jagruti the awareness - wordpress.com · 2014-06-09 · taking up positions in the new 2014/15...
TRANSCRIPT
1
would like to invite any
of our members that
may be interested in
taking up positions in
the new 2014/15
committee to please
contact any of our
current executive
committee members.
We encourage our
younger members to
consider taking up
leadership roles as this
will not only help your
Samaj but also
develop a wide variety
of skills, such as time
management and
organisational,
networking,
communication and
financial skills.
We welcome any
constructive feedback
and comments from
our members. Please
feel free to email us or
contact any committee
member with your
ideas and opinions.
I look forward to
catching up at our
‘Meet & Greet’ evening
and the Tennis
tournament.
Kind regards,
Madhuri Soni
Jai Shri Krishna and
welcome to the next
edition of our QSSI
newsletter, ‘Jagruti’.
I hope this edition finds
you well and that you’re
keeping warm in what
looks like a lead up to a
chilly few months.
Our committee has been
working hard to bring
together the next couple
of events before the end
of this term.
The next event on our
calendar is a ‘Meet &
Greet’ evening to be held
on the 5th of July at the
newly revamped Jindalee
Bowls Club. This event
will allow our families and
friends to get together
and catch up over an
evening of music,
entertainment and a
sumptuous meal.
This evening is not to be
missed. Please ensure
that you RSVP for this
event for catering
purposes as entry will
not be granted unless
a prior RSVP has been
made.
Later in July and back
by popular demand for
all those tennis
enthusiasts, we are
proud to present QSSI
Tennis tournament
2014. Last year this
event was a resounding
success and player
positions filled up very
quickly. Please avoid
any disappointment and
fill out your registration
forms early to reserve
your spot.
The Pat Rafter arena
has been booked for the
heated finals so even if
you are not playing
come along and enjoy
the atmosphere and
cheer on your favourite
players.
Our committee is
comprised of mainly
young individuals who
are learning how to best
serve their Samaj. Your
support and attendance
at these events would
be highly encouraging
and motivating for our
youth to continue to
take on such roles in
the future.
With the end of this
term approaching I
President’s Message
Your Participation is Our Success...
PO Box 8062
Cleveland, Qld 4163
www.qssi.org.au
Queensland Soni Samaj Inc Issue– Jun 2014
Inside this issue:
President’s
Message
1
Editorial Note 2
News and
Announcements
2
Treasurer’s
Roundup
3
Upcoming
Events
4
Ayurvedic
Segment
5
Get to Know
Your Committee
6
Fun Corner 7
Member
Contribution
9
JAGRUTI The Awareness
Upcoming
event
Meet & Greet
Evening
5th July
RSVP NOW!
2
Hi everyone and welcome to this committee’s 4th edition of Jagruti. I hope that you are
all enjoying the beginning of Winter and having fun supporting your team in the FIFA
world cup.
On the events front we have a few coming up (tennis tournament and dinner night), so
please join in, we’d love to see you there.
If anyone has anything that they would like to contribute to the next edition of the
newsletter, just get in touch*. We also love feedback and any ideas you may have for
future issues!
- Neha Raniga
*Contributions by individuals as published in Jagruti newsletters are not edited, represent the
contributors’ own views and do not necessarily represent views of your Committee or the
Samaj in general.
Editorial Note
JAGRUTI
Congratulations to our
very own Madhuri and
Nayan Soni on the birth
of their new baby girl
Jayshree Radhe
Born on 20/4/14
News and Announcements
Congratulations to Vishal
Dharamsi and Sneha
Tappoo on their recent
nuptials
4/5/14
3
Jai Shree Krishna everyone. It is my pleasure to present my last treasurer’s update and I trust
everyone is keeping well.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to see the term through as treasurer as I leave to work in America a
few days after writing this (I will be back in a few months though). Fortunately though I have handed
my duties over to Nayan, who as everyone knows will be great for this role. It also means I will be
missing out on two very exciting events coming up in July and the AGM as well.
As the end of financial year approaches the final accounts are being prepared. It is currently a work
in progress but some of the key points are summarised below, most numbers are approximations
and detailed reports will be sent out once auditing is complete:
Approximately $5400 has been collected from subscription payments. This represents a drop of
almost 30% from last year. This is mainly due to the scrapping of the $50 per household
voluntary contribution. Even though this is a substantial decrease in income, I think the new
system is very fair. It ensures that the mandatory amount payable for members is constant
and doesn’t discriminate against people paying a voluntary contribution. It also ensures record
keeping and tracking is easier
Non-event related expenses were approximately $3000. This was mainly due to public liability
insurance ($1675) and the donation to the Australian team for the Pacific Challenge Cup
($1000)
Out of all the events in the financial year we made a loss of approximately $2500 for the AGM,
$1200 for the Nutan Varsh function, a $70 profit for Chennai Express and $140 for the
Ayurvedic seminar. The picnic, cancelled trivia night and the Garba events were cash neutral
I would also request that no one make subscription payments for the next financial year until the
AGM. It ensures there are fewer transactions/details for the next committee to be handed over
leading to a lower possibility of errors. Also less follow-up work is required if the subscription amount
changes at the AGM.
