INL DIGITAL EDITION March 15, 2020

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16 MARCH 15, 2020 Communitylink The forgotten women who helped build Islam in Britain Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor The two first British Mosques were established in 1889 in Liverpool and Woking, and women played a major contribution to the communities that helped to set up these Mosques. But you wouldn’t necessarily know it. Indeed, women’s contributions throughout history are consistently forgotten – often lost so the past becomes “his story.” I hope that my new research will play a part in changing this. I used archive material linked to the two earliest British Mosques to examine the everyday lives of women in these historical communities. This research presents a coherent and compelling narrative of women’s lives and roles as contributors and leaders of their communities. Suspicion and ridicule Women in these communities were usually middle-class converts, who encountered Islam through travel, Mosque publications or public lectures. They lived in an environment that viewed Islam and Muslims with suspicion and ridicule. British Muslims were perceived as “loyal enemies” and “infidels within” the society of that time. At both the Liverpool and Woking Mosques, women were included in Eid celebrations, debates and other events. The women at the Liverpool Mosque also ran a home for the city’s “destitute” children, which was established in January 1897. Women wrote for Mosque publications, which also celebrated women’s achievements. In January 1895, the Liverpool Mosque Newsletter noted that Mrs Zubeida Ali Akbar had the honour of being presented to the Queen. On March 20, 1895, it noted that Miss Teyba Bilgrami, “a young Mahommedan The Shah Jahan Mosque, Britain’s first Mosque (Woking), built in 1889 (Picture from Mosque Website) Jessie Ameena Davidson wrote about her conversion in The Islamic Review in June 1926. lady of Hyderabad,” had passed the first exam in the arts at Madras University. Refreshments and entertainment Women were nearly always in charge of refreshments and “entertainment” at Mosque events, including an annual Christmas breakfast that the Liverpool Zainab Cobbold (born Lady Evelyn Murray) a Scottish diarist, traveller and noblewoman, converted to Islam in the Victorian era. Muslim Institute organised. Women were initially excluded from the literary and debating society – this being only for “young men.” Then, in March 1896, for the first time, a woman, Rosa Warren, gave a talk on the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Articles in Mosque publications, usually written by men, show how Muslim patriarchy of the time converged with that of Victorian society to marginalise women. For example, poetry published in the Liverpool Mosque newsletter The best way to mark Women’s Day is to respect them Venkat Raman The World observed ‘International Women’s Day’ on Sunday, March 8, 2020. Designated by the United Nations, the day marked usual speeches, statements and feature articles in newspapers, magazines and social media. Governments announced new plans to lift the status of women in their societies, national and international organisations pledged to work towards the betterment of women and there even be public events to celebrate the day. Bur so long as employers in government, commercial, industrial and social services sectors continue to accord women a place of secondary importance and do not remove discrimination, mere celebration of International Women’s Day will have no meaning. Pay disparity, gender inequality Gender equality or inequality has been a topic of discussion since long, but the issue has been generating heat in the public domain in recent years. Two major reasons have been cited for its re-emergence – the global financial crisis that brought to the fore many ills of companies, and recent reports, which indicate that companies with women (at least one) on the board of directors and on management boards tend to perform better than others. It is indeed time to address this issue with greater thoroughness and sincerity. For many years, researchers and corporate consultants have been saying that New Zealand is among the countries with a poor record of gender equality and that in many cases, women are paid less than men for performing the same type 2020 marked 25th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action to promote equal opportunities for women. Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter of jobs, often within the same company. Indian community better It seems there are no valid reasons for this inequity and like many things in life, there is greater interest in preserving the status quo ante than in thinking afresh. We are happy that the situation in the Indian business community is far better, compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the country. We have women occupying positions of importance- as owners, directors, HR managers, chief financial officers and so on in companies that are owned, operated, managed and franchised by businesses of Indian origin. We have seen them participate in all management decisions, setting policies and strategies and steering their organisations towards higher levels of productivity and profitability. Minister’s Message Minister for Women Julie Anne Genter wants to ensure all women’s contributions are valued as she looks ahead to International Women’s Day. She issued the following Statement: This International Women’s Day I acknowledge everyone who is working every day to help women and girls achieve their potential in Aotearoa New Zealand. This Government is making a difference for New Zealand women. We have delivered to ensure women are paid fairer in record pay settlements for female dominated workforces, and have reduced the gender pay gap in the public service to the smallest gap since government started measuring it. Minimum wage lifted We have boosted the minimum wage by $1.95 since taking office. Women make up 60% of minimum wage workers, so these increases have really benefited the female workforce. New parents have benefited from increased paid parental leave to 26 weeks (from July 1, 2020). We are particularly committed to doing better for wahine Maori with the Mana Wahine kaupapa inquiry claim progressing and the Government proactively addressing issues raised. This International Women’s Day, let us ensure that all women’s contributions are recognised and valued. There are many hours of unpaid work carried out by women in the home, in schools, and in the community across New Zealand. I wish to use this day to celebrate all of the women who are the centre of our communities and not always recognised. Group Photo at the Shah Jahan Mosque complex in Woking (Woking Mission Photos Index) Women (seated at the back) at a Muslim Prayer (Woking Mosque Archives) derides “the New Woman” who (a) had studied mathematics (b) knew all about mythology … her mind was drilled in science (c) knew all the dates of history (d) Could talk with great loquacity on questions of capacity, but couldn’t sew a button on her little brother’s pants. Trailblazing women Yet there were also women who challenged these patriarchies. As part of my research, I uncovered many interesting stories of women and their roles in the Mosques. There was Mrs Nafeesa T Keep, for example, a convert to Islam who arrived in Liverpool from the United States. She gave talks on Islam and women’s rights, challenging both patriarchal understandings of Islam and stereotypes of Islam. She was appointed Assistant Superintendent of the Medressah-i-iyyumal-Sebbah, an institution aimed at educating young Muslims on religion. There was also Madame Teresa Griffin Viele (1831-1906), who took the Muslim name Sadika Hanoum. She was a news correspondent for the Liverpool Mosque, writing the “Resume of Political Events” in its journal from September 1894 to April 1895. And Lady An Islamic centre located at 27 Ben Lomond Crescent, Pakuranga East Auckland, is closing for at least two weeks in an effort to prevent the novel coronavirus spreading in its community. With members who often travel to Iran, the Islamic Ahlulbayt Foundation in Pakuranga, Auckland, is shutting its doors for at least two weeks. It is one of the largest Shia Islamic centres in Auckland with about 100 regulars. Sayed Mohammed Taghi Derhamy leads Friday prayer which was called off yesterday. “Right now we have had, I think, two travellers who have come back recently from Iran. That was what made us really quickly close the centre as a precaution,” he said. That person had not shown any symptoms, but it was too close for comfort and they would only reopen when they were happy there was no risk to their members. Other mosques were open for Friday prayer yesterday but were asking anyone who was sick, or had recently travelled to a hotspot, to stay home. Other gatherings and public events are going ahead, but with an increased focus on hygiene. Large events are now in the spotlight, after the Ministry of Health said one of the confirmed cases went to a concert for rock band Tool, at Auckland’s Spark Arena last Friday. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield said that public events should still go ahead; people just have to be sensible. “If anyone is symptomatic with an influenza-like illness or a cold then Evelyn Zainab Cobbold, a high-profile convert from an aristocratic British family, who became one of the first European women to perform the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. Extraordinarily for her time, she performed the pilgrimage on her own, in a motor car and then wrote a best-selling book in 1934 about her experiences. Other women in this community include Fatima Cates, who was a key member and indeed founding treasurer of the Liverpool Muslim Institute, the body that itself founded Britain’s first Mosque in the city. Meanwhile, another woman, Begum Shah Jahan of Bhopal, India, funded Britain’s first purpose-built Mosque in Woking. Women were therefore central to