The Indian Weekender, 30 April 2021

30 APRIL2021 • VOL 13 ISSUE 07
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2 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 30, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Govt creates new ‘very high risk’ category
for countries with high Covid-19 numbers
RADIO NEW ZEALAND
The govt has created a new ‘very high
risk’ category for countries with high
Covid-19 numbers.
These changes has come into force at
11.59pm on 28 April.
Countries will be initially designated ‘very
high risk’ when there have been more than 50
cases of Covid-19 per 1000 arrivals to New
Zealand from those countries in 2021, and
where there are more than 15 travellers on
average per month.
Only New Zealand citizens and their
immediate family will be able to travel to New
Zealand from these countries.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins
said that any case at the border creates
addition pressure on our border and managed
isolation facilities.
“We have to provide a pathway for New
Zealanders to come back...we would not restrict
the right of New Zealanders to return home.”
The accumulative risk to New Zealand
from travellers from India has been looked at,
said Hipkins.
“From India alone, this is expected to reduce
the number of potential positive cases coming
to New Zealand by an estimated 75 percent.
“We are talking about hundreds of people
who could be affected by this.”
He said the new category was “not an easy
decision” and will be continuously reviewed.
Most managed isolation facilities will be
moved to a group intake system, Hipkins said.
This will see a MIQ facility starting empty, and
then over 96 hours plane loads of people are
transported to the hotel and once it’s full - or
after the 96 hours - the facility is locked down
for two weeks.
The Pullman hotel will be the first hotel to
receive cohorted arrivals, starting tomorrow.
“
From India alone, this is
expected to reduce the
number of potential positive
cases coming to New Zealand
by an estimated 75 percent.We
are talking about hundreds of
people who could be affected
by this.”
Hipkins said more rooms in MIQ will remain
empty because of the new cohort system.
“This is done purely based on a risk
assessment.”
“We’ve applied a formula,” Hipkins
said, adding that this was not a
discriminatory measure.
The first assessment of high risk countries
will take place within the next two weeks,
Hipkins said.
The number of cases that have made it out
of the border was very small, Hipkins said. But
when there was more positive cases in MIQ this
increased the risk, he said.
Flights from India have been suspended for
almost two weeks and Hipkins had previously
expressed a reluctance to extend the temporary
ban beyond its expiry next week.
A two week ban on all travellers arriving
from India began on 11 April after a surge
in Covid-19 cases being reported at the
New Zealand border, from people who had
been in India. This was despite pre-flight testing
showing the travellers did not have the virus 72
hours before leaving.
India has now recorded the highest one-day
tally of new Covid-19 cases anywhere in the
world - and the country’s highest number of
deaths over 24 hours.
India travel
ban lifts as
New Zealanders
stuck there plead
for help to get
them home
RADIO NEW ZEALAND
New Zealanders who are stuck in India
are pleading with the government to
help them get home.
The travel ban on India has been lifted but
those eligible to return home are finding it
impossible to get flights. Up to Sunday, 131
people - 106 of which are from India - have
booked themselves into MIQ facilities from
countries deemed “very high risk”.
However, a managed isolation and quarantine
spokesperson said not all of them would arrive
here.
“It is highly likely that many of these returnees
will not arrive in New Zealand because of the
widespread disruption to flight schedules,
particularly from India to destinations where
many returnees from there currently transit en
route to New Zealand,” the spokesperson said.
Ninety-one of those 131 people are
permanent residents or temporary visa holders,
which means unless they have a partner, are a
dependent child or parent of a dependent child
who is a New Zealand citizen, they will not be
able to enter the country.
New Zealand citizen Uppkar Kashyap
travelled to India for his father’s funeral and to
support his mother and grandmother.
His return ticket was booked for the 24 April,
but then the travel ban kicked in.
“I booked my flight for 30th [April] but now
Emirates, they have stopped their flights and
they have banned all travellers coming from
India, they are not even allowing us to do the
transit, so I feel like I’m stuck here,” Kashyap
said.
His wife and two young daughters are still in
New Zealand and his wife Teagan’s maternity
leave ends soon.
He had been staying inside and regularly
getting Covid-19 tests in case he has a chance
to return home.
“If the flights people or government say ‘we
can make the flight for you guys to come back
home’ I can do whatever they want.
“If they want me to get a Covid test, I’m
doing it already. Everything we can do we are
doing but we want to come back home to our
families.”
Other people spoke to RNZ on the agreement
of anonymity, due to fear of repercussions.
One man had a wife who went over to look
after her sick father, but her return flight was
cancelled.
Despite being a travel agent he had not been
able to secure a flight for his wife and was now
worried about how they would pay the bills
because her holiday pay had run out.
A pregnant permanent New Zealand resident
said her doctor told her to fly back to New
Zealand where it was safe, but she is no longer
eligible.
“I understand their concerns but at least spare
us who are pregnant and need to come back for
the sake of my health and my unborn child’s
health,” she said.
All those interviewed said they understood
the need to keep New Zealanders safe, but
they wanted the government to give them flight
options to get home.
A long haul to get back
House of Travel chief operating officer Brent
Thomas said getting back from India was very
difficult, even if someone was eligible under
the new criteria.
“There’s certainly no direct flights and the
traditional routes through places like Australia
are certainly no longer able to happen,” Thomas
said.
“Typically one of the options for people
coming out of India will be on Qatar through
Doha, however, there’s a limited number of
availability there and it’s certainly a bit of a
long haul to get back to New Zealand.”
Global travel rules were changing with just
24 hours notice and over time, requirements
through transit countries were going to become
even more complex, he said.
“As we go through this further down the
track are they going to require vaccination
proof? Are they going to need saliva testing
before departures? All those sorts of things are
going to come into play over the coming weeks
and months.”
With Covid-19 deaths now surpassing
200,000 in India, the New Zealand government
has committed to giving the Red Cross $1
million to assist with the crisis.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade said they were not currently offering
repatriation flights for New Zealanders stuck
there.
Instead, it urged New Zealanders in India to
register on SafeTravel so they had up-to-date
advice and information.
Government cannot ‘guarantee’
NZers’ return from India - PM
Jacinda Ardern said images coming from
India were “absolutely devastating”.
But there were no plans for repatriation
flights at this stage, she told Morning Report.
“Early on in the pandemic, we as a
government did arrange charter flights in order
to get as many citizens and permanent residents
out of India, in order of about 3000.”
However, commercial flights began operating
thereafter. But flights from India have been
suspended now.
She said the government was waiting to see
if commercial flights resumed; Cabinet had not
yet “had a chance” to discuss it.
“We will keep watching what the situation
is on the ground, what happens with those
commercial flights, but at this stage, we don’t
have plans to put in charter flights to bring
people out.”
Ardern said it was about assessing the risk
and urged people wanting to return to look at
the vaccination and eligibility criteria.
“We cannot always guarantee that we can
bring people back.
“We may not be able to go in and rescue
people. They need to make sure they take
every precaution they can even when they are
travelling in desperate circumstances.”
“We don’t have plans to put in charter flights”
- PM Jacinda Ardern
Reiterating the PM’s words, Deputy Prime
Minister Grant Robertson told First Up it was
a very difficult situation with travel from India.
“We’re fulfilling our responsibilities under
the Bill of Rights to make sure that citizens and
their families can return here but obviously this
is a very difficult and challenging situation for
people who aren’t citizens but want to come
back here and we just encourage them to look
at their options and find a way through.
“There are no plans in place at the moment for
a repatriation flight. There are still commercial
flights leaving India.”
Citizens can return directly, but permanent
residents or visa holders must spend at least 14
days outside of very high-risk countries before
flying to New Zealand.
“We continue to have the humanitarian
categories ... that people can apply to if there
are very particular reasons for them needing to
get home.”

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 3
How world
responded to
assist India in
the fight against
second wave of
pandemic
Nations across the world have come
forward to help India in its fight
against the raging second wave of
the coronavirus pandemic, which is extremely
virulent and has ravaged the country in the past
few weeks.
As per official sources, the US, the UK,
France, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Saudi
Arabia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the
UAE, Kuwait, Russia and New Zealand have
assured medical aid to India with much of the
support on its way.
The UK is sending 495 oxygen concentrators,
120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual
ventilators this week. Out of these, 100
ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators have
already arrived on Tuesday.
France is sending relief material in two
phases. In the first phase, eight large oxygen
generating units that can be installed quickly,
liquid oxygen, 28 respirators and their
consumables and 200 electric syringe pushers
are arriving this week. In the second phase, five
liquid oxygen containers will arrive next week.
Similarly, Ireland is sending 700 oxygen
concentrators this week.
Sources said that Germany is sending a
mobile oxygen production unit which will be
made available for three months along with 120
ventilators and 80 million KN95 masks.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
announced on Tuesday that his government
will send 500 ventilators, one million surgical
masks, 500,000 P2 and N95 masks, 100,000
goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves and 20,000
face shields to India.
Kuwait and Russia have also committed to
send medical supplies.
Some of the medical supplies are also
coming through private channels from various
countries. For example, Singapore is sending
500 BiPAPs, 250 oxygen concentrators, four
Cryogenic oxygen containers and other medical
supplies.
Saudi Arabia’s aid of 80 MT of liquid
oxygen is enroute via the sea route, Hong Kong
is sending 800 oxygen concentrators, while
Thailand is sending four Cryogenic oxygen
NZ announces $1m Covid
Crisis assistance to India
New Zealand is providing support to
India in response to the devastating
COVID-19 situation facing the
country, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta
announced today.
“We stand in solidarity with India at this
difficult time, and commend the tireless efforts
of India’s frontline medics and healthcare
workers who are working hard to save lives,”
said Nanaia Mahuta.
“Aotearoa will contribute NZ $1 million to
the International Federation of the Red Cross to
assist India while they respond to the current
surge in COVID-19 cases.”
The International Federation of the Red
Cross is working directly with the local Indian
Red Cross Society to provide oxygen cylinders,
oxygen concentrators, and other crucial
medical supplies.
W
e will continue to monitor
the situation and stand
ready to assist the Indian
government. We extend our
deepest sympathies to the
whanau and friends of those
who have had their lives cut
short by this terrible virus
The IFRC is also looking at scaling up
emergency operations across India by providing
an intensified ambulance and blood service, and
distributing personal protective equipment and
hygiene kits to communities in need.
“We believe a contribution to an international
organisation that has a reputation for delivery
is the most practical assistance we can make to
India at this time,” said Nanaia Mahuta.
“We will continue to monitor the situation
and stand ready to assist the Indian government.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the
whanau and friends of those who have had
their lives cut short by this terrible virus,” said
Nanaia Mahuta.
India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand
Muktesh Pardeshi has acknowledged and
welcomed the decision by Foreign Minister
Nanaia Mahuta of providing $1 million
assistance in India’s fight against a rampaging
Covid second wave.
“Thank you Hon. Foreign Minister @
NanaiaMahuta@MFATNZ for standing in
solidarity with India at this difficult time and
support to @ifrc for crucial medical supplies,”
Pardeshi said in a tweet response.
tanks. India will also get six Cryogenic oxygen
containers from the UAE.
Also, India’s Armed Forces Medical Services
(AFMS) is importing 23 mobile oxygen
generation plants from Germany.
US to rush vaccine
raw materials, anti-
Covid supplies to
India
In a break from the America First policy,
President Joe Biden’s administration is
“working round the clock” to immediately
send India raw material needed for making
Covishield and other products needed in the
fight against the COVID-19 surge overtaking
the nation, according to National Security
Adviser Jake Sullivan.
Recalling the assistance sent by India to
the US in the early phase of the pandemic last
year, he told India’s National Security Adviser
Ajit Doval in a phone call on Sunday that “the
United States is working around the clock
to deploy available resources and supplie”,
Sullivan’s Spokesperson Emily Horne said.
Sullivan told Doval that Washington “also is
pursuing options to provide oxygen generation
and related supplies on an urgent basis,” she
said in a readout of their conversation.
The US will also send India anti-COVID
supplies like test kits, ventilators, medications
and personal protective equipment used by
frontline workers.
