The Indian Weekender, 22 September 2023

Friday, 22 September 2023
Volume 15 / Issue 26
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Kiwi-Indian teacher becomes YouTube sensation;
wants children to love maths, not dread it
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
IN AUCKLAND
“I don’t think I started this to become
a YouTube star.” Subash Chandar K's
unassuming demeamour is in sharp
contrast to what you might expect from
someone garnering the kind of
success he has tasted teaching maths in
New Zealand.
Thousands of Kiwi students have lately
taken to YouTube to attend the 41-yearold’s
live streaming tutorials on NCEA
Level 1 and 2 mathematics, and NCEA
Level 3 Calculus.
With at least 38,100 subscribers and
more than 1,000 videos, his YouTube
channel ‘Infinity Plus One’ has become a
valuable resource for learners of all ages.
A maths teacher at Ormiston Junior
College in the southeastern Auckland
suburb of Flat Bush, Subash received
top honours at National Excellence in
Teaching Awards in 2019, a communitybased
awards programme. He takes to
the Internet in the evenings for free live
streaming sessions. “I don’t charge a
single dollar…I charged $50 an hour for
one child [for private tuitions earlier].
• Continued on Page 7
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
NEW ZEALAND 3
‘Frankly furious’ Priyanca
defends ethnic affairs ministry
RAVI BAJPAI IN AUCKLAND
The ethnic affairs minister is “frankly
furious” at suggestions the ministry
she heads is not of much use, and
that the country was better off without it.
“It makes me quite upset on behalf of the
communities who have advocated for this
for so long,” says Priyanca Radhakrishnan,
who became the first minister to head
Ministry for Ethnic Communities when it was
constituted in 2021.
The new unit was formed after the
Christchurch terrorist attack in 2019,
and the government said it will have
powers and duties much bigger in
scope than its predecessor, the Office of
Ethnic Communities.
But David Seymour, leader of the ACT Party
that polls predict could form a coalition
government with National after General
Election 2023, has proposed shutting down
the ministry, as also others that he describes
as demographic ministries.
“Most of these ministries replicate
work which should already be done in
policy ministries or the Ministry of Culture
and Heritage,” the ACT said in an earlier
policy document.
But Radhakrishnan believes that “our
communities know what we need”. “So,
when ACT says what they’ve said, on the
policy, it’s incredibly patronising,” says New
Zealand’s first minister of Indian origin.
Radhakrishnan made the comments
during a visit to the office of The Indian
Weekender on September 19. She points
to the work done for ethnic communities in
the social and healthcare sectors, especially
during the Covid-19 pandemic, “none of
which would have happened if the ministry
wasn’t there”.
Labour’s candidate from Maungakiekie
in Auckland also acknowledges a growing
sense of frustration among small
businesses, many of which Kiwi-Indians
own, because of a spike in crime over the
last couple of years.
“Our communities know
what we need. So, when
ACT says what they’ve
said, on the policy, it’s
incredibly patronising.It
makes me quite upset on
behalf of the communities
who have advocated for
this for so long.” Priyanca
Radhakrishnan
“People are angry, and understandably
so…when you’ve been the victim of what is
often a violent crime, you are angry, and you
want somebody to be held to account, you
want to see that something is happening…
that things are changing.”
But she is quick to point out the idea that
people aren’t being held to account for their
offending is false.
“This [crime] is not a new problem. We’ve
seen spikes in crime over the years, you
know, regardless of which government has
been in power. We can stand on a soapbox
and, you know, use rhetoric around being
tough and harsh on crime.”
Radhakrishnan’s Labour Party has
performed poorly in successive
polls over the last few months,
something she acknowledges just
weeks ahead of the voting day,
October 14.
“There’s always sometimes
a mood for change,” she says,
with the caveat that voters
“must think very carefully
about the type of change
they want”.
“There is rhetoric out
there that some parties
want to take New Zealand
back on track, what does
that actually mean?”
She wonders if people
have felt that Labour
hasn’t been quite as
focused on what’s top of
mind for them.
“Now, in the next threeand-a-half
or so weeks, it is
our job to get out there and to
show New Zealanders that we are
in touch with what is top of mind
for them.”
िवश्वास का क्रू क्रसेड 7 पास्टरों के साथ
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4
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, 22 September, 2023
AEWV scam: 90-day
trial period for visa
holders scrapped
VIHAN DALAL IN AUCKLAND
Accredited employers will no longer
be allowed to take overseas
employees on a 90-day trial period
as part of new measures announced on
September 20 aimed at checking the
exploitation of migrant workers.
The new rules come weeks after at least
144 migrants who arrived on Accredited
Employer Work Visa (AEWV) were found
living in squalor after they couldn’t find the
jobs they were promised.
Migrant rights activists say the provision
of a trial period is vulnerable to misuse, as
employers can potentially extract money for
a job offer and later fire the employee.
“This will allow migrants to be treated
fairly and employers hire candidates based
on a genuine labour need,” Immigration
New Zealand (INZ) said in a press
statement.
Officials also announced new ‘job check’
requirements for employers, which means
applications must not include a trial period
in the agreement with the employee.
“An application with a trial period will be
declined.
"Employers found in breach of this
standard could lose their accreditation,” the
statement said.
INZ also announced additional financial
support for holders of Migrant Exploitation
Some of the jobless overseas migrants who were caught in visa fraud.
Protection Work Visa (MEPV) until March
2024. The migrants can now claim between
$50 to $220 a week, depending on where
they live and whether or not they have
dependents.
Jeet Suchdev, convenor of United Voices,
a body representing ethnic organisations,
welcomed the new developments.
“That [financial support] won’t be enough
but at least they [the migrants] have got
something when they had nothing,” he said.
The government is in the process of
finalising the details of the financial support
and how MEPV holders can apply for it, say
INZ officials.
Migrants who already hold an MEPV are
also eligible for a second MEPV, which gives
them more time to look for a job in New
Zealand.
The second visa will last for six months,
or the expiry of their original visa, whichever
is lesser.
Triangular employers, or companies
that hire employees to be placed in
another company, recruiting migrants for
construction sites will also be required to
have at least 35 per cent of their workforce
made up of New Zealanders, an increase
from the previous requirement of 15 per
cent, according to the press release.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
National promises to
expand international
student work rights
RNZ
National is promising to expand work
rights for international students, and
increase student recruitment from a
wider number of countries.
The party’s leader Christopher Luxon,
Tertiary Education spokesperson Penny
Simmonds and Immigration spokesperson
Erica Stanford launched the international
students policy at Southern Institute of
Technology on Thursday morning.
It includes:
• Fast track visa processing for
international students who pay an
additional fee
• Increase the hours international students
are able to work each week from 20 to 24
• Expand work rights for international
students and their partners to make New
Zealand a more attractive destination
• Diversify the countries Education New
Zealand recruits international students
from.
In a statement, Simmonds said
international education had been New
Zealand’s fifth-biggest export earner before
the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing $3.7
billion to the economy and supporting at
least 6000 jobs.
“We need to get sectors that can
provide much-needed export earnings like
international education back on their feet as
soon as possible,” she said. Stanford said
other countries had adjusted their settings
to attract international students, but Labour
had failed to take any action in the area.
“Making New Zealand more appealing for
international students and reviving our once
humming international education sector is
part of National’s wider plan to rebuild the
economy,” she said.
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
NEW ZEALAND 5
Seymour points to Chandrayaan-3
in pitch for stronger India relations
RAVI BAJPAI IN AUCKLAND
David Seymour wants New
Zealand to spread its risks
beyond China and look
to build stronger diplomatic and
economic relations with India.
The ACT leader made the pitch
on Wednesday during a public
meeting in the Auckland suburb of
Mount Roskill, where the party has
fielded Kiwi-Indian Rahul Chopra
for General Election 2023.
“I was surprised the other day,
or maybe I shouldn’t have been,
to see India landing a mission
[Chandrayaan-3] on the Moon.
We must tap into the huge
opportunity that India provides to
boost New Zealand’s economy.
“It’s a huge market with an
abundance of talent, and the
Labour government has not done
enough to forge any meaningful
relations with India,” Seymour told
a full-capacity audience at Mt
Roskill War Memorial Hall.
ACT is looking to improve on
the five per cent vote share it
won in the 2020 elections from
this electorate, where one in two
voters is of Asian descent.
“The packed turnout at the
public meeting just shows
the intensity of our campaign
in Mount Roskill this time,”
said Rahul Chopra. “We know
(Left) David Seymour poses for pictures at Mt Roskill; and ACT candidate Rahul Chopra addresses a public meeting.
we will improve on our earlier
performance this year.”
The Kiwi-Indian who arrived
in New Zealand in 2004, and
worked in Parliamentary Services
for nearly 12 years, is up against
Labour’s Michael Wood and
National’s Carlos Cheung.
ACT volunteers pointed to the
more than 250 people at the
public meeting to say voters in
this traditional Labour stronghold
were now keen on hearing fresh
ideas.
Seymour pointed out New
Zealand’s heavy reliance on China
“I was surprised the
other day, or maybe
I shouldn’t have
been, to see India
landing a mission
[Chandrayaan-3] on
the Moon."
for exports makes it vulnerable,
and that trusting the Chinese
Communist Party (CCP) comes
with its set of risks.
“India’s rise tells us we must
build stronger relations with
the country…we need more
sophisticated industries in New
Zealand if we were to get our
economy in shape.”
The ACT leader is not the only
one pitching for better trade
relations with India. National
leader Chris Luxon has promised
to make a trip to India within the
first year if he were to become the
prime minister.
The Labour Party has jumped
on the India bandwagon more
recently, closer to the elections,
after a rather mellow response
the last few years it has been in
power.
Foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta
had only last year said a free
trade deal with India was not her
government’s priority when she
met her counterpart S Jaishankar
in October 2022.
India's leader Narendra Modi
invited Prime Minister Hipkins
to India when they met in Papua
New Guinea in May this year, but
the Labour leader instead sent
Trade Minister Damien O’Connor
earlier this month citing his busy
schedule. A few weeks back
though Hipkins promised he
would lead a prime ministerial
trade delegation to India within
100 days if he were to form a
government after the October
election.
At the public meeting in Mount
Roskill this week, Seymour said
ACT believes in a result-oriented
approach, and that only his party
can deliver “real change” resulting
in increased engagement with
India.
“We’ve observed what the two
major parties have achieved in
this regard for quite some time
now.”
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6
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, 22 September, 2023
Eco-friendly idol, dhol-tasha at
Ganesh Chaturthi festivities
VIHAN DALAL IN AUCKLAND
these big troupes that perform dhol-tasha…
so we are trying to replicate that over
here in Auckland,” she says.
Devotees began
observing the
festival of Ganesh
Chaturthi on
September 19, and
the celebrations
will continue till
September 28.
The visarjan and
the performance of
the live dhol-tasha will
Nothing beats the grandeur of the
widely-celebrated festival of Ganesh
Chaturthi, but the revered deity has
often received a send-off during immersion
that is harmful for the environment. This
year, the Marathi community in Auckland
will be using an eco-friendly idol for
‘visarjan’, or immersion.
