Glory of teachers highlighted on VHP's children camp

MORE than 60 children from all over the Sydney suburbs attended a camp to learn about their Hindu/Indian culture in Toongabbie Public School on 3rd July 2010. The camp was organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) of Australia. The attending children and their parents were traditionally welcomed by Smt Susheela, Smt Sangeetha, Sow Padhmaja, and Smt Rohini. Smt Akila Ramarathinam, Joint General Secretary, VHP Australia inaugurated the camp. During her speech, she highlighted the importance of the children camp and mentioned that such camps inculcate the “Hindu / Indian” culture into the young children who are the foundation of country’s future.

 The camp was aimed at promoting Hindu culture, traditions and their heritage to children, especially to those born in Australia. The parents/grand parents of these children come from India, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and Indonesia.

 The camp commenced with teaching of “Guru Stotram” by Smt. Jayanthi Narayanan. This hymn praises the “Guru” (Teachers) and their role in guiding and directing a person to achieve his / her ultimate goal.  This was followed by introducing simple Sanskrit words that are used in day-to-day practice by Shri Narayanan and Shri Rahul Vedi. The “Yoga” session was the next one to follow and this was capably conducted by Smt Sureka & her team. The children then went out to the playground to play Indian outdoor games prior to enjoying a delicious Indian vegetarian lunch. The games sessions were managed by Shri Ramyavaran and Shri Joshi,members of Hindu Swayam Sevak (HSS) and Kum Puja Sashi, Kum Bhavna Satyamoorthi and Prashant Ramasubramanian, members of the Hindu Youth Australia (HYA) wing of VHP Australia.

 The afternoon session commenced with making clay Ganesha models. It was amazing to watch Ganesha moorthi shaping up in a variety of forms as per children’s imagination. The guests and children’s parents arrived in the afternoon to watch the children showcasing what they learnt during the day. Mr. Brown, Deputy Principal of Toongabbie Public School, Clr Kathie Collins of Blacktown Council and Mrs Kumaran, Primary Teacher of Toongabbie Public School enjoyed the children chanting the “Guru Stotram”, perfoming Yoga and presenting the Sanskrit words learnt on the day.

 While speaking, Mr. Brown impressed upon the VHP that the school's premises is being put to good use for inculcating values to children. He thanked the VHP for inviting him to this value based workshop.

 The Blacktown Councilor, Kathie Collins compared the old traditions of Aborigines to human evolution and mankind and how the aborigines maintained their identity. She was impressed by the Indian philosophy and the activities of the VHP in conducting workshops that significantly added value to human life.

One of the children who attended the camp, Abhishek Maran, summarized and presented the activities to the audience. While proposing a vote of thanks, Shri Narayanan explained that prayers purify the mind. After all a purified mind is the best benefactor to receive divine blessings. The day's theme being

teacher, he explained the difference between a relative teacher and an absolute teacher with a

practical example. Shri Narayanan thanked all the guests, parents and volunteers of Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia. He said that without the help of VHP volunteers and parents of children who stayed back to assist them, the camp would not have been a success.

 The camp concluded with everyone tasting sumptuous “samosas” in the afternoon. When leaving, one could see the children started asking their parents when the next camp is going to be held.

Surprise! Malaysian business leader honoured in Queensland

IT was a ‘This is Your Life’ moment for Dr Peter Yeoh Tiong Yong OAM when, on the evening of the 30^th of July, in front of a crowd of 180, the the Australia Malaysia Business Council Queensland paid tribute to its Patron Dr Peter Yeoh Tiong Yong OAM with a surprise presentation to honour Dr Yeoh and his wife Alice’s 25 years of service to the Queensland community.  At the annual Australia-Malaysia Ball in Brisbane, AMBCQ Senior Vice President Shona Leppänen-Gibson delivered a tribute speech highlighting the significant events in Dr Yeoh’s life to date.  A special commemorative crystal award was also presented to Dr Yeoh by The Hon Peter Slipper MHR, former Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister John Howard, and former Parliamentary Secretary of Finance and Administration.  

