The Indian Weekender, 13 November 2020

13 NOVEMBER2020 • VOL 12 ISSUE 35 

www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender 

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The Indian Weekender Friday, November 13, 2020 

NEW ZEALAND 3 

Auckland Tamil Association goes high-tech, 

launches app on 5th anniversary celebrations 

SANDEEP SINGH & 

RIZWAN MOHAMMAD 

Auckland Tamil Association 

made a strong statement 

on Saturday, November 8, 

in its 5th-anniversary celebration 

event, by launching an app to remain 

connected with its members and 

other patrons going forward. 

The Black-Tie event was brimming 

with an added sense of euphoria for 

having the unique recognition of 

being the first major Kiwi-Indian 

community-event after the formation 

of the new government and was 

adorned by two newly sworn cabinet 

Ministers, range of newly minted 

MPs from regions far and wide 

as Hamilton, and the Hon Consul 

of India. 

A major part of the event was 

dedicated to speeches by new 

MPs, new Ministers and the 

acknowledgements to all those who 

managed to get Ministerial roles or 

got maiden entry into the parliament, 

those who safely returned back to 

parliament and those who could not 

make it to this term but were thanked 

for their longstanding support to 

the community. 

However, the limelight of the 

event was a seemingly quiet 

announcement towards the wee 

end of the event, which was also 

interspersed by several wonderful 

cultural performances, about the 

launch of the new app. 

Vai Ravindran, President ATA told 

the Indian Weekender that the goal 

behind launching this app was first 

to remain attuned with the changing 

times and secondly to ensure that 

their members remain connected 

and get regular updates about the 

Association’s activities. 

Launching the app Ravindran 

said, “The benefit of the app is that 

community members can sign up for 

language classes and other activities 

via the app itself, see what events 

are coming up, the new people to 

the community get to know each 

other, take ATA membership and can 

also sign up for personalised popup 

notifications for any events and 

activities.” 

Earlier welcoming all dignitaries 

and guests, Ravindran said, “This 

is the first black-tie event we held 

at Auckland Tamil Association, and 

it was special as we completed five 

years humbly serving the community. 

“I acknowledge the efforts and 

support of every person who rendered 

their helping hand in various forms 

and capacities that further supported 

our cause to be connected with the 

Tamil speaking community here in 

New Zealand. 

“Through this organisation, we 

have tried our best to 

keep the Tamil 

culture and 

language alive, 

promote it 

amongst our 

community 

members, 

especially 

the younger 

generation, we 

were able to help 

students through 

counselling, water 

safety, preparing for a job, and 

sports events and activities and much 

more,” Ravindran said. 

Michael Wood – the new Minister 

of the crown – who shares a unique 

relation with the Association ever 

since being honoured with the title 

“Tamil Selvan” meaning “son of 

Tamil” delighted the crowd by 

greeting everyone in traditional 

Tamil language – which was 

later matched by the Kiwi-Indian 

Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan 

and National MP Melisa Lee. 

• Continued on Page 4

4 NEW ZEALAND 

Friday, November 13, 2020 

The Indian Weekender 

Auckland Tamil Association goes high-tech, 

launches app on 5th anniversary celebrations 

• Continued from Page 3 

Wood and Radhakrishnan both 

lauded Auckland Tamil Association’s 

role in assisting the government’s 

efforts in providing support to 

the community during the last 

two lockdowns. 

The newly minted MPs Labour 

Party’s Vanushi Walters, Dr Anae 

Neru Levasa and the Kiwi-Indian 

MP from Hamilton West Dr Gaurav 

Sharma, all spoke on occasion 

reflecting upon their personal 

inspiration to join politics and vowed 

to become community’s voice in 

the parliament. 

Bhav Dhillon, Hon Consul of 

India, reserved special words of 

appreciation for the Association’s flat 

executive structure and willingness 

to step up to support Indian nationals 

in distress at a number of occasions 

including providing relief during 

the lockdown, assisting in the 

transportation of people stranded 

in different parts before being 

repatriated back to India. 

“Auckland Tamil Association has 

always been the first to send their 

volunteers on the ground and extend 

other support whenever needed,” Mr 

Dhillon said. 

He also lauded Association’s work 

in support of Consulate of India’s 

efforts in educating and spreading 

awareness amongst newly arrived 

Indian students about risks of 

drowning in New Zealand’s pristine 

beaches. 

Released a commemorative 

magazine 

Auckland Tamil Association also 

released a commemorative magazine 

showcasing the journey of the 

organisation and achievements of the 

last five years. 

"Auckland 

Tamil 

Association has 

always been the first 

to send their volunteers on 

the ground and 

extend other support 

whenever 

needed." 

“The magazine 

depicts the journey 

of Auckland Tamil 

Association from 

its inception back 

in 2015 to present,” 

Ravindran said. 

“It is storytelling 

through pictures and images 

from our annual and special events 

such as Parliament 

Diwali, Tamil New 

Year, Tamil language 

classes, Pongal, 

Badminton, cricket, 

football and other 

sports events, food, 

accommodation and other 

support given to stranded 

Indian nationals and struggling 

members of the community during 

Covid-19 lockdowns in NZ,” 

Ravindran said. 

Besides the speeches by members 

of parliament and hosts, the event 

included several cultural and 

fusion dance performances, crowd 

interactions, table games and lucky 

draws to entertain the guests present 

at the event.


NEW ZEALAND 5 

NZ’s Sikh body slams Pakistan 

on transfer of Kartarpur Sahib 

management to ‘non-Sikh body’ 

SANDEEP SINGH 

A 

spokesperson 

of Supreme Sikh 

Society of New Zealand has slammed 

Pakistan government’s recent transfer 

of Kartarpur Sahib management to ‘non- 

Sikh body’ and calling it against the religious 

sentiments of the Sikh community. 

Daljit Singh, spokesperson of Supreme Sikh 

Society NZ vehemently condemned Pakistan 

government’s recent move of taking away 

management of revered religious shrine from 

Sikh body and handing over to ‘non-Sikh 

body’. Speaking to the Indian Weekender 

Singh said, “We strongly condemn Pakistan 

government for taking away management from 

Sikh body and giving to the non-Sikh body.” 

For uninitiated Pakistan government has 

transferred the management and maintenance 

of the Holy Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib away 

from the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak 

Committee, a body run by the minority Sikh 

Community, to the administrative control 

of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, a 

non-Sikh body. 

“How can one expect someone who has not 

basic understanding and knowledge about the 

tenets of Sikhism manage the revered shrine,” 

Singh said. 

“This is a violation of Sikh religious 

sentiments,” Singh further affirmed. 

Kartarpur Sahib is a gurdwara in Kartarpur, 

located in Shakargarh, Narowal District, in 

the Punjab province of Pakistan – the historic 

site where the founder of Sikhism, Shree 

Guru Nanak, settled and assembled the Sikh 

community after his missionary travels. 

This religious shrine is located close to the 

borders of the two countries India and Pakistan 

and in 2019, on the occasion of 550th birth 

anniversary of Shree Guru Nanak Pakistan 

government has opened a corridor to facilitate 

a rare visa-free travel of Sikhs from India. 

Notably, five special Sikh delegates from 

Supreme Sikh Society has travelled from New 

Zealand to Pakistan on a personal invitation 

from Pakistan government at the time of 

historic opening of the Kartarpur Corridor in 

November 2019. 

At that time, Sikh Society had hailed the 

historic opening of the corridor as a symbol of 

unity, peace and brotherhood. 

However, that earlier bonhomie 

notwithstanding, Singh was unequivocal in 

criticism of Pakistan government’s latest move 

that clearly tramples that earlier demonstrated 

goodwill towards Sikh minorities in 

the country. 

Earlier, the government of India have also 

condemned Pakistan government for this 

unilateral move which runs against the spirit 

of Kartarpur Saheb corridor and the Sikh 

community at large. 

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6 NEW ZEALAND 

Waitakere Indian 

Association finally gets 

a place to call it home 


Waitakere Indian Association, an 

Indian community organisation, 

based in West Auckland, has finally 

found a place to establish it’s centre and head 

office. 

The 20-year-old organisation celebrating two 

decades of its service in the community were 

granted a historic building on 399 Don 

Buck Road in Massey, Auckland by 

the Henderson-Massey Board. 

Present at the inaugural 

ceremony earlier last week 

were newly elected Members 

of Parliament Vanushi Walter, 

Deborah Russell, Hon Phil 

Twyford and Melissa Lee 

along with past and current 

members, President Sunil 

Kaushal thanked the forebearers of 

the organisation for their passion and 

vision to the serve the community. 

He assured the members present at the 

event that with the new place as their centre, 

Waitakere Indian Association is moving into 

a new phase in the growth of the organisation 

and will serve the Indian community out in the 

West Auckland region. 

Hon Consul of India in Auckland Bhav 

Dhillon emphasised the importance of 

coexistence and praised the Fijian Indian 

community as he explained how they have 

become an integral part of the broader Indian 

Diaspora and have shared the culture with 

other communities. 

The Local Board Chair 

Hon Chris Carter reminisced 

his time as the Minister of 

Ethnic Affairs and shared 

how Waitakere Indian 

Association took the lead 

to encourage him to celebrate 

Diwali in the Parliament, which now 

has become an annual affair. 

Chris Carter also praised the Association 

for helping the community during Covid-19 

lockdowns and the work the Association has 

been doing for just over the 20 years. 

Auckland Councillor Shane Henderson 

lauded WIA for their ongoing initiatives and 

the largest community organised Holi and 

Diwali festivals that are held at the Trusts 

Arena annually. 

The facility can be used by other community 

groups and people can reach out to the team on 

waitakereindian@gmail.com for bookings and 

reservations. 



Bank of India completes 

nine years in New Zealand 

SANDEEP SINGH 

Bank of India NZ, one of the premier 

nationalised banks of India, has 

completed nine glorious years in New 

Zealand. 

A small celebratory event to commemorate 

the anniversary was held on Thursday, 

November 12, at the bank’s head office in 

Auckland, with High Commissioner of India 

Muktesh Pardeshi as the Chief Guest. 

The other dignitaries gracing the occasion 

were Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillion, 

Second Secretary Indian High Commission 

Paramjeet Singh, former National MP 

Kanwaljeet Singh Bakshi, who was joined by 

Bank’s Director Sameer Handa and Managing 

Director Omkar Nath Thakur and staff and key 

customers of the bank. 

Welcoming the guests on occasion Sameer 

Handa revisited Bank of India’s glorious 

history right from its inception in 1906 and 

subsequent rapid progress into a mighty 

institution with a strong national presence and 

sizable international operations, offering more 

incentives to everyone for why they should be 

banking with the prestigious bank. 

Similar views were echoed by High 

Commissioner Muktesh Pardeshi who 

congratulated the bank’s leadership and the 

staff for delivering value to the customers which 

were reflected in the bank’s gradual growth into 

multiple branches in New Zealand in the last 

nine years. 

Speaking on occasion, Mr Dhillon 

congratulated the bank’s leadership team for 

having magnificent premises located at a very 

strategic business location (Manukau Road, 

Epsom), showcasing the brand image of India 

in a glittering manner. 

Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi 

who was present at the inauguration of the 

head office (2011) and other two branches in 

Papatoetoe and Hamilton revisited memory 

lane sharing memories on how then Finance 

Minister Sir Bill English was present at the 

inauguration ceremony. 

Lauding the bank’s steady progress in the 

last years, most of the guest speakers also 

encouraged bank’s leadership team to shift 

focus and expand operations beyond the 

traditional areas of money repatriation into the 

full range of retail banking products including 

savings and current accounts, cards, term and 

call deposits, mortgages and international 

funds transfers and enter into mainstream 

banking space. 

From the archives of the Indian 

Weekender 

The Indian Weekender had covered the 

inaugural ceremony in October 2011 reporting 

about the second foray of an Indian nationalised 

Bank (after Bank of Baroda) into New Zealand. 

Bank of Indian New Zealand has a capital 

base of $ 50 Mn and rated by S & P at BBB- 

(Stable outlook), the Indian Weekender had 

then reported. 

Notably, Bank of India was the 20th 

international bank after Bank of Baroda, which 

was 19th international bank to be approved by 

Reserve Bank of New Zealand to operate in the 

country.

8 NEW ZEALAND 

Friday, November 13, 2020 The Indian Weekender 

High Commissioner of India visits 

Auckland University of Technology 

SANDEEP SINGH 

High Commissioner of India Muktesh 

Pardeshi visited Auckland University 

of Technology on Wednesday, 

November 11 meeting with the Vice- 

Chancellor, prominent Indian academicians, 

and the international students. 

This visit to a leading NZ University campus 

was fourth in a series of such visits initiated by 

Mr Pardeshi in the last two years of his tenure 

as the Head of the India Mission with a clear 

focus on deepening of already growing bilateral 

relations between India and NZ particularly in 

the area of education. 

