Hepatitis C – How is it different to Hepatitis B?

Australian Indian Times
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Hepatitis C – How is it different to Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis C – How is it different to Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis C – How is it different to Hepatitis BHepatitis C unlike hepatitis B has an easily accessible and simple cure. However, unlike hepatitis B, the hepatitis C virus cannot be prevented by vaccination. This is why, like with hepatitis B, it is important to check if you have ever been exposed to the virus.
Hepatitis C is endemic around the world and is passed from blood-to-blood contact. Unlike hepatitis B, it is rarely transmitted from mother to child at birth.
People living with chronic hepatitis C don’t usually have any signs or symptoms until the virus has caused damage to their liver – this can take many years to occur. Hepatitis C can also cause liver cancer and therefore by being cured of the virus you can greatly reduce the risks of liver damage and liver cancer.

How do people get infected with the virus?
• Blood transfusions, medical and dental procedures performed overseas – including cosmetic procedures.
• Blood transfusions or organ transplants undertaken in Australia before 1990.
• Tattooing, piercings, body modifications that may have not been done under strict infection control – e.g. in some one’s home, or in another country.
• Sharing of personal hygiene equipment such as razors, toothbrushes etc. Remember you cannot tell by looking at someone if they are living with hepatitis C.
• Traditional practices (medical or cultural) involving penetration of the skin using shared tools or equipment.

How can you find out if you are living with hepatitis C?
• A simple blood test (by any doctor or nurse practitioner) or through a community point of care (finger prick) testing facility will let you know if you have hepatitis C antibodies (HCV-Ab) – which means you have been exposed to the virus, but it does not mean you definitely have hepatitis C.
• Further testing for hepatitis C virus is needed (HCV-PCR or HCV RNA testing) to confirm whether you have hepatitis C or not. This needs to be done by your doctor or nurse practitioner. If virus is detected in your blood (the HCV-PCR or HCV RNA test is positive), you will need treatment.

How and where do you get treatment?
• All GPs in Australia and some nurse practitioners can prescribe treatment for hepatitis C.
• If you have liver damage your GP will refer you to a Liver specialist for further medical management.

Is treatment difficult or expensive?
• No. Treatment is very easy, and the new treatments have an extremely high cure rate.
• Treatment takes between 8 and 12 weeks and involved only taking 1 or 3 tablets a day.
• Hepatitis C medications are very cheap – costing around $70-$120 if you have a Medicare Card, and less if you have a Healthcare Card.
• If you do not have a Medicare Card, you can buy hepatitis C medications online (www.fixhepc.com) with a doctor’s prescription

How do you know you have been cured after treatment?
• You can see your doctor to do another hepatitis C RNA (PCR) test one month after completing the treatment. If it is negative, you are cured.

Can you get hepatitis C again after being cured?
• Yes, you can be reinfected with hepatitis C. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. This is why it is very important to avoid blood contact – no matter how small the amount, like what may be on a toothbrush.
If you would like a test for hepatitis C the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland is able to provide Free confidential finger prick testing to check for hepatitis C antibodies before December 2024.

For more information please contact (BCHWs add your details here) or you can visit our webpage at www.eccq.com.au/bbv.
You can also contact us by email at [email protected] or call 3844 9166.

Guru Pournami – Receiving the Guru’s Grace – Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

Australian Indian Times
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Guru Pournami – Receiving the Guru’s Grace – Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

