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Sunita Williams for US-India space collaboration Details on page 8
Holi Hungama at Fremont Hindu Temple
VOL 18, No. 969
April 12, 2013
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Periodical Postage
NOVARTIS LOSES INDIA PATENT BATTLE NEW DELHI: Swiss pharma major Novartis AG has lost a seven-year long legal battle for getting its blood cancer drug Glivec patented in India and to restrain Indian companies from manufacturing generic drugs, with the Supreme Court rejecting the multinational company's plea. A bench of justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai dismissed the claim of the Swiss firm for getting exclusive rights for manufacturing the cancer drug on the ground that a new substance has been used in the medicine. The judgment, which was keenly watched by pharma companies across the world, will clear hurdles coming in the way for the manufacture of generic drugs in India for
cancer patients. While a one-month dose of Glivec costs around Rs 1.2 lakh generic drugs, manufactured by Indian companies, for the same period are priced at Rs 8,000. Advocate Pratibha Singh, appearing for Indian drug firms Ranbaxy and Cipla which had opposed Novartis' plea, said that the judgment is a victory for Indian companies as they can now manufacture cheaper drugs so long as there is no patent over a medicine. "Patents will now be granted only for genuine inventions and not on repetitive inventions. The Supreme Court said there was no new invention in the Novartis' drug," she said. Details on page 5
Srikanth Sri Srinivasan
Indian American to be 1st S. Asian circuit court judge Details on page 7
State to State ties adding to India-US ties
Details on page 21 Details on page 7
New MCI test discriminatory to NRI students
US refuses to name 1984 riots as genocide
Details on page 10 Details on page 9
Asian-American students outperform others
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 47
Details on page 9
Community Post -------------- 16-26 Date Book -------------------------- 27 Edit Page --------------------------- 54
INDIA POST SURVEY
HealthScience Post --------- 32-36
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Horoscope ------------------------- 52
This week’s question
Immigration Post ------------- 43-46
Novartis verdict will have world-wide impact?
Life Style ----------------------- 48-50 Philosophy ------------------------- 53
Last week’s result
Will India delays harm investments? YES 64%
NO 36%
PRAISE FOR GUJARAT MODEL: Three US Congressmen - Aaron Schock, Cynthia Lummis and Cathy M Rodgers - in
Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
animated discussion with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi when they called on him in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on March 28. They were heading an 18-member high-level US delegation which included top industrialists. (Details on page 6)
Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-14 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 39-42
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t never fails to surprise me the righteousness with which the Indian media and to a large extent Indian lawmakers react to anything and everything concerning the H1B work visa issued by the US. It is almost as if that particular visa program was devised especially for Indians and as if Indians have the right of way to avail of that visa as a matter of privilege, and as if it is every Indian citizen's fundamental right to be given the opportunity to work in the USA. I know some may criticize this view saying that I have had my go at achieving the American dream, so why grudge others who might want to try. But, it's not about that. What flummoxes me is the propriety with which the Indian media reports anything at all concerning H1B visa program as if it were part of an Indian immigration policy. Indian lawmakers also take a similar stand whenever some US lawmaker wants tighter control over this visa program or to reduce the number of such visas issued or increase the fee for obtaining this visa in a bid to streamline their immigration system and more importantly to curb the blatant misuse of this visa by unscrupulous employers who not only exploit the Indian workers brought here by them but also reduce the chances of local American workers. The H1B visa issue invariably features in every bilateral trade meeting between the US and India. Now I believe the Indian government is talking to the Saudi government to go easy on its immigration policy which is likely to affect a section of Indian workers in that country. Anything affecting employment of Indians in the Gulf of course upsets the eco-balance of India's forex coffers. Just the bank deposits by nonresident Keralites stood at Rs 62,000 crore till Dec 2012. And we are not even talking of other remittances, and of NRIs from other states of India. C'mon now India, when will you grow up and create jobs for your own citizens instead of expecting the world to play default employer of Indians?
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Why not Miss India? Actress Sonam Kapoor says if any film has to be remade I would love to be Miss India if not Mr India.
Cover Story: Novartis loses Swiss firm Novartis AG has lost a sevenyear long legal battle for getting its blood cancer drug Glivec patented in India
Community: Sri Sri in Chicago Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shared with Chicagoans his vision of meeting violence across the world with non violence.
Immigration: Conceptual agreement A bipartisan group of US senators working to overhaul the nation's immigration laws has reached a conceptual agreement.
Life Style: Chicago Idol A foursome group of music industry insiders have teamed up and announced hosting for the first time Chicago Idol
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Novartis loses patent battle in India NEW DELHI: Swiss pharma major Novartis AG has lost a seven-year long legal battle for getting its blood cancer drug Glivec patented in India and to restrain Indian companies from manufacturing generic drugs, with the Supreme Court rejecting the multinational company's plea. A bench of justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai dis-
der of Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB), which had rejected its claim for patent. The multinational company (MNC) had applied for patent in 2006. .
'Will hinder medical progress’
Swadeshi Jagran Manch activists demonstrating against multinational pharmaceutical company Novartis in New Delhi, India, on July 10 last year
missed the claim of the Swiss firm for getting exclusive rights for manufacturing the cancer drug on the ground that a new substance has been used in the medicine. The judgment, which was keenly watched by pharma companies across the world, will clear hurdles coming in the way for the manufacture of generic drugs in India for cancer patients. While a one-month dose of Glivec costs around Rs 1.2 lakh generic drugs, manufactured by Indian companies, for the same period are priced at Rs 8,000. Advocate Pratibha Singh, appearing for Indian drug firms Ranbaxy and Cipla which had opposed Novartis' plea, said that the judgment is a victory for Indian companies as they can now manufacture cheaper drugs so long as there is no patent over a medicine. "Patents will now be granted only for genuine inventions and not on repetitive inventions. The Supreme Court said there was no new invention in the Novartis' drug," she said. She also said there should be no fear that foreign firms would be affected with the verdict since as long as they have genuine inventions, patents will be given to them. In its judgment, the apex court also held that 'imatinib mesylate' used in Glivec is a known substance and Novartis can't claim patent over the drug for using this chemical. Novartis had approached the apex court in 2009 against the or-
Reacting to the verdict, Novartis said, "This ruling is a setback for patients that will hinder medical progress for diseases without effective treatment options". A spokesperson for the Swiss firm said it will continue to file for patents in India. Domestic drug manufacturer associations, including Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) and Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association (IDMA), however, termed the apex court's verdict as a landmark judgment in favor of poor patients.
"The decision of the Supreme Court will come as a relief to patients suffering from these dreadful diseases as several Indian companies, including Cipla, Ranbaxy and Natco, can continue marketing Imatinib at a fraction of the cost of the Novartis product," IPA Secretary General D G Shah said in a statement. Novartis had approached the apex court in 2009 against the order of Chennai-based Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB), which had rejected its claim for patent. The multinational company (MNC) had applied for patent in 2006. Earlier, the Comptroller General of Patent and Design had denied patent to Glivec on several grounds including its alleged failure to meet stipulations under sections 3(d) and 3(b) of the Indian Patent Law. Section 3(d) restricts patents for already known drugs unless the new claims are superior in terms of efficacy while Section 3(b) bars patents for products that are against public interest and do not demonstrate enhanced efficacy over existing products. Upholding the verdict of the appellate board, the apex court said, "We firmly reject the appellants case that Imatinib Mesylate is a new product and the outcome of an invention beyond the Zimmermann patent", its earlier patent. "We are completely unable to see how Imatinib Mesylate can be said to be a new product, having come into being through an invention that has a feature that involves technical advance over the existing knowledge and that would make the invention not obvious to
Novartis verdict to benefit poor patients: Pharma cos NEW DELHI: Poor patients will have easier access to quality medicines with the Indian Supreme Court rejecting Swiss firm
Terming the judgment as a 'landmark judgment' in favor of poor patients, domestic drug manufacturer associations, including Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) Several Indian companies, and Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association including Cipla, Ranbaxy (IDMA), hailed the and Natco, can continue apex court's decision. "The decision of the marketing imatinib at a Supreme Court will fraction of the cost come as a relief to patients suffering from Novartis' patent plea for its can- these dreadful diseases as several cer drug Glivec, according to do- Indian companies, including Cipla, mestic manufacturers. Ranbaxy and Natco, can continue Novartis, however, said: "This marketing imatinib at a fraction of ruling is a setback for patients that the cost of the Novartis product," will hinder medical progress for IPA Secretary General D G Shah diseases without effective treat- said in a statement. ment options". Cont’d on page 7
a person skilled in the art. Imatinib Mesylate is all there in the Zimmermann patent. It is a known substance from the Zimmermann patent," the bench said. "In this case, there is absolutely nothing on this score apart from the adroit submissions of the counsel. No material has been offered to indicate that the beta crystalline form of Imatinib Mesylate will produce an enhanced or superior efficacy (therapeutic) on molecular basis than what could be achieved with Imatinib free base in vivo animal model."
read this judgment to mean that section 3(d) was amended with the intent to undo the fundamental change brought in the patent regime by deletion of section 5 from the Parent Act. That is not said in this judgment," it clarified. "In view of the findings that the patent product, the beta crystalline form of Imatinib Mesylate, fails in both the tests of invention and patentability as provided under clauses (j), (ja) of section 2(1) and section 3(d) respectively, the appeals filed by Novartis AG fail and are dismissed with cost," the bench said.
“Imatinib Mesylate is all there in the Zimmermann patent. It is a known substance from the Zimmermann patent," the bench said. "In this case, there is absolutely nothing on this score apart from the adroit submissions of the counsel” 'All inventions not barred The bench, however, made it clear that the judgment does not mean that Section 3(d) of Patent Law bars protection for all incremental inventions of chemical and pharmaceutical substances. "We have held that the subject product, the beta crystalline form of Imatinib Mesylate, does not qualify the test of Section 3(d) of the Act but that is not to say that Section 3(d) bars patent protection for all incremental inventions of chemical and pharmaceutical substances. "It will be a grave mistake to
Novartis' claim was opposed by Indian pharma companies, as well as by health aid activists which had claimed that the MNC is not entitled for patent and it is indulging in "ever-greening" of patent by simply changing the composition of the ingredients of the drug. Ever-greening of patent right is a strategy allegedly adopted by the innovators having patent rights over products to renew them by bringing in some minor changes such as adding new mixtures or formulations. It is done when their patent is about to expire. A patent on the new form would have given Novartis a 20-year monopoly on the drug.-PTI
Will not invest on R&D in India, says Novartis MUMBAI: Novartis will Swiss pharma mamove R&D investjor Novartis has ments to favorable said it will not indestinations, he vest on research added. and development Shahani said in India and move the company will, R&D to favorable however, keep fildestinations foling patent applicalowing the Sutions for innovapreme Court order tive products and rejecting its patent Novartis Indias Vice Chairman continue to invest plea on cancer and Managing Director Ranjit in India "but cauShahani during a news drug Glivec. tiously". conference in Mumbai The company Over 9 out of 10 on April 1 will continue to inpatients currently troduce products in the country, but taking Glivec here will continue to not invest in R&D here, Novartis receive drug free of charges India Ltd Vice-Chairman and Man- through Novartis oncology acaging Director Ranjit Shahani said cess program, he claimed. Cont’d on page 7 at a press conference here.
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US Congressmen heap praise on Modi leadership RUCHIT SHAH
AHMEDABAD: The controversy surrounding the visit of a high powered US Congressional and Business delegation to Gujarat notwithstanding, the move has paved the way for better understanding of the state of affairs in Gujarat while shoring up the mage of popular Gujarat leader Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Impressed by sincerity of purpose and leadership quality of Modi, the US Congressional members extended an invitation to CM Modi to visit United States and assured that they would take up the issue of Modi's Visa with the State Department very earnestly. It is alleged that at the behest of some powerful political bigwigs within India and a pull from certain interest groups in and outside India, the US State Department had decided to refuse Visa to CM Modi for attending a business meet in USA five years ago. The concerned authorities have stuck with this decision in the wake of continued pressure and pull from the same sources, it is believed. To the credit of CM Modi, he has never actively pursued or exercised any pressure for getting the Visa decision reversed and it was on its own volition that the delegation members chose to extend an invitation to come to USA. The US Congress delegation
CM Modi meets and greets individually members of the US Congress team
said. The United States has maintained links with his administration at a consular level. US companies such as Ford Motor Co have major operations in Gujarat. Schock, an Illinois Congressman, told a news conference that American business leaders had encouraged him to visit Gujarat "because unlike other places in India, our investment is welcome". "My colleagues and I were thoroughly impressed with our meeting with Modi and I will tell you that he is a very dynamic person and he has a pretty impressive track record here in the state of Gujarat. "We extended an invitation to the Chief Minister to come to the United States and share with our colleagues some of what he's done here in the state." McMorris-Rodgers, who is from Washington State and is the fourth-ranking Republican leader
To the credit of CM Modi, he has never actively pursued or exercised any pressure for getting the Visa decision reversed and it was on its own volition that the delegation members chose to extend an invitation to come to USA comprises: Representative Aaron Schock (a Republican Congressmen from Illinois), Representative Cynthia Lummis (a Republican Congresswoman representing Wyoming), and Representative Cathy M. Rodgers (Republican Congresswoman from Washington state). Representative Rodgers also serves as the Chair of the House Republican Conference. Among the top businessmen, Shalabh Kumar is a top industrialist in Illinois. One of the prime objectives of the US delegation visiting India is to promote people to people contacts and diplomacy. The delegation was highly impressed with the progress and development of Gujarat under the leadership of Narendra Modi It was the highest level US delegation to meet Modi since the riots, an official in Modi's office
in the House of Representatives, said US lawmakers would work with the Obama administration to ease the travel curbs on Modi. In formal and informal talks with the people and the media, the delegates felt convinced that CM Modi has brought a change in people's lives. US Rep Rodgers observed that workers are valued here. "Looking forward, we need to prod how we can work together," he said. US Rep Lummis commented that it was a desirable place to live in because Gujarat has adopted a fast, inclusive and environment friendly process of development Welcoming the USA delegation in the land of Mahatma Gandhi, CM Narendra Modi spoke about the fast, inclusive and environment friendly process of development in Gujarat and stated that people's participation is the key
to the state's development model. "With hard work we have been able to create an impact in the country," he stated. The Chief Minister called for the strengthening of democratic processes keeping in mind the larger good of the people. "Mahatma Gandhi has been and is the biggest lighthouse in this journey. Gujarat, being the land of Mahatma Gandhi believes in these principles and has been at the forefront of nurturing such ideals and leading its people on the path of growth," he opined. He said that USA is the oldest democracy of the world and India the largest and that both nations should remain committed to these principles. He affirmed, "Our democratic ideals flow from ideals of humanity and in today's world, the challenges before us compel us to work together even more seriously to strengthen democratic principles." Modi had a one to one meeting with the three Congress Representatives as well. US Rep Schock pointed out that the people in USA are keen to work with Gujarat and that the people are impressed with how the state has facilitated investment. He stated there is enormous potential to work together with Gujarat. While congratulating Modi for his victory in the last election, he had opined that Modi ran on the platform of economic prosperity for all and was elected by people cutting across every religion, education and class of society. US Rep Lummis said that people want to come to Gujarat due to the state's work culture that has been nurtured under the leadership of Modi. She added that workers are valued here and it is a desirable place to live due to Shri Modi's leadership qualities. During the interaction, senior officials of the Gujarat Government also made presentations. Secretary to CM, AK Sharma
gave a presentation on the investment opportunities in Gujarat, the DMIC, Dholera SIR. Chief Secretary Varesh Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary to CM K Kailashnathan, Additional Principal Secretary to CM GC Murmu and Energy Secretary DJ Pandian were present during the meeting. The delegation is visiting India to promote 'People to People Contacts & Diplomacy' along with the Overseas Friends of BJP's (OFBJP) 'Global Community Over Reach Program.' This is a joint initiative by USA based National
Indian-American Public Policy Institute and India based Delhi Study Group. The 18-member delegation, led by Schock, visited Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram before the overan-hour-long closed-door meeting with Modi and top state officials. In addition to Gujarat, the visiting delegation planned visiting Bangalore, Tirupati, New Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, Jaipur and Amritsar. Vijay Jolly, Shalabh Kumar and Bhaillal Patel are also part of the delegation.
New controversy over US Congressmen's visit to Gujarat GANDHINAGAR/WASHINGTON: Amidst a new controversy over the funding of the visit of three members of the US Congress, who have spoken for an American visa for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, the Congressmen rejected allegations questioning the legitimacy of their trip. The visit of a group of Americans including the three Congressmen - Aaron Schock, Cynthia Lummis and Cathy M Rodgers - and some businessmen has now been mired in a controversy following reports that the team members may have
been paid between USD 3,000 (Rs 1.62 lakh) and USD 16,000 (Rs 8.68 lakh) each for the trip. Organized by Chicago-based National Indian American Public Policy Institute (NIAPPI), the trip included visits to Bangalore, Tirupati, Jaipur, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Golden Temple in Amritsar and a 'Bollywood Extravaganza'. The team met Modi on March 28, praised his work and invited him to visit the US, saying they will work to get him a visa, denied by the country for his alleged role in the post-Godhra riots of 2002. Cont’d on page 11
The US parliamentarian delegation visiting Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi on April 2
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State to State ties adding new Novartis verdict to benefit dimension to India-US relations poor patients: Pharma cos WASHINGTON: India's top diplomat in America has said that the development of ties between the states of the two countries is adding new dimension to the India-US relationship. Addressing the Maryland House of Delegates, Indian Ambassador to the US Nirupama Rao referred to the efforts of different States from both India and the US to develop their own ties with the other country. Last year, Governors of several American States had traveled to India, while this year Governors of as many as eight States are planning to visit India. Similarly several Indian States are sending their top delegations to the US. "Today, a new dimension is being added to this relationship. These are the ties between states in your country and states in ours," Rao said in her address. "Maryland has been one of the pioneers in this regard and we admire and are completely supportive of the initiatives you have taken in this regard," she said. The Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley's six-day visit to India in November 2011, she said, produced significant results with nearly USD 60 million in business deals for Maryland companies and sending, as the Governor said, "a strong message to India's
top business organizations and companies that Maryland is the gateway to doing business in the US." At the invitation of the Maryland General Assembly, Rao visited the State House in Annapolis
racy" symbolizing the "fundamental bedrock" of democracy on which the India-US partnership is founded. The Maryland General Assembly has three Indian-American legislators, including Majority
Ambassador Rao with the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Michael Busch (extreme right) after her address at the House of Delegates on March 27. Others in the picture from left to right are: Delegate Sam Arora, Majority Leader Kumar Barwe and Delegate Aruna Miller
and addressed both the House of Delegates and the State Senate. She also met the Speaker of the House of Delegates, Michael Busch. In her address at the House of Delegates, Rao described the legislature as a "Temple of Democ-
Leader of the House of Delegates, Kumar Barve, Delegate Sam Arora, and Delegate Aruna Miller. In her remarks, Rao praised their achievements and paid tribute to the Indian American community for its stellar role in advancing the India-US partnership. -PTI
Indian American to be 1st S. Asian circuit court judge WASHINGTON: Described by US President Barack Obama as a "trailblazer", Indian-American Srikanth Sri Srinivasan has moved closer to becoming the first South Asian circuit court judge in the history of the United States. A year after he was nominated by Obama on the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the Senate Judiciary Committee has announced its decision to hold his confirmation hearing on April 10, which was immediately welcomed by the White House. Srinivasan, 46, born in India and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, is currently serving as the Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the US. "Sri (Srinivasan) is of course also a highly respected appellate advocate who has spent a distinguished career litigating before the US Supreme Court and the US
Court of Appeals, both in private practice and on behalf of the United States for both Democratic and Republican administrations," White House Press Secretary Jay
The Senate Judiciary Committee has announced its decision to hold his confirmation hearing on April 10, which was immediately welcomed by the White House Carney told reporters. "He has argued before the Supreme Court 24 times, drafted briefs and several dozen additional cases, and has also served as lead
counsel in numerous cases before the federal and state appellate courts," Carney said after the announcement of dates for confirmation hearing for Srinivasan. Twelve former officials from the Solicitor General's office - six of them Democrats, six of them Republicans - all announced their support for him. Carney said the signatories of the letter, including Paul Clement, Ted Olson, Ken Starr, and Walter Dellinger, wrote, "Sri has a firstrate intellect, an open-minded approach to the law, a strong work ethic, and an unimpeachable character. Sri is one of the best appellate lawyers in the country." The DC Circuit is often considered the nation's second-highest court, but it has twice as many vacancies as any other court of appeals, and its workload has increased by over 20 per cent since 2005, he said. -PTI
Cont’d from page 5
effective treatment options," Novartis India Ltd Vice- Chairman and Managing Director Ranjit Shahani said. He further added: "Novartis has never been granted an original patent for Glivec in India. We strongly believe that original innovation should be recognized in patents to encourage investment in medical innovation especially for unmet medical needs." A bench of justices Aftab Alam and Ranjana Prakash Desai dismissed the claim of the Swiss firm for getting exclusive rights for manufacturing the cancer drug on the ground that a new substance has been used in the medicine.
