The Indian Weekender, Friday 02 July 2021

02 JULY2021 • VOL 13 ISSUE 16
www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekender /indianweekender
New Ministry for Ethnic
Communities launched
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The Indian Weekender Friday, July 02, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 3
New Ministry for Ethnic
Communities launched
SANDEEP SINGH
The government has launched a new
Ministry for Ethnic Communities on
Thursday, July 1, with Mervin Singham
as the Chief Executive Officer.
Speaking on the occasion the Minister for
Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities
Priyanca Radhakrishnan who will be heading
the new Ministry said, “This is the first time
in its history that New Zealand has had a
Ministry and Chief Executive solely focused
on improving outcomes for our ethnic
communities, which make up nearly 20 per cent
of our population.”
“Our government wants to ensure that New
Zealand is a place where everyone feels safe,
valued, heard, and has a sense of belonging,”
Radhakrishan said.
The Government committed to establishing
the Ministry last December, as part of its
response to the recommendations of the Royal
Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack
on Christchurch masjidain on 15 March 2019.
A small commemorative event was organised
in the precinct of the New Zealand parliament
earlier today with several members of diverse
ethnic communities, members of parliament
and Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan attending
the event.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sent a video
message.
The Ministry will continue to deliver the
functions of the Office of Ethnic Communities
but will also look to build additional functions
and influence across the public sector.
“Many from
our diverse ethnic
communities have
been calling for a
Ministry for some
time now, and I want to
"Some
have
also raised the
need to address the
discrimination that has led
to the underrepresentation
of these communities
at various levels of
leadership."
acknowledge them today,” said
Priyanca Radhakrishnan.
“I know, from conversations with those
communities that there’s a lot more we need to
do to tackle the challenges many are facing in
the labour market, education and health sectors
and when accessing Government services.
“Some have also raised the need to
address the discrimination that has led to the
underrepresentation of these communities at
various levels of leadership. I’m pleased that
the Ministry’s priorities will be shaped by
what’s important to the communities it serves.”
Mervin Singham appointed as
new CEO
Earlier, the government also announced
Mervin Singham, the current Executive
Director at Royal Commission of Inquiry into
Historical Abuse in State care and in Faithbased
care as the new Chief Executive Officer
of the new Ministry of Ethnic Communities.
Deputy Public Service Commissioner
Helene Quilter QSO has announced on
Wednesday, June 30 the appointment of Mr
Mervin Singham as Chief Executive, Ministry
for Ethnic Communities.
“I’m very pleased to appoint Mr Singham to
this role,” Ms Quilter said.
“Mr Singham is a respected and seasoned
leader in the Public service with a demonstrated
record of delivering for ethnic communities.”
Mr Singham is currently the Executive
Director of the Royal Commission of Inquiry
into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the
Care of Faith-based Institutions (the Royal
Commission), a role he has held since 2018.
Prior to this, Mr Singham held a number of
executive leadership roles at the
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA),
including Director, Office of Ethnic Affairs.
Before joining DIA Mr Singham was Chief
Mediator at the Human Rights Commission.
Mr Singham is a collaborative leader who
has extensive experience working effectively
with ethnic communities.
“I am confident he will bring diverse
communities together,” Ms Quilter said.
Mr Singham has been appointed for five
years from 1 July 2021.
Mr Singham was appointed Executive
Director, Royal Commission of Inquiry into
Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care
of Faith-based Institutions in 2018.
From 2012 to 2018 he held a number of
executive leadership roles at the Department
of Internal Affairs, including Deputy Chief
Executive, Stewardship and Organisational
Sustainability and Deputy Chief Executive,
Strategy and Governance.
Between 2000 and 2004 he was Chief
Mediator at the Human Rights Commission.
He was Complaints Manager at the Office of
Race Relations Conciliator from 1997 to 2000.
Mr Singham holds a Master of Laws
(1st Class Honours), Auckland University
and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours),
University of Canterbury.
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4 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, July 02, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Community’s
nonagenarians
honoured
Hononary Consul of India, Auckland Bhav Dhillon (left) with Former MP Kanwaljit
Bakshi, (second from left) with community leaders Dhirubai Patel ( Second from
right) and Dhansukh Lal (right ) at Mahatma Gandhi Centre last weekend
DEV NADKARNI
The Auckland Indian
Association honoured senior
members of the Kiwi-Indian
community who have crossed the
ninety-year milestone of their lives at
a heartwarming function on Sunday
27 June.
The Association, which itself
is in its centenary year, hosted
a lunch for twenty-three “super
seniors” that included a married
couple and a centenarian, Mrs
Ramiben Parshottam, a great-great
grandmother aged 102. Also in
attendance were a couple of hundred
family members, friends, and
community leaders.
The function began with
an inspiring speech by Pandit
Devrambhai Raval, priest of the
Radha-Krishna Temple. While
paying respects and expressing
gratitude to the seniors for their long
involvement and constant guidance
in the workings of the Association,
he underscored the importance of
staying healthy in body and mind,
particularly by staying connected
and communicating regularly with
friends and family.
The Association’s Seniors
Committee Organiser, Dhiru Patel,
mourned the loss of seven members
this year and led a minute’s silence to
pay respects to the departed.
Mr. Patel, who has been working
tirelessly for the Association’s elderly
members, spoke of the seniors’ busy
activity calendar down recent years
– particularly their travels around
the world including India, Sri Lanka,
Maldives, Australia, the United
States of America, Canada, South
East Asia, and China – all between
2016 and 2019. Their travels since
2020, following the onset of the
pandemic, have been restricted to
destinations in New Zealand.
The seniors also attend regular
workshops related to information
technology, mental and physical
wellness, and participate in walks in
and around Auckland.
Each of the super seniors were
honoured with certificates and
mementoes. Brief profiles about their
lives, times, challenges and successes
were read out by the masters of
ceremonies.
Minister for Transport Michael
Wood congratulated the super seniors
and addressed the gathering by video
link from Wellington, being unable
to travel because of travel restrictions
from the capital.
Auckland Indian Association
President Dhansukh Lal, former
Member of Parliament Kanwaljit
Singh Bakshi and Honorary Consul
of India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon
also spoke at the event and gave
away certificates and mementoes to
the super seniors and the relatives of
those that were unable to attend.
Mr Bakshi congratulated the
nonagenarians and likened their status
to the ‘nervous nineties’ that batsmen
face in cricket. He said he wished
them well to reach their centennial
milestones. He said looking at their
recent travel itineraries, he himself
wished he was a senior citizen amid
peals of laughter and lusty applause.
Mr Dhillon compared elders to
precious jewels who had the wisdom
of the ages. “Success comes from
making good decisions and good
decisions comes from experience,”
he said. Being amidst these “superexperienced”
seniors reminded
Senior citizens recieving the honour at Mahatma Gnadhi Centre
engagement with the community
despite not being in
government. “It’s a true test
of leadership when one
him of visiting his ‘nanihal’
or ‘aji ke ghar’ (grandparents’
home) he added.
Respect for elders is embedded in
Indian culture and how good a family
is can be determined by how well it
treats its seniors, Mr Dhillon said.
He praised Mr Bakshi for being
committed to social and cultural
102 and full of beans!
Auckland Indian Association may be 100 years
old but one of its members is 102!
A quiet unassuming woman, Ramiben
Purshotam was born in India on 2 March 1919. She
married Purshotam Makan and bore him two sons before
he travelled to South Africa for, presumably, better
prospects. Unfortunately, while there, he passed away
of tuberculosis. Now a widow with two sons, Ramiben
lived with her in-laws working in the family fields to
be self-sufficient. In 1974 extended family called her to
serves the community
responsibly without
being in office or a
position of power.”
New Zealand Police
Ethnic Responsiveness
Manager Jessica Phuang
also gave away certificates and
mementoes to recipients.
The day concluded with a
sumptuous lunch put together as
usual by the Association’s catering
committee volunteers, while seniors
blessed with musical talent sang
memorable old Hindi numbers.
New Zealand and she continues to reside with her eldest
son Manu and daughter-in-law Ruxmani in Otahuhu still
tending the garden when she can. She listens daily to
the Gayatri Mantra and chants Mala beads and enjoys
reading religious books and Indian news. She’s also
partial to junk food including Twisties, chips, ginger
biscuits, short bread, and cheese on toast.
Blessed with two sons, eight grandchildren, eight great
grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren she also
enjoys the company of friends.
Govt launches consultation on proposed “hate speech” reforms
SANDEEP SINGH
The government has launched
public consultation on
the proposed hate speech
reforms on Sunday, June 24.
An official release from the
government said that the work
was part of the wider response to
recommendations from the Royal
Commission of Inquiry into the
terrorist attack on Christchurch
masjidain (mosques), and builds on
existing initiatives by government to
strengthen social cohesion.
Hate speech will become a criminal
offence and anyone convicted could
face harsher punishment, under the
proposed legislative changes.
The Ministry of Justice is seeking
public feedback on proposed changes
to the Human Rights Act 1993
that aim to strengthen protections
against speech that incites hatred
and discrimination. The opposition
parties including National Party,
ACT Party and several other
stakeholders have criticised the
government move saying this will
limit free speech in the country.
“The Government wants to ensure
Aotearoa is a place where everyone
feels safe, valued, heard, has a
strong sense of belonging, and is
able to participate fully in society,”
Associate Minister for Social
Development and Employment,
Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.
“Abusive or threatening speech
that incites hostility can cause
significant harm and divide
communities. Minister of Justice,
Kris Faafoi said.
“Protecting our right to freedom
Jessica Phuang, Manager of Ethnic Responsiveness
NZ Police, (left), honouring the Senior Citizen
Community Leader Dhansukh Lal, (left), Former MP Kanwaljit Baksh,
(middle), Community Leader, Dhirubai Patel at Mahatma Gandhi Centre
of expression while balancing that
right with protections against ‘hate
speech’ is something that requires
careful consideration and a wide
range of input,” Kris Faafoi said.
The Ministry of Social
Development will lead a programme
talking to the public about whether
there are changes people would
like to see to make Aotearoa New
Zealand more socially cohesive,
and what success might look like.
Public submissions for both work
programmes are open from June 25
to August 06, 2021.
Punishment may increase
The government is considering
creating a new, clearer hate speech
offence in the Crimes Act, removing
it from the Human Rights Act.
That would mean anyone who
“intentionally stirs up, maintains or
normalises hatred against a protected
group” by being “threatening,
abusive or insulting, including by
inciting violence” would break
the law.
"
The Government
wants to ensure
Aotearoa is a place
where everyone feels
safe, valued, heard,
has a strong sense of
belonging, and is able
to participate fully in
society
The punishment for hate speech
offences could also increase - from
up to three months’ imprisonment or
a fine of up to $7000, to up to three
years’ imprisonment or a fine of up
“It’s
a true test
of leadership
when one serves the
community responsibly
without being in office
or a position of
power"
to $50,000. The groups protected
from hate speech could also grow
- the government is considering
changing the language and widening
the incitement provisions in the
Human Rights Act.
It has not yet decided which
groups will be added. That is
expected to happen following
public consultation.
It is currently only an offence to
use speech that will “excite hostility”
or “bring into contempt” a person or
group on the grounds of their colour,
race or ethnicity. Gender identity,
sexual orientation, religion or
disability aren’t protected grounds.
The government is proposing
several changes to the civil
provision of the Human Rights Act,
including making it illegal to incite
others to discriminate against a
protected group.
It also wants to amend the Human
Rights Act to ensure trans, genderdiverse
and intersex people are
protected from discrimination.

The Indian Weekender Friday, July 02, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 5
Charity bike ride from
Picton to Bluff: A journey
for awareness and change
PARIDHI BAKSHI
NZ to resume travel bubble
with some Australian states
Two young men from Greymouth have taken a
pledge to educate and spread more awareness
about Cancer by organising a charity bike ride
from Picton to Bluff covering 927 kms in 11 days starting
from Thursday, uly 1 to July 11.
Sonal Sharma, the man behind the inspiring concept
along with his friend Nitish decided to take on the journey
to support the change and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Sonal’s friend Nitish who is also known as Nik is his
helping hand on this trip who decided to join him on his
mission as he got influenced by Sonal’s idea and his love
for travel and blogging could not have been explored any
better way.
The Indian Weekender spoke with Sharma who told
his inspirational journey how he changed from everyday
drinking and smoking lifestyle to exercising every day
and eating a well-balanced diet.
“The poor lifestyle choices I made over the years
impacted not only my physical health but also affected my
mental health and wellbeing. And after my father passed
away it was a turning point for me to make a change and
help people suffering from the cancer and their families.”
Sonal said.
“Alkaline Routes is an initiative to bring the change
in the society of well being and an opportunity to for
everyone to participate in the journey to bring out the best
version of ourselves.” Sonal added.
