Fiav-Newsletter June 2009

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FEDERATION OF INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF
VICTORIA INC
FO R TH E SAFETY AN D SECU RI TY O F
I N DI AN I N TERN ATI O N AL STU DEN TS AN D V I CTI M S O F
DO M ESTI C V I O LAN CE O F I N DI AN O RI GI N
MON - FRI - 10a m to 5pm & 7 pm to 11pm
FREE CALL FREE CALL
1 8 0 0 FI AV 0 0
1 8 0 0 3 4 2 8 0 0
The Federation of Indian Associations
of Victoria Incorporated, (FAIV) has a
new Executive which is determined to
chart a new direction for its members in
the next two years. This determination
to provide a new direction is influenced by a collective
concern expressed by all Federation members to enhance
the image of the Federation within the Victorian Community
and to ensure that the Victorian Indian Community has a
credible, viable and influential voice on all matters and
concerns which might affect all Victorians of Indian origin.
In this effort, I as President and FIAV Executive
Committee Members are determined to steer a course away
from any issues which might divide the Community and will
concentrate and dedicate our efforts in implementing a set
of agreed policy initiatives of which the custodian will be all
the members and stakeholders which form the FAIV.
In brief, the new course calls for efforts to be made
towards making a reality for all our Community a new
Community Centre – which will deliver to all our members
and to all Victorians of Indian origin a place where they
can meet, discuss and express themselves as they
wish and like. Other communities have achieved
this successfully both with their own efforts and
with assistance from local, state and federal
governments. For a number of years we have
spoken about it, we have thought about it but now
we have to deliver such facility for our Community!
In achieving this goal, the Executive has initiated
the following preliminary steps:-
z We are in the process of developing a business
plan and feasibility study which will govern
and coordinate the efforts of community-
wide fund-raising efforts towards this project’s
establishment.
z We have began talks with state, local government
representatives and with the Offices of the
Victorian Multicultural Commission and with
the assistance of the Victorian Multicultural
Commission’s Chairman, Mr. George Lekakis
we will approach all governments to gain support
funds for the project.
We deeply regret
to announce the
death, of former
Honorary Consul of
India to Melbourne,
Dr Martand Joshi on
Monday, 25 th May
2009.
Dr Joshi passed away
peacefully in his sleep
and his death has
shocked the Indian
Community especially those who
knew him.
Dr Joshi was a well known Community
worker, and having been actively
involved in all aspects of Indian
Community Activity in Australia and
especially in the State of Victoria.
Dr Joshi was also a well known priest,
having been a priest to many Indians
in Melbourne for House warmings,
Marriages, and to
any other religious
events, as well as his
involvement in the
construction of Shri
Shiva Vishnu Temple
in Carrum Downs,
South of Melbourne.
Dr Joshi assisted me
financially and morally
in many free funerals
which I conducted in
the last few years
On Behalf of Federation of Indian
Associations of Victoria and it’s
Executive Members, I wish to
express our deepest sympathy and
condolences to his wife, Mrs. Zofia
Joshi , his daughter, Ms.Suman
Joshi, and we all sincerely pray for
his soul to rest in peace.
Vasan Srinivasan President - Fiav
2 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
Recently elected Executive of the Federation of Indian
Associations of Victoria from day one in the office of FIAV
under the leadership of Mr Vasan Srinivasan has been
determined to introduce changes, which will benefit FIAV
members and improve stature of the Federation. To achieve
this, the Executive has initiated a functional and accessible
newsletter that would assist all member associations in
becoming better informed about FIAV activities and also
inform their activities to the community at large. It thus
provides a two-way communication platform.
The ‘Voice of the FIAV’ will operate as a bi-monthly
publication. One of its major tasks will be to promote the FIAV’s
Community Centre Project. This publication will be used as
a means of direct communication for keeping the community
informed about the progress of the project. The Voice of the
FIAV will also provide each member Association free half
page space to inform their own association’s activities.
The FIAV Executive will strive to raise funds for
the Community Centre Project by offering to interested
parties commercial advertising space within the Voice. It
is hoped that advertisements in each issue would be able
to generate for the Community Centre Project funds of the
order of $4,000 to $5,000. Members, please note that the
BENSONS PROPERTY GROUP has accepted to fund the
first twenty-four issues of the Voice and their generosity and
support for the Indian Community Centre Project is gratefully
acknowledged.
The Editorial Subcommittee is constituted of Dr.
SANTOSH KUMAR, Mr. Thomas Joseph (vice president,
FIAV) and Mr. HERMANT AMIN.
The ‘Voice of the FIAV’ will be distributed to all FIJIAN,
INDIAN and SRI LANKAN groceries, supermarkets and
member Associations. It should be noted that the Voice
seeks not to compete with existing community newspapers in
any way. It only seeks to provide a necessary link for useful
community news to all its members and the wider Indian
Community of Victoria. Therefore, the Editorial subcommittee
calls upon all members to contribute and make the Voice their
voice and assist the FIAV in its efforts to provide the growing
Indian Community with an effective and influential voice.
Finally, on behalf of the FIAV, the Editorial Sub-Committee
express their sincere thanks and appreciation to BENSONS
PROPERTY GROUP for their support and to the designer,
Mr. Raseem for development of the logo, header and page-
lay-out. All their professionalism work speaks for itself, let
you be the judge.
Dr Santhosh Kumar
Chairman Editorial sub-committee
F r o m T h e E d i t o r ’ s d e s k
Aust ral i a Indi a Tami l Sangam
President: Subra Ramachandran
Email: [email protected]
Fi j i Communi t y Associ at i on
President: Sudhesh Singh
Email: [email protected]
Goan Overseas Associ at i on of Vi c Inc
President: Andrew Mendes
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Guj arat hi Associ at i on
President: Dipak Mankhodi
Email: [email protected]
Hi ndi Ni ket an
President: Samsher Singh
Email: [email protected]
Indi an Musi c Associ at i on
President: Sushil Sharma
Email: [email protected]
Indi an Seni or Ci t i zen’ s Associ at i on Of
Vi ct ori a Inc
President: Prem Phakey
Email: [email protected]
Indo Aust ral i an Associ at i on of Vi ct ori a
President: Peter Castelino
Phonel: 03 9705 8724
Jat Jagat Vi ct ori a
President: Samsher Singh
Email: [email protected]
PRESIDENTS OF ASSOCIATIONS CONTACTS
We want to be read. That is why we publish. We want to share our thoughts with
all of you. Just a few words would make all the difference to us.
PLEASE WRITE TO US Please email us : editor@fiav.asn.au
For All advertising inquiries, Contact : Tel: 03 9671 4442 E-mail: admin@fiav.asn.au
Design and Published by: Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria , Registered Office: Suite 3-4, Level 2, 217 – 223, Chapel
Street, Prahran, Vic 3181 ABN: 96 133 460 057.
Material Published in this edition is subject to copyright provisions. Voice of FIAV accepts no responsibility for unauthorised
republication of such material.
Fiav, Voice of Fiav or its editors are not responsible for the opinions expressed by the contributors to this News Letter.
Graphic Designer: Mohamed Raseem ([email protected]) Printed at: Streamline Press Pty Ltd.
Ex ecut i ve Commi t t ee Member s : Cont act Det ai l s
President :
Mr Vasan Srinivasan
Off : 03 9671 4442, Mob: 0412 553371
Email: vasan@uniservices. com. au , president @fiav. asn. au
Vice President
Mr Thomas Joseph
Mob: 0438 591 014
Email: Thomas_kj oseph@hot mail. com, vp@fiav. asn. au
Treasurer
Mr Harish Kumar
harish. kumar13@bigpond. com, t reasurer@fiav. asn. au
Mob: 0429 979053
Secret ary
Mr Subra Ramachandran
Mob: 0403 777 252
Email: secret ary@fiav. asn. au
Communit y Services Direct or
Mr Sushil Sharma
Mob: 0433 733 861
Email: rkrehab@hot mail. com, csd@fiav. asn. au
Asst - Secret ary
Mr Andrew Mendes
Mob: 0411 230 975
Email: Andrew. Mendes@aig. com
Asst - Treasurer
Mr Nadesan Sundaresan
Mob: 0422 896 181
Email: sundar21@bigpond. net . au
Chairman –Edit orial Sub Commit t ee
Dr Sant hosh Kumar
Ph: 9816 3401 Mob: 0411 136 612
Email: SKumar836@aol. com
Deput y Direct or – Communit y Services
Mrs Krishna Arora
Ph: 9511 5733
Email: arora. krishna@gmail. com
Kal amandi r School Of Dances
President: Bijoy Das
Email: [email protected]
Maharasht ra Mandal
President: Mukund Deshpande
Email: [email protected]
Mal ayal ee Associ at i on
President: Sajan P John
Email: [email protected]
NTTF Al umni Associ at i on
President: Gangadhar Bevinakoppa
Email: [email protected]
Punj abi Cl ub Of Vi ct ori a
President: Surinder Mudher
Email: [email protected]
Sangam Communi t y Associ at i on
President: Usha Sharma
Email: [email protected]
Tami l Soci et y Of Mel bourne
President: Nadesan Sundaresan
Email: [email protected]
Tel ugu Associ at i on Of Aust ral i a Inc
President: Gopal Thangirala
Email: [email protected]
Nort hern Regi on Indi an Seni ors Associ at i on
President: Dr Santosh Kumar
Email: [email protected]
Vi ct ori an Int ernat i onal St udent s Associ at i on
President: Dr Vipin
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0405 548 144
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 3
Rakesh Raizada
Head of Indian Banking (VIC)
0434 470 095
[email protected]
Ashish Isaacs
Business Development Manager
0405 136 743
[email protected]
Important Information. Applications for finance are subject to approval. Commonwealth Financial Planners are
representatives of Commonwealth Financial Planning Limited ABN 65 003 900 169, AFSL 231139, a wholly owned but
non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. ADV10928 240608
Determined
to service
and support
the Indian
community.
Whether it’s day-to-day banking, home loans, business
loans, financial planning, wealth protection or insurance,
our team is dedicated to helping you. Please consider us
as your first point of contact for all your financial needs.
4 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
Continued from Page 1
Pr esi dent ’s Messege
z We also were invited by the Honourable,
the Minister for Trade, Mr. Simon Crean
to discuss with him his ability to assist
the FIAV with our Community Project
and I am pleased to report that the
Minister committed to assisting us and
place at the FIAV’s use the resources
of his office towards assisting us.
Moreover, the Minister agreed to play
a major role in the inauguration of our
public fundraisers at a date which will
be convenient to him to attend.
z We have determined to commence
our Community fund raising efforts
with the launch of Victoria-wide raffle
(50,000 tickets to be distributed and
sold) to raise the necessary funds for
the Community Centre’s establishment
commencing on the August 15, 2009
at a Dinner in support at Manningham
Receptions, Doncaster.
z All these important efforts will be
coordinated by an all-Community Fund
Raising Committee which will consist
of all the Presidents of FIAV, Member
Associations and invited ‘Community
Leaders’. It will be responsible for the
proper management of funds raised for
the project.
Other important developments of
significance
The Executive resolved recently to
establish a 1800 FIAV 00 number for
assistance to our Community in times of
personal security fears or in situations of
family domestic violence. The number:-
1800 3428 00 is open to all to access,
including Indian origin international students
and it is hoped that valuable assistance is
gained by those who seek assistance and
help.
Also, while in India, I met the former
Consul General, Dr. T. J. Rao and
discussed with him the recent changes on
the FIAV Executive and briefed him fully
on the new Executive’s plans. I am happy
to report to you all, that Dr. Rao welcomed
the ‘proposed changes’ and expressed his
support that can make “his child– the FIAV”
grow into a flourishing organisation providing
benefits to all its members. Moreover, it was
his heart’s wish that the divisions of the past
and the damaging ‘politics’ associated with
that past no longer take precedence in the life
and function of the Federation! I concurred
with his wishes and assured him on behalf
of the Federation that what he wished will be
followed henceforth!
Moreover, I met the new Consul-General,
Ms. Anita Nair and with the Consul, Mr. Anil
Gupta and both were briefed on the new
changes at the FIAV and on the plan for a
new Community Centre and both welcomed
the proposed change of direction and
expressed the support for the Community
Centre plan!
Also, I met with the Mayor of the City of
Manningham, Charles Pick and discussed
with him our Community’s concerns and our
wish to find a suitable site or building to house
and to cater for Indian Community functions
(free of charge). Through the Mayor’s good
offices, I met with various Departmental
Heads and briefed them. They all pledged
full support towards addressing Indian
Community requirements. The Mayor’s
assistance is greatly welcomed.
I also met and had discussions with
various senior Community Leaders, Mr.
Surendra Varma (a freelance writer), Dr
Prem Phakey (the President of the Indian
Senior Citizens), Dr. Santosh Kumar
(President of NRISA) and Dr Vipin (the
President of VISA) and briefed them that
the immediate aim of the FIAV to establish
a ‘Drop-in-Place’, which is open on a daily
basis and is accessible by public transport
for the Indian seniors and the Indian origin
students – providing them with a ‘social
outlet’. This may require relocation of the
FIAV office.
Also, I wish to express thanks to the
proprietor of the newspaper, INDIAN VOICE,
Mr. Raj Dudeja for offering 8 pages of editorial
space in his newspaper for the FIAV’s use
at no cost. Although this generous offer was
declined, we wish to ACKNOWLEDGE his
generosity and offer and observe his kind
offer as his personal appreciation towards
the FIAV and its efforts in providing the
united representation of all-Indians within
Victoria!
