Yadu Singh&#039;s Blog

http://www.facebook.com/INDAUS.NSW

May 28, 2015 by Yadu Singh

Proud & pleased to have raised $23000 for Nepal Earthquake victims

28th May, 2015

Sydney, NSW

We met Nepal’s Consul General, Deepak Khadka, in North Sydney yesterday and handed over a Bank cheque for $22789.00.

Within next few days, we will hand-over the remaining $221.00 which was received from our friend, Kashif Amjad, after the Bank cheque was already issued.

At the Nepal Consulate-General, I was accompanied by Indian Australian Association of NSW treasurer, Chidanand Puttarevanna, and Yateender Gupta, CPA, who has audited the account about the fundraised money.

Nepal suffered a massive earthquake recently, killing more than 8500 people and causing massive destruction.

Here is my previous Blog post with details of how we raised the money for Nepal and who gave the donation. https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2015/04/26/let-us-do-our-part-to-support-victims-of-nepal-earthquake/

I was informed that our fundraised money is the biggest amount raised from any Indian Australian community group/network.

We are proud and very pleased with what we have done for our brothers and sisters in Nepal.

We are proud of, and grateful to, everyone who has given any donation, but are especially grateful to business like Value World Travel, which contributed $4250.00. I can not express in words how appreciative and grateful I am to the generosity and kindness of this Australian business, Value World Travel.

I am grateful to Maya Da Dhaba for $1000.00, Sharmas Kitchen for $1000.00, Basava Samithi Australia network for $1000.00, my personal staff (I and my staff) for $700, Billu’s Eatery for $685.00, Gaurav Suri for $600.00, Ravi Lochan Singh for $500, Gurdeep Singh for $500, Dr Bharathi Reddy and /Sri Ranga Reddy for $500.00, Vijay and Kusum Kejriwal for $500.00, Dr Lila and Baltej Singh for $500.00 and Jagdish Lodhia for $400.00. All of them are gems of our community.

Special words of appreciation are due for Pravin Gupta for his persistence, encouragement, support and effort in this project.

We did not waste even a single Cent in this fundraising and have handed over every cent which we have collected.

We did not spend even a single Cent in food, beverages or holding of any event. That is indeed a no mean achievement.

We have completed this work following the principles of transparency and accountability. Each step was described and is out in open.

This work has re-affirmed our belief that our community has a vast number of decent, caring and good-hearted people, who will open their hearts, and pockets too, if they have the assurance and trust that their money will not be swindled or scammed.

I give everyone my personal 100% guarantee that I have never allowed, and will never allow, any public money to be swindled or scammed away, if I am part of any such project.

Dr Yadu Singh

President, Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc

https://au.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh

May 24, 2015 by Yadu Singh

You are invited for INDIA DAY to celebrate Indian Independence Day, Parramatta, 15th August, 2015

INVITATION

INDIA DAY

Celebration of Indian Independence Day

Saturday, 15th August, 2015

The Parade Ground, Old King’s School, 24A O’Connell Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150

(Between Marsden & O’Connell Streets)

FREE event, NO Tickets

Opportunities for sponsorships & stalls

Yours sincerely

Dr Yadu Singh

—————————————————————

Federation of Indian Associations of NSW

————————————————————–

http://www.fian.org.au

http://www.facebook.com/FianInc

http://www.Twitter.com/FianInc

fianinc1@gmail.com

————————————————————

Personal

————————————————————–

https://au.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh

April 23, 2015 by Yadu Singh

An 18 years old man charged for shootings at a business in Harris Park

April 23, 2015

: Pics courtesy Channel 9 and Fair Fax media

: Pics courtesy Channel 9 and Fair Fax Media

I am pleased to know that an eighteen years old man has been arrested and charged today for the shootings at a business, owned by an Indian Australian, in Wigram Street, Harris Park on Saturday, 18th April, 2015.

http://www.parramattasun.com.au/story/3031024/charges-laid-following-granville-shooting/

Multiple gun shots (about 10) were fired at the business in a brazen fashion during broad day light at 2.30 PM. A few shots were fired in the air and the remaining were fired through the window, targeting the inside of the business. No one was injured, thankfully, but there were 3 members of the staff inside at the time. There could have been fatalities inside the business. The owner of the premises was away working in a different place of Sydney at the time. Wigram Street was full of people at the time.

After gun shots, the gunman ran away from the crime scene, but his pictures were captured by CCTV. I understand, but can not say with full authority, that he had a minor collision with a car nearby, touching the car with his hands. This car too was identified by the CCTV and was later traced. I understand that finger prints were obtained.

Firing in the broad Day light at a shop in a busy suburb created significant concern and panic among people in general, and Indian Australians in particular. Eggs throwings at the businesses in Harris Park have happened before, but Gun shots have never been fired.

This matter was covered extensively by media in Australia and India.

——————————————————————————————————————————————–

http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/04/19/18/57/staff-hide-as-gunman-shoots-at-sydney-office-in-brazen-daylight-attack?fb_action_ids=953412064692803&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B968276336539215%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/masked-gunman-fires-shots-in-australia-no-one-injured/articleshow/46968598.cms?from=mdr

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/gunman-on-the-run-as-shots-fired-in-harris-park-20150418-1mny11.html

http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/masked-gunman-fires-shots-in-australia-no-one-injured/article1-1338544.aspx

————————————————————————————————————————————————-

We are happy and relieved that the alleged perpetrator has been arrested, charged and produced in a Court, which refused the bail for him.

As the Court proceedings progress, we will know about the motives and people behind these shootings.

NSW Police deserves “Thank you” for a fast and thorough investigation, leading to the arrest and charging of the alleged culprit. I was in Harris Park for several hours on the day and saw how meticulously the local Police did their job. Wigram Street was closed for about 6 hours, while forensic investigation was conducted.

While we are happy with this outcome in this case, we continue to remain concerned that there has not been any arrest and charging of anyone for the cold-blooded murder of Ms Prabha Arun Kumar in a Laneway in Parramatta Park, more than 6 weeks ago, on 7th March, 2015.

Our community is going through serious distress and disquiet about the current status of this crime.

It might be helpful if NSW Police and/or Indian Consulate in Sydney can devise a mechanism to keep the community in the information loop, sharing only that part of information, which does not affect the ongoing investigation.

Dr Yadu Singh, Sydney, NSW

https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/tag/diac-using-wrong-indian-map/

April 15, 2015 by Yadu Singh

Western Union proves it is a great business and cares for the feedback from people and customers

4th June, 2015 Sydney, NSW

I thought I should share with you what was my very positive experience in dealing with Western Union on a matter which was important to me as a person from Indian heritage.

Their professional, prompt, thorough and courteous response was impressive.

Recently, I was contacted by a close friend with concerns about what looked like an incorrect Indian map in an Australia Post-Western Union advertisement. My friend was driving along Victoria Road in Parramatta area when he spotted the Ad on a Bus stop. He did not think the Indian map depicted in the Ad appeared right. The top part of Indian map was odd and distorted.

Several others too saw the unusual looking Indian map in the same Ad elsewhere.

After studying the official map of India from Govt of India websites, I realised that a portion from top part of India was cut off from the Indian map in the Ad.

Official Indian map is in the Link below. http://www.surveyofindia.gov.in has details. Please click Official boundary of India.

I must admit that I did not think that depiction of Indian map in that Ad by Australia Post-Western Union was intentional. It was likely to be an innocent mistake.

But it was still important to me to do something about it and get it fixed.

I knew that Western Union folks are great people and so is the case with Australia Post. Western Union supports Indian community in Australia consistently. There are so many Indian Australians working with/for Australia Post. There was no way they would use incorrect Indian map intentionally and purposefully.

I wrote to the Consulate General of India in Sydney and High Commission of India in Canberra for their information and assistance, and for confirmation of the mistake in the Indian map in that Ad. I received a response from Consulate General of India, Sydney same evening, advising that “Dear Dr Yadu Singh, We are taking it up with Aus Post.” After this email, I have however not heard from them. I am therefore unsure about what they did and if they did anything.

When I made my concerns about the Indian Map in the Ad known to Western Union, asking them to look into it and use Indian map sourced only from official Govt of India sites, I received a prompt response from Western Union’s national Director, Simon Millard.

His response was as follows. “Dear Dr Singh, thank you once again for bringing to our attention the incorrect official map of India. The image had been incorrectly sourced from a non-government resource, we will be sure to use the correct map on all future communications. Building and maintaining strong ties to the Indian community is fundamental to our business and we apologize for what was an honest mistake. Kind regards, Simon Millard Country Director, Australia”

Simon got the incorrect Indian Map changed and replaced with the correct Indian map which is posted below.

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

People might recall that I have taken stands against incorrect use of Indian map and Flag previously, and worked successfully to get the mistakes rectified.

India means a lot to me.

After all, my Twitter Bio is not saying फिर भी दिल है हिंदुस्तानी without any purpose and meaning.

https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/tag/wrong-indian-map-removed-by-diac/

https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/masterchef-australia-should-not-display-indias-national-flag-disrespectfully/

——————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Thank you, Western Union for your prompt, professional and thorough response and action, after you came to know about our concerns about your inadvertent and unintentional mistake.

I am very impressed. I just wish that other businesses are as responsive as Western Union has been in this matter.

