The Indian Weekender, 14 May 2021

14 MAY2021 • VOL 13 ISSUE 09 

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www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender 

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Remembrance and 

celebrations mark 

Fiji-Indian ‘Girmit-day’ event 

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Eid Mubarak 

We wish your families prosperity, peace, happiness and 

good health as you celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr this year 

Left to Right: Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern (Leader of the Labour Party, MP for Mt Albert, Prime Minister of New Zealand), Hon Priyanca 

Radhakrishnan (MP for Maungakiekie, Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities, and Youth), 

Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall (Labour List MP, Minister for Food Safety and Seniors), Marja Lubeck (Labour List MP based in Kaipara ki Mahurangi), 

Vanushi Walters (MP for Upper Harbour), Naisi Chen (Labour List MP based in Botany), Ibrahim Omer (Labour List MP), Dr Gaurav Sharma 

(MP for Hamilton West), Ingrid Leary (MP for Taieri). 

Contact Labour’s Ethnic Communities Team: 

09 622 2557 

ethnic_communities_labour@parliament.govt.nz 

Authorised by Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

The Indian Weekender Friday, May 14, 2021 

NEW ZEALAND 3 

Remembrance and celebrations 

mark Fiji-Indian ‘Girmit-day’ event 

SANDEEP SINGH 

Remembrance of the elderlies and 

celebrations of the spirit of courage 

and endurance associated with the 

Girmitiya fore-fathers of the Fiji-Indian 

community marked the 142nd-anniversary 

celebratory event of Fiji-Girmit Day held on 

Friday, May 7 at Malaeola Community Centre 

in South Auckland. 

More than 1000 people attended the 

event to enjoy a colourful celebration of the 

most important civic event within the Fiji- 

Indian community with a number of cultural 

performances, speeches, award ceremony and 

snacks and food. 

Among dignitaries who attended the event 

key were Minister Phil Twyford, Labour MP 

Dr Anae Neeru Levasa, National MP Melissa 

Lee, Chris Luxon, Simon O’Connor, Former 

National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, High 

Commissioner of India, Muktesh Pardeshi, 

Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon, Race 

Relations Commissioner Meng Foon and 

Judge Ajit Singh. 

There was also generous attendance of the 

community leaders from the wider Kiwi-Indian 

community, including Jeet Suchdev, President, 

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Dhansukh 

Lal, President Auckland Indian Association, 

Naveed Hamid, Pakistan Association New 

Zealand, Vai Ravindran, President, Auckland 

Tamil Association, Ghoose Masjid, Secretary 

Mana Andhra Telugu Association NZ, 

among others. 

Speaking with the Indian Weekender 

President of Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ Krish 

Naidu said, “The Remembrance Day is an 

occasion to celebrate our identity and the 

contributions we have made to Fiji, Pacific and 

New Zealand in the realms of culture, economy 

and society.” 

For uninitiated, May 14 is marked as Girmit 

Remembrance Day to acknowledge the arrival 

of the first ship bringing Indian indentured 

labourers to the South Pacific heaven of Fiji, 

commencing a process of creating new heritage 

and history for the people deceitfully removed 

from their original home – 

India. 

The indenture system was designed by the 

British colonial empire as an alternate system 

of supplying the labour force after the end of 

slavery in 1834. 

About 60,000 indentured labourers were 

deceitfully brought from different parts of 

India in 42 different ships (88 voyages) starting 

May 14, 1879, to 1916 and forced to work in 

sugarcane farms under highly 

exploitative conditions with 

little respect for basic human 

right and dignity. 

Since then, May 14 is 

celebrated as “Fiji Girmit 

Day” by the Fiji-Indian 

communities living in 

different parts of the world, 

mostly as a sombre occasion to 

reflect upon the tribulations of their 

forefathers. 

However, slowly that trend has begun 

to see some changes with the new younger 

generations within the community expressing 

the desire to move away from the sombre and 

sorrowful remembrance to celebrations of what 

they believe as their founding identity and 

heritage. 

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4 NEW ZEALAND 

Friday, May 14, 2021 

The Indian Weekender 

TRAVEL RESTRICTION FROM INDIA: Human 

Rights Commission asks govt why permanent 

residents are prevented from re-entering NZ 

IWK BUREAU 

The Human Rights Commission is urging 

government for more transparency 

on the decision preventing re-entry of 

permanent residents in New Zealand. 

Acknowledging government’s latest decision 

on lifting travel ban from India for New Zealand 

citizens, the Commission pointed out that the 

permanent residents also have right to live in 

New Zealand indefinitely therefore urging for 

regular review into restrictions that remain for 

permanent residents, and greater assistance for 

New Zealanders stuck overseas. 

“The restoration of travel is consistent with 

citizens’ right to return home from India under 

the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 

and international law,” Chief Human Rights 

Commissioner Paul Hunt said. 

After lifting travel restrictions for citizens 

from India, the Government has introduced 

a new ‘very high risk’ category of countries– 

at this stage being India, Papua New Guinea, 

Brazil and Pakistan. 

Travellers from ‘very high risk’ countries 

can now only enter New Zealand if they are 

New Zealand citizens, or partners, parents 

and children of New Zealand citizens. 

Very significantly, permanent residents are 

now excluded. 

“The Government has an obligation to 

provide ongoing justification for why permanent 

residents are being prevented from re-entering 

New Zealand from these countries, and how 

this decision will be regularly reviewed.” 

Permanent residents can live in New Zealand 

indefinitely. They are eligible to enrol and?vote 

in general elections, can access New Zealand 

benefits and pensions, free or subsidised health 

services, and are entitled to free primary and 

secondary schooling. 

Until this recent change, permanent 

residents and most resident visa-holders have 

been allowed to re-enter New Zealand (aside 

from under the temporary travel restriction in 

respect of India). 

The Commission is urging the Government 

to make known the process and regular review 

dates of the ‘very high risk’ category of 

countries, which is especially important if these 

designations continue for some time. 

“It may be lawful that such measures can 

be taken to restrict permanent residents’ 

ability to travel home if it is 

proportionate to the public 

health risk, however, we call 

for ongoing transparency 

around the justification for 

this change and the numbers 

of people who continue 

to be affected.” 

“While acknowledging the importance 

of keeping New Zealand borders safe and 

protecting front line staff, the Government 

also has international law obligations to 

permanent residents for whom New Zealand is 

their home.” 

Permanent residents from ‘very-high risk’ 

countries can re-enter New Zealand through a 

third country (if they have been there for more 

"While 

acknowledging 

the importance of 

keeping New Zealand 

borders safe and protecting 

front line staff, the Government 

also has international law 

obligations to permanent 

residents for whom New 

Zealand is their 

home" 

than 14 days), but this appears very difficult in 

the current travel environment. 

“I urge the Government to assist New 

Zealanders in ‘very high risk’ countries to 

get home, similar to the repatriation efforts 

undertaken last year, including through 

chartering flights and prioritising managed 

isolation and quarantine spots for those affected 

by these recent restrictions.” 

The Commission is awaiting to receive a 

response from the Minister for COVID-19 

Response about the initial travel restrictions 

relating to India, including in relation to the 

capacity of New Zealand’s quarantine facilities, 

and support provided to those affected 

by the restrictions. 

“We strongly encourage 

the Government to keep 

the communities in New 

Zealand and abroad most 

affected by this new 

category of countries 

well-informed of the 

Government’s reasoning and 

decisions. Government and 

communities must be in close 

communication.” 

“It should not be assumed that all New 

Zealand citizens and permanent residents, who 

are now urgently seeking to return home, left 

New Zealand after the pandemic emerged. 

Moreover, many of those who left New 

Zealand after the pandemic became widespread 

only did so for compelling and upsetting family 

reasons,” Mr Hunt said. 

Eid Mubarak to 

all Muslim Kiwis 

celebrating 

Eid-ul-Fitr 

Hon Judith Collins 

National Party Leader 

Leader of the Opposition 

judithcollinsmp • judithcollins.co.nz 

Authorised by Judith Collins MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.


NEW ZEALAND 5 

Remembrance and celebrations 

mark Fiji-Indian ‘Girmit-day’ event 

• Continued From Page 3 

In that regard, the current executive team of 

Fiji Girmit Foundation NZ, which represent the 

voice of the youths within the community and 

led by President Krish Naidu and Chairperson 

Ashfaak Khan and others, have surely brought 

about a massive change in the look and feel of 

this traditional event. 

This year the scale and zeal of celebrations 

and the size of the event were way bigger than 

of its previous avatars, and the spirit of pride 

and appreciation of their community’s troubled 

past clearly taking a centre stage. 

It was aptly reflected in the honouring of 44 

descendants of Girmitiyas aged over eighty with 

medals as a mark of appreciation for carrying 

the flame of the rich Girmit rich legacy. 

The organisers of the event also enunciated 

new awards to recognise the role and 

contribution of key individuals and institutions 

within the community under different 

categories. The key winners of the newly created 

awards included Excellence in Community 

Services and Leadership (supreme award) - 

Sam Achary – Anns Funeral Home & Onsite 

cremations, Grassroot Volunteer of the year 

Award - Dinesh Chand, Contribution to Girmit 

Literature – Dr Farzana Gounder, Contribution 

to Arts and Culture - Pooja Cultural Centre. 

Towards the end, the organisers thanked all 

their sponsors and volunteers who made the 

event a success. 

 

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6 NEW ZEALAND 



Film making talent on display at 3rd NZ 

Punjabi Short Film Festival mesmerises viewers 

SANDEEP SINGH 

The rich display of film-making talent 

within the community has left one, and 

all amazed at the 3rd NZ Punjabi Short 

Film Competition held on Sunday, May 9 at 

Event Cinemas, Manukau. 

NZ Punjabi Multimedia Trust, Radio Spice 

and Forum Films had come together to bring 

another edition of the annual NZ Punjabi Short 

Film Competition, which left the movie-buffs 

in the community mesmerized with the quality 

of creative talent within the community. 

The event started at 6 pm with a meet and 

greet and small official ceremony that witnessed 

participation from key community leaders and 

dignitaries, including Labour MP Dr Gaurav 

Sharma, Dr Anae Neeru Levasa, National MP 

Melissa Lee, Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon 

and Judge Ajit Singh. 

It was followed by a movie session where 

all short films were played one after the other 

and ending with a final award ceremony 

giving away prizes to winners under 

different categories. 

Parminder Singh Papatoetoe of Radio 

Spice told the Indian Weekender that more 

than ten short films of around 10 minutes 

each of different genres had entered into the 

competition, which was judged by a panel of 

three judges who were movie experts with 

proven credentials. Later speaking about the 

quality of films and the creative talent at the 

display, Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon said, 

“I was absolutely blown away with the level of 

story-telling and film-production capabilities 

within our community. 

“Almost every story was able to touch to 

our hearts and provoked some thoughts,” Mr 

Dhillon said. Echoing similar sentiments, 

Judge Ajit Singh said, “Many stories depicting 

the daily life experiences of our migrant 

communities were so relatable and spot-on and 

were a testimony to the creative talent within 

our community.” 

“The films touched upon several important 

issues within our broader Kiwi-Indian migrant 

communities, in particular the neglect of 

children due to parents working long hours, 

depression and mental health issues leading 

to self-harm and family violence and were 

able to leave a meaningful impact on one and 

all attending the film festival,” Judge Ajit 

Singh said. 

Most of the viewers concurred with the 

judges’ choices of the top three films, Shor 

(The silence), Alone and Bruno, which were 

conferred first ($1000), second ($700) and third 

($500) prize, respectively. 

The prizes awarded in other category were 

for Best director- Shor, Best Actor – Shor, 

female lead (Kirti), Best Screenplay- Bruno, 

Best DOP – Alone, Best Editing- Dumail, Beat 

overall creative idea – Rishtey. 

Forum Films’ role in putting 

together festival acknowledged 

Forum Films – the leading Film distributors – 

had played an important role in putting together 

this festival, shouldering the responsibilities 

of film-screening and arranging event cinemas 

and assisting in other logistical support. 

Expressing thanks to Forum Films, Navtej 

Randhawa of Radio Spice said, “We would 

like to especially thank Pritesh Raniga and 

Manpreet Singh of Forum Films for helping 

us put together this film festival that has 

become very important for the creative filmmaking 

talents and movie-buffs in general 

within our communities.” 