Finally, the new Executive and I
have determined that our actions and
your concerns as Associations and as
individuals require a venue to express
views. After all, without you and your
Association there would be no Federation.
This Newsletter will provide the necessary
bridge of communication which will inform
you and in return, you will have the
opportunity to inform us about happenings
in your association and community and your
concerns. This bridge of communication
only will be successful if you contribute and
this effort is jointly undertaken. Again, we
have the pleasure to inform you all that the
sponsorship of the Newsletter – “Voice of
FIAV” , will be undertaken by BENSONS
PROPERTY MANAGERS. It should be
noted that the Newsletter will be bi-monthly
in its circulation and will be distributed to
the FIAV’s members. The only purpose
of the newsletter will be to act as a bridge
of communication between the FIAV’s
members and not actively compete for the
reporting news with our already numerous
and well-established Indian Community
Newspapers.
As President of FIAV and on behalf of
my Executive Committee, I have placed
before you our plan for action. We are
determined not to waste valuable time and
effort in petty squabbles and divisions but
to concentrate our collective and individual
efforts towards the service of our diverse
and progressive Community. We aim to
make a difference and to leave a worthwhile
legacy for all and most importantly for the
coming generations. It is with this thought
in particular, we will call upon you all to
assist us and to participate in tasks ahead
and in meeting every challenge as one. On
this basis alone, we will progress forward
and succeed in our aims.
Vasan Srinivasan
President
FEDERATION OF INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF
VICTORIA INC
For the Sa fety a nd Security of I ndia n I nterna tiona l Students
a nd Victims of Domestic Viola nce of I ndia n Origin
MON - FRI - 10a m to 5pm & 7 pm to 11pm
FREE CALL FREE CALL
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 5
6 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
I am del i ght ed t o
not e t hat t he Pr esi dent
Mr . Vasan Sr i ni vasan i s
pl anni ng t o br i ng out a
newsl et t er af t er a l apse
of sever al year s.
The Fl AV was
est abl i shed i n 1989 t o
r epr esent t he di ver se
Indi an communi t y as
a uni fied voi ce. At
t hat t i me t her e wer e
16 Indi an associ at i ons
r epr esent i ng t he var i ous
st at es of Indi a and t her e
was a need f or a Uni fied
body t hat coul d r epr esent t he Indi an communi t y. Wi t h
t hi s pur pose, we wer e abl e t o br i ng al l t hese gr oups
t oget her under one umbr el l a or gani zat i on whi ch came t o
be known as t he FIAV.
For t he FIAV t o be successf ul t he var i ous r egi onal
gr oups shoul d be r epr esent ed by one of t hei r Of fice
Bear er s f or . ef f ect i ve communi cat i on and di ssemi nat i on
of i nf or mat i on. If t he r egi onal gr oups ar e not r epr esent ed
by an. Of fice Bear er on t he FIAV Execut i ve Commi t t ee
t hen i nf or mat i on does not per col at e t hr ough t o t he
commi t t ees of t he r espect i ve r egi onal gr oups. The FIAV
wi l l onl y be as good as t he r epr esent at i ves t hat ar e sent
t o t he f eder al body by t he r espect i ve r egi onal gr oups and
unl ess t he r egi onal gr oups t ake an act i ve r ol e i n t he FIAV,
t he whol e r el evance of t he Fl AV wi l l be quest i oned.
It i s i mpor t ant f or t he communi t y t o under st and
t hat pol i t i ci ans at bot h a Feder al and St at e l evel wi l l
onl y l i st en t o communi t y gr oups t hat speak wi t h one
voi ce. It i s upt o t he FIAV t o r epr esent t he concer ns of
t he Indi an communi t y ef f ect i vel y so t hat your gr i evances
ar e addr essed. Ther ef or e t he Fl AV Execut i ve needs t o
addr ess how best t o communi cat e wi t h t he communi t y
so t hat peopl e’ s voi ces can be hear d - cer t ai nl y t he
r epr esent at i ves f r om t he var i ous r egi onal gr oups i s one
mechani sm, but maybe some t hought needs t o be put i nt o
a wel l desi gned websi t e t hat wi l l al l ow t he wi der Indi an
communi t y t o communi cat e di r ect l y wi t h t he FIAV.
The FIAV was not set up t o sat i sf y anyone i ndi vi dual s
per sonal ego or agenda but t o benefit t he communi t y
as a whol e. However , over t he l ast f ew year s t he
el ect i on pr ocess has been der ai l ed by br anch st acki ng
f or vest ed per sonal i nt er est s whi ch cul mi nat ed i n a l ot
of i nfight i ng and l oss of cr edi bi l i t y of t he FIAV. Thi s
i s no mor e evi dent t han t he est abl i shment of t he one
and t wo per son or gani sat i ons and dance school s t hat
ar e not at al l r epr esent at i ve of t he communi t y at l ar ge
- any of t hese such or gani sat i ons at best coul d onl y be
associ at e member s wi t h no vot i ng r i ght s. In r ecent t i mes
t hese or gani sat i ons have been di sr upt i ng t he ef f ect i ve
f unct i oni ng of t he FIAV.
A maj or i ssue wi t h t he r unni ng of t he FIAV has
been a l ack of gover nance sur r oundi ng how i t oper at es.
An i nt er i m commi t t ee has now r evi ewed and r evi sed
t he const i t ut i on; however , cer t ai n pr i nci pl es shoul d be
adopt ed as a mat t er of cour se movi ng f or war d. These
i ncl ude:
• Al l meet i ngs bei ng mi nut ed and final mi nut es
si gned by t he Chai r per son ci r cul at ed t o al l or gani sat i ons
wi t hi n 7 days of t he meet i ng. These mi nut es shoul d be
cl ear , pr eci se and have act i on poi nt s of what needs t o be
f ol l owed up pr i or t o t he next meet i ng.
Fi nanci al r epor t s t o be di st r i but ed mont hl y al ong
t he mi nut es
No per sons wi t h any pr i or cr i mi nal convi ct i ons t o be
al l owed t o nomi nat e f or t he FIAV commi t t ee
A boar d of t r ust ees be const i t ut ed i mmedi at el y
t hat has t he power t o r emove non per f or mi ng commi t t ee
member s
No of fice bear er shoul d be abl e t o st ay f or mor e
t han 2 t er ms
Any r egi onal gr oup member of t he FIAV must have
a mi ni mum of 30 financi al member s - t hese member s
must be financi al at l east 30 days pr i or t o t he AGM of
t he FIAV.
Fl AV Execut i ve t o r evi ew t he financi al member
r equi r ement s of each r egi onal gr oup ever y 6 mont hs.
The above poi nt s ar e j ust a f ew exampl es of
cor por at e gover nance aspect s t hat need t o be adopt ed by
t he Fl AV movi ng f or war d.
Ther e ar e al so a l ot of soci al i ssues wi t hi n t he
communi t y t hat need t o be addr essed and t hese ar e
i ncr easi ng wi t h t he gr owi ng popul at i on. Whi l st a l ot of
t hese pr obl ems ar e t aken car e of by i ndi vi dual s i t i s t i me
t hat we addr ess t hese col l ect i vel y wi t h t he hel p of a
soci al wor ker . In t hi s r egar d t he Vi ct or i an Gover nment
has been ver y hel pf ul i n financi ng a soci al wor ker f or our
communi t y and f or t hi s we need t o ext end our t hanks.
Wi t h one of t he most af fl uent communi t i es i n
Vi ct or i a, we st i l l do not have a communi t y cent r e t o cal l
our own. Var i ous et hni c gr oups r ecei ve a l ot of f undi ng
f r om Gover nment s and we have been mi ssi ng out because
of t he i nfight i ng and di suni t y. I bel i eve t hat i t i s hi gh
t i me t hat t he communi t y wakes up and t akes an act i ve
i nt er est and suppor t s t he Fl AV so t hat we can avai l of
t hese and ot her benefit s.
Mor e r ecent l y, ever y Sat ur day mor ni ng, many et hni c
gr oups have t hei r home count r y news br oadcast on SBS. 1
had negot i at ed wi t h Door dar shan t o send news f r om Indi a
f or t hi s however due t o some t echni cal i ssues t hi s has not
yet been possi bl e. But t hese ar e ar eas t hat t he Fl AV can
t ake on and r eal l y add val ue t o Indi ans l i vi ng i n Vi ct or i a
and Aust r al i a.
Fi nal l y pr i or t o st eppi ng down as t he Consul Gener al
f or Indi a i n Vi ct or i a, I est abl i shed t he Aust r al i a Indi a
Benevol ent and Char i t abl e Tr ust wi t h Dr . Mar t and Joshi ,
Dr . Vi r endr a Ber er a and Mr s. Jaya Shar ma as t r ust ees and
we est abl i shed an i ni t i al cor pus of A$400, 000. We shoul d
wor k har d as a communi t y t o gr ow t he f unds i n t he t r ust
so t hat we can use t he f unds t o hel p t he needy wi t hi n our
communi t y.
I t ake t hi s oppor t uni t y t o wi sh t he FIAV ever y
success. I hope t hat t hi s i s a new and exci t i ng chapt er i n
t he Fl AV’ s hi st or y.
- Mr. T. J Rao
Former Consul General for
India in Victoria
Message f r om Dr . Rao
N
orthern Region Indian Seniors’ Association (NRISA)
was registered in January 2008 and had its inaugural
meeting in March 2008. The association creates opportunities
for the seniors to get out of their loneliness by meeting people
and be informed as how to live a healthy and happy life.
Though the primary aim of the association is to serve the
seniors but it does not limit its activities to seniors only. At
least, couple of activities is intended for people from all ages
to share good time together. Last year an excursion
to Ballarat and the annual function “Three-Generation
Family Union Day” were intended to bring all age
groups together.
Monthly meetings and the excursion attracted
around 35 members, whereas the annual function
held in November 2008 at the Northcote Town Hall,
was attended by 145, which included invited guests,
community members along with their families. In many
cases three generations were present. In the 3G
function, Dr Devki Monani was the MC and Bollywood
dances were performed by Vihang and his group
representing Shiamak Davar International (Australia)
Pty. Ltd. The guests were equally enthusiastic to
show their skills and stamina. The chief guest for
the evening was Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP (Minister
for Resources and Energy, and Minister for Tourism). The
Minister condemned the cowardly act of terrorists in Mumbai,
assured about the Australian Government’s commitment to
support India in their difficult time and praised the contributions
of the Indian community in Australia. Other two distinguished
guests included Mr. Nazih Halim Elasmar – OAM (Member
of the Legislative council for the Australian Labour Party)
representing Hon. James Merlino MP, Minister for Sports,
Recreation and Youth Affairs and Minister Assisting the
Premier for Multicultural Affairs, and Mr. Anil Gupta, Consul
for Cultural and Commercial Affairs for India in Melbourne. All
emphasized about the tragic and heartless deed of terrorism
in India, about the ghastly activities leading to destruction,
sufferings and the innocent lives being lost.
There are people who selflessly serve the community.
During the year 2008, the association presented Community
Services Award to Mr. Anil Gupta, Hon. Martin Ferguson, Mr.
Shabbir Wahid (The then President, FIAV), Mr. Sushil Sharma
(Director Community Services, FIAV), Mr. Vasan Srinivasan
(President, FIAV), Mr. CV Samuel (Grace Villa, Aged Care),
Ms.Barbara Quittanbaun (A visitor to Melbourne who has
given 27 years of service in rural India). It was an example
hard to match.
NRISA also recognized catering services from Shahnai
Indian Restaurant and Tandoori Junction. Medals as
mementoes to young children were also presented for
encouragement and future association in community events.
This year NRISA availed financial grants from the
Victorian Multi-cultural Commission, Darebin Council, and
the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services
and Indigenous Affairs. Usually NRISA meetings are held
on the 3rd Sunday of the month at 18 A Bent St, Northcote.
These meetings include entertainment, lunch, lectures,
discussions on topic of interest, Yoga, Meditation,
Pranayam, and group walks.
Membership of NRISA is open to all, no age
restriction. I wish to share a true incident before putting
forward a challenge if you think that you are energetic,
young and full of ideas. In Northern Thailand, a resort
has introduced an annual King’s Cup, a new version
of the game polo, where elephants replaced normal
horses. These elephants used in this game are
those, who were decommissioned due to their age,
from laboring as timber haulers. This is an example
of creative thinking to convert a social burden into a
national asset, see Time Magazine, March 16, 2009.
A new industry has been established for the National
Elephants Institute and the resort. Similarly the challenge is
to convert senior population with knowledge, experience and
worldly wisdom into a national asset and bring a change to
their current social status. Can you help? If so, please join
NRISA. For membership and other information concerning
NRISA you may contact Dr Santosh Kumar, President (0411
136 612) or Mr. Rajender Chopra, Secretary (0401 681 330).
Santosh Kumar
No r t h e r n Re g i o n I n d i an Se n i o r ’s As s o c i at i o n o f Vi c t o r i a - 20 0 8
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June 2009 7
8 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
P O S I T I V E
A G E I N G
M OVI NG WI TH OUR
NEW CONSTI TUTI ON
C
hallenges and opport unit ies are unique
feat ures in one’s life. Old age can be
a posit ive phase in one’s life like any ot her.