Mr Pardeshi was accompanied with Hon 

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Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon and Second 

Secretary Indian High Commission Paramjeet 

Singh, and was greeted by Vice-Chancellor 

Derek McCormack, Pro Vice-Chancellor 

Professor Guy Little Fair and other prominent 

leadership teams. 

Enhancing institutional linkages 

between universities of the two 

countries 

Speaking to the Indian Weekender, Mr 

Pardeshi said, “We had a great meeting with the 

Vice-Chancellor, Indian-origin academicians 

and our international students and also a tour 

of the campus.” 

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and deepening institutional linkages between 

universities in both countries like the NZ Centre 

that opened in IIT Delhi earlier this year,” Mr 

Pardeshi said. 

Notably, earlier this year, the former 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs 

Minister Winston Peters had inaugurated the 

New Zealand Centre at the Indian Institute of 

Technology New Delhi, following a signing 

of MoU to affirm the position of New Zealand 

Centre to be a focal point of academic activity 

for all eight New Zealand Universities and IIT 

Delhi. 

Mr Pardeshi said it was a cherished goal 

of deepening institutional linkages between 

premier educational institutions of both our 

countries. 

Urging Indian academicians to 

give back to the community 

Mr Pardeshi had a meaningful conversation 

with all Indian-origin academicians of the 

university lauding them for their academic 

excellence and success in reputed global 

educational institutions. 

Simultaneously, Mr Pardeshi also urged 

them to consider giving back to the community, 

particularly contributing and participating in 

India’s growth story. 

Earlier, Mr Pardeshi has personally written 

to each and every Indian origin academician 

in NZ universities in May, inviting them to 

consider contributing and engaging with India’s 

growth story. 

Ensuring the welfare of 

international students 

The third main objective of Mr Pardeshi’s 

visit to NZ university was to ensure general 

welfare and pastoral care of Indian students. 

“In the interactive session with students, 

we listened to their aspirations, their mostly 

positive feedback about their experiences in NZ 

despite Covid and the challenging job market 

because of Covid. 

"We told them to stay in touch in case 

they need any consular or other assistance,” 

Paramjeet Singh Second Secretary Indian High 

Commission said. 

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10 NEW ZEALAND 

Time to show 

‘compassion’ 

for partners 

separated by 

border closure 



SANDEEP SINGH 

With new government firmly in place, 

minus the “handbrake” that was 

blamed for most of the immigration 

mess created under the first term Labour 

government, it is time to show ‘compassion’ for 

partners separated by border closure. 

It has been more than seven months since 

NZ borders were closed in March this year to 

all non-citizens and residents and a minuscule 

segment of travellers with a critical purpose 

to visit NZ, causing mayhem in lives of tens 

of thousands of people who were ordinarily 

resident in the country. 

Rini Mohandas was granted a visa to join her 

NZ based husband on March 13 this year just 

a few days before borders were closed and she 

was not allowed to enter the country. 

Since then her visa has expired, and the 

couple has no idea when and how soon they 

can join together and re-start their lives in NZ. 

“We are only requesting the government 

to show kindness and compassion and allow 

us to join with our spouses. We are happy to 

bear our quarantine cost,” Rini told the Indian 

Weekender. 

Rini married her childhood beau - who 

had first arrived in New Zealand in 2017 

on a student visa and then progressing 

on different work visas – in November 

2019. 

“I was working in Dubai when my 

beau went to NZ to study and work and 

pursue a dream of Kiwi life in 2017.” 

“After a serious discussion with 

everyone in our families I had decided to 

resign from my job in Dubai and return to India 

to get married and start a new life together with 

my husband in NZ,” Rini said. 

“Now it is heart-breaking that we have to 

experience separation across borders plus no 

certainty of the future,” Rini said. 

The story of Rini Mohandas, who was 

granted a General visitor visa based on her 

relationship with NZ based partner just before 

border closure is not alone. 

Krishna (name changed) is a permanent 

"After 

a serious 

discussion with 

everyone in our families I 

had decided to resign from 

my job in Dubai and return 

to India to get married and 

start a new life together 

with my husband in 

NZ" 

resident who had first 

applied for a partnership 

visa for her newly married 

husband in February 2019, 

which was initially declined. 

However, when applied again, 

her husband was granted a General Visitor Visa 

based on the relationship in February 2020 but 

could not enter NZ before borders were closed. 

Now the couple has no clarity on the 

government’s, or INZ’s accurate position on 

allowing such couples entry in NZ to join with 

their partners. 

“We have applied for Exception to travel to 

NZ multiple times which have been declined.” 

“When we call INZ pointing to Prime 

Minister’s previous announcement of allowing 

partners to join their NZ based partners 

the staff does not have any clarity and just 

respond saying that they are not processing 

general visitor visa based on relationship,” 

Krishna said. 

According to some estimates, there is a small 

cohort of around 100-150 such partners who 

were granted General visitor visa based on their 

relationship with NZ based partners whose visa 

have expired after seven months of border 

closure and are clueless about their future. 

There are at least few thousands more 

partnership visa applications languishing 

within immigration system as uncertainty 

prevails around what kind of applications are 

actually being processed. 

Earier this year Immigration NZ responded to 

a query by the Indian Weekender on the number 

of pending partnership visa applications, “INZ 

can confirm that as at 14 August, there were 

2,258 offshore temporary relationship-based 

visa applications on hand and 2,238 offshore 

residence relationship-based visa applications 

on hand.” 

Partnership-visa mess was 

created in the first term Labour 

government 

Partnership visa-related problem was one of 

the biggest immigration-mess created in the 

first-term Labour government much before 

Covid-inflicted border closure exacerbated 

the scale and extent of the problem, 

forcing thousands of families to live in 

perpetual separation. 

Undoubtedly, Immigration New Zealand and 

the government has the cover of current border 

closure that came into place in March this year 

to keep the Covid out of the community as an 

excuse for perceived inaction on partnership 

visa processing. 

However, the responsibility of keeping the 

partners and families, separated and creating an 

ignominious two-tier system - where partners 

of temporary visa holders (work visas and 

student visas) were treated differently and 

unfavourably, - in comparison to partners of 

residents and citizens clearly rests with the first 

term Labour government. 

Despite, government’s self-avowed focus 

on getting the partnership visa issues of NZ 

citizens and residents fixed and prioritised over 

partners of temporary visa holders who are 

ordinarily resident in NZ, the issue remains far 

from addressed and resolved. 

Thousands of partners and families remain 

separated because of lack of clarity in 

immigration policy and inconsistency in INZ’s 

visa processing, which is further complicated 

by Covid-inflicted border closure. 

While the Kiwi-Indian community has a big 

share of representation in this cohort, but it also 

includes a large number of partners from the 

broader South Asian region and other nations 

that can be loosely categorised under “nonvisa-waiver 

countries.” 

Now with PM Jacinda Ardern’s new 

government firmly in place with a record 

mandate, along with an ethnic migrant (Priyanca 

Radhakrishnan) as the new Minister for Ethnic 

Communities, it is time that the government act 

decisively and compassionately to end the long 

and treacherous forced separation of partners. 

Timeline of govt’s announcements for 

partners to enter the country after border 

closure 

March 19 – PM announces border closure 

for everyone except citizens and residents. PM 

assures that partners and families of NZ citizens 

and residents will be allowed in the country as 

long as they are travelling along with them. 

June 12 – Former Immigration Minister 

Iain Lees-Galloway removes requirement for 

NZ citizens and residents to travel along with 

their overseas based partners and families, for 

getting their entry into the country. 

September 9 – Immigration Minister Kris 

Faafoi make an announcement allowing 

Australian citizens and citizens of 61 visawaiver 

countries intending to live together with 

their NZ based partners to be eligible for travelexception 

to enter the country 

September 14 – Immigration Minister Kris 

Faafoi announces on a live video interview 

with the Indian Weekender to extend the 

travel-exception to partners of “non-visawaiver” 

countries to enter the country and join 

their partners. 

September 15 – INZ issues an internal 

circular to immigration advisers and lawyers 

advising on how they intend to process different 

types of relationship and partnership-based 

visas. It clarifies that how their offices will be 

processing and deciding offshore applications 

for some relationship-based visas, but will not 

be processing General Visitor Visa based on 

relationship.


NEW ZEALAND 11 

3D light projections on Papatoetoe 

Town Hall lauded as vivid and surreal 


An Auckland based team of Visual 

Effect artists have designed a 3D lights 

and music projections on Papatoetoe 

Town Hall as a part of the three-week Auckland 

Diwali Festival that has received rave reviews 

from the public. 

Created by Auckland-based multidisciplinary 

creative studio Creature Post and 

North Foundation, Light Temple is a 3D wall 

projection tells the story of Lord Rama, Sita 

and their entourage returning from war and 

exile signalling the start of Diwali. 

Creative director of the project, Lakshman 

Anandanayagam says he and his team of VFX 

artists and designers took ten days to complete 

the design for projection on to the wall. 

Papatoetoe Town Hall is one of the most 

iconic structures in New Zealand with fantastic 

architecture and history. The colonial piece of 

architecture and outlook made the building 

much more favourable for video mapping for 

the 3D light projection. 

Describing the light projection, Lakshman 

says that the celebration in lights continues 

as the building becomes a canvas for intricate 

Hindu temple carvings. 

He adds that the inspirations were behind the 

beautiful designs created for the projection. The 

team used rangoli patterns, images of Hindu 

idols such as Lord Ram, Sita, Ganesh, Lakshmi, 

Krishna, traditional Diya (lamp) etc. to project 

under different 3D-motion artworks. 

The vivid and standing out colours and the 

bespoke music sound composition by Previn 

Naidu brought the element of festivity in the 

Previn Naidu 

light projection. 

“We were thrilled to have the opportunity to 

create a large-format projection work for such 

an iconic building; a beautiful natural canvas 

for video mapping and expected to see beautiful 

lights and vibrant colours in this celebratory 

Lakshman Anandanayagam 

piece. It’s our privilege to create a show around 

Diwali for the Indian community in Papatoetoe 

and the wider community to enjoy,” Lakshman 

told the Indian Weekender. 

As a part of the three minute light show, 

"We 

were thrilled 

to have the opportunity 

to create a large-format 

projection work for such an 

iconic building; a beautiful 

natural canvas for video mapping 

and expected to see beautiful 

lights and vibrant colours in 

this celebratory 

piece." 

when the light and music reach a crescendo, the 

building appears to break up into particles of 

light that slowly drift off into the night. 

“The other members of the our team who 

played a large part in creating the Diwali piece 

were producer Kim Baldwinson, and animator 

Patrick Killeen,” Lakshman said. 

The lights were projected by 30K laser 

projector which is often used for such 

operations on monuments and 

festivals. 

The Light Temple was first lit 

last Friday, November 6, and 

the light show starts just after 

sunset, around 8:45 p.m. each 

night and is a three-minute 

show. 

This weekend, Friday, 

November 13 to Sunday, November 

15 might be the chance for the public 

to see the marvellous work of 3D light and 

projection on the Papatoetoe Town Hall. 

The projection on Papatoetoe Town Hall 

is just one of many landmarks across Tāmaki 

Makaurau that will be bathed in light for the 

final weekend of Auckland Diwali Festival. 

Other landmarks include Rangoli-inspired 

lighting on Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath as 

well as the Sky Tower, Auckland War Memorial 

Museum and Auckland Viaduct Harbour. 

Delivered by Auckland Tourism, Events and 

Economic Development (ATEED), Auckland 

Diwali Festival has seen more than 100 free 

activities take place at more than 30 community 

venues across Auckland since October 27.


Police-issued hijab 

for new graduate to 

pave way for more 

Muslim women join 



the force 


A 

new graduate from the Royal New 

Zealand Police College who received 

police-issued specially designed hijab 

as a part of the uniform says it will pave the 

way for more Muslim women to join New 

Zealand Police. 

Zeena Ali, Fiji-Indian descent New Zealander, 

says she was delighted to have received such 

a welcoming and inclusive approach of New 

Zealand police who have incorporated hijab to 

be worn by her on duty as a part of her Police 

uniform. 

Hijab is a headscarf worn by Muslim women 

as a part of their dress. 

To get the gear right making sure the hijab is 

both suitable for police work and comfortable 

to wear, New Zealand Police worked with 

Massey University’s School of Design. 

Now Constable Zeena Ali trialled several 

designs of the hijab and made recommendations 

for improvements before she started her police 

training, and further tweaks were made during 

the recruit course. 

Speaking with The Indian Weekender, Zeena 

said it was time that young Muslim women 

living in New Zealand think about joining the 

force and the newly officiated hijab as a part of 

the uniform will encourage Muslim women to 

take up police work as their career choice. 

Zeena was working in a customer service 

role at a mall in Auckland and donned the hijab 

earlier in 2019 as a part of her dress. 

Post-March 15 Christchurch mosque attacks, 

Zeena contemplated joining the force as there 

were little to no representation of Muslim 

women in New Zealand Police. 

Zeena, along with her husband, went for the 

Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca last year and decided 

to join the police once back from her trip. 

