IndiaPost_03-29-2013 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Gov Quinn for business with India Details on page 16

Bobby Ghosh is editor of Time International Details on page 6

Google names Indian as Android CEO

VOL 18, No. 967

March 29, 2013

50¢

SONIA ACTS TOUGH ON ITALIAN MARINES 'Don't take India for granted'

NEW DELHI: Echoing the national anger over the issue of marines, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has accused Italy of "betrayal" and asserted that no country will be allowed to take India for granted. She slammed Italy for violating its assurance to the Supreme Court to send back the two marines facing trial for allegedly killing two Indian fishermen and said that all

means must be pursued to ensure that the commitment is fulfilled. Addressing a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party, she said, "The defiance of the Italian government on the question of the two marines and its betrayal of a commitment to our Supreme Court are outright unacceptable. Details on page 5

FROM EGYPT, WITH ADMIRATION: President Pranab Mukherjee with his Egyptian counterpart Mohammed Morsi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on March 19. (Details on page 10)

Details on page 6

India-born football fan bashed up in UK Details on page 6

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

Will Italy return the marines to India? Last week’s result

Will a Hollywood-Bollywood film win success? YES 37%

Periodical Postage

NO 63%

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Bobby Jindal escapes unhurt after SUV crash Details on page 6

USCIS to accept H-1B petitions from April 1 Details on page 43

Cal resident recounts India hospital horror Details on page 23

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 46 Community Post -------------- 16-27 Date Book -------------------------- 36 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 52 Immigration Post ------------- 43-45 Life Style ----------------------- 48-50 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-42

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March 29, 2013

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March 29, 2013

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Publisher’s Diary

iracles don't cease to happen in India where "godmen" are concerned. There's a crippling drought over the last two years in the state of Maharashtra, which has caused not just crop damage, loss of agricultural jobs, etc as is "normal" during drought situations, but has also caused a serious drinking water problem for the people in the affected regions. And then you have this "guru" or Asaram Bapu as he calls himself, who blesses his devotees in Nagpur (one of the drought affected regions) with 40,000 liters of water to play Holi with! Imagine, where people don't have enough water to drink, they have plenty to play Holi with. Now that's a miracle. Last week, Indian television channels were in a spin showing visuals of the mega festival of colors that this "godman" generously showered on over 50,000 of his followers in an open ground. Now, this is the same man who a couple of months ago, in the context of the Delhi gang rape case, had said - in all his "godly wisdom" - that the victim, who later died in hospital, should have, while being raped, touched the rapists feet and asked for forgiveness and called them "brothers" so that she is spared from being raped. Deplorable and reprehensible as this guru is, I really don't think it is his fault. My anger is at his so called devotees who are so blind as to not see the ludicrousness of this man whom they call their guru. What I also don't understand is why such men in India are allowed to practice their craft (of duping people) with such impunity and not held accountable. This Asaram Bapu is not the only such individual operating in India. There are scores of others masquerading as men of god. On a larger philosophical note, I really wonder what it is that makes such vast multitudes of people follow a single individual so blindly even though they don't gain any tangible benefits from that individual. How else do you explain such misplaced devotion except that there is something fundamentally wrong with the concept of God?

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Sensitive star On the sets of his Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, Ranbir stalled his shoot to be by his injured makeup man’s side.

Cover Story: Sonia acts tough Sonia Gandhi has accused Italy of "betrayal" and asserted that no country can take India for granted.

Community: Pension problem Illinois Governor Pat Quinn emphasizes the dire need to tackle the $96 billion unfunded pension problem facing the State.

Immigration: Luring GOP Obama tells Republicans they would benefit politically more than Democrats by supporting immigration overhaul.

Life Style: National Film awards Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Paan Singh Tomar', was announced the best picture at the 60th National Film awards.

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Sonia acts tough on Italian marines 'Don't take India for granted' NEW DELHI: Echoing the national anger over the issue of marines, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has accused Italy of "betrayal" and asserted that no country will be allowed to take India for granted. She slammed Italy for violating its assurance to the Supreme Court to send back the two marines facing trial for allegedly killing two Indian fishermen and said that all means must be pursued to ensure that the commitment is fulfilled. Addressing a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party, she said, "The defiance of the Italian government on the question of the two marines and its betrayal of a commitment to our Supreme Court are outright unacceptable. "No country can, should, or will be allowed to take India for granted. All means must be pursued to ensure that the commitment made by the Italian government to our Supreme Court is honored." Her remarks assume significance as the Congress is under attack from the Opposition, which alluding to Gandhi's Italian origin, has been targeting it questioning why accused having links with Italy escape Indian laws starting from the time of the Bofors scandal. Sources in the party have maintained that Gandhi was keen that the government did not appear soft on the Italian marines issue. After withholding posting of its Ambassador-designate Basant Kumar Gupta to Rome, the government had said further steps will be taken after comple-

tion of the review of bilateral ties with Italy. Taking a tough stand, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had accused Italy of violating "every rule of diplomatic discourse" and asked it to send back the two ma-

Violation, says Italy ROME: Italy has said India was violating a convention on diplomatic immunity by preventing the Italian ambassador from leaving the country in an escalating row over the case of two Italian ma-

rines on trial for killing two Indian fishermen. "The Supreme Court's decision to prevent our ambassador from leaving the country without the court's permission is a clear violation of the Vienna convention on

File picture of Italian marines Massimiliano Latorre ( right) and Salvatore Girone at the office of Commissioner of Police in Kochi

rines undergoing trial for killing Indian fishermen, failing which there will be consequences on bilateral ties. Massimiliano Lattore and Salvatore Girone, both charged with homicide for killing two fishermen off the Kerala coast in February last year in an anti-piracy operation, were permitted by the apex court on February 22 to go to Italy for four weeks for voting in election.

Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini was punished over his role in securing the release of two marines who skipped bail while on trial for murder in New Delhi

diplomatic relations," the foreign ministry said.

EU cautious BRUSSELS: The European Union's (EU) Foreign Service reacted cautiously to a decision by India's top judge to strip Italy's ambassador of his diplomatic immunity. India and Italy should "pursue all avenues for an amicable solution," said the spokesman for Eu-

ropean Union High Representative Catherine Ashton. Michael Mann told a regular news conference that Brussels had "noted" the India Supreme Court ruling and added: "The Vienna convention must in all cases be observed." However, pressed on whether the Italian envoy's diplomatic immunity should be upheld, Mann refused to comment further. Italian ambassador Daniele Mancini was punished over his role in securing the release of two marines who skipped bail while on trial for murder in New Delhi. Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone, who are accused of murdering two Indian fishermen last year, had been given permission to fly to Italy to cast their votes in the election on the understanding that they would return. But the Italian government announced that it would renege on its commitment to send the men back, prompting fury in New Delhi.

Resolve issue, says UN Secy WASHINGTON: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expects India and Italy to resolve their standoff over the marine issues constructively and in compliance with their international obligations. "The Secretary-General hopes and expects Italy and India to resolve this matter constructively, and in compliance with their international obligations," Eduardo del Buey, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN chief, told reporters.Agencies

Indian historian appointed Chair at John W. Kluge Center India Post News Service

ibrarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Sanjay Subrahmanyam as the Kluge Chair in Countries and Cultures of the South at the Library's John W. Kluge Center. A distinguished professor of history at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and founding director of UCLA's Center for India and South Asia, Subrahmanyam has published extensively on the medieval and early modern history of India, the Indian Ocean world and Eurasia.

He will spend four months at the Library of Congress researching two themes connected to South Asia. The first and major theme will concern first-person narratives from early modern South Asia. The second theme concerns French contacts and dealings with South Asia in the 16th and 17th centuries. "Having worked extensively in the past on travel accounts, the history of trade, court culture, and history writing, my current projects continue along similar lines," Subrahmanyam says. "In one project, I will re-examine firstperson materials produced in India between 1500 and 1800. These

writings have often been the object of both popular and scholarly misunderstandings. In a second project, I will pursue an examination of early French encounters

The first and major theme will concern first-person narratives from early modern South Asia. The second theme concerns French contacts and dealings with South Asia

with India, as part of a history of the beginnings of Orientalism. In both cases, I hope to make use of the Library's unique collections." Subrahmanyam's publications on Indian and world history date back nearly 30 years, and include "The Political Economy of Commerce: Southern India, 15001650," "The Portuguese Empire in Asia, 1500-1700," and two volumes on "Explorations in Connected History." He is a managing editor of the Indian Economic and Social History Review, an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and he is on the board of the multi-volume Cam-

bridge History of the World. The Kluge Chair in Countries and Cultures of the South is a distinguished senior research position in residence at the Library, appointed by the Librarian of Congress. Using research facilities and services at the Library of Congress, the scholar is expected to explore the history of the regions of Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, and the islands of the Pacific including Australia and New Zealand, using the immense foreign language collections in the specialized reading rooms of the Library.

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Bobby Ghosh named editor of Time International WASHINGTON: Eminent Indian journalist Bobby Ghosh has been named the new editor of Time International. The announcement of Mr Ghosh's appointment was made

to in our profession," they said. "Bobby, whose recent India stories for TIME have included profiles of cricket god Sachin Tendulkar; Bollywood star Aamir Khan and world chess champ

Bobby Ghosh

by Martha Nelson, editor-in-chief, and Rick Stengel, Managing Editor, of the magazine in a joint email to the company staff. "It gives me great pleasure to announce that Bobby Ghosh is our new international editor. Bobby, quite simply, is a magnificent journalist who has done the highest level of work that one can aspire

Vishwanathan Anand, replaces Jim Frederick, who now becomes a contributing editor," they said. Mr Bobby joined TIME in 1998 after ten years as a journalist in India and two on the staff of the Far Eastern Economic Review in Hong Kong. "He became a senior editor at TIME Asia, where he wrote a

weekly TIME.com column called Sub continental Drift. Bobby then moved to London to become a senior editor at TIME Europe and in 2007, he became the first nonAmerican World editor in TIME's history," they wrote in the email. Nelson and Stengel said during his five years as the Time Baghdad bureau chief throughout the worst of the Iraq war, Mr Bobby wrote two of the most unforgettable cover stories: Life in Hell, and Sunnis vs Shias. "He was not only fearless in his work in Iraq but he was the guardian of all who worked for us in Baghdad," they wrote. "The breadth of his interests and the depth of his expertise is reflected in a sampling of his recent international covers, from soccer star Leo Messi to Bollywood icon Aamir Khan to a profile of Egyptian president Mohamad Morsi," the email said. "Every day, Bobby extends TIME's reach on all platforms from his tweets @Ghoshworld ("food, football and foreign affairs not necessarily in that order") to his frequent television appearances. His TED Talk on the End of Jihad has more than 350,000 views," they said. "He is entrepreneurial by nature and has many ideas on how to grow the TIME brand," the staff announcement email said.-PTI

Google appoints Indian-American as Android CEO

ndy Rubin, the architect of Android, the world's topselling mobile operating system, has decided to step down as Google Inc combines mobile software divisions under one roof, the company said on Wednesday. Google appointed Sundar Pichai, the executive overseeing its Chrome web browser and applications like Google Drive and Gmail, to take over Rubin's responsibilities, hinting at how the company with the dominant Internet search engine intends to address the rise of mobile devices. In a blog post, Larry Page, Google's chief executive and cofounder, credited Rubin for evangelising Android several years ago and building it into a free, open-source platform that runs on nearly three-quarters of the world's smartphones. The merger of the Chrome and Android divisions helps resolve a longstanding tension in the

company's corporate strategy, and reflects a convergence of mobile and desktop software. Under Pichai's direction,

touch-screen interface, analysts noted that Chrome and Android appeared to be on converging paths.

Sundar Pichai

Google has released several netbook computers using the Chrome operating system. Last month, when Pichai unveiled the Chromebook Pixel, the first Chrome-based laptop with a

Page was mum on Rubin's future role. Some analysts speculated that Rubin could take on one of the company's many budding projects such as its Glass eyewear or the self-driving car.

India-born football fan bashed up in UK racist attack LONDON: A 56-year-old Indiaborn football fan was beaten up badly by seven men and punched in the face and head more than 18 times on a packed tram in UK, as 200 onlookers did nothing to save him from the racist attackers. Prakash Patel, a bank officer, was traveling home along with his 21-year-old daughter Devyani Patel after watching a football

from her father," the Mirror reported. "I thought my dad was going to die. I was trying to pull these men off him, but no one intervened. It's disgusting, nobody did anything," Devyani said, adding she felt as if she was in a TV drama as passengers pushed forward to get a better view in Stretford, Greater Manchester.

Prakash Patel

match when he was beaten up, leaving him with black eyes and concussion, local media reported. "The tram carriage was so full of people that the battered bank worker stayed upright after he was knocked out. Yet only his distraught daughter Devyani tried to push the attackers away

Prakash, a Manchester United fan, was left with black eyes, a swollen face and concussion. "These men came on and started making indecent racist comments... Myself and my daughter felt distressed about it so I said 'please behave' and that's when it started," he said.-PTI

Bobby Jindal escapes unhurt after SUV crash WASHINGTON: Indian-AmeriInvestigators say the driver of can Louisiana Governor Bobby the truck was cited for Improper Jindal has escaped unhurt after a Turn. large rental truck sideswiped his "The Governor was involved SUV while he was returning home in a traffic accident this afternoon from his son's soccer game in Ba- on the way home from his son's ton Rouge. soccer game after a truck made an The crash happened on illegal u-turn in front of his veNicholson Drive near Oklahoma hicle," the Governor's Office said Street, according to the Louisiana State Police. A "box" rental truck A "box" rental truck allegedly made an ille- allegedly made an illegal gal U-turn in front of two unmarked State Po- U-turn in front of two lice vehicles, Captain unmarked State Police Doug Cain said. Governor Jindal was vehicles, Captain Doug inside the first SUV Cain said which was sideswiped by the truck, according to Cain. The second SUV then hit in a statement. a utility pole, CBS News affiliate "The Governor did not sustain WAFB reported. any injuries, and he is thankful for The Trooper in the second the work of the Louisiana State SUV received minor injuries, Cain Police who keep him and his famadded. There were no other inju- ily safe every day," the statement ries in the crash. said. -PTI

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India remains land of opportunity for N-power suppliers WASHINGTON: Even as American firms remain concerned over India's nuclear liability law, an advisor to the Obama administration on civil nuclear trade has said India remains a land of op-

not be asked to compete against each other to provide the lowest bid. Each vendor works with the customer (NPCIL) using a win-win approach for success," Vijay K Sazawal told PTI in an interview.

Vijay K Sazawal

portunity for global nuclear power suppliers. "India remains a land of opportunity for global nuclear power suppliers. It is possibly the only nuclear market where vendors will

Early this month, Sazawal was reappointed by the US Department of Commerce to serve as an advisor to the US Government on promotion of civil nuclear exports of American goods and services

to countries in need of clean energy. Said to be an expert on IndiaUS civilian nuclear issue, Sazawal will serve on the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC) for additional two years. CINTAC provides consensus advice on the development and administration of programs and policies to expand US civil nuclear exports and strengthen the competitiveness of the industry. Observing that India's pledge to purchase US brand reactors is genuine, Sazawal said the US Government, in turn, is doing its best to work out any administrative and legislative hurdles to help US, vendors achieve success in the Indian market. "Indians can be reasonable in settling bilateral disputes and issues of contention. But the process may involve a higher degree of flexibility and ingenuity than what a vendor has experienced elsewhere," he said in response to a question. "It is advisable to invest in local businesses and learn from local entrepreneurs who deal with India's cumbersome bureaucracy and legal system, and still make

good money along the way," Sazawal said. Noting that nuclear power symbolizes a way out for Indians to eradicate poverty and reduce carbon footprint, Sazawal said that it is critical to India's future, and the US has a big role in making that happen. India currently has 20 operational nuclear reactors in six nuclear power plants with a ca-

long term from about 4 per cent in 2011, it said. In September 2008, India became a party to the Nuclear Suppliers' Group agreement, which opened access to nuclear technology and expertise through several cooperative agreements, the report said, adding that the Indian government has signed several such agreements with countries including the United States, Rus-

Observing that India's pledge to purchase US brand reactors is genuine, Sazawal said the US Government, in turn, is doing its best to work out any administrative and legislative hurdles to help US, vendors achieve success in the Indian market pacity of 4.4 gigawatts (electric). As of September 2012, seven reactors totaling 5.3 gigawatts (electric) are under construction and expected to come online by 2016, the US Energy Information Administration said in a report. As electricity demand in India continues to grow, the government has indicated that it plans to increase the nuclear share of total generation to 25 per cent in the

sia, France and the United Kingdom. In addition, via these agreements, India gained access to reactor parts and fuel from other countries. The US report said, while the Indian nuclear sector historically has had limited access to uranium, it has abundant thorium reserves that can power more sophisticated reactors. -PTI

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China's 5-point formula to improve ties with India BEIJING: Unveiling a five-point formula to improve relations with India, China's newly elected President Xi Jinping has said the resolution of the boundary dispute between the two sides "won't be easy" and pending its final settlement "peace and tran-

Xi Jinping

quility" should be maintained on the border without affecting the overall ties. 59-year-old Xi, who took over as the head of Communist Party, President and military chief, completing a rare triad of power, sent clear signals of boosting bilateral relations with India and expressed his keenness to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) in his first contact with top Indian leadership after his inauguration. The first leader born after China's independence in 1949, Xi also spoke of the need for India and China with a combined population of 2.5 billion to cooperate in multilateral fora in to safeguard the "legitimate rights and interests" of developing countries. He said China sees its ties with India as "one of the most important bilateral relationships". "The border question is a complex issue left from history and solving the issue won't be easy. However, as long as we keep up friendly consultations, we can eventually arrive at a fair reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement. "Pending the final settlement of the boundary question the two sides should work together and maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas and prevent the border question from affecting the overall development of bilateral relations," Xi told PTI in an interview. The new President was replying to a question on what policy the new Chinese leadership will pursue towards India and whether there would be any change in its position on the border issue. -PTI

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Morsi in Delhi; India, Egypt ink seven pacts NEW DELHI: In a bid to deepen ties and strengthen economic bonds, India and Egypt have signed seven key pacts including one on cyber security after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi held bilateral talks here. The two leaders also agreed to

came to an end in February 2011, following a series of anti-regime protests, known as Arab Spring. Underlining that India and Egypt have enormous potential for deepening cooperation across the full spectrum of ties, Singh said economic partnership has "rich possibilities".

our defense exchanges and cooperation," he said. "The agreements that we have signed today are a clear manifestation of our desire to impart a new dynamism to our relationship," Singh said. The seven agreements signed included an MoU in the field of

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Mohamed Morsy, at the joint press conference, in New Delhi on March 19

enhance cooperation in defense and in international forums like UN. "President Morsi and I have just concluded extensive and very productive discussions... We agreed that his visit, at an important juncture for Egypt, offers us a great opportunity to renew our relationship and take it to a different level of engagement and cooperation," Prime Minister Singh said after concluding talks with Morsi here. Expressing admiration for the courage and sacrifices of the people of Egypt in ushering in a new era of democracy, Singh said India has offered to share its experience as Morsi "ably leads his nation in building strong institutions and frameworks for democracy, social justice and inclusive economic development". "I am convinced that Egypt's successful transition would be an important model for the region and the world," he said. On his part, Morsi called Singh a "noble brother" and said his visit shows that Egypt is keen to cooperate with India. Morsi came to power after Egypt's first democratic elections last year that were held after the 30-year-old iron-clasp rule of former strongman Hosni Mubarak

"We agreed that information technology, services, electronics, small and medium enterprises, manufacturing, fertilizers, and renewable energy constitute important areas of cooperation. Egypt's location, as a bridge between Asia and Africa, astrides a major global trade route and together with its skilled human resources makes it an attractive business destination for India, he said.

Singh said India has offered to share its experience as Morsi "ably leads his nation in building strong institutions and frameworks for democracy, social justice and inclusive economic development” The Prime Minister said he and Morsi agreed to foster productive partnerships in socio-economic development programs, skill development, higher education, agriculture and health care. "We also agreed to enhance

cyber security, setting up of a Centre for Excellence in IT (CEIT) in Egypt's Al Azhar University, cooperation in the field of protection of intellectual property rights and prevention of illicit traffic of antiquities besides others. The MoUs was also signed to identify a number of core areas which would be the focus of cooperation. These include e-governance and e-education, IT and electronics hardware, sharing of experiences in the creation of Technology Parks and IT clusters, and strengthening the cooperation between ICT companies in the private sector among others. Another MoU facilitates sharing of information, meetings between enterprises, technology transfers and to provide consultation services to enhance the abilities of business enterprises of India and Egypt. A letter of Intent concerning launch services of the Egyptian Nano Satellite EGYCUBESAT-1 on board the Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was signed between Antrix Corporation, the commercial wing of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the Egyptian National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS). -PTI

India to have 225 billionaires by 2022 MUMBAI: India, which is at 4,988 of them by 2022. Delhi, the fifth spot in global ranking which is now ranked 11th with a with 122 dollar-billionaires in 2012, total of 1,945 HNIs, is likely to is likely to see a whopping 84 per have 4,278 super rich by 2022, the cent growth in this number with report added. 225 billionaires by 2022, real esThis would give India along tate consultancy Knight Frank with China and Japan the highest has said in a report. number of HNIs in Asia by 2022, Asia's it said. third-largest "With the e c o n o m y, historic shift in with 122 doleconomic lar- billionpower towards aires last year, Asia, its cities is expected to are undoubtsee an 84 per edly going to cent rise in The number of high net become more this number worth individuals (HNIs) influential in to 225 by the coming 2022, accord- in the country is exyears," Knight ing to the pected to more than Frank Asia-Pafirm's `Wealth cific Director Report 2013' double over the next for Research released here. 10 years to 17,032 Nicholas Holt "The numtold reporters ber of high from the present here. net worth in- 8,481, a growth of According dividuals to the report, (HNIs) in the 101 per cent the number of country is exHNIs (with aspected to more than double over sets of USD 30 million or more) the next 10 years to 17,032 from are likely to increase 50 per cent the present 8,481, a growth of 101 to 2,86,000 by 2022 globally. per cent. Referring to wealth trend on While Mumbai will witness a global city level, the report said growth of 137 per cent, Delhi will London followed by New York clip at around 120 per cent," it said. have the highest number of Mumbai, currently the seventh wealthy individuals. It, however, largest city in terms of HNIs with noted that some Asian cities are 2,105 individuals among the top fast catching up in this respect. 30 global cities, is likely to have PTI

Cyber attack major threat to US-China ties WASHINGTON: Terming the est or doesn't benefit our relationcyber attacks originating from ship for these kind of attacks to China as simply "inexcusable", a continue," Levin said in response top American Senator has said to a question at the Council on this posed a major threat to the Foreign Relations, a WashingtonUS-China bilateral relationship. based think tank. "As far as our relationship with China is concerned, the major threat “We've got to find ways to that relation or cyber to persuade China it's not in attacks which come from their interest or doesn't China, they are serious. benefit our relationship They are huge. They are involved at for these kind of attacks the moment with going to continue” after commercial information, and commercial technologies," Senator Carl Levin, Chairman of the Sen"It would be extremely helpful if ate Armed Services Committee, China would also, on the North Kotold a Washington audience. rea issue, do what they apparently "The theft is just inexcusable. are somewhat now doing, which is We've got to try to stop it, and moving towards a more robust efwe've got to find ways to per- fort to contain a North Korean suade China it's not in their inter- nuclear program," he said. -PTI

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Trinidad seminar on 'domestic violence against women' India Post News Service

In its initiative to address critical community issues, GOPIO International Chapter of Trinidad & Tobago held a seminar on "Domestic Violence Against Women" on February 23 Nasarloo Ramayan Marg, Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, Trinidad. The event which was supported by the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development, was very well attended with an array of very qualified speakers representing civic organizations and government agencies. Program started with National Anthem by Mahadaye Ramlagan and universal prayer by Seeta Sahatoo. GOPIO Trinidad and Tobago Chapter President Ena Maraj welcomed everybody. The speakers were Diana Mahabir Wyatt, Chairperson of T & T Coalition Against Domestic Violence - "Domestic Violence"; Mr. Donald Berment, President Men Against Violence & Founder of Int'l Men's Day; Dr. Varma Deyaalsingh; Sergeant Wayne Mystar (Public Information Officer T & T Police Service); Ms. Inez Riley (Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development; Dr. Roz's (Dr. Roz's Healing Place, Toronto, Canada); Amarendra

L to R: Ena Maraj, President Gopio Int'l T.T Chapter; Sgtt Wayne Mystar (Public Information Officer T.T Police Service); R. Varma Deyaalsingh; Ms. Inez Riley (Rep from the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Child Development); Dr. Roz's (Dr. Roz's Healing Place, Toronto, Canada); Diana Mahabir Wyatt (Chairperson of the T&T Coalition Against Domestic Violence); Amarendra Parida (First Secretary to the High Commissioner of India); Mayor Orlando Nagessar (Mayor for Chaguanas)

From Chaguanas to Chandigarh, the issue of "Domestic Violence Against Women" is an urgently critical matter among women of all races and ethnic backgrounds. GOPIO is to be commended for holing this seminar Parida (First Secretary to the High Commissioner of India); Orlando Nagessar (Mayor for Chaguanas. The moderator was Dr. Jerome

Teelucksingh (University of West Indies History Department). Mahadaye Ramlagan gave the vote of thanks.

