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January 4, 2013

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INDIA, RUSSIA INK 10 PACTS; DEFENSE DEALS Manmohan, Putin review bilateral ties

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R. Srinivasan named for top award Details on page 6

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

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NEW DELHI: India and Russia inked as many as 10 pacts, including defense deals worth around USD four billion, as their leaders undertook an extensive review of bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of nuclear energy here on December 24. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin held comprehensive talks on all key bilateral issues, including defense, space, trade and investment, science and technology, education, culture and tourism. The venue of the meeting between the two leaders was shifted at the last minute from Hyderabad House to 7, Race Course Road, the official residence of the Prime Minister in view of the largescale protests after the gang rape incident. OLD FRIENDS: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meeting the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Details on page 5

Putin, in New Delhi on December 24

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Modi victory & Gujarat growth a role model Details on page 16

8 Indians in HBR's 100 best performing CEOs Details on page 6

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 47 Community Post -------------- 16-27 Date Book -------------------------- 49 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 12-15 Horoscope --------------------- 50-51 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 30-32 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 36-37 TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-42 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-42

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Publisher’s Diary

he times we are living in are indeed disturbing. Ironically enough, we seem to have learnt to cope with wars, natural calamities and epidemics. What we don't seem to be able to deal with, however, are the increasing levels of social ills - ills brought on, not so much by intention, but ostensibly, mindless, unprovoked actions that border on the irrational. Here we are still trying to figure out the madness that was unleashed in Connecticut where innocent lives in an elementary school were taken by a crazed gunman. And now we are watching some unbelievable images coming out of Delhi, India where practically the entire city seemed to have come out onto the streets to protest against the brutal gang rape and near fatal assault of a young woman on a bus in particular and atrocities against women in general in Delhi and across India. How is one to understand young, middle class kids buying assault weapons, stockpiling ammunition, thinking it okay to kill little elementary school children; how is one to understand men thinking it okay to not only rape a woman on a bus in the middle of the city, but brutalizing her body and nearly killing her. Where is such evil coming from? Is it the movies or the television or marginalization of people in a world of haves and have nots? Why is it that in what we see as technologically advanced, progressive societies, people are turning to such barbaric acts that defy human advances made through evolution? Or is it the so called progress through technology, leading to disparate lives, aspirational lifestyles, unsatisfied emotional needs, social and economic inequalities, that is working to alienate humans so much that they are losing the basic sense of humanity? Why are all the carefully and willfully created structures of religious, legal, social, moral and ethical codes of living and conduct crumbling in a way that societies, cultures and countries across the world are finding it increasingly difficult to define what is 'normal' human behavior. Where do the solutions to these issues lie? Obviously not in the government and its machinery. Romesh K Japra

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Cover Story: Indo-Russia pacts Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin inked 10 pacts, including defense deals worth around $ 4 billion.

Community: Modi model Front ranking community activists in Chicago say the Gujarat results should be an eye opener for many other States in India.

Health: Push for new laws The FDA has renewed push for new laws to help police pharmacies like the one that triggered a deadly meningitis outbreak.

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India, Russia ink 10 pacts; defense deals Manmohan, Putin review bilateral ties NEW DELHI: India and Russia inked as many as 10 pacts, including defense deals worth around USD four billion, as their leaders undertook an extensive review of bilateral cooperation, especially in the field of nuclear energy here on December 24. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin held comprehensive talks on all key bilateral issues, including defense, space, trade and investment, science and technology, education, culture and tourism. The venue of the meeting between the two leaders was shifted at the last minute from Hyderabad House to 7, Race Course Road, the official residence of the Prime Minister in view of the large-scale protests after the gang rape incident. After his talks with Putin during his brief visit of nearly 18 hours, Singh said, "We also dis-

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, at the delegation level talks, in New Delhi on December 24

cussed regional and global issues, on many of which there is a marked congruence in our approach. "The development of our nuclear energy program has been a key pillar of our strategic partnership," the Prime Minister said

Vladimir Putin meeting President Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on December 24

The Chairperson, National Advisory Council, Sonia Gandhi meeting President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in New Delhi

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj meeting President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, in New Delhi

while noting that construction of Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project was now complete, and power generation will commence shortly. He also said India looks forward to the completion of Unit 2 next year. "Negotiations for the construction of Units 3 and 4 at Kudankulam have made good progress. We intend to continue implementing the Roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear energy sector that was signed during President Putin's visit in 2010 as then Prime Minister of Russia," Singh said. About their discussions on regional and international issues, Singh said, "India and Russia share the objective of a stable, united, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan, free from extremism, terrorism and external interference. We reviewed the ongoing developments in Afghanistan, and agreed to work together against threats posed by extremist ideologies and drug trafficking". . The pacts include MoU on Cooperation in Science, Technology & Innovation, cultural exchange program and MoU to promote direct investment which envisages investments up to USD 2 billion in important bilateral projects or companies, privatization and other opportunities. The defense deals include contract for delivery of 71 Mi -17V-5 helicopters and contract for delivery of 42 technological kits for SU-30MKI aircraft licensed production. "Russia is a key partner in our efforts to modernize our armed forces and enhance our defense preparedness. A number of joint design, development and production projects are underway in high technology areas. We expressed satisfaction that these projects are progressing well," the Prime Minister said.

Singh also noted that there was still untapped potential in areas such as pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, mining, steel, information technology, civil aviation, telecommunications, infrastructure, food processing, innovation and services. "We have asked our inter-governmental and business level groups to recommend specific steps for enhancing bilateral trade and investment flows," the Prime Minister added. Noting that science and technology cooperation between the two countries remains robust, he said they welcomed the operationalization of the IndiaRussia Joint Science and Technology Centers which can assist the development and commercialization of promising technologies,

up joint ventures and strengthen technology partnerships. Tata Consultancy Services and Russian firm Navigation Information Systems (NIS) signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish and strengthen technology partner relations between the two enterprises in software development, systems integration, professional services for and marketing of NIS products. "The areas of cooperation visualized concerned sectors such as information technology enabled services and emergency response systems," an official statement said. A joint venture agreement between Elcom Systems Pvt Ltd and OAO Vertoleti Rassi (JSC 'Helicopters Russia') was also inked. This "venture aims to set up in India, a modern industrial facility for manufacturing of Russian models of helicopters (Ka- and Mi- brands)," it said. "The JV will serve as an industrial base for hi-tech rotorcraft products from Russia to India and shall contribute to the development of the domestic aerospace industry. The enterprise will be eligible for implementing offset projects under various procurement tenders in India," it added. JSC 'Russian Helicopters' is a leading player in the global helicopter industry engaged in the business of modern civilian and

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and his Russian counterpart S. Lavrov shake hands as they exchange documents after signing an agreement on Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations 2013-14 in New Delhi

including nano-technology, biomedicine and super-computing. "I particularly welcome the agreement on cooperation in using the GLONASS satellite navigation system that has just been signed," Singh said.

Firms sign three pacts Russian and Indian companies including Tata Consultancy Services and JSC Helicopters signed three different agreements to set

military helicopters and training of aviation personnel, it said. Elcom Systems is an established entity in the Indian telecommunications, security and navigation sectors. Further, Mumbai-based Elder Pharmaceuticals inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Pharm Eco of Russia for a joint venture arrangement. According to a statement by the Indian firm, the MOU was signed for bilateral cooperation in the field of healthcare. -PTI

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January 4, 2013

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8 Indians in HBR's 100 best performing CEO list NEW DELHI: Eight Indian CEOs have made it to the list of 100 global chief executives, compiled by Harvard Business Review (HBR), with ITC's Y C Deveshwar and late Subir Raha of ONGC finding a place in the top 20. Deveshwar was first among the Indian CEOs featured in this list, and cornered the seventh place overall. Under his leadership, ITC delivered industry-adjusted shareholder returns of 1,574 per cent and saw its value increase by USD 45 billion. The other Indians on the list include late Subir Raha of ONGC, at 13th place, ahead of Reliance Industries' Mukesh Ambani who was ranked 28th. Larsen and Toubro's A M Naik was ranked 32nd, followed by BHEL's A K Puri (38), Bharti Airtel's

Sunil Bharti Mittal (65), Jindal Steel and Power's Naveen Jindal (87) and Steel Authority of India's

Deveshwar was first among the Indian CEOs featured in this list, and cornered the seventh place overall.Under his leadership, ITC delivered industry-adjusted shareholder returns of 1,574 % V S Jain (89). Meanwhile, the best-performing CEO over the past 17 years globally was Steve Jobs of Apple. From 1997 to 2011, Apple's market

value increased by USD 359 billion, and its shareholder return experienced average compound annual growth of 35 per cent. "That remarkable accomplishment is likely to go unbeaten for a long time," HBR said. Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com was at the second place. Others in the top 10 include, Samsung Electronics' Yun JongYong (3rd), followed by Vale's Roger Agnelli (4), Gilead Sciences' John C Martin (5), Hyundai Motor Company's Chung Mong-Koo (6), ITC's Y C Deveshwar (7), Simon Property Group's David Simon (8), eBay's Margaret C Whitman (9) and Cisco Systems John T Chambers (10). The highest-ranked woman on the list is Meg Whitman, currently the CEO of beleaguered HP, whose performance as the CEO of eBay from 1998 to 2008 earned her

the 9th spot. Interestingly, overall, only 1.9 per cent of all the CEOs studied

The HBR 100 best performing CEOs in the world list, assessed the long-term performance of each CEO, from the first day on the job to the last and for CEOs still in office, until August 31, 2012 were women. The HBR 100 best performing CEOs in the world list, assessed the long-term performance of each CEO, from the first day on

the job to the last and for CEOs still in office, until August 31, 2012. The list accessed how much total shareholder returns had changed over the tenure of the respective CEO, and the overall increase in market capitalization. Harvard Business Review said, "Our goal was to implement a scorecard that would not only get people talking about longterm performance but also alter the way that boards, executives, consultants, and management scholars thought about and assessed CEOs." HBR further noted: "We wanted this innovation to shine a spotlight on the CEOs worldwide who had created long-term value for their companies, and we wanted to give executives around the world critical benchmarks they could aim for." -PTI

Obama names Indian-American Anurag Basu's 'Barfi!' for prestigious award out of Oscar race WASHINGTON: Indian-American Rangaswamy Srinivasan, a renowned inventor at IBM, has been nominated by the US President Barack Obama for the prestigious National Medal of Technology for Innovation. Along with Srinivasan, Obama named 12 eminent researchers as recipients of the National Medal of Science and 10 extraordinary inventors as recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honors bestowed by the United States Government upon scientists, engineers, and inventors. The recipients will receive their awards at a White House ceremony in early 2013. In 1981, Srinivasan discovered that an ultraviolet excimer laser could etch living tissue in a precise manner with no thermal damage to the surrounding area. He named the phenomenon Ablative Photo-decomposition (APD). "I am proud to honor these inspiring American innovators" Obama said. "They represent the ingenuity and imagination that has long made this Nation great and they remind us of the enormous impact a few good ideas can have when these creative qualities are unleashed in an entrepreneurial environment," the US president said. The National Medal of Technology and Innovation was created by statute in 1980 and is administered for the White House by the US Department of Commerce's Patent and Trademark

Rangaswamy Srinivasan

Office. The award recognizes those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness and quality of life and helped strengthen the Nation's technological workforce. The National Medal of Science

The award recognizes those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness and quality of life and helped strengthen the Nation's technological workforce. The National Medal of Science was created by statute in 1959

was created by statute in 1959 and is administered for the White House by the National Science Foundation. Awarded annually, the Medal recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science and engineering. Inducted into the US "Inventor Hall of Fame" in 2002, Srinivasan has spent 30 years at IBM's T J Watson Research Center. Having been granted 21 US patents, he received both bachelor's and master's degrees in science from the University of Madras, in 1949 and 1950. He earned doctorate in physical chemistry at the University of Southern California in 1956. According to his profile on the Hall of Fame website, Srinivasan and his co-inventors ran tests using the excimer laser and a conventional, green laser to etch organic matter. They discovered that while the green laser produced rough incisions, damaged by charring from the heat, the excimer laser produced clean, neat incisions. In 1983, Srinivasan collaborated with an ophthalmic surgeon to develop APD to etch the cornea. It resulted in a procedure to correct vision known today as LASIK surgery. Since the introduction of LASIK, millions of people have taken advantage of this procedure that reduces dependency on corrective lenses. PTI

LOS ANGELES: Ranbir Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra starrer 'Barfi!' is out of Oscar race after it failed to qualify for the next voting round in the best foreign film category, according to the Academy. The film, which revolved around the love story of a deafmute boy and an autistic girl, played by Ranbir and Priyanka, was India's entry to the Oscars this year. Released on September 14, the film was lauded by the critics as well as audience. It turned out to be another disappointing year for India at the Oscars. In the past, only Aamir Khan starrer "Lagaan" in 2002, Mira Nair's "Salaam Bombay!" in 1989 and Mehboob Khan's "Mother India" in 1958 have managed to earn nominations in the foreign film category without registering any wins. Out of the 71 films that have qualified for the Oscars from across the world, only nine films are advancing to the next round of voting. The shortlist will be winnowed down to the five nominees by specially invited committees in New York and Los Angeles. The films that have made it to the list are Michael Haneke's much lauded drama "Amour" from Austria, Kim Nguyen's "War

Witch" from Canada, Pablo Larrain's "No" from Chile, Nikolaj Arcel's "A Royal Affair" from Denmark, "The Intouchables" Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano from France, Baltasar Kormkur's "The Deep" from Iceland, Joachim Rnning and Espen Sandberg's "Kon-Tiki" from Norway, Ursula

Meier's "Sister" from Switzerland and Romanian film "Beyond the Hills' by Cristian Mungiu. The 85th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on January 10, 2013 in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The Oscar awards will take place on February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The Oscar presentation will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide. -PTI

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Rape case: Delhi turns fortress, 2 ACPs suspended NEW DELHI: Delhi turned into a fortress a day after violent protests rocked India Gate which was kept out of bounds for people but protests continued in the city which witnessed traffic mess hassling office goers, students and

Hospital, doctors said. "She is still in a critical condition and not out of danger," doctors said. Security personnel kept Rajpath, the stretch linking India Gate and Raisina Hill leading to Rashtrapati Bhavan, locked down

body to reach near India Gate or Raisina Hill, which saw pitched battles between security forces and protesters on December 23 leaving around 150 injured from both sides. There were also small protests

People holding a demonstration demanding justice for the gang rape victim at Jantar Mantar

others. As the outrage continued over the December 16 gang rape of a 23-year-old student, police said charge sheet will be filed "within a week" in the case even as two Assistant Commissioners of Police were suspended and explanations sought from two DCPs on why the crime could not be prevented. In a fresh appeal for peace, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh assured that government will look into delay in response in the gang rape case as also all aspects concerning the security of women while asking people to desist from violence. Cutting short his visit to the US, Delhi Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna returned to the capital and held discussions with senior police officials and women's groups to chalk out a plan for improving safety of women in the capital. "We have suspended two ACPs Mohan Singh Dabas (Traffic) and Yagram (PCR). I have instructed the Police Commissioner to seek explanation from DCPs Premnath (Traffic) and Satbir Kataria (PCR) and will decide on further action after that," he told reporters. The condition of the victim has deteriorated and she remained in a critical condition at Safdarjung

with barricades and heavy deployment of personnel with riot-gear besides disallowing traffic on Rajpath and closing down nine Delhi Metro stations. It was chaos on roads as police restricted vehicular movement around India Gate leading to huge traffic jams in central Delhi, includ-

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said that certain "political elements" were behind the violence at India Gate and its surrounding areas. In his televised address, the Prime Minister said he and his family join in the concern for the victim ing near ITO, Mathura Road and roads leading to the VIP areas. At Jantar Mantar, a number of protesters gathered to demand speedy punishment for the criminals involved in the gang rape but no violence was reported. The new protests appeared muted as police did not allow any-

near Safdarjung Hospital, where the rape victim is undergoing treatment. With regard to violence during protests, police have registered four cases, including one against former Army Chief V K Singh and yoga guru Ramdev on charges of rioting and damage to public property. Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said that certain "political elements" were behind the violence at India Gate and its surrounding areas. "We have information that some political elements were behind the violence. We are enquiring into it," he said. In his televised address, the Prime Minister said he and his family join in the concern for the victim, who was gang raped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi. "As a father of three daughters myself, I feel as strongly about this as each one of you," Singh said adding the government was constantly monitoring her medical condition. Emphasizing that anger at this crime is "justified", he said, "but violence will serve no purpose...We will examine into delay not only in the responses to this terrible crime but also all aspects concerning the safety and security of women." -PTI

Obama appoints Indian-American Smita Singh to key post WASHINGTON: The Obama According to a brief bio readministration has appointed yet leased by the White House, Singh another Indian-American to a key was the Special Advisor for Gloadministrative post, naming Smita bal Affairs and the founding DiSingh as member of the rector of the Global Development president's Global Development Program at the William and Flora Council. Hewlett Foundation, where she "The Council will inform and worked from 2001 to 2010. provide advice to the President From 1998 to 2001, she was a and other senior US officials on scholar at the Harvard Academy American global development policies and practices, support new Singh was the Special and existing public-private partnerships, and Advisor for Global Affairs increase awareness and and the founding Director of action in support of development by soliciting the Global Development public input on current Program at the William and emerging issues in the field of global de- and Flora Hewlett velopment," the White Foundation, where she House said. worked from 2001 to 2010 The Global Development Council was established in February through an for International and Area Studexecutive order of the President. ies. Previously, Singh consulted Along with Singh, Obama also for the World Bank and the United announced names of eight other Nations Economic Commission members of the Council including on Africa. its Chair Mohamed El-Erian. She was the first Program Of"These dedicated and accom- ficer for Higher Education Innoplished individuals will be valued vative Projects at the Commission additions to my Administration as on National and Community Serwe tackle the important chal- vice, now known as the Corporalenges facing America. I look for- tion for National and Community ward to working with them in the Service. Before joining the Commonths and years ahead," Obama mission, Singh worked at ABC said. News' Nightline. -PTI

Justice Verma committee begins work NEW DELHI: The three-member committee of jurists, constituted to give recommendations on amending laws to provide speedier justice and enhanced punishment in sexual assault cases, has begun its work by issuing notice seeking public comments on the issue by January 5. The committee headed by former Chief Justice of India J S Verma sought comments from the public in general, particularly eminent jurists, legal professionals, NGOs, women's groups and civil society members on reviewing the existing laws in a bid to provide quicker justice and stringent punishment in cases of aggravated sexual assault, an official statement said. The comments can be sent at email ID - justice.verma@nic.in or through FAX at 011-23092675. The committee, which was constituted after public protests erupted over the Delhi gang rape case, will look into possible

amendments to the criminal law for faster trial and proper punishment for criminals accused of committing sexual assault of extreme nature against women. The other members of the committee, constituted by the government, are Justice (retd) Leila Seth, former Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, and Gopal Subramanian, former Solicitor General of India. The panel has been given 30 days to give its report to the government. Under the existing law, the maximum punishment for rape is a life term but the nation-wide outrage over the gang rape of the 23year-old physiotherapy student in a moving bus has sparked a demand for death penalty for rape convicts. BJP has also favored death for perpetrators of such crimes and demanded a special session of Parliament for amending the laws. -PTI

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Visa delays leave Indian students Delhi rape issue should not be politicized: Tharoor stranded in UK LONDON: Several international students including some from India have been stranded in the UK without passports and are unable to get home for Christmas after the UK Border Agency asked them to reapply for their visas. According to a report in The Guardian, London School of Film students from as far afield as the US, India, Russia and Lebanon were asked to hand over their passports to the Border Agency in November so they could be issued with new study permits. This was following the decision to strip London Metropolitan University of its "higher trusted status" before the start of the academic year. The Guardian said that London Met, which sponsors the students and issues degrees on behalf of the film school, also has hundreds of international students who are unable to get home due to lengthy delays at the Border Agency, despite being promised a fast-track service. Education vice-president at London Met, Syed Rumman, said he believed around 600-700 Met Uni students were stuck because

UKBA still had their passports. After a petition by the film students, the office of the London mayor, Boris Johnson, said it had written to the Border Agency to try to expedite the process. Tara Verma, 24, a second-year MA student from New Delhi, was

In September, Coventry University made it mandatory for foreign students to check in three times during the working week and to swipe their photo ID at manned check-in points around its city centre campus unsure how she would spend Christmas. She said she had already missed her best friend's wedding and had to cancel a 700-pound flight to India. London Met was stripped of

its higher trusted status in late August, ending its ability to enrol and teach foreign students. In response, some universities across the UK have introduced more stringent monitoring of foreign student attendance. In September, Coventry University made it mandatory for foreign students to check in three times during the working week and to swipe their photo ID at manned check-in points around its city centre campus. Glamorgan University has introduced weekly ID scans for its students during term time. Newcastle University considered using biometric finger-swipe registration in response to Border Agency rules, although it has since dropped the plans. In the autumn, London Met was granted a reprieve to help current students graduate or switch to other higher education establishments. But Verma, who has paid 24,000 pounds a year in fees, said the process of re-enlisting for film school had been extremely complicated.-PTI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor has said Indian society should stand united in its protest against the brutal rape of a 23-year-old girl in Delhi and there should not be any attempt to politicize the issue. "Though it is not right to characterize the entire protest as negative, some unruly elements had infiltrated into the protests, which the law and order authorities Shashi should take care of," Tharoor said addressing a meet-the-press program here. He said the government and protesters should have a common cause as what happened in Delhi was "horror". "We should take it as a wake-up call and create a cultural consciousness. We should teach our boys to respect women." Tharoor said there had been

widespread sympathy, outrage, shock and fear after the incident. The outrage and shock was understandable and the fear should be addressed. "Our womenfolk should be able to move around freely during night hours," he said. The government system had worked as it could apprehend the culprits within a day. They should be tried through a fast track judicial process, he said. Tharoor said though the anger Tharoor of the youth was understandable, marching to the Rashtrapati Bhavan was no solution to the issue. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and AICC General Secretary had talked to the protesters, which was the right approach. The protesters should not be treated as trouble-makers, but as fellow citizens and deft political handling of the protests was needed, he said.-PTI

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Centre never encouraged isolation of Modi: Khurshid NEW DELHI: The Centre never encouraged "diplomatic isolation" of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi after the 2002 riots and it did not have any reservation against any country forging diplomatic ties with the state, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said here. "We did not encourage any diplomatic isolation. We did not encourage sovereign countries to take a particular position on Mr Modi. They did take that position and we know that position. If they take another position, we will know that as well," Khurshid said here. He was reacting to Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin's remarks welcoming Modi's victory in the state elections. He, however, was also quick to mention that a section in the US does not want to have friendship with the Gujarat government. The Centre should not be criticized if certain countries do not want diplomatic ties with Gujarat and, at the same time, question should not be asked if a country forges ties with it, he said, adding, "We may disagree with some of his policies and indeed some of the attitudes that he exhibits". In October, Britain ended a 10year boycott of Modi imposed

after the 2002 riots and decided to resume engagement with Gujarat. "He has an elected office....To have political difference with him and to join the campaign against

all wings of government, Khurshid said still a section in the US does not want to have friendship with the Gujarat government. "Still a section of American

Salman Khurshid

him on issues that we believe are of far-reaching nature is completely different from his being the Chief Minister of the state and I hope that he makes the same distinction himself," he said. Noting that the Centre welcomes "good relationship" with

people think there should not be friendship with the Gujarat Government. If there is different thinking in Russia and the UK, then we do not have any problem. We take note when they did not want ties and we will take note when they make relationship," he said. -PTI

Goldman seeks reimbursement of $6.9mn legal fees NEW YORK: India-born fallen Wall Street titan Rajat Gupta should be ordered to reimburse to Goldman Sachs USD 6.90 million of legal fees incurred in his insider trading case, the investment bank has said, telling a court here that it is "entitled" to the amount. The US government has also written to the District Court in the Southern District of New York to grant Goldman's request to be reimbursed by its former director Gupta the amount it paid in legal fees and related costs in connection with the investigation of his insider trading case. In a motion filed in court, Goldman said it has been a "victim" of 64-year-old Gupta's criminal conduct and violation of his duties as the firm's director. "As a result of Gupta's conduct, Goldman Sachs has incurred nearly seven million dollars in external legal fees and costs in conducting an internal investigation,

in responding to numerous government requests in parallel criminal and civil investigations and proceedings, and in attending to other resulting legal matters," the investment banking giant said in court papers.

