Varnam Cultural Society (QLD) hosts a Citizenship Ceremony
January 26th, Australia Day, is now synonymous with citizenship ceremonies across this glorious country. Likewise, the Varnam Cultural Society (QLD) is synonymous with the successful execution of various multicultural events and hosts a Citizenship Ceremony this Australia Day.
A Citizenship Ceremony is a significant occasion that marks the welcoming of a new cohort to the diverse tapestry of our nation. Traditionally, local councils commemorate Australia Day by orchestrating such ceremonies, uniting individuals from all backgrounds to partake in the solemn recitation of the pledge of commitment – the culminating step in their journey towards Australian citizenship. For the Varnam Cultural Society, this marks our inaugural hosting of the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony.
In the early morning hours, Varnam Cultural Society members convened with enthusiasm to meticulously prepare for the ceremony at the local Springfield Lakes State School. They were soon joined by Hon. Milton Dick, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Federal Member for Oxley and Charis Mullen MP, Minister for Child Safety, Seniors, Disability & Multicultural Affairs, State Member for this Jordan electorate.
Hon. Teresa Harding, Mayor of Ipswich, Cr, accompanied the distinguished ministers—Paul Tully, representing Division 2 as an Ipswich Councillor, and Cr. Nicole Jonic, also from Ipswich City Council, is serving as Councillor for Division 2. By approximately 8:15 AM, the atmosphere was imbued with joy as the new citizens arrived to partake in the final stage of their journey towards Australian Citizenship.
The ceremony commenced with a vibrant opening by Rajarajan Thennavan, President of the Varnam Cultural Society, extending a warm welcome to all attendees on their joyous occasion. Hon. Milton Dick MP, as the Presiding Officer, adeptly presided over the ceremony with grace and dignity, elevating the experience into a truly memorable occasion for our new citizens. Guiding the proceedings, he administered the pledge to the new citizens. Hon. Charis Mullen MP delivered an inspiring speech, instilling a sense of unity and pride among all present.
The pledge-taking ceremony culminated with a rendition of the Australian National Anthem, skilfully led by the talented Lakhsheeny M Parasuraman, whose mesmerising voice resonated throughout the gathering. Following the ceremony, the Presiding officer and the guests generously participated in photo sessions, creating lasting memories for the new citizens and contributing to the overall significance of the day.
Varnam Cultural Society and its dedicated members take pride in orchestrating yet another successful debut in hosting a government event, underscoring their unwavering commitment to the Greater Springfield community service.
Congratulations to all new citizens of this magnificent land, our home, Australia! By Rekha N Swamy
Public Relations Officer
Varnam Cultural Society
Kairali Brisbane’s Christmas and New Year event shares joy and cheers
The holiday season in Brisbane, Australia, was illuminated with the warmth and cheer of Kairali’s remarkable Christmas and New Year events. With festive spirit in the air and hearts brimming with joy, Kairali Brisbane, one of the prominent organisations in Queensland known for its commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement, orchestrated a memorable celebration that brought together family, friends and community from all walks of life under the new leadership of Mr Tom Jose Anithottathil.
The event was held on the 20th of January 2024 at Logan West Community Centre, Hillcrest, co-ordinated by Mr. Jay Nair and Dr. Jaisy Arikkatt, captivating around 500 attendees. The event hosted dignitaries and community leaders, including Fr. Abraham Nadukunnel, Parish priest, St. Thomas, the Apostle Syro-Malabar Forane Church, Brisbane South, Mr James Martin MP, Member for Stretton, Mr Jon Raven, Councillor, Logan City Council, Mr Anoop Nannaru, President, FICQ, Mr Shyam Das, immediate past President FICQ. The Master of ceremonies, Mr Jay Nair and Mrs Ramya Vishnu, with warmth and sincerity, guests to partake in the joyous festivities, encouraging participation and interaction that enriched the communal experience. Attendees were treated to performances featuring mesmerising Margam kali dances, soul-stirring Carol songs, and Bollywood dance performances. Amidst the jubilant atmosphere and twinkling lights, Santa’s arrival added a touch of magic and wonder to the festivities, bringing joy and laughter to children and adults alike. The stage came alive with a Laser DJ show conducted by DJ Manu Anthony. The evening was filled with a kaleidoscope of talent and creativity. One of the event’s highlights was the culinary extravaganza, a five-course meal organised by Five-star catering by chef Tom that delighted the senses and tantalised taste buds. The aroma of spices mingled with the laughter and chatter of attendees, creating an ambience of warmth and friendliness.
