By Ashok Kumar:

Well, the obituaries are already written and ready howsoever the seniors may put up a show of defiance in the wake of widespread criticism in the aftermath of double debacle overseas. Laxman had said even before the Adelaide Test that there are no plans to retire and now Dravid too is talking in the same tone.
In cricket, score speaks and not reputation. Because, the reputed batting line up wilted under the novices’ attack. In the post-mortem conducted so far by the bigwigs of sports journalism, the pointer is that the first head to go on the chopping block is Captain M.S. Dhoni.
Dhoni , the captain cool failed to instil the enthusiasm in the team before the match that resulted in defeats, one after the other. The confidence was not there in the after match statements. After the first Test match, Glenn McGrath had predicted a 4-0 whitewash and Aussie captain Clarke said that they will make sure that Sachin does not score his hundredth ton in Australia and both saw to it that happened.
There was no such statement from any Indian player to show that level of confidence. All that could be seen was the focus on Sachin’s hundred and not on their game. Instead, what came out were the reports of the team falling apart after the alleged difference of opinion between the captain and the vice-captain. How can you play leave alone winning a Test match with such a low team confidence?
I would rate the West Indies team touring India better since they at least succeeded in drawing the last match to avoid a brown wash.
This was a team with a lot of name and talent. The talent was wasted and the name was of no use and in the end became the unknowns. Rohit Sharma, the batsman in form was made to sit out for the entire series while the famed failures had been given chance after chance. If only once a senior was dropped from the playing eleven, it would have done some good to both. Dropping a senior would have instilled at least realisation of a sense of responsibility in him and playing a youngster would have given him a chance to prove himself. Wridhiman Saha is the best example. The way he joined Kohli in building the innings after all the seniors failed showed that he didn’t want to let the opportunity go waste.
The way the team India management persisted with the failed seniors, showed its stubbornness. They should have shunned the thought soon after the first Test that they are the best. Come to think of it that no one displayed a semblance of fight and crumbled under its own weight.
Well, reams have been written about the performance now we should think about stemming the rot. The first step should be to ask the national selection committee to take the blame for the debacle and resign. Second, a fresh look at the seniors be given to consider their respectful departure. It is not just failure in the last two away series alone that should be the reason for their dismissal but also the fact with the age their performance is not improving and hence, the young blood.

Still the ODI series is there and no senior except Sachin and Sehwag is there and the much needed young blood is there to prove the selectors wrong. And, moreover , we are now playing with a tag of world champions, so more is at stake.
Australia, fresh from the Test series win over India and Sri Lanka coming after a debacle in South Africa and Dilshan quitting as captain is likely to make the contest interesting. It gives the World Champions a chance to prove its standing and redeem some reputation in Australia.
Australia is pitted against the World Champions and World Cup runners up but on their own soil. The latter two will be hard pressed to defend their reputation.

Surbhi Misra

Surbhi Misra, a student of Hornsby Girls’ High School topped in Accounts in the HSC results declared by the Board of Studies on Tuesday. Vice captain of her Primary School and then of the High School, Surbhi devoted four hours each Tuesday of the week towards her favourite subject. She owes her success to her family and her Accounting teacher. Surbhi said,” My achievements are entirely credited to my family who supported me in every possible way during my preliminary and HSC year. Their belief in me was inspiring and encouraged me throughout the years.

“Another person whom I give full credit to is the Accounting teacher at Hornsby TAFE, Cecilia Cheung. She selflessly gave up her time and effort both inside and outside of class time to help every student achieve their best. She became our friend and mentor, inspiring us to love the subject. I cannot express how much I look up to Cecilia, and would really like to thank her for her commitment to my Accounting studies.

With the top result Surbhi has also earned a scholarship from the University of New South Wales and a cadetship with the prestigious Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).

“I have already received several offers that include cadetships and conditional offers for Scholarships and would likely enrol in a Commerce degree at a reputed University. I may also work part time which would help to enhance my skills base and maintain a work-study balance.”