Guru Pournami – Receiving the Guru’s Grace

Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

Sadguru a yogi
Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

This is the time of the year when Shiva, the Adiyogi’s attention first fell upon the Saptarishis – the now, celebrated seven disciples. In the yogic tradition, Shiva is not worshipped as a God, but is considered the Adiyogi – the First Yogi, and as the Adiguru, the First Guru from whom the yogic sciences originated. So, we are in the month when an ascetic and yogi who was completely uninvolved with what was around him, was beginning to get involved. For twenty-eight days, from one full moon day to the next – the one which is referred to as Guru Pournami – Shiva could not take his attention off the Saptarishis, who had done some simple preparatory steps for eighty-four long years without even a moment of attention from him. Now, his attention upon his first seven disciples was undivided. So this month is seen as a month where even a completely heartless ascetic could not ignore, he became compassionate and was compelled to become a teacher or a Guru. This month is seen as the best time to receive the Grace of the Guru and make yourself receptive to the process. This is a good time to earn that attention from the Grace.
“What should I do?” is always the question. If you don’t do anything of your own, so that you are less of yourself, that is the best way to be receptive. Sadhana is always structured like this, so that it absorbs you into activity in such a way that in the daily process of living, you forget who you are, what you are and what your life is about. You are just absorbed into what is happening. That is the best way to receive Grace.
There is a beautiful expression in the Zen system of allowing human consciousness to grow. A disciple went to a Zen master and asked, “What should I do for my spiritual growth?” “Sweep the floor, chop the wood, cook the food, that’s all.” “For that, why should I come here? I can do it at home.” But there, sweeping is about your own floor. You will not sweep the next house’s floor if it is dirty. You will chop wood for your own use, you will cook food just for yourself and whom you consider as yours. You are using every activity to enhance who you are, not to dissolve who you are. This is all the difference between making our karma either into a bondage or into a process of liberation. Either you are acquiring karma or your karma is becoming yoga.
So, this month is the month of Grace. Grace is like manure for growth, that a human being can catapult himself to another dimension of existence, capability and possibility. So making use of Grace – what should we do? Nothing to do. The less you do within yourself and the more you do outside of yourself, the more available you become to Grace.
Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service.

GOPIO Queensland Hosts Spectacular Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner 2024 at The Westin Brisbane

Australian Indian Times
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GOPIO Queensland Hosts Spectacular Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner 2024 at The Westin Brisbane

GOPIO Queensland Hosts Spectacular Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner 2024 at The Westin Brisbane

GOPIO Queensland Hosts Spectacular

GOPIO Queensland Hosts Spectacular Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner 2024GOPIO Queensland Inc, the Queensland chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin, illuminated the night with an unforgettable Annual Fundraising Gala Dinner at The Westin Brisbane on April 19, 2024, in support of the Iconic India Day Fair. The event was a resounding success, owing to the generous support of sponsors, the presence of esteemed dignitaries, and the captivating performances that enthralled the audience.
The Gala Dinner was made possible by the generous contributions of sponsors committed to community empowerment. Austec Services led as the main sponsor, demonstrating unwavering support for community initiatives. Gold Sponsor Cr Charles Strunk, along with Silver sponsors Sixty Four Property, Nationwide Migration and Education, represented by Senator Paul Scarr, added to the event’s prestige. Cornerstone Law Office and Migration Doctors also contributed as Bronze sponsors, further elevating the evening’s success.
Distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion, enriching the evening with their presence. Senator Paul Scarr, alongside Councillor Vicky Howard, the Lord Mayor, and Councillor Charles Strunk, added to the event’s grandeur. Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner, as Patron of GOPIO QLD’s Women’s Council, brought an aura of grace and elegance. Notable speakers included OAM Umesh Chandra ji, Vice President Usha Chandra, and President Arpit Singh.
The Gala Dinner was flawlessly executed by the dedicated hotel staff at The Westin Brisbane, ensuring every detail was meticulously attended to. Pele Ramdhani commenced the event and conducted the auction, while emcees Kanish and Khushboo kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. Pragati’s enchanting dance performance, followed by a captivating display by the Tapori squad, added cultural richness to the event.
Expressions of gratitude were extended to the tireless members of the GOPIO Queensland team, whose dedication was instrumental in orchestrating the evening’s success. President Arpit Singh, Umesh Chandra OAM, Usha Chandra, Rohani Prasad, Irene Bayldon, Rishi Bhardwaj, Sidharth Malhotra, Kanish Chabra, Neelu Balgovind, Yousouf Ali Khan, and Rakesh Sharma were commended for their exemplary efforts.
As the night unfolded, attendees were treated to mesmerizing performances by Sonalisa and Amar ji, whose melodious voices filled the air with magic. Pragati’s dance performance, presented by Kalaa Dance, enthralled the audience, leaving everyone spellbound.
The Gala Dinner was not merely an event but a celebration of community spirit and unity. New members joined the ranks amidst an atmosphere brimming with energy and positivity, indulging in delectable Indian cuisine.
As the night concluded, anticipation filled the air for the upcoming India Day Fair at Roma Street Parkland on August 17, 2024. This event promises another exciting opportunity for the community to celebrate the richness of Indian culture. GOPIO Queensland extends heartfelt thanks to all dignitaries, sponsors, performers, and attendees for their invaluable contributions. Together, we continue to build bridges, foster inclusivity, and create moments of joy and celebration within our community.

