The Indian Weekender, 19 March 2021

19 MARCH2021 • VOL 13 ISSUE 01
www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender
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BORDER CLOSURE ANNIVERSARY:
How have the lives of temporary migrants
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The Indian Weekender Friday, March 19, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 3
BORDER CLOSURE ANNIVERSARY:
How has the lives of temporary migrants
ordinarily resident in NZ changed
SANDEEP SINGH
Twenty-one-year-old Vippandeep Bibi
was halfway through her Level 7
studies in business when she had to
urgently return home to visit her sick mum
on short 15-day vacations on March 13, 2020,
when New Zealand borders were closed, and
she was locked out of the country.
Following the advice by her education
provider, she almost completed her remaining
course online in subsequent months, in the hope
that she would be able to save her year from
going waste and her precarious visa situation
would also be salvaged by Immigration New
Zealand and the government, as and when
times come for her to be allowed to return
New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand
and the government remain
as clueless as they were on the
day of closing the borders on
what will happen to people
like Bibi, and there are tens of
thousands of like her – living
a life in a complete vacuum
– without any information of
what will happen to their visas
and the lives that they had in
New Zealand.
The time has not come so far, and her visa
has expired on August 20 last year, and she
continues to wait desperately for any official
communication from relevant authorities who
can either give her any certainty or assurance
or, even worse, deliver any harsh message and
possibly give some closure.
However, Immigration New Zealand and
the government remain as clueless as they
were on the day of closing the borders on what
will happen to people like Bibi, and there are
tens of thousands of like her – living a life in a
complete vacuum – without any information of
what will happen to their visas and the lives that
they had in New Zealand.
Manjinder Singh (name changed) is on a
work visa that expires in two years and is
currently onshore working as a courier driver.
He was made to believe that he was amongst
the luckier lot to be onshore at the time of
border closure till the time he lost his father
a month ago and realised that he could not reenter
New Zealand if he chose to visit for his
father’s funeral.
Recently, bad luck hit him again, and his
wife, who has been living overseas (as she could
neither get a partnership visa nor an exception
to travel to NZ based on the relationship with
her spouse), was badly injured in an accident
and admitted in a hospital.
Now Manjinder is facing stark choices
between travelling overseas and providing
care to his wife or remain put down and save
almost ten years of the massive investment
of his money, time and skills to build a life in
New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand and the
government would not have firm assurance for
him or temporary migrants like him as well and
remain equally non-committal.
Temporary migrants who were ordinarily
resident in NZ, currently on either side of
borders (more outside of borders though),
are living a life of complete darkness and
uncertainty, one year after the borders were
closed for them.
Is this what they signed for before choosing
to initiate a migration-journey to this country?
Tomorrow (March 19) marks the anniversary
of the most unprecedented decision taken in
the history of New Zealand when borders
were closed for everyone except citizens
and residents.
• Continued on Page 5
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“Learning English gave me
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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 build confidence for 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

4 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, March 19, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Indian High Commission players
star in Diplomat XI vs New Zealand
Parliamentarians friendly match
IWK BUREAU
Diplomats XI, primarily represented
by the High Commission of
India, wrenched back the ‘NZ
Parliamentarians v Diplomats’ cricket shield
after a gruelling match on a beautiful sunny day
at Wainuiomata Cricket Club.
After Diplomats XI captain Paramjeet
Singh won the toss and elected to field, the NZ
Parliamentarians, led by MP Chris Bishop, set
them a formidable target of 184 in 25 overs.
Diplomats were off to a slow but steady start
thanks to the 68 run opening stand between
Vignesh Narayanan and O’Neil Pandit.
After a close fight and several nail-biting
moments with the match swinging back
and forth, Diplomats held their nerve and
romped home with five wickets and ten balls
to spare, wrenching back the trophy from
Parliamentarians after a gap of four years.
Vignesh starred with the bat hitting a solid
century, while O’ Neil Pandit and Amit Kumar
made valuable all-around contributions.
“It feels proud to have regained the trophy
after an intense battle on a beautiful sunny day.
“The match was played in a competitive and
yet friendly atmosphere.
"I thank Hon’ble Chris Bishop MP for taking
care of the logistic arrangements and leading
such a sporting side.
“Proud of my team, particularly Vignesh
Narayanan for hitting a cool and composed
century and anchoring the batting and O’
Neil Pandit and Amit Sharma for pitching
in with good all-round performances,”
Paramjeet Singh, captain of the winning team
Diplomats XI and Second Secretary at the High
Commission of India said.
The annual cricketing rivalry between NZ
Parliamentarians and Diplomats XI started in
1974, with parliamentarians having won 22
times, and Diplomats 18, and four ended in
a tie.
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Munish Seth
The Indian Weekender Friday, March 19, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 5
BORDER CLOSURE ANNIVERSARY:
How has the lives of temporary migrants
ordinarily resident in NZ changed
• From Page 3
It also marks the anniversary of the decision
that has singlehandedly changed the lives of
temporary migrants ordinarily resident in New
Zealand, and in some cases irreversibly forever.
It also marks the anniversary of the decision
when “kindness” for temporary migrants was
thrown under the bus by a government so
self-immersed in projecting the messages of
“kindness” for everyone.
It’s another matter that the resounding
electoral mandate that the government received
in the last elections would let them falsely
believe that what they did, and how they did,
was completely right.
But it will certainly not exonerate them from
the burden of destroying the lives of temporary
migrants who had strong connections with New
Zealand and had made huge investments to
make NZ their home.
Why was border closure for temporary
migrants not right?
Explaining the rationale of the decision to
close borders, Prime Minister Ardern had then
said, “All of the cases of COVID-19 identified
in New Zealand relate to people travelling to
New Zealand and bringing the virus with them
– therefore, we need to further restrict the risk
of people bringing the virus into New Zealand,”
Ardern said.
“All of the evidence to date is that returning
New Zealanders understand the requirement for
self-isolation, but I have become increasingly
concerned that visitors to the country either
"
All of the evidence to date is that returning New Zealanders
understand the requirement for self-isolation, but I have
become increasingly concerned that visitors to the country either
may not be able to adequately self-isolate for 14 days or chose
not to, and that is an unacceptable risk that we must eliminate
may not be able to adequately self-isolate for 14
days or chose not to, and that is an unacceptable
risk that we must eliminate,” Ardern said.
It was the most bizarre clubbing together of
short-term tourists and long-term temporary
migrants and identifying them as the same
source of risk for potentially spreading
Coronavirus in the country.
While tourists were rightly expected to
lack the motive and resources for successfully
self-isolating for 14 days at any one place,
temporary migrants never had that constraint
for the simple reason that all of them would
have a long-term accommodation available
where they could have then self-isolated and
posed a minimal risk of spreading Coronavirus.
However, no one ever challenged and
contested that decision, including temporary
migrants stuck overseas as well, in a falsified
hope that they were also part of the new social
construct of “team of five million” and had the
best interest of NZ in their hearts.
They thought that border closure was a
sudden and temporary response to deal with
the dramatic surge of the virus, and they would
not be at a risk of losing the life that they have
so assiduously built over the years in New
Zealand.
A lot of time has since passed, and New
Zealand’s response to the threat of Coronavirus
coming from overseas has evolved, including
the developing of full-fledged Managed
isolation & Quarantine (MIQ) facilities, yet
there seems to be no “kindness” and hope for
temporary migrants.
The government had then acted like a
quintessential deer caught in headlights and
sadly continue to remain so, one full year after
the sudden border closure, especially related to
the situation of temporary migrants.
There is neither any vision nor any work
under-process to return what has been so
un-righteously taken away from temporary
migrants by a government that has chosen to
remain perennially “risk-averse” and “uninnovative”
to act expeditiously and decisively.
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6 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, March 19, 2021
The Indian Weekender
AIS United emerge victorious at
the 23rd Spirit of Cricket Tournament
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
catches and WK catches, five indirect runouts
and two stumpings.
Team AIS United on Sunday, March
Chayan Khulbe of AIS United was given the
14, beat Deccan Acers by 46 runs to
Best Bowler of the Tournament title for taking
lift the Relianz Forex Spirit of Cricket
19 wickets in eight matches, giving 93 total runs
Tournament and conclude the 23rd season of
27.1 overs, with an economy of 3.42. He also
the cricket cup hosted by Migrant Community
had two four-wicket hauls in the tournament.
Cricket Club (MCCC).
Goutham R of Mighty Blues was awarded
“Finally, after gruelling three months and
the Best Batsman of the Tournament award for
repeated lockdowns like last year, it was a
scoring a total of 105 runs in eight matches,
sense of deja vu, but we managed to complete
having a Strike Rate of 61.05, and 47 as his
the Relianz Forex Spirit of Cricket tournament
highest score.
finals on Sunday, March 14,” Prashant
Chayan Khulbe was awarded as ‘Player of
Belwalkar, chairperson of MCCC said.
the Tournament’ for scoring a total of 1217
“A clinical performance by AIS United
points that includes points garnered in good
against a depleted Acers, who had a couple of
batting, bowling, fielding, Man of the Match
important personnel missing, but that hardly
titles and overall performance. He was followed
mattered as AIS were always in full control of
by Sadam Sadam of NZ Telugu Tigers with
the game,” he added.
1188 points.
Team AIS United posted 111 runs, and
In the 23rd season, a total of 4026 runs were
the chase for Acers faltered as they kept
scored off 7177 balls (1196 overs), 539 wickets
losing wickets under a tight attack and finally
taken, 313 fours and 36 sixers hit, one halfcentury,
171 ducks, 334 catches, 66 runouts, 53
succumbed 46 runs short as they were bundled
out for 65 runs.
no-balls, 692 wides, 111 maidens, 9 five-wicket
Telangana Boyz made light work of the 3rd
and 15 four-wicket hauls, with 165 players
position match when they blasted Mighty Blues
played over five months.
for a formidable 120 and forced Mighty Blues
“I would like to thank Auckland Council
on the backfoot, who managed with a meek
and Auckland cricket for their support in this
response of 56 all out in 14 overs.
tournament, commitment towards promoting
One of the oldest running community cricket
community Cricket in Auckland.
tournaments in Auckland was started in 1998
“Also, Mr Giri of Relianz Forex, the title
and has only grown in numbers over the last
sponsor of this tournament, for his unwavering
two decades.
support to the cause of community cricket,” Mr
nurturing ground for future cricketers.
