Final Draft - 30 September 2022

Friday, 30 September 2022
Volume 14 / Issue 28
www.iwk.co.nz /indianweekendernz /indianweekender
NOW
GLITZ N GLAM
NZ Traveller
Declaration:
THIS DIWALI
do we still
need it?
A BOOK LAUNCH
TO REMEMBER
The biggest Indian community
award night is back. 6 th October 2022 @ Cordis
2022

Festival of Lights
8 - 9
October
Aotea Square
For more information visit aucklandnz.com/diwali

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
NEW ZEALAND 3
Kiwi Indian
crowned burger
king of Wellington
VENU MENON
Vaibhav Vishen, who runs
the popular Indian street
food outlet, Chaat
Street, on Victoria St has been
anointed the burger king of
Wellington by the organisers
of the VISA Wellington On a
Plate (WOAP) Festival 2022,
an annual culinary arts festival
held in August.
The theme for this year was
A State of Flux.
Vishen emerged the winner
out of a field of about 250
contestants in the Best Burger
category. His entry was a classy
vegetarian burger that beguiled
the tongue with its bouquet of
exotic Indian flavours that left
the public in no doubt about
who deserved to ascend the
culinary throne of Wellington.
Chaat Street’s entry was
described as a “crispy Dabeli
spiced potato patty with Fix &
Fogg Smoke and Fire peanut
butter, coriander, onions,
crispy chickpea noodles and
tamarind chutney in a masala
butter brioche bun, with kala
masala chips.”
Vishen has taken part in the
festival for the past nine years.
Wellington on a Plate is not
your typical venue-based event
where participants converge
and compete.
Vishen explained how
Wellington on a Plate
differed from other festivals:
“Restaurants are the
participants in this festival.
The event happens [on the
premises] of the restaurants.”
There were three categories:
Dine, Cocktail and Burger
Wellington 2022.
“The public tries the burger
and, if they like it, they go
online and vote for that burger,”
Vishen pointed out.
The board of Wellington
on a Plate appointed judges
drawn from the hospitality
industry who then visited the
restaurants that were among
the top five finalists to try the
burgers for themselves.
Their judgement was based
on the criteria of creativity,
innovation and theme.
Vishen’s vegetarian burger
outperformed the meatbased
burgers at the festival.
It also scored over rival
“vegan meat” burgers that
used artificial meats. Artificial
meats are defined as plantbased
meat products that use
reconstructed vegetables and
Soy leghaemoglobin (short for
legume haemoglobin, a protein
found in the root of the soybean
plant) to mimic the texture and
colour of raw meat.
“We created a vegetarian
burger which had a vegetable in
it,” Vishen said.
So, how did he manage to
beat the standard meat-based
burger?
“When we were creating the
burger, we were very particular
about the taste. Post-Covid, I
wanted to take things easy. I
did not want to make anything
that put pressure in the kitchen
around service.
“My burger may be prep
[preparation] heavy, but I
wanted to make it serviceeasy.”
Vishen said the meat patty
took a long time to cook. Being
a small restaurant, that meant
slower tables and higher losses.
That was one reason that
dictated the choice to go for a
vegetarian burger.
• Continued on Page 5
New Zealand to India
India to New Zealand
09 218 4000
info@sehiontours.com
www.sehiontours.com
Flights to Australia
Flights to Canada
Flights to Fiji
Flights to USA

4
NEW ZEALAND
IWK BUREAU
A
biography with selected
writings of writer,
musicologist and lifelong
promoter of Indian performing
arts, Mohan Nadkarni, was
launched in Auckland Friday
last week (23 Sep). The day
marked the centenary of the
noted writer who was born
on 22 September a hundred
years ago. He passed away in
Auckland in 2014.
Launching the book in the
midst of an invited audience
at the Auckland Indian
Association’s Mahatma Gandhi
Centre, Honorary Consul of
India in Auckland Bhav Dhillon
said that it was heartening to
note that Mohan Nadkarni’s
legacy of promoting traditional
and classical Indian performing
arts, artistes and striving to
give performance platforms
and opportunities to young
artistes was being pursued in
New Zealand.
A 25-minute film of tributes
to Mohan Nadkarni by artistes
from all over the world was
also screened on the evening
along with fine performances of
music by Auckland’s talented
artistes Kishori Telang, Manjit
Singh, Samir Bhalodkar, Lester
Silver and Anand Thakore. The
evening ended with a dinner.
Curious to know more
about the life and work of
the celebrated musicologist,
Friday, 30 September, 2022
Book launch, film mark
writer’s centenary
several attendees bought
copies of the book, authored by
his son Dev Nadkarni, Founding
Editor of the Indian Weekender.
Mohan Nadkarni spent the
last eight years of his life in New
Zealand and upon his passing
in 2014 his family formed the
Mohan Nadkarni Foundation
to continue his life’s work
in the service of promoting
India’s traditional and classical
performing arts.
In 2021, the foundation and
the century-old Auckland Indian
Association Inc, (AIAI) came
together to form CIPA, the
Centre for Indian Performing
Arts, a website for which was
also launched by well-known
Auckland based arts promoter
Harshad Patel.
Welcoming the audience, AIAI
President Dhansukh Lal said that
since the earliest days of AIAI,
it had been the association’s
aim to promote arts and culture
of India and with the Mohan
Nadkarni Foundation coming
on board, a renewed vigour
had been brought to those
efforts. Just a day after CIPA
was launched on August 15
2021, when the Government of
India also announced a grant for
CIPA, New Zealand was plunged
into a lockdown. Yet, three
quality concerts had already
been hosted by CIPA this year
alone, Lal said.
Dev Nadkarni outlined his
father’s work in the field and
said that his ideas in finding
creative ways to promote and
fund quality performing arts
was something CIPA would
emulate in New Zealand and
asked community leaders
present at the event to
come together and work to
promote expressive arts and
artistes from their respective
communities through CIPA.
The Mohan Nadkarni
Centenary Concert series
is being held in different
countries to mark his centenary
year. In July, a concert
was held in Melbourne.
Last week’s Auckland concert
was the second. More concerts
are scheduled in India and
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Europe this year and next year.
Mohan Nadkarni, was one
of India’s most well-known
musicologists and perhaps the
most published author on the
subject.
He was the music critic of
The Times of India for over
50 years, having reviewed
thousands of concerts between
1948 and 2002.
He authored over 4000
articles and authored some 10
books. He also consulted with
recording companies. He won
several awards including the
Karnataka State Government’s
Kalashree award for lifetime’s
contribution to music.
He lectured and held
workshops on Hindustani music
in several cities in India as well as
in Switzerland, the Netherlands
and the United Kingdom among
other countries. He addressed
the World Music Forum in
Rotterdam in the Netherlands
in 1995.
Before migrating, to New
Zealand to join family, Mohan
Nadkarni donated his entire
musical library comprising
thousands of articles and
rare photographs, rare LP and
78RPM records and thousands
of cassettes to the music
department of the SNDT
University in Pune, where a
musical library has been set up
in his name.
For copies of the book, please
email info@cipa.org.nz
Namaste Wellington to celebrate Indianness
VENU MENON IN
WELLINGTON
Namaste Wellington is
a confluence of ethnic
Indian initiatives in the
areas of culture, business,
arts entertainment and cuisine
that brings the community
of the greater Wellington
region together in an annual
celebration of Indianness.
Now in its third year, the
Namaste Wellington 2022
festival will be held on October
8.
The event coincides with
Diwali, which this year will be
celebrated as the festival of
lights unaccompanied by the
traditional fireworks.
Namaste Wellington aims to
set the trend for the future by
holding a truly green festival. As
part of this effort, the Namaste
Wellington light show, a novel
experience on offer, will run all
day in 20-minute intervals.
The one-day event will
feature an array of stalls set
up on the premises of the
Wellington Indian Cultural
Centre at Kilbirnie.
Stalls include a colour
workshop for children by Resene
as well as the one set up by
Manisha Morar- Event organiser, Namaste
Wellington
the Rangiwahia Environmental
Arts Centre for designing and
creating eco-friendly Diwali
paper lanterns.
There are also stalls put up
by the Wellington Indian dance
and language schools.
An additional highlight on the
occasion will be the book-signing
by Dunedin-based author Jacqui
Leckie of her book, Invisible.
The book tells the story of the
early Indian pioneers who came
to NZ and the difficulties they
faced through discrimination
and racism. Cricket enthusiasts
can watch the Black Caps take
on India.
“All the local businesses that
we have in Wellington will have
their own stalls,” said Manisha
Morar, event organiser.
“They get to promote
themselves, they get to sell
goods if they want to. Some
of them will have food stalls.
At the same time, in the
conference room area, there
is a performance stage. We
have about 40 performances
on that day,” Morar added. The
dance performances will range
from traditional folk dances to
classical to Bollywood.
The festival has free entry.
Nevertheless, a Lakshmi’s Urli
will be placed in the foyer of the
building to collect donations,
which will go to the Wellington
Free Ambulance.
“That’s our contribution to
the larger society,” Morar said.
Namaste Wellington is an
offshoot of its precursor the
Indian Bazaar, which ran for
over 40 years and where people
bargained for lower prices as in
an open market. That model
gave way to the present format
of the festival.
“It’s about reinventing
oneself to suit the present day
and age,” Morar noted.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
NEW ZEALAND 5
Musician
introducing
young
aspirants to
the tabla
MAHESH KUMAR
Joshua Devanbu is a
well-known musician in
Christchurch and performs
regularly at multi-cultural and
Indian events. He is also one of
the few helping preserve India’s
musical heritage and legacy by
training young and upcoming
musicians.
Indian music is one of
the most popular genres of
music all over the world. With
increased migration, it is only
natural that our kids lose touch
with their musical roots when
they go to new places and
encounter different cultures.
Christchurch-based Devanbu
is helping our next generation
stay connected to our country’s
musical heritage by teaching
Tabla, a well-known percussion
instrument from India.