Posit ive living is neit her about living longer nor
about how t o avoid growing old. I t is about
making t he most of t he benefit s of being
older.
You can be as old as you feel “ 50’” or young
at heart at “ 80” it is about your at t it ude. I t
is import ant t o be connect ed; we are living in
an era of communicat ion t hrough t echnology,
a perfect place t o be involved, informed and
in t ouch. As you grow older, consult a Doct or as t o how t o increase
bone densit y along Wit h ot her t hings t o help avoid ost eoporosis and
ot her physical ailment s. St ay fit and healt hy, increasing your core
st abilit y t o help your balance and avoid falls.
Posit ive Ageing is a st rat egy for current and t he seniors of t omorrow.
I t maximizes t he qualit y of life and social recognit ion of seniors I n
cont rast t o previous generat ions not only is it possible t o increase t he
number of years of your life. it is also possible t o be more act ive and
energet ic across t he years.
One should be involved in a meaningful way wit h friends and
family in what ever act ivit ies you undert ake. Enj oy life and a range
of act ivit ies.
Ret irement is a t ime t o embrace t he t hings you would have loved
t o do.
PARTI CI PATE I N ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMMUNI TY AND
OTHER OCCASI ONS.
Remember t hat each of us will have cert ain expect at ions about
life is an older person and our at t it udes t owards t he knowledge of
ageing.
Posit ive at t it udes t o ageing is oft en shown by t he following
charact erist ics.
l) Sense of pride and det erminat ion in t he face of adversit y.
2) An int erest in sust aining social relat ionship.
3) A t enacit y of self in a changing world.
4) An accept ance of give and t ake.
5) An awareness of t he need t o make t he short of ones asset s.
6) A desire t o live a Qualit y life.
The fact s of life oft en dict at e a st ory you may not have expect ed
for your years as a senior cit izen. That is not somet hing t o allow
yourself lo be brought down wit h.
The indian Seniors are accust omed t o ‘I ndian Cult ure’ and when
t hey j oin t heir sons and daught ers t hey have ent ered a mixed cult ure
and t heir grand children are ‘West ernised’. Therefore t he Seniors who
migrat e t o be wit h t heir children will have t o reach an underst anding.
Social relat ionship will have t o be sust ained. Senior cit izens t hemselves
should promot e t olerance, respect and underst anding and breakdown
communit y barriers.
KEY ATTI TUDES OLDER PEOPLE SHOULD SEE FOR POSI TI VE
AGEI NG.
1. Opt imism
2. Fait h or/ believing.
3. Confidence and courage
4. Maint aining a sense of advant age
5. Gut s and Det erminat ion
6. A sense of humour
7. Learning t o live wit h limit at ions
I t is import ant t o keep act ive. Seniors have t he opt ion t o spend
t heir t ime doing; Volunt eer work, t alk on t he phone wit h friends,
exercising and st aying fit visit shopping areas, look aft er t he grand
children. Even enrolling in various educat ional courses which are
offered t hrough inst it ut ions and councils will help expand your mind
and occupy your t ime in a product ive fashion. z Mrs Krishna Arora
FIAV was in a sorry
state when in 2007 a
small group of people with
vested interests took an
unconstitutional step of
staging a Fiji style coup and
ousted the democratically
elected General Council
and the Executive Council
of the FIAV and installed
themselves as the governing
body. This group took over
the office and tried to control
the accounts held with
the banks. Unfortunately
personality clashes played
a major role and some well
known members of the
community sided with the
“coup group”. The Indian
community was divided and
its reputation was harmed.
As an Indian living in
Australia for the past 45
years I was saddened to see
what happened to the FIAV,
the so called “Umbrella
Association”, that claimed
to represent the interest of
all Indians living in Victoria.
There were many other
people in the community
who too voiced their disgust.
The Indian community
blamed the people who
originally formed the FIAV
for leaving big holes in the
constitution that caused the
mess. The court challenge
launched by some of the
members against the “coup
group” was heard by the
judge who gave judgment
declaring the takeover by
the group unconstitutional
and invalid; thus reinstalling
the constitutionally elected
members of the FIAV.
The president Mr. Shabbir
Wahid and the Executive
Council of the FIAV then
created a Constitutional
Review Committee (CRC)
consisting of Dr. Ishwar
Desai, Dr. Prem Phakey,
Mr. Hemant Gokhle and
Mrs. Pratiba Ganu. This
committee, because of its
wide collective expertise,
was given the task to look
into the deficiencies in
the existing constitution
and recommend changes.
The first task of the
Constitutional Review
Committee (CRC) was to
identify the deficiencies in
the existing constitution. It
found that that anyone could
register an association
with the FIAV, without any
scrutiny, and become a
voting member. (A few
past presidents of FIAV
had exploited this loophole
to build an impressive list
(in numbers) of member
associations to falsely
claim the grandeur of the
FIAV.) When accepting
membership of applicant
association basic essential
requirements such as
providing evidence of a
registered incorporated
body, a proper constitution
and a list of current financial
membership could not be
monitored or implemented.
Another major flaw in the
existing constitution was that
the member associations
had unequal value for their
vote. Big associations such
as the Sindhi Association,
the Gujarati Association,
the Punjabi Club, the Indian
Senior Citizens Association.
Marathi Mandal, Hindi
Nikaten etc with several
hundred members each
had the same voting
power as any “Mickey
Mouse” association that
had only five, six or even
less members. It became
evident that sadly some
individuals had exploited
these weaknesses in
the FIAV structure and
registered several “Mickey
Mouse” associations with
the FIAV. (This was akin
to the “branch stacking”,
a commonly practiced
play in politics.). Hence
a few individuals were
able to form many small
associations with the same
individual members and
thus control several votes.
Technically a single person
could cast several votes
and thus control the affairs
of the FIAV.
After identifying the
deficiencies in the old
constitution the CRC met
regularly for prolonged
periods to amend the
constitution. For this
purpose the CRC studied
several constitutions of other
renowned associations
such as the foot ball clubs
and the ACTU. After nearly
six months of hard work
the CRC produced a draft
copy of the constitution. Dr.
Marar’s Interim Committee
looked at the proposed
changes and in general
agreed with them. The
proposed new constitution
was put together and
circulated to all Indian
associations and many
individuals for comments.
After addressing the
comments, the CRC handed
over the new constitution to
the Executive Committee
of the FIAV. This revised
constitution was formally
adopted at a specially
convened Special General
Meeting and then registered
with the Department of
Consumers Affairs.
The new constitution
is a document of 24
pages covering topics of
membership, termination
of membership and
expulsion, powers of FIAV,
the composition and duties
of the General Council
and the Executive Council,
voting rights, budgetary
and accounting process,
the code of conduct,
dissolution and trustees.
The full version of the new
constitution is available on
the FIAV web site but a
brief summary of some of
the main amendments and
additions is given below:
1. To be admitted as a
member, an organisation is
required to submit minutes
of the last AGM, a list of
current office bearers,
audited financial reports, a
copy of the constitution or
its equivalent, a copy of its
certificate of incorporation
and a list of its identifiable
financial members. The
General Council will decide
to accept or reject the
application for membership.
(Note: This makes the
member associations more
responsible, accountable
and transparent.)
2. The membership of the
Continue on Page 10
Mrs Krishna Arora
June 2009 9
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OUR SERVI CES POPULAR COURSES
• Aut omot i ve Technol ogy
• Communi t y Wel f ar e
• Hai r Dr essi ng
• Hospi t al i t y Management
• El ect r oni c Engi neer i ng
• MI T
• MI S
• MPA
• Pr i nt i ng & Gr aphi cs
• Ref r i ger at i on &
Ai r - condi t i oni ng
10 June 2009
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Saf et y & Secur i t y of Vi ct or i an I ndi an
I nt er nat i onal St udent s
organisation is terminated if
the member organisation is
no longer incorporated.
(Note: This means that
the member associations
should remain viable)
3. The General Council
of FIAV shall consist of
primary delegates, with
voting rights, nominated by
the member associations.
An association whose
membership is greater than
100 is allowed a maximum
of three primary delegates.
If the membership is
between 51 and 100 then
the entitlement is two
primary delegates, and
for membership between
25 and 50 only one
primary delegate. Those
organisations that have less
than 25 financial members
can be admitted to FIAV
but they have no primary
delegate or entitlement
to vote. No delegate or
alternative delegate shall
represent more than one
member organisation.
Should a delegate cease
to be representative of his
own association, he will lose
position at General Council
or Executive council.
(NOTE: This is
proportional representation
giving bigger associations
more say in the affairs of the
FIAV. It also stops a single
person from representing
several associations and
casting more than one
vote, a major flaw in the old
constitution.)
4. Delegates nominated
for the position of President
must have completed
one continuous year as
a member of the General
Council in the last three
years prior to nomination.
The president shall be
responsible for the welfare
and dignity of the FIAV, the
maintenance of harmony
among its members and
the strict observance of
the rules, regulations and
procedures as laid down in
the constitution.
5. The General Council
of FIAV shall determine
the policies upon which the
affairs of the FIAV shall be
conducted. The General
council shall meet at least
once quarterly.
6. The affairs of the
FIAV shall be managed by
the Executive Committee.
This committee shall meet
at least once every two
months.
7. The Reserve Powers
to manage the FIAV is
vested in five Trustees.
The trustees take over the
running of FIAV, for no
more than 180 days, if for
some reasons the Executive
Committee is unable to
manage the affairs of the
FIAV.
(NOTE: This is a very
important clause that
effectively guards against
any unconstitutional
takeover of the FIAV of
the kind that took place in
2007. These trustees shall
take steps to enable the
General council to elect a
new Executive Committee
at a properly constituted
Special General meeting of
the FIAV.)
8. An Annual Conference
shall be held prior to the
AGM of the FIAV at which
all members of the Indian
Community of Victoria shall
be invited to express their
views.
(NOTE: This is a very
innovative clause that aims
to bring the general Indian
community in touch with the
FIAV).
The CRV is of the opinion
that the new constitution
of the FIAV will serve the
current needs of FIAV but
it may need updating from
time to time as the Indian
community and the FIAV
grows. For example there
may be a need to include a
clause to exclude a person
with a court conviction even
if the person is nominated as
a delegate by the member
association. The CRC
debated over this issue
but was unable to make a
recommendation.
Dr. Prem Phakey
Member Constitutional
Review Committee.
MOVI NG WI TH OUR NEW CONSTI TUTI ON
Continued from Page 8
The increase in the number of International students coming
to Australia in the recent months has been tremendous. This is
particularly due to Quality education provided by Australian
Universities and Vocational colleges in Victoria. There has also been
increasing concern about student security and their living conditions
.The VISA (Victorian International Students Association) has been
formed to address and solve the issues of International students
particularly the students coming from the Indian community. The
VISA has student representatives from all the important colleges
and Universities in and around Melbourne city and has been actively
involved in a number of issues concerning the Indian students.
The proposed Aims of VISA are
z VISA will function as the focal point of reference for all
Indian students nationally (Australia-wide) on any issues they
have a concern with.
z VISA will create an open, transparent and responsible
communication network amongst all students who are Indian
by birth.
z VISA will endeavor to establish its network for the benefit
of all Indian Students in all University Unions/Organizations
and other alike educational institutions.
z VISA will coordinate all significant cultural events to provide
an effective social interaction for all Indian students.
z VISA will enhance and further the dialogue between all
community representative bodies and Indian Students in
order to provide all Indian Students with a direct benefit from
Australia’s expanding multicultural society.
z VISA will ensure that it monitors and effectively scrutinizes
the working conditions and entitlements provided to Indian
Students and will dedicate its resources in ensuring that no
Indian Student is exploited by any employer or employment
organization and will ensure that any exploitation discovered
by CIISA of any Indian Student be prosecuted by the Australian
Workplace Authorities.
z VISA will operate as the rallying and coordination point for
any issue which might affect the day to day life of all Indian
Students and will ensure that the Australian Government and
local authorities are made aware of the needs, requirements
and concerns of all Indian Students
z It is proposed that the new organization “VISA” adopted as
its inaugural Constituent Document the Model Rules as specified
by the Associations Incorporations Act 1981 (as Amended) and
make such changes as are required to express the direct aims
and form herein suggested.
Recently VISA has been involved with the Victorian police and
other Indian community representatives to solve the issue of
Security of Indian students in Victoria. Visa is actively involved with
the Peer support group program formed with the help of Victorian
Police and prominent Indian group communities like the FIAV (
Federation of Indian Associations of Victorians ).It will also take
active role in setting up of the Toll free no 1800FIAV00 , a help
line number for the benefit of Indian students
Dr Vipin, President VISA
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 11
About us
Our mission
Facilit ies
Cont act Us
We realize t hat AGEI NG is a difficult and anxious t ime for you and we at GRACE VI LLA Aged Care will help allay some
of your fears. We are a 60- place nursing home and host el owned and managed by expert professionals. Qualified
Nursing st aff are present t went y fours hours a day t o provide qualit y- nursing care for all resident s of t he home.
A Luxurious purpose built Nursing and Resident ial home wit h beaut iful views over open mount ain side.
Our warm friendly st aff will make your st ay happy, enj oyable and as int erest ing as possible. Every at t empt will be
made t o consider your individual needs by providing t he highest qualit y care t o our resident s t hrough: The 24 hour
at t endance of our highly t rained nurses and professionally t rained carers and individual care.
