FIJI SUN NOV 2010 by Koya Sahab

USA

18 Asin sets the record

Bollywood

Vol-19 Issue-10

Inside

P- 2 Dr new Tongan PM

P- 5 Coca Cola Games kick off in Fiji...

straight!

JERRY BROWN AND NEWSOM A FORMIDABLE TEAM November-2010

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For millions of Californians it is sigh of relief to see that eight years of Republican rule in the state is finally coming to end as the “take back California” campaign paid off big time last Tuesday night with the victory of key positions for Democrats. The Californians seem to have finally realized the stumbling block for California’s success. Once the richest state in US, California took considerable beating in economic downturn. Some critics attribute the plight to party politics in passing state

budge rather than to its actual economic crisis. Gov. Jerry Brown with considerable know-how and past experience as California Governor seems to have a plan to tackle the problems instead of threats of job cuts and layoffs. San Francisco Mayor as the Lieutenant Governor is also a very intelligent andarticulate young goaloriented politician to make a formidable team with Jerry Brown to take on the challenges of solving problems. Newsom has an impressive track record and enormous public trust.

SAMOAN MEMBERS OF NAZARENE CHURCH, HAYWARD

P- 5 New Indian mbassador

P- 6

Remove bad reputation... Above Samoan congregation of Nazarene Church meet here every Sunday from 10-11 AM for services.

P- 8 HAF Highlights Persecution...

P- ??? EDEN OSCAR WINNERS

Deepawali Celebration in Sacramento Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir

Elder Creek Shree Laxmi Nnarayan Mandir in Sacramento celebrated Deepawali with Flag hoisting followed performances in the main hall.

Dr. Isilkeli first Fijian theological professor at Bible College, Sacramento

On his way to Sarcamento, having dropped his wife at a weekend Christian retreat in Santa Cruz, Dr. Isekeli stopped over for a brief interview with the FIJISUN. Isikeli is a former Fiji Police payroll accounts assistant and immigrated to US after the coups and took theological studies choosing to stele in Sacramento where he is there is a “comfortable mix of Islanders – Tongan, Fijians and Samoans.” Dr. Isekeli accompanying with his Togan associate Paula said what he could not see back in Fiji, he witnessed and enjoyed in the inter-denominational participation here in USA. “Back homer we had lots of denominational issues that divided us rather than unite.” Dr. Isikeli told the Fiji Sun. ( Pictured: Dr. Isikeli right with Tongan associate Paula. Continued on page P8)

For fresh and tasty lamb or goal palau visit Joyti Supermarket first!

November, 2010

FIJI SUN STAFF

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M H Koya (PhD) Editor-Publisher

PO Box 265, Mt. Eden, CA 94557 PH.:510-677-4488 FAX : 510-781-4884 Email: fijisun@gmail.com

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EDITORIAL

November, 2010

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COCA COLA GAMES KICK OFF IN FIJI FOR 2010 WITH AG’S PRESENCE

COMMUNITY NEWS

FIJI ARMY SET TO GO

November, 2010

DIWALI IN FIJI

NEW INDIAN AMBASSADOR

PM Fran Bainimarama leads 2010 National Budget session

November, 2010

BRIEF NEWS New US agency to open in Fiji: Clinton

The US Agency for International Development will soon open its doors in Fiji says America’s Secretary of State Hilary Clinton. The opening of this new office will also include US$21million in aid for climate change in the pacific. Clinton made the announcement in Hawaii on her first stop of a two-week, 10-nation Asia Pacific tour. Speaking at the East West Centre in Honolulu, Clinton clarified the importance Washington is placing on the Pacific region. She says they were working through the Pacific Island Forum to support the Pacific island nations as they try to confront and solve the challenges they face.

Tourism Fiji welcomes casino proposal

Having a casino in Fiji will open up new doors and attract new markets says Tourism Fiji. Chairman – Patric Wong says this will see an increase in the number of visitor arrivals to the country. However, Wong says it is important that Fiji does not stray away from the traditional Fiji brand. “By bringing this segment means we will be able to market into our emerging markets and not our traditional markets especially the emerging markets, the new markets like China, India, Europe, America and some of these new markets require new segments. By bringing in casinos we’ll open a new segment for the tourism industry.” The announcement of Fiji’s first ever casino was made last week by Tourism Minister AiyazSayed-Khaiyum.

Negative report on NLTB Trust Fund

Records and data of the Native Land Trust Board Trust Fund has been unclear and inaccurate over the last ten years, a report has found. This was revealed at the NLTB’s monthly board meeting last week chaired by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. NLTB General Manager AlipateQetaki told FBC News that top on the agenda was the financial status of the NLTB Trust Fund. Qetaki says an audit report of the trust fund done by a chartered accountant gave a negative overview of how it was run in the last decade. This was due to changes in the NLTB’s computer system which happened three times. Another concern was the introduction of the MYSAP system which added to the complications within the fund. Qetaki says the trust fund records became much clearer after the Vanua Development Corporation Limited was disbanded.

Nadi Hosts National Diwali celebration The first ever National Diwali celebration starts in Nadi today. “Nadi – the town of hope and glory” is the theme for the celebration and organisers are hoping to attract a large number of visitors to the event. Nadi Town Council in partnership with Tourism Fiji and Nadi Chamber of Commerce is organising the festival. Nadi Chamber of Commerce president – Dr Ram Raju is urging people to be part of the historic and colourful celebration. “This is the first time ever that a town like Nadi has been prompted to celebrate Diwali in such a grand and big way. You are all invited to mount such a Diwali celebration in a manner that has never been seen in Fiji before.”

Rewa dairy records $2m loss for 2009

FIJI NEWS

he Rewa Dairy Cooperative Company recorded a trading loss of $2.2 million dollars in 2009. -the Co-op’s annual meeting heard on Friday. Company chief executive officer RatuSavenacaSeniloli attributed the loss to a number of local and international factors that drastically affected the company. This includes the increasing price in raw materials purchased from overseas and the brucellosis disease that stunted the industry last year killing more than 400 cows. RatuSavenaca also attributed the loss to the devaluation of the Fiji dollar forcing the company to increase their operating costs. The damage caused by Cyclone Mick also affected the dairy farmers’ production levels. Furthermore the delay by the Prices and Incomes Board in responding to an application to increase the price of dairy products also contributed to the trading loss. Company chairman JosevaSeruilagilagi in his

report noted that despite the draw backs, the company managed to achieve an increase in raw milk production by 6.5 %. Seruilagilagi says the increase was possible through the $2 million milk –gate subsidy scheme introduced by the government as part of its assistance to the dairy industry. Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says it is disheartening to note previous failure to governments address the squatter issue that his government is now

Remove bad reputation amongst you : PM

he Civil Servants in Fiji from 35 participating agencies were reminded to remove the bad reputation that is common amongst them. That was re-iterated by Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama at the 2010 Service Excellence Awards last night. He said he had already highlighted to them last year to change their attitude as the members of the public want to see a professional standard in their service. There is an audio file attached to this story. Out of the 37 agencies, only 35 participated and were assessed by 184 evaluators who were allocated to teams of four to each evaluate an agency. As part of the evaluator award, three people were recognized on their commitment and achievement. The three includes MereseiniWaibuta and Acting Chief Economist with the Ministry of Industry and Trade. SekoveTamanitoakula, Senior Economic Planning Officer also with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ana Tora, Acting Senior Adminstrative Officer with the Department of Immigration.

focused on tackling. “Concomitantly previous governments failed to tackle the growth of squatter communities and neglected those who needed housing assistance,” the Prime Minister said. “My Government has demanded that Housing Authority and Public Rental Board contribute in a tangible fashion to resolve and solve the housing and squatter challenges.” Commodore Bainimarama stressed the important roles the two housing bodies played in providing

adequate and affordable housing for the people. He made the comment at the groundbreaking ceremony at Tacirua East where the Housing Authority will develop land and build houses that will be available on the market for low, middle and high income earners. “Housing Authority in post Independence Fiji played a crucial role in making housing lots available,” Commodore Bainimarama said. “However, subsequently and over the years, Housing Authority and the Public Rental Board relented on its core values and principles.” Today’s ground breaking ceremony is a manifestation of that policy and drive which signifies the development of 1,050 lots, for those who want to build their own homes and 900 housing units in Tacirua East, Stage Two.

Stella Marist organizes funathon

n a twist of the normal walkathon idea, Stella Marist Primary School students, parents and friends held a "Funathon" event aimed at raising funds for upgrading works at the school. Stella Marist Parents Teacher's Association President Craig Strong said while the initiative is aimed at raising funds the main aim is to have fun while doing so. Strong said ex-scholars have also jumped on board to help. There is an audio file attached to this story. The Stella Marist Primary "Funathon" event is aiming to raise $50,000.

Urban drift

Suva and Lami Special Administrator Chandu Umaria Chandhu Umaria dances with women of Lomaiviti during the opening of the festival. THE migration of Lomaiviti villagers to urban centres has become a major concern for the province leaders. In a bid to arrest this trend, the Lomaiviti Provincial Council chairman Ratu Jolame Lewanavanua said they had listed the issue as a priority for discussions at the provincial council's meeting tomorrow. "This is a key issue that we will address at our provincial council meeting. We are trying to encourage people to return to the islands and there are signs of people moving back but on a slow scale," he said. He confirmed that about 500 villagers had returned to Koro Island this year. "We realised it was because Koro had progressed with its developments. "Economic activities on the island has improved by 120 per cent and this means there is a lot of trading and selling of crops. About $40,000 revolves in Koro every week," he said. He said they expected Gau villagers to return to the island soon because pine harvesting was due to begin early next year. "During pine harvesting season, about $60,000 is generated from selling sawn timber," he said. Ratu Jolame said the issue of urban drift they faced was not confined to their province but was a trend that was also rife in every province.He said they would discuss ways to keep their province attractive so that their people did not feel the need to leave for urban centres.

Fete to mark lifting of taboo

A MAJOR celebration is being planned by the Lomaiviti Province to mark the end of a three-year taboo on yaqona drinking and cigarettes next month. Lomaiviti Provincial Council chairman Ratu Jolame Lewanavanua said the taboo imposed on yaqona drinking and cigarettes had benefited the province. "We have seen the positive outcomes of this taboo. There has been a lot of planting activities in villages since it was imposed. An example is the harvest of watermelon sold during the festival in Suva. "Watermelon is something we previously did not plant a lot but since imposing the taboo, it has been amazing and encouraging to see villagers planting a variety of crops, fruits and vegetables," he said. Other vegetables that villagers have taken a keen interest in farming are eggplants, tomatoes and capsicum. "We are grateful for the government's assistance in donating sewing machines to women groups, perhaps by next year there will be no need to buy school uniforms because the women can sew them," he said.

FIJI NEWS

US returns to Fiji with $27m aid; Congressman calls NZ, Aust 'inept'

NZPA . America's Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, says the US Agency for International Development will return to the Pacific with a new office in Fiji and $US21 million ($NZ27.8m) in aid.She made the announcement today in Hawaii on the first stop of a two-week, 10-nation Asia Pacific tour, the ABC reported. Mrs Clinton will also visit New Zealand, Australia, American Samoa, and Papua New Guinea in the Pacific, and Indonesia,

Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and Malaysia in Asia . Speaking at the East West Centre in Honolulu, Ms Clinton clarified the importance Washington is placing on the Pacific region. "We are working through the Pacific Island Forum to support the Pacific island nations as they strive to really confront and solve the challenges they face." Those challenges ranged "from climate change to freedom of navigation". "To that end, I'm pleased to

South Pacific fashion show after success of Fiji Fashion Week

Natasha Hughes struts the catwalk during the Fiji Fashion Week awards night at Borron House.

FOLLOWING the success of the Fiji Fashion Week 2010 show last week, the Fashion Week Limited has plans in the pipeline for a first-ever South Pacific Fashion Week. FJFW managing director Ellen Whippy-Knight said the event is being planned for October 17-22 next year at the Vodafone Arena. "It will involve all the countries in the South Pacific region including Australia and New Zealand," she said. "There has been a marked improvement in the execution of our shows. We are achieving our objectives of providing a platform and outlet for our local young designers. "However, what is of utmost importance is government support to build an independent fashion school. "At the moment, we have requested Professor Paul Diver, a fashion expert from London University, to write a paper on the objectives and potential that Fashion Week has for revenue generation in the economy." Ms Whippy-Knight said majority of the 165 Fashion Week shows around the world were from countries that had strong support from their governments and industry associates. She said they were working on confirming five designers for FJFW to nurture and develop through training and further education. "We wish to assist all the other designers to get into production using our own garment manufacturers and of course organising more workshops," she said. "Our main objective is to ensure that fashion education becomes a permanent fixture in schools or the university curriculum." Main events for the FJFW were held at the Borron House in Suva from October 18-23.

announce that USAID would return to the Pacific next year, opening an office in Fiji with a fund of $US21 million to support climate change mitigation." (Some would also call it an attempt to check growing Chinese financial aid, and political influence, in the South Pacific - which often earns backing for UN resolutions.) Since the 2006 coup, Fiji has been suspended from the Commonwealth and the 16-nation Pacific Islands Forum and has

November, 2010

been hit with sanctions by the European Union and countries including the United States, Australia and New Zealand. "Inept, heavy-handed" But American Samoa's member of the US Congress, Eni Faleomavaega, earlier this year warned that the "inept policies and heavy-handed actions" of the New Zealand and Australian governments in the Pacific were putting American interests in the region at risk. He is reported to have told Mrs Clinton that "heavy-

handed tactics and misguided sanctions" used by Wellington and Canberra politicians had hurt average Fijians far more than the coup government. Mr Faleomavaega, who chairs the Congress subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment, warned the interests of Australia and New Zealand sometimes diverged significantly from those of Washington, and that their "foreign policy elites" wrongly viewed the region with a eurocentric mentality.

Communicating with Communities in Fiji: Microinsurance A diversity of community based organizations met today to learn about micro insurance and help map the next steps forward for bringing the product to Fiji. The event was an information exchange and consultation, co-hosted by The Pacific Financial Inclusion Programs (PFIP), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with funding from AusAID. It was designed to assist these community based organizations in identifying several potential partners that are interested and capable of serving as distribution channels. The event began with a video and presentation from PFIP on the key concepts of micro insurance. At PFIP we view micro insurance as a crucial tool to alleviating poverty in Fiji. Given this, it is very important that the organizations working with low income communities understand how it works, so they can help communicate its value, explained Mike

ANZ Bank records profiting year

ANZ Bank business operations in the Pacific have recorded a net profit after tax of $132 million for 2010. Bank CEO in the Pacific Michael Rowland says the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s investment in the Pacific shows their commitment to provide affordable and reliable banking services to the 12 Pacific countries in the region. Part of the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restructure to take the banks services to new heights include the opening of ANZ new branch in Suva by the end of the year. Rowland says the bank has recognized the importance of supporting the community and the capability of their staff and they have appointed IsikeliTuituku of Fiji as CEO of the Kiribati branch. ANZ has a little over 2000 staff across the Pacific.