Imatinib (Glivec) is on the National List of Essential Medicines and is an important drug in the treatment of several cancers such as certain blood and stomach cancers. Shah further said: "This is a landmark judgment that will serve to set at rest the controversy that was raised regarding the scope of section 3(d) in the Patents Act, which is a crucial safeguard against the extension of patent monopolies of known drugs and the consequent delay in the availability of affordable generic versions." Expressing similar sentiments, IDMA Secretary-General Daara B “We are pleased with the Patel said the order was judgment which prevents in favor of poor pathe use of frivolous patents tients. "It is a good judg- to deny access to ment. It is in favor of the country's poor patients medicines for patients," and is in support of In- he added dian generic companies. Though I feel sorry for Novartis but I feel happy that While a one-month dose of rules of the country have pre- Glivec costs around Rs 1.2 lakh vailed and this will help the poor generic drugs, manufactured by patients," Patel added. Indian companies, for the same Commenting on the develop- period are priced at Rs 8,000. ment, Cipla Chairman Y K Hamied The Indian Patent Office had said the judgment in the Novartis rejected the patent application of case is a victory for patients both Novartis for the -polymorphic in India and around the world. form of imatinib mesylate on vari"We are pleased with the judg- ous grounds in 2006, including ment which prevents the use of that a patent could not be granted frivolous patents to deny access for the -polymorphic form under to medicines for patients," he section 3(d) as it did not have any added. increase in efficacy over the preNovartis, however, termed the viously known substance. judgment as a 'setback for paNovartis appealed against the tients'. rejection of the patent by the "We brought this case be- Patent Office before the Intelleccause we strongly believe patents tual Property Appellate Board safeguard innovation and encour- (IPAB) in 2007, but the appeal age medical progress, particu- was dismissed in 2009. larly for unmet medical needs. Aggrieved by this dismissal, This ruling is a setback for pa- Novartis went to the Supreme tients that will hinder medical Court which has now confirmed progress for diseases without the rejection of the patent. -PTI
Will not invest on R&D in India, says Novartis Cont’d from page 5
"Novartis remains committed to patients and access to medicine. Through its full donation program, Novartis provides Glivec free of cost to 95 per cent of patients prescribed the drug here. So far we have offered this drug to over 16,000 patients free of cost,"
the company said, adding that the remaining 5 per cent are either reimbursed, insured, or participate in a very generous co-pay program. Since Novartis began its first donation program in 2002, the company has provided more than USD 1.7 billion worth of Glivec to patents in India.-PTI
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Sunita Williams hopes for US-India space collaboration KOLKATA: Hoping that NASA and ISRO will collaborate in the future, US astronaut Sunita Williams has said the Indian government should accelerate its space program as a lot of students and young people are showing interest in the field. Williams, who holds the record for the longest spacewalk by a female astronaut at 50 hours, 40
for the two space agencies to work together. She said India had the capability to do a lot more in space research than launching satellites and added that children here were very inquisitive about the field. The astronaut was in the city to participate in an interactive session with students and space enthusiasts.
"My father is from Ahmedabad. So I have seen that part of India. In this trip, I'm excited to see eastern side of India. I have never been there. I have been in space. So I have pretty much seen the whole of India," said the 47-year-old astronaut. Born on September 19, 1965 in Euclid, Ohio, her paternal ancestry originates in Gujarat and that of her mother in Slovenia. On her voyages into space, Williams said she had carried with her a copy each of the Upanishads and the Bhagvad Gita to reflect and read. "I also carried samosas in space during my travel, you can never have enough," she said talking about her love for Indian food.
Questions on Kalpana Chawla
Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams with students at a function organized by National Council of Science Museums in Kolkata on April 2
minutes, involving seven space missions, said the US and India were developing a positive relationship as far as space was concerned. "Over the time I had been at the NASA, I had seen that relationship between India and United States going on a much more positive direction, particularly when it comes to space," Williams, whose father hails from Gujarat's Mehsana, said. The first time she had come here she didn't have permission to go and visit people from the Indian space agency, she said, "And now I see that people from ISRO and NASA are talking together." Williams was answering a question on whether there was scope
‘Never thought I'd become astronaut’ NEW DELHI: Interacting with students at the National Science Centre here, Sunita Williams said she had never thought about voyaging into space ever. "I never envisioned to be an astronaut and had many failures, but ultimately I reached here," said Williams. So while she has "pretty much seen the whole of India" from space she is excited to explore more of the country which she is visiting five years after she came here last in the year 2007. "There are places where I need to go. I have not been to south. I would like to go to Himalayas also", she said.
Students bombarded her with questions on her experiences in space, especially about Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian American astronaut and first Indian woman in space. In 2003, Chawla was one of seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003. Williams said disbelief was her
Williams. Sunita admitted that she was nervous initially to do a space travel but is now excited to continue with it.
Talking to reporters Williams said she was impressed with the present generation of children. "I
Astronaut Sunita Williams shows a picture (space pix) to students and teachers at the National Science Centre (NSC) in New Delhi on April 1
"I was nervous actually. I flew from the space shuttle after what happened in Colombia in 2006 and a couple of years afterwards and there was a lot of work that was to be done to make sure that the space shuttle is all ready to fly again", recounted Williams. "Space ride is risky. But the next step of exploration to space is on. Now after that incident we
According to Sunita the technology has really been a boon for next generation to get out there and to try out new things. "I am envious a little bit and wish I was 20 years younger to start my career all over again. The next generation of experts and are all ready to take the challenge," first reaction on hearing about the disaster. "It was a most heart breaking scenario. I wish nobody will experience that in future", said
Present generation
are going through the right phase. We are confident to continue without any problems," said the astronaut.
am really happy that I am not really trying to be an astronaut now because there are really some smart kids outside here and United States. Kids have open mind ideas." According to Sunita the technology has really been a boon for next generation to get out there and to try out new things. "I am envious a little bit and wish I was 20 years younger to start my career all over again. The next generation of experts and are all ready to take the challenge," said Williams. She gives full credit to her family. "I was lucky to have a husband and family who have been very supportive and my parents were huge role models." She said she missed flying the most. "I would love to go back to space again. I will be working in Russia for about a year now. I will be working with the next group of astronauts who will go to space," said Williams.-PTI
Ambani brothers join hands for telecom biz NEW DELHI: Billionaire Ambani brothers have struck a Rs 1,200-crore deal wherein Mukesh will use his younger sibling's optic fiber network for launch of his telecom venture. Under the pact, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries' telecom arm will hire nationwide optical fiber network of Reliance Communications for the roll-out of 4G services. "Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd and Reliance Communications Ltd announce the signing of a definitive agreement for approximately Rs 1,200 crore as onetime indefeasible right to use
(IRU) fees for sharing RCom's nationwide inter-city fiber optic network infrastructure," RCom said in a statement. Under the terms of the agreement, Reliance Jio Infocomm will utilize multiple fiber pairs across RCom's 1,20,000 kilometers inter-city fiber optic network to provide the backbone for rolling out its 4G services. As per the agreement, RCom will in turn have reciprocal access to optic fiber in-
frastructure to be built by Reliance Jio Infocomm in the future.
Anil Ambani & Mukesh Ambani
"The agreement provides for joint working arrangements to be
put in place immediately for upgradation of the optic fiber network, to ensure seamless delivery of next generation services," the statement said. This agreement is the first in an intended comprehensive framework of business co-operation between Reliance Jio Infocomm and RCom to provide for optimal utilization of the existing and future infrastructure of both companies on reciprocal basis, including inter alia, inter-city fiber, intra-city fiber, tow-
ers and related assets. . Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJI), formerly Infotel Broadband, won 4G spectrum for pan-India services in 2010, but the company is yet to launch its services. Government recently approved norms that would allow RJI to even provide mobile phone calls service using its 4G spectrum. This leaves room for Mukesh Ambani's re-entry into mobile phone services business after 2005 following Anil Ambani moving out with RCom, formerly Reliance Infocomm, Reliance Energy and Reliance Capital.-PTI
April 12, 2013
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Asian-American students outperform other ethnic groups WASHINGTON: Asian American students perform better than all other ethnic groups when it comes to science and math, with males in particular scoring better, a new US study has found. US researchers Nicole Else-Quest, Concetta Mineo and Ashley Higgins studied 367 White, African American, Latino/ Latina, and Asian American 10th grade male and female students in math and science. The study results indicated that while male and female adolescents earned similar grades in math and science, Asian American students outperformed all other ethnic groups, with males in particular receiving the highest scores. Furthermore, the researchers found that
US refuses to declare 1984 riots in India as genocide WASHINGTON: In a jolt to proKhalistan groups in the US, the Obama Administration has refused to declare the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in India as genocide, but noted that grave human rights violations had occurred. The White House response in this regard came months after a section of the Sikh community in the US launched an online petition campaign urging the Obama Administration to recognize the 1984 riots as genocide. The petition created on November 15, 2012, had generated more than 30,000 signatures within weeks. Each petition that crosses the threshold of 25,000 signatures is reviewed and receive a response. "During and after the 1984 violence, the United States monitored and publicly reported on the grave human rights violations that occurred and the atrocities committed against members of the Sikh community," the White House response said. It noted that the US State Department's Official Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, for example, covered the violence and its aftermath in detail, with sections on political killings, disappearances, denial of fair public trials, negative effects on freedom of religion, and the government's response to civil society organizations investigating allegations of human rights violations. "We continue to condemn - and more importantly, to work against - violence directed at people based on their religious affiliation. US Government efforts to protect the rights and freedoms of all people have long been a feature of our foreign policy. Our diplomats regularly report on and speak out against violence against minorities around the world," the White House said in response to the online petition. Expressing disappointment over the response, the proponents of the petition in a statement said that the Obama Administration "fails to take position on Sikh genocide". "The response ignores the recent discoveries of mass graves of Sikhs killed during 1984 and falls short of taking a position on the issue of Genocide," said a statement issued by Gurpatwant S Pannun, who heads the New York-based 'Sikh for Justice' group. -PTI
Latino and African American male students received the lowest scores in math and science. "Asian American male adolescents consistently demonstrated the highest achievement compared to other adolescents, mirroring the 'model minority' stereotype," the researchers said in a statement. The researchers also studied the students' perceptions of their abilities in math and science. While compared to men, women continue to be underrepresented in math and science courses and careers, researchers
found. According to a study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly, a SAGE journal, male and female students earn similar grades in math and science while Asian American students of both genders outperform all other races. Male students reported a greater perception of their own ability in math as well as higher expectations of success, while female students reported greater value of science than their male counterparts. These findings did not vary across ethnicities. The researchers also took into account
the effects of family income and education on school achievement. Still, self-concept, task value, and expectations of success were strong predictors of student achievement in math and science. "Despite gender similarities in math and science achievement, female adolescents tend to believe their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) abilities are just not as strong as those of their male classmates," said Else-Quest, a lead author and developmental psychologist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. -PTI
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New MCI test discriminatory to NRI students India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Many Indian community organizations in the US are protesting against an MCI (Medical Council of India) entrance test introduced for NRI students because, they point out, there are no centers in the US for this exam and it will cause hardship to aspiring students. GOPIO says in a press release that after the successful Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Kochi, speaker after speaker emphasized the importance of connecting the next generation to India, but the new MCI entrance test for admission adopted by some state governments will hamper NRI students applying for MBBS/BDS admission in India. The major reason being, there are no test centers in the USA, Europe and other countries with large NRI/PIO population. The Kerala Government is the latest one to adopt MCI admission test for medical and dental admission. For the last 20 years, the admission process for NRI students was to get the equivalent certifi-
cate from the Education Department of the Indian Mission and the Association of Indian University (a Central Government of India agency). With this certificate, Indian MBBS colleges were able to give admission to NRI student based on NRI quota. This year, MCI has implemented a central-
The new MCI entrance test for admission adopted by some state governments will hamper NRI students applying for MBBS/BDS admission in India ized National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET Exam) for MBBS and BDS admission in India. The exam is scheduled for May 5. Almost 2000 NRI students apply to MBBS and BDS admissions in India. However, most NRI students won't be able to
appear for this examination. The NRI/PIO community groups have requested the state governments to exclude and maintain status quo for NRI students' admission for a couple years. The reasons to exclude NRI students from MCI's NEET exam for admission to MBBS/ BDS are as follows: 1) MCI announcement of new national entrance examination was made on January 2013; there is not enough time to prepare for the exam for NRI students in the current academic year. There are no clear exam preparation books or examination guidelines available yet. 2) NRI students from US, South America, Canada, Australia, Africa & Europe have difficulty in attending the exam unlike students in Middle-East who have examination centers available in Saudi Arabia and Dubai. The US and European 12th grade classes and final exams are scheduled at the same time period as the MCI medical entrance exam. Therefore, NRI students are unable to take time off from
Despite trade growth, India poses barriers: US WASHINGTON: Substantial growth in India-US bilateral trade and recent economic reforms unleashed by New Delhi notwithstanding, US companies face a series of trade and tariff barriers, an official report said here. In its latest report '2013 National Trade Estimate: Foreign Trade Barriers' the US Trade Representative (USTR) has listed out a whole range of difficulties US companies face in India, which according to officials prevent them from realizing the full potential of India-US economic relationship. "While the United States has actively sought bilateral and multilateral opportunities to open India's market, US exporters continue to encounter tariff and nontariff barriers that impede imports of US products, despite the government of India's ongoing economic reform efforts," the report said. According to the report, the US goods trade deficit with India was USD 18.2 billion in 2012, up USD 3.5 billion from 2011. US goods exports in 2012 were USD 22.3 billion, up 3.9 per cent from the previous year. Corresponding US imports from India were USD 40.5 billion, up 12.1 per
cent. India is currently the 18th largest export market for US goods, the USTR report said. US exports of private commercial services (i.e. excluding military and government) to India stood at USD 11.0 billion in 2011 (according to latest data available), and US imports were USD 16.9 billion.
USTR said the structure of India's customs tariff and fees system is complex and characterized by a lack of transparency in determining net effective rates of customs tariffs Sales of services in India by majority US-owned affiliates were USD 14.2 billion in 2010 (latest data available), while sales of services in the US by majority Indiaowned firms were USD 7.3 billion. "The stock of US foreign direct investment (FDI) in India was
USD 24.7 billion in 2011 (latest data available), down from USD 24.8 billion in 2010. US FDI in India is largely in the professional, scientific, and technical services, finance/insurance services, and the information services sectors," it said. USTR said the structure of India's customs tariff and fees system is complex and characterized by a lack of transparency in determining net effective rates of customs tariffs, excise duties, and other duties and charges. US exporters have alleged that India's customs valuation methodologies do not reflect actual transaction values and raise the cost of exporting to India beyond applied tariff rates. US companies have also faced extensive investigations related to their use of certain valuation methodologies when importing computer equipment. Companies have reported being subjected to excessive searches and seizures, it alleged. The USTR held that India "lacks an overarching government procurement policy", and as a result, its government procurement practices and procedures vary at the state and central levels and by ministry. -PTI
their school as it is mandatory to attend the classes in order for them to get their High School diploma/certificate. 3) The Common MCI exam curriculum for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Zo-
Every year more than 2000 NRI students take admission in various medical MBBS & BDS programs in India. They are sons and daughters of NRIs ology and Botany) are going to be framed and implemented as regular other national eligibility exams. From the date of implementation of this national common examination policy, minimum two or three years time to
be given for NRI students for this common All India Entrance Exam for professional courses. This will help the NRI students & parents to plan and prepare various extra subject topics such as tropical plants covered in Botany. 4) Every year more than 2000 NRI students take admission in various medical MBBS & BDS programs in India. They are sons and daughters of NRI’s working in foreign countries. This policy is not providing equal opportunity to NRI students due to fast implementation of this policy. Indian community organizations including the Global Indian Diaspora Foundation, Federation of Kerala Association of North America (FOKANA) and Federation of Malayalee Association of America (FOMA) have already written to the central and state authorities to implement this new requirement for NRI students in a timely stage of two years and maintain status quo on admission of NRI students to medical and dental colleges for this year and next year.
