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. 

Related posts:

1. NSW forms Working Group to address to violence against Indian Students
2. Indian Australian honoured;Grant for Multicultural on-line business directory
3. AR Rehman wins BAFTA best music award for Slumdog Millionare

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.

Related posts:

1. No limit on student visas: Chris Evans
2. Indian Australian honoured;Grant for Multicultural on-line business directory
3. Susai Benjamin appointed to Australian Multicultural Advisory Council

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.

Related posts:

1. CIA honours Lanco Chairman and MP L. Rajagopal
2. Nominations open for Indian Sub-continent Awards
3. Free telephone interpreting service for pharmacies

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.

Related posts:

1. No limit on student visas: Chris Evans
2. Nominations open for Indian Sub-continent Awards
3. Another College loses Registration

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

Related posts:

1. Sub-continent or Indian Sub-continent Friends of Labour
2. Indian Australian honoured;Grant for Multicultural on-line business directory
3. NSW Multicultural Marketing Awards Launched

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

Related posts:

1. Indian community organisations get $ 25000 grants
2. Sydney celebrates Indian Republic Day and Australia Day
3. Prabhakaran’s body found, claims Sri Lanka Army

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:

The IST: Namaskar Vandana Ji, and congratulations on being selected for the Sydney Peace Prize. How do you feel about it?

V.S. Thank you, I am humbled by the announcement and the award will certainly give a boost to my drive to work hard for the environment protection and work with more vigour.

The IST: How and where did you begin your campaign for environment protection?

V.S.  My father was a Forest Conservator in Dehra Dun. I participated in the Chipko Movement started by Mr. Sunderlal Bahuguna and Sarlaji in the 1970s against the felling of trees to set up stone quarries. I was just a volunteer and I was still a student doing PhD in Canada. I would come from Canada frequently to support the movement. Sunderlalji and Sarlaji were more like family members and very close to my parents.

The IST: What hurdles did you face and how did you overcome?

V.S. The Environment Ministry asked me to carry out a survey on the stone quarries in the Dehra Dun and I faced a strong opposition from the Quarry owners and people associated with it. They pressurised me against conducting the survey. The Quarry owners were exploiting labour. But I persisted with the survey and the Government ordered closure of the Quarries. Slowly, one after the other, all Quarries closed down.  

The IST: For a lay man’s understanding how you do connect Human Rights with Environment Protection?

V.S: Of course they are connected. The life is provided by the Earth and Article 21 of the Constitution provides Right to life. People are being displaced for mining or setting up big industries. They are losing their livelihood and forced into deprivation of food and other necessities. Like in Jharkhand, the tribals have been displaced for the Bauxite mining. The mining was going against the Article 21.

The IST: You have quoted Mahatma Gandhi in your book Earth Democracy: The Earth doesn’t belong to Man but Man belongs to the Earth. But there are boundaries ….How you plan to realise the dream of earth democracy?

V.S.  This is not a dream but a reality. We have to work for a cleaner environment while protecting the rights of human beings, looking after their needs.

 The IST: What’s your view on India’s stand on Copenhagen summit?

V.S: The Government of India was never clear then and even after the Copenhagen Accord as to what they should do about the reduction in emissions.

 The IST: How can the partnership of industrial development and environment protection work?

V.S: Of course, they can work together. The Industrial development should not be at the cost of the local people rather it should be for their benefit, without displacing them. It (the Government) should go by the wishes of the people. Before setting up an industry, the people of the area should be asked

The IST: You have been a crusader for the empowerment of women. What is your view about the 33 per cent reservation for women in parliament? Do you believe quantity can replace quality?

V.S: I am not into the party politics but it is no use having the numbers if there is no real empowerment of women as we fear the women coming to the parliament would be the daughters or the wives of wealthy business houses or dynastic political families. So, this would not be the real quality empowerment.  

The IST: Thank you Vandana Ji.

V.S: Thank you; see you in Sydney in November.

 Earlier,  A Sydney University media release said Dr. Vandana Shiva is  being feted for her “courageous leadership of movements for social justice – the empowerment of women in developing countries, advocacy of the human rights of small farming communities and for her scientific analysis of environmental sustainability.”

“Vandana Shiva’s work highlights the fundamental connection between human rights and the protection of the environment,” said Mary Kostakidis, Chair of the Sydney Peace Foundation.

