SCV Dec 2017

Volume 1, Issue 7, December 2017 STUDENTS ADMISSION
and VISAS
Fallen MARA #0534196
Star &
Failed Travel Arrangement to ANY
Amma PART

SAAS TRAVELS AND
SERVICES
Shop 1/1 Portico Parade,
Toongabbie NSW 2146
0451 495 679

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Are Kindey
Stones
Diamonds?

Dr. Subbaram Sundar

A brief notes about Stones in our body. Harvey and Boerhaave, and the anatomist Scarpa . Napoleon
Bonaparte and Emperor Napoleon III were suffering from
A calculus often called a stone, which is made of concretion bladder stones and had severe symptoms, probably affecting
of material, usually mineral salts that can form in any organ their decisions and judgments It was in the history books.
or duct of the body. Stones can cause a number of medical
conditions which may need urgent medical intervention. Let us see how many types stones in the body
• Calculi of the gallbladder and bile ducts are called
The history of urinary stones almost begins and goes parallel
with the history of civilization. When go back Ancient gallstones and are primarily developed from Bile salts and
Egyptians, in whom we see the first signs of social and fat deposition. Very common
scientific developments. A English archeologist E. Smith • Calculi in the urinary system are called urinary calculi
found a bladder stone from a 4500–5000-year-old mummy in and include kidney stone (also called renal calculi) and
El Amrah, Egypt. Treatments for stones were mentioned in bladder stones (also called vesical calculi or cystoliths).
ancient Egyptian medical writings from 1500 BC They very common
• Calculi in the gastrointestinal tract (enteroliths) can be
And the first descriptions of “cutting for the stone” are found enormous. Individual enteroliths weighing many pounds
in Hindu and Greek writings. Sushruta (around600 BC) was have been reported in horses very rare
a surgeon who lived in ancient India and is the author of • Calculi in the stomach are called gastric calculi
the book Sushruta Samhita, in which he describes over 300 (gastroliths) very rare
surgical procedures, including perineal lithotomy (taken from • Calculi in the nasal passages (rhinoliths)
medical history) • Calculi in the salivary glands are called salivary calculi
(sialoliths).
Famous historical figures who developed bladder stones • Calculi in the tonsils are called tonsillar calculi
include King Leopold I of Belgium, Peter the Great, Louis (tonsilloliths).
XIV, George IV, Oliver Cromwell, Benjamin Franklin, the • Calculi in the veins are called venous calculi (phleboliths)
philosopher Bacon, the scientist Newton, the physicians very rare

Some Facts
about Nepal

Ansu Pariyar

• Original settlers were Dravidians, an Australoid or really impressed the British by repelling invasion by the
“southern” stock that Australia’s native peoples also British East India Company, despite lesser numbers and
sprang from. weapons. British armed forces have recruited Nepalis ever
since! Candidates face harsh local tests, including running
• Erosion of mountains in Nepal significantly boosts soil 5 miles (8 k) uphill bearing a 25kg load loosely strapped
fertility in South Asia. But they aren’t shrinking. They’re so it bounces. Tests at the British end are relatively lame.
rising from movement of the earth’s plates. • Nepal is the only nation with a mountain named after L.
Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. Hubbard Peak is
• Buddha was born in Nepal yet Buddhists are a minority named for his discoveries on drugs, including processes
there. Most people are Hindu but some take a bet each to deep clean cells and extrovert addicts from mental
way and practice both religions. Also, some “clean” their implosion. Meanwhile, if you’re an addict, Lord Shiva is
houses with water mixed with manure in honor of cows! said to rule you.
• Nepal is the South Asian nation in which courts have
• The Nepalese flag is the only national flag not ruled same-sex marriage is a right. The ruling is not yet
quadrilateral. It’s basically 2 triangles, one with a moon, law.
one a sun. The key meaning is that Nepal will last long • Nepal’s favorite sport is not cricket, it’s football.
as the heavens. Triangles depict the mountains. Design
origins go back 2,000 years. Nepal is South Asia’s oldest
nation but has no Independence Day. Europeans never
colonized it.

• In 1815, soldiers from Nepal, including the Gorkha district,

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 02

The Old Order
Changeth
Yielding Place
To New

Swatchatha Hi
Seva – Cleanliness
Is Worship

Vaishnavi
Tirumala

MADURAI MEENAKSHI AMMAN is declared as the No.1 sepetember 15 th to October 2 period.
cleanest temple across India. The historic hindu temple The old proverb gives way to the new. Cleanliness is next
located at the southern bank of the vaigai river in the to godliness is the old, now the mantra is cleanliness is
temple city of Madurai emerges No. one in cleanliness godliness, central government’s new mantra is swachhi
and maintenance to bag the award given by the central seva (cleanliness is service).the cleanliness of modis
government under Swatchatha Hi Seva-Cleanliness is campaign reached new heights with celebrities all over
worship. india supporting the cause. “I extend my full support to
our honarable prime minister narendra modi jis #swachta
This rephrases the old proverb which said cleanliness hi seva mission tweeted rajnikanth.the fortnight from
is next to godliness. But now cleanliness is in itself a September 15th till gandi janthi was celebrated as
form of worship and service to the almighty. The Swatch swachata hi seva.now good news for the southes to be
Bharat, Swatch hi Seva campaign reached new heights proud about the sri meenakshi sundaresvaran temple
with roping in of celebrities to make people understand in Madurai has been ranked the cleanest iconic place In
the importance of keeping the public places clean. the country.it is a matter of immense pleasure and pride
to note the Madurai temple has grabbed the top slot by
The campaign gained momentum across the nation as making the other historic places and pilgrim spots such
it started receiving the support of people from different as taj mahal,ajmer sharef dharga,the golden temple and
walks of life who were willing to participate in the sri vaishnavi temple take the back seat. What makes the
mission with enthusiasm. Honourable Prime Minister’s temple to be named as the cleanest iconic place in the
Mann Ki baat address on August 27, 2017 calling country under a shs program.it is very important for the
upon people to create an environment of cleanliness people of the country to know why meenashi temple pips
in the entire country so that Gandhi Jayanthi and 3 the list.the temple follows its own rules and regulations
rd anniversary of swach Bharath Mission could be strictly in the temple primises .the devotes play a huge
celebrated in a befitting manner. He urged all NGOs, role in contributing to the cleliness of the temple is
schools, colleges social, cultural and Political Leaders, laudable. The rectrictions of the temple are as follows ,the
corporates, government officials Collectors and temple prohibits spiting,wearing of footwear, wearing of
Sarpanches to accelerate Swachatha activities during western clothes.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 03

Fallen Late Jayalalitha
Star & unanswered
Failed questions about the
Amma health, wealth and
death.

Dr Chandrika
Subramaniyan

It is the death
anniversary of former
Tamilnadu chief minister
J Jayalalithaa. Neither
the mysteries about
her nor the mysteries
surrounding her death
have been unfolded.
Despite being in the
limelight all these
years, her death and
happenings following
her death are pathetic.