US wants India to review testing policy on telecom equipment WASHINGTON: The US gov- with trading partners including the ernment wants India to review its United States, India eliminated most domestic testing policy on telecom of these requirements in 2011," it said. equipment's besides asking New "In doing so, however, India Delhi to change its policy on reg- adopted new telecommunications istration and testing requirements license amendments that continue of toys and its products. to require, among other things, "The US Government and in- that as of April 2013, testing of all dustry continue to press India to telecommunications equipment reconsider the domestic testing deemed to raise security concerns policy and to adopt the interna- take place in India," the report said. tional best practice of using international common criteria and ac- The annual report of the USTR cepting products tested on Technical Barriers to in any accredited lab, whether located in India Trade (TBT) referred to "unor elsewhere," the US warranted or overly burdenTrade Representative some standards that make it (USTR) said in a report. The annual report of difficult for American manuthe USTR on Technical facturers to sell their Barriers to Trade (TBT) products abroad referred to "unwarranted or overly burdensome The US continues to be constandards that make it difficult for cerned about the proposed "Toys American manufacturers to sell and Toy Products (Compulsory their products abroad." Registration) Order" being consid"In 2009 and 2010, India im- ered by the government of India. posed new requirements in teleUSTR said this, if implemented, communications service licenses, would impose onerous and time including mandatory transfer of consuming registration obligatechnology and source codes as tions on US toy companies and well as burdensome testing and conformity assessment burdens certification for telecommunica- that are "dramatically higher tions equipment. than those found in any other Following extensive engagement country". -PTI
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Vivid portrayal of Gandhi's life in Bharatnatyam SHYLA SOHONI
FREMONT, CA: The dance performances staged by Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose are unique. There is always an element of innovation in them. On Sunday, March 31, 'Gandhi' show was presented by the Abhinaya Dance Company at Ohlone College in Fremont. It featured 11 dancers in various roles: Abhinaya's Artistic Director Mythili Kumar in the title role of Gandhi, Susmitha Bhat as little Gandhi, Rasika Kumar, Associate Artistic Director and choreographer in several roles, Malavika Kumar narrating as Gandhi's grandniece, Manubhen and Anjana Dasu in various roles including Gandhi's assassin. Through the voice of his greatniece Manubhen (performed flawlessly by Malavika Kumar), this dance-theater production presented vivid portrayals of Gandhi's life, his inspirational encounters, and events that led him to becoming a world figure. These powerful scenes, portrayed through the classical dance style of Bharatnatyam, reiterated his message of civil disobedience as an alternative to violent resistance. Each story narration was followed by enactment by the won-
derful and talented Abhinaya dancers. Gandhi's life story is well known. But the depiction style by Abhinanya dance was spellbinding. It was a wonderful way to introduce Gandhi to the Western audience and our children born and brought up here. The difficult concept of "Ahimsa" and "Satyagraha" were effectively communicated via the media of dance. In May 1995, to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), Abhinaya Dance Company premiered Gandhi-The
Mahatma. In November 2012, Abhinaya presented Gandhi with new choreography by Mythili Kumar (Artistic Director) and Rasika Kumar (Associate Artistic Director) in San Jose. Even though the music was mainly from 1995, some of the fight sequences and Thillana were re-choreographed by Rasika to make them more contemporary and impactful. Abhinaya Dance company continues to use the ancient art form of Bharatnatyam dance to tell mythological and modern stories in a way that touches both Indian and Western audiences.
New controversy over US Congressmen's visit to Gujarat Cont’d from page 6
Following reports in an ethnic Indian daily in the US on the trip, the Congress and BJP traded attacks on each other. Congress Spokesperson Rashid Alvi said it was a "shame that the Congressmen were paid for getting a visa and certificate of development for Modi". Vijay Jolly, convener of Overseas BJP, rejected the charges, saying the Congressmen have spent their own money and there was no impropriety involved. When questioned about the charges, Schock first reacted asking what was the issue involved. "All I would say is that our trip here was signed off by the appropriate authorities in our government...and specifically by the House of Representatives. I would simply say that three members of Congress don't just leave the country. "So I am not going to get into all the nuances. Certainly some people do not like the fact that we are here...perhaps some people do not agree with what we are saying here...but certainly as American members of Congress we have a free right to come over
here," Schock said. "I have checked appropriate boxes necessary to make this trip legitimate and well within all the rules and accordances of US Congress," he said. NRI businessman and founder of NIAPPI Shalabh Kumar said,
over this kind of news. It is an insult to a nation. The Congressmen were given Rs nine lakh each so that America can give him (Modi) visa and a certificate of development. "This is unfortunate. If the money had been spent in Gujarat
tracted by Narendra Modi's governance," he said, attacking the Congress for making an issue of the trip. Gujarat Congress billed the visit as "nothing but a marketing gimmick by some global public relations firm to market Modi".
CM Modi in a talk with US delegation members
"There is a very strong house ethics committee that disapproves or approves visits by Congressmen to other countries". "So an organization like NIAPPI is a think tank that sponsors visits, and trade people who want to go and establish business," Kumar said. Alvi said, "One feels ashamed
for the poor and development, then it would have been much better," he said. Jolly said there was no controversy at all. In America, people even pay for attending a dinner with the President. "The US businessmen wanted to come to India. They spent their own money. They have been at-
Congress President Arjun Modhwadia alleged that an impression was created as if it was an official US delegation and the US government itself has extended the invitation to Modi to visit America. Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed said in a tweet: "Modi says give visa, I will give you busi-
ness, Americans say give business we will give you visa. Who is bribing whom is a million dollar question." Ahmed, who is the AICC incharge for West Bengal and Jharkhand, said "people say the visit of US lawmakers along with a delegation to Modi means that you give us business we will give you Visa. Isn't it bribe?" AICC Secretary Praveen Davar hit out at the US delegation for inviting the Gujarat Chief Minister describing it as "thoughtless" move. "I strongly condemn the three Republicans for inviting Modi to the US. Have Americans forgotten who masterminded 2002 Gujarat genocide? Repeated victory at the hustings does not absolve Modi of alleged crimes against humanity. Lawmakers must withdraw their thoughtless invite," Davar said. -PTI
Tech News Punjab govt to make online payment to agents CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government says it will make all payments to Arthias (Commission Agents) through an online system in the state during ensuing Rabi season against wheat procurement. The amounts would be directly transferred in the accounts of Arthias through 'Kissan Arthia Information and Remittance Online Network' with Rupay Debit Card, an official spokesman said. All procurement agencies of the state government would make all payments to arthias through online system to ensure the timely disbursement of amounts to Arthias on account of purchase of wheat during the ensuing Rabi season 2013-14 from April, 1, 2013, the spokesman said. He added that state has appealed to the Arthias to get registered under this system for receiving timely payments. Under this system, Arthias would be issued cards by the participating banks and they would have to swipe their cards on swipe machines to be installed in each Mandi by the banks concerned, he added.-PTI
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MUMBAI: India Infoline says it has approved restructuring the group business including broking, depository participant (DP), portfolio management service (PMS) and investment banking to a wholly owned subsidiary. "India Infoline...has considered and approved in principle to restructure the group business including transfer of company's broking, DP, PMS and investment banking business to a wholly owned subsidiary through appropriate scheme/arrangements," it said in a filing to the BSE. For this purpose, the board has appointed a committee of directors to finalize the re-arrangements within the group, scheme and all other requirements including the regulatory approvals, it added further.-PTI
First YuppTV Dongle for South Asians launched in US ATLANTA, GA: YuppTV, one of the world's largest Internet TV providers, have announced the launch of its first 'YuppTV Dongle' in USA for South Asians away
TV set into a Smart TV. This allows the viewer to access a variety of content on his television. With YuppTV Dongle, users can watch 150+ Indian TV Channels Live or as VOD available in 11 Indian languages: Hindi, Tamil,
from home. The YuppTV Dongle is a revolutionary device especially for the expatriate Indians who want access to home grown content. It is a small, 1080p, Wi-Fi streaming player which enables Indian expats to watch their favorite Indian TV Channels live, video on demand, TV shows with back to back episodes, Bollywood movies and a wide range of regional movies This Dongle is connected into the HDMI port of a television set. This feature converts a standard
Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi, Oriya, Gujarati and Bhojpuri YuppTV Dongle has been launched in the USA bundled at no cost to customer for three month, six month and yearly subscription packages. The cost is significantly lower than buying a Smart TV to access those features. One of the USPs of the Dongle is its portability. Users can now stream video, listen to music, get the latest news or check the latest Facebook feeds at home on their big screen TV. They can also take
India Post News Service
Honda, Hyundai hike prices by up to Rs 10,000 NEW DELHI: Car makers Honda Cars India and Hyundai Motors India said they have hiked prices of their vehicles by up to Rs 10,000 to offset increased cost of on board diagnostic compliance changes (OBDC). While Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) said its hike will range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 across models, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) said the price increase will be between Rs 575 and Rs 2,830. HCIL said its hatchback Brio will be dearer by Rs 2,000 from the existing price of Rs 4.10 lakh. The automatic variant of the car will see the steepest hike of Rs 10,000 from the current price of Rs 5.74 lakh. The company's City sedan will cost Rs 3,000 more. It is currently priced at Rs 7.26 lakh. Similarly, the premium sedan Accord will be dearer by Rs 5,000 from the current price of Rs 20.30 lakh. The sports utility vehicle CR-V will be costlier by Rs 1,000. CR-V is at present available between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 22.94 lakh. HMIL Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Rakesh Srivastava said: "The price increase was necessitated due to On Board Diagnostic Compliance Changes. We have tried to absorb the maximum cost to minimize the price increase to cause less inconvenience to our valued customers.' -PTI
India Infoline to restructure broking services
all of that content on the move by simply carrying the Dongle in their pocket, and then plug it into the HDMI port of a TV at their work place or hotel. The Dongle also has a memory card slot for sharing videos, photos or music files on the TV screen. For those wishing to access internet content on their television sets, the YuppTV Dongle, like any Smart TV offers them access to check emails and surf the internet on their television set itself. The customer can connect on Facebook and Twitter just with the help of the small and sleek YuppTV Dongle. In keeping with its commitment to innovation and accessible content, YuppTV is coming up with 2nd screen experience for
tems by connecting this Dongle to it. The customer can play music, photos and videos on legacy audio / video receiver using android phone/tablets or iphone/ ipad. Announcing the launch of TV Dongle, Uday Reddy, Founder and CEO of YuppTV, said, "We at YuppTV believe in being at the forefront of the technology space,
Uday Reddy
its users. Customers would be able to browse the content on their phone/tablets and play them over Wi-Fi onto their TV screen. Upcoming updates would also enable the consumer to convert old audio systems to smart audio sys-
and this product has the potential to revolutionise the way TV is viewed across the US. YuppTV Dongle is easy to use and transforms an ordinary TV into a Smart TV. Cont’d on page 14
Lingerie to 'help' women fight sexual offences AHMEDABAD: Three automobile engineers from Chennai have come out with what they claim can check sexual offences in India - a lingerie laced with modules of GPS and capable of sending alerts to the girl's parents and police. "The lingerie, laced with modules of global positioning system (GPS), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and also pressure sensors, is capable of sending shock waves of 3,800 kV as well as alerts to the girl's parents and police,"
says Manisha Mohan, co-developer of the innovative product
named Society Harnessing Equipment (SHE).
"The shocks can be emitted up to 82 times," she told PTI, adding it's an apt device which could get women "freedom from situations faced in bus, public places", where at times they are reluctant to walk down to lawmakers for help. "A person trying to molest a girl will get the shock of his life the moment pressure sensors get ac-
tivated, and the GPS and GSM modules would send a SMS on emergency number 100, as well as to parents of the girl," she describes the functioning process. Mohan, an engineering student of Sri Ramaswamy Memorial University in Chennai, along with her two colleagues Rimpi Tripathi and Neeladri Basu Pal, developed the proto-type of SHE and are busy fine-tuning the product for commercial roll out. Cont’d on page 14
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India manufacturing growth slips to 16-month low NEW DELHI: India's manufacturing sector witnessed the slowest rate of expansion in 16 months in March as power outages hampered production activity and decline in new business orders, an HSBC survey said here. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) - a measure of factory production - stood at 52 in March down from 54.2 in February. Persistent power cuts weighed on the manufacturing sector. Moreover, the volume of incoming new work increased at the slowest pace in 16 months and export orders expanded at the slowest pace in seven months, HSBC said. Though the index has remained above the 50 mark, below which it indicates contraction, for more than three years now.
The PMI reading for March showed that manufacturing operating conditions in the country has improved at slowest rate since November, 2011. "Manufacturing activity lost momentum in March, with output growth slowing notably on the
back of a deceleration in new orders and power outages," HSBC Chief Economist for India & ASEAN Leif Eskesen said. Last month India's current account deficit hit a record 6.7 per cent of GDP in December quarter to USD 32 billion on account of surge in oil and gold imports, be-
sides weak exports. Eskesen further noted that output could get a lift in coming months as inventories are replenished. Inventories of finished goods were depleted to meet demand, partly due to the output disruptions caused by power cuts. Meanwhile, HSBC said even as input as well as output prices increased at a moderate pace during March, the scope for further monetary policy easing remains "limited". "Encouragingly, input and output price inflation eased. Even so, the scope for further monetary policy easing remains limited," Eskesen said. The Reserve Bank in its mid-quarter monetary policy review on March 18 reduced the indicative policy rate (repo rate) by 25 basis points from 7.75 to 7.50 per cent. Repo rate is the rate at which banks borrow short-term funds from the central bank. India's GDP growth in the third quarter of 2012-13 stood at 4.5 per cent, the weakest in the last 15 quarters. -PTI
Mobile handset sales post 'smart' growth; Nokia leads MUMBAI: Mobile handset sales in India grew 20.8 per cent to 221.6 million units in 2012, driven by a strong growth in the smartphone category, according to a study. The handset sales in the Asia's third largest economy stood at 183.4 million in 2011, said the study by CyberMedia Research (CMR). While smartphones comprised a small chunk of the overall handset market at about 7 per cent, the highend category grew at a robust 35.7 per cent to 15.2 million devices in 2012 from 11.2 million units in 2011, it said. Feature phones sales grew 19.9 per cent to 206.4 million in 2012 from 172.2 million in the previous year, the report said. "Although we see a huge market 'hype' around smartphones, the fact remains that the India mobile handset market is still dominated by shipments of feature phones. On the other hand, smartphone shipments are growing fast," CMR
Lead Analyst (Telecoms Practice) Faisal Kawoosa said. This indicates India is still a 'new phone' market, where feature phones contribute to the bulk of shipments compared to replace-
Korean giant Samsung (13.7 per cent). Indian handset maker Micromax was placed third at 6.6 per cent market share. The ranking remained same in the feature phone category, with Nokia garnering 22.5 per cent market share, Samsung 11.5 per cent and Micromax 6.5 per cent. However, in the smartphone category, Samsung was the leader with 43.1 per cent share, followed by Nokia (13.3 per cent) and Sony (8.2 per cent) in 2012. While BlackBerry was at third spot during January-June 2012 pe-
ments or upgrades, he added. Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia led the overall market with 21.8 per cent share, followed by
riod, Sony Mobiles displaced the former when the overall sales for 2012 were taken into account, CMR said. -PTI
Sterlite moves Green Tribunal against closure of plant CHENNAI: Vedanta group firm contract laborers, besides providSterlite Industries moved the Na- ing 15,000 indirect jobs. tional Green Tribunal challenging All of them would be left in the an order of Tamil Nadu Pollution lurch and without remuneration Control Board directing closure of if the unit remains closed, it arits copper smelter plant in gued. Tuticorin in the wake of alleged Raising preliminary objection, noxious gas leak recently. Advocate General AL Somaiji In its applications before the said the unit had been functionSouthern bench of the Tribunal, ing after getting directions from the company also challenged an- courts. In a case related to it, the other order of the TNPCB discon- Supreme Court is to pronounce necting the power supply to the orders. unit located in Tuticorin, which The matter was mentioned bewas shut down on March 30. fore the Supreme Court and it said "The impugned orders have the TNPCB is well within the been issued in gross violation of rights, he said. natural justice and in unseemly Somaiji said the District Colhaste...," it contended. Making his submissions before the Bench Raising preliminary comprising its judicial member Justice M. objection, Advocate Chockalingam and expert member Prof. General AL Somaiji said the Nagendran, senior coun- unit had been functioning sel for the company T R Rajagopalan submitted after getting directions from the orders have been courts. In a case related to passed without giving an opportunity to the it, the Supreme Court is to Sterlite Industries. pronounce orders The matter was posted to April 9 for further hearing. lector had received several comThe TNPCB, under instruc- plaints from people of the localtions from District Collector ity that they experienced eye irriAshish Kumar had on March 30 tation, continuous cough and issued a notice directing Sterlite throat suffocation. to close the plant in the wake of Since it was a serious matter alleged leak of sulphur dioxide in involving public health, the the area on March 23, affecting TNPCB ordered the closure of the local people. unit, he submitted. Sterlite submitted before the After the submissions of coungreen Tribunal that the company sels, the Bench directed the Diswas meeting more than 55 per trict Collector and the TNPCB to cent of copper requirement of the file their counters to decide country and employed 1,000 per- whether an interim order can be manent workers and about 3,500 given or not. -PTI
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TechBiz Post
India Post
April 12, 2013
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Daimler integrates bus biz with commercial vehicles arm NEW DELHI: German auto major Daimler AG is consolidating its commercial vehicle business in India by integrating the bus business in the country with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV). The Mercedes-Benz bus busi-
ness, which was until now handled by Mercedes-Benz India, Pune is now being integrated with truckmaker DICV, a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG. Commenting on the development, DICV Managing Director & CEO, Marc Llistosella said: "The alignment of the bus division with DICV is a logical step in integrating the commercial vehicle divi-
sions of Daimler into one cohesive unit. This is in line with our global practice to ensure better synergies in various business verticals." With this alignment Daimler will be able to expand its presence in India through a dealer network
oriented and trained in the operations of commercial vehicles, he added. Daimler Bus Division India Head Markus Villinger said the integration of the bus division with DICV while creating greater synergies will also open several business opportunities in future. "As the global leader in buses, Daimler sees India as a market
with growing potential. However, the luxury coach segment is still very small in comparison to the total market. We will initially focus on this segment." Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Eberhard Kern said the company will continue to support by assembling the Mercedes-Benz buses at its facility in Chakan, Pune. "We have nurtured the bus business since its launch in India and are happy that our sister company will take over this business and continue to offer superior products and brand experience to our customers," Kern said. Mercedes-Benz India, Pune, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler AG is focused on the manufacture and marketing of Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. While DICV was being set-up at Chennai, the bus business was initiated through Mercedes-Benz India, which has sold over 300 buses since 2008. "As DICV was still in a project phase and focused on the introduction of BharatBenz Trucks, we had to wait for an appropriate time for this integration," DICV VicePresident, Marketing, Sales & After-sales VRV Sriprasad said.-PTI
BRICS bank will complement other multilateral lenders: FM TOKYO: Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said the proposed BRICS Bank to finance development projects in emerging economies will not compete but complement the operations of the existing multilateral lending agencies. Addressing a conference at the Japan National Press Club here, Chidambaram said though the existing lending agencies have provided funds to developing nations, it has been insufficient. He said if the BRICS development bank is established, it would
"complement" what multilateral lenders have been doing, news agency Kyodo said. Last week, the grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) had decided to establish a new development bank to finance infrastructure projects and to create a USD 100 billion contingency fund to tackle any financial crisis in emerging economies. The decision is seen as a major win for India's campaign to reform global financial architecture. The development bank,
mooted by India at the last year's Summit in Delhi, was originally proposed to be started with a capital of USD 50 billion with USD 10 billion from each of the members. Developing countries have been demanding more assistance from multilateral agencies like World Bank, IMF and ADB to Chidambaram also emphasized that the Manila headquartered Asian Development Bank (ADB) "must lend more" to the developing countries especially for infrastructure and sustainable development. -PTI
Lingerie to 'help' women fight sexual offences Cont’d from page 12
The innovative design bagged an award at the Gandhian Young Technology Award-2013 event organized at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA). "We have got a lot of joint venture offer, but nothing has been
worked out yet," Mohan says. "I have approached a friend of mine in National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) to help me find the right kind of fabric for the product so that it can be a washable one," she says. On being asked what inspired them to design such a product, Mohan says, "After the Delhi
gangrape incident, and the rape of a Bangalore BPO worker, I felt women are being tortured in the name of safety. "Henceforth, we decided to come up with something innovative which helps women protect themselves besides not being abandoned in the name of safety." -PTI
Mallya sues banks for selling pledged USL shares MUMBAI: Liquor baron Vijay Mallya has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court against the lenders to his grounded airline Kingfisher for selling a portion of the pledged shares of United Spirits (USL) worth Rs 100 crore, according to banking sources. The petition, filed by UB Hold-
Vijay Mallya
ing in the High Court, seeks a stay on sale of shares of its subsidiary USL by SBI after the bank sold a portion of UB shares it held as security in the market last week, said an SBI official who wanted not to be named. "We have sold a part of the USL shares. We have also re-
ceived a legal notice from UB Holding restraining us from doing so. But despite that, we decided to sell them and are likely to sell the remaining shares as well as we are confident of the court ruling in our favor," said a senior SBI official requesting anonymity. According to the official, SBI sold shares worth Rs 100 crore last week, which prompted Mallya to seek legal remedy fearing the move could jeopardize his deal with British liquor major Diageo, for which he announced an open offer details with the exchanges. The action by the banks, led by State Bank of India, which is the lead lender to the airline with over Rs 1800 crore dud exposure, is a big jolt to Mallya's plans of reviving the airline as well as completing the stake sale in USL to Diageo, announced last November for over Rs 11,000 crore.-PTI
First YuppTV Dongle for South Asians launched in US Cont’d from page 12
This Dongle can be used by people of all generations: youngsters can use it to listen to music or access trendy platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, while the elders in a family can surf any website or watch YuppTV for news, entertainment and devotional channels. We would be launching second screen experience with future updates very soon and would change the way TV can be watched." YuppTV launched this device to its loyal customers because of the impact it had with one of the streaming partner's business decision to tie up exclusively with one the major South Asian TV service provider in USA. YuppTV Dongle would soon be released globally, with focus on markets like India, UK, Europe, Canada and Australia.