Under the guidance of AMBCQ President Chan Wai Kiong and Senior Vice President Shona Leppänen-Gibson, the Queensland Chapter has now become the largest and most active in Australia after only three short years.  As usual the AMBCQ was strongly supported by numerous community leaders, consuls general, business leaders and a strong contingent of 13 Australian politicians attending its Ball.  The presence of so many politicians at one event is very uncommon, and marks the high regard in which the Queensland Chapter of AMBC is held by all levels of government in Australia.   

The event was also attended by numerous Queensland business executives, industry leaders and new AMBC National President Larry Gould, and consular and community representatives for Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, India, EU and elsewhere.  In his annual speech, AMBC Queensland President Chan Wai Kiong praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for his strong efforts to maintain the harmonious ties between all Malaysians, and also between Australia and Malaysia.  He said that the presence of 13 Australian politicians at the AMBCQ event in Brisbane event showed how importantly the bilateral relationship betweenAustralia and Malaysia is regarded by the Australian Government, by the Queensland community and by the City of Brisbane.

Briz 31 goes digital 

 ON 7 June 2010, Briz 31 launched on Digital Channel 44. The formal launch was held on Thursday 29th of July at the Edge Auditorium of State Library of Queensland. Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale, Member for Morton Graham Perrett, Redland Mayor Melva Hobson, Labor State Member for Brisbane Central Electorate Grace Gracewere amongst the invited dignitaries at the launch party.

 31 Digital (Formally Briz31 & QCTV) is a local television station, broadcasts throughout southeast Queensland on Channel 31, the frequency reserved for free-to-air community television stations in Australia's major capital cities.

 They broadcast a variety of local, national and international programming and is directly involved in the facilitation, development, production and presentation of a wide range of local television. As the only community television station in Queensland, 31 attempts to reflect and encourage community identity and cultural diversity.

 The station is a key provider of training in and encouragement of independent television, production, management and broadcast. Supported by its members, sponsors, programme providers and volunteers, 31 is a not for profit company under the conditions of a community broadcasting licence issued and regulated by the Australian Communications & Media Authority (ACMA). After a long time stranded on the analogue broadcast system.

 31 is currently offering programmes focusing on the Brisbane culture and lifestyle, which include: local sport, gardening shows, fishing & motor sports, local tourism tips and general interest programming. 

 Briz 31 commenced transmission on July 31, 1994 under temporary licences. A permanent licence was granted on August 1, 2004 for a period of five years. In October 2006, Briz 31 changed its name to Channel 31 to reflect its expansion into other parts of Queensland. In July 2008, Channel 31 announced it would be rebranding itself as QCTV, for Queensland Community Television. In early 2010 it was announced that QCTV would once again rebrand as 31 Digital to go with the launch of the 31 Digital broadcast channel.

A night for Nasheeds, Naats and the Needy

Report by CCN's Man-on-the-Mussallaah

THE 4th Sounds of Light Concert kicked off with the Brisbane leg at the Brisbane Convention Centre in front of a disappointingly small but very vocal and appreciative audience. 

 The international line up of entertainers provided more than a mere backdrop to the serious business of fund raising for the orphans of the world, some 180 of whom would become the benefactors of sponsors before the curtains finally came down on the evening's entertainment. 

 Amongst the star-studded cast were crowd favourites Maher Zain from Sweden and the eight-man Malaysian nasheed group, Raihan. Also on the billing were Saudi Arabian "boys band" Gulf Echo and Syrian born Mutasem Alasali. 

 Brisbane offered up its local son, Ahmad Abu Ghazaleh, to the lineup, adding his familiar voice to warm up the local audience. 

 Compere Anas Abdalla, another Brisbanite, held the proceedings together nicely. Mustering all of his demagogic skills (developed in other arenas) he succeeded in keeping the audience's enthusiasm up throughout the evening. 

