25 May 2022
It was nice to have a verified Facebook page.
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Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh/
Welcome to my site!
Let me introduce myself. I live in Sydney, Australia. I am also a Physician or Internal Medicine specialist with MD. I obtained my basic medical degrees and training [MBBS and MD] from the prestigious medical institutions in India. My specialist training as a cardiologist was in Australia which led to FRACP [Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians]. I work as cardiologist in Sydney, NSW.
In addition to being a doctor, I have a keen interest in any matter which has anything to do with Australia, India and Indian-Australians. I consider myself well-informed about what is happening in Australia, India and the World. I love my community, which includes not just Indian Australians, but also all Australians, irrespective of their ethnicity, religion and gender. I am in the community work and leadership because I enjoy doing it and wish the best for the community. It is definitely not for any personal benefit.
This Blog is not about medicine. This is all about my political and social views on a variety of relevant issues. I urge you to not drag my profession while debating with me on political/social views. I am not a member of any political party. I am a keen observer of politics, however. I am often a social and political commentator, and my comments are often sought by the media.
Australia is my home since 1991. I live in Australia physically, mentally and socially. Australia is my “Karm Bhumi or Place of work”, but India will always remain my “Matra Bhumi or Birth place”, with a significant emotional bonding, and a place deep inside my heart. I love Australia and India both. I support Australian cricket team in every match except when they play with the Indian team. When that happens, I become neutral and rejoice with either winning team! [Just kidding!].
I identify myself as an Australian when choosing between Australian and any other identity as I share my value system with Australian value system and Australia is my home. When dealing with regions, religions or languages from India, I am an “Indian” first and anything else much later. I love India dearly as it is the place of my birth, but I love Australia no less because it is a great country and it has given me so much. I have no doubt that Australia is a great place to live and work, and Australians are fantastic people. Australia has my total loyalty!
Unlike some, I do not believe that Australia is a racist nation, although I recognize that there are some people who hold racist views, just like some people in any other country of the world. Such people are however a tiny minority. Vast majority of Australian people, like any other country, are fair-minded people. Systems, rules, Laws, regulations and Governance in Australia are not based on racism or racist agenda.
I wish to see Indian-Australians to be well-integrated among themselves and within Australian general community socially and politically. I want to see Indian Australians in the state and federal parliaments. I will not support an Indian Australian politician however if he/she is not a good person, lacks ability and if there is a better alternative candidate in the contest, irrespective of race, religion or gender of that candidate.
I am a strong advocate of good Australia-India relations. I want to see these relations go to newer heights.
I am comfortable with people who have integrity and decency, irrespective of their race, religion, gender or political views, but I detest those who exploit vulnerable people like students and new immigrants. I am not a fan of those who do not have any idea or understanding of “conflict of interest”.
I am a strong believer and a supporter of the multiculturalism and Multicultural Australia. To put it simply, multiculturalism to me is about freedom to practise and enjoy my own culture, enjoy other cultures, let others enjoy their own cultures and to integrate with the general Australian culture, ethos and values, which must always remain supreme. I believe in integration, not segregation. I like good and decent people from all sections of the Australian society, irrespective of their race, religion, beliefs, culture or political persuasion.
I have been active in the community over the years. Details of my community work can be found here. http://tinyurl.com/7opu4tv
I encourage you to go through my Blog posts and make comments, if necessary. I want to network with you and encourage you to join me via Twitter, Facebook or this Blog.
I recognize that you may not agree with every thing I say, have said, do, or have done. Irrespective of that, I encourage you to join me in debating on these matters, provided you have something positive to contribute. I am reasonably open-minded and have learnt to see merits in a well-argued point of view. I value your views, as long as you identify yourself while making your comments. I respect even those views which are not aligned with mine, provided they are advancing a debate on a topic. I believe that diversity of views and opinions is a positive thing for the community. I believe in the concept of “agree to disagree” when we are unable to have the same view on a subject.
I am keen to network with people from wide spectrum of fields, using face to face interactions and social media.
I can be reached via Email dryadusingh@gmail.com, Twitter www.twitter.com/dryadusingh, Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh, Facebook personal profile www.facebook.com/dryadusingh and Linkedin http://au.linkedin.com/pub/yadu-singh/52/581/864.
Thank you for visiting my site.
With best regards
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/Australia
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
http://www.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh
(Edited 11 May, 2021)
Sydney, 15 March, 2020
👆Global picture as of 15/3/20
I gave an extensive interview on Coronavirus, talking about symptoms, testing, treatment, prevention, social distancing and other key aspects of this infection.
As of today (15/3/20), Australia has 299 people with infection and 5 deaths. 51 new infected people and 2 additional deaths in the last 24 hours. This is worrying.
Sydney, 13 March, 2020
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, today advised the Prime Minister and Premiers to ban the gathering of 500 or more people to help control the spread of Coronavirus infection. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as a result, has announced the ban on such gatherings from Monday (16 March) onwards.
Royal Easter Show has been cancelled. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) had an international match today without the spectators. Grand Prix has been cancelled. Holi festivals, scheduled for this weekend, have been postponed. Parramasala was postponed yesterday.
This decision to ban gatherings will help Australia to move ahead of the surging curve of the infection. It is likely to help slow down the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) infection. Community transmission must be reduced, while imported infections are diagnosed and isolated, and their close contacts are traced and tested.
Australia has 199 people with Covid-19 infection as of today.
News.com.au says, “A total 199 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across Australia, with 92 in New South Wales, 36 in Victoria, 35 in Queensland, 16 in South Australia, 14 in Western Australia, four in Tasmania, one in the Northern Territory and one in the ACT.”
Home minister, Peter Dutton, has just been diagnosed. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-13/peter-dutton-diagnosed-with-coronavirus/12055104?pfm=ms
Australia must do everything to slow down the spread of the infection.
We all have a role to play. We must practise the rules of good personal hygiene.
1. Frequent washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an Alcohol-based sanitizer,
2. Don’t touch your face, eyes, nose and mouth because this can lead to introduction of virus into the body, (unless hands have been thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds),
3. Covering face and nose with tissue paper or the elbow (not hands), while coughing or sneezing,
4. Keeping a distance of at least 3 feet from others.
There is nothing special about the ban starting on Monday or the crowd of 500 or more.
Just don’t go to any crowd.
Don’t organise any gathering.
In my view, we should stop organizing events, festivals or concerts, including extended family get-togethers from now.
What is social distancing:
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/607927/
1. Have a space of at least 3 feet between you and others,
2. No hugging and hand shaking,
3. Avoiding crowds, concerts, get-togethers, conferences,
4. Avoid going to crowds, meetings, concerts, events etc, if you travelled from overseas in the last 14 days,
5. Self-isolation and use a mask, if you are sick with sneezing, sore throat. cough, and breathing difficulties (seek medical help, if breathless),
6. If you are sick with above symptoms and have to go to a doctor or a hospital, call them first and inform them about your circumstances.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 12 March, 2020
Dr Harry Harinath, the chairman of the Parramasala board, confirmed about 30 minutes ago that Parramasala (13th to 15th March 2020, Parramatta) has been postponed. The board met around 4.30pm today and discussed the prevalent Coronavirus situation in Sydney.
Keeping the public health implications in view, and cancellations from many participating cultural groups, the board took this difficult but necessary decision.
Coronavirus infection is increasing exponentially.
As of 12/3/29, globally there are 129,158 people with infection and 4,749 deaths. In Australia, 156 people have been infected. Most of them are in Sydney.
It’s preferable to stay away from the crowds. Many events have been canceled throughout the world. The prudent and smart thing to do right now is to follow “social distancing” to avoid getting infected and avoid infecting others. Social distancing has many parameters and includes avoiding body contacts with others (hugging and shaking hands) and keeping a distance of at least 3 feet from others to avoid receiving and sending droplets from nose and mouth. It must be noted that many infected and infectious people have no symptoms and do not know that they are infected.
I praise the Parramasala board to take this difficult but correct decision.
“Following significant feedback from communities and growing concerns over COVID-19, the Parramasala Board has made the difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Parramasala Festival. The safety and wellbeing of our communities is of the highest importance to the board, stakeholders and event managers of Parramasala.”-Parramasala Board.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 12 March,
2020
India has decided to suspend all visas for travelers from overseas. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on March 13 at the port of departure and will be valid till 15 April 2020. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders are also included in this policy . There are a few exceptions to this ban.
This is an extraordinary decision. We are in desperate times and every possible step must be taken to stop the spread of this devastating infection.
WHO has yesterday declared this to be a pandemic. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected more than 126000 people and caused 4616 deaths as of today (12/3/20) in more than 100 countries. The latest frontiers are Italy and Iran. Australia has 127 cases with 3 deaths (NSW with a total of 77 and 11 diagnosed yesterday) as of today.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 7 March, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a major problem for the whole world. Coronavirus Could Cost the Global Economy $2.7 Trillion. Here’s How. https://t.co/FkABoP26dp?amp=1
Quoting from Al Jazeera: More than 100,000 people (mostly in China) have been infected and more than 3290 people have died (3,015 deaths in China and 267 fatalities in other parts of the globe, most of them in Italy and Iran). At least 1,200 of the new infections are in Iran in just the past 24 hours, the country’s biggest jump since the outbreak began. Iran’s health ministry on Friday noted that 124 people have died.
In France, 200 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed overnight, while India and South Korea also reported an increase in the number of infections.
Additionally, the death toll in the United States from the coronavirus rose to 12 when King County in the state of Washington reported the latest death on Thursday.
There is no cure or vaccine available.
Prevention is the best approach to restrict its spreading.
WHO recommendation on Corona virus infection:
Protect yourself and others from getting sick
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately
Dr Yadu Singh
Mays Hills, Sydney 2145
This event has been cancelled as of Friday, 6 March, due to Cumberland Council closing the parks under its control due to unsafe conditions in the Park. Apology for the inconvenience. New date TBA.
Holi: Festival of Colours, Sunday, 8 March 2020, Freame Park, Burnett Street, Mays Hill NSW 2145. https://www.facebook.com/events/862227297575607/
It’s a Free Event!
A fun event. Alcohol-free and a family event!
No entry tickets.
Colours on sale on site!
Time: 11am – 5pm, Sunday, 8 March 2020
Venue : Freame Park, Corner Burnett Street- Rees Street,
Mays Hill, NSW 2145
All welcome.
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney, 1 March, 2020
Joint press release from key Indian Australian community associations is posted below.
1 March 2020
Media Statement
We, the Indian Diaspora in Australia, which is over 700,000, strongly condemn the recent speech of Treasurer Josh Frydenberg in the Australian Parliament (on Feb 27th 2020) where he mocked those who chant “Om”, “Wear Robes”, “Burn Incenses”, and practice the ancient tradition of Yoga.
Given the fact that these are practices of Hindu religion, we are extremely disappointed by his speech. It lacks sensitivity and respect for a religion that is practiced by over half a million Australians and almost a billion people globally. This coming from a senior Federal government minister is appalling, offensive, and unacceptable.
Yoga and Meditation are also an integral part of the Australian lifestyle with one- in-six Australians practicing meditation, and one-in-ten Australians practicing Yoga as part of their everyday lives. Over 4,000+ Australian “Yoga-based” small business owners contribute over $700M to the Australian economy every year.
We understand that the remarks may have been unintentional and without malice, however, the fact is that they are hurtful and appear as mockery. We request that the Minister takes into consideration our concerns and take the necessary action such as withdrawing his statement in regard to the mockery implied in his speech.
Federation of Indian Association of ACT Inc. Dr Sunita Dhindsa. Ph: 0403 113 007
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW Dr Yadu Singh. Ph: 0413 375 669
Federation of Indian Associations of WA Atul Garg. Ph: 0421 456 200
Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland Dr Ram Mohan. Ph: 0421 652 132
Federation of Indian communities of South Australia Umesh Nagasandra. Ph: 0401 034 456
Global Hindu Association for Reform and Sustainable Societies Ltd.
Amit Jadaun & Rakesh Raizada.
Ph: 0455 599 900/ 0434 470 095
India Australia Exchange Forum Amith Karanth. Ph: 0422 362 583
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney, 28 February 2020
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) has seen a recent video of Mr Josh Frydenberg (Treasurer of Australia), point scoring in the Parliament. In this video he is naming certain rituals involving yoga and Hinduism while mocking an opposition MP. It is clear that he is employing yoga and Hinduism rituals in this political point scoring. Ridiculing any aspect of yoga and Hinduism is offensive to the Hindu community of Australia. The Hindu community considers this ridiculing unacceptable and inappropriate.
FIAN would like the Minister to reflect on what he said in the Parliament and withdraw those offensive comments.
FIAN does not believe that any political leader should ridicule and make jokes about any religion and its practices.
Dr Yadu Singh
President, Federation of Indian Associations of NSW
fianinc1@gmail.com
Josh Frydenberg
Sydney, 4 March, 2020
My critique:
There was so much misinformation and falsehood in the video. It’s a lie to say Modi Govt is trying to make India a Hindu nation. India is a secular nation and will remain so. India is not enacting any law, which specifically favors or discriminate any religious group. It’s not true that BJP is a Hindu party. It treats all Indians equally and, unlike other political parties, BJP doesn’t practise favoritism to any religious group. It has people from all religions groups as its members. BJP has Muslim ministers and Governors and Dr APJ Kalam was made India’s president during its earlier rule.
The map of India shown in the video is factually incorrect as Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India ever since the ruler of that kingdom signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947 to merge it with India, and should have been shown so.
Claiming that Muslims are trying to migrate to Pakistan is fake, false and alarmist. Some panelists obviously had no clue about facts. Journalism should be about facts, not peddling of biased views and fake news.
Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) doesn’t affect any Indian citizen. It provides citizenships to refugees from minority religions from Islamic nations of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, who were a) religiously persecuted and b) already in India by 31 Dec 2014. Muslims are not likely to be religiously persecuted in an Islamic nation. There is nothing wrong in CAA. It is a noble act, as it helps persecuted minorities. We should have sympathy for them as they risk their lives and kidnapping of their daughters in those countries on a daily basis.
National People’s Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizenship (NRC), which doesn’t exist in India (except in Assam state under the direction of Supreme Court of India) at present, are needed for the governance, just like Australia has a register of its residents and citizens. India must know who is its genuine citizen and who is an illegal alien. A birth certificate is not the only criterion for the citizenship. There are so many other parameters, which determine citizenship. People can obtain a passport even without a birth certificate. Peddling an alarmist and false narrative against India is despicable.
When the global economy as a whole is in trouble, it’s irrational and unfair to expect sterling performance from Indian economy.
India is a democracy and Indians gave Modi a landslide victory only 10 months ago. Blinded by their misplaced love for Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, under whose reign, corruption was at its peak, some people are unable to accept the verdict of Indians and have intolerance towards Modi.
Every law in India is for all Indians and is passed by the parliament, which is supreme and superior to the twisted views of the biased and Modi-hating so-called “journalists” and “intelligentsia”.
Judiciary in India is independent and laws are regularly challenged in the courts.
Opposition to either of CAA, NPR or NRC (when it comes) is furphy, irrational and agenda-driven nonsense.
The Drum producers should select panelists, based on merits and after a thorough research, to present a balanced and factual program. Bashing Modi and India shouldn’t be the only criterion for an invitation to be a panelist.
Dr Yadu Singh
INDIA DAY 2019 Fair
Saturday, 10 August 2019
Parramatta Park
Free event!
Event FB link: https://www.facebook.com/events/362626041048642/?ti=ia
More info: fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney, 12 December 2020
Indian community in Sydney organized a gathering (rally) on Sunday, 12 January 2020 in support of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. More than 200 people attended the gathering.
———————-
What’s CAA and why it’s a good law?