MCCC Spirit of Cricket Tournament has
their contribution, change the landscape of the
Last year the knockout rounds were impacted
Belwalkar said.
been a go-to place for the summer season when
matches and help their team score a win.
due to Covid-19, and the 11-team tournament
The 24th season of the Spirit of Cricket
Sunday mornings are earmarked for cricket.
In the 23rd season, Abhimanyu Garud from
was prematurely wound up.
Tournament will be planned with the
What started as a fun get together years ago
AIS United was awarded as the best fielder
Like every season, individual players are
community players and will be scheduled from
has evolved into a serious tournament and a
for 22 outs in 7 matches that included 15
awarded for their performances who, through
November of 2021 to March 2022.
Deceased migrant worker remembered as a great cook,
good cricketer, hardworking person with a gleeful laugh
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
Friends of deceased migrant worker
Malaykumar Patel remember him as a
great sportsperson, a fantastic cook and
a life cut short too soon.
Malay Patel, 33, as he is fondly known in
the community, died in a single-vehicle crash
last Wednesday, March 10, in Christchurch and
succumbed to his injuries at the spot.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender, Malay’s
friend Pawiter Singh who is also liaising with
authorities in Christchurch and his family in
India, says he was returning from work late in
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the night when the accident happened.
“Malay worked with a cleaning company
and used that stretch of the road regularly to
cleaning sites and back home.
“He was on his way back from the cleaning
site through Tram Road, West Eyreton, Oxford,
in Canterbury at around 11:10 p.m. when his
vehicle crashed into a roadside fence and some
trees,” Mr Singh said.
Mr Singh further added that his friends and
people known to him were shocked, hearing the
news about his untimely demise and called the
police several times to confirm the information.
“I spoke to him just one day before the
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incident was helping him with his visa
application and was supposed to meet again on
Thursday afternoon for the same.
“Police came to his house to with the news
and to confirm his details with friends and
flatmates- the news quickly spread amongst
the community and his current employer, and
I went to see his body at the police station to
confirm his identity,” Mr Singh added.
Malay Patel hailed from the Navsari region
in Gujarat, Western India, and came to New
Zealand on a student visa studying Level 7
Business from an institution in Auckland.
He later moved to Christchurch and
previously worked under Armourguard.
Malay was on an Open Job visa and had
recently applied for Essential Skills Visa with
Immigration New Zealand.
Recalling about his friend, Pawiter said
Malay was a quiet person, had a gleeful laugh,
worked hard, and he and his common friends
would often hang out at their place cooking,
and dining together.
“Malay was an excellent cook, he made
some amazing dishes for us at our place, and
we would often hang out and chill with him,”
Mr Singh said.
Malay, along with his former and current
employer and friends, played cricket with
Richmond Cricket Club- Home of Rhino’s,
where he was both a bowler and a batsman.
Last Saturday, March 13, his club,
Richmond Cricket Club- Home of Rhino’s,
observed a minute’s silence and paid tribute to
Malaykumar, who they remember as a cheerful
person and a great sportsman.
“Malay was an extremely well respected
and liked member of our cricket club, with a
run-up and bowling action you will forever
remember,” Richmond Cricket Club mentioned
on their Facebook page.
Malay’s parents and family back in Gujarat
are equally traumatised by the news of their
son’s death and coordinated with his son’s
friends and authorities to repatriate his body
back home for his last rites.
Police conducted the post-mortem, and
enquiries into the circumstances of the crash is
ongoing.
The High Commission of India in Wellington
confirmed that the formalities of the body
repatriation had been completed, and Malay’s
mortal remains will be flown back to his home
to his parents on Friday, March 19.

Tailor
Real Estate Agent
Dilip
The Indian Weekender Friday, March 19, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 7
Meet the first Kiwi
Indian female police
officer from Hawke’s
Bay, Ramandeep Kaur
IWK BUREAU
Recent Police graduate Constable Ramandeep Kaur
Sandhu is breaking ground as Hawke’s Bay’s first
Indian-born female police officer.
Earlier in March, she was formally welcomed at
a mihi whakatau, following a two-year-long
study and recruitment process.
"We
welcome
diversity within
Police as we are aiming
for a constabulary workforce
diverse in ethnicity and gender
that reflects our communities. We
have set ambitious recruitment
targets nationwide to meet
Raman, 28, was born and raised in
Punjab and moved to Hawke’s Bay in
2012. She says her first years in New
Zealand - acclimatising herself to new
people, culture, and lifestyle - were
challenging.
Working different jobs in orchards,
hospitality, and customer service was a
good start but didn’t quite fulfil her.
“I have always been interested in the
investigative side of police work, so joining Police
seemed like an obvious career to pursue,” she says.
“I also found out there were no Indian female police officers
in Hawke’s Bay. Yet, I had no idea where to start.”
As she weighed her options, she learned about the Services
Pathway programme run by the Eastern Institute of Technology
(EIT) in Hawke’s Bay. It seemed like the ideal first step to
achieve her dream of joining the Police force.
Raman says she had a great experience at EIT. The
programme helped her with her application to join Police,
and tutor Andrew McCrory’s guidance throughout the journey
made all the difference.
our desired workforce
profile."
At the mihi whakatau at Hastings Central Police Station,
Raman spoke about her journey: “I want to make my family
proud to see me in my blue uniform as no one in the history
of my family has ever done something as big and splendid as
getting into New Zealand Police.”
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette
Park says the team is delighted to have Raman join
them. “She is the first Indian woman police officer in
the region, and I am sure her ability to speak three
languages - Punjabi, Hindi and English - will be
extremely useful,” she says.
“We welcome diversity within Police as
we are aiming for a constabulary workforce
diverse in ethnicity and gender that reflects our
communities. We have set ambitious recruitment
targets nationwide to meet our desired workforce
profile.
“Raman completed the EIT Services Pathway
programme before joining Police, and we have a number of
current staff who have done the same. This is a valuable course
for us to have available to people in the region.”
Raman says there are many Indians in the Hawke’s Bay
community - and she feels she will be able to connect, gain
their trust, and help make them feel safe.
“I want to be there for the wider community. I would love
to make a positive difference in every aspect of people’s lives
wherever I can.
“I want to be the best possible version of myself but also
inspire more females from diverse backgrounds to join the
Police force.”
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8 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, March 19, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Takanini Gurudwara hosts mega event to inaugurate
world class multi-million dollar sports complex
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
Takanini Gurudwara is hosting a mega
three-day event from Friday, March 19
to Sunday, March 21, on the occasion of
the inauguration of its world class multimillion
dollar sports complex in Takanini.
‘NZ Sikh Sports Complex’ under the
Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand will be
inaugurated by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
on Sunday, March 21 and the event is expected
to be attended by over 25,000 people over three
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days. The official opening ceremony of the NZ
Sikh Sports Complex was delayed by over a
year due to the Covid-19 lockdown last year.
The sports facility is open to the wider
community to use, including all local clubs
and schools.
The complex includes an artificial turf
sports field for hockey, football, a volleyball
turf, a basketball court, two cricket pitches,
Kabaddi ground.
The complex also has a netball field, four
running tracks, a playground
for children, two water bores
with treatment plants, 450+
car park space, mesh fence and
350 fruit plants surrounding the
picturesque sports complex.
The complex has a world-class
stadium standard lighting system,
floodlights, sound system, water
facility, bathrooms, toilet facility
including changing rooms, a
solid fence around the hockey
field, and 18 security cameras
to monitor every corner of the
complex.
All seven sports fields are
international standards, and the
soccer turf has been approved by
FIFA.
“This will be a historic event
for the entire South Asian
community; the local boards
of Manurewa, Takanini and
Papakura are also closing
working with us to provide
wider community services to
our people,” Daljit Singh, from
Supreme Sikh Society of NZ,
told The Indian Weekender.
During the three-day mega event, several
cultural and sports activities will be held,
including Kabaddi, football, hockey, volleyball,
netball, basketball, tug of war, 100m sprints and
cricket speed gun competitions. The activities
are open to both men and women and of all age
groups, and activities for senior citizens will
also be conducted.
A football match is also being conducted
between boys team, Auckland United Football
Club and NZ national U-20 football girls team
at the event.
CEO of Sport New Zealand Raelene Castle,
NZ Football President Johanna Wood, and CEO
Andrew Pragnell, are some of several top sports
executives to be present at the event.
The event will also be attended by caucus
members from National, Labour, Green and
Act Party, Mayor of Auckland, Legal Counnsel
Matt Robson, councillors of three local boards,
Auckland Council executives, representatives
from NZ Police, and other government bodies
will be present at the event.
Supreme Sikh Society has been in the news
most of 2020 for its community service, helping
the broader community during different levels
of lockdown.
SSSNZ had distributed over 100,000 free
food bags to the community suffering due to
job loss and lockdown last year, and continues
to host bi-weekly free food drive inviting
community members in need to pick up a food
bag from their Gurudwara premises whenever
in need. For its work, SSSNZ received several
accolades and certificates from the High
Commission of India in Wellington, Counties
Manukau South Police, Papakura Local
Board, Mayor of Auckland, Office of Ethnic
Communities, and more.
SSSNZ also won the People’s Choice NZ
Food Heroes Award 2020 and were finalists in
the Greater Good NZ Food Heroes Award.