 South Africans in the audience would have been bitterly disappointed on hearing that their hometown boy Zain Bhika would not be performing because he failed to obtain a visa to enter the country. A makeshift trio of US performers was put together as a replacement and they did a valiant job despite the short notice and the jet lag. 

 The show continued to the Dallas Brooke Centre in Melbourne and at the Acer Arena in the Olympic Park inSydney.

 Source: CCN - www.crescentsofbrisbane.org

Behind the politics are real people

  AS we approach the coming election the issue of asylum seekers once again hits centre stage in the game of 'political football'. Given the importance and prominence of this issue, it is crucial that the facts of this debate be well understood, This includes an understanding of the differences between asylum seekers and refugees, an understanding of the reasons why people come to Australia, and an understanding of what Australia’s responsibilities are to desperate people who come to our shores seeking protection. So who is an asylum seeker? It is a person who flees their country of origin escaping war, violence and persecution. Many of these are in immediate danger and come from places where there is no queue to join. 

 The vast majority of asylum seekers who come to Australia by boat are found to be genuine refugees and our government has a responsibility to protect them, not further punish them for seeking safety. It is not illegal under either Australian or international law to seek asylum. The Australian Migration Act states that this country will offer protection to anyone who is deemed to be genuinely fleeing persecution. A refugee is someone who is determined to be at risk of persecution and who can't receive the protection of his or her government.  Qualifying as a refugee does not automatically entitle a person to resettlement in another country, and nor does every refugee wish to be resettled. In fact, due to the very limited number of resettlement places available each year, only a tiny fraction of the world’s refugees will ever be resettled. 

 The issue of refugees and asylum seekers is a global one, and it is crucial that countries such as Australia play their part. As a signatory to the United Nations Refugee Convention, Australia has an obligation not to return people  to countries where they may face persecution.

 Australia generously resettles about 13,750 refugees each year – around half of whom are referred by UNHCR. The remaining half is made up of asylum seekers who arrive in Australia and ask for our protection, and people resettled under the Special Humanitarian Program.

 Australia’s contribution to international burden sharing through our resettlement program is very important, but does not replace our obligation to provide protection to asylum seekers. In 2009, Australia received 1.6% of the industrialised world's asylum applications - hardly a situation of being 'swamped'. Less than half the asylum seekers who came to Australia in 2009 arrived by boat. Despite this they are the only ones who seem to command political attention. One important part of the game of 'political football' that is missing in almost any political discussion is the cause of the issue. Surely the Australian public deserve a better understanding through explanation as to what leads someone to risk their life on a 'leaky boat' seeking asylum.

 Unless issues such as human rights abuses are addressed in countries from where asylum seekers originate, there will always be desperate people fleeing persecution, and others willing to exploit them. The only issue that will determine numbers is the reality on the ground in these countries of origin not government policy in Australia.

Muslim roots - A local history video launch 18 August

THE  Queensland Muslim Historical Society Inc, The Mt Gravatt District Community Centre Inc and the Brisbane Video Makers Association Inc. are producing a video titled "Muslim Roots - A Local History". This video will be launched during seniors week at the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds on  18 August, 2010. The video will also be shown and on sale at Eidfest on 11 September.
 The video will focus on the first five Muslim families to settle in the Mt Gravatt area.  This is due to the fact that the Mt Gravatt Mosque was the first  permanent mosque on the East Coast of Australia, and was a focal point for Muslims in Queensland. Janeth Deen provided the material on the  Muslims involved and Jack Bravo from Mt Gravatt Community Centre Inc.  turned it into the script for production of the video. 
 The video will be distributed to the State Library and Council Libraries as a record of the first Muslim families in the Mt Gravatt area.
 Copies will be available from the Queensland Muslim Historical Society Inc by contacting Janeth Deen on 0435 086 796 .