About Global Takeoff Inc Global Takeoff is the world's largest OTT platform delivering more than 150 LIVE TV Channels and 4500 videos daily across multiple screens: Smart TVs, STBs,
smart Bluray players, PC/Mac, iOS, Android, Nokia, windows7 mobile, blackberry, Facebook, etc. This is a reliable and scalable platform which is cost effective, and provides end to end managed service to worldwide broadcasters and content providers. Global takeoff helps reduce time to market and complexity of delivering content over Internet through multiple internet enabled devices. Global Takeoff is a leading global provider of converged digital entertainment and advertising solutions. The company's products provide a combination of technologies that enable consumers the convenience of a virtual home environment, companies with maximum global reach and content providers with ideal platforms and services to launch their content easily and economically. The company enables live TV and video-on-demand to millions of internet-enabled devices across the globe. Global Takeoff's flagship service, YuppTV, is one of the world's leading portals for Indian programmes and currently enjoys the industry's highest content usage per subscriber. Established in 2006, Global Takeoff is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in India.
April 12, 2013
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Desi News Holi Hungama at Fremont Hindu Temple RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: For ages, Holi festival has signified victory of truth and righteousness over Evil. Second day of Holi is traditionally celebrated with friends and family
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA www.indiapost.com
16 India Post
To purity it, fix mind on attributes of God Details on page 24
April 12, 2013
Sri Sri brings clue to non-violence: joy within through meditation RAMESH SOPARAWALA & ASIAN MEDIA
getting together, enjoying the Spring weather, applying colors on each other and having delicious snacks. Over 5000 people thronged Fremont temple on Sunday, March 31 to celebrate the festival and have a blast. Devotees filled every inch of temple premises and their cars occupied all streets in mile long neighborhood. People from all over Bay area came and participated in the festivities. Details on page 21
BAPS hosts 6th Annual Women's Conference
CHICAGO: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar came, saw and conquered Chicagoans who flocked in hundreds to meet and greet him at Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont where he shared his vision of meeting violence across the world with non violence. The event hosted by Art of Living Foundation (AOLF) an internationally recognized humanitarian organization, could not have opted for a better subject than 'Non-Violence: No Higher Calling' as it has assumed a great relevance domestically in the light of surge in gun violence across the country, as also at the global level where religion and sectarian violence is once again rearing its ugly head. The Thursday, March 28 pro-
organizations. It was capped by vocal endorsements from Illinois politicians, bureaucrats, Chicago elites and common folks from daily walk of life. Present on the occasion were US Representatives Jan Schakowsky (9th District) and Danny Davis (7th), Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and 47th Ward Alderman Ameya Pawar. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's resolution making March 28 "NonViolence: No Higher Calling" Day across the State was introduced by AOLF teacher for the past 20 years Debra Poneman and read out by the Governor's representative Teresa Marr, who presented a plaque to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in attestation. The goal is to accuSri Sri addressing the gathering. Pics Asian Media
Asian Media USA
BARTLETT, IL: Committed to the progress and growth of women worldwide, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha hosted its sixth annual Midwest Women's Conference in Bartlett, Illinois on March 30. Over 450 women of all ages were in attendance at the conference which focused on this year's theme of "Timeless Traditions: Celebrating the Past, Cultivating the Future". Details on page 18
Lions Club elects Sam Bhogal as President
Sri Sri with community leaders and politicians
gram, kicked off personally from Chicago by AOLF founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, had significant participation of local grassroots civic
mulate one billion pledges, which is 100 pledges for every one act of violence recorded in the US each year.
For Ravi Shankar the root cause of societal violence is individual stress that may be relieved and avoided through the deep relaxation that comes with meditation and a practice of regulated breathing (Sudarshana Kriya) taught through AOLF. Otherwise the dammed up negative emotions are suddenly unleashed in irrational and (self-) destructive acts. Sri Sri also recounted his experience in war-torn Iraq, observing that "inside every culprit is a victim waiting to be heard" and "a joyful person will not commit acts of violence." In the presence of the ideal human of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, others simply lose their animosity. "Keep a big smile on
the face and let it percolate the whole body and every cell," he concluded. He also gave everyone a profound experience of deep meditation. He touched upon two of the AOLF programs - Prison Smart and YES - that seek to address relevant issues like violence, crime and punishment affecting society. Prison Smart, as explained by Nita Virani, an AOLF teacher, reaches out to the convicts in the prison and helps them to overcome their weakness. "The main objective", she said," is to give them a chance to get rehabilitated in the society and be productive again."
DILIP BUTANI
LOS ANGELES: Surinder Bhogal 'Sam' was unanimously elected as the President of the Lions Club of Little India for the year 2013-14, while Dilip Butani was reelected as Chairman. Former Assemblyman Tony Mendoza was the Chief Guest at the election meeting. Details on page 24
Sri Sri with Honorees
Sri Sri merging with crowd
Cont’d on page 19
Community Across America
April 12, 2013
India Post 17
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Dazzling display of Bharatnatyam dances Asian Media USA
CHICAGO, IL: Traditional Bharatnatyam repertoire is called Margam or journey. The dancers of Bharatam Academy of Dance
emcee for the evening, Ranjani Rajan, welcomed the audience and introduced each of the dances with a brief description along with classical notations for the song that accompanied the dance.
stage for more traditional story lines that drew their inspiration from Hindu mythology. Lord Krishna's feat of lifting the Govardhana Mountain was personified in Govardhana Giridhari,
Dashavataram - Grand Finale
took the audience on this delightful journey with a dazzling display of Bharatnatyam dances ranging from beginners to those of the highest professional caliber. The occasion was "Bharatam Dance
The program began with Nritta Anjali, a prayer and offering with pure classical dance elements, set to Adi Talam. After that, dancers in different age groups rendered different compositions, with each
Dance of Shiva
Showcase 2013" at the Oswego East High School auditorium on March 23. In her introductory remarks, Guru Vanitha observed that the art of Bharatnatyam is a rich continuum and living tradition of South India. It was apparent to any spectator that more than the stu-
item progressing in the order of difficulty and skill level involved. Arambham, performed by young learners ranging in age from six to eight years old who had completed a little over one year of training in the academy, was a demonstration of the basics with the different adavu, set to solkattu or
Lord Krishna's feat of lifting the Govardhana Mountain was personified in Govardhana Giridhari, while the joyous dance of Ganesha was depicted in Nartana Ganapatim. Narayana Mantram was in praise of Narayana, and Andal Kauttuvam was for his bride dents going through the art, the art had gone through the students, who graced the stage with poise and delight, displaying these rich traditions here in the USA. The
rhythmic intonations, which is the language of Bharatnatyam. It was followed by Alarippu, a progression in dance movement and complexity, which set the
while the joyous dance of Ganesha was depicted in Nartana Ganapatim. Narayana Mantram was in praise of Lord Narayana, and Andal Kauttuvam was for his bride Andal. These dances showcased the progression of the young learners into more experienced dancers. The patience exhibited by all the performers required for dressing in traditional clothes and dance jewellery was remarkable. They were poised and danced with the confidence that reflected the sound training they received. Jatiswaram is a composition set to jati - the rhythmic syllables, and swara - the melodious notes. True to the composition, the beautiful footwork enthralled the audience. It was followed by Panchamurthy Anjali, an ode to five deities, performed by the group of inspired moms, who started taking Bharatnatyam lessons from Vanitha following their daughter's footsteps. Sutikshna Veeravalli joined the dancers in rendering Anjaneya in a memorable performance. Kavya Pai, a recent Bharatam graduate, then presented a part from her Arangetram performance in Alarulu Kuriyaga, a dainty piece on Goddess Padmavati. Govindan Kuzhalosai highlighted the enchanting music of Krishna's flute, and Lalitambikam dedicated to Devi was a product of the summer workshop conducted by Bharatam. It was followed by Shankara Srigiri performed in praise of Lord Shiva. The dance outfits and the augmenting colors meticulously chosen to match the moods of the songs made it a treat to watch. The senior dancers of Bharatam presented a beautiful choreogra-
phy on the theme of energy conservation, entitled 'Nature: The Bountiful.' It was followed by an equally energetic Tillana in Poornachandrika Ragam, incorporating complex rhythmic patterns and statuesque postures. This in praise of Lord Vishnu, composed in Telugu language that reiterated the confidence and reflected the sound training the students received. The grand finale was a special production on the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu Dashavataram. Based on a composition by poet saint Jayadeva, the Sanskrit lyrics were set to beautiful traditional music and performed by 24 dancers as a medley that captivated everyone. Finally, the entire Bharatam community of over 100 students and guru Vanitha assembled as one on the stage and rendered an awe inspiring Mangalam - a syn-
Buddha in meditation
chronized salutation to Nataraja, the presiding "Lord of Dance" for taking them through the evening. Guru Vanitha Veeravalli was honored with Master Artiste Award by the State of Illinois and also with the Acharya Kala Vipanchee award by Padmavibhushan Dr M Balamuralikrishna.
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April 12, 2013
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Satsang group honors Mumbai artist Leela Joshi India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Shiv-Shiva Satsang , a group of Bhajan and classical music lovers in Chicagoland , recently hosted an event that turned out to be an affair to remember for many, including Madhu Patel, President of the NRI Press club, who dubbed the event as a "great blessing to be part of Satsang
tation center in Skokie and it was attended by many music lovers, seniors and regulars of Shiv-Shiva Satsang group Smt Joshi has been living in Chicagoland for the past three decades and even now continues teaching music to students keen on learning classical style music and singing Bhajans. "Vidya Daan is the Best Daan", is the motto that
Group pic: Next to Smt Joshi is Karuna Gupta
Smt Leela Joshi - the little one is her grand daughter
team" on that day. The Shiv-Shiva Satsang group that has been meeting once a month for the past 25 years, decided to honor Smt Leela Joshi, 89, an acclaimed Mumbai radio artist and Guru to many as well as a couple of local residents of The Grove. The event was held on March 22 at The Grove, a rehabili-
motivates her imparting lessons to students and it was this passion of her's that led the Shiv-Shiva Satsang group to honor this octogenarian and recognize her love for Indian classical music. Dr Shekhar Joshi, son of Mrs Joshi says, "She has been teaching Indian classical and Bhajan sangeet freely to students. Even
her smile is full of karuna, love and compassion, that gives eternal peace to those who know how to accept it. It is like Mata Saraswati's darshan in real life. Even now, she continues teaching music to residents at the facility. She is a lively and independent lady whose needs are minimal." Smt. Joshi started the program by singing two prayers in her melodious voice. Her command on sur and tal even at her advanced age was immaculate. After Lord Ganesha's and Mother Saraswati's invocations, the Group sang traditional bhajans and a prayer at the end. In Basant Ritu [Spring Season], the traditional prayers for Mother Saraswati and honoring music guru Smt Joshi was very touching. The Group was accompanied by Smt Kanchan Vij and Himendu Dave on harmonium, Puran Lal Vyas on dholak and Mrs Shanti Dixit, Dr Shekhar Joshi and Keshav Lakha on manjiras. Puran Vyas is an accomplished rhythm [tabla, dholak, drums] player in Chicagoland while Avi Varma pro-
vided and managed the sound system flawlessly. The whole program was so enjoyable that a few people participated by dancing to the rhythm of music. The staff and the residents of The Grove thoroughly enjoyed the event. Prasad was distributed to everyone in attendance. The Shiv-Shiva Satsang Group
Parvati [Shiva]. The Group also gets spiritual guidance from Dr C. L. Shastri of the Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville and Shree Jalaram Mandir in Hoffman Estates. The Group has performed bhajan satsang programs at several temples in the Chicagoland as well as at many religious gatherings.
Smt. Joshi started the program by singing two prayers in her melodious voice. Her command on sur and tal even at her advanced age was immaculate. After Lord Ganesha's and Mother Saraswati's invocations, the Group sang traditional bhajans has been meeting monthly for the last 25 years, at Dr Krishna and Mrs Gupta's residence in Skokie. The Group is led by Mrs Gupta who got inspirations from her late grandmother Gomati Bai Purwar and her family temple Shivalay in India. The Group's name comes from Lord Shiva and his Shakti
Madhu Patel, the founding president of the NRI Press Club, said that he " was blessed to attend a delightful, enjoyable bhajan program, organized by Shiv-Shiva Satsang Group in Skokie. I do not think I could have spent my time any better than being part of this Satsang."
BAPS hosts 6th Annual Women's Conference Asian Media USA
BARTLETT, IL: Committed to the progress and growth of
Over 450 women of all ages were in attendance at the conference which focused on this year's theme of "Timeless Traditions:
Speakers Dr Aditi Sheth, Bhavna Juthani and Vasanti Dave
women worldwide, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha hosted its sixth annual Midwest Women's Conference in Bartlett, Illinois on March 30.
Celebrating the Past, Cultivating the Future". The conference focused on understanding the glory of Hindu traditions, communicating them with ease, and nurturing
future generations by preserving a priceless culture and traditions. The conference started with a traditional candle lightening ceremony followed by a great dance performance by a mother and daughter from the Kalapadma Dance Academy. Dr Aditi Sheth, a psychiatrist at Cleveland Clinic, underlined the importance of maintaining family values, observing "At the end of the day, while it "takes a village" to raise a child, it is the parents' responsibility, especially a mothers'. It starts with us‌.. It starts in our homes". Several speakers shared in-
sights from their personal experience and spoke to the audience about their connection with Hindu traditions. Dr Pillai reiterated that one of the most instrumental tools shared in all the testimonials was "family time", in order to maintain family values, and to pass on tra-
noted the importance of holding an event focused on women and returning attendees were particularly pleased to see the continuation of discussions related to 'Timeless Traditions'. BAPS, drawing inspiration from His Holiness Pramukh Swami
Participants at BAPS Women's Conference
ditions and culture with solid historical foundations. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to network and socialize with one another during a postconference reception. Participants
Maharaj, holds this annual conference as a stage to allow discussion of various topics important to women in society and to serve as a conduit for empowering women of all ages.
April 12, 2013
Community Across America
India Post 19
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Sri Sri brings clue to non-violence - joy within through meditation over five million, recounted her firsthand experience as a teacher of children permaThe activists who have been visiting two nently traumatized by witnessing violence State prisons with Nita sounded optimistic and its destructive impact on our communiabout the success of the move, and feel that ties. Nilesh Patel then introduced Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with a brief video on his initiatives transcending race, nationality, and other barriers. Debra Poneman then announced the honorees for the evening. They included founder of Run for NonVio, Alfred Pedro, who had lost 2 brothers to gun violence. He himself dodged becoming a gang member by devoting himself to ballroom dancing. Now an avid runner, he has Sri Sri with Vivekanand Volunteers and Swaminarayan activists raised hundreds of dollars in pledges. For this event the new movement meeting violence thru he ran from Naperville to Rosemont and non-violence stands a big chance of suc- raised $160 in a single day cess. The next honoree was former NFL lineThe YES program, as explained by Nirav backer and founder of "Freeze and Think" Virani, who introduced Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Levar Fisher. After a devastating knee induring a private reception, aims at the jury ended his football career, Levar comschool and college level creating an envi- mitted his life to teaching the youth to stop ronment that would help a violence prone and think before committing an act that mind to act differently and in a more posi- could change their lives forever. tive manner. He said that the breathing exHonorees Ronald Holt and Annette ercise Sahaj Yoga that the YES program Nance Holt of the Blair Holt Memorial Founseeks to introduce in schools would go a dation lost their sixteen-year-old son Blair, long way in curbing violence at the root. when he tried to shield a friend from gunfire What lent authenticity, immediacy and aboard a CTA bus. Honoree and Founder practicality to his message was the pres- of Cure Violence, epidemiologist Dr Gary ence of both victims and perpetrators of Slutkin, has been effectively applying the gang violence from the worst neighbor- same preventive methods used against inhoods in the Greater Chicago area. Acknowl- fectious diseases to cure violence. Cure edging the despair and helplessness of the Violence employs gang members to act as young, MC Juliet Gutierez, counselor at mediators for nonviolent resolution of conWest Town Academy, declared that "we flicts. cannot wait for authorities to initiate a nonInvolved in drug trafficking earlier, honviolence movement" and introduced com- oree Ameena Mathews is the daughter of munity leaders who exemplify the possibil- gang leader Jeff Fort who is serving time in ity of individual and social change. a federal prison. She now puts her life at daily risk as a "violence interrupter" for the Chicagobased organization Cease Fire. Photographer Carlos Javier Ortiz was honored for creating the award winning photographic series "Too Young to Die," that documents youth violence and its true costs in North and Central Sri Sri with octogenarian Gandhian America. Having signed the pledge for 365 days Honoree Ondelee Perteet, was shot in of nonviolent acts, Congresswoman 2009 at a birthday party given by his sister. Schakowsky focused on the Violence The bullet severed his spin and he became against Women Act that was renewed last a paraplegic at the age of 14. His mom year and insisted the USA must be a leader Deetreena wheeled him on stage and alagainst violence inflicted on women around though the doctors said he would never the world. Congressman Davis' emphasis regain the use of his limbs, he held the was how connecting with our "brothers and mircrophone and shared some of the most sisters" was the way to finding both one- moving inspiration of the night. self and God, echoed later by Ravi Shankar's The final honoree of the night was 88remark that "what about me?" is the mantra year old Ratanji Dhimar, who was with for depression. Gandhiji during India's freedom movement. Preckwinkle, who serves a county of Gandhi and his freedom fighters embodied
Cont’d from page 16
the principle of nonviolence as a legitimate resistance (satyagraha) to structural (as opposed to overt) violence imposed by hegemonic powers. The five-man singing group, The Voices, known as Chicago's answer to Motown, began the event with an original song about ending violence called "Right Now" accompanied by a powerful montage of images of gun violence and its consequences. They also sang "Amazing Grace" in perfect fivepart harmony and ended the evening inviting everyone to get on "The Love Train." Sri Sri's vision of non-violent transformation is being implemented through service projects in over 150 countries world-
wide. Groundbreaking work is being done through AOLF's sister organization, The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) with veterans suffering from PTSD, local prison inmates (including those at Stateville Correctional Center and the Cook County Jail), and with students through the Youth Empowerment Seminars (YES! for schools) now being taught at numerous schools throughout the Chicago area. Bishop Carlton Pearson is a former evangelical Christian minister in Tulsa, Oklahoma was branded heretic and excommunicated from the church for preaching what he called "The Gospel of Inclusion,". He now leads a new church in Chicago called New Dimensions.