04

Born in Melukote town, Mysuru district and acted Assembly. She pledged not to return to the house again
in multi-language movies, a controversy still goes until she becomes the Chief Minister. In 1991 following
around about her nativity as to whether she is Kannadiga the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, Jayalalithaa came
or a Tamilian. to power. However, in 1996, AIADMK faced defeat in
Assembly polls , based on corruption cases filed by DMK.
Born on 24 February 1948 her parents Jayaraman and Then, Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy moved
Vedavalli named their child as Komalavalli. She is from an court against the illegal assets amassed by Jayalalithaa.
orthodox Tamil Brahmin Family, originally from Trichy It was a complaint by Subramanian Swamy in a Chennai
Sri rangam . in 1996 that led to a probe against Tamil Nadu Chief
Ministers Jayalalithaa in what later came to be known as
Jayalalithaa shifted to Madras in 1958, joining the “Disproportionate assets case” or DA case in which
Sacred Heart Presentation Convent. She also learnt she was convicted by a Bangalore court. Jayalalithaa was
Bharatanatyam, Kathak and Carnatic Music. arrested and sent to prison. She, however, was acquitted
from corruption charges in 2000.
She has given up her wish to become a lawyer and
became an actress in 1964 to overcome the financial crisis In 2004 & 2006, the A Jayalalithaa was arrested and sent
in the family. Kannada flick ‘Chinnada Gombe’ marked to prison. She, however, was acquitted from corruption
her film debut and later in 1965 her first Tamil flick charges in 2000.AIADMK lost Lok Sabha polls and
‘Venniraadai’ is a blockbuster. She got the opportunity Assembly elections. However, in May 2014 AIADMK
to act opposite Kollywood top star MG Ramachandran swept Lok Sabha polls. It won 37 out of 39 seats.
in the same year. Her stardom was accelerated by MGR.
Over 100 out of 140-odd films she has done were super The DA case, in its 18 year journey has seen many
hits. She emerged as one of the highest-paid actresses in petitions filed by the accused involving questions,
the country. Her film career ended with ‘Nadhiyal Thedi including that of law, procedures and relief in several
Vandha Kadal’, a Tamil feature film. courts like the trial court, High Courts of Madras and
Karnataka and the Supreme Court.
Her acquaintance with MGR lead her towards politics
and she joined AIADMK. She was appointed as AIADMK By September 2014, Court sentenced Jayalalithaa to four
propaganda secretary in 1983 and later elected to Rajya years in prison and Rs 100 crore fine. She went to prison
Sabha and she became the chief minister of Tamilnadu. and O Panneersevam served as chief minister. Later in
Then , whispers of money laundering among her close October 2014, Supreme Court granted bail to her. In May
associates, relatives of her friend and advisor Sasikala, 2015, Karnataka High Court acquitted Jayalalithaa from
seemed to be confirmed by a lavish wedding for which all the charges.
all the rooms in all the luxury hotels in the city were
booked, a 75,000-square foot pandal was erected, and the She sworn in as chief minister again. In May 2016,
state’s security forces deployed across a two-kilometre- Jayalalithaa created a history by being the first Tamil
long arterial stretch along which the wedding procession Nadu chief minister to be in power for two consecutive
would pass. The estimated cost of the wedding, of terms. AIADMK won 134 out of 234 seats in Assembly
Sasikala’s nephew (and Jayalalithaa’s foster son) to actor polls. This time round, Jayalalithaa’s future seemed
Sivaji Ganesan’s granddaughter, was reportedly over Rs 5 secure. “Amma” had become a brand, quite literally.
crore in 1995. This was exclusive of clothes and jewellery. The Amma canteens, Amma vegetable markets, Amma
mineral water and proposed Amma theatres were a hit.
During her tenure, Jayalalitha was accused of misusing
her office during her first tenure as chief minister On September 22nd, 2016 Jayalalithaa was hospitalized
between 1991-996 and amassing properties worth Rs and on December 4th, 2016, Jayalalithaa suffered
66.65 crore. Assets under the scanner were farmhouses cardiac arrest. Finally, on December 5th, 2016, the six
and bungalows in Chennai, agricultural land in Tamil term Tamil Nadu chief minister passed away leaving
Nadu, a farmhouse in Hyderabad and a tea estate in the unanswered questions about the health, wealth and
Nilgiris. death. Jayalalithaa’s life has ended on the tragic note that
has underscored much of her success.
As MGR passed away in AIADMK split into two. While
one group remained with Jayalalithaa, Other group
was with MGR’s wife Janaki. In 1989, Jaya’s Group won
27 Assembly seats in Assembly polls. Jayalalithaa was
insulted by DMK Members during the Budget Session in

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 05

Ashes Rivals Over the next two months
Usman Khawaja and Australia and England will be at
Moeen Ali war. Not war of the military type,
but war of the sporting type. Yes,
Derek Wood it is the Ashes – cricket’s oldest
contest. Australia and England will
be fighting it out for the little urn.
Whilst the odds favour Australia,
with their explosive pace attack,
it is England who are the current
holders of the Ashes.

Every Ashes test series there are players who stand out Two years later Khawaja made his Australian test debut v
from the rest. On the last Ashes series here, it was England at Sydney. By doing so, he became the first Muslim,
Mitchell Johnson who completely destroyed England. and Pakistani born player, to play test Cricket for Australia.
The following series, it was England who came out on To date, he has played 24 tests and scored 5 centuries (top
top, mainly thanks to England’s bowling attack and, in score of 174) and 8 half-centuries for a current test average of
particular, Stuart Broad. 45.47.

This series will feature two players of Pakistani origin – one Outside of cricket, Khawaja is a qualified commercial and
for each country. Step forward Usman Khawaja and Moeen instrument related pilot. Usman attained his basic pilot
Ali. Interestingly, both of these players are the same age licence before he had obtained his driver’s licence. In
and the same height. Usman is the oldest of the two players December, 2016 Khawaja became engaged to his girlfriend
though. Both are shining beacons for their communities. Rachel McLellan.

