“This is the first time my research has been associated with business, hence the Nokia NSW Business innovation award is very much special. So far the awards I have received were of very academic in nature so the this award is more meaningful and I am happy that more and more businesses can contribute to the environment,” Veena Sahajwala, Scientia Professor in University of New South Wales in Sydney told The Indian Sub-continent Times after the award ceremony in Sydney on Friday 30th September, 2011.

The award was a category of the prestigiousTelstra NSW Businesswomen award 2011.

Overall winner was: Catherine Burn, Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services in NSW Police Force. Other winners were: Maureen Houssein-Mustafa, OAM of MHM Australasia Pty Ltd.  Jodie Fox of Shoes of Prey, Jo Heighway of SMSF Outsource Solutions

 The event was attended by The Hon Pru Goward MP, Minister for Women.

Accepting the award, Veena said her staff and students call her crazy and her children say you are a nerd. “ Yes I am crazy and I am excited about the crazy ideas. That’s the way I work . The students and post-graduate students they all inspire me to come up with these crazy ideas. 

” We generate waste around us and we should also create opportunities up cycle these waste, ” she said in her speech. 

When she was in school, big machines fascinated her and her inquisitiveness about how things work shaped her career path. She stunned everyone in the family when she declared she wantred to become an engineer. But she soon received the encouragement from the famoily to follow her dreams. And, she landed in IIT Kanpur. Normally, after passing out, people would look for jobs but Veena choose to go for masters and then doctrate. She went straight to Canada and then to United States but got job in Univefsity of New South Wales, Sydney.

Veena is passionately working on her dream project reducing carbon emission in steel production. She is happy that lots of business houses are now coming forward in manufacturing their products using recycleed materials. 

Prime Minister Julia Gillard addressing ethnic media

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced at the May 11, 2011 budget briefingfor Multicultural media that the government plans to create a Multicultural media Round Table to get a feedback on various government advertising policies.

As a first step, after the presentation of the Federal Budget Julia Gillard said,” this Prime Minister very much values the rich multiculturalism and diversities of Australian community.  It is for this very reason that we are holding the first-ever multicultural media briefing. And, as the next step we shall be creating a Multicultural Media Roundtable that will give us an opportunity to get your feedback.”

“You are getting news and information from various sources and we think it is important for us to engage with you and provide information which you can use in a way you deem it fit.”

Her address was followed by briefing by several Federal Ministers led by Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Bowen, MP.

 BOOST IN MIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA

 Mr. Bowen said the Federal Government will implement a suite of regional migration initiatives together with an increase in permanent migration – to 185 000 visas – the 2011-12 to deliver on its broader economic and regional development priorities. 

Importantly, this also includes a boost to the family intake level as part of Australia’s increased migration program.

 He said migration was a crucial economic driver and contributed to an innovative and dynamic workforce. 

 “Australia is a country that has been built on migration and the Gillard Government understands that migrants will contribute to our future economic success as a nation,” Mr Bowen said.

 “Around two-thirds of the increased migration program will be for skilled migrants to help fill critical skill needs, particularly in regional areas.

 “The skill stream intake will increase to 125 850 places, with 16 000 places allocated to the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.

 “Regional areas will also benefit from the introduction of Regional Migration Agreements, a new initiative that will bring together employers, local and state governments and unions to cooperate in addressing local labour needs.”

 Mr Bowen said the important family intake level for the 2011-12 migration program would also increase to 58 600 places, with the majority of the increase going to partner visas.

 “The Gillard Government understands the importance of the family program to allow for the reunification of Australians with their close relatives, children and spouses,” he said.

“The doubling of parent visas will bring families together and recognises the contribution and commitment that migrants make to Australia.” 

 Gillard Government funds growth for universities

 The Gillard Government is investing a further $1.2 billion over the next four years to fund growth in university enrolments and make higher education available to all Australians.

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, said this landmark investment will change the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians, particularly the children of migrants and second generation Australians, funding more than 480,000 undergraduate places at public universities this year.

 This investment is on top of $2.77 billion in funding already committed by the Gillard Government and will ensure a better opportunity for all Australian young people to pursue a university education.

“Many migrants have made significant sacrifices in coming to Australia so that their children will get the opportunity of a good education and contribute to Australia,” Senator Evans said.