Over the years, visarjan has had a legacy
of leaving a mess of partially dissolved
idols washing up on the beaches. However,
eco-friendly idols have become the trend,
and the Auckland Marathi Association
plans to celebrate the grand festival without
harming the environment.
“We have received permission from
[Auckland] council for the immersion, and
we are only allowed if it [the idol] is ecofriendly,”
says President Neha Nalwade.
The idols are made in India using
biodegradable materials, such as clay
and cardboard, and are widely available in
Auckland as well, with the idol expected to
be larger for this year’s edition.
“Because this is for an organisation, we
do want a larger idol compared to what
we have in our house. At least…20 to 22
inches,” Nalwade says.
Many Indian households in Auckland
have bought smaller versions of the ecofriendly
idol, mainly due to its minimal
impact on the environment.
“[The trend began] at least about…eight
years ago. It’s just that it’s good for the
environment…the previous idols were made
from…Plaster of Paris. It doesn’t dissolve
and it floats on the water, and it is very
harmful to the environment as well,” she
says. The remnants of the eco-friendly idol
can also be used as soil for gardening.
This edition will also be the first time in
years the association will be carrying out
visarjan in the traditional manner, at the
beach.
“It hasn’t been done for the past five
years because of Covid, and also, we used
to have…the event in the evening and by the
time they finished it used to be midnight.
So, we wouldn’t take it to the sea, we would
just do it at our house,” Nalwade says.
This year’s festivities will also include
a live instrumental performance, or ‘dholtasha’,
which has been ordered from India
for the first time.
“The dhol-tasha performance is a replica
of what happens in India when we are doing
visarjan. On the 10th day, when they take
the idol to be immersed in the sea, there are
“The dhol-tasha
performance is a replica of
what happens in India when
we are doing visarjan. On
the 10th day, when they take
the idol to be immersed in
the sea, there are these big
troupes that perform dholtasha…so
we are trying to
replicate that over here in
Auckland." Neha Nalwade
be held on September 30 at Freemans Bay
Community Centre, which will be organised
by Auckland Marathi Association.
The celebrations on the day will
commence with a pooja, followed by
cultural performances, lunch, and the
immersion of the idol, which will take place
between 3.30pm to 4pm.
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Number of banking scams
accelerating at worrying
rate, ombudsman says
RNZ
The number of banking scams
is accelerating at a worrying
rate, according to the banking
ombudsman. Ombudsman Nicola Sladden
said new and more sophisticated scams
were a key factor behind a 43 per cent rise
in the number of customer complaints in
the year ended June, on the year earlier, with
most being phishing or investment scams.
Nearly a third of all complaints formally
investigated by the office of the ombudsman
were about scams, with an average loss of
$57,000 and costing New Zealanders more
than $200 million a year.
“To slow this trend, the banking sector,
along with other organisations, must take a
more coordinated and unified approach to
the problem,” Sladden said.
“One immediate way to beat some scams
would be to introduce confirmation of
payee technology. Banks are investing in
better systems and security all the time, but
this would be a game changer - as in the
United Kingdom know and as consumers in
Australia are beginning to discover.»
Sladden said the best way for people to
avoid being scammed was to keep their
banking password and other information
secret and beware of clicking on any online
links. She said there had been an increase in
sophisticated unauthorised payment scam
cases in which customers were duped into
entering their banking credentials into fake
websites.
“In one of the cases highlighted in our
annual report, the customer genuinely
believed she was giving payment
authorisation codes to the bank, and there
was nothing suspicious about the website
that would have alerted a reasonable
customer to the fact it was a fake."
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
NEW ZEALAND 7
• Continued from Page 1
"But I made an impact on only
that one child.
“But when I do online tutoring
and the fact that that video is
recorded, which means any kid
can rewatch it, the number of kids
impacted by it is far higher.”
Subash says a key reason
behind his YouTube success is
that he has recognised students
learn best when they are ready to
learn.
“I stopped doing private tutoring
about three years ago because
I found that when students are
being sent to private tutoring by
their parents, most of the time, it’s
the parents that want the kids to
go, the kids don’t want to go.
“In my situation, I found that
when kids attend my tutorial, they
are already choosing to come
to learn by themselves. They’re
deciding they are ready to learn.”
Subash’s online tutorials are
interactive sessions. During the
Covid-19 pandemic, he would
have as many as 900 students
attending a live class, mostly from
New Zealand, followed by the US
and India.
He says the positive feedback
from his students is his biggest
reward.
“The number of kids that
message me and say things like,
‘Hey, because of you, I understand
maths better, or because of you
I’m doing engineering’...When I
get messages like that, I feel I’m
doing something good for the
Fun and fame with numbers
Subash Chandar K teaching students at Ormiston Junior College in Flat Bush. (Ravi Bajpai)
community.”
Born in the small town of
Kodumudi in the southern
Indian state of Tamil Nadu,
Subash’s early years were
marked by curiosity and a love
for mathematics. He developed a
passion for the subject at a young
age, thanks to the unconventional
teaching methods of his mother,
a maths teacher.
“Instead of conventional
lessons, she engaged me in
games, puzzles, and chess
matches. This playful approach
instilled in me a fascination for
patterns and problem-solving,
“I stopped doing
private tutoring
about three years ago
because I found that
when students are
being sent to private
tutoring by their
parents, most of the
time, it’s the parents
that want the kids
to go, the kids don’t
want to go."
igniting a lifelong passion for
mathematics.”
At 12, Subash moved to New
Zealand with his family. He
attended Selwyn College and
later pursued higher education at
University of Auckland, majoring
in mathematics and
minoring in statistics.
He then ventured into the world
of teaching, joining Manurewa
High School, Ormiston Senior
College and later becoming
a teacher at Ormiston Junior
College, where he currently
teaches Year 7 to 10.
On being asked about his views
on New Zealand’s education
system compared to India, he
says, “Even till this day, when
I think back to my education
in India, it was always like the
teacher would come and say,
‘Right, you’re
doing this’.
“I struggled to understand
why we’re doing that or why
we were learning that? In New
Zealand, you’re given many
more opportunities to apply the
mathematical knowledge and
knowledge you learned; you’re not
just learning for the
sake of learning.
“However, even in India now,
there is a big battle to shift kids
thinking from just assessments
and exams into more projects and
more about problem-solving and
applying the knowledge.”
Despite being far from his
family, spread across India
and Australia, Subash remains
connected
to his roots.
He dreams of taking his sevenyear-old
son back to Tamil Nadu
to show him the village where he
had spent his formative years.
He also plans to visit Sri Lanka
with his wife, embracing her
heritage.
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8
NEW ZEALAND
Friday, 22 September, 2023
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Exploring NZ’s skilled residence pathway
VANDANA RAI
With the revamping and
launching of the new
Skilled Migrant Category
(SMC) Resident visa, Green List,
and Care Workforce and Transport
Sector Agreement pathways,
Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
has now established several
routes custom made for migrant
workers with unique skills and
work history. These have been
carefully structured to serve
diverse professional backgrounds
and competencies.
Different visas offer different
routes to residency. Some, like
the Straight to Residence Visa,
allow immediate applications,
while others, such as the Work to
Residence Visa, require a period
of employment in New Zealand
before applying for residency.
BLESSAN TOM/RNZ
New Zealand First’s sole
Indian-origin candidate,
Mahesh Bindra, has
withdrawn his candidacy from
the Panmure-Ōtāhuhu electorate
in the upcoming general election,
citing personal reasons.
“I have withdrawn my candidacy
from this year’s elections due to
some personal reasons,”
Bindra said.
He told RNZ that he was still a
member of New Zealand First.
Bindra is the only lawmaker
of Asian descent in the party’s
history.
His decision to pull out of the
electoral race comes just days
after New Zealand First released
its party list for the upcoming
election.
Bindra’s name was notably
absent from the list unveiled
Saturday, and his profile has also
resene.co.nz
Starting October 2023, each
pathway under the restructured
Skilled Residence Pathway will
have specific requirements in
addition to the usual conditions
related to age, English language
proficiency, health, and character.
These skill-based pathways
provide a range of options under
the SMC, Green List, and sector
agreement pathways.
They consider the amount of
work experience needed in New
Zealand before applying for
the respective residence visa.
been removed from its website.
A New Zealand First party
spokesperson confirmed that
Bindra had asked the party to
withdraw his candidacy for
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To apply, it’s important to have
a skilled job or a job offer from
an accredited employer in New
Zealand.
This requirement applies even
if you have the maximum number
of points available. The job must
be permanent or on a fixed-term
contract of at least 12 months,
with a minimum of 30 hours per
week. It must also fall under an
ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation
and pay at or above the median
wage, or be an ANZSCO Level
4 to 5 occupation paying at or
Indian-origin NZ First candidate
withdraws from Auckland electorate race
Mahesh Bindra
personal reasons.
“There are other previous
MPs who are going through the
same process, and they are all
very supportive of the party,” the
spokesperson said.
Bindra has been a member of
New Zealand First since 2006,
representing the party as a list MP
from 2014 to 2017.
In the 2011 election, Bindra
stood for the Mt Roskill electorate
and secured fifth spot.
In 2014, he garnered more votes
and entered the Beehive as a list
MP, ranking 11th on the party list.
In 2017, he was placed 10th on
the list but failed to retain a seat
in parliament.
In 2020, Bindra dropped to 12th
on the list.
According to recent polls, New
Zealand First is hovering around
the 5 percent threshold needed to
secure a seat in parliament.
above 1.5 times the median wage.
Under the new points system, you
must gather at least six points to
apply for the SMC Resident Visa.
Points can be earned from your
NZ occupational registration,
recognised qualification, or income
from your job or job offer (if you
earn at least 1.5 times the median
wage in New Zealand).
It’s important to note that
you can only claim points from
one of the listed skill indicators.
Points cannot be added up
from different indicators, such
as your qualification and NZ
occupational registration.
You can also earn one point
for each year of skilled work
experience in New Zealand, up to
a maximum of three points. These
points can be combined with
points from your NZ occupational
registration, qualification,
or income.
To claim points from your
occupational registration, it
must be recognized by INZ.
Registrations requiring additional
training are awarded more points.
If you plan to use your skilled
RNZ
KiwiSaver funds and
membership have
increased in the face of
volatile financial markets, which
delivered a fall in investment
returns, but also a fall in
managers’ fees.
The Financial Markets
Authority’s (FMA) annual
KiwiSaver report shows a modest
rise in funds under management,
as investors, employers and the
government kept up contributions,
as well as signs of changing
savers’ attitudes and behaviour.
Key numbers for the year ended
March 2023 compared to previous
year:
• Total membership 3.25m (up
2.7 percent)
• Average balance $28,778 (up
1.6 percent)
• Member withdrawals $4.2b (up
11.7 percent)
• Total funds under management
$93.7b (up 4.3 percent)
• Investment returns -$1.9b (vs
+$1.3b)
• Combined fees revenue
$664.1m (down 8.1 percent)
The FMA’s director of markets,
investors and reporting, John
Horner, described the findings as
a sign the scheme had held “firm”
through a turbulent period, and
showed a maturing of investors.
“Contrasting this year’s report
to previous years, indicates how
investor behaviour has changed
over time, together with the profile
of the funds being selected.”
He said there was less panic
switching into conservative funds
and a rise in the number those in
the more volatile but higher return
growth funds.