It has been my pleasure serving the Samaj for the last 2 years, and particularly in the last year as
treasurer. Even though I won’t be in the committee next year I’m sure once I return I will be
involved in some form or another with the Samaj. I wish the current team the best of luck with the
two upcoming events and the AGM, it has been a pleasure working with you guys.
- Jitesh Raniga
Business Tagline or Motto
Treasurer’s Roundup
JAGRUTI
Business Advertisements
Interested in advertising for the next edition of
Jagruti?
For further details and rates, please contact the
QSSI Secretary Yashna Harilal
4
Business Tagline or Motto
JAGRUTI
Upcoming Events
5
Business Tagline or Motto
This Issue’s Ayurvedic Segment
JAGRUTI
Ingredients
Method of Preparation
Medicinal Properties
Dosha Analysis
Recipe for Hot Gingered Milk
1 cup cow or goat milk
1 cup water
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger root
3-4 cardamom seeds
½ to 2 teaspoon ghee
1. Put milk, water, ginger and cardamom into a small saucepan.
2. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling.
3. Reduce heat immediately to low and simmer for five minutes.
4. Pour into individual cups and stir in ghee.
It is ruchikar (appetizer), deepan (stimulant), pachan (digestive), anuloman (purifier) in nature. It is good for relieving stress and tension and is effective in treating constipation and insomnia. It is recommended as a rejuvenating drink.
This hot drink calms Vata and makes a good anupanna (medium) for Ayurvedic medications that need to be taken before bed. Pitta people should skip using ginger in this recipe. They can put mulethi (licorice) powder instead of fresh ginger. In winters, one can put one or two dates also.
For other great Ayurvedic recipes, please visit:
http://www.jiva.com/ayurveda/about-ayurveda/recipes.html
Contact Name Number Email
President Madhuri Soni 0423 327 390 [email protected]
Vice President Smita Raniga 0410 705 114 [email protected]
Secretary Yashna Harilal 0425 042 478 [email protected]
Treasurer Jitesh Raniga 0415 228 298 [email protected]
Web Manager Nayan Soni 0413 489 883 [email protected]
Facebook Managers Vrinda Raniga
Yachna Soni
-
-
Editor Neha Raniga 0414 388 612 [email protected]
Key Contacts
6
Get to Know Your 2013-2014 Committee
JAGRUTI
Yashna Harilal
Occupation/ Study?
Currently studying a double degree in business and law.
Dream holiday destination and why?
I would absolutely LOVE to go to Greece! The history there is so rich, it would be an
incredible experience to really immerse yourself into such a wonderful historical place
and culture.
Favourite place visited so far?
Loch Ness in Scotland
One thing you'd like people to know about you?
I have an incredibly strong passion for ancient history. I adore it. I'm never bored
when I'm learning about the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Celts, Macedonians, Persians...
The list goes on. I could easily spend hours wandering around a museum. It's also
incredibly interesting to not only understand the different cultures that existed so long
ago, but also how it has shaped our current societies. Also, I'm a walking talking
Harry Potter encyclopaedia.
What is one goal you'd like to accomplish during your lifetime?
I'd like to travel more widely and help people in need.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Inquisitive, compassionate, independent.
Jitesh Raniga
Occupation/ Study?
I have studied chemical engineering and currently work in the oil and gas industry as
a process engineer.
Favourite place visited so far?
Would probably have to be India, particularly the small towns in Gujarat.
If you could have an endless supply of food, what would you get?
Tim Tams!
Favourite hobbies?
Movies, Reading and soccer
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Quiet, competitive and passionate
Who is your idol (e.g. parent/celebrity/influential person in your life)?
Stanley Kubrick is someone who admire a lot but the most influential by a long
shot would have to be my brother.
What is one goal you'd like to accomplish during your lifetime?
I would like to be able to run a marathon (or maybe just a half marathon)
Dream holiday destination and why?
I would like to go through Europe on a sort of history trip through past battlegrounds
and historical cities. I am fascinated by modern history and how it has shaped our
current society.
7
Fun Corner!
Sudoku
Refer to next page for solution
JAGRUTI
Brainteasers
Refer to next page for solution
1: If it takes six men one hour to dig six
holes, how long does it take one man to dig
half a hole?
2: You are running in a street marathon and
you overtake the person in 2nd place. What
place are you now?
3. The red house is on one side and the blue
is on the other, where is the white house?
4. Is it illegal to marry your widow's sister?
5. You walk across a bridge and you see a
boat full of people yet there isn't a single
person on board. How is that possible?
6. Which statement is true out of the
following?
One statement here is false.
Two statements here are false.
Three statements here are false.
7. A thief was brought before a king to
receive his punishment. The king, feeling
merciful, asked the thief how he would like
to die. The thief told him, and the king let
him go. How did the thief wish to die?