“The Gillard Government understands the value of education and this investment will deliver for families who value education and are keen to get a university qualification.

“We are determined that all Australians – regardless of their background – should have the opportunity to gain a university education.

“A university education is a ticket to greater career choice and to high skilled and high paid jobs. These are aspirations that thousands more Australians will now be able to realise.

“That’s why Labor is making an historic investment of $35.7 billion over the next four years in teaching and learning in our universities to ensure more Australians enjoy the opportunities available to those who hold university qualifications.

 “In this next generation of students, there will be many migrants and second generations Australians who will be the first in their family to go to university because of this Government’s reforms,” concluded Minister Evans.

 INCREASING SPORT PARTICIPATION WITH MULTICULTURAL YOUTH GRANTS

 As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing participation in sport applications are open for the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program.

 Minister for Sport Mark Arbib and Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs said the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program will provide grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 to support the costs associated with community sport around Australia.

Senator Arbib said the grants will create opportunities for young people from culturally diverse backgrounds to engage with sport and physical activity.

 “The Australian Government wants to see all Australians have access to safe, fun and inclusive sporting opportunities,” Senator Arbib said.

 “I believe sport is central to the Australian way of life, and sport can help to teach children from all cultures values, such as self-discipline, team work and how to reach your goals.

 “The Government wants children from all backgrounds to have equal access to sporting opportunities.  We want to see children out of their lounge rooms and into their backyards, playing with friends, playing down at their local sporting clubs.”

 Senator Lundy said the opening of the grant applications was a commitment from the Australian Government to promote social cohesion and build a more inclusive multicultural society.

 “Sport is a fabulous driver for building participation and inclusion for young Australians from diverse backgrounds,” Senator Lundy said.

 “The grants will play an important role in helping these young people to participate in their local communities through sport.”

 Senator Arbib said the Gillard Government was supporting multiple programs to increase and support participation including the Active After-School Communities Program and the participation funding for the national sports agreement.

 Successful applicants for the 2011-12 Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program grants will be announced in July.

 Applications are open for a period of four weeks from 29 April 2011, to apply visit www.ausport.gov.au for eligibility details and information

MORE for SMALL BUSINESS

 Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation Bill Shorten said the Gillard Government recognises the contribution that migrant communities make to our economy with approximately 27 per cent of business operators born overseas. 

 He said the 2011-12 Budget will provide additional cash flow benefits to millions of small businesses through the tax system.  Small businesses, which make up 96 per cent of our businesses, are the backbone of our economy and deserve all the help we can provide.

 “Through hard work, strong families and drive, many migrants and Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds have built strong and successful small businesses in Australia,” said the Assistant Treasurer.

 “To recognise and reward this enterprising spirit the Government will reduce income tax instalments paid under Pay As You Go (PAYG) using the gross domestic product (GDP) adjustment method for one year.

 “This change will deliver a $700 million cash flow benefit from lower tax payments in 2011-12, mainly to small businesses.”

 This measure builds on the Government’s tax reforms for small businesses to be introduced in 2012‑13 that include:

 •                 an immediate write-off of the first $5,000 on the purchase of any motor vehicle;

•                 an immediate write-off of all assets valued at under $5,000 (up from $1,000 presently) estimated to cost $1.7 billion over the forward estimates;

•                 a write-off of all other assets (except buildings) in a single depreciation pool at a rate of 30 per cent.  Currently, small businesses allocate assets to two different depreciation pools, with two different depreciation rates (30 per cent and five per cent); and

•                 a reduction in company tax rate to 29 per cent for incorporated small businesses.

 The changes will apply to all small businesses, including sole traders and businesses operating through trusts, partnerships and companies. These reforms will make tax simpler for small business, while increasing cash flows so they can reinvest and grow their businesses.

 The Government is also providing increased certainty for the many small businesses that use trusts to manage their financial affairs. The changes to trust laws will enable the streaming of capital gains and franked distributions. 

The changes will apply for the 2010-11 and later income years. “It is important to make these changes so small businesses using trusts can continue to do so with confidence and enjoy more certainty, particularly in relation to streaming of capital gains and franking credits,” Mr Shorten said. 