A group of followers with Sri Sri
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MAFS welcomes spring with Holi colors HARISH RAO
CAROL STREAM, IL: It was a great Holi bash at Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) in Carol Stream, a northwest suburb where over 200 people flocked on March 26 to be part of a grand cultural program and entertainment marking the onset of Spring. This Holi celebration of MAFS got more exciting when Michelle Mussman, the State Representative 56th District, decided to attend the event with her three children. Mussman is working hard in improving the lives of immigrant community with her various innovative policies. She is supporting the supplemental funding for home care programs that help senior citizens remain in their own home. Mussman appreciated MAFS
From Left Sadruddin Noorani, Michelle Mussman and Santosh Kumar
efforts in providing comfort to the seniors and immigrant community members with their vari-
MAFS Chicago staff spraying Ms Kumar with Holi colors
ous programs. She said that it is exciting to be part of this festival of colors. It infuses vibrancy
Seniors and MAFS staff members celebrating Holi festival
and enthusiasm, bringing excitement at palpable extremes. A Holi celebration at the center was started with the cultural program organized by MAFS Carol Stream's cultural committee. Indra Patel, Adult Day Care client of Carol Stream spoke on the significance of the event. Seniors performed dances in groups on famous Indian Bollywood songs. They also performed other cultural dance items that brought everlasting memories to one and all. Mrs Santosh Kumar, Executive Director at MAFS thanked all for joining them in welcoming spring. She thanked Mussman for bringing much joy in the community with her presence. She also thanked Naren Patel, CEO Medstar for sponsoring the event and thanked Nikunj Baxi
and Beena Patel, MAFS Board members for attending the event Patel, a front ranking community activist, praised Mrs Kumar for supporting immigrants and their cultures by celebrating various festivals with gusto. Lastly, all in attendance applied colors on each other expressing their love and respect. And this is how Indians welcome spring! Other MAFS locations that celebrated Holi were MAFS Vernon and Niles on March 27. MAFS Chicago location celebrated this festival of colors on March 28. Mrs Kumar spoke on the historical significance of the day. Seniors sang songs and applied colors on each other. Special Holi lunch was served to seniors and MAFS staff members at MAFS locations.
Colorful Holi celebrations by Rajasthanis Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Association of Rajasthanis in America (ARA) celebrated the Holi festival on Saturday, March 23 at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC), Lemont, a southwest suburb of Chicago, with an evening of colorful dances, good food, and socializing. The event was organized by outgoing ARA President Ram Saini and presided over by incoming President Sunita Sarup. Quite a few non-Rajasthanis were also present with many guests showing up with faces colored with powders, a typical of Holi festival. Welcoming the audience, Sarup announced the ARA program for this year: develop leaders in its youth wing, promote small businesses, expand community services, and a monthly newsletter. Ram Saini's little
daughter Riddhi presented a dance number to the song Soniye Soniye from the movie Aksar. Dr Virendra Mathur sang a Hindi song celebrating the advent of Holi (holi aayi re). After a rather chaotic dance by a group of five boys and a girl, Rinki Talati sang another Holi song (holiya me ude re gulal). Rajesh Bawa sang the song "Tum Se Hi" from Jab We Met and returned to the floor later to follow up with "Din Dhal Jaaye" from the movie Guide. During the comic interlude, Badri Taparia, after referring to some idiosyncrasies of the Marwadi language typical of Rajasthan, made jokes in Hindi, including one about Ram Saini's matchmaking skills! DJ Sahil, yielding to audience pressure, sang "Mitwa" so well that he was obliged to return with "Yeh Jo Muhabbat Hein" (Kati Patang) There were Rajasthani and North Indian costumes, jew-
Revellers dancing during ARA Holi celebrations
elry, and other trinkets for sale by Dipika Jhaveri After the buffet dinner, there
was an open dance floor for Raas and Dandiya to Bollywood numbers, where the circle of dancers
kept growing larger with each song, finally making room within for the most enthusiastic revelers.
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Holi Hungama at Fremont Hindu Temple RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
All pics: Neelu Kapoor
FREMONT, CA: For ages, Holi festival has signified victory of truth and righteousness over Evil. Second day of Holi is traditionally celebrated with friends and family getting together, enjoying the Spring weather, applying colors on each other and having delicious snacks. Over 5000 people thronged Fremont
temple on Sunday, March 31 to celebrate the festival and have a blast. Devotees filled every inch of temple premises and their cars occupied all streets in mile long neighborhood. People from all over Bay area came and participated in the festivities. Many dignitaries and community leaders participated in Holi. Dr Romesh Japra, Convener FIA, said that celebrating festivals like Holi allows our kids to stay in touch with Indian heritage and imbibe the values that we all hope to impart to our next generation. The day started at 11am with over 50 cultural performances by kids and adults alike. Many dance groups from Bay area showcased their talented troupes. Everyone went ga ga with the Holi colors and the whole gathering became a big family, with everyone wishing others Happy Holi and applying color. Festivities went on till 5pm. Manohar Sudakha Vidyarthi sponsored free Preeti Bhoj for all devotees.
Cont’d on page 23
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Hindu mantras open Nevada multi-faith service India Post News Service
RENO, Nevada: Various religions came together in community-wide "Nevada Cesar Chavez Day Multi-faith Service" at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) to honor civil rights icon Cesar Estrada Chavez on his birthday March 31. Organized by "Nevada Cesar Chavez Day Committee" in collaboration with Universal Society of Hinduism and UNR Interfaith Students Club, this Service included Roman Catholic, Protestant Christian, Mormon, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish prayers. Rajan Zed, Chairperson of "Nevada Cesar Chavez Day Committee", speaking on the occasion, urged that Nevada should declare March 31 as state holiday like some other states and one major street in all major towns of Nevada and UNR and University of NevadaLas Vegas campuses should be renamed as Avenida Cesar Chavez. One of the purposes of this Service was to reflect on Chavez's non-violent movement for social change and efforts at bringing equality-dignity-justice for all Americans, Zed states. Nevada Governor Brian E. Sandoval issued a proclamation proclaiming March 31, 2013 as a day in honor of Chavez. It mentioned Chavez's securing historic labor and civil rights concessions for exploited and impoverished
farm workers, his march from Delano to Sacramento in California, grape boycott, his belief in
Chavez Day, mentioning "‌Cesar Chavez adhered to the principles of non-violence practiced by M.K.
gregational Church Reverend Rich Smith, Deacon at Saint Therese Church of the Little Flower
by Miss Washoe County Chelsea Ann Mihaylo and Spanish poem by Professor Jeannette M. Nagel. Others who addressed the gathering included UNR Vice Provost Dr. Fred B. Holman; Washoe County School District Superintendent Pedro Martinez; Nevada Assemblywoman Peggy Pierce; Cesar Chavez's nephew Ramon A. Chavez; and Zona AllgireAvila, who was arrested in Cesar Chavez protest movement. Some of the faith and other leaders and performers who spoke/performed at the Service. Pic George Anastassatos Committee treasurer Victoria A. social justice through non-vio- Gandhi..." Rigoberto Ruano Mireles, North- Sanderson read various proclalence, three historic fasts, etc. Opening with recitation of ern Nevada Muslim Community mations and messages of US SenBoth Washoe County Commis- Gayatri Mantra by Rajan Zed, faith President Dr. Sherif A. Elfass, As- ate Majority Leader Harry Reid, sion and City of Reno also pro- leaders who spoke at the Service sistant Priest of Reno Buddhist Nevada Governor, Nevada Secreclaimed March 31, 2013 as Cesar included Pastor of Reno First Con- Center Matthew Fisher and Jew- tary of State, Nevada Attorney ish scholar Dr. John N. Louie. General, Nevada senators and asService, hosted by UNR Inter- sembly-members, Washoe Nevada Governor Brian E. Sandoval issued a faith Club, also included Danza County and City of Reno. Comproclamation proclaiming March 31, 2013 as Azteca Aztlan performance di- mittee secretary Daniel R. rected by Anastacio Duran, Ma- Sanchez presented a multi-media a day in honor of Chavez. It mentioned hatma Gandhi's favorite bhajan display about Chavez. "Vaishnav jan to‌" by Thakur Committee also gave commuChavez's securing historic labor and civil Chakrapani Singh with Pete nity service awards to Mihaylo rights concessions for exploited and Fairley and Tanya Singh, Latter- and Damonte Ranch High School day Saints Students Choir headed student Priscilla Vidales on the ocimpoverished farm workers by Jessica Patchin, Spanish song casion.
Indo-US Educators Summit in RI & Boston India Post News Service
BOSTON, MA: Brihan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) will be welcoming several academics from India and the USA at its First Indo-US Educators Summit at BMM's 16th biennial convention in Providence, RI. The five-day long educators' summit will be held from July 5-7 in Providence, Rhode Island, at the Dunkin Donuts Center, and will continue at Northeastern University in Boston on July 8-9. This summit is expected to bring Indian and US academicians together to exchange ideas for collaboration and foster greater understanding of the academic cultures, opportunities and challenges. Some of the key areas identified for deliberations include the need to promote India as a higher education destination for students in the US, enhancing faculty-student and faculty exchange programs, col-
laborations in research and entrepreneurship for capitalizing on research at the university level and exchange of ideas for joint academic projects. The Educators summit and the cultural convention is being
This summit is expected to bring Indian and US academicians together to exchange ideas for collaboration and foster greater understanding of the academic cultures, opportunities and challenges planned and hosted by the New England Marathi Mandal (NEMM) of USA. BMM North America represents a large
Marathi speaking population residing in North America. "Through this summit, we hope to serve as a bridge between the universities and institutions in India and US, and foster meaningful dialogue resulting in successful implementation of ideas of collaboration," said Bal Mahale, the convener of the BMM's 16th convention at Rhode Island. "When we shared this idea with faculty and administrators in US, they provided enthusiastic support and helped with logistics. Several prominent researchers representing many academic disciplines such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering and Business from Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, Brown, University of New Hampshire, Penn State will attend the summit. This summit will provide faculty and administrators from US and from India an opportunity to learn from each other", said Dr Mukund Chorghade, Chair of BMM Indo-US Educators Summit.
In addition to many US universities, several Deemed colleges and universities such as Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune University, Mumbai University, College of Engineering Pune
This summit will also give educators an opportunity to share best practices and innovative panels to share experiences and success stories about innovative educational models such as powerful MIT edX initiative (COEP), UICT, Mumbai (formerly known as UDCT) have expressed interest and enthusiastic support for the summit.
This summit will also give educators an opportunity to share best practices and innovative panels to share experiences and success stories about innovative educational models such as powerful MIT edX initiative featuring Massively Open Online Courses (MOOC), and best practices for fostering entrepreneurship, international collaborations, research and scholarship. Some of the distinguished speakers who will speak at the summit include Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, a leading architect of India's Science and Education policies, Dr Anant Agrawal, President of edX (MIT-Harvard initiative), Dr Dennis Ausiello, Professor, Harvard University and Department Chair, Mass General Hospital (MGH), Dr Robert Grubbs, a Chemistry Nobel Laureate, Dr Graham Jones, Department Chair, Chemistry, Northeastern University.
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Kalapriya presents Lakha Khan in Chicago debut SURI SWAMI
CHICAGO: Michael Sullivan on National drum. Public Radio's (NPR) Weekend Edition obLakha Khan is a sarangi player and voserved "in the master's hand, the Sufi-influ- calist, and perhaps the greatest exponent enced melody he coaxes from it (the sarangi) of the Sindhi sarangi, and as the New York is transformative." He was referring to the Times noted, perhaps one of the few remainf a m o u s R a j a s t h a n i Today, Lakha Khan is one of the last sarangi player remaining Manganiyars to have mastered Lakha Khan. K a l a p r i y a the complex sarangi and to carry forward the has announced the Chicago centuries-old musical tradition of Rajasthani premiere of folk and Sufi music. He has performed Lakha Khan in extensively across India and his first US tour Thursday, April internationally in the US and Europe 18 at 7:30 pm in Curtiss Hall located at S. Michigan Ave in ing. Khan was born in the village of Raneri Chicago Downtown. He will be accompa- in Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, into a family nied by his son Dane Khan on the dholak- of traditional musicians from the
Manganiyar community. He was trained at an early age by his father and later by his uncle. Today, Lakha Khan is one of the last remaining Manganiyars to have mastered the complex sarangi and to carry forward the centuries-old musical tradition of Rajasthani folk and Sufi music. He has performed extensively across India and internationally in the US and Europe. In 2011, he performed at the Edinburgh Folk Music Festival and at Maximum India Festival in Washington, DC as a member of the widely successful Manganiyars Seduction tour. Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts was founded in 1994 with a mission to celebrate the cultures of India as influenced by contemporary American culture and to do so without losing the unique essence that defines the Indian Diaspora. Kalapriya perpetuates the diverse cultures of India through dance and music performances, concerts, workshops and training programs.
Natya Dance Theater to present Spanda Holi Hungama at Fremont
RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
Choreographed by Leela Samson, Spanda means vibration and the eight talented dancers along with Leela will display a charismatic performance having a lingering effect
CHICAGO: Natya Dance Theatre will present SPANDA (a vibration) on Saturday, May 4 at Meteal Valley High School auditorium in Aurora, a south west suburb of Chicago. The performance SPANDA is a unique opportunity to see the innovative work of one of the world's most highly acclaimed Bharatanatyam troupes, under the leadership of Leela Samson of India. SPANDA is symLeela Samson, Bharatnatyam guru from India bolic of the enduring and perpetual energy that is the life force of the universe. It incor- in everyone's mind. Leela Samson is an alumnus of porates the philosophical concept of Prithvi as the center and source of energy in the Kalakshetra. Her seemingly understated universe and equates it with the Nabham, delineation conceals a powerful and inthe womb as the origin of energy in the hu- spired inner source, which gradually unman body. The rediscovery of the basic folds before the viewer. She is a virtuoso movements of Bharatanatyam and the need performer and a sensitive interpreter of the for a reinterpretation of its traditional vo- nuances of Bharatanatyam. Natya Dance Theatre seeks to establish cabulary challenges Spanda. It seeks to establish a more relevant dia- a more relevant dialogue between dance, logue between dance, music and stagecraft. music and stagecraft.
Spanda by Leela Samson and her troupe
Lakha Khan
Hindu Temple
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Lions Club elects Sam Bhogal as President DILIP BUTANI
LOS ANGELES: Surinder Bhogal 'Sam' was unanimously elected as the President of the Lions Club of Little India for the year 2013-14, while Dilip Butani was reelected as Chairman. Former Assemblyman Tony Mendoza was the Chief Guest at the election meeting. The other elected members are Amrit Bhandari-Secretary, Ajay Khetani- Treasurer, Ramesh
Ramnani-1st VP & next President, Vijay Patil-2nd VP, Ramesh Bhatt3rd VP and Nauzad Sadry-4th VP, Siddharth Pathak-Jt Secretary and Bhavin Mehta-Jt Treasurer. Lal Thakrar will be immediate past President, Dr Kailash Dhamija will be Membership Chairman while Rashmi Shah and Kris Kakkar will be Lion Tamer and Tail Twister respectively. The Board of Directors has
Sunil Tolani as Chairman. Other members are Uka Solanki, Gary Singh, K V Kumar, Ravji Patel, Manu Patel, Prakash Pancholi, Shekhar Rahate, Kris Kakkar, Babubhai Patel, Jhanak Chopra, Senjal Patel, Tulsi Savani and Suresh Bhatti. Lions Club of Little India is the only Lions Club exclusively of The Indo-American Community. Lions Clubs is the world's largest service
L to R: Amrit Bhandari, Sam Bhogal, Tony Mendoza, Dilip Butani & Ajay Khetani
club organization. There are over 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members worldwide. Everywhere Lions work and make friends. Whenever a Lions club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better. Lions always help with unmatched integrity and energy. Sam Bhogal, a professional engineer, graduated with Masters in Engineering from University of Southern California. Currently he is a professional custom house AND commercial builder. He is also a successful hotelier. At present he is Chairman of Gurudwara Shri Guru Singh Sabha in Walnut, California. He is past President / Chairman of Federation of Indo American Associations. Dilip Butani is the Chairman of
Indian Community of Southern California and is also Chairman of Sindhu Center. He is the past President of the Lions Club and past Chairman/President of FIA of Southern California. Sunil Tolani is Chairman of Prince Organization that owns over 20 five star hotels. He is an industrialist and a well known philanthropist in the community. Amrit Bhandari is President of ICSC and past Chairman/President of FIA-LA. Ajay Khetani is past president of FIA-LA. Both Amrit and Ajay are past presidents of the Lions Club. Ramesh Ramnani is the vice-chairman of Sindhu Center and past president of FIA-SC and Sindhi Association of Southern California.