On donning the newly issued hijab, Zeena 

says it’s time that more Muslim women think 

of joining the police force and bring more 

diversity to reflect the changing demography of 

New Zealand. 

“Wearing a hijab on the job will encourage 

more Muslim women and remove barriers if 

any, for them to be a part of the police services,” 

Zeena said. 

Zeena also told the Indian Weekender how 

during the training there a lot of inquisitiveness 

amongst her fellow trainees about the hijab 

was, its significance for a woman in Islam. 

“A lot of the fellow trainees didn’t know 

about the hijab, and it was good to share more 

information about it and what it means for the 

person wearing it. 

“There is a dearth of knowledge amongst 

"There Kiwis and the general nonis 

a dearth of Muslim community, 

knowledge amongst and I think we need 

Kiwis and the general to create more 

non-Muslim community, awareness about 

and I think we need to hijab and its 

create more awareness 

about hijab and its 

significance." 

significance,” Zeena 

added. 

Speaking more about 

her collaboration with 

Massey University’s School 

of Design pertaining to the design of the hijab, 

Zeena says it was easy to work with the design 

team from the school making adjustments to 

the hijab. 

“Police’s focus has always been on making it 

[hijab] work well for me,” Zeena said. 

Seventy-six new cops have completed their 

training and have graduated from the Royal 

New Zealand Police College this Thursday. 

A release from NZ Police said that over 50 

per cent of the graduates are female (51.3 per 

cent), while nearly half the wing (48.7 per 

cent) are of ethnicities other than NZ European 

– for instance, Māori makes up 25 per cent 

of the wing. 

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Somerville Intermediate & Botany Downs Secondary College


Urdu Hindi Cultural 

Association is back 

with Kavi Sammelan 


A still from the event in 2019 

The Urdu Hindi Cultural Association 

of New Zealand is bringing back the 

much-awaited and perhaps the only 

Kavi Sammelan and Mushaira event of the year 

next weekend. 

The Association was established in 2011 with 

the aim to promote Urdu and Hindi language 

in New Zealand and in the last decade of its 

formation has held several forums, workshops 

and poetry nights. 

The concept behind conducting the muchawaited 

Mushaira, Kavi Sammelan And Shame-Ghazal 

event are to give poetry lovers in 

Hindi, and Urdu language a platform to perform 

their art of reciting different forms poems to an 

audience. 

This year, the Kavi Sammelan event is being 

held at Fickling Community Centre in Three 

Kings on Saturday, November 21 from 6 p.m. 

The event is expected to be attended by 

High Commissioner of India in New Zealand, 

Muktesh Pardeshi, Hon Consul of India, Bhav 

Dhillon, MP for Mt Roskill and Minister 

of Transport Michael Wood, newly minted 

Minister of Ethnic Communities and second 

elected Kiwi Indian MP in New Zealand 

Priyanca Radhakrishnan, the first Kiwi Indian 

elected MP in NZ Dr Gaurav Sharma, MP for 

New Lynn, Dr Deborah Russell, former MP 

Kanwaljit Bakshi, and chairperson of Bhartiya 

Samaj, Jeet Suchdev among others. 

“We are expecting around 250 people at for 

the event which has gained immense popularity 

in the community and amongst Shayari 

enthusiasts in Auckland and we will have some 

performances in the Punjabi language as well,” 

chairperson of Urdu Hindi Cultural Association 

of New Zealand, Roopa Suchdev said. 

The UHCANZ will also be releasing its 

annual literary magazine ‘Dhanak’ at the event 

through High Commission of India. 

UHCANZ on this occasion of its ten years 

of Mushaira event will also be felicitating 

Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley 

Bloomfield for his contribution and leadership 

along with the government towards the control 

of Covid-19 pandemic in New Zealand. 

“It is our honour to present and felicitate 

Dr Bloomfield with their special award for his 

contributions made towards New Zealand in 

the last nine months since Covid-19 hit New 

Zealand,” General Secretary for Urdu Hindi 

cultural Association of New Zealand, Mujeeb 

Syed told The Indian Weekender. 



Euphoria Entertainment concludes the 

year with Hindi and Marathi theatre play 


The Playhouse Theatre in Glen Eden 

on Saturday, November 7, once again 

witnessed a swarm of theatre lovers 

flocked its hall to see the last set of plays by 

Euphoria Entertainment themed Utopia 2020. 

Euphoria Entertainment is a group of 

thespians passionate about acting, and live 

performances concluded it multilingual and 

multicultural poly fest Utopia 2020 with a feast 

of dramas presenting a Marathi and a Hindi 

play, back to back last weekend in an almost 

packed theatre house. 

The event was attended by former 

National MP Kanwaljit Bakshi 

as the chief guest to the event. 

The first show of the evening 

was a Hindi play, Digdarshak 

(Director), a story of a theatre 

director who is dedicated to 

teach and groom his student 

that he often ignores the pleas of 

his family. 

The prime roles were taken up by Vijesh 

Nangia (director) and Saurabh Singh Thakur 

(his student), the play is directed by Devdatt 

Paranjpe and written by Priyam Jani. 

“The audience was completely engrossed 

in this intense drama, a war of words, which 

was meticulously presented by the lead actors 

and the supporting cast,” Preeta Vyas, the 

spokesperson from Euphoria said. 

The second performance presented in the 

evening was a Marathi play Tumchasathi 

Kaypan translating to ‘Anything for You’. This 

play had the elements of comedy, romance and 

kept the audience entertained till the curtains 

rolled down. 

The story revolves around a newly married 

"The 

audience 

was completely 

engrossed in this 

intense drama, a war 

of words, which was 

meticulously presented 

by the lead actors and 

the supporting 

cast." 

couple where the man gets 

caught between his wife and 

grandmother’s expensive wishes 

that leads to a hilarious turn of 

events and comedic mishaps within 

the family. 

The Marathi play was written and directed by 

Gaurav Sawant and presented by Ambaree Rege 

and Vaibhav Naik in the lead roles, supported 

by Amit Rathod, Devendra Oak, Anuj Gavkar, 

Neha Revankar, Ankita Walunjkar, Sham 

Revankar, Varun Dhond, Akshay Nehete. 

Both the plays were initially planned to be 

staged in August this year along with a Gujarati 

Play, Lockdown Love by Jayesh Bateriwala 

and English play, Bridge- The Game of Death 

based on Agatha Christie’s novel, scripted 

by Swastika Ganguly, but were pushed to 

November due to production delays. 

Euphoria Entertainment will be bringing a 

range of new theatre plays and musicals that 

will be finalised in January 2021. 

"Learning English gave me 

confidence to talk to my neighbours." 

Your family member might have pre-paid for English lessons 

when they applied for their visa to New Zealand. 

Learning English will help your family member with their daily life. They will be able to 

understand what happening in New Zealand and how it affects them. 

Ask the Tertiary Education Commission to check if your family member has money to 

use, and how to enrol for English lessons. 

Call 0800 601 301 or visit tec.govt.nz/pre-paid-English-lessons


NEW ZEALAND 15 

Judith Collins reveals caucus reshuffle 

RADIO NEW ZEALAND 

Muller have both moved down the rankings. and recreation 

Muller, ranked at number 19, will be in 14. Barbara Kuriger: energy and resources; 

National Party leader Judith Collins on 

charge of trade and export growth while Bridges rural communities; food safety, associate 

Wednesday, November 11 unveiling 

at number seven takes on justice, water, Pike transport 

her new shadow cabinet as the party 

River re-entry and Māori-Crown relations. 15. Gerry Brownlee: foreign Affairs; NZSIS 

picks up the pieces after its crushing election 

defeat. Shane Reti was on Tuesday, November 

10, was announced as the deputy leader of the 

National Party as Gerry Brownlee announced 

Collins says Simon is the right person for the 

Crown-Māori relations role, he will have a lot 

of work ahead of him. 

“The National Party, this is not about 

and GCSB; associate finance 

16. Nicola Willis: RMA housing; housing 

and urban development including social; 

associate economic development 

he was stepping down as deputy leader last 

cauterising or anything like that, this is about 17. Stewart Smith: climate change and 

week. Collins says the party’s new line-up 

the best team for the job ... people have seen viticulture 

reflects a wealth of talent and experience. 

“New Zealand’s economic recovery will 

be at the forefront of everything we do ... we 

have a shadow cabinet brimming with business 

experience,” she says. 

what happens when there is disunity, a lot of 

people lose their jobs.” 

National’s list: 

1. Judith Collins: Leader; spokesperson for 

national security and intelligence; Pacific 

18. Jacqui Dean: conservation; assistant speaker 

of the house 

19. Todd Muller: trade and export growth, 

20. Simeon Brown: police, corrections, SFO; 

youth 

“We’ll be focused on being a 

peoples; technology, manufacturing and 21. Matt Doocey: chief whip; mental health; 

positive opposition as long as that’s not 

powerhouse. Woodhouse and Bayly can be 

artificial intelligence 

associate social development and 

counterproductive. Where we can be positive 

seen jostling one another’s hips as she says 

2. Shane Reti: health; children including employment; associate health 

we will be... I expect that we’ll be professional, 

this. They will have different responsibilities, 

Oranga Tamariki and child poverty reduction 22. Maureen Pugh: junior whip; community and 

that we’ll bring a professionalism to 

Collins says. 

3. Andrew Bayly: shadow treasurer; revenue; voluntary sector; emergency management 

opposition.” 

“We’re about to go into really serious 

infrastructure; statistics 

23. Nick Smith: research and science; electoral 

Collins was reconfirmed as party leader on 

economic times ... it is so important that this is 

4. Michael Woodhouse: finance; transport; reform 

Tuesday, with no challengers - something she 

a serious portfolio.” 

deputy shadow leader of the house 

24. Chris Penk: shadow attorney-general; 

said was “an enormous privilege”. 

“We’re not focused on who’s senior or who’s 

5. Louise Upston: Social development and defence; courts; veterans 

Reti, who as spokesperson for children will 

what, but Andrew does have the number three 

employment; social investment; Whānau 25. Simon O’Connor: customs; arts, culture and 

oversee the party’s stance on Oranga Tamariki 

ranking and Michael does have the number four 

Ora; land information 

heritage; associate foreign affairs 

and child poverty reduction, says he’s very 

ranking.” 

6. Todd McClay: economic development; 26. Erica Stanford: immigration; early 

interested in both, holding the government to 

Woodhouse will also take the Transport 

small business; consumer affairs; tourism, childhood education 

account and coming up with constructive ideas 

portfolio and become the shadow leader of the 

associate Pacific peoples 

27. Ian McKelvie: seniors; forestry; racing; 

about how we can do better. Paul Goldmsith 

House. Bayly also nabs revenue, infrastructure 

7. Simon Bridges: justice; water; Pike River disability issues 

has lost his finance role and rocketed down the 

and statistics. Louise Upston has been ranked 

re-entry; Māori-Crown relations 

28. Tim van de Molen: oceans and fisheries; 

rankings from 3 to 12. 

at number 5 and will be social development and 

8. Chris Bishop: Covid-19 response; shadow animal welfare; building and construction 

Collins has split the finance portfolio - 

employment, social investment, whānau ora 

leader of the House 

29. Nicola Grigg: women; associate trade; 

Andrew Bayly will be shadow Treasurer 

and land information spokesperson. 

9. Melissa Lee: broadcasting and digital associate arts, culture and heritage 

and Michael Woodhouse will be the shadow 

She says the country need to be focusing on 

media; digital economy; communications; 30. Christopher Luxon: local government; iwi 

Finance Minister. Bayly is ranked higher than 

how we can get New Zealanders standing on 

ethnic communities 

development; associate transport 

Woodhouse at number 3. Woodhouse has gone 

their own two feet. 

10. Scott Simpson: environment, workplace 31. Joseph Mooney: Treaty negotiations; 

up the rank to number 4. 

“The government’s talked big on creation of 

relations, RMA environment 

associate defence; associate tourism 

She says splitting Finance and Treasurer 

jobs and I will absolutely with every one of my 

11. David Bennett: agriculture, horticulture, 32. Penny Simmonds: tertiary education; 

is very close to the Australian experience, 

colleagues focus on holding them to account.” 

biosecurity 

associate agriculture; associate disability 

that Woodhouse and Bayly are “quite joined 

Former leaders Simon Bridges and Todd 

12. Paul Goldsmith: education 

issues 

at the hip” and get on very well and will be a 

13. Mark Mitchell: public service, SOE, sport 33. Simon Watts: ACC; associate health 

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Editorial 

Crossing ‘Lakshmana 

Rekha’ in cricket 

never a cake walk 

The ‘Lakshmana Rekha’, the famous line drawn by Lakshman for Sita not to cross when 

he went to find Ram in the forest, as mentioned in the Ramayana, seems so synonymous 

with the way the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) participating sides appear at the moment. 

In case of Sita, the sacred line was not to be crossed, similarly, the top teams in the tournament 

seem to be following the same ritual. 