 The Government is determined to help the nation’s 2.7 million small businesses remain vibrant and competitive, and these measures are an important part of that commitment.

The Council of Indian Australians (CIA) was launched with a bang at a gala dinner on Jan 28^th 2011 to  celebrate the Indian Republic Day and Australia Day. The dinner, planned in less than five weeks, was attended by about 550 people, including New South Wales Premier Ms. Kristina

Barry O'Farrell at the launch

 Keneally, Leader of the Opposition Mr. Barry O’Farrell and several other political personalities from both Labour and Liberal parties and Indian Consul General in Sydney Mr. Amit Dasgupta.

The charisma of Dr. Yadu Singh and his team was unmatched. There were three functions to mark Australia and India Day in Sydney in one week. The UIA could collect around 250 to 300 people including politicians, the India Club could muster 70-80 people while the month-old CIA, at a very short notice, gathered the maximum 550, including top-most politicians of the state.

The capacity crowd in the huge Bowman Hall in Blacktown listened with rapt attention the pledge made by CIA President Dr. Yadu Singh, a Sydney’s famous Cardiologist to the Indian Australians of serving the community by putting service before self, of unity, of transparent governance. The ten pledges were:

1) We will work with high level of integrity and accountability following proper governance.

2) We will put community’s interests above our own interests.

3) We will follow and pass the test of “conflict of interest” principle in whatever we do.

4) We will never secure pecuniary benefits during our term and in particular will never take “commission” for our work.

5) We will be non-political and will not allow any political party to control us.

6) We will remain religion, region and language neutral in the context of Indian Australian community.

7) We will keep the media and the community informed about our plans, activities and achievements and will be 100% transparent.

We will not allow people who have conflict of interests to be a part of our team.

9) We will represent the community appropriately and will enhance the reputation and image of the community.

10) We will work on changing the image of community leaders and perceptions about them.

Dr. Yadu Singh at the launch

CIA committee members with dignitaries

So, the CIA is now established and in existence. The CIA is carrying a big burden on its shoulders of proving itself different from other such community organisations in the times to come.

The first success the CIA achieved was the presence of top politicians from major political parties at the first function itself— the Premier of the State and the Leader of the Opposition. This, itself, speaks of the respect the organisation and its leaders command in State politics.

 Dr. Yadu Singh took this opportunity to apprise the gathering about the work done for the community even before forming the CIA that included securing over $ 250,000 refund for the Aeronautical students and that is no mean effort.

Dr Singh introduced each speaker as they on came on to the stage. The first to speak was Ms Michelle Rowland, MP who represented the Hon Julia Gillard, The Prime Minister of Australia. Senator Marise Payne represented the Hon Tony Abbott, The Federal Leader of Opposition. They both described their personal experiences with India and Indian Australian community. They paid glowing tributes to the Indian community.

 NSW Premier, Ms Kristina Keneally, who was looking stunning in an Indian “Churidaar and Kurta along with along with a matching dupatta,” mesmerized the guests with her fantastic speech where she talked about Australia-India relations, the business partnerships, the AR Rahman concert, Paramasala festival, Indian subcontinent community service awards and Parliamentary Friends of India which NSW Government has organized over the last 12 months. This was followed by yet another excellent and touchy speech by Mr. Barry O’Farrell, Leader of the Opposition who described how close both India and Australia were – in particular how both countries fought together in the Battle of Gallipoli. He also talked about how both countries enjoy the common culture “of the sport of cricket”. He described how proud he is with the achievements of Indian Australian community in various fields.

 Dr. Singh introduced Mr. Stepan Kerkyasharian (CRC Chairman) as a person who is always there when the Indian community needs any help and described his experience of working with CRC for Indian students’ issues. He spoke very highly of the Indian Australian community in NSW and its achievements.

Mr. Amit Dasgupta, the Consul General [CG] of India was introduced by Dr. Singh as a “Karma yogi” and a Consul General who has achieved so many things for India in Australia. Mr. Dasgupta informed the gathering of Prime Minister of India’s approval for an Indian Cultural Centre in the Sydney consulate that is soon moving to a bigger accommodation.

The evening was made even more exciting with the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition going to each table and making the guests feel good by having photographs and also having some lively chat with the guests.

