A Guru Mixes the Right Cocktail

Australian Indian Times
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A Guru Mixes the Right Cocktail

A Guru Mixes the Right Cocktail

A Guru Mixes the Right Cocktail

Sadhguru: There is a wonderful story in the yogic lore. One day, a gnana yogi, a bhakti yogi, a karma yogi, and a kriya yogi were walking together in a forest. Usually these four people can never be together, because a gnana yogi has total disdain for every other yoga. An intellectual person, a thinking person has complete disdain for everybody else. A bhakti yogi, full of emotion and love, thinks all this gnana, karma and kriya yoga is just a waste of time. Just love God and it will happen. The karma yogi thinks everybody is lazy and that they have all kinds of fancy philosophies. What needs to be done is work. One must work, work and work. The kriya yogi just laughs at everything. The whole existence is energy. If you don’t transform your energy, whether you long for God or anything else, nothing is going to happen.

So, usually they cannot be together, but today they were walking together. Then it started to rain heavily. They started running, looking for shelter, and they found an ancient temple which just had a roof and no walls. In the center of this structure, there was a linga. These four people went inside the temple for shelter. The storm became more and more furious and it started raining in torrents. The fury of the storm was getting into the temple so they went closer and closer to the linga. There was no other way to be because it was just blasting them from all sides. Then it became so furious and there was no other place, so the only way they could get some protection was for all four to hug the linga. Suddenly, they felt something enormous happening. A huge presence, a fifth presence was there. All of them said, “Why now? For so many years we have pursued You and nothing happened. Why now?” Then Shiva said, “At last the four of you got together. I have been waiting for this to happen for a long time.”

Without addressing the four basic ingredients of body, mind, emotion and energy out of which all your present experiences are rooted, one cannot move ahead on the spiritual path. Right now, the only things that are in your experience are your body, your mind, and your emotions. You know them to some extent, and you can infer that if these three things have to happen the way they are happening, there must be an energy that makes them happen. Without energy, all this cannot be happening. For example, a microphone amplifies sound. Even if you don’t know anything about the microphone, you can infer that there is a source that powers it.

So these are the only four realities in your life: body, mind, emotion, and energy. Whatever you wish to do with yourself, it must be on these four levels because you can only start a journey from where you are right now. If you use your emotions and try to reach the ultimate, we call this bhakti yoga, the path of devotion. If you use your intelligence and try to reach the ultimate, we call this gnana yoga, the path of intelligence. If you use your body or physical action to reach the ultimate, we call this karma yoga, the path of action. If you transform your energies and try to reach the ultimate, we call this kriya yoga, that means internal action.

These are the only four ways you can work with yourself.

In one person the heart may be dominant, in another person the head may be dominant, in yet another person the hands may be dominant, but everyone is a combination of these four, so you need a process that is a combination of these four. And only if it is mixed in the right way for you, it works best. What we give for another person, may not work well for you. Only when it is mixed in the right proportion it works for you. That is why on the spiritual path there is so much stress on a live Guru. He mixes the right cocktail for you, otherwise there is no punch.

Raising Children with Roots and Wings

Australian Indian Times
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Raising Children with Roots and Wings