“Our celebration transcends boundaries of culture, language, and tradition, bringing together people from all walks of life to revel in the joy of togetherness and shared humanity exclaimed. Mr. Thomas Jose Anithottathil is the president of Kairali Brisbane. “Through our events and initiatives, we seek to celebrate the richness and diversity of our tradition while also nurturing a sense of belonging and inclusivity that transcends borders and barriers.” Mr Shibu Eldho, Secretary of Kairali Brisbane, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The success of the event would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of federal and state governments, City Council, local businesses, community organisations, dedicated volunteers and performers who contributed their time, talent and resources to make this event a resounding success”.
As we bid farewell to the holiday season, the memories of Kairali’s spectacular celebration will linger in the hearts and minds of all who attended, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of joy, generosity, and goodwill that defines the holiday season. In the tapestry of Brisbane’s cultural landscape, Kairali’s event has woven a vibrant unity and celebration, illuminating the city with the timeless magic of Christmas and the promise of a new year filled with hope and possibility.
Home Remedies for Hair Repair, Hair Growth, and Preventing Greying
Hey Girls, we have very common problems with our hair due to the regular use of chemicals. Here, I am sharing some home Remedies for hair repair, hair growth and preventing greying.
Indian Gooseberry (Amla):
Tips to control hair fall and promote hair growth are incomplete without mentioning alma, also known as Indian Goose Berry; it is a popular remedy used in Ayurveda. Regularly applying amla directly on hair helps strengthen the hair follicles, stimulates hair growth, and prevents hair breakage and split ends. Amla has many magical properties; it is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C. Amla is good for healthy hair growth and is known for improving hair pigmentation. Mix 2 teaspoons of Amla juice with two teaspoons of lime juice. Apply this mixture on the scalp and leave it to dry for 2 hours. Rinse off with warm water.
Garlic
This popular kitchen herb is well-known for its intense flavours and numerous health benefits. Garlic is one of the fast hair growth home remedies and is majorly known for controlling hair fall. It is also one of the most popular home remedies for scalp fungus. It boosts the circulation in the scalp and regenerates hair growth. Boil 7 to 8 cloves of crushed garlic with olive oil and apply it to the roots of the hair follicles. Repeat this thrice a week to notice the difference.
Vitamin E Oil
Filled with antioxidants, vitamin E oil fights the free radicals. It helps to increase oxygen in the body and improves blood circulation in the scalp. Massage your scalp with vitamin E oil and leave it overnight. Wash it with a mild shampoo the following day to gain silky smooth hair. Rosemary Oil: Rosemary oil is one of the best oils to reduce hair loss, usually found in Middle Eastern countries. Prepared from rosemary herb, this oil increases cell division and accelerates blood circulation. It has proved to be effective for hair growth and is used as a hair tonic.
Rosemary Oil
Take two tablespoons of shampoo and mix two tablespoons of rosemary oil into it. Shampoo your hair with this mixture. You can also massage your scalp with equal amounts of olive oil and rosemary oil.
Potatoes: Being a rich source of nutrients such as vitamins A, B and C, calcium, potassium, iron and phosphorus, potatoes are an excellent natural remedy for hair growth, preventing dryness of hair and premature greying. Take 1 ½ cups of potato juice in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of honey, a little water, and one egg yolk and mix it together. Apply this mixture to damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo.
