5. From the Editor
“
Indian Connexion was born in 2005. It launched an A5
black and white booklet with 12 pages of
advertisements,
advertisements
and
more
advertisements. My intention however was to launch
a publication that would serve as a platform for
Indians in Midrand. Excitingly, our distribution quickly
increased from 5000 to 16 000 copies and I realised
that not only were we providing exposure to
businesses, but also raising culture awareness. For this
reason Indian Connection made its debut as an Indian
lifestyle Newspaper in 2006. The launch took place at
Midrand Academy of Indian Dance & Culture’s third
annual cultural concert with more than 500 people
witnessing this memorable occasion.
After a few highly successful quarterly publications,
the phenomenal support received from Midrand and
surrounding communities gave Indian Connection its
own unique flavour and niche market. In efforts to
rise to even higher grounds Indian Connexion became
a monthly publication - an Independent Community
Newspaper supported by Vijay Maharaj and team of
the Rising Sun in Durban. Initially distributed in the
Midrand area only, Indian Connexion had extended
circulation to the Buccleuch & Sunninghill areas where
the Indian population had rapidly grown. By
November 2007 the readership increased further to
Centurion, Rooihuiskraal and the Reeds.
Unfortunately January 2011 saw a gap in production
of this unique publication as I found a personal
yearning to explore the corporate world and took up
employment with West Trust (a division of Investec),
Volvo Trucks SA and BMW SA. In April this year I
realised I was dissatisfied with my decision and had a
sense of unfinished business in my quest to play a part
in uplifting my Indian cultural heritage. New pitch in
hand, I returned to my advertisers - essentially the
anchors of any freely distributed publication. Most of
them had supported my vision since 2005 and they
enthusiastically received me. So Indian Connexion is
back – Bigger, Better & Brighter.
Indian Connexion defines the Indian South African.
We strive to celebrate, rejuvenate and achieve more.
Indian Connexion aims to create long term
relationships and a sound platform to motivate,
empower and encourage readers to stay connected
to Indian heritage and culture. Indian Connexion also
provides a platform for Indian South Africans to
share their testimonies and experiences from
personal journeys, highlighting individuals - their
struggles and success stories. We encourage the
embracing of our identity. We aim to capture
determined talent and skill, dreams and aspirations.
Articles that reflect culture, tradition, fashion,
cuisine and entertainment can be accessed online at
www.indianconnexion.co.za as well as in the print
publication.
I would like to thank all the contributors and those
that have supported me right from the beginning.
Thank you for you’ve helped bring my vision to life.
So here’s to bringing your Connection to Indian
Culture for many years to follow.
Yours in Culture
Prem Namaskar
Yudeshnee Pillay Bechan
”
Contact Me
yudeshnee@indianconnexion.co.za
www.indianconnexion.co.za
“In the very first month of Indian Opinion, I realized that the sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper press is
a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countryside’s and devastates crops, even so an
uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy. If the control is from without, it proves more poisonous than want of control. It can
be profitable only when exercised from within. If this line of reasoning is correct, how many of the journals in the world
would stand the test? But who would stop those that are useless? And who should be the judge? The useful and the useless
must, like good and evil generally, go on together, and man must make his choice.”- Mahatma Gandhi - The Story of My
Experiments With Truth
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. Union of Mind and Spirit
Breathing exercises strengthen the
respiratory muscles and improve
breathing capacity. The spiritual
side of yoga helps to nurture and
calm the individual. Visualisation
and meditation techniques clarify
the mind and steady the emotions,
thereby helping to reduce stress
and tension that is prevalent in
today’s society. The many benefits
of this discipline will be felt almost
immediately.
Yoga isn’t a competitive practice
and is therefore suited to all
different people, young and old,
male and female.
Yoga is suitable for people at any
fitness level, as you work to your
own capacity and within your
body’s capabilities.
The truth is that it really doesn’t
matter which style of yoga you
practice, what does matter is that
you do practice.
When you think of yoga, do you immediately conjure up
pictures of old Indian men tying their limbs into
impossible pretzel-like shapes? Or maybe you picture a
room full of middle aged ladies, sitting very still,
breathing and AUMing.
Perhaps it’s time you try out a yoga class and dispel these
myths.
