25 May 2022
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Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh/
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, 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
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, 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, 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, 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
25 December, 2018
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
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, 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, 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
———————————-
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
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
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
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.
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Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/18th Feb, 2016
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, 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
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:
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney, 8 March, 2018
A few days ago, I received a message via Twitter that Australian Greens Senator, Lee Rhiannon, has recently made a statement in the Senate about Jammu & Kashmir. This rumor monger from the neighboring country was peddling the rumor about this so-called recent statement. I was surprised because there was no such recent news in Australia. After doing a research, I found out that Senator Lee Rhiannon made this statement on 23/11/16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnGC3m6Dcxw
After watching the video, it became apparent that Senator Rhiannon wasn’t aware of full facts, and was grandstanding, which is quite typical for politicians.
Here is the background why Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is an inalienable and integral part of India, and it will always remain so.
Let us revisit the facts of history for those who do not know the relevant history. J&K became an inalienable part of India on 25th October, 1947 when ruler (King) of J&K, Maharaja Hari Singh, signed the “Instrument of accession” with India. This Instrument was executed between India’s then Governor-General, Lord Louis Mountbatten, and Maharaja Hari Singh on 25th October, 1947.
At the time of Independence of India in 1947, rulers of Princely States and Kingdoms in India were entitled to choose one of the three options- join India, join Pakistan or remain independent. J&K joined India.
Here is the Link for more details.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jammu_and_Kashmir
American Professor Christine Fair’s exposure of the anti-India propaganda on this matter is worth watching.
Video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_aoYNQrOOu0
Relevant UN resolution is described in the link below.
UN resolution 47: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_47
“The Resolution recommended a three-step process for the resolution of the dispute. In the first step, Pakistan was asked to withdraw all its nationals from Kashmir. In the second step, India was asked to progressively reduce its forces to the minimum level required for law and order. In the third step, India was asked to appoint a plebiscite administrator nominated by the United Nations who would conduct a free and impartial plebiscite.
The resolution was adopted paragraph by paragraph and no vote on the resolution as a whole was taken.” From the Wikipedia link above.
Pakistan has never fulfilled the first step and continues to illegally occupy 1/3rd of Jammu & Kashmir (Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, POK) till date.
Besides, Shimla Agreement between India and Pakistan signed in 1972 binds two nations to resolve their issues bilaterally. It supersedes any preceding agreement (s) including the UN resolution. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simla_Agreement
Maharaja Hari Singh’s Kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir obviously and legally joined India. The Maharaja made the correct choice. He was a smart King. J&K is now part of the progressive, prosperous, secular, multicultural and democratic India.
India and Indians will never allow anyone to undo what was done by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1947. Terrorism and unrest supported from across the borders will never be allowed to succeed.
In my view, and in the views of Indian Australians, there is no need or justification for elected Australian politicians i.e. Ministers, MPs, MLCs and Councilors to participate in unproductive and objectionable anti-India rhetorics.
There will be peace in Kashmir and the region if/ when terrorists groups, based in territories outside India’s borders, stop receiving support, training, funding and patronage of the State and non-State agencies. The concerns in this regard have come not only from the USA and the UNO, but also the BRICS.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 1 March, 2018
Happy Holi folks!
Holi is a well known Indian festival and is called the Festival of Colours.
This year, Holi falls on March 1 and March 2.
Holi will start with Holika Dahan, which takes place in the night between 1 and 2 March. People will gather, worship, sing, dance and party around the bonefire.
Rangwali Holi (festival of colors) will take place next morning ie 2 March.
In India, this is a free-for-all festival of colours. People play and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water. People from all segments, age and gender take part in the festivities.
It is celebrated all over India and countries where Indians, especially Hindus, have migrated to. People exchange pleasantries and good wishes, visiting homes of friends and relatives.
In Australia too, Holi festivities are organised by Indians in various cities. In Sydney, Holi events are lined up in Strathfield Park by Strathfield Australians of Indian Sub-continental Heritage (SAISH), and Dolls Point by South Asian Australian Association on Sunday, 4 March, 2018, in which I will take part.
More details of Holi festival: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, 10 February, 2018
Many of us have been following various reports coming out of print and digital media, and various television and radio channels relating to the Adani’s projects in Australia. As you would be aware that this has been the largest investment by an Indian company in Australia and has become a signature project strengthening ties between Australia and India. Adani has invested a lot of resources and time on its projects in Australia and continued to progress in-spite of huge resistance coming from anti-coal groups.
The information that we gathered from the publicly available information, they have invested over $3.3 billion in Australia since 2010. We as a community have been closely watching and monitoring the progress of this project and of late are getting very concerned about how a project of this magnitude is being unfairly targeted.
