Table of contents for 2025-04-23 in Post

2 to 3 sheets phyllo pastry 2 cups cubed chicken fillet 3 cups Harvesttime mixed vegetables 2 tsp garlic paste 1 small onion, finely sliced 1 tbs ground green chillies 2 tsp chicken spice 1 cup grated cheese 4 tbs butter salt finely chopped fresh dhania Braise the onion in the butter until soft and translucent. Add the chicken. Stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients except the cheese. Stir-fry until the mixture is dry. Add the fresh dhania Brush each phyllo pastry sheet with melted butter and place one on top of the other. Add the chicken and cheese, and roll it like Swiss roll. Slice and bake at 180°C until golden brown…

1 bottle All Gold Tomato Sauce 1 bottle Mrs Balls Chutney, original 1 bottle Maggi Chilli sauce 3 tbs methi masala (pickle masala) 1 bottle Steers peri-peri sauce 1 bottle Steers sweet chilli sauce ¾ cup white or brown vinegar Adjust the sauces accordingly. Mix the above together. Give it one boil, stirring all the time. Remove from the stove. Braise ¼ cup oil, a few whole garlic, curry leaves and 1 tbs mustard seeds, and pour over the sauce. Cool completely and bottle.…

300g fresh spinach 3 tbs olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 egg salt, to taste ½ tsp black pepper powder 250g ricotta cheese ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1 puff pastry sheet or any other 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbs milk (for egg wash) Boil the spinach and discard the water. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Add 1 tbs filling, brush the edges with water and fold over. Sprinkle sesame seeds over. Bake at 180°C until golden brown.…

AN ELDERLY Westcliff mother suffered severe injuries – including a broken hip, shoulder, elbow and kneecap – after she fell into a hole allegedly caused by a delayed municipal response to a burst water pipe. Her son now wants to pursue legal action against the eThekwini Municipality. Molly Gordon, 81, had returned home from an outing when she stepped into the hole, situated outside her house gate, in Spoorlyn Road. Her son Geshen Gordon alleged the hole had formed after the municipality failed to fix a burst pipe from two weeks prior, leading to the tar on their drive-way to give way and form a 1.5-meter deep hole. He said he made several calls to the council regarding the burst pipe. “On April 8, the pipe burst outside my home…

PARENTS are increasingly concerned about the growing amount of homework assigned to their children, leading to stress and anxiety. Teachers and parents share their perspectives on the impact of excessive homework on pupils’ well-being. Concerned parents said their children returned home daily from school with increased amounts of homework, leaving them with no time to relax. One parent said her child was overwhelmed with the quantity of homework, and could not complete the daily tasks. “My daughter waits for her dad and I to come home to help her. By the time she is finished with her homework, her hands are cramping and she often bursts out crying from exhaustion. She also gets stressed if her work is not completed because she is afraid of being reprimanded by her teachers.…

Religious organisations in South Africa are empowering youth to take on leadership roles, bridging generational gaps, and preserving cultural traditions through innovative strategies. DESPITE challenges of the “reluctance” of some religious leaders to allow the youth to lead religious organisations, organisations are implementing new strategies to foster cultural preservation and bridge generational gaps. Dr Yusuf Patel, secretary general of the United Ulama Council of South Africa, said there were several challenges that Muslim organisations faced in this regard, including the lack of interest among youth to take on leadership roles and resistance to change from older members. “We also have the challenge of insufficient training programmes. Additionally, some organisations struggle with defining clear pathways for succession planning. Many religious organisations do have succession plans that outline strategies for leadership…

THIS Sunday will mark the 31st birthday of South Africa’s democracy. On April 27, 1994, the country’s first democratic elections were held, ushering in a better future for all. The elections represented the culmination of years of Struggle against the oppressive white regime, which had enforced racial segregation and discrimination in every aspect of life. Since then Freedom Day, celebrated annually on April 27, commemorates the end of apartheid, and the dawn of a new era of hope and possibility. On Sunday, we must reflect on the significant strides South Africa has made in the past three decades, a journey marked by both triumph and ongoing challenges. We must recognise the sacrifices made by countless individuals who paved the way for democracy, fighting tirelessly against injustice and oppression, to ensure…