Impressions: Music and Meditation by Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia

Australian Indian Times
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Impressions: Music and Meditation by Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia

Impressions: Music and Meditation by Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia

Impressions -Music and Meditation by Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia

There has been a strong relationship between spiritual harmony and music from very early times. Tagore in many of his work insisted on the essential kinship of man with nature. He writes…
“The grand orchestra of the universe has filled my heart
In many a quiet moment in my imagination.” … Rabindranath Tagore
On Saturday, 6th April 2024, Sahaja Yoga Australia hosted a program themed “Music and Meditation” in Brisbane at the SunPAC. This program was organised as part of the Australia-wide commemoration events celebrating the 101 birthday of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi.

Sahaja Yoga Australia hosted a program themed Music and Meditation in Brisbane at the SunPAC
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi was a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, recipient of the United Nations Peace Medal and was honoured twice by the United States Congress. She was internationally recognised for her contribution to humanity through a lifetime of work for peace and the wellbeing of humankind. Since 1970, she had travelled across the world tirelessly, spreading this message of love and peace. Now millions around the world are enjoying meditation using a very simple technique known as Sahaja yoga that was brought to humanity by Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. This technique promotes mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. She had received numerous awards and citations from the governments of many countries in recognition of her selfless efforts for social improvement.
The Music and Meditation program commenced at 6:30pm with a warm welcome from Meghamala Roy Basu. Megha respectfully acknowledged the Turrbal, Ugarapul/Yugarapul and Jagera people, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, including Elders past and present, and the ongoing efforts to protect and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures for a lasting legacy.
The first performance of the evening was by Sahaj Sangeet. Sahaj Sangeet includes singers and musicians from diverse background who are connected through their spiritual practices and passion for music. Sahaj Sangeet presented two Hindustani Devotional Music pieces known as Bhajans in Hindi, and a musical composition accompanied by traditional and contemporary instruments, including Sitar, Harmonium, Santoor, Flute and Tabla. These semi classical songs based on Indian ragas coupled with simple Sahaja yoga meditation techniques helped the audience to connect with the inner spirit and experience the joy of meditation.
After a short break, Megha briefly spoke about the benefits of Sahaja yoga, before introducing Rhitom Sarkar, the feature artist of the evening, for his maiden performance in Brisbane. Born to musician parents in Kolkata, child prodigy Rhitom Sarkar started playing Indian classical music but soon veered towards playing the guitar due to its musical appeal (akin to vocal) to glide. His innovative mind searched for ways and means to incorporate the finer nuances of Indian music into his guitar practice. Rhitom’s preferred instrument is the Indian slide guitar or ‘gandharvi’ – a modified archtop acoustic with sympathetic and plucked drone strings, specially designed for playing ragas. Ragas are the melodic patterns and modes in traditional Indian music compositions.
Rhitom started with Raag Malkaush in Jhaptaal followed by a composition on Teen taal. He concluded the evening presentation with a dhun in Mishra Kirwani. The mesmerising performance ended with a standing ovation from the audience. Megha concluded the program with a brief note of thanks.
This free “Music and Meditation” program raised public awareness about simple methods to reduce stress, improve mental health and wellbeing, and promoted the benefits of a balanced living. Members of the wider community highly appreciated the significance and the overall quality of the program, including the role of Sahaja Yoga Meditation Australia and hosts in promoting inclusiveness, respect and belonging while making a positive contribution to the social, cultural and economic life of Queensland, evident from the following testimonials:
“If you ever have opportunity to see Rhitom again, it’s definitely worth going!”
“Sensational! The music and vibrations were exceptional!”
“Outstanding performance!”

A Commemoration of Mothers by Nerin Naidu

Australian Indian Times
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A Commemoration of Mothers by Nerin Naidu