Sonal also said “In today’s world everyone is hustling
to accomplish their deeds and desires that we often miss
out ourselves and neglect the importance of exercise and
eating a well-balanced diet. As we often get carried away
and eat out of convenience but on our journey we aim to
show you the healthy alkaline food options available at
different restaurants and cafes.”
“Together we can bring the change and cultivate
the culture of wellbeing. In our mission we are not
only recognizing the presence of disease but also the
importance of strengthening our body and mind to prevent
or fight back with such disease.” Sonal concluded.
The young men are encouraging the community to
donate for Cancer society to support cancer patients and
their families in different ways. They are also inviting
everyone to join them from anywhere they are on their
journey even for a short distance to be a part of their
Charity ride.
RNZ
New Zealand will resume
the quarantine free travel
bubble with some Australian
states from Sunday after Wellington
relaxes Covid-19 restrictions on
Tuesday night.
The capital will move back down
to alert level 1 from midnight on
Tuesday due to zero community
transmission found after the
Covid-19 alert moved up to level 2
about a week ago, Director-General
of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a
press conference.
The raising of alert level on
Wednesday was due to a Sydney
tourist who visited Wellington
between June 18 and 21 and tested
positive for the more infectious Delta
variant of Covid-19 upon returning
to Australia, reports Xinhua news
agency. Under alert level 2, any mass
gatherings are prohibited and limited
to 100 people.
Facial masks are mandatory on
public transport.
As Wellington prepares to return to
Alert Level 1 tonight, people in the
region are urged to remain vigilant
and get tested if they are feeling
unwell or were at a location of
interest, Covid-19 Response Minister
Chris Hipkins said.
He said there have been no cases of
Covid-19 detected in the community
after nearly 2,500 negative
results from contacts of the case
(including repeat negative results
from the case’s close contacts) and
wastewater testing
The pause on the quarantine
free travel from South Australia,
Australian Capital Territory,
Tasmania and Victoria will be lifted
at 11.59 p.m. on Sunday, Hipkins
said, adding this could change if the
situation in Australia evolves.
The pause with Western Australia,
Northern Territory, New South Wales
and Queensland will remain in
place so that outstanding test results
can be returned and to “give New
Zealand time to assess next steps”,
the Minister said, adding this will be
reviewed again next on July 6.
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6 NEW ZEALAND
Indian nurse dies
in road accident
in Northland
PARIDHI BAKSHI
An Indian woman nurse had died in a
fatal road incident on State Highway
12, near Brynderwyn, on Tuesday,
June 22.
Police has revealed the identity of the Indian
nurse as 29-year-old Palwinder Kaur from
Ruawai.
Responding to an enquiry by the Indian
Weekender, an official spokesperson of NZ
police said, “Police can now name the woman
who died after a vehicle crash on State Highway
12, near Brynderwyn, on 22 June.”
“She was Palwinder Kaur, 29, from Ruawai.”
“Police’s sympathies are with her family at
this time.”
Earlier the police have reported about the
tragic accident that happened just before
midnight on June 22 in Northland, “A person
has died following a crash near Maungaturoto
overnight.”
“Shortly after 11.20 pm on June 22, Police
were notified of a crash involving two vehicles
on SH12 near the intersection with SH1 at
Brynderwyn.
“One person was airlifted to hospital and has
sadly died.
“Another person was taken to hospital with
moderate injuries.
“The Serious Crash Unit has been notified
and an investigation into the crash is underway,”
the earlier police press release said.
Palwinder Kaur was on work visa
The Indian Weekender spoke with her close
friend Prince Man who is the next of kin in New
Zealand and coordinating with authorities and
the deceased’s family back in India.
“Originally from Amritsar district of the
India’s state of Punjab, Palwinder had arrived
in New Zealand in 2019 on a student visa and
was currently on work visa,” Mr Mann said.
“She was my friend’s wife, and the family
has requested to send her back as soon as
possible,” Mr Mann said.
Palwinder got married and was residing in
Rotorua with her husband Harmeet Singh. She
was working as a nurse at an old age retirement
home in Waipu.
‘’She was not supposed to be at work that
day and was covering a shift for another friend”
Mr Mann said.
The office of the Indian Consulate in Auckland
and the Indian High Commission were assisting
in body repatriation arrangements.
She has now been repatriated back home on
Thursday, July 1.
INTERGENERATIONAL INDIAN
family fighting against all odds
PARIDHI BAKSHI
Gurnek Bindra Singh, an Indian farming
family, have been fighting for their
rights for over a century, Newshub
reports in a story of intergenerational family
struggles.
The great grandfather of Gurnek, Basanta
Singh, came to New Zealand in
1920 and ended up doing
market gardening since
then in Pukekohe. The
animosity of racism and
discrimination have
been witnessed by all
four generations. A
white New Zealand
league was formed
by a group of farmers
and business owners in
1925.
An article from
Newshub mentioned that
it did not make it easy for the
Indians and Chinese to farm on the
lands of the whites.
They used to go to local councils and say, ‘we
don’t want any more Chinese, we don’t want
any more Indians’,” says Tim Fulton, author of
Kiwi Farmers’ Guide to Life.
“They were seen as a scourge, as a real
threat.”
The White league did everything in their
power to sanction penalties on the Indian and
the Chinese farmers. They
were not only restricted to
farming but also allocated
them with only one
chemist or grocery shop.
Racism was so much at
its peak that the Indians
were not allowed to sit in
the cinema with the white
people.
Tim Fulton, the who
profiled 25 different farmers for
his book, mentioned that Gurnek’s
story really stands out from the rest.
“[We are reaping the rewards now for what
the hardship they’ve been through,” Gurnek
says
Although it might be easier for the younger
generation, but their family values and hard
work is a big part of their everyday life.
Gurnek wishes for his kids to follow in his
footsteps , learning the hardships faced by their
elders and someday taking over the business.
Friday, July 02, 2021
The Indian Weekender
A two-week-old baby
loses her Mother
PARIDHI BAKSHI
A
family
was left devastated when
a mother of two kids lost her life
abruptly. Guneet Kaur, a 33-year-old
considered a “beautiful soul” was starting her
day with the usual routine when her husband
Karma Singh Kharoud found her dead on the
floor on Monday morning, June 28, at her home
in Papatoetoe, South Auckland.
Gurjeet Sekhon, a family friend and a
neighbour of the deceased, told the Indian
Weekender that Guneet recently had a C-section
having a premature baby on June 16.
“Everything was going well, and
Guneet was recovering from her
surgery,” Mr Sekhon said.
Roopamjot, brother of
Guneet, who was also living
with his sister, told the Indian
Weekender that her sister’s
husband (Mr Kharoud), when
preparing breakfast on Monday
morning (June 28), heard a
sudden sound of a fall and found
his sister in an unconscious state.
Mr Kharoud immediately tried giving
CPR and called for an ambulance which arrived
pretty soon and tried to resuscitate Guneet.
However, unfortunately, she did not return.
The cause of death is said to be due to the
blood clot filled in the lungs resulting in cardiac
failure, according to the post mortem report.
Sharing more about his sister Roopmajot
told the Indian Weekender, “she was a very
hard working woman, taking care of everyone
around the house”.
“Family has decided to do the funeral in New
Zealand.” Mr Sekhon said.
Guneet had a “perfect family.”
Guneet was originally from Patiala and was
currently living in Papatoetoe.
She first arrived in New Zealand four years
ago on a student visa for
studying Level 8 Childhood
Education course in Auckland.
She and had been married to her husband for
more than five years, who currently works as a
truck driver leaving behind a four-year-old boy
and a two-week-old daughter.
Guneet belonged to a well-educated family
where her father was a retired government
employee and her mother a retired teacher.
She had received her permanent residency
in less than two years after completion of her
studies.
“My sister was a smart, intelligent woman
who had completed her studies in B.A, M.A
and B.ED back in India,” Roopamjot said.
A funeral was held on Wednesday, June 30,
at Anns Funeral Home by Guneet’s family.
Local boards contribute $90,000 to
support Papatoetoe tornado victims
IWK BUREAU
Two local boards have committed
$90,000 between them to bolster
Auckland Council’s Mayoral Relief
Fund for those suffering in the wake of the
tornado that swept through Papatoetoe on 19
June. With more than 1200 properties affected,
including 18 since assessed as uninhabitable
and another 51 significantly damaged and
unsafe to enter, the fund stands at $200,000
after the Government and Auckland Council
committed $100,000 each.
Now Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has
pledged $60,000 to the fund to provide support
to those affected. Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board
passed a resolution at an extraordinary business
meeting this week (Tuesday) that allocates its
unspent Local Development Initiative (LDI)
budget for the 2020-2021 financial year to the
relief fund.
Board chairperson Apulu Reece Autagavaia
urged those affected by the tornado to use the
fund.
“This is ratepayer money going back to
ratepayers who have suffered from the impacts
of the tornado,” he says.
“It is not a large amount considering the
need, but it is everything left over from our end
of the financial year, and what better cause to
use this money on than to alleviate, even if in
a small way, the stress and loss our Papatoetoe
residents have suffered.
“We urge people to apply and utilise the
Mayoral Relief Fund - it’s your money!”
The neighbouring Howick Local Board also
made an urgent decision this week that allocates
$30,000 in unspent LDI budget to the fund.
Chairperson Adele White says seeing the
devastation on TV news was heart-breaking.
“All members of the Howick Local Board
were deeply moved for Papatoetoe residents
hit so far by the tornado and we hope this
contribution can go some way to assisting with
restoration and recovery.”
Mayor Phil Goff says the fund will support
people who need urgent financial assistance as
well as community groups providing support
on the ground level.
“Thank you to both Howick and Ōtara-
Papatoetoe local boards for this generous
allocation in support of their fellow
Aucklanders,” he said.
“This funding is representative of the
generosity and community spirit shown in the
aftermath of the tornado, and I am sure it will
be greatly appreciated by those who need to
access support.”

The Indian Weekender Friday, July 02, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 7
Indian migrant
worker found dead
in a flat in Dunedin:
Brother shares grief
SANDEEP SINGH
An Indian migrant worker who was
on resident visa in the country was
found dead in his flat in Dunedin on
Wednesday, June 23.
The Indian Weekender has reliably learnt
from sources that the Indian national, originally
from Patiala Punjab, was missing from his
work in a for the last four days without any
information.
He was working at The Warehouse, Dunedin.
One of his work colleagues had contacted
with local police saying that it was very “out of
character” of him to remain out of any contact.
The Indian Weekender has learnt that the
local police have responded to that initial
complain and had to make a forced entry in the
flat where the man was found dead.
He has last spoken to our
father about ten days
ago and appeared his normal
cheerful self, enquiring
about Covid situation in
our neighbourhood and
vaccination of our family
members
The Indian Weekender has sent an enquiry
to NZ police to get more details about the
deceased.
Meanwhile, the office of the Indian Consulate
has confirmed that the deceased person is an
Indian national and they have spoken to father
of the man back in India and are working
towards sending him back.
Family based in Punjab.
Indian Weekender spoke with the brother of
the deceased, Ravneet Singh Gill, who said,
“Our family is very distraught, and we are
desperately waiting for him to return.”
“The initial report that we have received from
NZ Police says that the police have found him
in his flat. There were no signs of any forced
entry or any mark of injury on his body.”
“We have been told that the body has been
sent for post-mortem, and further details are
awaited,”
Harsimran arrived in NZ 10 years ago.
Ravneet told the Indian Weekender that
Harsimran came to New Zealand in Jan 2012
to pursue a course in Manufacturing Process.
“He has done well for himself and had fully
established himself in NZ after the initial
struggle. Now he was in a full-time job and was
very happy with his life situation.
“He has last spoken to our father about ten
days ago and appeared his normal cheerful
self, enquiring about Covid situation in our
neighbourhood and vaccination of our family
members,” Ravneet said.
Harsimran got his residency visa approved in
2019 and had last visited family back in India
in January 2019.
More details to come.
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8 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, July 02, 2021
The Indian Weekender
National Party’s spokesperson for ethnic
communities slams new Ministry as 'Paper tiger'
internationally or a continuation
of existing prejudices from our
nation’s history, once again in
New Zealand there is a growing
feeling of intolerance among certain
Melissa Lee
National Party MP
communities for those from ethnic
and migrant backgrounds that is
feeding into bad decision making
National Party’s spokesperson
and law changes by this Government
for ethnic communities
such as the dystopian and misleading
Melissa Lee has slammed
proposals regarding the future of
the new Ministry as just “papertiger.”
diverse ethnic communities. Many services in their public media
hate speech and content regulation
that would stifle rather than aid a real
On Thursday morning amidst filter are deeply concerned at the lack funding. It is appalling the Office
national conversation to be facilitated
coffee and scones at Parliament the of mana or effectiveness Labour’s of Ethnic Communities failed to
for the betterment of our nation.