“Governments worldwide seek her counsel on sustainable development. She offers solutions to some of the most critical problems posed by the effects of globalisation and climate change on the poorest and most populous nations. Her voice is an essential one as we consider pressing decisions facing the global community.”

Speaking from Delhi, Dr. Shiva said “I am honoured and humbled to be chosen to receive the Sydney Peace Prize. It will add new strength to my work in making peace with Mother Earth. The protection of biodiversity, support for women in agriculture and for all subsistence farmers are human rights issues which Iwill address in Sydney.”

Professor Stuart Rees, Director of the Sydney Peace Foundation, described Dr Shiva as an exciting choice for the award.

“Many communities are threatened by the consequences of global warming, yet in Australia the movement to address this issue has gone to sleep. Vandana’s presence in Sydney in November should wake them up,” said Professor Rees.

Praising Dr Shiva’s last book, Soil Not Oil, which identifies ecologically sound and socially just ways to protect the planet, Professor Rees remarked, “We should not need the pollution from a massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico to remind us of Vandana’s leadership and wisdom.”

Dr. Shiva will give the City of Sydney Peace Prize Lecture in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House on November 3rd. She will receive the 2010 Sydney Peace Prize on the evening of November 4th and will be the guest of 1,500 high school children in a traditional peace festival welcome held at Cabramatta High School on November 5th.

Born on November  5, 1952 in Dehradun to a father who was the conservator of forests and a farmer mother with a love for nature. She was educated at St Mary’s School in Nainital, and at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Dehradun. Shiva was trained as a gymnast and after receiving her B.Sc. in Physics, she pursued a M.A. in the Philosophy of Science at the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada). In 1979, she completed and received her Ph.D. at the University of Western Ontario. Her thesis was titled “Hidden Variables and Non-locality in Quantum Theory“. She later went on to interdisciplinary research in science, technology and environmental policy, at the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore.

Vandana Shiva has fought for changes in the practice and paradigms of agriculture and food. Intellectual property rights, biodiversity, biotechnology, bioethics, genetic engineering are among the fields where Shiva has contributed intellectually and through activist campaigns. She has assisted grassroots organizations of the Green movement in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Ireland, Switzerland and Austria with campaigns against genetic engineering. In 1982, she founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology, which led to the creation of Navdanya. Her book, “Staying Alive” helped redefine perceptions of third world women. Shiva has also served as an adviser to governments in India and abroad as well as non governmental organisations, including the International Forum on Globalisation, the Women’s Environment & Development Organization and the Third World Network. Vandana Shiva participated in the Stock Exchange of Visions project in 2007. She is a councillor of the World Future Council.

Related posts:

1. Obama to donate prize money to charity(ies)
2. Sydney rally demands equality; Indian’s car burnt in Melbourne
3. PM appeals for peace as 2 killed in Punjab violence

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.

According to a combined universities survey conducted recently, one in five Australians has been a victim of racist verbal abuse such as offensive slang names for different cultural groups, or swearing and offensive gestures, while 11 per cent feel they don’t belong or are inferior. An 85 per cent say racial prejudice exists in the nation. The study found that 6.5 per cent of the 16,000 Australians surveyed were against multiculturalism.

The controversial former Telstra chief Sol Trujillo who quit recently, described Australia, he called home for four years as racist, backward and like “stepping back in time”. He had told BBC in an interview: “I think it was evident in a lot of ways with me personally but more importantly with others.” … that [racism] does exist and it’s got to change because the world is full of a lot of people and most economies have to take advantage – including Australia – of a diverse set of people.

Nearly, four years ago, Harmohan Singh Walia, a Federal candidate for Labour party during the previous elections, was assaulted and his turban thrown on ground and was called Taliban by some teenagers at a railway station when he was returning from work. Quite recently, an employee of City Rail was meted out a similar treatment in a bus early morning in Seven Hills when he was going for work.

Recently, the Sydney film festival was held and there was no Indian film shown in the event when India is the largest producer of feature films. Similarly, India was not invited to the Sydney Writers’ Festival when this year’s Bookers’ Prize winner was an Indian.

A couple of years ago, the Howard Government started citizenship test ostensibly to make the immigrants integrate with Australian society. Everyone opposed the test terming that the integration is a two-way process and unless the white Australians do not understand other cultures, integration is not complete.

Australia is multi-cultural country and this has been emphasised by various political leaders at various functions and occasions. A beginning to this effect was made soon after the 9/11 incident, when a public reception was orgainsed by the New South Wales Government for the Imam of the New York mosque. This was done to show to world that Australia was multi-cultural. But the “public” reception held at the St. Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney was attended only by political leaders, including Premier Bob Carr, Police and Army top brass and other dignitaries.