THE family of a Pietermaritzburg pensioner who was assaulted and later died in his hospital, are calling for his alleged attacker to be denied bail. Sheik Khan, 68, of Northdale, who sustained extensive injuries, including to the brain, died on March 28, a day after being admitted in hospital. Trisha Perumal, who was renting on the same property as Khan, was arrested and charged with his murder. She is expected to appear in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court for a bail application later this week. Speaking to the POST this week, Khan’s daughter, Nadia Alli, said they were calling for bail to be denied. “My father was a defenceless man. Why was he beaten to such an extent that he died? The person responsible for taking his life must be…

AMERICA is nothing more than a paper tiger and a champion of nothing. For the past 50 years, it has tried to instil in the minds of the world that it is the strong, dominant, and unshakable superpower. This narrative has been the main motivation for America to engage in conflicts with weaker nations, allowing it to appear strong through these confrontations. However, America has never dared to engage in a conflict with a peer superpower. In other words, America's power has never truly been tested. Therefore, the idea that America is a superpower is, in fact, greatly exaggerated and deliberately inflated – a narrative that has served certain elites and influential figures. America has consistently sought to reinforce this illusion by showcasing its strength against weak nations. But reality…

A FAMILY general practitioner recently made a comment that in spite of lots of discrepancies in the system, where the greater majority of poor people are marginalised from proper medical care, particularly in our public hospitals (and to some extent within our private hospitals), the private hospitals in our country were definitely easier to access and the fees far lower than in other countries. He added that this was in spite of the usual bureaucracy, a need for pre- authorisation and medical aid hiccups. The local private service, generally, was in spite of our grouses, still better than most of the hospitals in so-called advanced countries. A very brief survey reveals that plenty of foreign patients are actually taking the trouble of flying to South Africa to…

DID Yogin Devan get his information about the Waqt issue from his friend, Congress acolyte Sanjay Kapoor or his contacts from the anti-Hindu DMK of Tamil Nadu, the disciples of EV Ramasamy of whom Nehru wrote: “Let him be put in a lunatic asylum and his perverted mind treated there” in a letter to K Kamraj, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. “Charity must not be shackled by the state”, the POST, April 16-20, refers. All mosques/Waqt properties in India were built on Hindu land, which were either stolen (eg. Babri, Shahi Idgah, Gyanvapi and thousands of others), bestowed on Muslims by a long line of conquistador occupiers, or given as largess by the Congress party and allies like DMK to appease Muslims or retain them as vote banks. Various Congress governments…

American gymnast Simone Biles, voted Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Sport Awards ceremony in Madrid on Monday night, said she remained uncertain about whether she would compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 28-year-old, a seven-time Olympic champion, won three gold medals in Paris last year, making a thrilling return to the Olympic stage after a long mental health break. "I'm really enjoying my time off before I decide if I want to go back to the gym and compete," she said at the ceremony. "A lot of people think it's just a one-year commitment but it truly is the four years leading up to the Olympics. "It's in LA it's back in the States, which is so exciting. But if I'm going to compete again, I'm…

Long Weekend Rock & Surf Fishing Frenzy! Last weekend may not have gone to plan thanks to the wild weather, but this one? It’s game time. The long weekend is here, and with it comes another shot at coastal chaos – the good kind. Clear skies, baited hooks, and beaches buzzing with fish activity from north to south… it's shaping up to be an unforgettable few days on the water. North Coast – Kob Central: If you’ve got kob on your mind, the North Coast is the place to be. Reports have been coming in hot from the usual kob haunts, and they’re smashing everything from chokka to live bait to paddle tails. If you’re working a paddle tail, slow and steady near the bottom is the move – kob…