Raising Children with Roots and Wings

Practical Steps for instilling strong values for the desi millennial parents

Raising Children with Roots and Wings

Many of us made the bold decision to leave behind everything familiar – our families, our friends, even our favourite street food spots – to start a new life in Australia. We came here with dreams tucked into suitcases, driven by the hope of building a better, safer, more prosperous future for ourselves and our families.
But along with opportunity comes responsibility. As migrant parents raising children in a culture different to our own, we often carry the invisible but significant burden of instilling the values that will help our children not only survive but also thrive in a multicultural society like Australia. How do we raise children who are resilient, respectful, and culturally rooted?
The challenge is real. We want our kids to succeed in a world that celebrates independence and self-expression, without losing the respect for family, culture, and community that defines our upbringing. We want them to be strong enough to face life’s challenges, but soft enough to be kind. We want them to have roots that ground them and wings that allow them to fly.
This is not just about preserving culture or discipline. It is about raising conscious, compassionate, and confident human beings who can walk in two worlds – proud of their heritage and prepared for the future.
Here are some practical, everyday steps we, as desi millennial parents, can take to instil these values in our children:
1. Respect Begins at Home – It’s a Two-Way Street
“Respect your elders” was drilled into us from childhood, but how many of us truly felt respected as kids? Many of us grew in households where we felt invisible to our elders. The first lesson in teaching respect is practising it ourselves. Children who are treated with respect grow up understanding how to respect others – including themselves.
This means listening when they speak, validating their feelings, and allowing age-appropriate choices. Correct them when needed, but do so with dignity, not with humiliation or fear. How we treat our partners, elders, and even strangers in their presence teaches them far more than lectures ever will.
Respect does not mean giving in to every demand. It means setting clear boundaries with kindness and ensuring children understand that their opinions matter, even when the final decision rests with us.
2. Model Resilience Through Your Own Life
Resilience is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. It is not about making them tough by dismissing their feelings. It is about showing them that setbacks, failures, and challenges are not the end.
Our migrant journeys are filled with resilience – adjusting to a new country, finding jobs, building community, navigating racism, and overcoming loneliness. Instead of hiding these struggles, share age-appropriate versions with your kids.
Let them see that you have faced hard times and kept going. When they struggle – whether it is with schoolwork, friendships, or sports – avoid rescuing them immediately. Coach them through the problem, ask questions like, “What do you think you can try next?”, and praise their efforts, not just the outcome.
Children who see their parents overcome challenges grow up believing they can do the same.
3. Make Gratitude a Family Ritual
Gratitude doesn’t happen by accident. It is cultivated through small, daily practices.
Many migrant parents hope their children appreciate the sacrifices made for them, but constant reminders often backfire. Instead, build a family culture of gratitude:
share one thing you are grateful for at bedtime, involve kids in volunteering or community service, encourage thank-you notes for gifts or acts of kindness, highlight life’s small blessings – a sunny day, a shared meal, a good laugh.
When gratitude becomes a habit, children naturally develop humility and a sense of abundance.
4. Build Emotional Awareness Through Everyday Conversations
Many of us were taught to suppress emotions in the name of strength. But true resilience requires emotional awareness.
Teach your children to name and express their feelings. When they are upset, instead of dismissing it with “Stop crying,” say, “It is okay to be sad. Do you want to talk about it?”
Model emotional expression yourself. Share when you are feeling stressed, tired, or proud. This normalises emotions and teaches children that feelings are not weaknesses to hide but signals to understand.
Emotionally aware kids cope better with stress, build stronger relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.
5. Celebrate Your Culture with Joy, Not Obligation
Our children are growing up in a multicultural society. They will question, compare, and at times resist aspects of their heritage and that is normal. Our role is to make culture a source of pride, not pressure.
Celebrate Indian festivals with excitement. Cook traditional meals together. Share stories about your childhood. Teach your native language through songs, games, dances and casual conversation – not just formal lessons.
At the same time, respect their Australian identity. Encourage them to explore, make friends from diverse backgrounds, and find their own balance.
Culture thrives when it is offered with love, not imposed with guilt.
6. Encourage Problem-Solving and Independence
It is tempting to shield our kids from struggle, but resilience grows when they face age-appropriate challenges.
Give them opportunities to solve their own problems: struggling with homework? Guide them, don’t complete it for them; conflicts with friends? Listen, but let them navigate social dynamics.
When children learn they can overcome obstacles, their confidence and independence soar.
7. Create a Safe Emotional Home
No matter how strong or independent we want our kids to be, they need to know they can always come home to safety, love, and acceptance.
When they mess up, be the parent they can turn to, not the one they fear. Correct them with firmness but without breaking their spirit. Celebrate their successes, big or small. Listen when they struggle. Offer comfort without conditions.
A child who feels safe at home becomes resilient in the world.
The Journey Forward
Raising children between cultures is both a privilege and a challenge. We can give our kids the best of both worlds: the values, traditions, and strength of our Indian heritage, and the freedom, independence, and diversity of Australian society.
It requires patience, self-awareness, and constant reflection.
In doing so, we honour the sacrifices of our parents, the dreams that brought us here, and the bright futures of the next generation.
Let’s raise kids who know who they are, where they come from, and most importantly, who have the strength to shape where they’re going.