Yoga originated in India, over 5000 years ago. The word
yoga means ‘union’, ‘one’ and ‘to yoke’, referring to the
union of body, mind and spirit. There are many styles of
yoga. Different yoga masters and gurus formulated their
own distinctive styles of yoga to suit the needs of their
personal self-development. As the ancient traditions
were passed down over the generations, more and more
styles came into existence.
The biggest misconception people have about yoga is
that it is purely stretching, but although stretching is
involved, yoga is about creating a state of health, balance
and well being in which the body and mind can function
at their best. Most yoga styles in the west have a strong
Hatha yoga component, being the physical
asanas or postures, practiced along with breathing
exercises (pranayama) and meditation. While meditation
is one goal of yoga, yoga practice in the west focuses
largely on the physical practice of yoga asanas. Yoga is a
framework for life and the asana practice is a means to
discipline our bodies. The asanas help to strengthen and
tone. The muscles become flexible, joints lose their
stiffness, internal organs are toned, and there is a
general overall improvement in your body posture, self
confidence and health.
Once you find a style that resonates
with you, you will begin to discover
yourself, continue to learn and take
your practice to a deeper level of
awareness.And maybe also bend
yourself into pretzel-like postures –
:by Carla of Jivana Yoga Studio
12.
13. The concept of Saree was foremost derived from Indian culture.
A woman looks exceptionally elegant and graceful in this attire.
However, it is a fact that a Saree is imperfect without a
beautifully designed blouse pattern. Selecting a blouse pattern,
the initial thing is to consider the texture and pattern of the
Saree so that the Saree and blouse are i perfect match to each
other.
Blouses are often readily
accessible stitched and
unstitched, but most women
prefer getting unstitched ones
so that they can design the
blouse according to their own
personality.
Every year trendy
and
stylish Saree blouse
designs are introduced as
reflected in these pictures.
2013/
2014
Trendz
Page 13
14.
15. C
rab Curry
•Add the crab, bring pot to the boil and cook for 10 minutes,
“My favorite food still has turning pieces over gently, so they all cook evenly.
to be my mum’s delicious •Turn down heat, add lime juice and adjust seasoning.
•Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with, lime wedges,
crab curry”
3 T sunflower oil
1 t fenugreek seeds
2 cinnamon sticks
150 g onions, sliced finely
2 green chillies, slit lengthwise
8 medium cloves garlic, sliced into eighths
2 t ginger & garlic paste
½ t turmeric
4 t medium-hot masala/curry powder
2 x 410 g chopped fresh or canned tomato, blended
till smooth
2 t palm or brown sugar
125 ml water
3 T tamarind, soaked in 60ml hot water or 2 T
tamarind paste
200 ml coconut milk
12 curry leaves
Salt, to taste
Juice ½ a small lime
1.4 kg crab pieces (frozen is fine, they’re almost
impossible to find fresh)
Fresh coriander to serve.
basmati rice and plenty of paper serviettes. (Cloth napkins
stain and never wash out- a lesson I’ve learned the hard way)
•the best result is achieved if you prepare this curry in
advance, preferably the night before.
Kamini’s Favourite Dish is
her mum’s Crab Curry
Pictured Below: Master Chef 2013
Kamini Pather
Method
•Heat a wide, heavy based pot on medium-high and
add the oil. Once hot, add the fenugreek seeds and
cinnamon and fry for a few seconds.
•Add the onions and fry till translucent. Turn the heat
down if they start to brown.
•Add the green chillis and half the curry leaves and
stir.
•Add the turmeric and masala and stir briskly, as you
don’t want the spices to burn. Fry for 5-10 seconds,
stirring and ensure heat is low.
•Add the garlic slivers and ginger and garlic paste, and
stir.
•Add the tomatoes and sugar, and turn up the heat to
medium-high. The mixture will come to the boil.
•After 1-2 minutes, turn down the heat to medium,
add the tamarind water (remove the stones),
remaining curry leaves and water.
•Mix well and cook for a further 5-6 minutes.
•Add the coconut milk, add salt, to taste.
For All Kamini’s Fans:
twitter handle: @KaminiPather
FB: www.facebook.com/mcsa.kaminipather
Blog URL: www.kamini.co.za
Page 15
16. th
Al-Hijra / Muharram will start on Saturday, 25 of October and will continue for 29 days
nd
until Saturday, the 22 November.