The organizers of the event also expressed 

thanks for the support they received from 

sponsors of the event, including angel 

immigration, Akal foundation, Kulwinder 

Baath, Avtar Singh Pukekohe, Manjit Singh 

Baath, Slumber Zone, Indo Kiwi Travel 

Brokers, Prithipal Singh Basra and others, 

without which they could not have pulled 

together this film festival. 

The New Zealand Punjabi Multimedia 

trust is a non-profitable organization involved 

in various community programmes for the 

last few years with the goal of inspiring and 

encouraging the local Punjabi Diaspora talent 

to celebrate positive role models within the 

growing community in New Zealand. 

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NEW ZEALAND 7 

NZ Kabaddi Federation Inc organised 

India’s famous touch game 

NZ Kabaddi Federation Inc organised 

India’s famous touch 

game – Kabaddi – on Sunday, 

May 9 at Bruce Pullman 

Park, Takanini. The sporting 

event was attended by a large 

number of enthusiastic sports 

lovers and family friends, and 

supporters of players. Hon 

Consul of India Bhav Dhillon 

and National Party candidate 

for Takanini electorate Rima 

Nakhle were among the key 

dignitaries who attended the 

event. 

PM JACINDA ARDEN wishes 

Muslim community a blessed 

Ramadan and Eid Mubarak 

IWK BUREAU 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has 

conveyed her message for the Muslim 

community in New Zealand on the 

occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr tomorrow. 

The Federation of Islamic Association 

of New Zealand (FIANZ) announced on 

Wednesday, May 12 that since the moon of 

Shawwal was not sighted sighted therefore Eid 

will be celebrated in New Zealand on Friday, 

May 14. The Prime Minister's message for the 

Muslim community celebrating Eid says: 

Assalamu Alaykum, kia ora koutou katoa, 

My thoughts are with all our Muslim whanau 

as they observe the holy month of Ramadan, 

and prepare to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr. I wish you 

happiness and peace as you gather with family 

and friends. 

I would like to thank our Muslim communities 

for the role they’ve played in helping us keep 

COVID at bay. The past year hasn’t been easy, 

but as a country, we’ve come together with 

empathy, compassion and kindness. These 

values are also at the heart of Ramadan and Eid 

ul-Fitr – a reminder that, no matter what our 

background, New Zealanders share a common 

ground. I wish you a blessed Ramadan, and all 

the very best as you celebrate Eid ul-Fitr. 

Eid Mubarak! 

The most visited Indian news 

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8 NEW ZEALAND 

Not a Fair Delivery 



Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi 

Former MP National Party 

As India battles an unfortunate second 

wave of the deadly Corona virus that 

continues to kill and infect thousands 

of people on a daily basis, the anxiety and 

stress levels of people from New Zealand who 

are in India and want to return to this country 

increase. 

The ban on all people aside from Kiwi 

citizens to return to New Zealand and lack 

of any planning or declared timelines by the 

Labour government, mean thousands of lives 

and livelihoods stay in a forgotten state 

and stare at a dark future. However, 

in a clear violation of principles 

of a fair and equal society this 

government supposedly 

promotes, New Zealand 

Cricketers who were 

part of the cash rich 

Indian Premier 

League (IPL) 

being held in 

India, which was 

put on hold in view 

of the Corona crisis, 

get to fly back in the 

country on luxurious 

jet planes, run by the billionaire 

IPL franchise holders? 

We must acknowledge that 

these are world class Cricketers who have 

brought the nation glory. But when they 

decided to take part in this year’s IPL, they 

were fully aware of the risks involved and most 

importantly they were not representing New 

Zealand at the event but were there playing for 

local Indian franchises. 

This is a completely different situation to the 

athletes who will proudly wear the Silver Fern 

at the forthcoming Olympics in Japan. 

The major reason that has been given to 

severely cut travel numbers of people wanting 

to return to New Zealand from India, is that 

they can increase the risk of a community 

spread in the country as they are returning from 

a Covid hot spot. But the cricketers given these 

special privileges, fall in this category, so why 

do they get to choose when they can travel back 

to the country? 

Government talks about a well-managed 

MIQ policy for returnees- will they let us know 

how these Cricketers found a spot straight away 

in these facilities, as compared to thousands 

of Kiwis facing lengthy delays in securing an 

MIQ slot? Is there a special quota or policy 

that is known to an exclusive few? A private jet 

plane flies a few Cricketers back in the country 

from India, but the government is unwilling to 

undertake any steps to help thousands making 

requests to this Government on a daily basis , 

to let them return on special flights. 

Or is the reason these Cricketers are allowed 

to return is that they are citizens and suddenly 

in 2021 this government that claims to be 

transparent, now has different rules for citizens 

and residents of New Zealand; which we do not 

know of? 

Residents can vote to choose a government, 

but cannot return to a country they call home, 

where they reside as law abiding productive 

members of the society? Cricketers returning 

from IPL can pick and choose if they return 

to New Zealand or go to England (to play a 

series against that country) and all 

permissions and travel 

arrangements are 

made for them, with 

the blessings of the 

government. 

On the 

other hand, 

thousands 

of residents, 

work visa 

holders and 

students are 

left in a state 

of uncertainty 

in a country that 

possesses a health 

system crashing under the 

onslaught of this dreaded 

virus, with no end in sight. 

Does the government have a plan in mind 

for work visa, open visa and students in mind 

who are losing on precious time and expanding 

a lot of economic resources by not being in a 

country they desire to be in. These people have 

followed all directions from the authorities, 

only to find out that they are not treated equally 

when compared to the millionaire Cricketers. 

The least we can expect from this government 

is to at least acknowledge the pain and suffering 

thousands wishing to return to New Zealand 

from India are going through? To create and 

share a plan to reunite these families and get 

their skills back in our economy. 

Does the Minister of Immigration even have 

a plan, let alone a timeline for return of work 

visa, open visa and student visa holders back to 

New Zealand? 

The governments disappointing track record 

on this front suggests otherwise – and these 

unfortunate people cannot wield a bat and bowl 

as well as a privileged few. 

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable 

Trust celebrates Health Day 

Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, in 

collaboration with Roopa Aur Aap, 

Prana Family Health, and Unichem, 

organised Health Day on Saturday, May 8 at 

Mount Roskill War Memorial Hall during the 

Senior Citizens meeting. 

During the event, the senior members and 

volunteers got an opportunity to avail free 

flu vaccines. 

Immunisation provides crucial protection to 

older people against the disease or to reduce the 

severity of symptoms if they get sick. 

Along with the flu vaccination campaign, the 

Prana Health team conducted routine health 

checks such as blood pressure and diabetes so 

as to monitor their vital levels and to ensure 

early detection of lifestyle diseases so as to 

consult with their GP’s to get timely treatment. 

A team of pharmacists from Unichem gave 

flu shots to over 60 Senior Members and 

volunteers. 

Speaking to the Indian Weekender Jeet 

Suchdev, President Bhartiya Samaj Charitable 

Trust said, “We are incredibly grateful to the 

Prana Family Health team, Counties Manukau 

and Pharmacists from Unichem Pharmacy for 

their collaborative efforts to deliver best health 

outcomes and inspire healthy lifestyles.” 

“A big thanks to the senior members and the 

volunteers for their active participation and 

making the day successful,” Mr Suchdev said. 

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NEW ZEALAND 9 

Reframing 

the India-NZ 

relationship 

SUZANNAH JESSEP 

The Asia New Zealand Foundation›s 

Suzannah Jessep suggests that it is time 

to think big to bring the two countries 

closer together. 

In 1980, Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon 

famously observed that New Zealand’s foreign 

policy is trade policy. 

While Sir Robert may have had his 

shortcomings, on this point it is hard to 

fault him. 

Trade has been at the core of New Zealand’s 

foreign policy for the past several decades 

and as international trade has grown — aided 

considerably by New Zealand’s free trade 

agreement with China — it has become the 

central prism through which many other aspects 

of New Zealand foreign policy are valued 

and assessed. 

Trade has created jobs, fostered greater 

specialisation and, because of that, 

delivered higher incomes. It has provided 

the government with the financial means to 

deliver on other foreign policy priorities and 

has shaped New Zealand’s reputation as a 

respected multilateralist. 

But there is one stand-out exception where 

putting trade at the heart of New Zealand’s 

approach has not and most likely will not work, 

and this is India. 

With significant differences in population 

size, geography, culture and religion, one might 

believe that New Zealand and India share little 

in common. 

In reality, there are many shared values 

and practices that draw the two countries 

together, which include their use of English, 

commitment to democracy, membership of 

the Commonwealth, administrative norms 

of governance and, yes, even cricket. There 

are also many shared interests, as have been 

articulated in the two countries’ vision for the 

so-called Indo-Pacific and pursuit of a stable, 

peaceful, open and secure region. 

There is no doubt that India will be 

consequential for New Zealand, with or without 

a trade deal. 

India’s global role and influence, as well as 

its ambition, are only set to grow. Since the 

election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi 

in 2016, the world has begun to see a new 

India emerge; one that has been described as 

globally ambitious and regionally engaged, 

and that brings with it a uniquely Indian 

school of thought. 

Even if New Zealand’s trade and economic 

interests are put aside, India is going to matter to 

New Zealand. It is also true that the relationship 

is set to become more complicated. As India 

PM Jacinda Ardern meets with Indian leader Narendra Modi in New York in 2019/ photo PIB Delhi 

grows, it is going to want to shape the rules and 

systems that govern it, which may or may not 

align with the Western liberal rules-based order 

that New Zealand champions. 

New Zealand’s framing of India as an 

‘untapped market’ is not the product of 

any grand strategy, or even necessarily a 

conscious decision. It is the natural reflex 

of a country whose trade-oriented foreign 

policy has delivered it real successes in other 

important Asian markets, including with Japan, 

South Korea and the so-called dynamic tiger 

economies of Singapore, Taiwan and Hong 

Kong. 

In the case of India, however, 

this outlook poses two key risks. 

Firstly, it risks disappointment in the 

short term and disillusionment in the longer 

term. Already in the New Zealand public sector 

there is evidence of both. 

Successive rounds of unsuccessful trade 

negotiations, including most recently with 

the Regional Comprehensive Economic 

Partnership, and the experience of engaging 

with India in multilateral trade forums such 

as the World Trade Organisation, have bred a 

feeling of fatigue among officials. 

India has become synonymous 

with hard work. 

Secondly, if trade continues to be treated as the 

primary lens through which all other activities 

are judged and valued, then New Zealand risks 

missing other important opportunities that are 

of consequence to New Zealand’s longer-term 

security and prosperity — particularly in the 

context of intensifying US–China rivalry, the 

climate crisis and Covid-19 pandemic. 

But there are also other opportunities to 

deepen New Zealand’s knowledge of India and 

people-to-people connections that would help to 

foster greater levels of trust, understanding and 

mutual respect and that — ironically — might 

ultimately prove to be the necessary ingredients 

to forge a deeper, closer trade relationship in the 

fullness of time. 

The Republic of India is a country of 1.3 

billion people, with a rising and upwardlymobile 

middle class and entrepreneurial 

youth culture. 

• Conitnued on Page 10 

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Friday, May 14, 2021 The Indian Weekender 

Reframing the India-NZ relationship 

• Conitnued from Page 9 

It is a country well-known not only for 

its trade potential but also for its trade 

protectionism. Many observers have despaired 

at India’s unwillingness to open its market and 

sign on to new free trade agreements such as 

the RCEP.4 Those observers argue that India 

is perpetuating its lack of competitiveness and 

hindering its own development by remaining 

closed to the outside world. 

Rather than becoming a vibrant modern 

market, India’s trade policy only ensures that it 

is left further behind. 

But this is not the way the government of 

India sees it. India contends that it has signed 

plenty of free trade agreements, but that they 

(and the rules governing them) have not served New Zealand Prime Minister Norman Kirk meets Indian PM Indira Gandhi in 1973 / photo NZ Archives 

India’s interests. 

of US$45.9 billion (2019). But such deficits 

It argues that it needs more time to strengthen weigh heavy on the minds of Indian trade 

its domestic manufacturing sector so that it can officials who are charged with the unenviable 

trade on an equal footing with much larger task of modernising, growing and diversifying 

economies, including China. 