Hamilton Kirikiriroa
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The Indian Weekender Friday, March 19, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 9
Community proud to see two Kiwi Asians
competing in TVNZ’s ‘The Bachelor’ reality show
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
Kiwis following TV soaps and reality
shows made in New Zealand and will
be seeing two contestants of Kiwi
Asian descent participate in the much loved and
followed reality show on TVNZ, The Bachelor
New Zealand, Season 4.
Sabby Jey, Sri Lankan born New Zealander,
and Kiwi Indian Shivani Meera Pragji are
two of the 18 contestants of diverse ethnic
backgrounds on the show that started earlier
this month on TVNZ 2.
The eligible celebrity bachelor on the show
to be wooed by the contestants is 30-yearold
singer Moses Mackay from the musical
trio Sol3 Mio who is swapping his mic for a
rose, taking up the lead role on The Bachelor.
On selecting the duo (Shivani and Sabby), a
spokesperson for the reality show from TVNZ
said, “Sabby and Shivani are amazing women,
and so, of course, we wanted them to be part of
this adventure.”
Sabby Jey is an entrepreneur, actor, and
model-based in Auckland and has featured in
several brand promotions and a couple of Tamil
language films produced by the Kollywood
industry in Chennai, India.
Speaking about The Bachelor, Sabby says
she had spent a reasonable amount of time
self-reflecting during the lockdown last year,
and she hopes to see the next man in her life
who shares a strong connection with her and
appreciate a good sense of humour.
On what made her a contestant on the muchloved
reality TV show, the 27-year-old bachelor
says she has been single for a while and has
Sabby Jey
been looking for a long-term partner, and it felt
it might be the right time to be out there and
meet some amazing new people.
“The lockdown made me realise I want to
really live life and experience everything it had
to offer,” Sabby said.
The other Kiwi Asian contestant Shivani
Meera is a solicitor by profession and a travel
enthusiast who, when not working, is usually
out hiking, living it up in the Coromandel or
enjoying a night out dancing.
On being a contestant on the popular
show, Shivani says, “I felt like it might be
an alternative way of meeting someone who
aligned with my life path and thought.”
On asked, what made her choose to go on the
show, Shivani said, “Everything in my life was
thriving, but I am missing someone to share
it with. I’ve always been daring and up for an
adventure, so I thought, why don’t I give the
show a chance and see if this will work for me
Shivani Meera
Pragji
"
I also believe having an
open mind helps with
navigating the unknown world
of reality television, and I am
grateful that I grew up in an
open-minded household and
was extremely well supported
by my family is going on the
show
and be able to represent the Indian community.”
Shivani is a third-generation Kiwi Indian,
and her family hails from Navasari Vakaneer
and Ganesh Sisordra villages in Gujarat, India.
Her grandparents on both sides emigrated to
New Zealand in the 1930s, and her paternal
grandfather was born in New Zealand.
Her maternal grandfather was a founding
member of the Wellington Indian sports club
and Wellington Indian Association in the
capital city.
Moses Mackay
“My grandparents came to New Zealand for
new opportunities, and I feel very fortunate to
have grown up in such a diverse country where
I can still honour my roots, and it was important
to be to show on the screen that no matter your
ethnic background, opportunities like this in
New Zealand are not limited,” Shivani told The
Indian Weekender.
Shivani says she wants to remain authentic
and herself when on the screen.
“Being comfortable with who are you inside
and out helps with the pressure, and I believe it
allows a genuine experience on the show.
“I also believe having an open mind helps
with navigating the unknown world of reality
television, and I am grateful that I grew up in
an open-minded household and was extremely
well supported by my family is going on the
show,” Shivani added.
The Bachelor airs every Tuesday from 7:30
to 8:30 p.m. on TVNZ 2 and OnDemand.
Namaste
have a happy and colourful Holi!
Left to Right: Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern (Leader of the Labour Party, MP for Mt Albert, Prime Minister of New Zealand), Hon Priyanca
Radhakrishnan (MP for Maungakiekie, Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities, and
Youth), Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall (Labour List MP, Minister for Food Safety and Seniors), Marja Lubeck (Labour List MP based in Kaipara
ki Mahurangi), Vanushi Walters (MP for Upper Harbour), Naisi Chen (Labour List MP based in Botany), Ibrahim Omer (Labour List MP),
Dr Gaurav Sharma (MP for Hamilton West), Ingrid Leary (MP for Taieri).
Contact Labour’s Ethnic Communities Team:
09 622 2557 | ethnic_communities_labour@parliament.govt.nz
/multiculturallabour
Authorised by Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

10 NEW ZEALAND
Treat for the legendary
maestro Jagjit Singh’s
fans in Auckland
IWK BUREAU
A
first
of its kind concert dedicated to
legendary ghazal singer the late Jagjit
Singh is being held in Auckland on
April 10.
‘Tarannum – An evening of Ghazals’ will
feature exclusively the great maestro’s immortal
numbers that have a fan following across two
generations, leading to his anointment as ‘King
of Ghazals’ by legions of his fans.
Auckland’s talented and well known singers
Hemant Shirsat and Arpita Chanda will recreate
the magic of the ghazal legend’s oeuvre.
While the ghazal, as a semi-classical musical
performing art form has always had a dedicated
following down the decades especially in
northern India, it’s mass appeal grew toward
the latter decades of the 20th century. And
much of the credit for popularising it across the
country and even bringing it into Hindi cinema
must go to Jagjit Singh, among other of his
contemporaneous artistes.
Jagjit Singh was last in Auckland in 2011,
when he regaled his New Zealand fans at a
packed Aotea Centre over an ethereal evening,
which many would remember in a long time.
Shortly after this visit he passed away, with
New Zealand being one of his last overseas
trips.
‘Tarannum’ – which roughly translates as
melody, singing or modulation – is a concert
conceptualised by CFI Events’ Ram Iyer. In
fact, it was CFI Events that had organised Jagjit
Singh’s last concert in Auckland.
The evening’s repertoire will include some
immortal numbers like “Baat niklegi to phir”,
his timeless numbers from films like “Hothon
se choo lo tum” and classical Raag Bhairavi
“Huzoor aapka bhi ehtaraam” besides many
more.
The concert is supported by Auckland
performing arts charity Mohan Nadkarni
Foundation and The Indian Weekender is media
partner
Tarannum will play on Saturday 10 April
at 7pm at the Green Bay Performing Arts
Centre, 161 Godley Road, Green bay,
Auckland.
Tickets cost $30 (excluding $1 processing
fee) and can be bought at www.
ticketbazaar.co.nz
Friday, March 19, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Indian NZTC student brings
diverse background to early
childhood teaching career
SUPPLIED CONTENT
New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)
student Hiten Jayaseelan is thriving in
his role as a student teacher, where his
marketing and engineering experience give him
a professional edge.
For Indian New Zealand Tertiary College
(NZTC) student Hiten Jayaseelan, a career
change from digital marketing to early
childhood teaching has brought joy and
fulfillment.
“I am absolutely loving the Field Practice
component of my studies, as I get to combine
my passion for teaching with my digital
marketing and engineering experience.
“As well as contributing to the growth and
development of children every day, I extend
my support to centre management regarding
their Facebook ads, Google Analytics, website
administration and other digital marketing or IT
related services.”
Hiten decided NZTC was the right choice for
him after learning about the college’s positive
reputation and extensive history.
“NZTC offers early childhood qualifications
that are approved by the New Zealand
Qualifications Authority (NZQA). They are
recognised in many countries around the world,
and I believe them to be of the highest quality.
“For over 39 years NZTC has been offering
their programs, which combine hands-on
experience in the early childhood education
field with online learning. The early childhood
curriculum in New Zealand is among the best in
the world, so I believe these factors combine to
create rich and effective learning.”
Having felt welcome in his centre from day
one, Hiten is grateful for the opportunity to gain
practical experience while studying.
“Management is extremely pleased to have
a male student teacher working with them,
and the children enjoy my company. It’s so
advantageous to gain valuable experience in
an early childhood setting as soon as studies
commence.”
Hiten couldn’t imagine pursuing his early
childhood education journey in any other
country.
“New Zealand is a wonderful, multi-cultural
country managed brilliantly by the Government.
It is ranked as one of the best places to live in
the world, with a positive work ethic. Life is
simply great here.”
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Holi
Auckland Summer Festival 2021
21 March, Sunday, 12-6 pm
Vodafone Event Centre
Featuring DJ Rob
Entry Free
Co-hosted by-
Supported by-
Special thanks to:
Food Partner:
Certified organic colors will be sold onsite. Call Leena on 021 952 216 and
Sanchit on 021 067 7283

Editorial
The rise and rise of 'Quad,' under
the shadow of a global pandemic:
New Zealand’s dilemma
The raging Covid-19 global pandemic has put additional burden on New Zealand’s seemingly
beleaguered foreign policy by catapulting a long-brewing “concept” into a firm new
grouping of - “Quad” - on the forefront of the international stage.
The recent virtual summit of the top leaders of the United States, Japan, India, and Australia
held on Friday, March 12, has firmly announced the arrival of a new grouping of “Quad” on the
international stage and will have significant implications for countries of the region, including
New Zealand.Plainly speaking NZ’s political leadership and foreign policy mandarins would have
caught off-guarded and unprepared to respond to this dramatic rise of “Quad” – something that they
would have secretly hoped to never materialise in the near term – at least not under the shadow of a
raging global pandemic. Now there will an added layer of worry and apprehension within the realm
of NZ’s foreign policy – of responding to the rise of the “Quad.”
For uninitiated, Covid-19 global pandemic has already badgered NZ’s foreign policy goals, first
in the form of cancellation of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Meeting in
2021 – a major global event that NZ has been preparing for years - and subsequently in witnessing
a growing disjunction with close ally Australia in recent times, particularly over the issue of Trans-
Tasman air-travel bubble.