Australia will be hoping that Khawaja shows the form of Moeen Munir Ali was born in Birmingham, England on
2015 when he was the standout batsman of the Australian 18th June 1987. His grandfather migrated to England from
team. Likewise, England will be expecting Ali to take the the Mirpur region of Pakistan. Interestingly, Moeen is of
mantle of the main all-rounder by scoring runs and taking a mixed race, with his grandmother Betty Cox, being of
regular wickets. Ali is likely to bat up the order given the British background.
absence of Ben Stokes. So, who are Usman Khawaja and
Moeen Ali? Cricket runs through the family, with his brother Kadeer
and cousin Kabir both talented cricketers as well. Kabir
Usman Tariq Khawaja was born in Islamabad, Pakistan on played one test match for England versus South Africa on
18th December 1986. His family emigrated to Australia, and 2003, taking 5 wickets during the game.
settled in Sydney before Usman was 5 years old. Khawaja
soon excelled at cricket and it was not long before he was Moeen initially started off as a batsman and occasional
playing for NSW. In 2008, Usman hit two consecutive double bowler. However, over the last few seasons he has developed
centuries for NSW Second XI, the first time this had ever into a fine stroke player and a more than useful spin bowler.
been achieved by a NSW player. The same season, he made In fact, during the English summer just passed, Ali took his
his full debut for NSW First XI. first hat trick in Test cricket. It was the first hat trick by an
English spinner for 79 years.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 06

Moeen Ali and Alastair Cook get up close and personal with a local

Usman Khawaja, ready for the Ashes

In the One Day series that followed, Moeen scored the So, the stage is set for these two fine cricketers to set the
second fastest century ever recorded for England. The Ashes alight. Over the next few weeks these two fine athletes
landmark score coming off just 53 balls. To date, Ali has can expect to pit their wits against each other in attempt to
scored 8 international centuries and taken five wickets in a gain the ascendancy for their country. Can Usman find his
test innings on four occasions. Currently, Moeen has a test excellent form of two years ago? Will Moeen score runs and
batting average of 34.66 and a test bowling average of 37.32. surprise Australia by taking a large number of wickets?
Interestingly, he has batted for England from number 1 to
number 9 in test matches. As the saying goes, only time will tell. One thing is certain,
though. This Ashes, and the one-day series that follows, will
Moeen Ali is married to Bangladeshi born Firoza Hossain. be riveting viewing. Bring it on!
They have one son named Abu Bakr, whom Ali wants to
grow up to become a religious scholar.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 07

Who
am I? SashiN

Here is the scenario: around to going back to attend the remainder of that
symposium – although that presentation was over and
I was attending a private symposium on the role of the symposium would have moved on to other fun
Australia in global engineering and manufacturing topics of discussion.
industry. A very senior, well-read and well-travelled
professional impeccably dressed in a dark suit, a Why did I do that? What was the reason for this
red designer tie and shiny black shoes during the reaction from me? Long-time back, I was keen to leave
course of his presentation is trying to convince the India for Australia to make my life, I was instantly
audience on a point – actually he spends more than taken in by the glamour and comfort. Despite initial
half his time on the stage making this point. The setbacks, I have lived and worked here a long time,
point is – a certain equipment being procured is “not I am an Australian Citizen for many years and I do
Indian”. He further explains to the very informed everything within my ability and powers to protect
and educated audience that the equipment is “only” the Country’s prestige, culture, ethos and safety. I
being “assembled” in India under the “strict quality have made this my home. I love this place. Despite
Standards” of a European “Global” conglomerate. He my very modest and mediocre abilities, despite many
goes on to explain that the parts for the equipment poor career and personal decisions I have made, this
have been manufactured at various European society has given me a life that I can’t complain about.
countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain etc and also On the other hand, I know for a fact that India is not
adds that some parts from Australia too have gone known for greatest quality products and services,
into that equipment and repeats that the equipment is so if anyone has some concerns on procuring plant
not “Indian” but is well and truly a “Global” equipment and equipment from India, well, one might argue
and he stresses yet again that in India it is “only” that it is understandable. Despite India being a
being assembled “under strict supervision”. I was great civilisation and an emerging word power and
one of the very few persons of Indian origin at the economy I am well aware of India’s several unresolved
symposium, many were British, a few were Australian issues whether it is exploding population, divisive
and even less were Asians – all of them sagely nodding caste system, monstrous corruption, un-cleanliness,
and taking in this additional information and feeling inadequate infrastructure etc etc – the list grows
satisfied that it is not bad after all – that something longer. But despite all of this, why did I react the way
“Indian” is not being procured. This was the last I did when someone was showing India in bad light?
presentation before lunch was served. Who am I? Where does my allegiance lie?

My own reaction to this episode came as a bit I have come one full circle. During my childhood to
of a surprise to even myself!! First up – it was youth, I loved “my” India, travelled the length and
spontaneous, natural and voluntary. The very open, breadth of India and developed a heartfelt connection
public and painstaking justification by the presenter with the entire country. The fond memories of my
that something that is being procured is not “Indian” childhood, my adolescence, the school, the great
and the satisfaction the listeners expressed had a teachers, the cricket matches etc are green in my
profoundly adverse effect on me. My response was a memory. After I grew up a bit and commenced my
bit abrupt – I did not care to join the group for lunch, working career I found that I was not earning and
instead went out and ate something on my own. After saving enough despite my education and hard work.
lunch, however hard I tried, I could never get The work culture, the corruption, the rat race, the

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 08

Advertise in
The Subcontinent Voice
to reach the people from the
subcontinent origins from
India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Fiji, Singapore,
Malaysia, Mauritius and
South Africa

rush, the crowd were all overwhelming. When my Me: “OK, that is fine but why did you have to stay
daughter was born and quickly started growing up, until midnight for that?”
I worried for her future as well as her safety. When
I used to experience frequent power cuts and when Mate: “We had outsourced the software development
the taps used to go dry, I cursed my destiny as well and they got it all wrong, I tried explaining, but
as India and so, I took the first opportunity to leave they wouldn’t get it, they wouldn’t understand my
the country. I thought it was a God send and indeed it requirements and so, I had to do it myself at the
appeared to be so and so it has been. eleventh hour. I had no option”
Initially the indications were only subtle but as I
picked up the way of life here and as I understood That is when it dawned on me:
the cultural nuances, despite the relative material
comfort, I realised that “everything that looks white is Me: “Oh!! I get it!! You outsourced the software
not milk”. After a length of stay here, after interacting development to India right?”
and interfacing with the general public, after working
here and after watching the media on how India Mate: “Yeah, that’s right. I didn’t want to mention that
and Indians are portrayed, I started realising the and hurt your feelings”
subtle (actually not so subtle) social segregation and
inevitably I started drifting towards where my journey What? Hurt what? My feelings? Why did he think it
of life had originally started – love for my birth place - would be hurtful to me if he told me that someone in
India!! India had messed up a piece of work handed to them?
Does he think I represent the whole country of 1.3b
Moving on….there is an added pressure – me being an people?
Indian I seem to carry the whole Country on my back
at times. Here is an example: One particular morning, When people called me “that Indian bloke” I used to
I met with a very talkative fun loving local mate of wonder – I have Australian Citizenship, love being so,
mine on train travelling to our respective work places I speak, read and write English well, I dress like the
in the morning and as I did every day, I sat next to locals, I work like locals, I pay taxes – just like the
him. As per the norm, I attempted to engage with locals, I try and participate in public cultural events
him in conversation and he kept giving me short (but and even drink beer like them in a pub!! – but why
courteous) answers and repeatedly tried falling asleep. am I “that Indian bloke” to them? After attending
He was genuinely tired. I started probing a bit. Here is that symposium, I think I know the answer to that
how it went: question. I am Indian by heart!! And an Australian
otherwise. And the society seems to identify that. No
Mate: “Shashi, I went back home from work very late wonder I pray for an Indian victory when the cricket is
yesterday – after midnight” on against Australia. It so happens that I can come out
of India, but India can’t come out of me – no matter
Me: “Oh Really? Why so?” what, where, when and how!!!!