R MADHAVAN believes Kesari Chapter 2 will make the world realise what Indians are capable of doing. During the premiere of the historical drama in Delhi, the 3 Idiots actor said he had the good fortune of being part of some historical films – a lot of them depicting good stories about India. However, he said Kesari Chapter 2 would be his proudest film. “The message is loud and clear. We are a proud country with proud people. The days of taking an Indian for granted and thinking of us as weak are gone.” The special screening of the movie was held recently. Among the guests were Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, and minister Anurag Thakur.…

CONGRATULATIONS are in order for actress Sagarika Ghatge and cricketer Zaheer Khan, who have welcomed their baby boy into the world. The couple took to Instagram to share the news with a heartfelt post. Ghatge posted a family portrait revealing the name of their son. The actress wrote: “With love, gratitude and divine blessings, we welcome our precious little baby boy, Fatehsinh Khan.” The picture captures Khan gently holding their newborn son in his lap, while Ghagte embraces him. Another photo offers a close-up glimpse of their son’s hand. The couple’s good news was met with an outpouring of love from friends and celebrities Actress Anushka Sharma dropped red heart emojis in the comments section. Genelia Deshmukh wrote: “Congratulations, you guys. So happy for you.” Fellow actress Soha Ali Khan…

At the Good Friday march and Easter Sunday service at the Christian Revival Church in Chatsworth were:…

3 eggs ½ cup milk 1 can cream-style corn 1 tsp ground fresh chillies 1 medium onion, squeeze out the water 1 cup whole frozen sweetcorn ½ cup mealie meal or 2 slices bread soaked in milk, squeeze out the milk 1 cup gram flour (chana flour) ¾ cup oil salt to taste 1 tsp baking powder 3 bunches methi herbs (fenugreek), chopped fine Beat the eggs and milk. Add the cream-style corn and green chillies. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix well. Grease a casserole and bake at 180°C for an hour. Serve with chutney of your choice.…

butter/ghee 4 cubed fillet 1½ tsp green masala 1 tsp salt 1 heap tsp crushed garlic 1 cup frozen mixed veg Heat the ghee or butter. Add the fillet with the green masala, salt and crushed garlic. When the chicken turns white, add the frozen mixed veg. Cook until the veg and chicken are done, and set aside. White sauce: 125g butter ¼ cup flour 1 cup milk 1 cup boiling water 1 tsp Aromat 1 tsp coarse crushed black pepper Melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the milk and 1 cup boiling water. Whisk until a thick consistency forms (it must still be runny. If too thick, add more water or milk to make it a sauce-type consistency. Season the white…

2 tbs melted butter/ghee 1 cup sweet potato (mashed) 1 cup dessicated coconut 1½ cups milk 3/4 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp ground elachi Peel and wash the sweet potatoes. Boil until soft. Measure 1 cup after mashing. Whip the eggs well. Blend in the sweet potatoes. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Grease a casserole (25 x 20 x 5cm deep). Spread the mixture and sprinkle with a little poppy seeds and slivered almonds. Bake at 180°C until pale gold in colour. Serve warm.…

With increasing unemployment among qualified teachers in South Africa, many are considering moving abroad for better job opportunities. We highlight the challenges faced by teachers and the implications of a potential brain drain in the teaching profession. Shwetha Saminath, 26, a qualified teacher from Chatsworth, said she had been unemployed for four years. “I qualified in 2021, and I specialise in the intermediate and senior phase. I taught at a school in Chatsworth for five years. “I have been unemployed for four years and have encountered many financial challenges since then. “My passion is to teach children and it is sad that there are limited job opportunities for teachers in KZN. Teaching overseas enhances career prospects. There is a massive growth of opportunities in terms of experience and international recognition…

yoshini.perumal@inl.co.za DESPITE the recent appointment of over 1 500 teachers in KwaZulu-Natal, unions have highlighted that the ongoing shortages and budget constraints that threatened the education sector, had left many qualified teachers unemployed. Last week, the MEC for Education in KZN, Sipho Hlomuka, announced that the Department of Education (DoE) had filled critical vacancies in maths, maths literacy, physical and life sciences, and technical subjects. Hlomuka said 1 530 post level 1 critical teacher posts had been filled between January and April 2025. "These posts had become vacant as a result of attrition, retirement, promotions and resignations. Most of these posts became vacant in critical subjects like maths, maths literacy, physical sciences, life sciences, technical subjects and other new subjects. “The filling of these posts aimed at ensuring that there…