Yamma Yamma Returns – A Bollywood Comedy Spectacle Hits Brisbane!

Australian Indian Times
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Yamma Yamma Returns – A Bollywood Comedy Spectacle Hits Brisbane!

Yamma Yamma Returns – A Bollywood Comedy Spectacle Hits Brisbane!

Yamma Yamma Returns – A Bollywood Comedy Spectacle Hits Brisbane

Get ready, Brisbane! After a string of sold-out productions, Australian Indian Theatre is back with its latest laugh riot – Yamma Yamma Returns, playing Saturday 26th July at Calamvale Community College.
This all-new musical comedy takes audiences on a wild ride through time, where Yamraaj (yes, the god of death!) must fix a divine mix-up with a search of true love. Expect crazy twists, killer dance numbers, and a tribute to every era of Bollywood—all packed into one night of hilarious mayhem.
Known for shows like Bhasamasur, Junction ki chudail, Salaam-e-Ishq, Shakuntala, and Shri Raam Leela, Australian Indian Theatre has built a reputation for blending Indian storytelling with modern Aussie flair. With packed houses and a growing fan base, we’re not just making theatre—we’re creating a movement.
Don’t miss the most outrageous theatrical party of the year. Tickets on Eventbrite now!

Where Law Meets Business

Australian Indian Times
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Where Law Meets Business

Where Law Meets Business

Where Law Meets Business

‘Stop, porridge pot, stop’. At least the little girl had the magic words to stop the porridge pot from producing and overflowing porridge. This is a reference, of course, to the fairytale story, The Magic Porridge Pot.
In reality, we have overflows of another kind and things have gone terribly wrong and we don’t have the magic words to make it stop.
To begin, it was a Harvard Law School professor who articulated a set of principles about the morality of law including:
• that laws must be publicly known and accessible so individuals and businesses can understand and comply with them—the principle of promulgation;
• that every letter of the law should be simple and clearly stated. It should be written in a way that it is easily understood. It should not require high level skill or higher education for a law to be understood—the principle of clarity;
• that the law should not be fleeting but relatively steady through time so that individuals and businesses can adjust their behaviour accordingly—the principle of stability.
If we embrace these three principles as benchmarks, we have lost our ways.
The principle of promulgation: that laws (which includes regulations, rules, rulings and determinations) must be publicly known and accessible.
Yet in practice, they’re anything but that. Laws are not announced on television or sent with your electricity bill. They are scattered across obscure government websites, nested within complex legislation, and buried deep in court databases—hardly in plain sight.
We come to the principle of clarity: that the law should be simple and clearly stated. This hardly needs to be said that this is no longer the case. As the then Justice Steven Rares of the Federal Court said, in reference to the Income Tax Assessment Act, the Competition and Consumer Act and the Corporations Act the ‘business community of this country cannot be expected to deal with legislation of this unnecessary detail. The cost of trying to understand the discordant patchwork of wish list amendments that have been welded onto a simple body of an original Act must be truly mind boggling. Do we really need a telephone book-size statute to regulate corporations?’
So much for the principle of clarity.
Finally, we come to the principle of stability: that the law should not be fleeting but relatively steady. Legislation is churned out so frequently and in such piecemeal fashion that even lawyers might struggle to stay current. Pity the entrepreneur.
Yet too often, these principles—benchmarks—are cast aside in favour of quick fixes—laws shaped less by thoughtful design and more by panic, politics or the desperate need to be seen to do something—anything—no matter the cost.
But these principles are not academic because when these principles are cast aside or ignored, which is happening too often, two things happen and have happened and will continue to happen. First, Justice Rares’ phrase, ‘legislative porridge’, captures one result: a mix of legislative measures stirred together in haste. Laws shaped more by panic, politics or the desperate need to be seen to do something—anything—no matter the cost. But this lacks the structure and substance that you and your business needs. Spurred by successive crises and regulatory failures (for example, the Optus outage, PwC tax leaks, consumer difficulty in accessing consumer guarantee remedies, Robodebt Scheme, underpayment of wages, poor airline performance, enforcement of restraint of trade clauses, children being harmed online), the legislative engine has been working at a relentless pace.
Second, the outcome may best be described as what the author calls ‘corporate pudding’—a term that captures three recurring characteristics of corporate non-compliance that should be apparent to both businesses and informed observers: (1) the nature of the noncompliance and failures demonstrate a striking disregard for fundamental principles or requirements of the law; (2) businesses repeating its own previous noncompliance, indicating a failure to learn from past mistakes; and (3) businesses committing the same or similar breaches that were committed by their competitors, indicating a disengagement from, or disregard of, the legal and regulatory developments around them.
But here is the more intriguing point: corporate noncompliance often triggers the very reactive lawmaking that creates the legislative porridge in the first place. It raises a worthy question: does ‘legislative porridge’ cause ‘corporate pudding’, or does ‘corporate pudding’ cause ‘legislative porridge’ or are they, in fact, mutually reinforcing—each a cause and a consequence of the other?
If this all sounds like a legal porridge bowl tipped sideways, that is because it often is. To help make sense of it, the author of this article is the author of a new book called Bridging Business and the Law in Australia. It was published by LexisNexis on 5 June 2025. And that is precisely the point of the book: to serve as a navigational guide through the thickets of modern Australian business law.
It spans 40 chapters organised into nine parts. The chapters appear in the order that events are destined to arise for a business. The book not only presents the law in an accessible way, it goes further—offering practical tips, red flags to watch for, highlighting common traps and how to avoid them, presenting lesser-known free tools that can make a real difference to businesses and including real-world scenarios. This book fills a gap in Australian legal and business literature not previously addressed.
With about 2.5 million businesses in Australia, many without lawyers or easy access to professional legal advice, the legal system’s growing complexity can be daunting. This book provides a margin of safety for them.
—Nilay B. Patel is a lawyer based in Melbourne.