Note that in the Muslim calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will
celebrate Al-Hijra / Muharram on the sunset of Friday, the 24th of October.
th
Mawlid al-Nabi Monday, is on 13 January.
Mawlid refers to the observance of the birthday of Muhammad.
th
Ramadan will start on Saturday, the 28 June and will continue for 30 days until Sunday,
th
the 27 July.
A month of fasting and sacrifice for worldly possessions .
th
Eid al-Fitr is on Monday, 28 July.
Eid al-Fitr also called Feast of Breaking the Fast is the culmination of Ramadaan, a day of celebration and joy.
th
Eid al-Adha is on Saturday, the 4 October.
Eid al-Adha ia also called Feast of the Sacrifice.
Ashura is on Monday, the 3rd of November.
The historical significance of the day of 'Ashura, and how it is observed among Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
Lailat al Miraj is on Sunday, the 25th of May.
Lailat al Miraj is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's night-time journey from Mecca to
the 'Farthest Mosque' in Jerusalem where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims
to pray five times daily.
Lailat al Bara'a is on Thursday, the 12th of June.
As for the night of mid-Sha`ban, it has great merit and it is desirable (mustahabb) to spend part of it in
supererogatory worship.
Quds Day is on Friday, the 25th of July.
Quds Day, officially in Iran known as International Quds Day ( ,)روز جهانی قدسis an annual event that began in Iran in
1979.
Waqf al Arafa is on Friday, the 3rd of October.
There are numerous virtues of the 9th of Dhu 'l-Hijjah which is known as yawm al- 'Arafah. This is also the day where
the pilgrims assemble for specific objectives.
Total
Campbells’
Service Station
Islamic Calendar Courtesy of: Mahomed
Mahomed Atcha
Cell: 082 387 4080 / Tel: 011 315 1067
Fax:086 2927946
Email: Karodiaba@vodamil.co.za
Stand 333, Harry Galaun Drive, Vorna
Valley Midrand
Total Campbell’s New Look
17. th
Thai Poosam Kavady is on 17 January 2014.
Thai Poosam Kavady is a Hindu religious festival dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Murugan that is
celebrated by Tamil people in South Africa.
th
Saraswati Puja is on Tuesday the 4 February.
Saraswati Puja is celebrated every year on the fifth day of the Indian month Magh, the first day of
spring.
th
Maha Shivaratri is on Friday, the 28 February.
Maha Shivratri or Sivaratri (Night of Shiva or "Great Night of Shiva") is a festival celebrated in honour
of Lord Shiva. Hymns and praises are sung from sunset to sunrise .
th
Holi is on Monday, the 17 March.
Holi is celebrated on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon) in the month of Phalgun
according to the Hindu Calendar.
th
Ram Navami is on Tuesday, the 8 April.
Ram Navami falls on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar year (thus named Chaitra Masa Suklapaksha
Navami).
th
Hanuman Jayanti is on Tuesday, 15 April.
Prayers and Hymns are sung all day long in various Hanuman temples. In India, devotees apply red
Sindur from Lord Hanuman's feet on their foreheads which is considered for good health and good
luck.
th
Varalakshmi Vratam is on Friday 8 August.
Varalakshmi Vratam is a festival to propitiate the Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the
Hindu Trinity.
th
Raksha Bandhan is on Sunday, the 10 August.
Raksha Bandhan is a festival that honours the bond between brother and sister.
th
Krishna Janmaashtami is on Sunday, the 17
of August.
This Puja is commemorates the birth of Shri Krishna.
th
Ganesh Chaturthi on Friday, the 29 August.
Ganesh Chaturthi is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla
chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period).
th
th
Pitr Paksh starts on Tuesday, 9 September and continues till Wednesday, 24
September.
During Pitr-Paksha deceased ancestors from Lord Yamarajas’ (the lord of death) region are able to visit
their homes during this time. Therefore, performing Shraaddha during this time helps to repay dept
and pay thanks to ancestors to gratify their souls.
th
Navaratri starts on Thursday, the 25 September and will continue for 9 days until
rd
Friday, the 3
of October.
Navratri commences on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin.
The festival is celebrated for nine nights once every year during the beginning of October, although as
the dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar, the festival may be held for a
day more or a day less.
rd
Diwali will start on Thursday, the 23 October and will
th
continue for 5 days until Monday, the 27 October.
Diwali is celebrated in late Ashwin (September–October) and ends
in early Kartika (October–November).