Dr Yadu Singh

President, Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc

dryadusingh@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/INDAUS.NSW

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/man-dies-after-falling-from-thirdfloor-balcony-in-macquarie-park-20150402-1md6vq.html http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-02/man-dies-after-third-floor-balcony-fall-macquarie-park/6366608

April 5, 2015 by Yadu Singh

Pankaj Saw died from a fall from the balcony in Macquarie Park, Sydney

Sydney, NSW 5th April, 2015

I received the sad and unfortunate news of the death of 29 years old Indian IT professional, Pankaj Saw (working with Tech Mahindra for Optus) on 2nd April, 2015. Images of the white brick apartment block, located on the corner of Cottonwood Crescent and Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, show a wooden railing missing from the top-floor balcony of the apartment where Mr Saw lived. Police are saying that the balcony railing gave way, leading to his fall 10 metres below on the concrete floor. A part of railing and his smashed phone were found nearby. He sustained severe head and internal injuries, leading to his death at the scene.

From reports, he was talking to someone on phone at the time of his fall. He had returned from India only a few weeks ago. He married to his wife in December 2014.

His wife, Amrita Gupta, is from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Parliamentary constituency of Indian Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi. She has met representatives at PM’s constituency office in Varanasi and the local Mayor, Mr Ram Gopal Mohale, and made a few requests. She has expressed her fears that her husband might have been killed by racist violence.

Local newspaper, Dainik Jagran reported the following story today. I was sent a link of the story by a Varanasi local man, Ashutosh Narayan Singh on Twitter today.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sun, 05 Apr 2015 01:17 AM (IST) http://m.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/varanasi-city-12234096.html

वाराणसी : काशी की एक बेटी ने अपने सासद व प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी से पति का शव आस्ट्रेलिया से मंगाने की गुहार लगाई है। इस बाबत शनिवार को पीएम मोदी के संसदीय जनसम्पर्क कार्यालय में पत्र भेजा। जानकारी दी है कि पति की आस्ट्रेलिया में मौत हो गई है। आरोप लगाया कि वहां हो रही नस्लवादी कारणों से पति की हत्या की गई। पूरे प्रकरण की जांच की मांग की। इसके बाद परिजन महापौर रामगोपाल मोहले से भी मुलाकात की। महापौर ने विदेश मंत्री सुषमा स्वराज से वार्ता कर पूरी जानकारी दी। वहां से मृतक का पासपोर्ट समेत पूरा ब्योरा मांगा गया है। बताते हैं कि पाण्डेयघाट की रहने वाली अमृता गुप्ता के हाथ की मेंहदी अभी सूखी भी नहीं थी कि दो अप्रैल को आस्ट्रेलिया के सिडनी में टेक महेन्द्रा कंपनी में बतौर ईजीनियर कार्यरत पंकज की मौत की खबर आई। उन दोनों की शादी गत वर्ष दो दिसंबर को हुई थी। अमृता ने प्रधानमंत्री को भेजे गए पत्र में आशका जताई है कि उसके पति की मौत रेलिंग से गिरने के कारण नहीं हुई है बल्कि आस्ट्रेलिया में चल रहे नस्ली आतंकवाद की वजह से हुई है। अमृता ने इसकी जाच कराने के साथ ही पति के शव को शीघ्र भारत मंगाने के लिए प्रधानमंत्री से गुहार लगाई है।

——————————————————————————————————————————————————-

From all information available, Pankaj’s death was an accidental death and not due to any racist violence.

Contrary to exaggerated and mostly baseless reports of racist violence against Indians in Indian media in 2009-10, we did not, and still do not, believe we are subjected to any such thing in Australia.

Police in NSW, as a rule, do a thorough investigation and submit a report to the Coroner. Post-mortem examination is also done in all such deaths. After post-mortem examination, the body is handed over to the relatives.

Indian Consulate in Sydney takes responsibility for the transport of the body of any Indian citizen to India.

I will try to seek further information in regards to the investigation from the Indian Consulate tomorrow, Monday, 6th April, 2015, and will update this post.

Our heart-felt condolences go to Pankaj’s wife and his family in India.

R. I. P. Pankaj.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney, NSW, Australia

dryadusingh@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/indaus.nsw

PS: This post has been forwarded to relevant people in Varanasi, UP, India.

March 25, 2015 by Yadu Singh

Prostate Cancer lecture for the community on Saturday, 11th April, 2015

7th April, 2015

Sydney, NSW

A lecture on Prostate Cancer for the community has been organised on Saturday, 11th April, 2015.

Prostate Cancer is a significant problem for men.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men (apart from common skin cancers).
There are about 20,000 new cases in Australia every year.
One in seven men in Australia are at risk of developing prostate cancer before age 75.
It is less common in men under 50, unless they have a family history of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow more quickly than in a normal prostate, forming a malignant tumour.

Most prostate cancers grow slower than other types of cancer.

Early (or localised) prostate cancer means cancer cells have grown, but they have not spread beyond the prostate. Some prostate cancers may spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lymph nodes. This is called advanced prostate cancer.

Early prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. This is because the cancer is not large enough to put pressure on the urethra.

If the cancer grows and spreads beyond the prostate (advanced cancer), it may cause:

Symptoms:

pain or burning when urinating
increased frequency or difficulty urinating
blood in the urine or semen
pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

Treatment:

Radical prostatectomy
External radiotherapy
Brachytherapy
Hormone therapy and chemotherapy
Treating doctors decides what is the best treatment strategy

More information from http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/prostate-cancer/?gclid=CPTJwafZ48QCFQwJvAodvZQAmQ

Prof Khadra is a renowned authority on this topic and a great speaker.

Details of this FREE event are in the Flyer.

Please join and learn. RSVP essential. Dr Yadu Singh

President, Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc (INDAUS Inc)

March 24, 2015 by Yadu Singh

An evening with Cricketing legends Brian Lara & Glenn McGrath

23rd March, 2015

Sydney, NSW

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) organised an evening on 23rd March 2015 at Novotel Hotel, Parramatta, NSW for a select group of community members, which gave them an opportunity to interact with Cricketing legends, Brian Lara and Glenn McGrath.

After a meet and mingle for about 45 minutes, where drinks and finger food were served, the interaction in the form of Q+A started. At the outset, a brief description of their background was read out. Both legends were asked questions about Cricket, predictions for the winner between India and Australia on 26th March and who is the tallest and shortest cricketer. Someone also asked whether they were ever approached by Bookies and whether they were ever stopped by Cops for speeding etc. I asked Glenn about his highest score, which, to my surprised, was 61. Glenn described how and when he scored these runs, painting a picture of his own disbelief and disbelief even among his team mates. They also gave their views about three forms of Cricket and felt that T20 variety has made the game very popular and brought many spectators.

They answered the questions with a great sense of humour and self-depreciation.

Brian Lara even wondered about the name of Lara Datta if she married him. People laughed with the name “Lara Lara”. It was all in fun.

Brian Lara felt that India have been playing very well during the ICC World Cup matches and their poor results in January will be of no consequences. He felt India would win the Semi-final against Australia on 26th March. Not surprisingly, Glenn felt that it is Australia which will win on 26th March.

It was an enjoyable evening, with plenty of selfies which people had with both legends. Legends definitely knew how to entertain people.

Thank you, Kavita Shukla (CBA Manager, Migrants’ Banking) and CBA as an institution for providing this great opportunity to meet and interact with these two Cricketing legends.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/24th March, 2015

http://www.facebook.com/indaus.nsw

March 9, 2015 by Yadu Singh

Sad and shocked with brutal murder of Ms Prabha Arun Kumar in Westmead, NSW

Press release:

9th March, 2015

Indian Australian community is sad & shocked with the brutal murder of Indian IT professional, Ms Prabha Arun Kumar in Sydney, NSW.

Ms Kumar was stabbed to death in a lane way connecting Park Parade, Parramatta and Amos Street, Westmead, NSW at 9.30 PM on Saturday, 7th March, 2015. At the time of the attack, she was on phone with her husband in India.

She was from Bangalore, India and was on work visa, working for a software company in Sydney. She was due to return to India next month. She is survived by her husband and a 9 year old daughter.

It is a tragic and heart-breaking news. Our heart goes out to her family, especially her husband and daughter.

We know that NSW Police is investigating this crime to find the culprits, responsible for this heinous crime. We want them to keep our community in the information loop, as there is massive concern and grief in the community.

We ask local Police, Parramatta Council and Parramatta Park Trust to do an urgent review of the area to figure out and fix the security black-spots in that area. Lightening and CCTV facilities should be installed and improved if that is what needs to be done to improve safety and security of people in the area.

We ask Premier Mike Baird and NSW Labor’s leader, Luke Foley, to outline their plans for crime control and for safety and security in the area specifically, and Western Sydney generally.

We also urge people to be aware of their personal safety each and every time they venture out of their home, whether it is for work or leisure.

We appeal to people to contact local Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if they have any info, which might help Police to arrest the perpetrators and solve this heinous crime.

Dr Yadu Singh

President, Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc

0413 375 669

https://www.facebook.com/INDAUS.NSW

—————————————————————————————————-

PS: I have visited the area this morning and have spoken with some members of the community.

January 16, 2015 by Yadu Singh

Join us for Australia Day & Indian Republic Day celebration on Sunday 25th January, 2015

Australia Day and Indian Republic Day on 26th January are the national days of Australia and India respectively.

We are celebrating them together a day earlier on Sunday, 25th January, 2015

6-11 PM

Parravilla, 42 Campbell Street, Parramatta, NSW

It’s a ticketed event at $45/person

Prior booking essential

Flyer attached

Do join us.