GOPIO International president Ashook Ramsaran sent a message of congratulations which read: "From Chaguanas to Chandigarh, the issue of "Domestic Violence Against Women" is an urgently critical matter among women of all races and ethnic backgrounds. GOPIO International Chapter of Trinidad & Tobago is to be commended for holing this seminar". GOPIO International Coordinator for the Caribbean Region Dr

Arnold Thomas's message stated: "Congratulations on holding this event on a matter that is very topical and timely". GOPIO Women's Council chairperson Suman Kapoor' message read in part: "The issue of domestic Violence Against women is spreading like plague and is a threat to humanity and peace which concerns not only women of Indian Origin but also to multiethnic families".

Vishwakarma Awards for 107 in construction industry India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The 5th CIDC Vishwakarma awards were held at a glittering ceremony on March 7 at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Center, New Delhi. This year, a total of 107 awardees were chosen and distributed trophies, medals and certificates in eleven prime categories. In line with tradition of honoring our Construction Industry Captains who have made significant contribution to the construction domain, this year, Late Shri C L Verma, founder of

Continental Construction Ltd., was posthumously awarded the Special Jury Award for Life Time Achievement. Dr. Pronab Sen, Chairman, National Statistical Commission and Chairman of the jury for the 5th CIDC Vishwakarma awards said that in the next decade 10 years, 100 million new jobs will be created and the construction industry alone will provide nearly 60 million jobs. He lauded the efforts of CIDC for its role towards improvement & betterment of the Construction Industry. Dr Sen emphasized the role of construction as an all pervading activity

and encouraged the awardees to create replicable best practices for growth and development of the construction industry. CIDC Chairman Chander Verma welcomed the guests and awardees and Director General Dr. P R Swarup delivered the vote of thanks. The theme this year focused on women's participation & the recipients included: Smt. Sheetal Joshi (Proprietor, Vishakha Construction Services) Ms. Soni Mehta (Director, Dolphin Fire EHS Consultants (P) Ltd.) Dr. J. Revathy (Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, B.S. Abdur Rahman University), Ms. Lovina Kinny (Assistant Editor, EPC World Media Group), Ms. Veena Kurup (Reporter, EPC World Media Group) etc. Attended by over 500 people, CIDC Vishwakarma Award is fast becoming an epitome for motivating individuals and organizations to raise their performance in their specific domain leading to significant contribution for the growth & development of the Indian Construction Industry.

Tech News Tax information exchange pact with Liechtenstein NEW DELHI: A pact to be signed with Liechtenstein in Europe for bilateral exchange of information on tax matters was approved by the Union Cabinet amid its efforts to track black money stashed abroad. India has been in negotiation with the European nation on Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) since 2009. In March 2009, India was able to obtain information through the German government regarding Indian taxpayers having accounts with LGT Bank in Liechtenstein. The G-20 summit in London in April 2009 proved to be an important milestone when just before the summit, countries such as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Monaco announced their preparedness to accept OECD standards of transparency and exchange of information.-PTI

ST-Ericsson to cut 1,600 jobs in company split STOCKHOLM: The unprofitable mobile technology venture between Ericsson and STMicroelectronics, ST-Ericsson, has said it would axe 1,600 jobs after splitting the operation. ST-Ericsson said restructuring "could impact some 1,600 employees", out of which 500-700 were in Europe, including 400 to 600 positions in Sweden and 50 to 80 positions in Germany. Ericsson will book a 500 million

kronor (59.9 million euros, USD 77.8 million) restructuring charge in the fourth quarter this year, after announcing an eight billion kronor write-off for ST-Ericsson in the fourth quarter of 2012. STMicroelectronics expected to incur a USD 350-USD 450 million (between 270 million and 347 million euros) cost this year for the split. ST-Ericsson last year had a headcount of 5,000, mostly in Sweden, Germany, India and China. The Swedish company will take over 1,800 staff, leaving the Franco-Italian company with a workforce of 950 for remaining activities. -AFP

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March 29, 2013

New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah, Heavy Industries Minister Praful Patel, Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit at the launch of Mahindra Reva e2o car at India Gate

'India 4th largest energy consumer in the world' WASHINGTON: With its rising energy needs, India has emerged as the fourth largest energy consumer of the world after the US, China and Russia, but its per capita energy consumption remains lower than that of developed countries, says a report. "India is the fourth largest energy consumer in the world after the United States, China, and Russia," the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its latest report (for 2011) on energy outlook for India released here.

part of the country. Domestic production has stagnated in recent years, and Indian national oil companies increasingly purchase equity stakes in overseas oil fields, it said. Indian government promotes the country's refining sector, and India became a net exporter of petroleum products in 2001. India has several world-class refineries in Jamnagar, and the refining industry is largely privately owned, it said. Natural gas, according to the

India, it said, had 5.5 billion barrels of proved oil reserves at the end of 2012, mostly in the western part of the country. Domestic production has stagnated in recent years, and Indian national oil companies increasingly purchase equity stakes in overseas oil fields According to the report, India was the fourth largest consumer of oil and petroleum products in the world in 2011, after the US, China, and Japan. The country depends heavily on imported crude oil, mostly from the Middle East, it added. India, it said, had 5.5 billion barrels of proved oil reserves at the end of 2012, mostly in the western

report, serves as a substitute for coal for electricity generation in India. The country began importing liquefied natural gas from Qatar in 2004 and increasingly relies on imports to meet domestic natural gas needs. India had 43.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves at the end of 2012, mostly located offshore.

The two biggest state-owned oil companies, ONGC and Oil India, dominate the country's upstream gas sector, the report said. According to EIA, India became the world's sixth largest liquefied natural gas importer in 2011. Indian companies have begun investing in new regasification facilities to meet rising demand. Noting that Coal is India's primary source of energy, it said the country has the world's fifth largest coal reserves. The State retains a near-monopoly on the coal sector. The power sector makes up the majority of coal consumption. India has 211 gigawatts of installed electricity capacity, mostly in coal-powered plants. Because of insufficient fuel supply, the country suffers from a severe shortage of electricity generation, leading to rolling blackouts, the report said. The Indian government may not be able to deliver secure supplies to meet demand because of

fuel subsidies, increasing import dependency, and inconsistent energy sector reform, the report said.

It said some parts of the energy sector, such as coal production, remain relatively closed to private and foreign investment. In early 2013, India's petroleum minister Veerappa Moily announced that the ministry would work on an action plan to make India energy independent by 2030, the report said. This would be through increased hydrocarbon production, unconventional resources such as coalbed methane and shale, foreign acquisitions by domestic Indian companies, and reduced subsidies on motor fuels. "These actions either increase India's energy supply or lower demand," the report said. -PTI

India's IT sector to touch Rs 1.75 lakh cr NEW DELHI: India's Information Technology industry is expected to touch the Rs 1.75 lakh crore mark by 2016, helped by rise in IT services and software segments, a report by Boston Consulting Group (BSG) said. "The domestic IT industry is expected to grow at 12 per cent over next 4 years, reaching a size of Rs 1.75 lakh crore by 2016, driven primarily by the services and software segments," the BCG-CII report added. According to the BCG-CII report on IT enablement of Indian

business, the domestic IT sector was worth Rs 99,700 crore in 2011 with IT services contributing the largest share at Rs 49,400 crore followed by hardware (Rs 32,500 crore) and software services (Rs 17,800 crore). The report pegs IT services sector to grow at 14 per cent and touch Rs 96,600 crore by 2016 followed by hardware, that is pegged to grow at 6

per cent to Rs 44,400 crore and the software products segment is ex-

pected to grow at 14 per cent to Rs 34,400 crore by 2016, it said.

While presenting the report, Microsoft Corporation India Chairman Bhaskar Pramanik said Indian IT industry is expected to touch USD 100 billion in FY 201213, which is approximately 7.5 per cent of GDP. While it will continue to accelerate growth from the global market, there is an opportunity for the IT sector to work closely with the government to kick-start the economy, Pramanik, who is also the Chairman of CII National Committee on IT, ITeS and eCommerce, added. -PTI

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March 29, 2013

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US investigates WSJ for bribery claims in China WASHINGTON: As part of its larger probe of News Corp in the wake of the hacking scandal in the UK, the US has opened an investigation into allegations that employees at The Wall Street Journal's China news bureau bribed Chinese officials to get information. The US Justice Department last year opened the investigation into allegations of bribery at the Wall Street Journal's China news bureau as part of a wider probe into the 2011 British phone hacking scandal at its parent company, Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. The investigation was first reported by The Wall Street Journal itself. A search by the Journal's parent company found no evidence to support the claim, according to

government and corporate officials familiar with the case. The US government, meanwhile, is nearing the end of a

as saying. During the course of that broader probe, the Justice Department approached News Corp's

broader investigation of the Journal's owner News Corp, the Wall Street Journal quoted sources

outside counsel in early 2012 and said it had received information from a person it described as a

WB chief cites S India for citizens' engagement WASHINGTON: The World world provide vast new opportuBank President, Jim Yong Kim, nities for connecting governments cited the example of a pregnant and development practitioners woman in south India using tech- with citizens, he added. nology to send feedback in real-time to argue the case of citizen's engagement in development. The president mentioned the woman using a smart card in her cell phone to provide realtime feedback on the health services she receives, in the state of Karnataka, to make his point. Arguing that the World Bank firmly believes in the role of partnership in tackling development challenges and promoting good governance, Jim asserted that listening to citizens is central to doing development better. "A pregnant woman in Jim Yong Kim Karnataka, India can now use a smart card in her cell phone to provide real-time feedback "A recent survey of Bank on the health services she receives, including information staff revealed pent-up on any problems that might demand for real-time have arisen," the Bank presidata from citizens, the dent said in his inaugural address to Global Conference On beneficiaries of Citizen Engagement For En- Bank-financed projects," hanced Development Results. "Using this data, officials he said can track the delivery of services across the district and reAnd in Nepal, the poor today spond far quicker to urgent needs have much greater voice in deterand supply constraints than ever mining the public services they before," he said. receive, he said adding that by Recent innovations in informa- combining national poverty data tion technology and the rapid pen- with participatory social assessetration of mobile technology and ment tools, the poorest communisocial media in the developing ties in Nepal can be identified and

empowered. Community members voice their concerns and needs, enabling decision makers to target more systematically where needed infrastructure should go, to determine which services a local health clinic should provide, and to report how many children are attending schools. As a result, school enrollment has increased by an average of 2.1 per cent, child immunizations by 5.3 per cent and access to safe drinking water by six per cent in more than 59 districts covered by the program, he said. Observing that citizen engagement in development has a long and rich history, Jim said the World Bank wants to build on this history and create more systematic opportunities for citizen voice. Even as the World Bank, he said has taken steps like its landmark Access to Information policy and creating the Global Partnership for Social Accountability, Jim said there is much more to do. "A recent survey of Bank staff revealed pent-up demand for real-time data from citizens, the beneficiaries of Bank-financed projects," he said. "We are now at the early stages of working closely with governments to systematically integrate beneficiary feedback into Bank-financed operations and sector work. -PTI

whistleblower who claimed one or more Journal employees had provided gifts to Chinese government officials in exchange for information, sources said. News Corp and the Journal don't know the identity of the informant, company officials say, and government officials wouldn't discuss such details. It isn't clear whether the person worked inside the Journal and whether the informant provided names of alleged bribers. According to US and corporate officials, News Corp has told the Justice Department that some company officials suspect the informant was an agent of the Chinese government, seeking to disrupt and possibly retaliate against the Journal for its reporting on China's leadership. The company officials came to that view after finding no evi-

dence of the alleged bribery and because of the timing and nature of the accusations. A spokesman at the Chinese embassy in Washington didn't respond to messages seeking comment, the paper said. It isn't clear if the Justice Department considers the matter resolved or still open. "After a thorough review of our operations in China conducted by outside lawyers and auditors, we have not found any evidence of impropriety at Dow Jones," Paula Keve, a spokeswoman for News Corp's Dow Jones unit, which publishes the Journal, said in a written statement. If the Chinese bribery allegations were true, such behavior would be a potential violation of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. -PTI

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March 29, 2013

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Food inflation a credit Canada keen on collaborative negative for India: Moody's projects in India KOLKATA: Canada is keen on investing in joint projects with India especially in tourism, agriculture, IT and education sectors.

some senators and MPs of Canadian Parliament, said the size of trade between the two countries had grown to 5.2 billion dollars last

At a meeting with a multisectoral gathering organized by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) here, a delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), which included

year from 1.75 billion dollars in 2010. "By 2015, this (trade between the two countries) is expected to touch 15 billion dollars, a target set by the Canadian Prime Minis-

ter," Russel Hiebert, MP, said. There was immense scope of widening ties in education and agriculture sectors between India and Canada, he said. The opportunity in education sector lay in the fact that in India 500 million people are under 25 years of age and to cope up with the added demand of quality education it needs another 1,000 universities for which the two countries could collaborate. There was scope of partnership between the two countries in the agriculture sector as 24 per cent of pulses consumed in India are grown in Canada. Canada, he said, would like to offer technological collaboration in the area of exploration natural gas for which India has got abundant resources. -PTI

Cisco aims over 20pc growth in video conference NEW DELHI: Technology major Cisco expects over 20 per cent growth in Indian video conferencing business this year on the back of "affordable" pricing models to target key small and medium enterprises in the country. "Cisco expects to grow faster or higher than market growth of video conferencing in India which is 20 per cent," Cisco India's Director for Collaboration Sales Minhaj Zia told PTI. "We are making video experience to be top notch at an affordable price so that SMBs can also adopt it," he said. Cisco hopes to capture the market share of websites which are providing such solutions for free and are used by many small and medium business (SMB) organizations.

Zia said that free solutions available through various Internet-based companies have security and service uncertainty issues and Cisco plans to cash in on these weaknesses. He said the company is looking to almost double its revenue

share from SMB segment which currently accounts for 20 per cent of its total revenue from video conference business in India. "We are thinking of doing as well is to work on a pay-asyou-go model wherein they don't have to make an initial investment which is very high," Zia said. "We are also exploring options of a premium model where we offer a software-based video conferencing solution to SMBs," he added. The company is looking to provide affordable product to SMB organizations and expands it sales and service network to reach out to them, he said. Cisco is planning to extend its reach to about 100 cities from present 10 cities and double channel partners to 200 in next two years. The company is also in race for BSNL video conferencing project under which the state-run telecom firm has plans to set up 200 video conference centers across country. -PTI

NEW DELHI: Global rating agency Moody's has said India's high food inflation is credit negative for the country as it hurts government finances and curtails the ability of the RBI to deal with monetary issues. "Sustained food inflation is credit negative because it exacerbates India's macroeconomic challenges of slowing growth, high inflation and large fiscal and current account deficits," Moody's Investors Service said in credit outlook report. While Fitch and Standard and Poor's have downgraded their outlook on India to "negative" from "stable", Moody's Investors Service has assigned a "stable" outlook. The Wholesale Price Index for February showed that food prices increased by 11.4 per cent yearon-year, raising overall inflation for the month to 6.8 per cent, despite a deceleration in core inflation to 3.8 per cent. Moody's said India's current pace of food inflation is faster than

the global average. "Moreover, although food inflation is not desirable anywhere, it has particularly credit negative implications for India because of its economic structure and policy framework," it added. Food inflation, it said, "hurts consumption, government finances, the balance of payments and monetary policy flexibility". "Because the Indian govern-

ment subsidizes food for a large portion of the population, increases in food prices inflate government expenditure...and the budget deficit, which is already high relative to comparable emerging markets," Moody's' said. As per the credit ratings agency, food demand is unlikely to fall, and food supply is difficult to raise. PTI

Nokia revenues from India dip 23% NEW YORK: Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has for the second consecutive year reported decline in annual revenue from India business to Euro 2,227 million last year, on account of increasing competition and currency fluctuation. Despite India being second biggest market for Nokia, after China, the company has posted 23 per cent dip in revenue from Euro 2,923 million at the end of 2011. "The year 2012 was one of transition for Nokia. While the first half of the year was challenging, our execution against a focused business strategy started to translate into financial results in the final three

months of the year," Nokia spokesperson said in an e-mail query to PTI. In 2010, the company's net sales in India were Euro 2,952 million. The spokesperson said that

India sales captured company's cumulative revenue across all businesses including devices, infrastructure (Nokia Siemens Networks) and Here (formerly Location and Commerce).-PTI

March 29, 2013

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Desi News AACIO honors key members at Spring 2013 meet RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: American Association of Cardiologists of Indian Origin (AACIO) is an organization of leading cardiologist from Indian origin. It is at the forefront of fostering and providing a collaborative platform for those who have interest in cardiovascular diseases. This promotes close relationship amongst members for mutual benefit and advancement. AACIO also promotes close liaison and relationships between cardiovascular societies in US and in India. It held its Spring 2013 meet on Horn Blower dinner cruise in San Francisco on March 10. It was organized by Drs. Romesh Japra, Akhil Wadhera and Hemant Dhingra.

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Does destiny influence the course of our lives? Details on page 26

March 29, 2013

Gov Quinn pitches for pension reform & doing business with India RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn minced no words emphasizing the dire need to tackle the $96 billion unfunded pension problem facing the State while ad-

in the areas of health, higher education, and safety, and would adversely impact the economic development of the State. The event was an informal inhouse social meet of Chicagoland elite hosted by Indian businessman and CEO of Globetrotter En-

nor Quinn touted great contributions that Indian entrepreneurs and professionals like Niranjan Shah have made to the State and the society in general. Quinn talked about expanding trade relations with India and said that the country could be an im-

Details on page 23

IHCNJ to hold fifth health fair on April 28 India Post News Service

Community, authorities join for safer Fremont

Gov Pat Quinn (center) flanked by Mr and Mrs Niranjan Shah on his left and Ms Smita Shah, Chicago-Delhi Sister city Chair

dressing an elite gathering here recently. Failure to resolve the worst-inthe-nation pension problem, he said, would derail many a project

gineering Corporation, Niranjan Shah, at his Oak Brook residence. It was a private event but was attended by prominent businessmen and elected officials. Gover-

Details on page 25

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

Meditation begins when thinking mind gets dormant HEMANT VAKHARIA

India Post News Service

portant trade partner with Illinois. He hinted in a talk with this correspondent that he would consider making a trip to India in near future for promoting bilateral trade.

He showed deep interest in strengthening business ties between India and Illinois. At present, there are many Illinois companies such as JPM, Northern Trust Bank, Motorola, etc. that have excellent ties and presence in India. In a talk to this paper, Governor further said that the pension problem is "one of the most difficult problems that Illinois government has faced for more than three decades." In order to solve it, he believes that State workers should contribute 3 percent more to their retirement plans and not retire until they turn 67. The plan that would be phased in over the coming years, the Governor claims, would save the state between $65 billion and $85 billion by 2045. The legislative inaction is the root cause for the state's burgeoning pension debt, which he said is costing taxpayers $17 million a day. He urged legislators to vote on a comprehensive reform bill, which he said he would sign into law immediately. "The problem gets worse everyday and its adverse impact to help fund a number of social and developmental projects can best be imagined," he said.

MILWAUKEE: Shiv R. Jhawar, founder of Noble World Foundation and the author of book, Building a Noble World , conducted a meditation event , "Experience the Bliss of Silence Within," on Sunday, March 10 at YogAsylum in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The program commenced with a video, which demonstrated that there have been powerful lineages of great beings throughout time. They have passed the secret of lasting peace down through ages in a masterdisciple succession. They tell us

the way to lasting peace is through the awakening of spiritual e n e rg y, which exists within every human being. The video featured Jhawar's spiritual j o u r n e y, which is

Shiv JhaWar conducting Meditation talk in Milwaukee

described on his Wikipedia page. Jhawar c o m menced the proceedings by prostrating before the shrine of S w a m i Muktananda placed in a corner in the hall. He

had a remarkable glow and serenity on his face when he began reciting the invocation mantras (which included Guru Paduka Panchkam) before delivering his talk on how to meditate. Revealing the secret of meditation, Jhawar said that meditation is a state beyond the mind. Bliss of meditation is experienced when the mind is absent, not when the mind is at peace. When the thinking mind is absent, then there is witnessing, the state of meditation. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

March 29, 2013

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Unique celebration of Jaylalithaa birthday India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The World Federation of Tamil Youth (WFY), USA hosted the 65th birthday celebrations of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Selvi J Jayalalithaa on Sunday March 10 at a colorful venue, Holiday Inn, Rolling Meadows. US Congressman Danny Davis presented "The Selvi J. Jayalalithaa Award of Excellence for 2013" to Ms. Vandana Jhingan, Midwest Bureau chief of TV-Asia in recognition of her services to the community for the last 15 years. This is the 20th consecutive year that the Federation has been honoring outstanding individuals with the Selvi J. Jayalalithaa Award of Excellence. Previous Awardees were Raja Krishnamoorthy (2012), Rep. Danny Davis (2011), Mother Teresa (1996), Illinois state senator Howard Carroll (1998), Wisconsin state senator Rodney Moen (1999) and in 2004, Rep. Ray LaHood who is now U.S. Transportation Secretary. The "International Woman of the Year 2013 Award" was given to Mrs. Padma Mehta, an accomplished vocal performer. The US

Rep. Davis's Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force also presented the "Community Leadership Award" to Satheesan Nair, General Secre-

Youth Leadership Award" to Mylvaganan Logith, Environmental Consultant, Chennai. Sohan Joshi, President NFIA,

India to support the U.S. backed Resolution in the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Praising the dynamic leadership

Rep Danny Davis with Awardees, NFIA President Sohan Joshi and Bishop Jacob Agepog

tary of NFIA 'The Youth Leadership Award" to Ms Tanya Prabhakar, John Marshall Law School and "The International

commended Jayalalithaa's stand to hold Sri Lanka accountable for the genocide of Tamils in 2009 and appealed to the Government of

of Jaylalithaa, Danny Davis described her as a pragmatic mass leader. He congratulated the organizers for hosting this successful

program. Dr Tapas Dasgupta, Chairman of Selvi J. Jayalalithaa Birthday Celebrations welcomed the gathering. Dr Vijay Prabhakar, President WFY listed the achievements of Jayalalithaa and pointed out that this year celebrations included interfaith prayers on Sunday February 24, presentation of winter wellness gift packages to 65 needy persons, free health care check up for senior citizens and health screenings for the mentally challenged. Lawry S Taylor, Executive Director of Danny Davis Multi Ethnic Advisory Task Force emceed the event while Dr J. Jacob Agepog, Archbishop & Moderator, international communion of holy Christian Churches, delivered the invocation prayer.