Page 17
18. Lent will start on Wednesday, the 5th of March.
In Western Christianity Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and
concludes on Holy Saturday. The six Sundays in Lent are not
counted among the forty days of lent because each Sunday
represents a "mini-Easter", a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin
and death.
Easter begins on the 20th of April.
The most important and oldest festival of the Christian Church,
celebrating the resurrection of Christ.
The period in which this occurs is the weekend from Good Friday to
Easter Monday.
Good Friday is on the 20th of April.
Good Friday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal
Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday.
Christmas is on Thursday, the 25th of December
The annual Christian festival celebrating Christ's birth.
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19. Madhuri Dixit, who absolutely loves Diwali says she loves the crackers, the lights,
and all the fun associated with the festival in Mumbai. “I love all festivals. Holi, is
also one of my favourites. I try and celebrate all festivals, which even includes
Onam and Baisakhi! I am a God loving person and I enjoy attending Poojas.
Diwali used to be loads of fun in childhood. The entire process leading up to
Diwali, of spring cleaning, making savouries and other preparations used to be so
much fun. There would be festive air all over the place and the aroma of chaklis
and chivdas being made still makes me feel warm inside. We as children used to
visit friends and family and neighbours. Diwali was so special during childhood
because it was associated with the Diwali vacation too. Diwali simply suggests
unbounded joy and everything new.
Happy Diwali to all of you out in South Africa and may the lights illuminate
your lives now and in the future.
2013/2014
Arabic Mehndi
Patterns
Eid is a special religious festival for
all Muslims celebrated every year
after the sacred month of
Ramadan. People celebrate this holy
event with great zeal and zest.
During Eid, Women and girls get busy in buying
fashionable clothes, foot wear and other fashionable
accessories. Similarly Mehndi is also an essential part
of Eid. It has been very popular especially in South
Asian countries.
“Women and young girls
apply mehndi on their hands,
arms and feet to look
attractive and elegant. Mehndi
gives you a traditional yet
beautiful look.”
Tips to darken
your Mehndi
Apply juice of lemon mixed
with sugar on your hands for
atleast half a day
Once the Mehndi starts to
fall off, apply vicks on your
hands
MOST IMPORTANTLY,
leave Mehndi overnight.
The longer you keep away
from water, the darker you
mehndi will be.
The application of mehndi has become a very popular and
fashionable form of art in other foreign countries too. Mehndi is
loved by majority girls and women all over the world. Moreover
mehndi is a significant ingredient on all special events like Eid and
marriage ceremonies.
Page 19
20. Free
F o r A
H e a r i n g / S p e e c h
S c r e e n i n g
Is your child having difficulty at school?
Does your child have difficulty understanding you?
Does your child have difficulty learning to speak?
Does your child have difficulty pronouncing certain sounds?
Does your child have difficulty swallowing, chewing and/or keeping food in their mouth?
If you have answered yes to 2 or more of these questions your child may need a speech-language
Assessment.
Do you have difficulty hearing the radio or television unless you turn the volume up?
If someone speaks to you when your back is turned, do you not always hear them?
Do you have difficulty hearing on the telephone?
Do you have to sometimes ask people to repeat what they have said?
Do you answer questions incorrectly because you have difficulty hearing what was said to you?
Are you constantly in a very noise environment? (e.g. exposure to construction sites, exposure to the sound
of firearms)
Do you experience a ringing/buzzing sound in your ears?
If you have answered yes to 2 or more of these questions you may need a hearing assessment.
Services Include
Audiology:
Hearing Assessment
Hearing Aid Evaluation and fitting
Aural Rehabilitation (Children & Adults)
Hearing Screening
Wellness Days
Screening /Therapy at Schools
Speech Therapy:
Language Therapy (For language delay)
Articulation Therapy (Pronunciation)
Stuttering Therapy
Voice Therapy
Feeing / Swallowing Therapy
Speech Language Therapy following Stroke/head injury
Screening / Therapy at schools
Tel: 071 175 5304 Email: speech.audio09@gmail.com
Midrand Health Emporium, Cnr Church & Market Street, Halfway House, Midrand
21.
22.