We endeavour t o ensure a homelike, personalized environment is provided for all. We encourage all resident s t o
ret ain t heir ident it y, values and individualit y. We believe it is import ant for people t o maint ain t heir personal and
int imat e friendships and be facilit at ed t o creat e new ones wit hin t he home. We believe everyone has t he absolut e
right t o be t reat ed wit h respect and dignit y and experience pleasure and sat isfact ion.
We ensure resident s have t he right t o come and go as t hey wish and are facilit at ed t o pract ice religious and cult ural
cust oms, mange t heir own affairs and exercise choices about all aspect s of t heir life. Resident s’ safet y and securit y
are t aken int o account in t he provision of care. We provide all healt h and personal care required by resident s of our
home and assist ance is given as required. A resident ’s privacy and dignit y is always t aken int o account .
Mr. C. V. Samuel or Mrs. Kay
4 / 25 - 33 Grimshaw St ,
Greensborough, Vict oria 3088.
Ph: 9432 2855 , Fax : 9432 2988
Email: kerala@gracevilla. com. au
4 / 25 - 33 Gr i mshaw St , Gr eensbor ough, Vi ct or i a 3088.
Bedrooms ( Single/ Double rooms) wit h at t ached t oilet and bat hrooms.
Laundry wit h large washing machines and dryers,
capable enough t o meet t he washing requirement s of t he
resident s.
We have t he st at e of t he art facilit ies and our Qualified Nursing st aff are present t went y fours hours a day t o provide
qualit y- nursing care for all resident s of t he home.
Recreat ion and Dining rooms large and comfort able enough t o accommodat e all t he resident s at any t ime where
any special occasion is celebrat ed, wit h regular dances and singalongs organized.
Kit chen fit t ed wit h lat est equipment s large enough t o
cat er t o t he needs of t he resident s comfort ably, wit h
delicious meals cooked by our cook, based on menu
decided by t he resident s.
Bed r ooms
Di ni ng r ooms
Laundr y Ki t chen
12 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
Tr avancor e on t he Par k – Si enna Apar t ment s
“ Sienna Apart ment s” in “ Travancore on t he Park”
is cent ral t o much of everyt hing in t he heart of
Melbourne - recent ly vot ed as Aust ralia’s Most
Liveable Cit y.
“ Sienna Apart ment s” is t he second st age release
of t he “ Travancore on t he Park” proj ect being
developed by Bensons Propert y Group.
Est ablished in 1994, Bensons Propert y Group’s core
business has been delivering qualit y apart ment s
and t ownhouses wit hin t he rej uvenat ing inner
suburbs of Melbourne. A key feat ure of Bensons’
success has been it s abilit y t o int erpret market
t rends ‘ahead of t he market ’ and acquire sit es in
sought aft er locat ions.
Travancore is
locat ed wit hin
t he cit y of
Moonee Valley in
Melbourne and
t he development
is j ust 3km out of
Melbourne’s CBD
and j ust 15km
from Melbourne’s
T u l l a m a r i n e
airport .
Wit hin only a
few kilome t res,
you have t he
Docklands lifest yle
precinct , Carlt on’s
c o s m o p o l i t a n
Lygon St reet ,
t he Universit y of Melbourne, RMI T, The Royal
Children’s Hospit al, t he Royal Melbourne Hospit al,
various parks and reserves, t he Melbourne Zoo
and Royal Park Golf Course.
Travancore on t he Park is sit uat ed at t he st art of Mt
Alexander Road at Melbourne’s nort hern gat eway
and has a rich hist ory t hat has long been of com-
mercial and geographical significance t o Melbourne.
Mt Alexander Road was est ab lished in t he 1850s
as t he maj or commercial rout e t o Vict oria’s newly
discovered nort hern goldfields. Mount Alexander
it self is locat ed near Cast lemaine.
The development of t he sit e dat es back t o
1848 when t he Flemingt on Hot el was built
t here. Merchant and specula t or Hugh Glass t hen
purchased much of t he surrounding land t o t he
nort h and built a magnificent mansion known as
Flemingt on House.
The small suburb of Travancore has a special
hist orical connect ion t o I ndia. I t is named aft er
t he former I ndian sout h west ern princely st at e of
Travancore, ruled by t he Travancore Royal Family
and which now predominat ely lies wit hin t he
modern st at e of Kerala.
I n 1910 t he propert y was purchased by Henry
Madden, who had grown up on part of t he est at e
aft er emigrat ing from I reland. His brot hers
included Sir John Madden, a Chief Just ice of
Vict oria, and Sir Frank Madden a Speaker of t he
Vict orian Parliament . Henry Madden bred army
horses for export t o I ndia and he renamed t he
house Travancore.
From 1918 on t he est at e was progressively
subdivided, but t he Madden family reinforced t heir
special affinit y for I ndia by creat ing t he suburb of
Travancore and providing for st reet names like
Moolt an, Mangalore, Cashmere, Lucknow and a
park named Dehli Reserve.
The magnificent Travancore House was
demolished by t he Government in 1947 t o make
way for healt h facilit ies t hat are now part of t he
Royal Children’s Hospit al.
Bensons Propert y Group acquired an opt ion t o
purchase t he Travancore on t he Park sit e in 2002,
when it was st ill t he headquart ers and warehousing
facilit y for Lombards, t he Paper People.
By June 2006 Bensons had set t led acquisit ion of
t he Lombards sit e, received planning permit s from
aut horit ies and commenced const ruct ion of St age
1, which was complet ed in April 2008.
I n December 2008 Bensons commenced
const ruct ion of t he St age 2 Sienna Apart ment s
building wit h it s 243 apart ment s and t ownhouses.
Already over 85% of t he Sienna Apart ment s have
been sold off t he plan t o invest ors and owner
occupiers.
Benson Propert y Group’s Managing Direct or, Rick
Curt is, t old t he FI AV Newslet t er t hat Bensons is
very pleased wit h t he int erest in St age 2 of t he
development given t he current more challenging
financial market s.
St age 3 of t he Travancore on t he Park proj ect
will be t he Alexander Lombard Tower of 22 st oreys
and 396 apart ment s. The sale of t hese apart ment s
is expect ed t o commence lat er in 2009.
The archit ect s responsible for t he design of
Travancore on t he Park are Fender Kat silidis,
renowned for Melbourne iconic resident ial
buildings, including t he Republic Tower, HM@S
Lonsdale Apart ment s and Eureka Tower.
Mr Curt is said: “ Fender Kat silidis will cont inue
in St ages 2 and 3 t he t hemes est ablished in t he
first st age of Travancore on t he Park - wit h a
real commit ment t o qualit y, aest het ic appeal and
funct ion. ”
“ A range of feat ures address-
ing energy and wat er use will
be incorporat ed in t he design
- including solar boost ed hot
wat er for resident s, t he lat est
energy- saving element s in t he
office complex and rainwat er
harvest ing for t he landscaped
areas. Access by bicycle will
be act ively encouraged, wit h
t he development so close t o
Melbourne’s ext ensive bike
pat h net work, and t here will be
racks available for occupiers
and visit ors. ”
Bensons says t hat all of t he
t wo- bedroom apart ment s will
have securit y car parking and
a choice of nine different floor
plans. The Sienna Apart ment s brochure st at es:
“ Each apart ment feat ures qualit y appliances,
st one bench t ops, a laundry area, split - syst em air
condit ioning, audio- visual int ercom syst em and
is fully wired for high- speed broadband and Pay-
TV. ”
And t o add a lit t le difference t o t he norm of
most develop ment s, Bensons also says in it s
brochure t hat every apart ment owner will receive
a court esy mount ain bike t o “ enj oy t he parkland
environment and explore t he vibrant diversit y at
your doorst ep. ”
As an addit ional service and environment benefit ,
Sienna also proposes a ` flexi car’ smart car hire
service, where resident s will benefit 24/ 7 access
t hrough car sharing wit hout t he cost and hassle of
owning one: ’
More informat ion about Travancore on t he Park
and Sienna Apart ment s is available at : www.
bensonsgroup. com. au or www. SiennaApart ment s.
com. au
· 2.5kn íron the C80
· A íenda Katsalídís desígn
· Conpletíon Aug 2010 (ßuge Stanp 0uty Savíngs)
· Stone bench-tops, aír-condítíoníng 8 staínless steel applíances
· 0ísplay at 58 Hount Alexander kd, ]ravancore (horth Helbourne)
*for First Home Buyers that qualify for the government FHOG **Apartments less than $500,000 receive $10,000; greater than $500,000 receive $20,000
FIRST HOME OWNER GRANT* $26,000 + Up to $20,000 MORE FROM BENSONS**
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www.SiennaApartments.com.au
0peníng hours: Hon-írí: 9an-5pn Sat-Sun: 10an-4pn
Call 9376 5908 or Peter on 0418 962 075
Síenna Apartnents
2 Bedroom + Study Area
+ Carpark from $400,000
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 13
B e n s o n
Pr o p e r t i e s
( Middle Fold)
Inspired by art and the tastes of
Melbourne’s Lygon Street
In an Australian first, Peter Russell-Clarke, the legendary television chef
who is now a prominent artist, brings together artistic inspiration and the
renowned tastes of Melbourne throughout the interior of Elvera.
Elvera is an exciting new boutique development at 330 Lygon Street, Brunswick
East. A new community will be created within a 10 storey sculptured building
designed to maximise natural light, ventilation and space throughout. It comprises
of 100 apartments featuring spacious living plus study areas, large windows and
generous balconies with magnificent views.
Elvera continues Bensons Property Groups’ tradition of injecting each of its
projects with a strong visual and cultural aspect.
Every buyer at Elvera will receive an exquisite kitchen gift pack that’s designed
to inspire residents to continue Lygon Street’s culinary traditions.
Contact: 03 8602 0800
or email: [email protected]
www.elvera.com.au
330 Lygon St
East Brunswick
elvera.com.au
“East Brunswick is one of the coolest places on the planet” The Age, Domain
Quality
Design
PURCHASE OFF THE PLAN FOR
HUGE STAMP DUTY SAVINGS!
0|e|ce e| I ara 2 aeareem
plus study area
I00 aaar|mer|s w||| 53
different floorplans
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0aa|||] |areaears|]|e aaa||arces,
fittings and stone bench tops
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Exciting Boutique Apartment
with study and carpark
$
38â,ââ5
from
Completion
March
2011
14 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
A l l
Students encounter
the issue of renting or leasing a property
in order to have a temporary home while pursuing their
studies at a local College or University. Some students
either rent or lease a room or enter into a lease for a whole
residence with other students, hence, choosing to share
the rent and the other associated costs (electricity, gas
and water) with other students. In either instance, the
student has certain important responsibilities.
Before you decide on a room or to share in the renting/
leasing of a house, request from either the Landlord or his
Agent to show you the Lease or Tenancy Agreement.
Take time to read each clause. By reading the document
you will familiarize yourself with what the Landlord allows
and disallows you to do while in occupation of his property
or part thereof. For example, does the Lease permit you
to have pets? Or does it allow you to have others living
with you, for example, family visitors from India?
Secondly, tales abound of unscrupulous landlords
who just take a tenant’s money and give nothing in return -
they don’t do repairs, they let the house get damp.
These landlords do indeed exist, but there are also
many, many private landlords who are decent people who
have made an investment and want to keep it in good
order and earn an honest income from it.
If you go to view a house owned by a private landlord,
just keep your wits about you and go with some checkpoints
in mind. Is the house in good order externally? Is
the house generally well maintained inside? Do the
bathroom and kitchen fittings actually work? Does
that Landlord seem decent and honest, or are you
picking up nasty-piece-of-work vibes?.
If all of the above are to your satisfaction, go for it.
If they’re not, see if you can negotiate - i.e. I’d love to
move in but not until you’ve decorated/fixed the toilet/
mended those sliding slates on the roof. If they won’t
agree to this, you’re better off away from them anyway.
One downfall with private landlords is that they often
ask for a large deposit or ‘surety’ money up front. It’s
understandable why they do this, but several hundreds of
dollars isn’t something everyone can raise just like that.
Always read carefully the Lease and ascertain clearly what
is required from you in bond moneys. A month’s rental as
a bond is sufficient but there have been instances where
Landlords have asked for more. Be prepared to ask
questions if more is asked and always be prepared to
negotiate.
Thirdly, make sure you sign a Lease Contract to
make sure you’ve got your rights, and read this document
careful BEFORE YOU SIGN IT. If you are not sure about
certain terms seek advice either from a qualified Lawyer or
from your local Residential Tenancies Association.
Fourthly, if you or your friends pay the rent, pay
it on time and always request a receipt either from the
Landlord if you are dealing with a Landlord or from the
Estate Agent if they are doing the work of the Landlord
in managing the property.

W
h
a
t
t
o
d
o
a
n
d what t o avoi d
?

r ent i ng & l easi ng
RENTING FLATS
If renting a FLAT through a BODY CORPORATE,
tenants have to adhere to multitudinous very strict
guidelines, and if they don’t there are many routes of
recourse to make sure they do.
In flats, a BODY CORPORATE will often provide
things that private landlords do not, such as car parking,
communal lighting, communal areas, gardens, communal
TV aerials and sometimes security. They might provide a
on hand 24 hours a day service to deal with maintenance
problems and emergencies, and they have to adhere to
a strict code of conduct which requires them to deal with
your complaint sooner than later or invite scrutiny and
reprimand at a Tribunal (VCAT). They also provide you with
lots of literature to help you with your tenancy, you have
a Housing Officer who you can call upon at any time for
help and advice, and the staff at the BODY CORPORATE
would treat you with courtesy at all times.
