Excellent strategy to explore Canberra’s ‘Cultural Icons’

Excellent strategy to explore Canberra’s ‘Cultural Icons’

Aerial view of the National Museum of Australia in Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Acton
Aerial view of the National Museum of Australia in Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Acton. Photo: Visit Canberra.

 

Australian Parliament House in Canberra
Australian Parliament House in Canberra. Photo: Rama Gaind.

Canberra’s $3.4 billion tourism industry is thriving, offering investment opportunities in accommodation and other tourism services. Official ACT Government figures reveal in 2023, the territory welcomed more than 5.4 million domestic and international overnight visitors. One of the contributing factors is eye-catching advertising promotions like the one that endorses Australia’s capital city with its abundance of national cultural treasures.
‘Made of Australia’ is a simple story, immediately captivating, confidently communicated and visually stunning. ‘The Cultural Icons’ campaign reinforces what we already know: Canberra is worth visiting!
Canberra is home to 13 of Australia’s most iconic cultural institutions, and for the first time in history, these organisations have collaborated to provide unique perspectives of Australia’s story.
Every once in a while, we’re taken aback and forced to reassess all that we take for granted. Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. We lose sight of living life and focus on survival. Such is the case with living in Canberra. We should revel in our magnificent surrounds, a fact that was brought home to me by my grandchildren last week. Together we rediscovered a new way of appreciating what’s in our own backyard.
We’ve seen ‘The Cultural Icons’ campaign as pictures tell an uplifting, enthusiastic story in the attention-grabbing promotional video to attract visitors. Personalised annotations are a brilliant strategy!
“I found part of my story in one of the most unexpected places. I found our shared culture. I found courage. I found my community. I found old friends and new ones. I found my purpose. We found each other. I found a place where we see things and wonder. It’s made of our curiosity. It’s made of my sense of belonging. It’s made of me. 13 perspectives. 1 story. Yours.”
Travel and tourism go hand-in-hand as they form a part of our economy.
Canberra is sometimes affectionately called the ‘bush capital’ for its sweeping nature reserves and surrounding mountain ranges, but this campaign proves the city is not just a maxim for the entirety of politics.

National Library of Australia, Canberra
National Library of Australia, Canberra. Photo: Rama Gaind.

Canberra icons
It’s easy to find a mix of history, art and the outdoors in the capital. According to Tourism Australia, the small-yet-mighty capital of Canberra is a city that punches far above its weight. Well-known museums and historical sites are just the beginning. Dig a little deeper to find hidden gems in and outside of the city. For art that will move you, explore some of the finest galleries and museums where one loses track of time, delve through Aboriginal artworks, see international exhibitions and join guided tours. Inside the National Library of Australia, we held in esteem the rare books, maps and images that told stories of the country’s past.
A visit to the Australian Parliament House offered a chance to learn more about its culture and political history. We saw the exhibitions and art collections and went behind-the-scenes. We explored the symbolism and craftsmanship of the building architecture, visited the parliamentary chambers … all at our own pace.
Among the other institutions featured in the campaign are the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Questacon and the Royal Australian Mint.
On the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, Australia’s stories come “alive” at the National Museum of Australia. Visit Canberra highlights the museum’s stunning design and the landscapes do provide an extraordinary place to explore the splendid and diverse stories of Australia and its people. Wander through the many exhibitions and get to know the real, the treasured, the surprising and the inspirational objects from Australian history.
In the heart of the Parliamentary Zone, the gardens at Old Parliament House offered a pleasant, rose-filled place to pause. Located on either side of Old Parliament House are the House of Representatives Garden and Senate Garden.
Choosing the name ‘Canberra’ — said to have been derived from a local Aboriginal word for ‘meeting place’ — was a logical choice. The city’s major attractions offer an exceptional perspective on the Australian story. Take advantage and have an immersive opportunity to understand our story, celebrate it, learn from it and reflect on it for the future.
“No matter who you are or where you come from, you’ll find a part of you right here. A story that’s made of you … made of us … and made of Australia.”
Make sure you find your special story when you scrutinise and uncover the enlightening cultural icons in Canberra!