To purify it, fix mind on attributes of God
S
SWAMI MUKUNDANANDA
piritual aspirants complain that their devotional feelings for God and Guru vary throughout the day. Sometimes feelings are very strong but at other times there are no feelings at all. In fact there are many occasions when one may even have negative thoughts towards God. People find this fluctuation of sentiments very disturbing and feel uninspired to do sadhana. We should not be disappointed if the mind troubles us and repeatedly runs to the world. Rather we should gain the knowledge that our devotional feelings vary because of the presence of three gunas of the material energy in our mind. This material energy called maya, has three modes, or gunas sattva guna, rajo guna and tamo guna. The mind is made from Maya, and it too contains these three gunas. As these gunas vary
throughout the day, a person's thoughts too keep fluctuating. To give an example, when sattva guna becomes prominent in the mind, you may start thinking, "this human form is precious and it should not be wasted in mundane pursuits, I must practice sadhna." When rajo guna becomes prominent, you may think, "I must surely progress on the spiritual path, but what is the hurry?" When tamo guna dominates, you could think, "I am not really sure if there is any God or not." Notice how the same person's thoughts have oscillated from such heights to the depths of devotion. It is natural for the mind to fluctuate because if it remained at the highest consciousness all day, there would be no need for sadhana. Cont’d on page 26
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Traditional Dhol & music at Ekal Holi India Post News Service
SACRAMENTO, CA: Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA, Sacramento Chapter, keeping it's tradition of bringing the IndoAmerican communities together, celebrated the event of Holi this year on March 30 at Elder Creek
zens, narrating the significance of this festival of colors - Holi which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The transition to Spring brings with it, for a large number of us, the longing for our mother's homemade sweets, shenanigans with watercolor playing with our siblings, as well as many other tra-
Congressman Dr Ami Bera, California 7th District Director Faith Whitmore and Keaton Riley with Ekal community and volunteers
Temple, Sacramento. Chapter President Mrs Ranju Verma welcomed the gathering of youth, children and senior citi-
ditions of Holi. The function started with the playing of traditional Dhol (drum) creating an ambience of festivity.
Bollywood music, powdered color in the air, colorful faces and a whole crowd alternating between dance and zumba energized each and every one of the nearly 500 participants of all age groups, including babies in strollers, gathered to enjoy this festival of Holi. The festive nature brought out the inner youth in all of its participants - from children to the elderly, teenagers, parents, toddlers and babies in arms, from all sections of society. Participants wished each other happy Holi as they engaged themselves in smearing color on one another, bursting to the moves of zumba and promoting fun. Ekal volunteers started the day early from 5am to prepare healthy sumptuous and authentic Indian food for all the participants. Congressman Dr Ami Bera, California 7th District Director Faith Whitmore and Congressman Dr Ami Bera Field Representative/Caseworker Keaton Riley, Elk Grove Unified School District Council Member Bobby Singh Allen and Dr B.P. Lathi, an eminent educationist of Sacramento and charter member Ekal, were in-
Participants playing Holi
vited by Dr Harsh Verma, Advisory Member to Ekal Sacramento Chapter, as guest speakers to the event. Faith Whitmore appreciated
and all volunteers including Sunanda Kumathe, Shivesh Sinha, Arvind and Divya on behalf of Ekal Sacramento community.
Himachal Day celebrations at ICC, Milpitas India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the heart of the Western Himalayas in India, known as 'Dev Bhoomi' - Abode of the gods - is renowned for its majestic snow capped mountain ranges, glorious traditions, beautiful people, colorful costumes and culture. The India Community Center will be hosting April 14 as Himachal day. This is part of a series, State month and State Day, that the India Community Center (ICC) has been hosting for various States of India as its goal of celebrating diverse cultures. The local Bay area people from Himachal have come together to organize these festivities. "Himachal day will be a window to Himachal Pradesh for all the people of the Bay area. It will give them a chance to have a glimpse of the very unique and little known
Bobby Singh Allen - with participants
culture of Himachal, preserved for centuries in the shadow of our majestic and beautiful snow capped mountains," says Asha Sharma, who is a long time Bay area resident and grand daughter of American missionary Samuel Stokes who came to India in 1904 and settled down in Himachal. "Besides showcasing our rich heritage and distinct cultural identity, this event will also provide a platform for the people from
Himachal in the USA to come together as a community. This is our second Himachal Day celebration and it is a Family Fun Day for all," says Mahesh Nihalani, who was born and brought up in Himachal. On Sunday April 14 there will be cultural activities from 10.30am to 2.00 pm. This will be a free and open to all public event. It will include a presentation on Himachal followed by lunch featuring authentic Himachali cuisine, being specially prepared by Amber. There will be cultural dances and music performances and various other activities. There will be information on Himachal including tourism, display of handicrafts and shawls and Kulu caps from Himachal will be on sale.
the efforts of the Indian American community to get together and celebrate Holi for such a great cause. The entire community was happy and felt greatly privileged and honored to receive the Certificate of Congressional Recognition to the Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation of USA, Sacramento Chapter on behalf of Congressman Ami Bera, commemorating Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation for their commitment to education and village development in rural India. The certificate was received by Ranju Verma, President, Ekal Vidyalaya Sacramento Chapter
Bobby Allen gave a thoughtprovoking speech, highlighting the remarkable work done by Ekal India for tribal education and welfare. Dr Lathi spoke about the importance of education and gave a handsome donation to support multiple Ekal schools. The event was sponsored by various organizations and wellwishers. The event was concluded by a vote of thanks by chapter president to sponsors, participants and volunteers. Participants showered accolades on the Ekal volunteers for arranging the event professionally in a very well organized manner.
Food serving
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To purify it, fix mind on attributes of God Cont’d from page 24
Sadhana means to fight with the flow of the three gunas in the mind, and force it to keep devotional feelings towards God and Guru. Though the mind's natural sentiments may be inclined towards the world, yet with the intellect, we force it into the spiritual realm. Initially, this may seem difficult, but with practice it will become easy. This is just as driving a car is difficult initially, but with practice it becomes natural. We should see the mind as different from ourselves. So when the mind presents a negative thought to us, we should chastise the mind for harboring such thoughts which impede our devotion. Saints say, "man ko mano shatru uski sunahu jani kuch pyare" "Declare war on your mind. Do the opposite of what it says, and soon it will stop bothering you." Here are answers to some questions on practicing meditation, which help elevate the quality of our thoughts and hence calm our mind. Question: Please tell about the benefits of meditation? Swami Mukundananda: Meditation is a means of elevating the mind to divine consciousness, for reaching the ultimate goal of life, which is divine Love for God. All day long people work and live in a material environment that pulls their mind towards the world. The time spent in meditation absorbs the mind in devotion, and results in the purification of consciousness. The benefit of the surcharging of consciousness during meditation is reaped throughout the day. In isolation from the disturbing elements of the world, if we learn to focus our mind on God for some time during the day, it will help us in sustaining divine consciousness throughout the day, even while we work in the world. Like the sandalwood tree, we too will live in the world but not let the world live within us. There are other benefits of meditation too. Modern scientists estimate that we use only three percent of the mind's potential. At present, our mind is scattered. Just as, if the channel button of a television set is spoilt, the channels keep changing sporadically. Similarly our mind too keeps flitting from topic to topic. But if we can learn to concentrate our mind, we can increase the utilization of our mental and intellectual faculties. Q: There are so many different techniques and teachers of meditation that one could follow in today's time. This also gets very
confusing. Please explain what is the proper process of meditation? SM: Different people in different cultures around the world use a variety of meditational techniques to improve their concentration. Some meditate on the breath, others on the centre of the
realm. Hence in JK Yog, we learn to meditate on the names, forms, virtues, pastimes, abodes and associates of God. Q: How can meditation help to still the restless mind, it seems impossible to do so? SM: The mind is such a machine created by God that it can-
less past lifetimes we have been habituated to interacting with forms. All the personalities we loved and all the objects we were attached to had forms, and so attraction to forms is a natural sanskar (tendency) of the mind. If we endeavor to meditate merely upon the name of God, or the syl-
Swami Mukundananda
eyebrows, other on the psychic centers in the spinal column, etc. These different meditations do improve the focus of the mind, but their benefits are incomplete and impermanent as they do not address the issue of purification of the mind. As long as lust, anger, greed, envy, illusion, etc. reside in the mind, these forces again destroy the enhanced concentration. Thus, it becomes vitally important to understand how to purify the mind. For cleansing the mind, we must fix it on an object of meditation that is pure. The material realm is dominated by the three modes of nature - sattva, rajas and tamas (goodness, passion and ignorance). If the object of meditation is material, it cannot purify the mind. Beyond this material realm, is the divine realm of God - His names, forms, virtues, abodes, pastimes, and saints. If we fix our mind anywhere in this area, it will become pure. Shree Krishna instructed Arjun: Mam cha yovyabhicharain‌ (Bhagavad Geeta) "I am divine. If you fix your mind on me, it will rise above the three modes of maya." Very few people today have this knowledge that they are supposed to meditate upon God. Some techniques are even given the name "Transcendental Meditation", but the object of meditation is not transcendental. True transcendental meditation is that we meditate upon the Lord who is transcendental to the material
not remain empty; it keeps working on something or the other. To still the mind into a state of thoughtlessness creates an unstable condition for the mind that is difficult to maintain. This is just as while riding a bicycle, if you press the brakes and bring the bicycle to a standstill, you will fall to the left or to the right. But if you simply turn the handle to one side, the cycle will stop moving forward and very easily turn in the
If we endeavor to meditate merely upon the name of God, or the syllable "Om", the mind will not easily experience sweetness in it. But if we have the allattractive form of God before us, the mind will effortlessly be drawn towards it. This meditation upon the form of God is called Roop Dhyan direction of the handle. Meditational techniques for stopping the thought process and stilling the mind are highly unsuccessful. In Bhakti Yog, we do not try to still the mind; we divert it to God. Make the form of God as the basis of your meditation. In end-
lable "Om", the mind will not easily experience sweetness in it. But if we have the all-attractive form of God before us, the mind will effortlessly be drawn towards it. This meditation upon the form of God is called Roop Dhyan. Q: If we make a form of God with our mind, it is only a material form. So how can it give the divine results that the meditator seeks? SM: Often those who meditate upon a formless light believe they are engaging in transcendental meditation, and think that meditation on God's personal form is a material meditation. However, the Ramayan states: Gogochar jaham lagi man jayi‌ "The mind is made from maya, and wherever it can reach is the realm of maya." If you meditate upon the form of God, it is merely a conception of the material mind; it is not the divine form of God. Also, if you meditate on the formless Brahman, again it is merely a light created by your mind; it is not the divine light of God. Hence, transcendental meditation by the material mind is not possible, be it on the formless or on the personal form of God. So do not worry that the form of God you are making with your mind is material. Use that form to increase your love for Him, by developing divine sentiments towards it. When you reach the state of "Complete surrender to God", He will bestow His Grace upon you and make your mind di-
vine. Then you will not need to create a form of God with your mind. You will see Him as He is, standing before you, in His actual divine form. Therefore, in the meditation that you do at present, there is no stipulated form that you must focus upon. You can choose any form of God that you are attracted to, or create His form with your mind; but keep developing divine sentiments to increase your love for Him. Q: In the writing of some Christian saints, emphasis is laid on contemplation. What is its place in devotional practice of the Hindu religion? SM: Contemplation is called chintan, or manan, in the Vedas. It means repeatedly bringing any aspect of Divine knowledge to the intellect. First, we hear the knowledge of the scriptures from the Guru; this is called shravan. Then we contemplate on what we have heard or read; this is called chintan. This chintan or contemplation helps to strengthen the knowledge in the intellect. It is one of the most potent means of illuminating the intellect with the light of divine knowledge. The power of chintan is such that if it is misutilized, it becomes chinta (worry). But the same power of contemplation, if properly directed, can lead to God-realization. We could repeatedly think, "God alone is mine. He is so kind and merciful. He has been sitting in my heart since endless lifetimes. He is my eternal Father, Mother, Friend and Master." Such contemplation will elevate the mind to sublime heights, enhance love for God, and boost devotional sentiments. Contemplation is thus an important part of the daily spiritual practice. 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/ or contact: secretary@jkyog.org To attend Swamiji's Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Discourses in USA, see the schedule for your city: www.jkyog.org/ 2013
Datebook
April 12, 2013
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NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
ILLINOIS
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat Apr 13
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 Apr 20
Fri May 10
• India Fair Dance Competition 2013
• Soorya Festival New York
Venue: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 1:00 pm Contact: 609-240-2350
Venue: Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 832 643 9131
Sunday April 14 • Himachal Day Celebrations Venue: India Community Center, 525 los Coches Street, Milpitas ,CA Time: 10.30 am to 2.00 pm Highlights: Presentations on Himachal Cultural Dances, Traditional music performances, Authentic Himachali cuisine and also sale of the famous Kullu woolen handwoven shawls and other Himachali artefacts. Contact: 408-806-9142 (This is a Free and open to all public event)
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
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
Sat Apr 20 • Krazy 2 Venue: Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90015 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 714-584-7466
Sat Apr 20 • Archanana 2013 Venue: Thousand Oaks Civics Art Plaza, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 805-754-9861
• J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda 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
ATLANTA
Two superhit Gujarati plays are coming to Chicago
Upcoming
1. Eak Bejane Nadta Rahiye
Friday Apr 19 • Sunidhi Chauhan & Ali Zafar's Krazy live in Atlanta Venue: Atlanta Civic Center, 395, Piedmont Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 404-576-8909
Fri Apr 26 • Paresh Rawal in Double Roll Venue: GWCC in Sidney Marcus Auditorium, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd, NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Time: 8:45 pm Contact: 404-786-7860
Sat Apr 27 • Dhoop Chaoon's Annual Entertainment Show Venue: Berkmar High School, 405 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA 30047 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 404-513-9926
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
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Sapna Mera Toota: Nautanki Saala 2 Mera Mann Kehne Laga: Nautanki Saala 3 Taki Taki: Himmatwala 4 Aaja Meri Jaan: I Love NY 5 Judaai Unplugged: I Love NY 28 India Post
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April 12, 2013 6 Aake Tere Kareeb: Ammaa Ki Boli 7 Kaali Kaali: Aake Tere Kareeb 8 Meethi Boliyaan: Kai Po Che! 9 Yaaram: Ek Thi Daayan 10 Manjha: Kai Po Che!
B
ollywood is trending remakes of yesteryear films and the 80s and 90s are the most sought after ones. However, actress Sonam Kapoor says that she isn’t really fond of the movies made at that period of time! “I am not a huge fan of 80s and 90s as they were hero centric. If I had to play a role now it has to be of a hero. So if anything had to be remade I would love to be Miss India if not Mr India. I would love to play male characters,” she said. Sonam said that she would love to act in her dad, Anil Kapoor’s film Tezaab if she got a chance. “I would love to do Tezaab again,” the stylish diva said. At that point of time, daddy Anil was ruling the roost with films like Tezaab, Beta, Lamhe, and Mr India among others.
SOUND of Priyanka
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ndo-Canadian actress Sunny Leone says she wants to romance Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor on-screen and also try her hands at comedy. Sunny first came into limelight in India after she made an appearance in TV reality show Bigg Boss 5 in 2011 and this led to her entry into Bollywood. Jism 2 marked her debut in films and she will be next seen in Ragini MMS 2. ”It’s been a year or so (in film industry) and I love being here. I am new to this industry, but I am open to doing romantic and comedy films. I want to romance both Salman and Ranbir. I want to act with both of them. I liked ‘Bodyguard’. It was fun to watch Salman,” she said. Sunny has done a special song, Laila, in Sanjay Gupta’s crime drama Shootout at Wadala.
“I want to act with both of them. I liked ‘Bodyguard’. It was fun to watch Salman”
fter making her international singing debut, actress Priyanka Chopra has lent her voice for Disney’s animated film ‘Planes’. The actress has dubbed for an Indian plane, called Ishani, in the movie, which is a spin-off of ‘Cars’ and ‘Cars 2’. The film is slated to release in India on July 26. Film’s director Klay Hall says he became a fan of the Indian beauty after watching her in ‘Dostana’. “We decided to make India a stop on the race for two reasons: practicality – the planes needed to refuel in that region of the world – and aesthetics – India is a beautiful, exotic country that many of us had experienced... I became a fan of Priyanka after seeing her film ‘Dostana’,” Hall said. “She’s a triple threat – actor, singer and dancer and we noticed that when she came in to record her lines, she attracted the attention of a lot of people who’d stop by to watch her in action. Priyanka exudes heart, charm and warmth, and we’re incredibly blessed to have her as part of our cast,” the director added.
Bollywood
April 12, 2013
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D Varun Dhawan, who made his entry into Bollywood with Karan Johar’s Student of the Year, was widely appreciated by audiences for his performance
F
ancy seeing Katrina Kaif in a double role? According to sources, Katrina Kaif has been approached to play the twin protagonists in the remake of the ’70s hit Seeta Aur Geeta. The actress apparently is very fond of the original movie starring Hema Malini. According to sources, at one point of time, she even harbored intentions of producing the remake. According to rumors, Ramesh Sippy, who directed the original film, will also helm the project but his son-director Rohan Sippy denied the news. “Dad is not directing the movie,” he said. Industry insiders say that the makers are apparently so happy with Katrina Kaif’s interest in the project that they have given her a free hand at selecting the team she wants to work with. Another source says, “The rights are not with Sippy as there is a dispute between the Sippy brothers regarding it. Ramesh could be directing it but only after he wins the rights.”
V
idya Balan, who is known to reinvent herself in every film, will now be seen playing a loud Punjabi housewife with a bizarre sense of fashion in Raj Kumar Gupta’s quirky comedy Ghanchakkar. Vidya says, “I had great fun playing Nitu Bhatia. She’s the hatti-katti Punjabi housewife who we all know. She is the cat’s whiskers when it comes to fashion. She is the sort of woman who goes for a walk one day and feels ‘exercise kar li na, toh ek aur samosa khaane mein koi harj nai.’ My costume designer, Subarna Rai Chaudhari, went mad trying to put together the look. What she wears is almost outlandish and even bizarre sometimes... but that’s Nitu for you!” Producer of the film UTV Motion Pictures is also planning an exhibition of clothes that Vidya wears in the film.
avid Dhawan, who has come a long way in showbiz, says he is extremely proud of his son Varun Dhawan and its now payback time with his entry into Bollywood. “It’s payback time I would say with Varun’s entry into showbiz. After working so hard, I am glad the industry has accepted my son. It’s the initial stage and the way they have welcomed him nothing like it. I am extremely proud of Varun,” Dhawan said. Varun Dhawan, who made his entry into Bollywood with Karan Johar’s Student of the Year, was widely appreciated by audiences for his performance. David Dhawan is presently busy promoting his film Chashme Baddoor, a remake of the 1981 movie, and says he has not touched the soul of the film.