“The FMA has said for some
time that younger investors should
consider funds with more growth
assets, as these are more suited to
a longer investment horizon.
“As investors become more
work experience in New Zealand
to earn extra points, it’s crucial
to obtain your occupational
registration beforehand and meet
the wage threshold throughout the
entire period of your experience.
Proof of meeting the wage
threshold at the beginning and end
of your skilled work experience is
necessary.
Points for your highest level of
qualification based on its place
in the New Zealand Qualification
Framework level (NZQF) range from
three to six points. Qualifications
gained outside New Zealand may
need to be assessed by the New
Zealand Qualifications Authority
(NZQA) for equivalency and NZQF
level. The best news is that there
is no limit to the number of people
who can receive residency through
the Skilled Migrant Category
Resident Visa.
(The writer is Director at
Immigration Advisers New
Zealand Limited - https://
nzimmigration.info/;contact@
nzmmigration.info; visit 71
Symonds Street, Level - 6 at
Grafton, Auckland; phone +64 09
3790219)
Membership in KiwiSaver
rises, fee falls for first time
comfortable with the long-term
nature of KiwiSaver, there has
been a major shift towards more
growth-oriented funds over the last
ten years.” Horner said investors in
conservative funds had fallen to 21
percent, increased to 30 percent
in balanced funds and 37 percent
in growth funds. Balanced funds
were made the default for new
entrants to KiwiSaver in 2021 from
the previous conservative setting.
Investments in growth funds
totalled more than $40b, a doubling
in three years, but the amount
in so-called specialist “socially
responsible” schemes touched $1
billion for the first time.
Fees fall for first time
A notable feature was the first
fall in KiwiSaver fees since the
scheme’s inception, down 8.1
percent to $664.1 million.
Horner said that reflected factors
such as lower default fund fees,
big managers cutting their fees
and removing fixed membership
fees, and managers not earning
the same level of performance
fees. “This is an important
milestone as we have been
encouraging providers to share
with their members the economic
benefits of scale ... Reducing fees
is a meaningful way to do this,
because members retain more
in their balances to benefit from
compounding returns.”
The report also showed the
impact of tougher economic
conditions, with less money
being contributed overall, a sharp
rise in hardship withdrawals,
and an equally sharp fall in the
amount withdrawn for first home
purchases.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
NEW ZEALAND 9
Blown away : Japanese saxophonist
romances Bollywood tunes
Tomomi Johnston. (Photo: Ravi Bajpai)
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
IN AUCKLAND
A
Japanese saxophonist
has etched her name into
New Zealand’s diverse and
dynamic music landscape through
her captivating performances at
Indian events.
Tomomi Johnston says her
time at several Bollywood
musical shows has been
nothing short of fascinating.
“While I typically rely on sheet
music, preparing for Bollywood
performances was a unique
process. I immersed myself in the
songs, listening to them repeatedly
to grasp their structure.
“This helps me understand
Bollywood songs a little
better. I cherish every show,
particularly when people approach
me afterwards with radiant
smiles.”
The 46-year-old says all the
Indian songs she has played so
far have been quite immersive,
but if she had to pick one it
would be ‘Aao Naa’ from the
2004 Bollywood movie ‘Kyun! Ho
Gaya Na’. “Playing even a single
phrase from this song fills me with
immense joy.”
Growing up on Amami Island
in Southwest Japan, a World
Heritage Site, Tomomi’s early life
was immersed in the enchanting
melodies of folk songs and
dances.
“My home was a constant echo of
melodies and rhythmic beats that continued
well into midnight because my house was
always hosting parties. My musical journey
began with the piano and percussion,
evolved to include singing and the clarinet,
and ultimately led me to the saxophone
through school concert band activities,”
she reminisces.
A twist of fate in the bustling world of
primary school concert bands brought her
closer to the saxophone.
“The teacher pointed out that they needed
more members and asked me to play the
saxophone. I was surprised how easily
I could play and express myself with it.”
However, a unique challenge was the
need for a dedicated saxophone teacher.
Undeterred, Tomomi’s father stepped into
the role of mentor and guide. Together, they
embarked on a journey of self-discovery,
ordering a magazine dedicated to concert
bands and instrumental skills.
This resource featured monthly articles
on various playing techniques, forming the
basis for her saxophone mastery. She also
started attending saxophone workshops
run by professional saxophonists.
Tomomi holds a Bachelor of Education
from Japan, Licentiate from Trinity
College of London, Bachelor of Music from
University of Auckland, and an honours
degree from University of Waikato.
She is currently pursuing Master of
Music at University of Auckland.
“All my studies have consistently revolved
around classical performance with the
saxophone,” she says.
Looking toward the future, Tomomi
says she aspires to continue building and
enriching her professional career as a
musician, crafting special moments for the
audiences.
“Since childhood I have dreamed of
performing in an orchestra and a saxophone
quartet. My encounters with diverse
ethnic and cultural music scenes, such as
Bollywood, hold a special place in my heart,
and I eagerly embrace every opportunity
that comes my way.”
While Tomomi has yet to visit India, it
remains a cherished item on her bucket
list. “I have formed deep bonds with female
friends who have quickly become like
sisters or mothers to me,” says Tomomi,
who stays in Central Auckland with her Kiwi
husband and beloved cat Hanna.
She expresses her deep appreciation
for Indian culture. “Although I haven’t
watched many Indian films, I am familiar
with Aishwarya Rai, thanks to my sister’s
recommendation of ‘Hum Dil De Chuke
Sanam.’
“I have added movies like ‘Guru’ starring
Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan,
and ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’
featuring Shah Rukh Khan, to my watchlist.
My love for Indian cuisine also shines
through, particularly my fondness for ‘aloo
vada’ and yoghurt sauce.”

10 NEW ZEALAND
Friday, 22 September, 2023
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Christchurch
celebrates 130
years of suffrage
MAHESH KUMAR
On September 19, National Council
of Women of New Zealand held
a special event at Kate Sheppard
Memorial on Oxford Terrace in Christchurch
to commemorate 130 years of suffrage in
New Zealand.
About 100 people gathered to remember
Sheppard, the leading light of the New
Zealand women’s suffrage movement, and
to celebrate the milestone that was achieved
that day in the year 1893, when New
Zealand became the first self-governing
country to grant women the right to vote in
parliamentary elections.
Kate Sheppard National Memorial,
situated in a landscaped area beside the
Avon River, is the only national memorial
in Christchurch and the only New Zealand
monument depicting the fight for women’s
suffrage.
Sculpted by Margriet Windhausen, the
memorial depicts life-size figures of Kate
Sheppard and other leaders of the suffrage
movement. A time capsule enclosed in the
wall contains a record of the donors and
material relevant to women’s lives in 1993.
Among the speakers at the event was Dr
Sunita Gautam, the first Indian woman on a
community board anywhere in New Zealand.
In her speech, Dr Gautam paid tribute to
Sheppard’s legacy and spoke about the
importance of diversity in governance.
“Kate Sheppard’s words, though spoken
in different times, are a beacon of hope for
women,” Dr Gautam said, “Encouraging us
to recognise the profound impact each of us
can make when we come together.
“Kate Sheppard, a name
that resonated with me as a
fearless champion of women’s
rights, her tireless dedication
to the cause of suffrage
serves as an enduring
reminder that one person’s
determination to ignite a
movement and one woman’s
vision can change the course
of history. Today, I extend my
heartfelt gratitude to Kate
Sheppard for laying the path
upon which we all stand.”
Sunita Gautam
“Kate Sheppard, a name that resonated
with me as a fearless champion of women’s
rights, her tireless dedication to the cause
of suffrage serves as an enduring reminder
that one person’s determination to ignite
a movement and one woman’s vision can
change the course of history. Today, I extend
my heartfelt gratitude to Kate Sheppard for
laying the path upon which we all stand.”
Dr Gautam also acknowledged the
contributions of other trailblazers, such as
Helen Clark, Jacinda Ardern, Megan Woods,
and Lianne Dalziel. She spoke about the
importance of breaking down barriers and
championing diversity and inclusion in order
to create a more equitable New Zealand.
“Suffrage Day serves as a powerful
reminder of the progress we have made, the
distance yet to travel,” Dr Gautam said. “Let
us embrace the legacy of Kate Sheppard and
all those who stood shoulder-to-shoulder
with her.
“Let’s pledge to continue their work
by breaking down barriers, championing
diversity, and building an inclusive, equitable
New Zealand.”
Another moving highlight of the event was
a stirring performance by Nancy McShane,
who played Kate Sheppard and enacted her
speech. The event concluded with a moving
rendition of ‘True Colors’ by Rangi Ruru
School Choir.
Those gathered at the event were carrying
camellias, which were laid on the memorial
afterwards. Suffragists gave white camellias
to their supporters to wear in Parliament
during the passing of the Electoral Act
1893. Since then, the flower has become
the symbol of the New Zealand women’s
suffrage movement.
If yourequireany assistance Iand
my office arealwayshappyand
readytoadviceand support.
Please getintouchon09520 0538 or at
MPLee@parliament.govt.nz to makean
appointment
Melissa Lee
National MP
National PartySpokesperson forEthnicCommunities
MPLee@parliament.govt.nz
melissalee.co.nz
mpmelissalee
Authorised by Melissa Lee,National ListMP,
Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
National deficit drops to lowest
figures since March 2022
RNZ
The nation’s current account deficit
has narrowed markedly as stronger
tourism and exports boosted income,
but the country continues to live well beyond
its means.
Stats NZ data showed the deficit for the
three months ended June falling $1 billion
to $4.2b, and the annual deficit decreased to
$29.8b, the lowest in a year.
The deficit equated to 7.5 percent of the
value of the economy, the lowest since
March 2022.
On the goods side imports rose $8.4b to
$85.8b for the year, outpacing exports which
grew by $5.5b to $73.3b.
“Fuel, including diesel, petrol, and jet fuel,
was the main contributor to the increase
in goods imports, driven by increases in
both the price and volume of fuel,” Stats NZ
senior manager Paul Pascoe said.
However, for the services side of the
economy the growth in exports, such as
tourism, outpaced imports.
“Overseas visitors increased their
spending almost twice as much as New
Zealanders increased their spending
overseas,” Pascoe said.
Overseas investors also earned more from
their New Zealand investments, driven by
higher local interest rates.
The gap between New Zealand’s overseas
financial assets and liabilities was little
changed at $189.3b or 47.8 percent of the
value of the economy.
The data was better than expected by
analysts, but reaffirmed New Zealand
needed to borrow to pay its bills.
Credit rating agencies have warned about
the size of the current account deficit and
the high level of foreign debt, but have said
as long as the deficits fall the country’s top
level ratings are not under threat.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
NEW ZEALAND 11
Unity, harmony shine bright at
BAPS Janmashtami celebration
NAVDEEP KAUR MARWAH
IN AUCKLAND
Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary
celebrated as ‘Janmashtami’, one
of the most revered festivals on the
Hindu calendar, recently brought together a
vibrant congregation of devotees at BAPS
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Avondale.
More than 1,200 people took part in a
day of festivities marked with spiritual
fervour, enlightening discourses, lively
performances, and the beloved tradition of
breaking the ‘matki,’ symbolising the playful
and endearing actions of Lord Krishna
during his childhood.