GOPIO International Convention 2024 to Kick Start Opportunities for Diaspora Indians, Building India’s Big Future

GOPIO International Convention 2024 to Kick Start Opportunities for Diaspora Indians, Building India’s Big Future

GOPIO International Convention 2024
GOPIO International and Chapter Officials with the Convention Team at the Lamp Lighting Ceremony to Kick-off the Convention 2024 Planning

The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) International held a kick-off planning meeting to launch the GOPIO 2024 Global Convention of People of Indian Origin on Sunday, January 28th, at the Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey. The meeting was marked by the presence of GOPIO International, chapter officials from the New York Metro area, and representatives of community and professional organisations. The prestigious GOPIO International convention is scheduled for April 26-28, 2024, at the Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey.
The convention will focus on India’s Present and Future and what role the Diaspora Indians can play in helping to realise this desirable future. The convention theme is ‘Opportunities for Diaspora Indians in India’s Big Manifest Future.’ The New Jersey businessman, Prakash Shah, has been appointed the Convention Convener by the GOPIO International Executive Council.
At the launch ceremony, Shah said, “Lauding the positive, optimistic vision prevailing in India presents an opportunity to Invest in India, which provides the best and biggest opportunity in the World. The Bombay Stock Exchange has just crossed $4 Trillion and has overtaken Hong Kong to become the third largest in the world. While India needs the 35 million Diaspora to invest, it is an incredible opportunity for the Diaspora to prosper.”
GOPIO International President Lal Motwani, who had earlier served as the Convener of the GOPIO convention in New York in 2016, said, “We are doing this major event in the USA after eight years, this time in New Jersey. This is a big opportunity for our vibrant Tri-State Area and the USA community to participate and help with this significant event for the 35 million strong Indian Diaspora.”
GOPIO International Chairman Dr Thomas Abraham spoke about the history of GOPIO and its accomplishments since the formation of GOPIO in 1989, the implementation of the resolutions passed by the First GOPIO Convention, which included Dual Nationality and Voting Rights for NRIs.
Dr Abraham said, “The government of India fulfilled halfway on dual nationality by issuing an Overseas Indian Citizen (OCI) Card and voting rights for Indian citizens living outside India if they register at their home constituency.” Dr Abraham further said that the organisation was started 35 years ago to look after and campaign against the human rights violations of the Indian Diaspora worldwide and that the Diaspora has now achieved success in becoming political mainstream in most countries.
GOPIO International secretary Ram Gadhavi, who served as the Co-Convener of the First Global Convention in 1989, urged younger GOPIO members to become actively engaged and consider leading the organisation into the future. Gadhavi highlighted the importance of GOPIO chapters and explained the organisation’s intricate workings.
Five conference sessions are being planned at the convention: Diaspora Youth and Young Achievers and the role they can play in India’s Future and how GOPIO can facilitate their participation; Diaspora Women and their Growing Contributions in Various Sectors; Technologies and AI and other Innovations: Diaspora Indians Leading Research and Innovations; GOPIO Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Worldwide Networking of the Diaspora Businesses; and Medical and Health Issues and how Diaspora Indians can Participate in India’s Frontline Role in Pharmaceuticals, Vaccines and Medical Tourism and Propagating YOGA and its Benefits.

GOPIO International Convention 2024 - Building India’s Big Future

From left – Ram Gadhavi GOPIO International Secretary, Prakash Shah Convention Convenor, Lal Motwani GOPIO International President, Thomas Abraham GOPIO International Chairperson

A 50-member convention committee has been set up with Prakash Shah as Convener, Dr. Asha Samant as Co-Convener, Chitranjan Belwariar as Secretary, and Srinivas Akarapu as Treasurer. The Committee Chairs include the following: Awards – Lal Motwani, Finance/Fundraising – Siddarth Jain, Reception – Hemant Patel, Souvenir Brochure – Jigar Shah with Dinesh Mittal and Lal Motwani as an advisor, Volunteers – Bharat Rana, Publicity/PR – Rohit Vyas with Vijay Shah as Media Representative/Adviser, Registration – Dhananjay Desai, Banquet – Dr. Rajeev Mehta, Additional Trips and Events – Shatrughan Dawani. Vasu Pawar will chair the Conference Sessions for Youth, Dr Thomas Abraham for Diaspora Indians in Technologies and AI, Dr Asha Samant for Medical and Health and Prakash Shah for Networking Business through GOPIO Chamber of Commerce.
As part of the convention program, GOPIO is arranging a trip to Capitol Hill in Washington DC on Monday, April 29th, to campaign to the US Congressional Representatives on House bill HR 6542, “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based immigrants, to increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrants, and for other purposes.” The delegates interested in supporting and travelling to Washington, DC, may contact GOPIO. Overseas delegates attending the convention are advised to register before an invitation letter for a visa may be sent out.
The nearest airport to reach the convention venue is Newark, New Jersey, and GOPIO will arrange pick-up at the Newark Airport if informed in advance. From New York City airports, John F. Kennedy Airport or LaGuardia Airport, take a shuttle to Newark Airport, the pick-up point. GOPIO Convention will include a fun event, with some side trips, including optional trips to New York City, Atlantic City, and Washington DC.
GOPIO is a non-partisan, not-for-profit, secular organisation with Individual Life Members and over 100 chapters in 35 countries, committed to enhancing cooperation and communication between NRIs/PIOs and the local communities and facilitating making tomorrow a better world for the Indian Diaspora and the countries they live in.