23. BY UVEKA RANGAPPA
Exclusive to Indian Connexion
E
ither it happened overnight or I'm just slow on the uptake – but there’s a new breed of Indian woman
out there and it’s difficult not to notice her. She’s the girl who is working 9 to 7, fitting Pilates or yoga in her
day, doing dinners with friends, driving herself around in a top of the range German car and adopting a
charity. She and her friends eat only at the best restaurants and drink the finest wines - anyone of them can
afford to pick up the tab. She goes home to a townhouse or cluster home in an affluent suburb.
She has a domestic worker who comes in once a week – although there’s nothing to really do because she
only comes home to sleep and is there on weekends. Next to her DVD player you’ll find the box sets of
grey’s anatomy, prison break and lost. Her fridge is almost empty because she doesn’t really cook but
whatever’s in there is healthy - mostly fat free and taste free – but it’s also guilt free!
And of course her home is testosterone and nappy free – and guess what? She‘s perfectly happy and
content.
The new breed of Indian woman is over 30 and not aiming to get married and have two and a
half kids. She’s not afraid to say it to anyone who questions her “predicament” at her 25 year old
cousin’s wedding back in Durbs. It’s not that she doesn’t want to have all of that someday
– it’s just not top of her list of priorities. What is top of that list is “her”! At the risk of
sounding selfish – she’s taking the time to learn and love herself.
She’s managed to get past the trap – going from being someone’s daughter to being someone’s wife and mother – she’s opted to be
“someone”!!!! She’s flying up the corporate ladder, admiring others who’re making names for themselves in business, in front of
and behind a TV camera, behind the radio microphone or enjoying seeing their names on bylines on front page articles. Her parents
speak of her with pride and have refrained from trying to get her “off the shelf” – they trust she will make the right choices when the
time is right. She’s the person everyone wants at their party – not just because she brings the most expensive gifts and the best
desserts – but because she’s real, fun and fabulous. She’s the person her friends call in the middle of the night when their
boyfriends or husbands have broken their hearts – because she is all heart! And when she’s done being all of these things – she’s
going to be a fabulous mother and wife – and any man would be lucky to have her!
She’s the new breed of Indian woman – and it’s difficult not to notice her!
Page 23
24. Midway Mews Shopping centre,
CNR Harry Galaun & 7th Roads
Midrand
Tel: 011 312 5521
Dance is the form of vibration of our
body and mind. It is a form of worship
through which a dancer can reach the
Almighty. A dancer can only reach this
stage through continuous training i.e.
'Sadhana'. There are also many other
benefits of Classical Indian Dance as
listed below:
Bharatanatyam & Kathak are forms of
Indian classical dance.
These popular dance forms are a
combination of melody, expressions,
and rhythm. The three primary
elements of Bharatanatyam are Nritya
Nritta, and Natya. Nritya emphasizes
body movements and various dance
postures. Nritta highlights rhythm and
body movements. Whilst Natya gives
significance to poem and drama.
A perfect combination of all three
elements makes a perfect dance. If
performed
with
absolute
concentration, these dance forms are
as beneficial as yoga.
Like many other dance forms of Indian
origin classical dance also has many
poses and postures. The performer
needs to maintain the body balance
elegantly in the entire performance.
The different kinds of body
movements known as Karanas help in
improving the body balance.
This dance form is associated with non
verbal communication and facial
expressions. Here facial expressions
and hand gestures are the main ways
to express and communicate feelings.
Various Mudras including symbols and
positions are a vital part of this dance
form and helps to improve the
flexibility of the body.
Classical Dance improves the overall
response of both the body and the
mind. The dancer needs to remember
Hastas, Mudras, and Karanas in order
to give good performance. He or she
also needs to remember different
steps, their names, the different
moves, rhythm and beats of the song
and maintain the synchrony. This
sharpens the mental skills, improves
concentration, and develops mental
alertness.
Classical & Bollywood Dance Lessons
Halfway House Primary School
Van Heerden Road, Midrand
Yudeshnee - 084 509 2244
www.maidc.cms4people.com
Lessons Include
Classical Dance
Theory Based on
the Natya Shastra
Established
since 2003
Page 24
25. Healing with Indian Spices
Cinnamon
Balances Blood Sugar & May also help
prevent and treat:
Cancer, cholesterol problems, food
poisoning, heart disease, hypertension,
insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian
syndrome, stroke, ulcer, vaginal yeast
infection, wounds.