Born in Bangalore, India, to a
musical family, Devanbu grew up
surrounded by music. His father
Dr Devanbu was a drummer and
later took up tabla. He switched
to playing light classical music
and performed regularly around
Karnataka, India and toured
the USA extensively. Joshua’s
mother shared his husband’s
passion for music, frequently
accompanying him on the
keyboard.
From a very young age,
Devanbu started playing in
Church along with his brother
who is also an accomplished
drummer. During their teens,
they played the drums and
did covers of Bon Jovi, and
Pink Floyd. At the same time,
Devanbu was also learning tabla
from his father and sometimes
accompanied him when he was
performing.
Although music was a
significant part of his life
growing up, it was never the
choice when it came to making
a career. Josh was interested
in sketching and painting,
prompting him to get his
bachelor’s degree in fine arts
studying painting, sculpture,
sketching, art history, and
design.
The pursuit of earning a
steady income led him
to take up graphic
design, a career that
allowed him to express
his creativity while
making money at the
same time. He worked
for a printing and
designing company
on various jobs,
including print,
packaging design
and predominantly
publishing.
Devanbu recalls,
“While I was doing
good, I always wanted
to excel and gain a global design
sense and go beyond churning
the commercial designs that
were being done around me.
The quest for self-development
grew and I decided to pursue an
international degree.”
After comparing and applying
to various colleges worldwide,
one cold morning, Devanbu
landed in Christchurch to pursue
a graphic design qualification.
In the beginning, being on
his own seemed daunting, but
soon he enjoyed his freedom
and independence and began
helping other international
students who were also feeling
alone. Because of his academic
progress and active help to
fellow international students,
his college offered him a full
scholarship to continue his
studies as well as a job as
the International Student
Coordinator.
Throughout this time, Josh
was very focused on his studies
but kept practicing tabla in his
spare time keeping his passion
for it alive.
After he finished the course,
finding a job proved to be a big
challenge. Eventually, having
landed a job and gotten his visa
sorted, Devanbu began playing
the tabla at cultural events. He
immediately got noticed and
started playing regularly.
While conducting a workshop,
an unusual request from a
visually impaired child who
wanted to learn to play the
tabla. His parents told Devanbu
that the young boy is musically
inclined and plays various other
instruments.
“As Indian music
and instruments
are rediscovered
worldwide, parents
should introduce their
children to Indian
instruments if they
are musically inclined,
especially if they are
of Indian descent.
Our musical heritage
and legacy would be
preserved in this way.”
“I was initially taken aback,
not sure how I would do that
but then I thought that even
I close my eyes when playing
Tabla. It is more about feeling
the rhythm, and if the kid has
music in him, it shouldn’t be
that difficult.”
That’s how Devanbu’s
journey as a tabla trainer
started. Within six months,
they performed together on
stage at the inauguration of
the SwamiNarayan Temple in
Papanui, Christchurch. Devanbu
remembers, “Kushal Solanki
was an incredibly talented artist
and quick learner. He is now in
Australia and doing very well for
himself.” Since then, Devanbu
has enjoyed teaching and loves
passing his skills to future
musicians. Having taught many
young aspirants, he enjoys the
thrill of playing alongside his
students in various events.
Devanbu now pursues his
passion for teaching on the
weekends in addition to his fulltime
job at Vodafone.
“I love teaching. Not all of my
students continue playing the
tabla for various reasons, but I
don’t think they will ever forget
how to play the instrument
and can always come back to
it and refresh their skill with a
little practice. I teach the basic
technique, help them develop
a sense of rhythm and become
independent of me so they can
continue their musical journey
on their own,” he says.
“As Indian music and
instruments are rediscovered
worldwide, parents should
introduce their children to
Indian instruments if they are
musically inclined, especially if
they are of Indian descent. Our
musical heritage and legacy
would be preserved in this
way.”
• Continued from Page 3
The other was a book he read while in
school. Called The Physiology of Taste
by Jean Anthelme Brillat- Savarin, the
book talked about the sensations of
crunch (texture), sour and sweet, which
released mood elevators in the body.
Vishen zeroed in on the humble potato
to provide the crunch. Potatoes reached
the stage of Maillard (the process by
which sugar turned to caramel) very
quickly. Potatoes caramelised quicker
than meats, he said.
But Vishen, a product of the Le Cordon
Bleu culinary school in Wellington,
wanted to stay true to the identity of
the cuisine he was promoting, which
was Indian street food.
So he researched the Indian burger
and quickly identified his burger of
choice: Dabeli, which originated in
Kutch in the Indian state of Gujarat.
Traditionally, Dabeli was primarily
made from jaggery, mashed potatoes
and spices that were macerated into
a thick paste and smeared over a
buttered bun heated on a large grill.
Pomegranates and chickpea noodles
were then added to the mix.
Vishen created a contemporary,
urbanised version of the traditional
Indian Dabeli burger.
Indian street food went back to the
out-of-work Mughal-era chefs who
took to the streets during the British
Raj, according to Vishen. Much of the
shapes, colours and smells from the
royal kitchens spilled into the streets
of Delhi and became the convenience
food of the common man. The flavours,
symmetry and aesthetic appeal of the
food served on the Mughal emperor’s
plate became part of the common
palate. Through the period of the
competition held in August, around
3,112 burgers created by Vishen were
sold, consumed, contested and voted
upon by the public.
The number of burgers sold averaged
150 a day.
Did Vishen ever consider narrowing
the focus of his business to just doing
the popular veggie burger?
Vishen recoiled at the question. “No,
never. I would never do that.
“One of the reasons why I became
a chef was that I hated a mundane
lifestyle. I wanted freshness, change
and instant gratification. That is
what food gave me. If I had to do the
same thing again and again, I would
rather have started a MacDonald-type
business.”
Currently, the vegetable burger is the
fastest moving item on Chaat Street’s
menu.
But true to Vishen’s philosophy of
life, the winning burger will be pulled
from his menu by the end of the month.
But why?
Vishen cited internationally renowned
Korean master chef David Chang, who
said when a dish became too popular,
it’s time to take it off the menu.

6
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, 30 September, 2022
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Yeh Dil Chahta Hai more
DEV NADKARNI
Rachit, Dil Chahta Hai afforded generous
billing to Auckland’s talented voices
Quite expectedly, popular Auckland
Ankita Ghatani and Arpita Chanda who
singer Rachit Bhatia’s ‘Dil chahta
contributed handsomely to the show’s
hai – Unforgettable melodies
overall appeal.
to modern classics’ left a rapturous
Ankita is clearly a rapidly rising star
audience asking for more last Friday (24
on Auckland’s musical horizon. Arpita
Sep) at the Dorothy Winstone Centre.
excelled herself on the night. Raul
Featured regularly in most Hindi film
Cardoza, who completed the quartet
music concerts over several years now,
of singers, performed adequately in his
this was Rachit’s maiden gig under his
comparatively narrow range of lessmelody-more-rhythm
own banner Rachit Music.
type numbers.
It was a dream first gig: a sellout, as it
As well as Rachit’s dynamism on
should have been, given both the superb
stage complemented by Raul’s own
quality of the product (Rachit) and the
energetic manner, the show was a visual
packaging (the slick promos). It marked
delight with frequent and interesting
the twentieth anniversary of Rachit’s
costume changes by the four singers
first stage performance.
against Chai Rajapurkar’s quick-changing
The show had a lot going for it. The
digital backdrops.
repertoire, which aimed to cover six
The complement of musicians was
decades of popular melodies, was
exquisite, praised by Rachit throughout
an excellent mix representative of
the show.
the varied flavours of different eras,
Don Dilantha’s violin and guitar
composers and singers.
electrified the interludes while the
Selections from the decade of the
experienced and talented Hemant
1990s resonated particularly well
Thakar and Cloyd D’Mello’s keys
with the audience, given the dominant
suffused the soundscape.
demographic at the event.
Deeksha on her Saxophone was
Blessed with an incredibly versatile
excellent and so were the percussion
voice, the ever-smiling, thigh-slapping,
duo Nigel and Kris.
cavorting and prancing Rachit
The characteristic resounding richness
has an alluringly energizing stage
of the tabla and dholak wielded by
presence that would be the envy of
the super-talented Navneel, though,
many an entertainer.
sounded rather subdued by the louder
He is equal parts singer and
and flatter sounds of the drums.
entertainer; the complete
Unlike several recent Hindi film music
audio+visual package.
shows, the sound at Dil Chahta Hai was
He straddles the stage with the
superbly balanced.
paced but is a raagmalika of four broad canvas to choose songs from,
same ease, dexterity, energy and
Junoo was the show’s MC.
classical raags – Khamaj, Bihag, Des picking the right mix would have been a
finesse as he traverses through a range
Those who left Friday night’s show
and Chhaya Nat in sequence. What’s daunting task and Rachit’s team did an
of musical genres.
wanting more, take heart. Rachit has
more, it’s sung in both the Hindustani excellent job of it.
His excellent rendition of just one
announced another show in early 2023.
and Carnatic styles in quick, alternating The selection was both popular
iconic but extremely complex number
sequences by Dey and Kumar with all and eclectic from a range of eras and
proved his awesome talent beyond
manner of voice inflections.
composers. A particularly clever way of
doubt: Ek chatur naar from the popular
Rachit nailed it exceedingly well singing extending the range of selection was
1968 film Padosan.
for both the original voices – something through medleys, of which there were at
This R.D. Burman-composed song,
not for the fainthearted.
least three – all executed with aplomb
sung by the legendary Manna Dey
While ‘unforgettable melodies to and with multiple singers.
and Kishore Kumar, is not only fast-
modern classics’ gives one a very Though designed primarily around
Twenty organisations attend HOTA Forum meeting
IWK BUREAU
Hindu Organisations, Temples
and Associations (HOTA)
Forum hosted a meeting of
over 20 organisation executives
and representatives in Auckland on
Sunday (September 25) at the Shree
Swaminarayan (ISSO) Temple Complex
in Papatoetoe.
An invitation only meeting, which was
postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic in
2020 and 2021, was hosted by Hindu
Council of New Zealand.