McCaffrey, Technical Specialist for PFIP. BPNG Governor Benny PopoitaiBPNG Governor Benny Popoitai. Dennis Garand and Jo Tayag, are international experts on micro insurance, currently working for ADB. They highlighted several viable microinsurance products that have been successful around the globe and explained how similar products could be successful in Fiji if the right partnerships are made with community based organizations. Microinsurance products are sold to low income communities by people they trust. Therefore our task to find an organization in Fiji that both has a large network of low income members, but most importantly has a strong trusting relationship with those communities, detailed Mr. Tayag. Mr. Garand highlighted the presence of mobile money networks and the ability to use these platforms as means to make payments for microinsurance products.

MsElenoaFonolahiRalulu, form representative S o q o s o q o Va k a m a r a m a , thought the discussions to be very interesting and highlighted the importance of surmounting the remaining challenges to offering microinsurance. There is great potential for microinsurance in Fiji and it will be very beneficial for indigenous communities as we are so used to dealing with family emergencies on ad-hoc basis. I think microinsurance will be a great product for rural and low income people as it will help people out of poverty and assist them in areas that are often neglected like sudden deaths in the family, accidents, emergencies and other unplanned events, stated TevitaRavumaidama, representative from Partners in Community Development (PCDF). Consultations by ADB and PFIP will continue with various partners until next week with the

goal of producing a detailed scoping and costing document for microinsurance interventions with commercial providers in Fiji, and rural communities. The event concluded by highlighting the need of aligning common issues, that is, importance of communication, the need of identifying and managing the right partners in the community, capitalizing on the existing channels and designing specific microinsurance products to suit the various communities in Fiji. PFIP is funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme Pacific Centre. For full details on (PFLC) PFLC. (PFLC) has Short Term PowerRatings at TradingMarkets. Details on (PFLC) Short Term PowerRatings is available at This Link.

Laite's back and will chase her dream

Laite Vonolele, second right, with the other she went with to India for heart surgery, and their mothers. LIFE was not that rosy for young Laite Radravu Vonolele as she had congenital heart problem when she was seven months old. Her hopes of fulfilling her childhood dream to be a lawyer were nearly shattered as she had to endure the pain of staying indoors watching her friends as they played at Nacobo Village in Levuka. But after receiving a lifeline from a joint venture between Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation and Fiji College of General Practitioners Children Heart Foundation, the Class Three student of Visoto District School successfully underwent a heart surgery at the Frontier Lifeline & Dr KM Cherian Heart Foundation in Chennai, India. She was teary-eyed when she was interviewed upon her arrival at the Nadi International Airport yesterday morning knowing she can now achieve her ultimate dream. Laite was among the four children who recently returned from heart surgery in India. The other three that were also successfully treated are seven-month-old Amishal Prateek Chand, nine-month-old Litia Niumataiwalu and seven-month-old Josefa Mavoa. Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation director Manorama Singh said the joint venture with Fiji College of General Practitioner Children Heart foundation was grateful that they managed to play a part in saving lives.

EXHIBITIONS : ARTS AND CULTURE

Hindu Temples more than house of worship 8

INTERFAITH

November, 2010

ost worship places in USA specially has look beyond its boundaries and cater for cultural and social needs which includes wedding and other social events and also both indoor and outdoor sports. Ruus Street Mandir – Hayward Hindu Temple incorporates sports and cultural programs. Check their website for more information.

Chief Priest at Shree Laximi Narayan Mandir, Elder Creek, Sacramento waiting to serve devotees.

N EED

MATTER

HAF Highlights Persecution of Hindus in Muslim-majority Nations

Washington. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) articulated the extensive oppression of Hindu minorities in Muslim-majority nations at The Plight of Minorities and Expatriates in Arab and Muslim Countries: What the U.S. Should Do, a conference sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia (CDHR). Drawing upon extensive data in HAF’s 2009 human rights report, Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Rights, Professor Ramesh Rao, HAF’s Human Rights Coordinator (pictured below), highlighted the discrimination faced by minorities, particularly Hindus, in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Afghanistan. Other presentations focused on the persecution of Copts in Egypt, plight of Christians in the Middle East, repression of minorities in the Arab Middle East and Iran, experience of Baha’i communities in the Middle East, status of Jews in Arab countries, women’s rights under Sharia law, compatibility of Sharia law with the U.S. judicial system, and oppression of minorities in Iraq. Labeling the muted complaints and silence of the media, governments and scholars in recording this history of oppression of minorities in Muslim-majority countries as “taboo history,” Prof. Carole Basri of

the University of Pennsylvania Law School urged speakers and participants to engage lawmakers more vigorously by shedding light on the plight of minorities in many Muslimmajority nations. Dr. Ali Alyami, Executive Director of CDHR, said, in his introductory remarks, that representatives of these persecuted minorities should collaborate and speak with one voice to give voice to the oppressed in Muslimmajority nations. “It was heartening to meet with representatives of the Copts, Ahmaddiyas, Baha’i, Christians, and Jews at this conference, and join them in voicing our distress at the fate of minorities, including Hindus, in Muslim-majority nations across the world,” said Prof. Rao. “It is important we build on the synergy created in this first meeting and demand action from our lawmakers and administration officials who have succumbed to the pressures of the 57 member-nations of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) by disregarding these atrocities.” The Hindu American Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, non-partisan organization promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism. Contact HAF at 301.770.7835 or on the web at www.HAFsite.org.

3401 Claus Rd, Modesto CA 95355 Phone: (209) 551-9820 EMail:modestotemple@aol.com

merican Islamic Academy and Interfaith America to host Interreligious Conference inHayward FREMONT –At its last month Board Meeting, Interfaith America director took a final decision to host its first Interreligious Conference at the East Bay Cal State University campus. Speakers of all faith have been invited to address the Conference “Spiritual Healing in Your faith” at which guest speakers will enlighten you on their experimental spiritual journeys in life “healing with their faith power.”

At Modesto Temple 2009, editor with Modesto Temple’s master of ceremonies and radio host Piyara Singh Gill.

National soccer league 2011 dates set

FIJI SPORTS

Fiji hockey teams selected

Fiji Hockey has selected two strong men’s and women’s national teams to represent the country at the Oceania Pacific Cup in December. A Fiji men’s and women’s team plus a President XIs (11s) men’s and women’s outfits were picked yesterday which means Fiji will have double chances at making the gold medal play-offs. Coaching the men’s team is hockey stalwart Hector

Smith and Duane Underwood for the women. Fiji will up against defending champions New Zealand Maoris, Australian Country and Pacific Island neighbors Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Should Fiji achieve gold this year, they will be able to play at next year’s hockey world cup qualifiers. Fiji will host the OPC hockey competition for the third consecutive year before it moves offshore.

GOLDEN BOY GETS ONE IN THE FACE

The Fiji Football Association in it’s Board of Control meeting yesterday has set the dates of the 2011 Fiji Sun/Weetbix National Soccer League. The dates are 12th and 13th February 2011. National League Board Chairman DR HariKewal says he is confident of the dates set to finish the national league prior to the South Pacific Games. Kewal added that the National League Board will meet soon with affiliate members to finalise the fixtures. Meanwhile FBC Sports has established the

November, 2010

dates of the champion’s league and it is set to kick off from 22nd of January until the 5th of February. Ba, Rewa and the Fiji Under 20s will battle for the champion’s league title. FBC also understands that the three major tournaments, Fiji Fact, Battle of the Giants and Inter Districts Championship tentative venues have also been decided. The Fiji Fact will be played at Ba’s Govind Park while BOG will take place at RatuCakobau Park in Nausori and the IDC will be played at the TFL National Stadium in Suva.

FIJI BASKETBALL TEAM

Matanavou dreams of 'Fiji' chance

France-based and former national sevens speedster Timoci Matanavou yesterday said he would love to be part of the Flying Fijians team for the World Cup in New Zealand. Speaking from France yesterday, the Mont de Marsan pace ace said it was every rugby player's dream. He said he would like to be given the chance to prove himself and be part of the national team for the World Cup.Matanavou, a former national sevens wing, said he had been working very hard and sacrificed a lot in order to secure his position for his team in the Pro D2 competition. The Nawairuku native from Ra was instrumental in helping Mont de Marsan beat Aix-en-Provence which had the service of fellow Fijian Seva Rokobaro. Matanavou scored a runaway try in the win and said he looked forward to being recalled to the Fiji camp. He said he would also love to be part of the national sevens team for the IRB sevens series.Matanavou, who moved to France in 2008, is one of

the leading try scorers in the Pro D2 competition. His fine performance was good enough to impress the management of Mont de Marsan who renewed his contract for another two seasons. Matanavou captured the attention of scouts in Europe when he scored the most tries in the 2008 sevens season. The former Nasinu Secondary School student later found himself playing in France through his cousin and Metro Racing 92 wing Sireli Bobo. Meanwhile, Bobo could not help his team secure another win against newly-promoted SU Agen, losing 21-20. After claiming a crucial win against La Rochelle last week, Agen produced one of the upsets of the season to do their prospects in the relegation tussle a world of good. Third-placed Racing-Metro suffered a double blow as fly-half Jonathan Wisniewski suffered a knee injury. This has left his participation in France's international match against Fiji on November 13 in doubt. In a tightly-fought game when the leader shifted a few times in the closing stages, fly-half

Valentin Courrent was the hero for the hosts as he scored all his side's points and slotted the winning penalty.

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OBAMA LOOKS FOR HOME RUN IN INDIA PITCH 10

OBAMA'S INDIA VISIT

November, 2010

MUMBAI: In the spirit of give and take, US President Barack Obama on Saturday signalled the easing of export controls on dual use technology even as he announced signing of deals worth $10 billion with US companies, something he said would create 50,000 jobs back home. Hammered by plummeting approval rating and the loss of the House of Representatives to the Republicans, and under pressure to offer his Indian hosts something more tangible to chew on rather than soaring rhetoric, Obama used his meeting with the high priests and priestesses of India Inc to placate both constituencies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it was a dual use speech, as one person present at the gathering quipped to TOI. His 20-minute special keynote address at the US-India Business and Entrepreneurship summit at The Trident was understandably peppered by references to creation of jobs both in the US and India and other key issues such as the need for a strong partnership between the two largest democracies of the world, developing the spirit of

entrepreneurship and innovation and the need for India to lift certain trade and investment barriers. ''Even as we strengthen our national security, we should make sure that unnecessary barriers don't stand in the way of high-tech trade between our countries. We will work with India to fundamentally reform our control on exports, which will allow greater cooperation in a range of high-tech sectors to strengthen our relation,'' he said commenting on the issue of dual use technologies, something the Indian side has been lobbying for a while. He, however, in the same breath, asked the Indian side to reciprocate and reduce trade barriers. The easing of export rules could benefit entities like DRDO and Isro, which have been denied technologies from the US in the past. But, on the whole, it was really jobs and emphasis on partnership that dominated the US president's speech, who is on a three-day maiden trip to India, which he himself described as his longest to any country, after taking over as the president. The US president, who arrived just before noon, expressed

confidence about the economic potential of the partnership and said that he was absolutely sure that relationship between the two countries was going to be one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century. ''There is no reason why India cannot be our top trading partner. Of all the goods that India imports less than 10% comes from the US. Of all the goods America exports to the

world less than 2% go to India,'' Obama said. Here he mentioned that US exports to India is less than US exports to The Netherlands, a country with a population less than that of Mumbai. Every time he made references to the potential of trade and investments between the two countries, the who's who of business from both sides, present on the occasion, clapped zealously. He drew applause even when he wished everyone a Happy Diwali at the beginning of his address. He described India as the fastest growing economy and said that the sheer size and pace of growth have been stunning in the last two decades. Among those present from the Indian side included Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata group, Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, Anil Ambani, chairman of ADAG, Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and MD of Mahindra & Mahindra to just name a few. Among the 300-odd US CEOs flown in as part of a business delegation were Jeffrey Immelt, chairman & CEO General Electric, Indra

Nooyi, chairman & CEO of PepsiCo, Louis Chenevert, chairman & CEO United Technologies and David chairman and CEO, Cote, Honeywell. ''Several landmark deals have been done shortly before my arrival here. Boeing is going to sell dozens of planes to India and GE is going to sell hundreds of electric engines. The deals are worth USD 10 billion and will create more than 50,000 jobs in the US,'' he said, making a strong start to his India visit. The commercial deals include the purchase of 33 (thirty-three) 737s from Boeing by SpiceJet; the Indian Army's plans to buy aircraft engines from General Electric; and preliminary agreement between Boeing and the Indian Air Force on the purchase of 10 C17s. Just before the address at USIBC, Reliance Power announced a power equipment deal for 2,400 MW plants with GE , while low-cost carrier Spicejet announced a deal to buy 33 new generation 737 aircraft from Boeing. While the Reliance Power deal with GE is worth $750 million, the SpiceJetBoeing deal is worth $2.7 billion.

Obama, Michelle shake a leg with Mumbai school children

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama dances with underprivileged children at the Mumbai University in Mumbai, India.

MUMBAI: Imparting a touch of informality, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle on Sunday danced spiritedly to a foot-tapping Marathi folk song as they participated in symbolic Diwali festivities with children at a city school. The US first couple took a break from their formal engagements to savour dance presentations by youngsters and visit a science exhibition at the Holy Name High School, close to the Hotel Taj Mahal where they are staying. "Hello! Namaste! Good Morning!", said a beaming 49-year-old Obama to the media as he entered the venue wearing black trousers, a matching tie, a spotless white shirt with folded sleeves and without the formal jacket. The Obamas, who lit a lamp to mark the celebrations, were greeted by the students in traditional Indian attire as they interacted with the children, shaking hands and posing for photographs. The students were seen

gleefully clicking the couple's pictures using cellphone cameras. Both Obama and Michelle, 46, attired in a pink top and grey-check skirt, sat through the dance

performance by the students and could not resist the temptation to join them to shake a leg when invited. Sporting broad smiles, the visiting dignitaries watched

with keen interest the foot-tapping 'Koli' song and dance, a folk art form of coastal Maharashtra, clapping and cheering the children. The fun-loving Kolis (fishermen) are known to be the first inhabitants of the Mumbai city.At first, it was Michelle who showed her dancing skills by matching the steps with the children. When Obama told the children in a lighter vein that he had not been asked to join the celebrations, he was pulled in by the students and he soon began swaying on the floor of the hall bedecked with fresh flowers and leaves. The couple mingled freely with the children, their parents and teachers for a good five minutes, happily signing autographs and posing for photographs.Salman Khurshid, minister of state for corporate affairs and ministerin-waiting for Obama, was seen explaining the significance of performances to the US President.