Realty Tidbits
'Bill to regulate real estate will not clip wings of players' NEW DELHI: The proposed bill to regulate the real estate sector seeks to establish a transparent system of delivery and would not hamper the growth of the sector, a top government official has said. Addressing a conference of CREDAI, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Secretary Arun Kumar Misra assured the developers that the proposed Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill is "comprehensive" and "will not clip your wings". CREDAI, the realtors' apex industry body with more than 9,000 members across the country, has been opposing the proposed law saying that the Bill in the current form is not practical and only favors property buyers.-PTI
Chandigarh buildings to have basement parking CHANDIGARH: To ensure proper parking space at busy public places, the UT administration has decided to make at least one basement mandatory in commercial buildings. These would include shopping malls, cinemas converted into multiplexes, hotels and sites in Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP). The basement norms will also require proper light and ventilation or air-conditioning. And the basement area for such uses will be counted as part of permissible covered area/floor space index of the site. To make provision for parking even in plots with a disadvantaged location, basements have been allowed to be used exclusively for parking.
PE funds may prefer large cities MUMBAI: Though smaller cities are offering a great deal of opportunities for real estate investments, private equity funds will flow into large cities this year as investors look for mature markets, says realty consultants Jones Lang LaSalle. "Currently, smaller cities are offering real estate investment opportunities, but cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR and Bangalore among others will see more PE activity this year as investors prefer more mature markets than speculationdriven ones," JLL research head Ashutosh Limaye told PTI.
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Godrej launches affordable housing scheme MUMBAI: Godrej Properties, the real estate arm of Godrej Group, has launched an affordable housing scheme at its Godrej Garden City township project in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The project involves construction of five 12storey towers and will offer 600 sq ft each 1BHK apartments, starting from Rs 16.5 lakh, a statement issued here said.
8 tips to sell an old home to young buyers MICHELE LERNER
S
elling any home can be challenging, depending on the market. But if you have an old home and want to appeal to young buyers in their 20s and early 30s, you may need to take some extra steps. First, you'll need to assuage the fears of those young buyers about maintaining a home that was around during the real "Mad Men" days. Second, you'll need to showcase the features that have the most appeal to young couples and families. The following eight tips won't cost a lot of money, and they could reap you an early offer. Pre-inspect your home One of the most difficult decisions for home sellers is to figure out how much to spend on home improvements before putting the house on the market. "I always recommend paying for a home inspection, especially if the owners are elderly and have not had the money or energy to keep the house in good repair," says Lane Tharp, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dunwoody, Ga. "An inspection will help determine if there's anything that absolutely must be done before putting the
for buyers," Strott says. "You can put the service contract or reports with your marketing materials." Buy a home warranty Strott recommends that sellers buy home warranties that cover repairs for the systems (electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling) and appliances in the home. Most home warranties are available as one-year policies and provide coverage while the property is on the market and after the closing. A home warranty costs around $300 to $400 and reassures buyers that they won't be faced with a major repair expense in their first year of homeownership, Strott says.
You'll need to assuage the fears of those young buyers about maintaining a home. You'll need to showcase the features that have the most appeal to young couples and families house on the market." In addition to a general home inspection, Debby Strott, manager of Weichert Realtors' Morristown West office in Morristown, N .J., recommends
that homeowners get the heating and air-conditioning system cleaned and inspected. She suggests having septic systems pumped. "This provides peace of mind
Offer a possible expansion or renovation plan "Most Realtors know a contractor, so it would be fairly simple for a Realtor to get a ballpark estimate of sample fit-and-finish renovation projects such as replacing the flooring or renovating a bathroom," says Scott Lacey, a renovation specialist with Weichert Financial Services in North Providence, R.I. "Younger buyers don't always realize that everything they see can be changed with a renovation. Cont’d on page 31
Sebi slaps Rs 1 cr fine on Rose Valley MUMBAI: Sebi has imposed Rs 1 crore penalty on Rose Valley Real Estates and Constructions for not providing details sought by the market regulator in a case charging the company of issuing debentures illegally. The case is related to a probe by Securities and Exchange Board of India over allegations that Rose Valley had raised money by issuing debentures without complying with the norms. Sebi had issued summons to the company seeking details that could have helped the regulator's Investigating Au-
‘Not submitting complete details to the summons despite having the same appears to be a deliberate action/strategy on the part of the noticee (Rose Valley) to not cooperate’ thority (IA) probe the matter. However, as the company failed to fully comply with the summons, Sebi in an order dated March 26, has imposed "a penalty of Rs 1 crore...on Rose Valley Real Estates and Constructions Ltd". The regulator has noted that "not submitting complete details to the summons despite having the same appears to be a deliber-
ate action/strategy on the part of the noticee (Rose Valley) to not cooperate with the regulatory mechanism". The Sebi probe followed a reference from Registrar of Companies (RoC), West Bengal that the firm had repetitively issued debentures in 200102, 200405, 200506 and 200708 to more than 49 persons in each of the fiscal years without fil-
ing offer documents. The RoC had suggested that Rose Valley had raised total of Rs 12.82 crore by issuing secured debentures to the general public without complying with the norms related to Initial Public Offer (IPO) of securities. In order to conduct a thorough probe in the matter, Sebi had issued summons on July 14, 2011 to Rose Valley asking it to submit information such as filing of prospectus, opening and closing dates of subscription, number of applications received, among others. Cont’d on page 31
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Adarsh Society Chairman Brig Wanchoo resigns
M
UMBAI: Brigadier (retd) M M Wanchoo, Chairman of Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society and key accused in the multi-crore housing scam, has resigned from the post due to old age and poor health. In a resignation letter addressed to the Secretary, Brig Wanchoo wrote, "I hereby tender my resignation from the post of the Chairman of the Society due to my advancing age, poor health and deteriorating medical condition of my wife." However, Wanchoo said he would continue to be the member
M M Wanchoo
of the Society. When contacted, his lawyer Capt Mukhtar Khan confirmed that Brig Wanchoo has resigned. Adarsh co-operative Housing Society, originally meant to be a six-storey structure to house Kargil war heroes and widows, ultimately came up as a 31-storey tower allegedly through collusion of bureaucrats, politicians and top defense officers. Several politicians, three former defense service chiefs and bureaucrats have cornered flats in the building that stands in the plush Colaba area. Former Chief Ministers of
8 tips to sell an old home to young buyers Cont’d from page 30
If they like the home based on the location, the schools and the general style, they can be persuaded to buy if they can see the possibilities that come with a renovation." Sellers can pay for simple drawings that show some renovation options that would work well with the home's configuration and its lot. Strott recommends that sellers find out about any permit issues with an expansion such as height or setback restrictions or wetland and to include that information with marketing materials. Provide renovation loan information Mortgages are available that allow homebuyers to borrow money to buy the home plus money to pay for renovations. The most popular renovation mortgage program is called the FHA 203(k). The loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. "Younger buyers who are looking at homes that are 20 or 30 years old are likely to look at the kitchen and baths and want to renovate," Lacey says. "A seller can provide information about an FHA 203(k) loan with their marketing materials to show buyers that they can wrap renovation costs into their mortgage." Lacey says listing agents should prepare a cost analysis of a standard mortgage and an FHA 203(k) loan to demonstrate the availability of the loan program and to show buyers what the mortgage payments would be based on prospective renovation plans at various price points such as $5,000, $25,000 or $50,000. Offer a credit for repairs "Sellers don't always have the
money or the energy to make repairs themselves, and besides, some buyers will want to do renovations their own way," Strott says. "You can offer a credit back for repairs, and suggest to buyers that your home could be an opportunity for them to make it reflect their own personality." While repair credits are often part of the negotiating process, if you know some things will need fixing, you can provide information about the credit upfront to prospective buyers, so they know they won't have to pay for a new furnace as soon as they move in. Lighten and brighten your home
If your home has a great yard or a prime location within a subdivision close to the elementary school or a park, you should make sure that's highlighted in your marketing, Strott says "Homes that were built decades ago are darker with smaller windows, so to compensate for that, you need to remove the heavy window treatments and clean the windows to make sure as much light as possible is coming in," Tharp says. "Use the brightest light bulbs you can and update your light fixtures." Trim shrubs covering windows, remove old carpet from hardwood floors and remove dark, heavy furniture. Strott says, "Keep it simple: Get rid of your collections and sentimental things, so buyers can visualize themselves in the home."
Highlight neighborhood amenities Younger buyers often are interested in schools, even if they don't have children yet, Tharp says. "Your marketing materials should mention everything that appeals to young couples and families such as the location near commuter routes or public transportation, swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym, or nearby shops and restaurants," Tharp says. "You need to think about what young buyers are most interested in, and then market your house accordingly." If your home has a great yard or a prime location within a subdivision close to the elementary school or a park, you should make sure that's highlighted in your marketing, Strott says Paint your home in neutral colors The old rule of thumb used to be that sellers were supposed to paint their rooms white in order to appeal to all buyers. These days, white rooms tend to look boring, especially to younger buyers. Tharp says buyers like neutral colors other than white. "Young buyers like what I call Pottery Barn colors," says Strott. "Check out their stores or a catalog, and you'll see the palette has soft earth tones, off-whites, beige and pale gray. You don't want superpersonal color choices, but you can go with a neutral and a contrasting trim color."-Courtesy Bankrate.com "Young buyers like what I call Pottery Barn colors," says Strott. "Check out their stores or a catalog, and you'll see the palette has soft earth tones, off-whites, beige and pale gray. You don't want superpersonal color choices, but you can go with a neutral and a contrasting trim color."-Courtesy Bankrate.com
Wanchoo is named as an accused in the case filed by the CBI and was allegedly a key player in the scam and got various benefits for the society Maharashtra Ashok Chavan, Vilasrao Deshmukh and Sushil Kumar Shinde had been called by Adarsh Commission of Inquiry to give testimony. Wanchoo is named as an accused in the case filed by the CBI and was allegedly a key player in the scam and got various benefits for the society. According to CBI, Wanchoo,
along with Adarsh secretary R C Thakur conspired with the members of Defense services officers, officials and functionaries of Maharashtra government and others with the intention to illegally get the land allotted in favor of Adarsh cooperative housing society in which they were the members. CBI arrested eight persons for their alleged role in the scam. Those included two retired Major Generals T K Kaul and A R Kumar, Wanchoo, former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, Adarsh promoter Kanhaiyalal Gidwani and Pradeep Vyas, the then city collector and currently, finance secretary (expenditure) in the Govt of Maharashtra. However, most of them, including Brig Wanchoo, got bail on May 29, 2012.
Sebi slaps Rs 1 cr fine on Rose Valley Cont’d from page 30
However, it was observed that even though the company had replied to summons, the details submitted were partial and incomplete. Thereafter, another letter dated November 17, 2011 was issued by the regulator asking the firm to furnish complete information as sought by the summons in July,
2011. Sebi alleged that this time too, the company failed to submit all the required information. According to Sebi, any noncooperation and default by an entity is an impediment to the functioning of the regulator's investigation process and detrimental to the interest of the investors in the securities market. -PTI
„ Health Line Scientists discover cancer influencing genes MELBOURNE: A group of scientists in Australia claim to have discovered the genes which can increase a person's risk of developing several cancers. Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) has been working with an international study led by Cambridge University in England for the research project that examined the DNA make-up of more than 200,000 people, an ABC report said. "Every single one of these new genes we've discovered -in total across all the cancers there's more than 150 of them -any one of those genes might lead us into completely new kinds of treatments for these cancers," QIMR spokeswoman Georgia Chenevix-Trench was quoted as saying. "It'll take a lot more work of this type to actually understand how these genes operate and then how we might be able to interfere with them in some way," she said. -PTI
„ Beijing to spend $16.09 billion to combat pollution BEIJING: Grappling with heavy pollution, Beijing would spend USD 16.09 billion in the next three years on a host of measures to combat recurrence of heavy smog taking toll on the health of the city's over 20 million population. The Beijing municipal govern-
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Delhi's HIV death rate higher than official figures NEW DELHI: Over 2,300 HIVinfected people registered with various Delhi hospitals have died in the past eight years but authorities suspect the numbers could be much higher as another 3,000 who signed up with them are now untraceable and their status not known.
US teen with Down syndrome reaches Everest base camp NEW YORK: A 15-year-old US boy has possibly become one of the first persons ever with Down syndrome to have reached the base camp of the Mount Everest the world's tallest mountain. Eli Reimer is also possibly the first American teen with the syndrome - to have made the exceptional ascent last month, when he reached a staggering 17,600 feet after nearly two weeks of walking. After walking for around 113 km, Reimer triumphed when he reached one of two base camps on the world's tallest mountain, 'New York Daily News' reported. Eli's father, Justin Reimer, joined the teen last month along with their team setting out to raise
Eli Reimer (R) after walking almost 17,600 feet up Mount Everest in Nepal
"To be standing there at that place and see the smile on Elis face and the sense of accomplishment that he had, and the fact that his health was better than any of us at that point ... it was humbling, it was inspiring"
money for the family's charity, The Elisha Foundation. "It was surreal," Reimer told US news channel HLN in an interview. "To be standing there at that place and see the smile on Elis face and the sense of accomplishment that he had, and the fact that his health was better than any of us at that point ... it was humbling, it was inspiring, just an amazing
moment," said Reimer. At least one more person with Down syndrome is known to have reached the base camp - a 35-yearold man from the UK, Justin Reimer told TIME magazine. The father-son adventurer duo climbed nearly 17,600 feet to the mountain's south base camp in Nepal. Eli's doctors gave him the thumbs-up to attempt the endurance-testing task, Reimer told the channel. "We monitored his blood (saturation), oxygen saturation levels as we went up (the mountain). "And his were consistently, significantly higher than everyone else's to where he was actually leading us on the trail. Eli was like our guide on this whole thing," Reimer said. "For anybody who has a child with a disability or who is impacted in some way ... the disability is not a limitation," said Justin Reimer, adding that Eli's life "and the lives of those with disabilities have infinite worth." -PTI
Predicting woman's final menstrual period
R ment has put the environment at the top of its work agenda this year, launching a campaign to tackle pollution, especially in the suburbs, official media here said. According to the new plan, the government will make efforts to improve sewage disposal, garbage treatment and air quality, as well as curb illegal construction. The three-year plan will facilitate building five garbage incineration plants by the end of 2015 to ensure more than 70 per cent of the city's waste can be destroyed by burning. The city already has two incineration plants. It can incinerate 16,900 metric tonnes a day, and the number will increase to 24,000 tonnes. -PTI
esearchers have suggested a way to predict when a woman will have her final menstrual period. The findings may help women and physicians gauge the onset of menopause-related bone loss, which usually begins a year prior to the last period. Lead author Dr. Gail Greendale, professor of medicine in the division of geriatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said that the researchers used women's ages, menstrual bleeding patterns and measurements of hormone levels to estimate the amount of time until they were likely to reach menopause. The researchers used information collected annually for up to 11 years on 554 women, including Caucasians, African
Americans, Hispanics and those of Chinese and Japanese descent, participating in the multi-site,
tween the ages of 42 to 53, had an intact uterus and at least one ovary, were not using any medi-
multi-ethnic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Participating women were be-
cations affecting ovarian function and had experienced at least one menstrual period in the prior three
months. The researchers measured levels of estradiol (E2), a hormone produced by the ovaries, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) that comes from the pituitary gland and triggers the production of eggs. FSH starts increasing and E2 starts decreasing about two years prior to the final menstrual period, or about a year before bone loss and cardiovascular risk factors rise. The study found that the levels of the two hormones can be used to estimate whether women were within two years of beginning their final menstrual period, within one year or beyond their final period. The study has been published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
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'Black henna' tattoos may cause long-lasting allergies If you're thinking of getting a fake henna tattoo on your best friend's wedding, think again! While temporary body art may involve less commitment than permanent ink, it is certainly not harmless and may cause long-lasting allergies, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned. Temporary "Black henna" tattoos typically last from three days to several weeks,
porary it doesn't mean that it is risk free," said Linda Katz, director of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors in a statement. Some consumers report reactions that may be severe and long outlast the temporary tattoos themselves. MedWatch, FDA's safety information and adverse event reporting program, has received reports of serious and long-lasting reactions that consumers had not bargained for after Reported problems include redness, getting temporary tatblisters, raised red weeping lesions, loss toos. of pigmentation, increased sensitivity to Reported problems include redness, blissunlight, and even permanent scarring. ters, raised red weepSome reactions have led people to ing lesions, loss of seek medical care pigmentation, increased sensitivity to depending on the product used for color- sunlight, and even permanent scarring. ing and the condition of the skin. Unlike Some reactions have led people to seek permanent tattoos, which are injected into medical care, including visits to hospital the skin, temporary tattoos marketed as emergency rooms. Reactions may occur im"henna" are applied to the skin's surface, mediately after a person gets a temporary the FDA said. tattoo, or even up to two or three weeks However, "just because a tattoo is tem- later.