The National Defence Production Act
invoked by former President Donald Trump
banned the export of vaccine raw materials and
some other COVID-related products and have
continued under Biden.
The decision to lift the embargo for India
on the export of vaccine raw materials comes
after nearly two weeks of requests from Adar
Poonawalla, the CEO of vaccine-maker Serum
Institute of India, and others in India.
But as recently as Friday various US
government spokespersons would not say if the
Biden administration would lift the embargo.
State Department Spokesperson Ned Price
said on Thursday that the “first obligation”
was to the American people and added, “It’s
in the interests of the rest of the world to see
Americans vaccinated”.
But as calls grew for helping India, Secretary
of State Anthony Blinken gave a hint on
Saturday that Inda may get the material to fight
the pandemic surge.
• Continued from Page 3
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4 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 30, 2021 The Indian Weekender
How world responded
fight against second w
• Continued from Page 3
He tweeted, “We are working closely with our partners in
the Indian government, and we will rapidly deploy additional
support to the people of India and India’s health care heroes.”
Horne said in the readout, “Just as India sent assistance to
the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the
pandemic, the United States is determined to help India in its
time of need.”
After some physicians had said that hydroxychloroquine
(HCQ) could be a treatment for COVID-19, last April Trump
had personally asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lift his
ban on its exports and supply the drug to the US.
India sent about 50 million doses of HCQ to the US and
thanking Modi, Trump said, “We will remember it.”
Now the next president’s administration is remembering
it, even though the emergency use authorisation for HCQ’s in
hospital settings in the US was withdrawn and a huge cache of it
sits unused while Modi’s decision was crticised in India.
India has been sharing its vaccine production with countries
around the world, sending nearly 65 million doses to 86 countries.
Horne said, “Sullivan affirmed America’s solidarity with India,
the two countries with the greatest number of COVID-19 cases
in the world” and they both “resolved that India and the United
States will continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic
together.”
The readout, listing what India will receive, said, “The
United States has identified sources of specific raw material
urgently required for Indian manufacture of the Covishield
vaccine that will immediately be made available for India.
To help treat COVID-19 patients and protect front-line health
workers in India, the United States has identified supplies of
therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and personal
protective equipment (PPE) that will immediately be made
available for India.”
The US is also deploying an expert team of public health
advisors from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and USAID
to work with the embassy in Delhi, India’s Health Ministry, and
India’s Epidemic Intelligence Service, the readout said.
USAID, which is the international assistance arm of the US,
“will also quickly work with CDC to support and fast-track the
mobilization of emergency resources available to India through
the Global Fund,” it said. The Global Fund is an international
collaboration to fight epidemics and serious diseases.
Looking ahead, the readout said, “The U.S. Development
Finance Corporation (DFC) is funding a substantial expansion
of manufacturing capability for BioE (Biological E), the
vaccine manufacturer in India, enabling BioE to ramp up to
produce at least one billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines
by the end of 2022.”
Biological E, a Hyderabad-based company, is set to conduct
Phase 3 trials for a vaccine developed by Baylor University and
Dynavax Technologies Corporation in the US.
At the March summit of Quad, Biden and Modi, along with
Prime Ministers Yoshihide Suga of Japan and Scott Morrison
of Australia agreed on a joint plan to help other countries with
vaccines that would be made in India with US and Japanese
finance and distributed using Australian logistics.
Democratic members of the House of Representatives Raja
Krishnamoorthi and Ro Khanna asked Biden to open the spigot
on the excess vaccines for India, but from the readout of the
Sullivan-Doval meeting it did not appear that as yet there was an
agreement on the vaccines.
Krishnamoorthi pointed out that the US had about 40 million
doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is distributed in India
under the Covishield brand name, and had begun supplying some
of it to Canada and the US.
He said that he would “strongly call on the Biden
Administration to release millions of AstraZeneca vaccine doses
to countries hardest-hit by the spread of COVID-19, including
India, Argentina, and potentially others.”
“I applaud the Biden Administration’s decision to put people
over profits,” Khanna said welcoming the decision to give India
the raw materials and other supplies, and added, “The Biden
Administration can still do more, like give India our stockpile of
AstraZeneca vaccines that won’t be used in the US.”
Biden’s chief adviser on the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthony
Fauci, said on a TV programme on Sunday that sending vaccines
to India was under consideration.
The first shipment of Covid medical supplies
from Britain to India, arrived early Tuesday.
UK to send ‘vital medical
equipment’ to India to
help fight COVID-19
More than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment will be
sent to India to support the country in its fight against
COVID-19, the British High Commission (BHC) announced.
A BHC release informed that the assistance package, funded by
the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, includes
ventilators and oxygen concentrators from surplus stocks. The
aid will be used by the Government of India (GOI) to provide
vital medical treatment to those suffering from COVID-19 in
India, the release said.
The UK Department of Health and Social Care has worked
closely with the National Health Service (NHS), as well as
suppliers and manufacturers in the UK to identify reserve lifesaving
equipment that can be sent to India.
India has this week reported its highest numbers of new daily
cases and deaths since the pandemic began and is facing severe
shortages of oxygen.
Following discussions with the GOI, the first shipment of
equipment will leave the UK today, arriving in New Delhi in the
early hours of Tuesday morning. Further shipments are due to
follow later this week, the BHC said.
“In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including
495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20
manual ventilators, will be sent to the country this week. This
equipment will be crucial in helping to save the lives of the most
vulnerable in India.
The oxygen concentrators, for example, can extract oxygen
from the air in the atmosphere so that it can be provided to
patients, taking the strain off hospital oxygen systems and
allowing oxygen to be provided in situations where hospital
oxygen supplies have run out,” the BHC release added.
The high commission said that the UK is working closely
with the GOI to identify further assistance it can provide in the
coming days.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We stand side by side with
India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning
time in the fight against COVID-19.”
“Vital medical equipment, including hundreds of oxygen
concentrators and ventilators, is now on its way from the UK to
India to support efforts to prevent the tragic loss of life from this
terrible virus,” he added.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: “We have all got to
work together to tackle COVID-19. India is a very important
partner to us, so we are providing oxygen concentrators and
ventilators to help save the lives of the most vulnerable. We will
be following up on this first delivery with further support, based
on our ongoing discussions with the Indian Government.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock has said: “The
heart-breaking scenes in India show once again how awful this
terrible disease is. We are determined to support the people of
India through this very difficult time, and I am hugely grateful
to those who have worked hard to make this initial delivery
happen.” (ANI)
Australia extends support
to India amid COVID-19
surge
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Saturday
expressed his solidarity with the people of India amid the
record rise in COVID-19 infections in the country.
Morrison informed that he will keep working in partnership
with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this global challenge.
“Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a
difficult second #COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and
resilient the Indian nation is. PM Narendra Modi and I will keep
working in partnership on this global challenge,” Australian PM
tweeted.
Leaders from around the world have extended support to
India as the second wave of the pandemic continues to affect the
country adversely.
India helped world during
COVID, now it’s time to
give back: German envoy
Noting that India has helped the world amid the COVID-19
by producing vaccines and medicines, German Ambassador to
India, Walter J Lindner on Wednesday said that now “we just
need to give back to our friends”.
India, known as the “pharmacy of the world,” has provided
millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines and other medical
assistance to countries around the world to help them fight the
pandemic. Lindner’s remark comes as several countries around
the world have come forward to help India as it continues to
struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs
caused by the rising coronavirus cases.
“India has helped the world and us during the COVID times
by producing vaccines and medicines, and now we just need to
give back to our friends,” German Ambassador told ANI in an
exclusive interview.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 5
to assist India in the
ave of pandemic
On whether India did the right thing by
supplying medicines amid the pandemic,
the envoy said, “This is something where
India is very strong and they have very
good industry of production and good
researchers and we are in very close
contact with.”
German Ambassador expressed his solidarity
with India and said his “heart bleeds” on seeing
messages or pictures of people looking for
hospital beds on social media.
“I feel half Indian and half German. My heart
bleeds when I see on social media, messages/
pictures of people looking for hospital beds
etc. People here are very resilient. We will get
through this together, and one day we will again
see the beauty of India,” the envoy said.
“All the countries, especially friendly
countries are stepping up to help India.
Germany is stepping up and also the EU,”
he added.
Germany is ready to transport a large oxygen
production plant to India in a week, which will
provide oxygen for quite a number of people.
“We are ready to transport a large oxygen
production plant to India.
"This will provide oxygen for quite a number
of people. We are in close contact with MEA,
Red Cross, and others to see how to bring it
here,” the German Ambassador said.
India is witnessing an unprecedented surge
in COVID-19 cases. The country reported over
3.60 lakh new COVID-19 cases and 3,293
related deaths in the last 24 hours. (ANI)
Amazon to airlift
100 ICU ventilator
units from US to
India
E-commerce major Amazon on Tuesday
announced that it has procured 100
ventilators and will import these to India,
in its bid to help the country fight the
devastating second wave of Covid-19.
Amazon has tied up with Medtronic, an
American-Irish medical device company, to
deliver the units to India in the next two weeks.
“Amazon has worked with the Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare to ensure the
ventilators are of acceptable technical
specification and carried out its
own compatibility checks to
immediately fund 100 units
of Medtronic’s PB980 model
and bring them into India for
urgent use,” the company
shared in a blogpost.
The e-commerce giant
is also working closely
with the Health Ministry’s
appointed agencies to finalise
the hospitals for end-to-end
delivery, installation, maintenance
and training of personnel who will use
these machines.
"We
hugely appreciate
the quick response from
the MoHWF to help identify the
most compatible models, expediting
the shipment import into India and
for coordination with agencies of
MoHFW to allocate these where they
are needed most. We are doing more
and are committed to support our
“We hugely appreciate the quick
response from the MoHWF
to help identify the most
compatible models,
expediting the shipment
import into India and
for coordination with
agencies of MoHFW
to allocate these where
they are needed most.
We are doing more and
are committed to support
our country in the fight against
Covid-19,” said Amit Agarwal,
Global SVP and Country Head, Amazon
India, in the blog post.
country in the fight against
Covid-19."
The company had, meanwhile on Sunday,
announced to donate 10,000 oxygen
concentrators and BiPAP machines to hospitals
and public institutions to augment their
capacity to help Covid-19 infected patients
across multiple cities in India.
The first of these consignments was set to
land in Mumbai on Sunday and a majority of
the shipping is expected to be completed by
April 30.
Additionally, Amazon also joined hands
with ACT Grants, Temasek Foundation, Pune
Platform for Covid-19 Response (PPCR) and
other partners to urgently airlift over 8,000
oxygen concentrators and 500 BiPAP machines
from Singapore.
PH: 021 270 9191
SAUMIL SHAH
SHOWROOM: 9 BARRYS PT RD, TAKAPUNA, AUCKLAND
LEISUREHOMES.CO.NZ | 0800 JAYCONZ (529 2669)

6 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 30, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Bhartiya Samaj celebrates 25 years of
glorious journey of serving the community
SANDEEP SINGH
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust
celebrated 25 years of its glorious
journey of serving the community in a
colourful event on Saturday, April 24, at Trusts
Arena, Henderson West Auckland.
The commemorative event was attended
by a battery of dignitaries, including High
Commissioner of India Muktesh Pardeshi,
Minister of Transport Michael Wood, Honorary
Consul of India, Bhav Dhillon, Judge Ajit
Sawaran Singh, District Commander New
Zealand Police Karyn Malthus, National
MP Melissa Lee, Labour MP Dr Deborah
Russell, Chris Carter, Puketapapa Local Board
Chair Julie Fairey, Whau Local Board Chair,
Kay Thomas.
Acknowledging the momentous occasion
of completion of 25 years of Bhartiya Samaj,
the founder and Chairperson Jeet Suchdev
said, “Today this caravan of love, hope and
services has turned 25, a magnificent journey
started with nothing but a commitment to love
and serve.”