India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, 

It also maintains that its domestic agricultural 

while heading off pressures from the rapid 

sector needs protection, because of the many 

inflow of cheap but high-demand goods such as 

millions of rural poor who depend on it and 

cell phones. 

who would never be able to compete with 

It is also for this reason that many of India’s 

more efficient producers such as New Zealand 

free trade agreement negotiations, including 

(irrespective of the size difference). The 

adjustment cost, and political fallout, of signing 

with New Zealand, have been quietly shelved 

a new free trade agreement with agricultural 

by Indian officials. 

provisions would be too great. 

The latest New Zealand government India 

Indian business is significantly focused on its own massive internal market/ photo Kirk Hargreaves 

One only needs to look at the farmer protests 

that have taken place in India over late 2020 and 

early 2021 to understand the scale and intensity 

of reaction that is possible. Having achieved 

independence in 1947, only 74 years ago, and 

having been virtually asset-stripped by the East 

India Trading Company (bearing in mind that 

India had once been the largest economy in the 

world, for much of the 1st millennia BCE until 

the beginning of British colonial rule) India’s 

leaders do not welcome the notion of having 

foreign countries or companies dominate its 

markets again. 

While New Zealand champions free 

trade, India tends to talk of self-reliance 

(‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’) and being 

self-sustaining, even if the official statements of 

both countries (and indeed India and its other 

bilateral partners) can be remarkably similar at 

a high-level. 

India conceptualises itself as a viable standalone 

market, with enough domestic consumers 

and a fast enough rate of population growth to 

meet a significant proportion of both demand and 

supply requirements. India welcomes inwards 

investment and much-needed technology, but is 

otherwise focused on supplying to itself and, in 

due course, to the world 

India does not want to pursue a standard free 

trade agreement-based trade relationship in 

order to achieve its development goals, and the 

partners who are most likely to be successful 

in India are those who invest the time and 

resources in understanding India’s unique 

needs, and who are judged by India to be the 

most strategically aligned. 

Of course, in reality, India continues to 

import large quantities of goods, including 

from countries such as China with whom it has 

a sizable — albeit diminishing — trade deficit 

strategy, entitled India–New Zealand 2025: 

Investing in the Relationship, released in early 

2020, sought to rebalance New Zealand’s 

engagement with India. It recognised that 

New Zealand’s trade-centred approach was 

not paying dividends and that more work was 

needed to deepen New Zealand’s understanding 

of India from a non-trade perspective. 

Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic hit only weeks 

after the strategy’s release and trade has once 

again shifted to centre stage with a focus on 

countering the disruptive economic impacts of 

lockdown measures, restoring disrupted supply 

chains, securing vaccines and managing broader 

challenges to the rules-based trading system. 

India continues to battle with the biggest public 

health crisis in its modern history. 

Closed borders have also hugely restricted 

people flows and put a spotlight on New 

Zealand’s sizable Indian diaspora, who are a 

natural, but often overlooked, building block in 

the pursuit of closer people-to-people relations. 

A little-known fact is that New Zealand 

has accepted more Indian migrants per capita 

than any other developed country; more than 

Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, 

and five times as many as the United States. As 

such, New Zealand is as well placed as any to 

build social connections and deepen knowledge 

within its own communities. 

Looking back over the past ten years, most 

of New Zealand’s ministerial and leader-level 

visits to India have had a strong trade focus 

and many have travelled with accompanying 

business delegations. Consequently, each visit 

has created optimistic expectations that ‘a deal’ 

between India and New Zealand was imminent, 

and each visiting prime minister or minister has 

invariably had to address the question of why 

there has been no discernible progress. 

If there is one trend that can be observed 

from these visits, it is of quietly growing 

pessimism, based on the perception that India 

does not sufficiently care about the relationship 

to help it thrive and of India being a ‘difficult’ 

or ‘challenging’ country with which to do 

business. 

Others with a stake in the bilateral 

relationship have tried to get New Zealand past 

this negative bias by pointing to other ‘valuegenerating’ 

parts of the relationship. 

In late 2020, the Indian High Commission 

welcomed new research conducted by the 

Waitakere Indian Association which declared 

that New Zealand’s Indian diaspora contributed 

$10 billion to the New Zealand economy in 

2019.The subtext of this research was that 

India does add value, just not directly through 

the traditional means of a free trade deal. The 

Indian government has also been working 

hard to attract New Zealand foreign direct 

investment, suggesting that there are economic 

gains to be made through working directly with 

India, in India. 

Seeing New Zealand’s relationship with 

India negatively impacted by its free trade 

agreement experience is as much disappointing 

as it is self-defeating. 

It is a disappointment felt by others, including 

New Zealand’s Indian business chambers, 

which have worked hard to promote other 

aspects of the relationship. 

Kolkata, the business and financial hub of Eastern India/ photo wikimedia 

Although any growth in two-way trade 

would be welcome, research shows that most 

would be happy to see any kind of meaningful 

development between the two countries that 

brings them closer together in areas of shared 

interest. 

The good news is that India does not expect 

New Zealand to become a comprehensive 

partner across every facet of political, economic, 

security and social policy. India is not afraid of 

being transactional — it is almost a necessity 

in a country of its size, divided across 28 states 

and eight union territories, and with a foreign 

ministry that deploys roughly the same number 

of diplomats offshore as New Zealand does. 

India appreciates any country that can come 

to it with a good, clear, achievable plan and 

makes its affections known. 

The bad news is that New Zealand will almost 

certainly have to do all the heavy lifting. India 

simply does not have the capacity to manage 

thousands of bespoke bilateral initiatives, while 

it is also grappling with a number of more 

immediate and serious economic and security 

challenges along its border. 

But there are many aspects to India that 

should be of interest to New Zealand and that 

are worthy of further exploration. 

One of the long-running challenges facing 

New Zealand’s India relationship is the 

asymmetry of size and scale. New Zealand 

can rarely deliver the things India wants in 

the quantity India desires it, and India has 

proven reluctant to deliver New Zealand a trade 

agreement, despite years of trying. 

In short, finding mutually beneficial activities, 

from opposite ends of the Indo-Pacific region, 

is very hard to achieve. Rather than sit back 

and feel exhausted by the prospect of having 

to ‘re-learn India’ or significantly change New 

Zealand’s approach, it pays to recall that even 

small gestures can lead to transformational 

changes. 

For example, New Zealand money helped 

to start one of New Delhi’s largest and most 

respected hospitals: the All India Institute 

of Medical Science or ‘AIIMS’. In 2017, the 

Whanganui River in New Zealand and the 

Ganges and Yamuna rivers in India were 

given the legal status of persons, creating the 

foundation for an on-going dialogue about how 

these river ecosystems can be protected for 

future generations. 

New Zealand and Indian officials are also 

working together to combat Covid-19 and 

there is nothing to say that this partnership 

might not blossom into a wider range of 

health co-operation — starting from a place of 

manaakitanga — kindness or the reciprocity 

of goodwill; whanaungatanga — our 

connectedness or shared sense of humanity; 

mahi tahi and kotahitanga — collective benefits 

and shared aspiration; and kaitiakitanga 

— protection and stewardship of our intergenerational 

well-being. 

I began by recalling Sir Robert Muldoon’s 

take on New Zealand foreign policy. It seems 

fitting, therefore, that it should also end with 

Muldoon, who, in the early 1980s, tried to sell 

New Zealand’s High Commission property 

situated in central New Delhi when he was 

‘thinking big’. 

It was a brainwave that was fortunately 

intercepted by Indian Prime Minister Indira 

Gandhi, who reminded him that the property 

was not in fact owned by the New Zealand 

government but rather gifted, on a long-term 

loan basis, by the Indian government. 

Today, the New Zealand High Commission 

on Sir Edmund Hillary Marg is a sanctuary in 

the heart of New Delhi and the site of many 

great gatherings between Kiwis and Indian 

friends. 

It is time to think big again — but this time, 

not to move apart but rather to bring India and 

New Zealand closer together. 

The full version of this article appears 

in the latest edition of the New Zealand 

International Review. - Asia Media Centre

watercare.co.nz

Editorial 

IPL postponement: 

Indian cricket not 

a complete loser 

"The show must go on’ was what one had hoped would have been the way forward. 

Unfortunately, the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic struck the progress of the 

second half of cricket’s most popular entertainment, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 

2021. The safety net of the bio-secured bubble burst and was broken into, making it 

impossible for the tournament to continue. This was always an area of concern and this is 

the thought that lingers in the minds of every sport administrator involved in hosting any 

event at present. One is aware that just one mistake or blemish could jeopardise the sports 

event completely and the IPL became a victim of it. 

In retrospect, one can dwell on the fact that the six months earlier the IPL tournament 

that took place in the UAE without a blemish would have been the ideal venue. However, 

in order for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prove that India could 

conduct a major tournament, it was imperative for them to do so in India. 

The IPL was just a precursor to the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India at the 

end of the year. 

The second wave of the pandemic has blown the lid off and exposed the weak and 

disorganised healthcare and welfare system prevalent in India. The dire situation that the 

country is going through became the corner stone for the IPL as well. 

India has failed on both accounts. 

One in safeguarding its millions of people from being infected by the virus as well as 

being able to conduct a fool proof, safe and secure environment to host a major sporting 

event. The reality one perceives is the lack of infrastructure, planning, and understanding 

of the situation that was prevalent as one faced the dreaded virus. 

The BCCI, one thought, had mastered the situation well, having successfully conducted 

and controlled an IPL in the UAE, a full cricket series against England and two domestic 

cricket tournaments without adverse issues. 

One does regret the failure of the BCCI to complete what looked to be a well-run and 

structured IPL 2021 until the first phase of the tournament. It all crumbled so quickly, like 

a gush of wind that blew ones bails away, calling it a ‘dead ball’. The IPL 2021 is still at 

an uncertain situation of whether it would be entirely cancelled or would be played on 

another dates. 

However, there were some positives that came forth for India. The IPL did give the 

Indian selectors a good opportunity to assess many of the Indian players, especially as 

they will need to finalise the squad for the T20 World Cup. 

The batting looks formidable with Shikhar Dhawan, K.L. Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rohit 

Sharma, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, 

Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad. There are also Manish Pandey and Ambati 

Rayudu, both experienced batters in the wings as well. The problem that India may face 

is to choose correctly as the surfeit of options could prove difficult. 

The sterling performance of Ravindra Jadeja who returned after the injury with a bang 

is a big plus for the side. 

He is after all at present India’s premier all-rounder. However, the concern is that of 

Hardik Pandya, whose powerful batting is essential for India but without his contribution 

as a bowler, his place becomes uncertain. 

The lack of another genuine all-rounder could be the Achilles heel for India at the 

T20 World Cup, so Hardik needs to get his bowling into play soon. The cupboard of 

pace bowling options is full and so is the leg-spin variety. Selecting the most effective 

combination of bowlers could prove to be another worrisome issue for the selectors. 

Another positive aspect of the IPL was that the tournament was not a complete washout 

and that at least half of the schedule was completed. 

Although the expected revenue may not be received, even a 50 per cent collection is a 

sum that cannot be ignored easily. 

The absence of spectators may have been a concerning factor for players. However, 

for millions of cricket fans and followers of the IPL, watching it on TV was a muchneeded 

break and entertainment from the lockouts and lockdowns that all are facing. The 

gloom of the world around one was forgotten during those engrossing moments and one 

is grateful to cricketers, support staff, and the administrators who took it upon themselves 

to give us those precious moments. 

Curtains may have come down on the second act of the IPL but the first act itself showed 

how important the tournament was for Indian cricket and for the unknown domestic 

players to get heard. Some lucky ones may shortly be wearing the Indian colours soon. 

Indian cricket has definitely not been a complete loser. 

Thought of the week 

“If you are working on something exciting that 

you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. 