 The Council of Indian Australians, in partnership with Basava Samithi (Sydney), awarded a community service award to Dr. Chandrasekhar Gowda for his extensive services to the community. The felicitation was read out by Deepti Sachdeva of NDTV and a memento was presented by Premier Kristina Keneally.

 The programs that added color and excitement to the function included Bollywood dances, Bhangra, classical dances, and Indian fusion music from “Surya” live band which was enjoyed by all. The spectacular dance performance by Bollywood actress, Sanghmitra Kumar, was the highlight of cultural segment of the evening.

Bollywood star Sanghmitra Kumar was felicitated at the function

 Dr Singh introduced the Committee members to the guests and talked about the wonderful work his team had done – particularly in putting this function in less than 5 weeks time. He went on to outline the plans for the future and the programs the Council is likely to take in the months and years ahead.

 Dr Singh talked about the natural disaster that struck Queensland where an estimated 22 lives were lost and estimated damage bill is in excess of 15 billion dollars. He said that in a small way, the Council of Indian Australians is contributing to the cause by donating a sum of A$2,000 from its existing funds carried over from its last year’s function rolled into the Council’s funds and another sum of A$5,100 raised in the form of auctions of memorabilia – an AFL Jersey singed by Mr. Kevin Sheedy, and two cricket bats signed by the great Indian Cricket all rounder – Kapil Dev.  In total this new body – hardly less than few months in existence has donated $7,100 to the Queensland Flood Relief Fund.

Mr. Bhart Bhushan of Bathla Group and Mr. Ajay Raj Deshwal, owner of the Maya Da Dhaba took part in the auctions with a big heart and in the process each contributed to $3,000 and $2,100 respectively.  The Council of Indian Australians thanked both Mr. Bhart Bhushan and Mr. Ajay Raj Deshwal for their whole-hearted support for the noble cause.

 Mr. Ashwani Sharma of Hindu Council of Australia [HCA] donated the cricket bats. Dr. Singh acknowledged this donation and thanked Ashwani Sharma and Hindu Council of Australia for this great gesture. This donation from HCA is entirely consistent with the great work they do for the needy people.

 Gigaforce and Macquarie Bank, made the evening very interesting by organizing lucky draws.

 Maya Da Dhaba provided excellent food with wine. Ajay Deshwal did a lot more for this function than what was expected. Every guest who came for the function went with some excellent comments – the most important comment being “how can we be a part of this exciting team” and help in building a strong Council of Indian Australians!!

 Vote of Thanks was given by the secretary, Mr. Stanley D’Cruz who thanked everyone for participating in the function. He also exhorted Indian Australians to work with the newly formed organisation in the interests of the community. The function closed at midnight.

By Ashok Kumar

While Indian External Affairs Minister Mr. S.M.Krishna sought consideration of placing those Indian students who had come to Australia under the old rules in a special category that allowed them to fulfil the demand that existed in Australia for their skills, Australian Foreign Minister Mr. Kevin Rudd reiterated Australia’s unwillingness to sell Uranium to India.

The Indian External Affairs Minister is visiting Australia for the annual Foreign Ministers’ framework dialogue he had with Mr. Rudd in Melbourne on Jan 20^th, 2011

The key focus for this meeting was discussions on regional architecture and international institutions – including how Australia and India can together take forward the work of the East Asia Summit, on the priority that the Australian Government has placed on efforts to ensure that Indian students receive a first class education experience.
Addressing a joint press conference here along with the visiting Mr. Krishna, Mr. Rudd acknowledged that India has not been responsible for a single act of nuclear weapons proliferation anywhere in the world. Australia is unwilling to sell uranium to India because it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Mr. Rudd said the issue, however, has not damaged ties between the countries.

“However, Australia’s stands on NPT remains. We continue to discuss these matters as friends do,” he said emphasising on the strategic partnership that the two countries shared.

 According to a Foreign Ministry media release, the Ministers noted measures taken by the Australian Government and states and territories in 2010 to address concerns over the safety and well being of Indian students in Australia. They welcomed the Council of Australian Governments’ International Students Strategy for Australia, launched in October 2010, and progress with implementation of recommendations from the Baird Review of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act to improve further the experience of international students in Australia. This includes strengthening students’ consumer protection rights and cooperation between the two countries to support the regulation of education agents.