The projects that are being undertaken by Adani is a private investment and we normally do not comment on the positions taken and decisions made by a private company. However, the reports coming out of the media have caused us serious concerns as a community who love the Australian way of life and believe in providing ‘fair-go’ to everyone irrespective of one’s affiliation to a particular community, race, or sexual orientation.
We strongly feel that we are not giving a ‘fair-go’ to Adani, and we have been creating one hurdle after another. Again, based on the publically available information, we understand that Adani’s projects have gone through onerous approvals processes (at federal, state and local levels). These approvals were challenged at various courts of law (including the matters relating to the impact on environment), and after due consideration of all the facts, and based purely on the merit of the projects, decisions were given in favour of the company. Once the company has followed the due process and has adhered to the law of the land in which the projects are being developed, we believe they have full right to proceed with the business. If we raise the same issues that have already been considered during the approval processes and the court processes then we are conveying the message that either we do not wish to follow the verdict of the law or we are ignorant about the process undertaken. In either situation, this impacts negatively the company that is trying hard to develop the project.
We were dismayed with the backflip from Qld Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, during last election after supporting Adani Group for years. Crash politics was at play in her decision.
Our dismay is compounded with recent statements from the leader of the Opposition, Mr Bill Shorten, who seems to put his party’s interest before Australia’s interests. Votes of anti-investment Extreme Left groups in Batman seat of Melbourne are more important.
It is becoming very clear that the activists disguised as the protectors of the environment are not only disregarding the law of the land but also, to some extent, undertaking unlawful activities. This is clearly demonstrated by the protests to stop the rail traffic or disturb the operation of the port and creating life threatening situations.
We are also disturbed by the fact that the politicians (especially those with far-left views) are using the project for their political benefit. This is evident from the recent election in Queensland and the upcoming by-election in Batman – governments who have made various comments in media supporting the project in the past are back-flipping at the time of election to capture green votes. The parties may be able to garner few additional seats by using these petty tactics, however, we strongly believe that it undermines the fabric of a “fair go” and the Australian way of life.
In a democratic society, everyone’ voice needs to be heard. It applies to both the sides- activists as well as that of the proponents of the projects. Also, the oppositions should be based on facts and not on some ill-informed views and opinion.
Some important facts are:
– India is one of the lowest emitters of carbon dioxide on a per capita basis
– There are over 300 million Indians that do not have access to power
– The project is intended to provide electricity to thousands of villages in India
– Will generate significant jobs in Australia
India has been one of the fastest growing economies of the world. India with its huge middle-class population, in need of improving the standard of living of its masses through provision of luxuries of life, which we as Australians take for granted, is on the cusp of becoming one of the largest economies of the world. Australia is very well placed to benefit from the growth of India. The success of Adani project will provide a very positive message to the Indian investors who are looking to invest in a stable and investor friendly country. The trade between India and Australia will suffer a massive blow if we let our petty politics to jeopardize investor sentiment.
Adani Fact Sheet:
Adani has been building a long-term future with Queensland and Australia
Adani’s presence in Australia
• Adani commenced its journey in Queensland, Australia more than 7 years ago when it acquired mining tenement in August 2010 and have its presence in following business:-
• Adani Australia is developing the “Carmichael Coal Mine” project which will be the first mine in the Galilee Basin, Central Queensland.
• Adani Australia is developing multi user, open access 388 km Rail linking the mine to Abbot Point Terminal
• Adani Australia owns and operates existing Abbot Point Port Terminal.
• Adani Australia is progressing 2 solar projects located at Rugby Run, Queensland and Whyalla in South Australia
• Over $3.3 billion has been spent to date on the projects. It is the largest Indian Investment to date
• Adani Australia currently employs more than 800 people across all our operations.
Environment & Approvals Journey
• The Carmichael Coal Project has been granted approvals under 7 different Commonwealth and Queensland Acts.
• Adani has obtained 112 approvals and permits from both State and Federal government
• There are over 1,800 strict conditions across these permits and approvals.
• Adani had ZERO land holder objection to the Carmichael Coal Mine under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 or Mineral Resources Act 1989.
• Their approvals have been tested in the courts and Adani has won ALL the court cases to reach this stage
• All the litigations were filed by anti-coal NGOs to delay and disrupt the development.
• Adani has all the agreements (ILUA) in place with all 4 Traditional Owners. Only a minority of one group (W&J) has challenged the agreement which has been funded by foreign NGOs through back channels.