When You’re Hard on Yourself: The Hidden Invitation to Grow

Australian Indian Times
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When You’re Hard on Yourself: The Hidden Invitation to Grow

When You’re Hard on Yourself: The Hidden Invitation to Grow

The Hidden Invitation to Grow

There’s a moment, quiet but sharp, that many of us know well.
You forget something. Miss a deadline. React poorly.
And before anyone else says a word, your own voice turns on you:
“You should’ve done better.”
“What’s wrong with you?”
“Why can’t you ever get it right?”
That voice, your inner critic, is something most people experience. It cuts deep, lingers long, and rarely offers compassion. But could it also carry a hidden grace?
One of the Mind and Motion Cards, Flaws offers a gentle prompt:
“Being hard on yourself can limit growth, but it may also reflect a deeper care for who you are becoming.”
Let’s sit with that.

The Habit of Harshness
Being hard on yourself often masquerades as self-improvement. It insists it’s making you stronger, sharper, more disciplined. But often, it contracts the heart. It limits movement, physically, emotionally, mentally.
From a Vedic lens, the mind is both guide and saboteur. As shared in the Bhagavad Gita:
“For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, the mind will remain the greatest enemy.” (Gita 6.6)
When self-talk becomes harsh, it may not foster learning, it can freeze growth. Rather than guide us forward, it may keep us circling past mistakes. And yet, this harshness usually emerges from a protective place, a shield against disappointment, rejection, or failure.
It’s not about weakness. It’s about survival.
But survival is not the same as living.

The Motion of Becoming
Here’s where a subtle shift happens, what limits us may also reveal what matters to us. Beneath self-judgment lies care. We don’t criticise what we don’t value.
If you’re hard on yourself, perhaps it means you care deeply, about your impact, your growth, your values.
The Mind and Motion Card – Flaws encourages curiosity, not condemnation:
“What is this voice protecting?”
“What might it sound like if translated into care?”
From here, we may begin to respond, not with punishment, but with presence.
Like breath returning us to the body, gentleness returns us to movement.