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15-ft Mount Kailash replica at Grayslake Mahashivratri GEETHA PATIL

Mount Kailash replica

GRAYSLAKE IL: Shivaratri celebrations at the Hindu Mandir of Grayslake were marked by devotion and religious fervor. Hundreds of devotees coming to the

temple had a pleasant surprise waiting for them. A 15-foot high Kailash Parvat made out of snow greeted them near the main door to their astonishment and devotion.

Devotees worship Lord Shiva

A Shiva Linga, Nandi, Surya, Chandra First Alankar and Archana were perand Garuda were set up on the mountain. formed by Pt. Anil Joshi followed by a very The devotees and children along with their elaborative Rudrabhishekam by Pandit parents enjoyed watching the mountain Ganesh. Rudra chanting was performed by which was done for the first time. The Kailas Rajagopalan, Srirajan, Laxmi Narayan, Parvat event was planned by Pandit Anil Prakash Ramchandran, Sivarama Krishnan. Joshi and Geetha-Godavari Patil. Then Rajo alankar with fruits and flowers Shani Pradosham was celebrated on was done to Lord Shiva by Pandit Anil Joshi. March 9 while Mahashivaratri was celFinally Shivaratri came to an end by the ebrated on March 10, Phagun Krishna Vedic Archana performed by Ganeshji and Chaturdasi. Devotees observed fast and A Shiva Linga, Nandi, Surya, Chandra and spent the day Garuda were set up on the mountain. The in devotion and worship of Lord devotees and children along with their Shiva. parents enjoyed watching the mountain About 1500 hundred devo- which was done for the first time. The Kailas tees from all In- Parvat event was planned by Pandit Anil dian communiJoshi and Geetha-Godavari Patil ties visited from morning till midnight to offer milk to Lord Shiva to express Anil Joshiji. Special five panch Arati gave their devotion by chanting Jai Shankar ki devotional light to the occasion. Unusual Jai Bholenath. People were waiting in queue alankaras specially made by almonds and for more than an hour to offer milk to Lord cashew nuts, fresh fruits and flowers added Shiva even though there were two Abhishekam Sthals. President Harsh Kumar and Naveen Mishra with other committee members and several volunteers controlled the huge crowd. Evening Mahashivaratri pooja started with regular S u n d a y Archana conducted by priests G a n e s h Abhishekam followed by Archanas and Aratis of Lord unique attraction to festivity. Pabhakar Shiva by group of families after every one Joshiji explained in brief the importance of Shivaratri to the devotees. and half hours.

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Mahashivaratri celebrated with electrifying dances USHA PARITI

CHICAGO: Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora, (a south west Chicago suburb) organized spectacular cultural celebrations 'Shivoham' on Saturday, March 9 at the temple auditorium celebrating Mahashivaratri, a very important event for the devotees of Lord Siva. Hindus pray to Parameswara with devotion and concentration during this special period with fasting and staying awake all night chanting prayers on Shivaratri Day. "Shivoham" - unique classical and contemporary dance performances by professional teachers of Chicago land in the Indian classical dance forms of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Odissi were presented in the Veluchamy auditorium. The event began with the melodious chant-

ing of Lingashtakam by students of Sunitha Vissapragada, Artistic Director of Balanandam Group. This was followed by Lalita

Highlighting the evening was a unique presentation, Ambalavaanan - depicting Bhakta Kannappa's love and devotion

Classical Indian dances performed during Mahashivratri celebrations Shivoham at Balaji Temple, Aurora

Sangeetam composed by Late Sri Palagummi Viswanathan and performed by the students of Rajaveena School of Music under the able guidance of Rajeswari Pariti.

towards Lord Shiva, an electrifying performance by Joshua George, student of Poonam Mahesh, artistic Director or Nrityanant Performing arts insti-

Gov Quinn pitches for pension reform & doing business with India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

Specifically, he touched upon the proposed $100 million state of the art expansion project for University of Illinois at Chicago and observed that it would make the University among the best in world for its educational facility. Niranjan Shah observed that University of Illinois has enjoyed reputation as a premier education facility in West and was deemed providing high level of education in a good number of areas. He pointed out that Noble Laureate Rabindranath Tagore encouraged his son to go to the University of Illinois for higher education in agriculture, bypassing schools such as Cambridge and Oxford. Previously it had been fashionable for prominent Indians to study at prestigious schools in England rather than in the U.S. Tagore understood the potential of University of Illinois' contribution, not only for his son but also for India in general. University of Illinois' School of Agriculture gave a boost to India's Green Revolution and helped the country achieve self-sufficiency in food. Tagore was able to see that much ahead of time. "This tradition continues even today and it speaks volumes of the education standard at University of Illinois," he added. Shah was a former top official of University of Illinois and has a first hand feel of the functioning and reputation of the institution. Quinn said that the pension's imbroglio could hurt State's efforts

tute. Poonam and Joshua presented yet another scintillating performance of "Ardhanareeshwaram".

in boosting public health and safety. However, he touted his government accepting Obama care program for ensuring health insurance to uninsured in the state. The Affordable Care Act in Illinois will provide quality, affordable health-care for hundreds of thousands and create thousands of good jobs in the health-care field, he said. Enrollment will open Oct. 1 and provide those without coverage access to plans from most of the state's major health insurance carriers. Those with incomes between 133 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level - $15,282 to $45,960

University of Illinois' School of Agriculture gave a boost to India's Green Revolution and helped the country achieve self-sufficiency in food. Tagore was able to see that much ahead of time per individual - will qualify for government-subsidized coverage. By 2014, more than a million Illinois residents who are currently uninsured will receive health care coverage. Touching on the sensitive subject of gun violence, Governor Quinn said that he was pushing

for an assault weapons ban in the state. His attempt last year to ban them failed, but the matter has recently seen some movement in Springfield with House lawmakers voting in favor of bans on semiautomatic assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. However, the issue still faces several legislative hurdles. "The prevention of violence is an urgent priority we all share. Our anti-violence strategy includes early childhood education, afterschool programs, intervention initiatives, mentorship, mental health care, jobs, and support for our law enforcement," he said. The State Police are part of the battle against violence and he has proposed three new cadet classes for the Illinois State Police besides expanding ReDeploy, a program to reduce crime by repeat offenders. On the expansion of gaming in the State for cutting down budget deficit, he sounded less optimistic that the move could significantly help reducing the gap. Besides, he was keen that ethical issues need to be addressed properly. "I made it clear while vetoing the Senate Bill last summer that I will not approve of any gaming expansion without strong ethical standards, comprehensive oversight and dedicated resources for education," he said Quinn also suggested that any bill seeking gaming expansion need to take into account the ban on campaign contributions by casino managers which is "essential to keeping corruption out of the gaming industry."

Natya Dance Theater's students captivated the audience by presenting a spellbinding performance on Ardhanareeshwaram in Hamsanandi composed by Lalitha and choreographed by Hema Rajagopalan. Mahadev and Sri Shiva Panchakshara Stotram, a five verse hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Shiva was performed in 'Odissi' dance style by Ipsitha Satpathy, Director, Utkala Centre for Dance, and her students. Himagiri Tanaye, Bo Shambho

and Srungara Lahari were Kuchipudi dances performed by students of Shobha Tammana, artistic Director of Kuchipudi Natya Vihar. Bringing out the fervor of Mahashivaratri, Sushmita Arunkumar and students of Nrithyanajali presented "Natesha Kauthwam and Allarippu", "Aadi Kondar" and "Ananda Natamidum". Kuchipudi-Thillana on Lord Shiva in Hindolam, a vintage composition of Dandayudhapani Pillai presented by the guru of Ananda Dance Theater, Janaki Anandavalli Nair, and her students in Kuchipudi dance style, was one of a kind and made a lasting impression among the audience. Shankara Srigiri, a Keerthanai, composed by Swati Thirunal and choreographed by Vanita Veeravalli, Artistic Director of Bharatam Academy of Dance Arts, was very well received by the audience. The grand finale was dramatic presentation of Ardhanareeshwaram in Ragamalika performed by Bhavya Kumaran and Sowmya Kumaran, Director, Nrithya Sangeeth School of Dance.

Meditation begins when thinking mind gets dormant Jhawar asserted that meditation transforms the life style of an The way to get into Real medi- individual to such an extent that it tation is through the awakening appears unbelievable that the inof the inner spiritual energy. When dividual who in the past would the spiritual energy called have reacted to a situation in anKundalini is awakened, it pushes ger is now acting with deep comone beyond the mind level and passion and understanding to the into the blissful state of ultimate same situation. Awareness. Jhawar's It is imposbook, Building sible for the a Noble mind to know World, exor compreplains meditahend the tion in detail in Spirit, which its chapter 3, is beyond the "Yoga: The mind. "How Highest of All can a pen Unions." The ever know the book is availhand that is able at the holding it?" United Nasaid Jhawar. t i o n s "No spiritual Bookshop as Noble World Foundation technique, well as at knowledge, or amazon.com beliefs can ever achieve the state The guided meditation event beyond the mind." was followed by a Q&A session. He explained that meditation Although this meditation event energy (Kundalini) is awakened hosted by YogAsylum in Wiscon(lit), like a lit candle lights unlit sin on the occasion of candles, through the medium of a MahaShivaratri Day was not mediator who belongs to a true highly publicized, there was a good spiritual lineage. turnout. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

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Grand Mahashivaratri celebrations at Lemont temple Asian Media USA

LEMONT: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) in Lemont near Chicago, celebrated Mahashivaratri in a grand way with a cultural program that saw wide participation from across Chicagoland and Midwest Besides classical dance performances from both South and North India, old devotionals were rendered through contemporary fusion. Performers ranged from six-year old kids to mothers dancing with their adult daughters. As befitting this festival of ascetic Shiva's awakening from the depths of prolonged meditation to the world of the senses, most items portrayed the god deploying his limbs in ecstasy (tandava), sometimes accompanied by consort Parvati's gentle (lasya) dance. Following a dhun from HTGC cultural committee, there was a tabla ensemble performed from Jugalbandi Academy of Tabla and Kathak Dance followed by "Om Namah Shivaya" a Kathak performance. Vidya Pandikaran depicted the wonder (kauthuvam) of Natesa's vigorous solo dance through rapid footwork and expressive emotions in Kalakshetra style. Prefaced by the Maha Mritunjaya mantra, the fierce Rudra's Omkara dance captivated all those present. Accomplished Bharata Natyam pair, mother-guru Sowmya Kumaran and daughter-disciple Bhavya Kumaran, depicted the

Ananda Natam Idum by Shivani Gupta, Karshana Kalyan, Roshni Gowrisankar and Shreya Gaddi

Androgyne (Ardhanareeswaram) to a garland of Carnatic ragas. Shruthi Sethuraman then joined the duo in performing Ananda Koothanin in Hamsanandi raagam. Pragnya Yogesh from Des Moines (Iowa) danced the solo part of the Moon-Crested (Chandra Chooda) god. After a brief Kuchipudi dance, Mudra Dance Academy offered two pieces, traditional then fusion. Asha Acharya Performing Art Academy (AAPAA) offered six Bharata Natyam items, Shiva Stotram, recounting the Markandeya story.

Bharata Natyam teacher Vidya Pandikaran performing Natesha Kauthuvam

Duo (jugalbandi) performance of Omkaara simultaneously in Bharata Natyam by Pragnya Yogesh (behind) and in Kuchipudi style by Srivani Vokkarane (front)

Established in 1994, Tarana Dance Academy, presented three group dances. Artists' performance was prefaced by Kathak in Teen Taal with the "Guru Brahma" verse. After rhythmic Tarana, there was the Shiva

Kathak dancers with tabla ensemble from Jugalbandi Academy of Tabla and Kathak Dance

Tandava and the program concluded with a Tarana in raag Jana from Gurmeet's Dancing Petals School. Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon was Anju Lal.

Ananda Koothanin in Bharata Natyam by Sowmya Kumaran (C), Bhavya Kumaran (L), and Shruthi Sethuraman (R)

Hari Om Mandir celebrates Mahashivaratri

Family worship of the Shivalinga behind the main shrine

Shiva and Parvati seated before the assembly with their retinue

Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, a north side suburb of Chicago, celebrated Mahashivaratri on Sunday, March 10 with singing bhajans and devotional songs. Despite heavy rain and thick fog, devo-

tees kept on trickling and queued up to worship the Shivlinga at two different locations within the temple to perform worship this auspicious day. Along with the worship, Hindi and Punjabi bhajans were sung to the accompaniment of drums, cymbals, and other instruments.

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Mahashivratri celebrated in St. Louis ASHWIN PATEL

Devotees flock to Mahashivratri celebrations in St Louis

ST LOUIS: Mahashivaratri was celebrated with great devotion and religious fervor by the Gujarati community at Mahatma Gandhi

Community Center on Sunday March 10 in honor of Lord Shiva. The festival falls on the moonless, 14th night of the new moon

in the Hindu month of Phalgun. On this day devotees observe day and night fast and worship Shiva Lingam, to appease Lord Shiva.

IHCNJ to hold fifth health fair on April 28 India Post News Service

EDISON, NJ: A health screening and disease awareness and prevention fair will be held at 36 Meridian Road, Behind Unity Bank, off Oak Tree Road in Edison, NJ, on Sunday, April 28. The timing will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The health fair will be organized by the Indian Health Camp of New Jersey and supported by the Indo-American Council of Seniors of Edison, NJ. Indian Health Camp of New Jersey, a non-profit organization, will hold this health camp for the fifth consecutive year in Edison. Dr. Tushar Patel, President of IHCNJ, said in a press release that the health fair will be open to all pre-registered participants between the ages of 45 and 64 without any medical insurance. The health screening will include blood test, EKG, vision screening for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, physical examination, cardiology and physical therapy counseling, various types of cancer screening and prevention education, chronic disease self management via ask your doctor, dietary and diabetes counseling and pharmacy counseling. Approximately 25-30 physicians and other allied health care professionals from various specialties of internal medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology, gynecology, urology, physical therapy, dietary and nutrition, pharmacist, phlebotomists, EKG techs, medi-

Many interesting legends have night of Shivaratri. been related to the festival of According to another popular Mahashivaratri. legend, described in Linga Purana, The program started with Shiva it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva Pooja and was followed by manifested himself in the form of a bhajans by devotees for three Linga for the first time. Since then, hours. Delicious Gujarati food was the day is considered to be exserved to all devotees. Over 300 tremely auspicious by the devoGujarati members attended this event. According to one of the most popular lege n d s , Shivaratri is the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. It is also believed A replica of Himalaya, the abode of Lord Shiva that Lord Shiva performed Tandava, the dance of the tees of Shiva and they celebrate it primal creation, preservation and as Maha Shivaratri, the grand destruction on this auspicious night of Shiva.

Bone Health Seminar at Palatine Gurudwara SURI SWAMY

PALATINE, IL: Over 100 community members attended the Bone Health: Osteoporosis Presentation seminar on Sunday, February 28, at Palatine Gurudwara, Palatine, a northwest suburb of cal assistants, nurses, social workers and medical students will provide their services on this day to screen and educate patients on diabetes, hypertension, cardiac diseases, high cholesterol, various types of cancer and other chronic debilitating diseases spe-

cifically targeted to the South Asian community. The blood test reports will be reviewed by the physicians and mailed it to all participants with a counseling note, if any abnormalities are detected in the test. The dedicated team from the State of New Jersey, Commission for the blind will provide thorough eye

screening to qualified patients on this day to promote their noble cause of preventing blindness in the community. Indian Health Camp of NJ and their dedicated committee members and volunteers will provide their self-less and dedicated service to support the health fair activities on this day. All preregistered participants are requested to arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. on the day of the screening and recommended to be fasting from mid-night. The participants can continue to take their regularly prescribed medications and can drink water even in the morning of the blood test. The breakfast after the blood test and lunch will be provided to all participants and volunteers on this day. The registration form to participate in this health fair is available on organization web site at www.IHCNJ.ORG or Gujarat Darpan and Tiranga. The deadline to receive the completed form to IHCNJ, P.O. Box 5686, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 is by April 12.

MAFS ( Metropolitan Asian Family Services). Diane Ryzner, Orthopedic nurse from Northwest Community Hospital presented a power point presentation called "Fit to a T", for

Palatine Health Care seminar

Chicago. The seminar was facilitated by Maureen Collins of White Crane Wellness Center and it was coordinated by Shree Gurusamy, Health Promotion Coordinator of

better bone health and osteoporosis prevention. She also explained about risk assessment that each person could fill out to determine how high or low their risk level is for developing osteoporosis.

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Yesudas to perform at TANA Convention ANGELA LEE

DALLAS, TX: The 19th TANA Convention slated to be held at Dallas Convention Center from May 24-26 will have many highlights, including the presence of top dignitaries, literary figures,

K J Yesudas

artists and singers. Over 300 volunteers are gearing up with full speed to deliver unprecedented programs to show-

case the glory of the Telugu. Prasad Thotakura, President of TANA said that " Padmabhushan Dr. K.J. Yesudas will be one of the star attractions at the Convention as it is for the first time in the history of any Telugu convention that he would attend and sing to the delight of attendees." "The legendary singer Dr. K. J. Yesudas has recorded over 50,000 songs and has won scores of accolades including seven national awards and 43 times the state awards for the best playback singer, which consists of awards by the state governments of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and West Bengal. He has recorded more than 50,000 songs in most of the Indian languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Bengali, Gujarati, Oriya, Marathi, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tulu, Malay, Russian, Arabic, Latin and English during

Group of young volunteers

a career spanning five decades, " Thotukara added. TANA, founded in 1977, is one of the oldest and the largest IndoAmerican national-level organizations. Telugu Association of North

Texas (TANTEX), established in 1986 a Dallas based vibrant organization is co-hosting this Convention. More than 300 volunteers met over the weekend at FunAsiA to

review the progress of the convention. Murali Vennam, Convention Coordinator introduced more than 30 various committee chairs who in turn briefed their committees progress.

'Millennial Madness' campaign New Board of Indian against unemployment Community of Niles SUDHIR VYAS

WASHINGTON, DC: Generation Opportunity, a national, nonpartisan organization advocating for Millennials ages 18-29, has announced launching its March Madness-themed campaign, "Millennial Madness," to highlight the devastation young people are experiencing as a result of record youth unemployment. At the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Generation Opportunity's grassroots field team will engage thousands of young people, raise awareness of the 1 in 6 young

people who don't have jobs, and offer free resume consultations to young job seekers.

NCAA conference championship games and CPAC attendees will be able to face off against each other

At the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Generation Opportunity's grassroots field team will engage thousands of young people, raise awareness of the 1 in 6 young people who don't have jobs Generation Opportunity's booth will be streaming live feeds of

at full-size arcade basketball games. "Since the beginning of the Great Recession, Washington's government-driven 'solutions' to address unemployment have prolonged the crisis and made things worse for young people. My generation has spent years without access to real opportunities, and we refuse to let politicians continue to mortgage our future," said Evan Feinberg, President of Generation Opportunity and one of the first Millennials to run for Congress. "More freedom and less government is the recipe to get this economy moving - but, in the meantime, we're also going to look at young peoples' resumes to ensure they are competing as best as they can in this very tough economy," he added.

SURESH SHAH

NILES: A resident of Skokie for the past 13 years and a front ranking community activist, Rohit Joshi was elected as President of the new

OE; Treasurer Manibala Jain, MA, Mphil; Joint Secretary Bhavik Patel, a business entrepreneur and Joint Treasurer Arvind Patel, an

New Executive Committee of Indian Community of Niles

team of Indian community of Niles Township for the current year His team of members include Vice President Vijai Gupta, SE, PE a licensed structural engineer; Secretary Amita Bhargav, ASQ CMQ/

electrical engineer. Usha Kamaria, the outgoing president, congratulated the new board and offered her help and assistance to them whenever needed.

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AACIO honors key members at Spring 2013 meet RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

Dr. Romesh Japra receiving award from Dr. Navin C. Nanda as Dr. Kul Aggarwal looks on

decided with help from Dr Romesh Japra. Participants enjoyed the meet as well as the ambience.

Dr Nanda, founding President of AACIO also appreciated Dr Japra for his suggestion and co-

ordination in conducting the event. This year was a large turnout for the event and over 300 doc-

tors participated. At the seminar, the topic in focus was "VASCEPA© A New Therapy for the Treatment of Severe Hypertriglyceridemia" by Dr. Harold Bays. During the event, AACIO Honor awards and Young Investigator awards were given to distinguished doctors. Special honor was given to Dr. Romesh K. Japra, M.D., F.A.C.C. Dr. Japra is President of Pacific Cardiology Associates and Publisher and CEO of India Post Newsweekly, India Post T.V. and ValueIndia.com. He is also president of the Federation of Indo-Americans of Northern California and Chairman Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, Fremont, CA. He is recipient of numerous awards including Best Immigrant Award and a Presidential Meritorious Award by a Commission appointed by President George Bush. Dinner cruise took the guests out and around Scenic San Francisco bay area for four hours and featured delicious Indian cuisine by New Delhi Restaurant.