However, that doesn’t mean that BODY CORPORATES
are perfect. They are often large organisations and matters
like paperwork get lost and neglected. Because of this
there will always be a percentage of people whose repairs
does not get attended to on time, or who will receive letters
stating that they are in arrears when the tenant has made
all payments requested. However, if a tenant complains,
matters are usually sorted out forthwith but provided your
complaint is a genuine and has attached to it a reasonable
grievance.
Although living in a BODY CORPORATE has its
advantages, it major disincentive is that they might charge
higher rents than private landlords. After all, they have to
make up for their staffing costs, the high standard of service
they are required to provide, and the extras that come with
your flat, such as that communal aerial, maintaining your
grounds and garden, and cleaning and maintaining all
communal areas.
As with private Landlords, your relationship depends
again on reading carefully all rental agreements and in
dealing with BODY CORPORATES one has to become
familiar with the rules and regulations which govern the
function of such bodies. It advised, if you decide to rent
through a body corporate as an individual or as a group
ALWAYS make the effort to be an active member and
participant at monthly body corporate meetings. These
meetings are important and should not be missed or treated
lightly as they present a Tenant with the opportunity to (1)
seek information on issues of concern, (2) raise certain
concerns with the Management Committee requiring
its attention and (3) one might receive useful insight
on what in future might be introduced, modified or
changed as far as it concerns the administration of the
BODY CORPORATE.
These are only a few tips or guidelines just to alert
you and your friends they are not a substitute for real
advice from the appropriate sources in a given situation
you might face. Nevertheless, always remember – if in
doubt, do not agree or sign and always seek advice.
Seek that advice sooner than later.
And good luck!
PETER VLAHOS LL.B
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 15
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voice of fiav voice of fiav
A u st r al i a I n d i a
Tamil Sangam
More info: [email protected]
“ A n anni ver sar y i s a t i m e t o
cel ebr at e t he j o ys o f t o day, t he
m em o r i es o f yest er day, and t he
ho pes o f t o m o r r o w .”
O n Sat ur day, 7t h Febr uar y 2009
t he G o an O ver seas A sso ci at i o n
o f Vi ct o r i a ( G .O .A ) hel d a di nner
dance t o cel ebr at e 30 year s o f
co m m i t m ent t o G o an val ues, cul t ur e
and w el far e o f m em ber s. T hi s
m i l est o ne o ccasi o n w as at t ended by
o ver 580 peo pl e and t o o k pl ace at
t he Spr i ngval e C i t y H al l . M em ber s
and guest s w al k ed i n aw e as t hey
ent er ed t he w el l deco r at ed hal l
and sat at t hei r t abl es, w hi ch
w er e deck ed w i t h beaut i ful flo w er
ar r angem ent s.
M r G eo r ge Lek ak i s, C hai r m an
o f t he Vi ct o r i an M ul t i cul t ur al
C o m m i ssi o n ( VM C ) w as t he chi ef
guest at t hi s gr and o ccasi o n. M r
Shabbi r W ahi d, Pr esi dent o f t he
Feder at i o n o f Indi an A sso ci at i o n
o f Vi ct o r i a w as al so pr esent . T he
fo under m em ber s o f t he asso ci at i o n
w er e ho no ur ed dur i ng t he fo r m al
pr o ceedi ngs w i t h a t r i but e and
cak e cut t i ng cer em o ny.
M r A ndr ew M endes, Pr esi dent
o f t he G .O .A w el co m ed ever ybo dy
and spo k e o f t he var i o us so ci al ,
cul t ur al and spo r t i ng event s t hat t he
A sso ci at i o n o r gani zes o n a r egul ar
basi s fo r m em ber s and fr i ends and
st at ed t hat he w as del i ght ed t o see
m any yo ut h o f t o day at t end t hese
event s and w as co nfident t hat t he
G .O .A w i l l r em ai n an i m po r t ant
par t o f t hei r l i ves. M r Lek ak i s del i ver ed a speci al m essage fr o m t he Pr em i er o f
Vi ct o r i a and co ngr at ul at ed t he G .O .A o n achi evi ng 30 year s o f ser vi ce t o m em ber s
i n Vi ct o r i a. H e al so hi ghl i ght ed t hat t hat t he VM C suppo r t s and pr o m o t es cul t ur al
di ver si t y and st r i ves t o w ar ds a co hesi ve, r espect ful and fai r so ci et y.
T he event sho w cased an appr eci at i o n o f t he r i chness o f G o an cul t ur e by
feat ur i ng t r adi t i o nal K o nk ani fo l k so ngs and t he hi ghl i ght o f t he ni ght w as t he G o an
cul t ur al dance, w hi ch w as per fo r m ed by fo ur duo w ear i ng co l o ur ful co st um es. T he
dance per fo r m ance r ecei ved a t hunder o us appl ause fr o m t he cr o w d. G l i m pses o f
G o an scener y, cul t ur e and her i t age w er e pr o j ect ed o n a l ar ge scr een o n t he st age
and t o co m m em o r at e t he 30 year s anni ver sar y, a G o an co o k bo o k , co m pi l ed and
per so nal l y si gned by t he fam o us aut ho r Jo yce Fer nandes, w as gi ven t o at t endees as
a m em ent o .
Scr um pt i o us G o an buffet , cat er ed by D & S - Si l ver Pl at t er , w as enj o yed by al l . Li ve
m usi c, pl ayed by t he ver y ent er t ai ni ng band – “ A ft er D ar k ” fil l ed t he hal l , t o w hi ch
feet t apped under t abl es and t i ngl ed t o get t o t he dance flo o r .
N um er o us pr i zes, m o st o f w hi ch w er e pr o cur ed and shi pped fr o m G o a, w er e
di st r i but ed t hr o ugho ut t he ni ght . T he successful event w as t he acco m pl i shm ent o f
t he har d w o r k and dedi cat i o n o f t he G .O .A M anagi ng C o m m i t t ee o f 2008- 2009.
D eo Bo r em C o r unk ! Aggie Da Cost a,
Social Secret ary - GOA Vict oria
FOR M ORE INFORM ATION please visit www.goav.org.au
A
ustralia India Tamil Sangam
(AITS) is a conglomeration
of Tamil speaking community
which traces it’s origin to the State
of Tamilnadu in Southern India,
although many members currently
are actually from various other
regions of the world.
Under the auspices of Hon Dr T J Rao, AITS was formed in 1998 at
Jells Park, Wheelers Hill with Mr. Chandrasekar as the First President
and Mr. Vasan Srinivasan as its Patron.
The purpose of Incorporation of AITS is to bring the Tamil community
under 1 Governing body to represent and address the issues of Tamil
speaking Indian community as well as serve as a platform to share the
rich heritage, culture within the broader Australian Community.
AITS has a large membership base, with members represented in
various spheres of the society, like Medical, Information Technology,
Consultants, Accountants, Legal, as well as self made entrepreneurs.
AITS members are also associated with various other groups, like
music, dance, sports, cultural and art groups that provide them a unique
distinction of having an active cultural calendar for AITS members.
AITS regularly meet and conduct events like music concerts, spiritual
discourses, dance, kid’s events, game and sporting events.
Music and classical dance
Most of AITS members and their children are in some way associated
with one or more forms of Indian Classical Vocal and/or Instrumental
music like Carnatic Vocal, Carnatic Instrumental (Violin, Veena,
Mridungam, Kanjeera, Ghatam etc...) as well as Indian classical dance
and other forms of fine arts.
Sports
AITS members actively involve themselves in sporting indoor and
outdoor sports like Cricket, Tennis, Badminton, Carom, Chess, indoor
Bowling and basketball Clubs. Frequent tournaments and outdoor family
curry barbeque are pretty common socializing events.
Philanthropy
AITS’s Curry Lunch at Sacred Heart Mission
Feed the needy at Sacred Heart Mission – St Kilda. Boxing Day and
Easter.
Mental Health Foundation – Fund-raising events to raise funds and
awareness.
Fund raising for Decent Food and Shelter for Terminally Ill Cancer
patients – Adyar Cancer Foundation, Chennai, India.
Religion and philosophy
AITS have a wide representation of members of various religious faiths.
Annual events in philosophy and religious discourses are organized for
cultural unity of the community and foster cultural harmony amongst the
Indian and the larger Australian Society.
FIAV
AITS has been a member of FIAV since the very beginning, and has
had strong links in organizing FIAV projects like Domestic Violence,
Aged care, and volunteering support to other member organizations of
FIAV.
Some of the popular events where AITS has had substantially assisted
FIAV with Volunteers in projects such as, Dinner at Brand receptions back
in 2005, annual FIAV sports day, Commonwealth Games in 2006. The
key challenges were to organize resources, volunteers, drivers, vehicles,
transportation, liaise with Government authorities etc. Every year 26
January, AITS willingly helps FIAV in the Australia Day celebrations.
Goan Over seas Associat ion
of Vi ct or i a cel ebr at es
it ’s 30t h (Pear l) Anniver sar y
Cake cutting by GOA - Victoria Founder Members
Mr Andrew Mendes - GOA President, Mr George
Lekakis - Chairman VMC, Ms Venessa Afonso -
GOA Secretary
Cultural dance
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 17
18 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
Gujarati Association of Victoria (GAV) (Gujarati Samaj) is a non-profit cultural organization setup (Est. 1982) in the State of Victoria, Australia, to
promote the cultural heritage of Gujarat - a state from India.
For last 25+ years GAV has grown from strength to strength due to the solid effort and dedication by past and present commitees and members. The
aim is to achieve and preserve Gujarati heritage from cultural, educational and recreational activities such as:
Navratri, Diwali, sports, seminars on educational programs, cultural programs and religious activities. GAV organized an Antakshri competition on
September 20, 2008, which was an evening of enjoyment for all participants and audience.
Last year Navratri was celebrated during the period October 3 - 11, 2008. For the first time in the history of Gujarati Association, Navratri on October
4, 2008 was celebrated at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre’s main basket-ball hall in Albert Park. Nearly 4000 persons atended this program and
enjoyed Garbas, Dandiyas and Sanedo, which is a popular Gujarati dance. Navratri program is atracting crowd not only from Gujarati community but it has
become an event for all other Indian Communities setled in Melbourne.
Also to mark end of the Hindu calendar, GAV celebrated Diwali night with a short cultural program presented by small children aged 4 to 14 followed
by Diwali Dinner on November 1, 2008. To promote Gujarati culture, GAV organized a Sangit Sandhya (Musical evening) that included Gujarati artists
from Mumbai on August 3, 2008.
On May 2, 2009, GAV is presenting a fun filled program Hangama 2009 of Taal and Dhamal. You are most welcome to atend. Tickets are
available from any of the cultural commitee members or visit our website www.gav.org.au
For further information contact the website given above.
Gujarati Association of Victoria
When the elderly parents of a young man named Parag Modi
were migrating to Melbourne, he was motivated to call a meeting
of Indian seniors to consider the formation of a group to look
into the needs of elderly Indians, particularly new migrants, who
were culturally and linguistically isolated. At the meeting held
on 15 April 1995 at the Ecumenical migration Centre, Fitzroy an
interim working committee was formed to start an organisation
called “Indian Senior Citizens Forum”. The working committee,
with Dr. Prem Phakey as its founding president, laid down the
aims and objectives of the Forum. After a couple of meetings,
held at the Ecumenical Hall, further meetings were held at the
Coburg Community Centre. The Forum started using the facilities
of the FIAV in Prahran in 1996. In the beginning of 1997, a
constitution was drawn and on 13 November 1997 “Indian Senior
Citizens Association of Victoria” was incorporated with the office
of the Consumers Affairs. ISCA boasts to have in its constitution
a clause stating that it is “a non-religious, non-political, non-profit
making and voluntary association devoted to the welfare of older
people of Indian origin living in Victoria.”
Since becoming a member of FIAV in 1997, ISCA has always
helped FIAV supplying willing volunteers to man the office and do
other social duties. It has always promoted the FIAV and stood
by it even in times of crisis. With growth in its membership, ISCA
moved to a larger hall at Mount Waverley Youth Centre in May 2002
and since then this has been the main venue for its indoor activities.
Since its formation ISCA has made considerable progress under
the guidance of its past presidents Dr. Prem Phakey (1995 to 1999),
Mrs. Shashi Gajree (1999 to 2001) and Mrs. Krishna Arora (2001 to
2007). Currently ISCA is supported by grants from Human Services,
the VMC and the City of Monash and it has projects in partnership
with MIC and the Strathdon Community Centre.
ISCA is much more than a social club and has a well balanced
and well organised programme of activities. It follows a “Healthy
Living” programme with welfare, social and outdoor activity
components. For example, this year In January a luxury coach
trip to Healesville Sanctuary including a guided tour was a
popular outdoor activity. Also in January members joined in a
Cultural Celebration Day with lunch and tour of the Strathdon
Community Centre’s aged care facility. The February activity
had two components; a session on Yoga and an information talk
on “Alternative Medicine” in India. In March Dr. Gurcharn Ubhi
gave a talk on “Depression and Anxiety”. In April a well known
cardiologist Dr. Deepak Haikerwal will speak about issues related
to the heart. A picnic in the botanical Gardens is scheduled for
May. In the coming months talks by experts on Osteoporosis
and on Gastroenterology have been arranged. The AGM at a city
restaurant, the Multicultural Day function, the Diwali celebrations
and the end of the year Christmas and break up party are its usual
established events. ISCA endeavours to harness the skills of Indian
health professionals with expertise in medical, legal, financial and
other relevant fields for the benefit of the elderly Indians.