Rajat Gupta

"Goldman Sachs is entitled to... and now seeks reimbursement of those legal fees and related costs that were a direct and foreseeable result of Gupta's offence," it said. "The Court should award

Goldman Sachs 6.90 million dollars in restitution for legal fees and related costs." Manhattan's federal prosecutor Preet Bharara, on behalf of the government, said in a separate filing to the court that "the government respectfully submits that Goldman, as the 'victim' of Gupta's crimes, is entitled to recover all attorney fees" that were incurred by the investment bank due to Gupta's offences. Goldman filed its motion in court in reply to Gupta's submission a week ago that he should not be required to pay the legal fees and other expenses to Goldman since the fees is for work that was not necessarily incurred during "participation in the investigation or prosecution" of his insider trading case. Gupta is appealing his conviction on insider trading charges and earlier this month was granted his appeal to stay out of prison on bail pending appeal.-PTI

Indian doctors in Britain failing key exams: report LONDON: Hundreds of foreign showed "no substantial effects of doctors, including those from In- gender or ethnicity on examiner/ dia and Pakistan, are routinely fail- candidate interactions", and that ing key medical exams in the UK, passing the exams is dependent according to a British media re- on having the appropriate skills. port. "This is scandalous. If a doc"Success rates are so poor that tor can go on failing they medical associations want doc- shouldn't be treating patients in tors to be allowed six attempts at the NHS and that should be passing the tests rather than the stopped," Joyce Robins, co-dicurrent four," 'The Mail on Sun- rector of campaign group Patient day' reported. Concern, said. The findings raise fears that "There has to be a cut-off point trainee medics, mainly from India, Pa- and four attempts is too many," kistan and Nigeria, are not suitably he said. qualified to treat patients despite "Any attempt to make it easier spending three years working for the National Health Service (NHS) be- While just nine per cent of fore taking the exam,. Until they pass the British doctors fail to pass exams, which qualify the knowledge and practithem to practice indecal exams, more than 63 pendently as hospital physicians or GPs, train- per cent of foreign doctors ees continue to see pa- do not reach the tients under supervision in placements at hospi- standard to pass tals and general practitioner (GP) surgeries. for doctors to pass these tough However, figures show that exams must be resisted," Shadow foreign doctors are substantially Health Minister Andrew Gwynne more likely to fail than UK gradu- said. ates, with communication cited as Figures show that 63 per cent one of the problems. of foreign doctors failed the test, While just nine per cent of Brit- with communication one of the ish doctors fail to pass the knowl- main problems. edge and practical exams, more Of the Indian doctors taking than 63 per cent of foreign doctors the test, 63 per cent failed at the do not reach the standard to pass. first attempt. For those from PakiForeign medical associations stan, there was a 62 per cent failare now demanding that doctors ure rate, while 68 per cent of Nigeare given two additional opportu- rian doctors failed at the first try. nities to pass the tests amid claims "There is a very robust system that examiners may be discriminat- of selection to get on to NHS training against non-UK graduates, ing in the first place," Dr Ramesh the report said. Mehta, president of The British However, their claims have Association of Physicians of Inbeen refuted by leading UK spe- dian Origin (BAPIO), saying the cialists who say a recent study exam system was "faulty".-PTI

Modi supporters hold election watch parties in US WASHINGTON: Elated over the hat-trick by Narendra Modi in the Gujarat Assembly elections, the supporters of BJP here hoped that the impressive victory would pave the way for his larger role at the national level. "Against all odds since last 10 years Narendra Modi has shown the path of progress and development for all sectors and all communities and made people aware of dirty vote bank politics. This victory is for the people of Gujarat and people of India," said Ramesh Shah, who was recently in Gujarat with a group of Indian-

Americans to campaign in Modi's favour. Shah said Modi supporters in the US have prepared a white paper and would give it to US lawmakers next year to bring to their notice the factual position on the Gujarat riots 10 years ago. Despite being a weekday, Shah and his group held an "election watch party" watching unfolding of Gujarat election results. Similar watch parties were held in cities across the US States mainly in New York, New Jersey, California, Washington DC, Texas and Florida.

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Sachin Tendulkar retires from ODIs NEW DELHI: One of the game's all-time greats, Sachin Tendulkar has announced his retirement from one-day cricket, bringing to an end a glorious 23-year-old career in the format during which he rewrote numerous batting records. "I have decided to retire from

and interestingly he is quitting the scene just ahead of another series against the arch-rivals. The Mumbaikar, who made himself unavailable for Twenty20 after playing just one game in 2006, will now remain active only in the Test arena. The brightest moment of his

the one-day format of the game. I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup wining Indian team. The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest," the 39-yearold said in a statement released by the BCCI. "I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future. I am eternally grateful to all my well wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years," he added. Tendulkar, considered the most complete batsman in modern cricket and one who was considered next only to the legendary Sir Donald Bradman, retires from the ODI format at the top of the run-getters' list. Tendulkar goes out after amassing 18,426 runs in 463 onedayers at an average of 44.83. The diminutive right-hander has an astonishing 49 hundreds in the format, including a double hundred - the first in this form of the game. Tendulkar made his ODI debut against Pakistan way back in 1989

ODI career came last year when he finally became part of a World Cup winning Indian team after five previous appearances. Speculation over Tendulkar's future had grown after his continuing failures in the past one year. His last ODI hundred came in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh in March this year - a feat that completed an unprecedented 100 international tons. He was stuck on 99 tons for quite a while after scoring two h u n dreds during India's suc-

cessful World Cup campaign. Tendulkar also has a mammoth tally of 96 ODI 50s to his credit. Despite the recent slump in his form, Tendulkar's overall tally of runs is unlikely to be matched anytime soon given that the distant second-best in the list, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, has already retired from the game with 13,704 runs under his belt. Sri Lanka's retired great Sanath Jayasuriya occupies the third spot in the overall chart with 13,430 runs. Besides his batting, Tendulkar was an effective partnershipbreaking bowler and finishes his ODI career with 154 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. Tendulkar's Test records are as awe-inspiring. The right-hander has 15,645 runs at an average of 54.32 in 194 Tests that he has played so far. The tally includes 51 hundreds and 66 half-centuries. -PTI

Tendulkar's records in ODIs Longest ODI career - 22 years and 91 days (from December 18, 1989 to March 18, 2012) Most number of runs - 18,426 Most hundreds - 49 Most fifties - 96 Most matches - 463 Most balls faced - 21,392 Most fours - 2,016 (only batsman to hit more than 2,000 boundaries) Most runs in World Cup history - 2,278 Most hundreds in World Cup - 6 Most fifties in World Cup - 15 Most runs in a single edition of World Cup - 673 in 11 matches (2003) Youngest Indian to make ODI debut - 16 years, 238 days Most Man-of-the-match awards - 62 Most Man-of-the-series awards - 15 Most consecutive ODIs for India - 185 (from April 25, 1990 to April 24, 1998) Most centuries in a calendar year - 9 (1998) Fastest to reach 10,000 ODI runs and onwards (11,000 to 18,000) Most hundreds against one team - 9 Vs Australia Most times in nineties - 18 Joint record holder of most World Cup appearances - 6 (1992 to 2011) Javed Miandad 6 (1975 to 1996) Second highest number of World Cup matches played - 45 (Highest 46 by Ricky Ponting) Involved in most century and above stands - 99

Â&#x201E; Health

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50 die of cancer in Jalandhar every month

JALANDHAR: Nearly 50 people die due to cancer every month in Jalandhar district of Punjab's Doaba region, according to an ongoing survey of the state health department. "We have completed 80 per cent of the survey. As per the latest data available, 2,955 people have lost their lives to cancer in past five years," said Shiv Dayal Mali, nodal officer in charge of the project. "We have identified 1581 persons suffering from cancer and 7140 people with symptoms of cancer have also been identified," he added. The survey, which began on December 1, has already covered more than three lakh homes. "We will be having the full results in a few days time," he said. Hundreds of cancer cases have been reported from villages located close to the highly polluted Chitti Bein (rivulet) in Doaba region. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Generic drug application to cost Rs 30 lakh in US NEW DELHI: Indian generic drug exporters to US will have to pay about Rs 30 lakh (about USD 54,700) each as fee for every new product application they file with the US health regulator as per an amended law in that country, Parliament was informed. This is as per the Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2012 (GDUFA) of the US government, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry D Purandeswari said in a written reply. She said any company interested in supplying generic drugs with effect from October 1, 2012 have to pay the prescribed fee to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for registering their products in the US. "There will be financial impact on generic drug exports to USA as the exporters are now required to pay about Rs 30 lakh for registration of each abbreviated new drug application (ANDA)," Purandeswari said. The companies would also have to pay about Rs 12 lakh for filing of Drug Master File (DMF) with the FDA, she added. India currently supplies nearly 20 per cent of the generic medicines in global market. According to Department of Pharmaceuticals, the Indian pharma sector is expected to grow from its current level of Rs 1 lakh crore to Rs 5 lakh crore by 2020. In 2010, the Indian pharma export business reached USD 10.3 billion and grew to touch a level of USD 13.3 billion in 2011. -PTI

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FDA chief renews push for specialty pharmacy rules SILVER SPRING, Md.: The head of the Food and Drug Administration has renewed her push for new laws to help police pharmacies like the one that triggered a deadly meningitis outbreak, even as members of Congress expressed little interest in cooperating with the agency. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg met with state pharmacy regulators at a meeting to discuss the oversight of compounding pharmacies like the New England Compounding Center, the company which triggered a now threemonth-old outbreak of rare fungal meningitis. Contaminated injections from the Framingham, Mass.-based company have been blamed for 39 deaths and 620 illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 370 of the cases were caused by a rare form of fungal meningitis, which causes inflammation on the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Hamburg said federal and state health inspectors need to work together more closely to oversee compounding pharmacies, which fall into a legal gray area between various state and federal laws. ``We can do the most effective work when we do it in partnership,'' Hamburg told the heads of 50 state pharmacy boards, gathered at the FDA's headquarters. ``This is a shared responsibility and the states are obviously on the front line of this issue.'' Compounding pharmacies, which mix customized medications

based on doctors' prescriptions, have traditionally been overseen by state pharmacy boards, many of which date back to the 19th century. The FDA mainly oversees multinational pharmaceutical manufacturing companies like Pfizer Inc. and Merck & Co. In the last two decades, the agency has begun scrutinizing larger compounders like the NECC, which mass-produce

lated by state pharmacy boards. Hamburg told reporters at the meeting she was ``guardedly optimistic'' that Congress would pass the requested legislation. But House Republicans have signaled little interest in moving ahead on the issue, accusing the agency of dragging its feet in cooperating with their investigation into FDA's oversight of NECC. At a congressional hearing on the outbreak last month, many Repub-

While the FDA's proposal has idled in Congress it has also attracted criticism from consumer safety advocates who typically favor more regulation FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg

thousands of vials of drugs that can be shipped nationwide. The FDA says new laws are needed to regulate these so-called ``nontraditional'' compounding pharmacies. Hamburg has proposed a new system under which nontraditional pharmacies would have to register with the FDA and undergo regular inspections, similar to pharmaceutical manufacturers. Small compounding pharmacies would continue to be regu-

licans said the FDA had multiple chances to shut down the pharmacy and requested internal agency memos on the matter. ``More than a month later, the FDA still has not produced its internal communications and documents related to NECC,'' said Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee. ``Without this information, we are unable to identify any possible weaknesses and as a result, the necessary corrections.'' An agency spokeswoman said

the FDA is working to respond to the committee, and has turned over nearly 4,000 pages of documents to congressional lawmakers. While the FDA's proposal has idled in Congress it has also attracted criticism from consumer safety advocates who typically favor more regulation. The health safety group Public Citizen argued that the FDA already has the authority to shut down operations like the NECC, since the pharmacy had clearly crossed the line from mixing prescriptions to manufacturing drugs. In a letter, the group said that the new laws sought by the FDA would actually do more harm by legitimizing the activities of rogue pharmacies like the NECC. ``This proposal, if implemented, would validate the FDA's current lax enforcement practices for drug manufacturing conducted under the guise of pharmacy compounding,'' the group states in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Health officials have released new details about the outbreak investigation. In an article published by the New England Journal of Medicine, officials discussed how illnesses were tied to three lots of the steroid - methylprednisolone acetate made at New England Compounding. The first lot was made in May and included about 6,500 vials. A second, of nearly 6,300 was, produced in June. The third, of 4,900 vials, was made in August.

Indian pleads guilty for role in healthcare fraud NEW YORK: An Indian physical therapy assistant in the US has pleaded guilty for his role in a USD 13.8 million healthcare fraud scheme and faces 10 years in prison. Ankit Patel, 28, of Detroit pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud before US District Judge Gerald Rosen of the Eastern Dis-

trict of Michigan. Patel is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2013 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a USD 250,000 fine. According to court documents, beginning in June 2009 Patel received payments for falsifying medical documentation for Physicians Choice Home Health Care, a home health agency

owned by his alleged co-conspirators. Another co-conspirator instructed Patel on how to falsify medical documentation. He also signed therapy revisit notes as a physical therapy assistant for patients he did not see or treat. Patel admitted to knowing that the documents he falsified and the

documents he signed would be used to support false claims to federal insurance program Medicare for home health services. According to Patel's plea agreement, he was also paid to create and sign falsified medical documentation for other Detroitarea home healthcare companies that billed Medicare for approximately a million dollars. -PTI

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Animal diseases pose big challenge Lupin gets USFDA approval to human health: WHO Chief for oral contraceptive tablets production, people living almost nose to nose with domestic animals, the eating of bush meat, and the phenomenal increases in international travel, are very difficult trends to reverse. She said there will definitely be more new diseases capable of causing outbreaks in humans, but not all new diseases will be devastating.

Margaret Chan, Director- General of the WHO

BEIJING: Animal diseases emerging at an alarming pace are posing a big challenge to human health, the chief of the UN health body has warned. More than 30 new diseases emerged to cause diseases in humans in the last three decades, and more than 70 per cent of them came from the animal sector, Margaret Chan, Director- General of the WHO, said in Hong Kong. When animal diseases infect the human species to cause diseases in people, it is crucial to ensure the ability for the health sec-

tor and the agriculture sector to work well together, making sure the interface is well handled, she said. "SARS virus came from animals, and bird flu came from poultry. It is important to look at the environment, the culture practice, and the human-animal interface, and make sure the ecosystem balance is properly managed," China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted her as saying. Chan also said changes like unprecedented population density, the industrialization of food

'SARS virus came from animals, and bird flu came from poultry. It is important to look at the environment, the culture practice, and the human-animal interface' "The WHO and her partners are watching closely, and will very quickly deploy strong global capacity to respond." Chan was appointed DirectorGeneral of the WHO in 2006, and was re-appointed for a second term until 2017. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Drug firm Lupin says it has received US health regulator's approval to market Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets, an oral contraceptive drug, in the American market. The company's subsidiary, Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration

of 28 tablets consisting of 21 yellow active tablets, each containing 3 mg Drospirenone and 0.03 mg Ethinyl Estradiol, and 7 white inert tablets," the company said. According to IMS MAT Sept 2012 sales data, Yasmin Tablets had annual US sales of nearly USD 275.1 million.

(USFDA) for its Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets in strength of 3 mg/0.03 mg, Lupin said in a statement. The Mumbai-headquartered firm's product is the generic equivalent of Bayer's Yasmin tablets and is an oral contraceptive indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women, it added. "Lupin will be marketing its Drospirenone and Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets USP in a wallet pack

The current approval is the seventh for Lupin in the oral contraceptive space (OC). The company's current abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) filings for OC's stand at 30, the company said. The oral contraceptive market in the US is valued at around USD 5 billion and growing at around 810 per cent annually and is dominated by few companies like Teva, Watson, Sandoz and Bayer. -PTI

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NY groups want details on fracking health study ALBANY, NY: A coalition of environmental groups have called on state officials to release details of a health impact study for shale gas drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing. Representatives of a dozen prominent organizations signed a letter to Health Commissioner Nirav Shah and Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joseph Martens. They asked them to make public the health impact study being evaluated by a scientific panel, and called for public hearings and a 60-day public comment period on the health study. A DEC spokeswoman referred questions to the health depart-

ment, which didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. DEC did the health study as part of an environmental impact review of shale gas development which started in July 2008 and is expected to be completed within a few months. Martens announced in September that he was rejecting demands from health and environmental groups to commission a comprehensive health impact study by university experts on shale gas development. Such a study would likely scrutinize the potential for myriad health impacts, from diesel exhaust air pollution to sexually transmitted diseases spread

by out-of-state well site workers. Instead, Martens said he had asked Shah to review the health impacts identified by DEC in its

Martens announced in September that he was rejecting demands from health and environmental groups to commission a comprehensive health impact study by university experts on shale gas development environmental study and commission a panel of nationally recognized experts to weigh in as well. No details of DEC's health impact assessment have been made public. It was not included in the

Iowa funding woes could mean mental health cuts DES MOINES, Iowa: Some Iowa counties are warning that residents could see cuts to mental health services if the state doesn't pony up to help counties make the transition to a new regional system. County mental health administrators told The Des Moines Register that state administrators are recommending that most counties get nothing from the transition fund. They're proposing that the Legislature put about $1.5 million into the fund, which county officials say is not nearly enough. State leaders last spring led county officials to believe that at least $20 million would be put into the fund early next year, said Lynn Ferrell, who oversees Polk County's mental health programs. State administrators said no such promise was made.

Earlier this month, the Iowa Department of Human Services reported that most counties have enough money to pay their

Ferrell said that if no funding comes from the state, services to people with autism and cerebral palsy could be among programs cut in light of the funding concerns mental health bills without extra help. Many of the counties' reported expenses weren't related to the cost of shifting away from Iowa's county-by-county men-

tal health system to a new system to be made up of multicounty regions, the department said. Under the department's proposal to the Legislature, Scott County would receive nearly $1.5 million from the transition fund; Marion County would receive $5,688, and Taylor County $3,134. The other 29 counties that applied to the fund would get nothing. Ferrell said that if no funding comes from the state, services to people with autism and cerebral palsy could be among programs cut in light of the funding concerns. Linn County mental health supervisor Linda Langston said that cuts in her county could include psychiatric medication and short-term rent subsidies for mentally ill residents. -AP

Glucosamine 'could prolong life': Study LONDON: Glucosamine - an over-the-counter health supplement - commonly taken by older people to keep joints supple could help them live longer, researchers say. US scientists said glucosamine could have similar protective properties to aspirin, minus the side effects. In a study of 77,500 over-50s, researchers found people taking glucosamine were 13 per cent less likely to die over an eight-year period, than those who did not. Researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre in Seattle believe the supplement might have protective anti-inflammatory properties, 'The Telegraph' re-

ported. Their study indicates people on glucosamine were 13 per cent less likely to die of cancer and 41 per cent less likely to die of respiratory disease, than those who did not. "Although bias cannot be ruled out, these results suggest that glucosamine may provide some mortality benefit," researchers said. The study results were adjusted to try to take account of factors that could skew the results, such as age, gender, whether people smoked and social class. Researchers said it is possible that glucosamine has no real life-

1,500-page draft environmental impact study released in September 2011. That document and an earlier version released in 2009

protective properties, and what the results actually show is that people who take glucosamine tend to take better general care of themselves. An increasing body of evidence suggests that aspirin protects against a range of cancers, but this evidence does not at present exist for glucosamine, the report said. "This is an interesting study, but it can't tell us for sure if the glucosamine supplements themselves were responsible for the difference in death rates, or whether it could be explained by something else," Sarah Williams, from Cancer Research UK, said. -PTI

generated more than 80,000 public comments. ``To be valid and meaningful, it is absolutely critical that the health review process provide a genuine opportunity for input by local,

county and New York State medical and public health professionals,'' the letter from the environmental coalition says. With the health impact review still pending, DEC released revised drilling regulations for public comment on Dec. 12 and is taking comments until Jan. 11. The environmental groups also criticized that decision, saying the health review should come first. Groups signing the letter include Catskill Mountainkeeper, Common Cause, Environmental Advocates, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Earthjustice and Adirondack Mountain Club, among others. -AP

Va ranks high in health emergency preparedness RICHMOND, Va.: An annual report by two health advocacy groups ranks Virginia high compared with the rest of the country in being prepared for publichealth emergencies, but said spending cuts could threaten the state's ability to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks, disasters and other threats. The Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation say Virginia was among 10 states that meet seven of 10 key benchmarks of public-health preparedness. No state met all 10 benchmarks, and a majority of states met six or fewer of the measures. The ``Ready or Not'' report said Virginia complies with several indicators of public-health crisis preparedness, including notifying and immediately assembling public health staff to respond to an incident, having an accredited emergency management program, requiring licensed child-care facilities to have a written evacuation and relocation plan, and having the public health laboratory staffing to respond to an infectious disease outbreak. But the report noted that Virginia has decreased its publichealth budget from the 2010-2011 to 2011-12 fiscal years. The state also didn't meet benchmarks for requiring Medicaid to cover flu shots with no co-pays for those under the age of 65, or meeting goals of vaccinating 90 percent of 19-to-35-month-olds against whooping cough. The report said that scores overall reflect improvements over time in how officials prevent, identify and respond to

disease, bioterrorism threats and natural disasters. States have made progress in being prepared for public emergencies since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina, but gaps still exist nationwide in funding and the ability to respond to threats to public health, the report said.

The ``Ready or Not'' report said Virginia complies with several indicators of public-health crisis preparedness, including notifying and immediately assembling public health staff to respond to an incident, having an accredited emergency management program and requiring licensed childcare facilities ``Public health preparedness has improved leaps and bounds. ... But severe budget cuts at the federal, state and local levels threaten to undermine that progress,'' Paul Kuehnert, director of the public health team at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, said in a statement. ``We must establish a baseline of `better safe than sorry' preparedness that should not be crossed.'' -AP

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Hickenlooper wants expansion of mental health care tal health care and creating a state mental health crisis hotline. Those initiatives would cost about $10.2 million, the governor's office said. ``We know that access to services at present is insufficient, and oftentimes the delivery of those services is fragmented,'' Hickenlooper said. ``And we're very well aware that resources for

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper

DENVER: Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper wants to expand mental health services and make mental health records readily available for background checks on firearm purchases initiatives that are a response to the Aurora theater shooting this summer. The governor's office and health officials began working on the proposals days after the theater shooting in July, and had planned the announcement for weeks. The timing arrives as the country comes to grips with the tragedy at a Connecticut elementary school, another mass shooting that has raised the specter of mental health services and gun control.