Dr Yadu Singh

President

Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc

dryadusingh@gmail.com

http://www.facebbok.com/dryadusingh

https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2016/04/05/indian-e-tourist-visa-now-for-150-countries/

December 24, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your family

Dr Yadu Singh & family

Sydney, Australia

Dec 24, 2014

Twitter: www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dryadusingh

LinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh

Blog: www.yadusingh.wordpress.com

November 28, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Tourist Visa on Arrival in India for 43 countries including Australia

LATEST UPDATE:

—————————————————————

https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/e-tourist-visa-etv-for-india/ Dated 30th September, 2015

———————————————————————

Government of India has started Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is a great news. It should remove the hassle which many experienced while obtaining Visa for India. This facility should increase the tourists numbers to India. It was announced by India’s Home Minister, Sri Rajnath Singh and Minister of State, Tourism, Dr Mahesh Sharma yesterday.

TVoA ENABLED BY ETA-EXPLAINED

The purpose of Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is to facilitate foreign travellers visiting India. This facility has been extended to Nationals of following countries: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kingdom of Tongo, Laos, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Niue, Norway, Oman, Palestine, Papua and New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea (i.e. South Korea), Republic of Marshall Islands, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Palau, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam, Vanuatu. List of more countries eligible for TVoA may be notified by Government from time to time.

PURPOSE AND VALIDITY OF TVoA ENABLED BY ETA

Foreigners whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight- seeing, short duration medical treatment, casual business visit, casual visit to meet friends or relatives etc. Not valid for any other purpose/activities.
Entry into India within 30 days from the date of approval of ETA.
Valid for 30 days stay in India from the date of arrival in India.
Allowed to enter and depart from any of the 9 Airports, viz Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai & Thiruvananthapuram.
Cannot be availed more than twice in a calendar year.

WHO ALL ARE ELIGIBLE:-

Foreigner of above countries who holds an Ordinary passport with minimum six months validity.
Foreigners travelling on Passport other than ordinary passport such as Diplomatic, Official, Special and Service passports are not eligible for TVOA service.
Should not have a residence or occupation in India.
Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay.
International Travellers having Pakistani Passport or Pakistani origin may please apply for regular visa at Indian Mission

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOURIST VISA ON ARRIVAL (ENABLED BY ETA):

Applicants may apply online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
TVOA links may also be found in website of Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Bureau of Immigration, Incredible India, etc.
The online application should be submitted minimum 4 days in advance and maximum 30 days of proposed date of travel.
Recent Front facing photograph with white background and photo page of Passport to be uploaded while applying.
The application is liable to be rejected if the uploaded document and photograph are not clear and not as per specification.
A fee of US $60/- (+ bank transaction charges) per passenger to be paid online for the grant of ETA for Tourist Visa-on-Arrival.
Fee once paid is not refundable under any circumstance.
Online application will be processed only after fee is paid online.
Decision on TVoA Application will be conveyed by e-mail. Therefore, applicants are advised to ensure that correct e-mail address is provided.
Applicant can also track the status of their application online on the TVoA website by selecting the link “VISA STATUS”, and entering their Application ID No and Passport No.
Applicant should carry a copy of ETA along with him/her at the time of travel.
Tourist Visa on Arrival once issued is non-extendable, non-convertible & not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas.
Biometric details of the applicant will be mandatorily captured at the TVOA Counter at the Airport on arrival in India.
This facility is in addition to the existing Visa Services.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED ONLINE ALONG WITH APPLICATION

Scanned Page of Passport containing photo and personal details.
Format –PDF; Size : Minimum 10 KB ,Maximum 300 KB
The digital photograph to be uploaded

Format – JPEG; Size : Minimum 10 KB, Maximum 1 MB

The height and width of the Photo must be equal.
The minimum dimensions are 350 pixels (width) x 350 pixels (height).
The maximum dimensions are 1000 pixels (width) x 1000 pixels (height).
Photo should present Full face, front view, eyes open.
Center head within frame and present full head from top of hair to bottom of chin.
Background should be plain light colored or white background.
No shadows on the face or on the background.
Without borders.

Verification by Airlines while issuing boarding pass to ETA holder

Traveller holding ETA arrives at Airline Counter.
Carrier/Airline checks the genuineness /validity of ETA in the TVoA website (specific instructions will be issued separately to Carriers/ Airlines)
Once ETA is verified, the carrier/Airline will issue Boarding Pass to the ETA holder.

TVOA Help Desk- contact details:

24X7 assistance is available at phone: +91-11-24300666, or email: indiatvoa@gov.in

For Tourist Information on India you, may contact India Tourism in Sydney at +61292219555 Email:info@indiatourism.com.au Web: incredibleindia.org

(Info from India Tourism, Sydney)

————————————————————————————————————————————

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/28th Nov, 2014

November 14, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Expectations from Prime Minister Modi

Sydney, 14th November, 2014

Expectations from the Modi Govt

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is visiting Australia between 15^th and 18^th Nov, 2014. After attending G20 summit in Brisbane on 15^th and 16^th November, he will start his state visit. Indian community is excited with this visit. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister after PM Rajiv Gandhi visited Australia in 1986. PM Modi will interact with the community in Sydney and Melbourne, in addition to addressing a Joint session of Australian Parliament.

Prime Minister Modi’s image is that of 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 rapidly.

When I wrote a post in June, 2014, I mentioned many things which people expected. Many of those things have either been delivered or getting delivered. Prime Ministerial visit to Australia is one of them. Nuclear trade deal has already been signed when Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited India in September. Australian citizens getting the facility of Visa on arrival in India is another one which is in the process of getting implemented. Serious work is in progress in regards to Black money, stashed in overseas Banks. Supreme Court’s activism is playing an important role in it. Investigations and prosecutions are likely to commence soon. Based on my interactions with many Indians in Australia, there are a few more things that people expect the new government to deliver.

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 has the political capital to deliver this long-standing demand. A petition and campaign for Dual citizenship is running on Change.org (http://tinyurl.com/kxtlosw) and Social media presently (http://tinyurl.com/m4b4luu).

Effective anti-corruption body: A group of 10-15 people from civil society including eminent jurists and overseas Indians (if possible) as well as politicians should be asked to review the Lokpal Act, passed by the Lok Sabha earlier, and suggest steps to rectify weaknesses to make it an effective corruption fighting body. Such body should have sufficient resources to discharge its functions. Unlike previous Govts, this whole process to fine-tune this should not take more than one year from the time NDA Govt took office.

The PM’s global Overseas Indians Advisory body: The PM should revamp his Global Advisory Body, constituted by the previous Govt. 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.

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.

Annual consultation between High Commission and Community: Previous High Commissioner of India in Australia, and current External Affairs Secretary, Smt Sujatha Singh, started a novel, and productive, mechanism to meet the community representatives in Canberra on a yearly basis. Representatives from all over Australia would assemble on a weekend to discuss and suggest things to Indian diplomats. Current High Commissioner, Biren Nanda, 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. Previous practice of community consultation needs to be reactivated.

Annual dialogue between Indian and Australian leaders: Indian Australians will like to see formal and regular annual meetings between PMs, Foreign Affairs Ministers and Defence Ministers, with venues alternating between India and Australia.

Free Trade Agreement (FTA): The pace of the discussions and negotiations should be accelerated so that FTA can be concluded by the end of 2015. This will accelerate bilateral trade which has come down to about $15 billion from previous high of $21 billion. This is important as Australia already has FTAs with Japan, South Korea and China.

Bilateral and multi-lateral defence exercises between India and Australia: India and Australia should work actively to enhance their defence & strategic relations bilaterally and multilaterally in the pattern agreed prior to the 2007 Rudd Govt in Australia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

India House or Indian Cultural Centre in major capital cities: There are more than 500,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia, with a big concentration in Sydney and Melbourne. People believe that there should be Indian cultural centers 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.

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.

Interactions between GOI agencies and Indian Australian community: It is often felt that GOI authorities in Australia do not interact with people sufficiently, 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.

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs visit to Australia: With approx. 500,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia, a biennial visit of Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs (The Hon Sushma Swaraj) or her deputy, The Hon Gen (Retd) V K Singh or External Affairs Secretary, should be included in the official GOI travel calendar. This will help facilitate interactions with the community and facilitate Overseas Indians’ investment in India.

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.

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/14th November, 2014

dryadusingh@gmail.com

au.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh/

November 14, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Press release on Dual Citizenship

Sydney, Australia

14^th November, 2014

Press Release

Indian community in Australia starts an online campaign to urge Indian Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi, to grant dual citizenship to overseas Indians.

Spokesperson for the campaign and President of Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc, Dr. Yadu Singh said “It’s time that Indian government grants NRIs dual citizenship”.

He further said “There are an estimated 25 million non-resident Indians (NRIs), people of Indian origin (PIOs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs) spread across more than 200 countries. Cumulatively, they contributed about $70 billion in remittances to India in 2013-14”.

“The recent changes in the PIO and OCI cards announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are welcome, but they do not meet the long-term demand of dual citizenship by overseas Indians”.

“The overseas citizenship card (OCC) falls well short of genuine dual citizenship. Many of us overseas Indians have been demanding genuine dual citizenship, with full political and economic rights in India on par with the rights enjoyed by Indian citizens. Former attorney general Soli Sorabjee was right in stating in 2005: “If we want to involve the diaspora, then we can’t deny them the right to vote or the right to occupy important office.”