The vision pulls you.” —Steve Jobs 

Indian Weekender : Volume 13 Issue 09 

Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited 

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

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

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

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

the views of the team at the Indian Weekender 

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

Printed at Horton Media, Auckland 

14 May – 20 May 2021 

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu 

On-and-off 

rain and 

drizzle 

22° 

15° 

On-and-off 

rain and 

drizzle 

19° 

13° 

Clouds 

and 

sun 

19° 

14° 

Clouds 

and 

sun 

20° 


Clouds 

and 

showers 

This week in New Zealand’s history 

13 May 1936 

National Party founded 

20° 


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

A few 

morning 

showers 

21° 

15° 

A few 

morning 

showers 

26° 

17° 

Following their crushing defeat by the Labour Party in the 1935 general election, the remnants 

of the United–Reform coalition government met in Wellington on 13–14 May 1936 to 

establish a new ‘anti-socialist’ party. 


New Zealand wins the America’s Cup 

Few New Zealanders in 1995 could have avoided television commentator Peter Montgomery’s 

famous line, ‘the America’s Cup is now New Zealand’s cup!’ The phrase was repeated 

endlessly as New Zealand enjoyed one of its most significant sporting triumphs. 

14 May 1866 

Wreck of the General Grant 

On 14 May 1866 the General Grant, sailing from Melbourne to London, hit cliffs on the west 

coast of the main island in the subantarctic Auckland Islands. Of the 83 people on board, 15 

eventually made it ashore at Port Ross at the northern end of Auckland Island. 


First game of rugby played in NZ? 

Around 200 people were on hand at Nelson’s Botanic Reserve to watch a game of football 

played under Rugby rules. Nelson College played the Nelson Football Club, with 18 players 

on each side. The ‘town’ team, wearing ‘street clothes’, won the match 2-0. 


New Zealand minesweeper sunk near Hauraki Gulf 

HMS Puriri was a converted 927-ton Anchor Company coaster that was commissioned into 

the 25th Minesweeping Flotilla on 19 April 1941. 


New Zealand nurses detained on way to Spanish Civil War 

The only organised New Zealand contingent to serve in the Spanish Civil War comprised New 

Zealand Spanish Medical Aid Committee (SMAC) nurses René Shadbolt, Isobel Dodds and 

Millicent Sharples. 


Pasifika labourers arrive in Auckland 

New Zealand received its first known shipload of labourers from the Pacific Islands when the 

clipper schooner Lulu docked in Waitematā Harbour with ‘a quantity of cocoanuts, &c.,’ 

and 27 adult male passengers from Sandwich Island (Efate) in the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu).

The Indian Weekender Friday, May 14, 2021 FIJI 13 

Fiji now fighting a variant of concern 

The World Health Organization has now the new information to hand does show some B1.6.17 variant is one of concern. 

is some reduced neutralization and as such as 

classified the COVID-19 mutation that concern. The WHO classifies COVID-19 “In consultation with our virus working are classifying as a variant of concern at the 

is present in Fiji as a variant of concern. variants as either variants under observation group, and our epi teams and our lab teams, global level.” 

This comes as cabinet meet today to look at 

and endorse the available options in the fight 

against the rapid rise of cases on Viti Levu. 

While the WHO has been warning all nations 

about the threat of coronavirus in general, 

or variants of concern. Variants of concern are 

classed as more contagious, hard to control and 

one that leads to more severe illness. WHO’s 

senior scientist, Maria Van Kerkhove, says 

they have some information that shows that the 

internally there is some information to suggest 

increased transmissibility of B 1.6.17. There 

is a preprint that is out. So this is a paper that 

has not undergone peer review and it has some 

limited number of patients suggesting that there 

12 more people were announced positive last 

night, while five more people have recovered. 

There are now 43 active cases, six are border 

quarantine cases, 31 local transmissions, and 

six under investigation. 

NZ ready to assist Fiji, as WHO calls for equality 

The comments have been 

followed by New Zealand 

Prime Minister Jacinda 

Ardern’s promise to Fiji of continuing 

support in vaccine and other aid to 

help fight our current crisis. 

WHO Director-General, Tedros 

Ghebreyesus has told media the 

virus cannot be defeated through 

competition for the vaccine. 

His comments follow the 

revelation that several countries are 

now resorting to vaccine diplomacy 

and leaving smaller nations 

vulnerable and without enough jabs. 

“But from WHO’s side, we have 

been saying, we cannot defeat this 

pandemic through competition, we 

can’t. If you compete for resources 

or you compete for geo-political 

advantages, then the virus gets 

advantage.” 

Earlier today, Ardern speaking to 

Radio Tarana, has again assured Fiji 

of her government’s support. 

New Zealand and Australia have 

been at the forefront of assistance 

to us in terms of jabs coupled 

with assistance from India and the 

COVAX agreement. 

“We have been in contact with 

Fiji and they have asked for support 

we can provide for in vaccine. They 

have made a request there that we 

have been looking to fulfill around 

vaccination donations, as well as 

other forms of overseas aid and 

development support. So we have got 

a great relationship there with Fiji 

and just working to support where 

we can and they have welcomed 

what we gave been able to provide 

so far.” 

New Zealand has committed 

250,000 doses, while Australia has 

announced 10,000 and both nations 

say they could supply more later. 

Fiji’s vaccination campaign is 

underway in Savusavu today. 

Fijians need to be prepared: Fong 

Health Ministry permanent 

secretary Dr James Fong 

says Fijians need to be 

prepared for the long haul as 

the country fights to contain the 

COVID-19 outbreak. 

When queried whether lockdowns 

would be enforced soon, Dr Fong 

said given the increasing number 

of local transmission cases, he 

could not take away the possibility 

of continuing the current health 

operations around the country. 

“I cannot take away the 

possibility that we 

may have to 

enforce another 

2 4 - h o u r 

curfew type 

of lockdown 

and you know 

it behoves all 

of us if people 

are thinking while 

"So 

we need to 

be prepared for all 

eventualities and this is 

the reason why I talk the 

way I talk, I don’t want to be 

committed to one direction 

but I want you to be open in 

your preparation for all 

types of course of 

action" 

they’re watching 

this,” he said. 

“They would probably start 

Be prepared for all types of course of actions, Dr Fong 

Permanent Secretary for Health and 

Medical Services Dr James Fong is 

encouraging people to be prepared for 

all types of cause of action that government 

might take. While speaking at last night’s press 

conference he said, “one of the things that we 

need to do is to prepare Fiji for the long haul.” 

“I cannot, given the way the cases are coming 

up, I cannot take away the possibility that we 

may have to continue this operation for a very 

long time. 

“I cannot take away the possibility that we 

may have to enforce another 24 hour curfew 

type of lockdown.” 

He pleaded with people to start stocking up 

on non-perishable food items and goods that in 

stocking up on their nonperishables 

and they’ll 

probably start looking at 

some kind of goods that 

they’ll have to keep in store 

in case we have to have a 

rapid lockdown.” 

Dr Fong said Fijians needed to 

be prepared for any scenario given 

case there is a rapid lockdown. 

“We need to be prepared for these 

eventualities so this is the reason I talk the 

way I talk. I don’t want to be committed to 

one direction but I want you to be open in your 

preparation for all types of cause of action.” 

In his speech he said a more sustained 

the uncertainties surrounding the 

containment of the pandemic. 

“So we need to be prepared for 

all eventualities and this is the 

reason why I talk the way I talk, I 

don’t want to be committed to one 

direction but I want you to be open 

in your preparation for all types of 

course of action.” 

COVID-19: Curfew times 

announced; enough time 

to prepare your households 

Future curfews and changes in 

curfew times were announced 

by Permanent Secretary for 

Health and Medical Services Dr 

Fong this evening. 

According to Dr Fong, a 72-hour 

curfew beginning from 11pm on 

Friday, May 14, will last till 4am on 

Tuesday, May 18, for the Suva and 

Nausori containment areas. 

The rest of Viti Levu will have 

6pm to 4am curfew from Saturday, 

lockdown will require a more strategic 

approach and after a year’s experience, there is 

a much greater understanding of the virus and 

a range of tools available to fight it including 

stronger testing capacity and the careFIJI app. 

“Future lockdowns, should they be needed, 

will be targeted and active. They will be 

May 15, onwards. 

For the rest of Fiji, curfew hours 

of 11pm-4am remain. Dr Fong 

said there was more than 48 hours 

between now and when the lockdown 

measures would come into effect. 

“That is more than enough time 

to prepare properly without mass 

mayhem and disorder. You have two 

full days to manage your shopping 

and purchase food and other essential 

items for your home,” he said. 

Chaudhry urges govt 

to impose a lockdown 

If we take the lockdown route, 

people will be given ample 

notice – Dr Fong 

The Fiji Labour Party says they 

urge the government to bite the bullet 

and impose a lockdown so that people 

can get on with their lives as soon 

as possible. Party Leader Mahendra 

Chaudhry says government should 

come out with a firm decision on 

whether to impose another lockdown 

in the containment areas. 

Chaudhry further says with new 

cases emerging virtually everyday, 

it has become clear that the virus 

is spreading fast and only a more 

measured and practical lockdown 

will ensure that the virus is contained. 

He says for several weeks 

now people have been locked in 

containment areas but this has not 

stopped the spread of the virus 

adding the nation cannot continue 

with a situation where businesses and 

industries remain closed indefinitely. 

However Chaudhry says the 

lockdown must not be the curfewlike 

lockdown that was imposed two 

weekends ago. He says we should 

take our cue from the manner in 

which lockdowns were imposed in 

Australia and New Zealand which 

went through a lockdown period of 

14 weeks during the case of a severe 

pandemic. Chaudhry highlighted that 

people should be allowed out for an 

Future lockdowns, should they be needed, 

will be targeted and active. They will be 

targeted because the lockdown area will be 

defined as narrowly as possible. And they will 

be active because we will endeavour to permit 

the broadest range of movement and economic 

activity possible, in bubbles that mitigate 

widespread transmission of the virus 

hour or so a day only to buy food 

and access other essentials, go to the 

pharmacies or the doctors as the case 

may be and this should be rigidly 

controlled with the enforcement 

of rules which clearly spell out the 

restrictions and the penalties that 

will apply for the breach. He adds 

time should also be allowed for daily 

exercises. He says this way families 

that can afford to buy food will be 

able to do so without becoming a 

burden on the State and government 

can then provide food for those who 

lack the means to purchase it. 

Chaudhry has also questioned why 

non-containment areas like Ba, Tavua 

and Sigatoka are currently subjected 

to lockdown conditions adding they 

should be allowed to operate as 

normal with little disruption to their 

lives, but with tightly controlled 

borders. 

targeted because the lockdown area will be 

defined as narrowly as possible. And they 

will be active because we will endeavour 

to permit the broadest range of movement 

and economic activity possible, in bubbles 

that mitigate widespread transmission of 

the virus.” 

He said they want essential services to 

continue, and as many people as possible to go 

to work and open their businesses. 

Whatever step government takes whether it 

is to legally mandate mask-wearing or the use 

of the careFIJI app, or even re-introducing a 24- 

hour curfew, Dr Fong said Fiji’s success will 

ultimately come down to the diligence and the 

vigilance of the public.

14 INDIA 

Friday, May 14, 2021 The Indian Weekender 

NEWS in BRIEF WHO says India Covid 

Covid will be like endemic flu due to 

variant of 'global concern' 

variants: Canadian expert 

Coronavirus will become a part of the viral ecosystem -- 

akin to the seasonal endemic flu -- due to the spread of The World Health Organization 

several variants of concern, according to a Canadian health (WHO) has classified the 

expert, as per media reports. 

coronavirus variant first found 

To deal with such a spread, vaccine makers will have to 

adapt and modify their shots over the coming years, Dr. Alan 

Bernstein, an expert on Canada government's Covid-19 Task 

Force, was quoted as saying to Globalnews.ca. 

Canada is already negotiating with vaccine suppliers for it, 

he said. 

"We've been in this journey before, of course, with [the] flu, 

we all get the influenza vaccine every year and every year is 

in India last year as a "variant of 

global concern". 

It said preliminary studies show the 

B.1.617 mutation spreads more easily 

than other variants and requires further 

study. The variant has already spread to 

more than 30 countries, the WHO says. 