The Charitable Trust was started in 1995 as
a small initiation by Jeet Suchdev and Roopa
Suchdev to support individuals and families
newly migrated to New Zealand, and hand
come a long way since then.
Over the years, Bhartiya Samaj has achieved
many significant milestones, bringing a
positive difference in the wider community by
providing much-needed support, compassion
and intervention. Many in the community are
of the opinion that the organisation had played
a vital role as a friend, philosopher and guide
to a large number of people, along with being a
safe haven for those in crisis.
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Acknowledging the contribution of a
number of key stakeholders in the wider Kiwi-
Indian community and beyond, Jeet Suchdev
said, “We could not have achieved this feat
without the help of community leaders,
volunteers, staff and countless others who have
contributed immensely to 25 years journey of
our organisation.”
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members and leaders of the Kiwi-Indian
community, attended the celebratory event,
which was interspersed with several cultural
performances, live music, speeches and food.
Among other community leaders, key were
Narendra Bhana, Harshad Patel and team from
Auckland Indian Association, Hon. Consul of
Fiji Harish Lodhia, Daljit Singh from Supreme
Sikh Society NZ, Prithipal Singh Basra from
Gurudwara Shri Dashmesh Darbar, Albert Eden
Local board Chair Margi Watson, Bhartiya
Samaj Patron Dr Bruce Hucker, Chief Financial
Advisor Foundation North, Liam Sheridan,
CEO Pub Charity Martin Cheer, and CEO Age
Concern, Kevin Lamb.
Several performing art groups such as
Grandiose, Indiance and Khottey Sikke
entertained the audi ences with their electrifying
performances along with showcasing different
facets of the Indian culture.
Some of the performances, like a dance
on the pulsating beats of Bollywood dance
numbers by Simran Chadha and the “Kathak”
dance by Kathak Kendra Nrityashalya brought
a wave of energy among the audience.
Special Magazine launch
To mark the special occasion of completion
of 25 years of service to the community,
Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust also launched
the special issue of Samaj Bhartiya Samaj
Quarterly Community Magazine “Caring
Aotearoa”.
The issue captures the success stories of 25
years of Bhartiya Samaj, along with a brief
portrayal of how it has impacted the lives of
many in the community. It also highlights the
special role played by 25 leading contributors
and leaders within the Kiwi-Indian community,
who have made valuable contribution in the
overall well being of the community, including
on important social issues of elder’s care,
domestic violence, the help of people in distress
in general and especially during the Covid in
the last year.
Thanking all the supporters over the years,
including in the successful organisation of the
25th-anniversary event, Jeet Suchdev said,
“The fabulous success of the event was a result
of contribution and unequivocal support of the
sponsors, organisers, volunteers, performers
and Executive committee members who
collectively supported us to make this event a
grand success and helped achieve yet another
milestone for Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust.
“We would like to express our sincere
gratitude to the Gold sponsor Supreme Sikh
Society NZ, Silver Sponsor Pill Drop Pharmacy
and all other sponsors for their generous
contributions,” Mr Suchdev said.
National supports government
decision to lift travel ban from India
RADIO NEW ZEALAND
The National Party doesn’t think New
Zealand needs to match Australia’s
travel ban from India
Australia announced yesterday it
would suspend all direct flights from India until
15 May and place restrictions on some indirect
routes. However, the New Zealand government
is sticking to its planned restrictions for those
travelling from India, when the travel ban
lifts today. National’s Covid-19 response
spokesperson Chris Bishop said the government
had got the balance right.
“Allowing New Zealand citizens and family
members to travel back under strict scrutiny,
going into MIQ and with pre-departure
testing, that’s an appropriate response for New
Zealand,” he said.
Bishop said each country had a certain level
of risk it could tolerate and Australia was likely
to have more arrivals from India than NZ.
New Zealand imposed a temporary travel
ban on 11 April on people arriving from India.
It came after a surge in Covid-19 cases being
reported at the New Zealand border, from
people who had been in India.
This was despite pre-flight testing showing
the travellers did not have the virus 72 hours
before leaving.
The government last week announced a
new category of a «very high risk country” -
including India, Brazil, Pakistan and Papua
New Guinea - to further bolster the country’s
defence against Covid-19.
Countries will be initially designated ‘very
high risk’ when there have been more than 50
cases of Covid-19 per 1000 arrivals to New
Zealand from those countries in 2021, and
where there are more than 15 travellers on
average per month. Only New Zealand citizens
and their immediate family will be able to travel
to New Zealand from these countries.
These changes had come into force at 11.59
on April 28.
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The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 7
'Women’s Well-Being Program' launched at
Auckland Tamil Association’s special New Year event
SANDEEP SINGH
Auckland Tamil Association has
launched a “Women’s Well-Being
Program” at its customary new year
celebratory event held on Saturday, April 24, at
Freemans Bay, Auckland.
Tamil New Year is celebrated on April 14,
like many other South Asian Communities, and
celebrated with much fervour all around the
world, including in New Zealand.
This year Auckland Tamil Association gave
a special flavour to its New Year celebratory
event by focussing on a special launch of
the “Women’s Well Being program” by
highlighting the immense role of women in
the Kiwi Indian community and beyond and
acknowledging the importance of ensuring
their general well-being.
The chief guests of the evening Labour MP
Vanushi Walters National MP Melissa Lee,
former National MP Kanwaljit Bakshi and
Ranjna Patel, Founder Gandhi Niwas, unveiled
the logo and praised the initiative and expressed
the need to be inclusive and work together for
the good of a larger purpose.
The special program named “Wahine,” –
which literally means “woman” (in Maori
and Polynesian language) - especially a
surfer symbolising the passion, the courage
of navigating through the challenges of life is
founded by Mallika Janakiraman.
Sharing her thoughts behind the special name
of Wahine for this program, Mallika said, “The
name inspires well-being and nourishment
of the mind, body and heart by connecting,
supporting and enabling resources.”
Three special Kiwi-Indian women Mandeep
Kaur, Sr. Sgt NZ Police, Shruthi Vijayakumar,
Coach and Strategist, and Namrata Kapadi
Social worker, were facilitated for their
immense contribution in public life and being
an inspirational role model for the women
across all migrant communities.
Speaking on occasion, Mandeep Kaur, Sr.
Sgt NZ Police, emphasised the first basic step
of “well-being” was to understand and accept
that “it was okay to be not okay.”
Vai Ravindran, President ATA, welcomed the
guest and set the agenda for the evening with
a quote by a Tamil poet Poongunranar, “To us,
all towns are our own, everyone is our kin,”
highlighting the organisation’s ethos to reflect
an inclusive and collaborative mindset to make
a good cause better.
The “Women well-being program” will
embrace every woman of the South Asian
Indian communities in New Zealand and strive
to make a positive contribution to their overall
well-being.
The launch event witnessed enthusiastic
participation from many community
organisations of different ethnicities.
Tamil magazine launched
A Tamil magazine was launched by
Auckland Tamil Association on occasion,
which was unveiled by former National MP
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, showcasing the
Association’s work in the community over the
years, especially the relief work done during
the Covid lockdowns in close cooperation with
the Consulate of India’s office.
The organisers of the recently concluded
Tamil Premier League – a cricket league on the
model of India’s famous Indian Premier League
– in Auckland were also facilitated at the event.
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8 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 30, 2021
$40m funding boost for new
ward at Waitakere Hospital
IWK BUREAU
Waitematā DHB has welcomed the
announcement of a $40 million
funding package to build a new
30-bed inpatient ward at Waitakere Hospital.
The funding was announced at the hospital
on Wednesday, April 28 by Minister of Health
Hon Andrew Little.
Welcoming the announcement Chief
Executive Dr Dale Bramley said, “The drive
for upgraded and new facilities at Waitakere
Hospital is Waitematā DHB’s number one
development priority, strongly supported by the
Board and many in the local community.”
Construction on the new ward is planned to
begin at the end of 2022 and is aligned with
the Northern Region Long Term Investment
Plan, which forecasts that 320 additional
inpatient beds will be needed at Waitakere
Hospital by 2037.
“Waitematā DHB has continuously invested
in Waitakere Hospital to ensure efficient, highquality
care. However, existing facilities are
now at capacity - this latest development is an
important and exciting stepping stone towards
better health outcomes and resources for the
West Auckland community,” Dr Dale Bramley
said
In the past six years at Waitakere Hospital,
the DHB has; installed two new CT scanners,
upgraded the Emergency Department to
include 52 treatment spaces, created a new
endoscopy room for bowel screening, provided
11 additional children’s health beds and 15
additional general medicine beds.
The DHB also began a major upgrade of the
hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit earlier this
W
aitematā DHB has
continuously invested in
Waitakere Hospital to ensure
efficient, high-quality care.
However, existing facilities are
now at capacity - this latest
development is an important
and exciting stepping
stone towards better health
outcomes and resources for the
West Auckland community
year that will enable parents to stay overnight
when their pēpi need specialist care.
“These significant investments have seen
substantial increases in the DHB’s ability
to safely manage a much higher volume of
presentations to ED and general medicine, due
to these services better matching the needs of
the local population,” Dr Bramley said.
This new ward will help further bolster
improvements in patient care. For the DHB
and for West
Aucklanders, the Minister of Health’s
funding announcement marks the next phase of
Waitakere Hospital’s development.
Waitematā is the largest and one of the
most rapidly growing DHBs in the country,
serving a population of around 650,000 across
the North Shore, Waitakere and Rodney
areas, this number is expected to reach nearly
700,000 by 2025.
West Auckland’s population of 273,000 is
projected to reach near 353,000 by 2043.
The Indian Weekender
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IWK BUREAU
Auckland Transport is encouraging the
people of Tāmaki Makaurau to have
their say on the draft Regional Land
Transport Plan (RLTP) before the consultation
closes this Sunday.
The RLTP is the 10-year plan for Auckland’s
transport network. It details the areas that
Auckland Transport, Waka Kotahi NZ
Transport Agency and KiwiRail will focus on
to respond to our region’s transport challenges.
It also outlines the proposed 10-year investment
programme for specific transport projects.
More than 3000 people have already had
their say on the plan and Auckland Transport
wants to hear from more people.
AT’s Chief Executive, Shane Ellison
says the RLTP is a critical document for
Auckland’s future.
“We also know that policy changes need to
be considered on issues like fuel emissions
standards or congestion pricing that could make
travelling in Auckland safer, more hassle-free,
and better for the environment.”
Mr Ellison adds that hearing from
Aucklanders is imperative so he’s encouraging
people to provide feedback by this Sunday.
To find out more about the draft 2021 – 2031
RLTP, and how to provide feedback, go to
https://at.govt.nz/rltp.
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The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 9
BIHAR DIWAS
event in Auckland revisits historical
connection between Fiji-Indian
community and Indian diaspora
SANDEEP SINGH
Bihar Foundation was joined by Bihar
Jharkhand Sabha of Australia &
New Zealand and the Fiji Indian
diaspora in celebrating the first-ever
“Bihar Diwas” event on Saturday, April
24 at Fickling Convention Centre, Three
Kings, Auckland.
High Commissioner of India Muktesh
Pardeshi was the Chief Guest of the event,
along with special guests from the Fiji Indian
community, Rajendra Prasad, acclaimed
author of the famous book “Tears in
Paradise” and Raveen Jaduram, former-CEO,
Watercare, Auckland City Council.
Inaugurating the event, High Commissioner
Muktesh Pardeshi took the audience on a
journey into the rich history of the Bihar
region and its revered place in the history
of ancient India and contribution in India’s
independence movement and formation of
modern India.
For the uninitiated, India’s Bihar region
was the epicentre of Indian civilisation for
about a thousand years witnessing great
learning and eclectic movement in the form
of the emergence of two great religions of
Buddhism and Jainism, along with being the
seat of political power under Maurya empire
with great rulers like Asoka the great.
Revisiting this rich history of the region and
its people, Mr Pardeshi also acknowledged
the enterprising spirit of the people of the
region, which saw them migrating to different
parts of the world, including Fiji and forming
the umbilical connection between the people
of the region and the Fiji-Indian community.