Overseas Indians, whether they hold Indian passports or have foreign passports, have an emotional bond with India. That holds true for a majority of people of Indian heritage. When major democratic and developed countries like USA, Canada, UK and Australia have no issue with dual citizenship, there can’t be a real justification for India to treat its own people unfavourably.

The promise of dual citizenship was made by former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in 2003. Since then there have been statements from senior politicians about them favouring dual citizenship. But the matter has not progressed further. Statements are not enough. The following actions should be taken: 1. Granting Indian passports (dual citizenship) to overseas citizens of Indian heritage with full political and economic rights 2. Granting of convenient voting rights to such dual passport-holding overseas Indians as well as overseas Indians with Indian passports (NRIs), which can be exercised either at the consulate, high commission or embassy premises in their country of residence and through postal or online facilities.

India should consider taking a cue from Australia’s repeal of Section 17 of the Australian Citizenship Act 1948 that took effect from April 2002 permitting dual citizenship.

Dr Singh also said “It is important for second and subsequent generations of Indians, besides first generation, to stay emotionally and politically connected with India. Dual citizenship will make it more likely that this will happen”.

Prime Minister Modi has the political capital, strength in the Parliament and the goodwill for/from the overseas Indians, who supported him massively, to get the Parliament to grant dual citizenship to Overseas Indians.

The campaign has just started from Australia. It has created great excitement in Indian community. It is gaining momentum and it will get enthusiastic support from Indian diaspora all over the world, particularly United States of America, Canada, UK and Australia. It will continue to be run until India sees merits in granting dual citizenship.

Dr. Singh said “I will make an appeal to PM Modi personally if there is an opportunity to meet him”.

Appeal is run via Change.org (https://www.change.org/p/the-honorable-sri-narendra-modi-appeal-to-grant-dual-citizenship-to-overseas-indians and Social media (www.facebook.com/IndianDualCitizenship)

Further comment: Dr Yadu Singh, dryadusingh@gmail.com +61 413 375 669

October 23, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Happy Diwali

Sydney, 23rd October, 2014

Happy Diwali

May this Diwali bring you and your family all the joy, success, health and wealth!

May there be Peace in the whole world!

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

On This Diwali Lets pray to Almighty God for :

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya |
Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya |
Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam Gamaya |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

Meaning:
1: Om, Lead us from Unreality (of Transitory Existence) to the Reality (of Self),
2: Lead us from the Darkness (of Ignorance) to the Light (of Spiritual Knowledge),
3: Lead us from the Fear of Death to the Knowledge of Immortality.
4: Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

Brihadaranyaka, Upanishad 1.3.28

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Happy Diwali! Happy new year!!

From Dr Yadu Singh & family

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

au.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh/

October 21, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Low Breast Cancer screening rates among Indian and Sri Lankan women in NSW need to change

Free Community seminar for info on Breast Cancer screening

ADDRESSING LOW BREAST SCREENING RATES IN SRI LANKAN AND INDIAN WOMEN IN NSW

Did you know that breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women in India and Sri Lanka?

In Australia, the Department of Health and Aging seeks to persuade women aged 50 to 69 years to have a Mammography every two years. This strategy is adopted because the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Research shows that “75 per cent of all breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 years.” According to Cancer Australia, in 2009 the average age of breast cancer diagnosis in Australia was 60.7 years and, in 2010, 52.5% of new breast cancer cases diagnosed were in women aged 50–69 years. This age-related risk is also reflected in many other studies.

Last month, I attended an Indian and Sri Lankan community leaders forum organised by the NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service (http://www.mhcs.health.nsw.gov.au), which partnered with the NSW Refugee Health Service (http://www.swslhd.nsw.gov.au/refugee) and the Cancer Institute NSW (http://www.cancerinstitute.org.au).

At this forum I found some disturbing news:

In NSW, approximately one in five women of Tamil or Hindi speaking background participate in breast screening. This compares with screening participation of about one in two women in the general population.
The vast majority of women who speak Hindi or Tamil in NSW do not regularly attend BreastScreen.
In NSW, Tamil speaking women are about 4 times less likely to participate in breast screening compared with women in the general population.
In NSW, Hindi speaking women are about one third less likely to participate in breast screening compared with women in the general population.
Hindi and Tamil speaking women are the two culturally and linguistically diverse groups least likely to participate in breast screening in NSW.

Community leaders, members and organisers at Thornleigh Community Centre

The “Pink Sari” Project is a community based initiative that is helping to address that – to bring various organisations together to increase breast screening rates in women from Indian and Sri Lankan communities in NSW. The Pink Sari Project was launched at the forum. Over 80 people attended the forum to learn how they can all pledge their support to help save the lives of mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters in the Indian and Sri Lankan communities.
One of their strongest advocates is Indian-born, Parramatta-based doctor, Dr. Palu Malaowalla who is also a breast cancer survivor. She says, “As a doctor, I do breast checks for everyone yet I didn’t find my own cancer. Even the surgeons couldn’t find it. It was only on mammogram that it was detected. That saved my life.”

You can view Palu’s interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc8f0PEsXmE

Meredith Kay, Director of the BreastScreen NSW, Northern Sydney Local Health District said “nine out of ten breast cancers occur in women with no family history, so being ‘breast aware’ and spending 30 minutes every two years will bring peace of mind”. “Women need to be aware that early detection significantly increases the chance of survival from breast cancer to as much as 97%, and for women aged 50-74, a mammogram every two years can detect a breast cancer the size of a grain of rice, long before it can be felt or seen”.

Studies have identified a number of factors as influencing and/or mitigating attitudes among South Asian immigrant women including those from India and Sri Lankan in relation to breast screening. These include:

• Lack of knowledge about breast cancer and health matters;

• Fear and superstitions;

• Family honour;

• Lack of time;

• Modesty and

•Misunderstanding and lack of English language proficiency in some cases.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION
Why do we have low rates? What can be done? What is the current understanding of breast cancer?
What are the myths and more importantly FACTS about BreastScreening /Mammograms?

Sunday, 1.30PM to 3.30PM, 16 November 2014 at Ermington Community Centre, Ermington, NSW 2115.

Indian and Sri Lankan community members, associations and media are encouraged to attend. Community members, especially women from Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali background are very welcome to attend.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/21st October, 2014

dryadusingh@gmail.com

www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

(With inputs and contribution from Pink Sari Project team)

October 8, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Parramasala: politics and beyond

Sydney, 8th October, 2014

Parramasala is a key festival, organised by the NSW Government. Held in Parramatta, the heart of Western Sydney, it is in its fifth year. Starting out as an Australian festival of South Asian arts and culture, it is now very multicultural. Performances include those from the cultures of South America, the Pacific Islands, the Middle East and Europe, besides the Indian subcontinent.

According to the Parramasala organisers, 44 per cent of the performances are from the Indian subcontinent backgrounds, and 36 per cent of these are from India, while the other 56 per cent are from a wide and diverse range of backgrounds. There are more than 20 nationalities and cultures represented at Parramasala 2014. Importantly, 96 per cent of the Parramasala performances are free events, which is impressive and commendable.

While Parramatta precincts, especially Prince Alfred Park and Riverside Theatre, will continue to be the centre of the festival, Harris Park, the Little India of Sydney, will be included for the first time. Harris Park Bollywood Block “Curry On” party on Saturday, 18 October, will have a parade, cultural performances from a stage in the roundabout of Wigram and Marion Streets, and food carts, serving delicacies by popular restaurants of Harris Park. This should definitely be an added attraction for those attending Parramasala.

The Parramasala board is ably chaired by Dr Harry Harinath and steered by Di Henry, an internationally renowned producer and director of events, exhibitions, operations, media campaigns and marketing. It is in able and competent hands, and can’t go wrong.

Looking at the program list, one cannot but admire the variety and quality. Whether you like street parades, Bollywood performances, Indian cultural dances, comedy, Flamenco dances, Belly dances, Kurdish music, African performances or Pacific Island dances, Parramasala has it all. Really, what more can one ask for from a festival?
Shiamak Davar group will be performing, and a Qawwali event is included too. Popular drama “Kanjoos” (Miser), directed by talented Saba Zaidi Abdi is part of it too.

The South Asian Film component will showcase talent from South Asian film professionals.

It is clear that Parramasala 2014 is bigger and definitely better than before.

Organized by Destination NSW, and Partnered by Parramatta Council, Parramasala is destined to achieve its due place in the cultural calendar of NSW.

That Parramasala is an important event for the Indian sub-continent community was evidenced by some social media commentary about who was invited and who was not invited for the launch of Parramasala at Harris Park on 27 August, 2014.
Its importance was further established when two Indian community newspapers had a debate over the festival. I don’t intend to comment about any controversy, nor do I want to take sides in a slanging match.

I will, however, say this: Parramasala is essentially a Govt of NSW event, supported by the Parramatta Council. They do have the right to select the board and the program director. They are the ones who have the rightful authority to organise it the way they want to do it. Parramasala is neither a pure nor an exclusively Indian sub-continental event. It is much beyond that, and it must stay that way.

While it is always important to be inclusive and consult as many stake-holders and interested parties as possible, it is never going to be possible to consult everyone who might consider themselves stake-holders. In any case the Parramasala board is accessible to all who wish to be heard; we can write to them or call them with our suggestions and feedback.