Obama talks business with industry heads

MUMBAI: It was not just the Tatas and Ambanis who got to meet the US president, Barack Obama. The US prez had a tete-a-tete with a chosen few entrepreneurs with innovative models as part of a roundtable at the Trident Hotel. From Irfan Alam, the man who helps rickshaw pullers, to Chetan Sinha, founder of Mann Deshi Bank, a microfinance bank that lends, funds and teaches entrepreneurial skills to rural women, Obama lent his keen ear to understand how their business models ticked. Sammaan is an organization that works with cycle rickshaw pullers in parts of northern and eastern India. ''The rickshaw pullers rent a vehicle and we arrange finances for them. We also enable them to use their vehicles for advertisements,'' Alam told TOI. Obama, said Alam, was impressed that Sammaan was the world's largest organization with 5 lakh illiterate and unskilled mem-

bers. Alam, who has also set up a Sammaan Foundation in the US, and wants Obama to be its honorary chairman, said, ''The president took my file and said he would look into it.'' Similarly, Siraj Ubdil Qureshi's

company works on livestock development by providing healthcare services for animals. ''There are 1.30 lakh people registered with the organization and we offer services to 7 lakh animals in Uttar

Pradesh,''said Qureshi, who also assists people in converting animal waste into power. ''We had gone to the White House in April for the entrepreneurial summit, where entrepreneurs from all over the world were invited. There were five people from India. I was among them,'' said Qureshi. Another entrepreneur, Anant Kumar's LifeSpring Hospitals is a chain of maternity hospitals for the lower-income group in Hyderabad and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. Also part of the entrepreneurs meet, were Anand Mahindra, vice chairman and managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra and Stuart E Marwell, president & CEO, Curtis Instruments, a New York based world leader in advanced electric vehicle technology control systems. Marwell and Mahindra represented the 15-year relationship between the Reva Car Corporation, the electric car company, and Curtis

Instruments, a global technology leader in electric vehicle technologies. Mahindra shared perspective on how future of collaboration between India and the US, and the advancement of beneficial technologies, such as electric cars, will benefit from US expertise in developing templates and business models, including new transportation models. Ajay Piramal of Piramal Corp, who was also present, said, ''We had a very engaging discussion on how high technology from US and collaboration with India can create a world-class product, and not only low-cost product.'' Shahnaz Husain, CEO, Husain Herbals, said she was upset with Obama's dipping popularity in the US. ''Give the man a chance. We should be grateful that such a man walks on the earth,'' said Husain, who also took Obama's autograph on 'The Bridge', a book on the life and rise of the US president.

No mention of Pak in Taj speech good for India

OBAMA'S INDIA VISIT NEW DELHI: US president Barack Obama did not mention Pakistan while expressing solidarity with the victims of 26/11 in Mumbai on Saturday. While it may have been an opportunity to beat the US on its treatment of Pakistan, it's not such a bad thing. If there is one thing that India wants, it's to "dehyphenate" itself from Pakistan in the minds of the international community. To that extent, there is no doubt in the minds of policymakers here that for Obama to do the Pakistan routine in Mumbai would have only served to strengthen the 'hyphenation'. The last thing India wants is to have the US viewing it through the Pakistan lens, so it was probably a good thing that Obama desisted. To believe that Obama would do an encore of British PM David Cameron is naive in the extreme. It is undeniable that the US should think of a better thing to do for Pakistan than sell it sophisticated weapons that are used against India, not the Taliban. (As one Indian official said, "Last we heard, Taliban does not have a navy. So why give maritime recon aircraft to Pakistan?") They need the Pakistan army to make sure their logistics chain to Afghanistan

November, 2010

IT can take India directly to 21st century: Obama

MUMBAI: US President Barack Obama on Sunday got a first hand account of how information technology (IT) has revolutionised life in rural India, and said this technology would help India directly leapfrog into the 21st century. "India may be in a position to leapfrog, avoiding 20th century straightaway into the 21st century. I look forward to the day you will be a model for countries around the world," he told villagers of Kanpura near Ajmer while interacting with them from Mumbai through video conference. After a short introduction by National Knowledge Commission chairman Sam Pitroda, Obama spoke to the villagers who shared the benefits of broadband penetration - from online medical consultation, education and local e-governance. The President expressed happiness about the progress being made with the aid of IT. "Here is a good news. In the US, we are trying to do the same thing. Trying to make the government accountable and efficient," Obama said. The villagers interaction was coordinated by Union Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot, who said IT was not just about exporting services, but was also about changing lifestyle of rural India. India expects to achieve broadband penetration in all panchayats by 2012. Broadband spectrum was auctioned earlier this year and the network roll-out is currently underway. remains intact and fire-free — notice how, when there is a disagreement between the US and Pakistan, like killing of Pakistani soldiers, the Pakistan Taliban set NATO convoys ablaze. Obama's real conversation on terrorism and Pakistan will be in the Capital — if the two sides can overcome a traditional hesitation and talk openly about Pakistan. It's a conversation that's overdue in the Indo-

US context— high level officials say the future of Pakistan needs to be discussed between India and the US. India wants a Pakistan that will no longer breed terrorists to send across. Presumably the US, too, wants the same thing, specially after the Times Square bombing attempt this summer. While the US approach to Pakistan is to bribe them into a state of quasi-submission, India's

OBAMA IN INDIA

US President Barack Obama (R) and First Lady Michelle Obama (L) write in the visitors book during their tour through the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum in Mumbai. (Inset) U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama left their words during their visit to Mani Bhavan, the Gandhi Museum.

policy is totally confused. With the government pitching for better relations with Pakistan, there is no articulation of any Indian policy to say, degrade Pakistan army's ability to engage in terrorism. Just as the US has failed to put sticks into its Pakistan policy mix, India, too, has failed to create a deterrent for Islamabad from engaging in this lowlevel warfare. But if Obama chose

not to address the Pakistan question in Mumbai, in Washington, Republican leader John McCain took the issue head on. McCain cut to the heart of the Indo-US strategic dilemma. Officials say, McCain's statement is a reflection not only of the bipartisan support for the Indo-US tango in DC, but a more forceful articulation of strategic concerns, that Obama is yet to articulate.

Obama floods Twitter in India

The moment US President Barack Obama's Air Force One touched down in Mumbai, the Twitterati got active, and inundated cyberspace with messages -- ranging from eating out suggestions for the US first couple to humorous comments on his visit. "I hope Obama pays a customary visit to Mamledar Misal in Thane. Should eat two Misal Pavs with oily red hot rassa. Will never return to (Washington) DC!" posted Mumbai-based Venkat Ananth on micro-blogging website Twitter. Meanwhile, Delhi-based Gursimran Khamba, a humorist, turned his Twitter account into an Obama parody. "All I have to do is smile, say namaste and make an Amitabh Bachchan reference to have all of you eating out of my hands," said Khamba, in lighter vein. But there were some genuine positive posts after Obama's speech to pay tribute to the Mumbai terror attack victims. "What a charismatic, resilient &

dynamic speech made by Obama at the Gateway of India across the Taj... highlighted strong Indo-US ties," said Zoran Saher. And there were some negative comments to the Bharatiya Janata Party's criticism of Obama not mentioning Pakistan as the source of terror. "People who are disappointed with Obama's Taj speech must remember that he is not here for any pre-war mobilization. He is here for business," said Sunil Kumar Singh. An internet entrepreneur Sushant Sahoo also chipped in after watching the evening news that analysed Obama's speech. "There's no reason to go gaga about why he skipped Pakistan," said Sahoo. An anonymous commentator on international relations, with a twitter name of 'pragmatic_d', also made fun of BJP's comment. "Ha ha ha... A party when in power, which invited (then Pakistan president Pervez) Musharraf for a summit after Kargil, has the gall to feel outraged about Obama," he said.

The red carpet is rolled out in front of Air Force One as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010. President Obama is in India.

We need to rebuild on a new, stronger foundation

US UPDATES

November, 2010

UN calls for emission, transport taxes

UNITED NATIONS: A top UN panel has called for increased taxes on carbon emissions and air and sea transport to raise $100 billion a year for poor nations to combat climate change. The group led by the prime ministers of Norway and Ethiopia also proposed a tax on international financial transactions for a UN fund aiming to be ready by 2020. The panel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which also included finance ministers and financier George Soros â&#x20AC;&#x201D; was set up at last year's acrimonious Copenhagen climate summit and its proposals will get a first international airing at the UN climate conference in Cancun, Mexico starting at the end of the month. UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon called the proposals "financially feasible and politically viable."

Bush 'thinks' Sarah Palin 'unqualified'

NEW YORK: George W Bush has suggested that Republican leader Sarah Palin is "unqualified" and she spoiled the party's 2008 presidential election campaign, a top aide of the former US President has said. "Naming Palin makes Bush think less of McCain as a man. He thinks McCain ran a lousy campaign with an unqualified running mate and destroyed any chance of winning by picking Palin," a Republican official close to Bush was quoted as saying by the 'New York Daily News'. Bush suggested that the 46-year-old glamorous former Alaskan governor is not at all qualified to be President and criticised Senator John McCain for picking her as his Running Mate in 2008, the report said. Matt Latimer, former special assistant to Bush, wrote in a book released last year: "'I'm trying to remember if I've met her before. I'm sure I must have'. (Bush's) eyes twinkled, then he asked, 'What is she, the governor of Guam?'" Bush has been disparaging about Palin in the past.

As the United States recovers from this recession, the biggest mistake we could make would be to rebuild our economy on the same pile of debt or the paper profits of financial speculation. We need to rebuild on a new, stronger foundation for economic growth. And part of that foundation involves doing what Americans have always done best: discovering, creating and building products that are sold all over the world. It's hard to overstate the importance of Asia to our economic future. Asia is home to three of the world's five largest economies, as well as a rapidly expanding middle class. My trip will therefore take me to four Asian democracies India, Indonesia,

South Korea and Japan, each of which is an important partner for the United States. During my first visit to India, I will be joined by hundreds of American business leaders and their Indian counterparts to announce concrete progress toward our export goal billions of dollars in contracts that will support tens of thousands of American jobs. We will also explore ways to reduce barriers to US exports and increase access to the Indian market. Indonesia is a member of the G20. Next year, it will assume the chairmanship of the Asean, a group whose members make up a market of more than 600 million people that is increasingly integrating into a free

trade area, and to which the United States exports $80 billion in goods and services each year. My administration has deepened our engagement with Asean, and for the first eight months of 2010, exports of American goods to Indonesia increased by 47% from the same period in 2009. This is momentum that we will build on as we pursue a new comprehensive partnership with Indonesia. In South Korea, President Lee Myung-bak and I will work to complete a trade pact that could be worth tens of billions of dollars in increased exports and thousands of jobs for American workers. Other nations like Canada and members of the European Union are pursuing trade pacts with South

New York mayor called Obama the most arrogant man he ever met

NEW YORK: New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg had once said that a conversation with Barack Obama was "like verbal ping pong" and that the US president was the "most arrogant man" he had ever met, according to a media report. Bloomberg had called on Obama, during the latter's vacation at Martha's Vineyard in August. He played a round of golf at the Vineyard Golf Club, along with a few other officials.

Bloomberg and Obama talked in the clubhouse for about 15 minutabout the economy. ess Apparently, the conversation did not go well, and Bloomberg "came back and said 'I never met in my life such an arrogant man', media magnate Rupert Murdoch was quoted as saying by The Australian Financial Review. Murdoch said: "Bloomberg said it was a pleasant day. In conversation he put a few ideas He said it

NIKKI CALLS HER WIN 'PEOPLE FINDING POWER OF THEIR VOICE'

WA S H I N G TO N : Indian-American Nikki Haley, who created history by becoming the first women governor of South Carolina, has said generating jobs and boosting the economy would be her top most priorities. "We want the government to know the value of a dollar and we want jobs and the economy to come first. This was people finding the power of

was like verbal ping pong." A spokesman for Bloomberg, however, did not respond to a request for comment, ABC news reported. Murdoch, Australia-born founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of the News Corporation, which owns Fox News Channel and the New York Post amomg others, later said that Obama "might make great speeches but doesn't get things done and doesn't listen to anybody".

Korea, and American businesses are losing opportunities to sell their products in this growing market. We used to be the top exporter to South Korea; now we are in fourth place. Finally, at the Apec meeting in Japan, I will continue seeking new markets in Asia for American exports. The great challenge is to make sure that America is ready to compete for the jobs and industries of the future. We cannot be shut out of these markets. Our government, together with American businesses, must take steps to promote and sell our goods and services abroad particularly in Asia. (This article is excerpted from an Oped piece in The New York Times)

Obama to GOP: Let's work together

WASHNGTON: A chastened President Barack Obama admitted he had suffered a "shellacking" in this week's US mid-term elections, but refused to see it as a repudiation of his transformative domestic agenda. Holding out the olive branch, Obama said he had invited top Republicans to the White House for talks after Congress returns later this month, saying the two sides had to work together "We can't afford two years of just squabbling," Obama said, after rival Republicans routed his Democrats in Tuesday's elections to re-take overwhelming control of the House of Representatives.

US MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR SCHOOLYARD KILLINGS

their voice. "It was people saying we want government to remember who it is that they work for," Haley, 38, told CNN in an interview. Born of Sikh parents who migrated from Punjab, Haley is only the second IndiaAmerican to be governor of a US state. According to final tally, she received 51.38% of the total votes polled against her Democratic rival Vincent Sheehan who got 46.89%.

NEWARK (US): A Honduran man who admitted pulling the trigger in the execution-style killings of three college students in a schoolyard was sentenced on Friday to three consecutive life terms in a case that jolted New Jersey's largest city into dealing with its crime problem. Melvin Jovel, 21, pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder and weapons charges days before his trial was to begin in September. Prosecutors said Jovel and five other young men lined up Iofemi Hightower and Dashon Harvey, both 20, and 18-year-old Terrance Aeriel, against a schoolyard wall in Newark and shot each of them in the back of the head on a summer night in 2007. Jovel, wearing dark green prison scrubs and translation headphones, stared straight ahead throughout the proceedings, making only a brief statement in Spanish before his sentencing. "The only thing I have to say is the person who was sentenced had nothing to do with it," Jovel said, an apparent reference to co-defendant Rodolfo Godinez, who was sentenced in July to three consecutive life sentences for the killings.

top slot last year. His Democratic Party suffered a mighty blow in the just concluded US midterm elections, with the President decisively losing support of the House of Representatives and barely holding onto the Senate, Forbes said. "It is quite a come-down for last year's

most powerful person, who after enacting widespread reforms in his first two years in office will be hard-pressed to implement his agenda in the next two," the publication added. The 49-year old first AfricanAmerican President of the US can however "take comfort" in the fact that he remains commander-in-chief of the world's largest, deadliest military, leader of world's largest in spending - and most dynamic economy and holds the unofficial title of "Leader of the Free World," Forbes said. Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz al Saud is ranked third, followed by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (4), Pope Benedict XVI (5), German Chancellor Angela Merkel (6), UK Prime Minister David Cameron (7), Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke (8) and spiritual

HU JINTAO PIPS OBAMA TO BECOME MOST POWERFUL PERSON : FORBES

BOSTON: Chinese President Hu Jintao has been named the most powerful person in the world by Forbes, ahead of US President Barack Obama who is ranked second among 68 people "who matter," a list that also includes Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Gandhi ranks 9th on the Forbes 2010 list of the 'World's Most Powerful People.' Singh comes in at number 18. (Read: Indians in Forbes' most powerful people list) Jintao, 67, occupies the top slot for being the "paramount political leader of more people than anyone else on the planet" and one who "exercises near dictatorial control over 1.3 billion people, one-fifth of world's population." Forbes said unlike his Western counterparts, Hu, head of the world's largest army in size, can

"divert rivers, build cities, jail dissidents and censor Internet without meddling from pesky bureaucrats, courts." His country, which refuses to "kowtow" to US pressure to change its exchange-rate regime, recently surpassed Japan to become the world's second-largest economy both in absolute and purchasing power terms. China is also poised to overtake the US as the world's largest economy in 25 years. "Creditor nation oversees world's largest reserves at 2.65 trillion dollars - 1.5 trillion dollars of which is in US dollar holdings," Forbes said. His handpicked successor, Xi Jinping, is set to assume the presidency in 2012. Forbes said the second most powerful person in the world is Obama who has slipped in this year's ranking after occupying the

leader the Dalai Lama (39). Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the "quiet army chief now Pakistan's de facto leader," ranks 29th. Forbes said 58year old Kayani took lead on flood crisis, "controls Pakistan's powerful intelligence agency and recently demanded President Zardari and Prime Minister Gilani dismiss corrupt members of their bloated 60-member cabinet." His term was extended three years in July. On the 31st spot is North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Even though his health appears to be fading, 68-year old Kim remains in firm control of "renegade nuclear power and its 22.7 million impoverished people." He keeps the world on edge with eccentric antics. His youngest son, Kim Jong Un, is now the Hermit Kingdom's heir apparent.