A Commemoration of Mothers by Nerin Naidu

(Author of Birth, Death and Moments Between)
www.nerinnaidu.com

A Commemoration of Mothers by Nerin Naidu a
Nerin Naidu

I woke up on a Monday morning under a month ago to over twenty missed calls and text messages from my sisters tell me to call either one of them urgently. We all live in different continents.
“Someone must have died!” I thought to myself, sweating and shivering in fear.
“Mummy’s been taken to hospital. She’s having difficulty breathing,” said my sister.
“We know nothing else. We are trying to get flights out.”
After a few painful hours of waiting with abated breath, I heard my mother’s voice.
A soothing calm enveloped me.
I spoke to her when she was first admitted before any of the tests were done to confirm or refute the suspected disease.
Softly, almost inaudibly she said, “I’m in hospital. They just drained a litre of fluid from my lungs. They think its cancer.”
Silence…
We both listened to each other’s breathing. Hers, laboured and deliberate, mine gasping, panicking.
“It may be cancer,” she said again matter-of-factly.
She added after a long pause, “ They also found a mass in the left breast and the collapsed lung.”
“No way, Mummy!” I replied. “It could not possibly be cancer. We have never had a history of cancer in our family,” I reassured her.
“Let’s just wait and see,” she said after considering my words.
I confidently told her, that she had a long way to go before death visited. I was so completely and utterly wrong because death paid my Mother an unexpected visited two short weeks later.
“I’m taking the next flight out,” I added.
“No,” she said. “Let’s wait for the tests.”
I applied for my Canadian visa the moment she ended the call and waited for her to tell me to go to her. She never did.
The dreaded vias took a full 72 hours after numerous calls to the consulate explaining the urgency.
“I just got the visa Mummy,” I said to her.
“Don’t come yet” she said.
“Wait until after the Easter rush. I will need your help when the others have left,” she assured me.
A few days before I was due to leave, my mother called to say Good Bye.
“I can’t wait for you. I see you on Facetime all the time. I’m dying tomorrow morning,” she said.
My mother was a very practical, stoic woman. She was ready to die. I was not ready for her to die. Are we ever really ready for our parent’s death?
“Please mummy wait for me!” I begged.
“No, I’m ready now. I just want to say Good Bye…”
I lost my mother to cancer less than a month ago. She was diagnosed two weeks prior to her death with stage 4 breast cancer which had metastasised to her lungs.
She was one of the lucky ones though. She did not suffer but dictated the time and place of her demise. She passed away peacefully, a smile on her lips, with loved ones at her side and those of us that could not be with her in person held on to her for as long as we could, watching the passing online, offering our final prayers from afar.
Perhaps the most and least gratifying role is that of motherhood.
Mothers are seldom seen by innocent minds as simply fallible human beings with dreams, thoughts and goals of our own. We are often taken for granted, seen as super-women, unbreakable and the figure that will always be there even as we pass the years from the birth of our precious off-springs, to their adulthood themselves, while growing older, maybe wiser and often frailer ourselves.
As Mothers, we go about our daily lives wearing a number of hats so that we can be everyone we need to be for our children. We are the carers, cooks, cleaners, teachers, nurses, counsellors, chauffers, earners and sometimes punching bags for our children, because we are mothers and it is both instinctive and expected of us.
Mothers constantly and lovingly give, asking for little in return, we nurture even when we ourselves require nurturing. We become almost invincible in the eyes of our innocent children, until they start, sometimes lovingly, sometimes not-so-much, questioning our worth, our values, our very role in their lives.
I see from the eyes of mother and daughter. I am both blessed with and guilty of being both.
I never expected the day to come where I would be unable to chat to my mother, tell her of all the goings on in my all too busy life, complain about trivialities that mean nothing, hearing her soothing words of calm reassurance, constantly asking her for ago old recipes and home remedies from her mother passed on from her grandmother.
My mother listened, advised, smiled, laughed, cried, scolded and loved me unconditionally. And I, the child, took every moment for granted. Reassuring her that I would see her in September. September would never come though, at least not for my mother.
Her passing although devastating, has gifted me with the in-depth insight of a mother, a person nobody can replace. Only when one is gone can we see the complete picture of who they really were, the good, the not so good and all the in-betweens that make us human, for we are fallible beings born to learn life-long lessons.
I look within as a mother myself and try to remember all the incidental lessons, advise, stories and memories passed down from my mother and her mother before her.
I smile when my daughter shares her many blissful moments, success and joy with me. I cry when I know her heart is sore. I listen offering advice only if she askes for it. I scold her then regret my harshness. I hold her close at every chance I get, telling her how much I love her and at the end of it all I close my eyes and see my mother in me as I hope that one day when my daughter looks at her own off-spring, she will see a bit of us all- her mother, grandmother and great grandmother shining through her.
Take the time to see your mother, the real her, love her as she is and let her know how grateful you are for her. Share the moments together while you can because the twilight years come all too soon, and we are forced to say our final Good Byes.