There are Multicultural Affairs ministries and ministers with similar portfolios in each state and there is no Indian function which they would miss and where they are not in praise of India, its culture and people. The prominent among them being, Mr. Laurie Ferguson and Ms. Virginia Judge, who has spent her childhood in Jor Bagh area of New Delhi and quite often wears a sari and a bindi on her forehead. Both of them have a very good understanding of India and Indian culture.

The message of multi-culturalism, it seems, is confined only to the political level and does not percolate to the community or grass-root level as is evident from the above few mentioned incidents. In most cases of violence/attacks, it is the wayward teenagers who enjoy the legal ‘immunity’ and are not disciplined either by their schools (if they are attending at all) or their parents.

Legal Freedom: In law, the term minor (also infant or infancy) is used to refer to a person who is under the age in which one legally assumes adulthood and is legally granted rights afforded to adults in society. Depending on the jurisdiction and application, this age may vary, but is usually marked at either18, 20, or 21. Specifically, the status of minor is defined by the age of majority.^]

In countries like Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, a minor is a person under 20 years of age. In many countries, including Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Brazil and Croatia, a minor is presently defined as a person under the age of 18. In the United States, where the age of majority is set by the individual states, minor usually refers to someone under the age of 18, but can be used in certain areas (such as gambling and the consuming of alcohol) to define someone under the age of 21.

In Australia, there are several gradations of responsibility before full legal adulthood. Those under age ten are free of all criminal responsibility under the doli incapax doctrine of UK legal tradition. Those under the age of fourteen are presumed incapable of responsibility, but this can be disputed in court. The age of full legal responsibility is 18 except Queensland where it is 17. The age of majority in all states and territories is 18.

Under the provisions of Australian laws, a minor can only be cautioned and no charges can be laid against him. The Police officer can only informally advise the offending minor or in some serious cases have meeting with the parents or carers. Hence, we see spurt in reported cases of racist or opportunistic attacks.

Indians take a lead: In order to inculcate an understanding of different cultures, the Indians have led the way. The Indians observed the martyrdom day of Guru Tegbahadur by distributing drinks at various locations in Sydney CBD (In India chabeels are set up to distribute sharbat). They also distributed reading materials among members of different communities so that these communities can have an understanding of the cultures of other communities living in Australia.

The Government should be thinking something on these lines while strengthening the criminal laws.

 The onus is on the Government who is seeking heavy fees from the international students and providing them no facility. The universities are enrolling these students but there is no provision of accommodation no travel concession unlike local students who are paying less than the half fees. It most cases, the number of students is greater than the hostel accommodation available. In fact, there should be a law that a university should not be allowed to enrol international students if they do not have enough hostel accommodation.

Last year, in the wake of the attacks on Indian students, a string of meetings, conferences had been organised and assurance of safety was given. Yet these assurances failed to get translated in to action.

The community can understand that one-to-one policing is not possible in any country; at least the government can formulate strict laws that could instill a fear in the minds of the perpetrators of crime.

Related posts:

1. Indians among 300 students detained in Australia
2. Australian Govt refuses to apologise to Dr. Haneef
3. Two Indians honoured for Community Work

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.

 Mirror ‘As New’ -> Need to be perfectly flat and levelled – any distorted mirror will reflect a distorted view of your persona. Tiled mirrors can only ‘cut’ you into pieces and could have a subtle impact on the reason why you are loosing self-confidence.

 Mirror ‘Second Hand’ -> Has to be cleansed thoroughly to remove as much as possible from its past memories.

Two steps are essential:

Step 1 – Use cleaning product (e.g. Windex) OR a few drops of vinegar and salted water + paper towel to give a sparkle AND make sure that you add your intent of cleansing all memories from this newly bought item.

Step 2 – Put the mirror outside on your lawn facing up during the full moon to remove any old energy.

 Furniture

Inherited wooden furniture, vintage and antique items also have their own stories and past memories. Clean the wood with professional products adding your intent of clearing the vibes and energies of the previous owners. Whenever possible, put outside overnight in the full moon if too heavy to move out, repeat the first clearing suggestion  for  9 consecutive weeks (one day a week).