Shaan Live in Brisbane

DESI ROCKS Events presents LIVE LOVE LAUGH Shaan Live in Brisbane
Shaan in Brisbane
Tickets available at – https://desirocks.com.au/

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple d

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple bOn 30th December 2023, Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) joyously celebrated a historic occasion we are about to witness in 2024. Pran Pratistha (consecration) of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, after it had been a bone of contention for nearly 500 years. DJJS with its event ‘Kab aaoge Ram humare? Abhi Dashanan nahi mara!! Delved into profound lessons about life and practical spirituality learned through the divine plays of Lord Ram.

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple aThe event commenced with a beautiful Ganesh Vandana performed by a young DJJS volunteer, followed by live Devotional songs. The event highlight was Ram Leela, who completely mesmerised all the attendees. The insightful explanations by a learned DJJS volunteer, accompanying the divine play, busted myths and misconceptions propagated around Lord Ram. The event acknowledged the triumph of light over darkness and enlightenment over ignorance.

The celebration attracted a substantial number of community members, with special recognition given to our esteemed guest Magistrate Veena Goverdhan (Magistrates Court of Queensland), Mr Parveen Gupta (Principal Solicitor, River City Lawyers) and Mr Manish Saini (Member, Indian Communities of Gold Coast – ICGC) and other learned attendees. We appreciate the support from Bhalla’s Restaurant, Bombay Bliss Restaurant (Pimpama) and Punjabi Taste Restaurant.

In conclusion, heartfelt thanks are extended to His Holiness Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, the Head and Founder of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS). His divine guidance serves as the bedrock of our achievements, providing strength and illumination to every volunteer present at the event.

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple w

ABOUT DJJS:
Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan, or DJJS as we call it, is a registered socio-spiritual, not-for-profit organisation. DJJS’s Vision is from ‘From Self Awakening to Global Peace’
Our Vision is “To usher into a world wherein every individual embodies truth, fraternity, and justice through the eternal science of self-realisation called Brahm Gyan, uprooting all social evils and threats in its wake. ‘Brahm Gyan’ is an eternal technique through which we can practically experience and realise God.
These are not mere words. DJJS has been steadfast in its mission for 31 years, with millions of volunteers in India and around the Globe.
DJJS is doing and has done several social and spiritual events together with the Government of India and other state governments in India.

Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan Qld Inc (DJJS) Ram Leela celebrating Pran Pratistha of Ram Temple t

IN AUSTRALIA:
DJJS has been actively working in the community for over eight years. It has been organising and participating in various social, cultural, and spiritual events like Shiv Aaradhna, Mata Ki Chowki, Bhajan Sandhya, Sai Sandhya, Indian New Year, Krishan Janamasthmi across different cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and here in Brisbane. Furthermore, we have been organising the International Day of Yoga for the last six years now, and our event pictures of 2019 were even shared by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, from his Twitter account.
Thank you very much to everyone who took the time to be there on the auspicious evening.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakut

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakut

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakutg

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakutc

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakuta

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakut at the Queensland Parliament, a vibrant tribute to cultural inclusivity and appreciation. Held on November 29, 2023, this event gathered an esteemed audience, including Queensland’s Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, along with notable figures such as Hon. Speaker Curtis Pitt, Hon. Treasurer Cameron Dick, Hon. Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, Hon. Education Minister Grace Grace, Hon. Multicultural Affairs Minister Linard, Leader of the Opposition Mr. David Crisafulli, Hon Consul of India, Brisbane Mrs. Archana Singh, Qld Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, and prominent Indian community leaders. Their presence underscored the event’s significance in fostering communal harmony and cultural appreciation.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and AnnakutdThe speeches delivered by Hon Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Curtis Pitt, David Crisafulli, Mrs. Archana Singh, and Katarina Carroll emphasized cultural unity, multiculturalism, and community collaboration. Premier Palaszczuk highlighted the imperative nature of community unity and shared values, echoing by David Crisafulli, who stressed the intrinsic value of multiculturalism.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakutf

The evening featured children and youthful volunteers reciting Sanskrit verses and prayers advocating for global peace and harmony, emphasizing Diwali’s deeper spiritual values. With a gathering of 100 honored guests, the celebration symbolized the victory of light, goodness, and knowledge over darkness. The Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam theme, depicting the world as one family, was a focal point.

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and Annakutb

The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha proudly announced the celebration of Diwali and AnnakuteAn interactive “Gratitude Board” encouraged attendees to express their understanding of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, fostering reflection and unity. The event’s success marked not only the commemoration of Diwali and Annakut but also stood as a platform for cultural exchange, spiritual enlightenment, and communal harmony within Queensland’s Parliament.

 

 

Ashok Nichani visits the GOPIO Oceania region

Ashok Nichani visits the GOPIO Oceania region

Ashok Nichani visits the GOPIO Oceania region_aAshok Nichani, the immediate President of The Connecticut chapter of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), visited Australia and New Zealand in December.

He met many GOPIO Leaders in the respective regions. Umesh Chandra, OAM Executive Vice President of GOPIO International, organised a dinner function in honour of Ashok Nichani at Indian Brothers restaurant in Taringa.

Ashok Nichani visits the GOPIO Oceania region_bMembers of GOPIO Queensland, GOPIO Gold Coast and GOPIO International attended the event. He also visited the Gold Coast and met GOPIO Members there.

In Sydney, he met Harmohan Singh Walia Oceania coordinator of GOPIO International. This was a shining example of the networking power of GOPIO International which is accorded to all Members.

Ashok Nichani is a very successful businessman and owns a chain of hotels, he has been a staunch member of GOPIO International.

Ashok Nichani visits the GOPIO Oceania region_c

In the previous years, GOPIO CT ( USA) has raised funds for other charities, such as Women’s Mentoring Network of Stamford, Future 5 of Stamford and Teach for America, a national organisation.

Founded in New York in 1989, GOPIO is an international network of people of Indian origin.

Korean Rice Water For A Glowing Skin

Korean Rice Water For A Glowing Skin

By Nimisha Modi
Hetvi Hair & Beauty
0412350013

Korean Rice Water For A Glowing Skin aHey Girls, hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year break. As we return back to our busy schedules, let me share something I started using recently and it works well with my skin: Korean Rice Water for a Glowing Skin.

How to make Korean rice water for a glowing skin
Incorporating Korean rice water into your skincare routine is a simple and cost-effective way to achieve a radiant and glowing skin.
Korean rice water, known for its skin-beneficial properties, has been a traditional beauty secret in Korean skincare routines for centuries. Packed with nutrients, this simple yet effective DIY recipe can help you achieve a glowing complexion.

Here’s how you can make Korean rice water for radiant skin:

Ingredients
Uncooked Rice: Begin with a small cup of uncooked rice. Option you can use any type of rice for the best results.
Water: You’ll need approximately 2 cups of water for soaking the rice and extracting the rice water.

Steps
Step 1: Rinse the rice
Take the uncooked rice and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This helps remove any impurities or surface contaminants.

Step 2: Soak the rice
Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add about 2 cups of water. Let the rice soak for 15–30 minutes. During this time, the water will begin to take on a cloudy appearance.

Step 3: Agitate and extract rice water
After the rice has soaked, agitate it by gently rubbing the grains between your fingers. This action helps release the beneficial nutrients into the water. Strain the rice water into a clean bowl, separating it from the rice grains.

Step 4: Fermentation Optional
For enhanced benefits, you can opt for fermentation. Leave the strained rice water at room temperature for 24–48 hours. Fermentation increases the nutrient content and makes the rice water more potent.
How to make Korean rice water for a glowing skin.