 Liaison officer updates

QUEENSLAND’S international Indian students are slowly becoming aware of my services. In many consultations that I have had with them, they have clearly stated that they were not aware of my appointment. In this regard more publicity needs to be done, as many times as possible, because in case of students, the message just does not get to them. Many times, by the time they find out about me its too late. As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

My appointment is for the benefit of the students, without costing them anything at all. I have made personal effort to get the message out to the students community through my own efforts. Ethnic media and community leaders could play a vital role in getting the message to the students. Students have mentioned that certain community leaders have come to their functions and organisation and talked about students issues their personal community involvement but have never mentioned to them that they now have a liaison officer.

This information is vital to the students. Many incidents could have been avoided had they known of my appointment. I appreciate the efforts of many colleges in getting the message out. Radio 4EB and Radio 99.7 FM have reported on my appointment. Radio 4EB has interviewed me on the role. Many mainstream media did report of my appointment.

GOPIO Queensland has been sending the message out to the students and last month organised a function for the students by the students. This was one event were a lot of students did turn up despite being a Saturday night, as they normally work during the weekend and study during the week.

I have handled many individual cases which I cannot go into the details for privacy. In many cases we have been able to clear the situation. I cannot say that in all cases the outcome is what the students were hoping for, but at least they now know why and which government department to contact. In most cases they were misinformed, in the first place.

QPS Indian community reference group is now meeting every quarter and the reports presented there clearly indicate that students are still reluctant to contact the police in the first instance. Police liaison officers are visiting the colleges regularly. I have accompanied them on some instances. The same message is repeated over and over again, and it needs to be done for a while.

While QPS Indian Community reference group deals mainly with the Indian community issues, PEAG, Police Ethnic Advisory Group, covers a broader spectrum of issues facing Queensland’s multicultural community.

There have been issues raised about emergency funds for students. This is a matter for community organisations who engage in fund raising activities for students welfare. Police liaison officers and community liaison offers can assist with that, but it is not a requirement of their appointments.

Many Government departments have produced leaflets, etc for the information of the students. The latest is byQueensland Education and Training International (QETI) who launched of the new Think Before national initiative designed to promote safety awareness among international students.  The campaign uses the latest social media, web and mobile tools to promote engagement and viral distribution.

Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Queensland International Student Experience Reference Group including membership from Education Institutions and Peak Bodies, the Queensland Police Service, Multicultural Affairs Queensland, the Department of Education and Training and Commonwealth and State Government Agencies attended the launch.

For further information please visit www.thinkbefore.com.

 Labour marks its 25th Anniversary

THE Fiji Labour Party this month observes the 25th anniversary of its birth, marking 25 years of dynamism at the centre stage of Fiji politics. These 25 years have been momentous - we have tasted the sweet joys of success and the pain of despair and deprivation but through it all we have resolutely and courageously stood up to oppression and injustice when our legitimate right to govern was unlawfully snatched away from us or whenever the rights of our people were trampled on. The ultimate success of any political party is the support it receives at the grass roots. Twice in the past 25 years (1987 and 1999), we have taken over the helm of national leadership following resounding electoral victories in free and fair elections, and on two other occasions (2001 and 2006) we were victims of systemic electoral manipulation and fraud. In 1987, the fledgling FLP led by Dr Timoci Bavadra won the elections in coalition with the National Federation Party, putting an end to 17 years of rule by Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s Alliance Party. Our victory was short-lived as vested interest groups plotted to overthrow the Bavadra Government after a mere month in office, in Fiji’s first army executed coup d’etat on 14 May 1987.

 Released after six days of house arrest, the members of the ousted Bavadra Government immediately went on the offensive mustering international support for its cause and fighting for the restoration of human rights and democracy on the home front. It forced the powers that be to a round table conference culminating in the Deuba Accord of 24 September 1987 which set up a government of national unity under the combined leadership of the coalition partners and the Alliance. Fiji’s second coup by army strongman Sitiveni Rabuka was executed the next day. This time it was vicious. The army took over control. Many political leaders, judges, academics and other activists including a few journalists, were rounded up and imprisoned. Fiji was completely cut off from the outside world through a telecommunications blackout while media outlets were

shutdown for 40 days. The fight back to democracy under the oppressive and authoritarian rule that

followed, was a long and arduous battle. Labour executives were continually harassed and persecuted – their homes and vehicles were smashed and they were often detained by the Police for long periods.