HOTA Forum brings together leaders,
executives, and volunteers of multiple
Dharma-based organisations to have
an in-depth discussion about the
success, challenges, and big issues
facing the community.
The HOTA Forum was launched at
the third NZ National Hindu conference
held in May 2010. It acts as a platform
to bring together multiple Hindu
organisations, temples, and associations
throughout NZ.
Since its start, a Hindu organisation,
temple or association voluntarily
takes lead in hosting the HOTA
forum for a year.
The host holds on to the Ekta Shankh
(a symbol of unity) as the baton
symbolising their lead of the programmes
“Strong focus on youth
enables our next generation
to actively participate in
shaping the inclusive future
of Aotearoa. We need the
next generation to start
visualising and working
towards to building a
pluralistic society in New
Zealand,”
for the year. Over 55 organisations have
been active members of HOTA since
its inception and the interest to work
together have been growing.
The focus this year was youth
leadership along with the standard
discussions that occur during the Forum.
“Strong focus on youth enables our
next generation to actively participate
in shaping the inclusive future of
Aotearoa. We need the next generation
to start visualising and working towards
to building a pluralistic society in New
Zealand,” said Nitika Sharma, General
Secretary, Hindu Council of NZ.
The day resulted in several discussions
that have been grouped into high level
themes by the host with action plans in
place to implement and bring to fruition
the discussions.
At a high level, social cohesion,
belonging, inclusion, Hindu phobia,
misinformation, support from
government agencies, engagement with
politicians and government agencies
stood out as key themes.
The successes of the Hindu community
as contributing citizens of NZ also
formed a large part of the discussions
The day concluded with politicians,
government agencies and public
representatives attending the day to
hear about the discussions, deliberations,
and outcomes of the day.
The chairperson of the Religious
Diversity Centre, Jocelyn Armstrong,
attended the open session commenting,
“Everyone I have spoken to told me
that it was a good day of discussions
and diving into important issues
for the community.”
A full report will be compiled and
circulated. Membership to HOTA Forum is
open to all Hindu organisations, temples,
and associations in New Zealand.
Contact Nitika Sharma on forum@hota.
org.nz for details.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
NEW ZEALAND 7
Intensifying Tamilian ties
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
New Zealand as a
country has a strong
legacy as being a
culturally pluralistic and socially
unified society.
And when we talk about the
multiculturalism of NZ, it won’t
be an exaggeration to say that
the Kiwi-Indian diaspora has
played an integral part in NZ’s
cultural ethos.
The Kiwi-Indians have been
maintaining their identity in
NZ primarily through numerous
ethnic associations.
Among Kiwi-Indians, the
Indian-Tamil diaspora (about
10,000), which has been
increasing steadily, is one of
the most active Indian ethnic
groups in NZ.
The fact that there are
around 15 official Tamil
associations across NZ bears
testimony to it.
In the twenty-second part
of our series on cultural Indian
associations in NZ, we profile
the Tamil Association of New
Zealand Inc (TANZI), which
started in 2018 to serve new
Tamil immigrants from all over
the world to settle here.
When asked to describe
TANZI, its President Sowndra
Rajan Palanisamy says, “TANZI
is a group of people who have
come together to help Tamil
people from all over the world,
particularly from Tamil Nadu, to
settle down smoothly in NZ.
"Our vision is to uphold
Tamil and Aotearoa culture
and values in NZ. We aim
to help Tamil people adopt
Aotearoa values and settle
in NZ while maintaining their
cultural heritage.”
Talking about the story
behind its formation in 2018,
Sowndra says, “TANZI was
started in 2018 officially.
"But, as a group, we worked
with students, helping in
the initial arrival and settling
process before that in an
informal setting.
"We used to and continue
to help people to find
accommodation and jobs, and
diverting them to the right
people for help regarding
IRD, immigration, accounting,
taxation, real estate, and any
“We promote cultural
festivals like Pongal,
Diwali and Tamil New
Year, among others.
We were instrumental
in petitioning and
participating in
organising the
celebrations of Pongal
celebration in NZ
parliament,”
other govt related information.
“These services are free of
cost. It was well received and
led us to make it a registered,
not-for-profit organisation in
2018. Associations like us are
critical in upholding and passing
our cultural values to future
generations.”
Interestingly, TANZI has
been serving the Indian-Tamil
community members through
Whatsapp groups. Giving more
details, Sowndra says, “We
have people from all over NZ
in our contact list. We maintain
three WhatsApp groups for
information interchange and to
help the community. “
TANZI has 15 core members,
73 members and 1000-plus
group participants associated
with the free services rendered.
TANZI regularly organise
social events and participates
in events conducted by the
Tamil and Indian diaspora.
“We promote cultural
festivals like Pongal, Diwali and
Tamil New Year, among others.
"We were instrumental in
petitioning and participating
in organising the celebrations
of Pongal celebration in
NZ parliament,” reveals a
proud Sowndra.
Sowndra reveals that as a
plan for TANZI, they would
like to do more workshops
for students and work visa
holders and even planning to do
Pongal in Marae.
“We would love to have
increased support and
collaboration of New Zealanders
to expand the scope further
to reach the community. We
envision having our wings in all
major cities in the near future,”
he signs off.
HOWICK WARD
Maurice
Williamson
Sharon
Stewart
Maurice Williamson was the
member of parliament for
Pakuranga (included Howick) for
30 years. He has recently returned
to New Zealand from a diplomatic
posting as New Zealand’s Consul
General in Los Angeles and is also
standing for the Auckland Council
here in the Howick Ward.
Sharon Stewart QSM is standing
for re-election to the Auckland
Council to continue serving
the community that she loves.
Having lived here for most of
her life, her family history within
the district goes back over 100
years.
Together we have serious
concerns for how the Auckland
Council has been managed.
Rates keep rising, spending
exceeds income and debt is
ballooning. Of more concern
is the fact the wishes of the
general public are being just
totally ignored. Your vote can
ensure Auckland’s future.
JH17538

8
NEW ZEALAND
Writer Rohit
Kumar ‘Happy’
receives award
in Bhopal
Friday, 30 September, 2022
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
NZ-based journalist
Rohit Kumar ‹Happy’
is on cloud nine
after being conferred with
the National Nirmal Verma
Award for contribution to
the development of the
Hindi language.
Rohit recently travelled to
India to take part in the award
ceremony. The Madhya Pradesh
Government has given him this
award at an event at Ravindra
Sabhagan Kendra in Bhopal.
The function was organised
on the occasion of Hindi Diwas
(September 14).
Kumar, who edits Bharat-
Darshan, the world’s first online
Hindi literary magazine since
1996, said, “I can’t express my
happiness on being honoured
with the National Nirmal
Verma Award. The event was
‘Tourism recovery is well under way’: Minister Nash
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
Renowned Theologian
and philosopher Saint
Augustine once said,
“The world is a book, and those
who do not travel read only a
page.”
The above quote truly
signifies the importance of
travel and tourism in this
highly globalised world that
we live in. Tourism is one of
the world’s most important
economic sectors. It employs
one in every ten people on
earth and provides livelihoods
to hundreds of millions more.
This week, September
27, was the World Tourism
Day, which endeavours to
foster awareness among the
international community of the
importance of tourism and its
social, cultural, political, and
economic value.
History of World Tourism Day
The day was designated by the
World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) in September 1979,
with the commemoration to
commence in 1980. This date
was chosen to coincide with an
important milestone in world
tourism: the anniversary of
the adoption of the UNWTO
Statutes on September 27,
1970.
Talking about world
tourism, it won’t be wrong
to say that the worldwide
Covid-19 pandemic has had a
massive social and economic
impact on tourism for both
graced by dignitaries such as
the Chief Minister of Madhya
Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan
and Madhya Pradesh culture
minister Usha Thakur. The
event was well attended and
saw a gathering of around
1000 people.”
Kumar reveals that awards
like these are a source of
inspiration for him to do better
work. He says, “This award has
given me a big boost. It has
instilled a lot of energy in me
to do better for Hindi literature
which I am passionate about.”
During his current Indian visit,
Kumar has also been part of
many literary events. As part
of them, he has met literary
personalities from various
countries, including Japan and
the United Kingdom.
“It feels like a literary travel
trip to India this time. I am
enjoying every bit of it,” says
developed and developing
countries.
This year’s theme of the day
is “Rethinking Tourism”, as
it aims to inspire the debate
around rethinking tourism for
development, including through
education and jobs, and
tourism’s impact on the planet
and opportunities to grow more
sustainably.
Interestingly, the timing of
World Tourism Day is particularly
appropriate as it comes at the
end of the high season in the
northern hemisphere and the
beginning of the season in the
southern hemisphere.
Tourism in NZ
NZ has been for long one of the
top global tourist destinations
in the world. But the Covid 19
pandemic lockdowns and border
closure coupled with severe
restrictions adverse impacted
“This award has given
me a big boost. It has
instilled a lot of energy
in me to do better for
Hindi literature which I
am passionate about.”
Rohit.
The 54-year-old, who lives in
Auckland, has already published
books such as New Zealand
Ki Hindi Patrakarita Ka Itihas
the NZ tourism sector which is
still reeling from its effects.
According to tourism data
released by Stats NZ on
September 12 for July 2022,
it is for the first month since
March 2020 that the number
of overseas visitor arrivals to
NZ exceeded 100,000. There
were 134,200 overseas visitor
arrivals in July 2022. It is nearly
double the international arrivals
from the month prior. However,
the July 2022 number is just
over half of the 255,600
overseas visitor arrivals in July
2019, before the Covid-19
pandemic.
In the 12 months ended July
(2020), New Zealand Ki Hindi
Yatra (Published by Kendriya
Hindi Sansthan, Agra, India,
2021) as well as Prashant Ki
Lok Kathayein (Published by
Kendriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra,
India, 2021). He has been
relentlessly working to promote
Hindi literature in NZ.