A notable highlight of the September
10 event in Auckland was the presence
of Christopher Luxon, the leader of New
Zealand’s National Party, along with party’s
candidates Melissa Lee, Siva Kilari, Dr Carlos
Cheung, Navtej Singh Randhawa, Mahesh
Muralidhar, and Senthuran Arulanantham,
underlining a message of unity and
inclusivity.
In his address to the audience, Luxon
expressed his deep pleasure at participating
in the Janmashtami celebrations at the
BAPS temple.
He sincerely appreciated the efforts
of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj,
temple volunteers, trustees, and his
esteemed colleagues.
He lauded the selfless service of BAPS
in supporting the New Zealand community,
stating, “Thank you for the work that you do
as a Hindu community and for the valuable
contributions that you have made to New
National leader Chris Luxon poses with party candidates
for General Election 2023.
Zealand over a long period of time.
“I think you have made New Zealand
a much, much better place. It is better
economically, it is better socially, and it is
better culturally because you have a strong,
passionate, and diverse Hindu community
making such significant contributions to
New Zealand.”
As the celebration continued, attendees
were keen to share their thoughts on the
event and its significance.
Rita Patel, a devotee, said, “Janmashtami
is a time of immense joy and spiritual
reflection for us.
It’s heartwarming to see leaders like Mr
Luxon and National Party candidates here
embracing our culture and celebrating
with us. It sends a powerful message
of unity and inclusivity. “
Describing the opportunity as a privilege,
Navtej Randhawa, National Party’s candidate
for Panmure-Othauhu, said, “It was great to
celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our
diverse community.
"My commitment to unity and inclusivity
shines bright as I embrace our beautiful
traditions. We strive for a New Zealand that
thrives on harmony and togetherness. “
Another attendee, Prachi Sharma,
expressed, “Events like these showcase
the rich diversity of New Zealand, and
it’s a privilege to be part of such a vibrant
celebration.”
National’s Spokesperson for ethnic affairs
and candidate from Mt Albert Melissa Lee
maintained, “It was wonderful to share a
meal and engage with those attending.”
The festivities culminated with the sacred
ritual of ‘aarti’, symbolising the offering of
light to the divine, followed by all attendees
partaking in ‘mahaprasad’.
Jainesh Patel, BAPS public relations
officer, told The Indian Weekender, “During
his visit, Mr Luxon showed deep reverence,
engaging with our community and immersing
himself in our rich culture. He took this as an
opportunity to forge a closer bond and grow
alongside our community.”
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
The new Parliament building stands as a beacon of hope
and progress. It symbolises our nation's aspirations and
the boundless possibilities of our future.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Editorial
IN FOCUS : Picture of the week
AEWV reforms:
Too little, too late
Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) decision this week to make changes to the
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to protect migrant workers is both
welcome and worrying.
The good thing is immigration officials have finally dropped their insistence that
everything is kosher about the process in which the visa is issued.
The problem is they failed to pick up, or at least act on, numerous reports of
potential loopholes in the visa process that made it susceptible to fraud.
New provisions have been announced to firm up the process to provide an extra
layer of safety for migrants, including removal of a 90-day trial period that allows
employers to sack new recruits. It is purported to act as a deterrent for ill-intentioned
employers.
The AEWV was opened last year to make it easier for employers to hire overseas
workers to fill critical shortages in New Zealand’s labour market. The aim was to
reduce red tape and fast-track the hiring process.
Cases of nefarious employers and agents misusing the visa provisions to beguile
prospective immigrants have been pouring over the last year.
Immigration officials have maintained a rather rigid stand all this while, saying
cases of frauds were outliers, and that the high-trust model of offering accreditation
to employers and permitting them to hire overseas workers with lesser screening
was largely working well.
Industry insiders have been saying that line of argument flies in the face of ground
realities. The matter came to a head a few weeks back when as many as 144
overseas workers, mostly from India and Bangladesh, were found living in squalor
for weeks in Auckland.
The overseas workers had arrived on an AEWV visa but their agents could not
place them in the jobs they were promised.
The workers say they paid up to $44,000 to secure a job offer.
As much as INZ would like to back the AEWV process, the reality is any application
process that waters down oversight is prone to misuse. The question is not whether
the hiring process needs to be made easier and faster. Yes, it must. But how much
can the rope be stretched before it snaps?
A review of the process was long overdue, and while it is good to finally see some
progress, it does make one wonder how bad immigration was waiting for the abuse
to become before it ordered a review.
Ever since the latest visa fraud came to light a few weeks back, immigration
advisers say INZ has tightened screening and AEWV applications are now taking
more time to process, and they are being asked more questions about applicants.
The whole fiasco has put the spotlight also on the staff shortage that plagues
INZ. The department just does not have enough hands to scrutinise applications as
rigorously as they should.
There is already talk of automation and using artificial intelligence in the visa
process so applications can be checked properly and in a cost-effective way. That
is, of course, not coming anytime in the immediate future.
Till such time, the government would do well to reconsider the way it approaches
the visa process.
The current rules can often be complex, and hard to grasp even for immigration
officials, particularly those with less experience.
Making the rules simpler and objective will not only increase processing times but
also make it possible for a short-staffed INZ to carefully consider more applications,
instead of having to apply a high-trust model in the process.
The onus of safeguarding the interests of migrant workers, however, does not lie
solely at INZ’s doorstep. Applicants must take responsibility for their actions and
apply not just due diligence but also common sense when deciding to, for instance,
pay a fee to procure overseas job offers.
Quite often, it is not that difficult to tell a scam from a genuine operation.
Applicants must apply the same quality of rigour in their efforts that they expect
from the immigration department.
At the same time, INZ must stop hiding behind the veil of trust to wash its hands
of miscreants abusing its rules. After all, if you keep your front door unlocked, you
cannot expect thieves to follow a high-trust model and keep off your property.
An idol of Lord Ganesha being immersed in the Ulsoor lake on the occasion of
Ganesh Chathurthi in Bengaluru on September 20, 2023. (ANI)
This week in New Zealand’s history
September 22, 1931
Coalition government formed to combat depression
United Party Prime Minister George Forbes had convened an inter-party conference with
the goal of forming a coalition government that would ‘share the responsibility’ of dealing
with the Depression.
September 25, 1951
Māori Women's Welfare League established
Eighty-seven delegates attended the first day of the inaugural conference of the Māori
Women’s Welfare League in Wellington. Dame Whina Cooper was appointed as president.
September 26, 1865
Native Rights Act declares Māori British subjects
The Act deemed all Māori to be natural-born subjects of the Crown, confirming in law the
treaty promise that Māori were to be accorded the same status as other British subjects.
September 27, 1974
William Sutch charged with spying
On a rainy night in Wellington’s Aro St, the Security Intelligence Service (SIS) gatecrashed
a meeting between William Sutch and Dimitri Razgovorov. They believed Sutch,
a prominent economist and former senior public servant, was passing information to
Razgovorov, a Soviet diplomat
September 28, 1899
New Zealand answers the empire's call to arms
Premier Richard ‘King Dick’ Seddon asked Parliament to approve an offer to the British
government of a contingent of mounted riflemen to serve in South Africa. Amid emotional
scenes, the members overwhelmingly endorsed the motion – only five voted against it.
September 29, 1862
New Zealand's first professional opera performance
Dunedin's Royal Princess Theatre was the venue for a performance of Donizetti's Daughter
of the regiment by the visiting English Opera Troupe, supplemented by local performers.
Indian Weekender : Volume 15 Issue 26
Publisher: Kiwi Media Publishing Limited
Editor: Dev Nadkarni | dev@indianweekender.co.nz
General Manager: Ravi Bajpai | 020 441 2233 | ravi@indianweekender.co.nz
Graphic Designer: Yashmin Chand | design@indianweekender.co.nz
Multimedia Specialist: Karan Bhasin | 022 0772 156 | karan@indianweekender.co.nz
Accounts and Admin.: 09-2173623 | accounts@indianweekender.co.nz
Auckland Reporter: Navdeep Kaur Marwah: | 021 952 246 | navdeep@indianweekender.co.nz
Christchurch Reporter: Mahesh Kumar | 021 952 218 | mahesh@indianweekender.co.nz
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Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
NEW ZEALAND 13
Controlling the political narrative is key to winning
the NZ election – no easy task for Chris Hipkins
SUZE WILSON
Tuesday’s live TV leaders debate
between Labour’s Chris Hipkins
and National’s Christopher Luxon
made clear the policy and leadership style
differences between the two contenders to
become New Zealand’s next prime minister.
But as TVNZ’s post-debate analysts
tended to agree, neither candidate will have
changed many minds – or reversed the main
political poll trends since mid-year.
The so-called “bandwagon effect”
describes how opinion polls can not
only inform but sometimes influence
electoral behaviour.
Voters start aligning with whichever
politician or party seems to be gaining
support and momentum, creating a selffulfilling
prophecy effect.
Based on recent polling, this might seem
to favour the National Party. But the rise of
New Zealand First and Winston Peters, and
the relative decline in support for the ACT
Party, means there is still an unpredictable
element to this election.
For Labour’s Chris Hipkins, it was
important he not be perceived as a “dead
man walking”. He probably managed that.
But arguably, his situation remains more
akin to someone attempting to thread a
needle while running – a difficult and risky
thing to do.
More than political theatre
Attempts to analyse leadership often
focus on personal attributes – such as skills,
personality, character and decision-making
– and how these influence the results a
leader achieves.
But what leadership researchers call
“followership” – in this case, voter attitudes,
behaviours and expectations – matters
greatly. So does the wider socioeconomic
and cultural context in which a leader is
operating. Weighing all these can help reveal
how Hipkins is responding and performing
as a political leader.
In a nutshell, his core challenge is to
navigate adverse conditions in ways that
rise above the mere theatrics of politics. He
needs to connect with voter’s values and
interests, not just their current mood.
If Hipkins can do that, and with at least
one recent poll suggesting the election
could deliver a hung parliament, he could
secure Labour a chance of forming the next
government.
Authenticity and fallibility
Hipkins is campaigning primarily on his
and Labour’s claimed desire and ability to
support the “ordinary Kiwi” – that traditional
target of most political parties. His own
background as the “boy from the Hutt”, along
with his self-deprecating and pragmatic,
centrist instincts, are important features of
his appeal and credibility.
That pragmatism orients him to seek
politically practical and achievable outcomes
whatever the circumstances. The challenge,
however, is to be both aspirational and
positive while also not indulging unrealistic
expectations.
Research shows people are more likely
to trust and support leaders they see as
being “one of us”, and who they believe are
genuinely motivated to act “for us”.
To sustain that, leaders also need to
show they can deliver. Hence the balance in
Labour’s advertising between its priorities
for the coming term and its key achievements
in government.
Hipkins has also emphasised the
importance he attaches to just being
himself, acknowledging he’s not infallible.
Describing the government’s COVID policies
and some decisions that, with the benefit of
hindsight, weren’t optimal, he has said:
Good leaders, according to some research,
are authentic and know their weaknesses,
but also possess the virtues needed to
exercise wise judgment. Overall, the more
voters trust Hipkins as a “safe pair of hands”,
the more likely he is to win their support.