the foundation of the first Mosques in Britain. Rewriting history Indeed, as my research shows, history puts women at the centre of the establishment of Islam in Britain. And in their own different ways, these women took on roles of leadership and representation. They lived at a time that was socially and culturally extremely different from that of contemporary British Muslims. Yet the issues these women encountered in their practice of Islam, their negotiations with multiple patriarchies, and their daily lives are not unlike the issues around gender and Mosque leadership debated in contemporary Britain. By shining a light on the history of Muslim women in Britain, contemporary issues seem less insurmountable. These women shaped the Muslim communities of their time and it is imperative that their Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor is Assistant Professor in Faith and Peaceful Relations at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University. All pictures appearing in this article were provided by her. Published under Creative Commons Licence. Pakuranga Mosque closes for two weeks in East Auckland Hussainia Mosque of Islamic Ahlul Bayt Foundation in East Auckland (Website Picture) they should not attend those events, because that is the best way to protect others. The second is, for people attending those events, please do look at the advice on our website about attending mass gatherings, and do follow those basic hygiene precautions particularly hand washing,” he said. This weekend, the New Zealand Ironman in Taupo, and the country’s largest fun run, Round the Bays in Auckland, are going ahead as normal. Music and art festival Womad in Taranaki next weekend will too, but one of its artists cannot travel from South Korea due to the government’s travel restrictions. There is one event that would not be going ahead, mostly because other people need them - the GP’s conference next month. The Royal New Zealand College of GPs said it was important family doctors and other health professionals stay where they were needed most - at work. “We couldn’t responsibly have so many New Zealand GPs, practice nurses, and practice managers out of circulation in late April, even for a short time, in light of the evolving situation with Covid-19,” Chief Executive Lynne Hayman said. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that good hygiene was not just good practice for the individual, but for everyone, especially those with compromised immune systems. “While a vast majority of people who may have Covid-19 will only ever experience mild to moderate symptoms, there are those who are vulnerable or have underlying health concerns where the impacts will be greater. Wash your hands; stay home if you’re sick,” she said.
MARCH 15, 2020 Debut vocalist transcends entertainment to spirituality Meenakshi Iyer The debut vocal performance of Arabi Jeyashankar held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Dorothy Winstone Centre (Auckland Girls Grammar School) was a display of innate talents of this promising young Carnatic music singer. It would be an understatement to say that Arabi excelled in her performance. She mesmerised the enlightened audience of nearly 700 music enthusiasts on that memorable evening. Arabi’s dedication, determination and devotion to this classical form of music was exceptionally displayed at every stage. Enlightening audience Carnatic music is an art form and a science by itself with the nuances explained analytically and above all with precise mathematical calculations. It is just not for entertainment, but filled with spirituality and the sole purpose is to enlighten the audience. Born and brought up in New Zealand, Arabi was fortunate to be exposed and to explore the horizons of music at a young age. She had her initial training under Dr Padma Govardhan and later under the tutelage of Kalaimamani Rajeswari of Chennai. Arabi Jeyashankar in concert ‘Kavadi Sindhu’ was a highlight of Arab Jeyashankar’s concert (Pictures Supplied) The evening’s repertoire included rare gems of compositions and selection of Ragams and songs were excellent. Full justice was done to each piece by Arabi. We could feel the energy flowing on the stage. Everyone seemed calm, serene and blissful. Arabi rendered compositions like ‘Swaminatha Paripaalayaa’ by Muthusamy Dikshitar, ‘Nannu Kanna Thalli’ by Saint Tyagaraja, ‘Sarojadbala Nethri’ by Shyama Sastri. She was at her best when she rendered Yaman Kalyani Ragam in ‘Bhavayami Gopala Balam’ and reminded me of the late Bharata Ratna Dr M S Subbulakshmi. ‘Ragam, Tanam, Pallavi’ in Shanmukhapriya was rendered proudly by the young artiste. The composer was her Guru Rajeswari. Programme highlights A few highlights of the evening’s program were ‘Kavadi Sindhu,’ ‘Sai Bhajan,’ ‘Meera Bhajan’ in Darbari Kanada and ‘Chinnanchiru Kiliye’ by the great Tamil poet Subramanya Bharatiyar. The audience was left spell bound by ‘Thillaanna’ in Madhuvanthi Ragam. The accompanying artistes of great calibre, motivated and