He even won first prize in the
Hindi Essay Contest held by the
High Commission of India and
Wellington Hindi School. He was
awarded recently at a function
2022, there was a provisional
net migration loss of 12,400
in NZ. Provisionally there were
52,100 migrant arrivals and
64,500 migrant departures,
giving an annual net migration
loss of 12,400.
There is no doubt that the
Covid-19 pandemic has forced
many countries, including NZ,
to rethink their approach to
tourism.
Indian Weekender spoke to
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash,
to know what the Government
is doing to revive tourism in NZ.
‘International visitors are
coming back at a strong pace’
“I know our hard-working
tourism operators have had it
tough these last two years due
to the pandemic, but the good
news is that all the data we’re
seeing shows that the tourism
recovery is well underway.”
International visitors are
coming back at a strong pace,
with American and British
visitors’ card spends already at
pre-Covid levels.
“The July 22 Tourism figures
present a light at the end of a
long tunnel, and we expect a
strong uptick in visitors as we
head towards summer.”
Nash reveals that the
Government has supported
the tourism sector throughout
the pandemic, working with
the industry to respond to
the challenges of the past two
years, including the $400m
Tourism Recovery Package, the
$200m Tourism Communities
held at Mahatma Gandhi Centre.
Before coming to NZ three
decades ago, Rohit, who hails
from Kaithal in Haryana, had
a bachelor’s degree from
Kurukshetra University and a
diploma in journalism.
Plan, and the $54m Innovation
Programme for Tourism
Recovery. “This support went
to tourism operators most
affected by the border closure,
and has helped them to gear up
for the return of international
visitors,” says Nash.
It may also be noted that
Tourism New Zealand also
recently took a bold and creative
approach to destination
advertising with the launch of
its first global campaign in two
years named - If You Seek.
“There is intense competition
as destinations ramp up
campaigns to capture the
imaginations of travellers.
Because of our size and
location, NZ will have to work
hard to encourage visitation
post-covid with international
visitor numbers taking years
to build up and Kiwis now
having the option of travelling
overseas,” Tourism NZ chief
executive René de Monchy had
said.
Monchy revealed that they
want to tap into the curiosity
of our target high–quality
travellers, who we know are
adventurous and keen to dig
beneath the surface of the
places they visit, whether on
the beaten path or not.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
NEW ZEALAND 9
Koota celebrated Ganesh
Chaturthi with zeal
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
The Kiwi-Indian diaspora
in New Zealand is one
of the most significant
communities in New Zealand.
And Kiwi-Indians help keep our
Indian culture and traditions
alive in our adopted country.
And taking this forward was
the recently held Ganesha
festival celebration by NZ
Kannada Koota (NZKK,
popularly known as “Koota”) in
Auckland.
The event took place on
Saturday (September 24) at
Mt. Roskill War Memorial hall. It
was the first cultural event by
NZKK post the lockdowns and
restrictions due to the Covid-19
pandemic.
NZKK members were visibly
enthusiastic about participating
in the gala. More than 250
people attended the event.
In commemoration of
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
(platinum celebration of
India’s independence and
its cultural heritage), His
Holiness Shri Jagadguru
Rambhapuri Veerasimhasana
Mahasamsthana Peetha and
its educational prathistana
conferred the “Swatantra
Amrutha Ratna” award to 75
individuals and groups from
Indian origin across the globe.
Six recipients of this award are
from NZ who are associated
with NZ Kannada Koota and
wider Indian community.
While
community
leader Nilima Venkat was
recognised for her service
and contributions towards
seniors in the community
and the wider community;
Anuradha Ramkumar (founder
and a creative director
of Anuradha’s School of Indian
Dances) was honoured for
her service and contributions
to promoting and training
Indian classical dance
Bharathanatyam in NZ.
Feeling elated about the
honour, Nilima told Indian
Weekender, “It was a very
proud, blessed and humbling
experience to be recognised for
your work by your community.
As a woman, I will feel privileged
if I can inspire others to do
something for the community.”
Sharing her sentiments
Anuradha said, “It is humbling
to be recognised for the work
that I have been doing to
promote Indian classical dance
and culture for past 25 years.
"Recognitions and awards will
come with added responsibility
to serve the community. It also
amplifies my commitment and
accountability while serving the
community especially for the
younger generation.”
The first female Indian-born
officer in the NZ Police, Mandeep
Kaur, was also acknowledged
for her contributions and
service to the Indian community
as Senior Sargent NZ Police.
However, she was unable to
attend the event.
The Kannada Koota
language school team Prakash
Rajarao, Vathsala Rajarao,
Trupti Dev, Archana Ajay,
Siddamma Chincholimath,
Komala Hiremath, Shylaja
Patil were recognised for their
contributions toward Kannada
school.
Also, Venkatachalam
and Kavitha Venkat were
honoured for their service and
contributions towards Kannada
Koota and Kannada Shale, and
NZKK president Vishu Lokapal
got a special mention and
was honoured for his service
towards Kannada Koota,
Kannada shale and broader
Indian community.
The event saw many
energetic and vibrant dance
performances, including
Bharatanatyam and Kannada
film songs.
“It
was a very
proud, blessed and
humbling experience to
be recognised for your work
by your community. As a
woman, I will feel privileged
if I can inspire others to
do something for the
community.”
T h e
event also saw
prizes being distributed to the
winners of the sports day that
NZKK conducted in July 2022.
Interestingly, there were about
105 prizes distributed at the
event,
The masters of ceremony
Vikram Kashyap and Deeksha
Kashyap, who anchored the
program diligently, merit a
special mention.
Talking about the event’s
success, Lokapal said,
“The event was a great
success with a huge turnout
of NZKK members and topnotch
cultural performances.
The vibe was joyful. It was good
to see the community member
coming together and enjoying
themselves after a long time.”
The memorable event
concluded with guest savouring
delicious South Indian food.

10
NEW ZEALAND
Celebrating
the music of
legendary KK
Friday, 30 September, 2022
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
Fans of late singer KK
have a reason to rejoice.
That’s because Auckland
will soon witness a music
night paying tribute to the
legendary singer.
Regarded as one of the best
and most versatile singers in
India, KK sang songs such as
Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se, Dola
Re Dola, Khuda Jaane, Pal and
Yaaron. He passed away due
to a suspected heart attack
at age 53 after a concert on
May 31, 2022.
A music band named
729TheBand is organising a
live music event - Rock-On –
A tribute to KK night- next
month, where the band, along
with other musicians, will pay
a special homage to KK. The
event is dedicated to KK’s
love for rock music and paying
tribute to his contribution to
live Indian Rock music.
The seven-member band
comprises Avelin Chetty [Sound,
DJ], Avi Pranish [Lead Guitar],
Kunal Krishneel [Keyboards],
Ishan Bhatt [Keyboards], Joscel
Alexander [Drums], Nikhil Singh
[Bass], Prince Rajput [Guitar,
IWK BUREAU
Music lovers and fans of the compositions
of the legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar
and Asha Bhosle’s exceptionally talented
brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar are in for a treat on
Saturday 8 October.
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back-up vocals] and Kush
Joshi [Vocals].
It was formed by friends to
play the music they grew up
with and new Bollywood rock
music. They wanted to give the
audience the flair and energy
that rock music creates.
Revealing more details about
the same, Prince Rajput, the
band manager and the owner of
Prince Entertainment Group Ltd
(PEG), says, “We want to pay
our respects and tribute to the
late KK. He was well known for
his love for rock music and for
performing high-energy shows
where the audience was very
much part of the band (singing
along and dancing to the
music). We, as 729TheBand,
are big fans of the late KK’s
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music and have been inspired
by his live shows.
Therefore, this show is
dedicated to his memory and
ethos of live performances.
Indian Weekender is the
media partner for the event.
Interestingly, in addition to
the 729TheBand members,
known singers Rachit Bhatia
and Vijendra Rane will also be
performing KK’s songs like
Alvida, Tu Hi Meri Shaab Hab Hai
and Zara Sa, among others.
“We want everyone to have
fun and celebrate the legend
that was KK together at this
event. With our song selection
and shows, we want it to be
meaningful to our audience –
whether it’s nostalgic or highly
energetic, we want them to be
singing couple Hemant and Shweta Shirsat is presenting
‘Nakshatrache Dene’ (which in Marathi means ‘a gift from
the stars’) at the Green Bay High School Performing Arts
Centre at 7pm).
Hridaynath Mangeshkar, now in his eighties, is the
youngest sibling of the legendary Mangeshkar family
– the only brother of the four sisters – and considered
a rare genius among music composers. Both Lata and
Asha in their media interviews have said that his were
the most challenging compositions to sing.
The evening will feature some of the finest and most
popular of Hridaynath’s compositions chosen from a
wide swathe of genres and decades.
From film songs, folk (the iconic Mumbai fisherfolk
song ‘Mi Dolkar’) right through to devotionals (abhangs)
and numbers with patriotic fervour (Shiv Kalyan Raja),
Nakshatrache Dene includes all.
The original songs were sung by Lata, Asha, Hemant
Kumar, Suresh Wadkar and many other great singers.
One of Auckland’s most loved singers, Vidya Teke,
involved,” says Rajput.
The live performance will be
followed by DJ Aby, who will
open the dance floor and DJAV
to keep the night going.
Talking about the ticket
sale, Rajput says, “We had a
great response on our early
bird tickets and VIP tables.
General tickets are selling fast
too. We expect the show to
be sold out at least a week
before the gig. If you are a KK
fan, you can’t miss this one.
Grab your tickets, which are
available at Eventbrite, if you
haven’t already.”
KK die-hard fans across
Auckland are already waiting to
attend the event.
Ramya Sharma, one of the
residents of Panmure, says,
“I enjoyed listening to KK’s
legendary songs. I just loved
his voice. Though we have lost
him, this show will allow me to
relive and enjoy his songs. I am
eagerly waiting for the show.”
What: Rock-On – A tribute to
KK night
When: 8th October
Timings: The door opens at
10.30 pm. The last Entry to the
event is at 11.15 pm
Where: Wynyard Pavilion, 17
Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD,
Auckland 1010.