Office of Ethnic Communities will proposed Ministry will have under step up at the time. It’s appalling the
I’ve been called a Chinese spy
transform into the Ministry for Ethnic the first ever Ethnic Communities Government isn’t stepping up now
(BTW I’m Korean!) I’ve been told to
Communities. It will have a similar Minister to be outside of Cabinet and they can’t even blame NZ First
go back to Korea, China, India and
budget, almost all the same staff since the inception of the portfolio. for their failure.
even Australia, a former Political
and responsibilities with the main Our Ethnic Communities just The Government is still failing
crowning difference being that the want to see real respect and equal to provide timely information and
leader has named me Pyongyang
head of the agency will bloom from engagement opportunities to help services to communities as Wellington
and above all, on an almost daily
being a mere ‘executive director’ into facilitate the growth of our cultures sits in Level 2 and constant anxiety
basis despite being a 5th term
the formidable ‘chief executive’ with and communities to belong. The exists across New Zealand regarding elected Member of New Zealand’s
all the trappings it entails.
Ministry Labour have created won’t the future of our border, immigration Parliament I’ve received the stares
Simply put, the Ministry is a paper achieve that. Ethnic New Zealanders settings and the economy, all issues and sideways glances as to what
tiger. It is limp, it won’t see any are being disrespected by Labour but of incredible importance to ethnic I’m doing here in our Houses of
new and exciting developments for
ethnic communities and will still be
sitting within the wider Department
of Internal Affairs corporate services
that’s nothing new.
This Government treated ethnic
businesses and families as second
class citizens during COVID-19.
New Zealanders, particularly recent
migrants with family overseas. There
is no indication this will change in
the Government’s plan for a Ministry.
Parliament or on the streets of our
country.
It isn’t an elephant in the room that
New Zealand still has a problem with
umbrella. We have seen no website, From systematic discrimination in The reason why I raise these racism. It’s an open secret. In fact it’s Melissa Lee is National
no strategic plans for this new their refusal for ethnic food stores concerns at the outset of the beyond open we know of it and as a Party Member of Parliament
Ministry and lacklustre consultation to remain open during lockdown last establishment of the Ministry is society we say it isn’t us. The number and Spokesperson for
Broadcasting & Media| Digital
that was terribly advertised and ill year to being the last cab off the rank simple. Whether it is COVID-19, of calls and vitriolic insults I and my Economy and Communications |
planned many across New Zealand’s for media support and information the impact of deep political divides office have gotten that have started Ethnic Communities
Vaastu defects and Health issues:-
VIKRAM THAKUR
Different houses create
different conditions for
the existence of persons.
All ailments resulting from Vastu
defects are either Vastu default in
construction or as a result of residing
in a defective direction. A strong
connection exists between Vastu and
the human body. Any Vastu defect
in a building can cause illness in
the human body. The link between
sickness and Vastu defects in a home
can be attributed to the following
points.
A heavy construction in the
northeast leads to insomnia, mental
disorders, tension, irritation, and a
constant state of illness prevails due
to natural energy is restricted.
A Southeast extension, room or
door in that direction can cause
mental stress/tension, disturbed
mind, high blood pressure, etc. A
reservoir of groundwater in this part
of the house can lead to dehydration,
diarrhoea, and problems of offspring,
kidney problems and eventually,
there is no mental peace.
Sleeping in the Northwest may
be the cause of aggression and lost
interest, as well as airborne infectious
diseases. A groundwater source
here can lead to mental trauma,
sleeplessness, early maturity in
children, and a door in that direction
can lead to accidents. A heavy
construction in the north and light
construction in the south or a heavy
construction in the east and light
construction in the west obstruct the
flow of air and energy associated with
good health and thus cause insomnia,
mental tension, physical weakness
and prolonged ailments.
In the middle of the house, a source
of groundwater or source of fire gives
way to fatal illnesses, hallucinations,
stomach upset, insomnia and mental
disorders.
The Southwest extension and
groundwater source are associated
with poor male child health, mental
trauma, fear, insomnia, post-accident
disorders and water-related kidney
disease.
Groundwater sources in the
west give rise to gynaecological
problems, seizures and instability—
underground water sources in the
south cause Gynecologic problems,
brain disorders, mental tensions and
impatience.
Having a water element in the
Southeast region, which originally
depicts the fire element, can lead to
disturbance in mental peace.
The west of Northwest is a zone
of depression. The presence of a
bedroom or long exposures in this
region can lead to a series of failures
which ultimately leads to frustration
and depression.
A Vastu defect in the Northeast
region of the house directly leads
to mental instability. To neutralize
this risk, it is important to keep the
northeast region clean and clutterfree.
The presence of a toilet, septic
tank, heavy storage or even a dustbin
should be avoided. On the other hand,
having a water element, entrance
to the living room, bathroom or
the place of God makes North-East
positive and healthy.
Following the simple principles
of Vastu may help you to have good
health. But do remember these are
general tips of Vastu. Like humans,
every home is different altogether
and having different health issues
and treatments.
Vikram Thakur is an Auckland
based Vastu expert and the
views expressed are authors
alone. He can be contacted @
vikram26thakur@gmail.com and
022 647 6592.
A
Vastu&
S C
I E N C E
By Vikram
Astro
I N Y
O F
D E S T
with “I’m not a racist but…” would
boggle the mind of many Kiwis and
we need to think what the rationale
is for even making these comments
in a diverse society that is growing
ever more multicultural with each
generation.
Our Government needs to give
Ethnic Communities respect and
an agency that will do a real job
representing and supporting the needs
of Ethnic New Zealanders. Again, I
contend this sham of a ‘Ministry for
Ethnic Communities’ will be a paper
tiger without the real autonomy
other Ministry such as Women and
Pacific Peoples hold – it will still be
a corporate arm of the Department
of Internal Affairs without the real
‘mana’ required to get things done.
In effect it will be business as usual
and the Ministry won’t even have a
Minister at the Cabinet table to argue
our case. We need a real Ministry
with better outreach to educate and
influence. New Zealand has a diverse
wonder in our population of cultures
that can only enhance our nation’s
future.
What do you say?
PAPATOETOE TORNADO:
dozens remain out of homes
as recovery phase begins
RNZ
There are 51 people in
emergency accommodation
and 10 homes red stickered
as the Papatoetoe tornado response
team moves to a recovery phase.
Help and support will continue to
be offered for those most directly
affected by the tornado that hit the
suburb around 8.30am on 19 June,
Auckland Emergency Management
group controller Kate Crawford said.
“We know that this has been a
difficult couple of weeks for many,
and we want to reassure people that
we will do everything we can to
ensure that this is a seamless process
for those who continue to need our
help. “We’re still working with
the same agencies; the focus is just
shifting to longer-term support,”
Crawford said.
The Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment’s
temporary accommodation service
is still helping those left homeless by
the tornado while the Mayoral Relief
Fund and MSD grants are available
for those needing money.
Numbers at a glance
(as of 1 July)
• There are 51 people from 15
groups that remain in temporary
accommodation
• 10 homes have red placards, 67
have yellow placards
• 186 visits have been made to the
Information Hub or Civil Defence
Centre
• There have been 397 applications
to the MSD Civil Defence fund
• 32 applications have been
submitted to the Mayoral Relief
Fund
• Crawford encouraged people
still needing advice or support to
visit the Papatoetoe Library at 30
Wallace Road or to phone 0800
22 22 00.
Recovery phase
Recovery priorities include
restoring local amenities and fixing
damaged housing, recovery manager
Jennifer Rose said. She said the
recovery team will continue to work
alongside government agencies such
as MBIE and the Ministry of Social
Development. Auckland Council’s
staff will work closely with the
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and
community groups.
How to get help
For help from MBIE with
temporary accommodation: register
details via www.tas.mbie.govt.nz or
phone 0508 754 163
• MSD: Visit 328 Great South
Road, or phone 0800 559 009
• Mayoral Relief Fund apply here or
by calling 09 301 0101

The Indian Weekender Friday, July 02, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 9
Corrections staff participate in
International Yoga Day 2021
IWK BUREAU
In a first for the Department of Corrections,
approximately 30 custodial and noncustodial
staff members at Mount Eden
Corrections Facility (MECF) in Auckland
participated in a yoga demonstration class as
part of International Yoga Day 2021, on Friday,
25 June.
“The health and wellbeing of our staff is a
high priority for Corrections and MECF,” says
MECF Prison Director, Dennis Goodin.
“Giving our staff the opportunity to be part
of, and learn more about an activity that can
relieve physical and mental stress and improve
their wellness, is terrific.
"We really appreciate the support of the High
Commission of India, Bhangra Fit, and the Art
of Living Foundation for working with us to
organise this event for our staff.”
Also attending and participating in the
session, was the Honorary Consul of India,
Mr Bhav Dhillon. Addressing the MECF staff
members, Mr Dhillon said, “I understand and
acknowledge that your job can be demanding.
"In this regard, yoga can help to alleviate
stress, relieve anxiety and improve the quality
of your life.”
Staff started the wellbeing session during
their lunch break with a vigorous cardio warmup
routine, led by Bhumika Dhingra of Bhangra
Fit in Auckland.
Certified and qualified yoga teachers Meena
Satishkumar and Andrew Melville of the Art of
Living Foundation in Auckland subsequently
A Bhangra Fit warm-up. Front L-R: Corrections Officer Antony, Residential Manager Suli, MECF staff
member Sammy, and the Honorary Consul of India, Mr Bhav Dhillon. (Photo: Leena Pal)
introduced a sense of calm in the room, by
guiding the MECF staff members through
a variety of stress-reducing yoga poses and
pranayama breathing techniques.
“This is the first time I have done Bhangra
Fit and yoga, and it was a real eye-opener,” said
MECF Security Manager, Rob.
“I usually run and go to the gym to keep fit
and healthy. But, the yoga movements restored
a sense of calm in me. I also became much more
aware of the importance of correct breathing
for one’s general wellbeing.”
MECF staff member and organiser of the
Bhangra Fit and yoga wellbeing session,
Jasjit “Sammy” Singh, who has also spent a
little over 14 years as a Corrections Officer,
hopes more Corrections staff can participate
in International Yoga Day wellness activities
next year.
“In my current role where I also work
to support our Corrections’ staff’s health,
The Honorary Consul of India, Mr Bhav Dhillon
(left), addresses MECF staff members. Next to
Mr Dhillon, is the organiser of the Bhangra Fit
and yoga wellbeing session, MECF staff member,
Sammy. (Photo: Leena Pal)
Certified and qualified yoga teachers Meena Satishkumar (left) and Andrew Melville of the Art of Living
Foundation in Auckland lead the yoga session at MECF. (Photo: Leena Pal)
safety and wellbeing, I will aim to facilitate
International Yoga Day activities for more staff
members in 2022,” Sammy said.
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10 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, July 02, 2021 The Indian Weekender
Covid-19: One new case
in MIQ, none in community
RNZ
There is one new Covid-19 case in
managed isolation today, the ministry
of health says, and there are no cases in
the community.
In a statement today, the ministry said the
new case in managed isolation arrived in
the country from Cambodia via Singapore
on 25 June.
It also said one previously reported case has
now recovered.
Three previously reported cases have now
been reclassified as under investigation pending
a historical classification investigation, the
ministry said.
“These involve a case from India reported
on 26 June, a case from South Africa and
another from India both reported on 28 June.
These cases have now been removed from New
Zealand’s Covid-19 tally.”
Of the 2673 total contacts of the Covidinfected
tourist who visited Wellington, 97
percent have returned a negative result. Fiftytwo
contacts have still not been tested nor had a
clinical exemption.
The number of active cases in New Zealand
is 28 and the total number of confirmed cases
is 2384.
In Australia, New South Wales has recorded
24 new locally acquired cases in the 24
hours until 8pm yesterday, while Queensland
has recorded two new community cases of
Covid-19.
Travel to New Zealand from all of Australia -
which has continued to report new community
cases and has about its population in lockdown
- remains closed until 11.59pm on Sunday for
lower-risk states, and until at least Tuesday for
higher-risk states.
Wellington update
The ministry said so far, 2673 people have
been identified as contacts of the Australian
person who visited Wellington between 19 and
21 June.
“Of those 2673 total contacts, 2583 or 97
percent of people have returned a negative
result, and an increase of 78 negative test
results since yesterday.
An additional four people have had a swab
and are awaiting a result, 19 people have been
granted a clinical exemption, seven require
no further action, and eight have returned
overseas, which means their home jurisdiction
A
t this stage, you
do not need to
be tested or isolate
if you were not at a
location of interest,
unless you have
symptoms
will be following up with them.
“The remaining contacts are being actively
followed up by contact tracing teams.”
The ministry said following Sydney
traveller’s visit, Wellingtonians and recent
visitors to Wellington are urged to check
the locations of interest of possible exposure
from Saturday 19 June to Monday 21 June and
follow the health advice.