Presently ISCA’s 300 plus members are divided into groups.
Each group is looked after by a co-ordinator who keeps in touch
with the listed members and disperses relevant information about
meetings and other affairs. This way ISCA has developed a close
knit network of volunteers and members. ISCA also produces a
quarterly newsletter for its members. At all of its indoor activities
occasionally free but commonly heavily subsidised sumptuous
hot vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch, cold and hot drinks are
provided.
For ISCA related matters and for information about joining the
association, please ring the current president
Dr. Prem Phakey on 9560-9607.
I NDI AN SENI OR CI TI ZENS
ASSOCI ATI ON OF VI CTORI A I NC.
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 19
Australian Federal Government has honoured Varghese John, a mathematics/science teacher at
Footscray City College in Melbourne, by awarding him the 2009 Australian Sports Achievement Award.
He received this award from Honourable Nicola Roxon, the Federal Minister of Health in a ceremony
conducted at Yarraville Tennis Club,Yarraville
John has been a teacher at Footscray City College for the last eight years and was considered for this
award for his outstanding achievement as a coach. His students reached state levels in volleyball and
badminton and attained a respectable position as a result of his efforts.
He also received ‘Coach of the Year’ award from the Western Bayside District in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
He also served as the national coach of Lesotho under 20 from 1996-2000. Varghese John is a native of
Kayamkulam, Kerala and is the son of late Mr P.M John and Elizabeth John.
T
ara Rajkumar was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours list
on 26th January, 2009 for service to the performing arts as a teacher, choreographer and performer of
classical Indian dance. It is recognition of nearly forty years of Tara’s dedication to the performing arts in three
continents, India, the United Kingdom and Australia with over twenty-five of these in Australia.
Tara was born in Kozhikode in Kerala. Based in Delhi, she established a high reputation in India as an
accomplished dancer in the classical dance styles of Mohiniattam and Kathakali. In the early 1970s she moved
to London where she performed widely in Europe and the UK. She founded the first National Academy of
Indian Dance in 1979 with government support and was its first Director. The Akademi, as it is now called, is
highly respected for its leadership and innovative programs and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
She is recognised internationally for her extensive and pioneering work for the revival of Mohiniattam. Her
Natya Sudha Dance Company has toured her productions from Melbourne to various countries including
India. The Natya Sudha School is highly regarded for its trailblazing activities and the adherence to high
standards and the purity of the dance styles. Tara and Natya Sudha have performed widely for arts festivals
and associations in Australia.
Tara has served and contributed in various committees in Australia and England in her continuing quest to promote the role of Indian
performing arts to bridge cultures. She has given lectures and courses at universities, museums and schools and been invited as keynote
speaker at national and international conferences. As a part of the Louise Lightfoot project, she recently organized a successful exhibition
for the Monash Asia Institute on Lightfoot, an Australian dance pioneer who brought Indian dance to Australia in the 1930s.
Tara Rajkumar has been the recipient of several awards and recognition. She was included in the Honour Roll of Women Shaping the
Nation on the occasion of Australia’s Centenary of Federation. She has held Fellowships at Monash University where she is currently an
Adjunct Fellow.
Mel bour ne Sc hool Teac her Wi ns Aus t r al i an
Ac hi ev ement Aw ar d
TARA RAJ K UMAR OAM
Mr.John-Varghese
The Indian International Students
have for some time experienced
bashing and beating mostly in and
around Western Suburbs. This
situation has received widespread
publicity. The Victoria Police under
the Police Western Reference
Group (Volunteers from Indian
Community, Indian Media and
Officers of Victoria Police) and the
FIAV have been working together
for community involvement and
solution of the problem.
As a step forward the FIAV has
acquired a toll free number for any
person to use help, if required.
This number can be used by the
international students and people
facing domestic violence. It is easy to remember this number 1800 FIAV 00.
The call centre at present is comprised of a small team run by volunteers and
international students represented by VISA (Victorian Indian Students Association). This
initiative is supported and funded by a few popular Colleges and RTO’s in Melbourne.
St George’s Institute of Professionals has committed to support the Smart Number
bidding and Telecommunication Cost
for 5 years; Cambridge International
College, AITE have paid for staff cost for
6 months.
The number was launched at a special
ceremony held on 15 May 2009 at Alley
bar at 108 Flinders Street, where a
sizable representation was present from
Victoria Police, Members of Parliament,
Councillors, Department of Immigration,
Multi-cultural Affairs, Department of
Foreign Affairs and Indian Consul
General.
Victoria Police conducted a 2-hour
training program to volunteers that shall
eventually be manning the call centre. To
start with, the helpline will be attended
during 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM
to 11:00 PM. The number is open for assisting the international students and people
facing domestic violence. Trained volunteers and paid staff will respect privacy of the
caller and the information will be passed on to a Social Worker.
If you can contribute financially or share the work, please write to FIAV: contact@fiav.
asn.au
A NEW DI MENSI ON FOR COMMUNI TY HELP:
FI AV TOLLFREE NUM B ER
Launch of I ndi an I nt er nat i onal St udent s Hel pl i ne
20 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
K al am andi r Scho o l w as her
dr eam fo r A ust r al i a, t o pr o m o t e
and r et ai n t he r i ch cul t ur al
her i t age o f her st yl e o f O D ISSI
– t he Indi an cl assi cal dance
fo r m , t hat she had pi o neer ed t o
spr ead and po pul ar i se beyo nd
t he nat i o nal bo undar i es and
succeeded t o ent hr al audi ences
al l o ver t he w o r l d and at t r act ed
i nt er est o f m any buddi ng
st udent s. M el bo ur ne r esi dent s
ar e gr at eful fo r her co nt r i but i o n
and l o o k fo r w ar d t o appr eci at e
co nt i nuat i o n o f her st yl e o f
O di ssi t hr o ugh co m i ng gener at i o ns as w i l l be pur sued
t i r el essl y by t hi s scho o l .
K al am andi r ( K al a m eans ar t s and m andi r i s
t em pl e) , scho o l o f Indi an dances, as po ssi bl y o ne o f
t he yo ungest scho o l o f Indi an dances i n M el bo ur ne,
t ak es pr i de t o be an affi l i at ed m em ber o f Feder at i o n
o f Indi an A sso ci at i o ns
o f Vi ct o r i a Inc si nce
i ncept i o n. N o t ew o r t hy
feat ur e o f t hi s scho o l
i s i t s r el at i vel y yo ut hful
and vi br ant pr o fessi o nal
r epr esent at i o n o f cl assi c
Indi an cul t ur e t o t he w i der
cr o ss cul t ur al co m m uni t y
o f M el bo ur ne. T hi s al so
hel ps m ut ual enr i chm ent
o f t he scho o l i t sel f as an
o r gani sat i o n and FIA V.
T hi s scho o l al so t ak es
pr i de o f i t s r i ch dance
her i t age o f O D ISSI – t he Indi an cl assi cal dance st yl e
as st epped i nt o t hi r d gener at i o n o f m ai nt ai ni ng t he
co nt i nuum . T he dance st yl e r escued fr o m o bscur i t y
i n t he l ast few decades o f cul t ur al r enai ssance, by
G r eat G ur u K el uchar an M ahapat r a at fi r st , and t hen
subsequent gener at i o n o f w o r l d- w i de po pul ar i t y by
Lat e Sm t Sanj uk t a Pani gr ahi t hr o ugh her unt i r i ng
dedi cat i o n at t he seco nd st age, w ho t hen t i l l her
sad dem i se co nt i nued t o best o w t he pr o w ess t o
her hand w o ven di sci pl e Jo yo t i D as o f M el bo ur ne.
Jo yo t i , as t he pr i nci pal t eacher and r esi dent ar t i st e o f
K al am andi r st r i des t o m ai nt ai n t hat her i t age t hr o ugh
her dedi cat ed st udent s o f t he scho o l .
M r s Sanj uk t a Pani gr ahi w as o ne, w ho st r o de
t i r el essl y t o r each and r et ai n cul t ur al i dent i t y fo r
Indi an ar t s, t hr o ugh her O di ssi dance st yl e. She had
t ak en t hi s ar t - fo r m t o gr eat hei ght s, t o ever y co unt r y
o f t he w o r l d, ear ni ng r em ar k abl e appr eci at i o n,
m ak i ng a m ar k fo r Indi a i n i nt er nat i o nal cul t ur al
scene. She di d t hat w i t ho ut co m pr o m i si ng t he
i nt r i nsi c Indi an val ues. She epi t o m i sed w hat i s fi nest
and m o st m o vi ngl y spi r i t ual ar t o f Indi an cl assi cal
dance fo r m o r e t han l ast t hi r t y year s. O di ssi dance
had beco m e syno nym o us w i t h Sanj uk t a’ s nam e al l
o ver t he w o r l d.
K al am andi r w as her dr eam fo r A ust r al i a. She w as
t he Pat r o n M ast er A r t i st and G ur u o f Jo yo t i , t he
t eacher ar t i st . Jo yo t i i s o ne o f her cho sen st udent s,
w ho m she had pi ck ed up dur i ng o ne o f her t o ur o f
A ust r al i a i n 1985, and had nur t ur ed her w i t h t ut el age
o f her st yl e o f O di ssi dance. She r epr esent s t he
r esul t ant devel o pm ent o f o ne o f o ur yo ung Indi an
dance st udent , w ho gr ew up i n A ust r al i a, fr o m a
yo ung age and r eached a hi gh l evel o f ex cel l ence
i n dance per fo r m ance, as r evi ew ed by cr i t i cs and
co nno i sseur s, her e i n M el bo ur ne, i nt er st at e i n
A ust r al i a, o ver seas, i n Indi a, U S and C anada.
M r s Pani gr ahi w as t he i nspi r at i o n and w i l l co nt i nue
t o be so i n fut ur e. G r eat r espo nsi bi l i t y r est s o n
Jo yo t i and her scho o l . She o nl y needs pat r o nage
and enco ur agem ent fr o m t he w i der co m m uni t y.
W i t h r eal i sat i o n o f “ l ear ni ng never ends” , Jo yo t i
and her scho o l co nt i nue t o devel o p new per fo r m i ng
w o r k s and pr esent pr o fessi o nal per fo r m ances. H er
co ncer t s ar e al m o st i n al l cases had been fo r no bl e
causes t o r ai se funds fo r w o r t hw hi l e co m m uni t y and
spi r i t ual causes. A l l pr o fi t s fr o m such co ncer t s ar e
do nat ed t o such causes so far . She feel s pr i vi l eged
t o be abl e t o i m par t l esso ns t o yo ung and o l d dance
st udent s, and t hus co nt r i but e t o t he pr o m o t i o n o f
r i ch Indi an ar t fo r m s and hel p devel o p a sense o f
hum i l i t y t o co nt r i but e t o her st udent s.
W i t h t hi s so far abo ut t he scho o l , i t s back gr o und
and fo r m at i o n and i t s cul t ur al i nvo l vem ent w i t h
FIA V, w e can fur t her t r ace back i t s achi evem ent so
far i n t he past and i t s pl an fo r fut ur e act i vi t y w e w i l l
co nt i nue t o be i nt er act i ve t hr o ugh such new sl et t er
i n fut ur e. In t he m eant i m e, w i t h suppo r t fr o m al l
co ncer ned, t hi s scho o l w i l l st r i ve t o m ak e a l ast i ng
m ar k i n cul t ur al scene i n M el bo ur ne and A ust r al i a.
Fo r i nfo r m at i o n: o n 61- 3- 9569 7272 / o r br o w se
w w w .k al am andi r .i nfo
KALAMANDI R SCHOOL OF I NDI AN DANCE
RMIT Professor of Indian origin receives accolade from the President of India
RMIT University’s Professor Suresh Bhargava, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences,
has received the degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, from Rajasthan University,
Jaipur, India.
Her Excellency, Pratibha Patil, President of India, welcomed the honorary degrees being
conferred on Professor Bhargava and two other academics, Professor Goverdhan Mehta and
Shri RN Aggarwal. “I congratulate them on this. Universities help a nation in giving it economic
vitality, scientific prowess, a broad outline of social change and global competitiveness,
through innovation and research. The activities of good universities must strive to contribute
to the richness of the cultural, literary and social aspects of their immediate community,” the
President said.
The honorary degrees were awarded by the Governor of Rajasthan and Chancellor of the
University, SK Singh, at Rajasthan University’s 25th convocation ceremony, held on the
University’s sprawling lawns in March 2009. The Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, the State Higher Education Minister, Shanti Dhariwal,
and the President’s husband, educationist Devi Singh Shekhawat, were among the guests.
Professor Bhargava told guests, television and print media that the support and dedication of his colleagues, business partners, students, researchers
and friends from all over the world had been an integral part of his journey in the world of science. He thanked Professor Peter Coloe, Pro Vice-
Chancellor and Professor Margaret Gardner AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT for their support. “Today, the world is participating in a global
dynamic that never existed before. New bridges are being built across nations, continents, and combined discoveries are being made in every field.
Knowledge is being made available for those seeking it and information is being shared in a manner never seen before,” Professor Bhargava said.