Three other variants from the UK, 

a different vaccine because the influenza virus changes every South Africa and Brazil have been 

given the same designation. A mutation shortages continue to be a problem and of the virus. He is also facing criticism 

year," said Bernstein. 

is elevated from a "variant of interest" have spread beyond the capital, Delhi. for allowing massive gatherings at Hindu 

"So those are variants, and some years, of course, the flu 

to a "variant of concern" (VOC) when Local media in the southern state of festivals and election rallies to go ahead 

variants can be very serious and some years are quite mild -- 

it shows evidence of fulfilling at least Andhra Pradesh reported that 11 Covid despite rising cases. 

the ones that are serious, we don't call them variants of concern, 

one of several criteria, including easy patients died overnight in the city of On Monday, Delhi's health minister 

but we could. 

transmission, more severe illness, Tirupati after an oxygen tanker supplying said the capital had just three or four days 

India’s COVID deaths cross quarter million reduced neutralisation by antibodies the hospital was delayed. 

of vaccine supplies left. 

mark, no sign of peak 

or reduced effectiveness of treatment The Indian government says there is Shortages are further disrupting a 

I 

and vaccines. 

evidence of a link between the variant and lagging vaccination programme, with 

ndia said a record number of people were killed by the 

The variant is being studied to establish India's deadly second wave, but that the just over 34.8 million, or about 2.5% of 

coronavirus in the past 24 hours, pushing its overall death 

whether it is responsible for a deadly surge correlation is not yet "fully established". the population receiving both doses of a 

in India, which is currently overwhelming Several states have imposed localised vaccine so far. 

hospitals and crematoriums. 

lockdowns, curfews and curbs on The WHO says current vaccines will 

India reported 366,161 new infections movement over the last month. 

continue to be effective against the Indian 

and 3,754 deaths on Monday, down from However, Prime Minister Narendra variant, although the WHO's technical 

record peaks. Experts say the actual Modi's government is coming under lead did say there may be some evidence 

figures could be far higher than reported. increasing pressure to announce a of "reduced neutralization," at a press 

Surging cases have meant that oxygen nationwide lockdown and stop the spread conference on Monday. 

toll over a quarter million, while a leading virologist said it was 

too early to say if infections had reached a peak. 

Deaths from COVID-19 swelled by 4,205, while daily 

coronavirus cases rose by 348,421, with India’s overall number 

of cases surging past 23 million, according to health ministry 

data. Even then, experts believe the official numbers grossly 

underestimate the real scale of the epidemic’s impact, and 

actual deaths and infections could be five to ten times higher. 

India’s COVID-19 infection curve may be showing early 

signs of flattening, but the decline in the number of new 

infections is likely to be slow, said Shahid Jameel, a top Indian 

virologist. 

“It is still too early to say whether we have reached the peak,” 

he was quoted as saying by the Indian Express newspaper. 

“There is some indication of the cases plateauing. But we 

must not forget that this is a very high plateau. We seem to be 

plateauing around 400,000 cases a day.” 

Volunteers collect unclaimed ashes of 

India’s COVID-19 dead for final farewell 

Volunteer Ashish Kashyap carefully shovels the ashes of 

India’s unclaimed COVID-19 dead from a large pile into 

sacks at Nigambodh ghat crematorium in Delhi, where the 

pyres have been burning round-the-clock because of a surge 

of deaths. Kashyap will then take the ashes to be immersed in 

the Ganges river. Families of the victims are often too afraid to 

come and collect the ashes after cremation because they fear 

contracting the virus in crowded sites.B Hindus cremate their 

dead and the ashes are scattered over rivers considered sacred 

or over some other place of importance to the deceased. 

“During this pandemic, the relatives of these victims have 

abandoned them. However, our organisation collects these 

remains from all the crematoriums and performs the last rituals 

in Haridwar, so that they can achieve salvation,” said Kashyap, 

28. He and his team from the Shri Deodhan Sewa Samiti 

volunteer group collect the ashes and bone fragments, carefully 

wash them in milk and water and offer prayers. 

Vaccination big weapon in fight against 

Covid: Harsh Vardhan 

Union Health Minister 

Harsh Vardhan said that 

vaccination is a big weapon in 

the fight against Covid-19. 

Harsh Vardhan interacted 

with the health ministers and 

principal secretaries/additional chief secretaries of eight states/ 

UT in the presence of Union Minister of State for Health, 

Ashwini Kumar Choubey. The eight states/UT included Jammu 

and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, 

Odisha and Telangana, all depicting a rise in the number of 

daily cases with growing positivity rate. 

At the meeting, Harsh Vardhan highlighted the trajectory 

of Covid in these states/UT and brought to their attention the 

consequent stress on the medical infrastructure. 

He stressed on the continued need to follow Covid 

appropriate behaviour along with renewed and stringent focus 

on containment measures for addressing the present surge. 

He also noted that stringent adherence to implementation of 

micro-containment zones has helped. 

PM Modi, Bhutanese PM 

Tshering discuss Covid 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 

his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay 

Tshering discussed Covid-19 

pandemic's impact on both the countries 

and their efforts against the recent wave 

of the virus. Both the leaders discussed 

the issued in a telephonic conversation 

earlier in the day. 

The Bhutan Prime Minister expressed 

solidarity with the Indian government and 

the people here in their efforts against the 

Covid-19 or coronavirus disease which so 

far has infected 2,29,92,517 people with 

37,15,221 active cases and 2,49,992 deaths. 

PM Modi conveyed his sincere thanks to 

the people and government of Bhutan for 

their good wishes and support. 

Modi also appreciated the leadership of 

Recent findings in a report in 

an Australian daily has yet 

again reinforced the call that 

international investigators must dig 

deeper to rule out whether Covid-19 is a 

made-in-China bioweapon. 

The controversy about Covid-19 

origins has resurfaced after the Weekend 

Australian newspaper revealed that 

Chinese scientists were thinking about 

bioweapons, visualising a Word War-3 

scenario. 

The daily cited a Chinese government 

document which discussed the 

weaponisation of SARS coronavirus. 

Titled the Unnatural Origin of SARS and 

New Species of Man-Made Viruses as 

Genetic Bioweapons, the 2015 paper was 

authored by Chinese scientists, Chinese 

public health officials and members of the 

People's Liberation Army (PLA). 

Released five years ahead the 

COVID-19 outbreak, it nails Severe 

Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) 

the Bhutanese Prime Minister in managing 

Bhutan's fight against the pandemic and 

extended his best wishes to Tshering for the 

continuing efforts. 

The leaders noted that the present crisis 

situation has served to further highlight 

the special friendship between India and 

Bhutan, anchored in mutual understanding 

and respect, shared cultural heritage, and 

strong people-to-people links. 

China's intent to study bioweapons 

reopens Covid origin controversy 

coronaviruses as a "new era of genetic 

weapons" that can be "artificially 

manipulated into an emerging human 

'disease virus, then weaponised and 

unleashed in a way never seen before". 

Covid-19 is part of the SARS family 

of Coronaviruses. Specifically, the 

COVID-19 pandemic has been caused by 

SARS-Co V-2 --a coronavirus that emerged 

in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a 

large family of viruses, many of whom 

target the respiratory system of humans, 

causing diseases ranging from common 

cold to the deadly SARS. The Chinese 

WHO warns against use of 

ivermectin to treat Covid-19 

A 

day 

after Goa's Health 

Minister Vishwajit Rane 

recommended ivermectin to 

all above 18 to combat Covid in the 

state, the World Health Organisation 

has warned against its use. "Safety 

and efficacy are important when 

using any drug for a new indication. 

@WHO recommends against the use 

of ivermectin for #COVID19 except 

within clinical trials," Soumya 

Swaminathan, the global health 

body's chief scientist, said in a tweet. 

The Goa state government cleared a 

new Covid treatment protocol which 

recommends all residents above the 

age of 18 to take five tablets of the 

ivermectin drug, in order to prevent 

the steep and sometimes fatal viral 

fever, which accompanies a Covid-19 

infection. 

paper is discussed in an upcoming book 

titled What really happened in Wuhan by 

The Australian investigative writer, Sharri 

Markson. 

Robert Potter, a cyber security 

specialist who analyses leaked Chinese 

government documents confirmed, when 

asked by the The Australian to do so, that 

the leaked document was genuine. "We 

reached a high confidence conclusion that 

it was genuine -- It's not fake but it's up 

to someone else to interpret how serious 

it is," website news.com.au. quoted Potter 

as saying.


WORLD 15 

South Australian 

university reveals mRNA 

vaccine manufacturing plan 

Australia could achieve vaccine 

self-reliance within half a year 

after the University of Adelaide 

(UA) revealed a plan to manufacture 

mRNA vaccines. 

The university announced a joint 

partnership with the South Australian 

Health and Medical Research 

Institute (SAHMRI) and international 

biotechnology company BioCina that 

could see it develop the capability to 

" 

a position where we can start producing a 

mass produce mRNA vaccines within 

The great thing 

vaccine pretty much immediately and go 

six months. Under the agreement, the about this project is from being at the back of the queue to the 

Adelaide Pfizer plant purchased by that because it uses an front of the queue. 

BioCina in August 2020 would be used existing facility which has "The great thing about this project is 

to manufacture vaccines with capital from regulatory approval, rather that because it uses an existing facility 

the UA and the SAHMRI, the Xinhua than a greenfield site, we which has regulatory approval, rather than 

news agency reported. 

can step up right now and a greenfield site, we can step up right now 

The mRNA vaccines can be produced start working 

and start working." 

on a much larger scale than traditional 

BioCina chief executive Ian Wisenberg 

vaccines and can be altered more quickly "These microbial cells are the said to The Australian: "In a country like 

in response to mutant strains of viruses. workhorses of biotechnology," he said. Australia we are talking about 20 million 

Anton Middelberg, a vaccine "Because it is an industrial organism people, or 40 million doses, which is not 

manufacturing expert and UA deputy you can very quickly code up a piece a lot in terms of production. We see no 

vice-chancellor, said the ability to of DNA and make a lot of material reason why we could not be producing 

manufacture mRNA vaccines in Australia 

very quickly. What that means is that if 

would have applications beyond the 

100 million doses within that same six to 

Covid-19 becomes Covid-23 we can be in 

Covid-19 pandemic. 

12-month timeframe." 

Global cooperation only choice 

to end pandemic: Tedros 

Global cooperation, instead 

of competition and 

confrontation, is the only 

choice to end the Covid-19 pandemic, 

the World Health Organization 

(WHO) Director-General Tedros 

Adhanom Ghebreyesus said while 

addressing the disparity in access to 

vaccines worldwide. 

"The shocking global disparity 

in access to vaccines remains one 

of the biggest risks to ending the 

pandemic," Tedros said. 

According to the WHO's data, 

high- and upper-middle income 

countries, with 53 percent of the 

world's population, have received 

83 per cent of the world's vaccines, 

while low- and lower-middle income 

countries, with 47 per cent of the 

world's population, have received 

just 17 per cent of the jabs, Xinhua 

news agency reported. 

Tedros expressed his belief that 

cooperation is the "only choice" to 

end this pandemic. 

"We cannot defeat this pandemic 

through competition, we can't. If 

you compete for resources, or if you 

compete for geopolitical advantages, 

then the virus gets advantage," the 

Director-General said, stressing a 

"very basic principle of identifying 

the virus as a common enemy". 

Despite declines in numbers of 

new Covid-19 cases in most regions 

including the Americas and Europe, 

the two worst-affected regions, 

the world has been witnessing an 

"unacceptably high plateau", with 

more than 5.4 million cases and 

almost 90,000 deaths reported last 

week, Tedros said. 

'China's population to stay above 1.4bn for a certain period' 

China's population will stay above 

1.4 billion "for a certain period in 

future", Ning Jizhe, head of the 

National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said. 

"China's population will peak in future, 

but there remains uncertainty as to when 

specifically it will happen," Ning said. 

Based on the demographical trend in 

recent years, China's population growth 

will continue to slow down, Xinhua news 

agency quoted the NBS chief as saying at 

a media briefing here. 

He noted that the growth will also 

be affected by such factors as the age 

structure, people's ideas on having 

children, government's population 

policies, the cost of childbearing and 

parenting, medical service and health 

conditions of the people. 