Cal resident recounts incompetence of India hospital India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Impressed by stories of medical technology in India being even better than in the US, Varun Tandon of Torrance, California, recently took his mother to India for surgery of stomach cancer. He had such a bad experience in Fortis Hospital of Delhi that he wants to share it with readers

Tandon at, age 63, was diagnosed with cancer of stomach (Stage II local area only - 10 year or more life expectancy) while on a visit to New Delhi. Jan 19th: Partial Stomach surgery done at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi Jan 21st: I reached India and moved in with my mom in the hospital room. Jan 26th: Dr. Pradeep Jain (Sur-

‘After my mom was put on ventilator, Dr Pradeep Jain lied to us to keep my mom there for the longest period of time. It was an attempt to milk money where the daily cost was $3000 per day at that time. This may sound something from a horror show’ of India Post to warn them to beware of the ruthless business that medical tourism has become. Needless to say that his mother died after the surgery. "The state of India's hospitals is more in the realm of horror and unimaginable incompetence," he claims. Varun has sent a detailed account about the happenings in Fortis hospital, complete with documents containing proof of penicillin administration, to India Post. Here he gives a short chronology of events: "Jan 16th: My mom, Darshana

geon/Director at Fortis) prescribed Penicillin by mistake. Hospital pharmacy filled in the prescription without catching the allergy conflict in the system. Nurses then administered Penicillin thru Central IV to my mom. Mom had a severe reaction that night. Jan 27th: Severe reaction led to Anaphylaxis which lead to Septic shock later. Jan 28th: Mom was put on ventilator. Organs stopped working one after another in next 60 hours. Jan 31st - 12:40 AM: Mom passed away with multiple organ

failure." Giving details, Varun Tandon says, "My dad, two brothers, sisters-in-law and grandkids owe their life in the US to my mom, who was the force behind immigration to USA 19 years ago. This is not just my story, but of probably thousands of people each day at Indian hospitals. Fortis Healthcare is a chain 24 locations of so called "5-star" hospitals. The owner of Ranbaxy Laboratories, top Indian pharmaceuticals company started Fortis brand of hospitals. From what I have seen, the hospitals in India may be huge, the area within the hospital boundary may be clean, but that's the only progress made at Indian hospitals. I spent 10 days/nights at the Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. "The hospitals lack simple checks for allergies before administering medicines. After my mom was given Penicillin in error, the doctors tried to hide it, instead of treating it. Dr Pradeep Jain, knowing the source of infection, STILL performed a painful surgery to find the "source" of infection. “A mistake is forgivable, but unethical behavior with attempts to "milk money" and doing unnecessary painful surgeries later to cover up the mistake is unforgivable. Unfortunately, I could not save my mom, but I am writing this

hoping to warn people in the US about the reality of hospitals in India. "From what I learned in a conversation with Gardiner Harris from NYTimes, he confided that the top doctors/directors at Indian hospitals are hired on the basis of how much "money/volume" they

Darshana Tandon Paid with her life

can bring in. Doctors name/fame carries monetary value. After talking to over 50 people in Delhi about this, it seems, unethical behavior of doctors is commonplace at Indian hospitals. Almost everyone in the medical industry in India seems to have a "Cut" or a "kickback". From what I learned, patients are referred to

other doctors and labs for tests based on the commission to the doctor rather than welfare of the patient. In this culture of greed and corruption, surgeries are performed where they are not needed. Other times medicine is prescribed or lab tests are performed where they are not needed. "After my mom was put on ventilator, Dr Pradeep Jain lied to us to keep my mom there for the longest period of time. It was an attempt to milk money where the daily cost was $3000 per day at that time. This may sound something from a horror show, but in my opinion sadly, this is a normal practice in India. Talk to people in India and they will tell you that they have lost faith in their doctors. "Nurses are thought of and treated as "Ullu" as explained to me by one of the doctors at Fortis. They usually get trained "on the job". Nurses are the ones who actually take care of the patient day in and day out, that is a huge gaping hole in the knowledge/talent/ work pool at the hospitals. Cont’d on page 25

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Consul General Harish visits New Mexico India Post News Service

onsul General of India Parvathaneni Harish vis ited northern New Mexico from March 11-13. He was greeted at the airport by Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Kohli, Pawan Singh Dhinsda, Hari Singh Khalsa and Marshall Katz, the Chief of Aviation Police. During his visit, the Consul General met with dignitaries from the State of the New

Mexico, as well as members from the Sikh and Indian communities. On March 12, Consul General Harish met with New Mexico Governor S u s a n a Martinez and Lt. Governor John

A. Sanchez, along with Satpal Singh Kohli and Pawan Singh Dhindsa. They also met with the New Mexico Secretary of Tourism Monique Jacobson. During their meeting, Harish discussed bilateral trade and creating a cultural exchange with New Mexico. He discussed various ways to increasing trade between New Mexico and India in the areas of imports and exports, increasing Indian foreign student participation at University of New Mexico and in the area of film making in New Mexico. There was also conversation about alternative healthcare and energy projects. Harish apprised the Governor of the excellent relationship between India and the US. Governor Martinez expressed keen interest in developing further relations between New Mexico and India and assured the Consul General her support and cooperation for stronger ties. In the evening, a special dinner was hosted for the Consul General at India House. Consul General Harish was joined at dinner by other New Mexico leaders, including Attorney General Gary King, State Treasurer James Lewis, State Auditor Hector Balderas, and Mayor of Santa Fe David Coss. During the dinner the Consul General discussed trade development

between India and New Mexico. He offered the possibility of developing a sister-city relationship between Santa Fe and Albuquerque with Amritsar or Chandigarh in India. All the leaders gave short speeches welcoming the Consul General and said they will cooperate to strength the bond between New Mexico and India. Members of the Sikh community also attended the dinner. These included Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Kohli and Pawan Singh Dhinsda, who organized and hosted the Consul General's visit

to New Mexico; MSS Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa, Chief of Protocol for Sikh Dharma, his wife Sat Bachan Kaur Khalsa and Guru Simran Kaur Khalsa. Other community members were in attendance for the dinner. Pawan Singh Dhindsa in his speech thanked the various dignitaries for attending the dinner reception. Satpal Singh Kohli introduced the Consul General to the audience and thanked him for coming to New Mexico and meeting the community members. Hari Jiwan Singh Khalsa welcomed the Consul General on behalf of Sikh Dharma and invited him and his family to visit again and spend more time in New Mexico. The Sikh community in New

Mexico has long maintained a positive connection with the Indian Counsel General's Office in the United States. Bhai Sahib Satpal Singh Kohli is the son-in-law of the late Siri Singh Sahib Bhai Sahib Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji. Yogiji established a Sikh community in the Espanola Valley over 40 years. That community still thrives today. Kohli escorted Consul General Harish on a tour of the community founded by his fatherin-law during the morning of March 12. In the evening of March 12, Pawan Singh D h i n s d a hosted a tea for the Counsel General at his home. The following morning, on March 13th, Mayor David Coss joined the Consul General, Satpal Singh and Pawan Singh for breakfast. After that he left for Albuquerque for some more meetings, including with Dr Vasant Ladd. Counsel General Harish thoroughly enjoyed his visit to New Mexico, and said he would like to come again for a longer visit. He expressed to the leaders of New Mexico an interest in solar energy, oil and natural gas. He invited various officials to organize trade delegations to India, and offered the full support and cooperation of the Indian government.

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Maligning of SF Sikh leader condemned India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) repudiated the bigoted attempt of a San Bernardino County Republican club leader to smear a fellow party member because of her perceived religion. Vera Eyzendooren, president of the San Bernardino County Federation of Republican Women, posted a Facebook comment accusing San Francisco attorney Harmeet Dhillon of being a terrorist sympathizer. The comment was made the week preceding the California Republican Party elections,

in which Dhillon ran for, and eventually won, the vice chairwoman seat. Dhillon, a Sikh emigrant from India, previously chaired the San Francisco Republican party. California Republican leaders quickly denounced Eyzendooren's comments. Tom Del Beccaro, Bob Huff and Connie Conway sent out a joint statement: "Blatant racism has no place in the party of Lincoln. We strongly denounce this hateful speech in this and any other venue." In a statement, CAIR-LA said: "We support the First Amendment right of anyone to voice their concerns, dissent, and even ha-

tred. However, when our nation's foundational values of inclusiveness, pluralism and equality are attacked by some in favor of calls for advocating hate and intolerance, then all Americans have a responsibility to challenge and expose such bigotry and those who enable it." "We commend those elected officials that have already spoken against this Eyzendooren's imprudent and demeaning rhetoric. There is a need for civility in political discourse; we need discussions about substance and ideas that will move our communities forward, not those based upon bigotry and xeonphobia."

Community, authorities come together for safer Fremont India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: "We don't have to give up our lives to serve," said Rodney Clark, Executive Director, SAVE (Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments) in his address at the "Safe and Peaceful Fremont: A Leadership Conference" held at Fremont Family Resource Center. His words aptly described the sentiment behind the conference, which was organized by Art of Living Foundation as part of its Stress-Free, ViolenceFree Community Campaign. The campaign aims to lead a sustainable Bay Area wide grassroots movement that brings together thousands of citizens from schools, organizations, corporations, and the government in a collaborative effort to build a stress-free, violence-free society. "We want to create a community where every member feels connected to a greater whole, empowered to create positive change around them. We will do this by engaging everyday people into compassionate action, inspiring them to stand together as a collective force of change," said Karishma Anand, the moderator for the Fremont conference, who works at intuit and also volunteers with the AOLF. She is also volunteering for the Stress-Free, Violence-Free Community Campaign. The campaign will host a launch event on Saturday, March 24, 4pm at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center where the campaign will get added inspiration from global humanitarian, social reformer, and spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. "Sri Sri has been inspiring millions of people around the

world to not only raise their voice for Peace, but also commit to creating the change that they want to see outside in themselves," said Karishma. "Sri Sri himself walks the talk and he is the inspiration behind this whole movement that we have started. A number of organizations have already joined hands with us and many more will do so soon. And of course, many many individuals have also stood up, and more will stand shoulder to shoulder for a Stress-Free, ViolenceFree Community." www.stressfreeviolencefree.org The Fremont Leadership Conference, aimed to integrate solu-

their concerns and ideas. Yogi mentioned that the five-six members of the city council alone cannot create a safer and more peaceful community; it can be achieved only if everyone works together. The City panel was followed by representatives from the Fremont Police Department talking about neighborhood safety. Interim Chief Richard Lucero gave statistics about crime in Fremont and stressed that robberies and burglaries were getting his prime focus at the moment. He was accompanied by Geneva Bosques, PIO/ Community Engagement Manager for FPD. Geneva talked about the vari-

Council member Raj Salwan and Commissioner Yogi Chugh

tions to make Fremont a safer and more peaceful community, brought together leaders from various city departments, non-profit organizations and common citizens. The City Government was represented by Council member Raj Salwan and Commissioner Yogi Chugh of the Planning Commission, who gave the city's vision. Raj urged the citizens to engage with the city with

ous ways that people can stay in touch with the Police Department and also engage in the neighborhood watch program that really helps in cutting down crime in our neighborhoods. They both mentioned that tips given by alert citizens of a neighborhood have always been most effective. Cont’d on page 27

"The rapidly-changing demographics of American cities means

"We strongly urge all elected officials to distance themselves

Harmeet Dhillon

the face of political participation is also changing. There is an urgent need to marginalize those who seek to dominate public discourse with hateful and intolerant rhetoric."

from such an exhibition of bigotry. We further ask residents and the party's elected officials to speak out against such hateful rhetoric and the continued Islamophobia that plagues our nation."

Cal resident recounts incompetence of India hospital Cont’d from page 23

tice system. I have proof of wrongdoing in complete medical records, but can't take Fortis Hospital and Dr Pradeep Jain to court. The Indian law sides with doctors and has little to no protection for patients. "Then, how will the doctors and hospitals in India learn? who will fix this? "I don't have an answer to it except for something one of the doctors (almost mockingly) told me. This was when my mom was shaking uncontrollably due to allergic reaction from penicillin, one

"If people in India can't even obey simple traffic light rules, how can we expect the medical field to be any better. While the hospital may be clean, you will hardly find anyone using hand sanitizer. The doctors skipped and refused using sanitizer even when I asked them to. Most common cause of death in India from a surgery is "infections". "If you are in India or any other 3rd world country for that matter, and (unfortunately) in need of hospital stay, just leave as soon as you can. Fly back to the US immedi- ‘If you are in India or any ately in that situation, it other 3rd world country for will probably save you a lot of pain and suffer- that matter, and ing. Even if you are in (unfortunately) in need of pain, simply leave, it's not worth staying there hospital stay, just leave and trying your luck. as soon as you can’ "People will argue that mistakes happen in the US as well. They do happen, of the doctor at Fortis said casubut the percentage of mistakes ally, "Thoda relax karo yaar. Tum here is far less and uncommon. bhagwan par bhi kuch chod do. People in the US learn from their Itni chinta mat karo." Translation: mistakes and improve. In my opin- "Just relax my friend. Leave some ion, a high percentage of doctors things to God. Don't worry so in India make use of that mistake much". Varun Tandon has filed comto bill more money for their 5-star hospital. After all, a doctor's plaints with Medical Council of "package" includes a "cut" in the Delhi and the Medical Council of sales they bring into the hospital. India. He is also reaching out to Fortis "I am no longer a "proud Indian" because of its broken jus- directly to demand answers.

26 India Post

Community Across America

March 29, 2013

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Does destiny influence the course of our lives? SWAMI MUKUNDANANDA

e often look forward to reading our horoscope in the newspaper or ask palmists to read our hands. It is also quite exciting to visit astrologers with our curiosity to know what the future holds in store for us. Commonly we refer to this subject as destiny and at times say "we will get what is destined." So what really is destiny and how does it influence the course of our lives? Different people have varied opinions regarding destiny and what role it plays in our lives. While some believe that destiny is thrust upon us, others believe destiny is a matter of past karma. Some others may give no significance to this at all. In this article Swami Mukundananda explains the meaning of destiny and how it influences our lives. More importantly, through the knowledge of scriptures, he dispels some common misconceptions associated with the concept of destiny and encourages everyone to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and hard work. Question: We are all born with a destiny, and this cannot be changed, which is the basic principle of the Law of Karma. Is this understanding correct? Swami Mukundananda: To think that we are bound by our destiny, which cannot be changed, is the doctrine of fatalism. This is how the "fatalism" is defined: 1. Doctrine of fate: The philosophical doctrine according to which all events are fated to happen, so that human beings cannot change their destinies. 2. Belief in all-powerful fate: The belief that people are powerless against fate. 3. Feeling of powerlessness against fate: An attitude of resignation and passivity that results from the belief that people are helpless against fate. Let us analyze whether this concept of fatalism is correct or not. First of all, let us understand what destiny is: Poorva janma kritam karma taddaiva mitikathyathate (Hitopadesh) "The actions we performed in our past lives become our destiny in this life." In other words, destiny is not something that has come down from the heavens or a horoscope chart that is revealed to us by the

and cannot perform actions by our own volition, this rule must apply to our past lives as well. • It would mean that in past lives too we

Swami Mukundananda

were bound by destiny, for the rule must be the same in all lives. • But if, in each life we were bound by destiny, then in which life did we perform independent actions that created the destiny? • And if in no past life did we perform actions with our free will, then how was destiny created? • Again, if we did actions with our free will in any past life, we can do them now as well. Thus, we see the premise that everything is predestined, leads to a logical absurdity, and is disproved. The scriptures say that it is lazy people who blame destiny for their substandard achievements: Daiva daiva aalsi pukaraa (Ramayan) "While working, don't bring destiny into your mind, or it will make you lazy." If you do, f you were destined to win a jackpot of a you will start million dollars, you will win it. But beyond running to asthat it is your self-effort. If you work hard, you trologers to know what could multiply it into ten million dollars, and if your destiny is, you develop profligate habits, you could rather than focusing on persquander it away forming your work properly. astrologers. We have created our destiny It is a fact that there is an element of desourselves by actions in past births. This tiny. However, we also possess the freemeans that we performed actions with our dom to act as we wish. If you were destined free will in past lifetimes. to win a jackpot of a million dollars, you will Now, we shall use the technique of "Re- win it. But beyond that it is your self-effort. ductio ad absurdum" to disprove fatalism. If you work hard, you could multiply it into This is a technique where the statement to ten million dollars, and if you develop profbe disproved is accepted in the premise. ligate habits, you could squander it away in Then it is shown to lead to a logical incon- drinking and gambling. That would not be sistency. Let us start with the premise that decided by destiny; that would be your own everything is predestined. purusharth (self-effort). • If we are bound by destiny in this life, Q: If all outcomes happen due to one's

But, merely because we cannot underKarma, and God gives the results, when ill befalls people, like the terrorist attack in stand the specific reasons for them, we must Mumbai, will it be correct to say "they de- not neglect efforts to counter social evils served it due to past karmas," and blind- such as terrorist attacks. We must put in fold ourselves from our best efforts and then leave the results the misery of human- to God. Thus, the Saints teach us: Prayatna mein saavdhan, phal mein kind? SM: The Law of santusht "Act responsibly, but do not be disturbed Karma is so complex that it involves mul- if the results are not as you wish." tiple factors. To start Q: Should one believe in astrology? Do with there are three planetary aspects affect our life? SM: The configuration of stars does have kinds of karmas: sanchit, prarabdh and a minor influence in our lives. It is a part of God's design for dishing out our prarabdh, kriyamaan. God has an account or the results of our past karmas. The subof all our karmas in ject of astrology attempts to predict this endless lives. This is influence of stars. Regarding astrology, the called sanchit karmas. first thing to bear in mind is that the predicAt the time of birth, we tions are only partially effective. The second point is that we always have are given a portion of our sanchit karmas, to the freedom to act in the present. This freeenjoy or suffer in this dom permits us to change our destiny, with life. This is called sufficient self-effort. The problem with prarabdh karmas. The studying astrology is that it makes us fatalprarabdh is fixed, but istic. We lose focus on our self-effort, or within this life, we purusharth. Hence, Chanakya Pandit said: Nirutsahad daivam patitah have a freedom to act, "If you are torpid in your effort, you will and the actions we perform are called fail despite the best of destiny." Utsahavataam shatravopi vashibhavanti kriyamaan karma. The "If you endeavor is sufficient, you can kriyamaan is not predetermined; it is in our transform even bad destiny into success." Q: When the astrologer tells us our deshands, and can be changed as we wish. Now, the results we get in life are depen- tiny, we can prepare ourselves for it. So it seems to be advantageous to know what dent on a number of factors, including: destiny has in store for us. Isn't it very ben1. Our prarabdh karmas. eficial to go to astrologers? 2. Our kriyamaan karmas. SM: Even if the astrologer's predictions 3. The Will of God. 4. The karma of other people present are accurate, they are usually disadvantageous to know. Let us suppose the astroloin that situation. 5. Chance events -in which we hap- ger informed you that after two years your business will increase manifold. On hearing pen to be present by accident. Since we humans are not all-knowing, we this, your natural response will be, "Oh is cannot fully correlate the results we get with that so? Then I do not need to work very the exact causes behind them. Besides we hard. I am going to succeed in any case." do not even know all our past karmas, to In other words, if you come to know of a good destiny, you will reduce your efforts make a perfect correlation. There is no blanket answer to this ques- for success. Now consider what will happen if the tion whether the deaths of the people in the Mumbai terrorist attack were because of astrologer says that your business will crash their karmas or not. It is possible that they after ten years. On hearing this, you will were destined to die, and a matter of Let us suppose the astrologer informed you chance that they died in a that after two years your business will interrorist attack. crease manifold. On hearing this, your natuElse it could be a result of any ral response will be, "Oh is that so? Then I do of the other fac- not need to work very hard. I am going to tors listed succeed in any case” above. It is not for human beings to know which of the above five fac- think, "Really, my business is going to tors were responsible for their deaths. crash? O God, what will I do? What will I Even in the aforesaid terrorist attack, do? What will I do? …" Whether the busimany people were miraculously saved. ness crashes or not, premature worries will Some were scheduled to attend meetings at make your heart crash. those very hotels, but for very strange reaIn this way, on being told a good dessons, they could not reach there on time. tiny, you will become lazy, and on being told Yet others happened to come there, equally a bad destiny, you will become worried. So accidentally. There are many mysteries in there is no advantage in knowing your descreation that will remain mysteries until we tiny. Whatever is written in it, will come by become God-realized. Let us leave the ques- itself. Cont’d on page 27 tion of who died for what reason to God.

March 29, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 27

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Health, wealth, beauty theme for Women's Day

VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT: International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. Universal Media Access's Desi 1170 AM and U92.3 FM celebrated the 'International Women's Day - A Celebration for You'

on March 10 at the India Community center in Milpitas from 11am to 7pm. Health, wealth, beauty and happiness encompass a women and was a perfect theme for the grand event. Sanjiv Gupta CPA,

Sankara Eye Foundation and Deepak Mantra were the platinum sponsors of the day. Social and political empowerment is necessary for all round development of women. We must concentrate on imparting social education. It is necessary to maintain and protect chastity, dignity and modesty of women. It is the need of the hour to give due share to each and every section of women, said the organizers of the event. There were about 20 vendor booths from all facets of life. Jewelry and fashion, a complete "women thing" were the

Community, authorities come together for safer Fremont The panel on domestic violence and teenage violence had Dr. Gayathri Sundar, Board member, Narika and Rodney Clark, Executive Director, SAVE. Both gave very moving as well as inspiring speeches that stirred the audience into probing what they were re-

never seen what a real relationship is like. They get their foremost education from what they see around them, in their homes. Adults have to lead by example. This was followed by a panel on School Safety which had representation from the Board of Fremont Unified School District Desrie Campbell, Clerk, FUSD and

ally doing for the community and how they can serve more. Gayathri shared surprising statistics of how prevalent domestic violence is in the South Asian community and what we can do to support them. Talking about teenage dating violence, Rodney mentioned how many of these kids had

the President of the Fremont Education Foundation, and Lily Mei, Board Member. They brought up the issues of school security in the post-Newtown era and the steps they were taking to address this. They discussed the subject of bullying in schools. One of the school principals present at the

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 25

conference was invited by Desrie to share how the school dealt with this issue. As part of the solutions side, a demonstrative presentation was made by Priya Mayureshwar from the YES for Schools program of International Association for Human Values. She demonstrated how it was lack of awareness that was leading to all the problems among the young children. YES program is being conducted in a number of schools around the Bay Area with some amazing results because of the life skills and breathing techniques that are taught in the program. The Art of Living Foundation was represented by senior instructors Sanjana Chopra and Manik Advani. Manik shared how breath can have a transforming effect on the mind, while Sanjana lead the audience into a breathing technique and a guided meditation. The effect of these was quite perceptible. The entire room seemed much more settled after the meditation. The Art of Living Workshops are conducted in over 150 countries worldwide. In Fremont also the non-profit has a center on Mowry Ave. where different programs are conducted regularly.

main attraction and was thronged by ladies of all age groups. Mod-

Students from local Bay area dance schools showcased their

els from Bay Area Fashion week and Nalli Silks walked the ramp.

talent with "women" being the central theme.

Does destiny influence the course of our lives? Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 26

The present is in your hands, and your duty is put in your best efforts now. Focus on making your destiny rather than knowing it. Besides, the astrologer's predictions are only partially accurate. In Kaliyug, the present age, there are hardly any expert astrologers. With their rudimentary knowledge, they make guesses. A small portion of their predictions turn out right, and their business keeps running. I remember a joke about this. Khushwant Singh, was the Editor of "Illustrated Weekly", which was India's number one news magazine in the 1970s. He confessed later that his astrologer, who wrote the Zodiac predictions of the week, had left the job. Thenceforth, for the next three years, Khushwant Singh did not hire another astrologer; he would write the predictions himself. Unaware of this, people would often pay compliments about the accuracy the astrological predictions of his magazine.

So a good policy is to take the predictions of astrologers with a pinch of salt, and instead focus on your efforts. A famous Urdu poet put it very aptly when he said: Khudi ko kar buland itna ki har takdir se pehle, Khuda khud bande se puche bata teri raza kya hai "Make your efforts so strong, that before giving you the results of your destiny, God Himself asks you what you want." Swami Mukundananda is a world renowned spiritual teacher from India, and is the senior disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and founder of JK Yog. He has received his degrees in engineering from world renowned institutes in India, IIT and IIM. He has inspired people all over the world on the path of spirituality, holistic health, yoga, meditation, service to society and God realization. This year, Swamiji will be conducting weeklong programs in 30+ cities of USA from April onwards. For more information visit: http:// www.jkyog.org/

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Meethi Boliyaan: Kai Po Che! 2 Manjha: Kai Po Che! 3 Aake Tere Kareeb: Ammaa Ki Boli 4

Shubhaarambh: Kai Po Che!

5 Mat Aazma Re: Murder 3 28 India Post

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March 29, 2013 6 Saajna: I Me Aur Main

7 Kaise Bataaoon: 3G

anbir may be making news for his films, romantic alliances and brand endorsements but rarely do we read about his other side. On the sets of his upcoming Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (YJHD), he stalled his shoot to be by Hemant Naik's (his makeup man) side. Sources reveal that Ranbir was shooting in Manali for Karan Johar's YJHD. It was a windy day and the reflector fell. Incidentally Ranbir's makeup man Hemant was standing right there to take the blow. He started bleeding immediately. On seeing this Ranbir rushed to his side along with other crew members. When he was being taken to the hospital, Ranbir insisted on going along. The actor took him in the productions car and stayed with him until his stitches were done. Only when the doctor said that he will be fine by evening and can be discharged then did Ranbir return to the sets to resume his shoot. Hemant and other crew members were touched by this gesture of his.