• In Summary, Adani has been subject to rigorous and at times multiple approval processes over nearly 8 years at both State and Federal level that have been tested and upheld in the courts resulting in net delay of approximately 3 years
Benefits of Project
• Adani Australia will create more than 10000 direct and indirect jobs at full capacity of mine
• Over $22 Billion in the form of Royalties and taxes which shall be reinvested by government into community
• The Coal from Carmichael project will replace the poorer quality of domestic coal burn in India and will reduce the associated carbon emission
• This project is intended to provide energy security to those in the 18000 villages in India that have no access to electricity and thus lifting millions of Indians out of energy poverty
• Will build a strong economic relationship between Australia and India
Important links:
As concerned people, we appeal to both sides of politics to provide confidence to the investors in Australia by providing unequivocal support for the Adani project who have spent years to obtain approvals from the government and through the court processes.
We as Australians should certainly provide assurance to the investors that Australia is open for business and would assist anyone who follows the law of the land with full support and protection for it to grow and at the same time benefit all Australians.
Finally, ALP and Bill Shorten should listen to people, Mayors and Union leaders operating in regional Queensland, who are supporting this investment, instead of listening to anti-investment extreme Left activists and groups. Bill Shorten and ALP should give a “Fair Go” to Adani Australia, and not backflip this late in piece after saying YES for years.
There are formal processes to go through for any development. If Adani Australia complies with all those conditions they have any right to go ahead with the development. One should be challenging the process that gives the approval, not the applicant.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 9 Feb, 2018
(Parramasala, 9-11 March, 2018)
I was pleased to be at the launch of Parramasala 2018 by the Minister of Multiculturalism, the Honorable Ray Williams, at Parramatta River Foreshore, today.
The program for Parramasala (9-11 March 2018) was announced.
It was attended by Dr Harry Harinath, Chair of Multicultural NSW, Dr Geoff Lee, Local State MP and Mr Andrew Wilson, Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta Council. A big contingent of media was present too.
A glimpse of cultural performances was presented.
I was very pleased to know that the NSW Government has committed an additional $600,000 over three years to one of the State’s largest multicultural arts and cultural festivals, Parramasala.
Now in its eighth year, Parramasala celebrates the cultural diversity of NSW through music, dance, theatre, food and film, representing more than 40 nationalities with the theme of “Many Cultures. One Sydney”.
The minister said “Parramasala is a vibrant festival showcasing Western Sydney’s extraordinary multicultural identity, and its growth as an economic and social hub.”
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the evolving arts and cultural scene of Greater Western Sydney,” he said.
The 2018 program features some of the best in international and domestic acts, including free concerts by Grammy-nominated group Hiatus Kaiyote and Grammy Award-winning Saharan band, Tinariwen.
Crowds will also enjoy the opening night multicultural parade, interactive drumming and dancing workshops and the delicious Masala markets.
As a partner in Parramasala, City of Parramatta Council welcomed the State Government’s extra funding for what has become the signature event on the Multicultural March calendar.
“We are proud supporters of Parramasala. Western Sydney is home to a lively assortment of cultures and the City of Parramatta is pleased to lead the way in showcasing the very best our region has to offer,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.
Parramasala Chairperson Dr GK Harinath OAM encouraged every member of the community interested in arts, music, food and culture to attend the festival this year.
“With a mixture of free and ticketed high-quality events, there is something for everyone at any age this year,” Dr Harinath OAM said.
Since 2016, the NSW Government has committed $2.2 million to secure Parramasala’s rightful place in our cultural calendar until
For more information about the festival, the 2018 program and for daily event schedules, see www.parramasala.com
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
Sydney, 26 January, 2018
G’day everyone.
Today is Australia Day!
It’s our national day, which will be celebrated throughout the nation with a variety of ceremonies, picnics, barbecues, parades, citizenship ceremonies, announcement of Australia Day Honours & Australian of the year and fire works.
It’s a public holiday.
Australia Day commemorates Landing of First Fleet at Port Jackson & raising of the flag of the Great Britain at Sydney Cove on 26 January, 1788.
Enjoy Australia Day celebrations and festivities today.
I wish my co-Australians a happy Australia Day!
More details: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Day
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, NSW
Tomorrow, on 26 January, India will be celebrating Republic Day.
It’s a national day, which commemorates adoption of India’s constitution on 26 January, 1950, and is celebrated in every village, town, city and state capital of India, besides a grand celebration and a spectacular parade in the national capital, New Delhi.
This year, Republic Day is very special because 10 ASEAN heads of States (nations) are going to be gracing the occasion as the chief guests in New Delhi.
In Austraila, there would be Republic Day celebrations in the High Commission of India in Canberra and Consulate General offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Honorary Consulates in other places will do the same.
In Sydney, my friends and I will be at the Consulate General of India to celebrate Indian Republic Day between 9.30-11am on 26 January, 2018.
Happy Indian Republic Day!