Hickenlooper said in an interview with The Associated Press before the shootings in Connecticut, that ``the time is right'' to discuss gun control, although he did not call for specific legislation. ``Obviously, emotions are rather, are extremely raw for the last few days across the country, and certainly for the last five months in Colorado,'' Hickenlooper said, adding, ``never truly goes away.'' Hickenlooper, who said resources for mental health services have declined in the past few years, is asking lawmakers for $18.5 million to expand those services. Proposals include opening five 24-hour walk-in centers for men-

FDA chief renews push for specialty pharmacy rules Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 12

Well over half of the cases of meningitis and other fungal infections were tied to the June lot, investigators said in the article. The same finding applied to deaths, according to additional information released this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nearly two-thirds of the deaths were in people who received shots from the June lot. It's not clear why deaths and illnesses were so much more common in patients who got the June doses, said Dr. Benjamin Park, head of the CDC team that investigates fungal diseases. The CDC said the first death

from the outbreak occurred in Florida in July. The 38 other known deaths occurred in September or afterward, including two this month. Things could have been much worse. In some earlier fungal meningitis outbreaks, as many as 40 percent of the people who grew sick ultimately died. In this outbreak, 6 percent died. CDC officials believe some lives were probably saved because health officials and health workers teamed up to quickly contact nearly everyone who got a shot from the tainted lots, and start treating those with worrisome symptoms. -AP

mental health services have declined'' in the past few years. Hickenlooper also wants mental health records to be immediately available for background checks on gun buyers. Currently, records are delivered twice a year, via a CDROM, to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, which conducts the background checks. Lawmakers

would have to pass a bill to make it happen, and there was no cost estimate for how much it would cost to revamp coordination. Former neuroscience graduate student James Holmes is charged with killing 12 people and wounding 70 others in the movie theater shooting. His attorneys say he suffers from mental illness. -AP

Desi News Sahaj Marg leaves Fremont devotees spellbound RAKESH KAPOOR India Post News Service

FREMONT: This last fortnight, two down-to-earth scholars of Sahaj Marg have been busy explaining secrets of Sahaj Marg and Meditation thru it. Meditation is in the air these days. When these two talk about it, people listen and the halls become spellbound for 15 minutes, as this is the maximum duration of their kind of Meditation. People are talking about this Sahaj Marg or easy way of meditation. On Sunday, December 16, visitors to the Fremont Hindu Temple felt a different kind of experience and realized something new. Chairman Dr Romesh Japra also managed to spare some time to be part of it and was all praise for this meditation.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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SURESH SHAH & SURI SWAMY

Big grant allows Turning Point to expand services India Post News Service

Majestic Hindu temple opens in Chino Hills India Post News Service

Details on page 23

Modi victory & Gujarat example a role model for other States

Details on page 24

RAMESH SOPARAWALA

Golf prodigies Rohan & Sachin

Narendra Modi

CHICAGO: Gujarat has done it again, backing Narendra Modi unwaveringly and putting him again at the helm of affairs in the State. It is Gujarat's New Year gift to the country. The victory acquires significance in that it was achieved despite many political odds - the Congress was hell bent on toppling Modi and his party by all means at its command, the newly set up Gujarat Parivartan Party by former chief minister Keshubhai ran a caste based campaign, and certain elements denigrating Modi were fanning communal discord. The Gandhian Gujarat proved that truth should and does prevail all the time. It proved that the vilification campaign against a person if carried to the extreme can misfire and could prove counter productive. As outlined by a front ranking community activist Dr Bharat Barai, the Gujarat results should be an eye opener for many other States in the Indian Union that there is no point in electing cor-

Dr Bharat Barai

welfare of Gujarat and for the people. Their reunion should augur well for 2012 Federal elections," he said. There should not be any doubt now in anybody's mind that Gujarat would take huge strides in economic and social developments, he added. Anil Shah, CEO World Money Exchange, observed, that the electorate has given its verdict in favor of Modi who has carved out a stable and progressive government in Gujarat and has a proven record of good and honest leader-

rupt, dishonest and shortsighted politicians to the top if collectively we want to progress. He said that the near decade long vilification of Narendra Modi as a person too has not paid dividend. And but for splinter group of Keshubhai Patel, the Bharatiya Janata Party would have won ten more seats and some of its prominent leaders like Jainarayan Vyas would not have lost the elections. "Overall speakDr Hemant Patel

Anil Shah

ing Gujarat electorate has voted for stability and progress, and this should serve as a role model for others in the country. Mafat Patel, often described as Uncrowned King of Devon, observed that he was happy at the Gujarat outcome but "things could have been better if the BJP had won a few seats more." He said that Keshubhai proved a great distraction but Modi really did well by going to Keshubhai for blessings after winning elections. "Both should now work together for the

ship. The electorate has wisely decided to throw away disruptive and negative elements by not electing them. And that is a great victory for democracy and development, he said. It is interesting to note that Narendra Modi got support from minority and backward community members too. There was steady propaganda against Modi after Godhra riots and sustained efforts were made to tarnish his image and

Usha Kamaria

not formed a new party and had worked with Modi, the ruling BJP would have bagged a still more seats. But now that is past and Modi was magnanimous in going to seek Keshubhai's blessings after election victory. Dr Hemant Patel, former president of AAPI, said that Modi with three victories under his belt at the State level should now widen his horizon and seek playing a bigger role in national politics. "The way he has led Gujarat to a new height in economic and social development, he would be a welcome addition at the national level. One of the biggest problems facing the country is endemic corruption, and Narendra Modi has shown a way to handle it at the State level. Most Indians would welcome anybody addressing this issue effectively and to me, Modi is quite well suited to do it," he observed. Usha Kamaria, a woman community activist associated with Gandhi Memorial Trust in Skokie, observed that the Gujarat people

‘One of the biggest problems facing the country is endemic corruption, and Narendra Modi has shown a way to handle it at the State level. Most Indians would welcome anybody addressing this issue effectively’ get him distanced from minority community. Fortunately, the Gujarat electorate did not fall for this propaganda. If Keshubhai Patel, a former chief minister, had

have voted by overwhelming majority for stable and progressive government led by Narendra Modi and that is heartening. Cont’d on page 20

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Indian-owned WME celebrates silver jubilee RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The first of its type Indian-owned foreign exchange trading company, World Money Exchange Inc. celebrates 25 years of its existence. Serving 200 plus currency exchanges in Illinois - and Chicagoland, and four times in a row recognition from Better Business Bureau under its belt, WME is owned and operated by Anil Shah, a professional turned businessman. The company with its annual turnover crossing $100 million mark by a big margin has steadily expanded its operational base with huge support from mainstream American customers In a talk to this paper, Anil Shah said that it is not only the individual customers and scores of currency exchanges in Illinois who come to WME for buying and selling foreign exchange on a regular

after liberalization of its economy but has shelved the idea in the wake of allegations of widespread underhand dealings. The bulk of exchange transactions at WME downtown office centers around US and Canadian dollar, British pound sterling, Euros, Peso, Japanese Yen, Hong Kong , Australian dollar and many other world currencies Visit www.wmeinc.com for more details. It was over two and half decades ago Anil Shah with a high level of education in accounting Chartered Accountant - came to USA from a small town Sojitra in Gujarat and worked for a while in an American firm. He wanted to have his own business and as a first step he finished CPA here, and launched his practice as a tax consultant and accountant. Even today he has scores of individual and corporate accounts, and he continues rendering his services to them.

Glimpse of foreign currencies dealt by WME

basis but even some of the banks also rely on his services. "With our customer friendly and expert staff, we can expand our activities still further manifold but our motto is to offer individual attention to our customers and win their confidence. Logistic consideration is the only inhibiting factor," he said. Anil Shah at one time was considering branching out to India

He felt during the course of his accounting practice that large number investors are constantly looking for safe investment outlets and their preference bogs down primarily to gold and silver with platinum following closely for relatively well-to-do class. He commenced dealing in precious metals and then added foreign exchange transactions to his port-

WME CEO Anil Shah in his Downtown office

folio. Dealing in precious metalsgold silver and platinum - has now been a major activity topped slightly by foreign exchange deals. Business in precious metals has great potential, especially with weak global economy and a penchant among investors for a safe haven for investing their hard earned money. He feels that both silver and gold are poised for a rise in as much as the outlook for global economy is not very sanguine at least for the near future. Besides, political upheavals and unrest in Mid-east, some parts of Africa and Far East are dampening factors for weary investors.

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Big grant allows Turning Point to expand services RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

SKOKIE: Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center CEO Ann Fisher Raney, officers and staff recently hosted a luncheon for local community leaders and elected representatives to celebrate the awarding of a $1.2 million grant from the North Suburban Healthcare Foundation at its Skokie facility. Showing their support for the innovative behavioral health care leader were U.S. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Representative Lou Lang, State Senator Ira Silverstein and State Representative Daniel Biss. Feature speakers included Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen, and North Suburban Healthcare Foundation Vice Chair Donald P. Perille. The event was held in the building adjacent to Turning Point's current space at 8324 Skokie Boulevard. The sizeable grant has allowed Turning Point to purchase the neighboring building and nearly double its office space to 40,000 square feet without incurring any new debt. The additional space makes it possible

Holding the pieces of Turning Point's promise to provide solid support as it is reassembled into an expanded vision for an integrative care center are L to R: State Rep. Lou Lang, Turning Point CEO Ann Fisher Raney, State Senator Ira Silverstein, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, State Rep. Daniel Biss, NSHF Vice Chair Donald P. Perille and Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen. Pics Mitchell Canoff

for Turning Point to expand services through the creation of an integrative health center. Turning Point has a track record of innovation in the behavioral health care field. The Living Room at Turning Point, which opened in September of 2011, offers support to clients experiencing psychiatric emergencies in a comfortable, non-clinical space, providing a

‘Our staff is dedicated to providing compassionate, respectful and costeffective solutions to our clients and community we serve’

welcome and cost-effective alternative to hospital emergency rooms. In the first year, 228 visits resulted in fewer than 15 emergency room referrals (a deflection rate of 93%), saving an estimated $500,000 in state health care costs. Turning Point CEO Ann Fisher Raney said she was initially stunned by the generosity of the grant: "Our staff is dedicated to

providing compassionate, respectful and cost-effective solutions to our clients and community we serve. We are actively meeting with organizations who can provide complementary services, such as substance abuse counseling, therapeutic play and health care services and intend to announce new partner organizations in early 2013." Cont’d on page 22

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Soorya showcases classical dance talent in St. Louis SHUBHA SUBBARAO

ST LOUIS, MO: Soorya Dance Company recently hosted its Annual Show as part of the Soorya Performing Series at the Mahatma Gandhi Center in St Louis showcasing Bharatanatyam and Kathak

six years with the senior most students who have performed their arangetrams in the past years. The showcase followed pieces from the traditional marga (repertoire) starting off with a Mishra Alaripu,

stories or sequences from epics. Not only were nritya and nritta pieces performed by these students but also abhinaya played a major role in several of the dance numbers. The music was set to

stole the hearts of all. The dance numbers were Natesha Kouthuvam, Lambodara, Vakratunda, Ganapati Kouthuvam, Tisra Alaripu, with a finale that was a Gujarati folk piece 'Maadi Tara'.

The tiny tots started with beginner adavus accompanying the songs while the older students followed them by more complex adavus and defined nritta and nritya elements. The younger stu-

Child and young artists performing for Sooryan Dance Company annual show

dance styles. The evening started with a welcome speech by Guru Prasanna Kasthuri, the Director and Chief Choreographer of the Soorya Dance Company. The show began with dances by the Yuva Prathiba (young talent). These students have been learning dance for over

Jatiswaram, Tillana and interspersed with popular pieces such as Asaindadum, Jayajanaki Ramana, Sundara Gopalam and Teerada Vilaiattu Pillai. The dance numbers were in praise of deities such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and Lord Rama, highlighting mythological

several enchanting Carnatic classical ragas (melodies) and complex talas (rhythm cycles).Students who performed in this session were Annapurna, Misri, Nivedita, Priya, Shree, Annika, Samanvita, Cheri, Chinmayi, Annuja and Shalini. Following this, the Bala Prathibha (kids) took to stage and

The dance numbers in praise of Lord Ganesha, who also happens to be the favorite deity amongst kids, was well performed and the kids looked very cute in their bright yellow dance outfits, complemented with dazzling jewelry and the white and orange flowers braided into their hair.

dents performing in this session were Hansika, Mounica, Sadhana, Divya, Esha, Sansita, Roshni, Arshya, Neha, Ria, Manasvini, Shivani, Arathi, Devika, Amisha, Rithika, Radhika, Meera, Niharika, Roshni, Sansita, Ananya, Tanvi, Sanjana, Jahnavi, Sadhana. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 23

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Modi victory & Gujarat example a role model for other States Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

She said the real test of Modi's leadership starts now in that he has to live up to the rising expectations of not only Gujarati people but Indians across the country. His victory in Gujarat should also pave the way for his larger contribution to national development and politics. It would not surprise many if Modi gets national recognition sooner than later. Pramod Bagai, one of the old time residents of Chicago hailing from North India and now leading a retired life, succinctly observed that Modi's victory should be an eye opener not only for the opposition parties but also for intra- BJP elements who look less kindly to this leader." I am of the firm belief that the BJP rank and file members should unitedly ask for electing Narendra Modi as the party leader for 2014 elections if BJP wants to put up a commend-

Balwinder Singh

able show at the national level. Most right minded Indians would want Modi to lead the country as he has displayed strong leadership qualities and is admittedly an honest politician. If BJP fails to boost Modi, I am sure it will be the Congress and hotchpotch groups who would stand to gain. Most of us want Modi to lead India so that India gets her rightful place in the comity of nations," he said. Balwinder Singh, a prominent Indian Sikh leader, said that the

victory of Modi should augur well for Gujarat and India as a whole. It is high time for the US State Department to reconsider its decision in denying US entry visa to Modi. He should now be welcome here as he has bagged sizeable minority votes. With all his good showing, it is still a far cry for him to the Indian PM. From CM to PM, it is still a bumpy road, he added Vinesh Virani of Art of Living said that this is the third strike for Modi and that he should now put

all his efforts harnessing positively all the communities - minority and majority - in building Gujarat strong. He was heartened to know that a sizeable number of Gujarat Muslims voted for Modi and his party, and that this should help stave of oft-repeated allegations that Modi is against any particular community. He felt that Modi should show his mettle in ensuring that the periodic investment meets in Gujarat do not degenerate into mere Tamasha as it is on the card that a large number of MoUs are just on the paper and little progress is reported in their implementation. Harendra Mangrola of Gayatri Gyan Mandir said that Modi's victory is a good development not only for Gujarat but for India as a whole. Good part is that even a large number of Muslims, as reported by Times of India, voted for him. He signifies progress and

Vinesh Virani

Harendra Mangrola

stability, and "I am sure that he will take Gujarat to a new height." Mangrola added that BJP would have fared much better were it not for Gujarat Parivartan Party that former Gujarat CM had established a few months ago to combat so called "ills in the State of Gujarat". He observed that Modi could be a real good choice for becoming Indian PM, and his chances would have been immensely bright if his party had won over 125 seats in State elections. Naren Patel of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj said electing Modi and giving a majority to the BJP was the right choice that the people of

Dr Ashok Jain

The only difference is that we expected a bigger majority. The uncalled for opposition from Gujarat Parivartan Party had its impact but Modi did a fine job in going to seek Keshubhai's blessing after his victory. That speaks volumes for this man," Naren Patel said. It would be a great day if Modi goes to Delhi and leads the Indian government, he observed Dr Ashok Jain of Detroit said that Gujarat had little option but to elect Modi as its leader and the head of the government as most others have poor or no credibility. After Sardar Patel, Narendra Modi has proved to be a real Iron Man. Others with less caliber or less will power would have crumbled against the onslaught of vilifying campaign run by the opposition. Gujarat is now assured of steady progress and good government, Jain said. Sitaram Patel, a former president of the Federation of Indian Associations, Chicago, said that wherever Modi went the people of Gujarat called him "Lion of Gujarat" and he proved that he is a lion. His opponents inside the State and outside the State virtually got licked. Had it not been for

Sitaram Patel

Naren Patel

Gujarat have made. They have the right man at the right time, and this should ensure steady progress of the State in the coming years. "We all expected Modi and BJP to win.

Keshubhai Patel, a former BJP stalwart and former chief minister, whose only contribution was splitting of BJP votes by setting up a new party, Modi would have scored a still bigger victory. It is interesting to note that the minority community in Broach voted for Modi and secured him all the seats in area."I am of the firm opinion that Modi is fit to lead not only Gujarat but the country. From CM to PM should not be a far cry as it is the consensus among Indian people," he said.

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MKCA celebrates Nathal Fest - 2012 AUSTIN PRABHU

CHICAGO: Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association (MKCA) celebrated its 11th Christmas program with its focus on sharing and giving. It was sunny but one of the coldest days of this year's winter season, but this did not dampen the spirit of all those who participated. The program began with celebration of Holy Eucharist by Rev. Fr. Richard Vaz, SVD who invited everyone to remember and relive again that wonderful time of their salvation history. MKCA choir members sung Konkani and En-

Santo Claus with children

MKCA Choir singing hymns

glish hymns under the leadership of Dorothy Rego. The President of the association, Godwin Rego welcomed all the guests, well-wishers and members. He thanked them for their gracious presence in making this program a success. The compere of the Program Steevan D'Souza, invited the audience to savor the typical Indian appetizers and the open bar. There were recreational activities for all ages - children, teenagers and adults. The robust participation by the members was a joy for all. The winners of the activities were:

MKCA members dancing

Passing the Globe - Merwin D'Souza and runner-up Luella Mascarenhas. Musical Chairs Winner Mercy Concesso and run-

ganizers. There were nine entries and following participants won this competition: Anita D'Souza, winner (Rice Pudding) and Shan-

The compere of the Program Steevan D'Souza, invited the audience to savor the typical Indian appetizers and the open bar. There were recreational activities for all ages - children, teenagers and adults ners up Edna Mascarenhas. There was a unique "Dessert Competition" arranged by the or-

non D'Souza, runner-up (Mango Kulfi). Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 23

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Students, religious leaders pray for Conn. victims India Post News Service

NEVADA: A student-led multifaith memorial service in honor of Sandy Hook Elementary School Connecticut victims was held at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) on December 18 evening. Organized by UNR's Interfaith Students Club in collaboration with Rajan Zed, Director Interfaith Relations of Nevada Clergy Association, it included prayers/ thoughts by area Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i leaders besides student leaders and leader of non-believers. Rajan Zed opened the service with Gayatri Mantra, most sacred mantra of Hinduism from oldest existing scripture of the world Rig-Veda. Held at the UNR campus, the participants recited prayers, offered reflection and read from scriptures in Arabic-Sanskrit-Hebrew-Aramaic besides English. Many in the audience were seen wiping their tears during this interfaith service Thakur Chakrapani Singh, wellknown classical musician from India, paid tribute through Kachhapi Veena while audience accompa-

nied area musician Jim Eaglesmith in his fusion rendition of "Give Peace a Chance". Various speak-

versity and college students all over the country were united in their mourning and support for the

President of UNR's Interfaith Students Club,. Besides Zed and Sanchez, there

President of Graduate Chapter of Muslim Students' Association of UNR. Mark Sutliff and Stephanie

From left to right: Sherif Elfass, Joseph Gebhardt, Daniel R. Sanchez, Vince Fallon, Rajan Zed, Rich Smith, Phil Bryan and Roya Galata. Pic Elizabeth Knott

ers paid tributes to all victims, their families, teachers, administrators, and first responders touched by this tragedy. "We wanted to show that uni-

victims, their families and others affected by this tragic loss in Connecticut; and religions would come together on issues such as this," said Daniel R. Sanchez,

were twelve other speakers including Navgeet Zed, President, Student Government Association of Truckee Meadows Community College and Nazrul Mojumder,

Walker read statements of United States Senator Dean Heller and United States Congressman Mark Amodei respectively on the occasion.

Big grant allows Turning Point to expand services

Turning Point Advisory Board Members L to R: David Putrus assistant vice president at First Bank & Trust, Robyne Luzietti clinical social worker, Sheila Meyer (Skokie) and Pat Moriarty president of Collegiate Services Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

North Suburban Healthcare Foundation Board Vice Chair Donald P. Perille said, "Just as we recognized a community need and capability to address those needs by Lighthouse for the Blind, we see the singular potential of Turning Point." Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen said, "Turning Point is consistently rated at the highest

level by their industry peers. I expect their pioneering efforts in the area of integrative health care to bring greater public awareness of the importance of comprehensive mental health services." The Center established in 1969, is an outpatient mental health center that exists to provide comprehensive mental health services to all, regardless of financial resources or intensity of need.

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Golf prodigies Rohan & Sachin

MKCA celebrates Nathal Fest - 2012

India Post News Service

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 21

DALLAS: Rohan Kommineni (8 years) and Sachin Kommineni (6 years) won the Dallas US Kids Golf Tournament and were named Players of the Year 2012 in their respective age groups. Both of them started practicing golf at age 3 years. They go to Jim Mclain Golf Center in Dallas twice a week for training. Parents: Dr. Jyotsna Prasad & Dr. Kalyan Kommineni Grandparents: Kalyani Prasad & Dr. Raghavendra Prasad Paternal Grandparent: Late Shri Chakravarthi Kommineni (Music Director).

Rohan Kommineni and Sachin Kommineni

Soorya showcases classical dance talent in St. Louis Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 19

Guru Prasanna had meshed the dance numbers to transition the skills through the beginner, intermediate and advanced stages to showcase the growing up and maturing of a dance student and what he or she can bring to an audience with years of training and dedication. The second half of the program focused on Kathak, another popular classical dance style from India. Students performed a repertoire comprising Rang Manch, Amad, Gath Nikas, Ganapati Moorath, Jai Durge and Aaj Shyam Murali. The dancers were Samanvita, Sara, Trisha, Karishma, and Jahnavi. Some of these dancers have been

learning both styles from Guru Prasanna. Nagnedara Haaraya, a dance dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the deity of dance, was performed as a way of rendering thanks to the gurus and the audience by most of the students of the dance school. The finale was a Jugalbandi of both dance styles and the students did a fantastic job challenging each other with dance structures throughout the dance number. The deft footwork, hand movements and agility were captivating and brought applause to the dancers, Samanvita, Sara, Trisha, Karishma, Annika, Shree, Nivedita and Priya. Guru Prasanna called volunteers and recognized them for their support of the

performing arts. Mruchhakatika, a megaproduction from Soorya Dance company that was on tour in 2012 was one such production that had solicited help from the community to a large extent and proved to be a very successful production for the Dance company. Certificates of appreciation were handed to each of the performing students by the Soorya Performing Arts Board President, Baskar Subbarao, who also commended the students for all their hard work and encouraged them to continue their efforts towards becoming accomplished dancers. The dance show was partially supported by annual funds received from Missouri Arts Council (MAC) Sulkeha.com, Enopi and USA Mortgage.

This was followed by a sumptuous dinner with Dukra Maas (Pork dish) with Sanna and Chana (prepared by the members); along with other mouth watering menu items. The Dessert Competition items were a hit and were a test for the taste buds with every item having its own unique taste. The program was followed by singing of Christmas Carols by children. As they sang "Jingle Bells", there was grand arrival of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. All were mesmerized and happy to receive gifts from Santa and Mrs. Claus. There were several door prizes and silent auction. The organizers announced that the "Kuswar Packets", the typical Mangalorean style Christmas goodies, prepared by Members of MKCA, are on sale to benefit the Educational Fund of Don Bosco Club, Puttur. As usual the attendees hit the dance floor with full force for the musical tunes of Konkani, English, Spanish and Hindi songs presented by DJ Joey Mendonca. Steevan D'Souza thanked all the audience present for their gracious presence and all those who prepared the Kuswar Items.

