The Indian Weekender, 28 May 2021

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Editorial Maritime partnerships are key to promoting India’s key strategic interests During the Raisina Dialogue held earlier in year in April, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in articulating his description of the ‘India Way’, said that India is now “more of a decider or a shaper rather than an abstainer”. This is a welcome change in India’s approach to the region and the world. If India hopes to contribute to shaping the future, it will need to look outwards. This implies shedding archaic baggage of past decades, along with the affliction of being myopically inward looking. Assuming greater roles and responsibilities regionally and globally should form a vital element of the approach alluded to by the Minister. It is in this context that India’s continued unwillingness to join broad, issue-based, multilateral security constructs may need a review. One of these important multilateral groupings is the Combined Maritime Forces or CMF that operate extensively in India’s backyard. The CMF website articulates that the multinational maritime partnership “exists to uphold the International Rules-based Order”. This is a concept that India’s leadership too has been seized of in recent years. Moreover, it is not an alliance but rather a ‘partnership’. Why then the reluctance to join? The CMF is an agglomeration of about 34 countries engaged in myriad security tasks in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf. Areas that are of critical and of direct interest to India. It has representation from countries spanning the entire globe. East and Southeast Asian representation includes Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore. Europe finds representation through Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey. Interestingly, all these players are from beyond the region, but have still invested in such a partnership, driven by their individual and collective national interests. Of course, regional players like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Seychelles and UAE are also part of the construct. Then there is Pakistan, which has been part of the CMF for well over a decade and has commanded two of the three Task Forces under the CMF on multiple occasions. Everyone seems to be playing, except India. If India is to be a ‘shaper’ and ‘decider’ on the global stage, it needs to first be more proactive and engaged at the regional stage. Structures such as the CMF have the potential to accrue multiple strategic and operational benefits. For instance, being a part of the construct, Pakistan has a ready platform to promote its own narrative, build professional expertise, gain access to valuable operational information (if not intelligence) and, in essence, punch above its weight. Notably, it is able to play the game with practically no opponent, for instance, to challenge its version of events. From a geo-strategic perspective, the Indian Ocean is progressively becoming the primary arena for global competition and volatility. Threats like terrorism, drugs and gun-running, piracy, etc., all compete for attention. Then there is inherent land-based volatility in the region spilling into the seas like in Somalia, Yemen, and more recently in the Persian Gulf. On top of all these, great-power competition in its latest avatar is also being played out in India’s backyard. As USA and China jostle for influence, other players are either hopping on to one bandwagon or hedging their bets. A complex mosaic indeed, and a game requiring keen skill, and more importantly a fresh approach. It is increasingly apparent that ‘more of the same’ will not do, nor will rigid approaches to dynamic issues foment advantages. From an operational perspective, the Indian Navy’s INS Suvarna undertook an operation off the coast of Kerala recently, seizing over 300 kg of narcotics. A few days earlier, a French Naval Ship FS Guepratte had also carried out a similar operation in the Arabian Sea to seize over 600 kg of narcotics. Two players, one evident goal, but both playing separately. Could they not play in collaboration? Can the whole not be more than the sum of its parts? Will joining an issue-based, non-binding construct such as the CMF not accrue tangible operational benefits for India? As India’s defence budget continues to be under stress, harnessing partnerships across the region could be beneficial. From a regional and policy perspective, India’s political leadership have recently articulated the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region -- SAGAR. This alludes to cooperation and is collaborative in its essence. As players of all hues engage in pursuit of common goals in the region, India remains somewhat of an outlier. If India is to truly don the mantle of being a ‘Preferred Security Partner’, as envisaged by the political leadership, it may be time to think and act differently. It may be time to identify convergences with constructs like the CMF and, indeed, fast-track policy changes that promote India’s interests through every possible avenue, including participation in multilateral constructs such as the CMF towards shaping and deciding the direction of the game. Thought of the week “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams Indian Weekender : Volume 13 Issue 11 Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz Media Sales Manager.: Leena Pal: 021 952 216 | leena@indianweekender.co.nz Sales and Distribution: 021 952218 | sales@indianweekender.co.nz Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent the views of the team at the Indian Weekender Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland. Printed at Horton Media, Auckland 28 May – 3 June 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° 14° Clouds and showers This week in New Zealand’s history 20° 14° Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved. A few morning showers 29 May 1905 World’s first state-run maternity hospital opens 21° 15° A few morning showers 26° 17° At the beginning of the 20th century, the quality of midwives varied from caring and competent to dirty and dangerous. As Assistant Inspector of Hospitals, Grace Neill had seen first-hand the harm done by poor midwifery. She wanted to improve the standard of care for mothers and babies. 29 May 1947 Mabel Howard becomes first female Cabinet minister First elected to Parliament for Christchurch East in a by-election in February 1943, Mabel Howard became a high-profile and sometimes flamboyant minister in the first two Labour governments. 29 May 1953 Hillary and Tenzing reach summit of Everest A beekeeper from New Zealand, Edmund Hillary, and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first people to stand on the summit of the world’s highest peak. 30 May 1901 New Zealand turns down federation with Australia A 10-man Royal Commission reported unanimously that New Zealand should not become a state of the new Commonwealth of Australia. 30 May 1959 Auckland harbour bridge opens New Zealand’s best-known bridge opened after four years of construction. 30 May 1996 New honours system established A New Zealand Royal Honours System was established with the institution of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which replaced the various British State Orders of Chivalry. From 1848 to 1975 New Zealand had shared in the British honours system. Between 1975 and 1996, the system was a mix of British and New Zealand honours. 31 May 1916 HMS New Zealand fights at Jutland In the misty North Sea on the last day of May 1916, 250 warships from Britain’s Royal Navy and Germany’s High Seas Fleet clashed in the First World War’s greatest and bloodiest sea battle. Among them was HMS New Zealand, the battlecruiser the Dominion had gifted to the Royal Navy.