Main Academic Achievements of Surbhi— Primary School Dux (Honour Role), Academic Excellence Award 2009 (year 11), Academic Excellence Award 2010 (year 12) Main Leadership Achievements  — Year 12 2010 (HSC Year), Hornsby Girls’ High School Vice Captain 2010, Howard Longworth Commemorative Award for Citizenship. Year 11 2009 — Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, 1st place in the Turramurra Rotary Public Speaking Comp, Participant in the Sydney Morning Herald Plain Speaking Award, Student Representative Council (Executive), District Student Representative Council, Social Justice Group, Mock Trial Team,  HGHS Magazine Committee (Grapevine

Surbhi Misra, a student of Hornsby Girls’ High School topped in Accounting in the HSC results declared by the Board of Studies . Surbhi who was awarded the High Achiever certificate from Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth at the First in Course Award Ceremony on Tuesday, was all praise for her teachers and support from her parents, specially her father who is in the accounts profession. 

The proud parents revealed that Surbhi was the Vice-captain of her Primary School and then of the High School.  Surbhi said she devoted four hours each Tuesday of the week towards her favourite subject and learnt all the intricacies of the subject from her father. Her Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is 99.90

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) results were released for a record 71,000 students on 15.12.2010

The other top achievers from the Indian Sub-continent include, Hansaka Pasindu Fernando from Baulkham Hills High School in Economics, Satyajeet Ramdas Marar of Homebush Boys High School in English as Second Language and Aswin Shanmugalingam in Tamil Continuers (Outside Tutor category) .

Surprisingly, there was no high achiever in  Hindi or any other Indian languages this year.

The Minister for Education and Training, Verity Firth said students and parents across NSW would be glad the wait for results was finally over.

Satyajeet Ramdas Marar

“Completing the HSC is an important milestone, and students should be extremely proud of their hard work,” Ms Firth said.

“The HSC is the perfect preparation for our young people but students should keep their HSC experience in perspective – remember there are many pathways to university, training or a job.

“We’re very proud of our HSC. “It’s a qualification that’s highly regarded all over the world.

“Around 83% of the HSC class of 2010 will be eligible for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) – more than ever before.

“ATARs are released to students tomorrow from 9am.

Hansaka Pasindu Fernando with his parents

“My congratulations go to our top performing students who’ve made the

Distinguished Achievers List, the All-round Achievers List and the Top Achievers in Course List.

“From today onwards, there will be a range of support services available for students to assist them with their enquiries relating to their HSC results and future after high school.”

Students with career advice questions can contact the Department of Education and Training’s Careers Advisory Service on 1300 300 687 (Free Call) or e-mail careers@det.nsw.edu.au.

Dr. Yadu Singh

Information is power. This was the opening remark by Dr. Yadu Singh, Cardiologist while giving a lecture at the Health summit organised by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Castle Hill on Sunday last.

Dr. Singh apprised the 100-strong audiences of ways to deal with a heart attack or a cardiac arrest situation. He explained the different reasons leading to a heart attack and exhorted people to take control of their life-style and avoid bad cholesterol raising foods. Cholesterol is one of the major causes of a heart attack.  

Dr. Singh said timely help in cases of heart attack is most the crucial factor since 30% of cases often prove fatal. He cautioned people against being a doctor when they are not qualified. Self-treatment is dangerous and often gives rise to complications. In case of a heart attack or any ailment for that matter, compliance to medicine is most important and helpful in the treatment.

Another specialist, Dr. Preeti Pal, a Dental Surgeon reinforced the need to brush teeth at least twice  a day. And, people with diabetes need extra care with their teeth. She exhorted the audience to take benefit from the NSW Extra Health Care Plan, if one qualifies. This was a big surprise for many in the audience. She said this will help in maintaining a healthy dental care.