Reciprocating the view, the special guest
speakers of the evening, Rajendra Prasad
and Raveen Jaduraam, acknowledged
the community’s deep-rooted connection
with India, which many in the Fiji Indian
community call as their original or spiritual
home. The other speakers of the evening
Ragini Gautam of Bihar Foundation and
Nishith Prakash of Bihar Jharkhand Sabha
of Australia & New Zealand highlighted
the contribution of Bihar’s diaspora in
the progress of contemporary India and
the role played within the broader global
Indian diaspora.
The organisers expressed their satisfaction
at the turnout at the event and the opportunity
to come together on the occasion of
the first-ever Bihar Diwas celebrations
in New Zealand.
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NEW ZEALAND
Over a ton of colour to be used at
Krishna Holi 2021 event in Kumeu
The Indian Weekender Friday, February 12, 2021 11
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he biggest Holi event in the country
on Sunday, February 14 at ISKCON
Temple in Kumeu will put over one
ton of colours for 10,000 visitors to play with
celebrating the annual Hindu festival.
Holi is one of the most popular and widely
celebrated festivals for the Indian community
after Diwali that is celebrated by the diaspora
and the adjoining communities across the globe.
The annual festival of colour falls on March
28-29 this year, and the religious element of the
festival signifies the triumph of good over evil.
It is observed a the end of winter and advent of
spring month (in the Indian subcontinent), and
spiritual part of the festival starts with Holika
Dahan (burning demon Holika) also known as
Chhoti Holi and the following day as Holi.
In its 9th year, Krishna Holi event at the
iconic Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu, West
Auckland attracts thousands of people from all
walks of life, different ethnicities and faiths to
be a part of a colourful and joyous event.
Speaking with the Indian Weekender,
Krishna Chandra from the temple said they are
excited to see the festive season of Holi back
after a gloomy year of Covid-19 in the country.
“Holi at the Krishna Temple is one of the
most vibrant events in our calendar- we see
families dressed white clothing visi the temple
and then dance and drench in dry and wet
colours from noon till early evening,” Krishna
Chandra, secretary and spokesperson of Hare
Krishna Temple said.
The temple spread over 100 acres start the
free event at 11 a.m. and will have stalls that
distribute at least ten to 12 colours, and there
will also be watercolours for the visitors.
A giant LED screen is also installed on the
stage with a DJ and live music for the attendees
to dance and have fun.
“It’s a family-friendly- tobacco and alcoholfree
event. People of all ages can have fun as
there will be colour stalls, water stations, food
stalls, changing rooms, showering stations for
people drenched in colour,” Mr Chandra said.
He added tha the temple stocks colours to be sanitisers are in place for people, arrangements
used at the festival at least 2-3 years at a time. for children activities, so that everyone gets to
The temple will be used over a ton of colour at enjoy the even to its fullest.
the event both in its dry form and with water. “We have volunteers, security to usher
“We have given 200 kgs of colour to fire vehicles to park in the appropriate places,
brigade who will mix it in their water tank manage the oncoming and returning traffic,
and then splash it on the visitors at different and make sure visitors feel comfortable at the
intervals.
event,” Mr Chandra added.
“Since this year’s event coincides with The event organisers have appealed the
Valentine’s Day, we have kept valentine theme visitors to come in white dress as colours tend event like previous years will be high octane,
gifts and gift station too at the venue for the to exhibit its vibrancy on white clothing, get full of energy and good vibes,” Mr Chandra
public to celebrate the occasion there,” Mr spare clothing to change after playing with added.
Chandra added.
colour and food and water arrangements have ISKCON Temple is located on 1229
Mr Chandra says all arrangements in been made a the venue.
Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Kumeu, West
terms of Covid QR Code scanning and hand “Hol is always a fun event and Krishna Holi Auckland, and the event starts at noon to 5 p.m.
Hare Krishna temple to host ‘Saatvik food festival’
RIZWAN MOHAMMAD
T
he Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu, West Auckland
is hosting its annual food festival event on Saturday,
February 13, for the community.
More than 3000 people are expected to attend the event
where they will be served saatvik vegetarian food, tour the
temple premises and have a relaxing family-fun day.
“Our Hare Krishna Food Festival is very popular amongs the
wider Kiwi community in Auckland, people from all faiths and
ethnicities come to the temple, take a tour of the place knowing
about the deities, the ISKCON establishment, its works for the
community and have snacks and food during the day,” Krishna
Chandra, secretary and spokesperson for Hare Krishna temple
told the Indian Weekender.
The event is said to be quiet, and exhibit a relaxing
environment where people get to meet new people, make
friends, experience the calmness being with nature, have
Saatvik (pure) vegetarian food and have good family day.
“This event is happening just one day before our most
popular Krishna Holi event which is will be loud, full of energy,
playfulness, music and dance,” Mr Chandra added.
The events will start at 2 p.m. and end at seven in the evening.
Besides the food festival, Krishna Temple organises lunch
event every Sunday at its premises where 300-400 people
come, chant mantras, meditate, spend some time with nature
and dine with the community members.
“It is a soothing atmosphere at the temple, chanting mantras
with the community, knowing more about the religion, what
can they do a the temple and how can they make a difference in
the community by serving others and the less privileged.
“There are also children’s activities
organised so that they engage themselves
and also have a good time at the temple,” Mr
Chandra said.

10 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, April 30, 2021
The Indian Weekender
COMMUNITY HEROES
FIGHT COVID SURGE IN INDIA

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 11
2021
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Friday,
CORDIS,
August
Auckland
14, 2020
CORDIS, Auckland
Supported by

Editorial
Quad and Quad-plus
Cooperation
The world is again in the midst of a great power competition, a competition that has the
potential to cascade into conflict or worse catastrophe. The territorial disputes are
widespread and occur in both the terrestrial and maritime domains. The re-emergence of
China as a global power is reshaping associations and alliances with smaller and mid-sized powers
feeling squeezed between China and the US.
What is increasingly clear though is China aims to dominate the Southeast Asian politics through
its asymmetric economic relations with its neighbours. China is effectively using its economic
prowess for meeting its political and territorial goals.
Since its re-emergence as the dominant economy in the region, China has been laying claims
on many territories in the through its domestic legislation and invention of historic claims. The
effectiveness of domestic legislation by China in terms of securing its claims in South China Sea
and East China Sea is however debatable.
Many such claims aren’t recognized by international bodies and courts such as the Permanent
Court of Arbitration (PCA). The most prominent Chinese claims in South China Sea were ruled as
not legal by the PCA in a case drawn upon by Philippines in July 2016. China is using its domestic
legislation to expand its exclusive economic zones by creating municipalities at the edge of South
China Sea which gives legal foundation for the exclusive economic zones: again, the effectiveness
of the method is debatable as it has not been tested.
The parallel here can be drawn to compare the control through domestic legislation between
the Chinese claim on South China Sea and Japanese control of Senkaku Islands. Japan has
controlled the Senkaku Islands for over a century now and there is a continuity via coast guard and
environmental management in that control, mostly and mainly through domestic legislation and
international partnership; no such continuity of control with regard to Chinese claim is existent on
ground in South China Sea.
The invention of historic claims by China as a tool for foreign policy is even more debatable and
problematic. To analyze this one must turn back the pages and search in history any signs of claims
of sovereignty by China over the island territories in south China Sea; no such claim can be found.
Bill Hayton, in his book, “Invention of China” writes in detail about how during the Ching (Qing)
Dynasty, China showed no interest in the island formation in the south china sea whether be it the
islands neighboring Indonesia, Vietnam or Philippines. There is clear evidence in history how Japan
and Japanese business interests used the islands for collecting nitrates.
The territorial claims for most nations come after world war II be it Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam,
Philippines, etc. as they developed strong national borders under one government after gaining
independence. These countries were colonies prior to World war II and thus to trace their sovereign
claims to these territories is difficult.
The UNCLOS treaty signed by 117 states which sets the 200-mile limit for Exclusive Economic
Zones gives these countries a claim over the island formations in South China Sea. UNCLOS
however is not ratified by the US which gives it a loose footing to enforce any such binding on
China.
The ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) can play a significant role in resolving
the territorial issues in Southeast Asia, but because it is a loose association of nations and doesn’t
have the legal capability to challenge and enforce its decisions on China, it has till now not played
any decisive role.
In the 2014 ASEAN Summit, a consensus was developed to issue a joint statement with regard
to territorial disputes, however Cambodia declined to join the consensus statement after influence
from Beijing resulting in no joint statement being adopted. This fracturing of ASEAN unity and
division of opinion is mainly achieved through aid and development promises; which again is a
smart use of its economic power.
With most of the ASEAN states not claimants in SCS disputes, China has a free hand in
manipulating the decision-making capability of ASEAN. The ASEAN members hold mixed views
about China, some members perceive China as an economic opportunity and think that China is
critical for the development of ASEAN member states, while other see China as a state having
dominating and hegemonic interests in the region, thus the relationship of China and ASEAN will
always be important but challenging.
The main problem is of the power asymmetry between China and Southeast Asian states. The
countries in the region are constantly seeking strategic autonomy to resolve the South China Sea
issues peacefully and effectively.
The pattern we are seeing at the individual level is to bring in the extra regional powers to the
region to enhance the human capital and other capabilities so that they can push back unilaterally
against some of the more assertive behaviour of China.
Japan has been most active in establishing strategic partnerships, by providing coast guard
vessels, maritime domain awareness and human capital building to strengthen individual members
and to enhance the ASEAN’s integration.
Japan’s role is even more important when it comes to Chinese maritime militia (fishermen boat
strategy), the militia is trying to instigate the escalations and allowing the China to build an image
wherein it is seen as playing a defensive counter.
The militia is used to build pressure on the states and in case of Philippines china has already
occupied some features in south china sea using this militia forces. The militia move in and out of
the sovereign boundaries of other nations and every such movement is a planned part to build on
Lawfare strategy e.g. in case of Senkaku islands.
Thought of the week
“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really
want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I
don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald
Indian Weekender : Volume 13 Issue 07
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
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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
30 April – 7 May 2021
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
On-and-off
rain and
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15°
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
19°
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Clouds
and
sun
19°
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Clouds
and
sun
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Clouds
and
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This week in New Zealand’s history
20°
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30 April 1865
Former Governor FitzRoy commits suicide
Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
A few
morning
showers
21°
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A few
morning
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26°
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Robert FitzRoy, the second governor of New Zealand, took his own life at his home in Surrey.
Opinion on his governorship has always been divided. While the writer Steve Braunias has
described FitzRoy as ‘our first great wretch’, historian Ian Wards argued that his achievements
were ‘considerable’ and blamed the Colonial Office for his shortcomings as governor.
1 May 1893
'King Dick' Seddon becomes premier
Richard John Seddon became premier following the death of John Ballance. Immortalised
as ‘King Dick’, Seddon was to dominate the New Zealand political landscape for the next
13 years. He remains this country’s longest-serving prime minister.
1 May 1955
RNZAF's first combat strike since Second World War
Five Vampire fighter aircraft of No. 14 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force took
off from Tengah airfield, Singapore, to conduct a strike mission against guerrillas in the
Malayan jungle.
2 May 1964
New Zealand's last electric tram trip
Tram no. 252, displaying the message ‘end of the line’ and driven by Wellington Mayor
Frank Kitts, travelled from Thorndon to Newtown zoo. Large crowds lined the streets to
witness the end of electric trams in New Zealand.
3 May 1820
First European plough
used in New Zealand
The missionary John Butler turned
the first furrow at Kerikeri, writing
in his journal: ‘I trust that this day will
be remembered with gratitude, and its
anniversary kept by ages yet unborn.’
3 May 1897
New Zealand's first
woman doctor registered
Margaret Cruickshank, the first female doctor registered in New Zealand, practised in
Waimate, South Canterbury, until her death from influenza in 1918.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021 FIJI 13
Covid-19: Dangerous Covid-19
variant originating from India is in Fiji
The highly dangerous and more
contagious Indian variant of the
coronavirus has been confirmed to be
the variant infecting Fijians in recent days.