Tickets: From NZ$27.32
A ‘Gift from the Stars’ for Auckland’s music lovers
will also join Hemant and Shweta in
Nakshatrache Dene.
For the first time in a concert of
Marathi songs, a string quartet has
been included, to do due justice to
the tonal richness that Hridaynath’s
compositions are infused with.
Led by ace violinist (and guitarist)
Don Dilantha, the quartet of four
violins is supplemented guitar, flute
and a complement of rhythmic
instruments traditional and modern
wielded by Araad and Navneel Prasad
besides keys by veterans Hemant
Thakar and Cloyd D’Mello.
The event takes place on the eve
of Kojagiri Purnima, also known as
Sharad Purnima, an auspicious day
that falls on the full moon day of Ashvin month of the
Hindu Lunar Calendar.
This day is considered the most important day to
worship Goddess Lakshmi.
Traditionally, people stay awake late on the night,
singing songs.
Supported by the Migrant Heritage Charitable Trust
(Might-I), CIPA (Centre for Indian Performing Arts) and
the Mohan Nadkarni Foundation, Nakshatrache Dene
brings a great opportunity to listen (and hum along) with
Hemant, Shweta and Vidya on this long and festive night.
The event is managed by CFI Events.
Tickets are selling fast on Ticketbazaar.co.nz, hurry
and book yours soon.
What: Nakshatrache Dene – a musical evening
featuring compositions of Hridaynath Mangeshkar
When: 8 October 2022, 7pm
Where: Green Bay Performing Arts Centre, Godlay
Road, Green Bay, Auckland.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
NEW ZEALAND 11
Meet us at the Auckland Diwali AOTEA Square
PRESENTS
Mr & Ms
Auckland 2022
Abhishek Grover (35)
Hometown: New Delhi
Achshaya Ramooji (Shaya) (27)
Hometown: Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Chehak Mishra (17)
Hometown: Chandigarh
Deeksha Celeste Singh (27)
Hometown: New Delhi
Helly Desai (28)
Hometown: Vadodara, Gujarat
Prasanthi Kancheti (27)
Hometown: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Monika Sharma (28)
Hometown: Jalandhar, Punjab
Shradha Baluni (28)
Hometown: New Delhi
Shriya Sharma (33)
Hometown - New Delhi
Name - Tisha (19)
Hometown - New Delhi
Aseem Wadhwa (25)
Hometown: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
Manish Sharma (24)
Hometown: Chandigarh
Manthan Patel (25)
Hometown: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Name:Naman Bhatt (29)
Hometown:Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Prize Sponsored by
Name: Som Chakraborty (31)
Hometown: Shillong, Meghalaya
Name: Viraj Lamba (25)
Hometown: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Vishal Chugh (28)
Hometown: Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Editorial
Youth crisis looming
Now that New Zealand has started to move on from the unrelenting emphasis
of the last two and a half years on dealing with the pandemic, focus is
beginning to return to other important aspects of national life.
We are all familiar with the mounting cost-of-living and the impact it is having on
household budgets.
We will all have our views about how much of this is due to the recognisable
international factors that the government is blaming, saying it has no real control
over them, and how much of it is due to domestic circumstances, far more clearly
the government’s responsibility.
That debate, which of itself will not change anything, will continue for some time
yet, almost certainly through to next year’s general election and probably beyond.
There will be interminable arguments about whether the various Covid19 response
packages were enough, sufficiently properly targeted, and the associated spending
properly disciplined.
The level of public debt run up over the last two years will continue to be a major
point of political concern, even though New Zealand’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains on
the low side by world standards. And then there will be the overarching question of
whether New Zealand’s pandemic response was fit for purpose, or too harsh, and
inconsistently applied.
In the absence of an independent inquiry, something the government seems
determined to avoid before the next election, perhaps out of fear of being
embarrassed, all these issues will continue to be the stuff of arcane analysis by
commentators and the subject of endless dinner table arguments.
However, there are other issues arising from the pandemic that should transcend
partisan political debate because they have a far deeper impact on the country’s
future. Top of these is the fate of our children whose education and wider
socialisation has been severely disrupted while the pandemic was rife.
Disturbing figures released this week by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority
show that on average the number of NCEA credits being achieved by students to
date this year is down by over 10% on comparable levels of achievement in 2019,
the last full year before the arrival of the pandemic.
Moreover, the number of “not-achieved” credits reported to NZQA is at its
highest point for the last two years. Secondary principals are saying 2022 could be
the worst year yet since the pandemic for secondary education.
The government has already announced a $20 million remedial package to
provide extra teaching and tutoring to help affected students make up ground, but
that is likely to prove a drop in the bucket.
Aside from the worry of the level of achievement being slowed because of the
disruptive impact on schools of the pandemic, there is also the more intangible,
but equally important, matter of the personal impact of the pandemic’s disruptions
on the attitude and aspirations of individual students at all levels. They will take
much longer to restore than a quick remedial package can hope to provide. In many
cases, students’ future long-term plans and hopes have been abruptly upturned
since 2020.
Associated with this is the wider issue of the mental health impact of the
pandemic on young people. We already have one of the world’s highest rates of
youth suicide and it is hard to see it not being impacted further by the educational
and life uncertainties young people seem set to face over the next few years.
General practices are noticing an increase in patients across the board with mental
health problems brought on by the pandemic, and it would be reasonable to assume
there will be many young people among those who are affected.
Unfortunately, public health services, still caught up in the turmoil and uncertainty
of the mid-year reorganisation of the health sector are in no position to offer
coherent help, placing the onus back on general practices, community agencies
and struggling, fearful families.
Evidence shows there is often a lag between a civil crisis – like the pandemic –
and the growth of mental health issues in the community, meaning the impact of
the pandemic on young people is set to linger for some years to come.
In that regard, the figures released by NZQA this week are likely the tip of a large
and disturbing iceberg, about which we should all be very concerned. Behind the
statistics are many individuals and their families worrying about what all this means
for their own wellbeing and their children’s future aspirations.
But sadly, this looming crisis appears to be receiving scant political attention –
across the board.
Yet the future of our young people is one of the most important determinants
of our country’s future overall. It ought to be taken far more seriously by all the
political parties, whether in government or not, than appears to be the case at
present.
Lofty speeches about the war in Ukraine, the risk of nuclear conflagration,
climate change, and cyber security are of course important and deserving of much
attention, but equally so too are the educational opportunities, attainments, and
wellbeing of our children.
As New Zealand moves on from the pandemic and begins the slow process of
recovery, looking after the future wellbeing and educational attainments of our
children must become a top priority for all politicians, whatever their political stripe.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
We continue to strive for a relationship with
China, but one that is built on mutual sensitivity,
mutual respect and mutual interest,”
- Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar
IN FOCUS : Picture of the week
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held productive talks
with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Tokyo during
which the two leaders discussed the important bilateral ties and
ways to boost the India-Australia partnership in diverse sectors.
This week in New Zealand’s history
30 September 1972
New Christchurch Town Hall opens
Designed by prominent Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney, the Brutalist
(blocky, using lots of concrete) structure was officially opened by Governor-
General Sir Denis Blundell.
1 October 1962
Government watchdog appointed
Sir Guy Powles was New Zealand’s first Ombudsman. In a loose translation from
Swedish, the word means ‘grievance person’. The office was created to investigate
complaints about government departments and other national public sector
organisations
1 October 1986
Goods and Services Tax Act introduced
Adding 10 per cent to the cost of most goods and services, GST was a key part
of the economic reforms of the fourth Labour government – dubbed ‘Rogernomics’
after Minister of Finance Roger Douglas.
4 October 1957
Morris Yock trademarks the jandal
Inspired by footwear he had seen in Japan, businessman Morris Yock and his son
Anthony began manufacturing this simple rubber footwear in their garage in 1957.
The name ‘jandal’ combined the words ‘Japanese’ and ‘sandal’.
5 October 1866
Maungatapu murderers hanged in Nelson
Burgess, Kelly and Levy were hanged. Joseph Sullivan, the fourth member of the
‘Burgess gang’, received a life sentence after turning Queen’s evidence and helping
convict his co-accused
5 October 2011
Shipwrecked Rena spills oil into Bay of Plenty
The German-built Rena is the largest ship ever wrecked in New Zealand waters. No
lives were lost, but in financial terms it was our costliest-ever shipwreck
Indian Weekender : Volume 14 Issue 28
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Editor: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
NEW ZEALAND 13
Gearing up for IWK's
Mr & Ms Auckland Diwali
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
Seventeen talented
contestants, nine in
the female and eight
in the male category, will
be competing in The Indian
Weekender’s Mr & Ms Auckland
Diwali 2022 at Auckland Diwali
Festival 2022 on Saturday,
October 8 at Aotea Square.
Mr & Ms Auckland Diwali
2022 is an annual talent hunt
which is organised by the Indian
Weekender in association with
Auckland Council. But it is back
this year after a gap due to the
Covid-19 pandemic.
The event’s semi-final round
was hosted at the Indian
Weekender office at 133
Onehunga Mall Road in Onehunga
on Sunday (September 26).
The event contestants taking
part in an introduction, talent
round and Q&A session with the
judges. The contestants, judged
by known Gujarati theatre Rupal
Solanki, stylist Daya and makeup
artist Agastya, was held
at The Indian Weekender studio
that marked the contestants
on their introduction, rampwalk
and dress-up.
The judges Rupal Solanki, Agastya and Daya
The housefull event witnessed
the contestants doing a round
of ramp walk and enthralling
the audience with their talent.
From mimicry to monolgue
and from dance to poem
recitation, the contestant
surely impressed the judges
and audience. They certainly
left everyone asking for more.
The contestants gave an
astounding performance
on semi-final and have
already raised the bar for
this year’s finale.
“Auckland is rocking and
shining, thanks to the Indian
Weekender and the Diwali
festivities, that is highlighted
with the Ms and Mr. Auckland
Diwali Pageant.