Jai Hind!!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/22 Jan, 2018
I enjoyed the Darling Harbour Cruise on board renowned Sydney Show Boat & dinner with the Honorable Chief Minister of Chhattishgarh, Dr Raman Singh ji and his wife Shrimati Veena Singh ji in Sydney. The delegation accompanying him was there too along with manager of Air India Sydney (Sujoy Kumar) and CEOs of SBI Sydney (Pranay Kumar), Bank of Baroda Sydney (Kavita Singh) and Union Bank of India Sydney (Pankaj Kumar). India Tourism Chief in Sydney, Kanchan Kukreja, was there too.
The evening was organized in the Honour of the visiting CM and his delegation by the Consulate General of India. Acting CG, Mr Chandra A and Consul, Mr SK Verma were obviously there.
I had plenty of opportunity to interact with the Honourable CM and the accompanying delegation. Mrs Veena Singh is from Rewa/Satna background and knows my part of Bundelkhand well. What a down-to-earth people they are! It was such a pleasure to meet them and interact with them.
Chhattishgarh is one of the top 5 states in ease to do business in India and is a mineral/mining hub of India. It produces plenty of electricity and exports it to other states. It has borders with 7 states, which makes it an attractive place to establish business and invest.
The Honorable CM is in Australia currently, leading a business delegation. He has been to Melbourne, Victoria , Brisbane, Queensland and is now in Sydney, NSW before flying back to India on Wednesday.
FYI, I post Dr Raman Singh ji’s interview with Pallavi Jain of SBS Hindi. https://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh/posts/1709323072467248
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 26 Nov, 2017
Today is the 9th anniversary of Mumbai terror attacks, perpetrated by 10 Pakistani terrorists of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LET), on 26 November, 2008. These attacks lasted for 3 days.
166 people were killed and more than 300 people were injured in these attacks.
Of the 10 terrorists, 9 were killed by security forces and 1 was arrested. The arrested terrorist, Kasab, was tried, convicted and hanged in Mumbai.
Masterminds of the terror attacks based in Pakistan, especially Hafiz Saeed, have not been punished effectively.
This gives ample evidence of the fact that so-called “non-state” actors have full support of “State” agencies, when it comes to terror activities against India.
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/11/24/asia/mumbai-suspect-freed/index.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Mumbai_attacks
We must never forget Mumbai terror attacks and can’t forgive the perpetrators and their masterminds.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 24 November, 2017
Today, 24 November, was the day in 1675 when 9th Guru of Sikhism, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji was assassinated by beheading in Delhi on the orders of Mogul emperor, Aurangzeb.
A day earlier, his three disciples, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das & Bhai Dayala were also martyred under the orders of tyrant Aurangzeb, at Chandni Chowk, New Delhi for refusing to convert into Islam.
Let us all remember & commemorate ‘Shaheedi Divas’ (Martyrdom Day) of the Guru, also known as “Hind Di Chaadar” (the Shield of India), for his supreme sacrifice to protect right of freedom to worship and his stance and resolve to oppose forceful religious conversion.
Let us dedicate & commit ourselves to his and Sri Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings of oneness of mankind, universal brotherhood, valour, righteousness and compassion.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru_Tegh_Bahadur
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/sikhism/people/teghbahadur.shtml
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 21 November, 2017
Finally, it’s a victory for common sense. It’s also a victory for our community.
Concerns were raised by various Indian community groups throughout Australia.
We too did our part. I organised a meeting with NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams in Sydney. Minister wrote to relevant parties including Prime Minister of Australia.
This decision was appealed and requests were made for an independent review.
KARTHIKARASU from Melbourne took the lead and submitted the request for an independent review. This was a constructive, targeted, wise and a right step, unlike some others who, for their self promotion, were more into unproductive stunts, which failed miserably, and ended up harming our community.
Appreciations are also in order for many others including team at Durga Temple in Melbourne and Kapil Sachdeva from Queensland for doing what was necessary.
Independent review has found that decision by Advertising Standards Bureau was incorrect.
Submission for Review-KarthikARASU_Complaint reference number 0412-17 MLA ad on Lord Ganesha
Review Decision-0412-17 on Lord Ganesh Video by MLA
Kudos, Karthik. Great job. We all are just as thrilled.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 11 Nov, 2017
I was sent info about Supercharged Air Sanitation today. It’s an innovation which is potentially going to revolutionize how fresh produce and fruits are sanitized. It avoids use of chemicals.
http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2017/11/10/world-first-food-sanitiser-at-ourimbah/
http://www.hortidaily.com/article/39095/Food-Safety-Supercharger-lands-in-Australia
“Dubbed ‘The Food Safety Supercharger’, the custom-made 250-kilogram test-unit creates a stream of ‘supercharged air’ by applying an electric current to normal air. Using this disruptive technology, it has the capacity to kill microbial pathogens on the surface of fresh produce and nuts, without leaving any chemical residues.”-Hortidaily.com
The lead scientist for this innovation is Dr Sukhvinder Pal Singh (Dr S.P. Singh). 