Similarly, it is never going to be possible to invite everyone for any event. Parramasala is no exception. Parramasala cannot invite every single South Asian business in Sydney (there are reportedly thousands of South Asian businesses); nor is it practical for all the community groups and associations to be invited for key events. We need to be pragmatic and realistic.

We need to see the bigger picture.

If I have to say anything more on it, I will say that Parramasala Board should make a list of people it should consult and a list of people it should invite for key events. This list should be based on some objective parameters, not the “liking” or “disliking” of some of the people who are associated with Parramasala. Networking ability and reach in the community should probably be part of such parameters. I could not quite understand why talented film professional Ana Tiwary was not invited. After all, Ana works with ABC, and in fact her acclaimed documentary on Indian students was screened in Parramasala last year. There is definitely scope for fine-tuning the networking and invitation lists for any Govt-assisted or organised event, using objective criterion.

Parramasala was initially launched by NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, in 2010, soon after the Indian student issue had made headlines in India and Australia, and just a few months before the NSW state election in March 2011. It attracted a lot of attention, especially from the Indian sub-continental communities. The media too covered it prominently. There was, however, some uncertainty about its continuation last year, until the NSW Govt finally decided to continue funding it. In fact, the launch of Parramasala last year was quite disorganised, and even the Parramatta Mayor, John Chedid, was not in the loop, solely due to politics of people who pulled strings in the previous NSW Govt. John Chedid has been a strong supporter of Parramasala in general, and a strong protagonist in taking part of Parramasala to Harris Park. I might add here that most of the members from the Parramatta Mayor’s advisory committee (myself included) on Parramasala were not even aware of the launch last year. “Favoritism” was the only criterion for last year’s launch invitations. It was childish, and not a smart move by any means.

Parramasala, which started out as a festival of South Asian arts and culture as its focus, has now become a truly multicultural event. Even though it is not a necessarily bad move, I believe South Asia must continue to be its focus. I suggest that efforts must be made to have at least 60 per cent of the performances from South Asian background.

Parramasala has all the ingredients of a truly popular festival in a successful multicultural state like NSW, if we all work together. Taking the cue from what Prime Minister Tony Abbott said recently, we all need to be part of “Team NSW for Parramasala” led by the Premier and Chair of Board of Parramasala. “Team NSW for Parramasala” obviously will include NSW Govt led by Premier Mike Baird, Destination NSW, Community Relations Commission, Indian sub-continent communities and sub-continental media.

May I also suggest to members of the Indian sub-continent community and the media to not worry about what Parramasala is giving them personally, but ask what they are giving to Parramasala to make it the most successful event this year and beyond?

If I were running Parramasala, or had the ears of Parramasala Board, and they were listening to me, I will do everything to ask as many people of the Indian sub-continent community and the media, and supporters of multiculturalism in NSW, to join the campaign to not only promote it through their social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, but also to make sure they attend the event from 17-19 October, 2014.

The Parramasala logo will be in my profile picture on Facebook and Twitter, starting 10 October. I urge everyone in my network, and in my friends’ network, to do something similar to get the word out.

Parramasala is a festival for me, my family and friends, and I, like them, will be attending, and promoting, it with enthusiasm.

Published in Indian Sun news magazine http://www.theindiansun.com.au/parramasala-2014-politics-and-beyond/

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Dr Yadu Singh is a Sydney based cardiologist and the President of Indian Australian Association of NSW. He is an active member of the community. He is also active in social media and writes regularly in his Blog http://www.yadusingh.wordpress.com More details of Parramasala: http://www.parramasala.com

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

September 11, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Congratulation, Dr Harry Harinath, New Chair, NSW Community Relations Commission (CRC)!

Sydney, Thursday, 11th September, 2014

Dr Harry Harinath has been appointment by the NSW Government to be the new Chair of the Community Relations Commission (CRC) yesterday.

Congratulations, Dr Harry Harinath!

Dr Harinath is a prominent Australian of Indian heritage, and is a well-respected medical doctor.

He has been a respected member of Medical profession for 40 years. He was part of NSW Cricket for 30 years. He served NSW Cricket as its director for many years. He has been a commissioner of the CRC for the last 2 years. He is the current Chair of the Board for Parramasala festival – Australian Festival of South Asian arts & culture.

I, as a member of Indian Australian community, as well as a member of medical profession in NSW, welcome Dr Harinath’s appointment.

I have no doubt that he will take CRC to newer heights, with his consultative, non-confrontationist, helpful, encouraging and inclusive style of functioning.

With Harry as the Chair of CRC, multiculturalism in NSW is in safer and capable hands!

We look forward to working with him for the interests of our community.

Finally, thanks and congrats are also due to NSW Government -Premier, Mike Baird and Minister for communities, Victor Dominello, for making an outstanding choice for the position of new CRC Chair!

Dr Yadu Singh

au.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh/

August 31, 2014 by Yadu Singh

India House in Sydney: an update!

Sydney, 31st Aug, 2014

I wrote a post on India House last year. Link is here.

https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2013/05/04/india-house-in-sydney-what-is-this-about-why-do-we-need-it/

We had several meetings with well-meaning people. We were on to it.

After this, literally every Indian community association in Sydney started to announce that they too want to build an “India House”, but without any attempt to network with others. This “Me too” disease is very prevalent with associations and “Community Leaders”.

One of such associations is the one which collected money for “India House” during one of its major events a few years ago. There is unfortunately no record or details of this money anymore. They have mismanaged their funds, thus having a massive hit in their reputation in our community. Community knows about it and has nothing but disdain for them.

Another one is the one which gave “Role model of the community” medals to those who deserved shunning, not medals. People wonder about ethos and principles guiding this association. Everything seems to be Naqli (Fake) there.

There are others too, who claim to be an Umbrella body but without any group with them, justifying their claim of being an “Umbrella” association.

Any smart person should always analyse and review the current circumstances, while keeping the past examples and factors in mind.

It is clear to me that the best option for us is to take a back seat and let others, who have put their claims to build “India House” out in public, take the responsibility and leadership for this matter. There is an undeniable fact that there can’t, and will not, be multiple India Houses in Sydney.

As far as I am concerned, I am getting out from my plans for “India House” in Sydney. I hope others will do what needs to be done and what they have claimed. I will support them with whatever I can do, when they indeed do something in this regard. I know for sure that our community will need to take a structured, co-ordinated and unified approach to deliver this project. We can not have multiple groups trying (or at least claiming) to work on this project.

I understand that “India House” will be one of the topics which will be discussed in a meeting of some “select” Indian community members, organised at the Indian Consulate General in Sydney next week. I am one of the invitees to this meeting. I will post an update on this and any other relevant topic.

Dr Yadu Singh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wUcw8Ufx_Y

August 15, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Celebrating 68th Indian Independence Day on Friday, 15th Aug, 2014!

Sydney, Friday, Aug 15, 2014

India is celebrating its 68th Independence Day today.

15th Aug, 1947 was the day when India became independent and free from British reign. At the midnight between 14th and 15th Aug, 1947, India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, took oath as the Prime Minister.

At the stroke of midnight, he gave his famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech in the Constituent assembly Hall of the Parliament.

“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance. It is fitting that at this solemn moment we take the pledge of dedication to the service of India and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.”

Ever since, President of India traditionally addresses the nation on the eve of the Independence Day and the Prime Minister unfurls the national Flag followed by an addresses to the nation from the precincts of the Red Fort in Delhi in the morning of 15th August.

This is the gist of the national address by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi today.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/pm-narendra-modi-s-independence-day-speech-at-red-fort-highlights-576248

Prime Minister, Mr Modi’s speech.

On this day, there is a military parade and display of cultural richness from all over the nation in the capital of India, New Delhi.

Chief Ministers unfurl the flag in the State capitals, where various cultural programmes take place too.

These activities happen every where in the country. 15th August is a national holiday.

Indian Independence Day will be celebrated by Indians overseas too.

In Australia, Indian Govt posts-High Commission and Consulates, will celebrate Independence Day events. Community groups all over Australia celebrate Indian Independence Day with pride and fanfare.

In Sydney, scores of Indian Australians will gather to take part in the Independence Day celebration at the Indian Consulate General in the city at 8.30 AM. Consul General will read the speech of the President of India and will unfurl the Indian Flag.

In the evening, my friends and I will be joining a party in the city to celebrate Indian Independence Day. This party will start around 9.30 and will go on well past midnight. A lot of younger Indians will be joining this Independence Day celebration.

Australia is 4 hours and 30 minutes ahead of India. As the clock hits midnight in India, friends and relatives from India will start sending Independence Day greetings via email, What’s up, Facebook, Twitter and SMS. Indian Australians will do the likewise.

Indian Independence Day is a huge event for 1.2 billion Indians In India and millions of Indians living outside India!

I am proud to be from Indian heritage and I know this to be the case with my friends from all corners of India and the world.

Happy Indian Independence Day!

Jai Hind!

Dr Yadu Singh

dryadusingh@gmail.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_India

July 23, 2014 by Yadu Singh

MasterChef Australia should not display India’s national Flag disrespectfully!

(Correct display) (Incorrect Display)

I was called by Ms Sandhya Reddy (INDAUS committee member) who was quite concerned about the upside down display of Indian Flag during broadcast of MasterChef show. Mr Shravan Reddy too sent me a Tweet with the screen shot of the offending display yesterday.

We know that the upside down display of Indian Flag or national Flag of any country is a disrespectful act.