Mate: “Oh, I had to launch a software and get that Do I have an identity crisis? Who am I? Not sure,
working and it took time” still thinking…

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 09

Vaaranam
Children’s Books

Vanitha Tonn

Off I went in 2012, when my
baby boy was born, to fill up
my bookshelf with amazing,

colourful and engaging
children’s books. Of course,
I soon found out that not all

books were made equal.

There were limitless options for English books – board books, throughout the country, there are Tamil TV channels and
touch and feel books, lift-the-flap books. However, when it a Tamil radio station... It is just present everywhere and
came to Tamil books, the choices were rather dire. The few seeps through to the Tamil households. Having moved to
Tamil books that my mum sent from Singapore were of poor Australia, where Tamil is rarely spoken around my immediate
paper quality, text-heavy and contained illustrations that surroundings, I find that I have to work a lot harder for my
looked a little scary. children to be exposed to the Tamil language and culture.

​Quite often, as my son got older, he ripped a couple of pages of And that is why I decided to produce my own books that
the Tamil books rather easily and even chewed them to bits. I Tamil children, from all over the world, can benefit from. I
desperately wanted to read to my son in Tamil so that he will formed Vaaranam Children’s Books and have just completed
develop an interest in the language. So, I scaled the internet to my first project - 2 Tamil alphabet board books which
find better quality Tamil books only to find more of the same. highlight the vowels and consonants of our language – with
many more exciting projects in the pipeline.
As a child growing up in Singapore, Tamil was always one of
my favourite and strongest subjects at school. And I did read I want Tamil kids to reach for the Tamil books on their
loads of Tamil (and English) books. Back then, the difference bookshelves and I hope that by producing books which are
between Tamil and English children’s books was not as stark. of good print quality with colourful, engaging illustrations,
Both contained simple black-and-white illustrations and were I will play a small part in passing on the Tamil language and
mainly focused on imparting basic language skills. However, culture to our children.
English children’s books have progressed by leaps and bounds
in the last 30 years, providing multi-sensory experiences for I do believe that this is the first step towards encouraging
kids, while the Tamil counterparts have stayed stagnant. our kids to read Tamil books. Which in itself is a small, yet
essential step towards nurturing a love for the Tamil language
In addition, I realised that Tamil is readily available in – Tamil which is one of the oldest languages of this world…
Singapore – it is an official language of the land, it is part of Tamil which is close to my heart.​
the national school curriculum, it is present in the signage

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 10

Unicef Appoints
Actress Trisha
Krishnan As

Celebrity Advocate

Celebrity representatives across the
world work with unicef. How their
positive power of fame boosts lives of

millions of children.

Vaishnavi Tirumala

“Fame has some clear benefits in certain roles with
UNICEF. Celebrities attract attention, so they are in
a position to focus the world’s eyes on the needs of
children, both in their own countries and by visiting
field projects and emergency programmes abroad.
They can make direct representations to those with
the power to effect change. They can use their talents
and fame to fundraise and advocate for children and
support UNICEF’s mission to ensure every child’s
right to health, education, equality and protection”.

UNICEF

Sparkling Trisha Krishnan is the first South Indian to become has released a video in Malayalam with Chinmayee’s dubbing
the celebrity advocate to represent the UNICEF which is for Trisha. She has spoken about the need for the children
recognized for its untiring work for improving the lives of between 1 to 15 years of age to be vaccinated which protects
millions of children across the world. them against measles and rubella.

Trisha has become the first South Indian cinema actress to The video has gone viral and has served its purpose of
have been conferred this Unicef honour and said she is proud reaching the targeted community. With a heartwarming and
of the felicitation. In the past it was various other Indian genuine interaction with children Trisha gave a powerful
celebrities who were representing the UNICEF as goodwill speech and had genuine interaction with children later on.
ambassadors. They were Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Her powerful speech content included, “In the long run, girls’
Sachin Tendulkar, Priyanka Chopra & Sharmila Tagore. education will eliminate all the shortcomings in the society”;
and “Extra-curricular activities can make school more
Some of our celebrities who worked as celebrity advocates in interesting & appealing for kids. When I studied, I used to
the past are Nandita Das Madhuri Dixit Kareena Kapoor and look fwd [forward] to PT class, dramatics class, acting class etc.
Raveena Tandon. I came out of school with no stage fear, as a result.” She will
voice the rights of children, including adolescents and young
For the first time a south Indian actress is getting the people and lend support to efforts for addressing anemia,
opportunity to work for the child rights and protection. It child marriage, child labour and child abuse, faced by millions
is said that in the nearly 50 years since celebrities began of children, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
working with UNICEF, they have helped sway government
policies on behalf of children, publicize children’s issues Talking about the need for sex education in schools, Trisha
around the globe and raise funds for UNICEF-supported insisted, “It’s still a taboo to talk about periods and puberty.
programmes. Yes, sex education should be inculcated right from school.
It’s all about awareness and once they understand, things will
Earlier Trisha Krishnan was appointed as the ambassador change. I feel parents should also talk to their children about
to MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination campaign launched by it”, she said.
Kerala government along with UNICEF in October this year,

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 11

Chhatrapati
Shivaji
Maharaj
Memorial

Vaishnavi Tirumala

Massive equestrian statue of Maratha warrior statue will be surrounded by a theater, food court, and
Chatrapati Shivaji at a cost of Rs. 4000 Crores. Shiv library.
Smarak the monument of the Indian hero Shivaji
is going to be the world’s tallest statue. Initially controversy surrounded with the announcement
of the project with negative feedback pouring in from
The Shiv Smarak or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj various political parties and environmentalists from
Memorial is a monument under construction to honor different perspectives. The cost involved to carry out the
the 17th century Indian warrior king and founder of project being very huge people from various quarters
the Maratha Empire, Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj. The commented that the money can best be used for some
massive equestrian statue of Maratha warrior king Shivaji other purpose which needed government’s immediate
is expected to be built on a 16-hectare rock in the Arabian attention rather than spending on a monument at this
Sea off Mumbai which is going to be the World’s tallest cost.
one. The foundation stone laying ceremony was held on
24th December 2016 by the Indian Prime Minister Shri This Memorial would cause immense harm to a
Narendra Modi Ji. vibrant marine ecosystem and ecology of the Arabian
Sea according to environmentalists. The Koli fishing
Shiv Smarak is a Rs.4,000 Crore Project and the work will community, Mumbai’s original inhabitants, also expressed
commence in January 2018 and expected to complete in their fear and resentment towards the project citing loss
the year 2021 according to the Government Press release. of livelihood due to massive dislocation and killing of
The cost of the project has grown multi – fold since the marine life.
project was conceived 12 years ago, the budget for Shivaji,s
statue in Arabian Sea, has risen more than 35 times. In Earlier it was announced that In the first phase, a bridge
2004, the budget was just around Rs.100 Crores which will connect the memorial to the main land; eventually the
escalated to Rs.700 crores in 2009 and Rs. 1,400 crores in project will include visitor centre buildings, a memorial
2013 and Rs.4,000 crores in 2016,the media reported. garden, a library, food court, and convention centre with
The statue will be located in the Arabian Sea, near the approximately 10,000 footfall space.
coast of Mumbai city in the Indian state Maharashtra.
The statue will be located facing Mumbai, 1.5 km away Work on the memorial will be done in two phases.
on a manmade island of rocks; it will be 210 meters (690 The memorial will have a museum, exhibition gallery,
feet) in height, including its base, and would be the world’s amphitheater, helipad, and hospital. The memorial will
tallest statue when completed. The final height clearance showcase replicas of Shivaji forts.
that came from the Director General of Civil Aviasion,
which was most awaited stated that that the tip of Shivaji The complete idea of what exactly is going to come up will
Maharaj’s sword will be at 210 metre. The project area is be known in January 2018, once the project commences
planned to be spread over 130,000 square meters, and the as the reports came later donot carry all the elements that
were announced earlier.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 12