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Sahaj Marg teachers leave Fremont devotees spellbound air these days. When these two talk about it, people listen and the halls become spellbound for 15 minutes, as this is the maximum duration of their kind of Meditation. People are talking about this Sahaj Marg or easy way of meditation. On Sunday, December 16, visitors to the Fremont Hindu Temple felt a different kind of experience and Meera Bai. Pics Neeloo Kapoor realized something new. Chairman Dr Romesh Japra also managed to spare some time to be part of it RAKESH KAPOOR and was all praise for this meditation. India Post News Service Leela Mathur, as usual, was there and FREMONT: This last fortnight, two she headed the team for celebrating Meera down-to-earth scholars of Sahaj Marg have Jayanti. She joined Prabha Bhatnagar in been busy explaining secrets of Sahaj Marg singing bhajans of Meera Bai. Among those and Meditation thru it. Meditation is in the present were Rajesh Verma (Co-Chairman)

Manorama Joshi (CFO), Veena Birla (Trustee), Keshab Chopra, Anita Chopra, Rekha Malik and many more regular devotees. Rakesh Kapoor talked with the two learned devotees of Sahaj Marg: Sharad Chandra and Shubh Chintak Kishore. India Post: Tell us something about yourself and your association with Sahaj Leela Mathur & Prabha Bhatnagar singing Meera Bhajans Marg? Sharad Chandra: I practice will help you to realize." am the eldest grandson of the Founder of IP: What is your profession? Sahaj Marg System, Rev Ram Chandra popuSC: The Year of 1979 was very important larly known as Babuji. I will be trying my in my life as I was connected to the Divine best to explain the general questions which Power forever and also secured my generate in human mind and need clarificaBachelor's degree in academics with his blessings. Thereafter, I decided to practice as management and finance consultant and the practice picked up very well. My relations with US based software company are also still continuing. IP: Were there any more turning points in your life? SC: One more turning point came when he asked me to accompany him to Paris, France in the year 1982. At Paris, I was with him all the time as I had no interest to go for outings. There he told me lot of secrets which are very helpful for all living Shubh Chintak Kishore & Sharad Chandra Ji giving beings. I asked him once why was lecture on Sahaj Marg Meditation he telling me all those spiritual secrets? His reply was that time will come for tion. I shall be open for any further elucidame to explain this to living beings globally, tion, if any. which shall be counted as service to huIn June 1979 at 4.30 pm Rev. Babuji came manity. Once very late in the night, while to my room and asked me to accompany still at Paris, he kept both his palms on my him to his Puja Room. There he told me that head and the force of Power felt by me was this was the birth place of Sahaj Marg Sysso strong that I found it difficult to bear. He tem and then asked me to sit before him and asked me to sleep. I immediately went to close my eyes. I did so for 10 minutes when sleep on my bed which was by his side. he said, that's all and told me that he had Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26 connected me with Divinity forever. I was too young to understand this. When I reached the age of my understanding, I decided to ask him to explain why he never told me about the system as he was explaining it to others? After waiting for a while, he replied "where the ground is ready, no explanation is required, only connection is to be done. The explanation is required for those who have to practice the system to become eligible for connection with the ultimate Power. Since you were Dr Romesh Japra summarizing the lecture given by Shubh ready for it, so I directly conChintak Ji & Sharad Chandra Ji on Sahaj Marg Meditation nected you. Hereafter your

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How West meets East in Ravi Shankar's music ELIZABETH CHALIER-VISUVALINGAM

istening to Ravi Shankar one day as a teenager in Paris eventually changed my life forever. Soon after, also under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi's life and the teachings of Sri Aurobindo, I was embarking on an Indian journey to prepare my PhD in philosophy at the Banaras Hindu University. During my 12 years living and researching from the late 70s in the sacred city, I had the unique privilege of listening to the maestro in his birth place, where concerts typically started at sunset and continued till the sun (ravi) began rising from the Ganga to the raga

its underlying traditions and values, how to understand and what to expect from a raga and its unending improvisations. He also reached out beyond the West to collaborate with artistes from the Far East, including Japanese musicians such as Hozan Yamamoto, a shakuhachi player, and Susumu Miyashita, a koto player. He composed music not only for his solitary sitar but also for orchestra and to accompany Indian movies such as Satyajit Ray's Apu Trilogy and later for Attenborough's Gandhi. The pioneer never stopped working and playing, innovating till the end. His last DVD, titled

Ravi Shankar was the first Indian to teach Western audiences how to appreciate his music and its underlying traditions and values, how to understand and what to expect from a raga and its unending improvisations. He also reached out beyond the West to collaborate with artistes from the Far East Sindhu Bhairavi. Sessions long and leisurely enough for one to plunge into the intricacies and nuances of Indian classical music, exploring and savoring each note (svara). He was accompanied then on the tabla by Alla Rakha. More recently, living in Chicago, I've twice heard Ravi Shankar perform live at the Symphony Center in "duets" (jugalbandi) with his brilliant daughter Anoushka. The torch of tradition and continued experimentation had been assured, but the audience still remained captivated by the legendary father. Although these concerts were necessarily briefer, his music spread the same energy, strength, depth, the same beauty, and offered us the same inspiration and aspiration. This cultural "ambassador" from India has worked and played hard to initiate a genuine and growing, not only musical, dialogue between East and West that underlines both the differences and the similarities, creating bridges while ensuring the unique identity of each. The ongoing encounter was epitomized by his collaboration with violinist Yehudi Menuhin. He worked later with Philip Glass, Zubin Mehta, flautist Jean-Pierre Rampal, cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, John Coltrane, and others. Ravi Shankar was the first Indian to teach Western audiences how to appreciate his music and

Tenth Decade in Concert: Live in Escondido, from East Meets West Music, released in November 2012 by Alan Kozlowski, was recorded on October 9, 2011 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Shankar introduces here, for the first time, Goonga Sitar, based on muffling the sonority of the strings with a piece of cloth. His last concert with daughter Anoushka, with whom he performed frequently, was on November 4, 2012, at a venue close to home in Long Beach, California. The official recording label of the Ravi Shankar Foundation, East meets West Mu-

sic, well illustrates Pandit Ravi Shankar's assured status as pioneer in this domain. A historical figure, he was born into colonial India, lived through the Independence struggle, and survived well into our 21st century. Ripe in years at passing, the Hindu musician from the timeless holy city was modern well before his times. He understood before most contemporaries the meaning of globalization, multiculturalism, and was adept at adapting to change while preserving his core identity. This rootedness is perhaps best captured by the moving scene in "Between Two Worlds" (BBC documentary on DVD) of his visit to his Guru, from whom he had received so many admonishments, to sing now in tearful unison. Within his own country and with implications for nation-building, this Varanasi-born Bengali disciple of Ustad Alauddin Khan, popularized Carnatic ragas - such as Hamsadhwani, Kirwani, and Malaya Marutam - among North Indian musicians and connoisseurs. He played in unison (jugalbandi) with Muslim instrumentalists, starting with his Guru's son and former

brother-in-law, Ali Akbar Khan. Instead of pursuing inter-religious and intercultural dialogue through the acrimonious exchange of speeches, he enacted the same to the shared delight of hybrid audiences on the world-stage. The Russian philosopher, Mikhail Bakhtin, popularized the principle of "dialogism" as not simply an add-on but as fundamental to our lives and very identities. Next August, the first international conference on "Bakhtin in India" is being held in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) on the premise that Indian culture had embodied and practiced

sure to the West in 1930 as a youthful dancer in the company of his elder brother Uday Shankar. In December 2011, I visited the anthropological exhibition at the MusĂŠe du Quai Branly on "Human Zoos," which featured exotic, even deformed, "savages" from the imperial colonies put on traveling display across Europe. I was surprised to see towards the end of my tour, old black and white video recordings of Uday Shankar's troupe dancing before intrigued, and perhaps titillated, audiences. What greater tribute to Ravi Shankar than the fact that, over

Next August, the first international conference on "Bakhtin in India" is being held in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) on the premise that Indian culture had embodied and practiced "dialogism" long before Bakhtin got to theorizing it. Ravi Shankar's, musical itinerary, & artistic creativity has been living proof of this "dialogism" long before Bakhtin got to theorizing it. Ravi Shankar's long life, musical itinerary, and artistic creativity has been living proof of this. Though Shankar traveled far and wide, Paris had a special place in the heart of India's ambassadorat-large. Whenever I heard him there, he emphatically expressed his affection for the cultural capital of France - and earlier of Europe - and took pleasure in speaking some French. He would recall his first expo-

his lifetime, so many young French men and women have made the pilgrimage to India to imbibe its music, dance, and culture, to become themselves teachers and "missionaries" of the underlying classical and folk traditions. Ravi Shankar's legacy is immense and it is for succeeding

gene r a tions to explore all its dimensions and possibilities. He has left an indelible mark on our world, and will be remembered for his talent and immense persistence. He will remain with us forever as we keep listening to his extraordinary music. His spiritual journey will continue through us, for his ragas and the aesthetic sensibility that breathes through them-so ancient and Indian, yet contemporary and global- have become one. Elizabeth ChalierVisuvalingam is a French scholar of Indian religions with PhDs in anthropology and philosophy from the University of Paris (X) and Banaras Hindu University

Community Across America

26 India Post

January 4, 2013

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Sahaj Marg teachers leave Fremont devotees spellbound Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 24

When I got up after 30 hours of sound sleep, I realized my life was transformed from the worldly side, more towards the spiritual side. IP: Any other miracle in your life? SC: Another transformation came in my life in the year 1987. I had food poisoning effect while traveling from Delhi to Shahjahanpur, and was admitted in the government hospital at Shahjahanpur in an unconscious state. None of my family members were aware of my whereabouts till for about a week when one day my car driver visited the hospital to see his relative there and saw me lying on a bed. After talking to the doctor about how I came to the hospital, he informed my parents. On coming to full consciousness, I realized though I had name, fame and money, but none came to my rescue. It was only Rev. Babuji's grace which saved me and gave me new life. Right from the moment of that realization, I dedicated my maximum time in his constant remem-

brance and in sharing with others the benefit which we can get by practicing the Sahaj Marg System founded by him. The transformation brought about by practice of Sahaj Marg did not permit me to retire from worldly responsibilities and duties provided by God Power. The essential help we get by practicing the system is "Balancing of Mind". This helps in deciding the right line of action, creating more possibilities for positive results. Taking care for the physical alone is not important

for my spiritual growth also. So I have the idea that life is not only for earning money, name, and fame, but the real object lies beyond that.

Shubh Chintak Kishore (S.C. Kishore)

IP: What motivated you to join Sahaj Marg System? S.C.Kishore: I have always been attracted by Divine personalities like Lord Ram, Krishna, Christ and others and holy persons talking about Him. My parents and grandparents were very simple. Their simple living style left deep impression on my mind. I learnt that taking care for the physical alone is not important, but I should work

Engrossed in the Pravachans L to R Leela Mathur, Veena Birla & Dr Romesh Japra

IP: What is your profession? SCK: I am a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), like CPA in USA, and am still in practice. IP: What is your experience as a result of practicing the System? SCK: I have been practicing the Sahaj Marg System since 1965, for 47 years now, I see the world as a mechanical instrument of God in

Ramanujan museum & library planned at his birthplace SURI SWAMY

CHICAGO: Indian Americans have pitched for a "Ramanujan International Mathematics Museum & Library" in the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan's birthtown of Erode (Tamil Nadu, India) to mark his 125th birth anniversary which fell on December 22. Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, an Indian scientist at University of Illinois Chicago said that that Ramanujan did remarkable work to

anyone could understand even the nature of his talents. The obstacles to his achieving his goal of becoming a professional mathematician were by reasonable assessment insurmountable. Yet he did, and people around the world still marvel at attainments of Srinavasa Ramanujan, Prof Pandey added. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a state-

which people are acting as puppets in His hands. As a consequence I realized that people claiming credit for things done by them or blaming others, are laboring un-

der misconception and wasting their precious Divine energy. But you cannot help them, much as one would like to do. As they think themselves as doers of the things as against the realty. IP: How does it work in your daily life? SCK: With the practice of Sahaj Marg, the clarity of real purpose of life has come to stay with me. I find that most of my family members and friends are generally acting in the cycle of karma as doers. (acting as self, instead of ones carrying out actions as per His directions or as per His scheme of the things not known to us.) Even

resting for a while, and I do so many times. Rev. Babuji had explained that since the mental faculties get balanced, so one feels like resting. IP: What was your life like life before and after taking up the system? SCK: As described above, it may be that due to purva janam sanskar (past life impressions) I was drawn towards God. The agitation in the mind arising due to inability to get the desired result was there. The attitude of helping others was not very promising. But the eagerness for His Darshan (glimpse) was gradually gaining ground. After taking up Sahaj Marg system practice, the mind has settled gradually, the so called advice or unpleasant happenings are not able to disturb me much. Some times disturbance may be there, but for a very short period. In this connection I remember one incident as told by others associated with me at that time. Along with the team of my professional firm, I was engaged in a big audit away from my city. Suddenly, I had to leave as my wife had had fallen seriously ill. A few days later she expired and after finishing l the last rites and making arrangements for my only child of seven years, I returned to work. The officers working at the client's place could not offer their condolences to me as I

He argued that the Indian government and Tamil Nadu State government should work together, seeking assistance from University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) of which Ramanjuan was an alumni, to make this international monument a reality. University of Cambridge and Indian Institutes of Technology should also institute research chairs in mathematics in

L to R : Rakesh Kapoor, Keshab Chopra, Manorama Joshi, Rajesh Verma, Pt Bhushan Ji, Shubh Chintak Ji, Sharad Chandra Ji, Pt Jhagendra Ji, Leela Mathur, Veena Birla, Rekha Nalik, Neeloo Kapoor & Anita Chopra.

LtoR: Ramanujan, Prof Pandey and Rajan Zed

bring glory to India and it was now the turn of India to pay him a befitting tribute. Had he emerged in a city of advanced learning from a family of noted mathematicians, his accomplishments would still have been stunning, but he was born into a poor family of no notable professional attainments in a part of the world where hardly

ment in Nevada (USA) said that Ramanujan was a deeply religious person, a devout Hindu and a strict vegetarian. This proved that science and religion could go hand in hand. The museum would be an appropriate tribute in Ramanujan's memory and it would inspire the coming generations.

Ramanjuan's name honoring his legacy, Rajan Zed added. Srinivasa Ramanujan (18871920), a renowned mathematician, autodidact and natural genius; born to a poor family; made extraordinary contributions to various areas of mathematics at a young age with very little formal training.

when I try to explain to people the things in the right perspective as I see, it generally does not work. This only arouses my sympathy for them, as I cannot help them. So I have to remain only as an observer till such time, if at all, they ask for my advice. As for my professional life as Chartered Accountant, I find that money alone does not attract me. IP: How do you feel yourself about practicing this System? SCK: While practicing the system daily, I find that after starting of the meditation, I am lost and do not know what is happening till my eyes get opened. Thereafter, I find it so soothing that I feel like

appeared very calm to them. I do not know what they saw in me. I accepted all the present circumstances as Divine wish. IP: Say something about Darshan SCK: On the question of Darshan, I have come to realize that Center or God is not which one could see with these eyes. One can only experience and feel His presence within and outside in the world around. But the statement of Babuji to me was that God or Centre is TejPunj (storehouse of light). He said he had seen God. For evolving the Sahaj Marg System, he has been titled by Nature as Special Personality.

January 4, 2013

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Majestic Hindu temple opens in Chino Hills India Post News Service

CHINO HILLS, CA: The majestic and traditional "BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir" here was formally inaugurated on December 23. The four-day festivities of Grand Opening Mahotsav included ceremonial prayers for world peace, murti-pratishtha, nagar-yatra through Artesia streets, kirtanaradhana, cultural program, dedication assembly, etc. Said to be one of the largest Hindu houses of worship in Southern California, it reportedly took 16 years to complete. This 20-acre seven-building BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Center complex, rooted in classical Indian architecture, aims to become a center for "spiritual, social and charitable work"; provide educational opportunities; promote interreligious and inter-cultural harmony; create a society free of addiction, violence, crime and drugs; nurture a "morally, spiritually and socially strong" society", etc. Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, applauded efforts of temple-project leaders and area community to realize this grand Hindu temple complex, whose tagline is "A place of love, peace & harmony...".

Kapil Patel, a devout Indian, observed it is important to pass on Hindu spirituality concepts and traditions to the coming generations amidst so many distractions in the consumerist society and hoped that this new temple complex would focus in this direction. Besides Hindu temple, it will also include a cultural complex, auditorium, grand foyer with intricate wooden carvings, gardens-pondsfountains, meditative pathways, museum on Indian culture and values, gymnasium, dining hall, classrooms, vegetarian kitchen, places for contemplation, meditation rooms, etc. Its exhibition will provide comprehensive study of Hinduism. It also plans to host medical fairs, educational seminars and career fairs for the local community; besides music and language classes. Daily schedule of this Mandir includes Arti (twice a day), Abhishek, Maansi Worship, etc. The temple murtis planned reportedly include: Shri Akshar Purushottam Maharaj, Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj, Shri Harikrishna Maharaj, Shri RadhaKrishna Dev, Shri Shiv-Parvati & Ganeshji, Shri Sita-Ram & Hanumanji, Bhagatji Maharaj, Shastriji Maharaj, Yogiji Maharaj,

A rich tribute to musical legends VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

PALO ALTO, CA: Shanamo Entertainment presented several popular Bay Area artists at a concert "Disha 2012, A tribute to the musical legends", on December 1 at Schultz Cultural hall in Palo Alto. In spite of the pouring rain, the hall was packed with music lovers, who enjoyed the event with great passion. Shanamo Entertainment is a music company under the direction of Praveen and Ritee Chaddha, dedicated towards developing, producing and promoting musical talent. It is an annual event hosted by Shanamo Entertainment, featuring talented artists from the south Asian communities. This was an evening paying tribute to the musical legends of yesteryears as well as the legends that are in the making at the present time. The program had an awesome mix of golden melodies, ghazals, and several contemporary foot tapping upbeat songs. It was a non-stop feast of melodies of over 30 songs.

The program started with Praveen Chaddha's joyful rendition of "Ye Sham Mastani". He is a complete musician, a composer, singer, guitarist, keyboardist and much more. His song selection, and his direction to the group, seamlessly integrated with the audio visual show, added to the performance. The result of his musical leadership was Disha 2012. Praveen was followed by several other singers. Ritee, Madhvi, Asim and Anupama. Other musicians included Ali Shahbuddin, a renowned keyboardist of California, Jigar on Keybooard/Electronic Hand percussion, Krishan on Guitar and Akshay on Flute. These two young upcoming stars Krishan and Akshay won the hearts of the audience by their performance. The show ended with a power packed tribute to RD Burman, when the whole group came together on the stage. The event ended with Ritee, the CEO of Shanamo Entertainment, thanking each and every person involved with the show and promising more fun-packed shows in the future.

Besides Hindu temple, it will also include a cultural complex, auditorium, grand foyer with intricate wooden carvings, gardensponds-fountains, meditative pathways, museum on Indian culture and values

and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Bhaktipriya Swami will reportedly perform the opening ceremonies. Its website describes Mandir as "a house of prayer that inspires faith in God and guides an individual towards spirituality" and "instills basic virtues of humanity"; "a nucleus of socio-spiritual activities for the benefit and elevation of individuals and society". Its project leaders, besides others, include Dr Dilip Patel. This Hindu temple is open to all faiths, but its Dress Code specifies: No shorts or skirts shorter than

knee length. No sleeveless tops. The Management reserves the right to refuse admission to those who may be inappropriately dressed. The Swaminarayan faith, also known as Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, a Hindu socio-spiritual organization founded over 200 years ago in India and currently headed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, claims to have over one million followers and over 3,300 centers worldwide, including over 64 in USA.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

28 India Post

1 Jiya Lage Na: Talaash 2 Ishq Shava: Jab Tak Hai Jaan 3 Dagabaaz Re: Dabangg 2 4 Fevicol Se: Dabangg 2 5 Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 6 Oye Boy Charlie: JMatru Ki Bijlee January 4, 2013 Ka Mandola 7 Darmiyan: Inkaar 8 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 9 Khamakha: Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola 10 Heer: Jab Tak Hai Jaan

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CHAKKAR

FUN

efore tying the knot with longtime boyfriend Siddharth Roy Kapur on December 14, Vidya Balan had made sure she wrapped up her portions of the shoot of Ghanchakkar. And now we hear, the actress will resume work on the film in the second week of January (barely a month after her marriage) so that it releases as per schedule on June 21. Clearly for Vidya, who had earlier maintained she needed some serious time to set up home with Siddharth, Ghanchakkar is top priority. More so because her husband is the CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, the film's producers. Director Raj Kumar Gupta confirmed Vidya will be resuming work in January for Ghanchakkar's postproduction. "She had wrapped up her portions of the film before her wedding. We will need her during the second week of January and she has told us she will resume work then," he said. A source said, "The film has been shot in sync sound.

IN RACE 2 S

riyanka Chopra was in for a sweet surprise when her fans in Marrakech (Morocco) got some home-made barfis for her. The actress visited the 12th Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) in Marrakech where her film Barfi! was screened. "It is not a local sweet, so Priyanka was very moved to see the lengths that her fans had gone for her. A lot of them had actually got the (barfi) recipe online and prepared it specially for â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not a local sweet, so Priyanka was very moved to see the lengths that her fans had gone for her. A lot of them had actually got the (barfi) recipe online and prepared it specially for her at homeâ&#x20AC;?

her at home," said a source. But that's not all. Ever since Priyanka has worked in Barfi!, in which she played autistic girl Jhilmil, she has been getting barfis at every occasion. "No matter where she goes, she is being treated to the sweet and she very sportingly puts aside her diet concerns and indulges in the treats," said the insider. "During Diwali, even though she wasn't around, most of her fans had sent in boxes of barfi addressed to Jhilmil Chopra," the insider added.

ri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez says her role in Race 2 is very interesting, but it is Anil Kapoor who adds a comic relief to the movie. "The funniest (character is) Anil Kapoor for sure. He is actually the comedic relief in 'Race 2' like he was in 'Race 1.' It's great! The rest of our characters are extremely serious and into betraying, plotting and killing. Then you have Anil Kapoor, who is so funny and his character is also very funny," the 27year-old said in an interview. Anil plays a private detective in the 2008 film Race, and in its sequel, "Race 2", he takes the character forward. "He lightens up the film a lot," she added. Jacqueline personally also feels more comfortable doing comedy. "I find comedy a lot of fun to do bec a u s e you are laughing all the time. People are just making a fool of themselves a n d that's the w h o l e point, because you are trying to make the audience laugh," s h e said.

January 4, 2013

Bollywood

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Happy New Year

ith three films locked for next year, the actor has no room for his former friend who has been waiting for six years to shoot the sequel to No Entry Wanted in 2009, Dabangg in 2010, Bodyguard in 2011 and Ek Tha Tiger in 2012 Salman Khan has successfully ruled the box office during Eid for many years. And the actor is in no mood to relinquish his rights over the festive occasion, fifth year in a row. In fact, he has already started planning for Eid 2013. Salman and brother Sohail have locked in the festive weekend for their project Radhe. It has now emerged that Salman will play a military officer in the film, and may need to shed all that excess flab he has accumulated over the past few months.

onakshi Sinha who has tasted success in the competitive world of Bollywood within a short span of two years gives credit for her success and filmy career to Salman Khan, her first co-star whom she considered her mentor cum well wisher. Sonakshi said that whatever she is today it is all because of Salman. He is the one who persuaded her to take up acting and that's why she takes his comment in a positive stride and tries to improve. "Whenever Salman criticizes me, he does it in a very positive way. Because of him only I lost so much of weight. I am an actress because of him and he is very happy about it. Whatever he says, I take it in a very positive spirit," Sonakshi said. Before she entered Bollywood, the 'Dabangg' star weighed 80 kgs but slowly she started to lose weight. It makes no difference to Sonakshi when people comment about her weight.

MADE FOR NARGIS S

hoojit Sircar heaps praise on his next heroine Nargis

Fakhri After her disastrous debut in Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar, Nargis Fakhri was yet to bag another film project for a long time. She was not just criticized for her lack of acting skills but also her dialogue delivery. Until of course Shoojit Sircar's next happened to her. However, on a bright note for Nargis, her director feels pretty confident of her acting chops in his next. The starlet has been paired opposite John Abraham in the film. Says Shoojit, `While I was casting for the film I was exploring several options. When I met Nargis, my search came to an end. I'm actually quite overconfident about her in my film. She is going to surprise people. It's a tailormade role for her. ` The actress is said to be essaying a foreign journalist and has apparently even attended several workshops to get her act right.