 Even after a semblance of parliamentary democracy was restored with the 1992 general elections under the extremely racist 1990 constitution, Labour continued to openly agitate for true democracy and constitutional reform. Its 12 years of advocacy for people’s rights and interests in the face of extreme adversity and persecution, reaped huge rewards in the 1999 general elections held under the revised 1997 Constitution. Labour as head of the People’s Coalition took over the reins of power following a stunning election victory. It formed a multiracial government under Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, based on the power sharing provisions of the new Constitution. The People’s Coalition Government during its one year in office ushered in significant social and economic reforms to provide relief to the poor, upgrade infrastructure and revive the ailing economy. It left a record of good governance, unparalleled economic growth at 9.6% of the GDP, high rate of employment, prudent and disciplined management of State affairs and finances, and a low inflation rate of 0.2%. But the Labour-led government once again fell victim to greed, racist propaganda and a conspiracy by vested interest groups and was removed from office in a takeover at Parliament, culminating in the 56-day hostage crisis.

 Even though the rebels were eventually crushed, the People’s Coalition Government was not restored to office. Instead an interim government was set up and fresh elections held in September of the following year. This time, the powers that be rigged the polls to make sure Labour would not win. This was done through manipulation of the voter registration process and tampering with ballot papers at the polling stations, not to mention the $30 million pre-election vote buying scheme that became notorious as the Agricultural Scam.

 The incoming Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, refused to honour the provisions of Section 99 of the 1997 Constitution on power sharing, depriving Labour of its mandate to share in the governance of the nation. We eventually won the right to participate in Cabinet, after several long drawn court battles, almost on the eve of the next general elections scheduled for May 2006. But had to decline participation because of the allocation of insignificant portfolios to the Labour MPs. The 2006 elections were again marred by massive manipulation of the voter rolls and the voting process - the integrity of the 2006 polls was clearly suspect. Even then, the encounter was very close with Labour losing two crucial Open seats in the Central Division by a very narrow margin – again

through manipulation of the electoral process.

 This time around Qarase offered Cabinet positions to Labour in line with the Constitutional requirements but his ill-won victory was short-lived, however. Barely six months after he took office for a second term, his government was ousted by Army Commander Voreqe Bainimarama, in Fiji’s fourth coup d’etat.

 FLP condemned the extra-constitutional takeover of power but accepted the need to help the President return Fiji speedily to democratic rule. Three Labour executives accepted the President’s invitation to join the interim Cabinet with Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry taking the important portfolios of Finance and Sugar. The other two were Tom Ricketts as Minister for Tourism, Trade and Commerce, and Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi as Minister for Local Government, Housing & Urban Development, and Labour and Industrial Relations.

 However, with elections then scheduled for March 2009 or thereabouts, the three Labour Ministers quit in August 2008 to concentrate on the build up to the elections. But on 10 April 2009, the President abrogated the Constitution, dismissed the judiciary and imposed the Public Emergency Regulations, in what it described as the new Legal Order. Elections were deferred to 2014. The PER paved the way for widespread suppression of human rights, including denial of the right to expression, assembly and association. All political activities are banned and there is rigorous censorship imposed on the media which means no criticism or adverse statements on the interim government’s policies and actions. Nor can such matters be taken to court because of restrictions placed on the jurisdiction of the Courts.

 Despite this, the FLP continues to oppose the oppressive and arbitrary policies of the (military) government and pursues its struggle for a return to democracy and constitutional rule. Today it is the only political party that is still actively in contact with the grassroots, and taking a stand on issues of national importance.