China's population on the mainland 

reached 1.4 billion, growing 0.53 per cent 

annually on average in the past decade, 

according to data from the latest national 

census, conducted in 2020, released by 

the NBS on Tuesday. 

The rate was slightly lower than the 

average annual growth of 0.57 per cent 

from 2000 to 2010, according to the NBS. 

Australian court 

upholds India travel ban 

Federal Court of Australia has rejected a legal 

challenge to the government's India travel 

ban, as Justice Tom Thawley dismissed 

the first two arguments of the four-pronged bid to 

overturn the decision. 

The ban has made it a criminal offence under the 

Biosecurity Act to try and enter Australia within 14 

days of being in India, which is battling a devastating 

second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, reports 

Xinhua news agency. Lawyers for Gary Newman, 

a 73-year-old Melbourne man who has been stuck 

in India amid the pandemic since March 2020, told 

the court that the controversial ban contravened his 

common law right to return home. 

But the court agreed with government lawyers 

that the Biosecurity Act prevailed over such rights 

if it was needed to protect the national interest. 

The Biosecurity Act gives the Minister for Health 

Greg Hunt the power to introduce emergency 

powers that are "appropriate and adapted to achieve 

the purpose" for which they are intended. 

It includes the power to "prevent or control" 

entry or exit of a human disease from the country. 

"The most obvious method of achieving 

either result is to prevent entry or departure from 

Australia," Thawley said on Monday. 

"Data shows that China's population 

has continued to maintain slow growth in 

the past decade," Ning said. 

The NBS data also revealed that people 

aged 60 or above account for 18.7 per 

cent of China's total population, 5.44 

percentage points higher than the level 

in 2010 when the previous census was 

conducted. 

The total population of Chinese people 

on the mainland aged 60 or above has 

reached 264.02 million, including 190.64 

million people aged 65 or above, or 13.5 

per cent of the total population, it added. 

"Data shows the aging of the Chinese 

population has further deepened, and 

we will continue to face the pressure to 

achieve long-term balanced population 

development," Ning said. 

NEWS in BRIEF 

Singapore researchers control Venus 

flytraps using smartphones 

Researchers in Singapore have found a way of controlling 

a Venus flytrap using electric signals from a smartphone, 

an innovation they hope will have a range of uses from 

robotics to employing the plants as environmental sensors. 

Luo Yifei, a researcher at Singapore’s Nanyang 

Technological University (NTU), showed in a demonstration 

how a signal from a smartphone app sent to tiny electrodes 

attached to the plant could make its trap close as it does when 

catching a fly. 

“Plants are like humans, they generate electric signals, 

like the ECG (electrocardiogram) from our hearts,” said 

Luo, who works at NTU’s School of Materials Science and 

Engineering. We developed a non-invasive technology to 

detect these electric signals from the surface of plants without 

damaging them,” Luo said. 

The scientists have also detached the trap portion of the 

Venus flytrap and attached it to a robotic arm so it can, when 

given a signal, grip something thin and light like a piece of 

wire. 

Brazil suspends use of AstraZeneca 

COVID-19 vaccine in pregnant women 

Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa said on Tuesday that it 

had suspended the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 

vaccine in pregnant women after learning that a woman had 

died from a stroke in an incident seen as possibly related 

to the immunization. The 35-year-old woman, who died on 

May 10, was 23 weeks pregnant, Anvisa said, adding that it 

had not been informed of any other adverse events involving 

pregnant women. 

Global Covid-19 caseload tops 159.3mn 

The overall global 

Covid-19 caseload 

has topped 159.3 

million, while the 

deaths have surged to 

more than 3.31 million, 

according to the Johns 

Hopkins University. 

In its latest update, 

the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering 

(CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death 

toll stood at 159,305,473 and 3,312,199 respectively. 

The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the 

world's highest number of cases and deaths at 32,773,387 

and 582,791, respectively, according to the CSSE. In 

terms of infections, India follows in the second place 

with 22,992,517 cases. 

The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are 

Brazil (15,282,705), France (5,861,384), Turkey (5,059,433), 

Russia (4,840,948), the UK (4,455,440), Italy (4,123,230), 

Spain (3,586,333), Germany (3,547,901), Argentina 

(3,191,097) and Colombia (3,031,726), the CSSE figures 

showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 

425,540 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 

are India (249,992), Mexico (219,089), the UK (127,890), 

Italy (123,282), Russia (112,063) and France (107,096). 

21.5mn Russians vaccinated against 

Covid: Putin 

Russian 

President 

Vladimir Putin 

said that about 21.5 

million people in the 

country have been 

vaccinated against the 

coronavirus. 

"The situation in 

the country, according 

to experts, is stable," 

Xinhua news agency 

quoted the President as 

saying in Sochi. 

"We need to continue actively testing and getting 

vaccinated. These two components are very important in 

overcoming the pandemic and its consequences," he added. 

Putin said he had a high level of antibodies following his 

vaccination and urged Russians to get inoculated as soon as 

possible. 

Russia reported 8,465 new Covid-19 infections over the 

past 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 4,888,727. 

The death toll stood at 111,740.

16 ENTERTAINMENT 

Friday, May 14 2021 The Indian Weekender 

PADMINI KOLHAPURE recalls 

playing a mother as a teenager 

Actor Padmini Kolhapure has spoken about 

the portrayal of mothers onscreen and 

how it has evolved over the years. She 

also spoke about playing a mom on-screen as a 

teenager. Padmini has also said that the portrayals 

have changed as women are more liberal and 

thinking differently compared to earlier times. 

Padmini has played the role of Shahid Kapoor’s 

mother in the 2013 movie Phata Poster Nikhla 

Hero. She was also seen in the Marathi movie, 

Prawaas in 2020. 

Recently, the real-life mother celebrated the 

wedding of her son Priyaank Sharma with Shaza 

Morani, daughter of film producer Karim Morani. 

In an interview, Padmini said, “You know 

you are saying I played a mother in Phata 

Poster Nikhla Hero, actually I played a mother 

when I was 17-18 years old as well. I did films 

like Pyar Ke Kabil where I played a mother, 

in Pyar Jhukta Nahin also I played a mother. 

Of course, the kids were younger, but I did 

play a mother. 

You know then I didn't know what motherhood 

was, I didn’t know what it felt like being a mother. 

Not that it made me sort of perform any differently 

when I was in Phata Poster..., but you see the 

portrayal of a mother has definitely evolved. 

Women are thinking differently, women are 

much more liberal, much more open-minded, 

much more broad-minded. So you have all kinds 

of mothers being played on the OTT or in movies 

and television.” 

Speaking on how filmmakers these days portray 

a mother’s journey, she said, "It's no more that 

Nick Jonas sheds light on 

how comments attached 

to appearance and body 

image 'can become quite 

dangerous' 

It was back in 2019, during a 

vacation on a yacht when Nick 

Jonas' shirtless (with white 

short shorts) appearance became a 

trending topic with many discussing 

his 'dadbod'. In an interview, the 

28-year-old singer and actor was 

asked if he had found it weird back 

then to have his body discussed and 

critiqued in such an intense manner. 

"I think when it's comments 

attached to things like appearance 

and body image, that's when it can 

become quite dangerous, because 

no one ever knows what someone is 

going through or how it affects them 

personally. They're very sensitive 

topics," Nick confessed. However, 

Jonas also acknowledged that in the 

same way, he lives "a public life" 

and hence, parts of his life "are going 

to be talked about" even "though it 

doesn't necessarily mean it's fair." 

Nick further noted that "it's just a 

part" of his reality. 

Ever since COVID 19 pandemic has hit 

India, several celebs have come forward 

to help people during tough times. 

Amid this, Sonu Sood appeared to be a 

COVID 19 hero who had not just helped 

hundreds of migrant workers to reach home 

safely during the first lockdown, he also 

arranged for food and other necessities for 

the people. And while the second wave of 

Coronavirus had hit India, Sonu is once again 

seen helping the people with medicines, oxygen 

cylinders and much more. 

And now, as per the recent update, the Happy 

" 

It's no more that typical 

olden days how a mother was 

portrayed, or even a motherin-law 

for that matter. So they 

are bringing much more life to 

the characters, and much more 

realism so you are able to justify 

more what a mother is all about." 

typical olden days how a mother was portrayed, 

or even a mother-in-law for that matter. So they 

are bringing much more life to the characters, 

and much more realism so you are able to justify 

more what a mother is all about. Today’s woman is 

multifaceted, she is truly a woman of substance,” 

said Padmini. 

Recently, in an interview, Padmini had said that 

she rejected films that eventually went to Sridevi, 

Rekha, and Rati Agnihotri. She had said that she 

has some regrets about turning down Raj Kapoor's 

Ram Teri Ganga Maili, which starred late Rajiv 

Kapoor in the lead role 

'Don't strip mothers of their sensuality': 

Pooja Bhatt on portrayal of moms on screen 

Ahead of Mother's Day, actorfilmmaker 

Pooja Bhatt 

has offered her take on the 

depiction of moms on screen. Pooja 

recently played a mother, who also 

happened to be a business honcho, on 

the Netflix show, Bombay Begums. 

She said that she would like 

for motherhood to not be the only 

defining trait of certain characters 

on screen, and that the 'sensuality' of 

these characters should be retained. 

Citing the example of the women 

she's played in the past, she told 

a leading daily, "I think playing a 

mother has always served me very 

well. Both Zakhm and Bombay 

Begums are set in totally different 

worlds and are about totally 

different women. 

As far as portrayals of mothers go, 

we are taking baby steps in the right 

direction but have miles to go as far 

as the perception of the audience and 

their tastes are concerned." 

She added, “Don’t strip us of 

our sensuality. Mothers should not 

New Year actor had brought in oxygen plants 

from France as India continues to grapple with 

shortage of oxygen. Releasing a statement about 

the same, Sonu said that while these plants are 

expected to solve a major problem of COVID 

19 patients, he is making sure everything comes 

in time. 

“We have seen a lot of people suffering 

because of the unavailability of oxygen 

cylinders. We have got it now, and are already 

giving it to people. However, these oxygen 

plants will not only supply to entire hospitals 

but will also get these oxygen cylinders filled 

be portrayed merely as sacrificial 

women who have tossed their 

femininity aside to care for 

their families. 

"My character Rani in Bombay 

Begums is caring, yet needy and 

manipulative at times, but above all, 

she is sensual. She grows along with 

her teenage daughter and is only able 

to establish a real connection with 

her only when she lets go of her own 

defenses and speaks from a place of 

truth and compassion.” 

Pooja recently spoke about the 

difference a female perspective can 

"For 

intimate 

scenes, I handpick 

the crew who won't 

make an actress feel 

uncomfortable on 

the set because it's 

important to have 

the gaze right." 

bring on a 

film set, especially 

in certain situations. 

Recalling the direction she 

gave actor Bipasha Basu in Jism, she 

told the BBC in a recent interview, 

"For intimate scenes, I handpick the 

crew who won't make an actress feel 

uncomfortable on the set because it's 

important to have the gaze right. 

"In 2002, when I was making Jism, 

an erotic thriller, I told Bipasha Basu 

that as a woman and as an actor I 

won't be asking you to do anything 

you're not comfortable with." 

Sonu Sood brings oxygen plants from France amid pandemic: 

Working our best to ensure everything comes in time 

up, which will solve a major problem of the 

people suffering from Covid-19. Time is the 

biggest challenge for us at the moment and we 

are working our best to make sure everything 

comes in time and we don't lose more lives,” 

he said. 

It is reported that the first plant has already 

been ordered and it will be arriving in 10-12 

days. Meanwhile, several others have been 

contributing to aid people during the pandemic. 

For instance, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli 

has started a COVID 19 fundraiser and has 

urged everyone to help. 

Dia Mirza 

acknowledges 

rampant sexism 

in Bollywood; 

Says her debut 

Rehnaa Hai 

Terre Dil Mein 

has sexism in it 

Dia Mirza has been in the 

headlines ever since she got 

married again. She looked 

like an elegant and prettiest bride. 