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S President Barack Obama's visit to India has become the most talked about topic in current times. Ever wondered if Barack Obama had to play a Bollywood character, which one would suit him the best? We ask a few celebrities on the same and they come up with varied answers. "Mangal Pandey", says Ravi Kishan and it's ironical that Kishan chooses a foreigner to play the character of an Indian revolutionary who was instrumental in starting the rebellion against foreigners. But why not? If British actor Ben Kingsley can be the most convincing portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi who fought against the Britishers, why can't Obama play the revolutionary Mangal Pandey? Another character played by Aamir Khan is a top contender. Anjana Sukhani feels Obama best suits the character of Bhuvan played by Aamir Khan in

Which Bollywood character can

Obama play? Big B beats

Salman, Akshay!

achchan seems to have beaten the heroes of the younger generation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. Actor Amitabh Bachchan seems to have beaten the heroes of the younger generation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, at least on the small screen. Bachchan, who is doing a phenomenal job as the host of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' had tough competition what with the popular Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar also occupying prime time slots on other channels. The presence of big stars as hosts on the small screen paved way for a mini TRP battle, and Big B seems to be leading so far. According to reports, 'KBC' - Sony - opened with a 6.2 Television Viewership Rating (TVR), while Salman's 'Bigg Boss' - Colors - fell short and clocked 4.8 TVRs. Akshay Kumar's 'Master Chef' - Star Plaus - failed to add the much desired spice in comparison with 2.6 TVRs. A unit member of Star Plus' 'Master Chef' said, "It's not a loss for us. Of course, every reality show has different sensibilities and formats, and the three that you are comparing cater to widely different range of target groups, each with a completely different set of demographics. Every show has its own place, every host his own seat and every channel its own goal."

Sanjay promises to change diapers

anjay Dutt is a happy man after the arrival of his twins. Right now the twins are in the hospital but when they come home, Sanju has planned out how things will be for them. For starters the superstar, who wakes up fairly early these days, has decided he will sacrifice his one hour of gaming each morning and instead, concentrate on helping wife Manyata with raising the babies. Says Mana, "He has even agreed to learn to change nappies. I am going to need help especially because there are two of them. And Sanju has promised he will do whatever is necessary to make my life simpler."

BOLLYWOOD

anju has promised he will do whatever is necessary to make my life simpler."

Sanjay denied US Visa again

t isn't an easy situation. Sanjay Dutt, who has had a chequered relationship at best with his New York-based daughter Trishala, won't be able to attend her graduation ceremony, a singularly special day for Americans as parents join their children to celebrate the completion of their degrees in a ceremony titled commencement.Sanjay Dutt's application for his visa renewal (he had a 10-year visa to visit the United States) was rejected for the second

time by the US consulate on the grounds that he was convicted for the 1993 serial blasts, for illegal possession of arms. A source close to Dutt reveals, "The actor was very disheartened as he is unable to go to the US for his own daughter's graduation day. Commencement or Graduation Day is a big deal in the US and he wanted to be with his daughter on her big day. Trishala is graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City."

Lagaan. "I haven't seen Lagaan but the little that I know of the film, Aamir got the strength of the team together and won, so netnet I guess Aamir in Lagaan would be my take". Director Madhur Bhandarkar has the same choice though his reason is that Obama has an athletic physique. Muzamil Ibrahim feels, "Chachi 420 is a character that will come naturally to him". Kainaat Arora who sizzled with Akshay Kumar in an item number in Khatta Meetha says she would like so see Obama play the role that Arjun Rampal played in Raajneeti and accentuates her choice saying, "in capitol letters. Go see Raajneeti.... Ufff!". Well a politician's role should come more naturally to him, we guess. Then there are some who believe he should just be left where he is and one should not drag him into Bollywood. Shreyas Talpade, who is basking in the success if Golmaal 3 says, 'No Bollywood character would suit him".

Breakup Ash's loss?

Is Ash-Sallu

hey were the most beautiful couple in Bollywood, but destiny had other plans for the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai and the hunky Salman Khan! While Ash is now the Bachchan bahu, married to Abhishek Bahchan, Salman, till not long ago, was dating the hottest girl in B-Town, Katrina Kaif! Of course Salman, and Ash both have moved on, but the relationship between the two remain so strained that the couple is doing everything in the book to avoid coming face-to-face. But is this affecting the promotions of their respective films? With the small screen's huge popularity, films these days are using the television as a platform for movie promotions. And with Salman Khan hosting the popular reality show 'Bigg Boss', it seems as though Ash and her producers have more to lose. Only recently, Salman refused to promote Guzaarish on 'Bigg Boss'. The channel and the team of 'Guzaarish' (read: Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai) were to come to the Bigg Boss House, but Salman flatly refused. Also, Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah (actor and director of 'Action Replayy'), it is heard, will partake in the reality game show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' hosted by actor and Ash's fatherin-law, Amitabh Bachchan. Aishwarya is cast opposite Akki in this flick but refused to appear even on the show hosted by her pa-in-law only because the proceeds were going to be given away to Salman's NGO 'Being Human'! Insiders from the 'Guzaarish' team maintain, "Bigg Boss is huge in popularity. Of course, we were keen that we be seen there, but in today's day and age it's not the end all and be all. There are several ways to promote a film these days. Also, the major strength lies not in how well you promote your movie, but how good the movie really is, and Bhansali is damn sure of the quality of his product." A unit member from 'Action Replayy's production house insists, "Akshay Kumar and Vipul Shah did appear on KBC. So our objective was met. The movie was promoted. No one's complaining," whilst he chose not to divulge, agree or disagree why Ash really didn't appear on the game show!

ASIN SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT!

We've heard that Asin has said 'no' to Salman Khan for Bodyguard, the Hindi remake of her Tamil film, Kavalan. So, is there any reason why she refused to star along Salman Khan, who gave her her second Bollywood film, London Dreams? Asin pointed out, "I have no issues with any co-star of mine, male or female. I have always shared an amazing camaraderie with Salman. He's a fantastic co-star and a great human being. In fact, my co-star in Kavalan, Vijay, and I were shooting in Chennai when Salman's Dabangg had released. Along with a few friends from the unit, we went to watch the film on the first day. We also went to see Endhiran on the first day along with the entire crew while we were in Mettupalayam." Well, point taken!

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INDIA UPDATES

Unsure of China's motives, but 1962 repeat not possible: VK Singh

NEW DELHI: Army Chief General V K Singh has said India was "not sure" of China's intentions for developing infrastructure along the borders, but a repeat of the 1962 aggression was "never" possible. Describing the regional security situation as "fragile," Singh said Pakistan Army's India-centric posturing and diversion of US counter-terrorism military aid against India were matters of concern. "China is doing a great amount of infrastructure development, which it says is for locals of the area. No bones about it, no crib about it. But our problem is we are not very sure about the intentions. And when intentions change, with this capability, things can go wrong. And that is what is a matter of concern," he said. "But, there is going to be no 1962. Never," he said, referring to the Chinese aggression of Indian territory that year. Singh reasoned that he did not see the kind of signages of 1962 at present, as there were no military build up or territorial claims that were witnessed just before the only time the two countries went to war. "Absolutely, with full conviction," he said, when asked if he was confident there would be no repeat of history. "Things are

Training for India jihad on in PoK?

LONDON/ISLAMABAD: Hundreds of students, including foreigners are being trained in militant camps in PoK to wage 'jihad' against India, but Pakistan on Saturday denied the report by the BBC as "baseless". After a lull, several militant outfits have now again raised their heads and increased their activities in and around Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), to wage 'jihad' against India, BBC Urdu Service has reported. A 25-year-old engineering student from Lahore, fresh from a training stint in one of the camps told BBC from POK that "a large number of youths from Pakistani universities and abroad are undergoing training in PoK under supervision of a militant group to wage jihad against India."

better than what it was in 1962," he said, noting that situation along the borders was peaceful "to an extent" and the stand-offs were within the known parameters governed by Confidence Building Measures, with "nothing going astray". There were also mechanisms between the two countries now to take care of such stand-offs. But there was a question mark over the intentions of China's infrastructure development, he said. On regional security, Singh said, "Any country which has unsettled borders, which are undemarcated and with problems, the security situa-

tion in the overall calculus remains fragile. It remains a cause for concern and that is what it is." On Pakistan, the Army Chief told the 'Devil's Advocate' talk show on CNN-IBN that "the major problem is that the terrorist infrastructure is intact (across the border)". Pointing to Pakistan Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani's remarks that his whole Army was India-centric, Singh said, "when you combine this (with the economic condition, terror and political uncertainty there), it means the following: That the proxy war will carry on. And they will keep looking for an alibi. And this is a matter of concern." On the $2 billion American military aid to Pakistan for war against terror, Singh said all aid that were ever given to Pakistan were diverted against India and there were credible inputs to support this charge. "Historically, all aid that has ever come to Pakistan, for whatever purposes, despite the assurances, have been used against India. We have credible inputs to say that out of this assistance to fight terror in Afghanistan and coalition support, a fair amount is being funnelled for upgrading capability against India," the Army Chief said.

NEW DELHI: "Increased commerce between the US and India can be and will be a win-win proposition for both nations," US president Barack Obama told top business executives in Mumbai on Saturday. While the formal announcement is expected only on Monday, the US has decided to take Isro and four of its subsidiaries and DRDO and its subsidiaries off its entities list. A significant removal from the entities list is expected to be Bharat Dynamics Ltd with its four subsidiaries, hinting at future Indo-US cooperation on missile defence, because BDL is part of India's missile technology activities. While that is certain to bring

immediate cheer to the Indian strategic sector, a more long-term step by the US will have greater impact on India's technology future. The US will announce that India would get out of its country classification â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that is, it would no longer be on classified along with Pakistan and North Korea, but move into a group populated by US top allies like the UK and Japan. In the current classification system, India cannot even access some critical kinds of technologies that it wants. The US will also support India's membership to global non-proliferation regimes like Wassenaar Arrangement and Australia Group and, in future, Nuclear Suppliers Group.

Pariahs no more? Isro, DRDO to be off entities list

SRINAGAR VENDORS DEFY GEELANI'S 'CIVIL CURFEW'

SRINAGAR: Hundreds of roadside vendors today defied hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's announcement to observe 'civil curfew' as they displayed their merchandise in the popular flea market in the city. Geelani had announced a threeday 'civil curfew' to be observed, beginning with arrival of US President Barack Obama to India yesterday, but the roadside vendors decided to defy the diktat. "We have seen enough of strikes and curfews for the past four months and now we want to feed our families. We cannot go on forever like this," a vendor, who identified himself only as Khalid, said.

Khalid said he also wanted resolution of Kashmir issue but not by forcing his family to starvation. "There has to be a strategy... any movement that forces the poor into further poverty cannot sustain for too long," the graduate from S P College said. The sentiments were echoed by many of Khalid's fellow traders at the Sunday market, but would not speak on record for the fear of reprisal from separatist elements. "We do not want to indulge into politics. We are trying to fulfill our basic needs... the separatist have not cared and the Government at best has been absent," Nazir Ahmad (name changed) said.

Pranab Mukherjee's son to enter politics?

SURI (WB): A meeting attended by Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee's son, Abhijit, has set off speculation in political circles on whether he would plunge into politics by being a Congress candidate in the assembly elections in West Bengal scheduled next year. What fuelled the speculation was Mukherjee attending a meeting on November three at Nalhati in Birbhum district, about 70 km from here, at which Congress leaders and workers were present. Birbhum DCC president Asit Mal said though it was a goodwill meeting after Eid and Bijoya Dasami organised by a non-political organisation, party workers and leaders present declared in one voice that

Diwali celebration in india

November, 2010

US not sensitive to sentiments of Pakistan : Musharraf 22

November, 2010

WASHINGTON: By omitting Pakistan from the itinerary of his current trip to Asia, starting with India, President Barack Obama has shown that the US is "not sensitive" to the sentiments of Pakistani people, former President Pervez Musharraf has said. Disappointed that Obama would not be visiting Pakistan during the trip, Musharraf has also conceded that the US president is unlikely to take up the issue of Kashmir during his meetings with the Indian leaders. "I would take it as a disappointment, yes, indeed." This reflects that the US president is not sensitive to the sentiments of the people of Pakistan, Musharraf, the former military ruler who stepped down in 2008, said. "I don't think there is going to be any talk about Kashmir.

So in the overall context, I think it doesn't resonate well with the people of Pakistan, where they take it that the United States or the president of the United States is not that conabout cerned Pakistan's own sensitivities and interests," Musharraf said. "I know one does understand that visiting India is a bilateral issue between the United States and India, and one wouldn't be overly Indo-centric in approach. "But our concern, as a Pakistani, certainly within Pakistan, isn't Pakistan an important player in the region? It is in the front role fighting

terrorism. It's a strategic partner towards fighting al-Qaida and Taliban towards eradication of terrorism," he said. Obama has invited Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari for a future visit to the US and also announced that he would travel to Pakistan next year. "Kashmir is a sensitive issue with Pakistanis. In fact, the world ought to be concerned that Kashmir dispute, without solving Kashmir dispute, it is leading to extremism within our society. There are a number of mujaheddin groups which have emerged who want to go and support their Indian brethren.... So we

SEOUL: Jo Myong Rok, a longtime confidant of North Korean leader Kim Jong II, who travelled to Washington in 2000 on a then unprecedented goodwill mission, has died. He was 82. Jo, who had served as first vice chairman of the North's powerful National Defense Commission since 1998, died yesterday of inveterate heart disease, the official Korean Central News Agency reported in a dispatch from Pyongyang. "His death is a great loss to the party, the army and people of (North Korea) waging a dynamic struggle to win the victory of the cause of building a thriving socialist nation," it said. Jo, a Korean War veteran, visited Washington in October 2000 as Kim's special envoy and met with then President Bill Clinton. He also later pledged to then US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, that North Korea would take steps to fundamentally improve relations in the interests of peace and security. Jo was the highet-level North Korean official ever to visit Washington, and his trip, followed by Albright's landmark visit to Pyongyang, was part of Pyongyang's efforts to keep up the momentum

generated by the breakthrough summit between the leaders of the two Koreas held in earlier 2000. The reconciliatory mood, however, has since changed following tension between Pyongyang and Washington over the regime's nuclear weapons program and other issues. Jo's body will lie in state at Pyongyang's Central Hall of Workers to receive mourners before a state funeral Wednesday, the dispatch said. Kim and his son and heir apparent, Kim Jong Un, are among the members of the funeral committee, it said. As well as the No. 2 job at the defense commission, Jo also served as a deputy to the Supreme People's Assembly and a member of the politburo of the ruling Workers' Party, the KCNA dispatch said. The North's state media hasn't reported on Jo's public activities for several years, sparking intense South Korean media speculation about his health and a possible change in Pyongyang's power structure. The two Koreas are still technically at war because their conflict in the early 1950s ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. The US stations 28,500 troops in South Korea to deter aggression from North Korea.