Each side in the IPL requires at least eight wins to maybe secure a place amongst the last four 

for the knock-out stage of the tournament. With the Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Capitals (DC) 

and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) languishing earlier at seven wins, with a fair amount of 

matches to go, one seemed certain that they would all sail into the respective top three slots. 

The ‘Lakshmana Rekha’ drawn to cross the line has now become an ordeal for both Delhi and 

Bangalore. Mumbai Indians, after their comprehensive win against RCB in their last match, are 

the first team to cross the seven seas and continue to the next stage of the tournament. MI look a 

strong side to defend their title, even though their captain and star player, Rohit Sharma, cannot 

support them due to a hamstring injury. 

Cricket, as one says, is a game of many uncertainties and with none of the teams looking 

distinctly better than the other, there could be a possibility of five teams ending up with eight wins. 

This could lead to a run-rate scenario and would, therefore, make the IPL even more interesting 

to watch. With the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) having already lost its place for the play-offs and 

the only side at present out of the reckoning, they could be a spoil sport for all the other sides 

competing. They did put a spoke in the wheel of RCB’s progress by beating them in their last 

encounter. 

Rajasthan Royals (RR) unfortunately cannot accumulate more than seven wins and so will 

depend on the outcome of all the other teams performances. An interesting outcome, however, 

could develop, if RR wins both their remaining matches against Kings XI Punjab(KXIP) and 

Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR). This then would deter both KXIP and KKR’s progress and thus 

create a possibility of five sides finishing with seven wins each. 

The IPL has never in its 13 year history been so closely fought. Every franchise has spent 

considerable time in evaluating and analysing their squad and all of them boast of world class 

performers. Therefore, teams are much more evenly matched as regards their international stars 

and the ones showing consistency are the ones where the Indian domestic stars are performing 

well. 

The IPL, for these domestic performers, is the only opportunity to exhibit their skills and 

talent. Therefore, it had a significant impact on the selection of the players for the Indian tour to 

Australia. Varun Chakravarthy, the KKR leg spinner, due to his sterling performance of getting 

five wickets against DC on the eve of the selection day, made it into the Indian T20I squad. He 

made the significant progress of stepping over the ‘Lakshmana Rekha’, the line that differentiates 

the national players from the international ones. 

However, this was not the case for Suryakumar Yadav. The Mumbai batter missed out being a 

part of the Indian line-up even though he has consistently performed in the domestic tournaments 

and in the IPL as well. Unfortunately for him, the international Indian stars that he is competing 

with, also did equally well and so for him to seize a place proved to be once again a futile effort. 

This is where lady-luck plays a vital part in a cricketer’s career and one did feel sorry for Yadav as 

he played a fluent and scintillating knock of 79 runs to make MI win against RCB on the very day 

the Indian squads were announced. He did so against Virat Kohli’s side, in style with dignity and 

grace leaving behind a definite message for the Indian captain to ponder over. 

The IPL has been a severe test for the cricketers as regards their fitness as well. The lockdown 

with its restrictions and the lack of practice, due to Covid-19, has led to injuries and muscle strains 

in many of the players. The T20 format maybe a shorter version of cricket, but it requires a burst 

of speed, not only while batting or bowling but also during the 20 overs of fielding. Each run saved 

is a run gained and so a cricketer needs to exert that much more from his comfort level to give that 

extra bit for his team. 

This is why players succumb to injuries and niggling aches and pains. 

This unfortunately has been disastrous where Indian cricket is concerned. One of their most 

destructive batsmen, Rohit Sharma, is in the list of injured and not a part of the Indian touring side 

for Australia. Similarly, Ishant Sharma, India’s most experienced fast bowler, is also in the injured 

list. Apart from these two, there are a few more who will be carrying their injuries Down Under 

for a grueling encounter against the Australian side, who are itching to take their revenge for their 

Test series loss against India when they last toured in 2018-19. 

One is still perplexed as to why a simple hamstring injury has kept the ‘Lakshman’ of Indian 

cricket, Rohit Sharma, away from the Indian touring side to Australia. If he does not enter the 

bio-bubble right at the beginning, then for him to be a part of the team later on would be a time 

consuming effort. Maybe, he has drawn his own “Sharma Rekha” from which Indian cricket may 

have to draw him out, especially when they play the first Test match against Australia in a day/ 

night encounter at the Adelaide Oval on December 17. 

India has a lot at stake, not only to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also to garner enough 

points to qualify for the first ever Test Championship final to be held in England in June 2021. 

They need their most experienced players to get them over the sacred line. 

Thought of the week 

“Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves 

to what they think they can do. You can go as far as 

your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you 

can achieve.” —Mary Kay Ash 

12 November – 20 November 2020 

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu 

On-and-off 

rain and 

drizzle 

16° 

9° 

Partly 

sunny 

15° 

8° 

17° 

9° 

Indian Weekender : Volume 12 Issue 35 

Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited 

Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz 

Chief Reporter: Rizwan Mohammad | rizwan@indianweekender.co.nz 

Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz 

Sr Graphics and Layout Designer: Mahesh Kumar | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz 

Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz 

Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz 

Media Sales Manager.: Leena Pal: 021 952 216 | leena@indianweekender.co.nz 

Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz 

Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz 

Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher 

is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication 

Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent 

the views of the team at the Indian Weekender 

Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. 

Printed at Horton Media, Auckland 

Parlty 

sunny 

Clouds and 

sun 

14° 

10° 

A touch o 

dafr 

This week in New Zealand’s history 

13 November 1896 

Mount Tongariro erupts 

15° 

10° 

Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. 

Sunshine 

and pactcy 

clouds 

16° 

9° 

A few 

morning 

showers 

At 12.40 p.m. on 13 November 1896, Te Maari, a crater at the northern end of the Tongariro 

range, erupted spectacularly. It continued to erupt sporadically for nearly a year. 

15 November 1861 

First issue of Otago Daily Times published 

Dunedin became the first New Zealand town with a daily newspaper when the first issue of 

the Otago Daily Times was published. 


New Zealand officially becomes British colony 

New Zealand officially became a separate colony within the British Empire, severing its link 

to New South Wales. North, South and Stewart islands were to be known respectively as 

the provinces of New Ulster, New Munster and New Leinster. 


First conscription ballot 

The Military Service Act passed on 1 August 1916 had made all healthy New Zealand men 

of military age (20 to 45) liable for active service overseas. Conscription was introduced 

because after two years of war too few men were volunteering to fill the necessary reinforcement 

drafts for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. 


New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition 

opens 

Governor-General Sir Charles Fergusson opened Dunedin’s New Zealand and South Seas 

International Exhibition in November 1925. By the time the exhibition closed in May 1926, 

it had attracted over 3.2 million visitors, more than double New Zealand’s total population at the 

time. 


Pike River mine explosion kills 29 

The Pike River underground coal mine is located in the rugged Paparoa Range, on the West 

Coast of the South Island. The only access to the mine workings was through a 2.3-km-long 

tunnel that intersected with the Brunner coal seam. 

15° 

9°

27 Oct–14 Nov 

Festival 

of Lights 

Discover the full 

festival line-up at 

aucklandnz.com/diwali 

Major Partner 

Sponsors 

Foundation Partner

18 

FIJI 


Free of virus for now – Fiji remains 

vigilant despite COVID-19 milestone 

On November 4, 2020 Fiji marked 200 days without any transmission of 

the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the community. 

The Pacific nation confirmed its first case on March 19, and as of 

November 4, 2020, Fiji had recorded a total of 34 cases and two deaths. 

Its last instance of transmission in the community was April 18, 2020. 

Early investment in testing capacity was crucial in helping the Pacific nation 

keep numbers low and prevent the virus’ transmission. 

Around the time that the first case was confirmed in mid-March, Fiji’s 

molecular laboratory at the Fiji Centre for Disease Control had validated 

testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, enabling Fiji to 

quickly test specimens, rather than sending them overseas. 

This enabled the country to test, trace and isolate, to quickly limit transmission. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) supported the Fijian Government to be 

ready to respond to the first cases, by placing an epidemiologist in the Ministry 

of Health and Medical Services. 

Since then, WHO has provided Fiji with priority supplies, including 888,500 

surgical masks, 53,400 N95 masks, 29,200 face shields, 2000 protective 

goggles, 4000 isolation gowns and 26,750 GeneXpert testing cartridges. 

Repatriation flights continue to bring Fijians home, and with them, the threat 

of new cases of COVID-19. 

The country has therefore put in place measures to quarantine returning 

citizens in Government-designated facilities for 14 days, and identify cases at 

the border. This has led to sporadic cases being identified in border quarantine, 

thanks to an extensive testing regime. 

Fiji has opened “Blue Lanes’ to visitors who travel to Fiji via yacht and 

pleasure craft. After spending 14 days at sea, these visitors are tested for the 

virus before being allowed to enter the country. 

“Fiji credits our 200-days of COVID Containment to a fast and early 

science-based approach, including the systematic identification and isolation 

of people infected with COVID-19, and quarantine of every known contact of 

confirmed cases. 

“Through it all we have safely repatriated through a rigorous system of 

border quarantine. 

“Our greatest enemy now is complacency. We must remain vigilant to keep 

the virus at bay, while positioning the Fijian economy for a recovery in the new 

normal,” said Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. 

“Organising and managing quarantine for returning nationals is a challenge 

for every government. But when it is done properly, it is effective at limiting 

the importation of SARS-CoV-2. 

“Going 200 days without reporting any locally transmitted cases of 

New COVID-19 border 

quarantine case in Fiji 

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr 

Ifereimi Waqainabete and PS for Health Dr 

James Fong 

Fiji has a new border quarantine case of COVID-19. 

The Ministry of Health says the patient is a 53-yearold 

male Fijian citizen who arrived in Nadi on Thursday 

5th November 2020, on a repatriation flight from New 

Zealand. 

His initial port of origin was United States of America. 

The Ministry says as with all prior border quarantine 

cases, this latest patient has been under strict border 

quarantine conditions since arrival into Nadi, at which time 

he began compulsory 14-day quarantine at a governmentdesignated 

quarantine facility under supervision from the 

Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Health Ministry. 

The Ministry says the man has not displayed any 

symptoms since his arrival in Fiji. 

The entry test was conducted on day 2 of quarantine as 

part of the standard border process. Fiji has now had 35 

COVID-19 cases overall, and this new case is Fiji’s only 

active COVID case. 

The 53-year-old man remains in stable condition, and 

COVID-19 is a huge achievement.” said Dr Takeshi Kasai, WHO Regional 

director for the Western Pacific. 

At the same time, he cautioned that “while the virus is circulating globally, 

every country must remain vigilant and be ready to respond accordingly – in 

ways that are targeted and proportionate to the situation it faces. 

“Now is the time for Fiji – like other COVID-contained countries – to 

prepare for the eventual re-introduction of COVID-19.” 

Fiji plays an important regional role as medical supplies are warehoused 

in Fiji and it is a hub for Pacific Humanitarian Pathway flights, which are 

part of the global COVID-19 supply chain system, to Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, 

Tuvalu and other neighbours. New Caledonia has also managed to avoid local 

transmission for over 200 days, with 27 cases and no deaths. 

Some Pacific countries and areas have not reported a single case to date. 

They are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Kiribati, the Federated States 

of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, 

Tuvalu and Vanuatu. However, others including Guam, Papua New Guinea 

and French Polynesia are currently experiencing outbreaks. 

WHO is supporting Fiji and other Pacific countries and areas through a 

COVID-19 Pacifi c Joint Incident Management Team (JIMT), through which 

the organisation co-ordinates partners to bring together resources and improve 

readiness to delay the spread of the virus and mitigate the negative health and 

socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19. 

has been transferred to the isolation ward at the Lautoka 

Hospital as per standard protocol for confirmed cases. 

The frontline border and quarantine staff who were 

directly involved with this patient will all be monitored 

and tested as necessary. 

The Ministry also states that this border quarantine case 

continues to pose zero risk to the health and wellbeing of 

the Fijian public. 

Prime Minister, Voreqe 

Bainimarama says today they 

are honouring the service and 

sacrifice of those people who have 

given their lives in combat but we 

should also remember that we fight 

many kinds of battles. 

While speaking at the 

Remembrance Day at CWM 

Hospital’s peace garden, 

Bainimarama says the CWM 

Hospital was built to remember the 

123 Fijian and British soldiers who 

left our shores with their arms more 

than a century ago to fight in the 

great war and did not return. 

Bainimarama says their names are 

on the plaque in the peace garden 

which stands as a fitting memorial to 

those soldiers because it is dedicated 

to healing. 

He says they could never bring 

those soldiers back but they can 

dedicate to saving lives, to curing 

sickness and keeping people healthy 

Girmit 

lineage 

hailed 

GIRMIT lineage in Fiji has 

made tremendous success in 

crucial aspects of our society, 

says Swami Vivekananda Cultural 

Centre (SVCC) director Santosh 

Mishra. 

“The sons and daughters of the 

girmitiya have proven that you are no 

less than anyone in the world,” he said 

during the annual Diwali celebrations 

that was jointly organised by the 

Fiji Girmit Council and the Swami 

Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the 

Girmit Centre in Lautoka. 