She passionately demonstrated the exercises and made the audience exercise as well the breathing and anti-stress postures.

Dr. Nadeem receiving token of appreciation from Ms. Lucky Singh and Mr. Harmohan Walia

The audience really benefited from the short session and Dr. Pal urged the audience to maintain this regime whenever convenient.  Please note before doing anything consult your GP. Other doctors on the panel

Dr. Preeti Pal

 were Dr. Jawahar Thomas and Dr. Nadeem both GPs

GOPIO Sydney must be applauded for this big effort to help the community to understand the important things in health care and a number of people felt the session should be longer. Hope GOPIO listens to their request and more experts will be invited to educate the community.  Well Done Ms. Lucky Singh and Mr. Harmohan Walia.

Premier Kristina Keneally tonight announced the NSW Government will develop an online

multicultural business directory with the ethnic communities and multicultural councils in

NSW – to support and promote culturally diverse businesses and jobs.

Premier Keneally made the announcement at the NSW Ethnic Communities Council’s 35th

anniversary, where she presented awards to council members, including an Indian Australian Mr. George Verughese, for their decades of service to

the organisation.

Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt, Minister for Local Government, Barbara Perry, Member for

Cabramatta, Nick Lalich, Member for Lakemba, Robert Furolo, Member for Smithfield, Ninos

Khoshaba, and Member of the Legislative Council, Sophie Cotsis also attended the event.

of culturally diverse businesses in NSW.

“The development of an online multicultural business directory sends a clear message about

the importance the NSW Government places on cultural diversity in our State,” Ms Keneally

said.

Chair of the NSW Ethnic Communities Council Jack Passaris has welcomed the business

directory and said, “The directory will increase access to government and community-based

services such as interpreters, translators, bilingual educators, disability, family and children’s

services that meet diverse cultural and linguistic needs.”

The NSW Government has also guaranteed the four councils will receive triennial funding

from 2011.

This means councils will not have to compete with other organisations for funding each year

and will help councils secure services and staffing arrangements to ensure important

programs for culturally diverse communities continue.

“Since 1975, the NSW Ethnic Communities Council has played an invaluable role

representing and supporting the culturally diverse community we are fortunate to enjoy here

in NSW,” Ms Keneally said.

“The NSW Ethnic Communities Council provides a number of important projects for the

community, including the ethnic communities sustainable living project and home and

community care programs for the disabled.”

The Ethnic Communities Council of NSW also officially launched their new website

http://www.eccnsw.org.au/ and new Building Inclusive Communities Awards with Macquarie

University at the event.

New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally and Education Minister, Verity Firth today announced the NSW

Government will more than double the funding for Community Language Schools – ensuring

the children of migrants retain the language of their parents.

It is the most generous support package for Community Language Schools in Australia.

There are more than 33,000 children studying at 435 Community Language Schools around

NSW – in 48 different languages and dialects.

“This is about ensuring the children of migrants get to retain and love the language of their

parents,” Ms Keneally said.

Unlike other States, the NSW Government does not charge Community Language

Funding will also be adjusted annually to ensure the Government’s support keeps pace with

inflation, a first for Community Language Schools in Australia.

The NSW Government’s funding boost includes:

• A $500,000 Community Language School grants program to provide schools with

new textbooks and resources for the 2011 school year;

• An additional $30,000 for 300 volunteer teachers to undertake a fully-subsidised

professional accreditation course each year through university study; and

• Community Language School start-up grants will increase from $1,000 toto support the introduction of new schools and language courses where there

$2,500

is unmet demand.

“The NSW Government is providing the most generous support package for Community

Language Schools in the country,” Ms Keneally said.

“We are funding the most Community Language Schools, the most students and the most

languages to support the culturally diverse community we are fortunate to share in here in

NSW.

“This sends a clear message about the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in our

State.”

Chair of the Community Languages Schools Board, Jozefa Sobski and President of the

NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, Albert Vella have welcomed the funding

boost.

