The Indian Weekender, 13 August 2021

13AUGUST2021 • VOL 13 ISSUE 23
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The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 3
‘Reconnecting NZ to the world’–
cold comfort for stuck migrants
DEV NADKARNI
Expectations were high in migrant
communities about announcements by
Immigration Minister Chris Faafoi that
was originally scheduled for today (12 August).
However, earlier in the week it became clear
that his presser would not happen.
Instead, a nearly two-hour-long high-profile
panel of experts drawn from science, health,
government and business titled “Reconnecting
New Zealand to the world” was live streamed.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
addressed the panel and the audience.
Migrants who find themselves in limbo on
account of any number of reasons ranging
from pandemic-related border closures to
an unempathetic immigration system found
no answers to their burning questions.
They can perhaps take heart from Ms.
Ardern’s acknowledgement that borders
cannot remain closed for ever, even if the
government is firm on its strategy of complete
elimination – which she admitted had come at
a cost. “We cannot keep border restrictions on
forever, and to be absolutely clear we do not
want to either,” she said.
Today’s panel discussion and the Prime
Minister’s address was all about what New
Zealand plans to do between now and the
planned opening of borders in the first quarter
of 2022.
The panel discussion and the Prime
Minister’s address revealed that considerable
thought had gone into what will be attempted
as a slew of trials get under way between now
and the new year in what could be a four step
strategy toward opening the borders.
Speakers on the panel said that there was
no way in which we could vaccinate ourselves
out of the pandemic admitting that worldwide
experience was showing that vaccination was
not working as well as it was expected to. So,
vaccination would be one of many strategies
required in any move to open borders.
However, the view that borders could be
opened in a careful, measured manner once
a majority of the New Zealand population
was vaccinated was expressed by a couple
of speakers. The consensus was that “Covid
is not going anywhere” and control measures
will necessarily have to be dynamic and multimodal.
The panel was emphatically unanimous
that vaccination was absolutely essential as the
first personal line of defence against Covid-19.
The Prime Minister echoed this when she
said border control alone would not help
prevent outbreaks.
Vaccination was necessary. She said border
settings existing today were not “forever” but
would change dynamically depending on health
advice on dealing with the pandemic and new
T
oday’s panel discussion
and the Prime Minister’s
address was all about what
the New Zealand government
plans to do between now
and the planned opening of
borders in the first quarter of
2022.
variants that might emerge.
The government is working across several
agencies ranging from the Ministries of Health,
Transport to Customs, other agencies, business
and aviation to evolve protocols for safe travel,
Ms. Ardern said, toward “safe and smart” reopening
of the borders, including pre-departure,
in-flight and arrivals.
The period between and the planned opening
of the borders early next year will see a number
of trials. For instance, from October until
December, a few hundred vaccinated workers
who need to visit overseas for work will be
in a pilot scheme where they will be able to
travel and then self-isolate at home, instead of
managed isolation.
For inward travel, a “modified isolation”
system will be put in place with home-based
isolation and shorter managed isolation periods
depending on the countries from which the
passengers have arrived. Passengers from
countries deemed high risk (which currently
includes India and Fiji) will still have to
quarantine in managed isolation for 14 days.
However, fully vaccinated travellers from “low
risk” countries would be subject to various tests
but could well able to skip isolation altogether.
The government’s goal is to move toward
quarantine free travel to everyone who was
vaccinated – but that depends on how well the
trials will work.
Technology will progressively play a greater
part in travel. Health and IT professionals are
working together to develop technology and
apps so that travellers can use technology to
upload their vaccine status and other details
pre-travel, which might become a requirement
for all travel in future.
This will be part of a “Traveller health
Declaration System,” the Prime Minister said.
As regards the short-lived transtasman travel
bubble, the Prime Minister said further advice
was awaited and a decision could perhaps
be expected by the end of next month at the
earliest. Developments in New South Wales are
certainly not encouraging toward any plan to
open the borders safely at least as of now.
While the Prime Minister had recently said her
government would make an announcement on
the status of migrants affected by the pandemic
in the short term, there is no indication of when
that will happen – something that many had
hoped would happen today.

4 NEW ZEALAND
Jana Gana Mana like it’s
never sung before...
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
If one was asked to name one thing that
instantly evokes the feeling of patriotism
in any Indian, our National Anthem Jana
Gana Mana will surely be on the top.
Since India is celebrating the 75th year of
its Independence or Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav,
the Indian Government has started an initiative
that aims to unite Indian across the globe and
remind them that they stand and remain one
under the Indian union.
To take part in this initiative, one just needs
to log on to https://rashtragaan.in/ and upload
his or her video singing the National Anthem
along with their details. At the time of writing,
the initiative has reached 6503338 users and it
is growing exponentially by the minute.
Undoubtedly, singing and listening to Jana
Gana Mana generates raised feelings of pride
and patriotism for every Indian irrespective of
his/her geographical location like nothing else
can.
Apart from underlining the importance of
India as a diverse nation and evoking a sense
of unity, it also signifies that despite variations
in culture, traditions, religion and languages,
India is united under one flag and that’s truly
the heritage and ethos of India.
It also serves as an eternal representation
of the values and spirit of our forefathers and
everyone who calls India its home despite
wherever he/she is based.
A compilation of the uploaded videos will
be shown live on August 15, 2021 and the top
100 videos will be part of a special song to be
launched on TV, Radio, YouTube and social
media platforms.
"
I think it is a great idea to
unite Indians across the
globe and what better way
then through the National
anthem. Let’s wholeheartedly
encourage all fellow Indians
to take part in it and make it a
record-breaking success
Sharing her thoughts on the initiative,
Amarpreet Kaur, who migrated from Indian in
2010, says, “I think it is a great initiative and
I urge more and more Indian across the globe
to take part in it. What a celebration of India’s
great culture.
Let’s make it an historic event.”
Preet Singh adds, “I think it is a great
idea to unite Indians across the globe and
what better way then through the National
anthem. Let’s wholeheartedly encourage all
fellow Indians to take part in it and make it a
record-breaking success.”
Friday, August 13, 2021
The Indian Weekender
An exceptional multicultural
concert in Rotorua
SPONSORED CONTENT
Moksha Base is a band of passionate
individuals who came together
for the love of music. They have
performed in most cultural shows in Hamilton
and Auckland since 2012 and their music
includes their own compositions, cover
numbers, classical fusions in western, hip-hop,
rock, and Bollywood genres to name a few.
As a band, they enjoy performing for their
audience and having an upbeat connection with
them throughout their performance.
They have also released four original
music videos since October 2019.
They have featured in video interviews
and news articles like Indian Newslink
and the Waikato News for their work.
With the current world in turmoil,
there is no better time than now to
bring both eastern and western cultures
together to celebrate our unity in
diversity through music.
The concept of this concert “Puoro”
has been in the making for over four
months. Moksha Base as a band was
ambitious to deliver their second live
multicultural concert this year where
many like-minded New Zealand bands
from around the country regardless of
their ethnicity could come together and
perform their original music for their
live audience.
They’ve named this concert “Puoro”
which means music in Maori because
they wanted the music of every single
band performing in this concert to be
heard across all of Aotearoa.
This idea was inspired by WOMAD which
is the World of Music and Dance that happens
every year in New Plymouth. They simply
wanted to create a similar atmosphere in
Rotorua.
Link to purchase concert tickets: https://
tinyurl.com/puoro2021
PERFORMERS PLAYING:
Moksha Base, Lo-Fi Lizard, June Potifara,
Nepali Vibes, Te Pakira Hakka, Go
Carnatic, The Nursesists & Friends, Diljit
Baddowal Ala. (More being announced
soon...)
Onashamsakal
and a happy Onam
to our Malayalee community across Aotearoa
Left to Right: Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern (Leader of the Labour Party, MP for Mt Albert, Prime Minister of New Zealand), Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan (MP
for Maungakiekie, Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities, and Youth), Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall (Labour
List MP, Minister for Food Safety and Seniors), Marja Lubeck (Labour List MP based in Kaipara ki Mahurangi), Vanushi Walters (MP for Upper Harbour),
Naisi Chen (Labour List MP based in Botany), Ibrahim Omer (Labour List MP), Dr Gaurav Sharma (MP for Hamilton West), Ingrid Leary (MP for Taieri).
Contact Labour’s Ethnic Communities Team:
09 622 2557 | ethnic_communities_labour@parliament.govt.nz
/Labourethnic | labour_ethnic_communities
Authorised by Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 5
Grief in Indian community as
young Indian man found dead
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
A
34 year old Kiwi-indian man named
Nishu Bhroat has unexpectedly passed
away in Auckland leaving everyone in
shock and grief. He was found unresponsive
at his Glen Innes home by his flat mate at
around 9:30am on Sunday. His flatmate called
emergency services but he was already dead by
that time.
Bhroat, who hailed from Ludhiana, Punjab,
was married to a Maori woman named
Ngarewarewa Alice Olsen Bhroat. The couple
got married in Melbourne, Australia on 15
August 2011. Bhroat had been to Australia on
a student visa and met Ngarewarewa and the
couple fell in love and got married. The couple
has two children, son Fateh Tama Singh Bhroat
(age 8) and a daughter named Zara Kaur
Bhroat (age 10).
The couple moved to New Zealand in mid-
2015 with hopes and aspirations of a great life.
Everything seemed to be going great and
Bharoat even be got his NZ residency under
partnership last year on 21 February 2020.
Bhroat’s first cousin Raman Bhroat, who
works in the Corrections Department in
Auckland said, “I still can’t come to terms
with Nishu’s death. He was a healthy 34 year
old who went to sleep and never woke up. The
post-mortem took place today in Auckland but
the cause of death could not be undermined.
The samples of his tissues and other important
things have been preserved for further
investigation by the Coroner.”
Talking about Nishu, who was a warehouse
employee of an Onehunga business, an
emotional Raman said, “ He was very lively
and jolly person. I don’t know how God can
be so cruel. He was very easy going and like
an open book. Even in this day, he didn’t had
password on his phone.”
At present Nishu’s wife is in Melbourne
with their kids as she had gone there to meet
her family but she is unable to come back due
to MIQ issues.
Nishu’s parents are in a state of shock after
getting the news that their beloved son is no
more. His brother who stays in Canada in
making his arrangements to reach the family
in India. The next of kin Raman Bhroat has
approached the High Commission of India to
help in repatriation of the body which is now at
South Auckland Funeral services awaiting the
needful to be done and a booking on the next
available airline is being sought
The family has appealed to the High
Commission to help them financially to aid the
repatriation back to India. The case is currently
under process and hopefully the body will be
repatriated back to Punjab on Tuesday
“I can’t thank India’s honorary consul in
Auckland, Bhav Dhillon, regarding the support
he has been providing to us in these difficult
times,” says Raman.
Before the repatriation of Nishu’s body, a
memorial service is being arranged on Sunday
at Auckland Funeral Services in Otahuhu at
12:30 for the friends and well wishers to bid a
final good bye to Nishu.
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Independence Day
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
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Independence Day
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6 NEW ZEALAND
‘I’d give this
Friday, August 13, 2021
The Indian Weekender
govt a zero
for delivery’
PRITI GARUDE KASTURE
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, the first ever
Member of Parliament of Indian origin
and National MP for four straight terms
may be out of office at the moment, but he is
as active in the community as he has always
been – perhaps even more so now that he is
free of the protocols of office. His continuing
deep involvement in community affairs and
issues is a measure of his strong commitment
to public life as a leader. Indian Weekender
correspondent Preeti Garude caught up with Mr
Bakshi soon after the National Party’s annual
conference and spoke to him about the mood at
the convention, whether Judith Collins will stay
on as the leader and of the party and if National
can win the 2023 elections.
How would you describe the mood at
the National Party convention?
I think the mood was very good. The
members are upbeat. The challenges that they
are facing right now from this government,
they feel they are united, and have similar
viewpoints. What the party is saying right now,
that has made a lot of difference to the mood
of the members. I think it is going to be quite
challenging for the Labour Party because of our
Demand the Debate programme – it is getting a
lot of attention.
Could you expand on the ‘Demand
the Debate’ campaign and why do you
think Kiwi Indians should care about
it?
I think it is very important for everyone. This
government right now has the majority, and
they are doing what they want to, whereas the
mood of the people is quite different.
The latest example is the cycle bridge they
wanted to build over the Harbour Bridge. $785
million for few thousand people to cross that
bridge in the day or in a week, doesn’t make
any sense.
And when they saw the poll that people were
not supportive of it and then suddenly, they
have withdrawn. This shows that they did not
do any homework before announcing it.
$785 million is not a small amount whereas
the Harbour Bridge that we have proposed has
a tunnel which can carry cars and the trains
of the Sacred: An Interfaith Free Concert
Sounds
Mt Eden’s Fickling Centre will provide the venue for a special interfaith concert this
month, with performers and choirs from many of Auckland’s spiritual traditions
participating. The evening program has the simple purpose of bringing together
our diverse interfaith communities and musicians - from Sikh, Christian, Hindu,
Buddhist, Bahai and Sufi faiths. The free admission public concert will highlight
both the diversity of Auckland’s cultures and share the unique music of their rich
traditions.
Sounds of the Sacred is being held on Thursday evening, August 26th at 7pm, in
the Fickling Centre’s Hillsborough room, located below the Mt Roskill library in
Three Kings, Mt Eden.
Auckland’s Sri Chinmoy Centre is again organising the event, following the success
of a similar concert in 2018. The late spiritual master Sri Chinmoy was a prolific
composer of devotional music himself, and shared his thousands of compositions
with audiences worldwide in over 700 free concerts. He saw music as a kind of
universal language that unifies people and has the power to create a more
peaceful world.
Performers in this month’s Sounds of the Sacred concert each have a ten minute
time slot to perform on the stage, with some 7-8 different groups participating. A
guest performer from the Jewish culture will open the concert by playing on the
Shofar, an instrument traditionally used in Judaism on important ceremonial
occasions.
Admission to the concert is free, but groups wishing to attend would be wise to
reserve seats. For inquiries or seating requests call/text to: 0221887432
Further information: www.meditationauckland.co.nz
together. It will make a lot
of sense to people because
they are wasting their
time in traffic due to which productivity goes
down. All these things are very important,
which this government is totally ignoring.
Giving $2.75 million to the Mongrel Mob
doesn’t make any sense. This money could
have been well spent in some other areas,
so this government is not at all listening to
the people.
Another major issue is immigration. This
government doesn’t care for split families.
People who have been stuck overseas or they
are in New Zealand and their families are
overseas, it’s taking a toll on their families, on
their mental health. At the conference, we had
two speakers who have gone through mental
health issue because of this, and both when
they shared their stories, were given standing
ovation by a room full of 700 people. That
shows that this government is not listening to
people. They are just doing what they want to
do, and that’s not what New Zealanders are
looking for so.
Was there any further discussion on
immigration at the Convention?
Formally, we didn’t have a discussion
because only last week we announced a
policy. What we will do for immigration, a full
and final policy will be announced later, but
we are going around the country and talking to
people. I have organised a few meetings around
the country.
The first one was in Christchurch, Auckland,
Wellington, and now the next ones in pipeline
are Rotorua and Hamilton.
We are talking to the migrants, and the
turnout for these meeting has been tremendous.
People are upset and there are so many stories
where people who have been in New Zealand
for 10 years but can’t get their families in, are
now giving up and going overseas. People are
migrating in bulk now. It has started and you
will see the difference in the coming days. A lot
of people will be going overseas.
You might have seen the report launched by
Sunit Prakash and Lalita Kasanji which said
that Kiwi Indian IT professionals contributed
over $350 million to the New Zealand economy
in 2020. And this is just the Indian diaspora.
You can see the contribution we are making,
but we are not getting the recognition in return.
What are the three big things that the
National Party has learned after the last
elections?
Obviously, we had our SGM during our
AGM, where we identified how we should be
progressing for 2023 elections. Some changes
have been made to the Constitution of the
National Party which have been implemented.
For example, the term for board members
cannot be for more than nine years and we will
have a President election every year.
These things will be implemented and
hopefully we’ll see the results in coming days
and months.
With two more years to go, do you think
Judith Collins will stay on as the National
Party Leader or will she be rolled?
I don’t see any reason why she should be
rolled. She is doing a good job and she will
continue. But it is up to the caucus. I didn’t see
any such mood in the caucus. I did talk to many
of my former colleagues, and they are rightly
behind her and hopefully, she will continue and
lead us in 2023.
Do you think National Party can win in
2023?
Definitely! Because we can see this
government talks a lot, but when it comes to
delivering, they don’t deliver anything. In first
term of this election, they had a big excuse
that Winston Peter is not allowing us to do
these many things, but now the true colors of
this party are out. We have seen they are antimigrants.
They don’t want the migrants to
come over, but they had the excuse, no NZ First
in not allowing us, but that is not true. Now
they can do whatever they want, and we have
seen that migrant numbers are dropping day by
day. And the contribution of the migrants is not
well recognised by this government, and that is
the worst thing which migrants can think about.
They wanted to deliver 10,000 houses every
year. They haven’t delivered even 10,000
thousand in four years – so that shows that they
haven’t done anything. They don’t know what
they are talking about. They have just tried to
win people by saying some good slogans and
when it comes to delivery, they are zero. So, I
would give this government a zero for delivery.
National sets agenda for 2023
The National Party held its 85th Annual
Conference over the weekend, setting the
agenda and direction for the party for the 2023
elections.
National Party leader, Judith Collins in
her Leader’s speech on the last day of the
conference, opted to steer clear of making
any policy announcements, rather focusing
on highlighting the shortcomings and broken
promises of the current Labour government.
She outlined key areas of focus for the party
– lifting incomes, growing the technology
sector, getting houses built, getting Kiwis home
safely and quickly each day, educating them to
succeed globally, making our communities safe
and reversing the growth of gangs and ensuring
quality healthcare and mental healthcare.
In her speech, Collins also pressed on
the importance of the ‘Demand the Debate’
campaign; jump started by the party to hear the
voice of New Zealanders on issues that matter
to them.
The three-day conference was attended by
some 700 party members and facelifted panel
discussions on topics like rural communities,
the economy, IT, digital and space, COVID-19
and mental health. The conference also
included the party’s special general meeting
and annual general meeting. Peter Goodfellow
was re-elected President.

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 7
New Zealand’s First
DharmaFest on 22 August
Hindu Youth New Zealand has
announced New Zealand’s first ever
DharmaFest –an event that brings
together various Dharma based groups and
spiritual organisations together to showcase
the beautiful dimensions of Hindu/Dharmic
culture, through food, clothing, art, crafts,
knowledge systems like Yoga, Ayurveda,
Meditation / Mindfulness, and the contribution
of this diverse community to the wider New
Zealand society.
The organisers of DharmaFest (youth teams
from various organisations) have collaborated
with well recognised Raksha Bandhan Festival.
Both these events will be held at the Mahatma
Gandhi Centre, Eden Terrace, Auckland, on
Sunday, 22 August 2021.
DharmaFest will be held from 10.00 am to
2.00 pm and the Raksha Bandhan (organised by
Hindu Organisations, Temples & Associations
– HOTA Forum) will be held from 3.00 pm –
6.30 pm.
DharmaFest will have an official inauguration
where leaders of various Dharma based
organisations will do their respective prayers to
mark the launch of this event. It is completely a
youth driven event and many young volunteers
from many organizations have come together to
bring DharmaFest to New Zealand to celebrate
‘Vibhinnatāyām Ekatvam’ - Unity in Diversity.
The DharmaFest will focus on exhibition
stalls (e.g., book stalls, ethnic clothing,
jewellery, arts/crafts, vegetarian food stalls,
etc), and interactive sessions (yoga, Ayurveda,
meditation, mehndi, rangoli, sari and turban
tying, etc) to encourage more people to
participate, see and experience the beautiful
diversity, vibrance, colour, festivity, joy and
celebration of life.
Several organisations including BAPS
Swaminarayan Sanstha, Chinmaya Mission
New Zealand, Sri Ramakrishna Vedanta
Centre, Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), Ekal
Vidyalaya, Hindu Council of New Zealand and
many more organizations will be having a stall.
The Raksha Bandhan Festival will focus on
cultural performances from various Dharma
based groups and dance schools promoting
traditional folk and classical dances.
Both DharmaFest and Raksha Bandhan
festival are family-friendly events, open to
all, and they aim to bring community leaders/
volunteers and dance groups from several
Hindu/Dharma based communities together
to celebrate this unique festival and promote
Dharma based traditions, cultures, knowledge
systems, understandings and lifestyles to the
wider New Zealand community.
On behalf of DharmaFest and Raksha
Bandhan Festival organisers, invitations have
been sent to high profile dignitaries, Maori
and Elders from Dharma base groups, and
executive committee members, community
volunteers and their families from all Dharma/
Hindu organisations to actively participate in
this grand event.
Both events are smoke-free, alcohol-free
and meat-free with the intent to celebrate the
diverse culture. Moreover, both events are held
indoors, so come along and enjoy, rain or shine!
Ekdum kadak attendance
at Chaha Katta event
PRITI GARUDE KASTURE
“Growing up, I used to visit my mum’s
native place quite often, and there, in
the village was this Banyan tree with a
bench underneath it. Every evening, villagers
gathered at this katta (bench), to talk about their
day and drink chaha (tea). It was a moment that
let them unwind and catch-up with friends. I
wished to recreate that feeling and visual at our
association’s events, and that’s how the idea
of Chaha Katta was born.”, says Vishal Patil,
President of the Auckland Marathi Association
Inc (AMAI) on this uniquely named event
organized for the Maharashtrian community in
Auckland.
Over 200 people mixed and mingled with tea
and vada pav at AMAI’s annual event, Chaha
Katta, literally translated to stand for ‘tea on a
bench’, a concept familiar to those who have
been a part of the tea-stall culture in India.
With an aim to provide a free, non-judgmental
space for Maharashtrians across Auckland to
meet and socialize, the event is the first in a
series of programs planned by the association
for this year. Elaborating on the need for
such an evening, Vishal said, “AMAI has
been instrumental in bringing Marathi people
together for over 26 years. Although never
an obligation, having paid members helps us
to plan events better and keeping the culture
alive. Every year, at least Ganapati and Diwali
have been celebrated with traditional dinner
for members. This year, we’ll have cricket
tournament and some new programs.
Our challenge is organizing events in all parts
of the city e.g., east, west but we are restricted
by limited affordable large venues in the city
which are mostly in central suburbs.
Honestly, we want AMAI to be a platform
for all Marathi people across Auckland. If there
are some Marathi groups who want to organize
something specific, we can help them get a
venue and support with organizing the event.
We are supported by the Ministry of Ethnic
communities, Auckland Council, Auckland
Indian Association and the High commission
of India. That way all of us will still be under
the same flag and the extended community can
participate.
Last but not the least, I want credit for
the event to go to our great committee and
volunteer group who selflessly spend days to
organize events for the community”
Held at Freemans Bay Community Centre, \
the evening was a parade of interactive games
with a side of discussions on mature themes
like community safety and animal welfare.
Detective Constable Amit Kale and Constable
Vaibhav Shendge from New Zealand Police
spoke to those present on tips of staying safe and
vigilant in their cars and their neighbourhoods,
being aware of online scammers, as well as
urged everyone to reach out to Police in case
of any emergency. Shruti Teke, animal lover
and vet nurse, spoke about her love for animals
and her Givealittle page, Pawsome Rescue
where she is raising funds to run a rescue and
rehabilitations service for animals.
This Chaha Katta event is followed by
Natya Rajani 2021, three one-act Marathi plays
developed for the theatre-loving Maharashtrian
crowd. The plays are Tax-Free, written By
Chandrashekhar Phansalkar and directed
By Kaustubh Pethe, Lockdown- Ek Pravas,
written & directed by Devadatt Paranjape and
Tumchysathi Kaaypan!, written & directed by
Gaurav Sawant.
The plays will be enacted at the Playhouse
Theatre in Glen Eden, Auckland on August 21.
Tickets for this event are now live and can be
booked via the event’s Facebook page.
Bank of India (New Zealand) Ltd
Bank of India (New Zealand) Ltd
wishes everyone
Services we offer :
1. Opening of Zero balance saving account
2. Free remittance to India with attractive exchange rate
3. Same day credit to any bank in India.
Contact here:
Auckland: 09 9265797
Papatoetoe: 09 2781784
www.bankofindia.co.nz
Head Office:
10 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023
Papatoetoe branch:
31 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, Manukau 2025

8 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 13, 2021
The Indian Weekender
India, NZ break records at TOKYO 2020
AVINASH SEN
India ki Jai ho! Hooray for New Zealand!
That's what's going through the hearts and
minds of Kiwis, Indians, and Kiwi-Indians.
This year, both India and New Zealand made
history, when they broke their records for the
highest ever medal tally on the world’s greatest
sports stage.
India came in with a grand total of seven
Olympic medals from the 2020 Tokyo
Olympics, defeating the previous high of six
in the London Olympics in 2012, and New
Zealand came in with a whopping 20!
The games themselves have finally come to a
close. And so, doston, let's take a look back at
how these two countries outdid themselves at
this year's Olympics.
INDIA
PV Sindhu - Women’s singles
badminton, bronze medal
Next we had India’s Badminton queen
herself, PV Sindhu, who secured the
bronze medal in Women’s singles badminton,
winning against He Bing Jiao from the People’s
Republic of China, having scored 21-13, 21-
15. With the win, she became the first Indian
woman who has won multiple Olympic medals,
and the second Indian athlete, to bring home
two individual Olympic medals.
she is now India’s second female boxer to win
an Olympic medal.
Indian Hockey team: Men’s Hockey,
bronze medal
It’s India’s national sport, lekin bhai, it was
a long wait. But the men in Indian hockey
team did it. After 41 arid years, India finally has
an Olympic medal in men’s hockey again. In
a comeback story worthy of the movies, India
went from being 3-1 down to 5-4, scoring four
goals in the span of seven minutes, beating
Germany and securing the bronze medal.
Bajrang Punia - Men’s 65kg wrestling,
bronze medal
Joining his wrestling teammate, Bajrang
Punia became the third Indian debutant
to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympic 2020.
The only Indian wrestler who has won not
one, not two, but three world championship
medals, Punia dominated in his fight
against Kazakhstan’s Daulet Niyazbekov,
an 8-0 victory.
Mirabai Chanu - Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting,
silver medal
India came in strong with weightlifter
Mirabai Chanu, who lifted 202 kgs and won
the silver medal in the women’s 49 kg category,
establishing herself as one of the top-five
weightlifters in the world in her division.
This was her first Olympic medal, and with
it, she brought a weightlifting medal to India
after over 20 years.
Lovlina Borgohain - Women’s
welterweight boxing, bronze medal
For Medal number three, we have to
thank Lovlina Borgohain, who won the
bronze medal after defeating Chen Nien-Chin
in the quarter-final.
This was her Games debut and she
bombarded her way through, to get a prevailing
4-1 on points against her opponent. With this,
Ravi Kumar Dahiya - Men’s 57kg
freestyle wrestling, silver medal
In the world of Kushti, aka wrestling, Ravi
Kumar Dahiya made his fellow pehlwans
proud when he brought home the silver medal
for the Men’s 57kg freestyle wrestling category.
Like Borgohain, this was Dahiya’s Olympic
debut, and with it, he continued India’s run of
winning a wrestling Olympic medal since 2008.
Neeraj Chopra - Men’s javelin throw,
gold medal
Finally, we come to the man who brought
the gold back to motherland India,
and made it India’s best ever Olympic
medal haul, Neeraj Chopra.
• Continued on Page 9
Happy 75th Indian Independence day
to us
Talk
Hall
about
and
hiring
catering
needs.

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 9
India, NZ break records
at TOKYO 2020
• Continued on Page 9
With his mighty throwing arm, Chopra
became India’s second individual
Olympic champion in the Tokyo 2020 games,
also making history by winning India’s first
medal in track-and-field, at any Olympic
Games.
Of course, it wasn’t just a big event for
India. We in Aotearoa also had every reason to
celebrate.
NEW ZEALAND
As mentioned before, New Zealand had an
incredible medal haul at the Tokyo 2020
Olympics, bringing home an unbelievable
twenty medals, absolutely smashing their
previous record of eighteen at the Rio de
Janeiro 2016 Olympics.
To give you a quick breakdown, New
Zealand won: seven gold, six silver and seven
bronze medals. Out of all the competitions held,
NZ proved its worth most at rowing, followed
by athletics, sailing, and lastly canoeing.
Their performance at the Games showcased
Aotearoa’s mastery at watersports.
I wrote a short piece about each of the Indian
medalists; however, I will not be doing the same
for the NZ athletes. This is due to the sheer
number of medalists who made it through.
Twenty is no joke after all! I’ll list each of the
winning events in the three medal categories as
teams and individuals instead.
GOLD MEDALS
• Kerri Gowler and Grace Prendergast -
Rowing: Coxless Pair
• Emma Twigg - Rowing: Women's Single
Scull
• Rowing: Men's Eight
• Rugby: Sevens Women
• Lisa Carrington - Canoe/Kayak: Women's
K-1, 200m
• Lisa Carrington, Caitlin Regal - Canoe/
Kayak: Women's K-2, 500m
• Lisa Carrington - Canoe/Kayak: Women's
K-1, 500m
• SILVER MEDALS
• Rowing: Women's Double Scull
• Rugby: Sevens Men
• Rowing: Women’s Eight
• Sailing: Men's Skiff 49er
• Ellesse Andrews - Cycling: Women's Keirin
• Campbell Stewart - Cycling: Men's Omnium
• BRONZE MEDALS
• Hayden Wilde - Triathlon: Individual Men
• Michael Venus, Marcus Daniell - Tennis:
Men's Doubles
• Dylan Schmidt - Gymnastics: Men's
Trampoline
• Dame Valerie Adams - Athletics: Women's
Shot Put
• David Nyika - Boxing: Men's Heavy 81-
91kg
• Tom Walsh - Athletics: Men's Shot Put
• Lydia Ko - Golf: Women's Individual
• A big round of applause to all Indian and
New Zealand athletes. You’ve done yourself
and your country proud. And here's hoping
the next Olympics is even more exciting.
India’s great achievements
since independence
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi
Former National Party MP
In this brief piece, former National Party
Member of Parliament and New Zealand’s
first Kiwi-Indian MP lists India’s stellar
achievements in the seven-and-a-half decades
since independence
Independence Day of India is a reminder of
all the sacrifices our freedom fighters made to
gain independence from British rule so future
generations can live freely.
India has built a modern economy, remained
a democracy, lifted millions out of poverty,
has become a space and nuclear power and
developed a robust foreign policy.
The Green Revolution in India in 1960 saw
an increase in food grain production, with
development of high-yielding varieties of
wheat and pulses.
This made India self-sufficient in food
production.
In 1970, India saw the White Revolution —
the world’s biggest dairy development program,
pioneered by Verghese Kurien.
It transformed India from a milk deficient
nation into the world’s largest milk producer.
New Zealand also helped India in achieving
this milestone.
In 1983, India, under Kapil Dev, defeated
West Indies by 43 runs to win its first cricket
World Cup.
India successfully launched Chandrayaan in
October 2008 to explore the moon. One of the
greatest achievements of Chandrayaan was the
discovery of water molecules in the lunar soil.
On November 5, 2013, Indian Space
Research Organisation successfully launched
Mars Orbiter Mission to probe Mars.
It is the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit,
and the first nation in the world to do so in its
first attempt
Briefly talking about the infrastructure
sector it has become the biggest focus area
for the Prime Minister Modi lead government.
India plans to spend US$ 1.4 trillion on
infrastructure during 2019-23 to have a
sustainable development of the country. The
Government has suggested investment of
US$ 750 billion for railways infrastructure
from 2018-30.
Looking back on the last 75 years of
Independence, India has made great progress
and every person of Indian origin feels proud.
Happy 75 th
Indian Independence Day
Dr Gaurav Sharma MP for Hamilton West
gaurav.sharma@parliament.govt.nz
www.gmsharma.info
Follow me on facebook.com/gmsharmanz
Authorised by Dr Gaurav Sharma MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

10
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 13, 2021 The Indian Weekender

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
NEW ZEALAND 11

Editorial
Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav – onward
toward immortality
India’s 75th Independence Day on 15 August this year is being celebrated
as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mohotsav’. Indian tradition associates the seventy-fifth
anniversary – usually termed platinum anniversary in the western world –
with ‘Amrit’ or immortality.
The oldest continuously living civilisation and culture, India, as she has come
to be known, has long been described as immortal.
Going back more than five millennia, she has preserved the core of her beliefs
while yet enduring waves upon waves of hostile invasions, millennia of alien
rule, all the time assimilating and imbibing the best of what those foreign peoples
have had to offer.
The innate ability to assimilate and a culture embedded with the spirit of
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is but one family) are the very ingredients
that have ensured the continuance of what we know today as the Indian civilisation
and its onward march toward immortality.
A pre-independence hymn that urges Indians to proudly recall the immortality
of our civilisation comes to mind:
Utho, utho aye Hindustan,
Aage badho teer samaan,
Seer par hai Amrit vardaan.
(Rise O Indians, go forth [confidently] like an arrow; for you have the divine
gift of immortality.)
The ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ of India’s independence could not have come at a more
poignant moment when millions of people find themselves in the ravages of a
kind of pandemic they have never encountered in her 75-year post-independence
history.
Every Indian knows someone – or knows of someone – who has fallen victim
to Covid-19. Like so many other countries around the world, the past 18 months
have been the bleakest since independence.
Indeed, the idea of Amrit in ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ this year would bring a ray of
hope in a billion-and-a-half Indian hearts.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the people of the subcontinent-sized
country have bravely soldiered on.
The government has announced US$ 1.4 trillion on infrastructure over four
years to 2023 an investment of US$ 750 billion for railways up to 2030. It has
also made ongoing investments in the health sector, particularly in response to the
ongoing, raging pandemic.
This underscores the resilience of India’s economic power and can-do attitude
of looking to the future and investing in it despite the challenges that her people
are going through at the moment.
And it is during these challenging times that India’s sporting fraternity has
produced the best ever medal haul at any Olympic games in history, including
the first ever track and field gold medal as also regaining the lost glory of our
pre-eminence in hockey.
The Indian High Commission in New Zealand has united all Indian diasporic
organisations across New Zealand to collectively celebrate this 75th ‘Amrit
Mahotsav’ of independence with several functions across New Zealand.
A grand celebration with participation from nearly all of Auckland-based
diaspora organisations will be held on the morning of August 15 at Auckland
Indian Association’s Mahatma Gandhi Centre after the flag hoisting ceremony.
High Commissioner H E Muktesh Pardeshi will hoist the tricolour and read
excerpts of the President’s speech on the morning. The function is free to attend
and everyone is invited.
In times like this, where we have been separated from our mother country
by the global pandemic and continue to be kept apart because of ongoing strict
travel restrictions, celebrating our beloved motherland’s ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ of
independence is the least we can do.
We look forward to everyone’s presence at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre,
Auckland at 9am on Sunday 15 August.
Thought of the week
“Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it.
Try again. Do better the second time. The only people
who never tumble are those who never mount the
high wire.” —Oprah Winfrey
13 August – 19 August 2021
Fri Sat Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
22°
15°
On-and-off
rain and
drizzle
19°
13°
Indian Weekender : Volume 13 Issue 23
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Content Editor: Sandeep Singh | sandeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Chief Technical Officer: Rohan deSouza | rohan@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
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Editor at Large: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
Views expressed in the publication are not necessarily of the publisher and the publisher
is not responsible for advertisers’ claims as appearing in the publication
Views expressed in the articles are solely of the authors and do not in any way represent
the views of the team at the Indian Weekender
Kiwi Media Publishing Limited - 133A, Level 1, Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland.
Printed at Horton Media, Auckland
Clouds
and
sun
19°
14°
Clouds
and
sun
20°
14°
Clouds
and
showers
This week in New Zealand’s history
14 August 2011
Polar blast sweeps the country
20°
14°
Copyright 2020. Kiwi Media Publishing Limited. All Rights Reserved.
A few
morning
showers
21°
15°
A few
morning
showers
26°
17°
New Zealand’s heaviest snowfall in decades closed airports and schools, forced the
cancellation of buses and trains, caused electricity blackouts and cut off many communities
across the country. Weather watchers described the storm as ‘a once in a lifetime event’.
15 August 1945
The war is over! VJ Day
Japan’s surrender following the detonation of atomic bombs over the cities of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki ended the Second World War. More than 200,000 New Zealanders had served
during six long years of war, and more than 11,500 had died.
15 August 1951
Troopship Wahine wrecked en route to Korea
After three decades on the Lyttelton–Wellington ferry run, and service in two world wars, the
TSS (twin-screw steamship) Wahine was chartered by the New Zealand government to
transport Kayforce troops to the Korean War. Shortly after leaving Darwin the Wahine ran
aground on Masela Island in the Arafura Sea, east of Timor.
16 August 2008
Evers-Swindell twins defend Olympic rowing title at
Beijing
While Kiwis had high expectations of their rowing squad at the Beijing Olympics, few
expected identical twins Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell to successfully defend
the double sculls title they had won in Athens in 2004.
17 August 1839
New Zealand Company ship Tory arrives
The sailing ship Tory dropped anchor in Queen Charlotte Sound to pick up fresh water,
food and timber before proceeding to Port Nicholson (Wellington Harbour). On board were
representatives of the New Zealand Company, sent to smooth the way for organised settlement.
19 August 2012
Three New Zealand soldiers killed in Afghanistan
At approximately 9:20 p.m. local time, a Humvee taking a patrol member to see a doctor at
Romero base in Bamiyan province was destroyed by an improvised explosive device.

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021 FIJI 13
No signs of Delta mutation in Fiji
The Health Ministry says it tests overseas have confirmed that “When and if that happens, Delta strain which has gripped Viti Fiji’s high vaccination rate is
is aware that there may be the AstraZeneca vaccine is highly definitely we’d need to look Levu for close to four months. seen as a buffer against any possible
a need for booster shots of effective against the strain.
into booster doses. Science will The Delta strain is now in 65 other variant emerging locally.
COVID-19 vaccines if the Delta
strain were to mutate.
Delta has been identified as
Head of Vaccination Taskforce,
Doctor Rachel Devi says as of now,
local authorities do not expect any
eventually tell us when those booster
doses come into play.”
Scientists around the world are on
countries including the US, the UK
and Africa and Asia – crippling
health services in a new wave of the
Close to 90% of the population has
received the first dose and just over
30% are fully vaccinated.
highly transmissible, however, variants to emerge.
the lookout for any changes in the pandemic.
Four all-terrain ambulances donated by St John
NZ to St. John Fiji have arrived in the country
Curr says NZ’s support
to frontliners has
included over FJD$1m
to first response teams
The four all-terrain ambulances donated
by St John New Zealand to St. John
Association of Fiji have arrived
in the country.
These additional emergency vehicles will
assist St John Fiji first responders to attend
quickly to community calls and help transport
the sick to medical facilities with increasing
severe COVID cases in the Central and
Western Divisions.
On behalf of St John New Zealand, High
Commissioner Jonathan Curr handed over
the fleet of ambulances, medical equipment
and Personal Protective Equipment valued at
$490,000 to the St John Council representative
and RFMF Commander Rear Admiral
Viliame Naupoto and CEO of St John Fiji
Emma Bovoro.
The shipment also included essential
supplies such as stretchers, gowns, surgical
masks, gloves, wipes, sanitiser and N95 masks.
Curr says support to frontline workers has
been a key feature of New Zealand’s support.
He says this has included over FJD$1 million
to first response teams, including the provision
of rental vehicles and communications
equipment for immediate use while they work
with in country partners to convert and fully
equip another four vehicles to be added to
the Ministry of Health’s first response fleet;
and assisting with logistics and transport to
ensure this incredibly worthy donation from
St John New Zealand could reach the St John
Team in Fiji.
Curr also says they are completely in awe of
the commitment and efforts of St John Fiji and
the first response teams.
He says they are the ones who get the calls
in critical times of need, the ones who work
all hours, and the ones who make incredible
personal sacrifice in the name of community
service and duty to their fellow Fijian.
Only WHO and TGA
approved COVID test kits
to be allowed in Fiji
The Fiji Medicinal Products Board is
thoroughly screening and assessing
all applications for the importation of
COVID-19 test kits to ensure that Fiji only
accepts those that meet the WHO standards and
meet the ministry’s requirements.
Legend FM News has been told by the
Ministry of Health that this is all in the best
interest of the public as there are reports of a
number of people conducting COVID tests.
They understand that some companies have
also been importing their own test kits for
some time now, but as of August 1st, the Fiji
Medicinal Products Board has been screening
the importation of all test kits.
Most of the imports so far are by companies
for employee use and they have their own
company doctors to conduct the test.
No direct sales to the public is allowed, if the
test requires a medical professional.
Saliva test is also not recommended by
the Ministry of Health, and therefore are no
longer approved for importation. The Board
accepts Rapid Antigen Detection Tests that
are on the WHO Emergency use listing or
TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
of Australia. You can check out the list of
approved test kits on our website, fijivillage.
Congratulations
on the 75 th Independence Day
A warm congratulations to our
New Zealanders of Indian descent
on this special day. The ACT Party
celebrates alongside you.
Authorised by David Seymour MP,
ACT Party Leader, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

14 NEW ZEALAND CHRISTCHURCH / WELLINGTON
Friday, August 13, 2021 The Indian Weekender
REVATHI PERFORMING ARTS
scintillating show in Christchurch
STORIES BY CHRISTCHURCH
CORRESPONDENT SILKY SHARMA
Revathi Performing Arts hosted their annual show
case “NATANAM” on 07th August 2021. In this
prestigious event, all the RPA students showcased
their talent (Bharatanatyam).
Revathi Performing Arts is an Academy striving
to promote South Indian Classical Dance form,
Bharatanatyam, and Carnatic Music. Their parent
organisation is Revathi Education Arts and Cultural Trust
(REACT), based in Kerala.
Sunita Gautam, community board member, was chief
guest at the show. She told Indian Weekender that these
events were important for the keeping our traditions and
culture alive in New Zealand.
Uma Varma, main organiser and teacher of the school
said words were not enough to express her gratitude to
all those who supported her school to make NATANAM
possible.
A migrant to business woman:
Mehak Kala’s Garden City Homes
Mehak Kala, owner of
Garden city Homes, a
construction company
based in Christchurch, shared some
valuable information for the first
home buyer, while talking about her
journey from migrant to successful
business owner. She began as a
beauty therapist.
But her experience from her family
property and passion in construction
industry encouraged her to start
Garden City homes.
Along with her husband, they
help people to buy home and land
packages in Christchurch. Mehak
told Indian Weekender that the main
purpose is to continually deliver
excellent value and innovative
construction solutions to meet
clients’ requirements.
With their experience and
hardworking team, they provide
a one-stop solution for all the
construction requirement of the
clients like Home and Land packages,
commercial fitouts, Renovations
and Mortgagees.
With 50 construction projects
going on in Christchurch in areas like
Rolleston, Linwood, Northwood,
Kaiapoi and Halswell the couple
is helping people move into their
own homes.
Rising from the rubble:
Christchurch’s Lancaster
Park back to hosting sport
Closed permanently due to
damage sustained in the
February 2011 earthquake,
Lancaster Park will once rule the
sporting world in Christchurch
and be able to host matches from
early 2022.
A popular venue with
Canterburians, the redevelopment
of this much-loved venue is
already underway.
A blessing ceremony was
observed on July 30th with many
community members and leaders
such as Community board council,
Alexandra Davis and Yani Johanson
were in attendance for the ceremony.
Community board member,
Dr Sunita Gautam told Indian
Weekender, “It is exciting moment
for us Canterburians. I cannot wait
to see this world class facility being
used by our local communities.
Heartiest Congratulations and
gratitude to the team working
hard to build this beautiful
community space.”
Are you looking to Buy
or Sell a Business?
Shaun Khanna has a business, sales and marketing experience of more than
25 years and is a specialist in selling businesses such as Service Stations, Lotto
Stores, Dairies, Supermarkets and Liquor Stores. He also has vast exposure in
the hospitality sector. Shaun has sold many businesses and has helped hundreds
of buyers and sellers of petrol stations and convenience stores throughout New
Zealand. Shaun understands both sides of the transaction from the perspective
of both the buyer and the seller as he is a former successful business owner as
he had owned and successfully run a big BP Service Station & thoroughly
understands how it works.
Shaun offers the degree of professional service that effectively brings business
buyers and sellers together to experience successful and desirable outcomes.
Shaun has a nationwide network of contacts and a track record of success,
receiving many referrals from satisfied buyers and sellers.
For a confidential, no obligation discussion about the sale of your business please
give me a call on 029 770 9767 or send an email to shaunk@abcbusiness.co.nz
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It is exciting moment
for us Canterburians.
I cannot wait to see
this world class facility
being used by our local
communities. Heartiest
Congratulations and
gratitude to the team
working hard to build
this beautiful
community space
The first stage of redevelopment of
park is expected to take around nine
months. It includes cleaning up the
site, removing the foundations of the
demolished Lancaster Park stadium,
levelling the ground and creating
new sports field areas, which can be
used for sports such as rugby and
football in the winter and cricket in
the summer.
Restoration of the Lancaster Park
Memorial Gates is expected to begin
in Spring 2021.
2013
RISING
STAR
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029 770 9767
shaunk@abcbusiness.co.nz
www.businessesforsale.co.nz
Licensed REAA 2008
Trust Saffron Finance for
expert Mortgage/ Insurance
advice backed by years
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Mortgages:
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www.saffronfinance.co.nz
Celebration of different cultures
highlight of Multicultural Night 2021
Christchurch Multicultural Festival - Celebration
of Cultures, an annual event organised by the
IndianNz Association of Christchurch was held
on July 31 at La Vida Centre in Christchurch.
With an aim to bring diverse communities of
Christchurch under one roof, the event was a showcase
of incredible performances by 22 different cultures.
It was attended by more than 600 peoples from diverse
communities around Christchurch along with dignitaries
from Hamilton, Wellington and Auckland.
Hon. Minister Megan Woods - MP for Wigram ,
Deputy Mayor Andrew Turner, Executive Director of
Ministry Ethnic Communities Anusha Gular, Duncan
Webb MP for Christchurch Central, Vanushi Walters
MP for Upper Harbour and Dr Gaurav Sharma MP for
Hamilton West along with guests from the Ministry of
Ethnic Communities, Habib Marwat and Eileen Yee were
also in attendance.
Community leaders like Vijay Kumar, Surinder Tandon
, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Mr. Sam Yu, Menu Alex, Sushila
Bist, Vinesh Prakash , Cathy O’nell, Khima Nanda Rijal,
Hero Mds, Ezekiel Prasad, Sharnali Atashi Tisi, Jackie
Reyes and many more attended this event.
Delicious Food and Ethnic Stall was the attraction at
the event with eye-catching decoration at the entrance.

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
FEATURES 15
Popular South Indian recipes
Kerala Recipes-Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that canvases everything from exquisite
seafood to ignored vegetables, from coconut milk to crispy curry leaves, from spluttering mustard
seeds to soft and spongy appams. Prepare yourself for a scrumptious ride to 'God's own country'.
Fish Mappas (Fish Curry)
Fish Mappas is a Kerala style curry where fish is cooked
in creamy coconut milk and served with appams
Ingredients
• 3 tsp coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
• 5-6 curry leaves
• 2 slit green chillies
• 1/2 sliced onion
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• 1/2 chopped tomato
• 2 soaked kokum fruits
• 4 big cubes of any sea fish
• 1/2 cup fish stock
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• For the tempering:
• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 1/4 tsp ginger juliennes
• 1/4 tsp chopped garlic
• 5-6 curry leaves
• 2 Tbsp chopped shallots
Method
• Heat oil in pan.
• Add mustard seeds, fenugreek
seeds, curry leaves, slit green
Ingredients
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 2 Tbsp oil
• 1/2 Tbsp mustard seeds
• 2 Tbsp chopped red chillies
• 7 to 8 curry leaves
• 2 Tbsp chopped green chillies
• 1/2 Tbsp turmeric powder
• 1 Tbsp chopped garlic
• 2 Tbsp grated coconut
• Salt to tas
Healthy cooking every day
An array of delicious ingredients like kokum fruits, curry leaves and coconut milk is
used to prepare this sumptuous dish of fish curry.
chillies and sliced onions. Saute
till onions turn brown.
• Now add coriander powder,
mustard powder, chopped tomato,
kokum fruits, big cubes of any sea
fish and fish stock.
• Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
• Now remove cover and reduce to
Cheera Thoran Kerala style stir-fry
An authentic Malayali stir fry with spinach,
coconut and mild spices. Absolutely healthy!
Method
• Heat oil in a pan.
• Add mustard, red chillies and
curry leaves.
• Now add green chillies, turmeric
powder, chopped garlic and
spinach.
• Let the spinach steam, then add
grated coconut.
• Season and cook for a few
minutes.
• Serve garnished with grated
coconut
a semi dry consistency.
• Add coconut milk and let simmer
for 2 minutes taking care not to let
the milk come to a boil.Temper
with coconut oil; ginger juliennes,
chopped garlic, curry leave and
chopped shallots.
• Serve hot with appams.
Kerala mutton stew
About Kerala Mutton Stew Recipe: Succulent chunks of mutton simmered
in delicate southern flavors of coconut milk, curry leaves, cinnamon etc.
Ingredients
• 500 gms cubed mutton (boiled
with 10 gm ginger)
• 100 gms onion, sliced
• 5 gms green chillies (slit)
• 10 gms ginger strips
• 1 tsp pepper corns
• 10 Curry pattas
• 1 coconut, grated
• to taste Salt
• 100 gms oil
• 150 gms cubed potatoes
• 50 gms diced carrot
For sabut garam masala:
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 4 Cardamoms
• 4 Cloves
Method
• Boil mutton along with ginger.
Set aside.
• Boil potatoes and carrots. Set
Kozhikodan Biryani
Ingredients
• 1 Kg Chicken legs (small pieces)
• 400 gram Rice
• 600 ml Water (the water is 1.5
times more than the quantity of
rice)
• 6 Green cardamoms
• 2 Cinnamon sticks
• 3 Bay leaves
• 3 Javitri
• 10 gram Fennel seeds
• 200 gram Onion
• 80 gram Tomatoes
• 20 gram Green chilli
• 50 gram Ginger
• 50 gram Garlic
• 50 gram Red chilli powder
• 50 gram Coriander
• 30 gram Mint
• 5 gram Turmeric
• to taste Salt
• 15 gram Garam masala
• 60 ml Oil
• 4 Eggs, boiled
• 30 gram Butter
Method
• Pour oil into the pot, add whole
spices into it and stir a while.
• Put crushed onions, julienne of
green chillies and ginger.
• Now add ginger & garlic paste,
aside.
• Extract coconut milk twice.
• Heat oil and saute sabut garam
masala, onion, green chillies,
ginger, curry patta, peppercorns.
• Add boiled mutton, potatoes and
carrot along with second extract
of coconut milk and cook. Add
salt to taste.
Paal Payasam (South Indian dessert)
mint, coriander and stir.
• Add turmeric, red chilli and
fennel powder.
• Now add pieces of chicken,
chopped tomatoes, water and
butter.
• When chicken is almost cooked,
add rice and salt.
• Cover and simmer it for a while
till done.
• Cut each egg into four then
garnish on the rice.
Key Ingredients: Chicken legs
(small pieces), Rice, Water (the
water is 1.5 times more than the
quantity of rice), Green cardamoms,
Cinnamon sticks, Bay leaves, Javitri,
Fennel seeds, Onion, Tomatoes,
Green chilli, Ginger, Garlic,
Red chilli powder, Coriander,
Mint, Turmeric, Salt, Garam masala,
Oil, Eggs, Butter
• Stir first extract of coconut milk
just before serving.
• Key Ingredients: cubed mutton
(boiled with 10 gm ginger),
onion, green chillies (slit), ginger
strips, pepper corns, Curry pattas,
coconut, Salt, oil, cubed potatoes,
diced carrot, Cinnamon stick,
Cardamoms, Cloves
delicious, creamy, rice and milk enriched with the goodness of cashews and raisins, paal payasam is a south Indian dessert, a version of kheer,
A made on various festivals and celebratory occasions like onam. It is a simple recipe with richness of nuts and goodness of milk.
Ingredients
• 50 gms rice
• 1 litre milk
• 5 gram cardamom powder
• 100 gms sugar
• 50 ml ghee (clarified butter)
• 50 gms cashew nuts
• 25 gms raisins
Method
• Wash and soak the rice for 1/2 an hour.
• Cook the rice in milk until soft.
Lighter Takes
& Easy Tips
• Add cardamom powder, sugar and stir until
the sugar is dissolved.
• Heat ghee in a pan and add the cashew nuts.
• When the cashew nuts are slightly golden,
add the raisins and saute for a minute.
• Pour on the rice mixture and serve warm.

16 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, August 13, 2021 The Indian Weekender
Top flicks and series to stream this week on Netflix
Here’s our list of must-watch movies and series for the week, curated by the Indian Weekender team for our readers.
Vivo
dark, gut wrenching turn after he lashes back
at attackers.
Cast- Joaquin Phoenix, Robert de Niro,
Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen,
Glen Fleshler, Bill Camp and many more.
Doctor Sleep:
Rurouni Kenshin
Cast- Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino,
Alexa PenaVega, Daryl Sabara, Steve
Buscemi, Mike Judge.
Barnyard
music- loving kinkajou embarks on the
A journey of a lifetime to fulfil hid destiny
and deliver a love song for an old friend.
Cast- Lin- Manuel Miranda, Ynairaly
Simo, Zoe Saldana, Juan De Marcos, Brian
Tyree Henry, Gloria Estefan, Micheal Rooker,
Nicole Byer.
Hustlers
struggling stripper and her street-smart
A mentor team up to turn the tables on their
Wall Street clientele during the 2008 global
financial crisis.
Cast- Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Julia
Stiles, Keke Palmer, Mercedes Ruehl, Lili
Reinhart, Cardi B, Lizzo.
Joker
In this sequel to ‘The Shining”, Danny, noew
a traumatised adult, is sought out by a young
psychic as evil beings that feed on their powers
close in.
Cast-Ewan McGregor, Rebecca
Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran, crab Lumbly,
Zahn McClarnon, Emily Alyn Lind, Bruce
Greenwood, Jocelin Donahue, Cliff Curtis,
Robert Longstreet and more.
Spy kids
Before he was a protector, Kenshin was a
fearsome assassin known as Battosai. But
when he meets the gentle Tomoe Yukishiro, his
story begins to change.
Cast- Takeru Satoh, Kasumi Arimura, Issey
Takahasi and more.
Aftermath
Desperate to save their marriage, a young
couple takes a deal and moves into their
dream home, but disturbing events reveal the
house’s troubled history.
Cast- Ashley Greene, Shawn Ashmore,
Sharif Atkins and many more.
Spy kids 2
When things get crazy at a farm, its up tp
boisterous bovine named Otis to save
the day in this animated children’s tale.
Cast- Kevin James, Coutney Cox, Sam
Elliot, Danny Glover, Wanda Sykes
DrillBitTaylor
The tables are turned when pint- sized kids
Carmen and June must rescue their secretagent
parents from the diabolical clutches of
Alexander Minion.
Cast- Antonio banderas, carla Gugino,
Alan Cumming, teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin,
Danny Trejo.
Spy kids Carmen and June Cortez team up
with two other point size secret agents,
Gary and Gertis Giggles, in order to take on an
evil scientist
Three high school freshmen devise a novel
plan for dealing with the school bully:
They hire an ex- soldier turned beach bum as
a bodyguard.
Cast- Owen Wilson, Leslie Mann, Nate
Hartley, Troy Gentile, David Dorfman,
Alex Frost
In 1981 Gotham city, a struggling, mentally
ill comic battles to be seen. His life takes a
Feel Good Indian series to watch on OTT tv
Made in Heaven
Mid Wicket Tale
Yeh Meri Family
Stories by Rabindranath Tagore
The collected short stories of Tagoreji is
made into a series that will make you fall
in love, adore nature and embrace life just the
way it is.
Bring Stereotypes and the usual cliches,
made in heaven talks about love, lust,
money and how each Gender feels vulnerable
in different situation.
Little Things
Highlighting the journey of Indian cricket,
Mid wicket tales is a 12 episode web
series starring veteran Actor Naseeruddin Shah
who narrates the journey of Indian cricket.
Pushpavalli
You ‘ll have a constant smile on your face
while watching this feel- good series that
anyone born in the 80’s or 90’s relate to.
Family Man
Bhavar
This series revolves around the NRI
Bengalis and Durga Pooja. The happy
and gun event turns into a nightmare when a
terrorist group plans to abrupt the party. What
happens next is for you to watch.
Phone a friend
This modern love story is very relatable
to the millennial generation and ia good
mixture of laughs, warmth and has a perfect
ending.
You might end up hating yourself if you are
single watching little things. The story of
an adorable couple who finds happiness in little
things is a feel-good series that you shouldn’t
miss watching.
This comedy based drama is fir everyone
who has been in love with the fear of
confronting. It’s hilarious and makes you feel
light and addicted to Pushavalli’s innocent yet
naughty character.
Manoj Bajpayee’s incredible performance
as a family man who is also a part of the
national investigation agency is an interesting
tale worth your time.
Broken but beautiful
With heart melting songs in it, this series
focusses on the point that everyone
needs somebody to lean on and head. A beautiful
tale that every broken heart must watch.

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
FEATURES 17
FASHION AND BEAUTY
Fashion trends
that made a
comeback in
2021
Fashion trends are forever changing. What
is in trend today may be a complete no
next year. Ashima Sharma, a fashion
designer and founder of Ashima S Couture,
shares some yesteryear trends that have been
revisiting the fashion arena. She adds that
the pandemic has made one comfortable with
experimenting so try these styles out:
Bell Bottoms
Bell bottoms are a trend from the ‘70s
and ‘80s which have recently made a
comeback. They exhibit a retro summer style
for fashion divas. These trousers are ideal for
those who want to make their legs look longer
and slimmer. For a perfect office look, you
can match it with a black or a neutral colour
trousers with a white shirt and a short vest.
Keep the blouse untucked for a casual look. For
an everyday style, combine ethnic bell bottom
pants with a boho top.
Asymmetric Dresses or
Asymmetrical silhouettes
Nowadays the fresh asymmetrical trend
is sweeping the fashion arena. Fashion
influencers have adopted this uber-chic trend
and are experimenting with ways of wearing
asymmetrical dresses. The rule of fashion is
‘not to follow’ the rules. One needs to play
with colours and silhouettes to create a style.
You can never go wrong with the classic one
shoulder asymmetrical dress, which works
from day to night.
Cold shoulders
Owing to the
Covid-19
vaccination
drive, the coldshoulder
is back
with a bang. This
entirely flattering
and adaptable silhouette
can be teamed with a flowing skirt or jeans. The
simple reason is that people rather wear a one
or cold shoulder top in place of a half or full
sleeve t-shirt to avoid rolling up their sleeves.
Animal prints
Animal prints always make a comeback
with the latest fashion twist. Prints like
leopard, zebra or even tiger are steadily taking
the spotlight. Wearing animal prints is like
experiencing the energy of exotic lands and
their climates.
Halter necks
The 2000 trend is back in 2021 with a
makeover. The strap around the neck now
has a modern spin. The halter neck blouse
usually works for every style and body type. If
you‘re into minimal fashion, then it is better to
go for a neutrals or black.
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18 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, August 13, 2021
The Indian Weekender
Everything you always
wanted to ask about money,
but were too scared to ask
PRITI GARUDE KASTURE
Sorted’s Money Week is back! An annual
public awareness and engagement
campaign organised by the Commission for
Financial Capability, Money Week aims to
raise New Zealanders’ financial capability by
helping them understand money better and
improve their financial wellbeing.
Taking place from August 9-15, the main
purpose of the week is to help demystify key
money topics, bring them to the forefront and
provide an inclusive platform for engagement
on a subject matter that is often seen as taboo.
Money as a subject is not often discussed
openly among Indians.
In some cultures, it is considered to be a
social taboo and for a multitude of reasons,
Indians either overindulge in the conversation
or keep completely mum about it.
This can have various side effects,
particularly on the younger generation who
may not have enough knowledge to build their
own financial goals.
Through this campaign, anyone can send a
message on the Sorted website, knowing they’ll
be provided with useful, non-judgemental,
trusted information across a range of topics
including KiwiSaver, money planning,
budgeting, saving, investing, loans and
retirement planning.
Sorted Money Week is building on the
success of its last year’s campaign, ‘Just
wondering’ to encourage people to talk more
openly about money and ask for help – because
any money question is a good question!
The most visited Indian news
website in New Zealand. For online
advertising options, email at
sales@indianweekender.co.nz
13 August to 19 August 2021 | By Manisha Koushik
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
Someone is likely to support your efforts on
the academic front. Bonhomie and camaraderie
will be your driving force at work. A financial
boon may be expected soon. Splurging on your
favourite things is likely to prove most satisfying.
Giving a helping hand on the domestic front will
be highly appreciated. A balanced diet and regular exercise will
make most bodily ills disappear. Your suggestion for an exclusive
evening out is likely to be lapped up by lover! Lucky No.:22 /
Lucky Colour: Dark Grey
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
You may have to bow down to someone’s demand.
Overtaking others would require burning the
midnight oil on the academic front. Delegating
authority will be the right course and will ease the
burden on your shoulders. Loose ends at work may
need to be tied up. A piece of good news awaits
you. If you have lost money in speculation, you
stand to recover it. Surprise gift and a candlelight dinner are certain
to impress lover. Lucky No.: 3 / Lucky Colour: White
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
This is the right opportunity for projecting a personal request. You
will find yourself favourably placed on both personal
and professional fronts. An important task is likely
to go well, as you remain at your impressive best!
An inheritance may not immediately come your
way, so hold your horses! Rekindling your love life
is much needed to strengthen your loving bonds.
Newlyweds may experience blissful togetherness.
You may get a chance to visit your favourite place. Lucky No.:1 /
Lucky Colour: Lemon
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
This is certainly a week when you achieve
something extraordinary. You will be in a forgiving
mood, even if someone gets on your wrong side.
Fame and recognition is yours for the asking on
the social front, as you get praised for your efforts.
Your request for salary hike may get a sympathetic
hearing. Money loaned to someone will be
promptly returned. Meeting old friends may make you nostalgic
and bring fond memories back. Health remains excellent. Lucky
No.:17 / Lucky Colour: Forest 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)
Someone is likely to praise your achievements
in your sphere of activities. Your desire to travel
abroad to meet someone special may see the light
of the week soon. Some of you may feel shackled
and helpless on the professional front, which may
prove frustrating. Too many hurdles in getting a
loan sanctioned may make you give up the idea. Those in business
will need to be judicious in their spending. You remain active on the
social front. Lucky No.:11 / Lucky Colour: White
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
You may have to take the initiative in your own
hands, if you want things to happen your way.
Extra workload will be tackled most efficiently on
the professional or academic front. An outstanding
performance at work is likely to bring you to the
notice of higher ups. Those working for a social
cause may get hard pressed for funds. A property dispute is likely to
pit you against a sibling, so start searching for an amicable solution.
Lucky No.: 6 / Lucky Colour: Violet
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
You may have to devote extra time to see a job
to completion. A challenging situation on the
home front may stare you in the face. You will
need to invest your time in sorting out problems
on the financial front. Parents or elders may insist
on doing something that you don’t approve of.
Fatigue may make you lethargic. Lover may need space, so respect
that. You may be expected to better your performance on the
academic front. Lucky No.:9 / Lucky Colour: Brown
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
You seem to be in luck in this week, as things start
working out in your favour. Gaining success in an
important competition is indicated. Your excellent
negotiating skills are likely to win the week for you.
Previous investments are likely to give excellent
results. Enjoying an out of town family trip is
foreseen and will help you let your hair down. Nothing can stop
those aiming to achieve something specific. Expect romance to
remain most fulfilling. Lucky No.: 7 / Lucky Colour: Golden
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
Certain things that you have initiated will begin to
take shape, much to your satisfaction. Differences
with a colleague at work are set to disappear.
Someone may offer to share your workload on the
academic front. Exchanging sweet nothings with
someone you are romantically involved with will
prove immensely fulfilling. An overseas journey promises much
fun and rejuvenation. Those dealing in real estate may manage
to seal a good deal. Modifications on the home front will be most
welcome. Lucky No.:6 / Lucky Colour: Navy Blue
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
You will manage to tackle a financial crisis
successfully. A change of scene is on the cards and
will prove physically rejuvenating. A health problem
facing some is likely to get cured through home
remedy. You can find yourself in much demand on
the social front. Career graph promises to show an
impressive upward trend. Academically you are likely to excel.
Romance kept on the backburner for sometime will again gain
momentum. Expect support from well wishers. Lucky No.:2 /
Lucky Colour: Light Pink
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
You will feel satisfied with the way things are
progressing both on personal and professional
fronts. Professionally, this appears to be an
excellent week. A venture started sometime back
is likely to become profitable. You will be able
to guide someone correctly, who has reposed full
faith in you. Invitation to a party or a function will
give you an opportunity to meet people and further your business
interests. Your romantic endeavours are likely to bear fruit and
how! Lucky No.: 1 / Lucky Colour: Crimson
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
Recognition or honour is in store for some. You
will be able to manage something difficult on
the professional front and add to your reputation.
Travelling is likely to bring good business.
Financially, you remain in fine fettle. You may
begin the process of investing in your dream project.
Peace and tranquility is foreseen on the family front. Arrival of your
near and dear ones promises to brighten the home front. Love life
will be most satisfying. Lucky No.: 8 / Lucky Colour: Orange

The Indian Weekender Friday, August 13, 2021
FEATURES 19
Indo-Kiwi relationship goes
back nearly two centuries
Dr Gaurav Sharma
MP for Hamilton West
On the occasion of India’s seventy-fifth
anniversary of her independence, New
Zealand’s first electoral Member of
Parliament of Indian origin, Dr Gaurav Sharma,
traces the more than century-old relationship
between India and New Zealand.
Last month in Hamilton, I celebrated the 75th
anniversary of the Waikato Indian Association
Inc with over 500 guests representing various
organisations and businesses from not only
the mighty Waikato but also the rest of
New Zealand.
This week we are looking at an even bigger
celebration as the Indian diaspora marks the
75th anniversary of Indian independence.
At the Waikato Indian Association event,
many of the speakers including myself, spoke
about how Kiwi Indians are now an integral part
of the country – from making a $10bn annual
measurable contribution to the NZ economy
(thanks to Waitakere Indian Association for this
comprehensive report) to being judges, doctors,
engineers, caregivers, politicians, business
owners, service providers and more.
According to Te Ara, Indians came to New
Zealand in the late 18th century. At that time
British East India Company ships brought
supplies to Australian convict settlements,
and often stopped in New Zealand to pick up
homeward cargoes.
Their crews included Lashcars (Indian
seamen) and Sepoys (Indian soldiers), some of
whom were deserted in New Zealand.
There are at least three documented instances
of Indians in the early 1800s with a Bengali
man having jumped ship in 1810 to marry a
Māori wahine he loved.
One Indian man was living with his Māori
wife in the Bay of Islands in 1815; another took
up residence on Stewart Island after 1814.
The 1881 census recorded six Indian men,
three of whom lived in Canterbury and were
probably servants of wealthy English settlers
who had lived in India.
Steadier Indian migration to New Zealand
began in the 1890s. By 1896 the number of
Indians in New Zealand had grown to 46. The
numbers fluctuated over the next 20 years as
people arrived and departed, but by 1916 there
were 181, including 14 women. They came
mostly from the Navsari and Surat regions of
Gujarat province, but also from Jalandhar and
Hoshiarpur in the Punjab.
In more recent years, NZ and India’s
friendship was cemented when in 1952, not
too long after the Indian Independence, the NZ
government gave India a £1million grant to set
up its premiere medical school, the All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), as part
of the Colombo Plan.
Since then NZ & India have been part of a
growing friendship that has seen increased
trade and migration as well as combined naval
defence exercises and many of our players
taking part in IPL.
The current New Zealand Labour Party
led government also recently contributed NZ
$1 million to the International Federation
of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
who worked with the local Indian Red Cross
Society to provide oxygen cylinders, oxygen
concentrators, and other crucial medical
supplies. Similarly Waikato Indian Association
recently raised $50,000 to send aid to India
during Covid. And apart from the fundraiser
in Hamilton, more than 15 other diaspora
organisations in NZ raised $150,000 that were
used to despatch the first container of 72 oxygen
concentrators to India.
Aotearoa may be a small country relative to
India, but there is a lot of solidarity amongst
the two old friends and a strong connection that
continues between the NRI community here
and the people in India.
When the pandemic ends and the world
returns to normalcy, this friendship will
surely lead to even greater partnership
between the two countries and we all look
forward to that time.
On this 75th anniversary of Independence
Day, I acknowledge the freedom fighters
of India from yesteryears and also the hard
working & vibrant diaspora here in New
Zealand as well as across the world.

3
1
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09 629 0088
mtroskill@harcourts.co.nz
2 White Swan Road Mt Roskill
AUCTION
On-site, Saturday 21st August 2021 at 10:00am
(Unless Sold Prior)
OPEN HOME
Sat & Sun 12:00noon to 12:30pm, Wed 5:30pm to 6:00pm
or By Appointment
Dewakar Prasad
021 797 855
dewakar.prasad@harcourts.co.nz