Potatoes for hair:
Doing this once a week is more than enough to strengthen and rejuvenate weak and brittle hair. After a few months, you will notice a change in your hair. look after yourself in Summer. See you next time – Nimisha
Birth, Death and Moments Between, a book by Nerin Naidu
Nerin Naidu
Birth, Death and Moments Between is a collection of short stories about women: their struggle, strife, success and survival in an ever-changing world. The new release by Brisbane author Nerin Naidu spans multiple generations, continents, and cultures, giving words to those without voices and voices to those without words.
Nerin’s debut collection of short stories is brutally honest, sometimes painfully so, scattered with moments of joy, love, regret, hate, and desire – all the traits and emotions that make us human.
About Nerin
Nerin was born as a middle child to a fourth-generation South African Indian family.
While in University, Nerin found her two true passions: anthropology, learning about different cultural groups and creative writing, putting pen to paper and letting her thoughts run free.
Nerin graduated from the University of Durban Westville as a teacher. She studied further in South Africa, obtaining her Bachelor of Education.
“For only through education can you succeed,” reiterated her mother’s words, a teacher herself.
Nerin secured a position as a high school teacher and travelled during the school holidays, unknowingly captivated to remember the lives of people she encountered. She came to a crossroads that would determine the future course of her life.
Job opportunities opened up concurrently in both Canada and Australia. Nerin fell in love with Canada before she even stepped foot on the icy white ground.
She said, “Looking down from the aeroplane’s window seat at the snow-covered landscape below, I felt the calling of home. Stepping off the plane, the cold air that stung my nostrils and slithered into my lungs refreshed me like the very first life-giving breath of a suffocating neonate; the blanketed trees, seeking respite from the Summer’s heat, brought comfort to my scorched soul. It still does every time I’m blessed with the sight of the first purest of snowfall.”
Yet Australia beckoned to her louder and more robustly with an urgent, determined that she would call Australia home.
And so she did, immigrating to a sun-kissed, searing-hot rural town in Queensland.
Nerin continued to study while working as a teacher, completing her Master of Education from the University of Melbourne and another Master of Education in Guidance in Counselling from the University of Queensland.
Nerin dedicated her entire existence to those she loved most: her family and the children she nurtured daily as a special education teacher in Brisbane and later head and leader of a sizeable inclusive education unit at a private college, a department she started from the ground up.
She also volunteered as a grief and loss counsellor, listening to those who needed it most.
Happiness seldom lasts, as Nerin found, suffering a heart attack while assisting a student at work, followed by the tragic loss of her brother. She had a second heart attack as she navigated through the journey of a busy life.
Nerin believes she is the person she is today because of yesterday’s struggle. She pens her deepest thoughts and experiences, personal and those of others, that she encountered on her tediously long and, in reality, brusquely short journey through life.
Nerin is retired. She now volunteers to teach and present creative and expressive writing workshops using art and meditation.
Nerin feels an exhilaration in sharing stories that need telling, stories of significant and defining moments, for she is every woman: a mother, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a teacher, a cousin, an aunt, a wife chipped in places and sometimes frayed at the seams, but whole moving forward with a determined drive as life and love goes on.
Her debut collection of short stories, Birth, Death and Moments Between, reflects life as it happens. Please visit her website for details of workshops and the availability of her book. www.nerinnaidu.com
Birth, Death and Moments Between by Nerin Naidu is also available on Amazon Internationally.
Few people may remember that a Fiji-born Indian grandmother, widow of Martintar canefarmer Ram Dulare, passed away, aged 102 years, after a short illness at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital on December 4, 2023 – just a month before celebrating her next birthday. Her family gave her an appropriate farewell at the Lakeside Hall at Albany Creek Gardens. Below is the eulogy that a very close family friend Praveen Chandra delivered to a diverse group of mourners. It was both moving and full of insight into the various facets of our mother’s rich life.