Dia had also announced that she is 

expecting her first child with Vaibhav 

Rekhi. She shared the news when 

she was on her Maldives vacation 

with her husband and daughter. And 

now, once again she has grabbed the 

attention of everyone by agreeing 

to that there is rampant sexism 

prevalent in Bollywood. 

Talking to Brut India, the actress 

said that her debut film Rehnaa Hai 

Terre Dil Mein had sexism in it. 

She said, “People were writing, 

thinking and making sexist cinema 

and I was a part of these stories. I 

had worked amid such surrounding.” 

She even cited an example to back 

her point and said that in Bollywood, 

a makeup artist will be a man and 

not a woman but a hairdresser will 

be a woman. She admitted that the 

industry is led by men. 

Dia recalled her starting journey 

and said there used to be four or five 

women in the whole unit which has 

the strength of over 120-180 people. 

The actress is a well-known 

environmentalist. She is a strong 

supporter of saving the environment 

and always speaks about it. 

Her Instagram feed is filled with 

such pictures and videos. She has 

been part of films such as Sanju, 

Parineeta, Honeymoon Travels Pvt 

Ltd, and Love Breakups Zindagi. She 

was last seen in Thappad which had 

received an overwhelming response 

from the audience.


FEATURES 17 

Healthy cooking every day 

Easy omelette Basic scrambled eggs 

Easier than it looks and a tasty, filling way to start the day! 

Ingredients: 

• 2 eggs 

• 2 tablespoons low-fat milk 

• pinch black pepper 

• 2 tablespoons each grated cheese, 

chopped tomato, chopped ham 

and sliced mushroom 

Method 

• Whisk together eggs, milk and a 

little black pepper. 

• Lightly oil a small non-stick 

frying pan and heat until hot, but 

not smoking. 

• Pour egg mixture into pan and 

gently shake to distribute the eggs 

evenly over pan. 

• Cook over a medium heat until the 

entire base is set. Use a spatula to 

lift omelette at the edges to see if 

the base is set and cooked all over. 

• Sprinkle the grated cheese, 

chopped ham, chopped tomato, 

and sliced mushrooms over 

omelette. 

• Use the spatula to fold the 

omelette in half. Then use the 

spatula to cut the omelette in half. 

• Carefully slide omelette onto two 

plates. Serves: 2 

Lemon-spiced chicken with chickpeas 

A spicy, filling one pot 

that has a bit of added 

zing. Make it a mid-week 

must 

Ingredients 

• 1 tbsp sunflower oil 

• 1 onion , halved and thinly sliced 

• 4 skinless chicken breasts , cut 

into chunks 

• 1 cinnamon stick , broken in half 

• 1 tsp ground coriander 

• 1 tsp ground cumin 

• zest and juice 1 lemon 

• 400g can chickpea , drained 

• 200ml chicken stock 

• 250g bag spinach 

Method 

• Heat the oil in a large frying pan, 

then fry the onion gently for 5 

mins. 

• Turn up the heat and add the 

chicken, frying for about 3 mins 

until golden. 

• Stir in the spices and lemon zest, 

fry for 1 more min, then tip in the 

chickpeas and stock. 

• Put the lid on and simmer for 5 

mins. 

• Season to taste, then tip in spinach 

and re-cover. 

• Leave to wilt for 2 mins, then stir 

through. 

• Squeeze over the lemon juice just 

before serving. 

Lighter Takes 

& Easy Tips 

Learning how to make easy scrambled eggs can be fun! 

Ingredients: 

• 4 eggs 

• ¼ cup milk 

• Salt and pepper as desired 

• Butter 

Method: 

• Beat eggs, milk, salt and pepper in 

medium bowl until blended 

• Heat butter in large non-stick 

skillet over medium heat until hot 

• Pour in egg mixture. 

• As eggs begin to set, gently pull 

the eggs across the pan with a 

spatula, forming large soft curds 

• Continue cooking – pulling, lifting 

and folding eggs – until thickened 

and no visible liquid eggs remain. 

Do not stir constantly. 

• Remove from heat. Serve 

immediately. 

• Serves: 2 

Marinate chicken breasts, then drizzle with a punchy peanut satay sauce for a no-fuss, midweek 

meal that's high in protein and big on flavour 

Ingredients 

• 1tbsp tamari 

• 1tsp medium curry powder 

• ¼tsp ground cumin 

• 1 garlic clove, finely grated 

• 1tsp clear honey 

• 2 skinless chicken breast fillets (or use turkey 

breast) 

• 1tbsp crunchy peanut butter (choose a sugarfree 

version with no palm oil, if possible) 

• 1tbsp sweet chilli sauce 

• 1tbsp lime juice 

• sunflower oil, for wiping the pan 

• 2 Little Gem lettuce hearts, cut into wedges 

• ¼ cucumber, halved and sliced 

• 1 banana shallot, halved and thinly sliced 

• coriander, chopped 

• seeds from ½ pomegranate 

Method 

• Pour the tamari into a large dish and stir in 

the curry powder, cumin, garlic and honey. 

Tamarind prawn curry 

Our tamarind prawn curry will quickly become a family 

favourite. It's quick, healthy and low in fat and calories 

Ingredients 

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil 

• 1 onion, chopped 

• 1 red chilli, finely chopped 

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed 

• 1 tbsp grated ginger 

• 1 tsp turmeric 

• 1 tsp cumin seeds 

• 1 tsp ground coriander 

• 400g can cherry tomatoes 

• 1-2 tbsp tamarind paste (see tip, 

below) 

• 250g raw king prawns 

• 250g cooked basmati rice 

handful of coriander leaves, to 

serve 

Method 

Chicken satay salad 

• Heat the oil in a frying pan over a 

medium heat and cook the onion 

for 5-8 mins until light golden. 

Stir in the chilli, garlic and ginger, 

and fry for another minute before 

adding the spices. 

• Tip in the cherry tomatoes, swirl 

the can out with a splash of water 

and stir that into the pan as well. 

• Simmer for 5 mins until the 

tomatoes burst and the sauce 

thickens. 

• Stir in the tamarind and prawns, 

and simmer for 2-3 mins until the 

prawns are cooked. 

• Serve the curry on top of the rice, 

with the coriander scattered over. 

Mix well. Slice the chicken breasts in half 

horizontally to make 4 fillets in total, then add 

to the marinade and mix well to coat. Set aside 

in the fridge for at least 1 hr, or overnight, to 

allow the flavours to penetrate the chicken. 

• Meanwhile, mix the peanut butter with the chilli 

sauce, lime juice, and 1 tbsp water to make a 

spoonable sauce. 

• When ready to cook the chicken, wipe a large 

non-stick frying pan with a little oil. Add the 

chicken and cook, covered with a lid, for 5-6 

mins on a medium heat, turning the fillets over 

for the last min, until cooked but still moist. Set 

aside, covered, to rest for a few mins. 

• While the chicken rests, toss the lettuce wedges 

with the cucumber, shallot, coriander and 

pomegranate, and pile onto plates. Spoon over 

a little sauce. 

• Slice the chicken, pile on top of the salad and 

spoon over the remaining sauce. Eat while the 

chicken is still warm. 

Pomegranate 

chicken 

with almond 

couscous 

Jazz up chicken breasts in 

this fruity, sweetly spiced 

sauce with pomegranate 

seeds, toasted almonds 

and tagine paste 

Ingredients 

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil 

• 200g couscous 

• 1 chicken stock cube 

• 1 large red onion, halved and 

thinly sliced 

• 600g chicken mini fillets 

• 4 tbsp tagine spice paste or 2 tbsp 

harissa 

• 190ml bottle pomegranate 

juice (not sweetened; we used 

Pom Wonderful) 

• 100g pack pomegranate seeds 

• 100g pack toasted flaked almond 

• small pack mint, chopped 

Method 

• Boil the kettle and heat the oil in a 

large frying pan. Put the couscous 

in a bowl with some seasoning 

and crumble in half the stock 

cube. 

• Add the onion to the pan and fry 

for a few mins to soften. 

• Pour boiling water over the 

couscous to just cover, then cover 

the bowl with a tea towel and set 

aside. 

• Push the onion to one side of the 

pan, add the chicken fillets and 

brown on all sides. Stir in the 

tagine paste or harissa and the 

pomegranate juice, then crumble 

in the rest of the stock cube and 

season well. 

• Simmer, uncovered, for 10 mins 

until the sauce has thickened and 

the chicken is cooked through. 

Stir through the pomegranate 

seeds, saving a few to scatter over 

before serving. 

• After 5 mins, fluff up the couscous 

with a fork and stir through the 

almonds and mint. Serve the 

chicken on the couscous with the 

sauce spooned over.

18 

TIME OUT 

Friday, May 14, 2020 The Indian Weekender 

CROSSWORD FreeDailyCrosswords.com 

NO: 68 

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

I) Large school of fish 39) Impel 

6) Emulate a picador 40) Throw, as a coin 

10) Pastrami source 

41) In other words, in Ovid's 

14) Bay of Naples isle 

words 

15) Account of incidents or 42) It gets hot in a bag 

events 

43) Quick gait 

16) Very big birds 

44) Historical leader? 

17) It comes monthly 45) Word of respect to a woman 

20) "No" in France 

46) Bacterium 

21) Coin introduced on 1/1/99 50) Backward, upon the waters 

22) Baby's diversion 

53) Cash in Cancun 

23) Makes certain 

54) Snapshot, in slang 

25) Continuity problems 55) Change you shouldn't take 

26) Smidge 

if offered 

27) Man who hit 660 homeruns 58) Forget to include 

28) Common title word 59) Pastoral woodwind 

31) To remain in abeyance 60) Machete kin 

34) Tourist's entry permit 61) They have kids 

35) Relative of 16-Across 62) Plant parasite 

36) They know their cues? 63) Ream unit 

WHATS HIS NAME? 

14 

17 

2 3 4 5 

18 

6 7 

15 

8 9 

19 

B Carl Cranb 

10 11 12 13 

16 

May 1st 

DOWN 

I) Vista 

2) Fire extinguishing gas 

3) Begins the bidding 

4) Compass line 

5) Book review types 

6) Agitates 

7) Cinco de Mayo snack 

8) "Sting like a bee" athlete 

9) Breach of trust 

10) Financial burdens 

11) Put off 

12) Calm in a storm 

13) Lighthouse locale 

18) Kicked oneself for 

19) Sharp barks 

24) Affording benefit 

25) Struggles for air 

27) In the_ of (among) 

28) "God shed His grace on_" 

29) Term on terrycloth 

30) Division for Orioles 

31) Touch borders with 

32) Covert transmitting device 

33) Pond organism 

34) Sound of acceleration 

35) Actress Winona 

37) Haphazardly 

38) Anny branch until July 1947 

43) Truck weight without fuel or load 

44) Galileo's birthplace 

45) Track & field get-togethers 

46) Donnybrook 

4 7) Editorialize 

48) Place for stagnant water 

49) Showy success 

50) Physicist's study 

51) Foolish oaf (Variant spelling) 

52) Barbershop request 

53) Conspiracy 

56) Kimono belt 

57) Ebenezer's exclamation 

ANSWERS CROSSWORD NO: 68 

FreeDailyCrosswords.com 

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

May 1st 

DOWN 

I) Large school of fish 39) Impel 

I) Vista 

6) Emulate a picador 40) Throw, as a coin 

2) Fire extinguishing gas 

10) Pastrami source 

41) In other words, in Ovid's 3) Begins the bidding 

14) Bay of Naples isle 

words 

4) Compass line 

15) Account of incidents or 42) It gets hot in a bag 

5) Book review types 

events 

43) Quick gait 

6) Agitates 

16) Very big birds 

44) Historical leader? 