CAA is a noble move by India because it helps religiously persecuted people from minority religions in Pakistan, Bangladesh & Afghanistan. At the time of partition of India, minorities were reassured by Pakistan’s founder and leaders that they would have equality and not face persecution or discrimination, stating that religion is a private matter, with no involvement or interference from the State in religious matters. Unfortunately, this has not turned out to be true. Based on copious media reports, religious persecution of minorities is rampant in these nations and the numbers of minorities have decreased drastically as of now compared to 1947. In contrast, population of minorities in India has increased significantly since 1947. Some of these religiously persecuted people have fled to India as refugees and have been living there in limbo. By offering them citizenship, India has given them a right to live with dignity. They don’t have to face despicable and constant threats of physical violence, forced conversion, abduction of their minor daughters and their forced marriages to abductors. The argument of some, asking for the inclusion of the predominant religion of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan in CAA is not sensible or logical as it’s unlikely for the people from the predominant religion to suffer persecution on religious basis in those nations. Quoting article 14 of the Constitution is not valid because Indian Constitution does permit affirmative action, as is evidenced by reservation in jobs etc for SC/STs communities and special provisions in Harijan Act, which would ordinarily be violative of equality concept under article 14. While Govt of India has taken a laudable and noble step, I am dismayed with blatant politics and misinformation, orchestrated by opposition political parties and some religious leaders, leading to violent protests, destruction of public & private properties and loss of lives in some cities of India, when it’s clear that CAA doesn’t affect any Indian citizen and it doesn’t take away citizenship of any current Indian citizen. I am disappointed that the opposition, particularly the Congress party, is playing a sinister and dangerous game in opposing CAA when its former leader, Dr Manmohan Singh himself demanded CAA type law to help Pakistan and Bangladesh’s persecuted minorities in Rajya Sabha during the rule under Mr AB Bajpayee and when the steps for record keeping of Indian citizens (Aadhar, NPR & NRC) was proposed and partially implemented by the Congress party-led Govt.
CAA doesn’t cover political and sectarian discrimination but people from other categories can still apply for Indian citizenship under different provisions of the relevant law. Adnan Sami (singer from Pakistan) getting Indian citizenship is a good example in this regard.
Protests, especially rioting and violence, are irrational, unjustified and politically motivated. I agree with the recovery notices issued against the rioters to recover the loss of property.
In regards to NPR/NRC, these are instruments which India, like any other nation, must have to know about its citizens and people living within its territory, and for effective governance. Opposition to NPR/NRC is short-sighted and is a mechanism employed by the opposition to keep and use illegal migrants as their vote banks. Sane, sensible, intelligent and “silent” majority of Indians must tell the opposition parties to support India’s interests and not blindly oppose good policies from the Govt. Indians, irrespective of their religions, and Indian political parties must behave with maturity. The same is required from Indian media, which should inform the public with facts, instead of being part of fake news. It’s known that the most of the international media are left-leaning and generally keep their eyes shut in regards to the plight of minorities of these countries. This is morally reprehensible and must be called out. Propaganda against India will need to be countered, using social media. Helping persecuted people is a good and morally correct action. It will enhance the image of India, if misinformation is countered with facts. CAA will throw spotlight on undeniable religious persecution and the sad plight of minorities in India’s neighborhood. What Indian govt and it’s diplomats as well as India-loving people must do is to effectively counter the propaganda, misinformation and fake narratives by anti-India forces and left-leaning media within India and overseas. The true picture of the plight of minorities in India’s neighborhoodneeds to be seen by the world.
Dr Yadu Singh
Press Release
Attn: Sydney Media
INDIA DAY FAIR 2019, Saturday, 10 August, Coleman Oval, Parramatta Park
India Day Fair will take place on Saturday, 10th August, 12 midday to 9.00pm.
This is the 7th year of this popular fair, celebrating multiculturalism, India, Indian culture and 73rd Independence Day of India.
With dance, music, food, kids rides and spectacular fireworks, the Fair is likely to attract thousands of people throughout the day. Last year, there were 15000+ people attending the fair.
The Fair is being organised by Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN), an umbrella body of many Indian community organisations in NSW. FIAN has a substantial record of community work.
It is an alcohol-free and a family event, with no entry fee for people to attend.
More info: Dr Yadu Singh, President 0413375669, fianinc1@gmail.com
—–End—–
28 June, 2019
Harris Park is a business precinct, where quite a lot of Indian Australians own/operate businesses. It’s always helpful to work with the community, because businesses need community to come & support them. Without community’s support, businesses will not do much business.
As a matter of principle, any Harris Park group/association, if formed, should be led by Harris Park business owners. Any activity in Harris Park should be spearheaded by local businesses, not outsiders. It’s well accepted that working with the community, the whole community, not just a part of it, is always good.
Harris Park has been organizing Diwali Fair since 2017. Will the group, which organized this event thus far, do so this year too is in a bit of uncertainty. There are reasons for this uncertainty, which are explained below.
It has become known now that a group with the name of “Little India Harris Park Business Association” has been in existence since 2015, but is getting reactivated. They are having a meeting on 4th July, 2019. Nothing wrong to form or have a local association.
The chairman of the board of directors of this group is Mr Subba Rao Varigonda. As far as commonly available info is concerned, Mr Varigonda doesn’t own any business in Harris Park business precinct. There is a problem here as explained below.
The leadership of this Harris Park association should be with Harris Park businesses, not outsiders.
To add to this, this Harris Park association is in the process to join UIA. There is a concern here too.
Harris Park businesses need support and patronage from every community group, not just one group. There is no need or justification for any Harris Park association to be under, or to prefer, any community association. They should work with every community group and association. Anything else is unnecessary politics and potentially harmful for the interests of Harris Park businesses.
Harris Park should not become a battlefield or Akhara for community politics. This wouldn’t help businesses as businesses need support from the whole community, not just a part of the community, to thrive and succeed.
The group, which has been doing Diwali in Harris Park since 2017, should continue to do Diwali there, but should seek support/understanding from all businesses owners and should work with other community groups for the greater good of Harris Park businesses. Harris Park’s interests should be the only guiding principle for the community groups.
If this is not possible, then local businesses should organize Diwali event or other events under their own banner, with support from all major community groups. It’s about time to learn and accept the concept of inclusion.
It’s sad that none except one (and that was me) of the community leaders or groups was seen anywhere near the businesses, offering support & standing with them, when gun shots were fired at them a few years ago. Nothing surprises me anymore.
I hope good sense prevails and Harris Park businesses are wiser and smarter.
Business, YES, politics, NO.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/Thursday, 27 June 2019
What is expected in this meeting?
Many thanks
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 7 June, 2019
Every community group and every community leader from Indian Australian community should reflect on what their core responsibilities are.
They should introspect on what they have been doing so far and what they should be doing henceforth.
They should reflect on whether they are focused on and meeting the key needs of the community.
They must go beyond their events and festivals.
Taking selfies with politicians can’t and mustn’t be the end goal.
We mustn’t allow ourselves to become a target for derision in front of the political leadership and the broader community.
What’s being done to cater to the needs of our seniors when they are in their later years of their lives and need placements in aged care facilities? Are there adequate facilities and opportunities available for them to enjoy the company of other seniors while they are reasonably healthy and mobile? Is once a month gathering adequate? Should it be a weekly occurrence? What resources do they need and how can these resources be made available? These are the questions, which we must ponder over as a community. If someone is providing facilities to seniors, including aged care facilities, what we should do to support that work? It should be collaboration, not duplication with unnecessary competition. We should be asking about what we can do to support every good thing and activity.
Talking about community facilities, we don’t have a single place which we can call “India House”, a place with sufficient facilities, where cultural activities can be organized and where community meetings including meetings of seniors can take place. This place can be the hub for a variety of services ie health education, mentoring for settlement and assisting people in other areas. India House can be delivered if we work together. If numerically much smaller communities in NSW can have facilities like this, then there is no way we can’t have a facility like this for ourselves. Here too, we will need to work collaboratively. Btw, it we were focused and were watchful, GOI-funded Indian Culture Centre would have been situated somewhere in Western Sydney, not at the Consulate General of India premises in the Sydney CBD.
Domestic violence is not uncommon in our community, but there isn’t any group in our community, which is involved in genuine work to support the victims. Real work, not just claims, is desperately needed. Women need to come forward and lead this project. Recently, some people were approached by a victim of domestic violence, who has recently arrived in Sydney. Not sure about what they could do, they came to my office. We called around but no help was available. I contacted the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Sydney and organized a meeting between them and the victim there. They too have their limitations, but agreed to provide some legal help. They gave 3 names from the panel of lawyers. One of them does conveyancing work and doesn’t usually do such work. This person would obviously be of not much help. The second one told the lady that they only do work for perpetrators (defence lawyer) and the third one told the woman to go to a disreputable migration agent in Western Sydney. I have made a complaint about it to CGI, and requested them to review and revamp the panel of lawyers urgently.
Even though we are big in numbers in NSW and have numerous associations, nothing should prevent collaboration among us to work together in organizing a common and big Indian Republic Day and Indian Independence Day events. It look crazy to hold multiple fairs of the same type in the same suburb, often only a week apart. Collaboration, not unnecessary competition, is urgently needed.
There are often instances when someone in the community, especially visitors, gets into difficulties of various nature. Fund collections are started haphazardly, with inadequate accountability and transparency. Money has been swindled at times and money thus raised has been misallocated at times. Not only it is wrong in principle and under law, but it also creates negative impressions and perceptions about benevolent activities in our community. We can and should do better. We must deal with it collaboratively.
There is nothing wrong in joining political parties, but not much is right to take leadership roles in community associations to progress their political prospects. Contesting elections while holding key leadership roles in community associations is not a desirable trend. Community associations are meant to be non-political entities. Their leaders should remain non-political. Contesting election is a political activity. The purpose behind taking leadership in community associations must be altruism, benevolence and selfless service, not self-promotion.
Giving awards and recognizing people is good, but giving awards to undeserving people, calling them “role models” or “excellence in community service” is counterproductive and undesirable. It makes no sense and it doesn’t help the community if awards are given to people after taking money for the awards. “Cash for awards” should cease to happen. There can’t be any justification for awards to those, who sell visa sponsorships for cash, fleece people or exploit vulnerable people like new migrants and international students.
The list is big and the work could seem daunting, but we have to start somewhere.
Nothing can be done if we don’t pull our sleeves up and get into the work with determination and optimism.
While doing this, we should seek guidance and blessings from our sensible seniors, who are able to rise above their pet or favorite associations and look at the whole community as their own. To achieve productive outcomes, we do however need to avoid Dhritrashtras धृतराष्ट्र (a blind king who was not able to see or judge the shortcomings of his offsprings) and Shukracharyas शुक्राचार्य (The guru of demons, who supported bad elements despite full knowledge of their bad behavior).
Remember, United we gain strength, and with division, we fail and fall as a community!
Jai Hind. 👌🇮🇳🇦🇺👌
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 1 June, 2019
I met a senior government official yesterday and had an opportunity to discuss things about what’s good and what’s not good in our community. This official has deep insight in this area.
Besides so many things, which are good, and bad, one thing is glaringly obvious that our community has too many associations and too many community leaders. Division is a major issue. Our approach and work are fragmented and patchy.
As a result, our community is not achieving things, which are necessary and crucial.
Despite our numbers being 750,000 in Australia, we don’t seem to be able to attract sufficient attention from political parties. Insufficient attention from and traction with political parties also reflect in lack of governmental funding for key community projects.
One example is aged care facility, which can cater to cultural and dietary needs of our elders during later years of their lives.
There are other key issues, which require focus and work. Selfies with politicians alone can’t be sufficient.
In my view, community groups need to collaborate, discuss and evolve strategies to achieve key goals for the community. Egos must be controlled.
We need to seek the support and guidance from some of our community elders, who have the wisdom, knowledge and willingness to help us to move in the right direction.
A few of us can meet informally to discuss the strategy.
At some stage, approximately 25-30 of our wise and bright people, including a few good and community-minded businessmen, should meet over dinner to formulate key goals for the community and relevant strategies.
I have discussed with one of our excellent food businessmen from the community, who is happy to host us at no cost.
It will be helpful if we have the support from some key and thoughtful community media.
More will come later…
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/25 May, 2019
I attended “Spreading a culture of peace” event by IPYG and spoke at the event at the Centenary Square, Parramatta today.
My speech:
Good afternoon. Namaste!
I acknowledge the traditional owners of this land, where we are meeting today and offer my respects to their leader: past, present and future.
1. Peace within ourselves and peace within the communities are not optional. They are a necessity. Peace provides opportunities for happiness and development of individuals, communities and nations. Today, religious hatred is an important issue, creating mayhem and misery all over the world, latest example of which were in NZ and Sri Lanka. It needs to be dealt with and stopped.
2. Talking about peace, it must be about actions, not just the words because words alone may not mean much and action certainly means something.
3. Unlike many nations, Australia is generally peaceful and we must make sure it stays that way. As individuals and as a community, we need to make sure that Australians can take action together, when peace and harmony are in trouble, side by side, not against one another.
4. If there are issues between nations of our origins, and there often are tensions and issues, and if they involve communities here in Australia, then we must show leadership by reaching out and coming together to discuss and resolve the issues together. We mustn’t allow tensions overseas, in our places of origin, to affect communities in Australia. We mustn’t import tensions and issues from overseas. We mustn’t forget that Australia is a Multicultural, multiracial and multi faiths nation and its success is our joint responsibility.
5. If we have mutual respect for others, and don’t bring race, or religion or Color of skin into it, there is nothing which we can not achieve or resolve for peace and harmony in our communities.
6. Australia is our home. Although most of us have affinity and patriotism towards our country of origin, we firstly must be patriotic to our fellow Australians and our new home Australia. Australia’s interests, ethos and values must remain superior to any other nation. Lack of peace and harmony in Australia will be against Australia. We need to call out those who would divide the Australian community and work together to build better and stronger relationships in within the community and among the communities. We can all be leaders to make Australia a better place. To give an example, few of my friends and I refused to join despicable, objectionable, illogical and unacceptable campaign by some (I call them fake Desh bkakts or patriots) from my own community against businesses from Australians belonging to another community during recent tense period in South Asia. Spreading hatred in that manner or any manner, to me, was, and is, unaustralian, besides being illegal.
7. Peace and justice go hand in hand. Ambassadors and activists for peace must be prepared to stand up and speak against injustice, using dialogue, debates and discussions.
8. Spreading a Culture of Peace within the community is noble and necessary. We need to be proactive, thoughtful and smarter, while working at various levels, but remembering the motto “think global and act local”. Once we build on it at the community and nation levels, We will certainly be able to work at the international level with the Declaration of Peace & Cessation of War and support for relevant instruments like article 10 under the United Nations , the Parliament of the world.
Thank you, IWPG, HWPL and IPYG. Good afternoon
————-end————-
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 23 May, 2019
Hearty Congratulations, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the spectacular victory!
👌🇮🇳👌
PM Modi, Indians everywhere including NRIs have supported you & BJP actively and openly.
They want India to take a much higher position in the world.
It’s possible with you as India’s Prime Minister.
We remember your visit to Australia between 15th and 18th Nov, 2014 with fondness. Your speech at All Phones Arena, Olympic Park was superb and memorable for thousands of Indian Australians.
After your attendance at G20 summit in Brisbane on 15th and 16th November, you had started your state visit to Australia. Indian community was excited with this visit. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister after PM Rajiv Gandhi visited Australia in 1986.
I was in the venues where you interacted with the community in Sydney and Melbourne, in addition to your address of a Joint session of Australian Parliament.
With your image as a decisive and a “can do” leader, Indians, not just in India but around the world, are optimistic that things will change for the better and the Indian economy will grow even more rapidly.
When I wrote a post in June, 2014 (https://yadusingh.com/2014/06/13/what-indians-in-australia-expect-from-the-modi-govt/) I mentioned many things which people expected. Many of those things have either been delivered or getting delivered. Prime Ministerial visit to Australia was one of them. Nuclear trade deal has already been signed.
Based on my interactions with many Indians in Australia, there are a few more things that people expect the new government to deliver.
1. Genuine dual citizenship: This has been discussed and debated for long. There is an almost universal demand that overseas Indians be given a right to hold genuine dual citizenship with voting and property rights, if the country of their citizenship has no issue with this and if there are no security issues with granting dual citizenship to any particular overseas Indian. If USA, UK, Australia and most of developed and democratic countries as well as some countries in the region see no issues in granting dual citizenship to their citizens, then people argue that there is no rational basis for India to deny dual citizenship to Indians. PM Modi, you and your government have the political capital to deliver this long-standing demand.
2. With Lok Pal coming in effect, it’s vital that the anti-corruption body is strengthened and resources to do an effective job.
3. The PM’s global Overseas Indians Advisory body should be revamped. People in it should be those who have significant presence, influence and interactions among Indians in their countries. The practice of Indian diplomats recommending their sycophants to become members of this body should be done away with.