Mrs. Ram Dulari – Eulogy
As we reflect Amma’s (mother) 102-year life, we are reminded of the profound impact she had on all of us and the countless lives she touched. Amma was born in the village of Vuniyasi in the picturesque town of Nadi, Fiji on 9 January 1921. Amma’s father’s name was Hari Das Sadhu. He was an educated and learned man and an ardent follower of guru Kabir Das. He had come from India with his parents as an eight-year-old boy. His parents Tara Das and Rajwanti, were from a village in Rajasthan and were induced to sail to Fiji under the infamous “girmit” system.
Amma attended Andrews Government Primary School. In her book, Amma describes an interesting incident in school regarding her wedding dream as:
“When I reached Class Six, the girls and boys had separate desks. It was during this time that an interesting incident occurred that was to change my life later. In my class, there was a boy, Ram Dulare. Whenever the teacher called out his name, I would stand up because of the similarities of our names. This used to cause mirth in the classroom. One day, I dropped my pencil and when I tried to pick it up Ram Dulare recovered it and gave it to me. Our hands brushed gently. Even though I was a very young girl, the thought flashed in my mind that this is the boy whom I would like to marry. How prescient this was! Eventually, my wishful dream did come true.”
Amma was the classical romantic. Much later in Brisbane she became an ardent listener of Radio Brizvaani and would regularly phone the announcers to request songs to be played for her. One of her favourite songs was from film Dulari – “Suhani raat dhal chuki, na jane tum kab aaoge.”
Amma and Pitaji were married at the Vuniyasi home on 13 March 1935 and Amma moved into her home at Martintar. In due course Amma bore seven children, Vijendra Kumar, Krishna Kumari, Kusum Kumari, Sudha Kumari, Satya Kumari, Ajendra Kumar and Sarojini Kumari. All the children received good education and held good jobs. The eldest son Vijendra Kumar had the great honour of being appointed the first local editor of the Fiji Times in March 1975. They all got married and have wonderful families. Vijendra bhaiya lives in Brisbane; Krishna Kumari lives in San Franscisco; Kusum Kumari lives in Brisbane; Sudha Kumari lives in Canada; Ajendra Kumar lives in New Zealand and Sarojini Kumari lives in Sydney. Tragically, Amma’s beloved daughter Satya passed away at her home in Suva in 2011.
In 1986, Amma and Pitaji were sponsored to migrate to Sydney, Australia by their daughter Saroj. Saroj also took Amma and Pitaji to tour India, Canada and the USA.
In 1991 their eldest son, Vijendra Kumar and daughter-in-law Sadan migrated to Brisbane with their two sons, Jerry and Noddy, and their daughter, Kartika. Amma and Pitaji decided to move to Brisbane in 1993 to be closer to Vijendra bhaiya and his family. They lived independently in Ashgrove.
In 2010 great tragedy hit the family when Pitaji passed away at the age of around 90 years. Despite this painful setback Amma continued to live an independent life on her own, supported by numerous friends and family; and ably cared for by Sushila Massey.
Amma and Pitaji had been happily married for 75 happy years.
In May 2013 Amma was diagnosed with a blood clot in her right leg. Surgeons had no option but to do an amputation at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital. For a 92-year-old woman who had lived an active and busy life, this had a devastating effect.
It was during her long recovery period at the Dolphin House that she herself came up with the idea of writing her own life story. Vijendra bhaiya encouraged her and gave her a pen and a notebook and urged her to spend a couple of hours daily writing her journal in Hindi.
Three months later we produced her book “My Story”.
One would think that great setbacks Amma went through would restrict her gregarious ways. But this was not so. She continued to live independently and entertain her guests, and, furthermore, she travelled to Fiji in March 2016 for a sentimental journey to her old home at Martin Tar with her granddaughter Kartika. Rumours have it that the girls had a ball of a time in Fiji.