However, even before the onset of this global pandemic, the current government’s response to
some of the rapidly emerging geopolitical changes in NZ’s immediate and wider neighbourhood
(Asia & the Pacific) evident in the two emergent concepts of “Indo-Pacific” and “Quad” has been
- far from stellar. New Zealand’s foreign policy mandarins have been watching for quite some time
with interest and apprehension these two emergent concepts - “Indo-Pacific” and the “Quad” –
which have both started to firm-up in the realm of international politics in 2017.
The idea of “Indo-Pacific” had first found mention in Australian Foreign Policy since 2012 as
a zone of security concern and has gained wider precedence in 2017 when it was included in the
United States National Security Strategy document by the White House and the subsequent Trump
administration’s foreign policy statements.
In comparison, the idea of “Quad” has more shelf-life than that of “Indo-Pacific,” first emerging
in 2007 when Japan’s then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had proposed a coming together of Japan
and regional partners Australia, India and the US based on their shared democratic backgrounds
and mutually shared anxiety vis-à-vis China. The trajectory of the progress and acceptance of these
two concepts have not been exactly the same over the last few years. Many experts had concurred
that while the concept of “Indo-Pacific” was more reflective of the rise of India in previous decades
as a net regional security provider and potentially bringing India into the mix of regional players
with ambitions and capabilities to shape regional order in the vast region from the Indian-Ocean to
the Pacific Ocean, the “Quad” was more ambitious in countering the rise of an assertive China. It
was widely argued that there was a possibility the proposed Quad cooperation could be extended to
include military coordination to counter-Beijing. Over the years, the proponents of both concepts
have included caution in their pitch to reflect sensitivities of other players in the region, particularly
those with an increased level of economic interdependence with China, such as ASEAN (Association
of South-East Asian Nations) and countries like New Zealand.
In that endeavour, the concept of “Indo-Pacific” has started getting more traction in recent years,
while many experts have remained conservative about the future of “Quad” primarily because the
four participating countries had a different level of security-anxiety vis-à-vis China, and therefore
a perceived different level of motivation to forge a formal security alliance.
Initially, New Zealand has not been comfortable with either of these concepts, for the simple
reason of their rooting and emphasis on security, instead of the economy, as is the case with the
now gradually retreating concept of “Asia-Pacific,” of which it has been an active player for the last
many decades. It has taken some time for NZ’s political leadership and foreign policy mandarins
actually to warm up to the ascendent idea of “Indo-Pacific” and that has also not happened, without
the simultaneous affirmation of their preference for the previously used term “Asia-Pacific”.
In fact, it was as late as in February 2020 when the then Foreign Minister Winston Peters on his
maiden visit to India finally removed one of the most underlying indefiniteness in New Zealand’s
geostrategic-vision by extending unambiguous support to the idea of “Indo-Pacific” in a speech
delivered in New Delhi. New Zealand’s foreign policy mandarins would have been looking to the
APEC 2021 summit with so much promise to reaffirm their support for “Asia-Pacific”, which they
see more inclusive and centred around the economy, hence suited to core national interests – an
opportunity now shrivelled - if not completely lost because of Covid-19 pandemic.
Following a lead from many experts and commentators who had remained equivocal about the
future of Quad in the near term, it seems, New Zealand, like many other countries of the region,
would have caught bit surprised to have to deal with this sudden progress seen in the form of the
first-ever summit meeting of the leaders of Quad countries.
The fact that America’s new President Jo Biden had chosen to continue with his arch-nemesis
former President Trump in continuing with the efforts to solidify the strategic partnership as he
formulates his approach to China signals that the Quad will become a central part of the US strategy
in Asia. The manner in which the leaders of the four countries had chosen to solidify the Quad
platform by affirming “vaccine-diplomacy,” manifested in the promise of jointly manufacturing
and delivering up to 1 billion doses of Coronavirus vaccine throughout South East Asia, will further
fetch support from the countries previously sitting on the fence. Sooner or later, New Zealand will
also have to shape its response to this new emerging dominant reality in its neighbourhood region.
For now, to the surprise of many, Covid-pandemic has offered a unique opportunity of being a
springboard, or contrarily, the proponents of the concept have demonstrated sharp agility to use this
global pandemic as a springboard and solidify Quad grouping on the international stage.
Thought of the week
"Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work
in hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought
to a focus." – Alexander Graham Bell
26 March – 01 April 2021
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
22°
14°
Partly
sunny
24°
13°
25°
14°
Indian Weekender : Volume 13 Issue 01
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
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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
24°
15°
A touch o
dafr
This week in New Zealand’s history
27 March 1883
The 'Sallies' come to New Zealand
25°
25°
Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Sunshine
and pactcy
clouds
26°
15°
A few
morning
showers
26°
17°
On 27 March 1883 two young English Salvation Army officers, Captain George Pollard and
Lieutenant Edward Wright, arrived at Port Chalmers.
27 March 1984
Trades' Hall bombing
Caretaker and unionist Ernie Abbott was killed on 27 March 1984 when a bomb exploded
inside Trades’ Hall on Wellington’s Vivian St. Trades’ Hall was the headquarters for many
trade unions and police suspected they were the targets.
28 March 1923
Forest and Bird founded
The New Zealand Native Bird Protection Society was formed at a meeting in Wellington called
by a local conservation advocate, Captain Ernest ‘Val’ Sanderson. Former prime minister Sir
Thomas Mackenzie was elected as the first president of the new body, which was intended to
complement the work of the New Zealand Forestry League in protecting native forests.
28 March 1955
NZ cricketers skittled for 26
In recent years most test matches between New Zealand and England have been keenly
contested. This was not the case in 1955.
28 March 1983
Signing of CER agreement strengthens trans-Tasman
trade ties
The Australia–New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement, better known as
CER, was New Zealand’s first comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, and one of the first
such agreements in the world.
29 March 1901
Skippers Bridge opened
At 96 m long and 91 m above the river, the Skippers suspension bridge over the Shotover
River near Queenstown in Central Otago is one of the highest and most spectacular in New
Zealand.
1 April 1773
First beer brewed in New Zealand
In an attempt to concoct a preventative against scurvy, Captain James Cook brewed a batch of
beer on Resolution Island in Dusky Sound, using rimu branches and leaves.

The Indian Weekender Friday, March 19, 2021 FIJI 13
Quarantine charges for
non-essential travel by Fijians
These charges are being implemented
well after our neighbouring countries,
including Australia and New Zealand,
as well as other developed countries, who have
similar border quarantine requirements.
Fijians around the world have had over
one full year to return to Fiji with the full
costs of their quarantine covered by the Fijian
Government.
Since March 2020, more than 12,800 Fijians
have been repatriated through Fiji’s COVIDsafe
quarantine protocols at a direct cost of
over $18 million to government to cover meals,
accommodation, swab tests, transportation and
personnel costs.
Fiji has safely reunited families and prevented
community transmissions of COVID-19 while
avoiding the long waitlists for quarantine
facilities seen in other countries.
Following reports of individuals repeatedly
taking advantage of Fiji’s government-funded
quarantine arrangement, the Fijian Government
will no longer cover the cost of non-essential
repatriation from 29 March 2021.
Fijians planning to repatriate for personal
reasons, including to visit friends and family,
will be required to self-fund the cost of the
mandatory 14-day quarantine.
These charges are being implemented well
after our neighbouring countries, including
Australia and New Zealand, as well as other
developed countries, who have similar border
quarantine requirements.
The new charges apply to all Fijian passport
holders, including Fijians who have been
residing overseas and are dual passport holders
or permanent residents of another country. The
charges will include the cost of accommodation
and meals, which will be directly payable to the
Fiji joins five nations
in new Agreement
Fiji has joined five countries negotiating
the first trade agreement that has climate
change and sustainability at its core.
The agreement pursues a plastic-free land
and marine environment not only at a national
level, but internationally as well.
This was highlighted by the Permanent
Secretary for Commerce, Shaheen Ali during
World Consumer Rights Day celebration in
Suva. Ali says the agreement will allow Fiji to
push for plastic elimination and protecting the
environment.
“Instead of thinking, “it’s just plastic”, think
“this will last in the oceans, or buried in the
earth, long after I’m gone.”
Fiji and New Zealand are the only two Pacific
Island country that is part of the Agreement on
Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability.
Other countries include Norway, Switzerland,
Costa Rica and Iceland.
quarantine facilities.
These charges will depend on the quarantine
facility and will average around $2,200 for the
entire 14-day quarantine. COVID-19 swab
tests (minimum 2), transfers from airport
to quarantine facility, monitoring and site
surveillance, will continue to be paid to the
Ministry of Health and Medical Services for all
repatriating Fijians.
Exemptions from charges
Exemptions from these charges will only be
considered in exceptional circumstances and
approved by the Quarantine Authority of Fiji,
which is the Permanent Secretary for Health
and Medical Services. Exemption criteria is as
follows:
• Fijian citizens who have travelled outside
of before 28 March 2020 and are now
returning home;
• Students and their approved dependents
on Government sponsored or Government
endorsed scholarships returning after
completion of studies;
• Patient and approved companion referred/
supported by the Fijian Ministry of Health
and Medical Services to seek medical
assistance/intervention overseas;
• Fijian citizens employed under a
Government-to-Government arrangement
that the Fijian Government is a party to,
such as workers returning under labour
schemes; and
• Returning servicemen, Fijian Government
officials, Fijian Diplomats (including spouse
and children under the age of 18 years) who
have travelled for official purposes.
Moving forward, the Fijian Government will
continue to prioritise the health and safety of
Fijians returning home while preventing misuse
and abuse of the Fijian quarantine system.
Fiji cannot be passive in the
face of the pandemic: PM
Pr i m e
Minister
Voreqe
Bainimarama says
Fiji cannot be
passive in the face
of the COVID-19
pandemic.
Bainimarama
says the vaccination
of frontline workers has given a glimpse of a
day in the near future when we return to normal
and reopen the borders.
The Prime Minister adds throughout the
COVID-19 ordeal, the government has
attempted to keep the economy as strong as
possible.