encouraged Arabi to come out with a splendid performance. Anantha Krishnan on the Violin was commendable. Dr K Murali was excellent on the Ghatam. He was indeed very supportive of Arabi. Avinash Jeyashankar was played brilliantly on the Mridangam. He is a student of Suresh Ramachandran and brother of Arabi. Tambura by Deeksha and Aarthi (Arabi’s sister) was delightful. Dr Mala Nataraj gave a detailed musical analysis of the event. Anusha Suresh, a talented young artist was at her best as the Master of Ceremonies. Her knowledge in classical art forms was evident in her commentary about the performance. Arabi has begun her musical journey and I am sure she will keep exploring the wider horizons of Indian classical music. Guru Kalaimamani Rajeswari presented a certificate to Arabi. The Concert went on smoothly and Communitylink 17 packed audience appreciated and applauded every song. The five-and-half hours need not have been interrupted by an interval. Arabi will go places and make her supportive family, Gurus and the community proud. About Kalaimamani Rajeswari Subramanian Rajeswari is the first recipient of the ‘Kalaimamani Award’ presented by the Tamil Nadu government in 1984. Trained by Carnatic Music masters such as Tanjore Balasubramaniam, Ramnad Krishnan, Madurai N Krishnan, S Rajam, and D K Jayaraman, she earned MPhil degree for her dissertation on the ‘Pada Varnams’ of Lalgudi G Jayaraman. A top-ranking artiste of All India Radio, Ms Rajeswari began her teaching career as a Lecturer and later became a Professor and Principal-in-Charge at the Chennai based Government Music College. She taught vocal music at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, Mauritius. Ms Rajeswari has also excelled in Nattuvangam and vocal music for Bharata Natyam and Kuchipudi. She has performed with renowned artists in notable dance festivals across the world. Meenakshi (Meena) Iyer Meenakshi Iyer (Meena Venki) is a teacher, with unquenchable interest in the performing of arts of India and reviews music, dance and other programmes of the Indian community. She lives with her husband in Auckland. All Blacks lead the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ Kieran Madden The futurists are hailing that the “the fourth industrial revolution” is upon us, a time where robots will take over predictable and routine tasks in our jobs. It’s important we have a game-plan in place to make the most of the transition rather than be left behind. It is true that many jobs face obsolescence, and our policies must soften this blow, especially for those in lower-skilled roles. But there are also opportunities, with technological advances creating new roles, if we are set-up to take them. While I wouldn’t usually leave labour market and skill development policy to Rugby players and coaches, we can gain inspiration from the trail-blazing way the All Blacks led their own revolution, and subsequently, the world. The All Blacks attributes The All Blacks have dominated world Rugby for decades precisely because they play nothing like robots. Where increased specialisation was the key to success in the last century of work, generalisation is the way of the future. Their sheer versatility, with each player fulfilling many roles and adapting to conditions on-the-fly, was key. Sports historian Tony Collins says that their success is because their “skill set has perfectly matched the modern game and given them an advantage over teams that don’t have that skill set (e.g. forwards who can handle and distribute well).” Their success helped define the modern game, resting on the ideas of Rugby coach Jim Greenwood’s book Total Rugby. Writing in a context where each position had traditional and specialised roles, Greenwood promoted a kind of “open, ebullient” Rugby where “every player is equipped to plan an active role as attacker, defender, and supporting player.” He also emphasised judgement, the ability to think on one’s feet, rather than relying on set-plays or sticking strictly to a well-drilled game-plan. Some specialisation is necessary—agile footwork for wingers or heft for forwards for example—but all should be able to pass, tackle, ruck, and develop their decision-making. Employers’ search Employers are already looking for people with a versatile skillset like this—for All Blacks of the workforce. We need to shift the way our development, education, and training systems work. For parents, it means giving children a range of experiences, rather than the traditional idea of 10,000 hours drilling the same sport or art for example, give them opportunities to play different ones. For educators, it means exploring “soft” skills development, looking broader than a STEM-focused education, and improving links with employers. For workers, seeking short bouts of training and re-training become critical to become or stay relevant to a changing world of work. Play-safe Rugby Greenwood calls the alternative to total Rugby “play-safe” Rugby, where rather than going for a win, the tactic is to minimise risks to