The Ministers also noted that the next Joint Working Group on Education and Training is expected to be held in Australia in April 2011 and the annual Education Minister’s dialogue in India in September 2011. The establishment of a new Australia-India Education Council will be further progressed through these meetings.

Mr. S.M. Krishna noted that the changes in the skilled migration programme had significantly impacted on Indian students already studying in Australia, many of whom had taken heavy loans to pursue their studies. He requested consideration of Indian students who had come to Australia under the old rules being placed in a special category that allowed them to fulfil the demand that existed in Australia for their skills.

Mr Rudd noted the components of the 8 February 2010 changes to skilled migration in Australia and highlighted the generous transition arrangements for most holders of international student visas at the time of the changes. Mr Rudd also noted Australia’s review of its student visa program, announced in December 2010 and expected to be completed in mid-2011.

On the eve of Mr. Krishna’s departure, External Affair Ministry’s official spokesman, Mr. Vishnu Prakash told newsmen in New Delhi that there is a 30% drop in students’ enrolment to study in Australia. He said in 2009 approximately 120,000 Indian students had enrolled in Australian educational institutions. But enrolment is one and actual commencements are another matter, as the Australians call it. According to the figures of the Australian Ministry of Education the actual commencements in 2009 were 67,974. In 2010, between January and November 2010 – we still are awaiting figures for December – the enrolments were 100,236, and the actual commencements were 42,447.

There have been issues pertaining to the Indian students. But we are very appreciative of a number of steps taken in close coordination with the Indian government by the government of Australia to overcome or tackle those constraints, and to further the safety and security of the Indian students which is certainly a matter of prime concern and interest for us.

But reason is not only because of the problems associated with the students issue but also the strength of Australian dollar. It has risen dramatically and today is almost one to one with the US dollar. So, the cost of education in Australia has also commensurately risen. The vocational education sector accounted for over two-thirds of the number of Indian students in 2009-10. Ever since this issue came up over the last two years, the fallout has been that the number of prospective students has been falling. Overall we can say that the drop is approximately of the level of 40 per cent of students going to Australia.

On the International Cooperation front, Mr. Rudd reiterated Australia’s long-standing support for a permanent seat for India on the UNSC.

On Economic matters Mr. Rudd felt India is now Australia’s third largest overall export market and fifth largest trade partner. Australia is India’s 6th largest trading partner.

There were significant new two-way investments in 2010, particularly by India in the resources and energy sector. Mr Rudd welcomed the growing interest by Indian companies in investing in Australia.

In May 2010, the Australian and Indian Governments had noted the recommendations of the Australia-India Free Trade Agreement Joint Feasibility Study and that both sides were undertaking further internal processes. Mr. S.M. Krishna noted that the trade imbalance with Australia was the second largest that India had with any of its trading partners. He urged greater flexibility and requested for early action and on issues that impacted on India’s exports to Australia, especially in service exports (information technology) and products such as pharmaceuticals, mangoes and table grapes.

Mr Rudd noted that Australia had an open market and welcomed Indian trade and investment.

Australia and India are committed to cooperating closely in efforts to bring the Doha Round to a successful, ambitious, comprehensive and balanced conclusion within the 2011 window of opportunity identified by G20 Leaders at their Seoul Summit.

Mr Rudd said Australia looked forward to hosting in 2011 the next Joint Ministerial Commission on trade and economic issues and an Indian delegation to the inaugural CEOs Forum.

The Ministers noted the importance of cooperation in the resources and energy sector. The first biennial Australia-India Energy and Minerals Forum, held in Perth in 2010, set the stage for closer collaboration, building on the five strategic Action Plans (Coal, New and Renewable Energy, Mining and Minerals, Power, Petroleum and Natural Gas) signed in 2008.

Premier with brochure

Premier Kristina Keneally on Wednesday officially opened nominations for the 2011 Premier’s IndianSub-continent Community Awards, recognising volunteer work and community service in the

Indian Sub-continent Community in the New South Wales.

 The inaugural Premier’s Indian Sub-continent Community Awards will be held in early

2011 and will be organised by the Community Relations Commission.

Nominations will be sought from Australians of Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepalese,

Pakistani and Sri Lankan backgrounds.