Multicultural leaders unite for 60th Red Shield Appeal, launched by The Hon. Daniel Mookhey

Australian Indian Times
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Multicultural leaders unite for 60th Red Shield Appeal, launched by The Hon. Daniel Mookhey

Multicultural leaders unite for 60th Red Shield Appeal, launched by The Hon. Daniel Mookhey

Chief Guest - The Hon Daniel Mookhey, MLC - NSW Treasurer & VIPs
Chief Guest – The Hon Daniel Mookhey, MLC – NSW Treasurer & VIPs
Chief Guest - The Hon
Chief Guest – The Hon. Daniel Mookhey, MLC – NSW Treasurer

The Salvation Army’s national multicultural launch of the annual Red Shield Appeal was officially launched by The Hon. Daniel Mookhey, MLC Member of the Legislative Council – NSW and NSW Treasurer on Monday along with Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army.

Business, community, and media leaders from multicultural audiences who spoke over 30 languages attended and celebrated the event.

Commissioner Miriam Glyas-Territoral Commander, The Salvation Army
Commissioner Miriam Gluyas-Territoral Commander, The Salvation Army

Celebrating its 60th year, The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army’s flagship fundraising appeal and Australia’s largest and longest running doorknock appeal. This year, The Salvation Army are aiming to raise $38 million nationally to fund vital work around the country, including the key work The Salvation Army does within multicultural communities.

Commissioner Miriam Gluyas, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army said, “The Salvation Army have been committed to standing alongside and supporting those from multicultural communities for the last 140 years, and we continue to provide services and programs in communities that have a lasting impact.”

Lieutenant Colonel Xuyen Pho, Multicultural Community Officer - The Salvation Army
Lieutenant Colonel Xuyen Pho, Multicultural Community Officer – The Salvation Army

“The Salvation Army multicultural launch provides The Salvos with an amazing opportunity to connect with multicultural community leaders who are passionate about supporting people within multicultural communities. We are also extremely grateful to MultiConnexions, who have supported The Salvation Army and hosted this event for over 20 years.”

The Salvation Army Team & Sheba Nandkeolyar, MultiConnexions CEO
The Salvation Army Team & Sheba Nandkeolyar, MultiConnexions CEO

The Hon. Daniel Mookhey said: “Multicultural communities in Australia are an integral part of the economic and social fabric of our society. We are proud of our multicultural communities who contribute enormously in all facets of Australian life. It is my privilege to launch The Salvation Army’s annual 60th Red Shield Appeal in 2024 to multicultural communities across Australia. The Salvos are a valuable and inclusive organisation, helping people in need without discrimination.”

Sheba Nandkeolyar, CEO of MultiConnexions and Eva Burrows Award recipient said: “Multicultural audiences in Australia are proud of their country of origin, and also proud to be able to contribute to their country of adoption – Australia. With unwavering support from multicultural communities over the years, The Salvation Army works tirelessly to provide inclusive support services and deepen community connections. MultiConnexions is honoured to support the Red Shield Appeal multicultural launch over the years but more so this year being a milestone 60th year.”

Attendees
Attendees

Each year, through The Salvation Army’s nationwide network of over 400 centres and 2,000 services in areas such as homelessness, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, youth support, family and domestic violence, financial hardship and much more, the Salvos provide*:

  • Assistance to one person every 17 seconds
  • More than 1.67 million sessions of care to over 250,000 people in need
  • Over 1.2 million bed nights to those who need accommodation
  • More than 1.63 million meals to those who access our homelessness services

To donate to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

Visit to Ram Janma Bhoomi, Ayodhya

Australian Indian Times
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Visit to Ram Janma Bhoomi, Ayodhya

Visit to Ram Janma Bhoomi, Ayodhya

Visit to Ram Janma Bhoomi, Ayodhya

Visit to Ram Janma Bhoomi, Ayodhya aNo other better day to share our experiences at Ram Janma Bhoomi, Ayodhya when Shree Ram ji first Surya Kiran darshan happened this morning.
Just wanted to share our Experience and Spiritual journey of Visiting Ayodhya temple on the 10th day after Pran Pratisthan on the 31st January 2024.
It literally gave us goose bumps when we were in the very powerful spiritually charged place and could feel the Presence of Shree Ram Lalla.
It’s a Return of Ram Rajya and the whole of India was charged with the sentiment of unified Hinduism. The streets were decorated with Maroon marigold flowers and everywhere there was a Chant of Jai Shree Ram and the whole atmosphere was charged with positivity.
May be Nitin Bhogale and Arati Bhogale we were the first couple to visit Ayodhya in that magical period from Australia.
We were blessed to have this visit possible with Anuradha Tai Paudwal as she was invited to participate in the 45 days long Gayan Seva organised by the Ram Mandir Trust.
Crowning glory was when we met the Actual lineage of Shree Ram ji the Rajkumar Mr Yetinder Mishraji and his Sister Rajkanya of Ayodhya.
We are so spiritually charged by the experience that we have the urge to go and visit again and experience the moment again very soon.
Authored by: Nitin Bhogale and Arati Bhogale