Mr Mishra said the girmit lineage 

in Fiji had come a long way in every 

aspect, especially in politics and 

education. 

“Your girmitiya forefathers have 

paved a better future for you through 

their hard work as indentured 

labourers, toiling for countless hours 

in the sugarcane fields.” 

He urged the many young people 

during the celebrations to follow in 

the footsteps of the successful Fijians 

of Indian descent in order to mould 

their lives. 

“The current generations can 

achieve everything if only they take 

heed of the advice of our elders,” 

said Mr Mishra. 

Today we are fighting many 

kinds of battles – Bainimarama 

in their name. 

The Prime Minister says the CWM 

Hospital opened to public in 1923 

with 108 beds and 27 staff. 

He says today there are over 500 

beds and around 2,000 staff. 

Fijians urged to abide by the designated time 

Fijians will be allowed to play 

with fireworks until 10pm on 

Sunday – the actual day of Diwali 

religious celebrations. 

FBC News can confirm that fireworks will 

only be allowed between 5pm and 10pm on the 

day, while authorities have allowed an extra 

two hours on Monday which is the designated 

public holiday. 

Manager for Mines Division at the Mineral 

Resources Department Raymond Mohammed 

says although people can light fireworks 

until midnight they still need to follow the 

curfew hours. 

“The only reminder to the individuals that 

are going to use fireworks is to use fireworks 

within the premises of your dwelling and 

residence from 5pm to 12 pm should be within 

the confines of the perimeters of your residence 

so that you are not breaking the curfew 

in place.” 

Mohammed says the approved extended 

hours from 5pm to 12 midnight apply only on 

the 16th of this month. 

He adds strict action will be taken against 

those who do not adhere to the designated 

times for lighting fireworks. 

“Basically in the fireworks regulations if you 

do not adhere to the approved fireworks usage 

hours you will be held liable to a fine of not 

more than $400 or imprisonment not less than 

6 months.” 

The Ministry of Lands and Mineral 

Resources has called on Fijians to celebrate 

responsibly and to keep in mind that Fiji is still 

observing COVID-19 related restrictions.


INDIA 19 

Modi says will 

fulfil promises 

under Nitish's 

leadership 

I salute the people's verdict in Bihar, says Nitish 

After the victory of the 

National Democratic 

Alliance (NDA) in the 

Bihar assembly elections, it is 

almost certain that Nitish Kumar 

would sit in the chief Minister's 

chair once again. 

After getting a majority, 

Kumar has saluted the people 

of the state and thanked Prime 

Minister Narendra Modi for his 

cooperation. Nitish Kumar's 

credibility was at stake in this 

election. In his first reaction 

after the election results, Kumar 

saluted the people of Bihar. 

"I bow before the people's 

mandate," tweeted the chief 

minister from his official Twitter 

handle. 

"I salute the people for the 

majority that they have given to the 

NDA. I also thank PM Narendra 

Modiji for his cooperation," he 

added in the tweet. 

In Bihar, the NDA won 125 

seats in the assembly elections. 

Amid cheering crowds at BJP headquarters here, Prime 

Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people for reposing 

faith in BJP and NDA. 

Ending suspense on the new Bihar government, the Prime 

Minister said, "Under the leadership of Nitish Kumar the NDA 

workers will fulfil poll promises and oath given to people for 

development." 

He said, "despite 15 years of rule the people have given 

mandate to the NDA for development of the state, those who 

thought they can win with other issues have been proven wrong." 

From Kashmir to every part of the country the BJP has gained 

electorally because its mantra is service and development," he 

said. He also attacked the opposition political parties without 

taking names he said either there are family parties or parties 

controlled by family. Attacking Congress, Modi said even the 

oldest party is in grip of a family but now the people know of it. 

Modi said "silent voters have become asset to the party and 

women is the silent voter which is giving BJP chance after 

chance." 

He also said new India is rising amid challenges and no 

pandemic can stop it as he thanked the people for participating in 

the democratic process during Covid times. 

He said many important decisions were taken during Covid, 

from farm laws to many initiatives. He thanked the people of 

Bihar particularly and said that party will take new development 

initiatives in the state. He also warned parties indulging in 

violence and said that this could not be tolerated. 

However said BJP will fullfill the promises under Nitish 

Kumar and he praised party chief J.P. Nadda for the strategy he 

made for the party in Bihar. 

In a close election in Bihar, BJP emerged as the second largest 

party and NDA has retained power after 15 years of rule. 

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20 

INDIA 


Winter here, no thaw in 

India-China talks, another round soon 

THE DEADLOCK between India and 

China over the military standoff in eastern 

Ladakh continues, with the eighth round 

of meetings between senior military commanders 

from both sides failing to achieve any breakthrough. 

Both sides, however, “agreed to have another 

round of meetings soon”. 

After the latest meeting on November 6, which 

was also attended by diplomats from India and 

China, both the governments issued a joint 

statement, which said that they will “push for 

the settlement of other outstanding issues, so as 

to jointly maintain peace and tranquillity in the 

border areas”. 

The statement said the “two sides had a candid, 

in-depth and constructive exchange of views on 

disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in 

the Western Sector of India-China border areas”. 

It said both agreed to “earnestly implement 

the important consensus reached by the leaders 

of the two countries, ensure their frontline troops 

exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding 

and miscalculation”. 

“Both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and 

communication through military and diplomatic 

channels, and, taking forward the discussions 

at this meeting, push for the settlement of other 

outstanding issues, so as to jointly maintain peace 

and tranquillity in the border areas,” it said. 

The latest joint statement, with no major 

deviation from the two issued after two earlier 

rounds, does not suggest a major breakthrough 

in the standoff that is now in its seventh month. 

Before the eighth round, there were some “feelers” 

from China for a possible thinning of troops from 

some of the friction areas. However, no such 

understanding was reached in Friday’s meeting. 

This was the first meeting in which the Indian 

delegation was led by Lt General P G K Menon, 

who took over as commander of XIV Corps in 

mid-October. The delegation also included Naveen 

Srivastava, joint secretary handling East Asia in 

the Ministry of External Affairs. The Chinese 

delegation was led by Major General Liu Lin, 

commander of the South Xinjian Military Region. 

In the last two rounds of talks, China had insisted 

that India vacate the heights occupied by it in late 

August on the north and south banks of Pangong 

Tso, and the Chushul sub-sector. However, India 

has been pushing for a status quo ante, for troops to 

go back to April-end positions — not just from the 

frontlines but also depth areas. 

Speaking at a seminar Friday, Chief of Defence 

Staff General Bipin Rawat had stated that India 

will not allow any change in the Line of Actual 

Control (LAC). 

Both sides have positioned around 50,000 troops 

along with artillery, tanks and air defence assets 

in the region, and are prepared for deployment 

through the brutal winter. At several heights in the 

Pangong Tso area and in the Chushul sub-sector, 

the troops from both sides are just a few hundred 

metres apart. 

The Indian troops are in a dominating position 

in the Chushul sub-sector, at heights on Magar 

Hill, Gurgun Hill, Rezang La and Rechin La, 

which allows them a direct view of China’s Moldo 

Garrison and to dominate the strategically sensitive 

2-km wide valley, Spanggur Gap. 

On the north bank of Pangong Tso, Indian troops 

are at heights that puts them in a more advantageous 

position over Chinese troops positioned on the 

ridges connecting Finger 3, and Finger 4, which 

is 8 km west of India’s perception of the LAC at 

Finger 8. 

China has been blocking Indian soldiers at the 

bottleneck in the Depsang Plains from accessing 

Patrolling Points (PP) 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13. 

The area is close to the strategically important 

Daulat Beg Oldie post in the north near the 

Karakoram Pass. 

Arnab Goswami 

released from jail, returns 

to Republic TV office 

Republic TV Managing director and 

Editor in Chief Arnab Goswami was 

released from the Taloja Central Jail in 

Raigad late on Wednesday night. 

The development came hours after the 

Supreme Court granted him bail following his 

arrest on November 4 in a case of abetment to 

suicide of Mumbai architect Anvay M. Naik 

and his mother Kumud Naik on May 5, 2018 

in Alibaug. Returning from the jail, flashing a 

'V' sign and punching in the air several times 

enroute his car, Goswami termed his arrest 

as "illegal" and said no forces could stop a 

journalist and his TV channel. 

He was accorded a rousing, hero's welcome 

by the Republic TV staff as he entered the office 

late on Wednesday with plans to go on air. 

Goswami told mediapersons that he was 

Four years since 

demonetisation, what 

PM Modi said on the 

outcomes of the move 

Prime Minister Narendra 

Modi said the demonetisation 

move, when Rs 1,000 and Rs 

500 notes were scrapped in a sudden 

announcement four years ago, helped 

reduced black money and increased 

tax compliance and was “greatly 

beneficial” towards the progress of 

the country 

“Demonetisation has helped 

reduce black money, increase tax 

compliance and formalization 

and given a boost to transparency. 

These outcomes have been greatly 

beneficial towards national progress. 

#DeMolishingCorruption,” PM 

Modi tweeted. 

On November 8, 2016, PM Modi, 

in an unexpected move, announced 

the scrapping of the existing Rs 

500 and Rs 1,000 notes with 

immediate effect. 

The sudden withdrawal of notes 

led to liquidity shortage, with long 

queues outside banks. It had also 

roiled the economy, with demand 

falling, businesses facing a crisis, 

and GDP growth declining close to 

1.5 per cent. Many small units were 

hit hard, with many reporting huge 

losses even after nine months. 

About 115 people reportedly died 

standing in queues to withdraw 

money from their bank accounts. 

The RBI gradually introduced Rs 

500 and Rs 2,000 notes in place of 

the notes withdrawn, but the pace of 

remonetisation was very slow. 

Kejriwal should focus on Delhi pollution, not Goa: CM 

Instead of interfering in Goa 

politics and commenting on 

the Covid-19 scenario in the 

coastal state, Delhi Chief Minister 

Arvind Kejriwal should focus 

on tackling pollution levels in 

Delhi where people are desperate 

to breathe fresh air, Goa Chief 

Minister Pramod Sawant said. 

"No state is as polluted as 

Delhi. They (AAP) should look 

at that first. People in Delhi are 

desperate to breathe fresh air. 

You can go to Delhi and check," 

Sawant told a press conference 

held at his official residence in 

Panaji, soon after his two-day 

visit to the national capital. 

"I want to tell Kejriwal to 

worry about Delhi first and not 

Goa," he said. 

The comments by Sawant 

come on the heels of severe 

criticism of the BJP-led 

coalition government's Covid-19 

management in Goa, where 651 

persons have died after testing 

positive for coronavirus. In all 

45,389 people have tested positive 

for Covid-19 in Goa so far. 

"absolutely fine" and looking forward to 

work amid a thunderous applause outside his 

office building.


WORLD 21 

Mexico’s envoy 

to US calls Biden 

‘prospective’ 

President-elect 

Mexico’s ambassador 

to the United States 

on Tuesday called Joe 

Biden the “prospective” Presidentelect, 

in what could indicate a 

slight shift in position after the 

Mexican government said it was too 

soon to recognize a winner of the 

US election. 

Ambassador Martha Barcena 

published a series of talking points 

on Twitter titled “Position of the 

Government of Mexico” containing 

the new language. It was not 

immediately clear if the choice of 

words signalled a shift in Mexico’s 

official stance. 

The Democrat former vice 

president secured the presidency by "Mexico 

winning Pennsylvania on Saturday, 

is ready 

but Republican President Donald 

Trump has so far refused to concede, to engage in a 

and is pursuing lawsuits in several constructive spirit 

states in a bid to hold on to power 

with the future U.S. 

citing “illegal” ballots. State officials 

have said there were no significant 

administration, 

irregularities in the Nov. 3 election. based on the 

The Mexican foreign ministry enduring ties of 

did not offer specific comments on 

friendship and 

the ambassador’s statement, with a 

ministry official saying it had been neighborliness 

issued by the embassy. 

In response to questions from 

Twitter users, Barcena later gave 

that bind our two 

nations 

several synonyms for the word 

“prospective.” 

“Prospective can be translated 

in several ways, presumed is one 

of them, virtual would be another, 

in a Tweet. 

So far, Mexican President Andres 

Manuel Lopez Obrador has held 

back from congratulating Biden 

probable, eventual, future,” she said for winning the election even 

as government leaders in many 

countries sent their best wishes. 

“This principled position 

underlines the respect for the U.S. 

political system and institutions 

and for both the Democratic 

and Republican parties as well 

as for President Donald Trump 

and prospective President-elect 

Joseph Biden,” Barcena said in the 

document. 

“Mexico is ready to engage in a 

constructive spirit with the future 

U.S. administration, based on the 

enduring ties of friendship and 

neighborliness that bind our two 

nations.” 

Lopez Obrador has reiterated he 

would not recognize the election 

winner until legal disputes were 

resolved, but said he had “no 

problem” with Biden. 