Make spiced tea: Put a quart of brewed
tea into a pot, add 2 cups of apple juice,
and gently simmer with a sliced lemon
and two cinnamon sticks for 10 minutes.
Turmeric
Reduces Inflammation
Turmeric is the only readily available
edible source of curcumin, so try to
consume it as much as possible.
Also helps prevent and treat:
Acne, allergies, Alzheimer’s, arthritis,
asthma, cancer, cholesterol problems,
colitis (inflammatory bowel disease),
cystic fibrosis, depression, dermatitis,
type 2 diabetes, eczema, eye infection,
flatulence, gallbladder disease, gout, gum
disease, heart disease, high blood
pressure, itching, liver disease, macular
degeneration, obesity, pain, Parkinson’s
disease, pollution side effects, psoriasis,
rash, scleroderma, stroke, wounds.
Before sautéing vegetables or making
stir-fry, heat oil in a pan and sprinkle it
with turmeric, stirring for a few seconds
so it toasts a bit but doesn’t burn.
Add turmeric to fried onions (one study
found that onions and turmeric work
together, synergistically, to protect
against cancer).
Eat more yellow mustard, which contains
turmeric.
Coriander
Eases Digestive Discomfort
May also help prevent and treat:
Bloating, cholesterol problems, colic,
colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, diarrhoea,
eczema, flatulence, high blood pressure,
IBS, indigestion, insomnia, lead poisoning,
liver disease, psoriasis, rosacea, stomach
ache, ulcer, vaginal yeast infection.
Coarsely grind coriander and rub it into
meats or fish before cooking.
Add whole or ground seeds to stews,
casseroles, marinades, vinaigrettes and
pickled dishes.
Make a classic Moroccan rub: Mix ground
coriander with garlic, butter and paprika,
and rub it on lamb before roasting.
Fennel Seed
Calms Menstrual Cramps
These can help offset menstrual cramps
that affect more than 50 percent of
menstruating women. Fennel has also
been shown to calm colic in babies
May also help prevent and treat:
Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, colitis
(inflammatory bowel disease), dementia,
glaucoma, heart disease, high blood
pressure, hirsutism (unwanted hair
growth in women), stroke.
Cooking tips:
Dry and crush toasted fennel seeds and
steep them in tea.
Ginger
Quiets Queasiness
May also help prevent and treat:
Arthritis, asthma, cancer, cholesterol
problems, heart attack, heartburn,
indigestion, migraine, morning sickness,
motion sickness, nausea, stroke, elevated
triglycerides.
Rub into meat before grilling to help
tenderize and add flavor.
Sprinkle ground ginger and a little brown
sugar on acorn squash or sweet potatoes
before baking.
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Whole and Ground Spices | Pooja Goods, Soya Products
Stainless Steel Kitchen Utensils | Local & Imported
Aluminium Pots | Complete Household
& Wedding Groceries | Assorted Cosmetics
Ayurvedic Medicines | Rice & Lentils
Midrand: Shop 9, Midway Mews, Cnr Harry Galaun & 7th Rd,
Halfway Gardens / Tel/Fax: 011 312 3275
Lenasia: Shop 3 & 4 Mitha’s Centre, Cnr Anemone Ave & Eland Str
Ext 2, Lenasia / Tel: 011 852 6212 Fax: 011 852 4903
26. Mica is one of the largest hardware retailers in
Africa. With a wide range of hardware and
DIY products, we have the tool for you.
Tel: 011 805 5095
Fax: 011 315 0469
mewmic@mweb.co.za
Midway Mews Shopping Centre
Cnr. 7th & Harry Galaun, Midrand
27. How do you handle mistakes during a
performance?
Tansens’ Tunes
I make mistakes all the time but an
experienced musician covers his mistakes
very easily. My classical training gives me a
lot of confidence on stage and also allows
me creativity to move freely in music
passages.
Tansens’s name was given by his dad
who named him after the great
musician TANSEN who was one of the
jewels in King Akbars Court. The name
Tansen comes from two words, TAANA
and SEN . Taan is simply a group of
musical notes and SENA is the word for
army.
“So my name means" An army of
musical notes“, proudly says Tansen.
Indian Connexion caught up with
Tansen Nepaul for a special insight
into his busy life schedule, here is what
this talented & popular music maestro
have to say...
Which instruments do you play?
My main instrument is the Harmonium. I
play the electronic keyboards frequently.