The 2011 award categories are:

•  Trade and Industry;
•  Arts and Culture;
• Community Harmony;
•  Community Service; and
•  Lifetime Achievement

Nominations close on Friday 21 January 2011.

 The awards further build on the NSW Government’s support for the Indian Sub-continent

Community which has included:

•  The celebration of Deepavali at Parliament House;
•  The Parliamentary Friends of India – fostering strong links between India, the Indian

Community and NSW Members of Parliament;

• • Parramasala – the South Asian arts festival has been a huge success, and enjoyed

by Western Sydney families of all cultural and spiritual backgrounds;

• • The Premier’s Council on International Education – which is providing assistance

and information for international students choosing to study in NSW.

 Premier Keneally said the Awards acknowledge the vibrant culture and longstanding

contribution of the Indian Subcontinent community to our State.

“The Premier’s Indian Subcontinent Community Awards recognise the important role that the

community plays in enhancing the professional, philanthropic, business and cultural life of

NSW,” she said.

“The Indian Sub-continent community has a long history in NSW, contributing to our State’s

development since the 1800s.

“I encourage the people of NSW to support these awards and nominate an outstanding

member of the Sub-continent community.”

Minister for Citizenship, John Hatzistergos said the awards recognise the valuable work of

people who freely give their time and energy to supporting our culturally diverse State.

“The Awards have been set up to acknowledge the work of individuals, organisations and

businesses in promoting and contributing to economic relations, cultural exchange,

community service and harmony.”

Information on how to nominate community members is available through the Community

Relations Commission: www.crc.nsw.gov.au

Premier with Attorney General Mr. John Hatzistergos

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

By Ashok Kumar

Vandana Shiva, the Dehra Dun girl, who started her campaign for environment protection and human rights with the Chipko Movement in her native Uttaranchal, has come a long way to be rightly selected for the prestigious Sydney Peace Prize. The announcement was made on Monday by the Sydney University.

The Indian Sub-continent Times grabbed the opportunity to be the first to interview Vandana Shiva in New Delhi over phone.

Here are the excerpts from the interview: Continue Reading

The brutal killing of two Indians, Nitin Garg and Ranjodh Singh in Melbourne and Griffith, respectively, last week has revived the debate that whether the attacks were racially motivated or just a law and order problem. In both the cases, it is not good for the image of the Australian Government. The attacks are happening despite the assurances by top political leaders, including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Education Minister.

The Indian Government has once again threatened of strong action that will affect one of the biggest revenue earning industries for the Australian Government — education. To begin with let’s presume the attacks are racially motivated, it is then up to the Australian government or the police to prove it otherwise. Continue Reading

By Roseline Deleu

Who does not enjoy browsing in pre loved shops in search for a good bargain?

 Keep in mind that the 2^nd hand goods are carrying subtle energies, storing memories of their previous owners, their moods, their vibrations, their energies, their laughter, their joy too of course! Displaying pre-loved items in your home will have an impact on your life; so follow these suggestions to take essential precautions.

 Mirrors

To my understanding and my perception, and… having visited and consulted so many houses over the past 17 years, I can tell you that mirrors are real gateways to spirits. They also act like sponges and ‘keep in mind’ all what happened in their vicinity. This is one of the reasons why having mirrors in a bedroom (new or old mirrors) can be disturbing your sleep, having babies waking up at night crying for no obvious reason. Do you have a mirror reflecting your body when laying in bed? It is recommended to cover it during your rest. Continue Reading

Team India after its series win over Sri Lanka in Mumbai

After over 77 tests and remaining minnows for several decades, India today became the number one team in Test rankings following it victory over  Sri Lanka by an innings and 24 runs in the third and final cricket Test to clinch the three-match series by a 2-0 margin. Needing just four wickets to record an emphatic victory, the hosts took just about 40 minutes to polish off the visiting team’s tail to record their second consecutive innings victory.

Resuming at 274 for six, the Sri Lankans lost their heroic captain Kumar Sangakkara (137) in the very first over and were bundled out for 309 with Zaheer Khan being the pick of the Indian bowlers with figures of 5/72. The Sunday crowd at the Brabourne Stadium, hosting a Test match after a gap of 36 years, witnessed a historic moment as Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men crowned themselves the number one team. Continue Reading