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January 4, 2013

Miss USA crowned Miss Universe RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

LAS VEGAS: Twenty-year-old Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe at the 61st Miss Universe Pageant held here on December 19. She was crowned by outgoing Miss Universe 2011, Leila Lopes of Angola. Beauty

beauty and the brains at the contest. A college student, Olivia Culpo is a self-described "cellist-nerd" and brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade. Culpo's coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the com-

and NBC TV, Miss Universe Contest was an extravaganza glittered by star power, exquisite sets and expansive fashion sets. The contest was held over many days with contestants whittled down at each stage. On the day of main event, top 16 contestants were picked to participate in swim suit, evening gown and personality interview rounds. After the swim suit round, 10 beauties progressed to evening gown round. Judges picked 5 of them to compete in personality interviews. The panel of 10 judges included Pablo Sandoval, Two-Time World Series Champion and MVP with the San Francisco Giants; Nigel Barker, Photographer and host of Oxygen's new series The Face; Diego Boneta, Singer and Actor best known for starring role in "Rock of Ages" film; Scott Disick, TV Personality from the E! Network; Brad Goreski, Celebrity

Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, being crowned Miss Universe 2012 by Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes

queens from over 90 countries took part in the contest. Miss India 2012, Shilpa Singh was selected to be part of the final 16 contestants, but could not move up to the next stage after swimsuit round. Shilpa was originally the Miss India runner up but was selected to attend the Miss Universe contest after the originally selected Miss India was disqualified over age issues. Shilpa is a software engineer by profession and represented both the

petition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the right to be called Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997. Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, was placed third. Culpo grew up with two professional musicians for parents and has played the cello alongside world-renowned classical musician Yo-Yo Ma. On her Miss Universe page, she said she hopes to pursue a career in film or television. As Miss Universe, Culpo will receive an undisclosed salary, a wardrobe fit for a queen, a limitless supply of beauty products and a luxury apartment in New York City. The Miss Universe pageant was back in Las Vegas this year after being held in Sao Paulo in 2011. It aired live on NBC and was streamed to more than 100 countries. Organized by Donald Trump

Miss Universe India 2012, Shilpa Singh, was among the top sixteen

Stylist and Star of Bravo's It's a Brad, Brad World; Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Star of Iron Chef and Award-Winning Chef; Ximena Navarrete, Miss Universe 2010 and Face of L'Oreal; Claudia Jordan, TV & Radio Personality and competitor on the upcoming series All-Star Celebrity Apprentice; Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time US Olympic

Universe Brazil, Gabriela Markus. Rest of Top Ten: Miss Russia, Elizabeth Golonova; Miss Universe France, Marie Payet; Miss Universe Hungary, Agnes Konkoly; Miss Universe South Africa, Melinda Bam; and Miss Universe Mexico, Karina Gonzalez. Rest of Top Sixteen: Miss Uni-

A college student, Olivia Culpo is a selfdescribed "cellist-nerd" and brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade. Culpo's coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC Gold Medalist in Beach Volleyball; Lisa Vanderpump, Star on Bravo's hit series The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and new series Vanderpump Rules. Other results: First Runner-Up: Miss Universe Philippines, Janine Tugonon will assume the duties of Miss Universe 2012 if the titleholder for some reason cannot fulfill her responsibilities. Second Runner-Up: Miss Universe Venezuela, Irene SofiĂĄ Esser Quintero. Rest of Top Five: Miss Universe Australia, Renae Ayris and Miss

verse Turkey, Cagil Ozge Ă&#x2013;zkul; Miss Universe Peru, Nicole Faveron; Miss Universe Poland, Marcelina Zawadzka; Miss Universe Croatia, Elizabeta Burg; Miss Universe Kosovo, Diana Avdiu; and Miss Universe India, Shilpa Singh. The India Post representatives attended Miss Universe rehearsals and Grand VIP Gala in honor of the contestants. Donald Trump met with Ritu Maheshwari and Priya Nayar from India Post. Next year, the international competition of Miss Universe 2013 will take place in Panama.

Miss Brazil; Miss USA, Miss Australia, Miss Philippines, and Miss Venezuela were announced as the top five contestants

January 4, 2013

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Not the marrying kind Kamal Haasan & his tumultuous life

amal Haasan talks about his tumultuous personal life and the challenge of releasing Vishwaroopam on satellite TV Where has your conflict with multiplexes over the proposed DTH (direct -to-home) premiere of Vishwaroopam reached? We have booked theatres in the South, but a section there is still opposed to it. In Mumbai, PVR was supportive enough initially but suddenly, they backed out. Subsequently, I tried convincing them but they have not relented. Is DTH just a way to play safe in a low satellite market? No. Let me tell you that unlike in Mumbai, satellite rights have risen in Tamil Nadu. I had my regular takers with substantial money but profits would have been meager. DTH ensures greater profit. Some exhibitors claimed I am driven by greed but I prefer to call it 'opportunity'. Asked what I would do with the money, I said I would plough it back in theatres. They are needlessly worried. Seeing a film in a theatre is a cultural habit in India, it will never go away. How did Vishwaroopam shape up?

PVP was supposed to produce Vishwaroopam but the canvas kept widening. They were kind enough to become the financers while I took over production. I got a cameraman who would work on digital cinema, an AD from the US,

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Parting wasn't smooth in either case. I was too much in love for an amicable settlement. I am sure it wasn't easy for my wives either. Marriage is not a film you can forget if it flopsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; an art director from Vietnam, and stuntmen from Thailand and the US. It wasn't an easy film to make. We didn't shoot in Afghanistan since we were advised it would be unsafe. We thought of going to Kazakhstan but the people there were not film savvy. Eventually, we recreated Afghanistan in Chennai. Also, we dropped the idea of cast-

ing big stars like Sonakshi Sinha among others. We wanted the money to show in the film and not in its posters. So you dropped her from the film? Everything was amicable. We explained it to her. Shatrughan is like an elder brother. You did films like Saagar, Sadma, Sanam Teri Kasam... and then you left Mumbai... At the time of Saagar, I had done 109 films. Had I hung around here, I wouldn't have completed 215 till date. Weren't you supposed to do a film with Barry Osborne? That will happen but after I complete Vishwaroopam 2. I've even completed ten days shooting for it. Osborne is also helping me premiere Vishwaroopam in Los Angeles. Tell us about your daughters Shruti and Akshara Shruti is traveling more than I ever did. She has become very busy. However, her Ek Duuje Ke Liye is yet to come. Akshara is learning how to dance. They stay with their mother (Sarika). Are you in touch with Sarika and Vani?

Zee sets up task force against piracy India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Asia TV USA Ltd., the exclusive distributor of Zee channels in the Americas, claims in a press release that it has initiated a technical task force to seek out those who are pirating programming and signals from the Zee suite of channels. It says, "Zee is taking all steps to prohibit piracy where streaming of content on services such as Live TV Box, Shava TV, Jadoo TV, Boom TV etc that permit viewers to access Zee's content illegally." ASIA TV USA Ltd.'s Tech Head said, "We recognize that consumers are being led to be-

lieve that Zee content is legally available for free on these streaming boxes. However, Zee in the

Zee has been successful in shutting down Zee content on Live TV Box and Jadoo TV that was being streamed illegally, he added Americas is a premium subscription service that viewers pay a monthly fee to receive."

Zee will not hesitate to take action against illicit services such as those described above as well as South Asian retail stores that sell these boxes. Zee has been successful in shutting down Zee content on Live TV Box and Jadoo TV that was being streamed illegally, he added. He said, "Zee is committed to delivering quality content to its loyal base of subscriber viewers. The actions of pirates thwart the business efforts of Zee to accomplish this goal. Zee hopes to continue to shut down streams on other similar illicit services in the near future."

No. The parting wasn't smooth in either case. I was too much in love for an amicable settlement. I am sure it wasn't easy for my wives either. Marriage is not a film you can forget if it flops. I felt scarred. Did you see the break-ups coming? I saw them coming. Sarika and I were married for 17 years. And I knew the marriage wouldn't last 12 years before we parted ways. Although we kept pulling on. I thought it would affect the children. I waited for them to come of age. Both your marriages didn't succeed. Do you think you

should've married at all? I never believed in marriage. People marry because of peer pressure but I don't subscribe to the 'herd mentality'. I shouldn't have married. I married for the convenience of my women. Vani wouldn't live-in and I wasn't strong enough to put my foot down. And the society was such that Sarika and I couldn't book a hotel room together even after we had two daughters. Didn't Gouthami pressure you to marry her? Never. She is very different. She is a very progressive lady, and not just to please me.

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January 4, 2013 www.indiapost.com

Top Bollywood weddings of 2012 keeps working as she is one of the finest actresses we have." Ritesh Deshmukh & Genelia D'souza Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza, who were dating since 2003, tied the knot on February 3, 2012. Interestingly, after marrying in Marathi-style, Ritesh and Genelia also got married in a church at Bandra, in Mumbai. Vidya Balan & Siddharth Roy Kapur On December 14, Vidya Balan married UTV Motion Pictures CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur at the Green Mile bungalow in Bandra, Mumbai. Interestingly, their wedding was a low-key affair with no Bollywood celebs in attendance. Esha Deol & Bharat Takhtani Esha Deol married her businessman beau Bharat Takhtani in a South Indian-style wedding on June 29, 2012. Esha Deol's mother Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor If marriages are made in heaven, the angels must have marked the year 2012 for Bollywood stars, since the year was abuzz with several Bollywood weddings. However, the marriage which hogged maximum interest was that of Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. After living together for about five years, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan are finally bound by the silken knot of marriage. The two exchanged wedding vows in

Hema Malini had expressed her happiness and told the media after the wedding: "It was a normal

a registered marriage held at Saif's residence in suburban Bandra, Mumbai, on 16 October 2012. While their wedding was a private affair, their post-wedding party saw a bevy of stars like Shahrukh Khan, Anil Kapoor and Preity Zinta in attendance as Bollywood came to wish the newly-married couple. Interestingly, Kareena Kapoor's ex, Shahid Kapoor, also congratulated the couple on their marriage and said: "I wish them a very happy married life. I hope they are happy together. I hope Kareena

South Indian wedding, with just slight changes. I am very happy for Esha; she has found the right person. We all are very happy. I will miss her but she is going to be in Mumbai, so I am happy about that." Lisa Ray & Jason Dehni Actress Lisa Ray tied the knot with her long-time beau Jason Dehni at a quiet ceremony in the romantic Napa Valley, California, on October 20, 2012. Mohit Chauhan & Prarthana Gehlot Celebrated Bollywood playback singer Mohit Chauhan married journalist Prarthna Gehlot at a hotel in Mumbai on July 2, 2012. Their marriage was a quiet and private affair.

Zee Americas introduces 'Deccan Pack' India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Zee Americas has created a "Deccan Pack" that will give advertisers access to viewers that were previously unaddressed. In a press release, Zee says the pack comprising Jaya TV services, Zee Telugu and Zee Kannada will allow businesses to target an additional 160,000 unique households. Zee will offer access to these view-

ers in partnership with Ethnic Channels Group based in Canada. Zee Americas CEO Suresh Bala said "Tamil is spoken by 7% of the South Asian population in the United States and Jaya TV has about 15 years of broadcast history behind it making it a great resource to offer advertisers. As Zee is the best platform to reach the Hindi speaking segment of South Asians in the US, we are thrilled to be the only network offer advertis-

ers an opportunity to have dialogue with this formerly untapped south Indian market segment." Hari Srinivas, President of Ethnic Channels Group added "The Zee Group is one of our largest partners. The Jaya TV Group is also our main partner in the USA market. This unique relationship will be of immense benefit to the advertising community as the Jaya TV Channels are watched by many Tamils in USA"

Tech News Virtual desktop helps save in real estate cost NEW DELHI: BPO services provider Fareportal has said virtual desktop solutions provided by software firm Citrix helped it saving USD 400,000 per annum in real estate costs and lowering power costs by 25-30 per cent. Fareportal has migrated almost 30 per cent of its employees on Citrix XenDesktop virtualized environment, helping it accommodate more people in the same space, saving almost USD 400,000 per annum in real estate costs and 25-30 per cent on power costs, it said in a statement. The virtualized desktop environment allows employees to access data anywhere and on any device across any network.-PTI

TCS to create 16500 jobs in West Bengal KOLKATA: Tata Consultancy Services's Rs 1,350-crore special economic zone in West Bengal will be ready by 2014-15 creating 16,500 jobs, the first major investment by the Tata Group in the state since the Singur imbroglio. "The IT SEZ at Rajarhat will be operational by 2014-15 and will accommodate 16,500 people," TCS CFO S Mahalingam told reporters at the construction site here. Our growing presence in Kolkata continues to be of strategic importance for overall business growth, he added.-PTI

Uttarakhand CM seeks investments from South Africa DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, who is currently on a week-long visit to South Africa, has asked members of the Indian business community in that country to explore the vast investment possibilities in the hill state. The Chief Minister, who is in South Africa to seek major investments to the state, acquainted the Indian business community in South Africa with the incentives being given to investors under SIIDICUL -II and the industry friendly features of the state government's hill policy. Bahuguna highlighted the achievements of his government during the last nine months of his tenure and told them that with a sound law and order and an industry friendly policy, Uttarakhand could offer an ideal investment climate to entrepreneurs, an official release said here.-PTI

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Underprivileged children celebrate Christmas with Maruti Suzuki employees who presented them gifts at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in New Delhi

India, ASEAN finalize FTA in services, investments NEW DELHI: Targeting an ambitious two-way commerce of USD 200 billion by 2022, India and the 10-member ASEAN has finalized a free trade agreement in services and investments, a move which would give Indian professionals like accountants, engineers and doctors access to the 800 million Southeast Asian markets. Strengthening ties, India and ASEAN also elevated their dialogue partnership to a strategic level. Following implementation of FTA in goods last year, both the sides were engaged intensely to widen the base of the pact by including services, an area of key interest to India, and investments.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit here. He said that the summit "today coincides with the conclusion of negotiations for the FTA in services and investments. I am confident it will boost our economic ties in much the same way the FTA in goods has done". The free trade pact after its implementation is expected to facilitate temporary movement of business people, including contractual service suppliers and independent professionals in accounting, architecture, engineering services, medical and dental, nursing and pharmacy, computer services and management con-

The free trade pact after its implementation is expected to facilitate temporary movement of business people, including contractual service suppliers and independent professionals in accounting, architecture, engineering services, medical and dental, nursing and pharmacy, computer services and management consulting "I am optimistic that our trade will exceed USD 100 billion by 2015 and we should aim for the milestone of USD 200 billion 10 years from now,"

sulting. India, whose services sector contributes about 55 per cent in the country's economic growth, was very

President of Myanmar Thein Sein at the bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on December 21

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, addressing at the Ceremonial Flag Down of the ASEAN-India car rally, in New Delhi on December 21

keen to enter the ASEAN market. The pact would also help Indian companies to increase their investment in the ASEAN countries in various sectors like infrastructure. "Together we constitute a community of 1.8 billion people, representing one-fourth of humanity, with a combined GDP of USD 3.8 trillion. It is only natural that India should attach the highest priority to its relationship with ASEAN," Singh said. "This engagement has flourished particularly in the area of trade. India-ASEAN trade has grown over 10 times in the 10 years

Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung meeting the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi on December 21

since we launched the annual summits. Following the implementation of our FTA in goods, trade grew by 41 per cent in 2011-12. Two-way flows in investments have also grown rapidly to reach USD 43 billion over the past decade," Singh said. He said that as ASEAN investments into India have multiplied, ASEAN countries too have emerged as major destinations for Indian companies. "From energy resources to farm products, from materials to machinery, and from electronics to information technology, Indian and ASEAN companies are forging new partnerships of trade and investment," he said. He stressed that besides trade, the India-ASEAN engagement become increasingly strategic in its content. "Our political dialogue has grown, our consultations in regional forums have intensified, and our defense and counter- terrorism cooperation have expanded," he said. Singh also supported the objective of an ASEAN Community by 2015 and said that India would continue to be an active participant in the initiative for ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Master Plan on Connectivity. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 35

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Indian-American to develop prefab houses WASHINGTON: A US-based design consortium headed by an Indian-American architect is in talks with three major Indian developers to design and build "prefabricated" residential projects to reduce cost and time of construction. "Today's estimate is India needs 12 million low cost housing now. These are basic minimum shelters of 400 sq.ft. and less. There is a demand for this in the form of high-rises in the cities to support the services need in the cities," Head of Los Angeles Design Consortium Harshad R Patel said. He argues that pre-fabricated residential projects, which would significantly reduce the cost of housing, could be effective solution to the massive shortage of housing. Noting that this is needed in Tier 2 and tier 3 cities in the form of horizontal growth for millions of people, Patel said he is in dis-

cussions with three major developers in India to design and build these projects as "prefabricated" residential projects to reduce cost and time of construction. "One of our clients in India wants to do low cost prefabricated housing in 100 cities of India and

we are in talks with Mexican and Chinese prefab companies who can handle this and of course there is a built in profit for the developers which comes from mass production," Patel said, without

Tata apologizes to PM, says comments misrepresented NEW DELHI: Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata has apologized to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for comments attributed to him in an interview, which, he said, were a "misrepresentation" of his remarks. "I have always been one of your greatest admirers and supporters," Tata has written to Singh who responded by saying that those in public life "inevitably face" criticism and it should be used constructively to guide the government. Tata, who will step down on December 28 to take over as Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, has conveyed to Singh his "sense of shock at reading the completely untrue, sensationalized headlines and reporting of a recent interview" to the Financial Times of London. In his letter dated December 10, he referred to his press statement issued on December 8 and said he had clarified that "I have neither 'lashed into the Prime Minister', 'rapped India' nor 'warned government of inaction'." Enclosing transcript of the interview to show he never criticized the Prime Minister, Tata has told Singh, "I have always been one of

your greatest admirers and supporters, publicly and privately. "I have valued your trust and confidence at all times and I was very deeply aggrieved to have a publication of the repute of Finan-

Ratan Tata

cial Times of London misrepresent the comments of my interview with them and be the cause of any misunderstanding between you and me." Contending that the last thing he would want is a "misunderstanding between us created by an opportunistic journalist reflecting his personal views and that of his newspaper, Tata said, "I can only apologies for any embarrassment that this media misrepresentation may have caused you or the government." -PTI

identifying the companies he is in talks with. "The architectural practice and construction industry is different in India than in USA. The construction methods are different. But for the high end projects I see India is catching up with the inter-

without a doubt. This has happened for centuries in any part of the world which is unstoppable. And as the population is growing faster than expected it will be too late to plan or control eventually," he said. Design Consortium, under Patel has won many architectural design competiDesign Consortium, under Patel has tions. In the first year of won many architectural design compractice, the firm was ranked in the top 25 arpetitions. In the first year of practice, chitecture firms of Los the firm was ranked in the top 25 archi- Angeles County in terms of design, achievements tecture firms of Los Angeles County in and earnings. terms of design, achievements and He has served as fourearnings. He has served as four-term term Chairman of the Los Angeles business counChairman of the Los Angeles business cil urban beautification council urban beautification program program and a juror for architecture and landnational standards," Patel said project in India. scape design awards. He worked when asked about his experience Patel said urban growth in In- closely with the US Secret Service in India. dia needs to be well planned and to accommodate 60,000 people in "There is a tremendous amount controlled. 70 acres of open space for a speof scope and opportunity to cre"The migration from rural to cial event, 'A Salute to President ate world class architecture in In- urban areas is going to continue George Bush' in California. -PTI

NBSA censures TV 18 for 'biased' reports NEW DELHI: The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) has issued a "censure" against TV18 Broadcast Limited which runs CNN-IBN and Hindi channel IBN7 for "willful violation" of NBA code of ethics and broadcasting standards in the airing of a program related to Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust (RGCT). The NBSA of which Justice J S Verma (Retd) is the Chairperson in its order directed that the two channels run apologies and also imposed a fine of Rs one lakh on the broadcaster which should be paid to News Broadcasters' Association (NBA). "The broadcaster committed egregious violation of the NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, especially guidelines relating to accuracy, impartiality, neutrality, requirement of due diligence and verification of facts prior to telecast, as also the need to carry the version of the person affected," the NBSA said. Noting that the reportage of the program in question smacked of "clear bias and lack of objectivity", the NBSA said it is an example of "sensationalization" with the purpose of promoting and improving the image of the channels, which is "unethical journalism." PTI

dia," he said. "Soon I would like to design a monumental civic, institutional, transportation or government project like Chandigarh or Gandhinagar which will stand the time for decades to come," he said when asked about his dream

Paramount Airways working on revival plan MUMBAI: With a British court awarding Rs 1,650 crore compensation in a law suit, defunct Paramount Airways is working on a revival plan and talking to overseas carriers for investment, according to industry sources. "Paramount is quite upbeat over the Rs 1,650 crore compensation awarded by a Londonbased international arbitration court. With this money on the

table, the carrier has initiated its efforts to take to wings again," a source close to the development told PTI here in west India. With the aviation regulator DGCA giving its nod to the airline to restart operations a couple of months ago, the airline is now in discussion with certain foreign carriers, taking advantage of the recent liberalization of the FDI policy in aviation. In all probability, the airline may take off again by the early next fiscal, the sources said. "Paramount promoters recently held preliminary discussions at the

board level with some Far-East based carriers and a Gulf-headquartered airline to rope in one of them," the source said, adding one top official of a low-cost carrier held deliberations in Coimbatore to explore investment possibilities. "However, the airline has not yet decided whether it should relaunch the carrier with the same business model of full-business class or it should go with the trend of no-frills model," the source said. Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had suspended Paramount Airways in April 2010 for its failure to maintain the

mandatory minimum of five aircraft in its fleet. Paramount, which had an original fleet of five leased aircraft, was operating with a single one at that time as three of its planes were deregistered on account of default in payment. ECC Leasing Company Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer EBA, had also requested DGCA to deregister the remaining two aircraft on grounds of payment default.-PTI

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January 4, 2013

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Airtel, Vodafone charged in NDA Dubai's Dnata starts providing services for Air India regime spectrum deal NEW DELHI: Three telecom companies, including Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India, have been charge-sheeted by the CBI in connection with alleged irregularities in the allocation of additional spectrum during the NDA regime which had resulted in a loss of Rs 846 crore to the exchequer. The agency filed its charge sheet, also naming former telecom Secretary Shyamal Ghosh as accused, before Special CBI Judge O P Saini who fixed January 14 for consideration of the charge sheet. The charge sheet named three telecom firms - Bharti Cellular Ltd, Hutchison Max Pvt Ltd (now known as Vodafone India Ltd) and Sterling Cellular Ltd (now known as Vodafone Mobile Service Ltd) as accused in the case. CBI refrained from mentioning the name of then Telecom Minister late Pramod Mahajan as accused in the charge sheet which also did not mention any charge against the promoters of Airtel and Vodafone. All the accused have been charge-sheeted for the offence of

criminal conspiracy (120-B) of the IPC and under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The agency, in its 57-page charge sheet, said the decision regarding allocation of additional

The charge sheet named three telecom firms - Bharti Cellular Ltd, Hutchison Max Pvt Ltd (now known as Vodafone India Ltd) and Sterling Cellular Ltd (now known as Vodafone Mobile Service Ltd) - as accused in the case spectrum to these telecom firms was taken in "undue haste" in pursuance to the conspiracy hatched amongst Mahajan, Ghosh and these companies.

"Investigation has thus established that the aforesaid decision dated January 31, 2002 (regarding allocation of additional spectrum) was taken in undue haste pursuant to the criminal conspiracy hatched amongst the accused public servants, late Pramod Mahajan, the then MOC&IT, Shyamal Ghosh, the then secretary DoT and said accused telecom companies," it said. Jagdish Rai Gupta, a former Deputy Director General (VAS) cell of DoT and former Director of BSNL, who was named in the FIR, was not made an accused in the case with the CBI saying, "no evidence attributing any criminality on his part or his involvement in the alleged offence has surfaced during the investigation." Detailing the roles of accused named in the charge sheet, the CBI said Ghosh, a 1965 batch retired IAS officer, in conspiracy with Mahajan and telecom firms, abused his official position to show undue favor to the companies causing a loss of Rs 846.44 crore to the exchequer.-PTI

India, ASEAN finalize FTA in services, investments Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 33

"I feel we should intensify our political and security consultations, including in regional forums such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus," he said, adding the growing role and responsibilities of ASEAN and India in global affairs calls for increased consultation on a broader range of international developments. Further, he said that as maritime nations, both the sides should intensify their engagement for maritime security and safety, for freedom of navigation and for peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in accordance with international law. "We should also foster regional cooperation to counter piracy and respond to natural disasters," he said, adding connectivity in terms of physical, institutional, peopleto- people, digital and by sea and air - holds the key to closer partnership between the two sides. Citing importance of connectivity, Singh said it would stimulate trade and generate prosperity across the region. "We should, therefore, attach

high priority to a quick implementation of the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and its extension to Laos and Cambodia. We should also launch the second track that would run from India through Myanmar, Laos PDR and Cambodia to Vietnam," he said. "These infrastructure projects

The Prime Minister added that many of the nations share common challenges of energy and food security, rapid urbanization, climate change, the empowerment of people through education and skill development demand enormous finances. We should think of innovative ways of financing and executing these projects, which also draw upon the expertise and resources of the private sector," Singh said. "Improved connectivity will lead to expanded commerce.