Boris Johnson, Joe Biden pledge to 

work together closely in 1st phone call 

UK Prime Minister Boris 

Johnson spoke to Joe Biden 

during their first official 

phone call since the US Presidentelect 

won the November 3 election 

against incumbent Donald Trump. 

It is believed that Biden chose to 

telephone Johnson ahead of other 

leaders in Europe as Downing Street 

said the two leaders pledged to work 

closely together. 

“In a call this afternoon, the Prime 

Minister warmly congratulated Joe 

Biden on his election as President of 

the United States. The Prime Minister 

also conveyed his congratulations to 

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris 

on her historic achievement,” a 

Downing Street spokesperson said. 

“They discussed the close and 

long-standing relationship between 

our countries and committed to 

building on this partnership in the 

years ahead, in areas such as trade 

and security – including through 

NATO. The Prime Minister and 

President-elect also 

looked forward to 

working closely together 

on their shared priorities, 

from tackling climate 

change, to promoting 

democracy, and building back better 

from the coronavirus pandemic,” the 

spokesperson said. 

During the conversation, Johnson 

is said to have formally invited Biden 

"They 

also looked 

forward to seeing 

each other in person, 

including when the 

UK hosts the G7 

Summit in 

2021" 

to attend the COP26 climate change 

summit that the UK is hosting in 

Glasgow next year. 

“They also looked forward to 

seeing each other in person, including 

when the UK hosts the G7 Summit in 

2021,” the spokesperson added. 

Biden was declared the winner 

on Saturday as he edged passed the 

270 electoral college votes mark. 

However, counting is ongoing on in 

some states, with President Donald 

Trump disputing the result. 

Soon after his phone 

call, Johnson also 

issued a Twitter 

statement to say that 

he is looking forward 

to “strengthening the 

partnership” between our 

countries and to working 

with him on our shared priorities 

– from tackling climate change, to 

promoting democracy and building 

back better from the pandemic. PTI 

AK CPS 

NEWS in BRIEF 

COVID-19: 'Lockdown' declared Collins Dictionary 

word of the year 

" 

Lockdown" has been declared the word of the year for 2020 by Collins 

Dictionary, after a sharp rise in its usage during the pandemic. 

Collins said it encapsulates the shared experience of billions of people. 

Lexicographers registered more than 250,000 usages of "lockdown" 

during 2020, up from just 4,000 last year. 

Other pandemic-linked terms on the 10-strong list include "furlough", 

"key worker", "self-isolate" and "social distancing" as well as "coronavirus". 

According to the dictionary, lockdown is defined as "the imposition 

of stringent restrictions on travel, social interaction, and access to public 

spaces". 

COVID vaccine: First 'milestone' vaccine offers 90% 

protection 

A 

preliminary analysis has shown the first effective coronavirus vaccine 

can prevent more than 90% of people from getting COVID-19. 

The developers - Pfizer and BioNTech - described it as a "great day for 

science and humanity". 

The BBC reports their vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six 

countries and no safety concerns have been raised. 

The companies plan to apply for emergency approval to use the vaccine 

by the end of the month. 

No vaccine has gone from the drawing board to being proven highly 

effective in such a short period of time. 

There are still huge challenges ahead, but the announcement has been 

warmly welcomed with scientists describing themselves smiling "ear to ear" 

and some suggesting life could be back to normal by spring. 

WHO chief Tedros thanks PM Modi for Covid-19 

vaccine initiative 

World 

Organization 

Health 

chief 

Tedros Adhanon Ghebreyesus 

on Wednesday thanked Prime 

Minister Narendra Modi for 

his strong commitment to 

Covax — a global vaccine 

pool led by WHO and Gavi 

— and for making Covid-19 

vaccines a global public 

good. “The pandemic is an 

unprecedented challenge for 

the world, and we agreed to work shoulder to shoulder to end it,” Tedros 

tweeted. 

It was an excellent conversation, Prime Minister Modi said. “We 

discussed the vast potential of traditional medicine for promoting health and 

wellness in the world. I also assured India’s support to WHO and the world 

community in the fight against Covid-19,” PM Modi tweeted. 

During the conversation, PM Modi expressed his appreciation for WHO’s 

important role in facilitating a coordinated global response to the Covid-19 

pandemic, a statement issued by the PMO said. 

“He also noted the need to not lose sight of the battle against other 

diseases, and appreciated the importance of WHO’s support to the health 

systems of developing countries,” it said. 

Australia says US return to Paris Agreement, WHO 

under Biden would be welcome 

Australia would welcome 

President-elect Joe Biden 

restoring the United States to the 

Paris climate accord, Prime Minister 

Scott Morrison said on Monday, 

speaking as he faced renewed 

pressure himself to boost efforts to 

cut Australia’s carbon emissions. 

“We would be welcoming the 

United States back into the Paris 

Agreement, somewhere we’ve 

always been,” Morrison told 

reporters, saying a US return to 

other global organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) 

would also be welcome. 

The United States formally withdrew from the Paris climate agreement 

last week, but Biden has promised to rejoin the Paris pact, and also commit 

to net zero emissions by 2050. 

Although Australia state and territory governments have adopted the same 

2050 target for net zero emissions, Morrison’s federal government has yet 

to do so. Australia is a major exporter of fossil fuels, particularly coal, and 

Morrison said many countries have made qualified climate commitments. 

On Monday independent lawmaker Zali Steggall introduced a climate bill 

to federal parliament seeking a net zero target, saying Australia would be 

“the pariah of the international community” if it didn’t strengthen its climate 

commitments.

22 

SPORTS 


NEWS in BRIEF 

Pakistan drop Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Amir from 

35-member squad for New Zealand tour 

A 

day after appointing Babar Azam as the 

new Test captain, Pakistan Cricket Board 

(PCB) announced a 35-member squad for 

their upcoming tour of New Zealand from which 

the national men’s and Shaheens (Pakistan A team) 

squads will be selected. The players, along with 

20-member players support personnel, will depart 

for Lincoln on 23 November where they will spend 

the mandatory 14-day quarantine period. Pakistan 

will play three T20Is on 18, 20 and 22 December, and two Tests which 

will be a part of ICC World Test Championship in Mount Maunganui and 

Christchurch on 26-30 December and 3-7 January, respectively. 

“Apart from the 35 players involved in pre-series intra-squad matches as 

part of their preparations, Pakistan men’s national team players not involved 

in international matches against New Zealand will be available for selection 

for the Shaheens’ matches against New Zealand A. 

Tendulkar, Lara easily best two batsmen I've played 

with or against: Warne 

Former Australia leg-spinner Shane 

Warne has heaped praise Sachin 

Tendulkar and Brian Lara, saying 

the duo were the 'best two batsmen' 

he played with or against during his 

illustrious career. 

"These two guys were clearly and easily the best two batsmen I played 

with or against and the best of my generation too (1989-2013) Sachin 

Tendulkar and Brian Lara. Did you like watching the three of us play and 

do battle out on the field?" wrote Warne along with the picture which he 

posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday. 

Tendulkar made his debut against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989 as a 

16-year-old. He went on to play 200 Tests for India, scoring 100 centuries 

across Tests and ODIs. In 463 ODIs, Tendulkar scored 18,426 runs including 

49 tons and in Tests, he has 15,921 runs to his name, including 51 centuries. 

Trailblazers beat Supernovas to 

clinch Women's T20 Challenge 

Trailblazers, led by captain Smriti Mandhana's 68 and ably supported by 

spinners Salma Khatun and Deepti Sharma, clinched the Women's T20 

Challenge beating Supernovas by 16 runs in the final match. 

Batting first, Trailblazers scored 118 for eight wickets in 20 overs, with 

Smriti being the top scorer with 68 off 49 balls (5x4s, 3x6s), and left-arm 

spinner Radha Yadav bagging five wicket hauls. Chasing, Supernovas were 

restricted to 102 for seven wickets in 20 overs, largely due to off-spinners 

Salma Khatun of Bangladesh(3/18) and Deepti Sharma (2/9). 

Also, veteran Jhulan Goswami bowled a tight line, conceding only 17 

runs in her four-over spell, though she didn't take a wicket. For the losers, 

captain Harmanpreet Kaur was the top scorer with 30 off 36 balls. But no 

other batswoman could get going. 

Barcelona wants Neymar to pay back 

nearly $12 million 

Barcelona is suing Neymar 

for nearly $12 million, 

the amount the club believes it 

overpaid the Brazilian during the 

time he played in Spain, a person 

with knowledge of the case said. 

He said Barcelona overpaid 

Neymar to avoid possible tax 

irregularities while authorities investigated his transfer from Brazilian club 

Santos in 2013. Calculations recently concluded by tax authorities showed 

that the club didn’t have to pay the 10 million euros ($11.8 million), so 

it is requesting that the player returns that amount. The person spoke to 

The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person 

was not authorized to make public comments about the issue. Neymar’s 

representatives told the AP that they would not comment on the case. 

Neymar played for Barcelona from 2013-17 before joining French club 

Paris Saint-Germain on a record transfer fee of 222 million euros ($262 

million). 

Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay all face injury issues 

ahead of World Cup qualifiers 

Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay are all facing injury problems ahead of 

upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. For Brazil, forward Philippe 

Coutinho is out. 

Argentina will be missing striker Paulo Dybala. And Uruguay will have 

to do without midfielder Federico Valverde. 

Brazil has the added problem of missing Neymar for the team’s match 

against Venezuela on Friday because of a groin injury. But he could return 

against Uruguay on Tuesday. 

Brazil and Argentina lead the 10-team qualifying group with six points 

from two matches, followed by Colombia and Paraguay with four points 

each. Uruguay has three points. 

IPL 2020: Five big 

ticket players who 

flopped this season 

The 13th edition of the Indian 

Premier League was totally 

different from the previous 

seasons. Firstly, the coronavirus 

pandemic forced the tournament to 

be carried out in empty stadiums of 

UAE. The next unusual thing was 

big cricketing stars going out of 

firepower. 

The league was studded with a 

number of uncapped cricketers who 

produced some stellar performances. 

But there were certain big players 

who took the cricket fans by surprise 

with their out of fuel appearances 

on the field. Let’s have a look at 

those cricketers who went from 

IPL Superstars to massive flops this 

season. 

1. Rishabh Pant: The Delhi 

Capitals wicket-keeper-batsman 

struggled with his fitness and poor 

show throughout the tournament. 

He was a far cry away from his 

big hitting self as his move to be 

overcautious led to his failure. 

He showed glimpses of his 

attacking ability in the final against 

Mumbai Indians and scored halfcentury. 

He mustered a below-par 

343 runs from 14 outings, with a 

solitary fifty to his name. 

2. MS Dhoni: Cricket lovers were 

eagerly waiting to see their all-time 

favourite cricketer in action since his 

international retirement. They waited 

to see some Dhoni fireworks for 

more than a year. Unfortunately, their 

wishes didn’t turn real. The Chennai 

Super Kings skipper had his worstever 

IPL season, scoring 200 runs at 

an average of 25, without any fiftyplus 

score. 

3. Glenn Maxwell: The Australian 

all-rounder was re-bought by Kings 

XI Punjab with a hope that his 

presence will boost the team with 

some firepower. Maxwell even 

slammed a century against England 

before joining KXIP camp in UAE. 

But things changed as soon as the 

tournament commenced. 

A player like Glenn Maxwell 

ended the entire season without 

hitting as single SIX. Just 108 runs 

under his belt and 9 boundaries from 

14 games. 

4. Dinesh Karthik: The veteran 

Indian wicket-keeper had a rather 

confusing season altogether. Firstly, 

he took too much of time to settle 

himself in the batting line-up. Then 

he decided to step down as Kolkata 

Knight Riders captain. 

All this while the only thing that 

suffered was his batting. Just 169 

runs from 14 games including a fifty. 

This was his third-worst IPL season 

in terms of runs scored. 

5. Andre Russell: Russell’s bighitting 

prowess made him the most 

feared asset in the Kolkata Knight 

Riders line-up. The Caribbean allrounder 

is known for hurting the 

best bowlers in the business. But 

this season, all he could hurt was his 

hamstring and knee. 

He scored only 117 runs from 10 

games, averaging 13 and no fifty-plus 

scores at all. Russell was the biggest 

disappointment for KKR this season. 

Cricket Australia unveils 

Indigenous jersey for India T20Is 

The Australian men’s cricket team is set to wear 

specially-designed Indigenous shirts in the 

upcoming T20 series against India, a move 

aimed at recognising and encouraging the Indigenous 

Australians’ role in the sport. Cricket Australia on 

Wednesday unveiled the design, a collaboration between 

manufacturer ASICS and two Indigenous women, Aunty 

Fiona Clarke and Courtney Hagen. 