4. Country specific Overseas Indian Advisory body: Countries with significant overseas Indian populations (Australia is certainly one such country) should have an advisory body of not more than 10 people, which can be used for consultations and other advisory purposes, not only by the local GOI authorities/agencies, but also the relevant authorities/agencies in India. Its term should be for not more than 2 years.
5. Annual consultation between High Commission and Community: Previous High Commissioner of India in Australia, Smt Sujatha Singh, started a novel, and productive, mechanism to meet the community representatives in Canberra on a yearly basis. Representatives from Indian community from all over Australia would assemble on a weekend to discuss and suggest things to Indian diplomats. Later High Commissioners did not continue this practice. The communication from High Commission and community has been limited and confined to a small group of people, who are close to HCI and their hangers-on. Previous practice of community consultation needs to be reactivated.
6. Free Trade Agreement (FTA): The pace of the discussions and negotiations should be accelerated so that FTA can be concluded soon. This will accelerate bilateral trade which is about $16 billion. This is important as Australia already has FTAs with Japan, South Korea and China.
7. Hindi teachings in Australian Universities: To increase India’s soft power and increase the numbers of India-literate Australians, India should consider seriously funding such teaching courses in at least one University each in Sydney and Melbourne. Discussions should be had between relevant authorities to explore equal sharing of cost between Australia and India.
8. Facilitations of Australian Universities and TAFE to have campuses in India: Many Australian institutions are ranked quite highly in various world Universities ranking systems. Collaborations in this field should be actively facilitated and encouraged, following a pragmatic and win-win module. Indian regulations to facilitate this should be considered.
9. Recognition of TAFE diploma in India: Many Indian students come to Australia to train in TAFE institutes. Many then move on to Universities to complete degrees. In addition to the diplomas not being recognised to the extent that the students wanting to pursue this study in Australia do not even get the education loans, Association of Indian Universities (the peak body responsible for recognising foreign degrees) does not recognise even Bachelor degrees that may have resulted from a credit transfer after a diploma resulting in the degree component being lesser than 3 year duration. (Diploma to Degree). This is a unique feature of Australian Qualification framework and so should be understood by Educational authorities. Quite a good numbers of Indians in Australia have earned their degrees through this pathway. TAFE institutes are a unique institution and it will be beneficial for India to consider recognizing diplomas from TAFE.
10. Bilateral Internship positions for Australians and Indians: Institutes and Universities of repute in both countries should be encouraged to develop mechanisms to have short term (3-6 months) placements for students and researchers to enhance collaboration in science and research.
11. Indian media’s bureau/representatives in Australia: During 2009-10, Indian media reported issues involving Indian students in an exaggerated way, erroneously attributing racism in literally every incident. They did not interact with local long-term Indians. It was harder for media to have a grasp of the ground realities. It will be helpful if key media outlets consider basing their representatives in Australia to cover Oceania. With increasing trade related activities between Australia and India and with increased number of Indians here, there could be sufficient justification for such decisions. Indian Govt can encourage media houses to take up this matter. A good beginning could be of a posting a full time Press Trust of India (PTI) reporter in Australia.
12. Indian Consulate in Brisbane: Queensland is an important state for Indian investment. Indian business houses like the Adani group have an important and a significant presence in this state. It is important to have an Indian Consulate in Brisbane.
13. India House in major capital cities: There are more than 750,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia, with a big concentration in Sydney and Melbourne. People believe that there should be Indian cultural centers (India House) in Australia, at least in Sydney and Melbourne. While some funding will be raised locally, a significant part of the funds should come from Indian Govt. Govt of India (GOI) Funds, if any, allocated for something of this nature to be established in the Indian Consulate premises in Sydney CBD should be reviewed and re-allocated for a center of this nature in areas like Parramatta or Blacktown, where the Indian community has a substantial presence. Sydney CBD is not a practical or appropriate site for an Indian Cultural Centre.
14. Overseas Indians’ property in India: Many overseas Indians are seeing that their properties are illegally occupied and face threats to their safety when they visit India. Court cases go on for extended periods of time. Indian Penal Code and relevant laws should be amended to tackle this menace.
15. Interactions between GOI agencies and Indian Australian community: It is often felt that GOI authorities in Australia do not interact with people sufficiently and respectfully, thus leading to a communication gap. It is a common experience that there is a significant gap between what we expect and what is delivered. It is also felt that GOI officials often get embroiled in local community politics and play “favoritism” games depending on who they like or dislike. It is quite irrational and subjective. Steps should be implemented to improve the situation and GOI agencies instructed to be more helpful and to improve their networking with the community.
16. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs visit to Australia: With approx. 750,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia, a biennial visit of Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs or the Minister of State should be included in the official GOI travel calendar. This will help facilitate interactions with the community and facilitate linkage between the GOI and the community.
17. Streamlined grievance redressal mechanism for Overseas Indians: Overseas Indian Affairs ministry has often not been very helpful and help has often not come in a timely fashion due to excessive bureaucratic influences. This should be reviewed and streamlined.
18. Exchanges between Academicians and civil Society leaders: We need regular bilateral exchange visits of academics, journalists, leaders and civil society leaders. This will help improve relations between the two countries. The scope and numbers should be increased.
In summary, it will be of mutual benefit to the community in Australia and India if the Indian government is proactive in considering the interests and welfare of the Indian community down under.
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/23 May, 2019
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
previous posts:
2. https://yadusingh.com/2014/06/13/what-indians-in-australia-expect-from-the-modi-govt/
Sydney, Thursday 25 April, 2019
Today is Anzac day, a day of reflection and commemoration, when we remember the sacrifices, dedication and spirit of our diggers in Australia and New Zealand.
Let’s express our gratitude to them for the freedom we have today.
Lest We Forget!
Check your local guide for ANZAC Day activities, but two events 👇 are of special significance.
Dr Yadu Singh
Monday, 22 April 2019
Sri Lanka witnessed despicable terror attacks on its churches and hotels on Easter Sunday, 21 April, 2019. Based on latest information, 290 people, including 35 foreign citizens from India, The US, Britain, Netherlands, Turkey and Australia, have been murdered in cold blood and more than 400 have been injured. An Islamist group, based in Sri Lanka, is suspected to be the perpetrator. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/world/2019/04/22/sri-lankas-bloody-easter-puts-spotlight-new-terror-threat/
Tragic, devastating & shocking. 290 killed in cold blood, scores injured. Coordinated attacks on Churches and hotels in Colombo on Easter Sunday. Sound like terrorists attacks. Very dispiriting. Unable to comprehend what will be achieved by killing people. Heart goes out to everyone affected in the massacre. RIP. https://www.facebook.com/100001687146269/posts/2306048516128031?sfns=mo
We, as part of humanity, are with Sri Lanka. Our solidarity is with Sri Lankan community in Australia.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 20 April, 2019
Happy Easter!
It’s on Sunday, 21 April, 2019.
Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion. Easter is the fulfilled prophecy of the Messiah who would be persecuted, die for our sins, and rise on the third day. Remembering the resurrection of Jesus is a way to renew daily hope that we have victory over sin. According to the New Testament, Easter is three days after the death of Jesus on the cross.
Above paragraph and more info about Easter is from the article below. 👇
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 19 April 2019
Good Friday is today, 19 April, 2019.
It occurs on the Friday before Easter. The day commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus.
The most important events in Christianity are the death and later resurrection of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God, and whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity.
Good Friday is a day of mourning. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus’s suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.
In some countries, there are special Good Friday processions, or re-enactments of the Crucifixion.
At first glance, it seems a strange name for a day that marks such a terrible event as a crucifixion, but when we look at the origin of the name it becomes clearer… or it would if there was one origin that people could agree on. As it stands, you can take your pick from the following:
Also, it also worth noting that this confusion over the name is confined to mostly Western European and North American Christians. Eastern Orthodox Christians call it “Great and Holy Friday”. Around the rest of the world, it’s known as Holy Friday in most Latin nations, ‘Great Friday’ by the Slavic peoples, “Friday of Mourning” in Germany and “Long Friday” in Norway.
(Above material is copied from https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.officeholidays.com/amp/holidays/good-friday)
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 19 April 2019
Like others, I have had a very dispiriting and disappointing experience with some people over the years, but one particular person in Sydney takes the medal for disheartening and substandard behavior, based on my recent experiences.
I was under the false impression that he was a friend, but in reality he anything but a friend. He turned out to be an enemy within (आस्तीन का सांप). 
He trued to inflict damage for no obvious reason except his pathological envy.
He tried to create difficulties and division in our community group. We worked with him for an event or two, but the grub tried to hijack our association aa well.
Many people have shared their experiences like this with me. I thought I should outline my own experience to make people aware.
I will be generic, not specific, for the obvious reasons. This actually is my attempt for my own healing.
This person will be called Mr CRZ for this article.
1. CRZ has a sense of grandiosity, thinking he is an entrepreneur or some sort of a top advisor for businesses, but has no experience or training to back this claim up. His training is in something else other than business. He is a sweet talker, but sweet talking doesn’t take you long. No wonder, he moves from one business to another on very flimsy reasons. In the last 10 months, he is now with the third business group. CRZ wants to control people around him, and gets very negative and destructive if his controlling behavior is rebuffed. Controlling behavior obviously wouldn’t work on the long term, and it certainly doesn’t work with me. A smart person learns from the experience, but a dumb person is obviously not smart.
2. CRZ is double faced, saying one thing to one person and another to other persons. In August last year, I was under significant stress and pressure, due to two deaths in my family. I was in India for 3 weeks, returning to Sydney about 13 days before a major event of our group. I was having difficulties from one of the sponsors for India Day Fair. Thinking CRZ to be a friend, I confidently shared my frustration, which he promptly passed on to the sponsor, without my knowledge, permission or request. This undermined me and was clearly unethical. This was a selfish as CRZ was trying to have a few brawny points with that sponsor for himself at my cost. Later on when I met the sponsor in a community event, they told me how adversely CRZ used to say things about us. I knew how adversely CRZ used to say things about the sponsor too. So, we both were bad! You can’t get a better example of unethical, immoral and double faced behavior. What a scumbag!
3. He has a desire to be a political leader, sucking up an MP, who is a minister now, but without doing anything worthwhile for the community. Manipulation is the only mantra. CRZ acts like a slave to that MP. He has taken me to that MP and tried his best to get me to support him (CRZ), which I have shown not much enthusiasm about. My view is and has been that you must do meaningful community work, before dreaming for political positions. This particular person doesn’t qualify for such roles, in my view. His plans to make me a member of his cheer squad didn’t work, because I don’t wish to become such a member, but also because he is not a worthy person. He hosted a dinner too, hoping to enlist me as a member of his cheer squad, but it didn’t work. He can sweet talk others, but not me. I go for the quality and the value system, not some superficial words and bluff. I am not for sale.
4. He loves microphones, gets into people’s events and then tries to claim those events to be his own. He often brings his own cameraman and gets pics and social media posts, promoting himself. Subservient people can put up with such behavior, but people with self respect and sense of what’s right and wrong will not allow it, if they see such behavior. What a low class behavior!
5. His deranged thought process and uncontrolled envy make him imagine that he can control the guest list and list of speakers of an event. He imagines “this” and “that” person as his adversary, when he is actually not an adversary. How can a person, who is a candidate for a political position by a political party, be his adversary, when CRZ is neither a member of that political party nor a candidate for any political position? Bizarre, to say the least.
6. He quotes “due diligence” too often, but doesn’t understand its meaning and certainly doesn’t practise it himself. After getting discarded by us, he is in bed now with those very same people, whom he was attacking by every means possible until recently and those who are undeniably the top grade scumbags and low lives of our community. He wrote emails to City of Parramatta Council against two such scumbags not long ago, but is now their (scumbags’) biggest fan. He spoke with a particular Councilor very rudely, demanding answers for something, for which CRZ had no right, and tried to bully the Councilor by quoting about his so-called connections with a minister. This was an attempt to intimidate the Councilor, but the Councilor, to his credit, told him (CRZ) off. This was an example of childish behavior by CRZ, because that Minister doesn’t control the Council or the Councilor, and the Councilor hadn’t done anything wrong, not to mention that the Councilor and the minister come from different parties. You can’t get a better example of idiocy. Let’s not forget that he happily took a junior position in a high sounding group in our community, led by a particularly notorious fraudster, who has fleeced millions from gullible people from our community and was happily meeting ministers etc with him. CRZ’s over-ambitious and envious personality forced the fraudster boss to discard him (CRZ). Today, CRZ talks bad things about that fraudster, but people wonder about his “due diligence” abilities before he happily became a sidekick to the fraudster. I suppose a scumbag will always support a scumbag, and selfish & self-centered person will not differentiate the right from the wrong. As I see it, CRZ really needs help. Very apt to say “Hypocrisy, thy name is CRZ”!
7. He is a coward too, because only cowards create fake Facebook accounts to harass and abuse decent people, when they dissociate themselves from CRZ. Using diversionary tactics (like “Long live India Pakistan brotherhood” to confuse people and mentioning his own name as the potential president of a group, of which he is not even a member) in the fake Facebook profile can fool gullible, but not those who have brains. He thinks he is cleaver, which he isn’t by any means. He is an ass, and will remain an ass.
In summary, fake people will remain fake, irrespective of how much they try to disguise themselves and how much sweet talking they do. True self definitely shows up at some stage.
I found out his true colours, and discarded him into a rubbish bin, where he belongs. And I am happy and relieved about it. To those fools, who think CRZ is a great person, and side with him, I say you deserve one another. We don’t need you. We are better without you.
Good riddance!
*Disclaimer: I have used multiple examples, which are a compilation of my bad experiences with several people. I am not pointing to any one person specifically.*
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 14 April 2019
Happy Ram Navmi 2019!
Ram Navami is the occasion to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, who is the seventh avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu.
Hindus eagerly wait for the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri, which is a nine-day long festival and on each day, a different form of Goddess is worshipped. Devotees pray to Goddess Durga for good health, wealth and prosperity. The festival of Navratri is celebrated twice a year—Chaitra Navratri comes during the springtime and Sharad Navratri, takes place ahead of the autumn.
As per the Gregorian calendar, the Chaitra Navratri festival takes place in the months of March-April. This year, Navratri began on April 6 and will culminate with Ram Navmi on the April 14.
Lord Ram was the eldest son of King Dasaratha and his wife Kausalya in Ayodhya. The festival is celebrated and observed across the country by reciting stories of Lord Rama, his journey through life, his teachings as part of Indian epic Ramayana.
Lord Ram followers visit temples and offer prayers on the occasion to celebrate the festival. People also send happy Ram Navami messages to their loved ones to spread blessings and create a better environment.
May the almighty Lord Rama bless you all with good things and perfect health. Happy Ram Navami!
(Info copied from https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/astrology/rituals-puja/ram-navami-2019-all-you-need-to-know-about-ashtami-navami-date-significance-shubh-muhurat/amp_articleshow/68831140.cms and https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.dnaindia.com/india/report-ram-navami-2019-whatsapp-facebook-messages-to-wish-your-loved-ones-2739167/amp)
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
Sydney, 13 April, 2019
Happy Vaisakhi (Baisakhi), folks!
May Wahe Guruji encourage you & your family to do good deeds, fill your life with love and contentment and give you and your family good health.
May Vaisakhi be the beginning of everything, which is good for you and your family!
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
9 April, 2019
Sydney, Australia
Can NRIs (Non-resident Indian’s) vote in Indian elections?
It’s answer is YES, but it’s complex and not easy. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/fact-check-can-nris-vote-in-this-general-elections/article26520133.ece/amp/
If you have obtained a passport of any foreign country, you are not permitted to vote in India. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holding foreign citizens are not permitted to vote in Indian elections either. OCI is not equivalent to Indian passport.
Photo of an Indian Passport
If you have an Indian passport, and haven’t acquired any overseas passport, you can vote, but only in the polling booth of your constituency in India. You will need to travel to India and then vote on the day of election. Online or proxy voting is not allowed for NRIs at present. Pre-poll and postal voting are also not allowed for NRIs.
Every voter in India must be registered for electoral rolls (voters’ list). This can be done online http://ecisveep.nic.in/voters/overseas-voters/ by filling form 6a (and by providing necessary documents) or submitting necessary documents in the election office in your constituency in India. NRIs can thus be registered as overseas voters. This can be then used for voting in a polling station in your registered constituency in India on the day of election.