(Pic from Hortidaily.com)
This is a great innovation with huge benefits to all related sectors dealing with fresh produce and fruits.
Dr SP Singh was quoted in Hortidaily.com “after determining which fruit, vegetables and nuts are responsive to the treatment, the research team needs to ensure the killing of microbial pathogens does not compromise the quality and nutritional value of food.
“Ultimately, we would like to see this technology work and provide a pathway to commercialisation and for growers and packers to adopt it. Time will tell, but the early signs of this research are certainly promising.”
The research is due for completion in 2021.
Good job, SP Singh!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 4 Nov, 2017
Initially, it was “Citizenship Seven”, about which the High Court of Australia gave its verdict on Friday, 27 October, 2917.
Section 44 of Australian Constitution debars dual-citizens from becoming members of Australian Parliament (The Senate and the House of Representatives).
Barnaby Joyce (The National Party member and Deputy Prime Minister), Fiona Nash (The National), Malcolm Roberts (One Nation), Larissa Waters (The Greens) and Scott Ludlam (The Greens) were declared ineligible to sit in the Parliament. Matt Canavan (the Liberal National Party) and Nick Xenophon (The Nick Xenophon Team) were declared eligible to be in the Parliament. Even before the judgment, The Green senators had already resigned and Nick Xenophon had declared his intention to quit the Senate to focus in South Australian politics.
Subsequently, Stephen Parry (President of the Senate) declared himself to be a dual-citizen and resigned from the Senate. 
Now, there is a controversy about Josh Frydenberg (a senior Ministet in the Coalition Government) whether he is a dual-citizen too. 
There is some confusion and speculation whether there are more dual citizens, hence ineligible members, in the Parliament.
This uncertainty needs to be dealt with. The Government and the Parliament must be freed from the uncertainty about what decision involving ineligible members might later be challenged. The focus must be in the respective jobs, not on dual citizenship. The distraction must end.
People must have the confidence that laws passed by the Parliament are indeed passed by only those who are legally entitled to be in the Parliament.
The best strategy here will be to do an audit of citizenship status of every member of the Parliament. A committee of reputed jurists, chaired by a retired Justice of the High Court of Australia, should be tasked to do the job in 2 months.
With many members of the Parliament demanding it and with Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten coming around with his support for this audit, it’s time that Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, agreed with the citizenship Audit for all MPs and Senators.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 3 November, 2017
With the experience of running a successful Hindi school during the weekends over last 3 years in Kogarah, Mritunjay Singh and team (South Asian Australian Association) are starting a weekend school for Hindi in Western Sydney from Sunday, 5 November, 2017.
Initially, the work will focus on Hindi, but they are open and are encouraging other language groups (Telugu, Gujarati, Malayalam, Marathi etc) to organise similar activity for their language groups in the centre.
Collaboration and “working together” with various Indian languages groups are the agendas. Co-operation, not competition, is the motto.
There will be training in Indian dances and Yoga too.
There will be some activities geared for improving English and Mathematics too.
Federation of Indian Associations of NSW is actively working and collaborating with them. We are a firm team.
Come, participate and volunteer for this activity.
Let us work together.
And help perpetuate, strengthen and nurture our connections with our heritage for our future generations.
Further Contact: Mritunjay Singh 0427 090 724, Abhijeet 0470 130 891
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
HURRY. Last Date: Friday, 3 November, 2017.——————————————————–
Expressions of Interest are invited from teachers interested in the position of Hindi Community Language Teacher, 0.6 FTE, Kogarah Public School, from 29 January 2018 to 21 December 2018. The position with be located at: Gladstone Street, Kogarah 2217.
An Expression of Interest addressing the selection criteria, of no more than two pages in length should be submitted to Lea Kitchener, Principal, Kogarah Public School, at Lea.Kitchener@det.nsw.edu.au by 5:00 pm on Friday 3 November 2017.
Please contact Lea Kitchener on 9587 9472 or Lea.Kitchener@det.nsw.edu.aufor further information.
Please see attached for further information.
Attachments:
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney, Thursday 19 October, 2017
Today is Diwali (also known as Deepavali), which Hindus all over the world are celebrating.
After participating in several Diwali celebrations over the last several weeks including the Diwali celebration hosted by NSW Government at the Museum of Contemporary Arts on Tuesday 17 October (when iconic Opera House was illuminated in Diwali colors), today is the occasion to celebrate Diwali {Deepavali) with the family at home. This would be a family affair with Puja/prayers (worshipping), Havan (offerings to the consecrated fire), reflections and sharing of sweets. Snippets of the session will be posted here (see the Facebook post below).
What is Diwali: https://yadusingh.com/2016/10/28/happy-deepavali-october-30-2016/
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 12 Oct, 2017
The Commonwealth Games will be held in Gold Coast, Queensland from April 4 to 15, 2018.