“People who have been at these locations of
interest at the specified time should immediately
isolate at their home or accommodation
and call Healthline (0800 358 5453) for
advice on testing.
“At this stage, you do not need to be tested or
isolate if you were not at a location of interest,
unless you have symptoms.”
The ministry reminded New Zealanders
that anyone who was symptomatic should
call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for
advice on testing.
Yesterday there were 7775 Covid-19 tests
processed and the total number of Covid-19
tests processed to date is 2,296,650.
The Covid-19 Tracer app now has 2,882,517
registered users.
In a vaccine rollout update yesterday,
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins
said New Zealand was tracking about 8 percent
ahead of its vaccination plan and less than
a day’s worth of vaccines were expected to
remain in government freezers by the time the
next shipment is due to arrive on Tuesday.
A new study also showed herd immunity
against the Delta strain would be nearly
impossible to achieve using vaccines alone.
Covid-19 data modeller Shaun Hendy said
other public health measures - like border
closures, mask use, contact tracing and hand
washing - could bolster the response, and
Director-General of Health Dr Bloomfield said
higher uptake of the vaccine would allow a
reduction of reliance on those.
Fresh threats against Al Noor Mosque
as country debates hate speech reforms
RNZ
appear online that people do let the authorities
know so that action can be taken.”
Little says no security intelligence agency
or police force can monitor everything on
the internet, and rely on a range of sources -
including the public - for information.
Concerns about proposed hate speech
reforms
Abdul Razzaq is
already asking for
more time to make
Police have received three separate
reports relating to the Christchurch
mosque in the past fortnight; incidents a
senior minister describes as “serious”.
The matters were reported to police either at
or from a representative of Al Noor Mosque,
says Canterbury metro area commander
superintendent Lane Todd.
He says all three reports are being “actively
followed up”. They are not connected to one
another.
Federation of Islamic Associations chair
Abdur Razzaq is responsible for one of the
reports after he drew police attention to an
offensive image on the online forum 4chan.
The image is a selfie of a masked man posing
in a car parked outside Al Noor Mosque, with
accompanying comments that threatened
violence to those inside.
“Immediately we contacted the police; the
police were onto it within eight minutes. The
thing was being looked at; SIS was involved.
“So we are happy with that kind of quick
response time but [racism is] still there, it’s still
there. This is why I’m saying why everyone
needs to look at the Royal Commission
findings.”
The image in question first appeared on the
encrypted messaging app, Telegram, and is no
longer available on the 4chan website.
Minister in charge of the GCSB and SIS
Andrew Little would not confirm the
SIS is involved in this case, but reiterated
they have a mandate to gather intelligence on
terrorist threats and white identity extremist
violence.
Little, who is also responsible for
the government’s response to the Royal
Commission’s Report into terror attacks, says
the post is serious.
“Anything that is a photograph like that,
which is clearly intended to intimidate and
cause a sense of threat to people, is never
acceptable which is why when they are seen or
submissions on
the government’s
proposed
changes to hate
speech laws.
He says he
has been busy
with coronial
submissions,
meetings and the
counter-terrorism hui in
Christchurch this month.
The public consultation period, which ends
on 6 August, should be extended for an extra
month, Razzaq says.
“Right now the DPMC [Department of the
Prime Minister and Cabinet] and the various
ministries are moving at a pace that we can’t
cope with. We are voluntary sectors; all our
time is voluntary time as opposed to civil
servants who are paid to do this kind of work.
“In the past, we have been critical of how
slow they were but now we’re coming to a
stage where momentum is being built and we
are finding it very difficult to catch up.”
News that the government wants to move
hate speech into the Crimes Act and introduce
harsher penalties caught the Islamic Women’s
Council on the back foot last week.
Its national coordinator, Aliya Danzeisen,
says it is a lot to process, especially since
she has not had any conversations about hate
speech laws since the Royal Commission.
The Islamic Women’s Council has said
their warnings about growing anti-Muslim
sentiment were ignored by authorities before
the Christchurch mosque attacks.
Danzeisen fears nothing has changed, even
though government action - like the proposed
hate speech reforms - are in response to the
terror attacks.
“The government hasn’t changed its spots.
It’s a big machine and what we’ve been told
before is that it’s a big ship that’s hard to turn.
We understand that but there’s an urgent need
to change the direction of how it consults with
people and the community.
“That’s what the Royal Commission was
saying; that you’ve got to do things differently.
It doesn’t feel like it’s been done differently in
this case.”
Public submissions open today and close
on 6 August. The government’s discussion
document includes steps on how to make
submissions.

The Indian Weekender Friday, July 02, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 11
Donor’s generosity acknowledged at
'Breathe for India' thanksgiving dinner
PARIDHI BAKSHI
Indian Global Business Chambers
organised a thanksgiving dinner
event in honour to appreciate the
donors for “Breathe for India” - a
fundraising campaign (held earlier
last month) on Friday, June 25, at
Okahu, Tamaki Drive.
A fundraising campaign Breathe of
India, was held earlier on May 15 at
Vodafone Event Centre where former
Prime Minister Sir John Key was
the keynote speaker and was wellattended
by more than 300 members
of the community.
In the ensuing auction that night,
which included the auction of Sir
John Key’s pen that was earlier
gifted to him by India’s Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, members
of the community have committed
for generous sums of money to help
covid ravaged India.
Notably, then India was undergoing
the deadly second wave of Covid
and seeing a record number of new
cases and deaths every day, moving
Indian diaspora all over the world to
organise immediate help.
It was the success of that Breathe
for India fundraising campaign,
which witnessed the organisers -
Indian Global Business Chambers
– collecting more than expectations
that this thanksgiving dinner was
organised on Friday, June 25.
The trustees of the organisation,
Kanwaljit Bakshi a former member
of the parliament, along with many
other community leaders including
Ajay Bal, Vikram Nagpal, Ranjay
Sikka, Rahul Verma and Radhe Nand
lauded the efforts of members of the
community and generous doners to
help India in such difficult times.
The event commenced with the
opening speech of Mr Sikka by
thanking the donors, because of
which the event would not have been
possible.
Notably, the earlier fundraising
event was organised with the initial
goal of supplying 100 oxygen
concentrators. However, to the
welcome surprise of the organisers,
the campaign was also able to
collect $50,000 more for the cause,
which was then tripled by Vodafone,
making it an additional $150,000 for
India’s covid relief.
Mr Nagpal expressed his gratitude
towards UNICEF, who has been
working closely with the organisation
helping the people of India during the
crisis times.
A small video was presented by the
organisation depicting the hardships
faced by the people of India and how
IGBC has been helping to ease the
pain of the people.
A small quiz was organised to
entertain guests and gifting the small
baskets of sanitisers to the winners to
promote healthy habits.
Lastly, the event ended with a buffet
dinner hosted by the organisation,
appreciating the donor’s generosity.
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With this visa you can
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Your cheque’s
been cancelled,
but not your dividend.
Banks have stopped accepting cheques however, if you live in
the Entrust District, your dividend will still be paid in September.
Look out for details in your letterbox.
Check your details and let us know of any changes. If we don’t have your correct details,
especially if you have previously been paid by cheque, it will take longer to get your money.
For more information, visit entrustnz.co.nz

Thought of the week
“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion
to their commitment to excellence, regardless of
their chosen field of endeavor.” — Vince Lombardi
Editorial
Can convergence of interests in
“Indo-Pacific” be new driver of
NZ-India relationship?
The exhilaration generated last week over foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s speech at India
New Zealand Business Council summit 2021 merits the question if the convergence of
interests in “Indo-Pacific” be the new driver of the NZ-India relationship.
Minister Nanaia Mahuta had delivered one of the very few speeches from NZ’s top political
leadership in recent times exhibiting undiluted attention towards the emerging Indo-Pacific region
and the centrality of India & Indo in the “Indo-Pacific.”
This speech will be soon followed by another major speech by none other than Prime Minister
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s perspective on Indo-Pacific, within a span of a couple of weeks.
This is a remarkable departure from the recent past, when as late as in 2018, the then Minister
of Defence Ron Mark, speaking at Shangrila Dialogue, was notably adamant about using the term
Asia-Pacific as opposed to his peers from the region when the idea of “Indo-Pacific” was being
trumpeted in ‘Asia’s premier security conference.
For uninitiated, the concept of Asia-Pacific visualised Asia and Pacific as a strategic continuum
whereby enmeshing economies of the West Pacific with those of East Asia and, to some extent
Southeast Asia. As opposed to this, the concept of Indo-Pacific is based on the premise that the
Indian and the Pacific oceans form a single strategic space and underscores the growing importance
of India as a strategic player in ‘Asia’s regional security architecture.
For a quite long time, New Zealand’s foreign policy mandarins have faced the dilemma of
choosing one over the another and trying to remain a distant observer than an enthusiastic participant
of the politics in the Indo-Pacific.
Against this backdrop, Foreign Minister’s latest speech at INZBC Summit 2021 was a remarkable
departure, where she asserted, “The Indo-Pacific connects our whanau of the Pacific, or close friends
and relatives, further afield in East Asia and the Pacific Rim. And most importantly, the Indo-Pacific
recognises the influence of the Indian sub-continent on the wider region.”
This is likely to be closely followed by the Prime Minister’s speech at the New Zealand Institute
of International Affairs, where it is likely that New Zealand’s perspective on the Indo-Pacific will
be further unveiled in closer settings (than INZBC summit).
Clearly, New Zealand seems to be more ready than ever before to embrace the Indo-Pacific
region as an extension of its core interest areas. It is this changing perspective and acceptance of
India’s important role in the Indo-Pacific that many would hope that New Zealand and India can
find a convergence of interests in a manner that it could act as the new “driver” of the bilateral
relationship between New Zealand and India.
How “Indo-Pacific” could act as new “driver” of NZ-India bilateral relations
In the last decade, many experts have hoped to see a transformative change in the relationship
between the two countries, driven either by the ongoing talks on a “prospective Free Trade
Agreement” and the increasing size and the role of “vibrant Indian diaspora in NZ”.
During this period, on the one hand, there had been two Prime Ministerial visits from New
Zealand in search of now elusive Free Trade Agreement with India, and on the other hand, the
number of international students and new migrants arriving from India had increased manifold,
raising expectations among many quarters that the relationship was set for a transformative change.
Many had hoped that these seemingly newfound common interests could convert the perennial
“warm-vibes” between the two countries into a more meaningful and substantive bilateral
relationship with tangible outcomes for both parties.
For uninitiated, mutually shared traditions of democracy, commonwealth, English language and
the love for the game of cricket have been the foundational pillars of a warm relationship between
the two countries. Added to this, the demeanour of Blackcaps on cricket grounds have always
ensured tremendous goodwill and warm vibes for New Zealand amongst India’s vast cricket frenzy
masses. It was expected that emerging common interests in India’s economic growth story and the
growing size of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand would act as a new “driver,” around which preexisting
warmth and the diplomatic relationship could be further deepened.
Often, in any thriving bilateral relationship, there are some areas of interest – which could be
in trade, defence, strategic, people to people relations, or ideological proximity that binds the two
sides together and motivates them to work through other areas of divergent interests.
In the absence of such a core driver, the bilateral relations between two countries often face the
risk of losing momentum where, if there are no major risks or impediments to the relationship, then
also, on the other hand, no great strides are made, and the relationship drift into inertia.
The current state of the NZ-India relationship, many would agree, are in that state of inertia,
where if there are no major irritants holding back the relationship, then equally, there are no major
strides despite many obvious commonalities of interests and a longstanding tradition of warmth.
The total bilateral trade remains at a paltry $2.7 billion, which despite incremental progress in
recent years, remains far low than both countries’ other key trade partnerships.
And this is when India and New Zealand have considerable potential to build modern, mutually
beneficial commercial relationships. Strong diaspora connections often drive nations close to each
other as seen as in other parts of the world. However, the same cannot be said convincingly about
NZ and India - as both nations remain out of each other’s main diplomatic and political radar.
While asymmetry in the size of the market, and therefore interests that the “trade” or “diaspora”
offers to both side’s polity, might be one big factor in keeping both nations out of each other’s radar.
From India’s perspective, New Zealand may be too small a market to make any concessions for
free trade that New Zealand seeks, and the size of the diaspora is also too small (in comparison to
other parts of the world) to elicit any interest from India’s political elites, largely eyeing towards
their own competitive domestic politics. It is in this regard that New Zealand’s newfound interest
and shedding of reticence in embracing “Indo-Pacific” and accepting India’s growing role in the
emergent Indo-Pacific could potentially bring more convergence of interests between the two
countries.
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Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
02 July – 07 July 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
2 July 1938
Electric trains come to Wellington
20°
14°
Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
A few
morning
showers
21°
15°
A few
morning
showers
26°
17°
On 2 July 1938, Minister of Railways Dan Sullivan and Wellington Mayor Thomas Hislop
officially opened the electrified rail line between central Wellington and the northern
suburb of Johnsonville.