On Amma’s 100th birthday, she received congratulatory messages from the Premier of Queensland Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk; the Governor of Queensland, The Hon Paul de Jersy AC; the Governor General of Australia, His Excellency David Hurley AC DSC (Retd.); the then Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Scott Morrison; and from Queen Elizabeth of England.
Also, in 2021 we revamped her book “My Story” and retitled it “A Hundred Year Journey”.
Amma was not only a master of the kitchen; she was also a maestro in the art of hospitality. Her home was a place of refuge, where friends and family found solace in her warm embrace and the welcoming atmosphere she created. The doors of her home were always open, and the laughter that echoed within its walls reflected the love that radiated from her heart. Today, as we remember her, let us cherish the memories of shared laughter around the dining table and the joyous occasions illuminated by her culinary creations.
As we bid farewell to our Amma today, let us not mourn the end of her journey but celebrate the legacy she leaves behind. Her love, wisdom, and generosity have woven a tapestry that will continue to grace our lives for generations to come. Let us carry forward the lessons she imparted, the love she shared, and the joy she spread.
In the words of Rabindranath Tagore, “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.”
King Charles 111 congratulates Mr and Mrs Sharma on their Milestone 66th wedding Anniversary
Mr Hari Dutt Sharma and Mrs Arun Sharma celebrated their milestone 66th wedding anniversary on 28th December 2023; a get-together was organised at Saffron Indian Restaurant to mark the historic event.
Letters of Congratulations were received from King Charles 111 and Camila, Queen Consort, Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese, former Queensland premier Anastacia Palaszczuk, Deputy Opposition Leader, Shadow Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Commonwealth Games Mr John-Paul Langbroek, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, Member for Moncrieff- Ms Angie Bell MP.
Mr Hari Dutt Sharma, originally from Fiji, has traced his roots back to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, India. His father arrived in Fiji in 1913. After tracing his roots to India, Hari Dutt Sharma wrote a book on the experience, a copy of which has been presented to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mrs Arun Sharma ancestry is from Rajasthan India.
Mr Hari Dutt Sharma turned 91 on 18th November; he had served in the Ministry of Education, where he was in charge of scholarships, etc; many of his friends remember him from his days at Vivekananda College.
During his younger days, he was a keen soccer player and represented the Labasa team; he was nicknamed “Fiji Airways” as he was swift on the field. He became the team captain and later on a coach; he was once selected to the Suva team, though he did not get a chance to play for Suva.
The Sangam Association of Queensland revives the community engagement
Maathar Sangam group successfully held a meet-and-greet event on 19 November 2023.
The group are on Facebook. Women and girls in the community are encouraged to join the group. The group meets periodically and holds cultural, educational, and social activities.
A very successful seniors’ gathering was organised on 8 December 2023. It was a lunch gathering with lots of food, fun, activities, kava and talanoa! Due to its success, it is planned to hold such gatherings of seniors regularly.
Relocation of the temple project, -The MC has received quotes from several real estate agents on the value of the current premises. It is estimated between $600000 to $700000. The MC has asked the real-estate agents for potential land areas where the temple could be relocated.
As agreed at the last AGM, once these quotes have been received, the MC, in discussion with the Temple Relocation Committee (made up of ordinary members and MC representatives), will call an SGM to seek the decision of the members.
An annual pooja is planned to be held over 2-3 days. It would be held either in May or September. The venue would most likely be the Oxley Show Grounds. Other than walking on fire, the community can have all other activities, including Tirukuttu, food stalls, playing our traditional instruments, and offering prayers.
As part of the efforts to have a greater engagement of the community members in the association, the MC plans to organise meetings with our community members in groups.
This is to establish groups representing the South, East, West and North sides of Brisbane. The groups will have a representative chosen who could become ad hoc members of the MC.
This would allow the flow of information between the community and the MC and vice versa. Moreover, the different groups can take turns and look after the temple premises.