You may or may not know that ECI was not in favour of online voting for NRIs, but was in favour of proxy voting for NRIs. Indian Government moved a bill in the Lower House of the Parliament to allow proxy voting for NRIs, which would have allowed them to authorize their relatives to vote on their behalf. The bill was passed in the Lower House of Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha), but it wasn’t passed in the Upper House of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and will lapse soon since the Lok Sabha is going to be dissolved in May 2019. Hopefully, it may be re-introduced later and passed in future. NRIs will need to lobby again, not just for proxy voting, but also for online voting.
There are a few scams floating around, with links outlining that NRIs can vote online. They use Election Commission of India (ECI) logo too, but they are all illegal and fake sites, and being used for phishing to steal people’s identities. ECI has recently lodged a police complaint to track down the culprits and punish them. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/online-voting-rights-to-nris-election-commission-asks-delhi-police-to-investigate-fake-news/article26341709.ece
DON’T GET SCAMMED!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/7 March 2019
I Met Federal Minister for Immigration, The Hon David Coleman MP at Hilton Hotel, Sydney this evening, along with other community reps.
I was pleased to know that the federal government listened to the concerns and feedback and is introducing new measures to help religious institutions ie temples, access the skills and fill manpower (priests) shortage.
I too was asked to provide feedback in this matter. I consulted various temples, especially Pt Jatin Bhatt from Sri Mandir, Auburn and Mr Jagdish Chawla from Shiva temple, Minto, to have a full understanding of the issues and submitted a report to the ministry of Home Affairs.
Apart from relaxing the religious labor agreement settings in regards to previously introduced “minister of religion” visa sponsorship, religious institutions will also be allowed to sponsor overseas religious workers as “religious assistants” to overcome the shortage of appropriately trained religious workers in Australia.
Minister said “these new measures will help address Australia’s religious-worker skill shortage”.
He also said “religious freedom is a fundamental tenet of our nation and religious institutions should be supported in their important work”.
These changes are good and will ease the difficulties, which our temples and other religious institutions face in filling the positions of religious workers in their institutions. These changes will be implemented from Monday, 11 March 2019.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 7 March 2019
Our community remembers Prabha Arun Kumar today.
It was on 7 March, 2015, when she was murdered in the evening, while returning home from work and walking through Parramatta Park.
From all the published information, it was a targeted and pre-planned murder. She was not robbed.
Culprits haven’t been found, arrested or charged 4 years after this heinous and gruesome murder of a young mother of a young child, despite much efforts including visits of NSW Police to India to speak to her family members and husband.
We are concerned about the progress of the investigation and lack of outcome.
We remember Prabha today and hope that her murderer (s) is/are caught and brought to justice soon.
RIP.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 28 February, 2019
Premier’s Harmony Dinner was a wonderful evening. Fantastic to celebrate diversity & multiculturalism in this beautiful state, NSW, with 1500 people in this sold out event.
Wonderful to meet so many friends from various sections of NSW. It was a matter of privilege to have met and interacted with Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian, Ministers Ray Williams, Matt Kean and Victor Dominello.
We support Multiculturalism within the Australian ethos and values, and events like this go a long way in welcoming diversity and Multiculturalism.
Thank you Multicultural NSW and thank you Premier.
Dr Yadu Singh
SYDNEY, 28/2/19
Holi 2019: Festival of Colours is happening on Sunday, 10 March, 2019.
Venue: The Prince Alfred Square, Cnr Church Street and Victoria Road, Parramatta, NSW 2150.
Everyone is invited.
It’s a free and alcohol free event.
It’s supported by Parramasala and NSW Government.
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
16/2/19
Condolence meeting
(शोक सभा)
For martyred CRPF Jawans in Jammu and Kashmir, India
Venue: Dezire Function Centre, 107-109 Main Street, Blacktown, NSW 2148
Sunday, 17 February, 2019
10am-12pm
RSVP: Dr Yadu Singh 0413375669
Rajiv Chaudhri 0404 391 599
Neeraj Yadav 0405 104 253
Navneet Singh 0406 168 111
Kiran Sirikonda +61 406 968 799
John Niven 0411 259 978
Sanya Singhal, a Hindu student, is a student in Aranmore Catholic College in Perth, WA and was told to remove her nose piercing if she wanted to continue studying in the College. The College’s dress code does not permit any facial piercing. This matter has been covered in the media. Since nose piercing has cultural and traditional basis for Hindus, we thought we should write to the College.
———————Our letter to Aranmore Catholic College—————————
Principal, Aranmore Catholic College
41 Franklin St, Leederville WA 6007
Dear Mr Tanham,
We have become aware of the news involving a Hindu girl in your college. https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/aranmore-catholic-college-drama-hindu-student-kicked-out-of-school-for-a-nose-piercing-ng-b881097548z
There is some misunderstanding among various faith-based educational systems regarding Hinduism and its culture and traditions. This is often due to insufficient knowledge and awareness of Hindu religion and practices.
This can be dealt with if there is consultation between Aranmore Catholic College and local Indian/Hindu community in Perth. If religious symbols of other religions are permitted, then there cannot be any difficulty to do so for Hindu students. We understand that Catholic schools and other faith-based educational establishments rightly permit Sikh students to wear turbans and Muslim girls to wear Hijabs.
There might be some misunderstanding and confusion in regards to nose piercing for Hindu girls. For Hindu girls, nose piercing has cultural and traditional meaning. It is not a fashion or rebellion statement.
We urge you to review your decision. It will be good if the Catholic Educational establishment initiates a dialogue with the local Indian/Hindu community to have a better understanding of Hindu/Indian culture and practices.
13/2/19
Dr Yadu Singh, President, 0413 375 669
—————————Response from Aranmore Catholic College————————————-
Dear Doctor Singh
Thank you for your email.
Our school is a multi-cultural school which welcomes all cultures. We have had many Hindu students who have attended our school over the years. We also have an Intensive English programme for mostly refugee students.
We have a Hindu on our School Board and I am meeting with a Hindu priest today to seek some clarity around this matter.
As you know we are a Catholic School and when we enrol students we seek agreement from our parents to support our college policies. If they choose to do so, then the enrolment can proceed. The media and those agitating are portraying this as an issue around Hinduism. Clearly, it is not, as our policy is administered with all students. Incidentally, virtually all non-government schools in Perth have the same policy.
I am trying to gain an understanding of the significance of the nose ring as I have received conflicting views around the wearing of the nose ring (from Hindu people). The common feedback which I have received has suggested that wearing the nose ring is a choice and not a religious obligation, although it has religious significance. I am told that some do wear it and some don’t.
Given that is the case I offered the family the option of keeping the nose ring in and removing it whilst she is at the school. I feel that this is a fair compromise but the family have rejected it.
The family rejected this compromise.
There are hundreds of girls in private schools in Perth, who comply with their school expectations and agreements around uniform and do not wear the nose ring.
As you know schools have rules and we have processes for reviewing them from time to time, but not through the media. Rules are difficult in schools as students wish to select which ones they wish to comply with and which ones they don’t.
I do thank you for your measured response and the information contained within, I assure you Hindus are welcome at this school and the ones who are present are thriving.
25 December, 2018
Sydney, 7 November, 2018
We, as family, will be celebrating Diwali at home at 8pm on Wednesday, 7 November, 2018. *Pics will be posted later.
A few pics of Diwali celebration in Sydney so far.
1. Diwali Fair, Holroyd Gardens, 28 October by Federation of Indian Associations of NSW: 
2. Diwali hosted by the NSW Premier at Museum of Contemporary Arts (MCA):
3. Diwali by Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Sydney Olympic Park:
4. Diwali by SAISH group, Strathfield:
Earlier post with information about Diwali: https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/yadusingh.com/2016/10/28/happy-deepavali-october-30-2016/amp/
Sydney, 2 November, 2018
The temple management doesn’t have resources to find this money without support from the community and the local Council.
Bhartiye temple falls under the Cumberland Council, which has a reputation to be comprised of caring, responsive and good-hearted Councillors.
Fundraiser for Bhartiye Mandir: 👇
While few from our community including I will be hosting a fund-raiser on 16 November for the temple in a few days, it is equally pertinent for the Council to chip in with some monetary support. After all, one of the goals of the Council is to encourage and support a diverse neighbourhood. Helping a vandalised and damaged temple to stand on its feet will not only be a noble job by the Council, it will also be within the key priorities of the Council for the diversity and multiculturalism.
Money for this support can come from the Mayoral Community Fund and Community Grant Program.
It was noteworthy that the Cumberland Council supported our farmers against their drought hardship with substantial amount of money, for which the Council deserves our appreciation and gratitude.
Some support for the temple from the Council will also be an entirely justifiable and well-deserved action.
Our community is waiting for a positive outcome and a noble gesture from the Councillors of Cumberland Council.
We hope to have this temple to be restored in its original shape. 👇👇
Dr Yadu Singh
Today, 27 October, is Karwa Chowth, which many Indian women, especially from the northern India, celebrate.
There are many such ceremonies going on in Sydney too.
This festival celebrated by women in Kartik month of the Hindu Calendar. Women hold a fast, followed by prayers for the long life of their husbands. From dawn, women spend time in company of other women, family and friends. Fasting women assemble in a common place as part of the ceremony, involving storytelling and singing and worshipping. As the moon rises, women traditionally view the moon through a sieve or veil. This can also be done by the reflection of the moon on water. Prayers for the husband’s life and health is offered as the concluding part of the ceremony.
समस्त नारीशक्ति-मातृशक्ति को पावन पर्व *करवाचौथ* की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं व मंगलकामनाएं..!!
*मनुष्य सदैव आपका ऋणी रहेगा..आपने – जन्म दिया, शिक्षा दी..इंसान की प्रथम गुरु हैं आप..!!*
*कभी – माँ बनकर जन्म दिया, विजय तिलक लगाया तो कभी बहन बनकर राखी बांधी..कभी सुहागन बन के लंबी आयु की कामना की तो पुत्री बनकर गौरवान्वित करवाया..तो सच्ची मित्र बनकर जीवन को नई दिशा दी, हौसला दिया, सहयोग किया..!!*
*हम या समाज आपका यह ऋण कभी उतार नही पाएंगे..!!*
*नारीशक्ति आपको सहस्रों नमन..!!*
*यत्र नार्यस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवता:*✍☘💕
Karwa Chowth is a family event, in which everybody joins in.
More details:
Sydney, 18 October, 2018
Press release: 18 October, 2018
FIAN condemns the desecration of and damage to a Hindu temple in Sydney
FIAN Press release Bhartiye Mandir attack
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) condemns in the strongest words the desecration and destruction of a place of worship for Hindu community in Sydney.
A Hindu Temple, Bhartiye Mandir, situated at Regents Park in Sydney, Australia was set on fire and all statues and icons of Indian Godheads have been smashed and left in ruin a few days ago. It has caused a lot of pain and anguish to members of Hindu community.
The temple has been there for about twenty years and but for an incident of stone throwing ten years ago, the devotees of this temple have not had any problems until now. When devotees came at 6pm to open the temple on Sunday evening of 14th October 2018, they found smoke coming from inside their temple. Upon investigation, they found some people inside and when challenged, the miscreants jumped out of the window and vanished.
FIAN president, Dr Yadu Singh, has been in touch with the head priest of the temple, Pandit Paras Ram Maharaj and offered support and assistance in getting the culprits brought to the justice.
After a coup in Fiji, a large number of Fijians of Indian descent had migrated to Australia. About twenty years ago, some of them collected funds for the temple.
It is time for leaders of all faiths to come in their support and condemn this criminal act by a few vandals who do not represent real Australia.
It is time for elected local, state and federal representatives to stand in solidarity with the Hindu community.
It is time that political leadership in state and federal Parliaments to do everything to send out a message that there is no place for this type of hateful activities in Australia, and people are free to follow and celebrate their religions in this country.
It’s totally unacceptable to do this to places of worship of any religion.
NSW Police should do everything to find out the culprits and charge them. Let’s make sure it never happens again.
We are deeply anguished and saddened to see this happen in a peaceful, tolerant and a multicultural nation.
Our thoughts and solidarity are with the Hindu community in Australia.
More info: Dr Yadu Singh, President, president@fian.org.au
Sydney, 17 October 2018
While shopping in a Woolworths store in Western Sydney recently, I came across “Happy Diwali” posters and stickers there.
As a person from Indian heritage, I am happy to see these posters. These posters signify the inclusion of, and welcome to, diverse cultures. It’s multiculturalism in action.
There are about 650,000+ people of Indian heritage in Australia and these numbers are especially concentrated in Western suburbs of major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. From business point of view, it makes all the sense to be inclusive and welcoming of diversity and cultures.
Good job, Woolworths!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 9 October, 2018
Today is the beginning of Navratri 2018.
Happy Navratri 2018!
May you and your family have a blessed time ahead!
May Goddess Durga shower her blessings on you and your family!
What is Navratri?
The link below from The Sun describes it well.
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/news/7351291/navratri-2018-start-end-9-colours/amp/
I copy the article from above newspaper. 👇👇
“Navratri, literally “nine nights”, is a multi-day Hindu celebration in honour of Goddess Durga.
For many, the story behind the nine-day celebration is to do with a battle between the goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, who represents egotism.
Other Hindus instead celebrate the victory of god Rama over the demon king Ravana during this time.
In all cases, the theme of Navratri is a battle between good and evil, with the forces of good triumphing in the end.
Many devotees will fast for the nine days of Navratri, cutting most everyday foods from their diets and eating potatoes and fruit instead.
Meanwhile, celebrations take place throughout the week, including reenactments of the legendary battle between gods and demons.
Crafts and dances are also popular, as well as the creation of statues symbolising important religious figures.
The exact dates are determined by the Hindu calendar, so they can change from year to year.
In 2018, Navratri starts on Tuesday, October 9.
It will run until Thursday, October 18.
On each day of Navratri, a colour is assigned which participants are expected to wear while celebrating.
Each day and each colour is dedicated to a form of the goddess Durga. Here’s what it all means:
——————————————
Dr Yadu Singh
Melbourne, 6 October 2018
It was my my pleasure to speak as one of a keynote speakers in the Ayurveda Conference, organized by Australasian Association of Ayurveda in Melbourne, Vic (6-7 October)
My speech:
Namaste Good morning
-It’s my great pleasure to be here, speaking on Ayurveda in presence of learned people.
Ayurveda is, as you know, a holistic system, focused on the whole body. It isn’t just about physical health, it is as much about mind and spirituality. Its focus is restoration of balance in life. It’s science of life as Ayur & Veda, the two words depict.
Ayurveda has been around for ages, taking its origin as a sub-Veda from Athar Veda, one of the 4 Vedas.
Our sages learned Ayurveda from their observations and experiences as well experimentation and verbally passed it on to their pupils. Subsequently, Rishi Charak compiled it in Charak Samhita and Rishi Sushruta did that in Sushruta Samhita. With 8 subspecialties, it was much ahead of any other health systems. I was pleased to see a plaque/recognition of Rishi Sushruta at the RACS building in Melbourne recently.
Ayurvedic medicines are used by about 80% of people in India and it’s use is becoming more common in Western World including Australia due to diligent and sincere work by many including Dr Santosh Yadav in Melbourne and Dr Naveen Shukla in Sydney.
Unlike Western Medicine, which is mostly about treatment of a manifested disease, especially acute medicine, Ayurveda is about prevention and making sure that a human attains the best health in its all dimensions and has restored balance. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t treat when people suffer from ailments. Of course, it does.
Ayurveda is multidimensional and employs herbs, yoga, meditation and others to achieve what it sets out to achieve.
There have been anecdotal reports of excessive amount of lead etc in some Herbal/Ayurvedic medicines, but it’s possible that it happened due to less than standard quality control in their production. Quality control is a wonderful concept, which is applicable in so many facets of our lives. Ayurveda is no exception, whether it’s about training of Ayurveda practitioners or preparation of medicines.
In modern medicine ie allopathy, science has been increasingly used in its progress. It’s a norm now that we seek evidence of efficacy by controlled trials and studies. In my own sub speciality of cardiology, almost all of our practices are based on evidence of efficacy from controlled trials.
This is something, which Ayurveda may need to adopt to get more wide spread acceptability and assurance that it is a science based system.