Shri Ram Naumi – Gayatri Mandir, Boondall

Australian Indian Times
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Shri Ram Naumi – Gayatri Mandir, Boondall

Shri Ram Naumi – Gayatri Mandir, Boondall

Shri Ram Naumi – Gayatri Mandir, Boondall

By Dharmesh Prasad

“Sarveshu Ramante itihi Ramah”

Jo sab me raman karta hai wo hai Ram, ‘’that which revels in every one of us, the pure self, light of consciousness, the Atman is Ram.
Hindu society of Qld celebrated Shri Ram Naumi Utsav with great zeal and passion, decked with arches, lights and decorations, created an atmosphere of celebration, positivity and anticipation of Ram Janam.
Our life is an Utsav/celebration as such we should celebrate our existence with a balance of spirituality and material prosperity. The Committee received many messages of support and positive feedback from the devotees.
Characterisation of the Ramayana is symbolic, Lord Rama symbolises self-luminous and pure consciousness, there are two different manifestations’, Nirgund and Sargund. When we say Sargund, Lord Ram has manifested/born as a human being to perform the divine play and teach humanity the art of living. Lord Ram lived the Vedas to provide a lesson in life, he had 108 qualities in him that made Ram “Mahapursuh”. Nirgund is the Awareness and Consciousness as Atman – atma rupi bhagwan resides in each of us, it is still present today even though the Sargund Ram has dissolved in the nature-prakriti.
Sita represents the ego, the Jeeva, the mind. As long as Sita’s attention is on Ram, she was ever blissful. Similarly, we are happy as long as we are attuned to the inner-self, thus this is the perfect union of Ram and Sita.
Lakshman personifies tapas-austerity and one pointedness. When desire overtakes us, tapas also leave. But even if we are desiring and covetous, still we may not come to harm if we remain within the confines of discipline and self-control – this is known as Lakashman-Rekha.As soon as we step out of it, we are captured and consumed by the ten headed monster in the form of Ravan.Ten head symbolises five sensory organs (gyan indriya) and five organs of action (karam indriya) This represents the extrovert nature, fulfilment of sensual desires and material affluence which is devoid of spirituality.
Hanumanji Maharaj represents Sharadha bhakti, spiritual inner strength, devotion and faith which proves to us that lord is always with us. Similarly other characters symbolise three modes of nature-gunas, vibihshan – Sattva, Ravan – Rajas and Kumbhkaran – Tamas, these qualities are still present in us today and on a daily basis we need to work on ourselves to be a better version of who we are.
We must not see Ramayana as a story of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita, Hanumanji Maharaj but understand that these events are happening to us in our daily lives, as we become astray in life, we suffer the duality of life, we are unable to transcend pain and pleasure hence dukkha – suffering.
Pujinye Pundit Sanat Pandey expounded the Ramayana over nine days, a strong turnout was present daily. His message to devotees was, Lord Ram is the epitome of kindness, compassion, and love. Lord Ram’s wisdom and patience made it possible for him to follow his inner good without worrying about the loss of luxuries and kingship. Pujinye Punditji also explained the valuable life lessons which occurred thousands of years ago yet so relevant today. It is not your position but your service that matters the most, truth always prevails, plant seeds of faith and unity can overcome any difficulty in life. Be deeply committed to your duty (dharma), choose the path of righteousness, remain humble no matter how powerful you become, treat everyone equally and forgiveness is greater than revenge.
HSQ Gayatri Mandir will be organising Bhagwad Gita Atma Gyan Katha – The Song of God from 16 May to 18 May. This spiritual discourse will be delivered by learned Shri Jai Narain Shastriji from Auckland, NZ. Shastriji was born in Kurukshetra, he is a scholar in Sanskrit and has been offering spiritual discourse in Bhagwat Puran, Shri Ram Charitra Manas Katha and Shrimad Bhagwad Gita for last 50 years.
Everyone is invited to participate and immerse in the divine shlokas that reveal the purpose and goal of human existence and provide techniques for implementing spiritual guidelines in our daily lives.
Hindu Society of Queensland has completed CRM/ database project. Many devotees have moved residences and may have new contact details as such we are updating membership details like mobile phone numbers, email address etc. This would assist us to communicate better and update members on latest developments at the mandir. Please contact Secretary Mrs Nirmala Shandil on 0466 436 964 or Vice President/PRO Mrs Neelima Chand on 0405 409 156 or alternatively email us at [email protected]. Many Thanks for your support.