I called Channel 10 yesterday itself and then sent an email to them as well as MasterChef Australia, asking them to remove the disrespectful display of India’s national Flag.

I also sent tweets to Channel Ten and MasterChef Australia. MasterChef Australia is a Logie-award winning popular cooking Game Show, based on original British MasterChef show. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MasterChef_Australia

————————————————————————————————————————–

Tweets:

“Yadu Singh‏@dryadusingh 22h

@masterchefau Guys, U are using Indian Flag upside down, which is disrespectful. Pl correct it ASAP. Right pic here.”

“Yadu Singh‏@dryadusingh 23h

@channelten #masterchefaustralia is using Indian Flag upside down. Please correct this disrespectful display ASAP.”

—————————————————————————————————————————–

I followed this by calling Channel Ten, MasterChef Australia and Shine Australia (producer of MasterChef Australia) today.

I have asked them all to rectify the mistake and apologise for it during the programme broadcast.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_it_mean_when_the_flag_is_flown_upside_down

http://www.australiaday.com.au/about/flag-flying-protocols/#.U89-CGuKDIU

Improper and incorrect display including upside down display of Indian Flag is not permitted by law. Display and use of Indian Flag is governed by Flag Code of India 2002. Improper (intentional) misuse and display are punishable by Law at least in India.

We ask MasterChef Australia, Shine Australia and Channel 10 to stop improper display of India’s national Flag immediately.

May I ask Indian High Commission, Canberra and various Indian Consulates in Australia to do their bits to get it rectified urgently.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

PS: Within few minutes from my Blog going public, I have received two Tweets from MasterChef Australia. Here they are being reproduced.

“MasterChef Australia ‏@masterchefau 7m

@dryadusingh @channelten @ShineAustralia …We unreservedly apologise for any offence caused.”

“MasterChef Australia ‏@masterchefau 9m

@dryadusingh @channelten @ShineAustralia The flag being positioned upside down was an unintentional oversight during production…”

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Later on, Channel Ten too has sent an email.

Rebecca Nittolo

24 Jul (1 day ago)

to me

Dear Dr Singh

Thank you very much for your email below. I got in touch with the production company that makes the show and they confirmed that the flag being positioned upside down was an unintentional oversight during production. They unreservedly apologise for any offence caused.

Please let us assure you that the episode featuring the flag is being re-edited and will soon be updated on our website and also for the international version when it is eventually televised in India.

Please accept our sincere apologies again.

Kind regards

Rebecca

Rebecca Nittolo

Digital Producer

Lifestyle, Reality & Factual

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Dr Yadu Singh

dryadusingh@gmail.com

June 4, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Blacktown City Festival parade was big, vibrant and multicultural!

I participated in Blacktown City Parade on Saturday, 31st May, 2014. I met hundreds of my friends from various segments of Western Sydney in the festival.

It was a great fun.

More than 50,000 people were there either in the parade or as spectators.

Parade was the culmination of Blacktown City Festival which ran from 24th May to 31st May, 2014. I understand that approx. 150,000 people took part in this week-long festival.

Blacktown Mayor, Clr Len Robinson, other Councillors, Local Politicians and X-Factor finalist, Taylor Henderson were there too. Taylor sang too, which people enjoyed.

It was big, vibrant and very multicultural.

Of 72 Floats which participated, there were floats from Australian Sikh Association, Ahmediya Group, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu groups. Local Radio station, Dance schools and others were there too.

From the expressions on the faces of people, it was clear that people enjoyed the show greatly. I certainly did, and I am glad I took part in it.

In addition to enjoying a multicultural gathering in the heart of Western Sydney, I and others had the added benefit of physical exercise, with obvious health benefits, too.

I encourage Indian and South Asian communities as well as community associations/groups to take part in events of this nature with bigger numbers and more vigour next year.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/4th June, 2014

http://www.faceboo.com/dryadusingh

April 23, 2014 by Yadu Singh

Proud and privileged to be in the list of “Goldmine” leaders from the Western Sydney!

The Daily Telegraph Newspaper published a list of key people from Western Sydney, calling them “Goldmine” leaders!

I feel proud and privileged to be included in this list!

I must admit that it was a humbling experience to see my name in this list of great people.

Here is the article from The Daily Telegraph newspaper! http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/competitions/fair-go-for-the-west-meet-the-goldmine-leaders/story-fngy6zqs-1226881501042

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Fair Go for the West: Meet the goldmine leaders!

by: John Lehmann Editor at Large
From: The Daily Telegraph
April 11, 2014 1:17PM

Sydney’s West is a goldmine of single-minded leaders who would rather make a difference than make excuses.

Whether it be building some of Australia’s most successful businesses, mentoring new arrivals to the West, leading sports teams worth cheering for or simply breeding the best darn chickens you’ll taste, they are making Sydney a better place.

Paul Lederer

Paul Lederer runs Primo Smallgoods at Chullora. Source: News Limited

The Primo Group chief executive has transformed a Hungarian family tradition of smoking meats into a $1.4 billion international enterprise run from Chullora with 4000 employees.

Estimated to hold a personal fortune of $630 million, he will indulge his passion for soccer when he takes control of the Western Wanderers from July 1, leading a new ownership team including Pirtek founder Peter Duncan and Filipino-Chinese businessman Jefferson Cheng.

Katie Page and Gerry Harvey,

Harvey Norman chief executive and chairman

This dynamic duo have been working and playing hard in Western Sydney since Harvey Norman opened its Auburn store in 1982.

The Harvey Norman business, of which Harvey is chairman and Page CEO, now has eight stores in the West, employing more than 1400 locals.

Harvey, who went to high school in Katoomba, is also Australia’s biggest horse breeder, while Page’s passions include the West’s exotic food and restaurant scene. They live in the northwest.

Harvey Norman chairman Gerry Harvey with managing director and wife Katie Page. Source: News Limited

Jihad Dib

For eight years, the Punchbowl Boys High School principal has been inspiring his students to lift their sights.

The results are easy to see. The school where drug gangs once ruled and barbed wire topped the fences now wins educational awards.

While only a handful of year 12 boys once thought about going to university each year, now about a third of the class go on and many more do vocational training.

Dib was able to joke recently that the school may be getting too soft when a fight broke out over hand cream.

Jihad Dib with students out the front of Punchbowl Boys High School Source: News Limited

Raelene Castle

Since becoming the first female to lead an NRL club eight months ago, Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs CEO has won respect as a no-nonsense operator focused on instilling an honest, hardworking culture.

As she builds the Bulldogs’ appeal to the families and businesses of the West, she has shown a strict attitude to player behaviour and doesn’t tolerate fools — as Cronulla’s Andrew Fifita recently discovered when Canterbury terminated his $3.5 million deal after some ill-chosen comments.

New Canterbury Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle pictured at Bemore Oval. Source: News Limited

Nick Moraitis has built a huge fresh produce business in the west. Source: News Limited

Cate Sydes, Marist Youth Care CEO. Source: News Limited

Nick Moraitis

The Moraitis Group founder has worked in the West for 60 years, building a multifaceted food empire with revenues pushing $1 billion.

Through his partnership with fellow western tycoon Paul Lederer, he recently joined forces with Hungry Jacks’ founder Jack Cowin to produce salads and fresh soups for major retailers.

“The West is full of talented people but we need more businesses based here and more jobs,’’ said Moraitis, 79, who owned champion thoroughbred Might and Power.

Cate Sydes

The Marist Youth Care CEO is Western Sydney’s Good Samaritan, having worked with those on Struggle St since helping Aboriginal children in Mount Druitt 30 years ago.

Based at Blacktown, she leads one of Australia’s largest service providers for youth at risk.

“I’ve always been drawn to kids and young people in need,” says Sydes, who lost both of her parents while still in her teens. “My dream is that one day I’ll be out of work.’’

TELL US WHY YOU LOVE YOUR AREA

SEND US YOUR IMAGES AND WIN

Tony Shepherd

From advising the PM on how to get our national finances under control to building Western Sydney freeways and a new sports franchise, the diminutive Greater Western Sydney Giants chairman is a serious power player.

As the outgoing Business Council of Australia president and former chairman of construction giant Transfield Services, he has a contact book than sprawls from west to east, as evidenced by his recent appointment as chair of the SCG Trust.

Jim Marsden

Described by “Mr Olympics” Rod McGeoch as the “smartest man in the west”, the Marsdens Law Group senior partner has been at the centre of Campbelltown life since growing up in the local pub.

Whether it be handling the legal affairs of the region’s business elite or personally lobbying NRL chief Dave Smith to settle a team (ie his beloved Wests Tigers) in Campbelltown, Marsden is a passionate advocate of the southwest, where he has raised his four children.

He still gets a chuckle out of his late brother John Marsden’s famous quip: “There are two great cities in the world — Rome and Campbelltown.’’

Louise Cordina

The Cordina family have been feeding Australia “cage-free” chicken since pioneering the concept in the 1950s.

The 34-year-old is the first fourth-generation member of the Cordinas to help lead the family’s famous business with her father John. It is now one of the top 100 family-owned firms in the nation.

She grew up next door to the family’s Girraween factory and adopts a typically unpretentious Western Sydney style, saying: “We have never had aspirations to be out there being the biggest.’’

John and Louise Cordina. Source: News Limited

Lyall Gorman

The Wanderers chairman tapped into Western Sydney’s passion and energy to create the A-League soccer franchise.