Ayurveda has been used by many and that does include father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. His preference for Ayurvedic/herbal medicines as compared to Allopathic medicines is well documented. His use of Neem leaves, made more palatable by Tamarind, is documented. He believed in Ayurveda’s efficacy, but did allude to the need for some experimentation and science. He was in favor of propagation of true Ayurvedic philosophy. He was candid and open in his views when inaugurating Ayurveda clinics.
I myself have an experience, a beautiful experience with Ayurveda and herbal medicines to share with you. In my early teens, I was a sickly kid. Not gaining weight and perennially sick. At the suggestion of my father’s friend, I saw a Vaid, living about 30-40 kms away from my village in a remote hamlet. He asked me questions and felt my pulse. Herbal medicines recommended by that great soul, prepared by my loving mother and cousin sisters, did wonders. I was cured. After I joined medical school, I went to the village of the Vaid, but found that he had passed away, without anybody else getting his knowledge passed on to. What a sad loss of knowledge!
Ayurveda and Western medicine must interact and collaborate for the sake of complete and wholistic health. They can be complimentary to one another in many ways.
Then only, we will achieve the goals of Ayurveda:
Sarve bhavantu sukhinaha, Sarve santu niramayaaha;
Sarve bhadraani pashyantu, Maa kashchit dukhabhaak bhavet.
“May all be happy, May all be free from disabilities;
May all look to the good of others, May none suffer from sorrow.” How beautiful!
Ayurveda is our heritage and Ayurveda is our pride.
In the fast and furious race to become modern, we shouldn’t ignore or forget our heritage and history.
Everything should be done to take it to even higher status not only in India but all over the world. It can be done, and it must be done.
Thank you and Namaste!
Dr Yadu Singh
सिडनी, १ अक्टूबर २०१८
हिन्दू धर्म का कुछ हिन्दुओं ने सदियों से अपने फायदे के लिए दुरूपयोग किया है, और हिन्दू धर्म का अत्यंत नुक्सान किया है. यह अब भी जारी है. ऐसे हिन्दुओं का सम्बन्ध धर्म से बहुत कम पर अपने निजी फायदे व अपनी राजनीति से ज्यादा है. ये नकली हिन्दू है. हिन्दू होने का बस केवल नाटक करते है यह लोग. इन्ही की गतिविधियों से भारत देश में आज हिन्दुओं में इतना विघटन है. ऐसे लोग हर जगह है. ऑस्ट्रेलिया में भी है. ऑस्ट्रेलिया क़े नकली व तथाकथित हिन्दू नेता हिन्दू समाज को कंट्रोल करने का इरादा रखते है. अपनी एक ख़ास राजनैतिक सोच थोपना चाहते है. वे लोग हिन्दुओं क़े मठाधीश बनना चाहते हैं. वे यह चाहते हैं कि हर हिन्दू उनसे आज्ञा लेकर ही हिन्दू धर्म से सम्बंधित कोई काम करे. कुछ समय पहले अन्य लोगों द्वारा भी एक ख़ास मेला करने पर उनपर दवाव डाला गया कि वे मेला न करे. उनको बुली करने का प्रयाश किया गया. जब दवाव असफल हो गया तो मोहल्ले मोहल्ले में अपना वही मेला करने की पद्यति शुरू करना भी इनकी गतिविधिया हैं. इसके पीछे धर्म नहीं कुछ और ही कारण हैं. ये तथाकथित व नकली हिन्दू नेता सोचने को तैयार ही नहीं बल्कि अक्षम भी हैं कि हिन्दू धर्म व राजनैतिक सोच दो अलग अलग बाते हैं. अजीब नौटंकी सोच हैं इनकी. मजाक तो यह भी हैं कि अब ये लोग देश भक्त व कौन सच्चा हिन्दू हैं कौन नहीं हैं का तमगा भी देते घूम रहे हैं. किसके पोस्टर में किसका लोगो (चिन्ह) लगे, इसपर भी इनका कन्ट्रोल रहे ऐसा ये लोग चाहते है. आप को पता ही होगा कि कर्म के आधार पर बनी व परिवर्तनशील वर्ण प्रथा को जन्म पर आधारित व अपरिवर्तनशील वर्ण प्रथा में बदलना एक स्वार्थ पर आधारित घोर अन्याय व अनुचित कुकृत्य था. आपको यह भी पता ही होगा की यह कुकृत्य किसने किया था. आँखे खोलेंगे तो देंखेंगें की वही लोग अभी भी वैसी हरकते कर रहे हैं. सामने न भी हों तो परदे क़े पीछे से कठपुतिलियों को संचालित करके अपना पुराना हथकंडा चला रहे हैं. हिन्दू धर्म को अपने निजी हितों में दुरूपयोग करना बंद होना चाहिए. इसके लिए हम सभी हिन्दुओं को इन स्वार्थी तत्वों के द्वारा इस इस प्रकार के हिन्दू धर्म के दुरूपयोग के खिलाफ बोलना पड़ेगा. इन हिन्दू धर्म के ठेकेदारों से यह कहना होगा कि तुम लोग सुधर जाओ और सही रास्ते में आ जाओ. अब हमें बोलना होगा “तुम आवाज़ दो, हम साथ हैं” इन चालू लोगो को ठीक करने में. क्योंकि हिन्दू धर्म किसी की बपौती नहीं है.
Sydney, 22 September 2018
I was very pleased to be at the 131st birth anniversary celebrations and Satsang of Yuga Puroshottam, Sree Sree Thakur Anukulchandra Maharaj today at Pennant Hill Community Centre, Pennant Hills, NSW.
It’s a matter of privilege that Shri Raj Datta and I were invited as the guests of Honor at the celebrations.
I enjoyed the Satsang and learned many things today.
More info:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anukulchandra_Chakravarty
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 22 September 2018
Random, but meaningful, thought today!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 16 September, 2018
I had the opportunity to be with Australian Telangana Forum (ATF) members today at Upjohn Park, Rydalmere, NSW, while they celebrated Telangana Day.
This celebration included Telangana style Barbecue at site and home-cooked food, sweets and drinks.
I was made at home and was asked to give away certificates and prizes to various people and kids.
Their hospitality, zeal and “can do” attitude is worth admiring. No wonder that Telangana people are my very close friends.
Jai Telangana! Jai Bharat!!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 15 September, 2018
Attended (Lord) Ganesh Utsav, organized by Telugu Sandadi Group at Parramatta River Foreshore, Parramatta, NSW. Superbly organized event with huge crowds. Congratulations to Telugu Sandadi Group and Telugu community in Sydney.
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) was a proud supporter of Telugu Utsav.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 15 September, 2018
I attended Hindi Diwas, organized by Rekha Rajvanshi (ILASA Group), at the Consulate General of India in Sydney.
आप सभी को हिन्दी दिवस की बधाइयाँ और शुभकामनायें। हिंदी भारत की राष्ट्र भाषा होने के साथ साथ हमारी संस्कृति को भी अभिव्यक्ति करती है. हमें हिंदी पर गर्व है. आईये हम सभी हिंदी को आगे बढ़ाने के प्रयाश में सम्मलित हो जायें। #हिंदीदिवस #HindiDiwas
I spoke and outlined the following for Hindi language promotion.
1. Collaboration & networking among Hindi supporters
2. Team building with welcoming and inclusive approach
3. Brainstorming and strategy formation re campaign mechanism and necessary resources
4. Lobbying with relevant authorities and its mechanism
5. Accepting and encouraging the pluses of team members (Hindi speaking community) and less of “Me only” syndrome. Less of jealousy bhav (emotion) and more of Vashdhev Kutumbkam bhav (team feeling)
6. Effective working with Govt agencies-Indian and Australian, again using the best people for a particular segment of the total job (Horses for the courses).
I was pleased that several participants appreciated and agreed with my comments.
We need to take it further.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 6 September 2018
Announcement
Diwali Fair, Holroyd Gardens, Merrylands, NSW 2160
11am-8pm, Sunday, 28 October 2018
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 13 September 2018
Today is R U OK Day.
Let’s ask our mates, near & dear ones, as well as our acquaintances “R U OK?”
This can change someone’s life.
Let’s look after one another. Let’s be there for one another.
Let’s do it.
Info: https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 6 September 2018
It was a great pleasure to participate and contribute with my expertise in educating our people about Heart Health in a Seminar “Health and Well being”, organized by Punjabi League of Australia (PLA) at Kellyville Ridge, NSW on 6 September 2018. Thank you and congratulations to PLA team for this wonderful and noble job. (Pics courtesy Rajwant Singh with thanks)
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 5 September 2018
I attended an enlightening briefing on Austraila’s India Economic Strategy to 2035 (IES 2035) by DFAT/Austrade. This was organized by AIBC and hosted by Deloitte at its Sydney offices. The key speakers were Australian High Commissioner to India, Her Excellency Mrs Harinder Sidhu and New Delhi-based Austrade official, Ms Leonie Muldoon, who outlined the opportunities and challenges for Australian business in India.
With 8.2% annualized economic growth (based on the GDP growth in the last quarter), India offers great opportunities for Australia for the next half century. The key sectors are education, retails and services, and agribusiness. IES 2035 outlines sector-based strategy with descriptions of opportunities in various states.
Click to access dfat-an-india-economic-strategy-to-2035.pdf
Peter Varghese AO speaking on IES: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tIw23wd9cJc
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 3 September 2018
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 3 September 2018
I am copying this article from Ms Neena Badhwar of The Indian Down Under newspaper.
The Australian Council of Hindu Clergies worked hard for the Lotus Pavilion, while fake Hindu leaders did nothing as usual except fake leadership. Congratulations to the Clergies and our sincere thank you
————————————————-
From Delhi to Delhi Road
By Neena Badhwar
We came to Australia in our young years and were the pioneering first Asians that set foot when the immigration doors opened by Australia in the seventies.
Now this same very Indian population is growing old, entering its senior years and is sadly passing away.
Delhi Road in North Ryde is our regular place of visit as friends’, family members’ passes on with their funerals conducted at either Macquarie Park Crematorium or Northern District Cemetery situated there.
Hopefully everyone has made a successful, comfortable and economically better life here. But when it comes to death and last rites as per Hindu tradition, when the desperate and the mourning family want to send away their near and dear ones properly giving them decent last rites and a funeral, one finds families at a loss. Many a times they have shown frustration as proper last rites and rituals can’t be conducted, for one cannot find either the priests or even a place where one can conduct proper Hindu rituals, same dilemma exists even in people of Budhhist, Jain or Islamic faith.
Thanks to Macquarie Park Crematorium as they have constructed a Lotus Pavillion, a precinct to which the government has provided two million dollars, it being devoted specially to the people of Hindu as well of other faiths from the Indian subcontinent. Set in landscaped gardens, the Lotus Pavilion will offer Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh communities a place to carry out pre-cremation ceremonies. It will also be available to the wider community for services of their choice.
Pandit Rami Sivan, from the Australian Council of Hindu Clergy, said the pavilion would be an invaluable asset to Australia’s expanding South Asian Dharma communities. “Since we only cremate our deceased we do not require land for burial, but we find existing chapels are not suitable for our rituals,” Pandit Rami Sivan said. “We believe this is the only pavilion of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere that will allow Hindu priests and family members of the deceased to carry out last rites at their own pace and in the way Hindu scriptures prescribe.” The pavilion has space for 120 people seating, together with additional standing capacity.
The two pundits, Pandit Rami and Pandit Athreiya, who are elated at this great achievement, “There was a great need for a place,” says Pandit Ramchandra, who is also a member on the National Religious Forum and helped set up the Australian Council of Hindu Clergies, “It has been a long journey and our struggle to convince the authorities on this idea that we also need a place where we can conduct proper rituals. Now that there are 400,000 Hindus in Australia, finally we have been able to achieve this pavilion called the Lotus Pavillion at Macquarie Park Cemetery.”
“Many people come to us and talk of frustrating times in India when they go to Prayag or Hardwar to disperse ashes of their loved ones.”
Says Ram Chandra, “Those Mahapatras give such a hard time. A pundit must say ‘Triptoasmi’ that he is happy with the ‘pind’ – departed soul, he must fast, whether they do it or not I do not know. They must also pray for three days. Rather it is the opposite as they fight, haggle and blackmail you with rituals not even conducted properly. People have come back very upset with such bad stories.”
“We thought we will create something here itself so that funeral and last rites for Hindus can be conducted in a decent manner.”
“You see, only a qualified pundit is supposed to chant mantras and conduct proper rituals. No one went and convinced the government and luckily this crematorium supported us in our cause. We asked the Hindu Council of Australia but they did not understand what we were talking about. It has been a long fought battle that started in 1988.”
“We have consistently approached temples, but there is politics everywhere. We wanted everyone to be inclusive in this project but there was very little support. It is a fact of life, the ultimate truth being that we all die.”
“We sent invitation to all the organisation but no one sent back an acceptance or even an apology.”
Another member of the community said, “Where are all the Hindus they should have been here today.”
Thanks to Australian Clergy of Hindu Faith and their consistent efforts of these two Pundits who have incessantly canvassed with the authorities, the government, on behalf of the Hindus that the Indian community has now The Lotus Pavillion, an exceptional achievement, a private and a personal place for conducting last rites, with all available facilities – sound system, television, audiovisual system as well as toilets, with its own private entrance.
Short URL: http://www.indiandownunder.com.au/?p=9673
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Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 2 September, 2018
I am concerned about the activities and conduct of fake Hindu “leaders” in Austraila, who think they have the monopoly on Hinduism and patriotism for India. They think everyone has to be subservient to them.
The facts, however, are exactly opposite to their beliefs and conduct.
I remember how these cowards were not even prepared to speak up when Sri Mandir in Auburn, NSW was attacked several years ago and how they tried to bully and stop those including me, who wanted to raise this matter in the public and media. They told me that I am not a Hindu leader and therefore shouldn’t take this matter up. I urged them repeatedly that they should take this matter or else, we, as Hindus, will raise this matter ourselves. When they were not willing to do anything, we ignored these fake Hindu leaders and raised the matter in Australian media and with Govt, and worked with local police to stop further attacks.
https://yadusingh.com/tag/sri-mandir-auburn/
All these fake Hindu leaders subsequently did was to organize a meeting in the local area, where they wished to work with a rascal from another religion, with the clear purpose to undermine us. This was a stark example of their stupidity and insecurity. Interestingly and totally predictably, none of these fake Hindu leaders attended a single meeting with Auburn police over a period of 1 year, while the temple guys including the priest and I attended those meetings.
This mafia of fake Hindu leaders was not willing to do anything against one of their own, who, shamefully, attended a welcome dinner for an ex-chief of ISI a few years ago, forcing us to approach the Govt authorities in India and get that person expelled from his position. Despite that, this particular person, a fake patriot like them, is still close to these fake Hindu leaders. Shamefully, one such leader tried to argue with me to dissuade me from doing anything. This is another example of their false and fake proclamation of patriotism to India.
There are many more examples.
They want to be the sole representatives of Hindus, acting like a fascist mafia, and excluding and undermining anybody else from the Hindu community, who does anything good. When any other Hindu or any Indian does anything good, instead of welcoming that work, they feel insecure and undermine that person.
There arrogance and misbehavior have become much worse since March 2014. I do believe strongly, and am determined that a multi-pronged challenge must be mounted to counter this undesirable trend.
These fake Hindu leaders are oblivious to the essential requirements that true leadership also means transparency and accountability in regards to public money. The public is yet to know about what happens to the money they raise for/about events they organize or organized.
It’s important for Indian Australians, especially Hindu Australians, to stand up to the Mafia of fake Hindu leaders and fake patriots, which wants to promote their personal and sectarian interests, and undermine everybody else, including liberal Hindus and minorities.
Let there be no mistake in understanding that the Mafia has nothing to do with religion either. It has all to do with their personal powers and personal benefits. If it was otherwise, they would have been inclusive for, and consultative, transparent and accountable to people.
Let me outline here that we must never accept the Mafia as the sole representatives of Hindus or India. They don’t own India.
We are prouder and braver Hindus and Indians as compared to the Mafia, when an assessment of the respective credentials is objectively studied. We of course have nothing to do with the extreme right-wing Hindu fanaticism. We detest fanatics from any religion.
Our community needs welcoming and inclusive leadership, not mafia or Taliban type of leadership.
And, we will never be bullied into submission.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 2 September, 2018
I wrote this 8 years ago. It was true then and it’s true today.