He says the government has not stop building
nor has it stopped striving while awaiting the
pandemic to pass.
Bainimarama says when the economy starts
accelerating again, it will have the benefit of
an infrastructure that was better, stronger, more
efficient and more resilient than it was when the
COVID virus tried to defeat us.
Side effects indicates
vaccine is effective: Dr Fong
At least sixteen health officials at the
Sigatoka Hospital felt weak after
receiving the COVID-19 AstraZeneca
vaccine earlier this week.
Permanent Secretary of Health, Dr. James
Fong says this is a side effect of the vaccine
and the 16 were amongst the 232 workers from
Sigatoka who received the injection.
Dr. Fong also clarified the side effects of the
vaccine may last for at least 24 to 72 hours.
He adds these things occur because the body
has produced new cells that act as soldiers to
combat the infection intended to protect us.
The Permanent Secretary assures that the side
effects signify the effectiveness of the vaccine.
Second jab to be administered within 10 weeks
The second dose of the
COVID-19 vaccine will
be administered after
eight weeks of the first jab says
Health Minister Dr Ifereimi
Waqainabete.
"
The
recommendation
for the two jabs of
doses at the moment
is to have them
taken 8 to 12 weeks
apart. Because the
studies have shown
that when they are
given apart from that
timeline it increases
the effectiveness of
that vaccine
Dr Waqainabete says the
first batch of 12, 000 doses
will be administered among
6, 000 frontline workers who
will undergo another round of
vaccination to boost the efficacy
of the vaccine.
He adds the quarantine and
border management workers
will need to wait at least ten
weeks for their second jab of the
AstraZeneca Vaccine.
“So the first 6, 000 will see the
vaccines over the next few days
then we will keep the next 6,
000 for them to be administered
in the next 8 to 10 weeks’ time.
And as the vaccines come in, so,
for example, you get another 10,
000 doses then 5, 000 will receive
the vaccine while the other five
thousand will wait for eight to 10
weeks.”
The Acting Head at the WHO
Suva Office, Dr Akeem Ali says
the next round of vaccination is
essential because it triggers the
necessary immune response.
“The recommendation for the
two jabs of doses at the moment
is to have them taken 8 to 12
weeks apart. Because the studies
have shown that when they are
given apart from that timeline it
increases the effectiveness of that
vaccine.”
The Health Ministry will then
focus on vaccinating Fijians who
are 18 years and above.
‘NZ stands in solidarity with families after terror attack’
New Zealand stands
in solidarity with the
families of three Fijians
who lost their lives during the
Christchurch terror attack two
years ago, says New Zealand’s
deputy high commissioner to Fiji,
Michelle Padmore.
She made this statement while
speaking at the Meeraj-Un-Nabi
Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam Jalsa at
the Lautoka Jame Masjid yesterday
on the eve of the second anniversary
of the Christchurch attack in New
Zealand. “Two years from that
horrific event, I would like to stand
in solidarity with the fallen victims,”
she said.
Imam Hafiz Musa Patel.
“We are committed in ensuring that
New Zealand is diverse, inclusive
and safe and also committed to
promoting the values
"We of tolerance, of
are committed inclusion, of
in ensuring that New diversity and
Zealand is diverse, inclusive unity that
and safe and also committed to Fiji and New
"The survivors promoting the values of tolerance, Zealand both
of the attack and, in of inclusion, of diversity and share.”
particular, Fiji’s own unity that Fiji and New She said
three sons, including Zealand both share" they shared
the sorrows and grief of the
atrocities that were committed on
March 15 2019.
“Three Fijians were among
the 51 innocent people who
tragically lost their lives on
that day.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with
the families and friends of Imam
Hafiz Musa Patel, Asraf Ali and
Ashraf Ali.”
The late Imam Hafiz Musa Patel
was also the chief priest at the
Lautoka Jame Masjid for many years.

14
INDIA
Friday, March 19, 2021 The Indian Weekender
NEWS in BRIEF
India’s air quality improved in 2020 amid
coronavirus pandemic: Report
Air quality improved in India last year as compared to the previous years
owing to the coronavirus induced lockdown, a report said on Tuesday.
Air quality improved in major cities in India but 22 cities featured among
the top 30 most polluted cities in the world, showed new data from IQAir’s
global air quality data platform in its World Air Quality Report 2020.
"The year 2020 brought an unexpected dip in air pollution. In 2021, we will
likely see an increase in air pollution due to human activity, again. We hope
this report will highlight that urgent action is both possible and necessary
to combat air pollution, which remains the world's greatest environmental
health threat," said Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir.
The report is based on PM2.5 data from 106 countries and uses groundbased
monitoring stations operated by governmental agencies, local
residents, non-profit organisations and companies.
India will take up incidents of racism with
UK, says S Jaishankar
External affairs minister S Jaishankar was responding to the BJP's Rajya
Sabha MP Ashwini Vaishnaw, who contended that racism and cyberbullying
forced Rashmi Samant, the first Indian woman elected president of
the Oxford University Student Union, to quit her post.
India will take up incidents of racism in the UK with the British
government, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said against the backdrop
of strains caused by a debate on the farmers’ protest in the British Parliament.
Jaishankar made the remarks while responding to concerns raised in Rajya
Sabha by BJP lawmaker Ashwini Vaishnaw, who contended that racism
and cyber-bullying forced Rashmi Samant, the first Indian woman elected
president of the Oxford University Student Union, to quit her post.
India only G-20 country implementing Paris accord
commitments: Javadekar
India is the only country in the G-20 forum
implementing the Paris accord commitments
on renewable energy and afforestation, the
government informed Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Replying to supplementary queries during the
Question Hour, Minister for Environment, Forest
and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said there
has been a net increase of 15,000 square kilometres of tree cover in the last
six years. He said the pace is likely to increase as the central government has
distributed 48,000 crore to states last year with the direction that 80 per cent
of the money be spent on afforestation.
Replying to supplementary queries during the Question Hour, Minister
for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said there
has been a net increase of 15,000 square kilometres of tree cover in the last
six years.
UK PM Boris Johnson to visit India in
April to ‘unlock opportunities’
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will visit India in April as part of
his government’s tilt towards the Indo-Pacific under a comprehensive
revamp of foreign and security policies to unlock new opportunities across
the region. The UK unveiled its widely anticipated integrated review of
security, defence, development and foreign policy, first announced after the
2019 election as “the most radical assessment of the UK’s place in the world
since the end of the Cold War”.
The integrated review set out several shifts in foreign policy, including
a tilt to the Indo-Pacific, and Johnson will visit India at the end of April to
“unlock opportunities in the region,” an official statement said. Presenting
the review in Parliament, Johnson said he will travel to India to “strengthen
our ties with the world’s largest democracy”.
Indian scientists find new material 'state' boosting
quantum tech
Indian scientists have
discovered a new "exotic and
strange" state of materials that
alters their physical properties in
presence of an electromagnetic
field, leading to better quantum
technologies, the Ministry of Science and Technology said.
The scientists have shown that in an external electromagnetic field,
geometric properties of a crystalline solid with lattices arranged in a onedimensional
periodic manner can display phase transitions, thereby altering
its physical properties.
"The 2016 Nobel Prize for physics was awarded to the theoretical
discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter,
which have played a significant role in the modern understanding of materials
and their applications," the Ministry said.
Topology is concerned with the properties of a geometric object preserved
under continuous deformations, such as stretching and twisting.
Understanding various phases and phase transitions is of central
importance in the study of matter. Generally, phase transitions are
studied by assuming that the system is isolated, with little or negligible
environmental interactions.
Lockdown in India 2021:
List of cities under lockdown
and night curfew
The coronavirus outbreak came to light on
December 31, 2019. Subsequently, the disease
spread to more Provinces in China and to the
rest of the world. As per the latest Health Ministry
data, India's total Covid-19 active caseload has reached
2,19,262, comprising 1.93 percent of the total infections.
Maharashtra, Kerala, and Punjab cumulatively account
for 77 percent of India's total active cases.
As per the recent reports, Maharashtra alone accounts
for more than 58 percent of the total active cases in the
country. However, with the rise in the number of Covid-19
cases, we may witness a possible second wave of novel
coronavirus infections.
Due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, a few states have
imposed a lockdown and night curfew in some areas. Here
is a complete list, have a look.
Nagpur: Lockdown in from March 15-21
To stem the rising covid-19 cases, a week-long
lockdown from March 15 to 21 in Nagpur City has been
imposed. However, during this period, essential services
will be staying operational. The government offices in
Nagpur will function with a 25 percent capacity.
Pune: Schools and colleges to remain shut till
March 31
Amid a rising number of coronavirus cases, a night
curfew has been imposed in Pune from 11 pm to 6 am.
Schools and colleges to remain shut till March 31. Hotels,
bars, malls, and theatres will remain shut from 10 pm to
6 am during the night curfew. Gardens will be closed in
the evening.
Nasik: Night curfew from 7 pm to 7 am
Night curfew imposed from 7 pm to 7 am. A cap of
25-30 peoples at weddings and events, after March 15 no
marriages in halls. However, hotels can remain open from
7 am till 9 pm with 50% capacity. Schools will remain
closed. Religious places remain closed on Saturday and
Sunday.
Uttarakhand: Lockdown imposed in some areas
On Sunday Dehradun district magistrate (DM) Ashish
Kumar Srivastava announced a complete lockdown in
Mussoorie's Galway Cottage area and St. George's School,
Barlow Ganj area and declared them containment zones.
As per the order, all shops and offices will be closed till
further announcements and only one person from a family
will be allowed to out to purchase essential items.
Indian space firm to launch 4 foreign satellites
State-run NewSpace India
Ltd (NSIL), the commercial
arm of the space department,
bagged orders to launch four foreign
satellites for earth observation from
Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra
Pradesh, a top official said on Friday.