THERE are probably very few in our country today who know more about Hollywood than Durban businessman and movie mogul Anant Singh. He's been there, done it all and he's got the T-shirt. As producer of more than 80 films since 1984 - including classics like Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom and Cry The Beloved Country - Singh has won a host of international awards and today rubs shoulders with such stars as Idris Elba, Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones and Hillary Swank. Last week, we got a chance to meet the new Anant Singh - the consummate actor. My guess is that he picked up these new skills through his close association with such Hollywood a-listers. Delivering an Oscar-worthy performance before a group of ANC…

To the Catholic community and beyond, I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. A beacon of compassion, kindness, and inclusivity, Pope Francis touched countless lives worldwide. His efforts to foster greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTI+ individuals left a lasting impact. May his legacy inspire continued progress toward love, acceptance, and unity for all. Dumisani Dube Global Interfaith Network board member Pope Francis was a Holy man with a simple message: “God loves everyone unconditionally irrespective of your background or faith.” Pope Francis opened the doors of the church to everyone, particularly those on the fringes of the church such as women, the divorced, homosexuals, the poor and homeless. We love him deeply and are profoundly saddened by his death. Pope Francis had the…

THE KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (KZN DoE) has concluded its investigation into allegations of religious intolerance at Drakensberg Secondary School, exonerating both the principal and a teacher. However, the parents are disappointed over the findings, questioning the integrity of the investigation. In January, allegations surfaced of a Muslim teacher forcing Hindu pupils to remove their red Lakshmi prayer strings at the school. On February 3, the DoE visited the school and launched an investigation into the allegations of racial intolerance. According to the DoE’s report into the allegations, which was leaked to the POST, the investigation was finalised on February 24. But to date the parents of the affected pupils have not had sight of it. According to the report, the investigation was prompted following reports in the media about…

Pope Francis's funeral, which is expected to draw huge crowds, will take place on Saturday in the square in front of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. His coffin, which he previously ordered, should be of wood and zinc, and would then be taken inside the church and from there to the Rome basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial. The date was set by the first so-called "general congregation" of cardinals on Tuesday morning, which kicked-off a centuries-old process that culminates in the election of a new pontiff within three weeks. The Argentine pontiff, 88, died on Easter Monday from a stroke, less than a month after returning home from five weeks in hospital battling double pneumonia. In choosing to be buried in Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, he…

EXCELLENT letter by Kamal Panday, “The IFP's betrayal”, the POST, April 16-20. The recent agreement among political parties to increase VAT has sparked widespread concern, particularly among low-income households. The decision has been met with dismay from many, who believe it will affect the poor and vulnerable. It was disheartening to see Parliament members celebrating a VAT increase, given its potential impact on low-income households. It was absolutely shameful. This move seems to contradict the goal of reducing poverty. In light of the consequences, it’s crucial for political parties to reconsider the VAT increase. The decision seems to contradict the goal of reducing poverty and promoting social justice. It seems many parties have forgotten it is their duty to prioritise the welfare of their constituents. Sadly, all those who…

IN HIS opinion piece titled “Charity must not be shackled by the state” (the POST, April 16-20), Yogin Devan raises valid concerns about the need to preserve the independence of charitable organisations from state interference. However, the piece suffers from a lack of clarity, inconsistency in argumentation, and conflation of national contexts, which ultimately detracts from its effectiveness as an op-ed. At the heart of the column is an apparent plea for non-interference by government in the work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially those involved in charity. This is a legitimate concern and one that deserves serious public discourse. However, the way in which Devan attempts to support this argument, by referencing the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill in India, creates more confusion than clarity. The crux of the problem…