The Indian Weekender Friday, May 28, 2021 FIJI 13 WHO: Virus can only be defeated if we cooperate As Fiji continues to battle COVID-19, the World Health “That’s what we are saying to the world, this virus can be Dr Ghebreyesus said even though not all were vaccinated yet, Organization (WHO) says the virus can only be defeated defeated if we work together, we cooperate and unite,” said Dr the fight against the virus needed to continue. if we all cooperate. Ghebreyesus. “Vaccines are not being distributed equitably, so we have to WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said if people were divided then the virus actually exploits the division. “If we are divided, then the virus actually exploits the division. “So we need to fight it together. “And it’s a common enemy, enemy for everybody.” still continue to fight.” In many developing countries, vaccination hasn’t even started.” Australia has delivered 30,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the last 3 days Australia has delivered a further 30,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to Fiji as well as vaccine consumables such as syringes and other equipment over the last 3 days. This has been confirmed by Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, John Feakes who says of the 1 million doses committed to Fiji, Australia has delivered 70,000 doses this month alone. Health Minister, Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete had earlier stated that Fiji is targeting to get 1.2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as they aim to vaccinate 600,000 people in the country. The vaccination drive for Suva and Nausori containment zones continues today. This is for the first dose of the vaccine. Please stay in your home and wait for your turn when your family is called by the mobile teams from the road. Vaccination is only available to the people living in the listed areas today. Mobile teams will be visiting and vaccinating households having home-bound individuals due to illness or old age. Wear a mask, wash your hands or sanitize before and after being vaccinated, maintain safe physical distancing of 2 metres from another person and do not get into close contact with anyone while waiting to be vaccinated. Those who are above 18 years of age and wish to be vaccinated, please present your valid photo identification e.g. Joint FNPF/ FRCA, driver’s license, passport, student ID or FNPF card to register for vaccination. If you have registered, please be ready with your registration reference number and valid photo identification. Those who are living within the allocated area for vaccination but have to go to work out of the area can be vaccinated next time. Those who are working within the areas of vaccination sites can get vaccinated. Please note you need to get two doses of AstraZeneca for greater efficacy. The date for your second dose will be put in the vaccination card after your first dose. Ministry: Do not travel if you are sick Do not travel on public transport vehicles or enter supermarkets if you are experiencing any one of the following symptoms fatigue, fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, body aches or a sudden loss of taste or smell. This was the plea from the Health Ministry in a statement issued yesterday after five new COVID-19 cases were reported, taking the total number for Fiji since March last year to 235. “We have also seen evidence that people have travelled on public transport or done shopping despite experiencing symptoms,” the ministry stated. We all must take individual responsibility for stopping the spread of this virus. If you experience any of these symptoms – even one and even if it is very mild – you must be screened immediately. “Go to the nearest mobile screening centre, wearing a mask and maintaining 2m physical distance between you and any other person you encounter. If you do not know where the nearest screening centre is located, call 158 and ask. “Do not use public transport if you have any symptoms. If you cannot get to a screening centre, again, call 158 for assistance.” BOOK ADS IN NEWSPAPER The most widely circulated WEEKLY publication for Kiwi-Indians and the most popular news platform with a strong online, social media, and print. We deal with all major advertising: Digital, Social Media and Newspaper Print advertising. PROPERTY AUTOMOBILE EDUCATION Call us for a customised advertising solution with Indian Weekender www.indianweekender.co.nz IMMIGRATION MORTGAGE EVENTS 021 952 216 Email sales@indianweekender.co.nz / leena@indianweekender.co.nz NEW ZEALAND Over a ton of colour to be used at Krishna Holi 2021 event in Kumeu The Indian Weekender Friday, February 12, 2021 11 RIZWAN MOHAMMAD T he biggest Holi event in the country on Sunday, February 14 at ISKCON Temple in Kumeu will put over one ton of colours for 10,000 visitors to play with celebrating the annual Hindu festival. Holi is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals for the Indian community after Diwali that is celebrated by the diaspora and the adjoining