Life’s Little Ironies
Ansu Pariyar Explores

• Some politicians with Honorable in their official title, are anything but. 13
• Glow worms in caves look like pale blue stars studded in a night sky.

What you’re really looking at is little piles of poo. As they absorb
minerals, phosphorous accumulates in their butts. They have no anus.
• Some psych drugs are so toxic they can make patients look and act like
they’ve lost their marbles.
• Lord Shiva is the God of destruction and the God of procreation.
• Marriage Equality is likely to raise rates of public funding for assisted
reproduction (Unnatural Selection). But supporters of Marriage
Equality usually rate Darwin aboveGod.
• In 1950’s Australia, weddings were usually far less fancy, far fewer
couples lived together before marriage and people married far younger.
Yet relatively few divorced.
• If 2 Aussie soldiers die over-night in Afghanistan, it’s headline news. In
the Battle of Passchendaele (World War 1) 5,000 Aussie soldiers died in
1 day.
• A Dutch national survey found kids not vaccinated were healthier
overall.
• While legislators are increasingly keen to eliminate hate speech and
discrimination, broad profanity and disrespect for humanity in the
media is increasingly gross.
• Actress and model, Marilyn Monroe (1926-62) is still widely admired for
her ample curves. Yet, today, she’d be too “fat” for the catwalks.
• Psychiatrists have higher rates of divorce and suicide.
• You’re more likely to believe in ghosts if you graduate college than fail
or drop out.
• It’s a man’s world. Women must catch up, right? Well, Australian boys
are at least 4 times more likely to be drugged as “ADHD”. It’s a quite
invasive discrimination.
• Porn is universal intimacy for commercial reasons.
• By survey, over 90 percent of Australians want mandatory labelling of
GM ingredients in food. Our great democracy won’t comply.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017

Getting

Involved

Linda Vij Interviews
Michelle Rowland,
Member for Greenway

What especially concerns your constituents? high-rise development by train stations that is fit for
families, not just dog boxes or studios that investors rent
Day to day issues affecting quality of life. One is lack of out. But we can’t simply dictate to developers about the
parking by train stations to facilitate public transport. mix or we deter them from building. Labor has decided
People arrive home tired and in the dark after walking we need capital gains tax reform, also restricting negative
around 20 minutes from stations like Schofields and gearing on existing properties.
Quakers Hill before they reach their cars. It makes for long Simply banning foreign investment in property won’t help.
days. The additional M4 toll really annoys people using the We mustn’t do anything giving a general signal against
M4 for daily work. These are state issues. We need better foreign investment in Australia as a free market economy.
public transport for people who live in places such as The If we ban individuals overseas from buying property here,
Ponds, which was farmland just a few years ago. they will side step by investing through private companies.

Federally, the Turnbull government’s decision to have What distinguishes Labor and the Coalition
copper instead of fibER connections for the National
Broadband Network (NBN) really bothers me. It means Labor especially believes in a level playing field or equality
slower connections and more drop-outs to parts of my of opportunity despite where you’re born, what school you
electorate. Nationally, the project costs have still blown went to and your parent’s money, etc. What you then do
out to 50 billion dollars from the projected 29 billion. with opportunities is up to you.
Many consumers also seem to be paying for levels of input
not actually provided. Labor was formed to enhance collective bargaining
of workers but is challenged in how to get today’s
How can we help housing affordability? independent contractors and professionals to grasp
relevance of unions, and have decent pay and conditions,
We need to free up more land but it must have superannuation included.
infrastructure. To reduce some strain, we must have more Yet the computer and phone technology of today’s Sharing

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 14

Economy brings marginalized people new opportunities as binding survey across Australia. Many younger people are
contractors. I’ve known some people without the oral skills frustrated parliament was not directly deciding instead.
for a normal job interview but who drive well with Uber
or do food deliveries. Similarly, I know a homeless woman What about multiculturalism?
landed a job by a media App because she just happened to
have skills in housework. It was a small miracle. I’m a passionate believer and campaigned strongly
against proposed reduction of section 18 C of the
Malcolm Turnbull uses “innovation” as a buzz-word but Racial Discrimination Act. I have an abiding interest in
disasters with online portals for the Australian Taxation citizenship and attend citizenship ceremonies about once
Office, My Gov and the recent national census show a a month. I’m touched by people’s efforts and stories. I’m
disconnect between goals and the required investment concerned 10 million people in the world are stateless,
and effort. The Coalition wants to shed jobs in public despite ability of host countries to accept them.
service without enough consideration for loss of corporate
depth when eroding a skill base built up over years. I’m so glad proposals for university level English tests
as a prerequisite for Australian citizenship got shelved.
Some in the Coalition have a Born to Rule mentality. They Probably half of our MPs couldn’t pass them. Australians
are a parody of themselves and disconnected from normal by birth should feel honored when people become
people. They’re arrogant and aloof. But there are also Australians by choice.
some Coalition MPs in my general part of Sydney who are
personable and happy to work with me on areas of mutual What about asylum seekers?
concern.
I see a role for off shore processing but we should have
Why did you change your mind on same-sex stable and long term arrangements with countries
marriage? assisting. We should revise criteria and procedures in
choosing providers to run and service off-shore facilities.
I note public opinion has shifted here and overseas. Especially, we should have much more transparency
I arranged a local survey. It found around 50% of and accountability in how asylum seekers are treated.
Australians in my electorate were in favor of it. A mother When Scott Morrison ran border protection, he dodged
of a solider serving in the Middle East asked me why her questions about asylum seekers a ridiculous number of
son, who was willing to serve and die for his country, times by saying “It’s an on the water matter”.
didn’t have a right to marry his male partner. I had no
answer. Turnbull’s wasted 120 million dollars on a non-

Retraction 15

In Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2017, in the article, Serving
Humanity, lawyer, Rochelle Macredie is quoted as saying:
“In a practice called ‘off label prescription’, drugs are
often prescribed outside manufacturers’ guidelines. So,
in in NSW, mere infants receive Ritalin, a psych drug, for
‘Crying Disorder’.”