Permanent Secretary for Health and
Medical Services Doctor James Fong
confirmed this last night.
He said: “We have received confirmation
from the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit
(MDU) at the Peter Doherty Institute in
Melbourne that recent cases of COVID-19
are of the B1617 variant that was first
detected in India.
“As I mentioned yesterday, our contact
tracing investigations meant that we
already strongly suspected that this was
the variant in question – as case 73, the
soldier working in border quarantine only
had contact with recent border quarantine
cases who had travelled from India,” Dr
Fong said.
“This has informed our containment
measures, and we have already adapted
them accordingly, but I want the public
to have a clear grasp of the stakes here —
because the discipline and diligence of
ordinary Fijians will make or break our
containment of this viral variant.”
This newly-confirmed COVID variant is
one of several dangerous new variants that
have taken root in places like Brazil, South
Africa, the United Kingdom, the United
States, and in India –– which is suffering
a painful fourth wave the likes of which the
world has never seen.
About this variant
As reported by the BBC: “India is now
in the grips of a public health emergency.
Social media feeds are full with videos of
COVID funerals at crowded cemeteries,
wailing relatives of the dead outside
hospitals, long queues of ambulances
carrying gasping patients, mortuaries
overflowing with the dead, and patients,
sometimes two to a bed, in corridors and
lobbies of hospitals.”
Dr Fong said we cannot let that
nightmare happen in Fiji.
“We still have time to stop it from
happening. But a single misstep could bring
about the same “COVID tsunami” that our
friends in India, Brazil, South Africa, the
United Kingdom, and the United States are
enduring,” he said.
India in chaos, Fijians need to listen and adhere
The World Health Organization says
Fijians need to start listening to all
advisory and take action immediately
to safeguard themselves from the B1617
variant of COVID-19.
This call comes as the variant, which has
its origins in India, has claimed over 200,000
lives and 3,286 having died in the last
24 hours in India.
As this happens, WHO Acting Head of the
Pacific, Doctor Akeem Ali, says Fijians need
take heed and work to protect themselves.
“It’s not a matter that we can take lightly. It
tells us that we need to be prepared, it tells us to
be attentive to the directions, and instructions
and the advice given by the government.
"It tells us that we need to ensure that when
we start our public health measures, we do
them efficiently and effectively and we need
the community for this.
"When we say stay at home, it means stay at
home, when we say wear mask, it does mean
wear mask.”
The need for beds, ventilators and other
equipment to fight the virus has become
paramount, and Doctor Ali says they stand
ready to assist.
“We have worked hard with the Ministry
Please know the full range of symptoms of COVID-19 and go to
the Health Ministry’s screening clinics near you for a check up
Please know the full range of symptoms of COVID-19 and go to
the Health Ministry’s screening clinics near you for a check-up.
According to the Fijian Health Ministry and the World Health
Organization, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry
cough and tiredness.
Other symptoms that are less common and may affect
some patients include loss of taste or smell, aches and pains,
headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, red eyes, diarrhoea,
or a skin rash.
Stay home and self-isolate even if you have minor symptoms such as
cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover.
Call the ministry’s helpline on 158 for advice.
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical
attention immediately.
fijivillage advises you to please ensure you wear a mask when you go
out, practice physical distancing and download the careFiji app to beat the
virus. You only need data to download the app. Following that, you just
need to keep the Bluetooth on to help the Health Ministry in COVID-19
contact tracing.
to prepare for this kind of eventuality.
We were hoping obviously that we would not
get to this stage.
"The Ministry does have ventilators already
in hospitals and some in reserves and WHO
have a very marginal stock as well that we have
kept in reserve for urgent support.
"However if the need arises for more
than what we currently have, we would at
WHO would definitely be ready to step in
and support the Fiji government and it has
enough equipment, be it ventilators, oxygen
concentrators or other items are ready for use
in care of patients.”
While our health officials are working hard
to prevent the virus from crippling Fiji and her
people, FBC News continues to notice people
not wearing face mask in public places.
We remind you that this variant spreads
through the air and through tiny droplets that
pass from person-to-person within a close
distance –– droplets that, if left unmasked and
non-distant.
“Stopping that tsunami depends on two
major factors: You, staying at home, and
us, tracing and isolating all known cases.
I’ll stand before you every day to update
you on the latter.
“While the results from Melbourne
confirmed a frightening new variant, they
also confirmed that we are on the right
track in our containment efforts: The
genetic sequencing revealed that all of the
samples sequenced so far have the same
virus variant.”
What it means:
• Case 73 (the border quarantine soldier),
• Case 74 (the hotel worker who attended
the Tavakubu funeral),
• and the woman from Wainitarawau in
Cunningham are all within the same
cluster.
It also reveals that two of the recently
announced border quarantine cases from
the same border quarantine facility,
soldiers recently returned from duties
overseas, also have the same variant.
He said this indicates transmission
within that border quarantine facility.
Covid-19:
‘Astrazeneca will
maintain protection
from new variant’
The vaccination drive will continue
because the vaccination will save
lives, says Permanent Secretary for the
Ministry of Health and Medical Services Dr
James Fong.
He was responding to queries on the
effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccines on
the new highly dangerous and more contagious
Indian variant of coronavirus that has been
confirmed to be affecting Fijians in recent days.
Dr Fong said there have been concerns raised
but it was important to note that the vaccine
prevents people from hospitalisation, severe
disease and death.
“As far as I can work out, the vaccine has less
impact on the variant,’’ he said.
“The vaccination drive will continue
because the vaccination will save lives and the
vaccination will also be part of our response
to the current surge and we will be running
out a vaccination plan that will be running
concurrently with our responses that we have
currently on going.
“As far as I know we still maintain the
protection and to the best of our knowledge
we haven’t got some clear cut data that says
exactly how much less effective it is.’’
On obtaining passes to access contained areas
he said: “Now everyone is trying to ask the
question on how they would get a pass. They
are forgetting the reason why we are trying to
contain the virus.
“They are trying to bypass the law and
forgetting the medical agenda.”

14 INDIA
Friday, April 30, 2021 The Indian Weekender
INDIA COVID: Hospitals
overwhelmed as deaths pass 200,000
India has reached the devastating figure
of 200,000 coronavirus deaths, with the
pressure on many hospitals showing no
sign of abating amid a surging second wave.
The real number of fatalities is thought
to be far greater, with many not being
officially recorded.
Oxygen supplies remain critically low across
the country, with the black market the only
option for some people.
Crematoriums are operating non-stop, with
makeshift pyres in car parks.
There have been at least 300,000 new
infections every day in the past week, with
more than 360,000 new cases in the past 24
hours. Overall, more than 17.9 million cases
have been registered.
Foreign aid has started to arrive from the
UK and Singapore. Russia, New Zealand and
France have pledged to send emergency medical
equipment, and even regional rivals Pakistan
and China have put aside their differences and
promised to help.
However, experts say the aid will only have
a limited effect in a nation that has a population
of 1.3 billion.
A government website where Indians can
register for a vaccination programme crashed
soon after it launched on Wednesday, as tens of
thousands of people tried to access it.
And in the state of Assam, a 6.4 magnitude
earthquake damaged hospitals which were
already under intense strain. People ran from
their homes and other buildings in panic.
Mortality data in India is poor and deaths
at home often go unregistered, especially
in rural areas.
There are reports of journalists counting
bodies at morgues themselves, to try to get a
more accurate number.
In Uttar Pradesh, health officials said 68
people had died on one day earlier this month
across the state.
But a Hindi newspaper pointed out that
officials also said there were 98 Covid funerals
in the capital, Lucknow, alone.
One man in Uttar Pradesh was investigated for
spreading a "rumour with an intent to cause fear
or alarm" by asking for help to find oxygen for
his sick grandfather on Twitter.
It caused widespread anger, and the man
could face jail.
Crematoriums continue to work throughout
the night to keep up with the number of bodies
arriving, and many families are facing long
waits before their loved ones can receive
funeral rites.
Some say they were asked to help speed up
the process by piling the wood themselves.
Perils of the black market
In the southern city of Bengaluru, one doctor
told the BBC people were panicking. It is
one of the worst-hit cities in India, with some
estimates saying there are about 300 active
Covid cases per square kilometre.
The BBC's Ashitha Nagesh spoke to the
senior consultant at a government hospital, who
asked to remain anonymous.
"We were not prepared for this second
surge," the consultant said. "For the first surge
it was well organised - as soon as we came to
know [of the virus] everything was streamlined
and we were much better prepared.
"This time there are more cases, it was more
sudden, and the situation was not prepared for."
With most hospitals overwhelmed, families are
having to find ways to treat loved ones at home.
Many have turned to the black
market, where prices of drugs such
With most hospitals at capacity, many people are seeking help elsewhere, including this woman outside a
Sikh temple in Ghaziabad
as remdesivir and tocilizumab, and oxygen
cylinders, have soared.
But even in this market, supply is
no guarantee, reports the BBC's Vikas
Pandey in Delhi.
"I know a family that cobbled together
money to buy the first three doses of remdesivir
from the black market, but couldn't afford to
get the remaining three as prices shot
up further," our correspondent
says. "The patient continues to
be critical."
Some private jet
companies have reported a
spike in business, as people
try to fly their sick relatives to
other hospitals in India.
"It's basically families of
"For
the first surge it
was well organised - as
soon as we came to know
[of the virus] everything was
streamlined and we were much
better prepared. This time there
are more cases, it was more
sudden, and the situation
was not prepared for."
patients who are looking to get into a hospital
and are trying to see if there are any beds in
other parts of the country," Ashish Wastrad,
head of Air Charter Service's Mumbai
office, says. However, he said the company's
planes were not properly equipped to carry
Covid-positive patients.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
reported in its weekly epidemiological
update that there were nearly 5.7
million new cases reported
globally last week - and India
accounts for 38% of them.
It also said that the B.1.617
variant of the virus detected
in India has a higher growth
rate than other variants
in the country, suggesting
increased transmissibility.
India is carrying out the world's biggest
vaccination drive, but less than 10% of the
population has so far received an initial jab,
and as infections continue to surge, there are
concerns about meeting the demand.
The US is helping India with the raw
materials it needs for vaccine production,
after India's biggest vaccine maker, the Serum
Institute of India, complained of shortages of
specialised imports from the US.
Meanwhile, the first batch of the Russian
vaccine, Sputnik V, is set to arrive in India on
1 May, The New Indian Express reports. It has
not yet been revealed how many doses will be
delivered.
A tragic sense of inevitability
It's a horror story on repeat. Every day this
week I've woken up to messages from friends
and family in India, begging for help.
Social media posts document the desperation.
And it's not just in Delhi, it's in every corner of
the country.
"Can anyone find a bed in Jaipur for a
friend's father?"
"Who can help find some oxygen for a
friend's grandmother in Uttar Pradesh?"
"There are no beds in Pune, what
should we do?"
And sometimes the messages are even
bleaker. "My neighbour died yesterday," a
friend told me. "We couldn't get him a bed."
Watching from afar, images of a broken India
are hard to process.
Taxis have been turned into
makeshift ambulances. Car parks have
become crematoriums.
Freedom has turned into fear.
"I worry I might get the virus while I walk my
dog," another friend tells me, as she struggles
through Delhi's ongoing lockdown.
Aid is starting to reach India from
overseas. But not enough, as cases continue
to swamp India.
As the world looks on at the endless images
of burning pyres, there's a tragic sense of
inevitability.
Government under fire
India is heading towards state elections, and
there is increasing anger towards both state
authorities and the central government for
the handling of the pandemic.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been
accused of ignoring scientific warnings to
participate in election rallies and allowing
a massive Hindu festival to go ahead in
northern India.
Dr Navjot Dahiya, the vice-president of the
Indian Medical Association, called Mr Modi
a "super spreader" who had "tossed all Covid
norms in the air".
The prime minister said he had held three
meetings to discuss ways to increase oxygen
capacities and medical infrastructure, including
the use of trains and military aircraft to speed
up transport of oxygen supplies.