Linkages between small and medium enterprises, which are central to our economies, should be promoted," he said. He also said that the Indian Naval Ship INS Sudarshini, which is on a six-month expedition to nine ASEAN countries, "not only draws attention to our maritime links, but to the economic potential of sea-based connectivity". The Prime Minister added that many of the nations share common challenges of energy and food security, rapid urbanization, climate change, the empowerment of people through education and skill development. "We should use the opportunities available to work together in addressing these," he said. Later, a vision statement was also issued at the Summit. "We declare that the ASEANIndia Partnership stands elevated to a strategic partnership," the statement said. On the issue of political and security cooperation, the document said India and ASEAN share the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and resurgent Asia, which contributes to and promotes global peace and security.-PTI

DUBAI: Dubai-based firm Dnata's ground handling teams at London's Heathrow airport are now providing passenger services for three daily flights for Air India. Air India operates three flights daily using Boeing 777 aircraft, from Heathrow to Mumbai and Delhi. Under the new contract, Dnata is now providing passenger services to the airline, which include checking in passengers, operation of Air India's ticket counter and Maharaja VIP Lounge and lost luggage staff to assist with queries in the arrivals hall as well as a range of special services. Escort of First Class and Business Class passengers is also part of the provision which has been running since the start of the contact on December 1.

Dnata's load control expertise and support from its team of skilled turnaround co-ordinators for all Air India's flights aims to help the carrier maximize revenue, ensure the safety of its aircraft and help protect its on time performance, a statement released here said. Air India is expected to take delivery of its next (fourth) Boeing 787 Dreamliner soon and the airline has plans to introduce the aircraft on the London route. Handling of the Dreamliner is also included in the new contract and the team is looking forward to handling it at LHR's Terminal 4. In order to service the new contract for the airline, some 65 passenger and traffic staff are expected to transfer across from the previous handler to join the Dnata group.-PTI

Â&#x201E;

Realty Tidbits

Amansa sells entire stake in Mahindra Lifespace

MUMBAI: Singapore-based fund management firm Amansa Investments has offloaded its entire 5.96 per cent stake in Mahindra Lifespace Developers, the real estate arm of Mahindra Group, for Rs 101 crore. Amansa Investments, which held 24,34,599 shares or 5.96 per cent stake in Mahindra Lifespace at the end of September quarter, sold its entire holding in the company, data available with the stock exchanges showed. The shares were sold on an average price of Rs 414.88 aggregating the deal size to Rs 101 crore, the data showed. However, buyer of the shares could not be ascertained. In a separate bulk deal, Credit Suisse (Singapore) Ltd sold 20.96 lakh shares of real estate firm Housing Development & Infrastructure Ltd (HDIL). -PTI

Â&#x201E; Rs 45,000cr sought for houses to poor NEW DELHI: About Rs 45,000 crore has been demanded from Planning Commission for the second phase of Rajiv Awas Yojana that aims to provide affordable housing to urban poor, the Rajya Sabha was informed. Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Ajay Maken said Rajiv Awas Yojana was launched in June last year to make the country slum-free. He said over Rs 41,723.13 crore has been sanctioned for construction/ upgradation of 15.7 lakh dwelling units along with basis civic amenities like drinking water and sanitation under the Jawaharlal Nehru National urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). Of these, 9.92 lakh units have been completed or are under construction, he said adding the Phase-II of Rajiv Awas Yojana (under JNNURM) is being modified to make it more successful. "We are asking Planning Commission to allocate Rs 45,000 crore to this project," he said.

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Land slotted for major projects in Chandigarh CHANDIGARH: The UT administration has earmarked land for major projects that would come up in the city's periphery in the draft Master Plan of Chandigarh. The urban planning department will submit the plan to the UT administrator this week. Sarangpur institutional area: It has been planned on 1,072 acres of land. Out of this, 434 acres have been acquired and the rest will be done. The area has been planned for various institutional and commercial buildings.

New Delhi rises from 9th to 5th most expensive office market

ndia continued to feature in the list of World's most expensive office markets, with New Delhi (Connaught Place - CBD) moving up from 9th position to 5th position (with an overall occupancy cost of US$ 183.30)according to CBRE Global Research and Consulting's semi-annual Prime Office Occupancy Costs survey. Mumbai on the other hand continues to drop further. The current report lists the city's CBD Nariman Point at 25th position. In July Mumbai was at 20th position. The latest survey provides data on office rents and occupancy costs as of September 30, 2012. Commenting on the development Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and Managing Director, CBRE South Asia Pvt. Limited, said, "In prime CBD Locations the supply of space is extremely limited with almost no new supply expected in the near future. This

s many as 130 districts across India have witnessed land conflicts in the past two years. Land- related unrest is expected to rise over the next 15 years as over 11 million hectares of land would be required for various projects. This has been revealed in a study by Washington-based group Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) and Delhi-based Society for Promotion of Wastelands Development. The acquisition of private land is only one facet of the land issue, the study says. More problematic is statesponsored takeover of forest, common and revenue lands for

it was a U.S. market, San Francisco, that had the strongest year-over-year increase in prime office occupancy costs with a 36.4% rise driven by that market's hot tech sector is specially true for quality office space which has led to occupancy cost remaining high. The dominance of Asia-Pacific in the top 10 most expensive business

locations worldwide continued, led by Hong Kong-Central - the world's most expensive market - and five other Asian markets. However, it was a U.S. market, San Francisco

Land buy conflicts set to rise various projects in violation of existing laws. Government data shows that common lands are declining at a rate of about two percent a year.

criminal breach of law, as observed in Bellary. The second involves using forest laws to expropriate common lands. The third mechanism is mis-

More problematic is statesponsored takeover of forest, common and revenue lands for various projects in violation of existing laws The government is using three different ways to acquire common and forest lands, the study says. The first mechanism is simply

use of revenue laws under which state governments have general power to control classification of land that permits them t to get around provisions either through

(Downtown), that had the strongest year-over-year increase in prime office occupancy costs with a 36.4% rise driven by that market's hot technology sector. Hong Kong Central led the "most expensive" list with overall occupancy costs of US$246.30 per sq. ft. per year. This topped London's West End, which had total occupancy costs of US$219.81. Tokyo (Marunouchi Otemachi) was the third most expensive market for office space, followed by Beijing's CBD and New Delhi's CBD. Other Asia-Pacific markets in the top ten include Beijing-Finance Street (6th) and Hong Kong-West Kowloon (7th). Despite economic headwinds, occupancy costs increased by an average of 2.1% worldwide over the past year, led by the Americas with a 5.2% annual increase and Asia Pacific with a 2.6% increase.

loopholes or by ignoring them. The concept of " wasteland" is frequently invoked to justify this kind of action. "It would be surprising if there is any large project in the country that did not involve some takeover of community or forest and common lands", pointed out Shankar Gopalakrishnan, one of the researchers. The consequences of land acquisition go beyond obvious impacts of clearing forests. The effects include pollution, damage to water table, additional resources taken from the surrounding areas, changes in ecosystem and loss of livelihoods because of destroyed lands.

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January 4, 2013

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DLF office rental income to CREDAI terms RBI policy stand as 'stubborn' reach Rs 2,500 cr

NEW DELHI: Real estate major DLF has said it expects 20 per cent annual growth in office rental income that would touch Rs 2,500 crore by 2014-15 fiscal with likely appreciation in rent value and new leasing. DLF earned an office rental income of about Rs 1,500 crore in 2011-12 fiscal. It currently has Grade 'A' office leasing portfolio of 27 million sq ft, of which 15 million sq ft is in Gurgaon and rest is in the National Capital, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune and Chandigarh. "Our office leasing business is growing by 20 per cent year-onyear. We expect that our rental income will reach Rs 2,500 crore by the end of 2014-15 fiscal," DLF National Director (Office Business) Amit Grover told PTI. The growth would come from expected rise in rental value and increase in size of office leasing

portfolio to 33 million sq ft over the next three years from the current 27 million sq ft, he added. The country's largest realty firm has a debt of Rs 21,200 crore and

DLF has been adding about 2 million sq ft of office stock every year. It expects that demand for its office space would largely come from MNCs and big domestic companies the company has recently said that it targeting to reduce it to Rs 18,000 crore by the end of this fiscal from sale of two big non-core businesses - luxury hospitality chain

Amanresorts and wind energy. Going forward, the company has plans to cut debt to below Rs 15,000 crore level so that the finance cost gets covered by its rental income. Elaborating more on the office leasing business, Grover noted that rents of DLF office space has increased despite slowdown in commercial real estate business. He cited example of Gurgaon where the rentals of its office spaces have risen by 15 per cent in the last one year. "We provide Grade 'A' office space with value-added services like safety and infrastructure. Therefore, we have an advantage," he explained. DLF has been adding about 2 million sq ft of office stock every year. It expects that demand for its office space would largely come from MNCs and big domestic companies. "There is growth coming from large sets of existing corporate clients, which are roughly 750 in number and include Accenture, IBM, Google, Cognizant, TCS, Barclays, Citi and GE," Grover said, adding that the company is adding to this client list with the growth in outsourcing business. DLF has developed 128 acre integrated business district like DLF Cybercity in Gurgaon. The company is putting lot of focus on developing infrastructure in Gurgaon, which is a key market for the company. -PTI

Look into homebuyers' problems: Centre to UP

he Centre has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to look into "the enormous problems faced by lakhs of homebuyers" in Greater Noida West (previously known as Noida Extension). Ajay Maken, union minister of housing and urban poverty alleviation, wrote a letter to UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, saying the government should consider meeting representatives of buyers being prima facie harassed by private builders through threats of agreement cancellation, revised rates and interest demands. The minister said hapless buyers have already been undergoing a torturous experience over the last two years as their hard-earned money got blocked because of litigation and non-clearance of the area's master plan.

The minister also said that even after the hurdles have been cleared, builders apparently want to cash in on the appreciated real estate value.

Ajay Maken Housing & Poverty Alleviation Minister

In his letter to the CM, Maken has said, "I'm sure that you will be able to look into their (the buyers') problems and provide them reliefâ&#x20AC;Ś it's a matter of lifetime opportunities and dreams." The minister wrote the letter following a group of buyers met him complaining regarding "unfair activities and unethical demands of builders". The buyers also asked the minister to bring a bill to regulate the real estate sector. They said the minister assured them that such a bill would soon be tabled in the Parliament. "Agreements between builders and buyers are mostly in favor of the latter. The bills should have strict provisions so that builders do not harass buyers. A helpline should be put in place for buyers," said a buyer who met the minister.

NEW DELHI: The real estate industry body CREDAI has said the Reserve Bank has been taking "stubborn" stand in not reducing the key interest rates and reiterated that funds should be made available to builders and home buyers at affordable rates. "It is sad and unfortunate to see RBI taking such a stubborn stand, despite economic realities of the day," CREDAI national president Lalit Kumar Jain said in a statement. RBI has left the short-term lending (repo) rate to banks, and the cash reserve ratio (CRR) - the amount of deposits banks have to park with RBI - unchanged. CREDAI termed the status quo in RBI's monetary policy review as "arbitrary" and "anti-growth" and sought that the stakeholders should be consulted before taking policy decisions. "We wonder if the RBI policy of causing liquidity crunch leading to short supply and resultant price rise is good for the economy or increasing liquidity and push-

ing supply to bring prices under control is better," Jain observed. CREDAI said it has been demanding that developers as well as home buyers get loans at affordable and reasonable rates of interest, but somehow the RBI does not seem to realize the need for encouraging the real estate sector.

It has been demanding that developers as well as home buyers get loans at affordable and reasonable rates "We hope that the RBI and other policy makers will soon realize the fact that the capital intensive real estate and construction industry is the largest employer after agriculture and contributes handsomely to GDP. We cannot expect economic growth without pushing the real estate sector," it added. -PTI

HIDCO seeks presence of foreign banks KOLKATA: The real estate development arm of the West Bengal government HIDCO would invite banks from Singapore and Hong Kong for taking part in the proposed international financial hub at Rajarhat-New Town area near the metropolis. "We are looking forward to the banking sector in Singapore and Hong Kong to buy space in the hub for which roadshows will be held," principal secretary with urban development department Debashis Sen said. Speaking at an Assocham seminar where urban development minister Firhad Hakim was also present, Sen said that so far, nine entities had evinced interest in the hub.

These were State Bank of India, UBI, UCO Bank, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Allahabad Bank, West Bengal Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation, West Bengal Finance Corporation and National Insurance. Central council member of Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India Manas Thakur told PTI that the institute had earmarked Rs 15 crore for buying a plot in the hub. He said that HIDCO was planning a 59-storeyed iconic building in the hub for which it would carry out a design competition. A convention centre with a seating capacity of 3000 would also come up near the hub, he said. -PTI

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“

amed after Henry Havelock, a British colonial time General in the region, Havelock is the Andaman's star attraction and thousands of tourists flock to this paradise on earth every year. The five main villages featuring their own unique beaches are Govinda Nagar, Radha Nagar, Bejoy Nagar, Shyam Nagar, Krishna Nagar. Radha Nagar beach is the best of the lot having been rated by the coveted Time magazine as the best beach in Asia back in 2004. The Havelock Islands is approximately 55 kilometers northeast of the capital city of Port Blair with around two to three departures daily from Port Blair to the island. Catamaran ferries

take you there and if time is your concern, Pawan Hans operates choppers from Port Blair to Havelock. Once you're on Havelock Islands the best way to get around is on foot, explor-

The five main villages featuring their own unique beaches are Govinda Nagar, Radha Nagar, Bejoy Nagar, Shyam Nagar, Krishna Nagar. Radha Nagar beach is the best of the lot having been rated by the coveted Time magazine as the best beach in Asia back in 2004

”

ing the various beaches, shacks and shopping places. Radha Nagar beach features pristine white sand with emerald colored reef and makes for a great place to spend an afternoon with some sumptuous seafood.

Elephant beach, another tourist favorite, is walking distance from Radha Nagar beach, and what a brilliant walk it is indeed. If walking's not your thing, an auto rickshaw can be hired. Apart from rickshaws, one can opt to hire a cab or rent a two wheeler for a day. Scuba diving is by far the most enjoyable activity on Havelock Island and the Andaman Islands are not well equipped with speed boats and a recompression chamber at Port Blair. Scuba expeditions for every appetite, beginner, intermediate and experienced are available on Havelock Island and are very reasonably priced. It's a great way to explore marine flora and fauna up close and personal! Apart from Scuba, trekking is another famous sport at Havelock Island with many tour operators offering standardized guided treks. Unlike other islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Island group, Havelock offers many hotel and dormitory options to suit every budget. Cont’d on page 41

January 4,2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

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Havelock Islands: Star attraction of Andamans & Nicobar Cont’d from page 40

Café Del Mar and Wild Orchid are two places worth considering! Done with the sun and sand and you might want to head over to Village Number 3 which is the prime market place selling various local artifacts and accessories. Don't forget to try some authentic coconut water here. Drinks and beer are available at most of the restaurants and being a Union Territory, they're reasonably priced. Premium scuba diving and snorkeling are the highlights of the gorgeous Havelock Island. Glass-bottomed boats provide a similar up-close marine life experience. Jungle treks and camping are popular landlubbing activities, though the more delicately dispositioned can choose to retire to one of several luxury resorts. Refuel with fresh coconut milk and succulent, justcaught seafood, which dominates every meal. Havelock Islands (often just Havelock for short) with an area of some 92 sq. km is the largest of the islands which comprise Ritchie's Archipelago, a chain of islands to the east of Great

Andaman in the Andaman Islands. The island population has Bengali settlers. It is one of the few places that the administration of the Andaman and Nicobar has permitted and encouraged development

peace has dominated the place. There's pin-drop silence for a moment, and there comes a well-mannered wave, 5km long, gently splashing in a beautiful accord, and there's complete silence again till the next one. This splash is the only thing you can hear on the beach. Lush Mahua trees surround the beach, high-spirited, standing tall, as if touching the clouds. You get into the forest and you can't see the sky.

Once you have reached this beach, it is difficult to coax yourself to move out. Such is the pristine beauty of this place

of tourism, with a focus on promoting eco-tourism. Radhanagar Beach It is one of the best beaches in the world. Unbelievably picturesque, flawlessly astonishing disclosure of nature's splendor can be experienced here. Heavenly

Check for elephant rides here. Vijay Nagar beach All the prominently listed 'resorts', except Bare Foot and Dolphin tents, are located along this beach. Unlike Bare Foot, which is located 100 meters off the shore and inside the 'jungle', most resorts on this side are on the beach. Quite and serene, it's worth every penny spent on this God painted natural beauty!! Govindnagar Beach Govind Nagar, the main "town", is small and has only a handful of shops and local dhabas. There is

Visa curbs eased for South African travelers JOHANNESBURG: To facilitate the entry of South African visitors and business travelers to India, the Indian High Commission here has eased certain visa restrictions placed upon them. The earlier restriction in terms of which a tourist to India could not return within a period of two months has been lifted, Indian High Commissioner Virendra Gupta told a gathering of travel agents and airlines at a Tourism Seminar organized by the High Commission in Sandton. "I think this is right because a lot of tourists use India as an entry point and from there they make short side trips. We have always been facing this difficulty and we have had to grant exemptions, so fortunately that will not be required any longer," Gupta said. Gupta confirmed that the Indian missions in South Africa would soon be outsourcing the issuing of visas, which have been issued free of charge from offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town until now. There will be a service fee at-

a recently opened Axis Bank ATM near the market place. Elephant Beach Located at one remote corner of Havelock Islands is Elephant Beach. One has to take a boat or go on a steep, but short trek to reach this desolate beach. But, once you have reached this beach, it is difficult to coax yourself to move out. Such is the pristine beauty of this place. The inner reaches of this beach are made up

tached to this when the service starts at a date still to be announced. "We have already selected a company which will open four visa collection centers in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. We will start the services in Cape Town and our endeavor would be to streamline visa issu-

‘Tourists will typically get a three-month visa, but those who are traveling to India for business purposes will get one-year visas’ ance and make it as easy as possible so that anyone who applies for a visa should be able to get it within three or four days," Gupta said. "Tourists will typically get a three-month visa, but for those who are traveling to India for business purposes, we have an agree-

ment with the government of South Africa that bona fide business travelers who are verified by our missions or recommended by the Chambers of Commerce will get one-year visas." Gupta also said he was unhappy that Jet Airways had withdrawn its daily direct flights between Johannesburg and Mumbai a few months ago. "That was the only Indian airline offering this service and I very much hope and pray that Jet Airways will reconsider their decision and come back into the market, because there is a fair amount of travel both ways. They should also consider the number of people who are using Johannesburg as a transit point into Southern Africa." Johannesburg travel agent R C Naik supported the call by Gupta: "It would definitely be good to have an Indian carrier back in the country as travel between India and South Africa is growing fast in the wake of the BRICS (Brazil- Russia- IndiaChina- South Africa) initiative." PTI

of mangrove forests and slush, but the side is close to the water. The sapphire colored waters, the gentle waves, the bare trees, the vast horizon and the sense of being alone amidst this rapidly changing nature truly intoxicates one's soul. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit the island is between October and May as the weather during this time is ideal for diving and other aqua sports. The days are warm and sunny and sea is calm to reflect blue clouds. How to Reach

By Sea: Ferries are the easiest way to get to Havelock Islands (Beach number 1). About three ferries travel from Port Blair every day within a span of four hours each. There is a ferry service from Rangat via Neil Island once a day but it depends on the season and prior enquiry will save time. Government operated ferries require to be booked in advance due to lack of space. There are two types of tickets that you can book - Chair Class and Seat Class (the more expensive option). There is a more expensive catamaran ferry that can be booked at Port Blair. This is less likely to be full and gives much better facilities like leather seats and your own TV. The most expensive way via sea to reach Havelock Island is by traveling on MV Makruzz, the first luxury catamaran which travels from Port Blair to Havelock Island port in about 90 minutes. By Air: The nearest airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. There are regular flights to Chennai and Kolkata. An eight seater sea plane service is available that travels between Havelock Islands and Port Blair twice every day except on Sundays. Buses, rickshaws and taxis are available from the port.

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January 4,2013

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Omar for round the year tourism in J-K

Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR: Development of requisite tourist infrastructure in consonance with environmental requirements is necessary to restore tourism glory of Jammu and Kashmir and make world famous resorts like Gulmarg round the year tourist attraction, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said here. "Comfortable accommodation and best service delivery act as driving force to attract visitors to come again and again and enjoy the hospitality of the people and the natural beauty," Omar said inaugurating a modern tourist facility created in the private sector at the famous ski resort of Gulmarg, 55 kms from here. "The Khyber", an 85-room five star luxury hotel with hi-tech modern facilities is spread over seven Fir-laden acres and has been designed in the local Kashmiri architecture with luxury furniture, furnishings and fixtures. The Chief Minister said his government has concentrated on holistic development of tourism making eco-tourism fulcrum in the creation of new facilities and up-

grading the existing ones. "The natural beauty is God's gift to the state and tourism is the key sector to catapult economy and generate jobs for people round the year," he said adding, it is imperative to maintain and conserve this natural beauty and bio-diversity of the state for present and next generations. "This is the national duty of all of us," Omar said and called for joint and wholehearted efforts by government, private sector and public to safeguard the natural resorts and preserve their beauty.

Omar said equal attention is being given to divert huge number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi to visit and stay at places like Surinsar, Mansar, Patnitop Jammu and other places Omar said visit of about 12 lakh visitors to the Valley this year indicates the interest people of the country and outside possess for visiting Jammu and Kashmir and enjoying the beauty God has bestowed upon it. The Chief Minister said besides conventional tourism, government is focusing to harnessing the great potential of adventure, pilgrim and sports tourism. "Organizing events of adventure and sports tourism and making skiing, mountain biking, white water rafting, trekking, hiking and

mountaineering regular features in tourism calendar would help to give thrust to comprehensive development of tourism," he said. . Omar said 'Gandola' and Chairlifts in Gulmarg have enhanced the orbit of organizing more winter sport events in this place and attract visitors from all over the world. He said development and upgradation of Golf Course at Gulmarg has added another attraction for the tourists. "In fact the government has created a golf circuit in the state by developing Golf Courses at Sidhra Jammu, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and one is under construction at Leh. This has provided opportunity to the golfers to enjoy the sport in different geographical situations and climate during their visit to the state," he said. Omar said organizing of golf events during summer have showcased this aspect of sports tourism of the state. Other activities need to be given further push to rope in tourists of varied interests, he said. Omar said equal attention is being given to divert huge number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi to visit and stay at places like Surinsar, Mansar, Patnitop, Jammu and other places of tourist and religious importance. "Development of these places on modern lines and in agreement with the environmental requirements is being attended by the concerned Development Authorities and Tourism Department," he said adding Central assistance available for the purpose is also being utilized in this regard. -PTI

ITDC, Hindustan Salts to develop tourist centers NEW DELHI: India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has entered into an agreement with Hindustan Salts to develop tourist centers in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. As per the ITDC and Hindustan Salts Ltd pact, HSL will provide the "rights to use of land" for tourism related projects, while ITDC will provide expertise and technical support for running the tourist centers. "To explore the possibilities of developing its large land bank at different locations, HSL, with its subsidiary SSL (Sambhar Salts Ltd), is joining hands with ITDC

to undertake the development of regions of Khara Ghoda in Gujarat, Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh," HSL said.

When asked as to how the two partners will share investments and profits, ITDC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Lalit K Panwar said they would be shared equally.