Crafting a persuasive narrative
The flip side to Hipkins’ pragmatism is
that by not being bolder with policy, he risks
giving people too few reasons to vote for
Labour.
His “middle ground” approach gives more
political oxygen to parties on the left and
right offering more radical change proposals.
And while policies might be the focus of
campaigns and debates, politics remains an
emotional experience for many voters. The
electoral mood becomes a significant factor.
And, as one observer put it recently, the
electorate is unusually “grumpy”.
Hipkin’s therefore needs to persuade
undecided voters – and previous Labour
voters thinking of voting for another party –
to reassess any negative feelings they might
have about Labour’s performance. He has
to convince them their long-term material
interests, rather than their current emotional
state, will be better served by giving him
their vote.
In a cost-of-living crisis, it’s
tempting to look for someone to blame
for life’s challenges.
That is a gift to Labour’s opponents,
keen to build a narrative of political and
economic incompetence.
There is a counter-narrative, of course:
inflation and government debt levels are
both below the OECD average, New Zealand
has had proportionally far fewer COVID
deaths than elsewhere, and the country’s
credit rating remains solid. But facts and
logic may hold little sway.
In leadership research, the attempt to
create or control the narrative is called the
“management of meaning”. Unless Hipkins
discovers an effective way to do this, he will
struggle.
This is a common problem for incumbent
governments, campaigning on their record
of managing real-world, complex problems.
For opposition parties, it’s easier to present
simple solutions and make bold promises, or
what researchers of populism have bluntly
called “bullshit statements”.
Breaking through these barriers and
appealing to voter’s actual interests over
their emotions is no easy task. Chris Hipkins
has just over three weeks to find a way.
(The writer is Senior Lecturer, School
of Management, Massey University.
The article first published in The
Conversation.)

14
INDIA
'Glad and proud': Mamata
Banerjee on Santiniketan
in UNESCO's World
Heritage list
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
expressed pride on Sunday that West
Bengal's Santiniketan, Rabindranath
Tagore's town has been included in UNESCO's World
Heritage List.
"Glad and proud that our Santiniketan, the town of
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, is now finally included
in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Biswa Bangla's pride,
Santiniketan was nurtured by the poet and has been
supported by people of Bengal over the generations,"
Mamata Banerjee said in a post on 'X'. The West
Bengal Chief Minister said that her government has
"significantly added to its infrastructure" in the last 12
years it has been in power in the state.
"We from the Government of West Bengal have
significantly added to its infrastructure in last
12 years and the world now recognizes the
glory of the heritage place. Kudos to all who
love Bengal, Tagore, and his messages of
fraternity. Jai Bangla, Pranam to Gurudev,"
Mamata added in her tweet.
"#Santiniketan, West Bengal now
inscribed on the #WorldHeritage List!!
Established in rural West Bengal in 1901,
Santiniketan was founded by Rabindranath
Tagore, a renowned poet and philosopher. It is now
India's 41st #WorldHeritageSite," UNESCO India said
in a post on 'X'.
On Santiniketan being inscribed on the UNESCO
World Heritage List, West Bengal Minister and TMC
leader Shashi Panja said, "Today is a proud moment
for Bengal. It's a proud moment for India..."
Santiniketan is an ensemble of historic buildings,
landscapes and gardens, pavilions, artworks, and
continuing educational and cultural traditions that
together express its Outstanding Universal Value,
UNESCO said in a release.
"Established in rural West Bengal in 1901,
Santiniketan was founded by Rabindranath Tagore,
a renowned poet and philosopher. The built and open
The Indian Coast Guard
conducted International
Coastal Clean-up Day 2023
(ICC-2023) across all Coastal
States and Union Territories.
"The International Coastal
Clean-up day is held worldwide on
the third Saturday of September
every year under the aegis of
United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and South
Asia Co-operative Environment
Programme (SACEP) in the South
Asian Region," read the Ministry of
Defence press release.
"The campaign was also
dedicated to the ongoing efforts
of the Government for the
‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
clarion call for mass cleanliness
and sanitation campaign, through
'Biswa
Bangla's
pride, Santiniketan
was nurtured by the
poet and has been
supported by people
of Bengal over the
generations."
Indian Coast Guard conducts
International Coastal Clean-up Day
2023 across coastal states and UTs
'Swachhta Hi Seva'," stated the
release.
According to the release "This
year, Maharashtra witnessed the
highest participation of 11,425
volunteers followed by Tamil
Nadu which had 5,166 volunteers.
Nationwide, a total of 25,245
volunteers participated in the ICC-
2023 campaign."
The Indian Coast Guard has
been coordinating International
Coastal Clean-up Day activity in
India since 2006.
Various civil agencies,
Central and State government
organizations, Municipal
Corporations, NGOs, fisheries
associations, ports, oil agencies
and other private enterprises
participated in the campaign with
zeal.
Friday, 22 September, 2023
spaces of Santiniketan constitute an
exceptional global testimony to ideas
of environmental art and educational
reform where progressive education
and visual art are intertwined with
architecture and landscape, with the
Ashram, Uttarayan, and Kala-Bhavana
areas forming the prime sites of these
practices," it added.
Santiniketan is also directly and tangibly
associated with the ideas, works and vision of
Rabindranath Tagore and his associates, pioneers of
the Bengal School of Art and early Indian Modernism,
the release mentioned. Union Minister for Culture and
Tourism G Kishan Reddy on Tuesday informed that
the Shantiniketan in West Bengal's Birbhum district
has been recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO
World Heritage list by The International Council on
Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
In this regard, he took to 'X' and said, "Great news for
India on the Jayanti of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore
Santiniketan, West Bengal has been recommended for
inscription to the World Heritage List by ICOMOS, the
advisory body to UNESCO World Heritage Centre".
Lauding the PM Vishwakarma scheme
announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
Union Minister Smriti Irani on Sunday said that
the launch will not only improve the skill but also the
scale of craft business.
Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "Often it is seen
that a person wishes for presents on his/her birthday
but India's 'Pradhansevak' wished for presents for
the 'Vishwakarma' community. For 18 traditional
professions of our country, the PM launched the
'Vishwakarma' scheme. Not only skill but the scale of
craft business will be improved. The PM dedicated a
world-class convention centre 'YashoBhoomi' in the
country's capital to the country."
On the occasion of his 73rd birthday, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi launched the Vishwakarma Yojana
scheme today to mark the birth anniversary of Lord
Vishwakarma. The 'PM Vishwakarma Scheme', aimed
at supporting Vishwakarma artisans and promoting
entrepreneurship, holds the promise of providing
financial assistance to countless individuals from this
community. The scheme aligns with the government's
commitment to uplift and empower marginalized
sections of society, fulfilling the promise of inclusive
growth and economic development.
The launch of the 'PM Vishwakarma scheme’
reflects not only India's commitment to its skilled
artisans but also Prime Minister Modi's vision of a
globally connected and inclusive world.As the scheme
takes effect, it is expected to empower Vishwakarma
artisans, boost entrepreneurship, and contribute to
the nation's economic growth.
Army Chief General Manoj
Pande visited Bhuj
Military Station to review
operational preparedness and
capability development in the
Rann and Creek Sector, officials
said early this week.
According to the ADG PI, -
During the visit, Indian Army
General Manoj Pande interacted
with troops of the Indian Army,
Navy, Air Force, BSF, and Indian
Coast Guard.
The Army Chief also praised the
soldiers and commended them
for their excellent multi-agency
synergy while operating in the
challenging terrain and weather
conditions in the Kutch region,
said the Indian Army on its X
handle.
"Indian Army chief Gen Manoj
Pande visited Bhuj Military
Station & reviewed operational
preparedness & capability
development in the Rann &
Creek Sector. During the visit,
he interacted with troops of the
Indian Army, Navy, Air Force,
BSF & Indian Coast Guard
and commended them for the
excellent multi-agency synergy
while operating in the challenging
terrain and weather conditions
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Army Chief General Manoj Pande
visits Bhuj Military Station to
review operational preparedness
in the Kutch region," the Indian
Army posted on their social media
handle X.
Earlier in July this year, Indian
Army Chief General Manoj
Pande visited forward areas of
Ladakh to review the operational
preparedness along the Line of
Actual Control (LAC).
According to the ADG PI - Indian
Army, General Manoj Pande
visited the forward areas of
Ladakh and received a briefing on
operational readiness.
The Army Chief also praised
the soldiers for their unshakable
dedication and urged them to
keep working with the highest
professionalism and a good
attitude, said the Indian Army on
its social media handle, X.
"General Manoj Pande, the
Chief of Army Staff (COAS),
visited forward areas of Ladakh
and was briefed on operational
preparedness. Interacting
with troops, the Army Chief
complimented the soldiers for
their unwavering commitment
and exhorted them to continue
working with the utmost
professionalism and positive
spirit," said the Indian Army in a
post on X. (ANI)
Scale of craft business to improve
through Vishwakarma Yojana: Smriti Irani
She also took a jibe at Congress leader Rahul
Gandhi and said that BJP won for the first time
against a sitting president of Congress in 2019.
She said "In 2019 Rahul Gandhi was a leader and
representative of the alliance, he has already lost the
election despite being a representative of the alliance,
the alliance had already tested the BJP's supremacy,
in the history of the nation, BJP won for the first time
against a sitting president of Congress."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took part in
the launch of the PM Vishwakarma scheme which
coincided with PM Narendra Modi's birthday and
said that the PM Vishwakarma scheme would give
identity to craftspersons.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
WORLD 15
“We must prepare ourselves for a long war in Ukraine...”: NATO Chief Stoltenberg
NATO Secretary-General Jens
Stoltenberg has issued a sttern
warning, stating that there will
be no swift resolution to the war in
Ukraine. In an interview published by
Germany’s Funke media group on Sunday,
Stoltenberg emphasized the prolonged
nature of the conflict as Kyiv continues its
counteroffensive against Russia, Al Jazeera
reported. “Most wars last longer than
expected when they first begin,”
Stoltenberg cautioned.
Therefore, we must prepare
ourselves for a long war in Ukraine.”
While expressing the collective hope for a
EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that
the resistance of the United Nations to reform
its structure, will eventually lead to the body
being “anachronistic” and people will start finding
solutions outside.
The External Affairs Minister made the remarks in
an address to students of the Indian Institute of Space
Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram last
week. Addressing
the event, Jaishankar
gave an “injudicious”
reference of
passengers sitting
in a bus drawing a
comparison with
the permanent
members of the UN
Security Council.
“I somewhere
injudiciously…
described it like a
passenger in a bus.
A person sitting
on the seat, will not
vacate it for the next person. So there are these five
guys sitting. Sometimes, you see such passengers,
you see someone is tired, someone is carrying a
baby, they will not get up and give up that seat,”
he said. The EAM further said that the pressure to
change has grown over the years on the UN, and the
message needs to be understood by the global body.
“There has to be pressure. Over the last few years,
a large part of the world feels this is something that
needs to be done.
There are 54 countries in Africa, but they don’t have
a single member. There is not a single Latin American
member. The most populous country is not there, the
fifth largest economy is not there,” Jaishankar said.
He added, “So how long would you continue that?