The University of Rajasthan is the oldest institution of higher learning in Rajasthan. It has 36 postgraduate departments, 15 recognized research
centers, six constituent colleges and 500 affiliated colleges spanning over six districts of Rajasthan.
Source: RMIT website, Edited version reproduced with permission.
For Adver t i si ng i n Voi c e of FI AV, Cont ac t : Tel : 03 9671 4442
E-mai l : admi n@fiav.asn.au
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 21
Every other day we hear stories about a particular
family member being abusive to other family
members. At times, we have been approached by
distressed family members asking for help, either
to mediate their dispute or request the abuser to te
stop violent behaviour. Research shows that in Re . Re
domestic violence, the abuser is generally a male er buser
partner and the violence is directed towards the e is direct
female partner. On many occasions, children and occasions, c
other family members may be implicated in the may be implicated i
cycle of violence. It is estimated that more than of violence. It is estimated that more than
33% women in Australia me omen in Australia are affected by domestic
violence. Indi nd ndividuals and institutions working in
area of domestic tic violence advice that community
still believes that at domestic violence is a private
matter of the fam mily and any intervention in the
area can make it make it worse for the family. Domestic
violence is seen een en as a ‘bit of rough time for the
family’ or ‘bit of a d a d a domestic incident’ which will
get better with the pa assage of time or it will ease
as the time gets be g ime gets better for the family. The fact is
that domestic vio ic vio violence does not get better with
time and the cycle le e of violence does not break
until it is addressed d appropriately. In this article
I will explain the n the meaning of domestic violence
and how i and how it may cripple the family and creates an
atmospher mosphere of f phere of fear which is destructive both for
the victims and perp nd perpetr erpetrator.
What is domestic or fa fa family violence?
Family violence is is a pattern of behaviour
where one partner partner in an intimate relationship
tries to dominate and c inate and con control the other with
physical or psychological al means. Such control
and domination inflict flict pain and suffering not
only on the victim victim but also on the children and
other members who witness rs who witness th members who witness the violence.
Family Law Act 1975 describes family
violence a conduct: actual threate ual or threatened, by
one person towards the other that creates ther that creates he other that creates fear
or apprehension about the personal safety a the and
wellbeing of the other. Research shows th that
in the large majority of cases, the perpetrators tor
of domestic violence are men. In 2002-03 the e
total number of Australian victims of domestic
violence were of the order of 418, 100, of which
87% were women.
Types of domestic violence
When we talk about domestic violence, people
normally believe it to be the acts of physical
violence. Domestic violence can include a range
of behaviours, such as:
Physical abuse (i.e. hitting, punching, pulling
by hair, choking, pinching and shoving or o sh
inflicting physical injuries on covered part of the pa ed p
body not visible to others).
Emotional and psychological abuse (not giving ot abuse (no
emotional support when needed, silent treatment, upport when needed, silent treatm al support when needed, silent treat
expression of extreme jealousy and accusation sat ssion of extreme jealousy and accusati
of sexual infidelity, cont f sexual infidelity, controlling the person with
anger and not letting her to speak her mind).
Verbal abuse (calling names, frighting,
undermining in front of others).
Sexual abuse (forcing the partner to have sex
against their wishes, force the partner to engage
in a sexual practice that they are not comfortable
with, making the partner to wear clothes that
they are not comfortable with).
Social abuse (isolating the partner from seeing
people who could offer them support, controlling
the partner’s life by dictating who they can see
or not see, putting down the partners in front
of others and telling false stories about the
partner).
Spiritual abuse (not letting the partner to
engage in their spiritual practice/ religion or
forcing them to follow a religion they do not
want to).
Financial abuse (not giving enough money to
partner so that she always remains dependant
on him, questioning the partner’s reasonable
expenses, incurring debts and forcing the partner
to sign loan agreements against her wishes).
Effects of domestic violence on women and
children
Domestic violence has enormous effect on
women and children. They feel confused and
t the f d about the family set up. Women experience scared about the family set up. Women experience
r rates of miscarriage, frequently make igher rates of miscarriage, frequently m higher rates of miscarriage, frequen
gue complaints (such as headache, migraine, vague complaints (such as headache, m vague complaints (such as headach
joint pain, lethargy and tiredness), show higher joint pain, lethargy and tiredness), sh rgy and tiredness)
levels of stress, use anti-depressants, tranquillisers anti-depressants, tr use anti-depressants
or pain killers, withdraw from friends and family thdraw from friend w
who support them and have fewer life-coping
and problem solving skills.
Similarly, violence and witnessing violence
affects children of all ages. They feel confused,
sad, angry and frightened. Infants and toddlers
become stressed and agitated and may not eat or
sleep as normal children of that age do.
School age children may not like to go
to school or show difficult behaviours
at school. Teenagers feel angry and
agitated all the times and may engage
in risk-taking behaviours outside home.
They may feel resentful towards the
violent parent (father) or towards the
victim (mother) because they have to mo m (m
protect her, as she is unable to protect er, protect he
herself.
uld you suffer in silence ou Why sho
then?
(also men, if they suffer Many women (als
feel ashamed of domestic violence) feel ashamed o
hip. They onship. They being in an abusive relationship
the partner’s es for the p may blame themselves fo
violent behaviour.
noted that violence no It should be
basic human rights. b is violation of
ether intentional or heth No violence, wheth
cceptable in our non-intentional is accep
ates unequal community. Violence creates
atmosphere es an atmo relationships and causes an
olence destroys Viole of fear in the family. V
between partners on b honest communicatio
ween people. tw and damages trust betw
age to break the ag It takes a lot of courage
nce. Speaking violence silence on domestic violence
ence is a brave step perience is a b up about your exper
very and wellbeing. cove towards your rec
ence is not a private ole Domestic viol
is a crime in Australia. It i matter anymore. It
nt you may put you g silent By remaining silen
dren at risk. Sometimes, children at and your ch
can be a risk. It is your out speaking o
he end to undertake or not n th decision in
the risk. ke to undertak
As a community we should condemn As a comm As a com
family violence. y violenc viole
The Federation of Indian Associations t
(FIAV) has produced a DVD titled ‘Do
not suffer in silence’. You may get free
copy of the DVD by calling 1800 FIAV
00 (i.e. 1800 3428 00)
Violence Against Women, Australia
Says NO. Ring 24 hours Confidential
helpline: 1800 200 526
Sushil Sharma,
Community Services Director, FIAV
D O M E ST I C V I O L E N C E :
C O M M O N B E L I E F S A N D M Y T H S
D O M E ST I C V I O L E N C E :
C O M M O N B E L I E F S A N D M Y T H S
FEDERATION OF INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF
VICTORIA INC
For the Sa fety a nd Security of I ndia n I nterna tiona l Students
a nd Victims of Domestic Viola nce of I ndia n Origin
MON - FRI - 10a m to 5pm & 7 pm to 11pm
FREE CALL FREE CALL
22 June 2009
voice of fiav voice of fiav
Indian Classical Music –
bridging the North-South divide
BRIEF HISTORY
T he T am i l So ci et y o f M el bo ur ne cam e i nt o
ex i st ence dur i ng 2003 w i t h t al k s by vi si t i ng scho l ar s
fr o m T am i l N adu, vi si t i ng r et i r em ent vi l l ages and
o r gani si ng cul t ur al event s such as ‘ D eepaval i ’ and
‘ N ew Year cel ebr at i o ns’ by l i k e- m i nded T am i l s
l i vi ng i n t he M o nash ar ea. In Feb’ 2004 t he So ci et y
w as fo r m er l y r egi st er ed as an i nco r po r at ed bo dy
and w as i naugur at ed by
D r .Janar dna Rao t he t hen
H o n. C o nsul G ener al fo r
Indi a i n M el bo ur ne o n 21
A pr i l 2004 al o ng w i t h T am i l
N ew Year C el ebr at i o ns at
t he K el w at so n H al l , Bur w o o d
East . Si nce t hen t he so ci et y
has successful l y o r gani sed
m any cul t ur al event s
i ncl udi ng annual cel ebr at i o ns
G r eat T am i l Laur eat es such as ‘ T hi r u Val l uvar ’ , ‘
A r um uga N aval ar ’ , ‘ K i r ubanant ha Var i yar ’ , ‘ C ee
Pa A dt hanar ’ et c t hat i ncl uded annual st udent
co m pet i t i o ns. D ur i ng t hese o ccasi o ns m o st l eadi ng
T am i l ar t i st s o f M el bo ur ne have been ho no ur ed
fo r t hei r co nt r i but i o ns t o t he T am i l co m m uni t y o f
T
he so und o f m usi c, k no w n as N aada i n Sansk r i t , i s defi ned as “ co nt i nuo us
pl easi ng sensat i o n” . N aada i s t he pr i m o r di al so und, w hi ch i s t he subt l est o f
al l el em ent s – Ear t h, W at er , Fi r e, A i r and Et her . T he asso ci at i o n o f Indi an m usi c w i t h
H i ndu phi l o so phy and r el i gi o us t hi nk i ng i s w el l do cum ent ed. M usi c i s ci t ed as a m eans
t o t he end o f ul t i m at e sal vat i o n acco r di ng t o H i ndu phi l o so phy. T he asso ci at i o n o f
G o ds w i t h m usi c fo l l o w s t he i nt er t w i ni ng o f m usi c and r el i gi o n; fo r i nst ance, Lo r d
Shi va i s asso ci at ed w i t h t he dr um , Lo r d K r i shna w i t h t he fl ut e, G o ddess Sar asw at i w i t h
t he Veena et c. T he co m m o n nam e by w hi ch Indi an m usi c i s r efer r ed t o i s Sangeet a –
i ndeed t he anci ent t ex t s defi ne Sangeet a as a co m po si t e o f
vo cal m usi c, i nst r um ent al m usi c and dance.
Fo r sever al cent ur i es, t hr o ugho ut t he Indi an ent i t y t hese
co ncept s o f N aada and Sangeet a, pai nt ed o n t he canvas o f
H i ndui sm , have been a po t ent uni fyi ng fo r ce o f a di ver se
po pul ace i n t he subco nt i nent .
In t hi s co nt ex t , i t i s i m po r t ant t o appr eci at e t hat si m i l ar
co ncept s have been at t he fo undat i o n and devel o pm ent o f
bo t h m aj o r st yl es o f Indi an cl assi cal m usi c i .e. t he no r t h Indi an
H i ndust ani st yl e, and t he so ut h Indi an C ar nat i c st yl e. In bo t h
st yl es, t he Raaga ( r epr esent i ng t he m el o di c fr am ew o r k ) and
T aal a ( r epr esent i ng t he r hyt hm i c fr am ew o r k ) ar e t he t w o
m ai n el em ent s o f m usi c. T he no m encl at ur e o f t he st r uct ur e
o f t he sapt asw ar a syst em ( i .e. seven no t es i n t he m usi cal
scal e – Sa Ri G a M a Pa D ha N i ) i s co m m o n t o bo t h st yl es.
A r aaga i s essent i al l y a st r uct ur al el em ent , w hi ch defi nes t he
i nt o nat i o n o f sw ar as, as w el l as t hei r o r der and dur at i o n. T he
‘ w hat ’ and ‘ ho w ’ char act er i st i cs o f a r aaga such as t he sw ar as
used and t he ascent - descent ar e defi ned by t he aar o hana ( t he
ascendi ng scal e) and avar o hana ( t he descendi ng scal e) . T he
per m ut at i o ns and co m bi nat i o ns o f sw ar as bei ng co unt l ess,
t he po ssi bi l i t i es o f r aagas ar e endl ess. Even t o day, new r aagas ar e cr eat ed i n bo t h
st yl es o f m usi c by co nt em po r ar y m usi ci ans and co m po ser s. G i ven t he l i k eness i n t he
under l yi ng co ncept s i t i s no w o nder t hat t her e ar e sever al r aagas t hat ar e si m i l ar o f
even i dent i cal bet w een t he t w o st yl es o f m usi c – a co upl e o f po pul ar ex am pl es bei ng
H am sadhw ani , K eer vani . T he co ncept o f t he t anpur a ( dr o ne) pr o vi di ng t he basi c t o ne
no t e i s a ver y i m po r t ant aspect o f bo t h st yl es.