Gorman, highly rated by soccer supremo Frank Lowy, leads a board which includes distinguished Australian-Chinese businessman Benjamin Chow and influential Aboriginal leader Warren Mundine.

“One of our major goals is to be a catalyst for true social change across western Sydney — part of that is inspiring young people to be the absolute best they can be,’’ he says.

Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman. Source: AAP

Christopher Brown

When the history is written of how an airport finally came to be built at Badgerys Creek, at least once chapter should be devoted to Brown.

As a member of the federal government’s panel that recommended Badgerys, the Parramatta-bred tourism advocate kept talking when others didn’t want to listen. He was also one of the first to talk up his home town as a genuine CBD.

Today, he chairs the Eels Round Table Forum and sits on the board of the University of Western Sydney and the Moorebank Intermodal Company.

Grant O’Brien

The electrical apprentice who rose to become CEO of supermarket giant Woolworths, headquartered in north-western Sydney’s Bella Vista, still keeps a focus on the workers of tomorrow.

O’Brien leads 190,000 employees, but is spearheading a major youth employment initiative called Generation Success to find ways to give more young people improved career prospects.

Jeremy Donovan Source: Supplied

Jeremy Donovan

Donovan, an internationally renowned didgeridoo player, was tapped last year to become the national ambassador in mining magnate Andrew Forrest’s GenerationOne indigenous initiative when Warren Mundine stepped down as CEO.

The 34-year-old, who is raising four children at Mulgoa, near Penrith, is part of the new breed of indigenous leaders who believes lives are only transformed through education and work, not welfare dependency.

Lionel Lee

The grandson of Chinese immigrant Bing Lee runs what has become the largest privately held electrical retail business in NSW with more than 40 stores visited by 120,000 people a week.

Old Guilford continues to serve as Lee’s corporate headquarters, harking back to the company’s early days in Fairfield selling black and white TVs to new immigrants who did not have a credit rating.

Rawand Al-Hinti

The Jordanian-born 21-year-old has been identified as one of the West’s articulate young voices.

“I believe if you work hard and aim for success you’ll flourish regardless of what suburb you are from or what school you went to,’’ she says.

The Macarthur Girls High School vice-captain, who mentors other university students while studying law and international relations, was recently appointed to the NSW government’s Youth Advisory Council.

Stuart Ayres

The enthusiastic Liberal MP for Penrith is winning praise since being promoted to become Premier Barry O’Farrell’s Minister for Western Sydney late last year.

The 33-year-old, who is the partner of federal Liberal Senator Marise Payne, has helped drive the government’s decision to relocate more than 3000 bureaucrats to western Sydney and understands the urgent need to create jobs and build new houses.

David Borger

The former Labor State Minister and Parramatta Mayor remains a strong campaigner for change as Sydney Business Chamber’s Western Sydney director.

“It sometimes feels like those in the east aren’t interested in the west and that’s a problem,’’ he said in his typically frank style last October.

James and Gretel Packer have sought his advice in relation to their $30 million arts gift to the West.

Barney Glover

The newly appointed University of Western Sydney Vice-Chancellor has wasted little time settling in, winning in-principle approval from his board this week to build a major campus in Parramatta’s CBD.

The former VC at Charles Darwin University will work closely in his new role with the UWS’ well-connected Chancellor Peter Shergold.

Yadu Singh

The Indian Australian Association of NSW president set up shop as a cardiologist in Baulkham Hills soon after arriving from India in 1991.

He has been writing and speaking passionately ever since as a leader of Australia’s — and Western Sydney’s — fastest-growing immigrant group.

His 12,400 Twitter followers are rarely left in doubt about his views, whether it be his advocacy on behalf of Indian students, his defence of Australia against claims it is racist or his support of a Western Sydney airport.

Tony Perich

The son of Croatian immigrants, the Greenfields Development Co managing director is turning dairy country into up-market housing developments in the buzzing southwest.

Estimated by BRW to be worth more than $850 million, the Perich family was once the biggest dairy farmer in the southern hemisphere through its Leppington Pastoral Company.

The family’s assets include the iconic former Oran Park raceway where at least 5500 houses and units are being developed, along with the biggest Woolworths in Australia.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

The End

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/23rd April, 2014

August 11, 2013 by Yadu Singh

INDAUS FAIR, Sunday, 11th Aug, 2013, Rosehill Race Course, Rosehill, NSW!

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/11th Aug, 2013
dryadusingh@gmail.com
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh

July 1, 2013 by Yadu Singh

All nett proceeds from INDAUS Fair on Sunday, 11th Aug, 2013 going to Uttarakhand Flood Victims!

Uttarakhand State in India has had catastrophic and massive floods on 14-17th June, 2013, leading to huge loss of lives, property and infrastructure. Many roads, bridges, villages and towns have been washed away. Rescue efforts were heroically performed by Indian Army, Indian Air Force, ITBF [Indo-Tibetan Border Force] along with civic authorities.

Death toll stands at 5700. The devastation in the region is going to have a lingering and cascading effect on people for long time.

This is all very sad, shocking and upsetting. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

Indians, wherever they live, are doing what they can do to assist victims. Reconstruction in Uttarakhand needs as much help as possible. State Govt has requested Central Govt to provide a 13000 Crores reconstruction package to the devastated state.

Indians all over the world, and in India, are doing their bits to help the state and affected people. Indians in Sydney are doing their bits too. I am sure we all will contribute in some way to the assistance work.

INDAUS Inc team have resolved to contribute to this assistance by donating all net proceeds from their flagship event “INDAUS Fair” at Rosehill Race Course, Rosehill, NSW 2142, on Sunday, 11th Aug, 2013 to Uttarakhand flood victims.

INDAUS Inc had originally planned to send the net proceeds from INDAUS Fair to INDIA HOUSE project, but the tragedy in Uttarakhand is more pressing and is a more deserving cause. That is why we have decided to send net proceeds to Uttarakhand flood victims.

We, in INDAUS Inc, urge you to join us for this event on Sunday, 11th Aug, 2013. The ticket price of $7/per person is next to nothing, and is easily affordable. We seek your help re getting as many stalls & souvenir Ads as possible!

Let us spread the message in our networks and get there in big numbers!

June 4, 2013 by Yadu Singh

India is the top source of migrants to Australia!

[Source of Pictures: TOI article, Ravi Lochan Singh’s Blog and DIAC press release]

With 29016 people from India who were granted migrant Visa to come to Australia in 2011-12, India is now the top source of migrants to Australia. This is 12.7% more than the previous year. This is likely to continue for years to come. By now, Indian-born numbers have grown four fold in the last 15 years, while Chinese-born numbers have grown by three fold..

The Census in 2011 told us that there were about 400,000 people of Indian heritage in Australia. If we add the numbers up to June 2013 and add the numbers from people of Indian heritage from other countries plus those born here in Australia, the number of people of Indian heritage could well be about 500,000 by June 2013.

With 21768 Indians in 2010-11, India was the third top source of Australian migrants. With 29546 Chinese immigrants, China was the top source then. Things have obviously changed.

The latest list outlining the sources of migrants also tells us that 7 of 10 countries are from Asia, the region where Australia has its major trading partners.

China with 25508 is the second top source and Great Britain with 25273 is at the third spot.

India has many good universities with a large number of young people with the skills and English which Australia needs. These skills are in the fields of medicine, IT, teaching, nursing, Engineering, accounting, management and many others. These are all high value skills which are in great demand all over the world. Australia is now competing with other countries quite successfully.

I am quite pleased that increasing numbers of Indians are choosing Australia as the place to migrate to, despite exaggerated negative coverage of Australia in the Indian media in the recent past. This is the best certificate that Indian media was not factual in its reporting back then.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/4th June, 2013

http://www.au.linkedin.com/in/dryadusingh

May 4, 2013 by Yadu Singh

India House in Sydney: what is this about & why do we need it?

(See an important update at the end of this post)

The Indian Australian community in Australia comprises of about 400,000 people, out of which about 150,000 reside in New South Wales. Ours is a growing community and about half of our people have migrated to Australia during the last ten years.

Every community is unique and has its special characteristics and requirements. In this sense, we are no different from the other multicultural communities in Australia. Many of these requirements can be fulfilled by a Community Centre, which acts not only as the centre for all community/social interactions and mentoring/guiding services, but also for entertainment activities. Private family occasions like weddings and other events can also take place there. Any such centre should have sufficient space and facilities to cater to a range of activities. This Centre should be able to self-sustain financially, and should be run professionally.

Despite being a major community, we do not have this community Centre, which is in total contrast with other communities like Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Serbian, Croatian and others, many of which are smaller than ours, but do have such community premises.

India House has been talked about for more than 20 years but nothing obviously has happened. Talks and visions should have moved to something realistic and something fruitful by now, but it is yet to happen. We believe that it did not happen only because serious and sincere efforts were never made.

Projects of this nature require huge capital to make it happen. We strongly believe that finances can be raised if there is a group of dedicated & committed people in our community who have integrity, vision, determination, perseverance, willingness and capacity to work on the plan for 3-5 years. The fund raising components must have multiple components, and it should include fairs, charity drives, direct contributions from the community, and also sponsorships from governments and businesses.

Our initial spadework informs us that there is sufficient goodwill for this huge venture in our community. We recognise that the biggest hurdle in this huge task is the distrust community members have towards community groups/leaders because they have not been transparent, accountable and result oriented, and in fact, some have used their groups for financial benefits. To make it worse, some have become branches of political parties. It is a common knowledge that finances generated from events, small and large, have often been mismanaged and possibly misused. The fund sourcing process therefore must remain ethical, transparent and must be supervised by at least two reputed finance professionals. This fund-raising must have the charity status and tax concessions.