The MoU will be valid for three years, but could be extended if needed. The idea is to develop Heritage and theme based tourism as these regions have a tremendous potential, ITDC said. In the first phase Sambhar lake area will be developed, Panwar said. This would include converting old pre-independence residential colony into a 'Heritage Village', promoting religious tourism, lake tourism, boating in canal, developing camp and tented accommodation around salt ponds and development of salt heritage museum, he added. -PTI

Study on impact of taxation on tourism sector NEW DELHI: Exploring the possibilities of giving export industry status to the tourism sector, the government has announced that a comprehensive study will be carried out on impact of taxation on the sector. "The ministry will immediately conduct the study of comparison of the impact of excessive taxes on tourism industry viz-a-viz export industry and also the comparative analysis on the tax structure on Indian tourism industry with the competing neighboring countries," Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi said at a meeting with a delegation of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) here. President of IATO Subhash Goyal highlighted the problems and issues being faced by the tourism industry. The delegation requested the minister that wherever 'visa on arrival' is not possible, E-visa should be issued for travel to India. The delegation also stated that Indian tour operators are being discriminated as the export industry is exempted from service tax whereas the Tourism industry is not. This is resulting in discrimination not only against the exporters but also against tour operators in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Nepal who are not paying any taxes and the business for India is being routed through them. Goyal said, "If two things are

President of IATO Subhash Goyal

The delegation requested the minister that wherever 'visa on arrival' is not possible, E-visa should be issued for travel to India achieved then tourism will go up by at least 50 per cent, if not 100 per cent, which include 'visa on arrival' and the second is to give export industry status to tourism industry." He further said that 'visa on arrival' to be issued for the tourists from all tourism friendly countries and wherever this is not possible, E-visa should be issued for travel to India. -PTI

Southern Zonal Tourism Council set up NEW DELHI: With the aim to develop integrated tourism circuits in south India, the Tourism Ministry has formed Southern Zonal Tourism Council comprising Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry. "The setting up of the Southern Zonal Tourism Council (SZTC) will help facilitate development of tourism and tourism products of southern India in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Development of integrated tourism circuits among the southern states will be the way forward," Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi said. About the issues to be taken up by the Council, he said, "The issues of competitive taxation of tourism products, inter -state taxation, seamless tourist movement by facilitating smooth facilitation at entry and exit points of the states

will be addressed." The Ministry will be writing to the Chief Secretaries of the states, who would chair the Council by rotation. Tourism and Finance Secre-

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The setting up of the Southern Zonal Tourism Council (SZTC) will help facilitate development of tourism and tourism products of southern Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tary of the respective states will be permanent invitees to the Council. The Council will also interact with the stakeholders to understand the concerns and issues facing the tourism industry. -PTI

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In Brief Young Mich. immigrants sue to get right to drive DETROIT: Three young people are suing the Michigan secretary of state over her refusal to grant driver's licenses to applicants who can stay in the U.S. under a new federal immigration policy. The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, says the immigrants should be eligible for licenses if they're allowed to stay in the U.S. The lawsuit asks a Detroit federal judge to issue an injunction to stop the state's policy. The plaintiffs are a 20-year-old medical student in Detroit, a 17year-old high school student from Ann Arbor and a 21-year-old University of Michigan student. President Barack Obama last summer said immigrants who entered the country illegally as children wouldn't face deportation under certain conditions. -AP

Law change needed for immigration database MADISON, Wis.: Accessing a federal database of legal immigrants to examine whether they can legally vote in Wisconsin would require a law change and cost over $1 million over the next five years. That is according to a report prepared by staff at the state elections board that is to be discussed at its meeting. The Government Accountability Board report comes in response to a request sent in July from Republican state Sen. Mary Lazich who asked that the board look into using the U.S. Department of Homeland Security database to weed out illegal aliens who may be voting. -AP

Easier visa for South Africans traveling to India JOHANNESBURG: To facilitate the entry of South African visitors and business travelers to India, the Indian Commission here has eased certain visa restrictions placed upon them. The earlier restriction in terms of which a tourist to India could not return within a period of two months has been lifted, Indian High Commissioner Virendra Gupta told a gathering of travel agents and airlines at a Tourism Seminar organized by the High Commission in Sandton. "I think this is right because a lot of tourists use India as an entry point and from there they make short side trips. Cont’d on page 46

Immigration 44

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January 4, 2013

Don't blame migrants for UK problems: Blair LONDON: In a thinly-veiled warning to party chief Ed Miliband over Labor's position on immigration, ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair has asked the leader of the Opposition not make migrants a "scapegoat" for problems in Britain. In a highly unusual intervention into British politics, the former prime minister declined to say whether he would campaign for the Labor leader at the next election expected in 2015. Days after Miliband claimed previous Labor governments had done "too little" to deal with the impact of mass immigration, Blair defended his record and warned that debate on the issue should be "handled with care". Rejecting suggestions that it had been a mistake to open the door to migrants from new EU members in eastern Europe, Blair said: "People look back and say you should have done more to restrict particularly Eastern European immigration." "I look back on that, and you can have a debate about it, but personally I think the Polish community contributes a lot to this country. In many ways immigrants do a lot for our country. They bring fresh energy, fresh initiative and I

Ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair

“In many ways immigrants do a lot for our country. They bring fresh energy, fresh initiative and I think it will be a sad day if we end up targeting them." think it will be a sad day if we end up targeting them." "Of course it has to be controlled, and illegal immigration has to be tackled head on. But overall I think immigration has been good for Britain and most immigrants have assimilated well. So don't

make them a scapegoat for our problems." Blair also insisted it was "obvious" that major changes needed to be made to sickness benefits and suggested the ageing population meant a fundamental reassessment of the post-war welfare

state was necessary. His remarks will be seen as a swipe at Labor's stance on welfare. The opposition has criticized almost all of Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith's attempts to trim the vast benefits bill, including increasing most working age benefits by only 1 per cent a year for the next three years. Addressing a lunch attended by Westminster journalists, Blair appeared to contradict Miliband's insistence that there must be a new Press law following the Leveson Report into media standards. He agreed with the main recommendations, and did not understand the "vehemence" of objections to legislation to back up a more effective newspaper watchdog. But he added: "I think that the most important thing is whatever comes out of this is something that's independent of government, Parliament and the media. How you do that, I am open-minded about." In another apparent warning to Miliband, Blair sided with David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson by backing their calls for an end to "banker bashing", saying the success of the City was critical to Britain's attempts to emerge from the economic mire. -PTI

Australian Santa reminds immigrants to renew visa

ustralia's Department of Immigration and Citizen ship (DIAC) is making use of the Christmas spirit and has roped in Santa Claus to highlight students about their visa expiry options and to get them renewed on time. The humorous write-up by DIAC states that while Santa Claus knows obtaining his Australian visa is a streamlined process but they have reminded Santa that there are trainee elves on student visas who need to consider their options before their visas expire early in the New Year. Given Santa's intention to engage in limited work of a highly specialized and non-ongoing nature while down under, he ap-

plied for a subclass 456 business short stay visa. Santa's visa was approved quickly, given the happiness that had resulted from previous visits and his excellent

through courses such as industrial design and engineering," a DIAC spokesman said. Most elves return to the North Pole upon completion of their stud-

‘Elves are not on the list of approved occupations for the subclass 457 visa, permanent employer nomination scheme or regional sponsored migration scheme’ record of compliance with past entry conditions. "Australia has a world-class education system and we frequently have up-and-coming elves travel to Australia on student visas, where they're seeking to hone their toy-making skills

ies. Those elves whose studies have come to an end need to think about their options once the Christmas season is over. This may be to make arrangements to depart or apply for another visa. Elves can apply for a skilled visa through SkillSelect and await an outcome offshore if they

are hoping to return as permanent skilled migrants. "Some elves have come to Australia as part of a labor agreement Santa signed with the Australian Government in 2011," the spokesman said. "The labor agreement allows only highly skilled elves to enter the country, establish operations and train Australian elves. "Elves are not on the list of approved occupations for the subclass 457 visa, permanent employer nomination scheme or regional sponsored migration scheme but Santa was able to establish there was a genuine shortage of qualified elves here," the spokesman added. Cont’d on page 45

Immigration Post

January 4, 2013

India Post

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Help hard to get for some immigrants hit by Sandy

Water reached the street level of the flooded Brooklyn Battery Tunnel in New York

NEW YORK: Some immigrant New Yorkers affected by Superstorm Sandy are struggling to recover and are finding it difficult to get help, according to a report by an advocacy group.

The report by Make the Road New York surveyed immigrants in specific communities on Staten Island and Long Island. It found that 40 percent of those surveyed said they had sustained economic dam-

age because of the storm. On Staten Island alone, that figure rose to 60 percent of those surveyed. The report said some of them have had to leave their homes and have had a difficult time finding new affordable places to live because of a limited housing market in the wake of the storm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I lost my job and I can't find a new one,'' said Maria Raquel Sanchez, an immigrant from Mexico whose Staten Island home got flooded, forcing her to stay with relatives. ``Landlords ask double of what I paid for rent, and my landlord does not give me my security deposit back.'' Others have stayed in their homes and are facing concerns like mold contamination. ``The results of this study are

surprising and worrying,'' said Sara Cullinane of Make the Road. ``We need the government to consider

I lost my job and I can't find a new one,'' said Maria Raquel Sanchez, an immigrant from Mexico whose Staten Island home got flooded, forcing her to stay with relatives creating a task force to make sure that immigrant needs are addressed.'' Most had not applied for any kind

of aid. The top reason given for that was that they didn't know how. The report's authors said that means state and federal government officials have to do better outreach. Eligibility requirements are also an issue. People who are not here legally are not eligible for most aid but could apply for a family member who is eligible, such as an illegal immigrant applying for a child who's a U.S. citizen. But the report's authors said the process is confusing and can keep people from getting the aid their children might be eligible for. The report recommends that outreach to immigrants on what's available should be improved and that any planning for future disasters should include strategies for immigrant communities. -AP

US Chamber, Okla. AG resolve Number of immigrant drop houses in Phoenix declines immigration dispute OKLAHOMA CITY: A federal judge has signed an agreement that ends a four-year legal fight between the state and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce over Oklahoma's tough anti-illegal immigrant law. The judgment signed by U.S. District Judge Robin Cauthron essentially accepts a 2010 ruling by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that blocks enforcement of parts of the law. The settlement was requested by the Chamber and Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt. Pruitt said the agreement puts in place what the appeals court and the U.S. Supreme Court have already decided on the immigration issue, adding: ``We now can shift our focus to implementing and enforcing the law.'' Chamber spokesman Bobby Maldonado did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Oklahoma's immigration law was considered one of the toughest in the nation when it was adopted by the Legislature in 2007 and signed into law by then-Gov. Brad Henry.

The law was challenged in 2008 by the Chamber and other pro-business groups that argued the state was pushing immigration law enforcement Among other things, it authorized the state to require use of an Internet-based system of employment authorization for public contractors. The law also sought to subject businesses that hire illegal immigrants to financial penalties,

dictated who could and couldn't be fired, and required contractors to withhold taxes for workers without proper documentation. The agreement authorizes the state to require use of the electronic employment verification system. But it prohibits enforcement of possible legal sanctions against employers who fire an authorized employee while retaining an illegal immigrant worker, and the withholding of taxes for work performed by individual independent contractors. The law was challenged in 2008 by the Chamber and other probusiness groups that argued the state was pushing immigration law enforcement onto employers. But the state said the law was needed because ``illegal immigration is causing economic hardship and lawlessness in this state.'' Cauthron initially blocked enforcement of much of the law, but her ruling was appealed to the 10th Circuit. -AP

Australian Santa reminds immigrants to renew visa Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 44

Santa has advised the department he would be contacting the affected trainee elves early in 2013 to ensure they complied with their visa conditions. He also asked about what options might be available for other young elves hoping to spend time in Australia. "We told Santa we're more than happy to enter negotiations with the North Pole to put in place a

reciprocal working holiday agreement, meaning elves aged 18-30 can spend up to 12 months living and working in Australia and young Australians would have full work rights at the North Pole," the spokesman said. "But for elves over 30 who are planning an extended stay involving singing and dancing performances while they visit Australia, they will need to find an Australian sponsor and go

through the entertainment visa process." The Australian DAIC started using this humorous approach of updating students since 2011. Last year, they made Santa sign a labor agreement that would allow his workforce of highly skilled elves to enter the country, establish operations and train Australian elves. -Courtesy Business Standard

PHOENIX: The number of socalled drop houses discovered harboring illegal immigrants in the Phoenix area has decreased significantly over the last four years, a trend federal officials said is another indication that human smuggling in Arizona is declining. There were 490 illegal immigrants discovered in 37 Phoenix area drop houses during the federal fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. The Arizona Republic reports that compares with 3,221 illegal immigrants found in 186 drop houses in the 2008 federal budget year that ended in September 2008. The special agent in charge of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigations in Arizona, Matthew Allen, tied the decrease to an overall drop in illegal immigration nationwide. He cited the weak U.S. economy, tighter border security, stepped-up immigration enforcement and tougher sentences imposed on smugglers. Allen also said the number of illegal immigrants being found in individual homes is down, an indication that smugglers are concerned about raids. ``You remember the days here when we were hitting drop houses that had 60, 80 or more than 100 people in them,'' Allen said. ``These days, it's very rare that we see a drop house that has more than 20 or 30 people in it.'' Still, Allen said, ``that doesn't mean that there's none out there.'' ICE officials say the typical way station is a vacant house with no beds or furniture. Armed smugglers stand watch over dozens of illegal immigrants who are crammed inside and who sleep on

the floor in squalid conditions. Four years ago, the Phoenix area was the drop house capital of the nation and hundreds of such locations dotted neighborhoods throughout the area. They were used by smugglers to hold groups of illegal immigrants awaiting transport to other cities after being brought across the border from Mexico. ``The number of drop houses fluctuates with the volume of traf-

Allen also said the number of illegal immigrants being found in individual homes is down, an indication that smugglers are concerned about raids fic, so as traffic has gone down, so has the number of drop houses gone down,'' Allen said. He said stiff penalties in a number of hostage-taking cases handed out in state and federal courts also deterred smugglers. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said he also has seen a decrease in drop houses recently, discovering five drop houses in 2012, down from eight the year before. Arpaio, however, said he believes fewer drop houses being discovered is an indication that smugglers have changed their tactics. To avoid detection because of stepped-up immigration enforcement in Maricopa County, he believes smugglers are bypassing the Phoenix area. -AP

Immigration Post

India Post

January 4, 2013

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Ga. immigration board moves to set up hearing ATLANTA: A state panel created to ensure that government employees comply with Georgia's tough immigration law will likely hold its first hearing on a complaint early next year. Members of the Immigration Enforcement Review Board have voted to instruct Chairman Ben Vinson to take steps to set up a hearing on a July complaint by D.A. King, an activist against illegal immigration. The complaint alleges the state Department of Community Affairs isn't complying with a state law requirement to collect specific information from government agencies that administer public benefits and to compile that information in a report by Jan. 1 of each year. Vinson also announced during the meeting that board member Robert Mumford recently resigned from the board to become a Rockdale County Superior Court judge. House Speaker David Ralston, who appointed Mumford to the board, is responsible for choosing his replacement. Created under the state's strict 2011 law, the board is charged with investigating and reviewing complaints filed by any Georgia registered voter that a state or local

government employee or official is violating state laws related to immigration. It began accepting complaints early this year. The board has broad power to investigate complaints, hold hearings, subpoena documents and witnesses and take disciplinary action. Public employees or officials found to have ``knowingly and willfully violated or failed to abide by'' the laws can be punished by a fine of up to $5,000. However, the board has gotten few financial resources and no paid staffers to help it fulfill its mission. The logistical requirements for a hearing, including bringing in a court reporter and having subpoenas delivered, need to be figured out, Vinson said after the hearing. Board members went back and forth over whether they should get the ball rolling on setting up a hearing or wait for the Department of Community Affairs to submit additional data for 2012 that is due at the end of the year. Board member Phil Kent pushed for a hearing, saying it was clear to him the department wasn't complying with the law. ``We are the only entity that can sanction. We can't just continue to have non-compliance, in my opinion,'' he said.

John Turner, director of the department's community development division, said he believed the agency was complying with the law and that it had taken con-

King's first complaint, which targeted the city of Atlanta, was resolved when the city council repealed an old ordinance to comply with state law. The board has delayed action on another of his complaints crete steps to educate other agencies that are supposed to submit reports. He said the department had addressed the issues in the complaint and asked that it be dismissed. ``We want to see total compliance with this law, but DCA is not a regulatory agency,'' he said, later adding, ``We have no means by which we can require public entities in the state of Georgia to register and report.'' King, who has filed four of the five complaints received this year

Easier visa for South Africans traveling to India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 44

We have always been facing this difficulty and we have had to grant exemptions, so fortunately that will not be required any longer," Gupta said. But Gupta also confirmed that the Indian missions in South Africa would soon be outsourcing the issuing of visas, which have been issued free of charge from offices in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town until now. There will be a service fee attached to this when the service starts at a date still to be announced. "We have already selected a company which will open four visa collection centers in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape

Town. We will start the services in Cape Town and our endeavor would be to streamline visa issuance and make it as easy as possible so that anyone who applies for a visa should be able to get it within three or four days," Gupta said. "Tourists will typically get a three-month visa, but for those who are traveling to India for business purposes, we have an agreement with the government of South Africa that bona fide business travelers who are verified by our missions or recommended by the Chambers of Commerce will get one-year visas." Gupta also said he was unhappy that Jet Airways had withdrawn its daily direct flights be-

tween Johannesburg and Mumbai a few months ago. "That was the only Indian airline offering this service and I very much hope and pray that Jet Airways will reconsider their decision and come back into the market, because there is a fair amount of travel both ways. They should also consider the number of people who are using Johannesburg as a transit point into Southern Africa." Johannesburg travel agent R C Naik supported the call by Gupta: "It would definitely be good to have an Indian carrier back in the country as travel between India and South Africa is growing fast in the wake of the BRICS (BrazilRussia- India- China- South Africa) initiative." -PTI

by the board, has expressed frustration that the board hasn't moved more quickly and decisively on his complaints. He said he wasn't optimistic that meaningful action would result from the board's future steps. ``I have seen no action taken by this board that would deter any agency from committing future violations,'' King said after the meeting. King's first complaint, which targeted the city of Atlanta, was resolved when the city council repealed an old ordinance to comply with state law. The board has delayed action on another of his complaints until it sees how things play out with the one that seems destined for a hearing. He recently submitted a letter to the board withdrawing his fourth complaint. The board's fifth com-

plaint was dismissed after a preliminary investigation for lack of cause. The complaint King withdrew claimed that nearly 1,200 state agencies that are required to use a federal database called E-Verify to check the employment eligibility of new hires had failed to submit compliance reports to the state auditor as required by law. After the board delayed action on the complaint at its meeting in September, King asked the attorney general's office to pursue the complaint. The attorney general's office said it would not get involved because the complaint was pending before the board. In a letter that he mailed after the meeting, King asked the attorney general's office to reconsider the complaint now that it's no longer pending before the board. -AP

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ&#x2019;s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

http://www.proy-singh.com

2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

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Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Technical Services Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, 9th Floor, Suite 900, Oakland, CA 94612 PROPOSERS/NETWORKING CONFERENCES RFQ #410181 (Re-Bid) Pre-Qualification for Open-Ended Architectural Services Mandatory: Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10AM and NonMandatory: Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10AM– Both at General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Conference Room 1107, Oakland, CA Attendance at the first Proposers Conference is required. Responses Due by 2:00 pm on February 6, 2013 County Contact : Fawaz Khanachet at (510) 208-9824 or via email: fawaz.khanachet@acgov.org Information regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 1/4/13 CNS-2422467#

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/ BIDDERS CONFERENCES RFQ #901081 for Motorcycle Body Repair and Maintenance: South County-Monday, January 7, 2013, 2:00 p.m. – Castro Valley Library, Canyon Room, 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Castro Valley, CA North CountyTuesday, January 8, 2013, 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room 1107, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA Response Due by 2:00 p.m. on February 14, 2013. County Contact : Evelyn Benzon (510) 208-9622 or via email: evelyn.benzon@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Information regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 1/4/13 CNS-2422679#

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted at the Alameda County Social Services Agency Contracts Office, 2000 San Pablo Avenue, 4th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 NON-MANDATORY NETWORKING/BIDDERS CONFERENCES for RFP SASYEP 2013 Summer and After-School Youth Employment and Education Program North County: Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 9:00 AM, Social Services Agency, 675 Hegenberger Road, Grizzly Peak Room, Oakland and South County: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 1:00 PM, Social Services Agency, 24100 Amador Street, 6th Floor, Shooting Star Rooms (A&B), Hayward Responses Due by 2:00 pm on January 30, 2013 County Contact: Naima Jameson (510) 267-8632 or via email: njameso@acgov.org Attendance at Networking/Bidders Conference is not required. The RFP is available via the GSA website— www.acgov.org under Current Contracting Opportunities 1/4/13 CNS-2424448#

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING BIDDERS CONFERENCES for RFP #901082 Alternative Work Solutions Relocation Space Planning Services North County – Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 10:00 AM at General Services Agency, Room 222, 2nd Floor, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA (A non-mandatory walk-thru of 1111 Jackson Street will follow this Bidders Conference in Oakland.) and South County – Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Social Services Agency, Rooms Shooting Star A & B, 24100 Amador Street, Hayward, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on February 13, 2013 County Contact: Lovell Laurente (510) 208-9621 or via email: lovell.laurente@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County GSA Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 1/4/13 CNS-2424972#

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January 4, 2013

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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

NEW YORK

NEW JERSEY

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Fri Jan 04

Sat Jan 12

• The Art Of Living Course

• Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary celebrations

Venue: Art of Living center, 2368 Walsh Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 408-365-4265

Fri Jan 11 • Dance Rush Venue: Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 415-724-9255

Venue: Mandir in Irvine, 1732 Reynolds Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 650-215-8484

Sun Jan 27 • South Asian Wedding Expo Venue: Pacific Palms, 1 Industry Hills Pkwy, La Puente, CA 91744 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 714-493-7900

Sat Jan 12 • Free 2-Day Meditation Training Program For Young Aspirants Venue: Private Residence, heathrow terrace, Fremont, CA 94555 Time: 9:30 am Contact: 510-405-1630

Sun Jan 13 • Makar Sankranti Uttarayan Celebrations Venue: Milpitas Sports Center, 1325 E Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 11:00 am Contact: 408-586-0006

Sat Jan 19 • Shraddhaanjali: A Dance Festival Venue: Santa Clara University Mayer Theater, Santa Clara, CA, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 831-566-8528

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming Fri Jan 18 • Holiday Inn Washington DCCentral/White House Presidetial Inauguration Venue: Holiday Inn Washington DC-Central/ White House, 1501 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005 Time: 1:00 am Contact: 202483200

Sat Jan 05

Fri Jan 04

Sat Jan 05

• Amjad Sabri Live Qawwali In New York

• Arabian Nights Belly Dancing Show w/ DJ Wave!