5 July 1881
Poll tax imposed on Chinese
Parliament passed the Chinese Immigrants Act. After this received the Royal Assent, a
‘poll tax’ of £10 (equivalent to $1770 in 2020) was imposed on Chinese migrants and
the number allowed to land from each ship arriving in New Zealand was restricted. Only one
Chinese passenger was allowed for every 10 tons of cargo. In 1896 this was changed to one
passenger for every 200 tons, and the tax was increased to £100 ($20,000).
6 July 1923
Main Trunk Line express train disaster
The Auckland−Wellington express ploughed into a huge slip that had slumped across the
tracks at Ōngarue, north of Taumarunui in King Country. Seventeen people were killed and
28 injured. This was the first accident to claim more than four lives since the beginning of New
Zealand’s railway history 60 years earlier.
7 July 1916
New Zealand Labour
Party founded
What is now New Zealand’s oldest
political party emerged from a
joint conference in Wellington of the
United Federation of Labour, the Social
Democratic Party (SDP) and local Labour
Representation Committees (LRCs).
8 July 1893
New Zealand Racing Conference meets
The New Zealand Racing Conference was formed to control the thoroughbred horse-racing
industry in the colony. Horse racing had been quickly introduced to the early settlements. It
was a feature of the first anniversary celebrations in Wellington, Auckland, Nelson, Otago and
Canterbury. Race meetings were important social as well as sporting events.

The Indian Weekender Friday, July 02, 2021 FIJI 13
New Zealanders contribute
$130,000 to support Fijian
Children impacted by COVID-19
Hundreds of Fijian children whose
Pacific neighbours.
families’ incomes have been decimated
She says they hoped to raise $50,000
by the impacts of COVID-19 will
but delighted to have raised this significant
receive grocery packs.
This has been made possible through the
generosity of New Zealanders towards Save
the Children New Zealand’s emergency appeal
which was launched three weeks ago.
The packs will include food supplies, soap,
surgical masks, nappies and sanitary pads.
So far, the aid has already reached 165
families in dire need with around 650 more to
be reached in the next week.
Save the Children says since launching the
appeal, they have had many more requests and
the money will help feed 1800 families in need.
Save the Children New Zealand Chief
Executive, Heidi Coetzee says the team was
humbled by the generosity of Kiwis to their
contribution and they hope it will go towards
alleviating the intense pressure that many
families in Fiji are currently facing.
She says the grocery packs will help save
the lives of many children and help protect a
generation for Fiji’s future rebuild.
Save the Children Fiji’s Chief Executive,
Shairana Ali says the organisation is extremely
grateful for the overwhelming support shown
by the New Zealand public to help Fijian
families.
She says the donated funds will reach families
in the central and western division of Viti Levu
which are severely impacted by COVID-19.
Many Fijians are tricked
through fake Facebook,
WhatsApp and Messenger
requests to pay customs
fees for their goods: FRCS
The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service
is urging Fijians to be careful of fake
Facebook and WhatsApp messages
requesting payments to clear customs charges
before their goods are released.
FRCS says a number of Fijians are being
tricked through fake
requests advising them that the goods they
have imported were being held by Customs and
that they need to pay customs clearance fees
into numerous local bank accounts.
FRCS says it is concerned that despite
numerous awareness on this issue, people
are still continuing to become susceptible
to such scams and are losing thousands of
dollars in the process.
It says this money is then withdrawn from
bank accounts by swindlers and remitted
through post office to their partners.
FRCS has clarified that payment for customs
clearance are only done at FRCS counters and
through FRCS bank account and FRCS will
never ask anyone through Facebook, WhatsApp
and Messenger to make payments.
It further says if people receive such requests,
they should call FRCS Hotline number 1326
or email on info@frcs.org.fj for verification
before remitting the funds.
Equipment to help Fiji fight
trafficking of illicit drugs
The Australian Federal Police (AFP)
presented a range of new technologies
to the Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau and
Transnational Crime Unit to help Fiji fight the
trafficking of illicit drugs.
The presentation of the new technologies
was to mark the International Day Against
Drug Abuse and Trafficking.
According to a post on the Fiji Police
Force Facebook page, the AFP is proud to be
a close partner with the Force in combating
transnational and organised crime which have
been exploiting Pacific Island countries in the
trafficking of illicit drugs to Australia and other
markets beyond Fiji.
“The equipment will enhance Fiji’s ability
to target, investigate and deter drug trafficking
through Fiji, helping to make the Pacific a
more hostile environment for transnational and
serious organised crime.”
Vaccination
will become
mandatory for
travel across
international
borders - Bala
Minister for Employment Parveen
Bala says COVID-19 vaccination
will become mandatory for travel
across international borders and it is likely
that this will include travel for work which
is already the case for the Pacific Mobility
Labour Scheme.
He says they have committed to roll out
vaccinations with due regard to the rights of
all Fijians and at the same time based on sound
science and medical advice.
Bala says full vaccination for all Fijians
is the scientific and medically proven way
towards reopening our villages, towns, cities,
workplaces and ultimately our borders so
that everyone can exercise their freedom in a
new normal.
He adds the current lockdowns and
containment areas will not be necessary once
all Fijians are vaccinated.
Bala says the Ministry continues to work with
all stakeholders to ensure we strive towards a
collective work environment that is COVID
safe and a Fiji that is fully vaccinated against
this terrible disease.
NZ provides 40 airvos to the Ministry of Health
In an effort to support hospitals
in the fight against COVID-19,
New Zealand has provided 40
more airvos plus six months supply
of consumables to the Ministry of
Health this week.
These machines are in addition to
80 airvo machines and consumables
that New Zealand donated last year,
and the additional consumables
provided earlier in May.
An airvo is a humidifier with
integrated flow generator that
delivers warmed and humidified
respiratory gases to spontaneously
breathing patients.
New Zealand manufactured Fisher
New Zealand authority grants Fiji
Airways approval to operate flights
The Civil Aviation Authority of New
Zealand has granted approval for Fiji
Airways to operate Boeing 737 MAX 8
aircraft for flights to Aotearoa.
In a statement, the authority said the approval
came two years after the agency placed a
condition on the airline in March 2019 which
prevented Fiji Airways from operating the jets
to New Zealand after serious safety issues were
identified after two fatal accidents abroad.
“Since then, aircraft manufacturer Boeing
has worked with aviation regulators in the
United States, Europe and Canada on packages
of system modifications, changes to procedures
and updated pilot training which would provide
a path for airlines to return to these aircraft to
service,” it was stated.
Deputy CEO David Harrison said the
authority had been working closely with the
Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) to
ensure the necessary safety improvements had
been made to Fiji Airways’ 737 MAX 8s.
“We have thoroughly and independently
reviewed the work undertaken by Fiji Airways
to bring their 737 MAX aircraft back into
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr (L) and Minister for Health Dr
Ifereimi Waqainabete (R). [image: New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji]
& Paykel Healthcare AIRVO 2
hiflow oxygen machines is a game
changer in treating COVID-19 and
respiratory illness around the world.
Since then, aircraft
manufacturer Boeing
has worked with aviation
regulators in the United
States, Europe and Canada
on packages of system
modifications, changes to
procedures and updated pilot
training which would provide
a path for airlines to return to
these aircraft to service
service and are confident these aircraft are safe
to return to operation,” he said.
“The date for these aircraft being added to
flight schedules between New Zealand and
Fiji hasn’t been decided given the evolving
COVID-19 situation.
“But passengers can be assured that no
stone has been left unturned to ensure all the
necessary safety improvements have been
put so that when these aircraft return to New
Zealand skies, they do so safely.”
New Zealand High Commissioner
to Fiji Jonathan Curr says equipping
hospitals in Fiji with this world
leading technology will help build
the capacity of divisional hospitals
in treating COVID-19 patients across
all age groups.
These devices are receiving
global acclaim for their success in
treating patients with COVID-19,
often removing the need for more
aggressive ventilation.
The oxygen machine also
drastically improves recovery times
for other acute respiratory illnesses
such as dengue and Leptospirosis.
The New Zealand Government has
also provided a $60 million budget
package support to Fiji’s response to
the pandemic.
Permanent Secretary for Health,
Doctor James Fong had earlier
stated that COVID safe behaviour
is absolutely necessary to ensure we
do not have continued escalation of
cases and many more severe cases.
While speaking on fijivillage
Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan,
Doctor Fong says they may have
access to other airvos however if
severe cases escalate, they will have
limited capacity.
You can watch the full Straight
Talk interview on our website and
facebook page, fijivillage.

14
INDIA
Friday, July 02, 2021 The Indian Weekender
NEWS in BRIEF
DELTA PLUS VARIANT:
Covishield: India seeks EU travel approval
for its main vaccine
India's Serum Institute
is seeking emergency
authorisation in the
European Union for its
Covishield jab, sources said.
The move comes amid reports that Covishield is not yet
eligible for the digital green certificate, an EU-wide travel
pass, set to launch on 1 July. The certificate is currently for
EU citizens only.
Covishield is the Indian-made version of AstraZeneca's
Vaxzevria jab, which has been authorised in the EU.
It's manufactured in India by Serum, the world's largest
vaccine maker. The vaccines currently eligible for the green
pass have all been approved by the European Medicines
Agency (EMA). Serum's CEO, Adar Poonawalla, said on
Monday that his company hopes to "resolve this matter
soon", referring to the fact that Covishield had not yet been
authorised in the EU.
Interfaith marriage: Pew survey says most
Indians oppose it
Most Indians see
themselves and
their country as religiously
tolerant but are against
interfaith marriage, a
survey from Pew Research Center has found.
People across different faiths in the country said stopping
interfaith marriage was a "high priority" for them.
The research comes after laws were introduced in several
Indian states criminalising interfaith love.
Pew interviewed 30,000 people across India in 17 languages
for the study. The interviewees were from 26 states and three
federally administered territories.
According to the survey, 80% of the Muslims who were
interviewed felt it was important to stop people from their
community from marrying into another religion. Around 65%
of Hindus felt the same.
India jumps to 10th place in cybersecurity
index
“
It is great news and an acknowledgement of multiple
initiatives that we have taken along with CERT (Cyber
Emergency Response Team),’’ said India’s National Cyber
Security Coordinator (NCSC) Rajesh Pant.
India entered the top 10 of a global cybersecurity ranking
of countries, ahead of China at No.33, and Pakistan at No.79.
India improved its ranking from 47 to 10 in the United Nation’s
ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA). The US is ranked
first, followed by the UK.
“It is great news and an acknowledgement of multiple
initiatives that we have taken along with CERT (Cyber
Emergency Response Team),’’ said India’s National Cyber
Security Coordinator (NCSC) Rajesh Pant.
India-Abu Dhabi flight suspension
extended till July 21: Etihad
The
Abu-Dhabi
based Etihad
Airways said
on Tuesday that
suspension of flights
from India to the
United Arab Emirates'
(UAE) capital city
has been extended till July 21.
In a reply to a query on Twitter, Etihad said: "We were
expecting some updates regarding the travel ban extension
which we just received few moments ago. I can confirm that
the ban is not lifted yet and has been extended until 21st of
July. Our website will be updated shortly."
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had
earlier clarified that passenger flights between the Gulf nation
and India will remain suspended until further notice, reports
the Khaleej Times.
On Sunday, Dubai's flagship carrier Emirates said that
expects to resume its flights from India from July 7.
But said that it was waiting for exact travel protocols and
relevant permits from the government authorities.
The Dubai-based airline had announced the suspension first
on April 24 as a devastating second wave of the pandemic hit
India, leading to record high number of daily cases and deaths.
In May, it had extended the suspension till at least June 14.
Can India prevent third Covid wave?
India is beginning to reopen after a
second wave of Covid-19 infections
devastated the country in April and
May. But now experts warn that a third
wave could strike in the next few months.
Courts have questioned
state governments over their
preparedness, some experts have warned
that a third wave could hit within 12-
16 weeks, and others are worried that
new variants, including the much-talked
about Delta plus, could weaken existing
vaccines. Delta plus is related to the
Delta, an existing variant of concern
first identified in India last year that was
responsible for the deadly second wave.
But how realistic are these fears?
Subsequent waves are expected, but their
severity and spread depend on a number
of factors.
Covid safety protocols
The number of average daily cases in
India has fallen to just over 50,000 in recent
days, down from the peaks of 400,000 in
May. The drop in numbers has largely
been attributed to strict
lockdowns
by
states.
Crowding in markets,
election rallies and religious festivals was
blamed for the second wave. Bad
policy decisions, poor surveillance and
ignoring early warnings were some of the
other reasons. If the same mistakes are
repeated, experts say, that could hasten
the third wave.
Dr Chandrakant Lahariya, a public
Experts say the pace of India's vaccination drive needs to pick up
policy and health systems expert, says
India is once again at a delicate phase
and how people behave will largely
determine the fate of the next
wave.