“Clarke is a direct descendent of late cricketer 

‘Mosquito’ Couzens (known as Grongarrong), one of 

the Aboriginal players who toured England in 1868 

as part of the first sporting team from Australia to play 

abroad,” cricket.co.au reported. The design is an ode 

to the ancestors and past, present and future aboriginal 

cricketers. The Australian men’s team, thus, will be 

following their women counterparts, who first wore an 

Indigenous shirt of their own in a match against England 

earlier this year. Australia premier fast bowler Mitchell 

Starc, who displayed the first look of the jersey, said he 

was excited about sporting the new shirt. 

“...it’s really exciting to have the chance as a men’s 

team to wear our first Indigenous jersey,” he was quoted 

as saying by the website.

24 

FEATURES 


Balushahi 

Milk Burfi 

INGREDIENTS 

• 1tsp - saffron 

• 2tbsp - milk 

• 2/3cup - milk, full cream 

• 2cups - milk powder 

• 1tsp - cardamom powder 

• 1/2cup - caster sugar 

• 1/4cup - almonds, sliced 

• 1/4cup - pistachios, sliced 

METHOD 

• Soak saffron strands in warm milk 

and set aside. 

• In a heavy base sauce pan heat 

milk over medium flame. 

• Add milk powder while stirring 

continuously so that no lumps are 

formed and milk powder is easily 

dissolved. 

• Lower the flame and while 

maintaining the flame between 

low to medium, keep stirring the 

milk until it starts to thicken that 

will take 8-10 minutes. 

• Add cardamom powder and 

soaked saffron to milk while 

stirring continuously to combine 

in the mixture. 

• Cook for another 10-12 minutes 

or until the whole mixture comes 

together into soft, non sticky 

dough. 

• Transfer the mixture to a wide 

mixing bowl. 

• Allow it to cool down completely. 

Once it cool downs add sugar and 

mix well. 

• Line a square glass tray or baking 

sheet with parchment paper. 

• Transfer the mixture into the tray. 

• Press using a spatula to make a 

square shape of half inch even 

thickness. 

• Cover and refrigerator for 1-2 

hours or overnight. 

• Once the mixture is set, cut it into 

equal size squares. 

• Garnish with almonds and 

pistachios or with the choice of 

your nuts and serve. 

INGREDIENTS 

• 21/2cups - flour 

• 1tsp - baking powder 

• 1/2cup - clarified butter (ghee) 

FOR SUGAR SYRUP 

• 21/2cups - caster sugar 

• 1cup - water 

• 1/2tsp - cardamom powder 

• 1/4tsp - orange colour or few 

strands of saffron 

• Clarified butter or oil for frying 

• 2tbsp - pistachios, chopped 

METHOD 

• In a large mixing bowl, take flour 

and baking powder. Mix them 

very well with the fork. 

• Add clarified butter and crumble 

the mixture with your fingers then 

bring the dough together (do not 

smoothen the dough too much as 

we are preparing a flaky dough). 

• Add water if needed in 

tablespoons while bringing the 

dough together. 

• Cover the dough with a damp 

cloth and let it rest for at least 30 

minutes. 

FOR SUGAR SYRUP 

• In a pan, add water, sugar, 

cardamom powder, and saffron. 

• Bring it to a boil over a medium 

flame then lower the flame and 

INGREDIENTS 

• 400gm - coconut, desiccated 

• 2cups - milk, full cream 

• 11/2cups - caster sugar 

• 2tbsp - clarified butter (ghee) 

• 1tsp - cardamom powder 

• 1/4cup - pistachios, sliced 

METHOD 

• In a heavy base saucepan add desiccated coconut and 

milk. 

• Boil it over medium flame; after 1 boil, reduce the 

flame to low and let cook until the milk is evaporated 

(keep stirring to make sure it does not stick to the 

bottom of the pan). 

• Add sugar and cook until the moisture is completely 

evaporated. 

• Add clarified butter and cardamom powder and 

continue to cook stirring constantly until the mixture 

let simmer for 5-6 

minutes till the 

syrup turns into the 

desired consistency 

(when the last drop 

of sugar syrup falls 

slowly into the pan 

from spoon that 

means it is ready. If 

you want the syrup to 

be very sweet then get to 

1 string consistency). 

• Remove the pan from the 

flame, cover and keep aside. 

TO FRY 

• Heat clarified butter in a heavy 

base sauce pan over low to 

medium flame. 

• Extract small amount of dough 

and make it into a ball (golf size 

ball). 

• Placing the ball in your hand 

slightly press it between your 

palms and then make a whole in 

the centre with your finger. (do 

not knead the dough ball to make 

it into a fine dough; its completely 

fine to have cracks as they help 

sugar syrup to seep in) 

• Deep fry them in batches for 8-10 

minutes or till they become golden 

brown in colour and are crisp (the 

balls will slightly fluff up and will 

COCONUT BURFI 

start 

floating on top when 

they are done). 

• Add them to the warm sugar 

syrup and let soak for 15 minutes. 

• Repeat the process until all are 

done. 

• Garnish them with chopped 

pistachios. Serve. 

TIP: Do not heat the ghee too much 

otherwise the Balushahi will fry from 

outside but will remain raw from 

inside. 

Do not over knead the daugh, just 

mix it to give a nice flakiness to it. 

You can store balushahi in an 

airtight container for up to 2 weeks. 

turns dry & leaves the pan (press down the mixture 

with a spatula to check if there is any excess moisture 

left, if still has moisture then cook further to dry it). 

• Line a square glass tray or baking sheet with parchment 

paper. 

• Transfer the mixture into the tray. 

• Press using a spatula to make a square shape of half 

inch even thickness. 

• Sprinkle sliced pistachios on top. 

• Cover and keep aside at room temperature for 3 to 4 

hours to set or refrigerate over night. 

• Slice the coconut burfi into desired squares and serve 

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26 

FEATURES 


13 November to 19 November 2020 | By Manisha Koushik 

ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20) 

If you feel the need for change, this is a good 

time to go ahead with it. Remain persistence 

if you want the work to get done your way. 

Someone may guide you in achieving total 

fitness by introducing something new in your 

routine. You can be caught with your guard 

down by a senior at work and suffer the 

consequences. Failing to qualify something 

important on the academic front is possible, if you don’t put in 

adequate efforts. Lucky No.:15 / Lucky Colour: Peach 

TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20) 

There are ways to put across your point, so 

don’t be harsh with anyone. You may need to 

review the choices available on the academic 

front, as you don’t seem satisfied with the 

ones you have opted. Don’t take anything that 

doesn’t seem right to you, either at work or in 

your personal life. You will need to take out 

time for something promised to the family. 

Developments on the social front may disappoint you. Lucky No.:9 

/ Lucky Colour: Rosy Brown 

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) 

You will need to hold your own in the midst 

of differing opinions. Impressing those who 

matter is possible on the professional front. 

Something positive is likely to happen on the 

academic front. Romance is likely to blossom 

soon, as you manage to find an ideal mate 

through online. Expect someone to appease 

you on the social front for a favour. Health 

remains good, as you keep yourself active. You can remain in a 

confused state of mind over an issue that affects you personally. 

Lucky No.:1 / Lucky Colour: Dark Turquoise 

CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20) 

Your attempts to influence someone negatively 

may not succeed, so don’t indulge in this. An 

issue regarding property, hanging fire for long, 

is likely to be resolved. Finding the right study 

circle may pose a problem for some preparing 

for something important on the academic front. 

Those expecting money from may not get the 

asked for amount. Health remains satisfactory. 

Forgive and forget the past can be your new mantra at work. Lucky 

No.: 7/ Lucky Colour: Magenta 

Manisha Koushik is a practicing astrologer, tarot card reader, numerologist, vastu and 

fengshui consultant based in India with a global presence through the online channels. She is 

available for consultations online as well. E-mail her at support@askmanisha.com or contact 

at +91-11-26449898 Mobile/Whatsapp: +91-9716145644 • www.askmanisha.com 

LEO (JUL21-AUG 20) 

If you are in the habit of doing something your 

way, be ready for some interruptions. This is 

a good week to work towards enhancing your 

career prospects, as things move favourably for 

you. Someone’s guidance may prove a godsend 

on the academic front and bail you out from 

a tight situation. Spending quality time with 

family is indicated for some. Travel plans for a 

break from the routine may be drawn up by some. Lucky No.:1 / 

Lucky Colour: Light Red 

VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23) 

It is not the right time to show all your 

cards, as someone may take advantage of 

you. You can be selected for a special honour 

on the professional front. Your academic 

achievements are likely to open many doors 

for you. You will be in a position to demand 

a big pay packet and boost your financial 

strength. Success is foreseen for those trying 

to come back in shape. A romantic evening with partner is possible. 

Lucky No.:4 / Lucky Colour: Turquoise 

LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23) 

Certain adjustments in your personal life 

may be needed. Money comes to you from 

unexpected sources and promises to buttress 

your bank account. Rearranging the house 

is on the cards for some homemakers and 

promises to provide immense satisfaction. 

Some improvement in health is foreseen for 

those feeling under the weather. It may become difficult to cover 

you lapses at work, so remain mentally present in whatever you 

do on the professional front. Love life remains satisfactory. Lucky 

No.:2 / Lucky Colour: Orange 

SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22) 

You will need to get your priorities right, if you 

want things to move in a timely manner. Your 

luck turns for the better and make you achieve 

the unachievable on the professional front! 

Things falling into place on the academic front 

may come as a big relief for some. Spouse 

may seem unusually lovey-dovey, so expect 

your love life to rock! You may take an elderly 

person under your care. Lucky No.: 3 / Lucky Colour: Magenta 

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21) 

Distractions and additional workload may make 

your digress from what you want to accomplish. 

You are likely to remain mentally preoccupied 

and may not be able to do justice to the tasks 

at hand. Achieving your aim on the academic 

front may require taking personal pains, so get 

set for putting in your bit. Health needs care. 

Family will appear most responsive to your needs. Lucky No.: 8 / 

Lucky Colour: White 

CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21) 

Don’t waste your time and energy on someone 

who is not prepared to listen to your advice. This 

is a good time to showcase your talents at work, 

as an important assignment may come your way. 

Cutting corners and remaining conservative in 

your spending will help in maintaining a healthy 

bank account. Regular medication will be 

important in getting rid of an ailment. Spouse may annoy you by 

not seeing your point of view in a social situation. Lucky No.:1 / 

Lucky Colour: Dark Turquoise 

AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19) 

Wedding bells may soon become a reality for 

the eligible. You may feel spiritually uplifted, 

as you become increasingly religious-minded. 

Mental peace and tranquillity is yours for the 

asking. In financial matters, you will remain a 

realist and not get swayed by passing fancies. 

Keeping the professional front in good order 

may become your aim. Efforts on the academic front are certain 

to deliver positive results. Homemakers will remain in control 

at home and ensure everyone’s comfort. Lucky No.: 6 / Lucky 

Colour: Crimson 

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) 

Wavering focus may harm your career interests. 

Certain old issue swept under the carpet at 

work may come back to haunt you, so retrieve 

and tackle them now when you have the time. 

Keep your expenses under check to enhance 

savings and make your financial front stronger. 

Monotony on the social front may get to you, 

so do something exciting. Those facing the odds will steadily take 

control of a current situation. Lucky No.:5 / Lucky Colour: All 

Shades of Green 

Auckland Indian Association Inc wishes everyone 

a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year 

Pandit Devram K Raval 

Radha Krishna Temple 

145 New North Road, Eden Terrace, Auckland 

Telephone: 09 377 2424 • email: office@aiai.org.nz 

website: www.aiai.org.nz


CROSSWORD FreeDailyCrosswords.com 

NO: 60 

ACROSS------------, 

I) Diamond weight 

6) One of the Three Bears 

10) Chutzpa 

14) Linguist's concern 

15) Old orchard spray 

16) Succulent plant 

1 7) What a witch might do 

20) _ chi ch'uan 

21) Skirt feature 

22) T-bones 

23) Keats title opening 

25) Freedom from difficulty 

26) Well-qualified 

28) Striking scene 

32) Seems imminent 

34) British blue blood 

35) Tennis redo 

38) Steppenwolf classic 

WHEE! 

14 

17 

20 

32 

38 

2 

2 3 4 5 7 

42) Where supper is slop 

43) In need of a shampoo 

44) Nettle rash 

45) Delicateness 

48) Red coin? 

49) Actor's handful 

51) Word with "lock" or 

"barrier" 

53) Like the North Pole 

55) Norwegian city 

56) Something to pitch 

59) Endure difficulties 

62) Experiencing jitters 

63) Suspicious of 

64) Full complement of Wise 

Men 

65) Tiger's pegs 

66) Squirrel away 

67) _ Hall University 

8 9 

Dennis E. Mitchell 

11 12 13 

May 10th 

DOWN 

I) Terse 

2) Where Myanmar is 

3) Branch of medical science 

4) Add years 

5) Rib 

6) Boater's haven 

7) Oodles 

8) Big name in communism 

9) They're taken up in war 

10) French pastry 

11) Blotter entry 

12) English thinker John 

13) Albanian coins 

18) Use absorbent paper 

19) Cat quality 

24) Prefix meaning "half' 

26) Charitable offerings 

27) Gravy container 

29) Green gem 

30) Place for a computer 

31) Literary "before" 

33) Zodiac sign 

35) Flowerless plant 

36) Garden of good and Eve? 