The Commonwealth Games are a multi-sport competition for the nations of the Commonwealth. This would be 5th time Australia is hosting them.
It was a matter of great pleasure, privilege and pride to be appointed a Community Ambassador for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games #GC2018 recently. Community Ambassadors help popularize the Games and help in increasing the participation of their communities in these games.
Not only it’s matter of pride to be one of the community ambassadors for #GC2018, it’s also a matter of duty to do my bit to help popularize the GC2018 and help increase the participation of the community in #GC2018.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/11 October, 2017
Australian High Commissioner to India (New Delhi), Ms Harinder Sidhu, is in Australia presently. She is here for the mid term consultations with the Government and various stakeholders. As part of these consultations, she met a select group of Indian Australian community representatives These reps included people from various segments and faiths.
An hour-long session in the DIBP offices in Parramatta gave an opportunity for all of us to understand and raise relevant issues.
From Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN), Abhijeet Martand and I participated. Mr SK Verma participated on behalf of the Consulate General of India in Sydney.
We emphasized the role of Indian Australian community as the bridge between India and Australia and their usefulness in enhancing the relations between Australia and India. I pointed out how we (community) took up the matters during students’ troubles in 2009-10 and helped counter “Australia is racist” campaign by Indian media. I reiterated that then Australian Government did not utilize the community meaningfully in countering the campaign by Indian media.
Some wanted to be listed with the Govt agencies for people to contact them when needing help, but we expressed our strong view that no such listing etc should be done without involvement of, and vetting by, the Government agencies because some “leaders” are known to exploit our own people.
The issue involving the visa for priests was raised. It was mentioned that the standard of English requirement is onerous and excessive. I pointed out that the matter was also raised in the Q & A session with DIBP Assistant Minister, Alex Hawke, in a recent meeting organized by FIAN, and that it will be better if we work together and raise the matter with the Minister directory. The High Commissioner agreed that the matter is in the policy domain and will better be dealt with the Government. We have a plan to organize a meeting involving key stakeholders and then meet the DIBP Assistant Minister.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/ 14 September, 2017
I have received communication from NSW Government about letters from NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon Ray Williams, to Meat and Livestock Australia and Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull.
He has summarised the feelings of the community, following his meeting with the community representatives on Monday, 11 September, 2017.
As is known, our community is very concerned and unhappy with the video, depicting Lord Ganesh in a Lamb advertisement by Meat and Livestock Australia.
Community reps had met the Minister a few days earlier. Report here: https://yadusingh.com/2017/09/11/community-reps-meet-minister-for-multiculturalism-on-lord-ganesh-video/
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
Sydney/ 6 September, 2017
I received the letter from Greenway MP, Michelle Rowland, also the federal Shadow Minister, sharing the communication she received from Michael Ebeid, CEO and MD of SBS.
I also post here the amended SBS video for the info everyone.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, September, 2017
What do you think?
Is it funny or inappropriate?
Video: https://www.facebook.com/weloveourlamb/videos/1949300261959884/
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has published an advertisement Video, which has Gods from various religions, including Lord Ganesh from Hinduism. Defenders of the video have pointed that it is clearly a satire and humorous, but others disagree.
While many Hindu Australians have found the depiction of Lord Ganesh in this Video inappropriate and offensive for a variety of reasons including the fact the Lord Ganesh is not known to be associated with meat and alcohol, there are some who found it be funny, but without any sense of offence. Yet some others have pointed out that MLA has not been fair or balanced, or even brave enough, as they did not include religious figures from Islam, apart from a casual mention of their Prophet.
Lord Ganesh is a revered deity of Hinduism. Only a few days ago, Hindu Australians, just like Indians all over the world, celebrated “Ganesh Chaturthi” enthusiastically and in big numbers.
MLA’s agenda is quite clear. They wanted to create a controversy to generate publicity, and they have achieved their goal.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/ 3 September, 2017
Indian politician, former diplomat and multi-award winning writer and novelist, Shashi Tharoor, is currently visiting Australia to take part in Melbourne Writers Festival. He will be in Sydney tomorrow to speak at the Opera House.
https://antidote.sydneyoperahouse.com/lineup-2017/shashi-tharoor-inglorious-empire.html
I joined the dinner event at Manjit’s, The Wharf, Sydney on Sunday, 3rd September, organized by Indian Link Media Group along with about 40 others including Multicultural NSW Chair, Dr Hari Harinath and many Australian journalists.
He was interviewed by Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio-The World Today about the impact of 200 years of the British Rule on India. India’s share of 27% of the total world GDP in year 1700 came down to 3% at the end of British rule due to their loot and systemic industrial neglect of India. A compulsory listening indeed. See below.