The BBC's Yogita Limaye says many people
are asking why the military and disaster
response teams have not been put on a war
footing to build field hospitals.
"There is a sense of abandonment in the
country, of people being left to fend for
themselves," our correspondent reports.
State and union territory governments, from
Delhi to Karnataka, have been criticised for
allowing Covid protocols to lapse and failing
to prepare for what epidemiologists say was an
inevitable surge in infections.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
WORLD 15
Australia suspends
flights from COVID-19
hotspot India
Australia on Tuesday suspended
direct flights from India to
prevent more virulent coronavirus
variants entering the country following a
surge in positive COVID-19 cases in the
world’s second-most populous nation.
India’s coronavirus death toll neared the
bleak milestone of 200,000 with another
2,771 fatalities reported on Tuesday,
while its armed forces pledged urgent
medical aid to help battle the staggering
spike in infections.
The suspension of direct passenger
flights between the two countries will
remain until May 15, Prime Minister
Scott Morrison said in a televised
news conference.
“It is a humanitarian crisis and one
gripping the world,” Morrison said.
“We don’t think the answer is to
forsake those Australians in India and
just shut them off,” he added, reiterating
the suspension was temporary to ensure
Australia could manage arrivals from
virus hotspots.
Australia’s move impacts two passenger
services from India into Sydney and two
repatriating flights from India to Darwin,
totalling around 500 arrivals.
Morrison said the suspension would
provide a “breather” to quarantine
facilities in New South Wales state and
the Northern Territory, given the majority
of positive cases there came from India.
Australia, which has all but stamped
out the coronavirus from its shores, closed
its borders to non-citizens and permanent
residents in March 2020 to prevent the
spread of the new coronavirus.
Returning residents and citizens have
to undergo a mandatory two-week hotel
quarantine at their own expense, a system
that has largely helped Australia to keep
its COVID-19 numbers relatively low,
with just under 29,700 cases and 910
deaths.
The country reported zero new cases of
community transmission on Tuesday.
Some state premiers had earlier voiced
concerns about rising coronavirus cases in
quarantine hotels, calling for a suspension
on flights from India.
Western Australia, which on Monday
emerged from a 3-day snap lockdown
after reporting one local case last week,
had been among the most vocal.
“India, there needs to be a suspension,”
Premier Mark McGowan told reporters in
Perth, ahead of the federal government’s
decision.
“There is huge pressure now on all our
quarantine facilities as a result of people
coming from India.”
Indian Covid-19 variant found
in at least 17 countries: WHO
India is facing surging Covid-19 new
cases and deaths in the pandemic,
and fears are rising that the variant
could be contributing to the unfolding
catastrophe.
The World Health Organization said
Tuesday that a variant of Covid-19
feared to be contributing to a surge in
coronavirus cases in India has been found
in over a dozen countries.
The UN health agency said the B.1.617
variant of Covid-19 first found in India
had as of Tuesday been detected in over
1,200 sequences uploaded to the GISAID
open-access database "from at least 17
countries".
"Most sequences were uploaded from
India, the United Kingdom, USA and
Singapore," the WHO said in its weekly
epidemiological update on the pandemic.
The WHO recently listed B.1.617
-- which counts several sub-lineages
with slightly different mutations and
characteristics -- as a "variant of interest".
But so far it has stopped short of
declaring it a "variant of concern".
That label would indicate that it is
more dangerous that the original version
of the virus by for instance being more
transmissible, deadly or able to dodge
vaccine protections.
India is facing surging new cases and
deaths in the pandemic, and fears are rising
that the variant could be contributing to
the unfolding catastrophe.
The explosion in infections in India –
350,000 new cases were recorded there
on Tuesday alone – has driven a surge in
global cases to 147.7 million.
The virus has now killed more than 3.1
million people worldwide.
The WHO acknowledged that
its preliminary modelling based on
sequences submitted to GISAID indicates
"that B.1.617 has a higher growth
rate than other circulating variants in
India, suggesting potential increased
transmissibility".
It stressed that other variants circulating
at the same time were also showing
increased transmissibility, and that the
combination "may be playing a role in the
current resurgence in this country."
"Indeed, studies have highlighted that
the spread of the second wave has been
much faster than the first," the WHO said.
It highlighted though that "other
drivers" could be contributing to the surge,
including lax adherence to public health
measures as well as mass gatherings.
"Further investigation is needed to
understand the relative contribution of
these factors," it said.
The UN agency also stressed
that "further robust studies" into
the characteristics of B.1.617 and
other variants, including impacts on
transmissibility, severity and the risk of
reinfection, were "urgently needed".
NEWS in BRIEF
Activists fear HK immigration bill will allow
arbitrary travel bans
An immigration bill on Hong Kong’s legislative
agenda for Wednesday would give authorities virtually
unlimited powers to prevent residents and others
entering or leaving the former British colony, lawyers,
diplomats and rights groups say.
The government says the bill merely aims to screen
illegal immigrants at source amid a backlog of asylum
applications, and does not affect movement rights.
But lawyers say it empowers authorities to bar
anyone, without a court order, from entering or leaving
Hong Kong and fails to prevent indefinite detention for
refugees.
The government, which has pushed Hong Kong
onto an increasingly authoritarian path since
Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in
2020, faces no official opposition after democratic
lawmakers resigned en masse last year in protest at the
disqualification of colleagues.
Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins dies
at age 90
Often described as
the "forgotten" third
astronaut on the historic
mission, Michael Collins
remained alone for more
than 21 hours until his two
colleagues returned in the
lunar module.
American
astronaut
Michael Collins, who
stayed behind in the
command module of Apollo 11 on July 20, 1969, while Neil
Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin traveled to the lunar surface to
become the first humans to walk on the moon, died at age
90, his family said. A statement released by his family said
Collins died of cancer.
Often described as the "forgotten" third astronaut on the
historic mission, Collins remained alone for more than 21
hours until his two colleagues returned in the lunar module.
He lost contact with mission control in Houston each time
the spacecraft circled the dark side of the moon.
Singapore, Canada, Norway send support
for India’s Covid-19 response
Singapore is among the first countries to send oxygen
cylinders to India amid reports of a severe shortage of
oxygen in several cities. The cylinders will support last mile
oxygen delivery and more consignments are expected in the
coming days.
Singapore, Canada and Norway have joined the list of
countries that have announced support for India’s response
to a devastating second wave of Coronavirus infections that
has hit healthcare facilities across the country.
The Singapore government despatched a consignment
of 256 oxygen cylinders on two C-130 military transport
aircraft to West Bengal.
“Last year, [India] helped the world and [Singapore]
by exporting essential medicines and supplies. Now, we
stand with [India] as you fight Covid-19,” Singapore high
commissioner Simon Wong tweeted.
Singapore is among the first countries to send oxygen
cylinders to India amid reports of a severe shortage of
oxygen in several cities. The cylinders will support last mile
oxygen delivery and more consignments are expected in the
coming days.
In Singapore, second minister for foreign affairs Maliki
Osman formally handed over the assistance to Indian high
commissioner P Kumaran at Paya Lebar airbase. Maliki said
Singaporeans stand in solidarity with the people of India in
the fight against the pandemic.

16 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, April 30, 2021 The Indian Weekender
DIA MIRZA ON ENVIRONMENT:
Need to hold govts, industry accountable
Actress Dia Mirza has always been vocal
about environmental issues. On the
occasion of Earth Day on Thursday, she
said we must hold authorities accountable for
changes in the environment, too, besides making
efforts on the personal front.
"We need to mobilise greater momentum now
than ever before. Of course, personal behaviour
change will make a difference, but along with
learning to lead more sustainable lifestyles, we
also need to hold governments, industry and
civil society accountable. We need to imbibe and
disseminate scientific facts which are now more
accessible than ever before," she said.
The actress urged people to raise their voices
now. "We must join movements to protect nature/
wildlife and demand laws that will ensure the
change we need. We need every single earth citizen
to work towards restoring the planet to its former
Debina Bonnerjee urges
all to donate plasma
Actress Debina Bonnerjee
encourages her fans to
donate plasma, since plasma
therapy is proving to be an effective
way to combat Covid-19.
"I urge everyone who has
recovered from Covid-19, to check
with their doctors and then go ahead
and donate your plasma. Plasma
donation has proven to be an effective
way to combat Covid-19, as many
patients who are in critical stages are
benefitting from plasma from Covidrecovered
patients," she said.
She adds: "This is the least we can
do to salvage the current situation and
every donation counts. So, please go
ahead and donate your plasma."
The actress says that she and her
husband actor Gurmeet Choudhary
have also donated plasma.
"Post recovering from Covid, My
husband and I visited our local clinic
and we donated our plasma. While
there are millions of people getting
affected, there is also a large chunk
of the population that is recovering
and has been able to fight Covid 19.
Since I am a plasma donor, I have the
donor card and I found out that there
is no plasma available as of now
and there is an acute shortage of the
same. People should come ahead and
donate plasma, just like they donate
blood," she says.
Gurmeet Choudhary: High time we use power of celebrity to help fight pandemic
Actor Gurmeet Choudhary, who has
tweeted that he will open an "ultramodern
1000 bed hospital in Patna and
Lucknow for the common man", says the power
of a celebrity is to inspire people to save lives
and stay motivated in the time of the crisis.
He adds that he is "inspired by Sonu (Sood)
bhaiya".
"I think the power of being a celebrity and
the popularity that we have, is to utilise for the
good of the people under this crisis. Debina
and I, both had a battle with Covid-19 and we
recovered because we had access to everything.
Right now, people are suffering without even
basic facilities like beds, oxygen or plasma
treatment. I have been trying to put up
beds, arrange for oxygen and plasma
for needy people like many of us.
I am inspired by Sonu bhaiya,"
Gurmeeet said.
The "Ramayan" famed actor
says initially in Mumbai, few
people reached out to him and
asked for help to get beds and
glory. When political, business and environmental
leaders work in synergy with people from all walks
of life to protect the earth, a better world will come
into being," she said.
She says that the pandemic has taught us a lot
about how we are interlinked to the environment.
"The ongoing pandemic has made it abundantly
clear that we have to change the way we live,
produce, manufacture and consume. Today,
the health of every single human being and our
collective harmony hangs in the balance and is
closely linked with the well-being of mother
nature," she said.
An awareness needs to be spread, asserted
Dia, adding: "What we need to begin with is the
dissemination of environmental literacy at all
possible levels because we cannot save what we
are ignorant about. The theme of Earth Day this
year is a clarion call to restore the balance of the
natural world on which all of life depends."
Raveena Tandon: Need stronger movements
against lobbies, corruption, land sharks
Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon took to social
media to talk about the necessity for stronger
political will and awareness among citizens to
start movements against lobbies, corruption and land
sharks. On the occasion of Earth Day, the actress also
reminded fans about the need to conserve whatever is still
left in the planet on a "war footing".
"Can't think of any wishywashy message to write
#earthday whatever we need to conserve of whatever is
left has to be done on a war footing, it'll take us centuries
to reverse the damage that has already been done , but
we need a stronger political will and aware citizens to
start stronger movements against lobbies, corruption
and land sharks.
"More initiatives for protecting our forests and wildlife.
Join your local NGOs and orgs to help and pitch in.
#earthday," Raveena shared in an Instagram post.
Highlighting on the need to preserve our environment,
Raveena also shared photograph of a protester holding a
banner that reads: "When all the trees are cut down, when
Veteran actor Shekhar Suman
suggested netizens to take good
care of themselves saying the
safety of every single person is important
amid a raging second wave of the
Covid-19 pandemic in India.
"No one is safe until everyone is safe,"
Shekhar Suman tweeted. Suman's tweet
comes at a time when India has reported
more than three lakh Covid cases for the
fourth consecutive day.
oxygen, and he gradually realised the onground
situation was worsening by the day.