“NSW will now lead Australia in assisting language learning and maintenance, and this is

good for our culture and good for our global future,” Ms Sobski said.

“This funding increase by the Keneally Government is a very welcome recognition of our

hard work and the importance of teaching languages for the future of NSW,” Mr Vella said.

On top of this, the NSW Government already:

• Funds $410,000 each year in subsidies so Community Language Schools do not

pay rent;

• Invests $200,000 each year in professional development for volunteer teachers;

• Provides two full-time project officers; and

• Funds two full-time professional development officers.

The NSW Education Department also helped to establish a certificate accreditation in

community language teaching at Wollongong University to help volunteer teachers attain

professional qualifications.

The 300 NSW Government funded volunteer scholarship recipients will undertake their

community language school training at short courses put on by the university at various

locations in Sydney or the Illawarra.

This recognises the important role of volunteer teachers in Community Language Schools

and will support high standards of teaching in language schools across NSW.

Ms Firth said, “Community Language Schools provide an invaluable service ensuring

children across our State maintain strong links to their heritage through language.”

“The people who work and volunteer in Community Language Schools deserve our support

and the Government is delighted to double the funding the schools receive – from $60 to

$120 per student, per year.

“Community Language Schools will also be able to apply for funds under the NSW

Government’s $500,000 grants program to purchase updated textbooks and classroom

resources for the 2011 school year.”

Minister for Citizenship, John Hatzistergos said: “The $2,500 Community Language School

start up grants will encourage the establishment of Community Language Schools to cater

for new languages in new areas.”

“This is particularly important for new and growing communities in NSW who want to share

their traditional languages with the rest of our community.”

Information on how to apply for funds in the $500,000 Community Language School grants

program and the $2,500 establishment grants program will be released shortly.

• The Victorian Government’s election promise to fund Community Language Schools with

$200 per student, per year does not include a forty per cent levy on each student ($80) which

is charged back to Community Language Schools for rent.

• The NSW Government provides $410,000 in subsidies each year so Community Language

Schools do not have to pay rent in NSW.

• The increase in funding from $60 to $120 per student each year in NSW will have an annual

CPI adjustment to secure future funds for Community Language Schools.

• Arabic

• Hungarian

• Punjabi

• Armenian

• Indonesian

• Russian

• Assyrian

• Italian

• Samoan

• Bengali

• Japanese

• Sanskrit

• Bosnian

• Khmer

• Serbian

• Chinese-Cantonese/Mandarin

• Korean

• Sinhala

• Chinese-Mandarin

• Lao

• Spanish

• Cook Island Maori

• Latvian

• Swedish

• Croatian

• Macedonian

• Tamil

• Dari

• Malay

• Telugu

• Filipino

• Maltese

• Thai

• Finnish

• Marathi

• Tongan

• German

• Persian (Farsi)

• Turkish

• Greek

• Polish

• Uighur

• Hebrew

• Portuguese

• Ukrainian

• Hindi

• Pukapuka

• Vietnamese

Establishment of a Culture Centre in Sydney and reducing the turnaround time for granting of visas to just two days were the major announcements made by the High Commissioner of India to Australia Mrs. Sujatha Singh at an inter-active  meeting of members of Indian Australians in Canberra  on Saturday 20th November , 2010

In her opening remarks, the High Commissioner said the inter-active meeting was called ostensibly to “listen, to explain, to convey, to connect and to get the feedback. “  This is second year in succession that such a meeting was called keeping in mind the student issue and the subsequent sharp deterioration of the Indian-Australian relationship. The first meeting was called around same time when the student problem was at its peak.

The VFS Global came in for heavy beating at the meeting attended by about 150 community members from different parts of Australia. Speaker after speaker dealt strong blows at the VFS Global targeting mainly their “Indian” way of dealing with customers.