We wish to take this project earnestly and start the process by donating the entire amount saved after expenses from the INDAUS FAIR on Sunday, 11 August 2013, which will take place at Rosehill Gardens, Rosehill Race Course, Rosehill, NSW. We will outline our detailed plan and the process of fund raising soon.

Our plan is to have a nodal group of 10 people who will do the initial work, using the expertise in law, planning, project work, finance, Real Estate, accounting and marketing among others.

This will be followed by a meeting with community representatives/leaders and members of media with the purpose of brain storming, exchanging ideas, revising and fine tuning the project. Media is so essential for this project and this project will be an “inclusive” work as far as practicable.

The Project will be super headed by a management committee, Board of Trustees and Advisory Council, and will have membership with defined benefits of such membership. The guiding principle will and must always be transparency, accountability and proper governance with an added motto of “service with integrity”.

More info from dryadusingh@gmail.com, www.yadusingh.wordpress.com and www.indaus.org.au

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/2^nd May 2013

President, Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc

————————————- UPDATE: 31st Aug, 2014 https://yadusingh.wordpress.com/2014/08/31/india-house-in-sydney-update/ ————————————-

April 26, 2013 by Yadu Singh

Nalini Needs You. Can you help her please?

Can you help? There is a better chance to help if you are from Kerala background but any Indian can help!

Dr Nalini Ambady, a professor at Stanford University, was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of leukemia, which she first battled in 2004. Now, she has only eight weeks left to live and urgently needs a bone marrow transplant from a genetically matched donor.

Originally from Kerala, Ambady became the first Indian American female professor in the Psychology Department at Harvard University, Tufts University, and Stanford University, according to a press release. Her research has been covered in Malcolm Galdwell’s book, “Blink.” More details are available on www.NaliniNeedsYou.com

People of South Asian descent have a lower likelihood of finding a bone marrow match, and in Ambady’s case, doctors have estimated that chance at one in 20,000.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Since every willing donor may not be a perfect match for Nalini, we need as many willing donors as possible in a short time.

If you are willing to help and in the age group of 18-45 years please ring RED CROSS on 131495 and register with Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and donate.

ABMDR donor info is here for your information. http://www.abmdr.org.au/

——————————————————————————————————————————–

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/26th April, 2013

April 7, 2013 by Yadu Singh

INDAUS Fair in Sydney: Sunday, 11th August, 2013.

INDAUS Fair in Sydney: Sunday, 11th Aug, 2013.

Venue info and other details coming up!

Stay tuned!!

Dr Yadu Singh

dryadusingh@gmail.com

April 4, 2013 by Yadu Singh

Our team raised $22215 for recent Qld Floods victims!

OUR TEAM RAISED $22,215.00 FOR QUEENSLAND FLOODS VICTIMS!

Press Release:

Sydney, 3nd April, 2013.

Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc [INDAUS Inc] members teamed with others in the Hills Shire and organised a hugely successful Charity fund raising event for Bundaberg Floods Victims, at Mother India Restaurant, Dural, raising $22,215.00 on Sunday, 24th March, 2013.

Earlier on 29th January, our group was having dinner at Mother India when the idea was born to give something back to the community. It comprised of Dr Yadu Singh [INDAUS Inc President], Gareth McCray [Broadcaster & INDAUS Inc member], Ross Colossimo [CEO of The Australian Brewery & Bella Vista Hotel, Sanjeev Sharma [Mother India Owner & INDAUS Inc member], Rajiv Chaudhri [CEO of Hitek Australia & INDAUS Inc member], Poonam Verma [Jewellery Designer from India], and Kanika Chaudhri [Rajiv’s daughter].

This discussion came to focus on the myriad of disasters that had hit Australia since January. We got round to realising that the Regional city of Bundaberg had been worst hit. It was suggested and agreed that we contact the Hills Shire Mayor, Dr Michelle Byrne, and see if she would agree to front a committee to raise some funds to help the people of Bundaberg. We did that and she agreed. A committee was constituted and potential sponsors were decided to run a special Charity Dinner at Mother India.

The steering committee consisted of the above people and had the following join us later:-

Dr Michelle Byrne, the Hills Shire Mayor, A/Prof Jim Taggart, Joseph Ishak from Skad Australia, Clr Jeff Lowe, John Ebbott, Ms Sonya Phillips [Former Hills Shire Mayor], Journalist Bev Jordan and David O’Neill, the General Manager of the Castle Hill RSL.

Meeting on a weekly basis, our team planned the event which included day time markets followed by buffet lunch and a lavish dinner with entertainment, auctions and raffles. Entertainment was provided by renowned singer, Angie Dean and a local Bollywood dance group, organised by Mother India.

At $75 per person, the team did not take long to fill the restaurant with 120 people. They enjoyed a three course sumptuous dinner with Beer and wine donated by generous donors, The Australian Brewery, Australian Hotel Association & Castle Hill RSL.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was media personality, Gareth McCray and auctioneer was A/Professor Jim Taggart who both brought the electrifying energy and enthusiasm to the event, thus helping in the collection of funds.

Salvation Army Officer from Bundaberg, Mr Peter Evans was flown down to Sydney to witness the event. His flights and accommodation were sponsored, organised by the team, at no cost to him.

The items for auction included a Cricket Bat signed by national teams of Australia and UK [bid successfully by INDAUS Inc Vice President, Stanley D’Cruz for $2000], Jewellery worth $3500 from House of Fraser, a necklace donated by Poonam Verma and many others.

It was an absolute privilege working with each of these people in the team, who all knew fully well why this fund raising was important for the People of Bundaberg.

Families and businesses in Bundaberg that had only just started getting on top of things since the previous flood had to watch again as their lives were upended and swept away by the Burnett River that raged with a ferocity that had never been seen before.

The floodwaters did recede as quickly as they rose but nothing could prepare the residents for what they found when they crossed back across the Burnett River – some houses had sunk into the ground, others were covered in mud so deep, bed lined in the trees roads turned up. The river turned Bundaberg into a war zone. However the spirit of Faith, Hope and Love grew out of this disaster.

A Faith that is based upon the knowledge that we can always rely on each other to help when the need is there.

A Love of the friends, family and people from across the nation, such as here in The Hills Shire, who have come to help those in great need.

This is what makes the many national multicultural groups that make up Australia so special. We believe that thing we call “mateship” is something we should be so proud of, and which we can show whenever our fellow Australians are in need of.

That is why we came together on Sunday March 24 to join in that spirit of Faith, Hope and Love and help the people of Bundaberg.

In addition to INDAUS Inc members taking a key role in the project, Indian Australians worked shoulder to shoulder with Hills Shire community and raised this amount for people in Queensland who need it so desperately.

We, in INDAUS Inc, were proud to be the key members of the committee, responsible for execution of the project and delivery of the outcome in a substantial way. It was a unique experience for us in INDAUS Inc.

INDAUS Inc is indeed proud to be part of doing something for our fellow Australians.

—————————————————————————————————————-

With contribution from Gareth McCray and released by Dr Yadu Singh

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/4th April, 2013
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
http://www.facebook.com/dryadusingh

March 31, 2013 by Yadu Singh

Indian Australian groups contributed to Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 3rd March, 2013!

Sydney, 31st March, 2013

Like last year, we took part in Clean Up Australia Day activities this year too.

On Sunday, 3rd March, 2013, friends from 3 organisations-Indian Australian Association of NSW Inc [INDAUS Inc], Basava Samithi of Australia [BSOA]-Sydney Chapter and Samarpan Inc [A group of people who have family members with disabilities] joined up for the clean up activities at GARRISON POINT, MURRUMBEENA RESERVE, OFF HENRY LAWSON DRIVE, GEORGES HALL, NSW-2198.

It started at 8 am and went on until 10.30 am.

After collecting several bags of rubbish, the clean up party had a tea/coffee session and general discussion, followed by certificates and pics. We discussed how important it is for all of us from all sort of backgrounds to get involved in Australian events/activities which will help Australia and Australians. Australia is after all our home!

People who took part in it included myself [Dr Yadu Singh], Chidanand Puttarevanna, Stanley D’Cruz, Gaurav Nirwal, Rajni Chandran, Uday Shah, Jaywanth Vaidya, Parul Shah, Hemanth Raju, Paramesh Halaradhya, Vishwas Suresh, Dayanand Mogale, Vishwanath Halyal, Prajwal Pradhan, Vijay Kumar and many others.

From the Clean Up Australia website:

“Australians have more than demonstrated their passion and responsibility for cleaning up their local environment. Over 550,300 volunteers have donned their gloves and picked up a bag to remove rubbish from around 7341 sites across the nation.

Early figures predict they will have removed around 16,150 tonnes of rubbish, just the beginning of what is shaping up to be a tremendous effort yet again.

Since the national event started in 1990 Australians have donated more than 26,100,600 million hours towards caring for the environment through Clean Up Australia Day, by removing an estimated 288,650 tonnes of rubbish across the country.”

Clean Up Australia Day is truly a national event, in which everyone participates.

Indian and other multicultural groups have been increasingly participating in these activities.

Australia is a great & clean country and it is everyone’s job to keep it that way.

We did our part and are proud of it.

Dr Yadu Singh