Instead, the text should have read
“In a practice called ‘off label prescription’, drugs are
often prescribed outside manufacturers’ guideline. My
concerns about this include that in NSW, mere infants
could receive Ritalin, a psych drug, for ‘Crying Disorder’
as is already happening in the US”.

Linda Vij, Associate Editor of the the Subcontinent Voice
has received no confirmation that in NSW, babies are
receiving Ritalin for “crying disorder” and apologizes for
any confusion.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017

MICHELLE ROWLAND MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MEMBER FOR GREENWAY

STATEMENT ON MEAT & LIVESTOCK AUSTRALIA ADVERTISEMENT

I welcome the decision of the Advertising Standards Board in finding that the Meat &
Livestock Australia advertisement for lamb, depicting Lord Ganesha, breaches the
Advertiser Code of Ethics on discrimination and vilification.

The advertisement, which ran earlier this year, caused offence to many in the Hindu
community for its depiction of Lord Ganesha.

Like many others, I submitted a complaint to the Advertising Standards Bureau
expressing concern at the deep offence the advertisement causes the Hindu community
as well as at the potential breach of the Advertiser Code of Ethics.

The Advertising Standards Board initially voted to dismiss complaints about the
advertisement however following the recommendations of an Independent Review
process, which found the Board gave insufficient weight to some evidence, the Board
decided to reconsider its original decision and ultimately determined that the
advertisement breaches advertising standards.

The report of the Board’s decision states:

“Lord Ganesha is the only deity singled out for his physical characteristics. The
majority of the Board also considered that Lord Ganesha had his physical
characteristic singled out in the context of a negative reference ‘Elephant in the
room’. … The majority of the Board therefore considered that the Elephant
comment amount to a depiction or portrayal of material which discriminated
against a person on account of their Hindu religion”.

While there is a relatively high bar for a finding of discrimination or vilification in our
country, which values free speech, it is important to raise awareness of religious values
in our multicultural society.

It is also commendable that the system of advertising self-regulation in Australia,
administered by the Advertising Standards Bureau, adheres to best-practice with a
process of independent review.

The Hindu community has sent a strong message to advertisers and marketers and I
hope to see greater sensitivity and respect for the Hindu community and Lord Ganesha
in advertising and marketing communications in future.

23 NOVEMBER 2017

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 16

Padmavati And Tajmahal There are a couple of issues that are throwing the life of common people
Rows Cause Widespread out of gear leading to utter chaos and confusion. Months of October and
November this year is witnessing massive agitations and protests against the
Agitations Historic movie Padmavati slated for release on December 1 earlier, on one hand
and the agitation on Taj Mahal on the other.
All Hell Broke Padmavati has caused an uproar in the Rajput community which categorical-
Loose ly condemned the film and the film maker Bhansali offering prize money to
behead him and the acress Deepika Padukone. Nobody is able to put off the
Vaishnavi Tirumala agitation as after gaining momentum it has spread across the country to various
states, where protesters seeking for a ban of the movie and should at no cost be
released in the theatres on 1st of December 2017.
While Karni sena went a step ahead to call for a Bharath Bandh on the sched-
uled date of release also threatens of dire consequences if released as the movie
is said to be made depicting rajput women in bad light and causing disrespect
to their women who were meant to have done so much of sacrifices in the
history of the king.
Especially the song GHOOMAR is not well received as it shows Deepika being
Rani Padmini dancing in the court in front of people. This has brought a lot of
negative responses from people belonging to the royal families slamming the
way the song is choreographed. The costume of Deepika showing her midriff
while performing this rajasthani folk dance brought about hectic criticism as
the royals feel no rajput woman would dance in front of anybody nor have they
worn exposing clothes like the one that is worn by Deepika in the song.
Mamta Banerji has expressed her solidarity in screening the movie across the
state of West Bengal without any problem other states continue to find it an
issue in releasing the movie. Semi Garewal seems to have seen the movie and
had a conversation on this with her Royal friend of the Rajput descent.
In a surpirising and delightfully hope-giving move, the very elegant Simi
Garewal , a self proclaimed die hard fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s cinema, has
stepped forward to mediate peace with the highly influential Maharani Padmini
of Jaipur on behalf of the beleaguered Padmavati team, reported the media.
The reports further stated that Simi, a long-standing friend of the Maharani
took it on herself to broker peace for Bhansali. And the results are very encour-
aging. The Karni Sena which is enormously deferential to Maharani Padmini
is expected to be summoned by the Maharani any time in the near future for a
peace plan.
Taj Mahal became the centre of controversy with the Uttar Pradesh Govern-
ment dropping the name of the historic monument from its Travel Catalogue
which invites foreigners and tourists to visit the Taj Mahal. This sparked a
controversy giving rise to various incidents that happened as for and against the
issue of the Taj Mahal, which is said to be once Shiva Temple.
People have started gathering there to do pooja as the place was utilized for
prayers by muslims too. While talking about the issue the CM of UP clarified
that it was with the sweat and blood of our men that monuments like the TAJ
MAHAL were constructed. We should not forget the fact he said. The contro-
versy erupted when Sangeet Som said, “Many people were pained to see that
the Taj Mahal was removed from the list of places (tourist destinations). What
type of history? Is this history that the person who built the Taj Mahal impris-
oned his father? Do you call it history when the one who built the Taj targeted
many Hindus in Uttar Pradesh and Hindustan?”
Sangeet Som said it is unfortunate if people like Shah Jahan were part of the
history and his government will change this history followed by Yogi’s Govern-
ment dropping the name from its Government Booklet. This sparked a major
controversy with people fighting over social media and topic becoming a part
of major live tv debates and so on. Later the CM YOGI ADITYANATH picked
up the broom and stared swach cleaning drive at the monument and stated that
it belonged to religion as these monuments were built with the sweat and blood
of Indians.

17

Bollywood Dance India Dance
TitBits
By Preetha This popular dance show that airs on Zee TV is coming up
Krishnan with its latest season number six. It is a very good platform
for dance enthusiasts to showcase their talents and get
recognition in Bollywood. The auditions have started in
September. It is premiering on November 4th at 9 pm
IST. The trio of judges consists of Masters Marzi Pestonji,
Mudassar Khan and Mini Pradhan with Mitun Chakraborty
the Grand Master.

Hate story 4

It is the latest and the 4th addition to the thriller hate story
movie. Urvashi Rautela is in the lead role and is directed by
Vishal Pandya. The first movie was released in 2012. This
movie is scheduled to release in 2018.

The house next door

ThisHindi horror film is directed by Milind Rau staring
Siddharth and Andrea Jeremiah in lead roles. It was
simultaneously shot in three languages: Aval in Tamil and
Gruham in Telugu. The movie released on November 3rd
2017.

Fukrey returns

It is an upcoming comedy film, directed by Mrighdeep Singh
Lamba which is scheduled to be released in December 2017
staring Rajpal Yadav, Pulkit Samrat, Varun Sharma and
others. It is a sequel to the 2013 movie titled Fukrey.