" The last Sunday, the 25th
of September saw an undying
and youthful energy from the
participants and it was a great
platform for them to step
ahead, building confidence
and bringing out the best in
them, showcasing to the world
an amalgamation of beautiful
cultures.” Daya told The Indian
Weekender.
“Ms & Mr Auckland was one of
those events which was quite
well organised and had some
outstanding contestants. Indian
Weekender has done a great job
by finding such hidden talent.
Congratulations to the team for
the great work!,” Agastya said.
“The contestants simply
amazed us their mind-blowing
talent and confidence. I wish
everyone best of luck for the
main event.” Rupal Solanki said.
Gaurav Juneja who was the
emcee for the event deserves
a special mention for his
outstanding work.
The event also saw presence
of ex-winners of the show such
as Manik, Devika and Sourabh
who shared their experience
and motivated the contestants.
The live singing by Darshan
Lange brought a perfect ending
to the event.
“Audience support and
putting smile on faces through
my singing is the best part when
I perform. I had a wonderful
time performing in front of very
talented and beautiful people,”
said Lange.

14 INDIA
India flags visa
challenges, US'
assurance: ‘Aiming
to address issues’
Foreign minister S.
Jaishankar said that
he flagged visa related
challenges that Indians faced
during his meeting with US
Secretary of State Antony
Blinken. US Secretary of State
said that the issues were largely
exacerbated owing to the
Covid pandemic. Blinken
assured S Jaishankar that US
was aiming to address all the
S Jaishankar-Antony Blinken Meeting: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shakes
concerns related to visas faced
hands with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar,(AFP)
by Indians. Earlier this month, US
missions in India said that they
alone, more than in any previous 444 days for student visa while
issued 82,000 student visas
year. This shows that the United in Mumbai, the average wait
so far in 2022- higher than in
States remains for most Indian time for a US visa appointment
any previous year- adding that
families the most sought-after is 752 calendar days for a
Indian students received more
country for higher education,” visitor visa and 444 days for a
American student visas than
said charge d’affaires Patricia student visa. The waiting time
any other country.
Lacina, the senior-most US for all other non-immigrant
“We issued over 82,000
diplomat in India.
visas is 354 days in Delhi and
student visas this summer
In Delhi, the wait period is 312 days in Mumbai.
758 days for visitor visas and
Modi congratulates
Italian leader
Giorgia Meloni for
poll victory
“Congratulations Giorgia
Meloni for leading your
party Fratelli Italia to
victory in the Italian general
elections. We look forward to
working together to strengthen
our ties,” Modi tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
on Wednesday congratulated
Giorgia Meloni for winning
the general elections in Italy.
Posting a congratulatory
message on Twitter, Modi said
he looked forward to working
with Meloni to strengthen ties
between India and Italy.
“Congratulations Giorgia
Meloni for leading your party
Fratelli Italia to victory in
the Italian general elections.
We look forward to working
together to strengthen our
ties,” Modi tweeted.
Meloni thanked Modi for
the congratulatory message
and tweeted Italy is ready
to cooperate with India on
international stability and all
other global challenges.
Apart from Modi, several
other leaders from across
the globe including Hungarian
Prime Minister Viktor Orban,
French Prime Minister Elisabeth
Borne and Polish PM Mateusz
Morawiecki congratulated
Meloni on victory in the Italian
general elections.
Meloni's far-right Brothers of
Italy party won 26 per cent of
the vote in the elections with
the right-wing coalition securing
a clear majority in Parliament,
according to final results.
Friday, 30 September, 2022
Two weeks after India
formally joined three of
the four pillars of the Indo-
Pacific Economic Framework
(IPEF), external affairs minister
S Jaishankar met United States
(US) commerce secretary Gina
Raimondo in Washington DC
on Monday and discussed the
framework and its implications.
Besides IPEF, the two ministers
also discussed the India-US
commercial relationship, the
growing interest of American
businesses in India, and the
possibility of a partnerships
in the high-technology and
semiconductor space.
After the meeting, Jaishankar
tweeted, “An excellent meeting
with Commerce Secretary @
SecRaimondo. Our conversation
Modi government consulted
Muslim outfits before action on PFI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home
Minister Amit Shah took the decision
to ban the PFI and its affiliates after
national security planners had prominent Muslim
organization on board against proposed action on
Sunni Wahhabi outfit.
It is understood that National Security Advisor
Ajit Doval met the prominent Muslim organization
leaders on September 17 to understand their
views before NIA, ED and State Police raids were
conducted on September 22.
The NSA and Intelligence Bureau officers
took the opinion of country’s biggest Muslim
organisations including those representing
Deobandi, Barelvi and Sufi sects of Islam. All
these organizations were equivocal in their
opinion that PFI was following an Wahhabi-Salafi
agenda of pan-Islamist organisations with their
extremist campaign to exploit the communal
fault-lines in India. The Centre's decision to ban
the Popular Front of India and its associates has
been welcomed by the Sufi and Barelvi clerics.
The All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council chairman
said that everyone should show patience if an
action has been taken to curb extremism.
“The All India Sufi Sajjadanashin Council believes
that if this action has been taken for compliance
with the law and the prevention of terrorism, then
The International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the International Solar Alliance,
an initiative first proposed by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
“Jointly hosted by India and France, the
event marks a new dawn for the use of solar
energy in the global civil aviation sector,”
union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya
Scindia said.
Addressing the audience he said, “...
means of transport that was once
understood as egalitarian but is now
considered as ubiquitous across the world
The Centre's decision to ban the Popular Front of India and its
associates has been welcomed by the Sufi and Barelvi clerics
everyone should work patiently on it, this step
of the government and investigative agencies
should be welcomed,” the said.
Zainul Abedin Ali Khan, the spiritual head of
the Ajmer Dargah welcomed the move and said
the action taken as per law to prevent terrorism
should be welcomed by all.
"If the country is safe then we are safe, the
country is bigger than any institution or idea and
if someone talks about breaking this country,
breaking the unity and sovereignty here, talks
about spoiling the peace of the country, then he
has no right to live here," the Dewan said.
Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the
president of All India Muslim Jamaat, also issued
a video statement, calling the decision the right
step to curb extremism.
as a means of ferrying human to human
across the global divide.”
“Today indeed is a landmark day wherein
we pursue the goals as outlined by ICAO
to all of us; one of ensuring lowering of
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
covered resilient supply
chains, Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework, high technology
cooperation, semiconductors
and business promotion. Look
forward to seeing her in India.”
In its readout of the meeting,
the department of commerce
said, “Secretary Raimondo
welcomed the government of
India’s participation in IPEF and
Minister Jaishankar’s views on
IPEF going forward.
"She emphasized the need
for an ambitious and highstandard
outcome, supported
by concrete benefits, in order
to deliver to all IPEF members,
and looks forward to working
closely with India in the
discussions ahead.”
Global aviation body ICAO signs MoU with International Solar Alliance
The event marks a new dawn for the use of solar energy in
the global civil aviation sector. (ANI)
External affairs minister S Jaishankar meets with United States commerce secretary
Gina Raimondo to discuss Indo-Pacific Economic Framework alongside high technology
cooperation between India and US, in Washington on Monday.
India, US discuss IPEF
and commercial relations
India-US
relationship today
impacts rest of
world: S Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister
S Jaishankar during a
press briefing said that
the relationship between India
and US today impacts the
rest of the world as there are
a lot of countries which look
to the association individually
and bilaterally and hope for
solutions which the world is
searching for in many aspects.
"I think our relationship today
impacts the rest of the world.
There are a lot of countries
which look to us individually
and bilaterally for some part
of the betterment which
they hope for solutions which
the world is searching for in
many respects," Jaishankar
said. Referring to the bilateral
consultations between the
two countries as solid, positive
and productive, Jaishankar
underscored that the visit was
very comfortable and he had
some very good conversations
with the Ministers in the US.
carbon emissions, one of ensuring that we,
in our respective capacities, act as fiduciary
responsible holders for the next generation,
creating an environment that is sustainable
for generations to come,” Scindia said.
Scindia also said, “In this context,
today is a remarkable day where the
international solar alliance which was, in
many ways, encapsulated by the former
president of France ‘monsieur’ Hollande
and by my prime minister Narendra Modiji
in 2015, almost seven years ago on the
sidelines of the COP 21 summit, today
has extended itself to ensure that that we
as responsible stakeholders be a part of it.”

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
WORLD 15
THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS KIWIIINDIAN
EVENT OF THE YEAR IS HERE
Thursday, 6 October 2022, 4.30pm 5:30 pm
•
Cordis Auckland
S U P P O R T E D
B Y

16
WORLD
Why
NASA has
deliberately
crashed a
spacecraft
into an
asteroid
It is the kind of stuff sci-fi movies and
science fiction are made of. An asteroid
hurtling towards the earth, its collision
having the potential to wipe out all life
forms. And human beings (mostly United
States as a country) manage to execute
a last-minute plan to deflect the asteroid
from its trajectory and avoid the collision.
NASA, for the first time, enacted this
script in real life. Just that the asteroid
in question was not headed towards the
earth, and there was no danger of any
collision. What NASA managed to do was to
let one of its spacecraft, sent specially for
this purpose last year, crash itself against a
small asteroid that was orbiting the Sun 11
million km away from Earth. By doing so, it
hopes to change the orbit of the asteroid.
How much it succeeded in its effort would
become known only after measurements
are done.
The 11 million km (about 300 times
the distance to moon) is the closest that
this asteroid, Dimorphos, comes to Earth
while going around in its orbit. There was
absolutely no danger that it would have
come and collided with Earth. Tuesday’s
collision was, therefore, just a technology
demonstration, and an experiment to assess
the capabilities to do such maneouvers in
future should a need arise.
Asteroid collision is real
Though there was no threat to Earth
from this particular asteroid — and NASA
says there is no real danger to Earth from
asteroids for the next 100 years at least —
asteroid collisions are real, and can happen.
The dinosaurs, and most other life forms
at that time, are known to have become
extinct following an asteroid collision about
million years ago.
As recently as 2013, an asteroid entered
the earth’s atmosphere and exploded over
Russia, causing injuries to hundreds of
people, and causing widespread damage.