Step 5: Storage
Once fermented (if you choose this option), store the rice water in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature not only preserves its freshness but also provides a refreshing sensation when applied to the skin.

How to use it
1) Cleansing: Use the rice water as a cleanser by applying it to your face using a cotton pad. Gently wipe your face to remove impurities and traces of makeup. This acts as a gentle, natural cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
2) Toning: Apply the rice water as a toner. Use a cotton ball or pad to gently dab the rice water on your face. The toning properties help balance the skin’s pH, promoting a smoother complexion.
3) Mask: Mix the rice water with other natural ingredients like honey or aloe vera gel to create a hydrating face mask. Apply the mixture evenly and leave it on for 15–20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
4) Bath Soak: For an indulgent skincare routine, add rice water to your bath. The nutrients can nourish your entire body, leaving your skin hydrated.

See you next month, have a wonderful time.

Things to know about taking treatment for hepatitis B

Things to know about taking treatment for hepatitis B

hepatitis-B

Not everyone diagnosed with hepatitis B requires medication. The decision for treatment is based on test results obtained through regular liver monitoring by doctors. Therefore, regular liver monitoring (six monthly for most people) is crucial for your doctor to make informed decisions. For detailed information about the tests needed for regular monitoring, please refer to our B Health Booklet at www.eccq.com.au/bbv.

Hepatitis B is caused by hepatitis B virus. The virus can infect people mainly through blood contact (also mother to baby and sexual contact). Hepatitis B medication can reduce hepatitis B virus in the body. If you are required to take medication, it is essential to strictly follow the prescribed dosage and schedule as directed by your health care providers. This will ensure the medication works properly.

Currently there are 3 different hepatitis B medications available in Australia, namely Entecavir, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF). It’s important to note that each medication requires to be taken differently:

1. Entecavir: Take on empty stomach only; You should not eat food for 2 hours before and after taking the medicine. It is easier if you take this medication first thing in the morning and wait for 2 hours to eat breakfast; or take this medication at bedtime after eating dinner 2 hours or longer.

2. TDF: You can take TDF with or without food.

3. TAF: Currently this medication is only available with a private prescription. It is not listed under the PBS Schedule. This means you will have to pay full price to buy this medication regardless of having a Medicare Care or not. This medication needs to be taken with food.

Remember:
• Take one pill every day at the same time.
• If you miss a dose, take the medication as soon as possible when you remember if it is the same day and then take your normal dose the next day.
• Do not take 2 doses at one time or in the same day.
• Do not share your medication with other people, such as your family members or friends. Sharing may cause harm.
• Make sure you do not run out of medications; stopping and starting medications can cause serious problems for your liver and health Discuss with your doctor if you need to travel for a long period of time to make sure you have enough medications for your trip.
• Regular tests (every six months, more often in the first year of taking medication) to make sure the medication is working.
• Let you doctor know before taking herbal or traditional medicines or any other medicines. They may interfere your hepatitis B medication.

Tips:
• If you cannot remember what time to take your medication, set an alarm on your phone or ask your family member to remind you.
• You can buy a day of the week medication box from your chemist and fill it once a week. Or you can ask you chemist to make up a Webster pack, these are very helpful if you need to take other medications at different times.
• You can ask your healthcare providers including pharmacists for a free interpreter if you need language help.
• If you do not have a Medicare Card and would like to access cheaper medication, please contact us for further information.
For more information about hepatitis B please visit our website www.eccq.com.au/bbv. You can email us at [email protected]

Dissolving Karma — Sadhguru

Dissolving Karma — Sadhguru

Sadguru a yogi

Karma is the accumulated impression of past activity, either of thought, emotion or physical action. The quality of the karma that you gather is not necessarily in terms of action alone. It is also in terms of the volition with which action is performed. This moment, the very way you think, feel, understand and act is a deep conditioning of past activity. That is karma.

When there is a clear space between you and your body and mind – it is not that you are trying to watch this or that – simply a clear space has come, then whatever karma that is there in the mind, the body or energy, everything has become separate from you. If one establishes this distinction in their life, if it becomes a living reality, there is no karma for that person. Nothing touches him or her anymore.