I can also play a bit of flute, tabla and
percussions which I frequently do in my
recordings.
What was the first tune(s) you
learned and what was your first
instrument?
The Aarthi was the first tune I played at
the age of 4. I played this on my own
without any tuition. My dad then decided
to start teaching me. My first instrument
was a guitar made out of an oil tin made
by one of my cousins. Strangely, I just
never took up the guitar. Thereafter I
staged on a Bull Bull Tarang and then
started playing my Dads harmonium.
Is your family musical? Who was
your first teacher?
My dad and mom who are both late, were
well known for their involvement in music
and culture. My mom the late Subuluxmi
Naidoo was well known in the Andhra
circles. My dad was my first Guru.
Thereafter I learnt under many teachers
who all played a part in my diverse
musical knowledge.
Was your beginnings humbled
by challenges and which
famous musicians have you
been inspired by?
We never had easy access to world
music in my young days.
My main inspiration came from
local musicians that I admired. I was
inspired by musicians like Anil of the early
Saraswathi Shenaaz, Basant Ramchanders
late dad and Deepak Ram.
Do you get nervous before a
performance or a competition? What
advice would you give to beginners
who are nervous?
Nervousness is perfectly normal. Also know
that people are generally not critical of
mistakes that a musician or singer makes.
When you are on stage, go with the
intention of letting the audience experience
you, mistakes and all. Every thing else will
fall into place.
Tansen Nepaul
Were you influenced by old records
& tapes? Which ones?
I had a lot of recording and tape players
as a kid. I used to handle them very well
which is why my career was shaped in the
same way. An old recording that inspired
me to produce music was an orchestral
recording on a long play record called
Raaga Mood by V.Balsara. This
encouraged me to learn Raagas and
produce rich orchestral music. The Music
group Shakti led by L.Shankar encouraged
me to play Karnatic Fusion music.
Who are your favorite musicians?
Favourite musicians I listened to were,
Ravi Shankar, Y.S Moolky, Enoch Danials,
Pandith V. Jog, L. Shankar to name a few.
Have you been in competitions? Any
prizes?
I won many art competitions in school as I
was good at drawing. I also won many
medals from silver to gold in Tamil and
Telegu eistedfords.
Do you attend sessions? What makes a
good session?
We sometimes attend impromptu sessions
with musicians and this can be great fun.
Unfortunately, today musicians are living
further apart and the cost of transport
makes these sessions difficult to experience.
A good session is when some of the best
musicians come together from different
backgrounds and just jam. I enjoyed my jam
sessions with Pops Abraham for a television
program called” people of the South”
How do you balance your music with
other obligations - wife, children, job?
Balancing my life with a family and music
career as well as a full time job is not easy.
People look to my name for a multitude of
events and productions. Each one different
from the other covering all types of music
genres. I battle to find time to fit in request
and find it even more difficult to administer
and complete productions. But I use every
little opportunity to find time to do
something interesting for my wife and kids.
W
hat makes me survive in this game for
more than 45 years has been my attitude to
music and my life. I learn from every
musician I come into contact with and have a
good relationship with all of them. We work
together on projects and I always find time
to assist them with queries. I enjoy my job,
my music career but it is very stressful
especially when I do bigger events like the
Royal Show and other Extravaganza’s on a
large scale.
But it all comes with just being
Tansen Nepaul, who does not
know if he belongs to his family
or the community. Either way,
he delightfully admits that he
cant do without both.
Page 27
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29. Not Just for
cooking!!!
A Govender goes to a hotel and eats heartily. After eating he goes to wash his
hands but starts washing the basin instead. The manager comes running and asks
him, "Mr. Govender, what are you doing?“ To this the man replies, "AYO, see the
board here, " Wash Basin ".
Every Indian
kid Knows
A Wife Hit Her Husband With Frying Pan: Husband: What was that for? Wife: I found a paper in
your Pocket, with the name Jenny on it.
Husband: I played a Race last week and Jenny ... was the name of my Horse. Wife: Sorry!
Next day, Wife again hit him with the Frying Pan.
Husband: Why now? Wife: Your Horse is on the Phone!!!
Parks Board warden finds an Indian man at the Blue Lagoon with ten shad fish in a bucket.
"That's way over the limit," he says. "You're under arrest.“ "But lahnee, please," the man says,
"these are my pet fish from home. I just bring them down here to let them swim free once a week. When
I whistle, they all come back and get into the bucket to go home.“ "I don't believe it." says the warden.