Yadu Singh
8 years ago
A new fashion has started in our community recently. New and newer groups are being formed. They are often called sub-continent this or sub-continent that. They don’t put Indian word before their name. I have a problem with it.
I am aware of the term “Indian subcontinent” but not just “subcontinent”. India is a predominant country in Indian subcontinent. That is why it is called Indian subcontinent. All territory of this was of course Indian until 63 years ago. Present day Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of this BHARAT or India.
If any one wants to form a group from the Indian subcontinent, it should correctly be called “Indian subcontinent” this or that. If they have an allergy with words “Indian” or “India”, then they should say so and tell us why or at whose behest.
One would expect that the president of any group which has “Subcontinent” word in its name is from India as Indians will constitute the majority of such grouping, but membership can have anyone from them to be their leader as a matter of their right. Membership would obviously come from any country which is part of Indian subcontinent geographically. It can’t have any person who is manifestly anti-Indian in his/her thoughts, designs and conduct.
And most importantly, the group must accept that Kashmir is an inseparable and inalienable part of India.
Federal Election is very near. This is a tough election because ALP PM Mr Kevin Rudd was removed in a very unusual way. People have called this a political assassination by ALP factional bosses and union leaders. Political parties are desperate to retain/regain powers. They may therefore send their workers to infiltrate our community and become our “leaders”. This may be done to hijack our votes.
We need to be careful in these matters.
We must know which so-called community leader [s] is/are employee [s] of political parties/associated entities.
We should be careful with the designs of “leaders” who are not from India, but might be parachuted as our leaders. They may in fact be anti-India, but trying to become our “leaders” for their personal benefits.
I have seen several such people who have been trying to get into our community for their business interests with the help of some simpletons from our community. I hope our own simpletons from our community will use their brains [?] and see the true game of these people who are mixing with us for their benefits, but are not friendly with India or Indians.
I will accept an Indian as my leader for Indian community matters, but will not accept some one who is not from India, or who is anti-India.
Our community needs genuine community leaders, not political party operatives masquerading as our leaders. Let political party leaders concentrate on political party politics, not community politics!
You have been warned!!
Yadu Singh/Sydney/31st July, 2010
Sydney, 2 September, 2018
Happy Father’s Day!
The relationship between a father and his child/children is unique and special.
Let’s celebrate this special relationship today and everyday.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 28 August, 2018
Liberal friends of India (LFI) is a great group which, if managed smartly, can be a great platform for networking among Indian Australians, who support Liberal party in NSW. These people don’t necessarily have to be members of Liberal Party, as long as they support Libs.
As we know, Liberal Friends of India was launched at the NSW Parliament LFI by the Hon Julie Bishop MP, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Shadow Minister for Trade in the Jubilee Room at NSW Parliament on 17 April 2013. This is Julie’s speech. https://www.juliebishop.com.au/address-to-liberal-friends-of-india-launch/
Liberal Party website describes this group in these words “The Liberal Friends of India is a member-led group designed to strengthen and foster the relationship between the Liberal Party and the Australian-Indian community by championing the culture, success and values of the Australian-Indian community and developing stronger relationships between Australia and India.”
LFI, with The Hon Philip Ruddock as the Patron and Matt Kean, MP for Hornsby and Nihal Gupta, as the Co-Chairs, started with a great agenda, energy and enthusiasm, but the dysfunction inside LFI, largely due to unsatisfactory dynamics among Deputy Chairs and lack of vision among some of them, has not allowed it to deliver much.
Some deputy Chairs have poisonous relations with one another, which prevents LFI to be a productive platform. As a result, there has been hardly any activity under the banner of LFI of late. This example below will throw a lot of light on the inner working of LFI. A particular Deputy Chair, who has very little knowledge of, or networking in, the community, played a lot of undesirable politics in choosing the guests for invitations for a LFI meeting in which the Federal minister, Mr. Christopher Pyne, was the distinguished guest a few years ago. Several members, including many founding members, of LFI were intentionally not invited and several Labor supporting members of the community were invited. This particular Deputy Chair is totally out of depth and literally has no idea about our community. After being briefed by the competing Deputy Chairs about the game plan of this particular deputy Chair, I contacted the Chair of LFI, Matt Kean, who overruled that Deputy Chair and invited me and others. That particular deputy Chair was ignorant about the fact that I was in the launch of LFI and attended the subsequent special dinner with Julie Bishop as a guest of LFI Chair, Matt Kean. This deputy Chair was not even in this meeting. A minister, who supports this particular Deputy Chair of LFI quite blindly, got involved in this saga, leading to a terse email from me to that minister. Even after having the invitation from the LFI Chair, I chose not to attend because I felt sick and tired of the politics played by this particular deputy Chair. Because of short sightedness and lack of vision from those deputy Chairs, LFI has become totally inactive and non-productive. This result is because of those deputy chairs, who are self-centred, unable to work with one another and lack leadership. They are not able to put the interest of Liberal Party above and ahead of their partisan politics in the community. They are obviously not the bright stars of Liberal Party and certainly not of our community either.
There’s no doubt in people’s mind that the Australian Labor Party (ALP) is much smarter in networking with Indian Australians. They have a much better relations and networking with Indian community as compared to Liberal party.
It is a no brainer that the Liberal Party should get its act together and reform LFI to make it a platform for networking and influence in our community in Sydney. Remember, the federal election and NSW State election are due within next few months and it is always good to network among Indian Australians, who form a substantial chunk of votes in many seats in Western Sydney. I have written about these topics before too. Here is the link. https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2014/09/08/australian-political-parties-indian-community/
If I were to offer a few suggestions to the Liberal Party, these suggestions would be as follows.
1. All current deputy chairs should be removed,
2. The Chair of LFI should be an influential Liberal Party Minister, who should have time, energy and enthusiasm to run and supervise the LFI,
3. The Chair should have about 5 informal advisers, who should guide him in regards to how best to run LFI for the maximum impact and productivity,
4. LFI should have a calendar of events throughout the year and these events must include Indian Independence Day celebration, Diwali, Australia Day and Indian Republic Day and a few more key events, which should be attended by the top political and government leaders from the Liberal Party.
My view is that there are a lot of positives in having an active and dynamic platform like LFI.
I would be remiss if I do not make a comment or two about similar platform in Australian Labor Party. Labor members of Indian community should run this group, not persons of non-Indian heritage, and should be those who are people of influence and have vision. They should have the intellectual capacity to understand that ALP’s interests come above and ahead of their own interests.
I hope that the Liberal Party’s director, Chris Stone, and current chair of LFI, Mat Kean, will act thoughtfully and reform LFI to make it a productive platform for Liberal Party’s influence and networking among Indian Australians. The very same comments are also applicable to Labor Party’s Kaila Murnain and Luke Foley.
Dr Yadu Singh
www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, 26 August 2018
Depressing scenario of our community in politics is hard to miss or ignore.
There are too many community leaders around us. Most of them, unfortunately, have no idea why they are community leaders.
All you need to do is to register an association and become a community leader. It’s an easy job. This itself is not a problem, if you want to help people and do some good things for the community.
The problem is when you form an association to serve your personal interests, advance your political career, and you have nothing to do with community work or interests. If you do this, you become a con man. You do what you are not supposed to do, and you don’t do what you are supposed to do.
Let’s see what is happening in our community. As I said above, we have far too many associations and far too many community leaders.
After many years of masquerading as community leaders, some such people turn into “journalists” to stay relevant and to get invitations from the Consulate and Government agencies. Hilariously, some of them turn back into community leaders again after a few years. The sad part is that they are unable to do a good job in either role. They are often referred as “jokers”, with very limited vision, impact and relevance. What a waste of space they are.
Many “leaders” are into things, which have nothing to do with community interests. Some examples are;
1. Contesting elections for MP seats or Council seats, while holding positions in their community associations, which, by rule, are non-political organizations. In 2016, three community “leaders” did exactly this in Chifley, Cumberland and Parramatta area. Whether they had ability or not is a separate matter, but their dismal performance in the elections is an indicator of their worth as political candidates. All these leaders lost badly and the Chifley candidate brought down the two-Party preferred vote for his party by 10% compared to the same vote 3 years earlier. This gentleman is now promoting himself as a candidate for the Upper House of NSW Parliament, ignoring the basic fact that he has not done much to deserve any such position.
2. Calling yourself an “independent” candidate, when you are a card carrying member of a political party is a new low. People are not fools. They saw through this game and refused to support this type of “independent” candidates during last Council elections.
3. You put pictures of top leaders in your event posters, without these leaders’ approval and without a guarantee that they would be attending your event. This is not only a false advertising, but it’s also unethical.
4.. Raising money purportedly to help the family of a deceased, but without establishing the need for financial help from the family before collecting the funds is idiotic. It’s worse, when they don’t return the money to the donors, after knowing that family doesn’t need the money. This is clearly illegal and wrong. Using pics of the deceased in your fundraising posters is not an acceptable behavior.
5. Lying and falsely claiming something, which you are not and haven’t done are your standard operating procedure, thinking people are fools and wouldn’t know about it. Claiming that you have been the president of an association more than 14 months before you actually were elected is despicable behavior.
6. Not doing any AGM for 4 years and not presenting financial reports to the members and Department of Fair Trading, while roaming around looking important as community leaders is another example of unacceptable behavior. Thanks to some good Gujarati community members, who brought this out in the public.
7. Allowing close family members as part of the executive committee and ignoring the concept of conflict of interest, and receiving membership fees into the personal accounts of the leaders, instead of the official account of the association was brought out recently by good community members like Amit Vyas.
8. Not having any idea or understanding about ethical behavior & governance, as is the case with some associations and community leaders.
9. Swindling and “wasting” of hundreds of thousands of your association’s funds, without any accountability, and getting away from the misdeed because the co-leaders (board members) are braindead and grossly incompetent. I myself resigned from one such association, when the executive committee (EC) would not answer the question about spending of $35000 for an overseas artist without the approval of the board, when the constitution of that association mandated prior approval of the Board for anything more than $1000.
10. Holding leadership position in community associations, while all you do is substandard activities and getting exposed by national Media is a new and worrying trend. ABC Four Corners report “Holy Cash Cow” http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/holy-cash-cows/1368776 is a burning example. An “hero” in this story is today a community leader.
11. There are some community leaders, who sell Visa sponsorships. They take $50K for sponsoring a visa. This is an illegal activity. It’s a crime in Australia to seek benefit (cash or kind) for sponsoring a visa. It is punishable with up to 2 years prison term and up to $300K fine. It appears that this illegal activity is the only business for some of the community leaders. The fraud is compounded by these con men by appearing to be “connected” and influential as a result of being seen in pics with top political leaders like ministers, Premiers and Prime Minister. As we know, having pics with Chief Ministers (Premiers) and Prime Minister in India is very difficult and is generally taken as an indicator of influence and being highly connected.
12. Some associations and community leaders have given, and still give, “role model of the community” awards to scammers and fraudsters. This they do after getting some money from the scammers. One so-called big association gave “excellence in community service” award to a thug, who took $50,000/person from three women for 457 sponsorships from his restaurant in Penrith. These women had contacted many of us. After hearing about this “excellence in community service” award to this thug, who only does this type of substandard activities, we contacted the president of this so-called big association, seeking a meeting, but he didn’t do anything and didn’t meet. Things are very frustrating and upsetting.There is a need for reflection matched with commensurate action here.
13. There is an “award giving” business in our community. Awards are often given to undeserving people, without proper scrutiny and after payments of some fees for these awards.
14. As if this was not depressing enough, we have a few without any shred of ability, community work or network in the community, who aspire to become an MP or MLC, only because they have a close proximity with a Minister (s), who is/are promoting them, ignoring the objective criteria of ability and capacity, which some others clearly have.
15. I was horrified and shocked to hear from a senior politician recently that one Councillor in Sydney from a particular political party made or tried to make money/benefits, using the position in the the Council. Thankfully, the political party dealt with that matter in the best possible manner, without exposing themselves in the media. Hilariously, this person still dreams to be a big “leader”, which is far from the reality. A classical example of substandard integrity and poor credentials for political positions, but clouded judgement due to low IQ!
16. Consulate is no less responsible for the madness in our community either. Instead of updating the list of invitees, they keep inviting past leaders, who have ceased to be the current leaders. In their recent Independence Day reception, they had 9 useless “leaders” from a failing group, most of whom were past office beaters and even included their honorary solicitor. One wonders, whether Consulate is in the business of propping up unproductive and “waste of space” so-called leaders in the community to maintain a useless army of community leaders.
Our community needs to look into community associations and should start asking questions from community leaders and community associations. We must make them accountable. We mustn’t allow such community “leaders” to damage the name and reputation of our community.
We know that the vast majority in our community is that of decent and upright people, but we also know that a minuscule minority is capable of killing our reputation and good standing in front of the broader community.
Before it’s misconstrued that my post is painting all associations and community leaders with the same brush, let me make it very clear. My intention is not to condemn all associations and people running them, because I know that many are doing wonderful work. I admire them and am grateful to them. What I am concerned about is the growing number of selfish, self-seeking and unethical (some are corrupt) people, masquerading as community leaders, who are dragging us all down.
All I am agitating for is that good people, with ability, capacity and value system, are the ones, who should be in community leadership and should be the ones, who should be getting political positions. It’s applicable to both major parties. Anything to the contrary is not good for our community’s interests or wellbeing.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 26 August, 2018
I am copying the article 👇👇 about Sandeep Jadhav winning Victoria’s father of the year.
Congratulations, Sandeep and your family, especially your daughters, Sachi and Kushi.
Girls write heartwarming letter for ‘hero’ dad
Yahoo7 News25 August 2018, 8:51 am AEST
Girl’s touching letter about dad that won him ‘Father of the Year’
The 49-year-old father-of-two beat more than 1000 other nominees to become Victoria’s Father of the Year.
A Victorian dad has beaten more than 1000 other nominations to become the state’s father of the year, thanks to a touching nomination by his two daughters who describe him as a “real life superhero”.
The reason for Sandeep Jadhav’s honour is best summed up by his 13-year-old daughter Sachi.
“He is always encouraging me to have a go even if you fail, take on a challenge even if you don’t succeed and to always be kind to others,” she said in her speech at Friday’s ceremony.
<img alt=”Sandeep Jadhav is Victoria’s father of the year, thanks to a touching nomination by his two daughters who&nbsp;describe him as a “real life superhero”.” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5k8GI6FN6Bw0jIv0RcqnFQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/_V.8MzqlNijF6AA6Lq5rpw–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/20184db75c8d5ebcee3dcbb2b27327d3″ class=”caas-img”>
Sandeep Jadhav is Victoria’s father of the year, thanks to a touching nomination by his two daughters who describe him as a “real life superhero”.
More
Sachi and her 16-year-old sister Kushi secretly put their dad’s name forward.
They wrote a letter explaining: “Our dad always says, think outside the box and if you cannot think outside the box, then you should make the box bigger.”
In the letter, the girls said their dad was a “real life superhero”.
“He doesn’t wear a cape though, because he wears army uniform. He is always busy protecting the country. When he has free time he is busy mentoring,” the girls wrote.
<img alt=”In the letter, the girls wrote their dad was a “real life superhero”. Source: 7 News” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4HwwOJ7q2e_Y5M1VtJltlw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/5TYDbfx.X3bvqPoN.2tbYw–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/bf632b136347a58ec3937c599408a078″ class=”caas-img”>
In the letter, the girls wrote their dad was a “real life superhero”. Source: 7 News
The 49-year-old is an electrical engineer in the army but also volunteers as a tutor and mentor, helping hundreds of students with maths and science.
Mr Jadhav described the honour as “a tremendous surprise”.
“Last week I didn’t know about this,” he said.
<img alt=”Sachi, 13, says her father has inspired her to dream big, with ambitions to become the prime minister of Australia. Source: 7 News” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3qIvkOFTURTEMGpr0SoFXw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/L3kqhGPerGbUh._hIHjNOg–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/3879f0f80744fe0291a68d1b6c7a4abc” class=”caas-img”>
Sachi, 13, says her father has inspired her to dream big, with ambitions to become the prime minister of Australia. Source: 7 News
His wife Kiran is also proud.
“The thing I love about him is he treats all the students exactly like what he treats the girls,” she said.
Sandeep said he enjoys helping people.
“When somebody comes to me and says ‘Thanks Sandeep’, or ‘Thanks Sunny’ – it’s a huge feeling for me,” he said.