What happens if you do not reform, people will find
solutions outside. This is a message that the UN has
to understand. They will become anachronistic, and
quick peace, Stoltenberg also recognised the
grim reality. He stated, “We are all wishing
for a quick peace. But at the same time,
we must recognize: if President Volodymyr
Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians stop fighting,
their country will no longer exist.
'If you do not reform,
people will find
solutions outside':
Slamming US President Joe
Biden for his 2024 election
bid stating that his age
and suitability for the highest
position are separate issues,
Donald Trump has said that the
US President is “not too old” but
“grossly incompetent,” The Hill
reported
According to a new interview
which is set to air Thursday,
Trump said, “Age is interesting
because some people are very
sharp, and some people do lose it,
but you lose it at 40 and 50, also.”
"This is a message
that the UN has
to understand.
They will become
anachronistic, and
develop the danger
of heading towards
not extinction,
but a little bit of
irrelevance”.
“But no, he’s not too old at all.
He’s grossly incompetent,”
Trump said on SiriusXM’s “The
Megyn Kelly Show.
develop the danger of heading towards not extinction,
but a little bit of irrelevance”.
Notably, reforms in the global systems have
been an issue continuously raised by India and
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the global stage.
During his concluding address at the G20 Leaders
Summit here in the national capital, PM Modi
reiterated his stance of making global systems in
accordance with the “realities of the present” and took
the example of the United Nations Security Council.
“When the UN was established, the world at that time
was completely different from today. At that time there
were 51 founding members in the UN.
Today the number of countries included in the
UN is around 200. Despite this, the permanent
members in UNSC are still the same,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that a lot has changed
in the world since that time, be it transport,
communication, health, or education, every sector
has been transformed.
According to polls, Trump, 77, who
is running for president in 2024,
will probably face Biden, 80, in the
general election.
If President (Vladimir) Putin and
Russia lay down their weapons, we will
have peace,” according to Al Jazeera.
Addressing Ukraine’s aspirations to
join the NATO alliance, Stoltenberg was
unequivocal, “There is no doubt that
Ukraine will eventually be in NATO.”
The NATO Secretary-General has stepped up
pressure on Germany to increase its defense
spending.
He pointed out that during the Cold War
era, when leaders like Konrad Adenauer
and Willy Brandt were in power, defense
spending accounted for between 3 per
cent and 4 per cent of economic output.
The EU tourism industry
is experiencing a strong
recovery from the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the first half of 2023, the
number of nights spent in tourist
accommodations reached its
highest level in the past decade,
signalling a notable resurgence
in the industry’s performance
in many countries, according to
Eurostat, the statistical office of
the European Union.
In the first half of this year,
there were 1,193 million nights
spent in tourist accommodations,
marking an increase of nearly 11m
compared to the same period in
2019 (1182m, +0.9 per cent).
Additionally, there were 136m
more overnight stays than in the
first half of 2022 (1057 million,
+12.9 per cent). In comparison to
2021 (406.8m), this year recorded
786m more overnight stays, and
compared to 2020 (474.7m),
Russian Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov has said that
Moscow wants to develop
“equal and fair cooperation” with
North Korea despite sanctions
imposed on Pyongyang by the
UN Security Council, Al Jazeera
reported on Sunday.
The Kremlin earlier said it
abides by UN sanctions, but
that it has a right to develop
neighbourly relations, including
in relation to sensitive topics.
“We have not declared sanctions
against North Korea, the Security
Council did that.
So appeal to the Security
Council, and we will develop equal
and fair cooperation with the
DPRK,” Al Jazeera quoted Lavrov
as saying in a state TV interview,
excerpts of which were broadcast
on Sunday.
Notably, the US and its allies
have raised concerns about
warming military ties between
the two neighbours as Russia
The former president also
disputed polling results that
claimed Americans believed Biden
was too old to serve as president.
In the conversation, he mentioned
how many of his friends and world
leaders are still mentally sharp far
into their nineties.
“No, not, not for the reason of
‘old,’” Trump said when asked
whether Americans are right to be
concerned, adding, “I have friends,
Bernie Marcus, that are in their
90s and they’re sharp as a tack.
They’re just, I mean, I would say
Stoltenberg noted that Norway, his native
country, had similar levels of defense
spending during that period.
He urged a return to these levels,
stating, “We managed it then, and we have
to manage it again today.” Stoltenberg
recalled the NATO summit held in Vilnius in
July, which established 2 per cent of gross
domestic product as “the minimum” target
for military spending.
He noted that Germany has yet to meet
this target but expressed optimism about
the country’s progress, saying, “Germany
is well on its way to reaching the NATO
target,” as reported by Al Jazeera.
EU tourism at decade high
718m more overnight stays were
recorded. All months surpassed
the previous year’s figures, with
the highest increase recorded in
January (45%) and February (27%).
Looking at the country data,
all member states have seen
an increase in overnight stays
compared to 2022, with Hungary
being the sole exception,
experiencing a slight decrease
of -0.3 per cent. Cyprus (39.3%),
Malta (30.5%), and Slovakia
(28.7%) stand out with the most
substantial increases in overnight
stays.
However, about half of the
countries have yet to reach the
figures recorded in the first half
of 2019. Notably, Latvia (-23.8%),
Slovakia (-16.0 per cent), Hungary
(-12.2%), and Lithuania (-11.7%)
are still to get close to 2019 figures.
A strong boost to this year’s
numbers came from the recovery
of international tourism.
“Moscow to develop cooperation with North
Korea despite sanctions”: Sergei Lavrov
presses its invasion of Ukraine
and North Korea, a reclusive
communist state, proceeds with
missile and nuclear development.
In another remark, Lavrov slammed
the US accusing it of “controlling
the war in Ukraine” and “pursuing
a war against Russia”, TASS News
Agency reported citing an excerpt
from a TV program that Russian
journalist Pavel Zarubin posted on
his Telegram channel.
“No matter what it says, it (the
US) controls this war, it supplies
weapons, munition, intelligence
information, data from satellites;
it is pursuing a war against us,”
TASS quoted Lavrov as saying
Lavrov also stated that the
delivery of long-range weapons
would “not change the essence of
what is going on in Ukraine”.
“What is going on is that Ukraine
has been prepared, has long been
prepared for inflicting strategic
defeat to Russia” Lavrov added.
Trump says Biden ‘not too old’ for 2024 US Presidential elections but ‘grossly incompetent’
just about what they used to be.
No, not old. He’s incompetent,”
according to The Hill.
Trump has vehemently rejected
any attempts to declare him
ineligible for the president due to
his age, The Hill reported.
The conversation between Kelly
and Trump is their first since
May 2016 and will air at noon on
Thursday.
In 2016, while Trump was running
for the Republican presidential
nomination, their rivalry had just
reached its height.

16
ENTERTAINMENT
'We are not just
co-stars...': Deepika
on her special bond
with Shah Rukh
Deepika Padukone talked about being part of ‘Jawan’ and shared her
working experience with Shah Rukh Khan and how it was special
because of the bond they share. Deepika revealed that she was filming
for 'Project K' in Hyderabad when SRK and Atlee met her and explained her
part in the movie. She stated that the length of her character didn't matter, but
the impact her role was having was enormous.
“I was shooting for ‘Project K’ in Hyderabad, and both of them flew down
and came to see me, and they narrated the whole story to me. And told me
this very important part of Aishwarya and for me it wasn’t about the length
of the role but it was about the impact this character is going to have on the
entire film. So for me it was two-fold, one is everyone knows my love for him
(SRK), but also the movie was so so special that any actor not just me if they
would have offered this part would have said yes to it because it was about the
vision and all of us have invested in that vision. For me, it was about the story
we are telling, the impact this film is going to have on this amazing audience.”
On working with SRK, she said, “When Shah Rukh and I are working together,
we are not just co-stars, it’s not formal, there is just a lot of love and that’s
what always comes through in our work. “
Atlee also talked about their chemistry in the film.
Shah Rukh added that the idea of approaching Deepika for Aishwarya
in 'Jawan' came to him while she was filming 'Pathaan's' 'Besharam
Rang'. SRK said he was sitting and asked if she was ready to play a
mother. “Deepika proved that she is a large-size actor, a big-size actor
genuinely.” While Nayanthara was unable to attend the 'Jawan' press
conference, she sent a video message in her place. She expressed
her desire to be present in front of the media. She expressed her
gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, saying it meant
the world to her. She also congratulated Shah Rukh Khan and
praised his energy.
Shah Rukh also said during the press conference, “It's a
celebration. We rarely get a chance to live with a film for
years. The making of Jawan has been going on for four
years due to Covid and time constraints."
Actor Huma
Qureshi is
now an author
Huma Qureshi recently
announced her debut novel
titled ‘Zeba – An Accidental
Superhero’.
Taking to Instagram, Huma wrote,
"Finally the cat is out of the bag !! Super
excited to share the announcement of
my debut novel : ‘Zeba - An Accidental
Superhero’ with @harpercollinsin ..
and a massive shoutout to my agency
@asuitableagency … Been working on
this for the past 2 years and everyone
around me knows how much this
means to me Book out in Dec 2023
. Comments below will be seen as a
vote of interest to buy the book."
Huma said that her novel is "deeply
personal."
"I've learned that accepting who
you are, with all your quirks and
uniqueness, is the most empowering
journey one can embark on. We live
in a world that needs diversity, and
every individual's story is a piece of
that beautiful mosaic.
"Stories of fierce women are
not just the need of the hour; they
are the timeless tales that inspire
generations, reminding us that
strength and resilience know no
boundaries. We need these stories
to remind ourselves that we, too, can
be the heroes of our own lives. This
novel is deeply personal and it puts
out there the rawest, most unfiltered
version of me," she added.
Congratulations poured in for Huma
on social media after she shared the
update with her fans."Yayyyy!!!! It’s
out," actor Lara Bhupathi commented.
Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who has been winning
people’s hearts for 30 years with her performances,
took us through her roller-coaster journey in the
film industry. Shilpa is currently busy promoting her
upcoming film ‘Sukhee’. During the promotions, the actor
shared her experiences in the industry with ANI, which she
proudly calls “my journey.”
Shilpa said, “It's been a roller-coaster ride. No one's
journey is a one-way street. There are ups and downs. I
have seen everything. I am very happy with the way my
journey is going, it's my journey. I got to learn so much,
got to unlearn so much. I am very happy that I have lasted
for 30 years. And even today I am still able to entertain
people. People expect things from me. And I am here with
‘Sukhee’.”
She continued, “I was very young when I joined the
industry and didn’t have much knowledge at the time. I
didn’t take any acting classes or anything. I had to learn
everything from A to Z and still don't know it completely.
I am still learning.” Shilpa Shetty has portrayed a wide
range of characters through her performances in the
Bollywood industry. The actor's journey,
from her debut in 'Baazigar', has been a
testament to her talent and ability. Shilpa
Popular rapper Badshah talked about
the track 'Piya Haji Ali' from Hrithik
Roshan-starrer film ‘Fiza’ and how the
song became an inspiration for him during
his difficult times. He also added that AR
Rahman’s voice has a deep impact on him.
The ace rapper is seen among the panel of
judges along with Shilpa Shetty and Kirron
Kher on ‘India’s Got Talent’.