 But then, that has always been the strength of the Fiji Labour Party since its inception. We have never baulked at carrying out our responsibilities as the true advocates of the people, particularly the poor, the downtrodden, the workers, the farmers and the small businessmen. Over the past two decades and a half, the FLP has uncompromisingly upheld its founding principles of democracy, multiracialism, good governance, social justice and equity. We exemplified this during the brief periods when we held power, and in the intervening years, through our struggle for democracy and

the rights of our people. This is no doubt why, we continue to remain strong, active and united today

when many others have fallen along the way. We have witnessed the demise of the National Federation Party, the Alliance Party, the SVT, the SDL and other smaller groups in our journey through these 25 years. Unfortunately, under the current oppressive climate, FLP has been denied

the permit to hold celebrations to mark our silver jubilee. Nonetheless, we proudly acclaim our 25 years of dedicated and fearless service to the people of Fiji, regardless of race, colour or creed, and despite all the odds. Our strength lies with the people.

Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy Queensland celebrates end of 1^st semester 2010

STUDENTS of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy Queensland marked the end of 1^st semester 2010 with exams and celebrations. Students have had another busy semester completing their courses over a 13 week semester. After sitting exams at the end of the semester, as part of their course completion, students enjoyed the opportunity to unwind.

 The Academy organised a fun break-up day for all the students, their friends and families to get together. It was a great opportunity for students from all three sites Brisbane, Gold Coast and Murwillumbah to get together and share their learning experiences.

 The break-up day was held at the Brisbane site and consisted of a number of different activities, visual presentations and information stands. As June marks the Martyrdom day of the Sikh’s Fifth Guru, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, and the significant role Guru Arjan Dev Ji played in the compilation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh Holy Scriptures), appropriately the theme of the day was “The Life of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji”.

 Students were treated to a Gatka (Sikh martial arts) demonstration by the local Gatka Akhara – Shaheedi Fauja Gatka Akhara. All enjoyed the agility and skills shown by the youthful group.

 After the outdoor activities, all proceeded into the complex to take a closer look at the displays in conjunction with the days theme. Visual displays included; Historical pictures and facts of the Harminder Sahib (The Golden Temple) which was designed and constructed under Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s  Supervision; An informative display on the compilation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and its intricate composition and structure; In depth colourful displays on the Sukhmani Sahib (Consoler of mind) written by Guru Arjan Dev Ji and its key messages; A display on the Baavan Akhri, a poem constructed upon 52 (bavan) letters (akhar) of the alphabet by Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

 Other displays and activities included the Sikh 5 Articles of faith, visual presentations in the two theatre rooms, including animated Sikh DVD’s based on coping at school for Sikh children and an inspiration DVD on meditation. Displays were viewed in conjunction with the abundance of delightful vegetarian food.

 The Academy had also invited internationally respected and known preacher Giani Takhur Singh as the honoured guest and was requested to present appreciation certificates to the Academy volunteers. Giani Takhur Singh was very impressed with the academy set up and expressed his well wishes to all students and volunteers. He also highlighted the importance of making efforts to become learned in the Sikh scriptures and history. Giani Ji led all the attendees in a short prayer. Giani Takhur Singh has been a student of the Dam Dami Taksal and was taught by the 13^th and 14^th heads of the taksal one of the most respected Sikh Religious Schools which traces it origin back to the Sikh’s Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

 Following the Guest Speaker was The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy Queensland co-ordinator Mrs Kamaljit Kaur, who acknowledged the importance and appreciation of all the volunteer teachers involved in the Academy. Mrs Kamaljit Kaur thanked all the teachers, volunteers and students for their support and commitment and encouraged everyone to remember the aims of the program and the importance of enhancing our knowledge of Sikh History, Sikh Gurus and their teachings through the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh Holy Scriptures). Hence the Academy’s motto “knowing your Guru is to love your Guru.” Mrs Kamaljit Kaur also acknowledged the continual support and guidance from the Academy headquarters in Malaysia.

 Proceeding were concluded with a Question Answer power point presentation based on questions students had supplied on topic: ‘frequently asked questions in their school or work environment’. Mrs Kamaljit Kaur in conclusion handed out certificates to all graduating students in their perspective courses.