Race 3

Salman Khan’s upcoming action/ thriller movie directed by
Remo D’Souza is a new and third installment to the race
movie series starring Jacqueline Fernandez and many others
is set to release in 2018.

Tiger

Salman khan and Katrina Kaif’s upcoming action film
directed by Ali Abbas Zafar is a sequel to the movie released
in 2012, ‘Ek Tha Tiger’, ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ continues the story
of two super spies Tiger and Zoya years later. The trailer
released on 7th November already has 39 million views and
still counting. The movie is all set to release December this
year.

Big boss 11

The ongoing season 11 is being hosted by Salman Khan
and telecasted on ColoursTV. It premiered on 1st October
2017 Sunday 9pm, Monday to Friday 10:30pm and Saturday
& Sunday 9:00pm with the finale set in 2018. On Day 42,
Mehjabi and Sabyasachi were evicted by public voting. Hina,
Sapna and Benafsha have been nominated for eviction this
week.

18

Dhadak

Boney and Sridevi Kapoor’s daughter Jhanvi Kapoor is
gearing up for her Bollywood debut along with Shahid
Kapoor’s brother Ishaan Khattar who is also debuting in
this movie. The film is directed by Shashank Khaitan. Karan
Johar released the poster on November 2017.

Golmaal again

This movie starring Ajay Devgan, Parineeti Chopra, Tabu,
Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal
Khemu, Prakash Raj, Sirshak Shrestha and Neil Nitin
Mukesh among others is directed by RohitShetty. It is
the fourth installment of the Golmaal film series. The
film released on 20 October 2017. Ajay Devgan’s Fan Club
along with Jolly Karuna Bhakti Group organized a special
screening of Golmaal Again for 70 children from an
orphanage in Vesu, Surat.

Kangana’s sister blessed with a baby boy

Actress Kangana Ranaut’s sister Rangoli Chandel who is also
her manager was blessed with a baby boy and named him
Prithvi Raj Chandel.

Raazi

It is an upcoming thriller film directed by Meghna Gulzar
and produced by Karan Johar. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky
Kaushal in lead roles. The film is scheduled for release in
May 2018.

QaribQaribSinglle

This comedy drama film is directed by Tanuja Chandra. This
film stars Irrfan Khan and Parvathy.The film released on 10
November, 2017.

Padman

This upcoming 2018 movie is inspired from the life of social
entrepreneur ArunachalamMuruganantham. Who has
invented a low cost sanitary pad making machine. Directed
by R. Balki, featuring Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and
Radhika Apte and Amitabh Bachchan.

Padmavati

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming film Padmavati’s release
date may be delayed due to multiple reasons. The Central
Board of Film Certification is yet to certify the film. Protests
were carried out in various states and the director has
deniedallegations clarifying that his film does not distort
history. Karni Sena, which has been at the forefront of the
agitation, is seeking a ban on the movie. The movie sets
were also vandalized.Deepika whoplays RaniPadmavathi in
the movie also received threats.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017

She Walks In Power Vaishnavi Tirumala
And Speaks In Depth
Jacinda Ardern

The New Prime Minister
Of New Zealand

The world is witnessing a remarkable change in the JASCINDA ARDERN
choice of the leaders and choice of people to hold high
ranks and positions in political hierarchy. Days are A member of the Labor Party, Jascinda Ardern became
slowly waning out that once preferred only older men the most youngest female leader in the world to be named
being appointed as the leader of the party or a senior as the Prime Minister of a country. She involved herself
person in any given party to lead a country. With the in public life since her teens and her hard work and
changing times it is the turn of young and younger men integrity helped her gain confidence of the people. She
and women to take over to occupy higher ranks and became Leader of the Labour Party on 1st August 2017
most importantly to become the Prime Ministers and after Andrew Little resigned from the position following a
Presidents of their countries. As the list is growing day historically low poll result.
by day it was a stunning moment for the world to witness
New Zealand getting its new Prime Minister. Previously The most young and dutiful member of the Labour party
the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, became was chosen to become the Prime Mister after New Zealand
the second youngest Prime Minister of the country at First chose to enter into a Minority Coalition with the
the age of 43 in 2015. Later it was the French President Labour, supported by the Greens. While National Party
Emmanuel Macron assuming office at the age of 39, while managed to secure 56 seats the Labor Party managed to
the oldest President to hold the position in France was form the Government on coalition with just 46 seats in
Adolph Thiers at the age of 74. hand. As a supporter of the labor movement she opposes
tax cuts for high earners unlike the National Party.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 20

As regards cultural issues there is a lot of changes in the “Jacinda Ardern: Politician likely to
mindsets of the people worldwide with growing support become New Zealand’s next PM wants
for things like same sex marriages and consistent efforts to ditch the Queen
to liberate abortion laws which were once frowned upon
by people with conventional mindsets. Labour Party leader says she would encourage national
debate over cutting ties with the royal family”.
Jacinda Ardern not only supports same sex marriages “I am a republican but you will find there are people in
also promised to work for liberalization of abortion New Zealand who aren’t actively pursuing that change,”
law. The record on her early life in politics states that the 37-year-old told The Times. “It’s certainly not about
she was brought into labor party by her aunt who was my view of the monarchybut my view of New Zealand’s
a longstanding member of the Labor. Ardern was seen place in the world and carving out our own future. So
helping her aunt in campaigning during the 1999 general that is what drives my sentiment”, though the fact is that
election. many new Zealanders hold the queen in high regard but a
conversation on this line can always be started, she said.
As she joined the party at a young age helped her become
a senior figure in the young Labour branch of the party. JACINDA AND HER FOREIGN
She went to work as a senior policy advisor in an 80 TOURS:
member Policy Unit of the then British Prime Minister
Tony Blair in London. In early 2008 she became the Jacinda Ardern and Donald Trump took light-hearted digs
President of the International Union of Socialist Youth, at each other while in the Philippines for trade talks.
the role which she played demanded her spend time in Mr Trump told a person standing beside the Prime
countries like Jordan, Israel, Algeria and China. Minister: “This lady caused a lot of upset in her country”
referring to the election was a highlight in the media how
JACINDA ARDERN WAS ONCE A powerful people of the countries in the world exchanged
DISK JOCKEY? friendly fires.