He says it's important that
states reopen the economy
gradually. "If we rush
into reopening and people
don't follow Covid safety
The second wave devastated Indian cities and towns
protocols, we only help the virus spread
faster."
He advises that safety protocols need
to be implemented at "a localised level"
- if specific markets and businesses don't
follow rules, they should be penalised.
Can new variants pose a
threat?
The Delta variant largely drove the
second wave. Experts believe that more
such variants could appear in future if the
virus is allowed to run through the still
susceptible population.
The Indian government has announced
that a new variant, named Delta plus,
is a "variant of concern". But
there is not enough data at the
moment to say that it could
cause a third wave. However
experts say the scenario "could
change within weeks".
Epidemiologist Dr Lalit Kant
says the threat of new variants
derailing progress will exist as long
as the virus keeps spreading.
"We need to further scale up our
sequencing efforts to identify dangerous
variants early and apply containment
measures," he adds.
India had sequenced 30,000 samples
until June, but experts believe more needs
to be done.
Dr A Fathahudeen, who has treated
thousands of Covid patients, says current
vaccines appear to work on known
variants - but there is no guarantee that
they will work on new variants. There
have also been instances of people
becoming ill despite having been
vaccinated - especially after getting the
first dose.
"Just
spare a thought
for healthcare workers
who have been in this battle
for more than a year. We are
tired, please don't let your guard
down. I am not sure if we can
endure a third wave
He believes that another wave
is inevitable but "we can
delay and contain it with
appropriate measures
like sequencing -
to keep an eye on
mutations - and
strictly enforcing
safety protocols".
"If we don't do all this, then the third
wave could sneak up on us faster than we
can imagine."
Are vaccine coverage and
past infections enough?
The outcome of the third wave also
depends on what level of immunity India's
population has - both from prior infections
and from vaccines. The country averaged
3.25 million doses every day between 9
and 22 June. But it needs to reach 8.5-9
million doses daily to meet its target of
vaccinating the eligible population by the
end of 2021.
Just over 4% of Indians are fully
vaccinated and about 18% have received
one dose so far.
Dr Lahariya says if the speed doesn't
pick up, millions will still be vulnerable,
although immunity from past Covid
infections can protect people.
But it's hard to establish the number of
Indians who were infected and may have
developed natural antibodies to fight the
virus.
Many in cities, towns and villages
struggled to get tested and have no way of
knowing if they had the infection. Even
the number of Covid deaths has been
under-reported. Dr Lahariya says that the
number of people who have immunity
from a prior infection could be between
55-60%.
Gautam Menon, a mathematical
modeller and professor of physics and
biology at Ashoka University, puts the
number even higher at about 60-70%.
He is confident that India will not have to
endure the intensity of the second wave
again.
But he cautions against
complacency.
"Even if a substantial fraction of our
population has already been infected,
there is still about 20%-30% who have
not, including those who are elderly or
immunocompromised.
So we should focus on surveillance to
ensure that any rise in cases is detected
fast," he says.
But experts unanimously agree that
people cannot take Covid lightly as India
still has a sizeable susceptible population
and the threat of potentially deadlier
variants still looms.
"So a third wave is inevitable, it's up
to us to delay it and limit its impact," Dr
Fathahudeen says.
"Just spare a thought for healthcare
workers who have been in this battle for
more than a year. We are tired, please
don't let your guard down. I am not sure
if we can endure a third wave," he adds.

The Indian Weekender Friday, July 02, 2021
WORLD 15
WHO-approved COVID
vaccines do not cause
infertility – Dr O’Brien
COVID vaccines approved by the World Health
Organization (WHO) do not cause infertility nor do they
harm or alter DNA, says director of WHO’s Department of
Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals, Dr Katherine O’Brien.
Responding to queries, she said WHO had two vaccines
referred to as mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccines.
Dr O’Brien said there was “no way” that mRNA could turn
into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and that there was “no
way” that mRNA could change the DNA of human cells.
She said mRNA instructed the body to make protein.
“Most vaccines are developed by actually giving a
protein or giving a small tiny component of the germ that
we are trying to vaccinate against,” she said.
“This is a new approach where instead of giving that tiny
little part, instead we just give the instructions to our bodies
to make that tiny little part and then our natural immune system
responds to it.” Dr O’Brien said all their vaccines were safe.
“All the components that go into vaccines are heavily tested to
be sure that everything that is there is safe for humans.
“The vaccines contain different elements and they are tested
UN
peacekeeping
missions
prepare for
possible
shutdown
United Nations peacekeeping
missions globally are preparing
for a possible shutdown if the
193-member U.N. General Assembly is
unable to agree a new $6 billion budget
for the year to June 30, 2022, officials
and diplomats said.
Some diplomats blamed changes
to negotiating procedures, issues with
logistics and tough talks pitting China
against Western countries for the delay
in reaching an agreement.
Catherine Pollard, the U.N. head
of management strategy, policy and
compliance, said the world body’s 12
peacekeeping missions – most of which
before they are given to humans, they are
tested in animals and they are tested for any
kind of problem in the animal, and only then
do they go into humans where we test in clinical
trials.
“Tens of thousands of people are receiving the vaccines
eventually before they are authorised for use in the public.
“Every single vaccine goes through a safety evaluation to be
sure that its safe before it’s used in the public.”
Sydney’s COVID-19 cases rise,
four Australian cities in lockdown
Australia’s New South Wales
(NSW), the worst-hit state in
the country’s latest coronavirus
outbreak, reported 22 new locally
transmitted COVID-19 cases as four
major cities endure a hard lockdown to
contain the Delta variant.
Around one in two Australians are
under stay-at-home orders with Sydney,
the country’s largest city, under a twoweek
lockdown until July 9, while
Perth, Brisbane and Darwin are in snap
lockdowns until later this week.
Tough restrictions, including mandatory
masks and curbs on gatherings, have been
enforced in most other major cities.
The daily NSW new cases number was
up slightly from the previous two days, but
still below the peak of the current outbreak
of 30 new cases reported on Sunday, and
all 22 were linked to prior cases.
“New South Wales is demonstrating a
Most
vaccines
are developed
by actually giving a
protein or giving a small
tiny component of the
germ that we are
trying to vaccinate
against
are in Africa and the Middle East – had
been advised to start putting contingency
plans in place in case a new budget is not
adopted in time.
“At the same time, we remain hopeful
and confident that member states will
conclude their negotiations,” Pollard
told reporters.
She said that if the June 30 deadline
is missed then Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres can only spend
money to safeguard U.N. assets and
steady rate of cases at this stage … but
to date our fears about huge escalation
haven’t materialised and we certainly want
to keep it that way,” state Premier Gladys
Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.
The state has recorded a total of around
170 new locally transmitted cases since
the first infection was detected two weeks
ensure the protection of the staff and the
peacekeepers.
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre
Lacroix said missions would be severely
limited and unable to carry out such
measures as protecting civilians, helping
tackle COVID-19 and supporting
political efforts and mediation.
The United States is largest assessed
contributor to the peacekeeping budget,
responsible for about 28%, followed by
China with 15.2% and Japan with 8.5%
ago in a limousine driver who transported
overseas airline crew.
Queensland reported three new locally
acquired COVID-19 cases on Wednesday,
the first day of a snap four-day lockdown
imposed in state capital Brisbane after a
person infected with the Delta variant
visited several venues over 10 days while
unknowingly infectious.
Perth, the Western Australia capital, is
under a four-day lockdown until Saturday,
while residents in the northern city of
Darwin must stay home except for urgent
reasons until Friday afternoon.
Lockdowns, tough social distancing,
swift contact tracing and a high community
compliance have helped Australia quash
prior outbreaks and keep its COVID-19
numbers relatively low.
Australia has reported just over 30,550
cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic
began.
NEWS in BRIEF
Biden vows to Israel: No nuclear weapon
for Iran on my watch
U
.S. President Joe Biden,
in a meeting on Monday
with Israeli President Reuven
Rivlin, said his commitment
to Israel is “iron-clad” and he
looks forward to meeting with new Israeli Prime Minister
Naftali Bennett soon. Biden, in his first meeting as president
with a top Israeli official, also said Iran would not come to
possess a nuclear weapon during his time in office.
“My commitment to Israel is … ironclad,” Biden told
Rivlin at the start of their meeting in the Oval Office. He said
the two officials would discuss a range of topics, including
Iran. What I can say to you is that Iran will never get a
nuclear weapon on my watch,” Biden said.
The meeting took place just weeks after Bennett took
over as Israel’s new prime minister, replacing Benjamin
Netanyahu. U.S. officials are working on setting up a meeting
between Biden and Bennett in the coming weeks.
Vietnam approves Moderna’s COVID-19
vaccine for emergency use
Vietnam’s health ministry said in a statement on
Tuesday it had approved Moderna Inc’s COVID-19
vaccine for emergency use, making it the country’s fifth
vaccine to be approved as authorities seek to accelerate an
inoculation programme. Vietnam has previously approved
the AstraZeneca vaccine, Russia’s Sputnik V, China’s
Sinopharm vaccine and the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
Maldives to reopen borders to S.Asian
arrivals on July 15
Maldivian President Ibrahim
Solih announced that the
island nation will reopen borders
to arrivals from South Asia on
July 15, subject to an assessment
of the Covid-19 situation in each
country, local media reported.
Solih, in a public statement,
said that the primary objective
of his government is to restart the country's economy amid
the extended lockdown restrictions necessitated by the third
wave of the pandemic that peaked in May, reports Xinhua
news agency. Solih said that the ongoing curfew hours would
be reduced to 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting from Thursday.
All categories of businesses, including restaurants, gyms
and salons, will be permitted to resume operations during
non-curfew hours, he said.
Requirements for residents to carry a special pass while
travelling during non-curfew hours will be stopped.
Mosques will be allowed to resume services under social
distancing guidelines. Individuals who have contracted and
recovered from Covid-19 will be allowed to travel among
islands without the need for mandatory quarantine.
In another important announcement, Minister of Health
Ahmed Naseem told media on Tuesday that 200,000 doses
out of 700,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine ordered
from a Singaporean company will arrive in the country
between July 12-20. Naseem said that a non-disclosure
agreement had been reached with a Russian company to
acquire doses of Sputnik V, while negotiations are ongoing
to acquire more vaccine doses from the US.
The Maldives Food and Drug Administration has granted
emergency approval to seven brands of Covid-19 vaccines
including AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinopharm, Pfizer,
Sputnik V, Moderna and Janssen.
Maldives' vaccination program began on February 1.
The country has so far administered 316,704 people
with the first dose of a vaccine, while 189,529 have been
administered with two doses.
Moonikin' flying around Moon on NASA
named after Apollo 13 engineer
NASA has officially named the manikin launching on
its Moon mission as "Commander Moonikin Campos"
after Arturo Campos, a key player in bringing Apollo 13
safely back to Earth.
The Moonikin received its name as the result of a
competitive bracket contest honoring NASA figures,
programmes, or astronomical objects. NASA received more
than 300,000 votes.
The manikin will fly aboard the Orion spacecraft during
the Artemis I mission, an uncrewed flight test to launch the
Space Launch System rocket and send Orion around the
Moon and back to Earth.

16 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, July 02, 2021 The Indian Weekender
When SIMI GAREWAL and
Subhash Ghai had a harsh
argument on the sets of Karz: 'She left the set'
With Karz completing 41
years since its released,
Subhash Ghai recalled
an argument he and Simi Garewal
had on the sets of the movie. Simi
Garewal played the murderous
Kamini Varma, who killed her
husband Ravi, played by Raj Kiran.
Rishi Kapoor essayed the role of
Monty, Ravi's reincarnation.
While Simi Garewal received
acclaim for her portrayal, Subhash
Ghai revealed the actor and talk show
host feared coming across as a vamp.
Speaking with a leading daily,
Subhash said, "She used to feel that
she would be stamped as a 'vamp'
in the industry and would never be
offered positive roles in the future
if she took up this one. It took me
five weeks of visiting her home to
convince her despite knowing that
she was not interested."
Subhash felt Simi was the perfect
fit for the character demanded a
'majestic look and a royal carriage'.
After prolonged persuasion, Simi
agreed but Subhash recalled she
was 'insecure or unsure of being
presented as a vamp.'
During the shoot, Subhash shared,
the duo got into a harsh argument
over a scene.
"It was only one scene where we
took each other head-on. This was
the scene where she had to be loud
enough to throw her in-laws out of
the house. It was a bad moment for
Asha Bhosle remembers R D Burman on his
birth anniversary: Thank you for the music
Veteran singer Asha Bhosle
took to social media to
remember her late husband,
legendary music composer Rahul
Dev Burman aka R D Burman on his
birth anniversary.
Bhosle shared a throwback black
and white photograph of herself
posing together with Burman on
Instagram and wrote: "Thank you
for the music (not just from me but
also the millions of hearts that beat
to your madness). Happy birthday
Pancham."