The current Management Committee is made up of Reena Naidu, Treasurer: 0407589769; Shiri Raju: Secretary: 0452001662, Raghwan: President:0432219454 Saroja Chandra:0432035202 Ashok Gounder, Vice President:0402378853 Ashwin Permal:0455662700, Neelam Naidu:0423488872 and Aman Kumar: 0431200108
Empowering Dreams, Basava Samiti’s Learn2Grow Program Unveils Success
By Mr. Sooraj Chirangara
Basava Samiti’s Learn2Grow Program Unveils Success Stories on 16 March 2024 @Brisbane Square Library
Embarking on a revolutionary journey across the enchanting landscapes of Australia and New Zealand, Basava Samiti’s Learn2Grow Program is not just a program; it’s a vibrant movement orchestrated by a dedicated cadre of volunteers. This pulsating initiative is not merely redefining education and community engagement; it’s creating ripples of change that echo across the vast expanse of Oceania. The imminent Data visualisation project presentation in Brisbane on March 16 adds another layer to this movement. It transcends the mere classification of an event, becoming a jubilant celebration of realised dreams, finely honed skills and lives undergoing a profound transformation. In the hallowed halls of the Brisbane Square Library, the community is invited to witness the tangible impact of Learn2Grow, serving as a testament to the program’s unwavering commitment to empowerment and positive change, resonating far beyond the venue’s confines.
With a bold mission to break down barriers, Learn2Grow is not just making waves; it’s causing a tidal shift in the traditional education paradigms. Operated entirely by a passionate team of volunteers, this program is a beacon of inclusivity, inviting individuals with a thirst for knowledge but shackled by financial constraints to join the transformative journey. This isn’t just about providing education; it’s about fostering a nurturing environment where innovative ideas germinate, step up to solve community challenges and guide the community while imparting values of courage, honesty, and integrity, as per Guru Basava’s vachana. Learn2Grow is a testament to the fact that education is not confined to the four walls of a classroom; it’s an immersive experience that transcends boundaries, unlocking the full potential of every eager learner.
Some of the values highlighted through this Learn2Grow Program are mentioned below:
Dāsōha (ದಾಸೋಹಾ) is a concept introduced by Guru Basava, wherein the experts impart their knowledge to train and uplift the learners with kindness and gratitude.
The learners apply Kāyakavē kailāsa (ಕಾಯಕವೇ ಕೈಲಾಸ) – the concept of experiencing heaven through the adoption of Dāsōha while solving community problems using hi-tech platform offered by the Charity. In its relatively short existence of just 18 months, Learn2Grow has emerged not merely as an educational platform but as a transformative journey for those enthusiastic about learning yet hindered by financial constraints. Driven by a philosophy of hands-on learning, the program actively motivates volunteers to immerse themselves in certified training across a spectrum of technologies, including Microsoft, Google Analytics, Tableau, Graphics Design, and more. The essence goes beyond the mere acquisition of skills; it extends to the delivery of projects that actively contribute to initiatives on a community-wide scale. Learn2Grow not only imparts knowledge but also empowers individuals to translate that knowledge into tangible, impactful outcomes for the betterment of their communities.
As a progressive and forward-looking initiative, Learn2Grow deeply understands the pivotal role of open data projects in effectively addressing community issues. By harnessing the
formidable power of data transparency, the program strategically targets real-world challenges confronted by communities. The integration of open data initiatives has become intrinsic to the program’s fabric, serving as a catalyst that equips volunteers with invaluable skills and empowers them to actively contribute towards resolving pressing local issues. In essence, Learn2Grow recognises that the pathway to community improvement is paved with the insights and solutions derived from open data initiatives.
Please register to attend this launch by emailing [email protected] to understand and witness the outputs of data visualisation using Office of Fair-Trading complaints and their relationships and the accident frequency and its correlation to other parameters in South East Queensland on the 16th March based on the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
The New Year brings great opportunities to make changes to your health. In Western culture New Years Resolutions often revolve around making promises to oneself to make changes to their lifestyle to improve health. These can include: • Stopping smoking • Stopping or drinking less alcohol. • Losing weight or getting fitter • Eating more healthily • Getting more sleep or rest • Getting a regular check up with a doctor.