avoid losing. It is not only dull to watch, but denies players “the preparation that would develop their talent, and the opportunity to use it.” Playing safe with our workforce means continuing on the same specialised path of skills development that we always have, but this will result in an inevitable loss. Instead, we should aim to again lead the world in skills development. Kieran Madden is a Researcher at the Auckland based Maxim Institute. Endeared social and community worker passes away Reginald Vinod Nand (24.04.1942 to 08.02.2020) Pratima Nand Reginald Vinod Nand, known to Rotarians, members of the Fiji Indian community and many other New Zealanders as a kind-hearted social welfare worker, passed away on February 8, 2020. He was 78 years old and left behind his wife Maureen, their son Sanjeev, daughter Seema Woollaston, four grandchildren, six sisters and three brothers. He was my elder brother and was my mentor and closest friend. Reginald was born on April 24, 1942 in a humble and poor family in Fiji. He spent his childhood and adolescent years in Sigatoka. Being the eldest of the sons, he was a joy to his parents. Reginald Nand (INL Photo) He was a people’s person, kind, gentle and above all a genuine humanitarian, readily available to anyone seeking his advice and guidance. Source of inspiration He strongly believed in keeping families united. He was a source of inspiration to many and continued to help people until his last breath. He possessed a special skill to deal with people from a diverse range of commercial and professional disciplines. He was an effective leader, creative thinker, inspiring, respectful, friendly, loyal and professional at all times. He married Maureen Deoki in 1969. Reginald was well versed in the biblical scriptures and was dedicated to Christian doctrines and had a strong belief in the power of prayer. He respected all religions and cultures, saying, “People are people to me, regardless of their background.” He believed in one people, one world and one God. Whilst in Fiji, he was a dedicated member of the Methodist Church. He humbled himself as God’s servant, working and helping those in need without seeking recognition. His commitment, courage, diligence, determination and perseverance amazed people of all ages. Education and employment Completing his primary education at Sigatoka Methodist Mission School, and secondary education at Natabua Secondary School, Lautoka, his tertiary education and career advancement included the following:: Asian Trade Union College, Manila (1970), University of South Pacific (1973), Pacific Rim Bankers’ Programme, University of Washington, Seattle, USA (1983), Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults (1996), Graduate Diplomat in TESOL (1998), ESL International Language Centre, Kuala Lumpur, ESOL Teaching/ Research (1998). His career in education included the establishment of the Advance School of Language and managing it as ESOL Tutor, Principal, Manager and its Part-Owner and home tutoring programme to overseas students. He was employed with Westpac Bank for 35 years in Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand at various levels, retiring as a top manager. As well as promoting ‘localisation of jobs’ in Fiji, he was Founder-Member and President of Fiji Bank Officer’s Association. He won the Customer Service Award while managing Relationship Management portfolio in Brisbane, Australia. Community engagement His involvement in community service involved the Methodist Church, Jaycees International, Fiji Society for the Intellectually Handicapped (former President), Lions Club of Lautoka (former President), BA Soccer Association (Chairman of Board of Control), Rotary Club (Ba in Fiji, Mount Roskill, Auckland), AUT Language Education Advisory Committee (Member), Wesley Methodist Church, Christian World Service (Mount Roskill Coordinator), Moral Re-Armament, now called Initiative of Change (Member), Citizens Advice Bureau (Accredited Member). Reginald was a keen gardener, and spent much of his leisure hours in the garden, planting fruit trees, flowers and herbs. Cooking was his other passion. He was a very good host and loved socialising with friends and families. He will always be remembered for the sumptuous Barbecues and his hospitality at his residence. Among his favourites were the following lines from a poem by Lindsey Zacher Keep looking for the sunshine that always follows the rain Life is a mixture of laughter and pleasure; tear drop and pain All days cannot be the same, it is certainly true But there was never a cloud that the sun did not shine through. Pratima Nand is a community leader and social worker based in Auckland. A Justice of the Peace and Marriage Celebrant, she has been involved in promoting the welfare of communities in which she serves. Ms Nand occasionally writes for Indian Newslink. The above article, which was sent to us on February 24, 2020 has been delayed at our end, for which we tender our apology.
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