7) Cinco de Mayo snack 

17) It comes monthly 45) Word of respect to a woman 8) "Sting like a bee" athlete 

20) "No" in France 

46) Bacterium 

9) Breach of trust 

21) Coin introduced on 1/1/99 50) Backward, upon the waters 10) Financial burdens 

22) Baby's diversion 

53) Cash in Cancun 

11) Put off 

23) Makes certain 

54) Snapshot, in slang 

12) Calm in a storm 

25) Continuity problems 55) Change you shouldn't take 13) Lighthouse locale 

26) Smidge 

if offered 

18) Kicked oneself for 

27) Man who hit 660 homeruns 58) Forget to include 

19) Sharp barks 

28) Common title word 59) Pastoral woodwind 

24) Affording benefit 

31) To remain in abeyance 60) Machete kin 

25) Struggles for air 

34) Tourist's entry permit 61) They have kids 

27) In the_ of (among) 

35) Relative of 16-Across 62) Plant parasite 

28) "God shed His grace on_" 

36) They know their cues? 63) Ream unit 

29) Term on terrycloth 

30) Division for Orioles 

31) Touch borders with 

32) Covert transmitting device 

33) Pond organism 

WHATS HIS NAME? 

B Carl Cranb 34) Sound of acceleration 

1 2 s H 3 S 0 4A L 6 S1 1 1 1 s 7T A 9B b E l 31 35) Actress Winona 

37) Haphazardly 

1 1 1 

c A p R I 

;- 

A L E 38) Anny branch until July 1947 

M u s 

1 

1 1 43) Truck weight without fuel or load 

L E C T k I C I T v B I L L 44) Galileo's birthplace 

2 45) Track & field get-togethers 

0 E u A T L E 46) Donnybrook 

47) Editorialize 

48) Place for stagnant water 

AV 

49) Showy success 

50) Physicist's study 

ISA 3R EA 51) Foolish oaf (Variant spelling) 

52) Barbershop request 

-------- DPL3hYERS 53) Conspiracy 

s D 

56) Kimono belt 

57) Ebenezer's exclamation 

5 AAM I 

5 5 TERN 5t> s 

---+-----,l---+-- 

5 

THREE D tl LL AR 1i I LL 

bMI T 5 

bBOE 1>ANGA 

6nilOMS 6f.111 TE 6 sHEE T 

HITORI NO: 68 

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: 68 

50 51 52 

55 

56 

57 

58 

60 

61 

63 

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 

1. What country has the longest coastline in the world? 

2. What is the capital of Malta? 

3. What country is the newest in the world to be recognised 

by the UN? 

4. In which UK city would you find the river Clyde? 

5. What is the oldest recorded town in the UK? 

6. If you travelled to the city of Volgograd, which country 

would be in? 

7. What is the name of the largest river to flow through 

Paris? 

8. What did Ceylon change its name to in 1972? 

9. What is the most populous city in the US state of 

Illinois? 

10. What is the highest mountain in Britain? 

11. The world’s first national park was established in 1872 

in which country? A bonus point for the name of the 

park… 

12. What is the capital of Peru? 

13. Mount Vesuvius casts a shadow over which modern 

Italian city? 

14. There are three US states with just four letters in their 

name: can you name them? 

15. What is the currency of Sweden? 

16. To what country to the Canary Islands belong? 

17. What is the capital of Canada? 

18. How many states are there in Australia? 

19. What African country has the largest population? 

20. Constantinople and Byzantium are former names of 

which major city? 

Answers: 1.Canada, 2.Valetta, 3.South Sudan (2011), 4.Glasgow, 

5.Colchester, 6.Russia, 7.The Seine, 8.Sri Lanka, 9.Chicago, 10.Ben Nevis, 

11. USA, Yellowstone, 12.Lima, 13.Naples, 14.Utah, Iowa, Ohio, 

15.Swedish Krona, 16.Spain, 17.Ottawa, 18.Six – New South Wales, 

Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, 

19.Nigeria (190 million), 20.Istanbul 

14 May to 20 May 2021 | By Manisha Koushik 

ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20) 

You are likely to excel in your current 

endeavours. A task given on the professional 

is likely to prove a cake walk and will provide 

you an opportunity to give your best. Plans for 

overseas travel may be in their final stages, so 

pack your bags and fly off! Those working on 

a commission basis may find the week most 

profitable. There is much that you want to tell lover, so find the 

right opportunity. Health remains excellent. Lucky number: 5 / 

Lucky colour: Green 

TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20) 

The more hours you put in, the more will you 

be able to get out of it and this will be reflected 

in your sterling performance at work. Whatever 

you desire on the romantic front is likely to get 

fulfilled. Parents will be most supportive and 

will go out of their way to fulfill your desire. 

Some of you are on the verge of becoming 

financially independent. You enjoy the best of health. Love life is 

likely to brighten. Lucky number:2 / Lucky colour: Yellow 

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21) 

You will find someone who was shying away 

from you more open and friendly. Find out why. 

There is a good chance of meeting someone 

important who will help you with your career. 

Networking is likely to bring you nearer to your 

professional goal. You are likely to go out of 

your way to help out a friend or relation and win 

a lot of praise. Those undertaking a long journey 

will make it in good time. Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: 

Maroon 

CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20) 

You may wish for a change, but nothing seems 

to indicate that in your current situation. Some 

of you are likely to enjoy your stay with a friend. 

A family elder will be most understanding and 

support you in everything you do. A social 

gathering promises to make you the star of the 

evening! Young couples and those young at 

heart will be able to share intimate moments with their partners. 

Monetary problems are set to vanish. Lucky number: 1 / Lucky 

colour: Purple 

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) 

Obliging someone who is useful to you is important, 

so don’t let up on this. Someone is likely to take 

a great deal of interest in what you have to offer 

on the business front. Those performing well are 

likely to get full credit for their work. Accolades 

and congrats may pour in for something you have 

achieved. You are likely to get socially active and 

renew many relationships that have cooled over the years. Lucky 

number:11 / Lucky colour: Indigo 

VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23) 

You cannot afford to gloss over the essentials 

at this juncture, so get down to it right away. 

Attempts to come into the good books of an 

important person on the professional or academic 

front will partially succeed. Financial situation 

is likely to improve for some. A family outing 

will prove to be fun. Something that you desire 

on the social front will be yours. Your romantic 

endeavours are likely to bring positive results. Health remains 

satisfactory. Lucky number: 22 / Lucky colour: Magenta 

LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23) 

Desire to break free and indulge in some 

pleasurable activities may not get fulfilled and 

frustrate you. At work, you may find the ‘in’ tray 

perpetually full. Ignoring a senior’s advice may 

get you in all sorts of trouble on the academic 

front. A family elder may not be as supportive 

as you had believed. Those in love may find it 

difficult to spare time for a meeting. Suitable 

lodging that fits the pocket may not be readily available. Lucky 

number:6 / Lucky colour: Orange 

SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22) 

Being overconfident may be your undoing at 

work, so curb this tendency, if you want to 

avoid embarrassment. Health of those unwell 

is likely to deteriorate and may require extra 

care. An opportunity may be wasted just 

because you couldn’t get your at together on 

the professional front. Chances of being made 

a scapegoat for something you haven’t done 

look bright. Love life may not be a bed of roses. Spouse may remain 

cross with you over an issue. Lucky number: 8 / Lucky colour: 

Grey 

SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21) 

Someone’s firmness will ultimately benefit 

you, so don’t have apprehensions about his or 

her intentions. Stars on the romantic front look 

strong, so those looking for love should double 

their efforts! Financially, you will be able to work 

towards enhancing your earnings. Adhering to 

an active life and controlled diet will be enough 

to find you hale and hearty. You will manage to deal with a man 

management issue tactfully. You will have your say in a property 

matter. Lucky number: 3 / Lucky colour: Cyan 

CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21) 

Calling the shots at home is indicated, as you 

manage to take certain things in your hands. 

Your popularity is set to rise on the social 

front. Things go your way on the professional 

front. Excellent showing on the academic front 

will put you on the forefront. Spouse will be 

supportive and will be with you in thick and 

thin. Financially, you will be much better poised than before. You 

remain fit and energetic. Love life is most fulfilling. Lucky number: 

9 / Lucky colour: Turquoise 

AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19) 

This is the time to return the favors to someone 

who had been kind to you in the past. You are 

likely to tighten your belt for an impending 

job that may affect your career. Don’t ignore 

someone’s advice, as it is for your own good. 

You may become overly sensitive to the opinion 

of others and spoil your week. Chances of 

strengthening the bonds with those you are 

causally acquainted with cannot be ruled out. Lucky number: 1 / 

Lucky colour: Pink 

PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20) 

This is an exciting week when you will be 

socially much in demand. Sweet taste of success 

is likely to linger for long on the professional or 

academic front. Your excellent performance is 

likely to bring you to the notice of those who 

matter. You will be cool and calculating where 

money is concerned, as you earn as much as 

possible. Good dietary control and an active life will ensure that 

you retain good health. Lucky number: 4 / Lucky colour: Lemon


FEATURES 19 

Qatar Airways becomes the 

world's first to operate fully 

COVID-vaccinated flight 

Qatar Airways has set a new 

record of operating the 

world's first fully COVID-19 

vaccinated flight. 

As per the latest news reports, 

the QR 6421 flight, carrying all 

vaccinated passengers and crew 

members, departed from the 

Hamad International Airport. 

While on board, the crew members 

demonstrated the highest standards 

of safety and hygiene, including 

the world’s first Zero Touch 

inflight entertainment technology. 

Reportedly, the Qatar Airways 

operated the special flight using 

the most advanced sustainable 

aircraft, Airbus A350-1000, 

which is also part of the airline’s 

Carbon Offset Environment 

Sustainability Programme. 

Referring to the special flight, the 

Chief Executive of Qatar Airways 

Group stated that the special flight 

demonstrates the next stage in the 

recovery of international travel is not 

far away. 

He added that they are proud 

to continue leading the industry 

by operating the first flight 

with a fully vaccinated crew 

and passengers and providing a 

beacon of hope for the future of 

international aviation. 

He informed, “...As the vaccine 

rollout begins to gather pace 

"...as the vaccine rollout begins to gather pace 

worldwide, Qatar Airways remains committed 

to being the airline passengers and travel partners 

can rely on, operating one of the largest global 

networks to provide the connectivity needed to 

reunite families and friends and support global 

trade 

worldwide, Qatar Airways remains 

committed to being the airline 

passengers and travel partners 

can rely on, operating one of the 

largest global networks to provide 

the connectivity needed to reunite 

families and friends and support 

global trade.’’ It is also the first airline 

in the Middle East to begin trials of 

the innovative new IATA Travel Pass 

Digital Passport mobile app. 

It was also the world's first global 

airline to achieve the prestigious 

5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety 

Rating by international air transport 

rating organisation. 

Pranic healing is an energy 

healing technique based on 

non-touch healing practice 

Pranic healing is an energy 

healing technique based on 

non-touch healing practice. 

It is a highly developed and tested 

system. Energy medicine utilizes 

prana to balance, harmonize 

and transform the body’s energy 

processes. The invisible bio-energy 

(Prana in Sanskrit) keeps the body 

alive and maintains a state of 

good health. 

Pranic Healing is a simple, yet 

powerful and effective system of 

no-touch energy healing originated 

and developed by Grand Master 

Choa Kok Sui. It is based on the 

fundamental principle that body 

is a self-repairing living entity 

that possesses the innate ability 

to heal itself. The Pranic Healing 

techniques can be utilized to heal 

various physical, mental, emotional 

and psychological ailments. Patients 

suffering from chronic physical 

ailments such as frozen shoulder, 

migraine have shown quick 

recovery. Similarly, people who get 

maximum benefits are patients of 

depression, anxiety, trauma, phobias 

and addiction related illness. Also, 

Pranic healing has proven to provide 

positive results in relationship, 

career, busin ess and prosperity 

manifestation. 

NZ Pranic Healing Foundation 

Inc. a charitable society conducts 

regular free weekly meditation on 

Every Sunday - 2pm to 4 pm at 

Onehunga Sai Temple, 12-18 

Princes Street, Onehunga 1061 

Every Monday- 7.30 pm to 

9.00pm at Kawai Purapura 

Retreat Centre, 14 Mills Lane, 

Albany 0632 

Pre-meditation info talk and Q&A 

session are held with participants. 

Post meditation free healing is also 

offered. Attending regular meditation 

classes enhances holistic wellbeing, 

improved immunity and spiritual 

muscles. We encourage people to 

learn this technique for self-healing 

and helping their kins. 

We conduct regular workshop to 

teach Pranic Healing. 

For more details please contact – 

Pavitra Roy - +6421445166

The Indian Weekender, 14 May 2021

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