8 Surmayee: Ammaa Ki Boli 9 Naino Mein Sapna: Himmatwala 10 Dhak Dhak: Nautanki Saala

DHOOM, BANG K

atrina Kaif has usually done love stories but the actress says she is looking forward to go beyond her romantic image with action films Dhoom 3 and Bang Bang. The two films, starring Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan, involve hardcore action and Katrina herself will be seen performing some dare devil stunts. "Bang Bang is inspired by Hollywood film Knight and Day but we have re-done the story to suit Indian audience. It is an action comedy and I haven't done anything like this in a long time. All my previous movies have more or less been love stories. This also has a love angle but with a twist. It is a huge change and I am really excited about it," she said. Katrina is currently busy filming Aamir Khan starrer Dhoom 3 in Switzerland. "We are still shooting... Still have a lot of work to do but it is shaping up well. It is a very glamorous and bold role at the same time. I am having a good time working with Aamir. He is a wonderful actor, extremely supportive."

Incidentally Ranbir's makeup man Hemant was standing right there to take the blow. He started bleeding immediately. On seeing this Ranbir rushed to his side along with other crew members

DISNEY SIGNS Priyanka

riyanka has been signed by Disney to lend her voice and she is paired with Dane Cook, who is the voice of Dusty Crophopper. "Priyanka will lend her voice to a character called Ishani in the film. The makers were looking for a voice from India who could do justice to the Asian character. Priyanka will soon dub for the character," said a source close to the team. The source further added: "Priyanka will be dubbing for the English version and later it will be decided whether she will be dubbing for the Hindi version as well." Disney's 'lanes' is an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure about Dusty's dream of competing as a high-flying air racer and his decidedly unfortunate fear of heights. The film will release in India on July 26. Priyanka made her singing debut with the international single 'In My City'.

March 29, 2013

Bollywood

India Post 29

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DEFYING CONVENTIONS

odel-turned-actress Bipasha Basu, who has come a long way in the industry, says she has always picked uncon ventional roles. Be it playing a character with grey shades in her first film Ajnabee, to playing a sensuous character in Jism to her forthcoming horror thriller Aatma, the actress has defied conventions. "When I started my career, I was 18 years old and I was bored with modeling. I took my first film due to this reason only. I got a lot of criticism for that," said Bipasha, who has done about fifty movies in over a decade. "Many of them said that I am too unconventional, but I never felt bad about it. At the beginning of your career, you never have a choice. You have to take what comes your way. I have always done unconventional roles," she added. \The 34-year-old also did films like Raaz, Corporate, Pankh among others.

kshay Kumar is known to have had a special bond with his father Hari Om Bhatia. Post naming his production house after his father, the latest is that Akshay has named the new police cancer shelter that he opened as Hari Om Cancer Shelter. The shelter will cater exclusively to police personnel. The reason behind the actor opening the shelter is the plight of the police personnel he witnessed while his father was undergoing chemotherapy at the Tata Memorial hospital. It was then that he had noticed how policemen - while undergoing treatment for the disease - would face trouble with their stay and food arrangements. In the new shelter, patients can avail of the shelter's services, including food and AC rooms with TV sets, by paying just Rs 400 per day. Currently equipped with 30 beds, the shelter is expected to expand if necessary permission and space is available.

CARING FOR

COPS

Realty Tidbits

Tata Housing forays in Odisha with Ariana

BHUBANESWAR: Real estate major Tata Housing Development Company has announced the launch of Ariana, Bhubaneswar's first integrated residential complex at Shankarpur. "Over the last few years, real estate as an industry has gained momentum across Odisha with improvements in infrastructure like the new international airport here," said Managing Director and CEO of Tata Housing, Brotin Banerjee. Moreover, Bhubaneswar is one of the main centers of trade which showcases tremendous potential of good purchasing power and demand for premium quality residential properties amongst end users as well as investors, he said. Given its proximity and connectivity to metro cities such as Kolkata, Bhubaneswar is showcasing a great appetite for highend living. Ariana, which would be a luxury residential gated community with 12 towers ranging from 14 to 19 stories, is expected to be one of the land mark projects of international standards, Banerjee said. The project, located 10 km from Biju Patnaik airport and spread over 12 acres and encircling large water bodies would be developed in association with Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA).-PTI

MCHI-Credai opposes new property tax of BMC MUMBAI: Real estate developers' body MCHI- Credai has expressed strong opposition to the new property tax structure proposed by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), saying it is against the consumer interest. "BMC has proposed capital value-based formula for computation of property tax. This formula is against the consumer interest. At a time when the common man is already burdened with the series of taxes like stamp duty and VAT, the increased property tax is bound to deal a cruel blow to flat owners," MCHI-Credai president Paras Gundecha said in a statement. The agency has also extended support to the consumer agitation against the new slabs. Over 35,000 housing societies along with 40 NGOs plan to go on a one-day hunger strike soon and a rally against the new property tax system. "Flat owners are worried that the property tax amount, as calculated by the new formula, will result in doubling of the dues which are supposed to be paid by this month end," he said.-PTI

Real Estate

HSIIDC sold land to DLF at undervalued rate CHANDIGARH: Government auditor CAG has rapped the state-owned HSIIDC for accepting the undervalued rate of land which was sold to real estate giant DLF Ltd for setting up a recreational project in Gurgaon leading to a financial loss of Rs 438.91 crore. Details on page 31

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March 29, 2013

Making a backup offer on a home: A good or bad idea?

iven the recent scarcity of homes available for sale to the buying public, there has been a sharp increase across the country in home buyer competition. Low real estate inventory has been driving more multiple-offer situations and bidding wars on homes than we've seen in many years. The Seattle area is a prime example, with 60 percent of real estate listings near the major job centers being sold in under 30 days. There are just 1.39 months of housing inventory available, when 6 months is the standard for a healthy, balanced market. For so many buyers, when they find their dream home today, the seller has just signed a contract with a different buyer. Whether it's the first home that the buyer has missed out on or the third, there can be a desperate feeling that says "This home is perfect for me, what can I do to save it?" Backup offers One potential tactic that is becoming more popular is submitting a backup offer. The home is already under contract with Buyer 1, but Buyer 2 submits a contract to the seller, and the seller can add a backup addendum. When the seller signs the backup contract,

Buyer 2 may feel better that they're doing something constructive by signing a backup offer, but they're really giving more incentive for Buyer 1 to expedite the sale it means that if Buyer 1 should cancel their contract for any reason, Buyer 2 is automatically under contract to buy the home. Multiple backup offers are rare, but are possible as well. The order that the seller signs these contracts would be the order in which they are entitled to buy the home. Later offers would, of course, most

often be at higher prices. This would to entice the seller to sign a backup offer instead of putting the home back on the market if the first sale failed. False motives? The problem with backup offers in a competitive buyer situation is that the backup offer actually increases the chances that

Buyer 1 will close on the home. Buyer 2 may feel better that they're doing something constructive by signing a backup offer, but they're really giving more incentive for Buyer 1 to expedite the sale. Buyer 1 has plenty of potential reasons to back out of the contract. They may find something they don't like about the neighborhood. An inspection could reveal structural issues. A new home just down the street that Buyer 1 likes better might come on the market just a few days later. When there are multiple backup offers in place, though, Buyer 1 takes on a protective stance. They know that others want what they have, and they are more likely to forgive inspection issues and be more cooperative in seller negotiations. If Buyer 2's offer is at a higher price than Buyer 1's, it creates even more of a sense to Buyer 1 that they're getting a great deal. If it fails, do you really want it? There is always the possibility that Buyer 1 will not be able to finance the home, and the sale will revert to Buyer 2. That's fairly rare today with how zealously loan originators are scrutinizing loan preapprovals, but it is a possibility. Cont’d on page 31

Trump plans ultra luxury projects in Mumbai, NCR NEW DELHI: US-based real estate major Trump Organization is looking to expand presence in Indian market and is in discussion with developers in Mumbai and NCR for two Trump-branded housing projects, its India representative said. Trump has already entered into Indian property market with a super luxury housing project in Pune being developed by Panchshil Realty. The project 'Trump Towers Pune', which was launched last year, marks the entry of the Trump brand of luxury and elegance in India. Trump has appointed Mumbai-based Tribeca Developers as exclusive India represen-

tative to identify more such projects in the country that can be developed under its brand. "This is the first of its kind tieup Trump has ever done. This signals how important Indian market is for Trump. India would be the top three market outside of North America for Trump in the next 3-5 years," Tribeca Developers Managing Partner Kalpesh Mehta told PTI. Tribeca would support Trump in identifying and selecting the sites and local developers for the various Trump branded residential, hotel, mixed-use and Golf Course projects in India, he added. Cont’d on page 31

Real Estate

March 29, 2013

India Post

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Now's the right time for going green STEVE MCLINDEN

Q: Dear Steve, I'm considering buying land to build a small home using green-building concepts. I think I have found the perfect piece of property for it. Is this a good time to start a project like that? Any advice on how I might go about realizing this dream? -Sabine Dear Sabine,

t's refreshing to get a letter about "green" these days in the midst of all this red ink that's bleeding from the housing market. Yes, it is a very good time to start a green home-construction project, based on several factors. Land prices are cheaper, the number of certified green contractors out there is growing and green is going mainstream as global warming and energy issues on the front burner. Additionally, federal tax incentives for some new-home construction elements have recently tripled following the recent passage of the stimulus package. Instead of the previous 10-percent incentives offered, you can now write off 30 percent of the costs of buying and installing solar panels, solar water heaters, fuel cells and

small wind-energy systems and geothermal heat pumps. There are dollar caps on some of these credits. See this page on the Environmental Protection Agency Web site for the latest information. Moreover, it's pretty clear that the latest green heating and cooling systems typically pay for themselves in energy savings over several years.

Some contractors instantly mark up a green project significantly without justification merely because people expect to pay more. Carefully screen your contractors Several states are offering additional green tax credits as well. Builders can also get tax credits for constructing energy-efficient new homes and should be able to pass some of those savings on to you indirectly. Of course, you can go as green as your imagination and budget allow, ranging from the use of solar energy, natural lighting, energy-ef-

ficient appliances and low-emission paints to radon-resistant construction, resource-efficient landscaping and use of recycled or salvaged locally-processed building materials. It's important to check out your local building ordinances to see what is allowed in your area. Most municipalities have become far more progressive in this area. But be wary. Some contractors instantly mark up a green project significantly without justification merely because people expect to pay more. Carefully screen your contractors. The United States Green Building Council's site has a rating system for promoting the design and construction of highperformance green houses that also features builder resources, green-certified contractor lists and a green-home guide. Also go to the GreenHomeGuide Web site and click on "resource" for availability of local, state, federal and utility incentives. Another organization, Built it Green, promotes green practices in California but also features universal guidelines and checklists that may help. Be sure to keep up to date on what's being offered. By the time you start construction, there may be even more green incentives available.-Courtesy Bankrate.com

HSIIDC sold land to DLF at undervalued rate CHANDIGARH: Government auditor CAG has rapped the stateowned HSIIDC for accepting the undervalued rate of land which was sold to real estate giant DLF Ltd for setting up a recreational project in Gurgaon leading to a financial loss of Rs 438.91 crore. In its latest report on Haryana's PSUs for the year 2011-12, CAG while auditing Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HSIIDC) observed that the valuation of the property which was to be developed for recreation and leisure activities in Gurgaon was wrong. ILFS Infrastructure Development Corporation, which was appointed as consultant for assessment of land cost (in March 2008), valued the land cost by using a mixed approach which means multiplying average market rate of land with average District Collector (DC) rate. "The value of property was

worked out at Rs 1,683.58 crore (by consultant) whereas the valuation of the property by considering av-

"The company (HSIIDC) by accepting the consultant valuation without any analysis and study suffered a loss of Rs 438.91 crore," CAG noted. erage factors of 2.79 times for residential area and 3.105 times for commercial plots works out to Rs 2,142.11 crore," CAG said.

However, HSIIDC approved the reserve price at Rs 1,700 crore for bidding on the basis of the consultant's valuation while the government accepted the DLF's bid at Rs 1,703.20 crore. "The company (HSIIDC) by accepting the consultant valuation without any analysis and study suffered a loss of Rs 438.91 crore," CAG noted. HSIIDC invited bids for sale of 350.715 acres of land in Gurgaon in January 2009 for setting up recreational and leisure project. DLF Limited submitted the bid at Rs 12,000 per square meter, though it sought clearance of legal and procedural complexities. The bids were again advertised in July 2009 for the same project. Then Haryana's Town and Country Planning Department decided that additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) at the rate of 20 per cent of area should be allowed to the successful bidder. -PTI

Trump plans ultra luxury projects in Mumbai, NCR Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

"We are in advance stage of discussions with developers in NCR and Mumbai who are keen to develop Trump branded properties. We hope to close two projects in these two markets in the next 6-12 months," Mehta said, adding that these two projects would be residential. Besides NCR and Mumbai, Trump is also looking at Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad as well as select markets such as Goa and others where there is demand for super luxury real estate. Tribeca, on behalf of Trump, is talking to big as well as small developers for projects. "The criteria is somebody who has done luxury before and wants to do ultra-luxury". Asked about the Trump's business model in India, Mehta said the local developers would be sharing certain percentage of revenue with Trump for getting the license to use latter's brand that

carries a premium across the world. Trump would monitor the project development and also help the local builders in sales and marketing, he added.

Besides NCR and Mumbai, Trump is also looking at Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad as well as select markets such as Goa The Trump Organization encompasses global real estate development and global licensing, sales and marketing, property management, golf course development, entertainment, entertainment and product licensing, brand development as well as restaurants and event planning. -PTI

Making a backup offer on a home: A good or bad idea? Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

Far more often, however, a sale fails because of an issue with the home. Maybe the roof is falling apart. The walls could be filled with mold. The alley behind the home might be a favorite of the local drag-racing kids. The next door neighbor might play his drum set every night at 3 a.m. A buyer who is in a backup position automatically takes on a contract for the home when the first buyer opts out. If a material defect on the property is the reason for Buyer 1 to cancel the sale, why would Buyer 2 want to be automatically under contract to buy this same property? In general, backup offers reduce your competitive edge Buyers submit backup offers in competitive situations. Negotiations require buyers to gain any

competitive advantage possible. By submitting a backup offer, buyers often pigeonhole themselves into a subordinate position, and motivate their competition. This doesn't mean that buyers can't do anything. Have your Realtor let the listing agent know that you're waiting in the wings with your buyer if anything goes wrong. Stay on top of the transaction as it moves along, and if for any reason the sale fails, have your offer submitted immediately. A buyer can still scoop up a failed sale in one day if their Realtor is on the ball and ready to submit the offer. By being prepared, but not motivating the competition, home buyers put themselves in the strongest position possible. -Courtesy www.realtor.com

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Mo. committees defeat Medicaid expansion

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.: Missouri's Republican-led Legislature has repeatedly defeated a plan to expand Medicaid under President Barack Obama's health care law. The Senate Appropriations Committee rejected the legislation on a party-line vote, just minutes after hearing testimony from more than two dozen witnesses in favor of it. The House Budget Committee also defeated two amendments to insert the Medicaid expansion into the budget. Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon has been traveling the state rallying support for a plan to add about 260,000 adults to Missouri's Medicaid rolls by raising the eligibility threshold. It would be fully funded by the federal government for the first three years, with the state gradually picking up a share of the cost after that. Republicans have expressed concerns about the potential longterm costs.-AP

Hawaii panel OKs e-cigarette youth ban HONOLULU: The Hawaii House Committee on Health has voted to push forward a bill to stop people under the age of 18 from buying electronic cigarettes. Hawaii currently prohibits youth from buying cigarettes. The law also requires stores to only sell tobacco products to people over the age of 18. But lawmakers want to take the ban a step further. The bill would prohibit stores from selling electronic cigarettes to youth and expand the state's definition of tobacco products. Advocates of the measure say the bill is important because kids are targets of tobacco company advertising and tobacco has harmful health effects. Some testifiers had concerns about how the bill defines e-cigarettes.-AP

GOP lawmakers press for inquiry into robocalls BOISE, Idaho: A group of freshman lawmakers has asked the Idaho attorney general to investigate whether a series of computer generated telephone calls opposing Gov. C.L. ``Butch'' Otter's health insurance exchange bill violated state law. Details on Page 34

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March 29, 2013

South Asian Heart Center joins Million Hearts initiative India Post News Service

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA: The South Asian Heart Center at El Camino Hospital, the first major nonprofit organization dedicated to combating heart disease among the South Asian community, has announced that it has joined Million Hearts™, a national initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. "The South Asian community is four times as likely to be affected by heart disease compared to the general population, and while we have made great strides in educating our local community, there is still a lot of work to be done," said Ashish Mathur, executive director of the Center, based in Mountain View, Calif. "We are honored to have been invited and recognized by Million Hearts™ and are committed to doing our part to support this critical effort and bring prevention and education messages to South Asian communities across the country." Launched in 2011 by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Million Hearts™ aims to prevent heart disease and stroke by: • Empowering Americans to make healthy choices such as preventing tobacco use and reducing sodium and trans fat consumption. This can reduce the number

of people who need medical treatment such as blood pressure or cholesterol medications to prevent heart attacks and strokes. • Improving care for people who do need treatment by encouraging a targeted focus on the "ABCS" - Aspirin for people at risk, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol management and Smoking cessation - which address the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

aren't always applicable for South Asians so we utilize an advanced screening process that focuses on clinical and behavioral risk factors specific to this population. "Equally important, we have educated hundreds of physicians about the unique South Asian risk factors, leading both to better identification of high risk patients and better prevention efforts." "We are pleased to welcome to Million Hearts™ a partner that is already working to reach a commu-

Offered at a minimal, subsidized cost, the Center assesses the risk for heart disease and diabetes using an advanced screening process that keys in on risk factors specific to this population, and helps participants manage and mitigate their risk The goals of Million Hearts™ align closely with the work already being conducted at the Center, including education, nutrition counseling, lifestyle recommendations and case management follow up. "We've developed a unique AIM to Prevent™ program to help participants manage and mitigate their personal risk for heart disease and diabetes," said Cesar Molina, MD, medical director of the Center. "Conventional guidelines for identifying increased risk

nity so disproportionally at risk," said Janet Wright, MD, executive director of Million Hearts™. "We look forward to working with the South Asian Heart Center to share this model of comprehensive, culturally appropriate programming focused on education and risk reduction with other communities across the country." Million Hearts™ brings together existing efforts and new programs to improve health across communities and help Americans

live longer, healthier, more productive lives. Organizations from both the public and private sectors are involved in the effort including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, coleaders of Million Hearts™ within the Department of Health and Human Services, along with other federal agencies and key private-sector partners including the American Heart Association, YMCA, and many others. Unique preventative program The South Asian Heart Center, the first major non-profit devoted to combating the growing epidemic of heart disease among people from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, has developed a unique preventative program. Offered at a minimal, subsidized cost, the Center assesses the risk for heart disease and diabetes using an advanced screening process that keys in on risk factors specific to this population, and helps participants manage and mitigate their risk through education, nutrition counseling, lifestyle recommendations, and case-managed follow-up. Million Hearts™ brings together communities, health systems, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and private-sector partners from across the country to fight heart disease and stroke.

NH House rejects bill requiring abortion wait CONCORD, N.H.: New Hampshire's House rejected a bill that would have required women to wait 24 hours before getting an abortion. The House voted 229-121 to kill a bill that would have required a woman's doctor to provide her with certain information about risks and alternatives to the procedure. The woman would have been required to certify in writing that she has received the information. The House passed a similar bill last year but the Senate rejected it. ``This bill is fair and neces-

sary and in no way comes between a woman and her doctor. It in no way prohibits a woman from obtaining an abortion should she choose to do so,'' said Rep. Jane

of having the baby, alternatives and the fetus' gestational age. Rep. Jeanine Notter, R-Merrimack, said women need to understand the risks of having an abortion.

Opponents said state law already requires doctors to get their patients' consent before performing medical procedures. "This would impose a legislative requirement that does not exist for any other medical procedure" Cormier, R-Alton. She said the bill would require the doctor to provide the woman with risks of having an abortion,

But opponents said state law already requires doctors to get their patients' consent before performing medical procedures.

``This would impose a legislative requirement that does not exist for any other medical procedure,'' said Rep. Sylvia Gale, D-Nashua. Gale said lawmakers would not be having the debate if the procedure was a lung transplant or a vasectomy. Rep. Peter Sullivan, DManchester, said he was troubled that the doctor would have to provide the woman with the characteristics of the fetus. Cormier said the bill did not mandate an ultrasound, but Sullivan questioned if one would be needed to satisfy the requirement. -AP

March 29, 2013

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Few in NH know about new health markets CONCORD, N.H.: As New Hampshire prepares for the new insurance markets required under the federal health care overhaul, a recent survey highlights how little residents agree on or even know about the looming changes. New Hampshire Voices for Health - a network of more than 40 organizations that advocates for affordable, quality health care - hired an independent consultant to design and administer an online survey seeking input on how the marketplace should operate in New Hampshire. State insurance and health and human service officials helped develop the questions. The survey was distributed in late January to industry associations and advocacy groups representing health care providers, insurers, consumers and businesses, with requests that it be shared widely both within and outside each organization. By the time the survey ended early this week, 648 people had responded, according to results provided to The Associated Press. And while the survey was unscientific, its findings suggest that much work remains to be done to inform and educate businesses about the health insurance marketplaces, which will offer consumers onestop shopping along the lines of amazon.com. ``Those who live in this bubble of hearing about the marketplace all the time forget that the vast majority of the people in the state know very little about it,'' said Lisa Kaplan Howe, policy director at Voices for Health. ``Those of us who've spent a lot of time thinking about it can envision it, but otherwise you're talking about something very amorphous.'' Under the new health care law, middle class people will be eligible for tax credits to help pay for private insurance plans, while low-income people will be steered to safetynet programs such as Medicaid. Enrollment begins Oct. 1 for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1, the day when a mandate that nearly all

Americans carry health insurance kicks in. Because a state law prohibits New Hampshire from building its own market, the state will have a federally run system, though the state will partner with the federal government to regulate insurers and provide consumer assistance. But many details have yet to be worked out, leaving some survey participants frustrated.

Under the new health care law, middle class people will be eligible for tax credits to help pay for private insurance plans, while lowincome people will be steered to safety-net programs such as Medicaid. Enrollment begins Oct. 1 for coverage that takes effect Jan 1 ``It is currently a mystery to me how this will work out,'' wrote one small business owner who employs mostly seasonal workers. Another participant, who plans to retire in July and then seek coverage through the market, described a fruitless search for information. ``I have tried to do my homework but everyone (insurance companies, state insurance reps, my human resources dept.) tells me that they have no information and will not have any until at least October. This leaves me unable to plan,'' the survey participant wrote. A third participant rattled off a string of unanswered questions and expressed concern that education and outreach efforts would fall short. ``Personally, I hope I do not have to pur-

Reducing damage & death from heart attacks

ater-soluble aspirin and clot-dis solving drugs can stop most heart attacks in progress, reduce disability and save lives. They work best if given within one hour of when signs of heart attack begin to appear. It is therefore important to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and act right away, says Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India & National Vice President-Elect IMA. Every year, over 24 lakh people die of heart attacks in India. About half of those deaths take place within one hour of the onset of warning signs and before the patient ever reaches a hospital, added Dr Praveen Chandra, Chairman, Interventional Cardiology at Medanta - The Medicity. The five warning signs of a heart attack, which everybody must know are: 1. Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or

back. 2. Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint. 3. Chest pain or discomfort. 4. Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder. 5. Shortness of breath Act fast Take 300 mg water-soluble aspirin and chew it if a heart attack is suspected. 2. Get yourself rushed to a nearest heart centre for clot-dissolving therapy. 3. You may require an emergency angiography and angioplasty to remove the clot. 4. If there is a cardiac arrest, the bystander should follow the CPR 10 mantra: "within 10 minutes of death, earlier the better; at least for the next 10 minutes, longer the better; compress the centre of the chest of the dead person continuously and effectively with a speed of 10x10 i.e. 100 per minute."-HCFI

chase health insurance through the exchange but if I am required to I would probably cry first, then attempt to sort out my options,'' the survey participant wrote. ``Stress would be running high.'' Those kinds of comments, and similar testimony given at a public hearing earlier this month, highlight the urgent need for consumer assistance efforts that will ``reach people where they're at,'' Howe said. ``People might not even know to come for assistance,'' she said. ``Taking a step back from educating them, we need to make sure they know a marketplace even exists.'' Confusion aside, there was some consensus among survey participants in some areas. Asked how much the marketplace should prioritize a series of characteristics, more than 90 percent said providing people with accurate, easily comparable information about health plans should be a high priority. And most participants said they don't trust the government to provide them with information about the marketplace and their health plan options. About 40 percent said they would trust a local nonprofit group, compared with 14 percent who said state officials and 9 percent who said federal officials. Other groups, including the media, health care providers and insurance brokers, were viewed as even less trustworthy.