That prompted him to form a small team,
verify the information of people who are needy
and use his access to reach out to doctors for
guidance.Asked about his observation of
ground level reality, Gurmeet replies: "Panic
attack is one of the things that many people
who are sitting at home are facing, and are
falling sick due to that. Always remember panic
is not going to help, if you are already healthy
and sitting at home, stay at home and become
a helping hand online. Keep motivating people
online and share positivity." He adds: "There is
a section of people who are going
through a mental health crisis
and depression, and I want
to tell them, engage with
those who are dealing
with Covid-19. Your
small yet sensible
action of connecting
with a needy person
will turn out to be a
all the animals are dead, when all the waters are poisoned,
when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you
discover... you cannot eat money."
In a tweet posted the veteran actor
suggested that it is important to stay
bonded and spread love in these tough
times. "Now I've made it a daily routine to
get up and pray for ev one's well -being.
Its imp that in these tough time we stay
bonded together and spread as much love
as we can. God has put us thru this test
of fire and we all must emerge as better
human beings," he wrote.
"We are living in very scary times.
huge help, and you will automatically gain
confidence." According to Gurmeet, at times
talking to the family members of the sufferers
becomes equally important, too.
"Whenever I get time, my team connects me
with some of those family members. I have
heard them cry and say that even though they
have got a bed and oxygen for the patient,
nobody even looks at them or talks to them --
as in how anxious they feel without knowing
if their loved one will come back home. This
uncertainty that gives them anxiety is heartwrenching,"
he says.
"Putting up bed and oxygen is an expensive
affair, too. Of course, we are trying to do
our best but I think it is also time we get
ready for everything, so that at least people
do not die on the road without oxygen,"
adds Gurmeet. The actor explains why
plasma donation is important. "Whatever
conversation I have had with doctors and
with our limited understanding, plasma
therapy and oxygen therapy are the two
ways many active Covid-19 cases have
Sonu Sood arranges
airlift for critical Covid
patient from Nagpur to
Hyderabad
Actor Sonu Sood has arranged
for a 25-year-old critically ill
Covid patient to be airlifted
in an air-ambulance from Nagpur to
Hyderabad for treatment.
The patient Bharti is the daughter
of a retired railway officer, and she
has reportedly lost almost 85 to
90 per cent of her lungs owing to
Covid-19. Sonu initially helped in
shifting her to a private hospital in
Nagpur. Doctors then suggested she
needed a lung transplant.
The actor arranged for the patient
to be airlifted to Apollo Hospital,
Hyderabad, for a treatment called
ECMO, in which blood is artificially
pumped into the body to take pressure
away from the lungs.
"Doctors said the chances are
20 per cent, and asked me if I still
wanted to go ahead with it. I said 'of
course'. She is a 25-year-old young
girl and will fight the battle hard and
come out of it stronger. That's why
we took this chance and decided to
get an air ambulance. The treatment
is going well in and we hope for the
best," said Sonu.
Meanwhile, the actor took to
Instagram on Friday afternoon to
inform that he has tested negative for
Covid-19. The actor had informed
about testing positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, Actor Sonu Sood feels
the Covid preventive vaccine should
be available to the needy for free, and
there should be a cap on pricing.
"Every needy should get vaccine
for free. Very important to put a
cap on the pricing. Corporates and
individuals who can afford should
come forward to help everyone get
vaccinated. Let's do business some
other time," Sonu Sood tweeted.
Shekhar Suman: No one is safe until everyone is safe
Panic
attack is one of
the things that many
people who are sitting at
home are facing, and are falling
sick due to that. Always remember
panic is not going to help, if you
are already healthy and sitting at
home, stay at home and become a
helping hand online
Covid19 has become unsparingly
lethal. So many people dying every day.
Please guys be very "We
careful and don't are living in
neglect the govt
guidelines. We
very scary times.
Covid19 has become
don't know unsparingly lethal.
what is going So many people dying
to happen to every day. Please guys
whom and
be very careful and
don't neglect the govt
when."
guidelines."
been resolved, patients are recovered. Those
who recovered can equally save another life
by donating plasma. If you do not know how
to process it, since Debina and I have donated
plasma, people who have recovered from
Covid-19 can reach out to us, with name, blood
group, and city, and I can connect you with the
right person. But please donate plasma because
that is saving a life," said the
actor.

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
FEATURES 17
SELF ASSEMBLED WRAPS
Ditch the utensils and let children assemble
their own food at the table. Wraps are easy
and fun to do in holidays
Paneer Naan Bread
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 - naan bread, small size ( frozen)
• 225gm - paneer
• 1 - red onion
• 1tbsp - tikka masala powder
• 1tsp - salt
• 2tbsp - oil
FOR SALAD
• 1 - red onion
• 2 - tomatoes
• 1/4 - cucumber
• 1 - lemon
• A pinch of salt and black pepper
powder
• 1bunch - coriander
TO ASSEMBLE
• 4tbsp - greek yoghurt
• 2springs - mint leaves
• 1 - lemon
METHOD:
• Place a cast iron griddle pan over
medium flame.
• Place tikka masala powder, salt
and oil into a medium size bowl;
mix well with fork into a fine
paste.
• Cut paneer into 1/2inch cubes and
transfer them into the bowl with
paste.
• Peel and cut the onion into
chunky pieces; place them into a
bowl with paneer.
• Mix everything together until
well combined; the paneer, onions
are well coated.
• Cover the bowl then leave to
marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Place the paneer and onions into
the preheated griddle pan and
cook, turning occasionally, for
2-3 minutes until they are charred,
then transfer them onto a plate.
• Peel and thinly slice the onion
and place into a small size serving
bowl.
• Quarter and deseed the tomatoes
and cut them into slices. Do the
same with the cucumber.
• Transfer them to the bowl along
with onions.
• Squeeze lemon juice on top of
onion mix and sprinkle a pinch of
salt and pepper. Mix everything
well while tossing it or with the
fork.
• Add in some freshly picked and
chopped coriander leaves to the
onion mixture and mix well again.
Set aside for later use.
• Place yoghurt in a small size
serving bowl and slightly whisk
it.
• Wash and chop mint leaves then
add them to the yoghurt and mix.
Set aside for later use.
TO ASSEMBLE:
• Warm the flatbreads in the same
griddle pan.
• Scatter some of the salad in the
centre of the bread.
• Place paneer on top.
• Dollop on a little yoghurt.
• Squeeze some lemon over
everything.
• Fold up the wrap and serve
immediately.
• Serves - 2-3
TIP: Instead of paneer,
tofu can be used.
CHICKEN NAAN BREAD
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 - naan breads ( frozen ), small
size
• 200gm - chicken thigh, boneless
• 2tbsp - tandoori masala
• 1tsp - salt
• 1cup -greek yoghurt
• 1/2cup - mint leaves, chopped
• 1pinch - salt
• 2 - tomatoes
1 - red onion
METHOD:
• Leave naan bread out side to thaw.
• Clean and wash chicken then
thinly slice them.
• Place chicken in a medium size
bowl, add tandoori masala and
salt, mix with fork until well
combined; all the chicken pieces
are nicely coated with the masala.
• Cover and leave chicken over
night or for at least 2 hours in the
fridge.
• Wash and slice tomatoes, then
transfer them into a small serving
bowl. Set aside.
• Peel, wash and thinly slice onion,
then transfer into the same bowl
SHRIMP NAAN BREAD
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 - naan bread, frozen and small
• 2tbsp - yoghurt
• 2tbsp - mayonnaise
• 2tbsp - lime juice
• Pinch of salt
• 1 - red onion
FOR SHRIMP
• 20gm - shrimps, peeled and deveined
• 2tbsp - coriander, chopped
• 2tbsp - lime juice
• 1tsp - salt
• 1tsp - cumin powder
• 1tsp - oil
• Lime wedges
• Fresh chopped coriander
METHOD:
• Place yoghurt in a serving small size bowl and whisk
with tomatoes.
• Place yoghurt in a medium size
serving bowl and slightly whisk
it.
• Wash and chop mint leaves then
transfer it into the bowl with
yoghurt along with a pinch of
salt and mix well with the help of
fork. Set aside for later use.
• Heat the oil in a grill pan or heavybottomed
skillet over medium to
high flame.
• Cook the chicken, turning, for 2-3
minutes or until cooked to your
liking.
• Cover the chicken and set aside to
rest for 3 minutes.
• Cook naan bread on both the
sides, slightly on the skillet (or
microwave it).
To serve:
• Divide the chicken among naan
breads, top with with tomato, red
onion, and drizzle with yoghurt.
• Fold up and eat immediately.
• Or place everything on the table
and let children assemble it them
self.
• Serves - 2
a little.
• Add mayonnaise, lime juice and salt to the yoghurt and
mix slightly.
• Cover the yoghurt and refrigerate until ready to
assemble the wraps.
• Peel, wash and thinly slice the onion and set aside in a
small serving bowl.
FOR SHRIMP
• In small bowl, combine shrimp, coriander, lime juice,
salt and cumin powder.
• Marinate shrimp for 5 minutes (any longer and the
lime will start to “cook” the shrimp).
• Heat the oil in a grill pan or heavy-bottomed skillet
over medium to high flame.
• Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or
until pink and opaque all the way through.
• Place naan in oven on baking sheet for about 4 minutes
until slightly toasted but still flexible enough to use as
a wrap ( or microwave it or just heat it up in the same
grill pan for a minute ).
TO ASSEMBLE:
• Place 5 shrimp on each naan bread.
• Top with a spoonful of yoghurt mix.
• Sprinkle some sliced onions.
• A spritz of lime, and a sprinkling of chopped coriander.
• Fold up and eat immediately.
TIP: To keep the naan bread soft for long the best way is
to microwave it.
• You can also keep paneer, chicken and shrimp and all
the things together for the kids to assemble it them
selfs.
• And also this recipe is good for a big gathering; for
kids birthday party.
Serves - 2
Moringa: 5 Reasons to consume the leaf of
THIS plant to keep chronic diseases at bay
Moringa is a plant which is a
powerhouse of many health
benefits. Moringa oleifera or
drumstick tree is a plant that is loaded with
antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds.
This plant has many medicinal properties along
with anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-depressant and
anti-inflammatory properties. There are many
reasons why you should include this plan
to your daily diet. Some of them have been
mentioned below.
Nutritious
Moringa is a native plant of India. This is
highly nutritious that contains Protein, Vitamin
B6, Vitamin C, Iron, Riboflavin, Vitamin A,
Magnesium, etc. So, when you are having
moringa, you are provided with all these
nutrients.
Rich in oxidants
Anti-oxidants keep you safe from the free
radical damage. Moringa is loaded with
antioxidants which reduce the risk of any
chronic diseases reducing the free radical
damage.
Blood Sugar Levels
Moringa keeps your blood sugar level in a
healthy limit reducing the chances of diabetes.
That is why moringa is highly beneficial for
diabetics to regulate their blood sugar level.
However, this factor is mostly based on animal
studies. More researches are needed on humans
for this pointer.
Reduces inflammation
Inflammation is the natural response of the
body which is a protective mechanism. But it
may be harmful if occurs for a longer period
of time. So, moringa effectively regulates your
high blood sugar levels.
Heart diseases
High cholesterol level is linked to having
heart diseases. Bur regular consumption of
moringa can regulate your cholesterol level
thus reducing your risk of cardiovascular
diseases.
How to have moringa?
Moringa powder is available in the market.
You can have it with water after lunch or
dinner. You can also have it in your tea or
smoothie. Moringa can also be added to raw
foods or salads for consumption.

18
TIME OUT
Friday, April 30, 2020 The Indian Weekender
CROSSWORD FreeDailyCrosswords.com
NO: 66
ACROSS------------,
I) What cymbals do
6) Neurotic worry
11) "My country_ of thee
"
14) Nest on high
15) Legendary singer Vaughan
16) Genetic component
17) One bite and you know it's
not right
19) Small hotel
20) Ski hill
21) Told your dog "Attack!"
23) Bora Bora neighbor
26) 100-meter runners, e.g.
27) Hardly melodious
28) Mix again
29) At all times, in verse
30) Type of nut
32) Things to wish upon
35) Have trouble saying "S"
37) Greek architectural order
39) Cram into the overhead
40) Nasty look
42) Some studio tapes, for short
44) It may gird a geisha
45) Elementary school practice
book
4 7) River horses
49) Stretcher at the gym?
