Sun, sand and shopping – Sydney lures the Indian tourist

15/09/2008 0 Comments read Travel

Centennial Park, Sydney. Photo Credit: © Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 15.09.2008 (IANS): As other international tourists give Australia a miss, Indian tourists are being lured to this harbour city of blue skies and scenic beaches with travel packages tailored specifically for the Indian market.

A high-level trade mission from the state of New South Wales (NSW) is in India this week to tap into the increasing number of Indians looking for overseas holidays.

Sydney has become one of the favourite destinations for Indian travellers, be it families, backpackers, honeymooners or business travellers. Indian holidaymakers find Sydney one of the cleanest, most user-friendly cities with some of the finest restaurants and beautiful vistas.

Continue reading →

Big Little Penguin Parade

12/09/2008 0 Comments read Travel

Fairy or Little Penguins in Phillip Island, Victoria. Photo Credit: © Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Phillip Island (Victoria, Australia), 12.09.2008 (The Hindu Businessline): As the sun set on a balmy summer day, we made our way with hundreds of other tourists to the tiered stands on the Summerland Beach on Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia. There was excitement in the air as we walked to keep our date with the `Little Penguins’.

Patiently and silently, we waited for dusk to give way to darkness. Suddenly fingers were pointing to a mass of black in the distant shallow waters. No sooner had it appeared than it vanished into the vast expanse of the ocean. Probably a raft of penguins had sensed predators and retreated.

Continue reading →

First ever Islamic Banking and Finance course at La Trobe

27/08/2008 0 Comments read Education

By Neena Bhandari

Melbourne, 27.08.2008 (IANS): The first ever Islamic Banking and Finance Master’s course to be offered by La Trobe University in Australia has at least some overseas Indian students excited about future prospects in this fast-growing segment of global finance.

“I am very excited that the university will be offering a course in Islamic Banking and Finance (IBF). By learning about Islamic commercial laws, I can help people of my community in their development”, Mohammed Rizwanuddin from Hyderabad, who is nearing completion of a two-year Master of Professional Accounting at La Trobe University, told IANS.

“As the concept of `interest’ is considered `haram’ in Islam, there are many Muslims who need financial support for their progress. I feel that Islamic commercial law can overcome this problem”, adds Rizwanuddin, who would like to return to India and help his community despite good job prospects in Australia and the Middle East.

Continue reading →