It is so interesting to note that such a young promising “At 37, New Zealand’s new Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister was once an amateur Disk Jockey. Mixing will be a stark contrast to the other leaders at this year’s
music and spinning the disks during those days of her Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders’ forum”,
early career meant something much more than just mixing the media reported saying,“She DJs, takes selfies, and goes
music. The days she spent for Labor Party after her DJ-ing on women’s marches. But when it comes to her priorities,
career had seen her spin career all around to become the policies and style of leadership how does she compare?”,
most young and dutiful leader to run the state. as she was the youngest of all and the oldest being the
President of Peru who is 79. There is a 42 year age gap
She hit the headlines of many important newspapers between these two world leaders.
across the world when she said she would encourage
national debate over cutting ties with the royal family. The
newspapers thus reported :

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 21

Non-resident
Indians and
Aadhar

Dr Chandrika
Subramaniyan

There have been much confusions about NRIs and and that most NRIs/PIOs/ OCIs may not be eligible for its
AADHAR card requirements. There have been different enrolment.
information provided for NRIs by banks and other
authorities. The UIDAI said several representations had been received
However, it needs to be understood that Non-resident about problems faced by NRIs, PIOs and Overseas Citizens
Indians (NRIs) and People of Indian origin are not of India (OCI) where Aadhaar was being demanded with
required to link bank accounts and other services with regard to various services and benefits.
Aadhaar, the Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI) said in a circular. It said that some departments and implementing agencies
were asking NRIs/OCIs/PIOs to submit or link their
UIDAI, reiterating in unequivocal terms its clarification on Aadhaar for availing services and benefits, despite the
the topic in the past, instructed various implementation fact that they were not entitled for the 12-digit biometric
agencies to work out a mechanism to verify the status of identifier.
NRIs and PIOs.
The laws regarding submitting/linking of Aadhaar for
TSCV is attaching the circulars to highlight the availing the services/benefits applies to the residents as
information about Aadhaar-issuing body said the per the Aadhaar Act 2016. As per the rule, Aadhaar is made
Prevention of Money laundering Rules 2017 and the compulsory for those NRIs who had resided in India for
Income Tax Act clearly stipulate that the linking of bank more than 182 days in aggregate in the past 12 months.
accounts and PAN, is for those persons who are eligible to
enroll for Aadhaar. Accordingly, the requirement to quote Aadhaar as per
Section 139AA of the Income tax Act shall not apply to
Recently the circular was issued by Dr Ajay Bhushan an NRI who had stayed in India less than 182 days in the
Pandey, CEO of the UIDAI, has directed federal ministries preceding 12-month period. NRIs and PIOs get the same
and departments to issue directives to state governments exemption for 16 other services that require Aadhaar
and other relevant agencies that NRIs are not even eligible mandatory for resident Indians.
to apply for this biometric identity card. The order has
listed 16 services directly or indirectly connected with The Indian government has made it mandatory for all
NRIs, which will help them contest any demand from existing resident Indian bank account holders to provide
officials who seek Aadhaar for such services. their Aadhaar numbers to their banks by December 31,
2017. If they fail, the account will no longer be operational,
It reiterated that Aadhaar as an identity document can be says a notification from the revenue department.
sought only from those eligible for it under Aadhaar Act,
22
The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017

Spotlight
on Problem
Gambling

Linda Vij

I’d never met her and the crowd was big. Yet I knew her the of serious addiction and have other grim effects. Interplay
instant she entered court. She looked haunted. Her spouse, a can develop between distress over gambling losses, and
problem gambler, had left her and the children, and declared drinking or taking street or psychiatric drugs. Alcohol and
personal bankruptcy. He’d milked their company of funds due mind altering drugs (including psychiatric drugs) can increase
its general suppliers. As a joint director, she was now alone impulsiveness, and cause further reduction in mood, long
responsible to pay them. term.

She owed me some $34,000 and had lost her house. She was In Australia, public interest is largely second to huge interests
humiliated to give minute detail of her finances via a legal of casinos, clubs and online gambling, etc. It enrages agencies
Notice of Examination. Moved by her story, I halved the debt and community groups trying to mop up. State governments
and granted a payment plan. Bless her, she complied perfectly. are addicted to gambling revenue. Stinking hypocrisy at a
high price. Australians spend some 20 billion dollars a year
Minor gambling at Diwali as an ode to Lakshmi can be fun. gambling. Gambling costs some 1.1 million Australians yearly
Yet problem gambling runs far deeper in the subcontinent over 10 percent of their income. Up to 10 other people are
diaspora than broadly realized. Addiction often starts casually likely to be intimately affected by each problem gambler, from
amongst social circles of the same or similar ethnicity. family or friends to colleagues or bosses.
Problem gamblers often report an early windfall kickstarted
their “career”. Andrew Wilke, independent federal MP from Tasmania,
strongly lobbies against the gaming industry and recently
There’s peer pressure. Gamblers usually brag of wins but cited Melbourne’s Crown Casino via parliamentary privilege.
hide losses. Many “hi-flyers” have rocky finances. People of Wilke, formerly with the Office of National Assessment, blew
lower socio-economic status to begin with are more likely to the whistle on bias favoring the 2001 invasion of Iraq.
become problem gamblers but they can be from any walk of
life. Some forms of manipulation and enticement rife in gaming
are already illegal and require better policing but arguably, the
Casinos target High Rollers (big time gamblers) by free hotels, Commonwealth should replace states in regulating gambling,
food, drinks, cash bonuses, even free flights and limousines. as they have in broadly in consumer law. They could close
They heavily appeal to status. The motto “Don’t seek to be a dirty loophole in NSW whereby there is no restriction on
liked or admired” applies. Free bets and bonus credits in how much interest private (unlicensed) lenders exploiting
online gambling also ultimately cost gamblers dearly. The gamblers can charge. But fortunately, contracts by private
latest poker machines are now programmed for more very lenders are sometimes too poorly written to be legally
near misses on payouts, a potent strategy to incite gambling. enforceable.

High Rollers are often criminals and money launderers but Official self-exclusion programs may work with casinos but
can be business people or property investors, etc. Gambling are of little help with pubs and clubs as there are so many
can start or explode after a life crisis. Problem gamblers often others. The Wesley Mission (a network of the Uniting Church)
are quiet people you don’t look twice at (forget James Bond compassionately delivers legal and financial advice to problem
images). gamblers. Ring 1800 021 821 for help, or to donate to this very
worthy cause. Please also see wesleymission.org.au/donate
Gambling as a “solution” is an awful problem. Gamblers may to contribute online. Counsellors usually advise problem
approach “loan sharks” so they can play “just one more time gamblers to:
to change luck” or pay bills. Loan sharks may have criminal • Change social circles or review who their friends really are
backgrounds or links, and start threatening the problem • Change to day work if shifts have prompted gambling at
gambler or their families.
odd hours, when other activities and social opportunities
Families, friends and colleagues can be hit for sums small or are limited
large by excuses. Cash vanishes in homes, at workplaces and • Find new interests to replace gambling, especially free or
from accounts. Bitter quarrels, even domestic violence, occur cheap activities
from stress and spouses “missing” the gambling, as well as • Eat well, get some sun and set regular sleep patterns, to
detecting it. Gambling debts also factor in political corruption. assist physical and mental well-being and rationality

Depression, anxiety and suicidal ideas can arise but formal Those steps can be vital in the often slow and painful road to
help is a dilemma, as psychiatric drugs can add a new layer recovery.

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 23

Eid

Linda Vij
(in yellow)
from The
Subcontinent
Voice, and
friends
celebrate Eid.

We want young
writers to contribute to
The Subcontinent Voice

The Subcontinent Voice Dec 2017 24

Incredible Colour!
Incredible Price!
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20 Volume 1 Issue 3, 2017 THE SUBCONTINENT VOICE