Softness as Strength
If the aim is to grow, not just succeed, but evolve, then kindness must be part of that journey.
Stumbles are part of motion. Awareness, not fear, shapes who we become.
A Reflection Practice
Next time your inner voice tightens its grip, consider this reflective practice, inspired by the Mind and Motion approach:
1. Pause. Take a breath.
2. Acknowledge the voice: “I hear you.”
3. Ask: “What am I afraid will happen if I don’t push myself like this?”
4. Listen with compassion, not correction.
5. Respond: “There may be another way to grow, one that includes care.”
Let that land. Let it move you.
Being hard on yourself isn’t necessarily a flaw, it may be a sign that you’re aware of your own potential. But if you stay caught in the cycle of harshness, you may miss the deeper invitation: To grow, with awareness, with care, and with motion.
So, the next time you hear “You should’ve done better,”
Pause. Breathe.
And whisper back:
“I’m already becoming.”
Explore Further
The Mind and Motion Cards offer guided reflections like this to support your personal growth journey. These tools are designed to complement, not replace, professional support.
For more resources or to purchase the deck, please visit www.monicapema.com/blog

Monica Pema | Integrated Wellness Expert
MSc. Psychology | Dip. Holistic Kinesiology
“From Passion to Purpose in All Walks of Life”
This article is intended for self-reflection and general education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological care.

World Hepatitis Day 28 July 2025 – Let’s Break It Down

Australian Indian Times
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World Hepatitis Day 28 July 2025 – Let’s Break It Down

World Hepatitis Day 28 July 2025 – Let’s Break It Down

World Hepatitis Day 28 July 2025 - Lets Break It Down

The chosen date of 28 July as World Hepatitis Day was to honour the birthday of Dr Baruch Blumberg, the Nobel laureate who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed the first diagnostic test and vaccine 56 years ago. It highlights the importance of hepatitis B among all types of hepatitis, including the other four viral hepatitis types (A, C, D, and E).
The hepatitis B virus was first discovered by Dr Blumberg in the 1960s in Australia. Today, this preventable infection—which can cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer—still affects 254 million people worldwide.
In Australia, chronic hepatitis B (having the virus for more than six months) is the most common cause of viral hepatitis, and the burden falls disproportionately on communities born overseas in regions where the virus is endemic and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Yet, common barriers prevent people from accessing diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. This is evidenced in the latest national Viral Hepatitis B Mapping Project report (https://ashm.org.au/resources/viral-hepatitis-mapping-project/), which shows that in Australia in 2023, an estimated 219,800 people were living with chronic hepatitis B:
• 31.2% of these people remain undiagnosed.
• 75.5% do not access crucial six-monthly liver health checks to reduce the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, despite all of them being required to do so.
• 17% of people who are eligible for hepatitis B treatment are not yet receiving it.
Barriers to care include language differences, cultural beliefs, and simple lack of knowledge, other factors—such as fear of discrimination, stigma, social isolation, or judgment—drive many to hide their status and avoid medical care entirely.

On World Hepatitis Day, we encourage you to:
1. Get the Facts Straight:
Hepatitis B mainly spreads through blood and can also be transmitted through sexual contact. It is not transmitted through casual contact like hugging, kissing, sharing food or water, or shaking hands. Knowledge reduce fear.

2. Talk Openly:
Encourage respectful conversations about hepatitis B. Normalising discussion reduces shame and encourages help-seeking.

3. Get Tested:
If you were born in a high-prevalence country or believe you might be at risk, see your doctor. A safe, effective vaccine exists to prevent infection.