Rhino Art
8
“I lovingly forgive and release everything in my past , I choose to fill my life with joy, I love
and accept myself exactly the way I am.” - Louise Hay
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem,
and smarter than you think.” - Christopher Robin to Pooh
“People suffer because they are caught in their views. As soon as we release those views, we are free
and we don’t suffer anymore.” - Thich Nhat Hanh
“The danger of an adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort” - Paulo Coelho
“In order to change, one must be sick and tired of being sick and tired” - Unknown
Inspirational Quotes
JAGRUTI
Sudoku Solution Brainteaser Solutions
1. There is no such
thing as half a
hole.
2. Second
3. In Washington
D.C.
4. Yes, because
dead people can’t get married.
5. All of the people on the boat are married.
6. The second statement.
7. He wanted to die of natural causes.
9
I recently came across an article in the May/June issue of the Australian Muslim Times
promoting a domestic violence campaign initiated by the Qld Eidfest Association. The
aim of this campaign is to raise awareness about domestic violence via a series of four
posters that will be sent to all Queensland mosques, gurdwaras and temples, as well as
community groups that work with migrant women.
What’s remarkable about this campaign, is that it draws on cultural traditions common
to Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities. These posters, featuring imagery of bangles
and clothing common to all three groups, have gained international attention. The
person behind this concept, also the President of Qld Eidfest, Yasmin Khan, points out
that using imagery such as bangles provides the opportunity to present a united
interfaith front on raising awareness about domestic violence. The design and concept
of these posters have been praised across community groups and the Queensland
Police Service. These posters are even being translated into other languages to reach a
broader audience.
Yet, despite the strong positive response to these posters, Ms Khan herself gravely
doubts that imams will display these posters in mosques. I too, have doubts about
whether our pandits will display these posters in our temples. This assertion is based
largely on intuition, but I consider it noteworthy that several members of the Soni
Samaj that I spoke with also share my doubt. (article continues next page)
Business Tagline or Motto
Domestic Violence: Stigma Begone (Member Contribution)
JAGRUTI
10
I feel passionate about issues of social justice and I am also strong believer in open
dialogue. For this reason, I abhor the attitude of ‘hush hushness’ that permeates our Soni
culture. It appears to always stem from fear of shame, embarrassment and perceptions of
others. We conceal, supress and distort the public mention of a range of things like dating,
our occupations and mental illness. The trouble is, all these things don’t warrant the stigma
that leads to its concealment and suppression.
Domestic violence, in particular, cannot continue to remain in this realm of ‘hush hushness’.
One woman per week is killed in Australia from domestic violence inflicted by a current or
former partner. Yes, you read that right. It would be ignorant to think that none of this
happens in our Soni communities. The victim could very well be your mother, sister or
daughter. In the absence of abusers reforming their behaviour, it is important that victims
of domestic violence seek assistance and report their abusers. Unfortunately, it is primarily
shame and embarrassment and often, no social or family support that stops them.
Campaigns such as this are vital as they raise awareness about domestic violence and
encourages open dialogue. It communicates the message that victims should not feel
shame or embarrassment. Domestic violence must be brought out into the open and
reported. And the onus is on each and every one of us, not just victims, to report instances
of or suspected instances of domestic violence. As Ms Khan rightly points out, the more we
talk about it, the more the victims know that we as a community are serious about
supporting them. Speaking about it brings this issues into open dialogue, it encourages
people to educate themselves about the true nature of domestic violence. In turn, this
encourages victims to come forward. Raising awareness about domestic violence will free
its victims from being invisible and will send a message to perpetrators that domestic
violence is not acceptable.
This awareness-raising campaign is also important because it serves to educate people
about domestic violence and dispel commonly held misconceptions. For example, domestic
violence is often thought of as being only about physical abuse. Yet, it is about the abuse of
power by one person over another using a range of behaviours. It is a gendered issue. That
it is mainly perpetrated by men against women and children adds pertinence to the imagery
used in this poster campaign. I join Ms Khan in challenging our community to ask about
these posters and to enquire with our religious leaders if they have not been displayed in
temples. Let’s support this fantastic initiative.
- Neera Odhavji
*If you or some you know is or may be a victim of domestic violence (male or female), you can call the Qld Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline: 1800 811 811 or visit http://www.dvconnect.org/
References
Abed, S. (2014, May-June). Groundbreaking poster scheme aims to tackle domestic violence.
Australian Muslim Times, pp. 1, 10.
Business Tagline or Motto
Domestic Violence: Stigma Begone (cont.)
JAGRUTI
11
A young couple moves into a new neighbourhood. The next morning while they are eating
breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbour hanging the wash outside.
“That laundry is not very clean; she doesn’t know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs
better laundry soap.”
Her husband looks on, remaining silent. Every time her neighbour hangs her wash to dry, the
young woman makes the same comments.
A month later, the woman is surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and says to her
husband:
“Look, she’s finally learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?”
The husband replies, “I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.”
And so it is with life… What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the
window through which we look
- Author Unknown
Business Tagline or Motto
The Laundry is Not Very Clean
JAGRUTI