More than half the participants said there should be a balance between making a lot of insurance plans available so people have as many choices as possible and making sure the plans are standardized and limited so people can easily compare their options. They disagreed on whether all health insurers should be required to sell plans through the marketplace _ half said yes, but a third said they didn't know. Maria Sillari said she sent the survey to several hundred friends and associates and was shocked at how many told her they either had never heard of the marketplace or exchange concept or had trouble answering questions because they knew little about it. ``I don't feel like I know a lot about it, but I've certainly been hearing about it in the news, so I was surprised that people didn't understand that this was part of the Affordable Care Act,'' she said. ``For the most part, the people I sent it to are working, they're pretty well educated, they listen to the radio and read the newspaper, so I wonder about all the people who don't fit that criteria.'' Sillari is on the board of directors of Womenaid of Greater Portsmouth, a small, all-volunteer group that provides up to $500 to individuals and families who are referred by social service agencies because they need a bit of help making ends meet. -AP

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Okla. House OKs attempt GOP lawmakers press for inquiry into robocalls to 'nullify' health law OKLAHOMA CITY: The Oklahoma House moved to declare the federal health care law ``null and void'' in the state, approving a bill over the objection of Democrats who argued it was nothing more than a political statement. The House voted 72-20 for the bill by Republican Rep. Mike Ritze, a Broken Arrow physician and a fierce opponent of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which he frequently refers to as ``Obamacare.'' Although the law was approved by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, Ritze maintains the measure is unconstitutional and opposed by a majority of Oklahomans. The bill states that two separate bills passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in 2010 are ``hereby declared to be invalid in the state of Oklahoma.'' ``Laws are unconstitutional when they're not pursuant to the enumerated powers,'' Ritze said. ``This is a political statement. We are just doing the will of the people

when they voted in 2010.'' In response to opposition to the federal health care law, the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2010 sent to a public vote an amendment to the state Constitution that prohibits forcing a per-

Provisions were removed from the bill that would have made it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to enforce the law. It now heads to the Senate for consideration son or health care provider to participate in a health care system. The proposal passed with nearly 65 percent of the vote. Opponents of the bill argued it was pointless to pass a statute when Oklahoma already amended its constitution to reject the fed-

eral health care law. ``This law was put into effect by the United States Congress. It went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Supreme Court said it was constitutional,'' said Rep. Kay Floyd, D-Oklahoma City. ``That's it. Game over.'' Provisions were removed from the bill that would have made it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to enforce the law. It now heads to the Senate for consideration. Joseph Thai, a constitutional law professor at the University of Oklahoma, said even if the bill were approved by the Legislature and signed by the governor it would have no legal effect. ``The Legislature could also attempt to nullify the federal income tax while it's at it - and to the same (that is, no) legal effect,'' Thai wrote in an email to The Associated Press. ``But political posturing apparently pays off, or else the Legislature wouldn't waste its time on proposals like this that are dead on arrival.'' -AP

Cal bills to address expected doctor shortage SACRAMENTO, Calif.: A Democratic lawmaker has introduced a package of bills to address an expected doctor shortage as California prepares to insure millions of new patients under federal health care reforms. Sen. Ed Hernandez of West Covina said his bills would expand services that can be provided by nurse practitioners, optometrists and pharmacists in order to help alleviate a shortage of primary care physicians, particularly in rural areas and inner cities dominated by minorities. Hernandez, an optometrist, said his bills would allow nurse practitioners to see Medicaid and Medicare patients even if the doctors they work for do not. Optometrists could check for high blood pressure, and pharmacists could order laboratory testing to detect diabetes. ``Here in the state of California, we have a capacity issue,'' he said. ``We have a workforce shortage.'' The California Medical Association opposes the bills, said spokeswoman Molly Weedn. The group representing 35,000 doctors believes the state should focus on building more medical schools,

adding residency slots and expanding programs that help doctors pay off student loans in exchange for working in underserved communities. Starting in 2014, California will help millions of uninsured people gain access to health care in two key ways: Through a new insur-

"I worry about having enough providers to care for our patients," Aguirre said. "I am hopeful that this legislation will increase the available pool of providers" ance marketplace that will offer subsidies and tax credits to individuals and small business; and by expanding Medicaid, the federal-state health program for lowincome people. The program is called Medi-Cal in California. Hernandez, who unveiled his bills at a safety-net clinic in Sac-

ramento, said the measures are not meant to replace doctors but to increase access to care for ethnic and poor communities as California's health care system braces for a huge influx. Dr. Francisco Aguirre, chief medical officer at WellSpace Health, said he supported the bills because he has a hard time recruiting physicians. He relies on nurse practitioners just as much as doctors to treat the poor. ``I worry about having enough providers to care for our patients,'' Aguirre said. ``I am hopeful that this legislation will increase the available pool of providers.'' Hernandez isn't the only lawmaker trying to tackle the provider gap. State Sen. Fan Pavley, DAgoura Hills, has put forth SB352, which seeks to expand services that physician assistants can provide. A 2011 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges said California is likely to face a physician shortage in 2015. Only 16 of the state's 58 counties have the recommended supply of primary care physicians. The doctors association said there's also a shortage of specialists in nearly half of the counties. -AP

BOISE, Idaho: A group of freshman lawmakers has asked the Idaho attorney general to investigate whether a series of computer generated telephone calls opposing Gov. C.L. ``Butch'' Otter's health insurance exchange bill violated state law. The group, six Republicans and a Democrat, want Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and his consumer protection division to determine if the telephone calls violated the Idaho Telephone Solicitation Act, according to a story published by the Idaho Statesman. Brett DeLange, who heads Wasden's Consumer Protection Division, said that his office will follow up. Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, said she received about 120 computer generated calls on her unlisted cellphone and office phone on two days. She said each of the calls failed to include legally required disclosure information, including the identity of the person or group initiating the call and contact information for the caller. In a separate story published earlier, Tea Party Boise President Chad Inman told the newspaper the calls were made on behalf of Gem State Tea Party, an umbrella group uniting 13 Idaho tea party groups. The calls urged citizens to call their lawmakers and ask them to oppose Otter's legislation, which passed the House after seven hours of debate. By pressing ``1''

on their phones, recipients could be transferred directly to their lawmakers, according to the calls. ``We'll have to see what the attorney general says,'' Inman said. ``I would think any legislator would want the opinion of their constituents. If they don't want to hear from their constituents why would they run in the first place?'' Under the law, courts may impose a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation. Horman said she hopes to work with Secretary of State Ben Ysursa

The calls were made on behalf of Gem State Tea Party, an umbrella group uniting 13 Idaho tea party groups and House Speaker Scott Bedke on possible amendment to Idaho's Sunshine Law requiring disclosure of such lobbying. Ysursa and Bedke have both expressed concerns about gaps in the law. The other freshman GOP legislators to sign Horman's letter include: Rep. Brandon Hixon, Caldwell; Rep. Luke Malek, Coeur d'Alene; Rep. Steve Miller, Fairfield; Rep. Kelley Packer, McCammon and Rep. Julie VanOrden, Pingree. Democratic Rep. Caroline Meline, Pocatello, also signed the letter. -AP

Apples during pregnancy prevent Asthma

omen who eat apples during pregnancy may protect their child from developing asthma, according to a study published in the Journal Thorax. The study showed that children of moms who munched on more than four apples per week were 37 percent less likely to have a history of wheezing and 53 percent less likely to have doctorconfirmed asthma, compared to moms who ate one or no apples per week while pregnant. The effect may be due to apple's phytochemical content, such as flavonoids, which have been shown to have beneficial effects on adult lung function. The study also found that eating fish during pregnancy may curb the risk of eczema in off-

spring. Children of mothers who ate fish once per week or more while pregnant had a 43 percent lower risk of eczema compared to children whose mothers avoided fish altogether. Cont'd on Page 35

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Great distance still to be covered in health care: Prez ALAPPUZHA, Kerala: India still has a "great distance" to go in ensuring proper health care systems to its teeming population, President Pranab Mukherjee said here. Addressing a gathering of medical professionals and students, he said the public sector health care system of the country is "limited" and it needs to spread further. "Despite the progress made in our health care system, we still have great distance to cover. The public sector health service in our country is limited by its reach. "Many in our population are dependent on the private sector for delivery of health services," he said while inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the government T D Medical College here. The medical college established in 1963 has produced over 4,200 doctors during the five decades of its existence. Delving into the country's medical care system, Mukherjee, who is on a day-long visit to the state, said it should be such that no one is "denied specialty medical treatment due to high costs". "It is burdensome for poor people to access expensive medical treatment and many fall into the trap of poverty on account of that," he said. The President added that the quality of health care delivery by some of the health service providers in the country leaves "much to be desired". "We must correct this situation by expanding good quality, affordable public sector health care facilities. "Our public expenditure on health care was 1.04 per cent of GDP during the eleventh five year plan period. This should rise to 2.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the twelfth plan period if we are to augment public health care in the country in a big way," he said. He emphasized on the age old proverb of 'health is wealth' and said the "well being of a nation is dependent on the well being of its people". "Unless the health of the people is secured, the productive potential of the country cannot be realized to the full extent," he said. "A sound health care system depends

on the three pillars of availability, quality and affordability," the President said. Kerala Governor H R Bhardwaj, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, leaders of the Assembly, state cabinet ministers, Minister

Addressing a gathering of medical professionals and students, he said the public sector health care system of the country is "limited" and it needs to spread further

President Pranab Mukherjee

for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Union Ministers of State K Suresh (Labor and Employment) and K C Venugopal (Civil Aviation) were present during the event. Mukherjee appreciated Kerala's role in providing a huge workforce of medical professionals to the country and praised the state for being "proactive in implementing national programs for control and eradication of diseases". "Kerala is a big contributor to the pool of health care professionals, particularly doctors and nurses, in the country... the Kerala model of social development, where the government initiatives are matched by active civic participation, is indeed laudable," he said. The President also stressed on the need to have more institutions which provide medical education and training to young professionals. "There is urgent need for more institutes of learning for imparting medical education. It is gratifying to note that six AIIMS like institutions are to be set up soon. "It is also necessary to increase the capacity of our existing medical schools and

Apples during pregnancy prevent Asthma Cont'd from Page 34

High fat diet and breast cancer A study by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, says that in middle-aged women, eating a high-fat diet raises the risk of developing invasive breast cancer. There was 32% increased risk of breast cancer among women with a high level of fats in their diet. The risk was seen for all types of fat (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and seemed to be confined to women who were not using hormone replacement therapy. The higher the fat intake, the higher was the risk for breast cancer. Eat more fruits

nursing colleges and enhance the standard of education in all of them. "I am confident that our public sector medical colleges will meet the twin challenge of greater quantity and better quality," he said. The mechanism of health insurance must be strengthened, he said, adding that

People who eat a diet high in fruit and low in meat reduce their risk of developing colon cancer. A team from University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill observed three groups people who ate a lot of fruit but little meat, people who ate a lot of vegetables and a moderate amount of meat, and people who simply ate a lot of meat. The people who recalled eating large or moderate amounts of meat were 70 percent more likely to have had a polyp than those who said they ate a lot of fruit but little meat. Just 18 percent of the people who said they ate a lot of fruit but little meat had a polyp, compared to 30 percent of the moderate meat-eaters and 32 percent of people in the high meat-eating group. -HCFI

the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana that gives "beneficiaries cashless in-patient treatment should provide access to comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary medical care." "The benefits of this scheme should touch every one below poverty line," he said. A sustainable model of health care with the participation of all stakeholders was the need of the hour. "We have envisaged infant mortality rate to reduce from 44 per 1,000 live births to 25

by the end of the twelfth plan period and the maternal mortality rate to reduce from 212 per one lakh live births to 100 during this period. "These targets are within our reach, but for that comprehensive efforts are essential," he said. . Increasing the density of medical professionals was aimed in the twelfth five year plan. "There were about 241 medical professionals - physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists and other professionals - per one lakh population in 2011-12. "It is envisaged that this density of medical professionals will increase to 354 by the end of the twelfth five year plan period," he said. Mukherjee urged medical experts and major stakeholders in this domain to develop a technology-based "efficient health information system for universal registration of births and deaths, nutritional surveillance and disease surveillance." "A sound database should come handy for our policy makers to make timely interventions," he said. On the occasion, Governor Bhardwaj said it was "high time" that the health care sector is categorized as a priority one. The President congratulated T D medical college on the golden jubilee and wished that the institution continues to do pioneering work for medical education in the state and in the country. -PTI

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March 29, 2013

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NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat Mar 30

Sun Mar 31

• Rang Barsey 2013

• Strings - Live in Concert

Venue: Deewan Banquet, 560 Stelton Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 914-479-2596

Venue: Roone Arledge Auditorium, 2920 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 717-317-0171

Sat Apr 13

• Bong Konection 2013: Bengali New Years Eve

• Indian Speed Dating - Meet 15 Desi Dates In One Night

Venue: Fire N' Ice, 85 Lafayette Rd, Fords, NJ 08863 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 973-462-1695

Venue: K lounge, 30 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 9173248022

Sun Apr 14

Sun May 5

• Varli Kids Food Festival 2013

• Masters of Indian Music

Venue: Hyatt at Headquarters Plaza, 3 Speedwell Ave, Morristown, NJ 07960 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 612-220-3617

Venue: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York, NY 10025 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 212-545-7536

Sat April 27 to Fri May 3 Discourses by Swami Mukundananda • Bhagavad Geeta for Everyday Living Venue: Sunnyvale Hindu Temple, 420-450 Persian Drive, Sunnyvale CA 94089 Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

• Essence of Spirituality Venue: Fremont Hindu Temple, 3676 Delaware Drive, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: Sat: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Tue: 8:15 pm to 9:15 pm Prasadam: Prasadam will be served after the program May 4th (Sat) to May 10

• Regular On-going Balmukund Class Venue: 3839, Heriatage Terrace #232, Fremont, CA Contact: 510-794-3368, Email: babitarpur@gmail.com

• Regular On-going Satsang: Contact: 408-594-8197 Email: lisamousum@gmail.com, 510-573-2288 Email: karuna101_sharma@yahoo.com

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming

Sat Mar 30 • Holi Reeeeeeee Venue: Will Rogers State Beach (Towers 5/6), Temescal Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90272 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 562-595-2213

Sun Apr 7 • JASHAN -Celebrating 100 years of Bollywood with 'Preeti Jhangiani Venue: Valencia High School, 500 N Bradford Ave, Placentia, CA 92870 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 714-368-3424

Sat Apr 13 • 'Paada Vaa Un Paadalai' (PVUP) Venue: TBA, 100 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Time: 4:00 pm Contact: 949 733 3150

• Kite Festival Venue: Washington Monument, Ellipse Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20502

• Krazy 2 Venue: Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 714-584-7466

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat Mar 30 Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 9:00 am Contact: 404-934-9991

Sat Apr 06 • Bollywood 15.01 Spring Beats Time: 11:00 am Contact: 301-838-9778

Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month 330pm-530pm @ Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-5614807 -Website: www.jkyog.org Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes- Bal Mukund Classes are held every 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month 11am-1pm @ Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-5614807 - Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund Two superhit Gujarati plays are coming to Chicago

1. Eak Bejane Nadta Rahiye

Sat Apr 20

• Holi Dhamaka

Sat Mar 30

• J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda

Venue: Twisted Taco Perimeter, 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 770-339-0991

Date Venue:

March 22, 2013 Jain Center, Bartlett, IL

2. GujjuBhai Ni Golmaal Date: Venue:

March 29, 2013 Jain Center, Bartlett, IL

• Shreejidwar Community Events Venue: Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest, 440 W Fullerton Ave., Addision, IL - 60101 Time: Holi-Rasiya-Rangotsav: Sun Mar 24, Shree Mahaprabhuji Pragatyosav: Sun May 5, Haveli Patotsav: Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun/ Jul4/5/6/7 Nandmahotsav: Sat Aug 31 Sharad Poonam/Rasotsav Garba: Sat Oct 18 Annakut Mahotsav: Sat Nov 9 Tulsi Vivah: Sat Nov 16 Tavasmi & Kirtan Classes every other Sunday… Satsang Every Saturday & Sunday After Sandhya Darshan Sakha Mandal 3rd Sunday Contact: 630-543-38-71

India Post 37

March 29, 2013

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March 29, 2013

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March 29, 2013

our toy train chugs along slowly without a Temperatures vary from 16° C in winter to 32° C in care in the world. During the two hour as summer with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. It is a place cent, food vendors and monkeys jump on and to visit round the year, monsoons included, for the off as the valley glides by sedately. young at heart. Sprawling languidly at an altitude of 800 meters is Matheran is the smallest hill station of Matheran - an undulating hilltop cloaked in green. It India. The name Matheran means eiis situated in Karjat Tahsil, Raigad District ther 'Forest on Top' or 'Woodland n e of Maharashtra, India. overhead'. It is located around 90 s be a The cliffs of Matheran km from Mumbai, 120 km from h an r with incredibly steep drops Pune and 320 km from Surat. e th n an o to the plains below offer Matheran is an eco-sensitive i Ma d lare ive reg stunning viewing points. region, declared by the Minisc e d nsit These panoramic vistas, by try of Environment and Fore s day and night, leave you feelest, Government of India. It eco nion inistry U e M h t t a ing light headed. Standing at is one of the few places in en by ed l m l n Hart Point in pitch darkness you the world where vehicles a c iro be get a breathtaking glimpse of the are not allowed. It takes Env m n riu ca o t lights of busy Bombay. Matheran you over a hundred d a an San abounds in such quixotically named years back in time when h t l Hea lf points. popular sites for picnics and there were no vehicles. Bese fireside revelry. cause of ban on vehicles, in it The old world charm of the British Matheran is quite peaceful despite the thouand Parsi homes captivates you all the sands of lakhs coming to visit throughout the year. way up to the Charlotte Lake. On each trip Matheran has been declared an ecosensitive rethrough the main bazaar you purchase some of its gion by the Union Environment Ministry and can be attractions - care and leather articles, hats, chappals called a Health Sanatorium in itself. and the irresistible chikki loved by young and old Cont’d on page 40 alike.

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

March 29, 2013

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Matheran: Smallest, peaceful & vehicle-free hill station Cont’d from page 39

The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the Municipality. No private automobiles are allowed. Within Matheran transport facilities available are horses and handpulled rickshaws. There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, in-

The Louisa Point offers crystal clear view of the Prabal Fort. The other points are the One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point, and more.

town of Neral which lies at the base of the hills. A tar road connects Neral to Dasturi Naka which is 9 km (5.8 miles) from Matheran. In order to maintain Matheran's uniqueness, no vehicles are al-

Matheran history Matheran was discovered by Englishman Huge Mallet, the then Collector of Thane, in 1850. Lord

There are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorma Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking

Matherans Heritage Toy Train

cluding the Panorma Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking.

Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay, laid the foundations of its development as a future hill station. Matheran is connected to the

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lowed beyond this point. The other mode of transport is a 2 ft (610 mm) gauge railway which links the town to Neral. Neral also has a broad gauge station which is on the busy Mumbai-Pune route. Neral is well connected by railway line with Karjat being the nearest Junction. Matheran has a huge number of

medicinal plants and herbs. The town also has a large monkey population, including Bonnet Macaques and Hanuman Langurs. The nearby Lake Charlotte is the main source of Matheran's drinking water. Languages spoken include Marathi, Hindi, and English. There are a lot of Parsi bungalows. Beautiful old British-style architecture is preserved in Matheran. The roads are not metalled and are made of red laterite earth. How to Reach By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji In-

ternational Airport of Mumbai located about 90 kilometers away from Matheran is the nearest air terminus from this hill station. By Rail: Matheran is acclaimed for its 'Matheran Hill Railway' or the 'Matheran Toy Train'; one of the four toy trains in the country. This train runs between Matheran and Neral through the verdant woods of the Western Ghats covering the total distance of 20 kilometers. By Road: Matheran is located 90 kilometers away from Mumbai and 120 kilometers away from Pune.

Aggressive campaign to keep tourist places clean NEW DELHI: Seeking the corporate sector's support in its Clean India program, the Tourism Ministry has said an aggressive campaign will be carried out to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around tourist places across the country. "We will take up Clean India campaign in an aggressive way all over the country and I am seeking the support of corporate sector for it," Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said here while announcing the winners of National Tourism Awards for 2011-12. "I met senior officials of ONGC who have agreed to take up the cleanliness work at six monuments including Konark and Sanchi," he said, adding, "All Buddhist sites in the country will also be part of the campaign as these spots draw a considerable number of foreign tourists." Asked about the extension of Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility to more countries including Germany, Chiranjeevi said, "We have sought VoA facilities for 16 more countries and the matter is under active consideration of Home Ministry. "Our aim is to attract one per

cent of the total arrivals of world tourists. Currently it is 0.6 per cent which is not acceptable."

Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi

Chiranjeevi said the recent blasts in Hyderabad will have no impact on the UNWTO conference He, however, said the current growth rate of 5.4 per cent in the tourist sector despite the recession in world over is not bad. "We want the 7 per cent growth rate in the sector but at the mo-

ment the world growth is 3.9 per cent only. So keeping that in mind our growth is certainly not bad," Chiranjeevi said. Asked whether the hanging of Afzal Guru has had any adverse effect on tourist arrivals in Kashmir, Tourism Secretary Pervez Dewan said, "There are no cancellations and things are on same level." Chiranjeevi said the recent blasts in Hyderabad will have no impact on the UNWTO conference to be held in the city next month. On the question of misuse of Incredible India logo by unscrupulous elements, Chiranjeevi said enforcement is a state subject and we have to prevent its misuse with the help of state authorities. The National Tourism Award function will be held on March 18 here. Chiranjeevi said there will be 86 awards in 36 categories. Andhra Pradesh has been selected for best state for comprehensive development of tourism, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation for best civic management, Apollo hospital in Hyderabad for best medical tourism facility and Hyderabad airport as best airport in the country. -PTI

March 29, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

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Kashmir expects more tourist arrivals this year SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley witnessed two peaceful years in 2011 and 2012, reaping the benefits in terms of record breaking tourist arrivals and the hopes were that this year will be even better. The year began on expected lines as more than 70,000 tourists visited Kashmir in the month of January, a period considered to be lean in terms of tourism. A record number of tourists - 14 lakh visited the Valley in 2012, making it the successful year in the tourism history of the state. The businesses were booming. The local industries tourism, handicrafts, and horticulture all had a wonderful year. And with many countries withdrawing or modifying their adverse travel advisories, the authorities, business houses and general public alike had high hopes for 2013. However, 17 days into March this year, the Valley has seen unprecedented disturbances and remaining under strikes and curfews for 12 days out of 17, the business has been "almost dead".