"We have signed contracts with
four foreign customers to launch
four satellites in the earth's lower
orbit using the PSLV and SSLV
rockets of the Indian space agency
ISRO (Indian Space Research
Organisation) from its spaceport at
Sriharikota," NSIL Chairman G.
Narayanan told reporters here.
The top official, however, did not
disclose names of the customers or
their location due to non-disclosure
agreements with them.
"Of the four satellites, three will be
launched using ISRO's polar satellite
launch vehicle (PSLV) and one with
its small satellite launch vehicle
(SSLV). The spacecraft will be used
for earth observation applications,"
said Narayanan, marking the
company's two years of completion.
The state-run NSIL was in the news
recently for launching Brazil's earth
observation satellite Amazonia-1
on February 28 from the spaceport
on board ISRO's PSLV-C51 rocket
along with 18 other satellites.
Amazonia-1 is the optical earth
observation satellite of National
Institute for Space Research (INPE)
in Brazil. In addition to these
commercial launches, NSIL will
launch two communication satellites
for Indian customers offering directto-home
(DTH) services and telecom
operators offering broadband
services using Ku-band transponders.
"The two communication
satellites, to be launched by ISRO
from its spaceport, will be owned and
operated by us (NSIL) for customers
on commercial terms for revenuegenerating
services," said Narayanan
Punjab: Night curfew
Apart from this, a night curfew has been imposed in
Patiala, Ludhiana, Mohali, and Fatehgarh Sahib.
Meanwhile, in India, more than 30 lakh people on
March 15 have been vaccinated, the highest in a day so
far, taking the total number of vaccine doses administered
in the country to 3,29,47,432.
but declined to name the customers
claiming confidentiality.
Unlike the now defunct ISRO's
commercial arm Antrix Corporation,
which has ceased to function after
its deal with Multimedia Deval fell
through, the 2-year NSIL is a wholly
owned state-run of the department
of space as a central public sector
enterprise.
NSIL has been formed with Rs
10 crore paid-up capital and Rs
100-crore authorised capital. The
space department has provided
Rs 700 crore in the budget for
fiscal 2021-22 for investing in
infrastructure and capacity building
to make satellites, rockets and launch
them on commercial terms.

The Indian Weekender Friday, March 19, 2021
WORLD 15
Have European countries
made a mistake in halting
AstraZeneca shots? Here's
what health experts say
Within the space of a few days,
the rollout of the Oxford-
AstraZeneca Covid-19
vaccine has ground to a standstill in
virtually all of western Europe.
France, Spain, Germany, Italy and
more than a dozen other countries have
paused rollout of the shot, calling it
a precautionary measure following
concerns that it could be linked to blood
clots; decisions that go against the advice
of global health agencies.
A few countries have stood by
the vaccine -- including the United
Kingdom, where more than 11 million
doses have already been administered,
and where real-world data has shown
vaccines are reducing infections and
hospitalizations.
The actions of European governments
have surprised experts, and caused a
myriad of questions among people who
have had or are in line to get the shot.
But the pervading message from health
experts is one of calm; when placed in
context the reported cases of blood clotting
are rare and no greater than numbers
would be in the general population, while
the vaccine has been proven to work in
reducing Covid-19 cases.
"At the minute, I'm just not seeing
any reason at all why any country would
pause the AstraZeneca vaccine. It doesn't
really make much sense to me," Michael
Head, senior research fellow in Global
Health at the University of Southampton,
told CNN.
"These vaccines are to protect against a
pandemic virus. There is an urgency to the
rollout," he added. "So pausing a vaccine
campaign without a very good reason at
this point in time just seems a bad move."
How we got here
Europe has taken a muddled stance
towards the AstraZeneca vaccine since it
was first approved for use in the European
Union in late January.
In the space of a few weeks, several
EU countries have angrily rebuked the
firm for failing to provide its full amount
of promised doses; cast doubts about its
efficacy in older people only to then revert
their stance; blocked shipments of the
vaccine from leaving the continent; and
now paused their rollouts over concerns
around links to blood clots.
"The AstraZeneca candidate vaccine
does seem to have been a bit of a political
football, for reasons I don't really
understand," Head said.
" I t ' s all been a bit
unedifying to
watch
from a scientific point of view," he
added. "In terms of the science behind the
vaccine, it's safe, it's effective, it's a very
good vaccine."
The latest episode began last week
when Denmark put a two-week pause
on the vaccine -- citing a few reports of
clotting in people who had received the
shot, including one fatal case. Norway
soon followed, later citing reports of
three clotting cases, including one death
reported on Monday.
Those incidents have not been
confirmed to be linked to the vaccine.
Since then, virtually all of western
Europe has stopped using the shot, but
countries are reminding citizens that
those decisions are precautionary while
they wait on the European Medicines
Agency (EMA) to review the incidents.
The agency will meet on Thursday, and
the World Health Organization (WHO) is
analyzing the reports on Tuesday -- but
both bodies have said there is currently
no evidence of a link with blood clotting,
with the EMA adding that the benefits of
the vaccine outweigh the risks.
How many cases are there --
and are they serious?
No cases of clotting have yet been
linked to the vaccine -- that's what the
EMA and WHO are analyzing, and the
EMA are expected to issue their advice to
countries on Thursday.
But even the reported cases of clotting
in inoculated people are very few and
far between. In Denmark, one fatality
prompted the initial wave of suspensions.
After giving out 1.7 million AstraZeneca
doses, Germany has uncovered just
seven cases of blood clotting -- though
a more rare kind known as cerebral vein
thrombosis, a blood clot on the cerebral
vein in the brain -- Dirk Brockmann,
an epidemiologist at the Robert Koch
Institut, said on Monday.
The Norwegian Medicines Agency said
that three patients currently in the hospital
"present a rare disease picture," due to the
patients having an unusual combination
of low platelet counts, blood clots in
small and large vessels and bleeding.
Similar combinations of symptoms
have not been seen in people who
had other vaccines, it said.
An employees handles vials of
the AstraZeneca vaccine on the
production of line at the Serum
Institute of India.
A Dutch lab has received 10 reports
of blood clots in vaccine recipients,
but with a different set of conditions to
those in Norway.
Those reported incidents are not
numerous enough to be causing concern
among health experts.
Last week, the International Society
on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)
recommended that all eligible adults
continue to receive their Covid-19
vaccinations. "The small number of
reported thrombotic events relative to
the millions of administered COVID-19
vaccinations does not suggest a direct
link," the society said in a statement.
It added that "based on all available
data, the ISTH believes that the benefits
of COVID-19 vaccination strongly
outweigh any potential complications
even for patients with a history of blood
clots or for those taking blood thinning
medications."
Jon Gibbins, director of the Institute for
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research
at the University of Reading agreed that
the number of clots reported was small.
"The numbers involved are tiny, and
also probably no more than you would
expect in a population anyway," he told
CNN. Multiple experts have said the
same.
Blood clotting, or thrombosis, occurs for
a variety of reasons and venous thrombosis
is relatively common -- affecting 1 to 2 in
1,000 people -- explained Gibbins, adding
that risk of thrombosis increases with
age, and that there are additional risks for
some underlying health conditions.
And that makes it hardly surprising
that a few isolated cases of clotting would
occur in people who have had the vaccine.
"When you then start immunizing
millions of people, it's inevitable this is
going to happen every now and again,"
Gibbins said. "But it doesn't demonstrate
causality, it doesn't demonstrate that the
vaccine is actually responsible."
"From what we've seen from the
millions of doses of AstraZeneca,
serious side effects are quite literally
the proverbial one in a million," said
Southampton expert Head.
But Gibbins highlighted that the cerebral
clotting cases in Germany were notable.
"Cranial Sinus Vein Thrombosis (CVST)
is a rare type of thrombosis affecting five
in one million patients," he said, adding
that the specific circumstances around
those cases are still not clear.
Paul Hunter, a professor in medicine at
the University of East Anglia, agreed that
the association needs to be thoroughly
investigated, but highlighted that the risk
of dying from Covid-19 was substantially
higher than from CVST.
NEWS in BRIEF
US and Japan express concern over
China's 'aggressive actions' during first trip
by Biden's top diplomat
US Secretary of State
Antony Blinken
criticized China's threats
to regional stability
during bilateral talks in
Tokyo, warning that the
United States and Japan would push back if necessary.
Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met
with their counterparts in Tokyo for a series of bilateral talks
and a joint "2+2" session, marking the first international
trip by Biden Cabinet officials.
This comes just after President Joe Biden met with the
leaders of India, Australia and Japan in a virtual summit on
Friday, in his first multilateral summit as President.
"We believe in democracy and human rights, the rule of
law, because we've seen how our own countries are stronger
because we adhere to those values. And because they're under
threat in many places, including in this region," Blinken
said during a joint news conference in Tokyo, pointing to
the recent military coup and mass protests in Myanmar
as an example.
News Corp inks Australia Facebook
deal, signalling truce after blackout
Rupert
Murdoch’s
News Corp reached
a content-supply deal
with Facebook Inc in
Australia, the companies
said, a step toward
settling a dispute that
saw the social media giant briefly shut down thousands of
pages in the country.
The agreement, terms of which were not disclosed, makes
News Corp the first major media outlet to strike a Facebook
deal under controversial new laws that let an Australian
government-appointed arbitrator set fees if companies fail
to do so. Facebook’s shutting out all media content in the
country for a week last month angered world leaders, as the
blackout included emergency services and government health
pages. It ended the shutdown when Australia agreed to soften
some parts of the new regulations.
News Corp, which owns about two-thirds of Australian
metropolitan newspapers, was among media companies
calling for the government to make Facebook and Alphabet
Inc’s Google pay for the media links that drive viewers, and
advertising dollars, to their platforms.
Aust to proceed with AstraZeneca COVID-19
vaccine despite pause in Europe
Australia has no plans to halt the use of the AstraZeneca
COVID-19 vaccine, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said, as
several European countries paused administering the vaccine
after reports of possible serious side-effects.