<img alt=”Sandeep Jadhav with wife Kiran and two daughters Sachi and Kushi. Source: 7 News” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tI27waOxjBn9l.KUwQldAw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM0NC42MTUzODQ2MTUzODQ2NA–/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/E2PZvChblO8FdZ6ra1mdyQ–~B/aD03NTY7dz0xNDA0O3NtPTE7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/221d6a385ed92f9b061d2ab403c395d6″ class=”caas-img”>
Sandeep Jadhav with wife Kiran and two daughters Sachi and Kushi. Source: 7 NewsSandeep encourages his daughters and his students to dream big – and that’s exactly what they’re doing.
“I really want to become the prime minister of Australia. It’s a long shot, but I’m willing to take the challenge,” Sachi said.
With her dad’s support, anything is possible.
Sydney, 26 August, 2018
Happy Raksha Bandhan!
Let’s promise and offer support & help to everyone, who needs this support & help.
Let us stand up with those, who are in need of support, assistance and guidance, irrespective of race, religion, gender or age of the needy.
This is my promise. This should be your promise.
Humanity FIRST.
Dr Yadu Singh
INFORMATION: Due to the passing away of a family member of Mr Ajay Singh (Redline Legal), he has to fly overseas urgently. We are therefore postponing this seminar to a future date. This seminar “Law and You” will not take place on Sunday, 9 September. Inconvenience is regretted. More information to follow.
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Invitation
Community Education Seminar “Law & You”. Sunday, 9 September, 3-5pm. Free event. | RSVP | Share | Promote | Thank You 🙏🙏 |
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney, 21 August, 2018
SBI Sydney CEO sent me the link of their platform, which can be used to donate money for Kerala Flood Relief Fund.
Link: https://www.sbisyd.com.au/eremit/donation/index.php
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 19 August 2018
உலகதமிழர்களின் ஒப்பற்ற தலைவர் முத்தமிழறிஞர் டாக்டர் கலைஞர் அவர்களுக்கு நினைவேந்தல் சிட்னி தமிழ் சங்கம் சார்பில் நடைப்பெற்றது. 50க்கும் அதிகமானவர்கள் கலந்துகொண்டார்கள்.
Commemoration & condolence ceremony for Tamil Nadu’s former Chief Minister, Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi, at Belhaven Manor Sydney, organized by Tamil Sangam. Thank you very much John Niven, Kumar Madappa Thiru Arumugam Manoj Sheoran DrNaveen Shukla Fian Nsw and many others for doing your bit to get this important event done.
The Kalaignar’s role in Dravidian movement, long political service and untiring work for the underprivileged segment of Tamil society will be remembered by generations of people.
Our salute and salutations to the Kalaignar. May God give his soul peace and courage to his family, friends and followers to bear with this irreplaceable loss.
Thank you to Kavitha Jeyakumar for Kalaignar picture drawing. Thank you to Mrs Bibiana Niven for preparing & cooking simple and traditional Tamil food for the guests.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 18 August, 2018:
Emotional Shraddhanjali (tribute) was paid today to The Hon (late) Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India.
The picture of the departed leader was garlanded and floral tribute was offered. A brief outline of his life and politics was described. Poetry, written by Atal ji, was recited by Rekha Rajvansi, Abbas Raza Alvi and Dr Prabhat Sinha.
Bhajans (devotional songs) were sung by Shobha Ingleshwar and personal interactions, experiences and impressions were mentioned.
Key members of Indian Australian community participated in the Shraddhanjali ceremony and offered their tribute and prayers for the peace to the departed soul. Prayers were also made to the almighty God to give courage to the departed leader’s family & friends to bear with this loss of life.
Every speaker mentioned that former Prime Minister was a unique leader with unparalleled political stature. I conducted the ceremony as the Master of Ceremonies (MC).
Thank you everyone for attending the ceremony. Thank you very much to Sanjay Patel Patel Brothers of Patel Brothers Group and The Grand Marion to offer the venue and the refreshments for the ceremony.
Dr Yadu Singh
for
6 July, 2018
India Day Fair is an annual mega multicultural Fair in Sydney. -This is its 4th year-Organized by Federation of Indian Associations of NSW -Saturday, 11 August, 2018, 12-8.30pm, Parramatta Park-It has everything including fireworks -And it’s a FREE event. No entry fees-Alcohol free event-All welcome.More info: fianinc1@gmail.com http://www.fian.org.auDr Yadu SinghFederation of Indian associations of NSW
Sydney, 7 July, 2018
There are too many community leaders around us. All you need to do is to register an association and become a community leader. It’s an easy job. This itself is not a problem, if you want to help people and do some good things for the community. The problem is when you form an association to serve your personal interests and you have nothing to do with community work or interests. If you do this, you become a con man. You do what you are not supposed to do, and you don’t do what you are supposed to do. Let’s see what is happening in our own community. In Indian Australian community, we have many associations and many community leaders. Many community leaders turn into “journalists” to stay relevant and to get invitations from the Consulate and Government agencies. Some of them turn back into community leaders again after a few years. Many of these “leaders” are into things, which have nothing to do with community interests. Some examples are;1. Contesting elections for MP seats or Council seats, while holding positions in their community associations, which, by rule, are non-political organizations. In 2016, three community “leaders” did exactly this in Chifley, Cumberland and Parramatta area. Whether they had ability or not is a separate matter, but their dismal & performance is an indicator of their worth as political candidates.2. Calling yourself as an “independent” candidate, when you are a card carrying member of a political party. People are not fools. They saw through this game and refused to support this type of “independent” candidates. 3. You put pictures of top leaders in your event posters, without these leaders’ approval and without a guarantee that they would be attending your event. This is not only a false advertising, but it’s also unethical. 4. You raise money purportedly to help the family of a deceased, but don’t care to establish the need for financial help from the family before collecting the funds. You do worse, when you don’t return the money to the donors, after knowing that family doesn’t need the money. This is clearly illegal and wrong. Using pics of the deceased in your fundraising posters is not an acceptable behavior. 5. Lying and falsely claiming something, which you are not and haven’t done are your standard operating procedure, thinking people are fools and wouldn’t know about it. 6. Not doing any AGM for 4 years and not presenting financial reports to the members and Department of Fair Trading, while roaming around looking important as community leaders. 7. Allowing close family members as part of the executive committee and ignoring the concept of conflict of interest, and receiving membership fees into the personal accounts of the leaders, instead of the official account of the association. 8. Not having any idea or understanding about ethical behavior & governance, as is the case with some associations and community leaders. 9. Swindling and “wasting” of hundreds of thousands of your association’s funds, without any accountability, and getting away from the misdeed because the co-leaders are braindead and grossly incompetent.
That’s not all. There are some who sell Visa sponsorships. They take $50K for sponsoring a visa. This is an illegal activity. It’s a crime in Australia to seek benefit (cash or kind) for sponsoring a visa. It is punishable with up to 2 years prison term and up to $300K fine. It appears that this illegal activity is the only business for some of the community leaders. The fraud is compounded by these con men by appearing to be “connected” and influential as a result of being seen in pics with top political leaders like ministers, Premiers and Prime Minister. As we know, having pics with Chief Ministers (Premiers) and Prime Minister in India is very difficult and is generally taken as an indicator of influence and being highly connected. Some associations and community leaders have given, and still give, “role model of the community” awards to scammers and fraudsters. This they do after getting some money from the scammers.Things are very frustrating and upsetting.There is a need for reflection matched with commensurate action here. Our community needs to look into community associations and should start asking questions from community leaders and community associations. We must make them accountable. We mustn’t allow such community “leaders” to damage the name and reputation of our community. We know that the vast majority in our community is that of decent and upright people, but we also know that a minuscule minority is capable of killing our reputation and good standing in front of the broader community.Before it’s misconstrued that my post is painting all associations and community leaders with the same brush, let me make it very clear. My intention is not to bag a good number of associations and people running them, because I know they are doing wonderful work, without being in the forefront. I admire them and am grateful to them. What I am concerned about is the growing number of selfish and self-seeking people, masquerading as community leaders, who are dragging us all down. Dr Yadu Singh http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSinghwww.twitter.com/dryadusingh
11/4/18
• India Day, 2018 (celebrating India)
• Saturday, 11 August, 2018
• 12-8.30pm
• Parramatta Park, Parramatta
Come | Enjoy | Celebrate India | Indian Culture | Food | Kids Rides | Fireworks | Multicultural event | Entertainment | Prizes | And much more |
Further info:
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
#SamparkForSamarthan is a smart and “out of box” campaign for/by BJP. Holding dialogue with prominent Indians in India is smart.
The same strategy with appropriate modifications would be good in case of NRIs/PIOs too. We all know that NRIs/PIOs are not of same importance in the elections, but we shouldn’t ignore the fact that NRIs/PIOs have significant connections and clout back in India, which can be of electoral benefit to BJP.
In my view, and in the views of many, OFBJP is a failed model for BJP.
Most in them are lightweight, have little network among NRIs/PIOs, little desire to network for BJP, have very little ability as leaders, and are harming the interests of BJP. People in OFBJP seem to be more interested in pics with BJP dignitaries and officials.
Instead of serving interests of BJP by operating above and beyond community associations, they seems to be more interested in playing politics within and against Indian community associations. In the process, they are alienating NRIs/PIOs, with obvious harm to BJP interests. https://yadusingh.com/2014/07/08/ofbjp-australia-plays-community-politics-and-harms-bjp/
It’s advantageous for BJP associates to work with community associations, which is currently very difficult due to immaturity and ineptitude of OFBJP “leaders”.
My advice: Sack them all and dissolve these useless OFBJP branches. Revamping them would obviously be an option.
Will Mr Vijay Chauthaiwale (OFBJP Global head) and Mr Amit Shah (BJP President) listen is an entirely different question and indeed the one, which is worth a serious consideration.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 23 June, 2018
Government of India (GOI) tried to sell the loss making national carrier Air India (AI) recently, but nobody was willing to bid, due to the attached conditions for the sale.
Sale of AI has failed before too.
GOI under PM Narendra Modi has many business-friendly policies. AI is the national carrier. AI is and has always been under bureaucratic stranglehold, which has stifled its productivity and efficiency, and damaged its brand. Over the recent years, some serious efforts were made to change the situation, but the success has only been partial.
I travel with AI as my preferred airline. I have travelled economy and business class, and have found its services pleasant and comfortable.
Syd-Del-Syd is a profit making sector for AI, with 85%+ occupancy. AI is preferred by quite a lot of Indians in this sector. Non-stop flight is just one of them, but food and language are no less important. Contribution of people like myself in promoting AI has not been insignificant. Our contribution could even be better, if AI listens to the diaspora, instead of working with prefixed views and “I know everything” attitude.
In my view, GOI should prove its business-friendly credentials by appointing a board, with people, who have impeccable records to run successful businesses, and dismantle the bureaucratic stranglehold.
Sale of Air India is one option, and perhaps an easier option, but a better option is to turn around the business of running AIr India.
Air India deserves nothing less.
After all, it is our national Airline.
It should be a matter of pride for Indians all over the world to see a successful Air India.
Dr Yadu Singh
I have copied the information below from Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
On 14 December 2015 new criminal and civil penalties and visa cancellation provisions were introduced as part of a framework that allows for sanctions to be imposed on a person who asks for, receives, offers or provides a benefit in return for a visa sponsorship or employment that requires visa sponsorship (otherwise known as a ‘sponsorship-related event’).
Sponsors, nominators and visa applicants must provide a statement in their online application about current or previous conduct that constitutes a breach of ‘paying for visa sponsorship’. You will need to provide a separate certification form only if you applied before July 2016 or have been requested to provide it. See:Certification Form.
The mandatory certification required from sponsors and nominators requires you to have an understanding of the relevant sections of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act), which you are making your certification. As a sponsor or nominator, sections 245AQ and 245AR of the Act are applicable.
This information is presented below for your reference.
benefit includes:
sponsorship-related event means any of the following events:
A prescribed event within 245AQ(l) of the Act, is defined at 5.19N of the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations) and includes:
The legislation was introduced addressing payment for visas activity through criminal, civil and administrative sanctions, and visa cancellation powers. Asking for, receiving, offering or providing a benefit in return for visa sponsorship or related employment is now illegal.
The payment for visas legislation applies to a range of temporary sponsored and permanent skilled employer nominated visas. It is unacceptable for sponsors, nominators, employers or third parties to make a personal gain through a payment for visa arrangement.
New criminal penalties of up to two years imprisonment and/or penalties of up to $324,000 for each instance apply to people requesting or receiving a benefit in return for a sponsorship event. Civil penalties of up to $216,000 may apply for people found to have offered or provided a benefit in return for a sponsorship event occurring. In addition to these penalties, if the people involved in this conduct hold a visa, either temporary or permanent, this may also be subject to cancellation. If visa applicants are involved, their applications can be refused.
Payment for visas undermines the integrity of skilled work programmes, which address genuine skill shortages in the Australia labour market by making employees available from overseas.
For more information about what constitutes payment for visas behaviour including the list of temporary sponsored and permanent skilled employer nominated visas affected, go to: www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/Work-1.
If you have been a victim of, or are aware of payment for visas conduct, please report it to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection: http://www.border.gov.au/about/contact/report-suspicious-activities-behaviour.
————————————————————————–
Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/18th Feb, 2016
I am copying the whole article from The Star newspaper from Canada, which has published a very important subject, relevant to South Asian community. Link is 👇👇👇
By NICHOLAS KEUNG IMMIGRATION REPORTER
Fri., June 22, 2018

Where are all the girls?
A new Ontario study has found the preference for boys among South Asian parents persists among second-generation families born and raised in Canada, pushing the male-to-female ratio to 280 boys born for every 100 girls.
Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne, a social epidemiologist and post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, is lead author of the study on births among second-generation South Asian families in Ontario. (ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL)
Previous research showed that women born in India, who already had two daughters, gave birth in Ontario to 196 boys for every 100 girls — compared to just 104 boys per 100 girls among non-South Asians — but the new finding surprised even the researchers.
While immigrants tend to assimilate over time, “from the evidence we see, this suggests it is different when it comes to the preference for sons,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne, a social epidemiologist and post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
The study, published Thursday in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, examined live births to first- and second-generation mothers of South Asian ethnicity between 1993 and 2014, based on data from the institute, the immigration department and the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s Discharge Abstract.
Read more:
Indo-Canadian women give birth to far more boys than women born in Canada
Health minister ‘deeply disturbed’ by report of ‘son preference’ sex-selective abortions
Almost 10,300 live births to second-generation South Asian mothers and 36,687 live births to their first-generation counterparts in Ontario were identified.
Among the second-generation South Asian mothers with two previous daughters and at least one prior abortion, 280 boys were born for every 100 girls, which was greater than the male-to-female ratio among their first-generation peers. The report suggests both groups of mothers are likely taking part in sex-selective abortion in Ontario.
Manvir Bhangu, founder of Laadliyan Celebrating Daughters, a non-profit group that promotes gender equity among South Asians in the GTA, said she hopes the study will spark a dialogue about gender equity and culture. (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
The researchers looked at many different combinations of order, number and gender of births, but found third births among mothers with two previous daughters revealed a significant increase in the male-to-female ratios.
Born and raised in Brampton, Manvir Bhangu, founder of a non-profit group that promotes gender equity among South Asians in Greater Toronto, said she was both shocked and saddened by the findings.
“Even though you were born and grew up in Canada and are highly educated, you still can’t get away from the culture. You are surrounded by it. South Asian women carry the honour of the family on their shoulders for their parents and in-laws,” said Bhangu, 26, of Laadliyan Celebrating Daughters. (Laadliyan, in Punjabi and Hindi, means beloved daughters.)
“It comes down to having a place at home and in the community. It makes a big difference in your presence in the family whether you give birth to three boys or three girls. It’s easier to be loved and wanted by the people around you with three boys. People do make nasty comments if you have three girls,” added Bhangu, a co-author of the study. “The bottom line is keeping the family name alive.”
The report said it appears South Asian immigrant parents emphasize educating their second-generation daughters out of the need to uphold the image of a “model minority,” as hardworking, disciplined and successful, as well as the desire to restrict the girls’ social engagements outside of the home in order to limit western influence and improve marriageability.
“Studies in India have shown that higher maternal education is either not associated with son-biased sex ratios or that it is associated with greater knowledge of and access to sex-selective technology,” the report said.