Earlier in the day, several
Bollywood celebrities took to social
media to remember R D Burman and
his music on his birth anniversary.
both of us and we argued in harsh
tones. She left the set and it was pack
up. But the next day she came to
the set and did the same scene I had
wanted. However, thereafter there
was complete silence; it was like a
boycott between us. She was upset;
I was sad," he said.
"
She used to feel
that she would be
stamped as a 'vamp'
in the industry and
would never be offered
positive roles in the
future if she took up
this one. It took me five
weeks of visiting her
home to convince her
despite knowing that
she was not interested
Eventually, Simi and Subhash
resolved their issues after Simi's
Asha Bhosle's elder sister,
playback legend Lata Mangeshkar
tweeted in Hindi, "R D Burman
ko kaun nahi jaanta. Wo janam se
friends praised the actor's role.
Subhash recalled hosting a private
screening for her sister. Following
which, Simi informed him that her
friends enjoyed the movie and her
performance.
"I was emotionally moved. She
hugged me and said ‘Sorry, I could
never think of such an amazing film
you made'. I also apologised for my
temper and we became good friends
and continue to be to date," he added.
Simi was nominated for the
Filmfare Best Supporting Actress
Award for Karz. After the movie,
Simi appeared in a handful of
movies, including Insaf Ka Tarazu
and Biwi-O-Biwi.
She moved away from acting and
became a popular talk show host.
She hosted numerous seasons of
Rendezvous with Simi Garewal and
followed it by Simi Selects India’s
Most Desirable.
rajputra tha aur sangeet ka wo raja
tha. Aaj uski jayanti hai. Main uski
yaad ko aur uske sangeet ko vinamra
abhivadan karti hun. (Who does not
know R D Burman. He was a prince
by birth and the king of music.
Today is his birth anniversary. I pay
my humble tribute to his memories
and music.)
Poet-lyricist-screenwriter Javed
Akhtar wrote, "Today on June 27 it
is RD Burman's birth anniversary.
Time is always kind to genuinely
great people, it keeps enlarging the
image of a genius more and more.
No surprise that his popularity
among the gen next and the young
musicians is increasing by the day."
Armaan Malik: It's a miracle that we
are able to function during these times
Singer and youth icon Armaan
Malik took to social media to
share his take on the ongoing
Covid-19 pandemic.
The singer expressed that the
pandemic has been mentally and
physically exhausting.
"It's a miracle that we are able to
function during these times. The
pandemic has been mentally and
physically exhausting. I am so damn
proud of you, me & everybody here,"
Armaan tweeted on Sunday.
Talking about how he has been
affected by the ongoing pandemic,
Armaan recently said: "For the world,
I am this super positive person but
I've not been my best lately. Music
has been my sole saviour in times of
distress.
"However, there's no button I can
switch 'on' and become instantly
creative. I am trying to keep my calm
and praying for better times. There's
nothing more I can do."
On the work front, Armaan
is celebrating the success of his
single titled "Echo" for which he
collaborated with Korean-American
singer-songwriter Eric Nam and
international music producer
KSHMR. Taking to Twitter on
Sunday, the singer thanked fans for
showering their love on the single.
"20 MILLION VIEWS on #Echo!
This is my first-ever international
collaboration and to see it get the
kinda love it's getting from around
the world is unreal! Congrats guys @
EricNamOfficial @KSHMRmusic,"
Armaan tweeted.
Alia: I walk out of 'Gangubai
Kathiawadi' set a different person today
Actress Alia Bhatt has
wrapped up shooting for
filmmaker Sanjay Leela
Bhansali's upcoming directorial
"Gangubai Kathiawadi". She says
working with the director had been a
dream all her life and it has also been
a "gigantic life changing experience".
Alia posted a string of pictures
from the film's set. In one image, she
is seen posing with Bhansali. She
even shared some behind-the-camera
shots on Instagram.
Alongside the pictures, she wrote:
"We started shooting Gangubai on
the 8th of December 2019 .. and we
wrapped the film now 2 years later!
This film and set has been through
two lockdowns.. two cyclones..
director and actor getting covid
during the making!!! the troubles
the set has faced is another film all
together!
"But through all that and more..
what I take away is the gigantic life
changing experience! Being directed
by sir has been a dream all my life,
but I don't think anything would have
prepared me for the journey I was on
for these two years."
Alia feels evolved as she walks out
of the set. "I walk out of this set a diff
person today!" she shared.
"I love you sir! Thank you for
being you .. there is truly NO ONE
like you.A When a film ends a part
of you ends with it! Today I've lost
a part of me.. Gangu I love you! You
will be missed. P.S - special mention
to my crew - my family and friends
for these two years! without you
nothing would have been possible!
Love you guys!!!"
"Gangubai Kathiawadi" is inspired
by the life of Gangubai Kothewali,
madam of a brothel in Mumbai's
Kamathipura, and is based on a
chapter of Hussain Zaidi's book
"Mafia Queens Of Mumbai".
'AISHWARYA RAI got paid more than I': When
Abhishek Bachchan spoke about their movies together
The gender wage-gap has long kept
women from making it big in many
industries, including Bollywood.
Many actors have raised the issue over the
years about how they often receive a smaller
remuneration than their male counterparts
for the same work. However, many actors
have also denied the same. In 2018, Abhishek
Bachchan had revealed that his wife Aishwarya
Rai was paid more than him in eight out of nine
movies that they did together.
During an event in 2018, filmmaker
Shoojit Sircar had asked Abhishek about
whether he would be comfortable with his
daughter becoming an actor. He
said, "No. But before I answer that, I
would like to give this some context
and perspective. The two women who are
close to me, my mother and my wife have
worked in the industry on their own terms.
They’ve never been forced to do anything they
There’s
a huge debate
on gender parity in the
film business and in other
industries. I’ve worked in nine
films with my wife and in eight
of those, she’s got paid more than
I have. The highest-paid actor in
Piku was Deepika (Padukone).
didn’t want to do."
He added, "There’s a
huge debate on gender
parity in the film
business and in
other industries.
I’ve worked in
nine films with
my wife and in
eight of those,
she’s got paid more than I have. The highestpaid
actor in Piku was Deepika (Padukone).
"It’s a business and if you are a saleable
actor, you get paid accordingly. You can’t be a
new actress and demand to be paid the same as
Shah Rukh Khan.”
Abhishek and Aishwarya have worked
together in films such as Kuch Na Kaho, Guru,
Raavan, Dhoom 2, Dhai Akhsar Prem Ke,
Sarkar Raj, Umrao Jaan and Bunty Aur Babli.
Aishwarya made her debut with Tamil film
Iruvar in 1997. Abhishek entered the film
industry three years later in 2000 with JP
Dutta's Refugee.

The Indian Weekender Friday,July 02, 2021
FEATURES 17
Everyone loves Potatoes
Potatoes are a good source of fiber, which can
help you lose weight by keeping you full longer. Fiber
can help prevent heart disease by keeping cholesterol
and blood sugar levels in check.
Potatoes are also full of antioxidants that work to
prevent diseases and vitamins that help your body function
properly. Potatoes are also rich in carbohydrates, making
SPICY BABY POTATOES
them a good source of energy. They have the highest
protein content (around 2.1 percent on a fresh weight
basis) in the family of root and tuber crops, and protein
of a fairly high quality, with an amino-acid pattern that is
well matched to human requirements. They are also very
rich in vitamin C - a single medium-sized potato contains
about half the recommended daily intake - and contain a
fifth of the recommended daily value of potassium.
Potatoes are also an integral part of many Indian recipes
and the Indian sub-continent has developed a good taste
as this is being consumed for nearly 8000 years and can
be truly termed as a global food of choice.
Below are three popular easy and tasty potato
concoctions for you to try.
DAHI WALA ALOO
(YOGHURT POTATO CURRY)
INGREDIENTS:
• 500gm - baby potatoes
• 11/2cups - yoghurt
• 1/2tsp - turmeric powder
• 3tsp - coriander powder
• 1tsp - kashmiri red chilli
powder
• 1tsp - cumin powder
• 1tbsp - roasted garam
flour
INGREDIENTS:
• 500gm - small baby potatoes
TO DRY ROAST:
• 1tbsp - coriander seeds
• 1tbsp - cumin seeds
• 1tbsp - fennel seeds ( saunf )
• 4-5 - dry red chillies
FOR TEMPERING
• 1/2tsp - mustard seeds
• 1/2tsp - cumin seeds
• 5-6 - curry leaves
• 1/2tsp - asafoetida
• 1tbsp - ginger and green chilli
paste
• 1tsp - coriander powder
• 11/2tbsp - kashmiri red powder
• 1/4tsp - garam masala
• Salt according to taste
• 4tbsp oil
METHOD:
• Wash and peel potatoes; place
them in a bowl full of water. Set
aside.
• Place water in a heavy base sauce
pan over medium flame; after 1
boil, add potatoes followed by
half a teaspoon of salt.
• Boil the potatoes for about 3-4
minutes ( half boil them ), then
transfer them onto a plate to cool.
• Meanwhile, in a heavy base deep
fry pan dry roast coriander seeds,
fennel seeds and cumin seeds,
until fragrant.
• Then add dry red chillies and fry
for another 1 minute.
• Transfer the roasted seeds along
with red chillies onto a plate to
cool.
• Once they are of room
temperature grind them into a
powder and set aside for later use.
• In the same fry pan heat 2
tablespoons of oil over medium
flame.
• Stir potatoes in the hot oil,
turning occasionally, until
cooked through, golden brown,
and crisp on the outside for about
5 to 6 minutes, then, transfer
them onto a plate.
• Again in the same pan heat 2
tablespoons of oil over medium
flame.
• Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds,
curry leaves and asafoetida, sauté
for a minute or til fragrant.
• Add ginger, green chilli paste and
sauté for 2-3 minutes.
• Add fried potatoes, mix well.
• Sprinkle coriander powder,
kashmiri red chilli powder, garam
masala powder and salt, mix well
till the potatoes are well coated.
• Add roasted seed powder to the
potatoes and mix well ( at this
point if the potatoes are too dry
then add 1-2 tablespoons of water
).
• Cover and let simmer for few
minutes, over low flame, stirring
in between, till the potatoes are
well coated with the masala and
shiny with the oil on top.
• Serve with paratha, preferably
with rice and raita.
• Serves - 3-4
FOR TEMPER-
ING:
• 3 - onions,
large
• 1 - bay leaf
• 3 -4 - cloves
• 5-6 - black
pepper
• 1 - black
cardamom
• 2 - green cardamom
• 1 - cinnamon
• 1tsp - cumin seeds
• 2tbsp - dry fenugreek leaves ( kasoori methi )
• 1tbsp - ginger, garlic paste
• 5tbsp - oil
FOR GARNISHING:
• 2inch - ginger piece
• 2 - green chillies
• Fresh chopped coriander
METHOD:
• Wash and peel potatoes; place them in a bowl full of
water and keep aside.
• Heat water in a heavy base sauce pan over medium
flame; add 1 teaspoon of salt and potatoes.
• Half boil the potatoes ( approximately for 3-4
minutes) then transfer them onto a plate to cool.
• Prick potatoes with the fork (its important to prick
the potatoes for the gravy to seep in) and set aside
for later use.
• In a medium size bowl add yoghurt ( make sure its of
a room temperature ), whisk it with the fork.
• Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, kashmiri
red chilli powder, cumin powder and roasted garam
flour to the yoghurt, mix well with the fork till well
combined and set aside.
• In a heavy base fry pan heat 2 tablespoons of oil over
medium flame.
• Shallow fry the potatoes, while stirring continuously
til they are light golden brown in colour (
approximately for 4-5 minutes).
• Transfer the fried potatoes onto a plate and set aside
ALOO RAITA
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 - potatoes, large
• 2cups - yoghurt
• 1/2tsp - cumin powder
• A pinch of red chilli powder
• 1 - green chilli, chopped
• 1tbsp - fresh coriander, chopped
• 1/4tsp - salt or according to taste
METHOD:
• Add water in a heavy base
saucepan over medium flame; add
1 teaspoon of salt.
• Add potatoes and fully boil them,
then transfer them onto a plate.
• Once the potatoes are cool, peel
them.
• Place yoghurt in a serving bowl
and whisk it with the fork.
• Add cumin powder, red chilli
powder, green chillies, fresh
chopped coriander and salt to the
for later use.
• Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in the same pan over
medium flame til shimmering.
• Add bayleaf, cloves, black pepper, black
cardamom, green cardamom, cinnamon, cumin
seeds, and stir til the spices are fragrant.
• Add chopped onions to the spices and sauté til brown
in colour; then add fenugreek leaves and sauté for a
minute.
• Add ginger, garlic paste and sauté for another 1-2
minutes.