Some speakers at the meet where Consul Generals from Sydney Mr. Amit Dasgupta and Melbourne Mrs. Anita Nayar were present, attacked the lack of communication from the High Commission in regard to change in visa policy or fees.

Mr. Dasgupta announced that the backlog visa application in Sydney has been cleared and he has been personally visiting the VFS and the staff was working even on the weekends. He also said he would be granting emergency visa on the spot and also the after hours calls will be responded promptly.

“Someone doesn’t have to die to obtain emergency visa,” lamented Dr. Yadu Singh from Sydney while imploring the High Commission and the Government of India to ease emergency visa rules.  The High Commissioner immediately intervened and announced that this complaint has been redressed and the High Commissioner and the Consul Generals have been empowered grant emergency visas instantly.

Dr. Singh stressed on working together for better results and for the larger benefit of the community. Touching upon the issue of racism, he exhorted to the community to shed the attitude of us and them and try to become US. This is the sure way of ending racism.

Peter D’Melo, a charted accountant from Sydney wanted simpler and consumer friendly application forms for visa services and suggested doing away of the impractical demand for photocopies of the documents when the facility to photocopy is available with the VFS. ” Make as many number of copies you want but don’t burden us. He said in Australia whereever you go you have to submit just original document and the department makes the number of copies as many as it wants.” He also said if the application needs more information, it could be asked over the phone instead of sending it back to the applicant thereby resulting in harmful delay in processing of the application.

Dr. Neelam Gupta from Hobart who was attending such a meeting for the first time advocated “belongingness.” It gives a good feeling when you see an Indian and walk up to him or her and ask about their well being. Among the works she had done for the community opening of a library and recreational centre was most noteworthy.

Mr. Ravi Bhatia from Melbourne and CEO of I-Primus spoke of moving forward from the student’s issues and concentrating on other issues plaguing the community such as, unemployment.

Ms. Aparna Vats, a radio anchor suggested regular updating of the VFS or High Commission web site and also some educational training for the VFS staff.

 Mr. Gambhir Watts highlighted the achievements of Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan in organising Holi Mahotsav and getting initial work done for installation of Gandhi bust in UNSW.

Mr. Vasan Srinivasan from Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria highlighted the achievements of the association while doing extraordinary community work.

Mr. Harry Walia of the GOPIO suggested lowering of the Visa and OCI fees.

Wrapping up the proceedings, Mrs. Sujatha Singh appreciated organisation of talent awards by GOPIO and said such programmes encourage the youth. She also mentioned election of Lisa Singh as a Senator as a great achievement for the community.

She announced employment of extra staff to cut the turnaround period for visa applications and changes in rules for the PIOs visas. She said from now onwards a PIO can choose between a tourist visa and an entry visa depending upon their needs and stay in India.   

Later, the High Commissioner hosted a dinner in honour of the community members arrived from different parts of Australia.

Ravi Bhatia, CEO of Primus Telecom founding co-Chairperson of NCIA said today that “Indian Australians have made wide ranging and significant contributions to many aspects of the Australian society, economy and culture. I, along with other prominent Indian Australians have formed NCIA as a non political organisation to represent and support the entire spectrum of people of Indian origin regardless of their state or region of origin in India. NCIA will be transparent and objective organization and we will set high standards in effectiveness and accountability. ”

 “NCIA will interact with various agencies and elements of Australian Federal, State and as well elements and organs of Government of India to promote its objectives and assist with policy development as appropriate. NCIA will also interact with community organizations and professional bodies and associations in Australia, India and other countries.  An important aspect of the activities of NCIA will be interaction with Australian and Indian media to promote and present a balanced perspective on various issues of interest to the Indian Diaspora” Dr Yadu Singh, founding co-Chairperson of NCIA said today.

Dr. Yadu Singh

Ravi Bhatia

 Founding President and the Secretary of NCIA, Mr Vasan Srinivasan, today spelled out the rationale behind forming NCIA, saying “there is urgent need for a single unified body that represents the interests of the Indian community in Australia and NCIA will fulfill that role.”