Small asteroids — millions of them
orbit the Sun – keep entering the earth’s
atmosphere fairly regularly, but burn
out due to friction before they reach the
surface. Some of them do drop to the
Friday, 30 September, 2022
surface but are not large enough to cause
harm. The danger is from bigger asteroids.
The one that destroyed the dinosaurs was
about 10 km in width. According to NASA,
an asteroid that big comes towards the
Earth only in about 100 to 200 million
years.
DART
Tuesday’s mission was called Double
Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART. The
targeted asteroid Dimorphos is actually a
moon to a slightly larger asteroid called
Didymos. While Didymos is 780 m at its
widest, Dimorphos is about 160 metres.
Dimorphos orbits around Didymos, and this
two-body system go around the Sun.
One of the reasons scientists chose
to target Dimorphos was because of its
relatively shorter orbit around Didymos. A
deviation in this orbit was likely to be more
noticeable, and thus easier to measure,
than say, if Didymos itself was targeted
and an attempt was made to measure the
change in its orbit around the Sun.
Sri Lanka backs India for permanent
member status at UN Security Council
Sri Lankan President
Ranil Wickremesinghe
on Tuesday said his
government will back the
bids of India and Japan for
permanent member status at
the UN Security Council.
President Wickremesinghe
is currently in Japan to attend
the state funeral of the former
Japanese prime minister Shinzo
Abe.
During a meeting with
Japanese foreign minister
Yoshimasa Hayashi on Tuesday,
Wickremesinghe "appreciated
the support extended by
Japan (to Sri Lanka) on
the international stage and
expressed the government’s
willingness to support both
Japan’s and India’s campaign to
become permanent members
of the UN Security Council”,
the President's office said in a
press release.
India has been at the
forefront of the yearslong
efforts to reform the
Security Council saying it
rightly deserves a place as a
permanent member of the UN
body, which in its current form
does not represent the geopolitical
realities of the 21st
century.
At present, the UNSC
comprises five permanent
members and 10 nonpermanent
member countries
which are elected for a two-year
term by the General Assembly
of the United Nations.
The five permanent
members are Russia, the UK,
China, France and the US and
these countries can veto any
substantive resolution. There
has been growing demand
to increase the number of
permanent members to reflect
the contemporary global
reality. India is currently halfway
through the second year of its
two-year term as an elected
non-permanent member of the
UN Security Council.
India's tenure at the Council
will end in December when the
country will also preside as
President of the powerful UN
organ for the month.
On Saturday, External
Affairs Minister S Jaishankar,
addressing the General Debate
of the 77th session of the UN
General Assembly, emphasised
that India is prepared to take
up greater responsibilities.
The call for reformed
multilateralism – with reforms
of the Security Council at its
core – enjoys considerable
support among UN members,
he said.
"It does so because of the
widespread recognition that
the current architecture is
anachronistic and ineffective.
It is also perceived as
deeply unfair, denying entire
continents and regions a voice
in a forum that deliberates
their future," Jaishankar said.
Meanwhile, President
Wickremesinghe’s office said
Japan has expressed willingness
to take a lead role in Sri Lanka’s
debt restructuring, which is
vital for the island’s bid to
gain a bailout facility from the
International Monetary Fund.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
US visa
nightmare:
Wait time
as long as
833 days for
appointments
US Visa Wait Time For
Indians: Citing reduced
staffing and pandemicrelated
disruptions in operations
since March 2020, the embassy
said that the demand for visas
across all categories is high.
Amid a high volume of visa
requests, the US Embassy in
India announced on its website
that travellers may not be
accommodated according to
their planned travel dates even
if the purpose of the travel is
time sensitive.
Citing reduced staffing and
pandemic-related disruptions
in operations since March
2020, the embassy said that
the demand for visas across
all categories is high and that
wait times may also be longer
for most non-immigrant visa
appointments at the embassy
in New Delhi and the consulates
in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata,
and Mumbai.
As the embassy resumed
processing routine in-person
B1 and B2 visa appointments,
it said that the Department
of State authorised consular
officers to waive the inperson
interview requirement
for certain categories of visa
applicants- F, H-1, H-3, H-4,
non-blanket L, M, O, P, Q,
and academic J visas-until
December 31, 2022.
Non-immigrant visa waiting
period now exceeds 2 years
Following the easing of Covid
travel curbs, Indians may now
have to wait longer than two
years to get a US visa. In Delhi,
the waiting period for Visitor
Visas is 833 calendar days,
430 calendar days for Student/
Exchange Visitor visas and 390
calendar days for all other nonimmigrant
visas.
In Mumbai, the waiting period
is 848 calendar days for Visitor
visas, 430 calendar days for
Student/Exchange Visitor visas
and 392 calendar days for all
other non-immigrant visas.
In Kolkata, the waiting period
is 767 calendar days for Visitor
visas, 444 calendar days for
Student/Exchange Visitor visas
and 360 calendar days for all
other non-immigrant visas.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
FEATURES
The Indian Weekender Friday, January 21, 2022 17
Healthy cooking every day
MYSORE MASALA DOSA
Mysore masala dosa is a delicious dosa recipe with potato masala and spicy chutney. If
you have dosa batter handy this dosa is easy to make in a few mins.
Ingredients
• 2 cups dosa batter
• 1 no potato (medium sizes)
• 1/2 cup onion (sliced thinly)
• 2 no green chillies
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal
• 1/2 tsp ginger grated
• 1 tbsp coriander leaves raw
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 2 tbsp coconut shredded
• 2 tbsp channa dal
• 15 gms garlic
• 1/2 tsp Tamarind
• 1 tbsp oil
• 6 red chillies raw
Instructions
• For spicy chutney: In a pan heat a tbsp of oil, add
channa dal, red chilies and roast until the channa dal
color changes to golden brown.
• Add garlic, chopped onion and cook until the onion
becomes soft. Add grated coconut, tamarind and saute
until the nice coconut aroma comes out. Allow to cool
and grind to a smooth paste by adding water little by
little.
• For potato masala: Peel the potatoes and cut them
roughly. In a saucepan add water, chopped potatoes
and boil until the potatoes become tender. Mash the
potatoes using a fork or potato masher.
• In a pan heat oil, add mustard seeds and allow to
splutter. Add urad dal and saute until the color changes
to golden brown.
• Add asafoetida and mix well in the oil. Add grated
ginger, chopped onion, chopped green chilies and cook
until the onion becomes soft.
• Add turmeric powder and cook until the turmeric
powder loses its raw smell.
• Add water and cook until the onion becomes soft.
Add mashed potato, salt and mix well. Garnish with
chopped coriander leaves.
• For Mysore masala dosa: In a non-stick skillet, pour
a laddle full of batter and spread into a thin circle.
Drizzle oil on the corners of a dosa and cook until the
dosa get cooked completely.
Lighter Takes
& Easy Tips
Quinoa salad with eggs & dill
Quinoa is a complete protein that contains all eight essential
amino acids. Enjoy it here as part of a salad
Ingredients
• 120g quinoa, rinsed
• 6 eggs
• 320g asparagus, woody ends
trimmed and halved if too long
• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 6 spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped dill
• 2 tbsp chopped basil, plus a few
leaves to serve
• 15g capers, rinsed
• 320g cherry tomatoes, halved
Method
• Boil the quinoa in plenty of water
for 20 mins.
• Leave for 5 mins, then rinse and
drain well. Meanwhile, boil the
eggs for 7 mins in another pan
with the asparagus above in a
steamer.
• If the eggs are ready and the
asparagus isn't quite tender,
remove the eggs from the pan and
put in cold water while continuing
to cook the asparagus for a few
more minutes. Peel the eggs.
• To make the dressing, mix the
extra virgin olive oil and apple
cider vinegar with the chopped
spring onions, herbs and capers.
• Tip the quinoa into a bowl and
toss through three-quarters of the
dressing and the tomatoes. Spoon
half onto plates and the rest into
two containers.
• Arrange the asparagus on top of
the salads with three egg halves
on each one, then spoon over the
remaining dressing and scatter
with the basil leaves.
• Seal and chill the packed
salads. Will keep in an airtight
container in the fridge for
up to a day.
Pepper Chicken
Fenugreek rasam with rice
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 lb Chicken
• 1 tsp pepper black
• 1/2 cup oil
• 10 no curry leaves
• 2 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 tbsp salt Table
• 1/2 tbsp red chilly powder
• 1/2 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 1/2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp fennel seed
• 1/4 cup coriander leaves raw
• 4 green chillies
Instructions
• Chop the chicken into small
pieces and slice the onions thinly.
In a pan heat oil, add in the fennel
seeds, curry leaves, green chilies,
sliced onion and cook until onion
becomes soft.
• Add the turmeric powder, ginger
garlic paste mix well and cook
until the ginger garlic paste loses
its raw smell.
• Add the chopped chicken
pieces, coriander powder, red
chili powder, salt, black pepper
powder, garam masala and mix
well.
• Cover and cook, until chicken,
get cooked thoroughly over a
medium heat. Make sure to stir
in between to avoid burning the
onions and spices.
• Take off the lid and mix in the
crushed whole black pepper.
Garnish it with chopped
coriander leaves.
Fenugreek rasam (vendhaya rasam) with rice is an easy meal ideas in 25 mins. It is a
healthy South Indian rasam recipe using fenugreek seeds and Indian spices.
Ingredients
• 2 no tomatoes
• 1 tbsp fenugreek seed
• 1/2 tbsp channa dal raw
• 1/2 tbsp pepper black
• 1 tsp cumin seed
• 8 gms garlic raw
• 1 tsp tamarind
• 1 tsp oil
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp urad dal
• 1/4 tsp hing or asafoetida
• 3 no red chillies
• 4 cup water
• 10 no curry leaves
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
Chicken satay salad
Marinate chicken breasts, then drizzle with a punchy peanut satay sauce
for a no-fuss, midweek meal that's high in protein and big on flavour.