"OK...I will show you.“
The man promptly dumps the shad into the sea and gazes after them as they swim away. After a minute,
the warden says, "OK, so how long?"
"How long what?" says the man.
"How long till you call the fish back?"
"What fish?"
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Page 29
30. Scorpio
Thanks to the ongoing planetary transits, you may find problems, which
have been dragging along for a long time, reaching a successful conclusion
this year. Also, be prepared to tackle new issues that may pop up during the
course of the year, challenging your capacity to adapt to change.
The fast-paced events may make your life quite hectic. Circumstances may stress you
out , and you may find yourself being unwilling and unrelenting to many situations. At
the beginning of the year, the retrograde Jupiter will form a Square aspect with your
Sign. Saturn and North Node (Rahu) will be in the 8th Sign from your Sign, i.e. Scorpio.
Venus too will be retrograde at the beginning of the year. All this planetary activity
suggests that the initial stages of the year may be very hectic, and moreover, if you try
to do things in a rush, you may end up mixing everything up. So, slow down
deliberately, take a deep breath, get in touch with your family and take a good care of
your well-being (above everything else, that is!).
Taurus
Whether you are a businessman or a
professional you are likely to experience a
lot of change this year, some of it good,
some bad. If you are a businessman and
have to take a loan, take it before April.
Keep away from the courts or any kind of
litigation like the plague, and try to settle
disputes out of court. Travel is on the
cards, but if you wish to buy property or a
new vehicle, take it only if you can afford
to pay cash down.
Gemini
Fix a daily routine and follow it strictly.
Do not neglect niggling health
problems. Pace your work burden
judiciously so that you don’t have to
over-exert yourself.
Stay optimistic and involve yourself in
creative pursuits. Do not let negative
thoughts enter your mind.
You need to spend some quality time
with your nearest and dearest ones,
which shall both help you unwind as
well as make them happy
Cancer
Don’t take things to heart. Learn to take
the setbacks in your stride.
Don’t get carried away by success.
People will respect your success more if
you remain humble.
Keep your equanimity intact, don’t lose
your temper no matter how trying the
situation may be.
If you get a chance to travel, don’t let it
pass. It will broaden your knowledge
and also relieve boredom.
Leo
Make hay while the sun shines; enjoy
the good times, bear the bad ones
with equanimity, but make sure to
conserve your energy.
Do not to do anything in extremes.
Moderation should be the operative
word for you.
Don’t get carried away by your own
sense of importance. Banish pride,
and be more respectful than you
usually are.
Virgo
Judicious financial planning is
imperative. Save money while the
inflow is good, so that later in tough
times it can come in handy.
Trust your instincts. Gut feeling plus
suggestions from family shall help you
tide over any difficulties which you
may face this year.
Control your tendency to find fault
with others all the time. Treat others
as you wish to be treated by them
Libra
Don’t be impulsive, especially on the
personal front.
Open a recurring deposit account and
start saving money to secure your
future.
Be alert, and see to it that no one tries
to tarnish your reputation.
Aim for inner tranquillity, then things
outside shall automatically become
tranquil.
Go with the tide, don’t try too hard
to hasten things up.
Don’t get carried away by success, or
depressed by setbacks. Maintain
your equanimity.
Don’t lose your temper even under
the gravest of provocations.
Sagittarius
You need to be wary of spending too
much money this year. Try saving up for
the future.
Especially take good care of your health.
Don’t rely completely on your intuition,
but try to follow your logical instincts
Capricorn
Reduce stress by taking regular breaks.
Pay some attention to your family.
Get adequate rest and meditate, you
will feel rejuvenated.
This year may start on a negative note,
but later developments shall be
positive, so keep the faith
Aquarius
Pace out your work judiciously so that you
don’t over-stress yourself. Be organised and
methodical.
Don’t take impulsive decisions on the career
front. If you have another job offer, think
properly before deciding to take it up.
Try not to borrow money unless it is
imperative, and keep it within repayable
limits.
Pisces
Don’t let emotions solely be your guiding
force. Be practical when you have to be
practical.
You need to look after your health
properly.
Hobbies or creative activities can help
your de-stress
Visit www.indianconnexion.co.za to
find out more about your what your
stars have to say..
Page 30