Getting a regular check-up with a doctor is crucial for identifying potential health conditions. Unfortunately, many people believe that their doctor will automatically test for all conditions and therefore know if you have any health concerns. This is not the case for most people.
People often only seek help for their health when they either feel sick, have relative or friend recently diagnosed with a health a condition or need a medical check-up for a job or a visa. The doctor will then test for what would usually relate to the symptoms, or what is required for the medical certificate for a new job or a visa.
Why don’t doctors automatically check for all conditions?
This is usually a result of being very busy, needing to address the problem that the person presents with and the patient not asking for the tests they would like done. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, are more common and are routinely screened for in regular health tests. However, some conditions, like hepatitis B, are more common in certain groups such as migrants, and often go unchecked by doctors. This is partly due to hepatitis B being asymptomatic for a long time, coupled with a misconception among some doctors that all migrants undergo hepatitis B screening during immigration health examination, when in fact, it is not the case for most migrants.
As a patient you can ask to be checked for any conditions that you are concerned about or have perhaps been diagnosed with before coming to Australia.
As we know around 70% of people living with hepatitis B in Australia were born overseas and around 26% of all people living with hepatitis B in Australia do not know they have the infection, it is time to get a hepatitis B test if you do not know your status, yet. Hepatitis C is also an asymptomatic chronic condition that is not routinely checked. Luckily there is a cure for hepatitis C if you tested positive. If you do not have hepatitis B you may be able to get a free hepatitis B vaccination to protect you from getting the virus.
Start the New Year knowing what you need to do for your health. Whilst people would generally not want to be infected by this virus – it is better to know than not know so you can look after your liver and protect yourself from developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Ask your doctor if they have a record of status for hepatitis B or C. If they don’t, ask to be checked – it may save your life.
For more information about hepatitis B please visit our website www.eccq.com.au/bbv. You can email us at [email protected]
Shakti Global, launched in Helensvale, will deliver Holistic health programs
On January 28, 2023, the launch of Shakti Global, a not-for-profit organisation based on the Gold Coast, took place at the Helensvale Cultural Centre, attracting over 200 guests.
The distinguished chief guests included Swami Atmeshananda, Councillor William Owen Jones, MP Sam O’Connor, Mr Umesh Chandra OAM (Founder President of GOPIO Qld, Executive Vice President of GOPIO International, Founder member and board of trustee of the QLD multicultural council, Chairman and CEO of Chantex Pty Ltd), and Mrs Usha Chandra, Magistrate Veena Goverdhan. The event was marked by numerous supporters and sponsors who contributed to its success. The launch commenced with prayers and a ceremonial lamp lighting by the esteemed dignitaries, symbolising the illuminating start of the NGO’s journey. Following this, a heartfelt dance performance was presented as an offering to the Almighty, reflecting the spiritual essence of the occasion. The event also featured a captivating drama performed by children, portraying meaningful narratives.
The entire program spanned approximately two hours, filled with meaningful activities and expressions of support. After the engaging presentations, attendees were treated to a delectable lunch, fostering community and celebration. The event’s conclusion involved expressions of gratitude, thanking all participants, sponsors, and supporters for their valuable contributions to the noble cause undertaken by the NGO.
Shakti Global, a non-profit organisation deeply rooted in the principles of Sanatana Dharma, is dedicated to fostering holistic health. We invite you to participate in our enriching workshops and sessions featuring esteemed international guest speakers designed to educate and empower individuals on various aspects of health and spirituality.
To register for these transformative experiences, kindly visit our website at www.shaktiglobal.org. Explore the diverse range of workshops crafted to enhance your well-being and spiritual growth. By participating in our programs, you join a community committed to holistic health, guided by the wisdom of Sanatana Dharma.