 “Australia and India are sharing an increasingly close bi-lateral relationship. Australians of Indian origin play an important role in our multicultural country. The time has come for our community to speak with one voice on national issues. Indian Australians want an Australia that is socially harmonious, economically prosperous and that has close economic, political and social ties to India. It is our obligation to speak up and play a role in public debate on these matters” Mr Srinivasan said today.

 The NCIA will hold a series of meetings and functions in each state across Australia in coming months, as well as seek high level meetings with State and Federal Government.

Mr. V Srinivasan

 The NCIA is available to provide public comment on the wide range of matters that affect Indian Australians, or Australia’s relationship with India.

For Further Information, please visit: www.ncia.org.au

Last Sunday, 16th May 2010 (Akshay Trutiya Nija Vaishakh Shukla Trutiya  5112 as per Hindu calendar) the auditorium at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple in Camberwell, Melbourne reverberated with the auspicious sounds of conch blowing and Vedic recitations, commencing the much awaited first ever Hinduism Summit (Hindu Dharma sabha) in Australia. Eminent speakers, Pandit Abhay Awasthi of the Hindu Community Council of Victoria, Mahant Swami Shankaranand Saraswati of the Shiva ashram, Shri Bhakta das of ISKCON, Shri Sean Clarke of the Spiritual Science Research Foundation & Shri Rohan Mehta were awarded the ‘Vishwa Hindu Ratna’ award for their selfless service to Hinduism.  On this occasion Swami Paramanand Saraswati, President of Yo Veda was also present.
The speakers spoke to an attentively packed hall and the audience viewing the online live webcast with a lot of concern for the current state of Hindu Dharma and also the uniqueness about it. They listened raptly as Pandit Abhay Awasthi opened the presentations, highlighting the universal Sanatan Dharma. He emphasized how important it is for us and our children to have Dharma education. Shri Sean Clarke inspired the audience to consider spiritual measures in resolving issues facing the Hindu community, through SSRF’s spiritual research video footage showing the power of Saints and subtle negative forces. Mahant Swami Shankaranand expressed in very nice simple words how unique Sanatan Dharma is, how God is in each and every person and that we need to connect to everyone. Shri Bhakta das also shared the same principle of how following Sanatan Dharma and Vedic culture is the only sure solution to all our problems in this materialistic world. He also emphasized that if we take one step towards God, He takes 100 steps towards us. Shri Rohan Mehta spoke passionately about the need to stop rampant denigration of Hinduism and proposed practical methods to learn about denigration and stop it. Shri Atul Dighe concluded the presentations with emphasis on Hinduism education and spiritual measures to overcome issues facing the Hindu community and to experience firsthand the unique science underlying Hinduism concepts and practices.
On this auspicious occasion, Mahant Swami Shankaranand also inaugurated a Souvenir on understanding, living and preserving Hinduism.
 The following resolutions were passed at the Hindu Dharma sabha:
1.      The Government should take strict action against the perpetrators of attacks on Indians in Australia.
2.      The media must give unbiased and sufficient coverage to the recurring attacks on Indians in Australia! 
3.  Hindu Dharma should be recognized as a major religion, as are others like Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism!
4.  Every denigration of Hindu Dharma should be protested peacefully but surely!
5. We shall not support any art, products or any media that denigrate our revered concepts and practices!
6. We shall take Dharma Education ourselves, impart it to our children, and others who are interested through Dharma education satsangs and other means
 The Hinduism Summit concluded with the speakers answering questions from the members of the press and the attendees, on the direction ahead to understand, live and preserve Hinduism. Majority of the attendees expressed their desire to acquire education on Dharma and to start a Hindu school in Melbourne.

Predictions for MAY 2010 by Roseline Deleu

LIFE PATH