“This situation among second-generation mothers certainly exemplifies a ‘double burden’ whereby women are educated and work outside the home but are also expected to maintain their traditional roles within the family.”
Both Wanigaratne and Bhangu hope the study can get the community to start a dialogue about gender equity and culture.
Son-biased sex ratios in the Indian community: A dialogue to make progress on gender equity
Sydney, 18 June, 2018
The Department of Posts of India is organizing a “Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Campaign” at international level for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Person of Indian Origin (PIOs). The theme of the letter writing campaign is “Letter to my motherland” inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s “Amar Desher Mati“. The letter is to be written in English/Hindi or any of the official languages mentioned in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India.
2. The campaign will have two categories viz. (i) upto 18 years and (ii) above 18 years. The letter is to be handwritten on plain A-4 size paper with a word limit not exceeding 1000 words. The entries are to be sent to Assistant Director General (Philately), Department of Posts, Room No. 108, Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001.
3. The entries will be accepted from 01.07.2018 till 30.09.2018. A scanned copy of the entry may be submitted on MyGov portal by 30.09.2018 but it is compulsory that a hard copy of the letter bearing dispatch postmark of not later than 30.09.2018 be sent by post. All non-resident Indians (NRIs) and persons of Indian origin (PIOs) living outside India can participate in the International Level Dhai Akhar Letter Writing Campaign. Details of the Campaign are attached. The top three letters in each category will be awarded prizes as mentioned in attached details of the campaign.
4. For details please log on to www.indiapost.gov.in
_____________________________
Received from
Consulate General of India
Sydney
Level 1, 265, Castlereagh Street,
Sydney, NSW 2000
https://www.facebook.com/ConsulateGeneralofIndiaSydneyAustralia
Sydney, 15 June, 2018
Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness day. Elder Abuse is not uncommon, and deserves the attention of all in the community. http://www.un.org/en/events/elderabuse/
It is estimated that as many as 10 per cent of older Australians are estimated to be affected by elder abuse, with financial abuse the most common form. More than $3 billion is lost to scams and fraud each year, with Commonwealth Bank data indicating that 76 percent of those affected by scam activity are aged over 50. It is likely more Australians will fall victim to financial abuse in the future, with those aged over 65 set to account for 25 per cent of the population by 2050.
More info:
https://elderabuseawarenessday.org.au/
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/world-unites-for-elder-abuse-awareness-day
The report in https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/audiotrack/concerns-over-elder-abuse-punjabi-community says that at least 31% elders from Indian Australian community over and above the age of 65 suffer one form of abuse or neglect. The SBS report also says “The most common form of abuse faced by parents of Indians living in Australia is usually financial”.
It appears that elder abuse may be more common in Indian Australian community. I am aware of many examples of physical abuse and one recent example of financial abuse, which involved transfer of a large sum of money from a lady, who had dementia and short-term memory issues. Unfortunately, roles of Banking staff was questionable and is a complaint matter now.
Greater action is needed now to protect older Australians. It is a moral duty of everyone to prevent abuse of elders. Banks must play a central role in raising awareness of the issue and helping to protect customers, especially elders, from financial abuse, scams and fraud.
Knowing that financial form of elder abuse is common, it was heartening to know that one of the prominent Banks, CBA, has commenced a program today to educate their employees in identifying elder financial abuse as well as providing practical advice on tips and traps to older customers and their families. The infographic as well as a detailed Safe and Savvy guide will be available for customers online today and in all of our branches from July. www.commbank.com.au/safeandsavvy
CBA World Elder Abuse Awareness Day infographic
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 14 June, 2018
I was honoured to be invited to attend The 20th Chand Raat Eid Celebration in Rosehill Gardens, Rosehill, NSW. 20,000+ people attended the event. Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams MP and Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta Council, Andrew Wilson were in attendance, along with many MPs and Councilors.
It was a hugely successful festival with jam packed crowd.
Congratulations, Syed Atiq Ul Hassan. And thank you very much for the invitation.
Eid Mubarak!
Dr Yadu Singh
June, 12, 2018
(Pics have been taken from Google. I don’t claim ownership of any pic)
Ken-Betwa Link, linking these two rivers, is in news these days. These rivers originate in Vindhya region of Madhya Pradesh, and travel through Bundelkhand, before merging with River Yamuna in Bundelkhand.
Ken is a smaller river compared to Betwa. Ken used to be a perennial river, but has become almost a seasonal river over last several decades due to a variety of reasons. Deforestation and massive sand mining are two important reasons. Not much flow is in the river during post-Monsoon season.
Following links provide some insight into the subject. 👇👇
Amazing experience of Yatra along the Majestic Ken River
https://m.hindustantimes.com/static/river-sutra/ken-betwa-uttar-pradesh/
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/specials/rivers-of-contention/article8637408.ece
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/cover/a-river-on-a-rocky-course/article8650557.ece
Ken river is an important source of livelihood for people in Panna and Banda Districts of Bundelkhand. Not only it provides drinking water, but it also provides water for irrigation.
National Water Development Agency (NWDA), under Union Government of India, calls Ken river to be a “water surplus” river and Betwa river to be a “water deficit” river. They want to link Ken river with Betwa river via a canal. This will divert water from Ken to Betwa river near Tikamgarh. This would help people mostly in Chhattarpur, Jhansi and Tikamgarh.
Everybody, who has any real knowledge about river Ken, knows that Ken doesn’t have much water. NWDA has not publicly disclosed as to how they call Ken to be “water surplus”.
River-linking projects are supposed to deal with the issues of recurring droughts and floods in India. There are a total of 30 such projects-14 in Himalayan basin and 16 in peninsular basin. Ken-Betwa link is under the latter category.
There is much concern about Ken-Betwa link project.
I am originally from the region of Banda/Panna and know the situation regarding Ken river.
I am concerned about the real possibility of major harm coming to people along the Ken river, because of diversion of water from Ken river, without full understanding and explanation of the pros & cons. It doesn’t make much sense to help a set of people at the cost of another set of people. Political consideration of any particular politician(s) can’t be the justification for any project.
Local MPs-Mr Bhairav Prasad Mishra, Mr Pushpendra Singh Chandel and Mr Vishambhar Prasad Nishad, as well as local MLAs/MLCc, must take a keen interest in the pros and cons of the project, and make their voices heard. Keeping mum is not an option.
Local media too must study this project and raise the appropriate issues.
Intelligentsia from the local region, especially Banda and Panna, must discharge its duties, just like Rajmata from Panna did recently.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 5 June, 2018
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) is pleased that NSW Government has decided to amend section 20D of NSW Anti-Discrimination Act. FIAN is a key and founder member of Keep NSW Safe 
team, which has worked actively, effectively and collaboratively with all stakeholders over last several years to achieve this spectacular result. http://www.keepnswsafe.com/
This will PROTECT DIVERSE COMMUNITIES from individuals who incite or threaten violence against people based on their race, religion, sexuality and HIV/AIDS status, and will carry a maximum three-year jail sentence and a fine of $11,000. The legislation will create a new offence in the Crimes Act of publicly threatening or inciting violence against people on the these grounds.
The path of success was difficult, because a few ministers were not keen to amend section 20D, but active work by ministers like Ray Williams and Mark Speakman has overcome the resistance.
I was made aware of this development by Multicultural Minister on 26 May, 2018, when he addressed a multicultural community forum in Strathfield, but was requested to not make it public. I kept my word.
It is indeed great to see NSW Government has listened to the concerns of our communities and responded to them in a positive way. Nobody can be allowed to harm the harmony among the communities in NSW. Punishment will be given if anyone tries to incite violence against others.
“The new laws send a very clear message to offenders that we will not tolerate behaviour which risks people’s safety”, Mr Ray Williams, Minister for Multiculturalism said, and we wholeheartedly support him.
Attorney General, Mark Speakman’s press Release is here. Mark Speakman press release on 20D
Thank you to Premier, Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Government, especially Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams and Attorney General, Mark Speakman for this much needed and overdue action.
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN)
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh http://www.twitter.com/FianInc
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh http://www.facebook.com/FianInc
Invitation
Sydney, 3 June, 2018
Sterlite Copper smelter in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin), Tamil Nadu (TN), India has been seeing protests for years. This year, however, protests became more intense, because Vedanta Group, the owner of the smelter, started to expand the site.
On 100th Day of the protest, 22 May, 2018, protesters were marching towards the District Administration HQ, despite orders under section 144 of IPC to not do so. When warnings by the authorities to stop the march were not heeded, Tamil Nadu Police fired, leading to deaths of 13 protesters.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoothukudi_massacre
Any loss of life is sad, but we must understand the perspective and the background.
Police resorted to firing to stop the massive crowds from marching to the HQ of the administration.
Chief Minister (CM) of the state Mr Edappadi K Palaniswami initially justified the Police firing.
After further protests and demands from the opposition, the TN Government has now ordered permanent closure of the smelter.
As I said above, no loss of life can be justified, but we must understand the facts and the background.
My condolences and sympathies are with the victims and their families. Like others, I am saddened.
The protest in Sydney a few days ago was brought to my attention by several people, including Tamil Australians.
Thiru Arumugam from Sydney said “Firstly my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. 13 people sadly died in the protest. My humble request to all Indian Tamils in Australia is not to jump into the conclusion that Indian Government is killing Tamils. It happened in Tamil Nadu, which is ruled by a Tamil CM. Blaming Indian Govt is not right. Everyone of us are responsible in Australia for any representation of our motherland. We should remember that use of violence or breach of law never achieves our demands.”
Aspects of this protests, especially placards, are objectionable.
A couple of facts need to be considered.
Sydney protest has the presence of about 50-60 people, some of whom either don’t understand the matter well, or worse, are anti-India. Looking at the pictures of the people, I can recognize only two people, who belong to Indian community. Rest of them appear to be Tamils of non-Indian background, many of whom may have a grudge against India due to India’s perceived hands off approach in ethnic conflicts in India’s neighborhood a few years ago. Looking at the placards in the hands of these two Indians (Anagan Babu and Renga Rajan), I can say that I am very concerned about their ability to understand what they were doing there. I doubt they even took time to read the placards they were given to hold. They were perhaps too busy in getting their pics taken for Facebook posting! (PS: Rajesh Kumar from Sydney says that the most of the protesters in Sydney were from TN, and he personally knows them. I stand corrected. The basic thrust of my commentary however will not change.) I post Rajesh Kumar’s comment below. 👇👇
While people have their right to hold a protest, I too have a right to form an opinion. There is no defamation here. This protest was a public protest, not a private protest. Pics were posted on social media with privacy settings to allow public to see them. Throwing the word “defamation” is childish, immature and ill-informed, and I am least worried about it.
Hugh Mcdermott (MP for Prospect) and Mehreen Faruqi (Greens MLC) are politicians. Politicians can and will do politics, whenever they can. That’s what politicians do for votes.
My issues with this protest is not because of protest per se, because people have a right to protest.
Having said that, I am not sure as to what people achieve by organizing protests in Australia on matters happening in their country of their birth. Many including I believe that such protests achieve nothing except giving some transient self-satisfaction of pics on Facebook and coverage in ethnic media.
My concerns are against the blatant politics, and misrepresentation and distortion of facts of the incident by the vested interests. Contrary to the claims by the protesters, the facts are that Tuticorin firings have no relevance with The UNO, terrorism, State-sponsored terrorism, BJP or “India killing Tamils” nonsense. It has everything to do with law and order problem inside Tamil Nadu, whose CM is obviously a Tamil, and whose Police is also Tamil, who fired on Tamil protesters, who breached section 144 of Indian Penal Code despite the warnings to stop doing so.
It’s a sad & unfortunate situation and I am saddened with the loss of lives, but I am equally sad with blatant and ill-informed politics being played by some people.
I urge people to focus on the facts, not fiction, and stop running an anti-India campaign!
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYafuSingh
PS: An earlier post about Anagan Babu is here. https://yadusingh.com/2014/07/08/indaus-going-for-fresh-elections-on-20th-july-2014/
Sydney, 14 May, 2018
I have received the link (below) from one of my Chinese Australian friends. Its upsetting and wrong to attack people, based on their race, gender, sexuality or religion.
These posters are wrong and product of hateful ideology.
It’s interesting and amusing to see the people, who wrote these posters, themselves don’t know how to write things in proper English!
I have spoken with a several people in my network. We condemn these racist posters, and urge relevant authorities to take action to stop such behaviour.
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, 4 May, 2018
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW’s seminar is on Sunday, 20 May, 2.15-4pm. Details in the flyer.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, Wednesday, 25 April, 2018
Today Australia and NZ are celebrating ANZAC Day, which commemorates the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in 1915. 👉 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day
👉 What’s on today and where you can join in the celebration in Sydney is in this article. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/national/nsw/anzac-day-2018-your-guide-to-what-s-on-from-sunrise-to-sunset-20180424-p4zbem.html
We celebrate today, not to glorify war or praise victors, but to remember those who have served our country during times of conflict and crisis, and to reflect upon their selfless sacrifice. It is our duty as the Citizens of Australia by choice or by Birth to pay our tributes to those who sacrifice their life for us.
Happy ANZAC Day.
Lest we forget! 
Dr Yadu Singh
24 April, 2018
I am so proud and happy to tell you that the son of our friend Navneet Verma, Hunar Verma, has been selected to be a promising young Cricketing star by NSW Cricket.
Hunar certainly has Hunar (skills) to be a star.
Watch out this space. Hunar is going to bring a lot of pride to all of us.
Congratulations to Hunar and his proud father, Navneet Verma.
As it happens, Navneet is a very dear friend of ours, and we are so happy for him and his family. Congratulations!
Dr Yadu Singh
24 April, 2018
I participated in the celebration of Israel’s 70th Independence Day in Sydney yesterday. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies organized the celebration at Four Seasons hotel in the CBD, which was attended by the Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, Minister Ray Williams, many MPs, MLCs, Leader of Opposition, Luke Foley, diplomats from more than 20 nations, multicultural community leaders and faith leaders. Israel’s Ambassador, H.E. Mark Sofer, was in attendance too. He spoke and outlined the achievements of Israel in the field of innovation, technology and agriculture. Premier described the close relationship which NSW has with Israel in a variety of fields. There was a short video speech from Israel’s Prime Minister, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu.
Like previous years, this event was a high profile celebration. The typical Israeli cuisine and select top grade wines were enjoyed by the guests. The hospitality was excellent. As would be expected, the security was elaborate and tight.
I was pleased to be at the celebration and caught up with many including the Premier, Leader of Opposition and MPs and MLCs.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 15 April, 2018
It can be distressing to see some people, who hate you only because you do good things, which they don’t do or are incapable to do. Their jealousy submerges them into irrational hate for you. Some of these “haters” might even be those whom you helped in one or the other way, but take this on your chin. Remember this famous Sanskrit verse “Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana.”
You may feel some distress about it, which is natural, but a better approach is to have sympathy & pity for such “haters” and continue enjoying what you do for people and community. Stay the course is the best approach.
Remember, haters are gonna hate, because they are shallow and incapable of matching your decency. They might even badmouth you to be in good books of scumbags, against whom you took a stand, opposing their low class, unethical and substandard activities.
No amount of backstabbing, badmouthing or substandard behavior from these “good for nothing” haters should distract you from your chosen path.
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
Friday, 13 April, 2018
Today is Vaisakhi, which is being celebrated by Punjabis, especially Sikhs throughout the world.
Vaisakhi commemorates the beginning of Khalsa Panth. Vaisakhi is also the Remembrance Day of Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar. Today is the day when farmers celebrate the beginning of the harvesting season in Punjab. Vaisakhi is also celebrated as the Sikh New Year!
On Sunday, 8 April, 2018, National Sikh Council of Australia organised a spectacular Vaisakhi celebration at Ryde Civil Hall. The organising committee included Mr Ajmer Singh Gill, Mr Bawa Singh Jagdev, Dr Yadu Singh, Mr Gurcharn Singh Kahlon and Bill (Baljinder) Singh Nanda. 300+ people and several political leaders were in attendance.
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, 23 March, 2018
Today is Shaheed Diwas (Martyr’s Day). On March 23, 1931 at 7.30pm, India’s freedom fighters, Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Hari Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, were hanged by the British Government in Lahore Jail. Their bodies were cremated on the banks of the Sutlej river.
Let us pay our heart-felt & grateful respect to the brave sons of India.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/16 March, 2018
Announcement:
