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 madhurisoni85@gmail.com

Vice President Smita Raniga 0410 705 114 smitaraniga@gmail.com

Secretary Yashna Harilal 0425 042 478 yashnaharilal@gmail.com

Treasurer Jitesh Raniga 0415 228 298 jitesh.raniga@uqconnect.edu.au

Web Manager Nayan Soni 0413 489 883 naysby@yahoo.com.au

Facebook Managers Vrinda Raniga

Yachna Soni

-

-

vrinda.raniga@gmail.com

Yachna93@hotmail.com

Editor Neha Raniga 0414 388 612 neha.raniga@outlook.com

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