â&#x20AC;&#x153;About 35 lakh people are associated with the trade and manufacture business here and that everyone is suffering losses to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees. Kashmir suffers a loss of around Rs 85100 crore a day, whenever there is a strike or curfewâ&#x20AC;? Since the execution of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru on February 9, Kashmir has seen around 30 days of strikes and curfews. "About 35 lakh people are associated with the trade and manufacture business here and that everyone is suffering losses to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees," President, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Mohammad Yasin Khan told PTI. "On an average, Kashmir suffers a loss of around Rs 85100 crore a day, whenever there is a strike or curfew," Khan said.

Meanwhile, tourism players in the Valley also narrated the same tale. There have been 30-40 per cent cancellations in bookings from tourists belonging to various states of the country. "There were pre-bookings in December and January for the months of February and March, but 3040 per cent of those bookings have been cancelled," president, Travel Agents' Association of Kashmir (TAAK), Rouf Tramboo told PTI. "Last year, there was cent per cent occupancy in hotels across the Valley in the months of March, April and June which is considered as the main tourist season. However, 30 to 40 per cent of the bookings for these months have already been cancelled," he said, in a dejecting voice. However, tourism authorities are still optimistic and bank upon the "love for Kashmir" the tourists have. "We are optimistic about 2013. We had a bumper tourist season last year with a record 14 lakh tourists visiting Kashmir and we hope to improve the figure this year," Director, Tourism Kashmir, Talat Pervez told PTI. In January last year, the number of tourists visiting the Valley was around 30,000, with 2,894 among them foreign tourists. The same month this year saw more than a double-fold increase in the tourist arrivals at 70,026 with 1,608 foreigners.

While February last year saw the number of domestic tourists at 23,226, this year the number is 31,612, the figures provided by the Tourism Department said. Similarly, the number of foreign tourists visiting the Kashmir in February 2012 was 2,911, while this year as many as 3,053 foreigners visited the Valley. In the first week of March 2012, 6,941 domestic and 795 foreign tourists visited

the region, while 3,053 and 459 domestic and foreign tourists respectively visited Kashmir in the first week of March this year, showing a decline in the numbers. The second week of March 2013 also shows a slight decline in the numbers as compared to the corresponding time last year. While 9,254 domestic and 748 foreign tourists visited the Valley in the same period last year, the number stands at 7,994 domestic and 663 foreign this year. Pervez said the months of January, February and March are considered as lean seasons for tourism in Kashmir and expressed hope the number would go up in the months of April, May and June. "We are not much worried about the numbers for the months of January, February and March. These are lean months and even then the situation is not that bad. The arrival is as per routine. April and May hold the key and as long as the situation remains peaceful, we are not worried," he said. The director said the tourists love Kashmir and he sees the numbers improving this year. "People forget the past and proceed ahead. We had very good two years of tourism in 2011 and 2012 after so many years of violence. If the situation does not get worse, then we hope to achieve a 10-12 per cent growth in the sector this year," he said. -PTI

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March 29, 2013

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President calls for strengthening tourism sector NEW DELHI: India, known world-wide for its cuisine, should exploit this "asset" to attract more foreign tourists and build infrastructure that travelers can look forward to, President Pranab Mukherjee said here. "One of the most attractive assets that India can offer is our cuisine. There is no parallel to the range of local specialties that a traveler can savor as he travels through India," he said at the National Tourism Awards function here. This, coupled with proper infrastructure which responds to the expectations of the most traveled visitors, could give a further push to wooing both foreign as well as domestic travelers, he said. India saw about 6.65 million foreign tourists arriving last year, which was a growth of 5.4 per cent in such arrivals over the previous year. Foreign exchange earnings in this segment was also estimated to be about Rs 94,500 crores for 2012,

a significant 21.8 per cent increase over the previous year, he said. Mukherjee said due attention to safety and quality standards of food would instill more confidence in foreign as well as domestic tour-

Andhra Pradesh bagged the best state award for comprehensive development of tourism for 2011-12 in the 'rest of India' category while the 'best heritage city award' went to Warangal ists. In this regard, he said the government will soon open an institute of excellence for culinary specialization and research. He said good infrastructure is the need of the hour as a visit to a world

renowned heritage site can be marred by poor approach roads or the absence of public facilities en-route or by unpleasant sights and odors. The increase in disposable incomes of Indian citizens have given them an increasing capacity for leisure travel today. There is also an abundance of attractive offers, new and improved air and rail connections and a general expansion of the tourism infrastructure in all states of India. Its multiplier effect has been strong and has led to creation of jobs in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors, he said. Andhra Pradesh bagged the best state award for comprehensive development of tourism for 201112 in the 'rest of India' category while the 'best heritage city award' went to Warangal. The President lauded the 'Incredible India' campaign in boosting the tourism sector, saying it was a "well-conceived and con-

certed effort in brand promotion". "I take this opportunity to stress the importance of a highly specialized and motivated work force. It is important for Government and private sector to collec-

which would be multi-lingual, in nine world languages, to provide round-the- clock information to international tourists. While Andhra Pradesh bagged the first prize in the best state award

President Pranab Mukherjee

tively generate adequate manpower - both in terms of quantity and quality," he said. He also stressed the importance of sustainable, "green" tourism, urging the stakeholders to be more conscious and proactive with regard to tourist destinations in their respective areas. Hotels, museums and monuments should consciously reduce their use of energy and water. They should try to decrease generation of waste. Transportation, heating, cooling, washing and lighting could be made greener. Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said his ministry would be setting up a tourism information helpline

for comprehensive development of tourism, the second prize in this category was won by Rajasthan and the third prize by Gujarat. Similarly, Jammu and Kashmir won the best prize in the category of comprehensive development of tourism in J&K and North East states only. The award for best tourism film went to Gujarat for its campaign 'Khushboo Gujarat Ki' starring Amitabh Bachchan. The best airport in the 'Class X cities' went to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Hyderabad while the best tourist friendly railway station award went to Mysore railway station. -PTI

Dearth of quality accommodation for high-end tourists JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Government has admitted that there was a dearth of quality accommodation for the high-end tourists visiting the state. In a written reply to a question from National Conference legislators Devinder Singh Rana and S Dharambir Singh in the Legislative Council here, Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir said that with the boom in the tourist arrivals during the last two years, the dearth of high quality accommodation has been felt. The minister, however, hoped that with the improvement in the law and order situation, it was expected that the investment in the hotel industry will increase and dearth of high-end accommodation will be overcome. Tourism having been declared as an industry, the incentive rules are also in vogue for encouraging private investment in the sector, Mir said. He said that the incentive rules

provide a capital investment subsidy of Rs one crore on establishment of a prestigious unit involving minimum investment of Rs 25 crore, including the cost of the land.

The minister, however, hoped that with the improvement in the law and order situation, the investment in the hotel industry will increase In reply to a question that whether the state government has earmarked some land in and around Srinagar city for construction of world class tourism infrastructure, Mir stated that the issue has to be deliberated upon in the Master Plan, which is in the process of revision. -PTI

In Brief House group nearing deal on immigration bill WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of House members working in secret on a comprehensive immigration bill is nearing completion and has met with party leaders to brief them, aides say. A spokesman for Republican House Speaker John Boehner said that Boehner had a good talk with Republicans in the group and that the lawmakers have made real progress. The group's four Democrats met with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Pelosi's spokesman said she's optimistic about the prospects for reform. The group had hoped to release their bill around the time of the State of the Union last month, but now an aide says they will aim for early April, once Congress returns from a two-week recess. That's the same timeline that a negotiating group in the Senate is on. The Senate group has gotten more attention because House GOP leaders are expected to wait to see what if anything the Senate passes on immigration before taking any action on the issue. -AP

Immigrant groups sue federal border agencies SEATTLE: Immigrant advocacy groups have filed nearly a dozen complaints and lawsuits against U.S. Customs and Border Protection across the country, claiming federal agents and officers mistreated and discriminated against illegal immigrants and U.S. citizens alike. The groups alleged that officers at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C., were complicit in sending a 4-year-old American girl to Guatemala without giving her parents a chance to retrieve her. Officers also detained a naturalized citizen who had been working with farmworkers in New York, kept women in cold detention cells in Texas and lied on an arrest report that led to an illegal immigrant's detention in Washington state, the advocacy groups said. The complaints are the latest in a series of legal actions taken against U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Border Patrol from immigrant advocacy groups, who have long sought to reform the agency's conduct on the southern and northern border. The cases involve federal administrative complaints against the agency and lawsuits filed in federal court. -AP

Immigration 43

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March 29, 2013

Obama says immigration bill would help House GOP WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama told House Republicans that they would benefit politically more than Democrats would from supporting a comprehensive immigration overhaul, lawmakers present said. One lawmaker, Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee, said the argument elicited ``light chuckles'' from the assembled lawmakers, many of whom are skeptical of Obama and of efforts toward overhauling immigration laws that would put an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship. The exchange came during a meeting between Obama and the House Republican Conference at the Capitol, part of Obama's new outreach to the GOP on budgetary and other issues. The lawmakers said Obama recounted his own experience in November capturing more than 70 percent of the Hispanic vote as he won re-election, and told the Republicans that they stood to gain more than he did from supporting a sweeping immigration law rewrite. ``He said that actually implementing immigration reform would actually benefit - I'm just stating what he said - that it would actually benefit Republicans more than it would Democrats,'' said

President Barack Obama

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There's something to it,'' King said of Obama's argument, though he noted that there's also an argument to be made that legalizing the immigration status of 11 million people would help Democrats; many would likely vote Democratic Rep. Scott Rigell, R-Va. Obama argued ``it's in our own best interest'' to support an immigration bill, Rigell said. Rigell and Rep. Pete King, RN.Y., said Obama's comments on immigration came as he sought to dispute lawmakers who might

think he's not sincere. Obama said that ``his willingness to address immigration, which he argued would benefit Republicans more than Democrats, is an indication that he is sincere,'' Rigell said. King said Obama's argument went this way: ``Right now he gets

75 percent of the Hispanic vote because Republicans are against immigration reform, so if we vote for it he's not going to pick up any new votes in the Hispanic community and we can.'' Exit polls used by the AP actually showed Obama getting 71 percent of the Latino vote in November. ``There's something to it,'' King said of Obama's argument, though he noted that there's also an argument to be made that legalizing the immigration status of 11 million people would help Democrats; many would likely vote Democratic. Obama also said that if he were only motivated by getting more Democrats elected in the 2014 midterm elections, he wouldn't be pushing for immigration reform because it's likely in his party's interest to be able to paint Republicans as obstructionists on the issue, according to a person in the room who requested anonymity in order to discuss the private meeting. Prominent Republicans including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., also have argued that Republicans must support immigration reform if they want to win over Hispanic voters. But it wasn't clear that Obama's political argument to House Republicans he's spent years clashing with would win many converts. -AP

USCIS to accept H-1B petitions from April 1 India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will begin accepting H-1B petitions subject to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 cap on Monday, April 1, 2013. Cases will be considered accepted on the date that USCIS receives a properly filed petition for which the correct fee has been submitted; not the date that the petition is postmarked. The cap (the numerical limitation on H-1B petitions) for FY 2014 is 65,000. In addition, the first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals with U.S. master's degree or higher are exempt from the

fiscal year cap of 65,000. Based on feedback from a number of stakeholders, USCIS anticipates that it may receive more petitions than the H-1B cap between April 1, 2013 and April 5, 2013. USCIS will monitor the number of petitions received and notify the public of the date on which the numerical limit of the H-1B cap has been met. This date is known as the final receipt date. If USCIS receives more petitions than it can accept, USCIS will use a lottery system to randomly select the number of petitions required to reach the numerical limit. USCIS will reject petitions that are subject to the cap and are not selected, as well as petitions received after it has the

necessary number of petitions needed to meet the cap. The lottery for the H-1B cap was last used in April 2008. In addition, H-1B cap cases can continue to request premium processing concurrently. Due to the historic premium processing receipt levels, combined with the possibility that the H-1B cap will be met in the first 5 business days of the filing season, USCIS has temporarily adjusted its current premium processing practice. To facilitate the prioritized data entry of cap-subject petitions requesting premium processing, USCIS will begin premium processing for H-1B cap cases on April 15, 2013. H-1B petitioners should follow

all statutory and regulatory requirements as they prepare petitions, in order to avoid delays in processing and possible requests for evidence. USCIS has developed detailed information, including an optional checklist <http:// www.uscis.gov/files/form/m735.pdf> to assist in the completion and submission of a FY2014 H-1B petition. The processing worksheet is available on the USCIS website, www.uscis.gov. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, including, but not limited to, scientists, engineers, and computer programmers.

Immigration Post

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March 29, 2013

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Wanted: Great stem and Tandoori chicken GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

here is no doubt that a Startup Visa would unleash amazing entrepreneurial activity in the United States, which would result in many jobs. The latest version of the Startup Visa Act 3.0 would provide 75,000 visas to individual who are already here in F-1 and H-1B status if their companies receive an investment of $100,000 per year and employ a minimum of two workers in the first year. A three year visa would be given to those who meet this condition. If within the three years, they employ an additional worker each year, they can apply for permanent residency. According to a Kauffman Foundation study, the Startup Visa could conservatively lead to the creation of between 500,000 and 1.6 million jobs, which in turn could give a boost to the US economy of between $70 billion and $224 billion a year. A more optimistic estimate would result in 889,000 jobs and a boost to the economy of around $140 billion per year. Vivek Wadhwa, a big proponent of this bill, estimates an even bigger boost if half of these companies are engineering and technology companies. Many of these entrepreneurs, according to Wadhwa, will go on to build new companies based on their success, and could also develop breakthrough technologies and some of them could also be the next Google or Apple. So if this is a no-brainer, why is Congress not passing the Startup Visa Act 3.0? The truth is that no standalone immigration bill will pass unless it is tied to a broader Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. Indeed, there is an interesting debate between Wadhwa and Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez on this issue. Guiterrez,

although he supports a Startup Visa, has openly admitted that he will not allow it to pass unless Congress is willing to reform the entire immigration system. Wadhwa feels this is "political gamesmanship" on the part of Guiterrez, and that the Startup Visa can be passed first in order to give the American economy a big boot and this would lead to increased public acceptance for broader immigration reform. Guiterrez, on the other hand, feels that once he allows this to happen, it will be more difficult to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The disagreement between Gutierrez and Wadhwa may be a false polarity. A nation needs both social justice and good economics; indeed, social justice is the besteconomics. A good example of the synergy between social justice and economics is Sergey Brin, who is the co-founder of Google. He came to the US with his parents at the age of six because they faced anti-Semitism in their native Russia. Although Brin graduated from Stanford in computer science, he did not come to the US on an H-1B visa or benefited under any employment or investor visa category in our immigration system. His parents were able to come into the US based on an immigration program that was designed to protect foreign nationals from intolerance in their native countries. Still, Brin after coming to the US as a youngster was able to go on to found Google, considered one of America's best and most innovative companies today. Both Wadhwa and Guiterrez have a point. However powerful the stimulus flowing from the Start Up visa, enactment of Comprehensive Immigration Reform along with the

Startup Visa would be infinitely more potent. Reforming a broken system, which includes legalizing the 10 million plus undocumented immigrants in the US, as well as providing quicker and more sensible pathways to legal status, could unleash even greater wealth. Immigrants of all stripes are essentially very entrepreneurial. An undocumented person who is provided legal status can also start a business and this individual need not be a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) graduate. Even a non-technology company can create jobs such as a restaurant or grocery chain.

Immigrants of all stripes are essentially very entrepreneurial. An undocumented person who is provided legal status can also start a business and this individual need not be a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) graduate Immigration should not be viewed as a zero sum game, and giving opportunities to foreign nationals in the US can result in more American jobs. Under our broken system, it is virtually impossible for an entrepreneur who wishes to start a North Indian cuisine restaurant to bring in a foreign national tandoori chef. A reformed immigration system should hopefully give this entrepreneur access to such a chef from

India. A restaurant's success is possible because of its chef, and when that great tandoori chef can be quickly hired from India, people will start coming to the restaurant resulting in the hiring of restaurant managers and waiters locally in the US. This restaurant's success can then be replicated, and the entrepreneur can develop a branded chain of tandoori restaurants all over the US, resulting in many more jobs locally. According to another report sponsored by Cato Institute - The Economic Benefits Of Comprehensive Immigration Reform by Raul Hinjosa-Ojeda, the legalization of 11 million immigrants would be equivalent to more than $1.5 trillion added to GDP over 10 years. The study considered the economic impact under three scenarios: a legalization program that would ultimately result in a pathway to citizenship, a temporary worker program with no option for permanent resident status and the deportation of undocumented immigrants. Hinjosa-Ojeda concludes that the legalization of undocumented immigrants would provide the most economic benefits to the US. On the other hand, removing undocumented immigrants would be most expensive, costing $2.6 trillion to the GDP over a 10 year period. The debate between Wadhwa and Gutierrez can be put in a larger perspective. If you believe, as Wadhwa does, that the purpose of immigration is to create wealth, unleash creativity and foster productivity, then the focus should be on entrepreneurs and highly skilled professionals. This explains his approach. If, however, you are mainly concerned with social justice, then you argue for a more comprehensive approach

Deferred enforced departure extended for Liberians India Post News Service

WASHINGTON: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its intention to automatically extend employment authorization documents (EADs) for Liberian nationals covered under Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) through Sept. 30, 2013. This automatic extension of EADs follows President Obama's announcement of his decision to extend DED through Sept. 30, 2014 for qualified Liberians and those persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia. The six-month automatic extension of existing EADs will permit

eligible Liberians to continue working in the United States while they file their applications for new EADs that will cover the full 18 months of the DED extension

tionals was scheduled to end on March 31, 2013, President Obama determined that there are compelling foreign policy reasons to continue deferring enforced departure

This automatic extension of EADs follows President Obama's announcement of his decision to extend DED through Sept. 30, 2014 for qualified Liberians and those persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia through Sept. 30, 2014. The extension will also allow USCIS to complete processing and issuance of those new EADs. Although DED for Liberian na-

for eligible Liberian nationals presently living in the United States under the existing grant of DED. Certain individuals are ineligible for DED, including:

* Liberians who did not have Temporary Protected Status on Sept. 30, 2007, and are therefore not covered under current DED; * certain criminals; * persons subject to the mandatory bars to Temporary Protected Status; and * persons whose removal is in the interest of the United States. USCIS will publish a notice in the Federal Register with information regarding the extension of the validity of EADs for Liberian nationals covered under DED, and instructions on how they may obtain employment authorization for the remainder of the DED extension.

which is what Gutierrez does. It comes down to what you think is most important and what you think has true moral legitimacy. For those who use immigration to bring about social justice, it is family not employment immigration that is morally legitimate. The focus is on using immigration to help the individual immigrant, reunite families, to fight intolerance, poverty and injustice. It is not to make American employers more competitive, and there's also an impulse to protect US workers. Wadhwa, on the other hand, sees an ethical value and legitimacy in work itself, in work as a creative expression of individual talent. He looks for new avenues especially in STEM fields to unleash creative potential within the culture and context of a capitalist economy. The economic boom that an enlightened immigration policy would ignite is generational in its dimensions. The immediate benefit from the entrepreneurial energy of the immigrant generation would be transformed and expanded by the diversified talents of succeeding generations. The Tandoori cook of one generation is often followed by the cutting-edge geophysicist of the next. Precisely as the American economy itself is inherently dynamic, the role that immigrants play in it also constantly evolves. For this reason, the sharp contrast provided by Gutierrez and Wadhwa that seem so vivid now will, over time, fade into a more nuanced yet no less compelling portrait. Gutierrez realizes that an enlightened immigration policy can only exist in a compassionate society where social mobility is a lubricant of national cohesiveness. Wadhwa appreciates that immigration is an asset to be maximized not a problem to be controlled. Like all transformational moments in American history, this is pre-eminently a time to try something new. A month before signing the Emancipation Proclamation, Abraham Lincoln spoke to our issue in our time: "The dogmas of the quiet past, are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country." * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Immigration Post

March 29, 2013

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Senate immigration bill may limit family visas WASHINGTON: Senators writing a comprehensive immigration bill may dramatically limit green cards for extended families of U.S. citizens, reserving them for immediate family members instead, a key lawmaker said. Green cards are permanent resident visas and allow holders to eventually become U.S. citizens. The move would be a significant change to U.S. immigration policy that's long favored family ties over economic or job criteria. And it's already sparking opposition from groups trying to protect family-based immigration. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican who is part of a bipartisan Senate group negotiating the bill, said the aim is to remake the immi-

gration system so it has a much clearer economic focus. ``Green cards should be reserved for the nuclear family. Green cards are economic engines for the

larger proportion of green cards to family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents than to foreigners with job prospects here. About two-thirds of permanent

â&#x20AC;&#x153;What the senator's not taking into account is the social costs for not preserving families in the immigration system, which is not as tangible or measurable as an economic benefit, maybe, but immigrant families do strengthen our social fabric'' country,'' Graham said. ``This is not a family court we're dealing with here. We're dealing about an economic need.'' Unlike most other industrialized nations, the U.S. awards a much

legal immigration to the U.S. is family-based, compared with about 15 percent that is employment-based, according to the Migration Policy Institute. The remainder is largely humanitarian.

Senate immigration group: National ID too costly WASHINGTON: Senators working on a sweeping immigration bill will likely abandon the idea of a new high-tech ID card for workers because it's too expensive, a key negotiator said. That means their emerging legislation, which they've promised will crack down on employers who hire illegal immigrants, likely will seek to expand a littleused system criticized as errorprone and vulnerable to fraud that employers can use to check the legal status of workers, mainly using Social Security numbers. The system, called E-Verify, is now purely voluntary, and officials with labor and immigrants' rights groups say it would have to be greatly improved before being required nationally. Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., members of the bipartisan Senate immigration negotiating group, had championed creation of a biometric ID card instead that would use personal markers such as fingerprints to make it easy for employers to check the

status of prospective hires. But Graham said cost estimates came back higher than he expected. ``That seems to have been cost-prohibitive, so we're looking at other ways to achieve the same goal,'' Graham told reporters this week at the Capitol.