4. Offer Support, Not Judgement:
If someone confides that they are living with hepatitis B, respond with empathy. Encourage them to access regular medical care and receive treatment if required. About 30% of people living with chronic hepatitis B need treatment, and treatments are highly effective at controlling the virus and protecting the liver.
Due to the highly effective hepatitis C treatments—with cure rates reaching 96%—the number of people living with hepatitis C has dropped from 162,590 in 2016 to less than 68,890 in 2023 in Australia (https://ashm.org.au/resources/viral-hepatitis-mapping-project/). We expect that the remaining people living with hepatitis C will be diagnosed and cured, preventing further liver damage and cancer.
Currently, the Love Health Program at ECCQ is partnering with the Kirby Institute at the University of NSW to provide free rapid hepatitis B and C testing for people born overseas, as part of a large national research project aiming to improve testing and diagnosis.
If you are interested in getting a test, please contact [email protected] or scan the QR code to register for a free test. You can find more information including translated resources on hepatitis, HIV, and STIs at www.eccq.com.au/bbv.
If you are in Cairns, you can contact the team at Cairns Sexual Health Services by calling (07) 4226 4769 or emailing [email protected].

Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se: A Mesmerizing Musical Journey in Brisbane

Australian Indian Times
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Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se: A Mesmerizing Musical Journey in Brisbane

Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se: A Mesmerizing Musical Journey in Brisbane

Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se - Brisbane a

Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se - Brisbane c

Brisbane’s stage was alive with energy as the city played host to the highly anticipated Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se, a celebration of music that bridged the gap between classical and contemporary sounds. Dil Se- the concert was a visual and auditory masterpiece, captivating the hearts of all who attended.

As the evening unfolded, the crowd felt an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. With the stage lit up, the first beats of the music reverberated through the venue, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The performance was a tribute to the magic of Bollywood music, and the musicians on stage, a talented ensemble, were ready to captivate the audience with their passion and skill. The performing artists were Om, Ruchi, Preet, Indira, Aastha and Yamini. The master of ceremonies Ameet entertained al very well.

Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se - Brisbane d

Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se - Brisbane bWhat truly set the concert apart was the fusion of traditional Indian instruments, such as flute and tabla, with contemporary sounds from electric guitars and drums. The musicians were Eswar on Keyboard, Sidarth on Kayboard, Manpreet on Octapd, Reet on Percussion, Parbin on Dholak and Tabla, Pranav on – flute, Ruskin on bass Guitar, Yathav lead guitarist and Wilson on Rhythm Guitar. This dynamic blend of east and west created a unique soundscape that resonated with the diverse Australian Indian community in attendance. The crowd swayed, clapped, and sang along, creating a sense of unity and connection that only music can provide.
As the concert ended with a powerful encore, the audience was left in awe, their hearts full of the magic they had just experienced. Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se was more than just a musical event—it was a celebration of culture, emotion, and the universal language of music.

Surr Live in Concert – Dil Se - Brisbane e

Where is it cheaper to have a mortgage than rent?

Australian Indian Times
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Where is it cheaper to have a mortgage than rent?

Where is it cheaper to have a mortgage than rent?

Where is it cheaper to have a mortgage than rent

Recent media coverage based on a joint study by Ubank and Cotality talked about Australian suburbs where making mortgage repayments was cheaper than paying rent.
The study had found some 500 unit markets and 600 house markets across the country where servicing a mortgage would be the cheaper option than paying Australia’s median weekly rent of $659.
Information coming out of the study was generally interesting, informative and might be useful for home buyers and property investors.
The rentvesting sector might also find value in the study’s finding. Rentvesting has been a healthy trend in the real estate scene for some time now and has proved to be an attractive option for those who can’t afford a mortgage where they’d like to live.
The joint study’s research showed that mortgage repayments, along with a 20 per cent deposit, were a cheaper option to renting in 7.7 per cent of Australian suburbs, and gave some examples highlighting capital cities, with Darwin the strongest showing for this trend.
It’s important to do your own research because, taking Brisbane for example, where the median weekly rent sits at $678 and the purchase price equivalent would be $606,000, the study explains that figure is similar to the current median value of houses in Leichhardt and units in Zillmere; but things are not always exactly as it seems.
Zillmere is a suburb in Brisbane, 13.2 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD but Leichhardt is actually a suburb of Ipswich, not Brisbane, and is 46.4 kilometres southwest of Brisbane CBD. Location is a big factor in property decisions.
If you want to read the run down on other capital cities and suburbs, go to https://www.ubank.com.au/newsroom/rentvesting-on-the-rise
Credit: RE/MAX Australia