• Bal-Mukund: Playground for Vedic Wisdom Open House

Venue: Indian Concert Hall, 143-09 Holly Ave, NY 11355 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 646-250-5046

Venue: Fire n Ice: Exotic Hookah Bar & Lounge, 583 Ford Ave, Fords, NJ 08863 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 732-417-1999

Venue: 2991 Brockway Street, palatine, IL 60067, 2991 Brockway St, Palatine, IL 60067 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 630-561-4807

Tue Feb 26

Fri Jan 11

• West Sonoma Coast Vintners presents NYC West of West Wine Festival Venue: City Winery, 155 Varick St, New York, NY 10013 Time: 6:00 pm

Sun May 05 • Masters of Indian Music & Dance Krishna Bhatt & Anindo Chatterjee Venue: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 212-545-7536

ATLANTA Upcoming

Sat Jam 19 • 2-Day Meditation Training Program For Young Aspirants Venue: Virginia / Maryland PAM center (Gaithersburg, MD), 116 North Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Time: 9:30 am Contact: 301-947-9040

Sat Jan 19

Sun Jan 13 • Winter Wonderland Bridal Ball Expo Venue: Emory Conference Center Hotel, 1615 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30329 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 4046356862

Fri June 21

• Indiaspora Inaugural Ball

Sun March 24

• UCarnival San Francisco 2013

Venue: Mandarin Oriental Washington DC, 1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 415-922-9802

• My Shadi Bridal Expo

Venue: San Francisco - Fishermans Wharf, 1300 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 7322837600

Venue: Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 9547848100

• Learn to meditate and de-stress Venue: Residence, 31 Haymarket Ct, Cranbury Township, NJ 08512 Time: 7:15 pm Contact: 609-369-4109

Sun Jan 27 • Pongal Special Cultural Programs Venue: North Brunswick High School, 98 Raider Road, North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Time: 9:00 am

Sat Jan 19 • 2013 Sankranthi & Republic Day Celebration Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, 10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, IL 60439 Time: 1:00 pm Contact: 6304038342

Sat Jan 26 • Pongal Vizha 2013 Venue: Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, 1145 Sullivan Rd, Aurora, IL 60506 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: ctspongal13@yahoogroups.com

Horoscope

50 India Post

January 4, 2013

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What the 2013 Stars foretell for you by Pandit

Parashar

Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com / 510-886-4370 / website: www.parashar.com

think it's high time for my readers to understand some fundamental principles of how these weekly and yearly predictions are made. In yearly forecast mainly we look into the transit of planet Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. It's very important to know the basis on which the interpretation of these transits are made. Jupiter is an auspicious planet and yields good results during its transit in various houses but that's not true. Planet Jupiter is really good when transiting fifth, seventh, ninth or his own sign or house but as they have a shloka saying "Sthaan Haani Karoh Jivah." Here Sthaan means place or house, Haani means impair or damage, Karoh means does, and Jivah in Sanskrit language is another name for Planet Jupiter or Guru. What it means is that Planet Jupiter impairs the house he is transiting in different ways. On the other hand transiting Saturn in very helpful in third, sixth and eleventh house or transiting various houses where he is a friend of the sign occupied by Sun or Moon or transiting in the capacity of Raja Yoga Karka as in case of people with their Sun or Moon in Taurus or Libra ascendant. And of course the transits of Planet Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury and Venus are also taken into serious consideration and interpretation of their transits are included as per their locations and the relations to the sign occupying Sun or Moon sign. Normally transit of Malefics like Sun and Mars is considered favorable in third, sixth, eleventh or when they are transiting in the capacity of helpful planets for various Sun or Moon signs. For example, since for Cancer the planet Mars is considered Raja Yoga Karka, its effects in different houses will be mostly helpful. Now Jupiter will stay in Taurus till May 31st, 2013 and Saturn will stay in Libra throughout 2013. Rahu will transit Libra and Ketu will stay in Aries throughout 2013. Now let's see how these will impact various signs (June 21 to July 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

oney wise the first six months look very promising as compared to the last six months of year 2012. You will be plain lucky in all money matters. The value of your assets and stocks previously purchased will appreciate. You will have better control over expenses which have already come down a lot in the past month. After May 31, you are going to have better luck in almost everything. Most of your plans will hit bull's eye without any difficulty. Some one lot older and possibly with grey hairs could be instrumental in your success. There is a strong chance that some of you will change your job in early part of 2013. New job will be definitely better, closer to home and have a relaxed atmosphere. It will be a better year for bachelors also, marriage is definitely in the air. Spouse will also have better luck and purchase of another property is not ruled out. People in business partnership will get out of one or buy their partners out. You will become financially very strong in 2013.

ot of you will change career in first half of 2013. Vehicles will need repairs off and on. You will continue to maintain a low profile in first half of 2013 and wait for the right opportunity to strike which will of course come right after May 31, 2013. You will take several important trips overseas this year and may start a big project in foreign lands in second half. Opportunity to purchase a nice piece of property will come around June and you will not hesitate even for a minute and go for it. You may win few favors from Government this year and it will help existing business grow and diversify. Spouse will have better health and may also get some money out of litigation. Children being your biggest assets, will continue to march towards professional goals. You should continue to try your hands at lottery this year as strong Sun in May and June can get you the much needed large chunk of money. You will start helping spouse more at home and at the business. Anything to do with overseas will be lucky for you after May 31.

(April 21 to May 20)

ou will continue to do well in your career. Patience and hard work will help you make your way and you will keep climbing up the ladder of success. Presence of exalted Saturn in sixth will help you gain an edge over your even strongest opponents. Some of your business competitors may leave the scene adding more foot traffic to your business in 2013. Some health issue will keep your mind occupied till May 31 but will come under full control thereafter. You should restrain yourself and try not to stretch your limits too much otherwise you will find yourself under lot of financial pressure in second half of 2013. If involved in any law suit, Saturn in sixth kind of guarantees a clear cut win with large financial gains before May. You will definitely change your vehicle with new and luxury version. If you do not gamble, you will accumulate lot of wealth in 2013.

(July 23 to August 22)

his will be a very fortunate year for you. Changes you make in career will prove to be lucky and a turning point in second half. Business should multiply at least twice this year. You will travel long distance more than once for recreation purposes in 2013. Image in society will improve and you may win big favors from a government agency. Some of you may initiate a big lawsuit to prove your point or to recover what belonged to you in the first place. The judgment will be quick and favorable or the other party may even offer good settlement out of court. For people looking for an expansion in family, planets will make it happen in second half when Jupiter aspects its own house, the house of children. Number of you will move into bigger and better homes this summer. You will definitely add more and luxury model of vehicles to your existing fleet. You will sign couple of big contracts or deals in second half.

(May 21 to June 20)

ou will be spending lot of money on family and may have done some addition done to your home or some big renovation done to your home in the first half of 2013. As far as money is concerned, some time you will have a lot and some times none, but you will have ample and gracefully meet all your commitments on time. A child will move away for educational purpose this year. Second half of 2013 is what you should be looking forward to when Jupiter moves into your sign and brings all kind of relief in big way. Some of you may start another venture in partnership or float your own consulting company. Project will be instant success and go a long way. Bachelors will be successful in finding a right soul mate but the person will most probably be born overseas. You are full of bright ideas and should not hesitate to implement them this year. Start small and the planets promise that you will end up growing like a Banyan tree.

(August 23 to September 22)

his year will bring many changes in life. If you are not careful and take any hasty decisions, it could hurt your finances and personal life too. Money wise things will stay very tight and you may keep disposing off your assets in order to meet your commitments. There will be big changes in career in mid 2013 and some of you may get out of ventures chewing you up in the past and take up some job for the time being. Bachelors will be successful in finding a very noble, suitable and very professional match this year. Some of you may start new venture on a small scale in partnership with some nice and like minded people around April or May. Your commitments and expenses on family, children will escalate in 2013. Avoid investing in any old or run down property; it is not going to be profitable. You will be taking a trip overseas to meet an important person who can turn things around, if you play your cards right.

Horoscope

January 4, 2013

India Post 51

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What the 2013 Stars foretell for you by Pandit

Parashar

(January 20 to February 18)

(September 23 to October 22)

his year could be another turning point in your life if you have patience and are ready to work hard. Raja Yoga Karka Saturn in your sign will turn things around in your favor and will take you to new levels in life. Rahu will change your personality. You will become a no nonsense and tough person and probably that is the way to succeed in life. Children will excel in whatever they are involved in. There will be peace at home and mind will be more settled from now on. Some of you may find good luck and fortune in direction west this year. It will be a great year for people involved in high tech industry. You may also secure a big business loan to help you expand your horizons to far off lands this year. Spouse may have some unexpected and beyond comprehension health issues this year. Some of you will be moving to a very large property with lots of greenery around this summer. Bank balance may not grow that much but your credibility, assets and value will appreciate in year 2013.

ince the size of family will grow you will move to a bigger place this summer. Large gains from overseas and in projects going on in other countries are possible this year. Planets will help you grow against heavy odds and tough market. You may be the one selected for an important assignment among number of contenders. Boss will be always on your side. Your automobiles may need minor repairs off and on and ultimately you may decide to replace one of them with another economical model. There will be another addition in the family after June and simultaneously you will move to a bigger home in a better area. Once Jupiter moves in fifth after May 31, there will be sudden financial growth. Opportunity to make money will come by itself. You may dispose off some earlier investments for a huge profit. The only negative thing this year is the health of an older family member. You may make couple of trips overseas in this respect.

(October 23 to November 22)

rogress will be slow as in the past six months but you will continue to make all commitments on time. People in medical profession should not let their guards down and make sure that paper work is complete as the threat of a malpractice lawsuit still looms around because of Saturn's transit in twelfth in 2013. Money wise you will be comfortable throughout as expenses will stay on lower side and the growth will be steady. April and onwards you will have new clients and foot traffic will grow. Most of new clients will come through referrals. August will bring some major and positive changes in career. Some of you may take over another running business on some very easy repayment terms. Children will continue to do well in their lives and you may even become grandparent for the first time this summer. You will take all decisions after careful thinking. Investments you make this year will turn profitable in coming years only. You may receive some money from an insurance company in second half of 2013.

(November 23 to December 22)

hings will stay slow in first half. Pressure will be too much and you will not have any choice but to face it. Some of you may stay away most of the time for business purpose or assignments till May 31 but things will change for the better right thereafter. People taking advantage will be moved away and you will regain your right place in the career or the organization. Month of July will bring relief in a huge way and you will have the Midas touch for about two months so do not hesitate and aim high as dream can become reality during these two months. A new association or partnership possible with an intellectual person with some age difference. This person could be short in height too. Money wise you will become very careful and as a result your bank balance will creep up in 2013. Chances of money through legal matters still stay strong. You will be successful in getting an important issue resolved with a government agency in 2013.

(December 22 to January 19)

t will be another fruitful year. You will continue to march ahead against heavy odds. Expect lots of financial growth in 2013. The size of family will also grow. Another child or marriage of a child very much possible before end of May. Some of you may file some kind of complaint against your employer this year. The judgment will come fast and in your favor. You will make new friends and useful contacts. You will meet an important personality during the course of a business trip. This person will help you beyond your imagination. You may travel overseas with family to attend a wedding of close relative also. You will stay little double minded about leaving your existing home and move to a bigger property. Your interest in higher philosophy will increase and you may associate your self with a charity organization. Some of you may even diversify and get into gas or automobile business.

(February 19 to March 20)

hings will stay slow for first half of 2013 but once Jupiter moves into the fourth house, everything will turn around to your advantage. A huge promotion with added benefits and bonus will be offered by same or other well known company. Some of you may need minor surgery to get rid of an old problem this year. Several important meetings will take place during the month of April and May. You will receive good tips and guidance from some one you met in past few months. You will be applying for a big loan possibly a real estate loan in the month of July. You may take a trip overseas to see some close family member in the month of August. Few old friends will try to come back in your life but you will be reluctant to take them back. You may receive a temporary assignment to teach a class also in month of April or May.

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Philosophy

January 4, 2013

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he science of Kriya Yoga became widely known in modern India through the instrumentality of Lahiri Mahasaya, my guru's guru. The Sanskrit root of Kriya is kri, to do, to act and react; the same root is found in the word karma, the natural principle of cause and effect. Kriya Yoga is thus "union (yoga) with the Infinite through a certain action or rite." A yogi who faithfully follows its technique is gradually freed from karma or the universal chain of causation. Kriya Yoga is a simple, psychophysiological method by which the human blood is decarbonized and recharged with oxygen. The atoms of this extra oxygen are transmuted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers. By stopping the accumulation of venous blood, the yogi is able to lessen or prevent the decay of tissues; the advanced yogi transmutes his cells into pure energy. Elijah, Jesus, Kabir and other prophets were past masters in the use of Kriya or a similar technique, by which they caused their bodies to dematerialize at will. Kriya is an ancient science. Lahiri Mahasaya received it from his guru, Babaji, who rediscovered and clarified the technique after it had been lost in the Dark Ages. "The Kriya Yoga which I am giving to the world through you

MEISTER ECKHART

ou should know, that that which God gives to those men who seek to do His will with all their might, is the best. Of this thou mayest be as sure, as thou art sure that God lives, that the very best must necessarily be, and that in no other way could anything better happen. Even if something else seems better, it would not be so good for thee, for God wills this and not another way, and this way must be the best for thee. Whether it be sickness or poverty or hunger or thirst, or whatever it be, that God hangs over thee or does not hang over thee whatever God gives or gives not, that is all what is best for thee; whether it be devotion or inwardness, or the lack of these which grieves thee - only set thyself right in this, that thou desirest the glory of God in all things, and then whatever He does to thee, that is the best. Now thou mayest perchance say: How can I tell whether it is the will of God or not? If it were not the will of God, it would not happen. Thou couldst have nei-

in this nineteenth century," Babaji told Lahiri Mahasaya, "is a revival of the same science which Krishna gave, millenniums ago, to Arjuna, and which was later known to Patanjali, and to Christ, St. John, St. Paul, and other disciples." Kriya Yoga is referred to by Krishna, India's greatest prophet, in a stanza of the Bhagavad Gita: "Offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath, and offering the outgoing breath into the inhaling

communicated the indestructible yoga to an ancient illuminato, Vivasvat, who gave it to Manu, the great legislator. He, in turn, instructed Ikshwaku, the father of India's solar warrior dynasty. Passing thus from one to another, the royal yoga was guarded by the rishis until the coming of the materialistic ages. Then, due to priestly secrecy and man's indifference, the sacred knowledge gradually be-

tual encouragement, the devotee becomes assured that he is in actual touch with divine realms. Patanjali refers a second time to the life-control or Kriya technique thus: "Liberation can be accomplished by that pranayama which is attained by disjoining the course of inspiration and expiration." St. Paul knew Kriya Yoga, or a technique very similar to it, by which he could switch life currents to and from the senses. He was

Kriya Yoga technique frees you from karma Paramhansa Yogananda

By stopping the accumulation of venous blood, the yogi is able to lessen or prevent the decay of tissues; the advanced yogi transmutes his cells into pure energy

breath, the yogi neutralizes both these breaths; he thus releases the life force from the heart and brings it under his control." The interpretation is: "The yogi arrests decay in the body by an addition of life force, and arrests the mutations of growth in the body by apan (eliminating current). Thus neutralizing decay and growth, by quieting the heart, the yogi learns life control." Krishna also relates that it was he, in a former incarnation, who

came inaccessible. Kriya Yoga is mentioned twice by the ancient sage Patanjali, foremost exponent of yoga, who wrote: "Kriya Yoga consists of body discipline, mental control, and meditating on Aum." Patanjali speaks of God as the actual Cosmic Sound of Aum heard in meditation. Aum is the Creative Word, the sound of the Vibratory Motor. Even the yoga-beginner soon inwardly hears the wondrous sound of Aum. Receiving this blissful spiri-

therefore able to say: "Verily, I protest by our rejoicing which I have in Christ, I die daily." By daily withdrawing his bodily life force, he united it by yoga union with the rejoicing (eternal bliss) of the Christ consciousness. In that felicitous state, he was consciously aware of being dead to the delusive sensory world of maya. Excerpted from Chapter 26 of Autobiography of a Yogi. The 120th birth anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda falls on January 5

ther sickness nor anything else unless God willed it. But know that it is God's will that thou shouldst have so much pleasure and satisfaction therein, that thou shouldst feel no pain as pain; thou shouldst take it from God as the very best thing, for it must of necessity be the very best thing for thee. Therefore I may even wish for

whatever may become better, may become best. Now God is not good, for He cannot become better. And if He cannot become better, He cannot become best, for these three things, good, better, and best, are far from God, since He is above all. If I also say, God is wise, it is not true; I am wiser than He. If I also say, God is a Being, it is not

dost prate about God, thou liest, and committest sin. If thou wilt be without sin, prate not about God. Thou canst understand nought about God, for He is above all understanding. A master saith: If I had a God whom I could understand, I would never hold Him to be God. If you loved God, of a surety

Whatever God gives or gives not, is the best I may even say, I am better than God; for whatever is good, may become better, and whatever may become better, may become best. Now God is not good, for He cannot become better it and desire it, and nothing would become me better than so to do. God is nameless, for no man can either say or understand aught about Him. If I say, God is good, it is not true; nay more; I am good, God is not good. I may even say, I am better than God; for whatever is good, may become better, and

true; He is transcendent Being and superessential Nothingness. Concerning this St Augustine says: the best thing that man can say about God is to be able to be silent about Him, from the wisdom of his inner judgment. Therefore be silent and prate not about God, for whenever thou

Meister Eckhart

nothing would give you greater pleasure than what pleases Him best, and that whereby His will may be most fully done. Meister Eckhart (1260 1327) was a German theologian, philosopher and mystic, born near Gotha, in the Holy Roman Empire.

I was a learned fool. My flawed mind knew nothing till I came to dwell with Him whose Glance filled my heart with the Light of Awareness. -Sri Muruganar All you've got to do is let go of the personal 'I' by not reacting to the condition, and automatically the real 'I' comes along, for you are really the real 'I'. This is your real nature. -Robert Adams you will discover that you are the consciousness in which the thoughts appear and disappear. You will discover that this thing called mind only exists when thoughts are allowed to run free. -Annamalai Swami All ideas of purpose and meaning are manufactured by you. Otherwise, nothing in existence has any purpose, neither does existence itself have any purpose. -Amir Mourad As far as the search for truth is concerned, 98% of our thinking is rubbish. The remaining 2% is garbage. Throw it all out and be empty! Truth cannot be caught by intellect alone grace is needed. -Mooji

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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January 4, 2013

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China makes inroads into Maldives at India's cost P. K. BALACHANDRAN

hina has been making in Xinhua, between January and port and harbor are located at a roads into the Maldives, June 2012, 91,148 Chinese had place called Gan. The Chinese are which India has for long come to the Maldives, a 13 per- apparently interested in Gan as seen as part of its area of influ- cent growth as compared to the part of their bid to be present in ence. The signing of a military pact same period in 2011. the Indian Ocean. The US too is between the defense ministers of Few from India interested in Gan, as their surveilthe Maldives and China in Beijing India, in contrast, accounts for lance base in Diego Garcia is due recently is only the latest in a se- only three percent of the arrivals, to be given back to the UK upon ries of developments which show though Indian travelers are the the end of the lease in 2016. the increasing interest the two single largest group in neighborIf Britain gives it back to countries have been taking in ing Sri Lanka. A number of Indi- Mauritius as promised, and does each other. ans work in the Maldives but the not exercise the option of renewThis is a development of criti- Indian High Commission there had ing the lease for another 20 years, cal importance to India for two rea- recently complained that Indian the US will have to negotiate with sons. Firstly, New Delhi is losing workers, and even tourists, were Mauritius. However, given the Isits traditional clout in Sri Lanka to being maltreated. lamic resurgence and pro-Chithe Chinese. Secondly, it is in the Resort owners are reportedly nese feelings in the Maldives, the process of asserting its economic not too happy with the Chinese US might try to stick to Diego and strategic interests in the In- replacing Europeans because the Garcia, rather than seek a place in dian Ocean by establishing a blue former are basically budget tour- the Maldives. water navy, a process triggered ists (who spend less). But the Chi- Alienation from India partly by the emergence of an as- nese are keeping the recession-hit Moves to attract Chinese insertive and expansionist China. industry afloat to the delight of the vestments and reach out to China Even as China establishes itself Abdul Waheed government. The for military aid are occurring in the in Sri Lanka, selling arms, building regime is also happy that unlike context of certain developments harbors, power plants, which have soured the housing for the armed Maldives' relations forces and road netwith its traditional works in strategically friends in the demoimportant areas, it has cratic world. reached out to neighThere was the exboring Maldives, parpulsion of GMR, an ticipating in infrastrucIndo-Malaysian conture projects and sendsortium, from the USD ing tourists in large 511 million Male internumbers. national airport project. China has recently Then there was the tersigned a military coopmination of the coneration agreement with tract with the MalayChina and Maldives signing military pact, Beijing, Dec 16 the Maldives taking adsian Nexbis Ltd., to vantage of the latter's build a border control alienation from India, and its Western countries, China makes system. troubles with the West over hu- no political or ideological demands While Malaysia has expressed man rights violations and the dis- on the Maldives. This is discern- disappointment, the Indian governorderly change of government in ible in President Waheed's inter- ment has tightened the visa regime February 2012. view to Xinhua in September in for Maldivians. India has also Tourist Influx which he said: "Unlike other influ- pointed out that Indians are being Since tourism is the main indus- ential countries, China looks at harassed in the Maldives. While try in the Maldives, country-wise small countries like the Maldives GMR has sought a compensation arrival figures have critical impor- with a different perspective." of USD 800 million, the Maldivian tance in assessing the potential The President said that he Attorney General has said that her influence of various countries. hoped to increase Chinese pres- government will in turn seek comArrivals from China have been ence in the infrastructure and other pensation from GMR. going up phenomenally, in con- sectors. He told the Chinese that in Human Rights Issue trast to those from traditional mar- the Maldives there was no foreign In addition, the Maldives faces kets like Europe and Japan. Ac- exchange control, that all profits human rights issues in its relacording to The Guardian, 2009 saw could be repatriated, and that com- tions with the democratic world. 61,000 Chinese tourists arrive. In pany registration was easy. Recently, British MPs objected to 2010, the number went up to Even prior to Waheed, in the the Scottish police training the 119,000, with honeymooners ac- time of Presidents Mohammad Maldivian police, which they say counting for a significant propor- Nasheed and Moumoon Abdul has violated human rights during tion. In the first nine months of Gayoom, the Maldives had been the February 2012 disturbances 2011, the number had shot up to lurching towards China, though which led to Waheed's assuming 146,668, a 62 percent jump as com- for economic rather than political power as President. Foreign Secpared to the previous year. and strategic reasons, in the light retary William Hague is expected As per Maldivian official sta- of the reduction of tourist inflow to be quizzed on this. tistics for 2011, 21 percent of the from the West. C o l o m b o - b a s e d tourists were from China. The ChiBut The Times of India quot- P.K.Balachandran has over 25 nese were the single largest group ing Indian intelligence sources years of experience in reporting from the Asia-Pacific region, which has said that Waheed is inter- Sri Lanka and South India as a accounted for 37.5 percent of the ested in getting the Chinese to correspondent of leading Indian arrivals that year. According to develop Addu Atoll, where an air- and foreign publications.

One more rape

ulayam Singh Yadav has a hard demeanor which doesn't befit his name which means "soft." At the peak of the Anna Hazare movement he had declared that this agitation would soon die down and things would get back to normal. Nobody would remember that such a thing had occurred. He was right in a way. So many agitations have taken place but after a few promises and delaying tactics like ordering an inquiry, the governments get back to the same routine. The promises of course are never implemented. The Delhi administration may not say it in so many words but it shares this callous attitude. One more rape? Oh "hota hai." In the famous filmy language, "bade bade shaharon mein aisi chhoti chhoti baatein hoti rahatein hai." (Oh it is no big deal! Such small things keep happening in big cities.") But this time they found the protests just kept swelling and not only at India Gate in Delhi, but all over the country. It had touched a chord. Women's lives were not safe, they dared not step out at night, there was harassment in public places, in the bus, in the metro, even in offices and on the street. According to statistics, women get raped in India every 20 minutes and there are 1000 cases of rape awaiting justice in Delhi's courts alone. So what was special if one more got raped, or let us admit, gang-raped! Why this mass hysteria? It seems the tipping point has been reached. Unlike any other gang-raped woman, this one was refusing to die. Critically wounded after being raped and beaten up by six beasts in a luxury bus, she was thrown out of the moving vehicle (along with her companion) to die. But she refused to die. Even though her rescue was delayed, she lay unconscious in the hospital with septic wounds, but she refused to die. Her intestines were badly infected and had to be removed. Ever heard of someone living without intestines? But this one not only lived on but was greatly conscious of what was happening. She wanted to know the condition of her companion; she asked if the culprits had been caught. The doctors said her condition was worsening and held out little hope. But she refused to die. That spark in her drew strength from the nature and swelling number of protests all over the country. She told her mother that she wanted to live. And the protestors, noting her bravery, found new courage. It was a rare jugalbandi. She was the symbol of all the raped women and all those who had lost hope. The violated women and their relatives came to the capital and told their stories and joined in the protests. The police won't register their complaints, made them squirm with their unhelpful and suggestive questions and even when the cases were registered, the courts took inordinately long and even let off the culprits. The Chief Minister of Delhi, a woman herself, hasn't made things any easier. To every question her answer is that law and order is not under her government. It is the responsibility of the central government, in particular the Home Ministry. This ministry makes sure that enough police force is employed in security duties for the ever-increasing number of VIPs in the capital city and there are not many left to look after the security needs of the common people. The Home Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, who enjoys little credibility, made a curious statement at his press conference. He said that his government is considering death penalty for "rarest of rare" rape. What in the world is "rarest of rare" of rape, it is being asked on the Internet. What is the difference between one rape and another? Are "ordinary" rapes to be condoned and only those "rare" rapes in the Home Minister's dictionary to be acted against?

January 4, 2013

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