Graham said that no amount of border enforcement would stop the flow of illegal immigrants without measures to keep employers from hiring them Graham said no final decision had been made on ditching the biometric ID card idea, which had also sparked civil liberties concerns, and he declined to say how much such a card would cost. A study by the University of California, Berkeley Law School's Warren Institute last

year estimated start-up costs to the government for such a program would top $22 billion. For Graham, Schumer and the other six senators trying to finalize an immigration bill by next month, a workable employer verification system is fundamental to legislation that also would secure the border, improve legal immigration and provide eventual citizenship to the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants already here. The immigration bill signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 is often criticized because it legalized nearly 3 million people while offering assurances that employers would have to verify the legal status of workers, but included no real mechanisms to ensure that happened. Graham said that no amount of border enforcement would stop the flow of illegal immigrants without measures to keep employers from hiring them. ``If you don't control who gets a job, it doesn't matter how high the fence is,'' Graham said. ``The best virtual fence is an employer verification system.'' -AP

Current law gives preference to spouses and minor and unmarried children of U.S. citizens. Permanent residents can petition for immediate family, and citizens can petition to bring in their married children and siblings, but they're on a lower priority. Graham indicated that he would prefer to eliminate the married children and sibling categories altogether. ``We're going to change fundamentally the immigration system,'' said Graham. Kevin Appleby, director of migration policy at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, criticized the proposed changes. ``What the senator's not taking into account is the social costs for not preserving families in the immigration system, which is not as tangible or measurable as an economic benefit, maybe, but immigrant families do strengthen our

social fabric,'' Appleby said. Appleby said that instead of reducing green cards for family members and increasing them for employment ties, senators should simply make more green cards available over all. Lawmakers in the past, Republicans in particular, have opposed that approach. Meanwhile they have been hearing pleas from the technology industry for more high-tech workers and from industries like hospitality and agriculture that use lower-skilled workers. Advocates agree that changes are needed to the family immigration system. Right now there are more than 4 million people waiting in backlogs, with Filipinos in the sibling category facing waits topping two decades. The Senate group has committed to reducing that backlog. -AP

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NEW DELHI: Tigmanshu Dhulia's 'Paan Singh Tomar', that narrates the gritty story of a national athlete forced to live the life of an outlaw, was announced the best picture at the 60th National Film awards as its lead protagonist Irrfan Khan shared the best actor trophy with Vikram Gokhale for his Marathi film 'Anumati'. 'Paan Singh Tomar', that also starred Mahie Gill, was testimony to how a good script can trump a big ticket film with huge stars at the helm. The same could be said of the delightful 'Vicky Donor', directed by Shoojit Sircar that won in the category Best Popular film for wholesome entertainment. A new generation of filmmakers made their presence felt last year with fresh ideas and innovative scripts, helped by a talented cast and crew. Director Sujoy Ghosh was declared the best original screenplay writer for his widely lauded film 'Kahaani' while 'Oh My God' won the best adapted screenplay for Bhavesh Mandalia and Umesh Shukhla. 'Kahaani' was also The award for the best Supporting named the best edited film (Namrata Actor has been conferred on Rao) of the year. An ecstatic Shoojit Sircar did Annu Kapur, for portraying a what he described as a 'sperm dance' in his room in Hyderabad after he bumbling infertility specialist runheard his film Vicky Donor has ning his business from a rundown shared a National Award for the Best Popular Film for providing clinic. The Best Supporting Actress wholesome entertainment with was shared by Dolly Ahluwalia Ustad Hotel (Malayalam). and Kalpana for the film Produced by Sunil Lulla, John Abraham, Ronnie Lahiri and Ram ThanichallaNjan (Malyalam) Mirchandani, Sircar's Vicky Donor

Victory for both -Paan Singh & Irrfan India announces National Film Awards

A scene from Vicky Donor

A scene from Anumati

is the narrative of the life of a sperm donor in Delhi. In this context, a special mention is must of two of Vicky Donor's brilliantly talented cast members. The award for the best Supporting Actor has been conferred on Annu Kapur, for portraying a bumbling infertility specialist running his business from a rundown clinic. The Best Supporting Actress was shared by Dolly Ahluwalia and Kalpana for the film ThanichallaNjan (Malyalam). Ahluwalia played the domineering mother of Vicky (Ayushmann Khurana). Bollywood dominated in the special jury award with Aamir Khan starrer 'Talaash', 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'Kahaani' and Dekh Indian Circus' being named in the category with Bengali film 'Chitrangada'. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 50

March 29, 2013

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Indore sees a dream collection by Sanjana India Post News Service

anjana Jon was the grand finale designer for the first Fashion week in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, and she

a collection designed to make every woman look like a dream and keeping the culture and heritage and colors of India in mind. The joy of living and collaborating celebration of life thru this

Latest story of an 'American Dream'

a jewelry line together which was highly appreciated by Iman David Bowie, Barbara Hershey supporting AMFAR. Then they worked on the men's collection which was highlighted by Bruce Springsteen,

RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

At Blenders Pride Indore Fashion Week - celebrity couple Payal Rohatgi & Wrestler Sangram Singh with designer Sanjana Jon on the ramp

dedicated it to the girl child and women empowerment. Midsummer Nights Dream was filled with dreamy blues, passion-

fantastic collection enthralled the audience. The show stoppers Payal Rohatgi (actor - Corporate, 36 China Town, Dhol) and Sangram

As the collection was inspired by life itself the instinctive feel to capture joy and happiness and spread love n light was propagated and promoted through the collection ate pinks, ravishing reds, in flowing romantic cuts and silhouettes. As the collection was inspired by life itself the instinctive feel to capture joy and happiness and spread love n light was propagated and promoted through the collection. Indore saw a dream of

Singh (International wrestler, reality show star-Survivor India, De Dhana Dhan) along with the models walked for the cause to empower and end female feticide in India. Sanjana Jon started her career working with her brother Anand Jon in New York and they created

Backstreet Boys The Artist formerly known as Prince, Collective Soul, Matchbox 20 to name a few. Her acclaimed debut was at Cannes for the Film Festival supported by Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Sorayya, Princess Sara Al Saud, Princess Olivia de Borbon and more this led to the New York Fashion week debut and Vancouver fashion week where she won International Rising Star award. Fashion with heart has been propagated by her where every show or event supports a charity or cause. Sanjana Jon has extensively worked with 10 Ms Universes and brought 5 reigning Ms Universes to India.

NEWARK, CA: From the Shah Peerally Productions comes the latest story of an 'American Dream'. Co-written and produced by Shah Peerally, 'Shattered Freedom', is an episode from the series 'The Immigration Lawyer'. This is a film that every immigrant should relate to. The film is a pure fiction inspired by Mr. Peerally's and his law firm's experiences, his struggle through life, the hardships he has seen in his career as a lawyer, the deceit and above all the hope of living the American Dream that survives amidst it all. It is about being offered the opportunities that one did not know existed,

within the American society and American legal system. The movie brings out burning issues of immigration and domestic abuse in the limelight.

The film is a pure fiction inspired by Mr. Peerally's and his law firm's experiences, his struggle through life The premiere will be held at Indian Community Center, Milpitas on March 31 from 12.00 - 5.00pm. There will be two screenings of the movie during this time window.

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Victory for both -Paan Singh & Irrfan Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 48

In other categories, Usha Jadhav was named the best actress for her portrayal of a rustic housewife in Marathi film 'Dhag', whose filmmaker Shivaji Lotan Patil was declared the best director. Bollywood films shared the spotlight with Malayalam and Marathi cinema in the key categories at the awards this year. Bedabrata Pain's debut Hindi film 'Chittagong', about Chittagong uprising, shared the Indira Gandhi award for best debut film with Siddhartha Siva's Malayalam film '101 Chodiyangal'. 'Bolo Na' from 'Chittagong' won the best lyrics for Prasoon Joshi and best male playback singer for Shankar Mahadevan. Aarti Anklekar Tikekar was named the best female playback singer for 'Palakein Naa Moondoon from Marathi film 'Samhita'. 'Ustad Hotel' was also recognised for best dialogue for Anjali Menon. 'Thanichalla Njan', apart from its supporting actress win, was also named in the Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national integration category. Malayalam film 'Spirit', which deals with the

Best Actress: Usha Jadhav for Marathi film Dhaag

topic of alcoholism, was named as the best film on social issues. Another Malayalam film 'Black Forest' was declared the best film on environment conservation/ preservation. Hindi film 'Dekh Indian Circus' was best children's film and its lead Virendra Pratap shared the best child actor honour with '101 Chodiyangal'. Nikhil Advani directed 'Delhi Safari' was named the best animation film. Kamal Haasan's controversial film 'Vishawaroopam' won best pro-

Best Supporting Actor: Annu Kapoor

duction design and best choreography for Pandit Birju Maharaj. Poornima Ramaswamy was named best costume designer for Tamil film 'Paradesi' while Raja won the best make-up artist award for Tamil movie 'Vazakkuenn 18/9'. Best cinematography honour went to 'Ko:YAD', a film in Mising language. Best audiography award was shared by Malayalam film 'Annayum Rassoolum', 'Shabdo' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur'. Malayalam film 'Kaliyachan' and Marathi film

Best Supporting Actress: Dolly Ahluwalia for Vicky Donor

'Samhita' shared the best music direction award. Telugu film 'Eega' was named in the best special effects category. The prestigious 60th National Film Awards for the year 2012 were announced at a joint Press Conference addressed by the Chairpersons of the three juries, Basu Chatterjee for Feature Films, Aruna Raje for Non-Feature Films and Swapan Mullick for Best Writing on Cinema. In non-feature film category, the award for the Best Film was

Best Original Screenplay: Sujoy Ghosh for Kahaani

conferred to Shepherds of Paradise (Gojri & Urdu) produced and directed by Raja Shabir Khan. In the category of Best Writing on Cinema section, the book Silent Cinema in India - A Pictorial Journey (English) written by BD Garga and published by Harper Collins Publisher India has bagged the top honour, whereas PS Radhakrishnan has been conferred the award for the Best film Critic. In the Feature Film category, a total of 38 films from 14 languages were selected for the Awards. -PTI

March 29, 2013

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Horoscope

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March 29, 2013

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

MARCH 29 TH - APRIL 4 TH 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

oncentration of Sun,Mars and Venus in twelfth is slightly unfavorable. Be extra careful when dealing with a government agency. Some of you may be writing a big check to government in shape of taxes or some king of fine. Expenses towards a future trip will jump up. You will enjoy company of some one from different culture.

(July 23 to August 22)

rogress will slow down all of a sudden and you may have hard time in accomplishing even the small thing. Its just a temporary phase. Do not ignore the health issue and if possible go for the minor surgery you had been avoiding for years. Legal department will ask for more paper work and some more clarification from you.

(April 21 to May 20)

ery fruitful week if you are quick. Deal will come as a surprise and can help you multiply your investment if you grab it now. Rahu and Saturn in sixth will help you in gaining edge over your opponents. Very favorable week for people looking for a change in career. Decision in legal matters can come this week.

(August 23 to September 22)

void any argument with people close and try to understand their frustration. Bachelors will continue to work on a relationship with a person from totally different culture. You may have to change or drop your travel plans completely. Money wise you will continue to fine, just do not go for an old property.

(May 21 to June 20)

eep working on your plans as it will take another few months before you start to reap rich rewards and regain self confidence. You may have to face a cop this week for some reason, be careful what you tell him. You may take advantage of good weather and do some serious cleaning in and around your property this week.

(September 23 to October 22)

f you are quick and play your cards right, you could make tons of money this week. A big refund from government can also show up in your account. Any property deal this week will be good and lucky in long run. If you are ready to work extra hours and focus then only sign the contract other wise let it go.

(October 23 to November 22)

(June 21 to July 22)

lanets are in perfect order to make things happen for you. Some kind of financial jackpot not at all out of question. Some of you may lay a hand on a real nice piece of property at almost throw away price. Some of you may be offered another dream job with added perks and huge bonuses. A big refund will also come.

lants in fifth will bring sudden changes in life for betterment. There will be major improvement in career and few new contracts will be awarded without any big restrictions. You may also dispose of some money making stocks this week. Just do not stretch your budget when buying another car or a property. (November 23 to December 22)

ou may buy some expensive item for the house. Children will be on the right path and may get selected to college of their first choice. you may be travelling to a nice and warmer area to attend a social event with family this week. Business will improve and you may dispose off some old machinery item also. (December 22 to January 19)

ou will be working on a great plan and look for financiers for investment. Chances of another addition for those looking forward to have, still stays strong. Some of you may sign up for a short term course to improve or update your knowledge. You will be attending an interesting party with family this week. (January 20 to February 18)

hings will pick up all of a sudden and all the good things you had be waiting for can happen during the week. Business will pick up all of a sudden and new suppliers will be reasonable and accommodating. You will gain friendship of some influential person. You may take family out to a nice place for dinner. (February 19 to March 20)

iplomatically you will resolve a very tricky situation this week. An old connection will be helpful.You may also accept a small assignment just to make good use of time on weekend. Exercise and change of diet will show quick results. You may be thinking of visiting a nice place with family this upcoming summer.

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

Philosophy

March 29, 2013

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obody knows anything about life. We have only concepts, ideations, and mentations about life. Even the scientists who are trying to understand life and its origin come up only with theories and definitions of life. You may not agree with me, but all thought, all thinking is dead. Thinking is born out of dead ideas. Thought or the thinking mechanism trying to touch life, experience it, capture, and give expression to it are impossible tasks. What we are concerned about is living. Living is our relationship with our fellow beings, with the life around. When we have everything that we can reasonably ask for, all the material comforts that you have in the West, the question naturally arises: "Is that all?" The moment you pose that question to yourself, we have created a problem. If that's all there is, what then is the next step to take? We do not see any meaning in our life, and so we pose this question to ourselves, and throw this question at all those who you think have answers. What is the meaning of life? What is the purpose of life? It may have its own meaning, it may have its own purpose. By understanding the meaning of life and the

purpose of life we are not going to improve, change, modify, or alter our behavior patterns in any way. But there is a hope that by understanding the meaning of life, we can bring about a change. There may not be any meaning of life. If it has a meaning, it is already in operation there. Wanting to understand the meaning of life seems to be a futile attempt on our part. We go on asking these questions.

life, quoting all the scriptures and interpreting them. I haven't understood the meaning of life. You are the one who can give an answer to me." I told him, "Look, you are ninety-five years old and you haven't understood the meaning of life. When are you going to understand the meaning of life? There may not be any meaning to life at all." The next question he asked me was, "I have

never ask those questions. What should we do? We have been for centuries told what to do. Why are we asking the same question, "What to do?" What to do in relation to what? What I am emphasizing is that the demand to bring about a change in ourselves is the cause of our suffering. I may say that there is nothing to be changed. But the revolution-

Demand to bring about change is cause of suffering

U.G. Krishnamurti

Once a very old gentleman, ninety-five years old, who was considered to be a great spiritual man and who taught the great scriptures all the time to his followers, came to see me. He heard that I was there in that town. He came to me and asked me two questions. He asked me, "What is the meaning of life? I have written hundreds of books telling people all about the meaning and purpose of

There may not be any meaning of life. If it has a meaning, it is already in operation there. Wanting to understand the meaning of life seems to be a futile attempt on our part lived ninety-five years and I am going to die one of these days. I want to know what will happen after my death." I said, "You may not live long to know anything about death. You have to die now. Are you ready to die?" As long as you are asking the question, "What is death?" or "What is there after death?" you are already dead. These are all dead questions. A living man would

ary teachers come and tell us that there is something there in which you have to bring about a radical revolution. Then we assume there is such a thing as soul, spirit, or the `I'. What I assert all the time is that I haven't found anything like the self or soul there. Excerpted from 'No Way Out: Conversations With UG Krishnamurthi'

Coming home - Reflections on Kumbh Mela PRADEEP MALHOTRA

eturning from the Kumbh Mela, one looks back. What did the journey mean if anything at all? A greater force had brought each one of us to the Kumbh, mixing us with a great stream of life, a stream parallel with its flowing waters. An amazing diversity - colors, ways of life, languages, boats moving gracefully, a sea of tents. People from all across the country and the world - men, women and children - all submerging themselves in a greater consciousness. Each individual path had led to a greater one. A cry of delight broke out the moment one entered the confluence of the waters with their merging hues: 'har har gange'. Each became one with the masses gathered, one body moving towards one goal, towards a darshan of the divine. One was struck by the simplicity of the gathering, of the ritual performed. A washing of the dust gathered over a lifetime; an aspiration for truth and divinity to enter our lives. A cry of blessings

for the whole world, for all creation. A cry of blessings for all those who had left this world; for those presently doing the earthly journey and for those souls yet preparing to come. A prayer in one's heart for a new beginning

for mankind. One saw an amazing kindness and a welcome on every lip. An unending mass of men and women on a singular quest. Ash-smeared sadhus in ochre, itinerant communities, little children playing with a vibrancy and energy on the river

front, asking for a little something. The cows, the dogs, the water birds, all so much part of the landscape, asking for so little. A prayer in one's heart asking for the divine's blessings to shower on all creatures great and small. But

what is great and what is small? All are part and parcel of this universal consciousness. Can we be aware of this special moment, a moment when we are truly becoming conscious? A moment when layer after layer of our selves is being exposed in the

open, a moment when all the dark recesses of our mind, our movements are being exposed to the divine rays of the sun. A moment that is blinding, terrifying too. But we must trust and go forward. We must trust the deepest part of ourselves which is inexorably linked with the divine; which is part and parcel of the divine; which is the divine itself. It is this divine which is manifesting. It is taking myriad shapes as it manifests; fluid and dynamic; reaching out to everything, taking all in its warm and loving embrace. All is one, there is no other. All are children of the one divine; they follow the call of the divine flute. 'You had all dispersed and gone your ways…but now is the time to come home'. Ganga Maiya beckons, the Divine Mother calls. 'It is turning late. Come home. There is a wonderful feast waiting. Come home!'

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. -Alan Watts He who knows both the transcendent and the immanent, with the immanent overcomes death, and with the transcendent reaches immortality. Chandogya Upanishad As an eagle, weary after soaring in the sky, folds its wings and flies down to rest in its nest, so does the shining Self enter the state of dreamless sleep, where one is freed from all desires. -Brihadaranyaka Upanishad As pure water poured into pure water becomes the very same, so does the Self of the illumined man or woman verily become one with the Godhead. -Katha Upanishad Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own thoughts, unguarded. But once mastered, no one can help you as much, not even your father or your mother. -Buddha

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Kargil protests against attacks on minorities in Pakistan

n Kargil, thousands of people took to the streets in February and participated in a protest rally against the killings of minorities across Pakistan (this time more specifically against the recent Hazara killings in Quetta). What are the reasons behind the sudden outburst of protests? For a long time, there has been an anti-Shia campaign in Pakistan; in Afghanistan. The Taliban regime was strongly anti-Iranian and conducted programs against the Iranian Hazara population in the country. Kargil is the only Shia dominated district of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Despite minor communal clashes between the Muslims and Buddhists in the region, Kargil remained peaceful in terms of social relations between the communities. Kargil was better known to the rest of India due to the Indo-Pak war, rather than any negative communal relationship or violence in the region. Recently, there has been a series of violent activities against the Shia community in Balochistan and also in Gilgit-Baltistan. The response in Kargil to the violence against the Shia community in Pakistan was a surprise. Responding to the call of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust Kargil, the people of the district held a massive protest against the recent Hazara killings in Pakistan. They gathered outside Jamia Masjid, shouting slogans against the targeting of a particular community in Pakistan. Earlier in 2012, they took to the streets in response to the killings of ShiaBaltis in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Kargil Students Union in Jammu and Delhi also organized similar protest rallies chanting anti-Pakistan slogans. Being a Shia dominated community, the sectarian killings elsewhere becomes more of an emotional issue for the people of Kargil. Additionally, Iran would not like Pakistan wielding a sectarian agenda to harass Kargilis; therefore the people of Kargil, through these huge protests, intend to send a message to Iran that they strongly condemn the killings of their brothers across Pakistan. Amidst anti-Pakistan slogans and

ZAINAB AKHTER

placards, the protesters requested the Government of India to pressurize Pakistan to stop such target killings, and for banning these terrorist groups.

The Iran factor Iran's influence is prevalent in Kargil. Posters of Iranian leaders can be seen in most of the places, especially in the main market; and even a street in the market is named as Khomeini Chowk, after the Iranian leader. The region is forging strong bonds with Iran; besides the Shia factor, what have given an impetus to this trend are the regular visits of youth to Iran to get religious training. Unlike any

gains. The differences between the two schools of religious thought have magnified with their entering the realm of politics, which is indirectly dividing the society. The IKMT believes in the Islamic revolution initiated by Imam Khomeini and deems itself as the outcome of this revolution. It works towards the dissemination of Islamic teachings and elimination of un-Islamic traditions. It also runs a school called Mutahhari Public School where, along with the regular teachings, it imparts religious knowledge and its ideology to the future generation. On the other hand, the ISK also runs a school, Islamia School, where

Protest In Kargil against hazara target killings

other part of the State, developments in Shia dominated areas such as Iran and Iraq are keenly talked about here. Even a political novice could give a detailed analysis of the events in Iran-Iraq, and also the latest statements of Shia clerics. Locals point out that the 'cassette revolution', which refers to the lectures and speeches of the Imam, changed the lives and religious standard of Kargil after the revolution of 1979. Unlike most other parts of India, in Kargil, women, almost without exception, wear head coverings; liquor is only available illegally; and there are no movie theatres.

Religion in politics There are two schools of thought in the region, both of which are led by religious organizations: the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) and the Islamia School Kargil (ISK). The ISK is backed by the National Conference and the IKMT by the Congress, and a strong rivalry is seen between them for political

religious education is imparted too, but is considered slightly liberal compared to the IKMT. The religious and political divide between these two schools is taking a toll on the people of Kargil, and is leading to marked divisions in the society. The fact that one faction adheres to the IKMT, and the other to the ISK, is quite visible in the town now. In the whole process, the role, significance, and work of the Hill Development Council are overshadowed by the activities and influence of these groups. Even the divide between Leh and Kargil mostly arises due to religious differences. Although there are Muslims residing in minority in Leh and Zanskar Valley, such protests are not seen in these places. There is a negative impact of these demonstrations on the minorities of the region, as these massive protests are sometimes also used as a tool to show religious superiority. The writer is Research Officer, IReS. Courtesy IPCS

Nitish model

he pitch for 2014 has just been raised. If Narendra Modi has been staking his claim to the Delhi gaddi with his gov ernance plus development model, BJP ally Nitish Kumar of Bihar's JD (U) has just presented his own "inclusive" model of development before the nation. At an impressive rally of 50,000 plus in Delhi, the Bihar chief minister demanded "special status" for Bihar which is already enjoyed by most of the north eastern states plus Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Special category status brings investment to a state as investors get tax benefits. Nitish told the Central government it would be good if it provides the "special status" now, otherwise the circumstances which will prevail after 2014 will force the Centre to grant special status. What Nitish implied was that he may not be the "king" in making but his party would certainly be a kingmaker in the coming general election. With the aggressive Modi making a second display (the first was at the Shri Ram College of Commerce in Delhi) of his wares before the Delhi elite at the India Today conclave, Nitish must have felt he could not be left behind. Modi won great applause as he listed his successful schemes after schemes, but at the end there were questions of his acceptability and that he could be a divisive figure. But Modi wouldn't answer those questions. Nitish provided his own answer to this conundrum by presenting his own development model in Bihar as an alternative. "We stand for inclusive growth," he said. "This is the real development model of India. Be it Hindu, Muslim, backward caste, dalits, women or men; everyone should develop together." This was a clear reference to Modi's reluctance to take special measures for minorities and Gujarat's poor record on human development indices. There are signs that if the BJP projects Modi as prime ministerial candidate, Nitish might walk out of NDA in such a scenario. Nitish also seemed to keep his options open for aligning with a Congress-led alliance by refraining to criticize the Center. In fact he complimented both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and finance minister P. Chidambaram for praising the state's growth rate and promising to "revisit" the special status demand. The Center is also trying to keep Nitish Kumar in good humor. It recently moved out Governor Devanand Konwar from Bihar after he fell out with the chief minister over appointment of vice chancellors. Nitish used the Delhi rally to also keep the option of a nonCongress, non-BJP alternative open for 2014. Broadly hinting at a coalition of backward states, he said, "This is not a fight for Bihar but for all backward states. When all backward classes join hands with Biharis, who will rule Delhi?" he asked. A JD (U) leader later gave out the statistic that Backward states elect 291 MPs! It is not as if the road is all clear for Nitish to move ahead on his stated plan. While ally BJP stayed away from his Delhi rally, the deputy chief minister under him in Bihar, BJP's Sushil Kumar Modi, sounded a warning for Nitish. Speaking at the Bihar BJP executive meeting, he said," Those who will board the sinking ship of the Congress will sink automatically." He also said the Bihar unit of BJP was ready to contest the 2014 elections under Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. The BJP has however taken note of the Nitish rally and the big crowd it attracted and also his overtures to the Congress in case he cannot come to terms with the present NDA. The BJP had planned a 'Hunkar rally' on April 15 in Bihar to demand special status to the state. There were plans to invite Narendra Modi to this rally. After Nitish's hoisting of his flag at Ramlila Ground in Delhi, the BJP has decided to postpone the 'Hunkar rally' to October 27 and there is no clear indication that Modi would now be invited to this rally.

March 29, 2013

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