International Yoga Day Celebration at Government House, Brisbane: A Celebration of Health, Harmony, and Unity

Australian Indian Times
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International Yoga Day Celebration at Government House, Brisbane: A Celebration of Health, Harmony, and Unity

International Yoga Day Celebration at Government House, Brisbane: A Celebration of Health, Harmony, and Unity

International Yoga Day Celebration at Government House, Brisbane

International Yoga Day Celebration at Government House, Brisbane c

The serene grounds of Government House in Brisbane were filled with peace and vitality on June 21st, as the Queensland community gathered to mark the 9th International Yoga Day. Organized by the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, the event was a remarkable celebration of yoga’s profound global impact, promoting health, wellness, and cultural unity. This year’s celebrations took on a particularly special tone, as the event was graced by the presence of Queensland’s Governor, Her Excellency Dr. Janette Young, whose participation added prestige and recognition to this significant occasion.
From early in the morning, the majestic lawns of Government House were transformed into a space of collective calm. The event drew a diverse group of participants, from seasoned yoga practitioners to newcomers eager to experience the calming effects of the ancient practice. With its theme “Yoga for Well-being,” the celebration embodied the values of health, mindfulness, and harmony that yoga promotes.
The morning began with a welcoming address from Consul General of India in Brisbane, who highlighted the significance of International Yoga Day and its growing global appeal. He explained how yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India thousands of years ago, has become a universal tool for improving physical and mental well-being across the world. In his speech, he underscored the importance of holistic health, noting how yoga integrates mind, body, and spirit to create balance and harmony in daily life. He thanked the Queensland Government and Her Excellency Dr. Janette Young for their support in promoting such a meaningful event.
International Yoga Day Celebration at Government House, Brisbane aFollowing the address, Her Excellency Dr. Janette Young, Queensland’s Governor, took centre stage, radiating warmth and positivity. As a passionate advocate for health and well-being, Dr. Young’s participation in the event was a testament to her commitment to fostering an inclusive and healthy Queensland. She expressed her delight in joining the celebration and emphasized the growing popularity of yoga in Australia, noting how it had become a cornerstone of mental health and wellness for people of all ages and backgrounds. Her Excellency took part in the yoga session, participating in the collective practice alongside the crowd, symbolizing the unity and connection that yoga fosters among diverse individuals.

The core of the event was the group yoga session, led by certified instructors from renowned yoga schools. The peaceful atmosphere of Government House, coupled with the guidance of experienced instructors, provided the perfect setting for participants to explore various asanas (yoga poses), breathing techniques, and meditation exercises. The morning air was crisp, and as the participants moved through each posture with mindfulness and grace, a sense of tranquillity settled over the gathering. The sound of gentle instructions and the rhythmic flow of collective breathing created a feeling of unity, both within the participants and in the broader community.
The success of this year’s International Yoga Day celebrations was evident in the positive feedback from participants. Many expressed how the event helped them deepen their connection to the practice of yoga, while others appreciated the sense of calm and focus that they experienced throughout the session. Yoga, as an ancient practice, continues to evolve and adapt in modern society, and the Queensland community’s embrace of it speaks volumes about its universal appeal.
Finally, the International Yoga Day celebration at Government House was a beautiful reminder of the power of yoga in fostering well-being, unity, and peace. Her Excellency Dr. Janette Young’s participation and the Consulate General of India’s thoughtful organization of the event ensured its success, providing a platform for people from all walks of life to connect, breathe, and experience the transformative benefits of yoga. As the participants left the event with a sense of calm and positivity, the message was clear: yoga is not just a practice; it’s a way of life that transcends borders and brings people together in the pursuit of health and harmony.

