
in the TOP 5 PUBS. ome join us and make it a
day to cherish for years. GATHER YOUR MATES
AND GET YOUR IRISH ON!
Christchurch Holi-Festival
of Colours
Date: Saturday, March 17
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue: Hagley Parkl North, Christchurch
Holi is all about celebrating the people of
Christchurch. Cultural-fusion performances will
showcase the many different cultures in our
community, joining together for one big party.
Entry to this festival is free*! Holi coinsides with
St Patrick’s Day so watch this space for exciting
updates! Holi is a day to forget your worries and
connect with family and friends. Throw colours
and dance to music from various DJs. Enjoy
traditional Indian games, cultural performances
and festive Holi delicacies.
Tips for the day:  MOTAT Military Day
Wear old clothes as the colour may not wash
out.  Display
Wear comfortable flat shoes that you don’t mind
getting stained.  Time: 1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Bring cash to buy colour and enjoy delicious Holi
food.  Hosted by RNZAF Black Falcons and Royal New
Parking is limited so plan your trip before the
day.  at the MOTAT Military Day Display. Our display
*Please do not bring your own colours. Our
colours are corn-flour based, non-toxic and
cosmetic grade. They are safe for children and
adults. Entry to this festival is free* and Holi is
strictly an alcohol and drug free event!
The Color Run Dreams
World Tour - Auckland
Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Venue: QBE Stadium, Albany, Auckland
WHO LOVES UNICRONS? The original happiest
5k on the planet! Enter a world where anything is
possible, where you can dance through a cloud
of colour, swim through an ocean of dreamy
foam and party the day away with giant unicorns
and more music than ever before!
Anoushka Shankar: Land
of Gold - Auckland Arts
Festival 2018
Date: Sunday, March 18
Time: 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Venue: Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter, 96
Jellicoe Drive, Auckland
Experience sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar,
daughter of the legendary Ravi Shankar,
performing live her spellbinding and magnetic
album Land of Gold. A singular figure in the
Indian classical and progressive world-music
relationship with tradition through her father
and guru, the late great Ravi Shankar. These
exchanges between Indian and Western music
find even greater power in Shankar’s advocacy
for women’s rights and social justice, with her
latest album, Land of Gold, responding to the
humanitarian trauma of displaced people fleeing
conflict and poverty.
Date: Sunday, March 18
Venue: Point Chevalier Beach, Auckland
Zealand Air Force. Come and check us out
will be best viewed over Point Chevalier Beach.
Event details: www.motat.org.nz. We always love
seeing your photos and videos so make sure you
take some as we fly over. IMPORTANT: timings
and display could change due to weather or
operational requirements so please check our
Facebook page on the day for any changes.
CAB Pakuranga/Eastern
Manukau
Date: March 19 and March 26
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Venue: Howick Local Board Meeting Room,
Pakuranga Library Building, 7 Aylesbury
Street, Pakuranga
CAB Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau will hold a
free information sessions for newcomers on
Career Counselling. It will be held in two parts.
Part 1: First steps to Job Search, writing CV and
Cover letter. Part 2: Attending interviews and
learn interview techniques Lowie Recruitment
will be present both days with possible
temporary job offers. Facilitated by Bhavna
Champion – Life Coach in Auckland. Light
lunch provided. Please confirm your place
by phoning or texting Vani Kapoor (Migrant
Connect Administrator) at 021 459520 or email
at settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz.
Balloons over Waikato
2018
Date: Wednesday, March 21 to March 25
Time: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Venue: Wairere Drive, Hamilton 3204, Waikato
Over 130,000 spectators over 5 days will
enjoy the amazing site of balloons ascending
through the Waikato sunrise at 7-7:30am every
morning and Hamilton’s biggest night out at
the Zuru Nightglow, where the balloons glow
to orchestrated music finishing with the best
fireworks display in town!
Holi Wellington Colour
Fest 2018
Date: Saturday, March 24
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Venue: Upper Frank, Kitts Park, Wellington
Central
3333 Events and Productions Limited is proud to
bring to you:  Holi: Wellington Colour Fest
Colour Food Fun Entertainment. Holi : The
Festival of Colour and Celebration is now
happening at the Coolest Capital of World. This
is one festival, where people of all ages and
cultures can get together, celebrate diversity
and look forward to the future. Bring your family,
friends to the iconic Upper Frank Kitts Park,
throw colour on each other, enjoy delicious food
and dance to tunes of renowned Djs. This is
strictly an Alcohol & Drug Free Event. 
Kabaddi Cup and Vaisakhi
Mela 2018, Christchurch
Date: Saturday, March 31
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Venue: Burnside Park, 336 Avonhead Road,
Christchurch
Christchurch Punjabi and Cultural Group
(CPSCG) present Kabaddi Cup 2018 and
Vaisakhi Mela for the first time in Christchurch.
Vaisakhi Mela is a vibrant festival with cultural
dance performances, food stalls and lots of
opportunity to meet and greet! Kabaddi Cup
and Vaisakhi Mela are held in other New Zealand
cities every year. For the first time, we bring you
the event in Christchurch and we need your
support to make this even happen. Its a family
friendly event with live dance performances,
business stalls, food stalls and plenty of activities
for children. 
*********IMPORTANT INFO**********
This is an alcohol-free event. All your belongings,
including drink bottles, bags will be checked
at the entrance by security. Entry is ONLY by
ticket - one ticket per person. This is an inclusive
event and CPSCG encourages everyone in
Christchurch and Canterbury region to attend
and enjoy this unique sport.
2018 Waterfront Half
Marathon
Date: Sunday, April 8
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Venue: Mission Bay, Auckland
April 8, 2018 sees the inaugural edition of the
Auckland Waterfront Half Marathon. Several
years in the making, this is the half marathon that
Auckland runners and walkers have been waiting
for. Flat, fast, traffic free and spectacularly
scenic, the Waterfront Half Marathon falls
beautifully at the end of a summer of fitness in
the City of Sails, making it the Grand Finale of
the Mizuno Auckland Half Marathon Series.

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