Month: September 2024

Just quietly the IPEF could be replacing the TPP and building a stronger Indo-Pacific

We haven’t been hearing much about the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

But we might be about to hear more about the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).

It is quietly working towards many of the goals of the ambitious TPP.

IPEF aims to establish “high-standard commitments” in four pillars: (1) Connected Economy (selected trade issues); (2) Resilient Economy (supply chains); (3) Clean Economy (clean energy, decarbonization, infrastructure); and (4) Fair Economy (tax, anti-corruption issues). Pictured is India’s Piyush Goyal with the signed supply chain agreement.

Today, approximately two years since the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in Tokyo, the 14 IPEF partners are – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.

Low profile, step by step the IPEF could build a solid Indo-Pacific community of nations. This has been much needed for some time now.

Might change your life – or you might just have fun. Gurudev coming to Australia in October

“An Evening with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar” is coming to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth in October.

I love this Art of Living program.

If you can get tickets – go! For Melbourne:

An Evening with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

For me, it involves breathing techniques that lead to such a relaxed state of bliss. And attendees are fun people to be around.

At second level of what I like, Gurudev does not ever complicate things – he provides simple wisdom.

A Life Changed – think about this quote:

In my 20s, I was consumed by depression and everything felt hopeless. One day, my sister told me about a nearby event featuring a talk and meditation session with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. As soon as I walked in, I felt something shift inside me. His words seemed to answer the questions in my mind, and I was filled with peace I had never known before.

After the session, meeting Gurudev in person was an experience beyond words. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted off my shoulders. The bliss and boundless energy I experienced stayed with me for months. When this initially faded, I began addressing my depression, but this time with a much calmer and more peaceful approach. Because I learnt the SKY breathing practice with the Art of Living, it has changed my life for the better. I have accomplished things I once thought impossible and have found inner peace.

https://www.artofliving.org/au-en

Reflecting on the life of T Janardhana Rao – a great India-Australian – 1938-2024

Dr T Janardhana Rao MBBS, MS, FRACS, FACS, OAM has passed away. This leaves a huge gap in Melbourne – and in those who love India and Australia.

He was an outstanding surgeon and honorary Indian Consul for so many decades that he has left his imprint across the Indian-Australian and broader community.

My abiding memory of Jana is the way he was always respectful, kind, seeking cooperation and building relationships. Quietly spoken and very considered in his comments, he was a strong believer that the two countries would benefit from much closer ties across politics, trade, culture and the arts.

Jana taught me so much about the Indian way of thinking and of concepts such as acceptance and patience. When staying with Jana and Vimila in their Chennai home, the highlight for me was the morning walk with Jana prior to breakfast. It was “walk and talk”.

Jana was a role model for all who want to change things – do so with respect and patience, bringing all with you rather than dividing.

His charitable legacy and foundation will leave a lasting impact, but it is his and his family story as a migrant family that shows us what can be done and how we can achieve better together.

A Memorial Service will be held at Malvern Town Hall, Saturday 7 September, 10am for 10.30 commencement. All are welcome.