Frydenberg said the European medicines regulator and the
World Health Organization (WHO) had confirmed that the
AstraZeneca PLC vaccine was effective and safe to use.
“So we will continue to proceed with the vaccine rollout of
AstraZeneca,” Frydenberg told Sky News.
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Cyprus joined
several other European nations in temporarily suspending
vaccinations with AstraZeneca shots after isolated reports of
bleeding, blood clots and low platelet count.
WHO said there have been no documented deaths linked to
COVID-19 vaccines and that people should not panic.
WHO scientist says no deaths linked to
COVID-19 shots, urges against panic
The top World Health
Organization scientist
reiterated that there have been
no documented deaths linked
to COVID-19 vaccines, after
several nations suspended use
of AstraZeneca’s shot to probe
possible side-effects.
“We do not want people to panic,”
WHO chief scientist Soumya
Swaminathan said on a virtual media briefing, adding there
has been no association, so far, found between so-called
thromboembolic events reported in some countries and
COVID-19 shots.

16 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, March 19, 2021 The Indian Weekender
Govinda reveals he has been a
victim of Nepotism; Plans to give
opportunities to aspiring artistes
Govinda is considered to be one of the finest actors in Bollywood.
He is well-known for films like Coolie No 1, Hero No 1, Raja
Babu, Dulhe Raja, Partner, Aankhen, Shola Aur Shabnam,
Naseeb, Swarg, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan among others.
However, he has been away from the big screens for quite some time.
But recently, in an interview the media, Govinda revealed that he was a
victim of nepotism during his initial days in the industry and also spoke
about his work plans for 2021.
Talking about his work plans for 2021, he said that it’s going to be like
those good old days when he worked round the clock. He also said that
he has read many scripts and will be signing a few films. He might even
produce some of them.
“This bad patch of 2020, that has just gone by, has affected not just
me but the whole world too. Besides, the year has allowed us to work on
different platforms like OTT,” he added.
“
I will help them through my company and
would like big companies to invest in this
project of mine,” Govinda stated. He wants to
eliminate the difficulties the aspiring artists
have to go through, created by the big names in
the industry.
While Govinda refused to talk about the remake of his hit film Coolie
No 1, directed by David Dhawan that starred Varun Dhawan and Sara
Ali Khan in lead roles; when asked about the same, he said while others
often like to talk about him, he never talks about other’s work or judges it
because he respects everybody's hard work and money invested.
The actor also revealed that he is planning to give opportunities
to the lower strata of aspiring artists, who want to work
in this industry with respect and don't want to indulge in
unethical things.
“I will help them through my company and would like big companies
to invest in this project of mine,” Govinda stated. He wants to eliminate
For actress Radhika Madan, her film
'Angrezi Medium' will always remain
close to her heart. As the film completed
one year of its release on Saturday, she recalled
working with late actor Irrfan Khan, who
passed away in April 2020.
Speaking to the media Radhika, who played
the role of 'Tarika', revealed how one incident
during the film's shoot gave her learning
for a lifetime.
"We were going to shoot a very important
scene in the film. I was very nervous about it
and I was just roaming with the script here and
there. I saw a tall man doing the same thing and
wondered who is the person doing the same
thing. Then, when I went closer I realized it
was Irrfan sir."
the difficulties the aspiring artists have to go through, created by the big
names in the industry.
"I am no longer in the age bracket to struggle again; now is the time for
me to give back to people so that they can navigate the present scenario,”
the actor added.
"Talking about Nepotism, Govinda said that what
people are saying today, he has been saying that for
several years.
He further explained that he has been fighting this battle for 20 years
and some people have maligned his name but he ignored them.
Radhika Apte on 'OK Computer':
about my first sci-fi project
Actress Radhika Apte is all set for her upcoming series
"OK Computer". She says she is excited, because this
is her first sci-fi project.
The series is produced by Anand Gandhi, director of the
acclaimed film "Ship Of Theseus". Gandhi has written the
script with Pooja Shetty, and Neil Pagedar, directors of the
show. Radhika stars with Vijay Varma and Jackie Shroff in the
series that explores themes inspired by current realities and is
brimming with wry humour.
"After doing multiple projects in the digital space, I was
really excited for my first sci-fi project, especially playing the
character of Laxmi -- a really cool character who accepts the
new future and befriends robots like they are humans, I quite
enjoyed playing her," Radhika said.
Vijay says his roles have always been intense, and he was
eager to pick up something more in the space of comedy.
"When the script of 'OK Computer' was offered to me, it
seemed like it was programmed for me. The research that has
been put into this show is outstanding and I couldn't let go of
the opportunity to play the role of Saajan, the anti-technology
police officer. It's quite the opposite in reality as I am usually
the one who is enamoured by advancements and technology,"
Vijay said. He added: "Saajan is carelessly funny and that's
what I love the most about him. I have prepared the longest for
this part and made several discoveries, and I hope the audience
loves the character just as I do."
"OK Computer" also features Rasika Dugal, Vibha Chibber,
Sarang Sathaye, Ratnabali Bhattacharjee, Kani Kusruti among
others.
Director Pooja Shetty said that by the time they finished
research and writing, the script started to resemble a whimsical
Ph.D. thesis.
"We wanted to create a plausible, authentic, and accessible
future world that also extrapolated the absurdities, joys, and
difficulties of present-day India," Shetty said.
Her co=director Neil Pagedar added: "OK Computer is a
half-a-decade-in-the-making love letter to science fiction. Sci-fi
has been used to examine the wispy concepts of life as we know
it- from exploring distant reaches of the galaxy to existential
Radhika Madan: Irrfan sir taught me to always be a student
Radhika said, "I got to learn that it must have
been his nth film and he was still a student. He
still got tense before an important scene, he was
still rehearsing.
"It was such a big lesson and my favorite
memory from the sets. He was still a student
and I would want to imbibe that in me. I learned
that I should never stop being a student, no
matter what. I got to learn a lot about my craft
from him."
Irrfan passed away after battling
neuroendocrine tumor for a year. However,
his mere presence on the sets taught Radhika
a great deal.
"First of all the film had such an ensemble
cast where I could just sit and learn so much.
I didn't have to do anything. Everyone was a
Bobby Deol: Knew people would
watch 'Race 3' and realise I exist
Actor Bobby
Deol has no
qualms in
accepting that he has
taken up ensemble
cast films just to be
noticed.
The actor says that
he signed films such
as "Housefull 4" and "Race 3" in recent times
so that people come and watch the film and
remember that he "exists", too.
"I have seen ups and downs in my career and
there was a moment in my career I wasn't so
marketable. When that happens you look for
projects with lots of actors. So, then you get
noticed. Like I did 'Race 3' and 'Housefull 4'.
There was Salman Khan, the biggest superstar
of our industry and Akshay (Kumar), and I
knew that people would go and watch that film,
and when they did they would realise Bobby
Deol exists. So that makes a lot of difference,"
he said.
The actor says that he is not adamant on
playing only lead roles, but wants to take up
roles that are integral to the script.
"It has been my conscious effort to do
character-driven roles. I don't need to be
the leading cast of a project. I need to play a
character that stands out and that's how I am
looking at working in the future. As an actor,
it is more challenging to do characters out of
my comfort zone," he says. Talking about
competition, the actor, who was appreciated for
his OTT show "Aashram", says that you need to
stand up for yourself to get noticed.
"Competition is always going to be there. If
you don't speak for yourself, then people won't
see you. As an actor, you have to do your best.
Don't take yourself lightly. Work hard to get
noticed," he says.
risk, to the place of humanity in an infinite cosmos. We wanted
to reorient the depiction of sci-fi to the near future."
Gaurav Banerjee, President and Head (Hindi and English
Entertainment), STAR India said: "Most sci-fi stories tend to
paint a grim, western view of what the future looks like. But
'OK Computer' is a peak into an India of the future."
'diggaj' (dignitary) if I may say so. I think Irrfan
sir said the most when he didn't say anything.
His eyes, demeanour, everything was so
expressive. So words were not important when
it comes to him," said Radhika, who will next
be seen in the film 'Shiddat'.
The actress also revealed that everyone
on the sets of Homi Adajania directorial kept
Irrfan's health a priority.
"We used to take care of him and we were told
that his shots would be taken first and his health
was our priority. I didn't get the opportunity to
talk to him one-on-one a lot because he had
to conserve his energy a lot. He didn't have to
say anything and he could still teach the other
person so many things by the way he was,"
said Radhika.

The Indian Weekender Friday, March 19, 2021
FEATURES 17
ALOO PARATHA
ORANGE JUICE
Fruit Platter
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 - granny smith apples
• 1bunch - red or green seedless
grapes
• 2 - kiwis
• ½ - watermelon
• 1 - pint blueberries
• ½ - pint blackberries
• 1 - pint strawberries
• 1 - pint raspberries
• ½cup - pomegranate seeds
• Strawberry yoghurt
• Chocolate dip
METHOD:
• Gently rinse and dry all fruit.
• To prepare the apples, quarter
them, remove the core from
each quarter by slicing it out
diagonally, and then slice each
quarter into four or five slices (
Granny Smith apples don’t brown
quickly, so you can do this in
advance without worrying about
it ).
• To prepare the grapes, remove the
stems to form little bundles of 5
to 10 grapes.
• To prepare the kiwis, peel off the
skin with a vegetable peeler.
• Slice kiwis crosswise into rounds.
• To prepare the watermelon, place
the half watermelon cut side down
and cut it into four quarters.
Slice each quarter
crosswise into
triangular
slices.
• T o
prepare the strawberries, either
leave whole if they’re smaller or
remove leaves and cut into halves
or quarters if they’re large.
ARRANGE THE FRUITS:
• Take a serving plate.
• Start with the larger fruits.
• Place a stack of watermelon slices
on one side of the platter and
another one somewhere across
the platter.
• Begin filling in spaces on the
platter with bunches of grapes
and handfuls of berries.