 The Academy recommences in the first week of August 2010 at all three sites. Courses for Semester 2 2010 include: “Learn Gurmukhi in 3 Months”, “Advanced Reading”, “Gurbani Foundation” and “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Diploma”. Registration for 2010 2^nd semester is currently under way. For further information please contact the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Academy Queensland coordinator Mrs Kamaljit Kaur at sggsja.qld@gmail.com or PO BOX 7113, Loganholme Qld 4129. Further information about the academy can be obtained atwww.sggsacademy.com

SBS board reaches out to the community 

ON 28^th July 2010 SBS chairperson Joseph Skrzynski AO, managing director Shaun Brown together with senior SBS executives met Queensland’s diverse community leaders at a dinner function at Timmy’s restaurant in south Bank.

SBS holds regular stake holder consultations and undertakes community research to look at priorities for its future. The dinner function gave SBS executives opportunity to discuss their consultations, hear feedback from community and colleagues, and forge stronger community partnership in the future.

 Chairperson Joeseph Skrzynski AO was very happy with community response and said that SBS board need to get out and about more often and especially to Brisbane.

Managing director Shaun Brown highlighted the varied coverage provided by SBS.

Bharathanatya Arangetram in Auckland

AHRANNI Sivakumar performed her arangetram at the Dorothy Winston Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar, Auckland on 3^rd July 2010 before a very large audience, comprising the chief guest Dr. Yogini

Ratnasabapathy, trustee of the prestigious Auckland Academy of Music and an acknowledged musician in her own right, guest of honour “Bharatha Choodamani” Adayar K. Lakshman, a reputed international  artiste, dignitaries, music and dance preceptors, music lovers, family members and friends.

 The dancer performed her first solo margam (or full repertoire) consisting of Panchamurthi Anjali, Vinayakar Sthuthi, Jathiswaram, Kavuthuvam, Pathavarnam “Kolamayil Vahanane”, Patham “Paarkadal Alai Mele”,Shiva Keerthanam “Yaar Aadinaar Ini Evaraaduvaar”, Kaali Keerthanam “Yaarukkum adangatha neeli Kaali”, Thillana and Mangalam  which gave her great boost to her confidence as a performer, besides being the most wonderful night of her life.

 Arangetram is test for the student as well as for the teacher, as the student’s talents and the teacher’s knowledge are judged by the public. Besides displaying great stamina, concentration, devotion and dedication, her dramatic arts of expression in gestures, poses and mime were greatly admired by the audience who reciprocated their appreciation by enthusiastic and prolonged applause. The accompanying artists Sri Gomathi Nayagam Ratnam (vocal), Sri Nagai Subramanian Narayanan (mridangam), Sri Ramesh Baswa Nagarajan (flute), Sri.ShozapuramV.Shankar(violin) and Krishnan Somasundaram (ghatam) displayed their skills so well that it was an asset to the dancer to exhibit her talents well.

 Ahranni Sivakumar, having born in New Zealand, began her dancing career at the age of five under the well known celebrated dancer and reputed teacher Smt. Kalaichchelvi lvi Uthayakumaran. During the school holidays, she often went to Chennai, Tamil Nadu to get fundamental training under the guidance of “Bharatha Choodamani” Adayar K Lakshmn of Kalakshetra.

 She was also privileged to have further training from “Acharya Choodamani” Smt. Anita Guha. Besides arangetram, she completed all three grades in Carnatic, Vocal and Veena with distinction, thereby creating a record by scoring the highest achievement in New Zealand in 2009.

 She learnt to play the Veena under the tutelage of Smt.Shanthi Tharmalingham and Carnatic Vocal from Smt.Rani Nadarajah and for the past two years from Smt.Rajeswari. Being an year 8 student at Somerville Intermediate School, she is performing exceptionally well in academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of the school. It was indeed a night that brought fame and name for Ahranni Sivakumar and great happiness for her parents, grand-parents, teachers and friends.