37) Midterm, e.g. 

39) Espionage grp. 

40) "Rumble in the Jungle" victor 

41) Law feared by the fugitive financier 

45) Long-in-the-tooth types 

46) Boob tube offering 

47) Eli's school 

49) Joy companion 

50) Long narrow crest 

52) Appointments 

53) Not have peace of mind 

54) Some pop groups 

55) Germany's von Bismarck 

57) Cookie brand 

58) A sign of a kind 

60) Nitro's cousin 

61) An article 

ANSWERS CROSSWORD NO: 60 

FreeDailyCrosswords.com 

ACROSS------------, 

I) Diamond weight 

6) One of the Three Bears 

10) Chutzpa 

14) Linguist's concern 

15) Old orchard spray 

16) Succulent plant 

1 7) What a witch might do 

20) _ chi ch'uan 

21) Skirt feature 

22) T-bones 

23) Keats title opening 

25) Freedom from difficulty 

26) Well-qualified 

28) Striking scene 

32) Seems imminent 

34) British blue blood 

35) Tennis redo 

38) Steppenwolf classic 

WHEE! 

1 

c 

2 A 3R 4A 

S T 

1 

tJ s 

1 

'" 

I 

2 A 

2i l L E 

3l 0 0 M 1; 

3ftn A G 

!; T y 

HITORI NO: 60 

I 

42) Where supper is slop 

43) In need of a shampoo 

44) Nettle rash 

45) Delicateness 

48) Red coin? 

49) Actor's handful 

51) Word with "lock" or 

"barrier" 

53) Like the North Pole 

55) Norwegian city 

56) Something to pitch 

59) Endure difficulties 

62) Experiencing jitters 

63) Suspicious of 

64) Full complement of Wise 

Men 

65) Tiger's pegs 

66) Squirrel away 

67) _ Hall University 

A 

Dennis E. Mitchell 

l; 1 A 1 l 1 l 

L 0 E 

I C 

I D E 

I V E s 

RM 

H R E E 

67S E T ON 

May 10th 

DOWN 

I) Terse 

2) Where Myanmar is 

3) Branch of medical science 

4) Add years 

5) Rib 

6) Boater's haven 

7) Oodles 

8) Big name in communism 

9) They're taken up in war 

10) French pastry 

11) Blotter entry 

12) English thinker John 

13) Albanian coins 

18) Use absorbent paper 

19) Cat quality 

24) Prefix meaning "half' 

26) Charitable offerings 

27) Gravy container 

29) Green gem 

30) Place for a computer 

31) Literary "before" 

33) Zodiac sign 

35) Flowerless plant 

36) Garden of good and Eve? 

37) Midterm, e.g. 

39) Espionage grp. 

40) "Rumble in the Jungle" victor 

41) Law feared by the fugitive financier 

45) Long-in-the-tooth types 

46) Boob tube offering 

47) Eli's school 

49) Joy companion 

50) Long narrow crest 

52) Appointments 

53) Not have peace of mind 

54) Some pop groups 

55) Germany's von Bismarck 

57) Cookie brand 

58) A sign of a kind 

60) Nitro's cousin 

61) An article 

Eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row 

or column. Eliminate numbers by marking them in Black. 

You are not allowed to have two Black squares touching 

horizontally or vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square 

can be reached from any other (i.e. they are connected). 

TIME OUT 27 

SUDOKU SOLUSIONS AND ANSWERS NO: 60 

59 

62 

64 

65 

67 

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

1. What is the capital city of Australia? Canberra 

2. Which US state was Donald Trump born in? New York 

3. If you completed the Three Peaks challenge, which three UK 

mountains would you have climbed? Ben Nevis, Snowdon, 

Scafell Pike 

4. Which UK city is situated further west – Bristol or Edinburgh? 

Edinburgh 

5. How many countries are there in the region of Europe? 

(Recognised by the United Nations) 44 

6. What is the capital of Finland? Helsinki 

7. What is the currency of Vietnam? Vietnamese dong 

8. What language is spoken in Brazil? Portuguese 

9. What do the French call the English Channel? la Manche 

10. How many permanent members are there on the UN security 

council? Five: China, France, Russian Federation, United 

Kingdom, United States 

11. How many notes are there in a musical scale? 7 

12. What temperature centigrade does water boil at? 100 degrees 

centigrade 

13. What company is also the name of one of the longest rivers 

in the world? Amazon 

14. What in the animal kingdom is a doe? A female deer 

15. What is the tallest mountain in the world? Mount Everest 

16. How many centimetres in a metre. 100 

17. What language is spoken in Norway? Norwegian 

18. What is the busiest airport in Britain called? London 

Heathrow 

Rickhil Prakash wishes you Happy Diwali and Prosperous New Year

28 FEATURES 


DIWALI 2020: Know all the 

legends behind the 5-day celebrations 

Deepawali, Deepavali, or Diwali is the 

biggest and the brightest of all Hindu 

festivals. It is the festival of lights. 

Diwali is marked by four days of celebration, 

which literally illuminates the country with its 

brilliance and dazzles people with its joy. 

As per Hindu calendar, the five day festival 

of Diwali is centered on the new moon day that 

ends the month of Ashwin and begins in the 

month of Kartika, beginning on the 13th day of 

the dark half of Ashwin and ending on the 2nd 

day of the bright half of Kartika. 

The main day of celebration varies regionally. 

'Mask wali puja, mask wali Diwali': Govt 

advisory to curb COVID-19 The first day of 

Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhan 

Teras. 

The second day of Diwali is called Narak 

Chaturdasi. It is the fourteenth lunar day (thithi) 

of the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik 

and the eve of Diwali. 

Diwali is celebrated with earthen lamps 

and artificial lights illuminate up the place. 

According to the Skanda Purana, the earthen 

lamps or the Diyas symbolise the Sun, 

describing it the cosmic giver of light and 

energy. 

Return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya: 

As per the Hindu epic Ramayana, Diwali 

is the day when Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, 

Lakshmana and Hanuman returned to Ayodhya 

after spending 14 years in forests. 

Many Hindus also believe that Goddess 

Lakshmi was born on Diwali during the 

churning of cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan). 

Hence, Diwali is observed to celebrate the 

return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. 

Lakshmi Puja: 

On the auspicious new moon day, which is 

'Amavasyaa' of the Hindi month of Kartik, the 

Goddess of wealth and prosperity - Lakshmi 

was incarnated. 

She appeared during the churning of the 

ocean, which is known as 'Samudra Manthan', 

by the demons on one side and 'Devataas' 

(Gods) on the other side. 

Therefore, the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, 

the Lakshmi Pujan, on the day of Diwali, 

became a tradition. 

Narak Chaturdashi: 

In northern India, Narak Chaturdashi is 

observed as part of Diwali festivities and also 

known as Chhoti Diwali. The day takes its 

name Narak Chaturdashi from the legend of 

Narakasura and his eventual execution at Lord 

Krishna's hand. 

Demon king Narakasura, spread his reign all 

over the universe including the 'Swargalok' the 

kingdom of Indra. 

He also stole the jewelry of Aditi, the mother 

of Gods and abducted 16000 girls and women. 

Lord Krishna killed Narakasura and restored 

the reign of Indra and honour of Aditi and freed 

and married the abducted 16000 women. Thus, 

the day is celebrated to mark the deliverance of 

Narakasura at the hand of Lord Krishna. 

Govardhan Puja: 

To mark the day when Lord Krishna saved 

the citizens of Gokul from the torrential rains 

under the mount Govardhan carrying on his 

little finger, Govardhan Puja is observed on the 

next day of Diwali. 

The rains was the manifestation of the wrath 

of Indra, when Krishna asked the citizens of 

Gokul to worship Govardhan hill instead of 

Indra in anticipation of better rains and farm 

yield. 

When, Krishna didn't deter even after 

continuously carrying the hill for many days, 

Indra conceded defeat and stopped the rains. 

Thus, in honour of Govardhan hill and the 

victory of lord Krishna over Indra, the day is 

celebrated in many parts of the country. 

A small hill of cow dung is made and 

worshipped on the day. Farmers also worship 

their cattle and feed them special feast on the 

day. 

Bhai Dooj: 

Bhai Dooja is celebrated two days after 

Diwali and culminates the five days festivities 

of Diwali celebrations. One of the most famous 

legends around Bhai Dooj narrates the story of 

Yamraja and Yamuna. Yamraja visited his sister 

Yamuna on this day. 

Pleased by her love and affection, Yamraja 

gave his sister a Vardhan (boon) that whosoever 

visits her on this day, shall be liberated from 

all sins. 

The rituals involve sisters putting 'Tilak' on 

brothers' forehead and performing of 'Aarti' 

while praying for the happiness and fortunes 

for their brothers. 

The rituals involve sisters putting 'Tilak' on 

brothers' forehead and performing of 'Aarti' 

while praying for the happiness and fortunes 

for their brothers. 

Aspirations Early 

Ph: 0508 277 473 

Learning Centre 

wishes everyone a very 

Happy Diwali 

Address: 26 Cornwall Road, Papatoetoe Auckland 2025 | Email: info@aspirationselc.co.nz

30 

ENTERTAINMENT 


ANUPAM KHER: 

Best form of storytelling 

done by grandparents 

Actor Anupam Kher feels the best form of 

storytelling is done by grandparents. 

"The best form of storytelling has been 

done by our grandparents, mine used to tell me 

the same story and just changed the characters 

names," said Anupam. 

Anupam has narrated Saadat Hasan Manto's 

short story "Toba Tek Singh", a satire set in the 

time of Partition written in 1954. 

"While narrating 'Toba Tek Singh', I could feel 

the sadness of Partition and it's only a genius like 

Manto who can write from a mad person's point 

of view. That is exactly how I have tried to narrate 

it, in a way that will make your heart go out to the 

character," said the actor. 

The story is set a few years after Partition in 

1947. In an insane decision, the governments of 

India and Pakistan decided to exchange Hindu, 

Sikh and Muslim lunatics. 

Through the story, Manto highlights the 

absurdity of Partition as well as the emotional 

struggle and suffering that millions had 

to endure owing to the decision. 

Although the story is fictional, 

an actual exchange of psychiatric 

patients between mental hospitals in 

Lahore and Amritsar did take place 

in 1950. "Toba Tek Singh'', now 

available in audio format, is based on 

that incident. 

Shekhar Suman urges all to light diya in Sushant's memory on Diwali 

Bollywood actor Shekhar Suman on Monday 

urged all to light a diya in the name of late 

actor Sushant Singh Rajput on Diwali 

and pray for his soul. Suman also reminded that 

Diwali is on 14th November, a date that will mark 

six months of the demise of Sushant, who passed 

away on June 14. 

"14th is Diwali which is bright n auspicious.14th 

is also a black date bcoz we lost SSR on the 14th, 

six months ago. What a paradox! So plz light diyas 

in his memory n pray that his soul shines wherever 

it is n forever. 

"The path to justice is tough but we can pray," 

Shekhar Suman tweeted. 

In a separate tweet, he wrote: "Unfortunately 

kisi ke jaane se kisi ki zindagi nahin rukti. lekin 

ek androoni ladai nyay ke liye chalti rehni chahiye. 

(Nobody's life stops with somebody passing away. 

But we should keep fighting for justice), Why 

has the CBI still not come up with any inference 

or conclusion is a big mystery. There r many 

questions dat will 4ever remain unanswered." 

Sushant Singh Rajput 

passed away in Mumbai 

on June 14 this 

year. His death 

was initially 

investigated 

first by Mumbai 

Police and is 

currently being 

probed by 

Central Bureau 

of Investigation 

(CBI) along with 

NCB and ED. 

"While 

narrating 

'Toba Tek Singh', I 

could feel the sadness 

of Partition and it's only 

a genius like Manto who 

can write from a mad 

person's point of 

view." 

No big Diwali bash at 

Jeetendra's home owing 

to dear friend Rishi 

Kapoor's demise 

Actor-producer Tusshar 

Kapoor says there will be 

no Diwali bash at his place 

this year. The reason is his father, 

yesteryears star Jeetendra, was a 

close friend of actor Rishi Kapoor, 

who passed away earlier this year. 

"Unlike every year, there will be 

no big Diwali bash at our residence 

because of the sad demise of our very 

dear family friend, Rishi Kapoor ji, 

and of course the pandemic," said 

Tusshar. 

Rather, for the Kapoors the festival 

of lights is all about spending time 

with family this year. 

"It's festivities and celebrations 

with just the family. I have been 

pretty occupied with our film 'Laxmii' 

which was released yesterday. Also 

my son is on vacation, so I am 

spending a lot of time of with him," 

said Tusshar. 

"This Diwali is indeed a happy 

Diwali but with a difference, where 

minimalism will take precedence. 

However, the fervour will be kept 

alive as we will spend it at home with 

our family," he added.

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The Indian Weekender, 13 November 2020

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