He said, “This song holds a lot of significance
for me. I was going through a very tough time
when I first heard this song. And now, whenever
I am going through a hard phase, I listen to this
Friday, 22 September, 2023
Anil Kapoor grooves
to beats of dhol at
TIFF red carpet
Veteran star Anil Kapoor added his
"jhakaas" touch to the gala premiere
of his son-in-law Karan Boolani's
directorial 'Thank You For Coming' at Toronto
International Film Festival (TIFF).
Actors of 'Thank You For Coming' including
Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Gill, Shibani
Bedi, Dolly Singh and Kusha Kapila hit the
red carpet of TIFF with none other than
Anil Kapoor. Director Karan and producer
Ektaa R Kapoor were also present. They
all walked the red carpet together in style.
They all grooved to the beats of dhol while
entering the venue.
The whole team was dressed to the
nines. Anil Kapoor looked dapper in a
black suit. The women of the film donned
stunning gowns.
Take a look at some of the pictures
and videos from the gala premiere of
the film. Before attending the gala, Anil
Kapoor, who has a special cameo in the
film, expressed his excitement about his
presence at TIFF.
""You know, I've been wanting to attend
TIFF ever since Slumdog Millionaire!
That year, I travelled to pretty much all the
celebrated festivals for Slumdog - from
BFI at London to Cannes and everything in
between."The only festival I couldn't attend
then was TIFF and that was only because my
visa didn't arrive in time for me to be there.
So TIFF has been on my bucket list ever
since! I may not have been able to attend
the festival then as part of the cast of
a movie, but this year I get to be there
in the capacity of a proud producer!
Thank You For Coming has so much
heart, soul and sass, and I'm so
grateful to be a part of it's showcase
on such a hallowed platform!”
‘Very happy I have lasted for 30 years': Shilpa
Shetty talks about her rollercoaster journey
has served as a judge on reality television shows such
as 'Nach Baliye' and 'Super Dancer,' where she shared
her expertise and encouraged aspiring talent. She is also
known for her dedication to fitness and wellness.
Take a look at what fitness freak Shilpa has to say
about balanced diet and workout.
She said, “It is very important to have
balance. Whatever you do in life.
Most people take steps towards
fitness and then eat pizza
or burgers and drink aerated
drinks. I just feel it's important to
balance it out. Sometimes it's a
good idea to indulge. I also do
Sunday binge on Sundays.
But I do not eat any other
food. Live life freely,
enjoy it and set a
benchmark for
yourself.”
song. It's as if there's a connection between
me and this song and A.R. Rahman Sir's voice
has a profound impact. I feel like his voice has
pulled me out of those things through this
song.”
While praising contestant Farhan Sabir for
his performance on the song, he shared, “I
was telling Ma'am (Kirron Kher) that there was
nothing missing in your performance, but this
song is very special. Farhan, you are one of my
favourite singers, and I hold you in high regard.
The way you sing, the way you hit those high
notes, it's extraordinary. When you sing, it
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
Badshah shares how AR Rahman's song 'Piya
Haji Ali' helped him get through difficult period
feels like actual waves and the way you flow
with the tone is amazing. I won't call it waves
or frequency; I'll call it the 'Tarang' that you
create when you sing,” added Badshah.
Shilpa, who was immensely moved by the
performance also added, “Farhan, whenever
you sing, you deliver an amazing performance,
and today, after a point, I stopped judging
you. I felt that you were not singing for us
but rather connected to Him (God). When you
opened your eyes, I was there in that moment
with you. This is what true talent is when you
transcend words."

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
FEATURE 17
Ganesh Chaturthi Special: Seven types of modak recipes
Sabudana modak
Ingredients
• 1 cup tapioca
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon green cardamom
Method
• Firstly wash the sabudana properly and then soak
it in water for 3 hours.
• Now drain the water, wash it 3-4 times in clean
water and collect it in a bowl.
• Heat ghee in a pan and add soaked sabudana to
it. Roast for 6-8 minutes. Now add sugar and let it
dissolve completely.
• Add cardamom powder, mix well and keep mixing
it. Keep stirring it for sometime, until the mixture
leaves the pan and binds together.
This might take 20 minutes or more. Switch off the
flame and let the mixture cool down completely.
Kesar Chocolate modak
Ingredients
• 400 gm Belgian chocolate
shells
• 500 gm khoya
• 200 gm ghee
• 2 litre milk
• 5 gm green cardamom
• 5 strand saffron
• 300 gm sugar
• 250 ml chocolate syrup
• 50 gm almonds
Method
• Fill the belgian chocolate shells
with chocolate syrup, and
crush the saffron strands and
mix it with the khoya to give it a
kesar colour and flavour.
• Add saffron strands to warm
Ukadiche modak
Ingredients
• 75 gm rice flour
• 30 gm powdered jaggery
• 1 dash powdered green cardamom
• 25 gm powdered sugar
• 1/2 coconut
• 20 gm shredded mixed dry fruits
• 10 gm ghee
Method
• To make this Maharashtrian speciality, take a
bowl and add grated fresh coconut in it. Add
shredded dry fruitsNow to prepare the dough
for the modaks, add rice flour in a bowl. Make
a well in the rice flour and in the centre pour
some hot ghee.
• Mix well and add little water to make a soft
dough. Take small portions from the dough
and roll them into small puris with the help of
a rolling pin.
• Now, put a tbsp of the already prepared
coconut-dry fruit mixture in the centre of the
poori. Seal the edges of the dough using your
milk, and stir till the colour of
saffron gets infused into the
milk. Mix the khoya and sugar
on medium heat, and keep
stirring. Once the sugar starts
melting, add the saffron-milk
mixture.
• Let it cook for 4-5 minutes until
the mixture comes together
like a dough and fat starts
oozing out.
• Grease your hands with ghee
and make the modak mould
with the prepared mixture, and
fill it with the Belgian chocolate
shells in the centre.
• Shape however you desire
while it is still warm.
• Now grease a modak mould with some ghee and
fill some of the mixture in it.
• Press down to make modak and place it on a plate.
• Make more modaks with the leftover mixture and
let them dry out a bit.
• Your Sabudana Modaks are now ready to be
served.
Poha modak
Ingredients
• 1 cup pressed rice
• 2 tablespoon chopped cashews
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoon chopped almonds
• 1/2 litre milk
• 2 tablespoon ghee
Method
• Chop the almonds and cashews into small bits.
• Heat ghee in a pan. Add chopped almonds and
cashews. Mix and roast them for 2-3 minutes or
until fragrant. Take out the roasted nuts in a bowl.
• Heat ghee in a pan. Add poha and toss well. Stir
continuously and roast the poha till its colour
changes from white to golden. Take out the poha
in a bowl and let it cool down.
• Add the poha to a grinder. Blend to form a fine
powder.
• Pour milk into a pan and keep it on high heat. Once
it comes to a boil, lower the flame to medium-high.
Boil the milk till it reduces to half its quantity. Give
a stir after every 2 minutes to prevent the milk from
Dry fruit modak
Ingredients
• 12 almonds
• 8 dried dates
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1 teaspoon water
• 15 cashews
• 2 tablespoon raisins
• 1 tablespoon ghee
Ingredient
• To start preparing this
delicious modak, grind
cashews and almonds in a
grinder. To this powdered
mixture, add dry coconuts,
raisins and dates and grind
hands. Shape the dough like a traditional
modak. Repeat this and shape the remaining
modaks.
• Place the modaks in the steamer and steam
them for approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Serve hot or cold to relish the inner stuffing of
Ukadiche modaks.
Gulab modak
Ingredients
• 50 gm powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered green
cardamom
• 150 gm khoya
• 75 gm gulkand
Method
• Grate Khoya and mix together
with sugar and elaichi powder.
• Divide the mixture into small
equal sized roundels. Stuff
each with a pinch of gulkand
and again roll between your
hands to make balls.
• Put the stuffed roundel into
modak shaped mould and set
the shape.
• Take out and serve with garnish
them as well with the help
of a grinder. Now, add ghee
and start pulsing the mixture
again until it forms a dough.
You can use a little amount
of water if the dough isn't
coming together. Once you
get a perfect dough for
making modaks, transfer it to
plate.
• Grease the modak mould
with oil and stuff the dough
in those moulds. After a
while, open the mould and
there you have this delicious
Dry Fruits Modak.
Nariyal modak
Ingredients
• 2 cup desiccated coconut
• 3/4 cup condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon powdered green
cardamom
• 2 teaspoon rose water
• 2 tablespoon ghee
Method
• To start preparing this deliciously
sweet recipe, take a large mixing
bowl and add desiccated coconut,
cardamom powder, rose water and
condensed milk to it.
• Mix well to form a smooth mixture.
• Now, grease a mould with a little
ghee and fill it with the coconut
mixture.
• After a while, carefully remove the
modak from the mould and keep it
on a plate.
• Repeat the procedure to make more
such modaks and your Nariyal
of dry rose petals or fresh rose
petals.
Tips
You can also garnish the modaks
with silver warq.
burning and sticking at the bottom.
• Once the milk reduces to half its quantity, add
sugar and mix till it dissolves completely.
• Now add powdered poha to the pan along with
roasted nuts. Mix and cook till the mixture comes
together and leaves the sides of the pan.
• Let the mixture cool down a bit. Now grease a
modak mould with a few drops of ghee. Fill the
mould with the mixture and press down to make a
modak. Make more such modaks with the leftover
mixture.
Modaks are ready. (Note: You can
Sprinkle a little saffron over the
prepared modaks for more taste.)

18
TIME OUT
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com
ACROSS-----------
1) "Brian's Song" star James
5) Comes out of one's skin
10) Self-congratulatory
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?
15) Youngest-ever Oscar
winner
16) Folkestone farewell
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?
19) Took_ (snoozed)
20) Downed
21) Typing type
22) Considers carefully
24) "Emma" author Austen
25) Hersey's bell town
26) Place or site
29) Transverse beam
32) Itsy-bitsy bits
33) "In_ tn1st"
34) Recipe word
35) Cravings
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"
O, O!
1 2 3
14
17
20
26 27 28
32
35
38
41 42
CROSSWORD
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa
38) Alternative to .net
39) Less extroverted
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator
41) Author's explanation
43) Yuletide songs
44) Backup sounds
45) Random sampling
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher
48) Seafood choice
49) Josh
52) Door section
53) John Wayne character,
larger-than-life?
56) More than suggest
57) Recording studio alert
58) Water sport
59) Some antique autos
60) Family men
61) Bud holder
Richard Auer
11 12 13
7th June
DOWN
1) Island south of Florida
2) Dismounted
3) Archer or Heche
4) Endless faultfinder
5) Home of the John Deere
headquarters
6) Like beverages at barbecues
7) A 1 Capp character
8) Fielder's choice?
9) Trooper's warning
10) Wood-surface applications
11) Tropical fruit dance?
12) Great Salt Lake state
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug
18) Multicolored gems
23) "_ on Down the Road"
24) Traffic tangles
25) Eagerness
26)_ the land (how things stand)
27) Alamogordo's county
28) Kinshasa drum?
29) Australian bush call
30) Just right
31) Wonderlands
33) Southern breakfast dish
36) Auto despair site?