M usi c i n bo t h st yl es has been t r adi t i o nal l y t r ansm i t t ed and l ear nt o r al l y r at her
t hen t ex t ual r efer ences. H er e agai n t he i nfl uence o f H i ndu phi l o so phy and cul t ur e
can be seen. H i ndu r el i gi o us w o r k s such as Vedas, Pur anas et c have been t aught and
t r ansm i t t ed o r al l y do w n t he gener at i o ns. T hi s co ncept and t r adi t i o n o f l ear ni ng gave
r i se t o t he G ur uk ul a syst em w her e t he st udent pr et t y m uch st ayed w i t h t he m ast er fo r
year s, i m bi bi ng k no w l edge and sk i l l s. In H i ndust ani m usi c t hi s syst em i s r efer r ed t o as
G har aanaa, and i n C ar nat i c m usi c i t i s r efer r ed t o as G ur uk ul a- vaasam . A G har aanaa
basi cal l y r epr esent s a l i neage o f m usi ci ans, t hei r gener at i o ns o f di sci pl es and t he
st yl es t hey r epr esent . Each G har aanaa has i t s o w n uni que ar t i st i c di sci pl i ne besi des
t he co m m o n feat ur es o f H i ndust ani m usi c shar ed by al l G har aanaas. T he G har aanaas
ar e gener al l y nam ed aft er t he nam es o f pl aces t hey o r i gi nat ed fr o m – fo r ex am pl e,
G w al i o r , A gr a, Pat i al a, K i r aanaa, D el hi – o r i n so m e cases t he nam e o f t he fo under
– fo r ex am pl e, A l l adi ya K han. In C ar nat i c m usi c t he t r adi t i o n o f G ur uk ul a- vaasam
w as i n vo gue sever al decades ago , but i s no w l ess pr eval ent
co m par ed t o t he G har aanaas i n H i ndust ani m usi c. In t he
pr esent day, st udent s o f C ar nat i c m usi c l ear n fr o m t hei r
gur u( s) fo r a num ber o f year s and t hen i nco r po r at e t hei r
o w n cr eat i vi t y as a r esul t o f sel f- ex pl o r at i o n. T hat sai d,
st al w ar t s o f C ar nat i c m usi c have cr eat ed uni que st yl es o f
t hei r o w n i n t er m s o f var i o us per fo r m ance aspect s w hi ch
ar e i m m o r t al l y asso ci at ed w i t h t hem – ex am pl es ar e t he
“ G N B st yl e” o f vo cal m aest r o G N Bal asubr am i am , o r t he
“ Par ur st yl e” o f vi o l i n m aest r o M S G o pal ak r i shnan.
Beyo nd a po i nt , di ffer ences em er ge bet w een t he t w o
st yl es o f m usi c, w hi ch pr o vi de fo r uni queness – fo r i nst ance
H i ndust ani m usi c pl aces speci al em phasi s o n t he t i m e t heo r y
o f r aagas. T hat i s, t her e ar e r ul es t hat go ver n t he per fo r m ance
o f r aagas based o n t he t i m e o f day – t hi s has gi ven r i se t o
r aagas cat ego r i sed as ‘ m o r ni ng r aagas’ , ‘ aft er no o n r aagas’
et c. T hi s t i m e t heo r y do es no t appl y t o C ar nat i c m usi c, and
al l r aagas can be sung at any t i m e o f day.
H o w ever , despi t e t hese under st andabl e di ffer ences,
co l l abo r at i o n bet w een t he t w o st yl es t hr o ugh co ncept s l i k e
t he j ugal - bandi ( feat ur i ng o ne H i ndust ani m usi c ar t i st e and
o ne C ar nat i c m usi c ar t i st e) has fl o ur i shed due t o t he co m m o n fo undat i o n t hat t hese
st yl es shar e, w hi ch has fur t her st r engt hened m usi c as t he pr edo m i nant uni fyi ng fo r ce
o f Indi a.
O ne can go o n and o n… i n sum m ar y, t ho ugh bo t h t he cl assi cal m usi c fo r m s o f Indi a
have devel o ped fr o m a si ngl e fo undat i o n, and co nt i nue t o benefi t fr o m each o t her ,
t hey have gr o w n t o beco m e t w o i ndependent syst em s o f m usi c o n t he basi s o f a
var i et y o f m usi cal and per fo r m ance co nsi der at i o ns. T hese hi ghl y so phi st i cat ed fo r m s
o f m usi c t hat have w i t hst o o d t he t r avai l s o f t he Indi an ci vi l i zat i o n and po l i t y fo r m any
cent ur i es ar e i ndeed a so ur ce o f gr eat pr i de t o al l peo pl e o f Indi an o r i gi n.
M ur al i K um ar ,
A r t i st i c D i r ect o r , RaagaSudha Scho o l o f C ar nat i c M usi c,
Em ai l : vi o l i nm ur al i @ yaho o .co m
Vi ct o r i a. T he so ci et y al so o r gani sed t w o ‘ Int er nat i o nal T am i Sho r t Fi l m
Fest i val s’ dur i ng 2005 and 2007. T he T am i l So ci et y’ s r egul ar l y o r gani ses
l i t er ar y and spi r i t ual t al k s by vi si t i ng scho l ar s i ncl udi ng Sant hal i nga
Ram asw am y A di gal ar o f Per ur , Sw am i Bo t hi nat ha o f H aw w ai , Sw am i
O m k ar andha, D r .T .R.Raj ago pal an, D r . A . Yo gesw ar an et c. T SM al so
has r el eased m any bo o k s and audi o C D s i n A ust r al i a pr o m o t i ng T am i l
cul t ur e and ar t s; no t abl e am o ng t hem ar e ‘ A r um uga N aval ar ’ , N i nai vu
m al ar , and 3 audi o casset t e set , 63 N ayanm ar C D s,’ H i st o r y o f T am i l s’ ,
‘ Yal l pana T am i l A ggar at hi ’ and D r .A . K andi ah’ s t hr ee bo o k s publ i shed.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
T he So ci et y cel ebr at ed ‘ T hai po o sam ’ at t he K undr at hu K um r an
t em pl e r ecent l y o n 8t h Feb’ 09 w i t h ‘ Pal k udam ’ ,’ avadi ’ ‘ 08 M ur ugan
Po t r i ’ i n T am i l w i t h speci al pr ayer s fo r t he w ar effect ed T am i l s o f Sr i
Lank a. Last year t he so ci et y cel ebr at ed ‘ T am i l Isai M al ai ’ and a ‘ Sho r t
Fi l m Fest i val ’ .
FUTURE ACTIVITIES
Fo r t h co m i ng act i vi t i es ar e bo o k r el ease and t al k by no t ed Indi an
T am i l w r i t er Jayam o han o n Sunday 26t h A pr i l 2009. T hi s i s a speci al
event i n suppo r t o f i nno cent Sr i Lank an T am i l s faci ng a w o r st hum an
cat ast r o phe at pr esent , det ai l s publ i shed i n t hi s i ssue. T he so ci et y
i s al so pl anni ng ‘ Paani r u T hi r um ur ai Vi zha’ and ‘ T hani nayag A di gal r ’
cel ebr at i o ns’ l at er i n t he year
Fo r i nfo r m at i o n co nt act Pr esi dent N . Sundar esan 0422896181 o r
em ai l t sm el @ bi gpo nd.co m
TAMIL
SOCIETY OF
MELBOURNE
INC
voice of fiav voice of fiav
June 2009 23
Magic is a fine art and science, full with fun, joy, love, laughter, colours, wonders and thrills. LEARN
MAGIC, LOVE MAGIC AND ENJOY MAGIC. For learning ‘Magic’, you need a firm decision to work
and achieve something new in life. Set a goal for personality development to become a good magician.
Everything is simple, if you wish with self-confidence. All you need is your two hands and an active
working mind and success is yours.
Magic is one of the oldest
‘Ancient Art’ and an accepted
form of ‘Entertainment’ that has
universal appeal to young and
old. There is no ‘Tantra-Mantra’
or ‘witchcraft’ in the magic art. In
all the great magic shows of the
world’s greatest magicians like
K. Lal (Sr. & Jr.), P.C.Sorcar (Sr.
& Jr.), Hakasa, O.P. Sharma,
Shankar, Gopinath Muthukad
or even myself “ASHOKA ROY”
from India; David Copperfield, Jeff
Mcbride or Siegfried and Roy from
Las Vegas; Vellary Fukai, Hikari
from Japan, you will find in their
performances full of art, science, mathematical logic and special lighting effects. They all have offered
super conjuring performances full of colours, wonders, laughter, thrills and spellbinding illusions.
Magic lovers like a magic gift box full of tricks and puzzles. The first contact with a magician might
take place at a birthday party, a show at your school, at a restaurant table, in a dance party or a seen in
a movie, never mind, where, when and how, but the impression it leaves behind matters. You wonder,
“How did they do that? Why and how it became possible? It was looking impossible, but it happened. We
enjoy music tricks with real excitement; when dollars vanish and reappear from nowhere. Where did that
handkerchief go? How that ‘Magic Stick’ came from the thin air? How that beautiful lady was cut in three
places and still smiling? How a baby was floating in the midair? Possibilities are endless.
If all this excites you, well, now is your chance to find out how? You can learn magic in Melbourne
with Magician ASHOKA ROY. Magic knowledge makes you proud and hero among your peer group.
You can learn mysteries of mind-reading, puzzles, dazzling disappearances, confusing cards, coin tricks
and production of Vibhuti / Kumkum, Dollars from thin air.
Magic is the new ‘Rock and Roll’ that everyone can learn. You can definitely get mastery and joy in
magic by practice with positive thinking and self-confidence. Speech is part of the magic trick, what you
say with joy and ever smiling face. Magic show may begin with the wave of magic wand, tip of the tongue
or top hat or crown but one rule is that a magic wand is optional, a smile on the face is essential.
We hope, you enjoy magic, and now you can learn magic with Magician ASHOKA ROY (Alias
Dinkar K. Thakkar, M.A., P.G.DB.A.) visiting his son, Magician ASHOKA (Nimesh D Thakkar, B.B.A.,
MCSE, MCDBA) who is a member of Australian Society of Magician Inc., Melbourne. This is a family
of magicians and Master of Illusions, able to make things vanish or produce amazing objects. Magician
ASHOKAROY has more than 35 years of experience; he is in Melbourne for a few months and is willing
to perform or teach Magic to all, young or olds. Professionally he has worked for about 30 years as
Marketing Officer with GSFC Ltd., in India.
He is a founder President of All India Magic and Music Association. Ex. Programme Director:
“Magician’s Association”, Rajasthan (Jaipur) and General Secretary: “Gurjar Magic and charitable
society”, Ahmedabad.
ASHOKA ROY (93528848) and Nimesh (0433 217 559)
FEDERATI ON OF I N DI AN ASSOCI ATI ON S
OF VI CTORI A
Si ngl e
Ent r y
$
75
Indian Community Centre
Fundraising Project (ICCFP) Launch
Venue: Manningham Function Centre,
699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, VIC - 3108
Melway Ref: 47 E1
Date: Saturday 15th August 2009 Time: 7pm Onwards
Dress Code: Formal
Indian Community Centre
Fundraising Project (ICCFP) Launch
THE ART OF MAGI C I N
MELBOURNE
Tel ugu Assoc i at i on of Aust r al i a i nc
Ashoka Roy, Hakasha, K. Lal, Sorcor(Jr.), Monika
About TAAI
Telugu Association of Australia Inc (TAAI) was founded in 1992 by Telugu speaking people of Melbourne
and Victoria at large wanting to promote the Telugu language, culture and goodwill among the Telugu
speaking community. The main objective of TAAI is to foster Telugu language, culture, traditions and
literature amongst the Melbourne Telugu community as well as other interested people in Melbourne and
Victoria. Having an active supporter base of over 600, TAAI has become a central point of contact for many
people with Telugu origin in Melbourne.
At the last Annual General Meeting of TAAI held on Sunday 26th April 2009, a new Management
Committee was elected unanimously and the details of the committee members are listed below. The
new President Mr Gopal Tangirala thanked the previous committee led by Mr Paripurna Somavarapu
for everything his committee has done over the past year. Mr Tangirala also stated that during his term,
the Management Committee would work to maximise the TAAI member’s involvement in organising
the activities for the coming year. Mr Tangirala also requested all members to extend their support and
get behind the committee so that the new committee could successfully deliver what the members are
interested.
MEMBER DETAILS
Gopal Tangirala – President
Mr Gopal Tangirala was one of the Founder members of Telugu Association of Australia Inc and a
founding secretary of the Association in 1992. Gopal Tangirala has also served as President during 2001-02
in the Association’s tenth anniversary. Mr Tangirala believes strongly in bringing the organisation closer to
its member base and TAAI to champion members and their interests.
Mrs Vijaya Tangirala – Vice-President
Mrs Vijaya Tangirala is involved in
various community, social and charity
organisations over the last 20 years and
keenly interested in making a difference
in everything that she gets involved. One
of her passions over the last five years is to
coordinate a multitude of activities that of
special interest to Telugu ladies under the
banner of Telugu Ladies Club (TLC).
Mrs Krishna Betanabhatla – Secretary
Mrs Krishna Betanabhatla is involved with TAAI over the last 10+ years mainly organising various activities
for TAAI functions and helping TAAI committees over the period as needed. Krishna is a community minded
person and willing to help out any one in the community to the best of her ability. She is also involved in
Telugu ladies club activities since its inception.
Srinivasa Rao Gangula – Treasurer
Mr Srinivasa Rao Gangula is a member of the Telugu community for about 15 years and keenly interested
in community activities. He has been helping the TAAI committees over the past several years in various
activities.
Lakshmi Peri – Member
Mrs Lakshmi Peri moved from Zambia to Melbourne a couple of years back and somewhat new in the
Telugu community. Mrs Peri is keen to participate in TAAI activities in her new capacity and believes she can
make a difference in encouraging recently arrived families to participate in TAAI activities and connect with
the Telugu community in Melbourne at large.
Mallikeswara Rao Konchada – Member
Mr Mallikeswara Rao Konchada has been a member of Melbourne Telugu community close to ten years.
Mr Konchada is well known in the Telugu community of Melbourne for his Poetic and literary talents. He,
with the help of his wife Pratyusha and son Hari publishes the bi-monthly Telugu magazine ‘Sravanti’ for
TAAI.
Members of Telugu community and any others who may be interested can visit TAAI website at www.
TAAI.org.au or contact the President by sending a mail to [email protected]
24 June 2009
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Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. Item No. 933909 05.2009 W158857