YOGIN Devan’s column, “Charity must not be shackled by the state”, the POST, April 16-20, refers. Devan suggests that his views on the Waqf issue are contextualised and suggests that amendments to the Waqf may be justified, then proceeds to comment on the “BJP’s obsession with Muslims and the perception that the party embraces Hindu nationalist vision the changes to the Waqf bill could be well seen as an anti-Muslim move aimed to strip the Muslim community of its control over Waqf and place these institutions under state control”. More than context (and patronage), the readership expects a commentary that is fact checked, balanced and objective. Waqf, or endowment in Islamic tradition, evolved from the Prophet Muhammad’s time, with the concept of dedicating property for religious or charitable purposes. The…

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti dismissed suggestions on Tuesday he is under mounting pressure at the club as they sit second in the La Liga standings and were knocked out of the Uefa Champions League last week. Ancelotti's future has been questioned following their Champions League quarter-final loss to Arsenal, with multiple reports suggesting he could leave Real at the end of the season to take over the Brazil national team. Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso and former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp are among the names that have been linked with the top job at Real in recent weeks. Asked if he was feeling the pressure, the Italian manager told reporters: "The club is aware that it has been a more complicated year than last year. "Together we manage the…

BEFORE capturing hearts on the big screen, actor Arjun Kapoor had an entirely different dream – one that placed him behind the camera rather than in front of it. The actor recently shared that storytelling and direction were his first love. “It’s the magic trick of cinema that fascinates me. Not everything has to be logical – the conviction is what sells the illusion. “I love watching Korean films and European movies. I wanted to be a film-maker. Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja was the most expensive film back then. I was enamoured, and the joy of movies stayed. “I always want to know how the film comes together, and the process gives me joy.”…

ACTRESS Samantha Ruth Prabhu said that conversations around menstruation were still met with silence, whispers and shame. The actress, in an episode of her podcast Take20, spoke to nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary about menstruation, cycle syncing, endometriosis and the everyday (yet rarely acknowledged) health struggles that women faced. She said: “Speaking with Rashi Choudhary reminded me how crucial it is to break these taboos and dated notions. “Our cycles are powerful and, most importantly, life-affirming. “Definitely not something to be ashamed of or hide, or for that matter, even taken lightly.” Prabhu opened up about her relationship with her body. “The menstrual cycle and how it affects our mind and body is something we need to consistently keep learning about with every passing year. “Rashi, with her wealth of experience and…

foil pie cups puff pastry egg for eggwash Filling: 1.4 kg boneless lamb, mutton, or beef cut into small cubes 1 x lamb/mutton/beef stock cube (Knorrox) 2 tbs red chilli flakes salt to taste chopped green chillies to taste 1 tsp garam masala ¼ cup oil 1 heaped cup chopped onions ¼ cup ginger garlic paste 1 tsp course black pepper 1 tsp course crushed cumin seeds 2 tbs corn starch mixed with ¼ cup water Heat the oil in a pot or pressure cooker. Add the onions and fry until it just softens. Add the cumin and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for a minute. Add the meat and all the other ingredients except the corn starch mixture. Mix well. Cook until the meat begins to get firm, and…

HEAT store-bought tacos in the oven until crispy. Braise ½kg prawns (cubed) with butter, pepper, 1 tsp garlic paste, 1 tsp crushed red chilli and 2 tbs chilli sauce. Mix lightly and set aside Tomato chutney: Braise 1 small onion in ghee. Add 1 can Rhodes garlic tomato, ½ tsp black pepper, and salt to taste. Blend together and add 1 tbs vinegar. Layer as follows: lettuce, prawns, tomato chutney, grated cheese, sour cream, gracamole, bottled jalapeno, bottled mild red pepper and fresh dhania.…