• Lower the flame and add 2 tablespoons of water, mix
well, then add yoghurt mixture, stir continuously
until well combined.
• Cook yoghurt mixture over low flame until it gets
cooked and thickens a bit (do not forget to stir).
• Bring the flame to medium and cook yoghurt mixture
for another 2-3 minutes while stirring in between.
• Add fried potatoes and mix well til they are well
coated with the yoghurt masala mixture.
• Season with salt and garam masala powder, mix well
again with the spatula.
• Add 1 cup of warm water to the potatoes (more or
less water can be added, according to the preferences
of the curry) and mix well.
• Cover the pan and let simmer for another few minutes.
• Meanwhile julienned the ginger and cut green chillies
length wise.
• Garnish the dahi aloo with julienned ginger, green
chillies and coriander on top.
• Serve with paratha or preferably rice.
• Serves - 4
TIP:
• Instead of boiling, you can also peel the potatoes and
deep fry them.
• After peeling the potatoes straight away add them to
the water to prevent them from getting black.
yoghurt and whisk slightly.
• Roughly break the potatoes with
your hand and then add them to
the yoghurt; slightly mix it with
the spatula.
• Garnish with a pinch of each
cumin powder, red chilli powder
and chopped coriander.
• Serve with any dish of your choice.
• Serves - 4

18
TIME OUT
Friday, July 02, 2021 The Indian Weekender
CROSSWORD FreeDailyCrosswords.com
NO: 75
ACROSS------------,
1) Sites of abs and pees
5) Italian bills
10) Big wine container
14) Vet text
15) Like the game, to Holmes
16) Ubiquitous plant
1 7) When your alarm might
ring next
20) Hockey venue
21) They cause stiff arms?
22) Poetic "black"
25) Engine with 8-Down
26) Room furnishing
29) Born's partner
31) Required
35) Country lodge
36) Esau's dad
38) Arid
39) Thoroughly
WHO IS THIS GUY?
43) Kind of bean
44) Font flourish
45) Tokyo, once
46) Casts out from the body
49) One kind of starter
50) Johnny in gray
51) Color lightly
53) Svelte
55) Vientiane resident
58) Musical bridge
62) Anonymous trio
65) Cookie brand
66) Wrote bad checks
67) Scent detector
68) Quaker leader William
69) Condescending one
70) "Jabberwocky" opener
May 5th
DOWN
1) Videotape format, once
2) Olfactory trigger
3) Coin smaller than a penny
4) Thing in a sling
5) Anvil setting
6) E.T.'s craft
7) Handles the oars
8) Get-up-and-go
9) Swiped
10) Most shrewd
11) Got off a horse
12) Mama's boys
13) Brewery unit
18) Potter's Peter
19) Hoarfrost
23) Approximately
24) Tide types
26) Hunter's weapon
27) Strip of gear
28) Lawn dwarf
30) Calendar features
32) Block
33) Destroy bit by bit
34) Disband
37) Apple centers
40) Prehistoric mammal
41) Al's boss, once
42) Aloof
4 7) A marmoset
48) Small incisions
52) "_ Care of Business" (1974 hit)
54) Stood for
55) Handed-down tales
56) Call from the pews
57) Western alliance
59) Swell
60) Bear, to a skygazer
61) Head set
62) Mountain part
63) "The Matrix" character
64) Banned insecticide
ANSWERS CROSSWORD NO: 75
FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS------------,
1) Sites of abs and pees
5) Italian bills
10) Big wine container
14) Vet text
15) Like the game, to Holmes
16) Ubiquitous plant
17) When your alarm might
ring next
20) Hockey venue
21) They cause stiff arms?
22) Poetic "black"
25) Engine with 8-Down
26) Room furnishing
29) Born's partner
31) Required
35) Country lodge
36) Esau's dad
38) Arid
39) Thoroughly
WHO IS THIS GUY?
1
B 0 2 3 D 4 S
1
E D I T
1
5
43) Kind of bean
44) Font flourish
45) Tokyo, once
46) Casts out from the body
49) One kind of starter
50) Johnny in gray
51) Color lightly
53) Svelte
55) Vientiane resident
58) Musical bridge
62) Anonymous trio
65) Cookie brand
66) Wrote bad checks
67) Scent detector
68) Quaker leader William
69) Condescending one
70) "Jabberwocky" opener
E 6 U R 1 0 8 9 S
1
A F 00 T
B Kenneth Holt
l-: 1 A 1 S 1 k
1
A L 0 E
G
IN
M I
0 M 0 1 k R 0 w M 0 1 R N I
R
---i-
2
SPL
it
I C K
61( I T E
00
HITORI NO: 75
RY
0 S E
May 5th
DOWN
1) Videotape format, once
2) Olfactory trigger
3) Coin smaller than a penny
4) Thing in a sling
5) Anvil setting
6) E.T.'s craft
7) Handles the oars
8) Get-up-and-go
9) Swiped
10) Most shrewd
11) Got off a horse
12) Mama's boys
13) Brewery unit
18) Potter's Peter
19) Hoarfrost
23) Approximately
24) Tide types
26) Hunter's weapon
27) Strip of gear
28) Lawn dwarf
30) Calendar features
32) Block
33) Destroy bit by bit
34) Disband
37) Apple centers
40) Prehistoric mammal
41) Al's boss, once
42) Aloof
47) A marmoset
48) Small incisions
52) "_ Care of Business" (1974 hit)
54) Stood for
55) Handed-down tales
56) Call from the pews
57) Western alliance
59) Swell
60) Bear, to a skygazer
61) Head set
62) Mountain part
63) "The Matrix" character
64) Banned insecticide
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: 75
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
02 July to 08 July 2021 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
A small initiative on your part is likely to bring
you into the limelight. You are likely to let go
and enjoy what life has to offer. Friends will be
loving and supporting, and will readily do your
bidding. Catching someone’s eye on the romantic
front cannot be ruled out! Thoroughness may
be sacrificed in your eagerness to touch upon
everything cursorily on the academic front. You may have to put
in your bit for good health. Lucky No.: 9 / Lucky Colour: Lemon
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
This is your lucky week, when whatever you
do turns out well. You are likely to come out
tops in a professional situation. Faring well on
the academic front is a foregone conclusion.
Those doing their bit to shed weight may find
encouraging signs. You are likely to put your
ideas into action on the social front. Love life
will turn immensely fulfilling. Spouse may focus on keeping you in
a happy mood in this week. Health remains excellent. Lucky No.:7
/ Lucky Colour: Pink
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
This is the time when you are likely to earn
fame on the social front. Your ability to act
as a business negotiator will place you in the
indispensable category of your organisation!
Strong performance on the academic front
is indicated. You derive much pleasure from
meeting and interacting with people. Strict selfdiscipline,
where spending is concerned, will keep your bank
balance brimming. Balanced diet and abstinence from junk food
are your keys to good health. Lucky No.:3 / Lucky Colour: Rust
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
There is nothing that is difficult for you, but
time may remain at a premium. A family
gathering is in the offing and will afford you a
chance of meeting people you have not met in
years. Acquiring a built up property is possible
for some. Renovation work may be undertaken
for an ancestral house. Your efforts are likely to
prove fruitful on the academic front. Something tasked to you at
work will be completed most satisfactorily. Lucky No.:3 / Lucky
Colour: Green
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)
You may need to keep a step ahead of your
competitors. No problems are foreseen on the
academic front, as you cruise along smoothly.
Making superior’s priority your own will do you
a whale of a good on the career front. Something
promised to the family is likely to get fulfilled. Your
unwavering attention to the one you love is likely to melt his or her
heart and promise to usher in a budding romance. Lucky No.:5 /
Lucky Colour: Red
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
You may need to get a second opinion on an
investment to remain on a safe wicket. Joining
a gym or taking up some healthy activity is
indicated for some. Workplace competition and
rivalry may take its toll, so take things easy for a
change! You will get the chance to wrap up some
pending issues at work, without too many interruptions. You may
have to rope in some people to organise a function on the social
front. Lucky No.:1 / Lucky Colour: Indigo
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
This is a good time to plan for your financial
future. You are likely to lead the way on the
academic front. Praise is in store for some
for something that they have achieved on the
professional front. Invitation to a party or a
wedding is in the pipeline and will enable you
to widen your social network. Chances look bright on the romantic
front, so don’t hesitate to express your love to the one close to your
heart! Lucky No.:6 / Lucky Colour: Violet
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
There is a good chance of going out of town for
an official trip. Your financial condition is set to
improve dramatically, as money comes to you
from many sources. Someone is likely to prove
a pillar of strength to you on the academic front
and help you realise your aspirations. A job
that you had been eyeing for long may finally
be yours. Your presence in a social function will be highly
appreciated. Health remains satisfactory. Lucky No.: 8 / Lucky
Colour: Metallic Blue
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
Getting help from others to save time will be a
step in the right direction. Improving the foul
mood of an elder will help bring harmony back
on the home front. Not the best time to raise a
personal issue with the higher ups, so wait for
some more time. Broad base your studies, instead
of getting too much into the specifics on the academic front. Those
hoping to shed weight may taste success under expert guidance.
Lucky No.: 15 / Lucky Colour: Turquoise
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
You will make a good job of whatever has been
entrusted to you. A windfall may be expected
by some playing the stocks or involved in trade.
Company of health-conscious people may act as
a motivation for those feeling lazy to come back
in shape. Alertness on the academic front will
help prevent mistakes. Disciplining subordinates
may seem distasteful, but is the need of the hour. Someone may
expect you to undertake a responsibility at home. Lucky No.: 9 /
Lucky Colour: Sky Blue
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
If success is what you seek, you will taste is soon!
Much fun is foreseen on the social front as a
marriage gets solemnised or a success, celebrated.
Impressing someone on the romantic front is
very much on the cards for some. Making good
time on a long journey is indicated. Someone’s
assistance is likely to find you performing well
on the academic front. Someone is likely to put in a good word for
you at work. Lucky No.:7 / Lucky Colour: Sandy Brown
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
Handle a situation with tact that threatens to get
out of hand at work. You will be bold enough
to express your love for someone despite the
risks involved. A journey may be undertaken on
someone’s invitation. Taking shortcuts where
academics is concerned is courting disaster, so
take heed. Be careful in what you do at work,
for there will be many eager to report you to the higher ups. Losing
money in betting or speculation is very real. Lucky No.:3 / Lucky
Colour: Red

The Indian Weekender Friday,July 02, 2021
FEATURES 19
Sahaja Yoga and
enlightenment in
the modern age
Ours is a restless age - an age of rampant
consumerism, where many people are
working longer hours and becoming
increasingly dissatisfied resulting in a lack of
balance in their lives.
There are rapid changes in technology
and reports of increased psychological
pressures, stress and tension. Happiness
seems to be eluding us and we are constantly
seeking answers. People have often turned
to religion for answers, but questions may
still remain – who am I and how do I gain
knowledge of myself? Sahaja Yoga is the gift
given to humanity by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.
She has proclaimed that self-realisation is the
answer and the final aim of human existence;
and through Her Divine existence She has
made this possible. Sahaja Yoga is for the
emancipation for all of humanity, whatever
your race or creed or station in life.
Shri Mataji has given thousands of lectures
on a wide range of topics, particularly on how
Sahaja Yoga can give you that union with divine
energy, which is all around us. After the seeker
gains his or her self-realisation the journey of
the spirit within begins, the beautiful journey of
a life with meditation.
As Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi herself has said,
“We are waging war with ourselves, with our
very being, how can we get peace? We make
everything false in the name of truth, how can
we discover light? Self-realisation is the only
way you can get the light in”.
Sahaja Yoga is a simple technique of self
realisation that anyone can practice. “Sahaja”
in sanskrit means
“spontaneous” or
that “which is inborn within you”.
And “yoga” is the “ultimate union with God”.
So Sahaja Yoga is the spontaneous awakening
of a dormant energy within us to give us the
ultimate union.
“Everyday we see seeds sprouting, flowers
blooming, fruits ripening, but we do not want
to think how it happens. There is a power that
does this work, it is the all pervading power of
Divine Love. Now the time has come to feel this
power through the instrument within us. This
instrument has no use unless it is connected to
the mains.
We do not know our potential, our beauty,
but once this connection with the mains is
established, we will be surprised at the dynamic
results.”, says H H Shri Mataji.
The entire instrument of enlightenment is
within us, highly subtle, yet not visible in its
physical form. There are three energy channels
(nadis), left, right and centre and seven energy
centres (chakras).
The chakras govern our being – physical,
emotional, sprirtual. Sahaja Yoga teaches us to
awaken all these chakras and experience and
develop the qualities of each of the chakras.
Thus these three channels and seven chakras
are the instruments of enlightenment.
Over the coming months you will be able to
read articles by practitioners of Sahaja Yoga on
a variety of topics.
Free classes are always available for anyone
wishing to attend.
For details and more information go to:
https://www.freemeditationnz.com

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