JEDDAH: Women cashiers were at work in several Jeddah supermarkets on Saturday as their employers ignored a fatwa by the country's highest religious authority forbidding female checkout clerks. The popular Marhaba chain kept the women on the job despite the six-day-old ruling signed by grand mufti Sheikh alSheikh and six other senior religious scholars which contradicted a key government policy to create jobs for women. A Marhaba official said the women would keep working until the labour ministry ordered them to stop the practice , only begun in the past three months after the ministry said it was permitted. "We will continue to let the women do their jobs. We have not received any official letter from the ministry of labour to stop the practice ," he said on condition of anonymity. "We have more than 25 women working now in all our branches," he added. It was unclear whether Panda, another supermarket chain pioneering the use of female checkout cashiers, had its women working.

JAKARTA: Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano killed 85 people in its latest eruption, with scores more suffering severe burns, an official said. Many of the dead were in Argomulyo village, about 18 kms from the crater of Merapi, as deadly heat clouds hit their village.The latest deaths bring the overall toll to 128 since the country's most active volcano started erupting on October 26. "The death toll has risen to 85 people and 289 people are injured," disaster management agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said.

SYDNEY: Archaeologists on Friday revealed they have found a piece of a stone axe dated as 35,500 years old on sacred Aboriginal land in Australia, the oldest object of its type ever found. The shard of stone, found in Australia's lush and remote far northern reaches in May, has marks that prove it comes from a groundedge stone axe, Monash University's Bruno David said. "We could see with the angled light that the rock itself has all these marks on it from people having rubbed it in order to create the ground-edge axe," he told the ABC. "The person who was using the axe

was grinding it against a sandstone surface in order to make it a smoother surface." David said the previous oldest ground-edge axes were 20,000 to 30,000 years old, and the conventional belief was that the tool first emerged in Europe when populations grew and forests flourished at the end of the last Ice Age. "What we've got in Australia, however, is evidence of groundedge axes going back 35,000 years ago," he said. "What this all means is that we know that the conventional story that comes from Europe does not explain the origin of axes globally. So we've got to think of it in a very different way."

Confidant of North Korea's Kim Jong II dies

Indonesia volcano killed 85 in latest eruption: Official

Saudis defy nowomencashiers fatwa

WORLD NEWS

British Royal Family joins 'Facebook'

have to resolve the Kashmir dispute. And this is what I have been always saying," he said. "Terrorism, and Taliban in al-Qaida Afghanistan, in the tribal agencies of Pakistan, the mujaheddin in fighting in Kashmir, extremism in the Muslim youth on the rise in India, with extremism in our society, in Pakistan society, all of them are developing a nexus. And now it's international connotation," he said. Musharraf said the army and the government in Pakistan are doing their best to fight al-Qaida and the Taliban. "I'm not really privy to the tactical details of the operations, but at the strategic level, I do understand the commitment of the army, of the military and the government towards defeating al Qaida and Taliban is certainly there," he said.

LONDON: You can now catch up with the British Monarchy on social networking website 'Facebook'. The Royal Family members, who are already regular users of micro-blogging site 'Twitter' and video-sharing site 'YouTube', have now set up their own Facebook page. The 'British Monarchy' page features pictures, news videos and speeches from Queen Elizabeth II, king-inwaiting Prince Charles and his sons, Princes William and Harry, apart from other Royals, the media reported. In fact, its creation is a collaboration between the Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and the Royal Collection. Buckingham Palace has said that it's not a personal profile page, but users can "like" the service and receive updates on their news feed. The page will also feature the Court Circular, recording Queen's previous day's engagements. The Royal Family's launch of the Facebook page follows the introduction of the Monarchy's Twitter account in 2009.

HAVANA: Cuban investigators have probed the country's worst plane crash in two decades, which killed all 68 people on board, including 28 foreigners. The domestic Aerocaribbean aircraft crashed in the mountainous Sancti Spiritus region in central Cuba late Thursday after the pilot reported an emergency. Investigators found the "black box" voice and data recorders of airliner at the crash site, located some 400 kilometers east of Havana, on Friday. By yesterday rescue crews had finished removing the remains of crash victims, which were transported to Havana for identification. The plane, a twin turbo-propeller ATR-72-212 built by French-Italian manufacturer

Avions de Transport Regional, was bound for Havana on a flight from the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba when the pilot reported an emergency. French ATR aviation experts will arrive soon to participate "as guests" in the crash probe, a spokesman for Cuban Institute of Civil Aeronautics (IACC) said . "All the bodies are burned, except for two that were in the back of the plane," Sancti Spiritus public prosecutor Rolando Diaz. "No body is missing. Apparently the passengers had no time to move because they all burned in their own seats," Diaz said. Locals who rushed to help immediately after the crash said that the weather was good when the plane went down.

Cuba probes plane crash that killed 68

World's oldest axe found in Australia

A woman feeds a swan at the lakeside of the lake Zeller See in Zell am See, Austrian province of Salzburg . The weather forecast predict warm and sunny weather all over the country.

I found Kareem Hajee one of the best motivators in positive thinking

OPINIONS AND LETTERS

Hi Koya, You ever wonder why some people are so lucky? You know the kind that seem to have everything going for them? Things just work out for them no matter what they do. Why are they so lucky? (I'm sure you've asked that question at some point) Today I'll answer that question and I'll show you how to create the same kind of good luck so you become the lucky one who enjoysuccess and much more. So read on and enjoy! http://www.creatingpower.com/c ourse.htm You create your own luck, plain and simple. I've been saying it for years, what you think about you create. If you think and believe you're lucky, you'll have good things happen. I've always believed I'm a lucky guy, in fact I say it all the time. and then I focus on all the good things in my life. I could just as easily focus on all that is wrong and say how unlucky I am... then I'd just end up attracting and creating negative events in my life. But why do that why do that when you can enjoy good luck and have things work out for you. You can be lucky if you want to, and now (after all these years) even scientists agree... that you do create your own luck and it all starts with how you think and what you believe. Researchers fol-

lowed 400 people between 18 and 84 for 10-years, hoping to find out why some people are lucky and others are not. What they found surprised them (but not me - I've been saying it for years). Here's their conclusion: you create your own luck based on what you think about, what you focus on andhow you see things, all of which you can change. Sounds like a simple process to me... yet millions of people choose to focus on everything that is going wrong and how unlucky they are. Then things get worse and they can't understand why they're so unlucky. Once you change the way you think and the way you see things you will begin to create your own good luck and good fortune. It's really that simple. But wait there's more. Researchers also found that lucky people are lucky because they seize opportunities; they create positive beliefs about themselves, and turn negative events into positive situations by looking at what went right, and how things could have been much worse. They focus on the positive aspects. Instead of complaining, they're thankful for what happened and look at the positive side of the situation; they always see the glass as half full. If you're not doing any of the above then you may find that you have more "bad" luck than

Begin attracting what you want. Train your mind and subconscious mind to be more positive and more optimistic. Direct your mind and subconscious mind to recognize opportunities and start to believe that you really are a lucky and fortunate person. Create a belief system that allows you to be lucky so that you have the life you want and more - visit: http://www.creatingpower.com/c ourse.htm Lucky people have more opportunities than those who are unlucky

iji Police Education one of the best in the world Even a cursory glance at the police training manual written in the Colonial days gave a clear impression that the syllabus were from Scotland Yard Police and several British sources. The accompanying lecture notes used by training staff were very well documented with appropriate case laws that forever became the basis of legal education for the Fiji Police. As classroom and field training were rigorous and subject to discipline, the aptitude to pass with good grades was very common. Despite a below average knowledge of English, most police recruits memorized dozens of definitions including two of the most commonly used “cautionary words “ of Judges Rules I and II used daily for suspects and persons taken into custody. It is from these recruits , considered as class eight drop outs or FJC( Fiji Junior Certifiicate) failed, scores of them acquired new set of knowledge and skills to make a very successful career in the Fiji Police. Police training overview at PDTS PDTS stood for the Colonial day’s Police Depot And Training School. The word depot for many sounded like a place of confinement or detention – sort of an archaic expression. The layout of the recruits’ barracks at the training complex located at Nasese, Suva with two rows of wooden beds lined up in the open view of all plus a tall locker and a big black kit box characterized a six

month of campus life ahead during training. Three meals provided at the police canteen were provided on credit for the most part that would be paid off on pay days. Visitors were prohibited and traveling back to home towns were only permitted on long weekends. “Lights out,” a sergeant on night duty would scream around 11 PM as he would walk through each raw to ensure everyone was in bed. A typical day began at 5 AM to show, shave and get ready in the “drill uniform” ( grey shirt and khaki shorts) and a pair of heavy duty boots. In groups of 20s and 30s (depending on the size of a “batch”), the recruits would follow in an orderly walk to the Guard Room located a quarter of a mile away at Nasova Police playgrounds. Here the recruits would obtain rifles once

used by British Army for drill purpose. In a more than hour exercises, under very stringent command, recruits would learn the basics of how to adapt to marching gaining accuracy in the next few months. Midway through the training they would be readied by the drill major and his instructorsih the art of marching like a paramilitary regiment. Part of the march training also included what was called the “riot drill” to combat a rioting crowd in riot gears and gas mask. These drill coupled with police sports and road runs in full training gear in the mid-day heat would melt down the heaviest guy down to one third of his physical built. Extremely challenging for most, this phase of training placed the recruits in the fittest form for several years. ( To be continued, editor).

good luck.

Start creating good luck.

Administration of Justice

November, 2010

because they try to find the silver lining or opportunity in every situation. Unlucky people miss opportunities because they're too busy looking for something else, or complaining, they're not open to possibilities and feel they have to do things a certain way. Lucky people also change their approach, try different things and are willing to take a chance. Unlucky people insist on things being a certain way, that they know better and that they're always right. You can go from unlucky to being lucky - and here's more proof. Those same researchers later convinced a large number of those in unlucky people in their group to try doing things differently. Amazingly 80-percent of those who changed the way they did things, focused on the good fortune rather than the bad fortune, changed the way they thought, became more positive and open minded... ended up being happier and more satisfied with their lives... and wait for it... they started to have good luck and had good things happen... Wadda you know! (I've been saying it for years). A few simple changes leads to a better life and you can go from having bad luck to good luck!

create new habits that allow you to enjoy life, succeed and have good things happen. Train your mind and subconscious mind to start working for you by getting those great powers to move you in a new and positive (or lucky) direction. Start creating your own good luck today. "Hello Karim, I would like to thank you very much. I'm an ordinary guy from Quebec, Canada. I just finished your course. It's totally fantastic. The past 30 years, I spent probably over 100,000 IN therapy, books and every single thing, but I could not seem to put it all to work. Your course is the very best system I've ever listened to. Do you honestly know how good this system is? It works. Its just fantastic. The past month has been the most beautiful month in 30 years, this system should be translated in French because I'm a French speaking person that knows a lot of unhappy people. I just want to thank you so very much. PS. sorry if my English is not so good. God love you." Michel L. Quebec, Canada http://www.creatingpower.com/c ourse.htm Here's to your success and good fortune... Sincerely, KarimHajee Creating Power

Please send matter ASAP

Ready to change your luck? You can.

Break those negative habits and

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Hair's why we rise early 24

November, 2010

Amla

re you an early riser or do you prefer waking up when the sun is overhead? Your hair may be an indicator – says a new study. According to National Geographic News , that's because the genes that regulate our body clocks can be found in hair-follicle cells, researchers have discovered. Makoto Akashi, of the Research Institute for Time Studies at Yamaguchi University in Japan, and colleagues conducted the study on hair samples of four subjects who followed a strict schedule as per their preferences – waking up early or late and eating, among other lifestyle choices. When the researchers tested the genes in the subjects' follicles, they found that body-clock gene activity peaked right after a

subject had woken up, be it 6 a.m. or 10 a.m. This indicates that the brain 'turns on' the genes at different times of the morning in different people. The study may help researchers understand body-clock disorders a little better than before. Disorders of the body clock have been implicated in high blood pressure, diabetes—even cancer. The follicle test could be used to develop "working conditions that do not disturb clock function" by building in enough time to adjust, the authors wrote. I hope that our method will be used for regular health checks in schools and companies to keep healthy clocks," Akashi said. The study appears August 24 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

If you want to improve your eyesight have amla juice mixed with honey. Besides that it can also be beneficial for people who are nearsighted and have cataracts. Amla or gooseberry as it's also known as, is rich in chromium, which makes it very beneficial for diabetics. It is known to stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete the hormone insulin. This decreases the blood sugar. Since amla is rich in antibacterial qualities, it helps the body fight better against infection and also builds up your immunity, which makes you more resistant to diseases. Suffering from an upset stomach? With its powerful laxative qualities, amla is great for curing diarrhoea and dysentery. It is a commonly used ingredient in several hair tonics because it is known to curb hair loss, stimulate growth and strengthen the roots. Studies say that having amla powder mixed with honey and butter before a meal will improve appetite. To get relief from acidity, mix one gram of amla powder with some sugar and add it to a glass of water or milk and drink it twice a day.

DIET 2 DAYS A WEEK TO CUT

Breast cancer risk

new study has indicated that a strict diet for two days a week consisting solely of vegetables, fruit, milk and a mug of Bovril could prevent breast cancer. Women who cut back to just 650 calories a day, twice a week, had significantly lower levels of cancer-causing hormones in their blood, the study found, reports the Daily Mail. The researchers said women at high risk of breast cancer could be put on similar diets for the rest of their lives to try to prevent tumours developing. The study examined 50 overweight women aged 30 to 45 who were deemed to have a high genetic risk of developing breast cancer, as either their mother or sister had suffered from the disease. For two days each week they were limited to eating just a third of the recommended 2,000-calorie daily

Cholesterol circulates in the blood and can collect in your arteries, creating heart disease and high blood pressure." Visceral fat is also believed to produces more hormones and proteins than subcutaneous fat, affecting glucose levels and leading to the onset of type 2 diabetes and other health problems like cardiovascular disease.