51) Casts out from the body
52) Alarm bell
53) Giving the once-over
55) "Arabian Nights" name
56) Like a good police witness
61) Go against God
62) Skylit hotel lobbies
63) From around here
64) Big pig
65) Freeloader
66) Dust particle
5th February
DOWN
I) Front of a semi
2) Hawaiian neckwear
3) What you'll find in a museum
4) Jams with the band
5) Audible dance step
6) Right away, in memos
7) Back of the neck
8) Org. or assoc.
9) Dips for chips
10) They believe in God
11) Three-horned dinosaur
12) Adjective for sanctum
13) White_ Missile Range
18) Agitated
22) Debt markers
23) Chinese weight units
24) Dined at home
25) Sport with betting
26) Jeans fabric
28) Less frequent
31) Manuscript volume
33) Mechanical worker
34) Watch word?
36) Hammer ends
38) Beneficiary's brother, perhaps
41) Moderate's opposite
43) Heralds
46) Symbolize
48) Wooden spinning toy
49) Hidden supply
50) Salk vaccine target
53) Film with many extras
54) "Okey-dokey"
57) Valuable rock
58) Hockey surface
59) Wet-dry_
60) Broad-antlered animal
ANSWERS CROSSWORD NO: 66
FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS------------,
I) What cymbals do 39) Cram into the overhead
6) Neurotic worry
40) Nasty look
11) "My country_ of thee 42) Some studio tapes, for short
"
44) It may gird a geisha
14) Nest on high
45) Elementary school practice
15) Legendary singer Vaughan book
16) Genetic component 47) River horses
17) One bite and you know it's 49) Stretcher at the gym?
not right
51) Casts out from the body
19) Small hotel
52) Alarm bell
20) Ski hill
53) Giving the once-over
21) Told your dog "Attack!" 55) "Arabian Nights" name
23) Bora Bora neighbor 56) Like a good police witness
26) 100-meter runners, e.g. 61) Go against God
27) Hardly melodious 62) Skylit hotel lobbies
28) Mix again
63) From around here
29) At all times, in verse 64) Big pig
30) Type of nut
65) Freeloader
32) Things to wish upon 66) Dust particle
35) Have trouble saying "S"
37) Greek architectural order
CHAPTER OF HISTORY
1c 2L 3A 4s sH GA 7N sG 9s 1T
1
E R I E S A R A
E 1 k A
ob P
T R I
HITORI NO: 66
B Clarke K. Dennin er
NA
N N
E D
E R S
T 58 1
0 CAL
P ECK
5th February
DOWN
I) Front of a semi
2) Hawaiian neckwear
3) What you'll find in a museum
4) Jams with the band
5) Audible dance step
6) Right away, in memos
7) Back of the neck
8) Org. or assoc.
9) Dips for chips
10) They believe in God
11) Three-horned dinosaur
12) Adjective for sanctum
13) White_ Missile Range
18) Agitated
22) Debt markers
23) Chinese weight units
24) Dined at home
25) Sport with betting
26) Jeans fabric
28) Less frequent
31) Manuscript volume
33) Mechanical worker
34) Watch word?
36) Hammer ends
38) Beneficiary's brother, perhaps
41) Moderate's opposite
43) Heralds
46) Symbolize
48) Wooden spinning toy
49) Hidden supply
50) Salk vaccine target
53) Film with many extras
54) "Okey-dokey"
57) Valuable rock
58) Hockey surface
59) Wet-dry_
60) Broad-antlered animal
Eliminate numbers until there are no duplicates in any row or
column. Eliminate numbers by marking them in Black. You are
not allowed to have two Black squares touching horizontally or
vertically (diagonally is ok). Any White square can be reached
from any other (i.e. they are connected).
SUDOKU SOLUSIONS AND ANSWERS NO: 66
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. What does DNA stand for? Deoxyribonucleic acid
2. How many bones are in the human body?206
3. The concept of gravity was discovered by which famous
physicist? Sir Isaac Newton
4. What is the hardest natural substance on Earth? Diamond
5. Which is the main gas that makes up the Earth’s
atmosphere? Nitrogen
6. Humans and chimpanzees share roughly how much DNA?
98%
7. What is the most abundant gas in the Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
8. Roughly how long does it take for the sun’s light to reach
Earth – 8 minutes, 8 hours or 8 days? 8 minutes
9. Which famous British physicist wrote A Brief History of
Time? Stephen Hawking
10. At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit equal? -40
11. What modern-day country was Marie Curie born in?
Poland
12. What is the biggest planet in our solar system? Jupiter
13. What name is given for the number of protons found in the
nucleus of an atom? Atomic number
14. How many vertebrae does the average human possess? 33
15. What was the name of the first man-made satellite launched
by the Soviet Union in 1957? Sputnik 1
16. Which oath of ethics taken by doctors is named after an
Ancient Greek physician? Hippocratic Oath
17. What is a material that will not carry an electrical charge
called? Insulator
18. Which Apollo moon mission was the first to carry a lunar
rover? Apollo 15
19. How many teeth does an adult human have? 32
20. What is the study of mushrooms called? Mycology
30 April to 6 May 2021 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
Countdown to something important has
begun, but you will be well prepared for it.
Those not faring well on the education front
must tighten their belts, if they want to enjoy
a smooth ride. Good returns from real estate
are foreseen for property owners. Jewellers or
those dealing in gold and gems may find this
week profitable. Your efforts in completing a
project or assignment may not appear adequate to higher ups on the
professional front. Lucky No.: 15 / Lucky Colour: Cream
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
Keep the current situation in perspective before
giving a decision. You may be praised for solving
a crisis on the professional front. Spending less
on something expensive is possible, but will
need your bargaining powers. Newlyweds are
likely to enjoy marital life to the hilt. Love life
remains satisfactory. Your love for food may
encourage you to try out something exotic, so
expect gastronomic delights to upset your stomach! Vacationing in
a new place is possible. Lucky No.:1 / Lucky Colour: Light Right
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
You are likely to enter an excellent phase of life
that you have not experienced before. A spring
in your step will be indicative of the good
health that you are presently enjoying. You will
manage to increase business or boost your career
prospects on the professional front. Coaching
received on the academic front is likely to
improve your performance. Wedding bells toll for the eligible. You
will have enough to splurge on someone special. Lucky No.: 22 /
Lucky Colour: Turquoise
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
Providing an opportunity to someone you can
easily overshadow at work will be in order. You
may need to take some bold initiatives in the events
unfolding on the social front. Lover may perplex
you by remaining a bit reserved on the romantic
front. You will manage to tie up all the loose ends
in organising something important. A give-and-take relationship
will work best on the academic front, so go for it. Health remains
satisfactory. Lucky No.:15 / Lucky Colour: Red
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)
True understanding with those around you will be
achieved and you will feel much more at home
with them, than before. Your social nature may
find you surrounded by friends and well wishers.
An achievement on the professional front is likely
to add to your reputation. Your eye for detail will
come in for praise. A trip given up as cancelled may materialise.
You will feel fit and energetic, and participate in everything
wholeheartedly. Lucky No.:11 / Lucky Colour: Orange
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
You may be called upon to undertake an important
assignment. A productive week is foreseen at
work. Your services are likely to be utilised on
the social front in organising something. Those
ailing for long can expect some good news on the
health front. A property acquired by you may start
giving good returns. Thawing of tensions within
the family is likely. A steady love life is foreseen. A long distance
drive will be safe and comfortable. Lucky No.:11 / Lucky Colour:
Yellow
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
Your upbeat mood is likely to prove infectious
for others on the social front. Taking up
some physical sport will keep you fit as a
fiddle. Lonely hearts are can expect a budding
romance to blossom soon. Help required for a
task will be forthcoming from all quarters. Your
preparation on the academic front will hold you
in good stead. You will remain on a safe wicket on the financial
front. Socially, you will feel much wanted. Lucky No.:11 / Lucky
Colour: Pink
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
All talk, no action is what you are likely to get
from someone you are counting on. Mind your
own business, as getting involved in someone
else’s business will not be in your best interest.
Remain proactive to thwart the evil designs of a
workplace rival. A lucrative opening on the job
market can be yours, if you play your cards well.
Funds for a new venture may not be forthcoming and may even
jeopardise the project. Lucky No.:15 / Lucky Colour: Crimson
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
It is best to complete all the legal formalities
initially, rather than getting mired in red tape later.
Good going is foreseen for those who have taken
up a new job recently. Marketing personnel will
be able to achieve what they set out for. Spouse’s
silent treatment can prove frustrating, but you
may decide to stick to your guns! A gift from
someone will help lift up the spirits of those finding themselves
down in the dumps. Lucky No.: 5 / Lucky Colour: Turquoise
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
Keep some spare time up your sleeve, as you
may require it. Unusual behaviour of a family
member may puzzle you, but don’t read too
much into it. You may be reluctant to take
anybody’s advice in organising something at
home. At work, you may resent a rival being
favoured by superiors, but your turn will come
too, if you can match his or her performance.
Public transport may not be the best choice to enjoy a journey.
Lucky No.:9 / Lucky Colour: Magenta
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
If you have the will, you are certain to find a
way, so don’t lose heart. Your organisational
powers will be much in evidence on the home
front. Someone on the social front may go gaga
over you and fill you with self-pride. Meeting
targets on the professional front, much before
deadline, is likely to give you an edge over
others. Financially, you grow stronger by wise
investments and savings. Health improves by eating right. Lucky
No.:6 / Lucky Colour: Crimson
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
It will be fun enjoying the limelight, so enjoy
while it lasts! You will manage a position where
you call the shots on the professional front.
Additional authority will be your reward for your
contribution to the organisation you work for.
Remaining slim and trim may become your aim
and you will go all out to achieve it. A chance
meeting with an opposite number shows much promise on the
romantic front. A fun trip is on the cards. Lucky No.: 17 / Lucky
Colour: Lavendere

The Indian Weekender Friday, April 30, 2021
FEATURES 19
Countries that have put India in red
list due to rising COVID-19 cases
Given the sudden spike in Coronavirus
cases in India, a lot of countries around
the world have banned flights coming
from India. The travel rules and regulations
have changed and become more stringent for the
Indian travellers everywhere. With the number
of virus cases rising significantly everyday,
countries have imposed strict restrictions. As of
now, these are the countries that have restricted
entry for travellers from India.
Maldives
1. The Maldives: The Maldives has banned all
flights from India starting April 27.
Kuwait
2. Kuwait: Kuwait’s India ban too came into
Italy
effect on April 24.
3. Italy: Italy too has barred entry of foreign
travellers who have been in India in the past
14 days.
4. Iran: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said,
"The Indian coronavirus is a new threat we
face. The Indian virus is more dangerous
than the English and Brazilian variants".
5. Indonesia: The government has decided
not to issue any more visas to people who
travelled to India in the past 14 days.
France
6. France: France has banned flights from
India, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and South
Africa.
7. Germany: The country is only allowing
German nationals and people with a German
resident permit travelling from India to enter
Germany. Rest everything is banned.
8. Canada: Canadian government has
suspended all flights from India for 30 days.
9. UAE: The United Arab Emirates has banned
all flights coming from except for cargos for
the next 10 days.
New Zealand
10. New Zealand: Prime Minister Jacinda
Ardern has banned the entry of travellers
from India till April 28.
11. The USA: The Centres for Disease Control
and Prevention has issued an advisory
urging Americans not to travel to India at
all. India is among ‘level 4’ countries, or
among those that now have high levels of
COVID-19 cases.
12. The UK: The United Kingdom has also
added India to its red list of countries
and has suspended all the flights coming
from India.
Singapore
13. Singapore: Singapore has announced
mandatory 14 days quarantine at a dedicated
facility, as well as an additional seven days
Stay-at-Home Notice for those arriving
from India.
Hong Kong
14. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Government
has also banned all passenger flights from
India starting April 20, for 14 days.