500g chicken fillet, cubed 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp ginger 2 tsp garlic ½ tsp garam masala ½ packet Shan butter chicken masala 1 tsp tandoori masala 1 tsp chicken spice 2 tbs mayonnaise 2 tbs double cream yoghurt 1 tsp chicken spice 1 tsp chilli powder 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp haldi/turmeric 2-3 tsp tomato paste Marinate the chicken with the above spices. Melt the butter in a pot. Add the marinated chicken and cook on a low flame. The filling must be a little saucy. Then add 250ml fresh cream. Cook the chicken for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Let it cool. Add the chopped coriander. Fill it in the pastry.…

l Ashlin Ellan, 28, of Avoca in Durban, said while the Constitution was one of the most progressive in the world, the lived experiences of many South Africans, especially those in underprivileged communities, did not always reflect the rights it guaranteed. Issues such as unequal access to quality education, health care and employment opportunities still plagued society, he said. “While the rights are there on paper, the implementation and enforcement remain inconsistent.” Ellan, a teacher and community youth ambassador, said unemployment was one of the biggest challenges faced by the youth. “Many young people, even with qualifications, are unable to find work, leading to disillusionment and a sense of hopelessness. Access to tertiary education is another barrier, and those who manage to enter often carry the burden of student debt.…

IN A heart-warming response to community need, it has been two weeks since the launch of the “Adopt A Child” campaign, in partnership with the Chinmaya Mission’s Flourish to Nourish team. The response from POST readers has been nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating a profound commitment to uplifting the lives of South Africa’s youth. Our readers have generously opened their hearts and wallets to this project. Why should you consider supporting the Adopt A Child campaign? As Nelson Mandela poignantly stated: “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice.” This sentiment resonates deeply in South Africa, a country grappling with the highest income inequality in the world. It serves as a call to action for those in better circumstances to reach out and assist…

RELIGIOUS leaders from various faiths expressed their sadness and reflected on the impactful legacy of Pope Francis, highlighting his commitment to compassion, interfaith dialogue, and social justice. Dr Lokesh Ramnath Maharajh, Chairperson of the Priest's Council of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, said the organisation extended its heartfelt condolences to the Roman Catholic Church and the global Christian community. “As the first Latin American pope and a spiritual leader of extraordinary humility, compassion, and wisdom, Pope Francis served as a beacon of hope during a time marked by division and uncertainty. His unwavering commitment to the poor, the marginalised, and the environment showcased a deep moral courage and a profound dedication to the sacredness of all life. “He will be remembered not only as a reformer within the church…

New regulations requiring landowners to provide personal information have sparked a heated debate in South Africa, with political parties divided over privacy concerns and the implications for property rights, writes Nadia Khan THERE has been a mixed reaction to a recently-amended regulation which requires landowners to provide personal information such as their race, gender, citizenship and nationality. Earlier this month, a circular was issued by the chief registrar of the Deeds Office, in which there were several amendments to the Deeds Registries Act of 1937, including Amendment 18, which now makes provision for the collection of personal information. However, this was for the purposes of “statistical and land audit purposes only”, it read. According to the circular, the amended regulation required the completion and signing of a form…

An open letter to Nomusa Shamase (KZN Department of Education: superintendent education manager of uMlazi), Marco Manias (school governing body chairperson) and Dr Garth Shaw (principal). DEAR Mrs Shamase, Mr Manias and Dr Shaw “HINDU teachers boycott Northwood school assembly”, the POST, April 16-20, refers. The South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) is concerned about how this issue is being handled. South Africa is a multireligious, multicultural and multiracial society. It is well known that apartheid not only suppressed political freedom, but also stifled religious choices in favour of a narrow Christian Calvinist agenda which was implicitly anti-Hindu and anti-Islam. Freedom of religion and worship is entrenched in the democratic Constitution of our country as well as in the South African Schools Act. Over the past 31 years, the SAHMS…

MY WIFE’S cousin and her daughter from Australia did an amazing thing recently when they came to visit their families in South Africa. They organised a wonderful get-together for family and friends at Coastlands, in uMhlanga, on April 6. Over 140 guests were invited to eat, drink and socialise with one another. No one was left out. I was really impressed how Kusturi and her daughter, Maheshini, put together this great family function from far across the vast Indian Ocean, thousands of miles away in Sydney. Thanks to modern technology like Google and the internet, these things are now possible. The world has indeed become a small place. The Group Areas Act uprooted long-established communities, and spread them far and wide across the country, even overseas. Indians, being very sociable…