communities across the globe. The annual festival of colour falls on March 28-29 this year, and the religious element of the festival signifies the triumph of good over evil. It is observed a the end of winter and advent of spring month (in the Indian subcontinent), and spiritual part of the festival starts with Holika Dahan (burning demon Holika) also known as Chhoti Holi and the following day as Holi. In its 9th year, Krishna Holi event at the iconic Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu, West Auckland attracts thousands of people from all walks of life, different ethnicities and faiths to be a part of a colourful and joyous event. Speaking with the Indian Weekender, Krishna Chandra from the temple said they are excited to see the festive season of Holi back after a gloomy year of Covid-19 in the country. “Holi at the Krishna Temple is one of the most vibrant events in our calendar- we see families dressed white clothing visi the temple and then dance and drench in dry and wet colours from noon till early evening,” Krishna Chandra, secretary and spokesperson of Hare Krishna Temple said. The temple spread over 100 acres start the free event at 11 a.m. and will have stalls that distribute at least ten to 12 colours, and there will also be watercolours for the visitors. A giant LED screen is also installed on the stage with a DJ and live music for the attendees to dance and have fun. “It’s a family-friendly- tobacco and alcoholfree event. People of all ages can have fun as there will be colour stalls, water stations, food stalls, changing rooms, showering stations for people drenched in colour,” Mr Chandra said. He added tha the temple stocks colours to be used at the festival at least 2-3 years at a time. The temple will be used over a ton of colour at the event both in its dry form and with water. “We have given 200 kgs of colour to fire brigade who will mix it in their water tank and then splash it on the visitors at different intervals. “Since this year’s event coincides with Valentine’s Day, we have kept valentine theme gifts and gift station too at the venue for the public to celebrate the occasion there,” Mr Chandra added. Mr Chandra says all arrangements in terms of Covid QR Code scanning and hand sanitisers are in place for people, arrangements for children activities, so that everyone gets to enjoy the even to its fullest. “We have volunteers, security to usher vehicles to park in the appropriate places, manage the oncoming and returning traffic, and make sure visitors feel comfortable at the event,” Mr Chandra added. The event organisers have appealed the visitors to come in white dress as colours tend event like previous years will be high octane, to exhibit its vibrancy on white clothing, get full of energy and good vibes,” Mr Chandra spare clothing to change after playing with added. colour and food and water arrangements have ISKCON Temple is located on 1229 been made a the venue. Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Kumeu, West “Hol is always a fun event and Krishna Holi Auckland, and the event starts at noon to 5 p.m. Hare Krishna temple to host ‘Saatvik food festival’ RIZWAN MOHAMMAD T he Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu, West Auckland is hosting its annual food festival event on Saturday, February 13, for the community. More than 3000 people are expected to attend the event where they will be served saatvik vegetarian food, tour the temple premises and have a relaxing family-fun day. “Our Hare Krishna Food Festival is very popular amongs the wider Kiwi community in Auckland, people from all faiths and ethnicities come to the temple, take a tour of the place knowing about the deities, the ISKCON establishment, its works for the community and have snacks and food during the day,” Krishna Chandra, secretary and spokesperson for Hare Krishna temple told the Indian Weekender. The event is said to be quiet, and exhibit a relaxing environment where people get to meet new people, make friends, experience the calmness being with nature, have Saatvik (pure) vegetarian food and have good family day. “This event is happening just one day before our most popular Krishna Holi event which is will be loud, full of energy, playfulness, music and dance,” Mr Chandra added. The events will start at 2 p.m. and end at seven in the evening. Besides the food festival, Krishna Temple organises lunch event every Sunday at its premises where 300-400 people come, chant mantras, meditate, spend some time with nature and dine with the community members. “It is a soothing atmosphere at the temple, chanting mantras with the community, knowing more about the religion, what can they do at the temple and how can they make a difference in the community by serving others and the less privileged. “There are also children’s activities organised so that they engage themselves and also have a good time at the temple,” Mr Chandra said.
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The Indian Weekender, 28 May 2021

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