He latest novel Inglorious Empire was recently reviewed by Christopher Kremmer. https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/inglorious-empire-review-shashi-tharoors-indictment-of-the-british-in-india-20170810-gxt8hh.html
His speech on this very topic at the Oxford Union Debate in 2015 is worth watching. It’s here. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f7CW7S0zxv4
He is the current Membet of Parliament (MP) from Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala, a former minister in Government of India, former Under Secretary General of United Nations Organization (UNO), Columnist and Op-Ed contributer in various national and International newspapers, a prolific writer, authoring 16 books. and the current Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs in Indian Pariament.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, 30 August, 2017
It was great and a matter of privilege to be invited to attend NSW Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards tonight at the Waterview, Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW.
These awards honour the quality journalism from the thriving and highly competitive multicultural media in NSW. Multicultural journalists won top awards under various categories. Indian Link media, as before, was finalist in many categories. Gurcharn Singh Kahlon, a Punjabi journalist, was a finalist too. Congratulations to all finalists especially Tia Singh (Indian Link) and Vijay Badhwar (The Indian Down Under), who were the winners in their categories.
Wonderful to catch up with the Premier of NSW, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon Ray Williams, along with so many media people including our own community media personalities and friends.
One thing which was very clear was that these awards are very important as they create healthy competition and help improve the quality and standards in multicultural media in NSW.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/19 August, 2017
Join us for
Q and A with the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border protection
The Hon Alex Hawke MP
on Visa and Immigration matters
RSVP: fianinc1@gmail.com
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/19 August, 201
Join us for
Q and A with the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border protection
The Hon Alex Hawke MP
on Visa and Immigration matters
RSVP: fianinc1@gmail.com
Dr Yadu Singh
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
Sydney, 15th August, 2017
Consulate General of India in Sydney hosted the Indian Independence Day today,
Indian Flag was hoisted and the speech of the President of India was read. A few patriotic songs were sung and Consul General of India, Mr B. Vanlalvawna, gave a sweet and patriotic speech. Some of the people there were dressed in the colours of the Indian Flag.
The patriotism and pride to belong to Indian heritage were two most important emotions there.
This was followed by refreshments and social interactions among people who attended the ceremony.
Jai Hind!
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/ 14th Aug, 2027
Just a few hours before the 70th anniversary of Indian Independence (71st Independence Day) on 15th August, the multicultural broadcaster, SBS, has decided to use a distorted and incorrect Map of India in its site. Kashmir is inalienable part of India, but SBS is showing it to be otherwise. The reason, whether it is due to poor information, mischief, unintentional mistake or due to intended purpose to insult India and Indian Australians (which I doubt), remains to be determined.
Whether SBS took inputs from Executive Producers of various Indian language programmes is also not known.
The best approach SBS, our own broadcaster, should do is to liaise with Consulate General of India in Sydney or High Commission of India in Canberra in regards to a matter like this. It is worth consulting DFAT too, because they are very aware of matters like this.
DFAT link has a different Indian map. http://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/asia/south/Pages/india.aspx
A few years ago, we dealt with a similar matter involving Department of Immigration of Australia.
We have lodged our protest with SBS authorities and shared the info with GOI authorities in Australia.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney/27th July, 2017
Invites
Everyone to
Participate in
Saturday, 12 August, 2017, 12-7pm
Parramatta Park, Parramatta
Family & Free event
Alcohol-free event
Dr Yadu Singh
fianinc1@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/FianInc
http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh
Sydney, 5 May, 2017
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The news of IFFAA being cancelled doesn’t surprise me. Many felt for a while that it would either be cancelled a few days before the event or it would be a major flop.
Quite many members of Indian Australian community are however dismayed, disappointed and disgusted with claims of terror threats used as a reason for the cancellation of Indian Film Festival and Awards of Australia (IFFAA). The claim seems outlandish.
There is some confusion whether it was an “Indian” Film Festival and Awards or “International” Film Festival and Awards of Australia, because the organizers have used both Indian and International words as part of IFFAA.
Link with terror claims: http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/indian-film-festival-in-australia-canned/news-story/7b4900e3912c3e651f43e6e65e342da7
“The inaugural edition of the Indian Film Festival and Awards of Australia, that was due to run next week in Sydney, has been cancelled, with organisers blaming the threat of terrorism.”
It is true that there was a significant backlash against the organizers of (IFFAA), which was going to run in Sydney between 7-13 May, with the Grand Finale on 13 May.
The root cause of the Indian Australian community’s backlash was the participation of these 3 Pakistani artists, especially Ali Azmat.
1. Ali Azmat: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tsvyNmw5Jqc
He had sung a very controversial and offensive song against India. The singer is shown to support violence in Kashmir, India. He appears to promote/support Khalistan and glorifies a Caliphate (ISIS) terrorist, Burhan Wani, who was killed last year in an encounter with Indian security forces. He glorifies violence in Kashmir.