Upcoming Events
Somwar Shiva Pooja every Monday: 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Ramayan Recital every Tuesday: 7.00pm to 8.30pm
16 May to 18 May – Bhagwad Gita – by Shri Jai Narain Shastri, Auckland
Sundarkand and Trayodashi is held every month at the mandir, for details and sponsorship please kindly visit our website and Facebook page. Regular updates will be sent to all devotees via Facebook and SMS.
Stay Connected with Hindu Society of Queensland
Website www.hindusocietyqld.org.au Facebook: Hindu Society of Qld and email us on [email protected] Phone: (07) 38653164 Address: 178 Lyndhurst Rd, Boondall QLD

Hon Pt Harish Sharma’s Book Launch

Australian Indian Times
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Hon Pt Harish Sharma’s Book Launch

Hon Pt Harish Sharma’s Book Launch

Hon Pt Harish Sharma's Book Launch

Hon Pt Harish Sharma's Book Launch aHon Pt Harish Sharma launch of a memoir was a tribute to a life richly-lived, characterized by strong family ties and values; marked by dedicated service to Fiji, the legal profession, the community, religious institutions, and the education sector.

Politics Timeline
Mr. Sharma went into national politics, when he was nominated by Opposition Leader Hon Siddiq Koya to Fiji’s first Senate, following Fiji’s Independence, in 1970.
Mr. Sharma had an illustrious political career, having been elected, as a Member of Parliament, to the House of Representatives 7 times – 1972, twice in 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, and 1994.
Through his lifetime of dedicated national service, Hon. Sharma occupied esteemed positions including Senator, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Leader of the Opposition, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Information. He epitomizes wisdom and authority. Hon. Sharma’s distinctive political style endears him as a kind and compassionate leader, who steadfastly upheld national interest, equality, dignity, justice and political morality.

Hon Pt Harish Sharma's Book Launch bCommunity Leadership
During the 1990s, he assumed the presidency of the Shri Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji, providing 10 years of steadfast leadership until his retirement in 2003.
Upon retiring, he was bestowed Life Membership and honored with the prestigious “Sanatan Ratna” awards, the highest recognition by the SSDPS in Fiji.
Furthermore, his religious contributions in Sydney were acknowledged with a second “Sanatan Ratna” award by the Sanatan Dharm Sabha of NSW.
In 1993, Mr. Harish Sharma was honored with the Order of Fiji (OF) award for his dedication and contribution to Fiji.

Ipswich Ramayan mandali’s 2024 Ramnaumi

Australian Indian Times
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Ipswich Ramayan mandali’s 2024 Ramnaumi

Ipswich Ramayan mandali’s 2024 Ramnaumi

Ipswich Ramayan mandali Ram Naumi Celebrations
Ipswich Ramayan mandali Ram Naumi Celebrations
Ipswich Ramayan mandali
Ipswich Ramayan mandali

Ipswich Ramayan mandali’s 2024 Ramnaumi was celebrated at Master Bimal and Shakuntala Prasad’s place at Goodna.
The Mandali’s inception dates back to about 35 years. It has continued to uphold and celebrate Hindu religious functions and celebrations with inputs of many predominantly immigrants of Fiji Indian community. It had its own challenges like any religious organisation such as during the peak of COVID years.

Ram Naumi Celebrations Ipswich Ramayan Mandali.
Ram Naumi Celebrations Ipswich Ramayan Mandali.

Some of the hallmarks of the organisation has been the training of the youngsters, the Baalvikash group where children of younger age groups sing kirtan, do stage performances and even do Ramayan recital.
The Ipswich Ramayan Mandali acknowledges the contributions of all those individuals who have contributed through their participation, support and other means.

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