 Jewellery

A dear friend of mine offered me a gorgeous real pearl necklace over 100 years old that she had received herself from an old and dear friend. As soon as I put it around my neck to show her how good it looked on me, I felt strangled. To avoid hurting her feelings, I did not mention anything about this incident but simply asked what had happened to her friend. She was a sad lady who went though tough times in concentration camps during the 2^nd World War. Her life sadness was carried in the pearls. I decided to cleanse this necklace several times during the full moons with respect of who she was and what she had lived. Today I wear it proudly for special occasions without feeling any negative effects and feeling very special to have such a valuable item from someone who I now better understand, respect and honour.

 Clothes

To get rid of the energies stored in second hand clothes, simply wash them before wearing. Buying leather or suede clothes are more difficult to cleanse as perspiration together with memories cannot be washed out; put those items regularly in the full moon.

 Decorative items

Only display in your home items in perfect condition. Avoid buying craft goods without knowing “the mission” that the craftsman gave to them – by this I mean warrior masks, African amulets and assimilated.

 I recall a story of a lady whose boy friend avoided sleeping at her place. Checking her bedroom she had displayed on each side of the bed two large PNG warrior masks that were protecting her… they did their job! When she removed them, the boy friend decided to move in within that week.

Now, feel and have another look at the items displayed in your home; what do they remind you of? Do you feel happy with each of them or is t time to prepare a bag and drop some at the Charity shops. Enjoy your de-cluttering!

 — Roseline Deleu, International Feng Shui Master and Best Selling Author

Visit www.fengshuisteps.com for your free “Feng Shui Life Quiz”

Related posts:

1. Emptiness is sometimes hard to keep
2. Indian student suffers 30% burns in petrol bomb attack
3. India’s unmaned mission to moon on 22nd Oct.

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.

The crowd erupted into a frenzy as Muttiah Muralitharan edged a flighted delivery from Harbhajan Singh to Dhoni to bring down the curtains on the Lankan innings.

The Indian players hugged each other and a beaming coach Gary Kirsten greeted them as they returned to the pavillion.

The victory has given India three points in the ICC rankings, taking their overall tally to 122 and leaving them ahead of South Africa and Sri Lanka in the ICC table.

The teams will now gear up for two Twenty20 matches in Nagpur and Mohali followed by a five-match one-day series which begins at Rajkot from December 15.

The match would be best remembered for the blazing 293-run knock that Indian opener Virender Sehwag played. The right-hander, however, missed out on becoming the first batsman in the game’s history to score three triple tons.

Such was India’s dominance that Dhoni’s men completed the comprehensive victory in just 7.4 overs this morning.

Zaheer hastened Lanka to their doom by claiming three of the last four wickets to finish with his eighth five-wicket innings haul.

The 31-year-old pacer’s figures in the morning sessions read an astonishing 4-1-21-3. Sri Lanka needed 59 more runs to make India bat again but with just four wickets in hand to start the day, only a miracle could have saved the match for them.

After having brought down the visitors to their knees last evening, India dismissed Sangakkara off the third ball to start their victory march.

Zaheer swung the ball a bit away and Sangakkara, who struck his 20th four off his previous ball, was drawn to it like a magnet but only managed to edge it to counterpart Dhoni.

He could add only four runs to his overnight score and fell for 137 in 349 minutes after having prevented the hosts from sweeping to victory last evening.

Zaheer then dismissed Rangana Herath in his third over, caught by a diving Pragyan Ojha at short mid-wicket.

Muthiah Muralitharan then used the long handle against Zaheer by carting the bowler for three fours in one over before the left-arm pacer sent back overnight unbeaten batsman Nuwan Kulasekara.

Kulasekara, resuming at 9, could not negotiate a rising ball from Zaheer and edged it to second slip fielder VVS Laxman. He added 10 more runs including two boundary hits to his individual score.

Harbhajan then brought down curtains on the match by having Muralitharan caught behind as he tried an almighty heave to give Dhoni his sixth catch in the match.

Spinners Harbhajan, who looked unimpressive for the major part, and Pragyan Ojha finished with two wickets apiece for 80 and 84 runs respectively while S Sreesanth bagged 1 for 36.

It was the second successive innings victory for India following their resounding win by an innings and 144 runs in the second Test at Kanpur. The first Test at Ahmedabad was drawn.

It was also India’s 101st Test win and their fifth at this venue in 18 matches.

Related posts:

1. Sachin crosses 30,000 runs in Int. cricket in drawn first Test
2. India clinch Test series 2—0; outplay Australia
3. India beat Australia by 320 runs in second test