37) Marx or Benz
39) Pirate's knife
40) Town of many trials and hunts
42) Plains homes
43) Plays with crayons
45) Lecterns
46) Tim Duncan, for one
47) Kind of package
48) Cold spell
49) Nautical mile
50) Not going anywhere
51) Condemn
54) "Put_ Happy Face"
55) Photo_ (media events)
i FreeDailyCrosswords.com
Friday, 15 September, 2023
ACROSS-----------
1) "Brian's Song" star James
5) Comes out of one's skin
10) Self-congratulatory
14) Radius' comrade-in-arms?
15) Youngest-ever Oscar
winner
16) Folkestone farewell
17) "B 5!" "C 11!"?
19) Took_ (snoozed)
20) Downed
21) Typing type
22) Considers carefully
24) "Emma" author Austen
25) Hersey's bell town
26) Place or site
29) Transverse beam
32) Itsy-bitsy bits
33) "In_ tn1st"
34) Recipe word
35) Cravings
36) Emulate "Old Blue Eyes"
O, O!
CROSSWORD ANSWERS
37) Kid's "seat" on Santa
38) Alternative to .net
39) Less extroverted
40) TV's "Cosmos" creator
41) Author's explanation
43) Yuletide songs
44) Backup sounds
45) Random sampling
46) "Monkey Trial" teacher
48) Seafood choice
49) Josh
52) Door section
53) John Wayne character,
larger-than-life?
56) More than suggest
57) Recording studio alert
58) Water sport
59) Some antique autos
60) Family men
61) Bud holder
1M l.1 1 b
Richard Auer
ATA
N A p
I G H 5
0
T 30 1 3e
D D
E E
N
7th June
DOWN
1) Island south of Florida
2) Dismounted
3) Archer or Heche
4) Endless faultfinder
5) Home of the John Deere
headquarters
6) Like beverages at barbecues
7) A 1 Capp character
8) Fielder's choice?
9) Trooper's warning
10) Wood-surface applications
11) Tropical fruit dance?
12) Great Salt Lake state
13) Adjusts, as a spark plug
18) Multicolored gems
23) "_ on Down the Road"
24) Traffic tangles
25) Eagerness
26)_ the land (how things stand)
27) Alamogordo's county
28) Kinshasa drum?
29) Australian bush call
30) Just right
31) Wonderlands
33) Southern breakfast dish
36) Auto despair site?
37) Marx or Benz
39) Pirate's knife
40) Town of many trials and hunts
42) Plains homes
43) Plays with crayons
45) Lecterns
46) Tim Duncan, for one
47) Kind of package
48) Cold spell
49) Nautical mile
50) Not going anywhere
51) Condemn
54) "Put_ Happy Face"
55) Photo_ (media events)
Read online www.iwk.co.nz
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
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Your Weekly Horoscope: 22 September- 28 September, 2023
ARIES (MAR 21-APR 20)
Ganesha says according to Aries's weekly
horoscope, you should be aware of your
impulsive nature. The transit of planet
suggests that one should not take hasty
decisions. Focus on your long-term goals
before making any major commitments. In
matters of love, your passion and charm will be irresistible
to others. If you are in a relationship, this is a good time to
strengthen the bond with your partner.
TAURUS (APR 21-MAY 20)
Ganesha says Taurus weekly horoscope
predicts that your practicality and
determination will serve you well in achieving
financial stability and professional success.
This is an excellent time to strengthen
bonds and create a sense of security in your
relationship. For singles, you can attract potential partners
who value your reliability and loyalty.
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 21)
Ganesha says the Gemini weekly horoscope
suggests that this is an excellent time to
initiate important conversations, as your
persuasive abilities will be strong. However,
watch your words and avoid getting into
unnecessary arguments, which can lead
to misunderstandings. There can be some sourness in the
matter of relationships. Misunderstandings and differing
opinions can create tension.
CANCER (JUN 22-JUL 20)
Ganesha says take time to reflect on your
feelings and inner desires. This introspection
will help you align your actions with your
authentic self. In terms of relationships, this
week encourages open communication and
emotional vulnerability. Work carefully and
wisely on the economic front. Avoid extravagance and take
decisions wisely. Seek expert advice, if necessary, to ensure
financial stability and growth. The Cancer weekly love
horoscope suggests that honest communication will be key
in nurturing your relationship.
LEO (JUL21-AUG 20)
Ganesha says your charismatic charm will
draw people to you, and you will find yourself
surrounded by a supportive network of friends
and loved ones. It is an excellent opportunity
to strengthen bonds and build lasting
relationships. In terms of career and finance,
you may get unexpected opportunities for
growth and advancement. Keep an open mind and be ready
to accept new challenges.
VIRGO (AUG 23-SEP 23)
Ganesha says professionally, you may
experience an increase in productivity and
creativity. Have confidence in your abilities
and face new challenges. This is an ideal time
to start projects, share ideas, and collaborate
with others. Your attention to detail and
practicality will be appreciated by colleagues and superiors.
Be open to new possibilities and embrace the possibility of
love in unexpected places.
LIBRA (SEP 24-OCT 23)
Ganesha says existing partnerships
will deepen this week as you engage in
meaningful conversations and express
your feelings freely. Remember to listen to
your loved one's needs and provide support
where it is needed. On the work front, you are
hitting on all cylinders. Your superiors will be impressed by
your innovative ideas and attention to detail. Collaborative
projects flourish when you inspire others with your creativity
and ability to find common ground.
SCORPIO (OCT 24-NOV 22)
Ganesha says your assertiveness and
strategic thinking command attention, and
you may find yourself in a leadership role or
be given additional responsibilities. Seize this
opportunity to showcase your skills and leave
a lasting impression. However, be careful of
power struggles or conflicts that arise. Handle
them diplomatically and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
In the matter of money, this week is to be careful. Practice
financial discipline and avoid impulsive spending.
SAGITTARIUS (NOV 23-DEC 21)
Ganesha says the Capricorn weekly
horoscope suggests that communication
will be important in your relationships. Take
the time to openly express your thoughts
and feelings, as well as listen carefully to
your loved ones. Nurturing relationships and
resolving conflicts through honest and compassionate
communication will strengthen your bonds. Financially, this
week encourages you to be prudent and strategic.
CAPRICORN (DEC 22-JAN 21)
As your circumstances change, you have the
opportunity to rise to the occasion and adapt.
Whether that means going with the flow or
fighting it, your capacity to respond with
intention is one that you should lean into this
week. Be willing to engage in heartfelt ways
that reflect what is not only true for you in the moment but
possible for you to grow into in the future. This is the time to
act with emotional maturity, Capricorn.
AQUARIUS (JAN 22-FEB 19)
Ganesha says the Aquarius weekly horoscope
suggests attending social gatherings and
connecting with like-minded individuals,
which can lead to meaningful connections
and valuable collaborations. Aquarius sign
people may face some challenges on the
career front. Staying focused and organized is essential
to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Be open
to feedback and suggestions from colleagues, as they can
provide valuable insight..
PISCES (FEB 20-MAR 20)
Ganesha says relationships are highlighted
on the personal front. Whether it is a
romantic partnership, a friendship, or a
family relationship, it is essential to nurture
these bonds. Engage in open and honest
communication to foster deeper relationships.
Remember to listen carefully to your loved one's needs and
concerns. In terms of career, this week can bring some
challenges.when you need them most, Pisces.

Read online www.iwk.co.nz Friday, 22 September, 2023
FEATURE 19
Early morning physical activity has
impact on weight management: Study
ANI
According to a study, the best time
of day to increase the relationship
between daily moderate to vigorous
physical activity and obesity appears to
be between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.,
despite conflicting epidemiological findings
regarding the best timing of physical
exercise for weight management.
The study was in Obesity, The Obesity
Society’s (TOS) flagship journal.
“Our study provided a novel tool to explore
the diurnal pattern of physical activity and to
investigate its impact on health outcomes,”
said Tongyu Ma, PhD, assistant professor,
Health Sciences Department, Franklin Pierce
University, Rindge, N.H.; and the Department
of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong
Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
Ma is the corresponding author of the study.
Previous study has focused on the frequency,
intensity, and duration of physical activity,
according to experts.
Few research have looked into the
diurnal pattern of accelerometer-measured
physical activity to classify the time of day
when people move. It is unknown whether
cumulative physical activity at various times
of the day is similarly associated with obesity.
Furthermore, it is unclear if fulfilling the
physical activity standards (150 minutes
per week of moderate to vigorous physical
activity) in various patterns is equally
beneficial for reducing obesity.
Researchers investigated whether the
diurnal pattern of accelerometer-measured
moderate to vigorous physical activity
changes the association between such human
movement and obesity in the current study.
Researchers used data from the 2003–2004
and 2005–2006 cycles of the National Health
and Nutrition Examination Survey by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
because accelerometry was implemented
during that time. A total of 5,285 participants
were cross-sectionally analyzed.
The diurnal pattern of objectively
measured moderate to vigorous physical
activity was classified into three categories
by K-means clustering analysis: morning,
mid-day and evening.
K-means is an established algorithm
that is commonly used to identify hidden
patterns in unlabeled data sets.
Results revealed a strong linear
association between moderate to vigorous
physical activity and obesity in the morning
group, whereas a weaker curvilinear
connection was found in the midday and
evening groups.
Participants who met the physical activity
guidelines in the morning cluster had a lower
body mass index and waist circumference
than those in the other clusters. Selfreported
dietary recall indicated that
participants in the morning cluster had a
healthier diet and less daily energy intake
per unit of body weight compared with other
clusters.
The study’s authors also found that
participants in the morning cluster spent
a significantly higher amount of time on
sedentary behaviour than the participants in
the other clusters.
Despite the longer duration of
sedentary time, the lower body mass
index and waist circumference outcomes
in the morning group persisted.
Overall, participants in the morning cluster
were 10-to-13 years older than the two other
groups. The morning cluster also had the
highest percentage of female participants
among the three groups. The majority of
participants in the morning group were
primarily non-Hispanic White, had a college
or higher education, and had never used
tobacco or alcohol.
“Our findings propose that the
diurnal pattern of moderate to vigorous
physical activity could be another
important dimension to describe the
complexity of human movement,” Ma
and his colleagues stated in the study.
Rebecca Krukowski, PhD, a clinical
psychologist with expertise in behavioural
weight management, commented, “This is
exciting new research that is consistent with
a common tip for meeting exercise goals—
that is, schedule exercise in the morning
before emails, phone calls or meetings that
might distract you.”
However, Krukowski said, since this is
a cross-sectional study, “it is not known
whether people who exercise consistently in
the morning may be systematically different
from those who exercise at other times, in
ways that were not measured in this study.
For example, people who exercise
regularly in the morning could have more
predictable schedules, such as being less
likely to be shift workers or less likely to
have caregiving responsibilities that impede
morning exercise.
Predictable schedules could have other
advantageous effects on the weight that
were not measured in this study, such
as with sleep length/quality and stress
levels. In addition, the ‘morning larks’ who
consistently rise early enough for morning
exercise may be biologically different from
their ‘night owl’ counterparts.”
Christopher Luxon and National will rebuild the
economy to reduce the cost-of-living, restore law
and order, and improve our schools and healthcare.
NPN0014_IW_ECO
See our plan at national.org.nz
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