2. Faysal Qureshi: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0ExbAV7sBl8
He dedicated his award in an event to the militants in Kashmir. He glorifies violence in Kashmir.
3. Fakhr-e-Alam https://www.samaa.tv/editor-s-choice/2016/10/indian-media-government-fanning-extremism-fakhar-e-alam/
He exhorted Kashmiris to separate from India and join Pakistan. He glorifies violence in Kashmir.
With the recent beheading of 2 Indian soldiers by Pakistani army, there is a lot of anger in the Indian community. Indian Australian community did not think it is the right time to have Pakistani artists in an Indian festival. They are particularly incensed with the participation of above mentioned Pakistani artists. Organizers talking about harmony between two nations at this particular point of time is not logical. The relations between India and Pakistan are at the lowest point. IFFAA isn’t the right or appropriate forum to create harmony between India and Pakistan in the current circumstances. The problem is much bigger and well and truly out of scope for an event like IFFAA.
The backlash against IFFAA was wide spread in the Indian Australian community. It was not limited to just a group or two, and definitely not limited to any so-called Indian fundamentalist groups. Having affinity with or love for India, and expressing anguish or protesting peacefully, without any threats of violence, don’t make anyone wrong.
People shared their concerns with the organizers and their promoters. They used emails, Whatsapp and other social media platforms. The backlash was covered in Indian media in Australia and India. It was gathering some serious momentum. It’s likely to have reached Bollywood film stars too, causing a big question mark over their attendance. IFFAA was in real trouble.
As far as I know, no threats of any type were ever used or issued. When Dimple Hartaj Deez and I spoke with the main IFFAA organizer at 4.25pm on Wednesday, May 3, no such concerns were expressed or mentioned.
Terror threats seem to be outrageous and incredulous, and look like an overkill. Due to a variety of reasons, the ticket sale was sluggish. Sponsorships weren’t profuse or spectacular. If there were any threats against the IFFAA organizers, irrespective of whether they were from Indian community groups or Pakistani community groups or from anywhere, they (the organizers) should go to the Police immediately. Threats of violence, if true, should not be tolerated. Protesting peacefully is one thing, and people have rights to protest, but issuing threats, whether terror or otherwise, which I seriously doubt, is an entirely different thing.
Indian Australians are a peaceful community and do not believe in, or practise, threats as a mechanism to force anyone to do, or not do, any particular thing.
As far as I know, terror threats as stated in the article, appear to be difficult to understand and believe, but not impossible. If they are true, they must be reported and investigated. If they are not true, there should be action for alleging terror threats. Although it’s not clear as to who issued terror threats, but there are a few mentions of “anti” and “fundamental” groups, which were running a campaign against IFFAA. This is pointing a finger towards Indian Australian community. If there were no terror threats, our community should receive an apology because it doesn’t deserve this unwarranted and undeserved slur.
Our community did an honorable and justifiable job of telling the organizers in no uncertain way about the inappropriateness of some of their actions. They spoke effectively against something which they believed was wrong, at least in the current times and circumstances. It also remains a fact that organizers misjudged the extent of the community backlash and ignored it until their hands were forced with the looming and imminent major fiasco. Nobody can deny that the event was not properly managed logistically or financially. If it was not the case, the organizers should have been able to continue with the processes of hosting the event after they decided to not invite the Pakistani artists on 4th May. After all, it was an Indian Film Festival and participation of Bollywood stars would have guaranteed its success. The organizers unfortunately did not manage it proactively. Suggestions given to organizers to hold the meeting to understand the concerns were not given due importance and dismissed with “they have my number”, which smacks of arrogance. They were in a reactive mode and on the back foot, doing things as a reaction to what the campaigners were doing. This is not a smart strategy.
Finally, just like many, I am for a good neighborly relations between India and Pakistan, and there is no big issue to have Pakistani artists in events like IFFAA, but there must be a right time, place and atmosphere for this to happen. The current time is, unfortunately, and obviously, neither the right time nor the right atmosphere.
Dr Yadu Singh
Sydney, May 2, 2017
I was privileged to be invited to join Jewish community of NSW for the celebration of 69th Independence Day of Israel at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.
Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, NSW Leader of Opposition, Luke Foley, many ministers and MPs, key community and business leaders were among approx 500 invited guests.
Israel is the only successful and working democracy in the Middle East.
Israel is a world leader in innovation in the field of Defence, health, water and agriculture.
I am a friend and supporter of Israel, just like millions of Indians all over the world.
Best of Israel: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=qeVvuph2WAQ
Happy 69th Independence Day, Israel!
Dr Yadu Singh