Ingredients
• 1tbsp tamari
• 1tsp medium curry powder
• ¼tsp ground cumin
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 1tsp clear honey
• 2 skinless chicken breast fillets (or use
turkey breast)
• 1tbsp crunchy peanut butter (choose a
sugar-free version with no palm oil, if
possible)
• 1tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 1tbsp lime juice
• sunflower oil, for wiping the pan
• 2 Little Gem lettuce hearts, cut into wedges
• ¼ cucumber, halved and sliced
• 1 banana shallot, halved and thinly sliced
• coriander, chopped
• seeds from ½ pomegranate
Method
• Pour the tamari into a large dish and stir in
the curry powder, cumin, garlic and honey.
Mix well. Slice the chicken breasts in half
horizontally to make 4 fillets in total, then
add to the marinade and mix well to coat.
Set aside in the fridge for at least 1 hr, or
overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate
Instructions
• Dry roast fenugreek seeds, black
pepper, cumin seeds, and channa
together until the fenugreek seeds
color changes into golden brown.
Allow to cool and grind it to a
coarse powder.
the chicken.
• Meanwhile, mix the peanut butter with the
chilli sauce, lime juice, and 1 tbsp water to
make a spoonable sauce.
• When ready to cook the chicken, wipe a
large non-stick frying pan with a little oil.
• Add the chicken and cook, covered with a
lid, for 5-6 mins on a medium heat, turning
the fillets over for the last min, until cooked
but still moist.
• Set aside, covered, to rest for a few mins.
• While the chicken rests, toss the lettuce
wedges with the cucumber, shallot,
coriander and pomegranate, and pile onto
plates.
• Spoon over a little sauce.
• Slice the chicken, pile on top of the salad
and spoon over the remaining sauce.
• Eat while the chicken is still warm.
• Crush garlic and red chilies
together coarsely. I used mortar
and pestle to crush.
• In a pan heat oil add mustard
seeds and allow it to splutter. Add
urad dal, curry leaves, asafoetida
and mix well in the oil.
• Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric
powder, salt and mix well.
• Cover and cook until the tomatoes
become soft (keep stirring in
between to avoid burning).
• Add water, tamarind concentrate,
salt, and mix well.
• Boil until the form started forming
on top.
• Add grounded fenugreek seeds
and spices powder, crushed garlic
and red chilies to the rasam and
turn off the heat. Garnish with
chopped coriander stems.

18 ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, 30 September, 2022
Asha Parekh to be
honoured with Dada
Saheb Phalke Award
Veteran actress Asha
Phalke Award to be conferred Asha Parekh's hit film
Parekh doesn’t need
to actor Asha Parekh this includes Dil Deke Dekho, Jab
any introduction. She
year: Union Minister Anurag Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, Phir
made her debut as a child
Thakur.”
Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Teesri
artist in Bollywood with the
A five-member jury of Manzil, Baharon Ke Sapne,
1952 film Aasmaan and is
Hema Malini, Poonam Dhillon, and many others.
best known for roles in films
TS Nagabharana, Udit She also worked in regional
like Do Badan, Upkar and
Narayan and Asha Bhosle films including Gujarati,
Caravan, among many others.
Well, there is good news
nominated her.
The veteran actress also
Punjabi and Kannada films.
To note, last year, the
for the actress. She will be
received the Padma Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Award
honoured with the prestigious
Award in 1992 and was also for 2019 was conferred on
Dada Saheb Phalke
the first female chairperson Rajinikanth.
Award for 2020.
of the Central Board of Film Dadasaheb
Phalke
The awards were delayed by
a year due to the pandemic. Awards ceremony on
Certification (Censor Board)
of India. The actress was also
award winners receive this
recognition annually during
The awards will be given September 30th.
a judge on the reality show the National Film Awards
at the 68th National Film ANI tweets, “Dada Saheb Tyohaar Dhamaaka.
(NFA) event.
Archana Puran
Singh on being
stereotyped for
comic roles:
I feel it’s
the death
of an actor
Archana Puran Singh is a prominent
name in the entertainment industry.
She is regarded among the most talented
artists in the comedy genre and has proved her
mettle in acting in several shows and movies. The
actress recently rang on her 60th birthday, but
one can hardly tell her age with her fashionable
looks and stunning personality.
She has worked in numerous shows over the
years including Shrimaan Shrimati, Jaane Bhi
Do Paro, Junoon and more. But she became
a household name by being the judge in the
entertainer show, The Kapil Sharma Show. Being
part of the comedy sector for many years, now
she feels stereotyped for comic roles.
While promoting India’s Laugher Champion,
Archana shared about lack of roles. Sharing that
with every passing year, the stereotype is only
getting stronger, she said, “That chhaap (image)
is so solid. Also, a lot of people feel that what
should they offer me after Ms. Briganza. It’s
been almost 25 years since Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
released. And the character is still following me.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath inaugurated
an intersection in Ayodhya
named after legendary singer Lata
Mangeshkar on the occasion of her
93rd birth anniversary.
The chief minister and Union Tourism
Minister G Kishan Reddy were present
at the inauguration ceremony of Lata
Mangeshkar Chauraha.
The intersection at the banks of the
Saryu river has been developed at an
estimated cost of Rs 7.9 crore, according
She
further said
that in Hollywood,
it’s a positive sign that
one gets stereotyped in
a part. She feels it’s the
death of an actor. She
said that as an artiste,
she is dying to
perform.
People also feel that I am best suited only for
comedy. As an actor, I feel deprived, cheated
and I have been left yearning for good roles.”
She further said that in Hollywood, it’s a
positive sign that one gets stereotyped in a part.
She feels it’s the death of an actor.
She added that Neena Gupta had once posted
on social media seeking work, and she also wants
to ask for work from directors and producers.
The actor added that she wants to do
meaningful roles and cinema, and wants to
‘act’. She said that as an artiste, she is dying
to perform.
People have seen just one aspect of her craft.
The Kapil Sharma Show fame shared that she
also has a serious side and can do so much
more than just comedy. She further said that,
it is yet to be explored to be explored but she
is sure it will happen one day. Talking about
being associated with The Kapil Sharma Show
and the ‘chair’, she said that she’s not signed
for laughing. She shared that one needs to have
an understanding of comedy to be able to react.
to officials. A 40-ft-long and 12-metrehigh
veena weighing 14 tonnes has been
installed at the intersection, they said.
Paying tributes to the iconic singer,
There hasn’t been a
time when Tabu hasn’t
been famous. Now 50
years old, Tabu’s career spans
over three decades, and she’s
only going from strength to
strength. But while she has
always been appreciated as an
unusually talented actor, she
has also epitomised grace and
an old-school glamour.
Tabu was asked what she’s
doing to reverse-age. She
laughed and said that there’s
no particular routine that she
follows, although she is aware
of her image and she works to
preserve it.
She laughed, “Koi secret nahi
hai (There is no secret). Mithali,
my makeup artist, was telling
me, ‘Ma’am, skin is looking
good, some home nuska you
are doing or what?’ Some days,
I’ll tell her that I put coffee here,
and some plant there, and she’ll
say, ‘You can’t do that, you
have to use this cream’, and
she’ll suggest some Rs 50,000
cream. Ek baar khareed liya,
bas. Aage nahi khareedungi (I
bought it once, but never
again).”
Asked if ‘happiness’ is the
reason behind her looks,
Tabu said that some of it is
probably down to genes, and
added, “There’s nothing that I
consciously do for my face and
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Tabu jokes about ‘reverse ageing’, says
she once bought a cream for Rs 50,000
but will never make that mistake again
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet
said, “Remembering Lata Didi on her
birth anniversary. There is so much that
I recall… the innumerable interactions
in which she would shower so much
affection. I am glad that today, a Chowk
in Ayodhya will be named after her. It is
a fitting tribute to one of the greatest
Indian icons.”
The intersection will be a great
attraction for tourists and music lovers.
It is the first place in the country where
such a giant musical instrument has
Devi Sri Prasad says work
on Pushpa 2 music in full
swing: ‘We have almost
finished three songs’
The chartbusters are coming.
Composer Devi Sri Prasad says he
has already started work on the
music of the much-awaited Allu Arjun-
Rashmika Mandanna starrer Pushpa 2:
The Rule. The Telugu action drama’s
first installment was a smash-hit last
year even in the Hindi belt, despite stiff
competition from biggies like Spider-
Man No Way Home and Bollywood’s
cricket drama 83, led by Ranveer Singh.
One of the major factors for Pushpa‘s
success was its blockbuster music
by DSP, which crossed borders to
emerge a global sensation with songs
like “Srivalli”, “Oo Antava” and “Saami
Saami”, which still continue to trend.
Devi Sri Prasad, popularly known as
DSP, says work on the music of Pushpa
2 is going full steam ahead. “I have
already started working on Pushpa 2,
little of it we had already done while
doing part one. We now properly sat
on the dialogue version. We also went
to Europe recently and have almost
finished three songs.”
all, but of course, I’m aware and
conscious that I better look a
certain way. I will not purposely
ruin anything that takes
away from… But that’s with
everyone, even if you’re not an
actor. Everyone wants to look
good and maintain a certain
level of being presentable, and
fit, and healthy, and mentally
there. I try my best.”
The actor has delivered
acclaimed performances in
films such as Maqbool and The
Namesake, and most recently
appeared in one of her biggest
hits, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. She will
soon be seen reuniting with
director Vishal Bhardwaj on
the Netflix film Khufiya, and will
collaborate for the first time
with his son, Asmaan, on the
film Kuttay.
PM Modi pays tribute to Lata Mangeshkar, inaugurates intersection named after her in Ayodhya
been installed, officials said.
Satyendra Singh, secretary of the
Ayodhya Development Authority, which
is managing the project, said that Rs 7.9
crore has been spent on developing the
intersection which is one of the greatest
projects of Ayodhya.
He said the giant veena has been
made by Padma Shri awardee Ram Sutar,
who took two months to make it. “The
beautifully designed veena has a picture
of Saraswati, the goddess of music,
engraved on it,” he added.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 30 September, 2022
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