• Work in layers, filling in gaps
where you see them, and
aiming for an abundant, almost
overflowing look.
• Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on
top as garnishing.
• Serve with strawberry yoghurt
and chocolate dip in the bowl on
the side ( tastes very nice with
yoghurt or dip as a dessert in the
end ).
• TIP: Aim for a rainbow of colours
or a variety of colours within a
particular palette.
• You certainly don’t have to use
the exact fruits listed here to make
a gorgeous fruit plate.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2cups - atta ( wheat flour )
• 1/4cup - warm water
FOR FILLING
• 4 - potatoes, medium and boiled
• 1 - onion, large and chopped
• 2-3 - green chillies, chopped
• 1/2tsp - red chilli powder
• 1tsp - dry mango powder
• 2tsp - ginger, fresh grated
• 1tsp - salt or according to taste
• 1/2cup - coriander, fresh and
chopped
• Oil for basting
METHOD:
• Take flour in a large bowl, slowly
add water and using your hand,
mix flour with water until you
have a soft non stick dough (
knead it for about 4-5 minutes
or until the mixture has formed a
smooth dough ).
• Cover the dough with a damp tea
towel and leave it to rest for at
least 15 minutes.
FOR FILLING:
• In a large mixing bowl, place
boiled potatoes with onions,
green chillies, red chilli powder,
mango powder, grated ginger, salt
and fresh chopped coriander.
• Using a fork mash and mix all the
ingredients together. Cover and
keep aside.
• Divide the dough into equal size
balls.
• Dust the clean counter or rolling
board with flour.
• Roll a dough ball between your
hands until its smooth and without
cracks.
• Using the rolling pin, flatten the
ball into a 12cm round circle.
• Take 1 tablespoon of potato
mixture and spoon it into the
centre of the dough to form
a pouch then press the edges
together tightly to close.
• Once sealed, press the dough ball
( filled with potato mixture ) down
gently with the rolling pin, and
again roll out into a 15 -16cm in
circle into paratha.
• Place the paratha onto the hot
tawa or pan.
• Once the top surface of the paratha
starts to dry out, flip it over using
a spatula.
• Then using a spoon spread 1
tablespoon of oil thoroughly on
the paratha and flip it over.
• Now spread 1 tablespoon of oil
on the to facing surface of the
paratha and flip it over again.
Cook until both the sides are
golden- brown in colour.
Repeat with the other dough balls,
making them into parathas.
Serve hot with the dollop of butter
on top. Mango pickle and mint raita
on the side.
Serves - 4
TO ASSEMBLE:
• Preheat tawa or heavy base flat
pan over medium flame.
Egg Bhuji
INGREDIENTS:
sauté for a minute
• 6 - eggs
or until the
• 2 - onion, medium
tomatoes are
• 1 - tomato, large
soft.
• 2- green chillies
• 1/2tsp - red chilli powder
• 1/4tsp - turmeric powder
• 1tsp - salt or according to taste
• Add red chilli
powder,
turmeric
powder and
• 1tbsp - oil
salt, mix
• Fresh coriander
well with
METHOD:
• Break the eggs into a medium
bowl.
• Using the fork, whisk the eggs
a splash of
water.
• Add eggs and
cook for 2-4
well and set aside.
minutes over
• Heat oil in a heavy base fry pan medium flame,
over medium flame.
scrambling the
• Peel, wash and chop onions then eggs.
add them to the oil and fry until
light brown in colour.
• Add washed and chopped green
chillies, sauté for few seconds.
• Add washed and chopped tomato,
• Garnish with fresh
chopped coriander.
• Serve with plain paratha
and a cup of tea.
• Serves - 4
INGREDIENTS:
• ½cup - water
• 4 - medium oranges, peeled and
deseeded
• 1½cup - ice cubes
METHOD:
• Place all ingredients into the
blender.
• Start the blender on its lowest
speed, then quickly increase to its
highest speed.
• Blend for 1 minute or until
desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately.
TIP: Try plain orange juice with
pineapple, it tastes very good.
For recipe variation, add 1/2 cup
of fresh pineapple with orange juice.
Double this recipe and reserve in the
refrigerator to have during the week.
MINT RAITA
INGREDIENTS:
• 11/2cup - mint leaves, fresh
• 2 - green chillies
• 1cup - yoghurt
• tsp - dry mango powder
• Salt to taste
METHOD:
• Wash mint leaves and green
chillies.
• Grind them into a paste and keep
aside.
• Tip yoghurt into a medium size
serving bowl, whisk a little then
add the mint paste and mix well.
• Add mango powder and salt and
mix well again with the fork.
• Serve.

18
FEATURES
Friday, March 19, 2021 The Indian Weekender
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
Your independent nature and forthright opinions
may ruffle a few feathers, but will not affect you
a wee bit! A victory of sorts is foretold on the
professional front that promises to take you in
an altogether different league. You are likely to
savour some great moments on the academic
front. Expect a positive word from your rivals,
who may be keen to smoke the peace pipe. Lucky No.: 9 / Lucky
Colour: Yellow
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
New experiences and exciting company will
make you smile. Going is likely to get better on
the professional front. Something that you were
unable to achieve previously will come within
your grasp on the academic front. You are likely
to take steps to make your love life more exciting
and enjoyable. Good networking opportunity may
present itself on the social front. Those trying to get the best price
for their property may get lucky. Lucky No.:7 / Lucky Colour:
Light Blue
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
This is the time to reconsider whatever decisions
you have taken to be on the safe ground. This
week, you may have to take your chances on the
professional front. Don’t let anyone sweet-talk
you into parting with something important on the
academic front. You will be able to ease a tight
situation on the financial front by cutting corners.
Those trying to come back in shape can ill afford to miss out on
workouts. Don’t let a fight escalate. Lucky No.:5 / Lucky Colour:
Teal
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
19 March to 25 March 2021 | By Manisha Koushik
The more you try to curb someone, more
stubborn he or she seems to become, so soften
your stand a bit. You are likely to get a clean chit
in something gone wrong on the professional
front. Good contacts are likely to do wonders for
you on the academic front. Some of you are set
to grow financially strong. Mental tensions are likely to become a
thing of the past, as you move towards peace and tranquility.
Lucky No.: 18 / 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)
Favourable outcome of a legal matter can be
expected. An opportunity to travel extensively
may afford you a chance to visit many exotic
places. Chance to add to your list of properties
by buying an apartment or a freehold house is
indicated. Remaining stoic and neutral in any
adverse situation on the professional front will
work in your favour. Your decisions on the home front may not
be agreed to by others, so take everyone’s opinion. Lucky No.:3 /
Lucky Colour: Coffee
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
Expenses mount, but they will all be for a
good cause! Your self-confidence will see you
through a trying phase in your professional
life. Networking assumes importance on the
academic front to link up with important people.
Beating the path to total fitness may be on your
mind and promises excellent health. Planning
out something on the romantic front with the one you love is
possible. A joint vacation with your near and dear ones is possible.
Lucky No.:17 / Lucky Colour: Light Grey
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
There are people who may promise their
support, but may not honour their word, so
don’t rely too much on anyone. You will feel
mentally at ease by sharing your innermost
feelings with someone you are close to. A brush
with law is possible, but you are likely to come
out unscathed. You will be able to clarify a
misunderstanding over an issue by remaining matter of fact about
it. A relaxing time is in the offing. Lucky No.:15 / Lucky Colour:
Peach
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
If you get spare time, don’t waste it on
mundane things as there is lot to be done. A
romantic situation may develop at workplace,
so now it is up to you how far you want to take
it! An overseas vacation is on the cards and will
prove enjoyable. Your efforts to own property
are likely to prove fruitful. Meeting someone
you have not met in years seems possible. Eat right to remain fit and
healthy. Lucky No.: 2 / Lucky Colour: Deep Sky Blue
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
There is someone who is waiting for your
consent, so don’t disappoint him or her! You
will be able to garner support for something you
have undertaken on the professional front. Not
getting the desired result on the academic front
may disappoint you. Rise in expenses may get
you worried and prompt you to an extra source
of earning. Stepping up the pace on the workout front will prove
more beneficial. You are set to enjoy an exciting trip. Lucky No.: 2
/ Lucky Colour: Lemon
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
This is the week when you need to catch up
on things at work. Winning brownie points is
possible on the academic front. A new friendship
shows all signs of turning into romance, so
keep your fingers crossed! You may receive the
possession letter for a property booked by you.
Opting for moderate living will help you retain good health. Rising
expenses may cause concern, but don’t worry you have enough
financial strength to absorb it. Lucky No.:11 / Lucky Colour:
Silver
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
It is easy to make mistakes, considering the state
of mind that you are presently in, so be deliberate
in whatever you do. Tight schedule at office may
make it difficult for you to complete a personal
work. Someone who favours you is likely to put
in a good word for you to the higher ups on the
academic front. Those into side business are set to
profit. Lucky No.:4 / Lucky Colour: Dark Grey
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
Make things easier by not becoming a stickler
for perfection. You may need to act wisely in
a provocative situation that faced this week.
Getting a chance to undergo training to learn
something new is on the cards for some. On the
academic front, you gain experience by your
mistakes. Differences need to be sorted out
with partner now, before they start upset the relationship. Lucky
No.: 22 / Lucky Colour: Lavender
Bank of India (New Zealand) Ltd
Bank of India (New Zealand) Ltd
wishes everyone
Services we offer :
1. Opening of Zero balance saving account
2. Free remittance to India with attractive exchange rate
3. Same day credit to any bank in India.
Contact here:
Auckland: 09 9265797
Papatoetoe: 09 2781784
www.bankofindia.co.nz
Head Office:
10 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023
Papatoetoe branch:
31 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, Manukau 2025

USE IT RIGHT AND
she’ll be right!
USE A TRIGGER
NOZZLE
This autumn, you can use a hand-held
hose with a trigger nozzle.
watercare.co.nz