This is not something that you do mentally. If you have an aversion to karma and are trying to push it away, in the effort to push it away, you only build more karma. But if you come to a living experience that “this body is not me, this mind is not me,” then there is a different kind of wisdom and understanding in you. When you understand only with the intellect, it leads to deceptive states.

A philosophy will give you some semblance of balance in your life, but it does not liberate you from the deeper karma. If a person follows this philosophy, he will become joyless. He will become reasonably balanced and stable, at the same time he will slowly become lifeless.

If you bring lifelessness into you, that itself is a very negative karma because you are just suppressing life. Krishna says: “Hesitation is the worst sin.” In hesitation you kill life. If you deprive yourself of any experience, whether it is pain, suffering or joy, if you avoid it that is big karma. If you go through it, it is not so much of karma. Today, in the name of civilization, education or etiquette, educated people are not able to experience any of their emotions fully. They cannot cry fully or laugh loudly.

With this, slowly they become joyless. A deep sense of frustration establishes itself. You will see, simple people who laugh and cry as it comes are so much freer because the very process of life is dissolution of karma. Every living moment of your life, if you live it totally, you dissolve enormous amounts of karma. Living totally does not mean having a party. Anything and everything that comes, you experience it fully and intensely. That dissolves enormous amounts of karma.

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.

Time to say Aloha to Hawaii

Time to say Aloha to Hawaii

By Rama Gaind
American writer, humourist, entrepreneur, publisher and lecturer Mark Twain (1835-1910) loved Hawaii, calling it “the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean.”

He often thought about Hawaii when he was not there — like me. A beautiful tropical vacation hot spot, visiting the Aloha State has been a long-held dream, which would have been realised in August 2020, had Covid not intervened. Nevertheless, unattainable it is not. Dreams don’t work unless you take action and the surest way to make them come true is to live them — in the not-too-distant future.

What is it about America’s 50th state that’s so relaxing? It’s widely regarded as one of the most leisure vacation destinations because of its world class beaches, incredible weather and laid-back island culture. A surfer’s paradise, these lush volcanic islands are synonymous with golden sunsets and friendly vibes. From its beautiful white sandy beaches, majestic mountains and steep valleys to its city life, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

Hawaii is a group of volcanic islands in the central Pacific Ocean, located 3,857 kilometres from San Francisco, California, to the east. The capital, Honolulu, is located on the island of Oahu. Known for its many beautiful beaches, Waikiki is the biggest tourist attraction of them all. This beach is the coolest spot due to its top-rated luxury hotels, museums, historic and cultural sites.

Expect to find warm blue waters lapping at the shores of ancient volcanic terrain, sandy shores ranging from glistening black and creamy white to golden, with one beach a peculiar shade of green.

Where do we start with the tourist attractions? Start with Diamond Head State Monument, Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Volcanoes and Haleakala National Parks, Waimea Canyon State Park and Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Then there’s the thick jungle landscape of the Akaka Falls State Park, which I’m told, opens up to one of the most incredible sights you’ll see in Hawaii. It’s named the Akaka Falls, a major waterfall hidden within the jungle. Spend the day hiking through nature trails or spend a relaxing day in the Makena Beach State Park to enjoy the beach options.

Time to say Aloha to Hawaii

Holiday packages
Natural sights are aplenty on this string of scattered islands and holiday packages are both exotic and alluring. Combine flights with accommodation, and you can explore this far-flung treasure, complete with delicious tropical cuisine, fascinating Hawaiian traditions and dramatic landscapes. Booking your vacation will be just the beginning of an incredible tropical island getaway.

If you are flexible with dates, the great fares at competitive prices are available. Hawaiian

Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar all fly to Honolulu from Australia.

Package deals are also in abundance for hotels, like this one in Honolulu at Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger. Back by popular demand, this escape overlooks Waikiki Beach with daily breakfast and daily drinks. Steps from one of the world’s most famous shorelines, you’ll find Hawaii’s first and only craft hotel. It is a tropical haven in an unbeatable location.

Outrigger is an iconic destination set right on Kalakaua Avenue — Honolulu’s vibrant shopping and entertainment precinct. Embrace the laidback Hawaiian lifestyle as you explore the very best the island has on offer from this ultra-cool launchpad.

Now that international travel is back on our itineraries, rules and regulations have changed. Plan and prepare before take-off, and be sure to check and comply with all airline and government travel requirements before arriving at the airport.

Above all, have a wonderful holiday!