Winter Reflections, Community Strength, and What’s Ahead This Season

Australian Indian Times
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Winter Reflections, Community Strength, and What’s Ahead This Season

Winter Reflections, Community Strength, and What’s Ahead This Season

Winter Reflections Community Strength and Whats Ahead This Season

Winter Reflections Community Strength and Whats Ahead This Season bDear AUSTRALIAN Indian Times Readers,
I hope you’ve been staying warm and soaking up the beautiful winter days that July brings here in Brisbane. For me, winter is always a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with myself, my family, and with all of you. Thank you for your kind messages, your thoughtful conversations, and for the ongoing support you show one another and this vibrant community we’re so lucky to be part of.
I want to begin by acknowledging those doing it tough right now—those facing illness, grief, or financial pressure. Please know you’re not alone. Community means being there for each other in every season, and I want to remind you that if you need a helping hand, you can reach out. Over the past month, I’ve spoken with many who are struggling with unexpected healthcare costs. Visiting the GP has become more expensive for some, especially with new out-of-pocket charges for scans or pathology tests that used to be covered under Medicare. For those without pension or a health care cards, it’s even harder. If you’re in this position, please reach out—I may be able to connect you with local not-for-profits or community organisations that can help with medical costs, food parcels, or other support.
Winter Reflections Community Strength and Whats Ahead This Season aOn a more uplifting note, July has been rich with cultural and spiritual significance. Many observed Ashadi Ekadashi, marking the beginning of Chaturmas—a sacred time in the Hindu calendar for prayer, fasting, and spiritual reflection. It was a joy to see so many families sharing this beautiful tradition in their own ways.
We also came together as a wider community to celebrate NAIDOC Week, held from 6–13 July. It’s always a powerful reminder to listen to, honour, and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures—the oldest continuing cultures in the world. I encourage everyone to carry the spirit of NAIDOC into everyday life, not just for one week a year.
This month also brought attention to our shared responsibility to care for the environment. National Bee Keeping Day on 19 July reminded us of the essential role bees play in our ecosystem, and on 28 July, World Nature Conservation Day called us to reflect on our environmental impact and how we can do our part for future generations.
Looking ahead, there are some exciting community events I’m thrilled to share. First, the GOPIO India Day Fair returns to Roma Street Parklands on 17 August—an event I’ve loved since childhood. I recently had the pleasure of attending the fundraising dinner alongside GOPIO members, local leaders, and community friends, and it filled me with pride to see the dedication behind this celebration and of course – JD and Sandy. I’m always thrilled to catch up with them. It’s a wonderful day of dance, food, culture, and unity that always feels like a giant family reunion.

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Pencil these dates in your diary: 4 October, The Grand Diwali Festival returns to Dreamworld—a magical evening filled with fireworks, music, food trucks, and joy! And on 5 October, CrestWalk 2025 invites us all to walk together in support of mental health, community connection, and wellbeing.
August is also Multicultural Queensland Month—a time to reflect on inclusion and the beauty of diversity. I’d like to sincerely thank the Deo family and the Queensland Multicultural Council Inc. for their tireless work championing cultural voices across Queensland. Their continued efforts to support inclusive community events and publish stories that matter help us all feel heard, seen, and valued.
During the school holidays, I had the chance to volunteer with the Mustangs Rugby Union Club in Forest Lake. In the leadup to Multicultural month, I will make special mention of their President, Elisaia ‘Saia’ Taufao, who is a quiet achiever making a big impact. Saia’s passion for community, youth sport, and Pacifica leadership is truly inspiring. He reminded me how sport brings people together and builds resilience, especially in young people. The club is in need of support—so if you’re in a position to sponsor, donate, or volunteer, please reach out to Saia directly. Every bit makes a difference.
Winter Reflections Community Strength and Whats Ahead This Season eAnd just a friendly nudge—I hope you kept all your receipts! As we step into the new financial year, several important tax changes have come into effect. There are new income tax brackets offering relief for low and middle-income earners, a 20% HECS-HELP loan reduction planned for June 2025, continued asset write-offs for small businesses, and superannuation contributions increasing. If you’re unsure how these changes affect you, please seek advice from a qualified financial advisor or accountant.
As always, if there’s a topic you’d like me to cover or a story you think deserves to be told, I’d love to hear from you. This column is about all of us—and I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you.

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