Sldiom esn't

Benefits of

HERE'S HOW AMLA CAN BENEFIT YOU...

intake for women. This had to include four portions of vegetables, one piece of fruit, two pints of semi-skimmed milk and either green tea, a diet soft drink or a salty beverage such

as a cup of hot Bovril. For the remainder of the week they were allowed to eat as much as they wanted, as long as they stuck to healthy food that was relatively low in fat. After

Health/Fitness

Healthy always mean

ou may be slim and still have dangerously high levels of fat within you, according to the British Medical Research Council. Using MRI body scanners doctors demonstrated that even super-slim people could have high levels of internal fat collecting around the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas. These people, dubbed "skinny-fats'''', could be seriously putting their health at risk. "The fat we can see on overweight people is subcutaneous fat," The Daily Telegraph quoted Dr Ron McCoy, Melbournebased spokesperson for the Royal College of Australian GPs, as saying. However, what could be more dangerous is visceral fat or the fat we can't see but which surrounds vital organs. Dr McCoy said: "Visceral fat is metabolised by the liver, which transforms it into cholesterol. Cholesterol cirsix months scientists found that the women had far less leptin and insulin in their blood – hormones that can cause cancer. Leptin fell by an average of 40 per cent and insulin by an average of 25 per cent. The women also lost an average of a stone in weight and recorded a 15 per cent drop in levels of the potentially harmful C-reactor protein, which is also known to increase the risk of breast cancer, in their blood. Another 50 women were put on a diet in which they were restricted to 1,500 calories every day and told to avoid sugary foods, fatty meat and excessive alcohol. These women also had fewer cancer-causing hormones in their blood six months later, but insulin had fallen slightly less than in women on the two-daya-week diet. But the scientists behind this latest study believe that the two-day-a- week diet could be even more effective than general dieting. They say that when the body is deprived of food the amount of sugar reaching breast cells decreases, which may result in them dividing less frequently and turning cancerous. The research was published in the International Journal of Obesity .

culates in the blood and can collect in your arteries, creating heart disease and high blood pressure." Visceral fat is also believed to produces more hormones and proteins than subcutaneous fat, affecting glucose levels and leading to the onset of type 2 diabetes and other health problems like cardiovascular disease. But the question is if one is thin then how does fat accumulate inside the body. Lack of physical exercise is the biggest reason. Sam Mower, an exercise physiologist, said: "If your body isn't moving, it doesn't metabolise the fat that's building up - either outside or inside." Diet is another factor. "If you're eating foods high in saturated fat, such as butter, cheese, cakes and biscuits, it's nearly all stored as visceral fat," Mower said. The menopause and sugar intake by way of alcohol consumption are among other causes.

Yoga

health

BOOSTS HEART

ant to have a healthy heart? Practice yoga daily as Indian researchers have claimed that breathing exercises, stretching, relaxation and meditation improve heart health . According to the researchers at IITRoorkee in Uttarakhand, heart rate variability, a sign of a healthy heart, has been shown to be higher in yoga practitioners than in non-practitioners. Ramesh Kumar Sunkaria, Vinod Kumar and Suresh Chandra Saxena of the Electrical Engineering Department evaluated two small groups of men in order to see whether yoga can improve heart health. The team said that in their preliminary study of 84 volunteers, there was strengthening of parasympathetic (vagal) control in subjects who regularly practice yoga, which is indicative of better autonomic control over heart rate and so a healthier heart. They analysed the "HRV spectra" of the electrocardiograms (ECG) of 42 healthy male volunteers who were non-yogic practitioners, and 42 who are experienced practitioners, all volunteers were aged between 18 and 48 years. The spectral analysis of HRV is an important tool in exploring heart health and the mechanisms of heart rate regulation, according to the team.

Life Style

Facebook profile 'kills job prospects'

our profile on Facebook may become a cause of worry when looking for a job, as employers are checking on networking sites to know more about the people they intend to recruit, a new study claims. The survey has found that one in 10 were refused job for boasting about drinking and drugs online. Similarly, 13 per cent were vetoed for making racist comments and nine per cent were overlooked for placing racy photos. Big Brother employers reported the most common mistake that job seekers made was putting information of their qualification on line. A total of 38 per cent of job seekers were rejected for boosting up their qualifications on their resume and then getting caught on Facebook. "More employers are now using social networking sites to uncover any digital dirt," the Telegraph quoted Career Builder president, Farhan Yasin, as saying. He added "Job seekers are urged to be mindful of the information they post online. They are indirectly communicating with potential employers. Social net-

Face of FIRST LADY

fashion

working is a great way to make connections with potential job opportunities in 2010 and to promote your brand across the internet. Make sure you are using this resource to your advantage by conveying a professional image and underscoring your qualifications. Clean up digital dirt before you begin your job search. Remove any photos content, and links that can work against your in an employers' eyes. Consider creating your own professional group on sites like Facebook to establish relationships with business leaders, recruiters and potential referrals." He advised, "Keep your gripes offline. Keep the content focuses on the positive, whether that relates to professional or personal information. Make sure you highlight specific accomplishments inside and outside work. Don't forget others can see your friends, so be selective about who you accept as friends. Monitor comments made by others and consider using the block comments feature or set your profile to private so only designated friends can view it, he said."

MICHELLE OBAMADRESS ME UP TREND : SHIFT DRESSES

the belt in grey or black with a bright shift dress.

THAT’S A STATEMENT NOW!

TREND: STATEMENT NECKPIECES

Expert speak: Designer Urvashi Kaur says, “Statement neckpiece is a rage now. Michelle carries them off really well. They look classy and are very eye-catchy. Various mix of stones, metal chains, flower motifs and appliques are used in such necklaces.” Get the look: Keep the dress simple and let the neckpiece grab the attention. A high hairdo looks great with shift dresses, low cut gowns and one-shoulder dresses, teamed up with the chunky neckpiece.

HEEL THE WORLD

TREND: KITTEN HEELS

Expert speak: “Michelle Obama has started the trend of bright and cheerful shift dresses. Even the floral prints are a big hit. They look great on her and she carries them off very smartly. Understated and simple shift dress looks way better than the embellished dresses,” says designer Falguni Peacock. Get the look: A big day bag looks very good with shift dresses. Also, keep the jewellery minimal; diamond earrings or ring will look great.

Expert speak: “Michelle Obama is very often seen in the more practical kitten heels instead of the fashionistas’ essential high heels. With her fashion sense, Michelle reiterates the fact that to look good, you don’t necessarily need to follow the fashion diktats. Get the look: Kitten heels can be worn with fitted or skinny jeans, short dresses, bolero and boyfriend jackets. Don’t forget to carry a big bag with you to get the overall look.

Expert speak: Designer Anupamaa Dayal says, “Cinch belts are back, thanks to Michelle Obama. People think belts were only for the size zero. But it’s not true. Belts give you a defined and flattering look. They look very classy and feminine.” Get the look: Those who’re skinny, should opt for narrow belts. Curvier ones should pick up medium-sized belts. Team up

TREND: BEAUTIFUL BOBS Expert speak: “Michelle Obama has brought the trend of bobs back. She looks stunning in them. The dresses and one-shoulder gowns she wears, go very well with her hairstyle,” says make-up and hair expert Angelina Joseph. Get the look: Bobs look great on those with an oval face. Bobs and A-shaped dresses look very nice, as they make you look slim and tall.

GRAB THAT WAIST

TREND: WAIST CINCH BELT

BOB IS BACK WITH A BANG

P3Ps!

November, 2010

PROUD TO BE

ll eyes are set on United States (US) President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama — the most important guests India is currently playing host to. Everyone is bound to talk about Mrs Obama’s flawless style statement. The US First lady, with her impeccable dressing and an ability to mix high street with couture fashion, has given the style savvy the much-needed dose of fashion democracy. Designer Alpana of Azara says, “Mrs Obama’s style is interesting — she makes fashion look so effortless and approachable. You see her in a J Crew cardigan or a high street shift dress, things that every stylish woman can aspire for.” The First lady is also celebrated in style circles for some of the trends that she has re-introduced. From her kitten heels to her shift dresses, everything that she has worn, has become a rage. We get the experts to talk about some of the top trends that Michelle has brought back to the fashion scene.

hey're young, successful and live life out of a suitcase. But, once the work is done, they know how to party! Aspiffy suit, Berluti shoes and a glass of bubbly in hand. This is Gaurav Bhatia, luxe expert and South Bombay boy, who 'lives' and sells champagne in India. He also loves to party! The new breed of achievers is not shying away from the Page 3 circuit any more! A decade ago, there was a mad scramble to make a mark on the social register as designers and other celebs made it to the hottest dos in order to make it to the next day's papers. But then, the trend swung and 'celebs' disclaimed their 'socialite' status. Page 3 was considered a dirty word and associated more with personal promotion. Looks like it's all about to change as smart, savvy, entrepreneurs, CEOs, fashionistas, music experts and art promoters learn to let their hair down after a gruelling week. With eight years in advertising on Madison Avenue, Gaurav moved back home to Mumbai from New York in 2006 before he turned 30 to become part of the luxury story in India. With a degree in international economics and filmmaking from the US, he was recently invited to speak at the prestigious International Herald Tribune Luxury Conference. And the man celebrates life and is a total party animal. "A party for me is all about fabulous conversation, decadent gastronomy, a creative disrup-

tion. It's always a high to meet new people in a stimulating, enriching and meaningful space," says Gaurav, marketing director, Moët Hennessy India. She may call herself laidback, but quick short trips to Dubai and longer stays in London and New York once every three weeks for work, combined with party-hopping, is commonplace for Priyanka Choksi, the daughter of Mehul Choksi, chairman and CEO of Gitanjali group. A Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University, she brought t h e A Ja f f e brand from New York to India and opened a flagship retail store in Mumbai this year. Besides travelling and discovering new places, clubbing with friends is her idea of chilling out. "I am very clear about my personal and professional goals. I would like to open new stores, expand my business and have time to enjoy life, too," says Priyanka. Agrees Kim Verma, director of marketing - India, Six Senses Resorts & Spas, "I party a lot and work a lot. I'm determined to have a good time when I'm out; I can make conversation with anyone, anywhere and enjoy it too!" Born in England, most of her formative years were spent at boarding school in England and then university in the US. "I love what I do. I travel a lot and am free to be creative and think outside the box," she signs off. Heads turn when 27-yearold Akshai Sarin enters a gathering, especially when the 6'3" tall music composer spikes his hair that increases his height by two inches. Being a party

animal is not only his claim to fame. With a decade having passed since his first international album release, music director and composer Akshai was shortlisted among India's Top 20 Young Creative by British Entrepreneurs Council and IIM, Bangalore and nominated for the Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 award. Young achievers like him take frequent trips abroad, seamlessly combining business with partying, discovering that there's very little distance between the boardroom and the dance floor. For eight hours Monday to Friday, Kajal Fabiani, enterprising young owner of an Italian fine dining resto lounge, checks accounts, parties, events, food control and has meetings with chefs and managers. After that, it's time to do her own thing. "Weekend is for partying and going out. I just let go and enjoy the moment," says Kajal. Based on the simple philosophy of savouring the pleasures of life, Nikhil Agarwal, director, All Things Nice, carries his brand philosophy into his leisure space as well. Organising tastings — tea, coffee, beer, cognac, vodka or wine — for a profession, Nikhil enjoys going for elaborate dinners to pubs and bars that have great decor. His only rule: "I don't go to places that don't sell beverages at reasonable price." There's also Tushar Sethi, following in the successful tradition of his father and chairman of Safset Group, Vickram Sethi. Having experimented with private banking after graduating from the prestigious Regents Business School in London, Tushar founded the online portal The Arts Trust in 2005 and has curated over 150 exhibitions. Work hard, party harder is Tushar's motto. "I love going out and try all kinds of cuisines. When in China, I relish exotic dishes like snakes, snails, crocodiles, monkey's brains," says Tushar. Working hard and partying harder is definitely back in vogue!

Australia can't win back Ashes: fans' poll 26

FOOD

November, 2010

A majority of Australian cricket fans in a newspaper poll published Sunday say Australia cannot win back the Ashes and want Shane Warne as the national team coach. An online poll of more than 6,000 fans conducted by the Sunday Telegraph blame the selectors for Australia's slide to fifth on the Test rankings and 74% of them believe that Michael Clarke should not become Australia's next Test captain. The poll showed that fans have lost faith in the national team after a run of seven international defeats in all forms of cricket. Almost 57% of those polled

believed that Ricky Ponting's team will not retrieve the Ashes they lost to England last year. One fan wrote: "What a disastrous build-up to the Ashes this is turning out to be," while another said: "Where's our mongrel? We were famous for it, now we couldn't knock a maggot off a chop." The pessimism comes despite the fact that England have not won an Ashes series in Australia since 1986-87. The poll took a harsh view of the national selectors for the current malaise, with 90% claiming the panel is not doing a good job, while 68% delivered the same scathing verdict on coach Tim Nielsen.

Injured Nadal pulls out of Paris Masters

PARIS: Top-ranked Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Paris Masters on Friday because of a shoulder injury that will keep him sidelined for at least a week. Nadal said in an e-mail sent out by his management team that he was suffering from "a small case of tendinitis in my left shoulder which came about through forcing my serve too much during training this week." "I am very sorry not to be able to play the Paris-Bercy tournament this year," Nadal said. The Spaniard said the injury wasn't serious, but that he had been advised by doctors that he needed six or seven days rest with intensive rehabilitation treatment. Nadal is scheduled to play in the season-ending

ATP World Tour Finals in London between November 21-28. The ATP tour said Nadal would still make an appearance at the Paris tournament and would discuss his injury further at a news conference in Paris on Sunday or Monday. "It's always a blow for a tournament to lose Nadal," tournament director Jean-Francois Caujolle said. "But we still have nine of the 10 best players in the world and I don't think the tournament has been hampered by his withdrawal, even though it would have been better to have him." Nadal recently said he was feeling some fatigue from a successful season in which he won the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Almost 48% of fans want former spin king Shane Warne as the coaching replacement for Nielsen. Warne has been a vocal critic as the Australian team has been in decline since his retirement from Test cricket in 2007. One-day allrounder Cameron White is the preferred option with the fans to take over from Ricky Ponting, 35, when he retires as Test captain, according to the poll. White has 29% support from the poll to be the next Test skipper, while current vice-captain Clarke is preferred by 28%. The Ashes series gets underway in Brisbane on November 25.

China hoping to control weather for Asian Games

China . China is armed and ready to stave off a percieved threat to the Asian Games: rain. Five planes and more than 1,000 rockets have been prepared to disperse storm clouds that threaten the Nov. 12-27 event in the southern city of Guangzhou, according to Huang Minhui, spokesman for the provincial meteorological bureau. "The weather is usually sunny this time of year, but we're not taking any chances," Huang told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Thursday.Although most foreign experts consider weather modification an inexact science at best, Chinese authorities claim to have scored major successes in the field.Its weather modification arsenal includes 6,781 artillery guns and 4,110 rocket launchers dispersed throughout the country to shoot dry ice or silver oxide into storm clouds with the aim of making it rain when and where needed. In particular, Chinese meteorologists say they succeeded in keeping rain away from the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in the capital Beijing. Yet even Chinese scientists acknowledge a lack of rigorous testing on the effects of cloud seeding, and information about the national rain creating program is a tightly kept secret.

After big focus on Comm Games, India takes on Asia L

ess than a month after being lauded for salvaging the national pride in the wake of the troubleplagued preparations for the Commonwealth Games, India's athletes are heading to China carrying great expectations for the Asian Games. The months leading up to the New Delhi Commonwealth Games were marred by security concerns, allegations of corruption and delays in construction of venues that led to a last-minute rush to get things finished. The filthy state of the games village only days before athletes were due to arrive sparked global criticism and calls by some to boycott the event. But that galvanized the government and organizers to complete preparations and the mostly successfully Commonwealth finished with a bang _ India overhauled England for second spot behind Australia on the medals table on the final day of competition. The athletic performance has raised expectations at home and abroad. Suddenly, the ills of Indian sports administration have been forgotten and the likes of shooter Gagan Narang, badminton player Saina Nehwal, wrestler Sushil Kumar and discus thrower Krishna Poonia have become household names in India after outstanding performances in front of home crowds in an event that even drew some attention away from cricket _ the national obsession. "The present lot of sports persons is hungry to perform at the international level. You will see that they will do well in major international competitions including the Olympics," said Abhay Chautala, the head of India's delegation to the Asian Games. The Asian Games are an opportunity to consolidate the performances in the Olympic disciplines, which have languished in India for years because of a lack of infrastructure and sports budget constraints. The unprecedented $146 million budget provided primarily for preparation of the Commonwealth Games team is expected to stand the country in good stead during the Asiad, when the focus will again be on its shooters, wrestlers, weightlifters, boxers, archers and badminton players, who contributed the bulk of India's 101 medals at New Delhi. At the Doha Asian Games four years ago,

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia in traditional Balinese outfit holds her championship trophy after winning the final at the WTA Bali Open tennis tournament in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia.

SPORTS AND SCHEDULE ASIAN GAMES

India won 54 medals, including 10 gold, for an eighthplace finish. India has set its sights much higher for Guangzhou. The challenge for athletes is to peak twice in a season and to channel enough energy to the continental event, where the competition will be more intense in some disciplines. Shooting is one sport were competition will be of a higher standard at the Asian Games. "The Asian Games are going to be much tougher for India with the presence of Chinese and Korean shooters," warned India's national shooting coach Sunny Thomas, whose team won 30 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including 14 gold. "But we are improving and are expecting do well with all the exposure in the past few years." India, however, will be without some high-profile competitors in Guangzhou. Star wrestler Sushil Kumar has decided to skip the Asian Games due to a niggling shoulder injury after winning the World Championship and Commonwealth Games gold medal. "The injury has been troubling me for the past six months and officials have advised that I ensure the injury does not flare up to jeopardize my chances in the London Olympics two years from now," the 66-kilogram category freestyle wrestler. India is also likely to miss last edition's tennis doubles gold medal winners Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathy, while top chess players Viswanathan Anand and Koneru Humpy are also missing from the Indian team for the games.

he 16the Asian Games will hold 42 competitions during 16 days, including 28 Olympic sports and 14 non-Olympic sports, such as Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Rowing, Cricket, Volleyball and Football. Cricket is among the debutant sports, with Dancesport, Dragon Boat, Weiqi and Roller sport added as unique to the Games. Football will be held before the opening ceremony from 7th November. A total of 476 gold medals will be awarded during the competition days. November 13: Aquatics (Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Board games (Chess, Chinese Chess), Canoeing (Slalom), Cricket, Cue Sports, Cycling (Track) Final, Dancesport Final, Football, Gymnastics (Artistic) Final, Handball, Hockey, Judo Final, Shooting Final, Soft Tennis, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon Final, Volleyball (Indoor), Weightlifting Final, Wushu Final November 14 : Aquatics (Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board games (Chinese Chess), Canoeing (Slalom) Final, Cricket, Cue Sports Final, Cycling (Track) Final, Dance sport Final, Equestrian Final, Football, Gymnastics (Artistic) Final, Handball, Hockey, Judo Final, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting Final, Soft Tennis Final, Table Tennis, Tennis, Triathlon Final, Volleyball (Indoor), Weightlifting Final, Wushu Final November 15: Aquatics (Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Badminton Final, Badminton Final, Baseball, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board games (Chinese Chess), Bowling, Canoeing (Slalom), Cricket, Cue Sports Final, Cycling (Track), Equestrian, Football, Gymnastics (Artistic) Final, Handball, Hockey, Judo Final, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting Final, Soft Tennis Final, Table Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor), Weightlifting Final, Wushu Final November 16: Aquatics (Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Badminton, Basketball, Board games (Chess) Final, Board games (Chinese Chess), Bowling Final, Boxing, Canoeing (Slalom) Final, Cricket, Cue Sports Final, Cycling (Track) Final, Football, Gymnastics (Artistic) Final, Handball, Hockey, Judo Final, Rowing, Sailing, Sepaktakraw,

Shooting Final, Soft Tennis, Table Tennis Final, Tennis Final, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor), Weightlifting Final, Wushu Final November 17 : Aquatics (Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo) Final, Badminton, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Board games (Chinese Chess), Bowling, Boxing, Cricket, Cue Sports Final, Cycling (Track) Final, Equestrian Final, Football, Golf, Gymnastics (Artistic) Final, Handball, Hockey, Sailing, Sepaktakraw, Shooting Final, Soft Tennis Final, Table Tennis, Taekwondo Final, Tennis, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor), Weightlifting Final, Wushu Final November 18 : Aquatics (Swimming) Final, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board games (Chinese Chess), Bowling Final, Boxing, Cricket, Cue Sports Final, Cycling (Mountain Bike) Final, Dragon Boat Final, Equestrian, Fencing Final, Football, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Rowing Final, Sepaktakraw, Shooting Final, Soft Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Taekwondo Final, Tennis, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor), Weightlifting Final November 19 : Aquatics (Synchronized Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Archery, Badminton Final, Baseball Final, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board games (Chinese Chess) Final, Bowling, Boxing, Cricket Final, Cue Sports Final, Cycling (BMX) Final, Dragon Boat Final, Equestrian, Fencing Final, Golf, Handball, Hockey, Rowing Final, Sailing, Sepaktakraw, Shooting Final, Softball, Soft Tennis Final, Squash, Table Tennis Final, Taekwondo Final, Tennis, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor), Weightlifting Final November 20 : Aquatics (Synchronized Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Archery, Badminton Final, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board games (Weiqi), Bowling, Boxing, Cricket, Cue Sports Final, Cycling (Road) Final, Dragon Boat Final, Equestrian Final, Fencing Final, Football, Golf Final, Handball, Hockey, Sailing Final, Sepaktakraw Final, Softball, Squash, Table Tennis Final, Taekwondo Final, Tennis, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor) November 21 : Aquatics (Synchronized Swimming) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Archery Final, Athletics Final, Badminton Final, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board

games (Weiqi), Bowling Final, Boxing, Cricket, Fencing Final, Football, Gymnastics (Trampoline), Handball, Hockey, Rugby, Sailing Final, Shooting Final, Softball, Squash Final, Tennis, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor), Wrestling Final November 22 : Aquatics (Diving) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Archery Final, Athletics Final, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board games (Weiqi) Final, Bowling Final, Boxing, Canoeing (Sprint), Cricket, Cycling (Road) Final, Equestrian Final, Fencing Final, Football, Gymnastics (Trampoline) Final, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Rugby, Sepaktakraw, Softball, Squash, Tennis Final, Volleyball (Beach), Volleyball (Indoor), Wrestling Final November 23 : Aquatics (Diving) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo), Archery Final, Athletics Final, Board games (Chess), Board games (Weiqi), Bowling, Canoeing (Sprint), Cricket, Cycling (Road) Final, Fencing Final, Football, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Modern Pentathlon Final, Roller Sports Final, Rugby Final, Sepaktakraw, Shooting Final, Softball, Squash, Tennis Final, Volleyball (Beach) Final, Volleyball (Indoor), Wrestling Final November 24 : Aquatics (Diving) Final, Archery Final, Athletics Final, Basketball, Board games (Chess), Board games (Weiqi), Bowling Final, Boxing, Cricket, Equestrian Final, Football Final, Handball, Hockey Final, Kabaddi, Karate Final, Modern Pentathlon Final, Sepaktakraw Final, Shooting Final, Squash, Volleyball (Beach) Final, Volleyball (Indoor), Wrestling Final November 25 : Aquatics (Diving) Final, Aquatics (Water Polo) Final, Athletics Final, Basketball Final, Board games (Chess), Board games (Weiqi), Boxing Final, Canoeing (Sprint) Final, Cricket, Football Final, Gymnastics (Rhythmic) Final, Handball, Hockey Final, Kabaddi, Karate Final, Sepaktakraw, Softball, Squash Final, Volleyball (Indoor), Wrestling Final November 26 : Aquatics (Diving) Final, Athletics Final, Basketball Final, Board games (Chess) Final, Board games (Weiqi) Final, Boxing Final , Canoeing (Sprint) Final, Cricket Final, Gymnastics (Rhythmic) Final, Handball Final, Kabaddi Final, Karate Final, Sepaktakraw, Softball Final, Volleyball (Indoor) Final, Wrestling Final November 27 : Athletics Final, Sepaktakraw Final, Volleyball (Indoor) Final, Closing Ceremony

STAR AGE/ ARIES

March-21 to April-20

CANCER

June-22 to July-23

There is nothing light hearted about your romantic life. Because Venus in sitting in the hidden area of your chart you want more drama than usual — a grand passion — or paradoxically you could be shutting off your emotional needs altogether. You are wary that if you open up to what you really want it could bring up uncomfortable feelings. Your ability to sparkle in the spotlight is certainly attracting a stream of compliments and new admirers. Today you will be flirting, having fun, and trying to duck out of boring chores as much as possible. But you aren’t taking your feelings lightly now. You are on people or off them, either adoring or loathing. There’s no middle way.

You have a taste for what is fine and elegant. If your extravagances look like outrunning your budget then turn your creative skills to earning more money. All it takes is imagination and effort. Then you can afford a good many more treats. You are in one of your periodic September-24 upheavals at home, trying to clear out to October-22 whatever you feel is blocking you.

LIBRA

CAPRICOM

December-23 to Januar-20

This is an emotionally light-hearted time when you will want to have a gang of buddies around you. You will be spreading your social favours in all directions, not tying yourself down at any point. Safety in numbers will be your motto. You are coming across as a strong personality, but secretive and unfathomable as well.

Vastu

What is

TAURUS

April-21 to May-20

LEO

July-24 to August-23

SCORPIO

October-23 to November-22

AQUARIES

January-21 to February-19

Vastu is the ancient Indian tradition of architecture. The word Vastu refers to a shelter, either for the self or deity. Vaastu Shastra means the science (shastra) of construction of a Vaastu. Vastu in Sanskrit means nature, a surrounding or environment. The word "Vaasthu" came from Vasthu - represent anything existing e.g. house, building etc. Shastra in Sanskrit means Systems or Knowledge. VASTU MANDALA

Vastu is a composite whole or professional blend of five elements -Earth, Water, Ether, Air and Fire. Their equitable proportions create bioelectric magnetic energy, which bestows health, wealth and prosperity. Vastu Shastra is a scientific structural design principle and is the prime method for synchronizing your structure with nature. Vastu Shastra is based on the forces and elements of nature. Vastu harnesses positive energies and vibrations within homes and commercial work premises, which leads to an atmosphere & environment of absolute harmony, peace, good health and success. Our ancient sages and commoners for building homes, temples, and cities keenly practiced the path of adaptation of Vastu Principles. This has gained momentum in modern

times. According to the Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, Lord Brahma was the first recepient of this knowledge from Lord Shiva as a part of the Vedas, just like He received the knowledge of Jyotish. Vaastu Shastra as is practised presently is based on the 125 verses contained in Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira. This very point indicates the vital link between Jyotish and Vaastu. Unfortunately, what the standard Vaastu experts are applying today is the use of temple architecture in homes and offices. There is a need to use the Astakavarga and other charts of Vedic Astrology along with Vaastu principles for every individual home, provided this is to be designed for a particular person to occupy for a long period. If instead flats and apartments are being designed for the general public, then the standard principles can be used.

You will be putting your best diplomatic foot forward. If you are trying to sell anything, charm will be your greatest asset. You need to re-think some of your personal beliefs and find a different perspective on your life. If you are involved in heated discussions, treat them as a challenge which will help you see which of your views needs to be refined. Venus, planet of love, is in your house of family matters, so adding elegant touches to your intimate surroundings is a top priority. Having beauty around will make you feel happier. Looking after your health is a priority since you do feel pressured by demands on your time which can be draining on your energy reserves. Venus, planet of love, is in your own sign for a while so admirers will not be in short supply. You will be wearing your heart on your sleeve, expressing your feelings of affection. But you can be a touch too forceful in expressing yourself and may get into arguments because of your inability to take in the other person’s point of view. If you have creative talents you should be making the effort to get them out on display to best advantage. You can turn your dreams into reality if you find the self-discipline. You are having quite a profound influence on the people around you because the strength of your personality. Maybe you are stronger than you give yourself credit for.

GEMINI

May-21 to June-21

VIRGO

August-24 to September-23

SAGITTARIUS

November-23 to December-22

PISCES

February-20 to March-20

November, 2010

Maybe you are being too analytical about your feelings, standing back to dissect them rather than plunging into emotional situations. Is there something you are not admitting to yourself? Pluto around in the deepest area of your chart sometimes makes you repress your stronger feelings because you are wary of letting go of control. Thoughtful gestures from everyday companions are making you feel appreciated. You are discovering that you don’t have to move far from your normal routines to find affection. It may not be grand passion but it is pleasant. You have ambitions to be someone grand so use your talents to achieve and you will gain the status you seek. Love may not come as easily because you are sensitive to rejection. You would shut yourself away than let your feelings be seen. But don’t let opportunities for romance slide by because you can’t speak out about what you need. You are developing a real capacity for managing money but you have to watch that you don’t overspending. Socially charming, you want to mix with a wider range of people and explore new leisure activities. You want to be out of your normal rut to find companions who will stretch your mind as well as keep you entertained. If you are thinking of throwing a party you will want it to be flamboyant or with a foreign theme.

IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

he Supreme Being is Karta Purakh, the Creator, transcendent and Allpervasive. Creation is His manifestation. "True is He and true is His Creation, All has emanated from God Himself", says fifth Sikh Guru Arjan. Nature has all attributes of its Creator. Vaheguru, the wondrous Master, is the data or giver as well as karta or doer. Nature is but His creation and cosmic play. Nature teaches us humility. You are humble when you are satisfied with yourself, your life and the world around. In all religions, humility is regarded as the first step towards Self-realisation. Lack of humility leads to 'haumai' the feeling 'i am', that is, ahankar, egoism or self-centredness which is considered not only as an inner disease but as root cause of all evil impulses. A man full of haumai or ego, manmukh, is oblivious of the interests of others. He asserts his own needs, and this makes him selfish and arrogant, separating him from other human beings. Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, gives the example of a Simal tree which is very tall, symbolising an arrogant man, but this tree bears no edible fruit, and so is of no use to other life. He says, "The Simal tree is tall and straight/ But if one comes to it with hope of gain, what will one get?/ Its fruit is without taste, Its flowers have no fragrance/ Its leaves are of no use/ O Nanak, humility and sweetness are the essence of virtue and goodness/ Readily do we all pay homage to ourselves,/ Before others we refuse to bow." Haumai is a major block in the way of realisation since it is not compatible with the practice of simran or remembering

the Lord's Name, the two cannot coexist. What is the way out, then? How to get rid of ego, the biggest hurdle to spiritual development? The first step is to realise and acknowledge the presence and power of God. Compared to the vastness and scope of God and His Creation what we are, but tiny specks on the Creation canvas? Guru Nanak regards Nature as both the manifestation and abode of God. He feels the presence of the Supreme Being in every object of Nature hills, mountains, valleys and oceans. Nature is a source of joy and peace. He says, "In Nature we see the Lord/ In Nature we hear His speech/ Nature inspires the divine awe/ In Nature is the essence of joy and peace." Guru Nanak reminds us that each one of them is an

embodiment of the divine light, which He again explains with reference to Nature, "The drop of water is in the sea,/ And the sea is in the drop of water, who shall solve the riddle?" Man is, therefore, a part of Nature and God, his goal being to merge in Him. A journey from being a manmukh or ego-centric person to a gurmukh or God-oriented one liberates you from ahankara or ego and all suffering. Gurmukh meditates upon Nam or Sabda, bani in the form of kirtan, living life as a householder, earning an honest livelihood and sharing it with others. Therefore, it is not surprising that community service is at the very core of Sikhism, entirely relevant in current times. October 20 is the day of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib as the Eternal Guru.

November, 2010

PRAVEEN CHANDRA & SARAS CHANDRA

he hot morning sun filtered through the dusty humid Suva air as I parked the rental car opposite the Fiji Broadcasting Commission building in Carnavon Street. Walking down the street at 8:30 A.M. on Monday 8th January 2001 was like a homecoming. I had spent a number of years working in Suva and had many a memorable memory of this once bubbling city. But today the city looked almost alien, ruptured and bleeding from theturbulence of the last fourteen years. The people walked along the street-silent and resigned. Had Suva changed so much? Perhaps I had been away too long, having migrated to Brisbane, Australia on 14 June 1987 – exactly one month after the first military coup in Fiji. I walked towards the old Parliament building in search of the National Archives only to be told by a civil servant that I was headed in the wrong direction. I turned back and leaving my car behind walked to the city end of Carnavon Street and found the white concrete double storey building so typical of government offices in Fiji. A strange feeling of anticipation overwhelmed me as I entered the building. At last I, of all my relatives, was doing something concrete about tracing my ancestry back to India. What will I find? Will I find anything? And yet the thought of trying to find records relating to family long departed was itself astounding. Records written and forms filled by officials for persons standing silently before them. The person I would start with was my paternal great grandfather, Baijnath. All I knew for certain was that my grandfather had come from India as an indentured labourer and was living in Vitogo, Lautoka when he was convicted and hanged for murder he may not have committed. I was not even certain of any dates. I knew that my father was born in 1919. Also it was generally believed that my grandfather was born in Fiji in 1900 or 1899 and was about 13 years old when his father was hanged. That was all we knew about in my great grandfather’s short life in Fiji. At the Archives, I told the girl on the ground floor of the reason for my visit. She asked if I knew Baijnath’s father’s name, the year of his emigration and the name of the ship he came to Fiji in. No, I did not, I told her. Then it would be extremely difficult to find anything, she said. Was this the end of my journey? The girl must have noticed my distress; she went away and returned with a book. It was about an inch thick, A4 size and had the letter B written on its spine. She then asked me to complete an application to doresearch and took me to the main library upstairs before handing me the book she had brought. This book, she told me, contained a list of all persons whose names started with the letter “B” who came to Fiji from India under the indenture system. I sat down at a desk. At least the office was air-conditioned - the morning heat of the city had begun to choke me. There were a few other people engaged in research in addition to two very lethargic looking clerks. My car! I remembered that I had it at a parking meter which was about to expire. I rushed out, moved my car into the Morris Hedstrom car part and returned to the cool comfort of the Archives library. I thumbed through the pages of the book I had been given until finally Baijnath! But there were forty-four Baijnaths! Each had his father’s name, name of ship and date of arrival against his name. All but two also had the emigration pass numbers listed. A cold sweat broke out on my face. Fortyfour Baijnaths! How was I to find out which one

Voices From the Past

was my ancestor? I went to ask the clerk if I could see the forty-two emigration passes only to find that the offices were closing for lunch. Despite the sweltering heat outside, I went out to do some shopping. I returned an hour later - my shirt wet with perspiration and my mind almost numb at the prospect of the task ahead. At my request, the clerk brought about twentytwo emigration passes. I sat down and started looking through the sheets - names of people, places, ships and ports. I felt a sense of sadness going through the passes. The passes before me had belonged to people who long ago had left their motherland and ventured into the unknown. My mind conjured up images of their faces and the hardships they suffered exiled and in virtual slavery in a remote and hostile corner of the earth. But which one of these was my great grandfather? What meagre information I had about my ancestor was of no help. I started by eliminating those who had arrived in Fiji after 1900. This left me with about four names and a sinking feeling that I had reached the end of my unfruitful journey. It was now past four in the afternoon, and as I waited for the remainder of the emigration passes to be brought to me, a man came up and spoke to me. I had noticed him doing research since the morning. A slightly older, but fit looking, man with fair complexion, wearing black plasticframedspectacles. He asked me if I was searching for the records of my ancestors. I said yes and briefly told him what little I had been able to find. He said that the history of the indentured labourers was one of the fields he had done a lot of work on. Then it dawned on me! “You are Dr Ahmed Ali, the famous academic and former politician!”, I said. He smiled and then said, "Do not lose heart, we will find the records, but firstly do not rely solely on this alphabetical list that you are consulting, it has a lot of errors". I was overjoyed. Dr Ali told me that he had come to know the system as well as any of the staff at the archives. He asked the clerks to bring the first volumes of the Ships' Registers and the Death Registers. The first column of the pages of the Death Registers would have the name of the person and last column would have the cause of death of the person. Our first task would be to find a Baijnath whose cause of death was hanging. The Ships’ Registers, on the other hand, gave a list of all persons who came from India, in chronological order. At his suggestion I started with the first volume of the Death Register. The office closed at 4:30 in the afternoon. Dr Ali said he was going to be in the office after 11:00 the next day. He seemed as interested in my search as I was. The next day, Tuesday 9 January, I went to Nausori to do some shopping before coming into the Archives library in Suva. It was about 10:30 in the morning. I continued perusing the first volume of the Death Register and also asked the clerk for the second volume. Dr Ali came in at around 11:00 and enquired about my efforts. I told him I had not found any Baijnath who had been hanged. He encouraged me to persevere as we had not finished looking at all the available documents. It had started to rain and as I sat at the desk I felt tired and disheartened. And yet as I ran my fingers across the pages of the death register, a strange feeling descended upon me.The large registers with entries beautifully handwritten in red and black ink told of events of long ago. Again I started thinking about the lives of people who had come to work and die in

a strange hostile land. I finished the first volume and with the hope of success slowly fading away, started on the second. At about midday I found it. Baijnath judicial hanging - hanged at Suva Goal 17/3/1913. The next three entries had the same comment in the last column of the records. Rajkumar Singh, Kallu, Houba also had judicial hanging against their names. A sudden bolt of electric thrill shot through my whole body. I was overjoyed. At last I was looking at records on my great grandfather. I called Dr Ali who was equally excited. I noted the emigration pass numbers of the four and asked the clerks to get them for me. There was also a file reference number on the last column, 1720/1913. Dr Ali said that that would be the reference number for the files of the court case. He asked the clerks for these files as well. The office closed for lunch. I came back about 2:30 P.M. soaked by the rain and sweat. Good and bad news awaited me. The Emigration Passes were available but the case files were not. I put in a request for the Emigration Passes to be photocopied. Dr Ali came up with another scheme for finding more about the case. He asked for the Fiji Times of 1913 to be brought out and asked me to go through the thick folder. I went through the volumes labouriously looking for reports of a murder and hanging but did not have any success. When the office closed at 4:30, Dr Ali told me that he would be in again at 8:30 the next morning. On Wednesday 10th January I came in early. Dr Ali came a little later and with a smile on his face told me that there were in fact two newspapers in 1913 - the other one being “The Western Pacific Herald”. He had the 1913 volume of these brought for me to search through. At about ten I struck gold again. I could not believe my luck and silently thanked the government for establishing the archives. Monday February 24, 1913 carried a story of the case and sentencing. Dr Ali and I were both excited. I had already obtained the copies of the four Emigration Passes. I requested a photocopy of the newspaper article. There was something that puzzled me - the case in the newspaper only mentioned three people Baijnath, Rajkumar Singh and Kallu. Who was Houba and why was he hanged? I had been so excited by my find that I had failed to notice the report of a murder case on the same page of the old newspaper. Had I done so I would have found out that, although the four were hanged at the same time the last person was hanged for a different murder that took place in Rakiraki. I decided that I would be happy with the Emigration Passes and the newspaper article and would leave for Lautoka after lunch. Dr Ali also left for home but said that he would try

and get the case file for me. I gave him my Brisbane address, got copies of the emigration passes and the newspaper cutting and, at about noon, went downstairs to say goodbye to the girl who had helped me. When she saw me she said, "I have found the case files for you". I was overjoyed; a person could only take so much good fortune in a day. She gave me three files that I took up to the library to study. The files contained all the relevant details of the case: names, statements, a sketch of the crime scene, three death warrants and a petition signed by a number of villagers requesting a pardon for the accused men. The murdered man was Ramsamuj and the three men hanged for his murder were Baijnath, Rajkumar Singh and Kallu. Most importantly I found a copy of a submission made to the Governor of Fiji by one of the defence lawyers, Reginald Berkeley, in which he claimed that the guilty verdict was reached on circumstantial and fabricated evidence from unreliable witnesses. I postponed my decision to leave for Lautoka the next day and asked for photocopies of the files. I also extracted the emigration passes of the murdered man, his father and his mother. He had come to Fiji with his parents in 1900 at the age of eight. And so after about fifteen dollars in parking fees, a few dollars in photocopying fees, almost three full days of research and a lot of help from Dr Ahmed Ali, my search in Fiji for records of one of my ancestors had ended. Or had it? I still had to study the case files in detail to determine the fairness of the trial and to ascertain whether the persons executed were in fact guilty of the murder. More importantly I had to try to find out if I could trace my long lost relatives in India. Over the next few months I read and re-read the case files and tried to recall what little was discussed at home and in our village during the 1950s and 1960s about the fate of my great grandfather. At home the topic was mentioned occasionally - not with any sense of shame or disdain butwith the feeling that a great injustice had been done. The real murderer had escaped justice. My paternal grandmother was the person most willing to share her knowledge of the affair with us. She would have been in here early teens at the time of the execution. The culprit, everyone seemed to believe without doubt, was a person named Bahraichi, who had lived in our village of Vitogo in Lautoka. Bahraichi had killed, as he had on a few other occasions, purely for the money Ramsamuj was carrying with him that fateful night. As children in the 1950s, we were petrified at the mere mention of Bahraichi’s name. Nothing struck more fear in our hearts as his name. “I will give you away to Bahraichi”, children who were told by their mothers. “Bahraichi passed this way today”, people, especially women, would tell one another – relieved that a potential danger had passed. The very name “Bahraichi” to us came to mean a cold-blooded killer who, for some mysterious reason, seemed immune from prosecution no matter how solid the evidence against him. Whether he got his alias because he was from Bahraich in India or because of an epithet became immaterial. His real name is still a mystery. I remember seeing Bahraichi on a few occasions. During an Indian wedding once I saw a short, slim grey-haired man in khaki trousers and light coloured shirt, sitting alone on a chair. He looked to be in his sixties, quiet, and seemed unaffected by the festive atmosphere around him. A small group of young boys came to me and said,

“Do you see that man? He is Bahraichi. He has killed many people!” One of the boys even dared another to go up and touch the man. On other occasions, people pointed out Bahraichi to us as he went on his way at a distance. An element of silent mystery surrounded the man. By the time we reached our adolescent years, Bahraichi seemed to have moved away from Vitogo. Out of sight, out of mind. People now talked even less about him. His murderous exploits became topics discussed only on rare occasions. Information on Bahraichi therefore remained sketchy. A lot of what is known is supposed to have come from Bahraichi himself. People recounted how in the earlier days, the killer would tell his friends in great detail how he carried out his crimes. He would recount his plan and its execution after each case was closed. Was this due to a secret urge in him to tell the truth because the authorities could not find the killer and sometimes ended up prosecuting innocent people, or simply due to his arrogance, is difficult to tell. Based on these stories, as well as her own knowledge, my grandmother once told me brief details of each man Bahraichi had killed. It added up to four or five murders. One was the murder of a poor farmer Butru (real name not known) and his wife. As a sideline business Butru used to produce coconut oil and sell the bottled oil in the market. He would spend months collecting coconuts and then go through the laborious task of producing the oil and when he had made a dozen or so bottles, he would sell them at the Lautoka\ market. The story of these two murders was spread around the village by Bahraichi’s own confession to his few close mates long after the deed. It so happened that Bahraichi was at the market that fateful Saturday when Butru was selling his oil. Business was good that day and Butru had made quite a profit that day. Bahraichi noticed this and in the evening went to Butru’s house. Butru, being a simple hospitable fellow invited Bahrachi to stay for dinner not knowing that he was inviting his own death and the death of his wife. The couple had no children. After dinner, Bahraichi and the couple talked until it was quite late and Bahraichi was given beddings in a corner of the small house and invited to sleep over. In the early hours of the morning Bahraichi got up, took Butru’s axe from its usual place of storage and killed the couple in cold blood. He then calmly took all the money and any other possessions of value that the couple had and quitely slipped out of the house. No one was ever arrested and prosecuted for the crime. The other murder that Bahraichi may have commited was the murder of Ramsamujh for which my great grandfather, Baijnath, and two of his

friends were hanged.

The year was 1912. A large number of girmitiyas lived in Vitogo and Vakabuli two villages outside Lautoka town. In Vitogo, sharing the border with Vakabuli, lived Baijnath, Yaro, Chotkai, Samdhani, Rajkumar Singh, Kallu and Janki. Samdhani was living on Baijnath’s land. Seorattan, lived in Vakabuli. He had a 20year old son, Ramsamujh, who worked for the Colonial Sugar Refining (CSR) Company. Rajkumar Singh’s sister, Lachminia, was married to Yaro. Ramsamujh had recently run away with Lachminia to the neighbouring town of Ba. But soon afterwards, Lachminia’s husband Yaro and Ramsamujh’s father Seorattan went to Ba and persuaded the couple to return to Lautoka. Ramsamujh now lived in the CSR lines in Lautoka town. (To be Countinue...)

November, 2010

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November, 2010

GALLERY

November, 2010

Oscar Award Night for Eden Medical Center Staff at San Ramon Marriot

ICNA Islamic Leadership seminar on Social Justice at Biltmore Hotel, Santa Clara (Watch carefully. Some may not be genuine winners with miniature replicas in their sneaking in the group pictures with less than 3 years of service)

November, 2010

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