Breakthrough in sight for cataract treatment Scientists have made a discovery about poor light. Treatment usually involves rethe shape of the eye that could boost the placing the affected lens with an artificial effectiveness of human-made lenses used one. Pierscionek carried out much of her in cataract operations. Research carried out most recent research at Japan's Spring-8 by Professor Barbara Pierscionek and a synchrotron facility - home of the world's team of fellow vision experts at London's largest third generation synchrotron. Kingston University suggests that the way proteins are distributed in the lens of the eye may cause its gradient to be stepped rather than smooth as previously thought. The finding could give a new insight into the way the eye grows and lead to major improvements in synthetic lenses used in surgery to treat patients who have developed cataracts. Artificial replacements did not currently Artificial replacements did not currently match the quality of real match the quality of real ones, ones, Pierscionek said. Pierscionek said. "However this re"However this research could help give patients search could help give patients better better vision if manu- vision if manufacturers use it to develop facturers use it to dean improved lens able to change fovelop an improved lens able to change focus," cus," she said in a statement she said in a statement. Cataracts can occur at any age, but ofIt accelerates electrons close to the speed ten develop as people get older. Smoking of light to generate X-rays and other beams. and UV radiation are thought to be causes "These X-rays can penetrate parts of the and they can also occur in people with dis- body and soft tissue better than other forms eases such as diabetes. of radiation. This allows engineers and sciThe condition may gradually make vision entists to look deeply into anything from more blurred and make it difficult to see in metal to bacteria," Pierscionek said.-PTI
Henna, a reddish-brown coloring made from a flowering plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Since the Bronze Age, people have used dried henna, ground into a paste, to dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather, silk and wool. This decoration - sometimes also known as mehndi is still used today around the world to decorate the skin in cultural festivals and celebrations. However, today so-called "black henna" is often used in place of traditional henna. Inks marketed as black henna may be a mix of henna with other ingredients, or may really be hair dye alone, FDA said in a statement. The reason for adding other ingredients is to create a tattoo that is darker and longer lasting, but use of black henna is potentially harmful. That's because the extra ingredient used to blacken henna is often a coal-tar hair dye containing p-phenylenediamine (PPD), an ingredient that can cause dangerous skin reactions in some people.-PTI
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Genetics may determine who Hormone therapy may up risk of breast cancers becomes a heavy smoker LOREN GRUSH
I
ndividuals who pick up smoking as teenagers have a much higher risk of becoming heavy smokers as adults. And for some, the risk is even greater - depending on their genetics. A team of researchers from the
United States, the U.K. and New Zealand utilized previous research on genetics and smoking to develop a genetic risk profile for individuals who eventually become heavy smokers. The research revealed individuals with a high-genetic risk for smoking was much more likely to become heavy smokers as adults, but only if they had tried cigarettes as teenagers. Those who were determined to have low-genetic risk were much less likely to progress into heavy smoking, even if they had tried cigarettes when they were younger. "Smoking behavior is a major public health problem, which develops relatively early in life," lead author Dan Belsky, a post-doctoral research fellow at Duke University's Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, told FoxNews.com. "We know from studies in families that genetics makes a difference in who becomes hooked on cigarettes and who doesn't. Relatives who share more genes are more similar in their smoking behavior." Belsky noted their research was based on large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from 2010 on smoking behavior, in which scientists looked across entire genomes to identify variants linked with heavy smoking. Those studies identified variants in single nucleotide polymorphisms located in and around two groups of genes - the nicotine receptor genes, which control how the brain responds to nicotine, and the CYP2A6 region, which is responsible for nicotine metabo-
lism in the liver. What the studies did not show was when these genetic risks first manifest. Belsky and his team also wanted to know if early manifestation of these genetic risk factors were critical to the genetic influ-
ence on adult smoking problems. To better understand how these genetic variations influence behavior, the scientists followed 1,000 New Zealanders from birth to the age of 38, analyzing their smoking habits in relation to their known genetic risk. Utilizing the genetic risk score developed to predict heavy smoking among individuals, the researchers cross analyzed an individual's risk score with their smoking habits throughout the course of the lives. Pack-a-day by 18 ltimately, the results showed
percent were more likely to become pack-a-day smokers by the age of 18. On average, those with a highrisk genetic profile had smoked 7,300 cigarettes more than the average smoker by the time they had reached the age 38. However, a person's genetic profile only seemed to be poignant if the individual tried cigarettes in his or her youth. If the high-risk person did not try smoking in their teens, they became "immune" to their genetic risk for becoming a heavy adult smoker. Therefore, if a high-risk person waited long enough, they were in the clear. "In general, our findings argue for the importance of interventions and policies that prevent teens from becoming regular smokers," Belsky said. "It is easier to stop someone form initiating smoking behavior; that's cheaper than helping them quit smoking." Belsky added that individuals with high-risk genetics were 22 percent more likely to fail at their attempts to quit smoking than those with low-risk profiles. Belsky said their study's findings point to the significance of teenage intervention when it
"In general, our findings argue for the importance of interventions and policies that prevent teens from becoming regular smokers," Belsky said. "It is easier to stop someone form initiating smoking behavior; that's cheaper than helping them quit smoking" that genetic risk was best at predicting whether or not a teenager who tried cigarettes grew to become a heavy smoker. "We found that these genetic differences do emerge during adolescence," Belsky said. "They didn't predict who tried cigarettes, but they did tell you who among those that did try a cigarette - who got hooked." Out of the study participants, 70 percent tried cigarettes during their teenage years. Among the teens who tried cigarettes, those with high genetic risk were 24 percent more likely to become daily smokers by the age of 15, and 43
comes to establishing anti-smoking behavior. In terms of using genetic profiling to determine an individual's personal risk of becoming a smoker, Belsky said it's not quite time for that yet. "I wouldn't recommend using it for personalized medicine just yet, just because (genetic profiling) hasn't fully been fleshed out yet," Belsky said. "However, we have found genetic factors make a big difference, and using genetics to make these predications may be possible in the future." The study was published in JAMA Psychiatry.
NEW YORK: Women who undergo hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) to treat symptoms of menopause are at an increased risk of developing aggressive breast cancers, a new study has warned. US researchers found postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy that included both estrogen and progestin were 1.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer over an 11-year period compared with women not on the hormones. HRT increased the risk of breast cancers that have a low risk of recurrence, such as estrogen-receptor-positive cancers, as well as the risk of more aggressive breast cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer, the study found, MyHealthNewsDaily reported. The findings support the results of a study published last year that suggested HRT increased the risk of all categories of breast cancer. Before that study, doctors thought that HRT only increased the risk of less-serious cancers, said study researcher Dr Rowan Chlebowski, of the Los Angeles Biomedical
Research Institute. The decision to start HRT should be made on a case-by-case basis, Chlebowski said. Women should speak with their doctors about the risks and benefits of the therapy. The benefits will be greater for those with more severe symptoms of menopause, Chlebowski said. The new study analyzed infor-
mation from 41,000 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 79, about half of whom were taking HRT (estrogen plus progestin) at some point in the study, and half who were not on the therapy. During the study period, about 2,200 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Among those who took HRT, 0.6 per cent developed breast cancer each year, compared with 0.42 per cent for those who weren't on HRT.-PTI
Dr Reddy's gets USFDA nod for generic Zenatane NEW DELHI: Drug firm Dr Reddy's Laboratories says it has launched its generic Zenatane capsules in the US market following approval from the US health regulator. The company has launched generic Accutane (Isotretinoin Capsules USP) in the strengths of 20 mg and 40 mg on March 28 following the approval by the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) of its abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for the product in the strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg, Dr Reddy's said in a statement. The capsules are generic version of Accutane (Isotretinoin Capsules USP) of Hoffman-La Roche Inc and are used for treating severe recalcitrant nodular acne.
Zenatane capsules of the company in the strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, & 40 mg will be available in boxes of 30 (3 prescription packs of 10 capsules), Dr Reddy's said. Established in 1984, drug major Dr Reddy's Laboratories offers a portfolio of products in active
pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), custom pharmaceutical services (CPS), generics, biosimilars, differentiated formulations and new chemical entities (NCEs). -PTI
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Max, S. African firm tie up for nursing course NEW DELHI: Max Healthcare Institute Ltd says it has tied up with South Africa's hospital group Life Health Care for imparting a one-year nursing course. Max Institute of Medical Excellence (MIME), a part of Max Healthcare, has collaborated with Life Health Care for a oneyear specialty course in critical care nursing and operation theatre nursing, Max Healthcare said in a statement. "...I am hopeful that this program will help develop expertise in these two areas (theatre nursing and critical care) and will result in higher quality and productivity as well as better job satisfaction," Max Healthcare CEO Ajay Bakshi said. MIME has selected 50 nurses from Max Healthcare to undergo this specialist certificate training, the healthcare firm said.
Commenting on the development, Life Health Care Executive Head, Nursing Sharon Vasuthevan said: "It is a pleasure to partner with Max Healthcare and share expertise...we are pleased to be able to bring this advanced qualification to Max Healthcare." Max Healthcare has 11 facilities in North India, offering services in over 30 medical disciplines. -PTI
Puducherry ties up with Abbot on non-communicable diseases PUDUCHERRY: An integrated health management program to combat non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension and thyroid disorders, will be implemented over the next three years by the government in partnership with Abbott, a health care company. Over seven lakh people of Puducherry will be screened and monitored for the non-
communicable diseases during the next three years under the program. A memorandum of understanding has been inked for the three-year project which would improve awareness of NCDs and implement the initiatives to fight the ailments. Under the initiative, those above 30 would be screened for the NCDs. Director of Health and Family Welfare
services Dr K V Raman and Senior Director Global Integrated Health Abbott Vivek Mohan signed the documents in the presence of Chief Minister N Rangasamy, a release said. "This was the first of its kind public private partnership to screen and monitor seven lakh people in Puducherry in the next three years," Mohan said. The initiative was aimed at reaching out the people and building the skills of local health care providers through continued medical education. The government will p r o v i d e infrastructural facilities and necessary permission and logistical arrangements in the Union Territory to run the project while Abbott on its part would provide subsidized diagnostics, educational support to health providers and patient awareness material. The company will supply kits to measure blood pressure, body mass index and blood glucose. Around 1.5 lakh glucose test strips free of cost would help monitoring of diabetes. -PTI
Tata Centre, Hyderabad hospital to research on cancer HYDERABAD: The Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) and the city-based Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (BIACH&RI) said they intend to promote joint research on cancer. They aim at creating a 'Cancer Collaboration Network' to facilitate sharing clinical experiences and expertise, training and education, research and development and spreading cancer awareness to the public, TMC Director Rajendra Badwe and BIACH&RI trustee Nori Dattatreyudu said in a statement. TMC and BIACH&RI will take the lead in creating a platform to expand this network, they said, adding that it would bring together various hospitals, doctors, scien-
tists, pharma, industry, insurance, governments, NGOs and citizens dealing with cancer patients. Network coordinators to be identified by
TMC and BIACH&RI, will work with the Tata Strategic Management Group to facilitate formulation of a MoU and work to fulfill the aims and objectives of the proposed network, they said, according to a release, after the conclusion of a four-day 'Global Oncology Summit-2013' here. -PTI
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Protein-rich breakfast can curb evening snacking WASHINGTON: Eating foods rich in protein such as eggs and
meat for breakfast can significantly improve appetite control and reduce unhealthy snacking in the evening, a new study has found.
Heather Leidy, an assistant professor in the Department of
Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri-Columbia is the first to examine the impact of breakfast consumption on daily appetite and evening
snacking in young people who habitually skip breakfast. In her study, 20 overweight or obese adolescent females ages 18-20 either skipped breakfast, consumed a high-protein breakfast consisting of eggs and lean beef, or ate a normal-protein breakfast of ready-to-eat cereal. Every breakfast consisted of 350 calories and was matched for dietary fat, fiber, sugar and energy density. The high-protein breakfast contained 35 grams of protein. Participants completed questionnaires and provided blood samples throughout the day. Prior to dinner, a brain scan using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed to track brain signals that control food
Tea, coffee can activate cancer gene WASHINGTON: Consumption of black and green teas, coffee and liquid smoke flavoring can activate the highest levels of a gene associated with cancer, scientists, including Indian-origin researchers, have warned. Scientists at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center tested the potentially harmful effect of foods and flavorings on the DNA of cells. They found that liquid smoke flavoring, black and green teas and coffee activated cancer-linked
the level of DNA damage, the more p53 becomes activated. "We don't know much about the foods we eat and how they affect cells in our bodies," said Scott Kern, the Kovler Professor of Oncology and Pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "But it's clear that plants contain many compounds that are meant to deter humans and animals from eating them, like cellulose in stems and bitter-tasting tannins in leaves and beans we
gene called p53. Liquid smoke, produced from the distilled condensation of natural smoke, is often used to add smoky flavor to sausages, other meats and vegan meat substitutes. The p53 gene becomes activated when DNA is damaged. Its gene product makes repair proteins that mend DNA. The higher
use to make teas and coffees, and their impact needs to be assessed," Kern said. Kern cautioned that the study does not suggest people should stop using tea, coffee or flavorings, but do emphasize the need for further research. The team, including Samuel Gilbert, Kalpesh Patel, Soma Ghosh and Anil Bhunia from
Johns Hopkins, mixed dilutions of the food products and flavorings with human cells and grew them in laboratory dishes for 18 hours. Measuring and comparing p53 activity with baseline levels, the scientists found that liquid smoke flavoring, black and green teas and coffee showed up to nearly 30-fold increases in p53 activity, which was on par with their tests of p53 activity caused by a chemotherapy drug called etoposide. Researcher Zulfiquer Hossain tracked down the chemicals responsible for the p53 activity. The strongest p53 activity was found in two chemicals: pyrogallol and gallic acid. Pyrogallol, commonly found in smoked foods, is also found in cigarette smoke, hair dye, tea, coffee, bread crust, roasted malt and cocoa powder, according to Kern. Gallic acid, a variant of pyrogallol, is found in teas and coffees. Kern said that more studies are needed to examine the type of DNA damage caused by pyrogallol and gallic acid, but there could be ways to remove the two chemicals from foods and flavorings. "We found that Scotch whiskey, which has a smoky flavor and could be a substitute for liquid smoke, had minimal effect on p53 activity in our tests," said Kern. Other flavorings like fish and oyster sauces, tabasco and soy sauces, and black bean sauces showed minimal p53 effects in Kern's tests, as did soybean paste, kim chee, wasabi powder, hickory smoke powders and smoked paprika.. -PTI
motivation and reward-driven eating behavior. The consumption of the highprotein breakfast led to increased fullness or "satiety" along with reductions in brain activity that is responsible for controlling food
eating and improve diet quality by replacing unhealthy snacks with high quality breakfast foods," Leidy said in a statement. People who normally skip breakfast might be skeptical about consuming food in the morning,
The high-protein breakfast also reduced evening snacking on high-fat and high-sugar foods compared to when breakfast was skipped or when a normal protein, ready-to-eat cereal breakfast was consumed, Leidy said cravings. The high-protein breakfast also reduced evening snacking on high-fat and high-sugar foods compared to when breakfast was skipped or when a normal protein, ready-to-eat cereal breakfast was consumed, Leidy said. "Eating a protein-rich breakfast impacts the drive to eat later in the day, when people are more likely to consume high-fat or highsugar snacks," Leidy said. "These data suggest that eating a protein-rich breakfast is one potential strategy to prevent over-
but Leidy said it only takes about three days for the body to adjust to eating early in the day. Study participants ate egg and beef-based foods such as burritos or egg-based waffles with applesauce and a beef sausage patty as part of a high-protein breakfast; Leidy also suggested eating plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or ground pork loin as alternatives to reach the 35 grams of protein. The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. -PTI
2 lakh pregnant women benefit from Central scheme JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government says nearly two lakh women and over 20,000 children have benefited from various Central schemes under National Rural Health Mission. As many as 99,780 pregnant women have been benefited under Janani Suraksha Yo j a n a (JSY), which is an N R H M scheme, during current financial year up to January 2013, Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmed Khan told Legislative Assembly in a written reply to the question of BJP member Baldev Raj Sharma. JSY is a safe motherhood intervention being implemented under NRHM with the objective of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries among the pregnant women, he said.
Under the scheme, pregnant women delivering their children in government run hospitals get paid incentives. A pregnant woman in rural areas gets Rs 1400 while in urban area gets Rs 1000, whereas, Rs 500 to BPL woman delivering at home and Rs 600 to ASHA
worker helping in delivery. Similarly, under another scheme -- Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana (JSSK) also known as 'Maa Tujhe Salaam', around 1,19,434 pregnant women and 20,044 sick neonates have been given free treatment during the current financial year up to January 2013, he added. PTI
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T
he pristine coral paradise of Lakshadeep with a tinge of bluishgreen waters is an exotic archipelago in the Arabian Sea. It possesses everything required for a perfect honeymoon. Lakshadweep Islands lives up to the expectation as the best romantic destination in India. Honeymooning in Lakshadweep will turn your fantasy into real-life experience. This sparsely inhabited land has extraordinarily beautiful ambience setting stage for an incredible romantic vacation. You can relax on the beaches of this wonder world amidst the sound of the roaring waves, the rustling sound of the swaying palm trees and the amazing marine life.
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The most romantic place to stay at Lakshadweep would be the beach cottages. Your window will give you an amazing view of long stretch of white sand and Palm trees. You can step out for sunbathing or building sand castles. If you are adventurous, you can engage in snorkeling, diving, or maybe parasailing. Otherwise you can head off on a boat scrutinizing the natural lagoons, enchanting coral reefs and visiting the fantastic Bangaram and Agatti. An experience that
is indescribable is a bird's eye view of Lakshadweep Islands through the helicopter rides. The adventurous sports along with a wonderful combination of scenic splendor adds a special dimension to the island. The matchless beauty of these emerald islands will certainly overwhelm each honeymoon couple. This solitude island will provide the newly weds with ethereal moments of sheer wonder and bliss. Exquisite coral islands, marine life in its pristine nature, beautiful natural lagoons, silvery beaches and delicious sea foods - you have it all here. Lakshadweep, literally means a hundred thousand (one lakh) islands (dweep), offers for the enthusiast travelers much sought physical and mental enjoyments and relaxation to spend their holidays. Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory of India and consists of a group of islands in the Arabian Sea in 32 sq. km area spreading over more than with 77,700 sq km in the sea. The administrative capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. Cont’d on page 42
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Asia's largest Tulip garden has 1.5 million tulips SRINAGAR: Asia's largest Tulip garden on the banks of Dal Lake has been thrown open to visitors, marking the beginning of the new tourism season in the Valley. The 15-hectare garden in the foothills of Zabarwan Range was officially opened to visitors by Minister for Floriculture Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed. A large number of people in-
cluding tourists thronged the garden after its opening to enjoy the myriad view of tulips, officials said. The state Floriculture depart-
ment said a total of over 1.5 million tulips, of over 80 varieties are presently in bloom at the garden. The department has added 3.24 lakh more bulbs of 24 new varieties this season to make the garden more attractive. "The bulbs have been imported from Holland and have been introduced in the Valley for the first time," officials said.
Formerly known as Siraj Bagh, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip garden was opened in 2008 by then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. -PTI
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Heli-tourism service gains momentum in West Bengal KOLKATA: Days after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee signed a MoU with stateowned Pawan Hans Ltd to avail services of sea-planes, helicopters and fixed-wing planes to boost its tourism and industrial potential, the private sector has also joined the fray. Prayag Aviation, a business unit of Prayag Group announced the launch of heli-tourism service, the company said. It has launched 'Kolkata Darshan' package which provides aerial views of city landmarks such as river Hooghly, Howrah Bridge, Victoria memorial and others on a 10-minute ride with a Rs 2,000 per head price tag. Charter services to nearby holiday destinations like Digha, Chandrakona, Mandarmoni, Sunderbans along with easy access to significant pilgrimage destinations like Tarapith,
Mayapur, Joyrambati or Kamarpukur can be availed at a price of Rs 90,000 an hour, the company said in a statement. The state government has also proposed that major industrial and tourism hubs be connected through helicopters. "There are areas like Raichak,
Haldia, Kalyani, Sunderbans, Bolpur which have enough potential. We also want to connect Malda, Siliguri, Coochbehar etc. We can start fixed service for that," Banerjee had said. The state government had also offered subsidy for some fixed routes but only for Pawan Hans service. -PTI
Tharoor to host Kerala Tourism's online quiz show THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor will conduct a quiz show for promoting tourism in his home state Kerala. The online video quiz show hosted by Tharoor, MP from Thiruvananthapuram, for Kerala Tourism will kickoff early May and go on for two months, a release from Tourism Department said here. It will be easy to join the show from anywhere in the world while the quiz master reels out questions on God's Own Country's bountiful nature, geography and culture. The participants need to merely register themselves on the Kerala Tourism website (www.keralatourism.org),
Tharoor will ask one question every day for 60 days. The participants will get 24 hours to answer the questions online
Shashi Tharoor
the virtual platform for the quiz show. The registration will begin on April 20. Tharoor will ask one question every day for 60 days. The participants will get 24 hours to answer the questions online. The Kerala Tourism department is offering a bonanza of gifts for the winning answers. There will be daily, weekly and monthly gifts during the show. "We are delighted to present Shashi Tharoor as the Quiz Mas-
ter of our first online video quiz show," said state Tourism Minister A P Anil Kumar. Kerala Tourism has won many awards, including the National Tourism Award, for innovative use of Information Technology. Among its previous innovations are Intelligent Itinerary Planner, Virtual tour of destinations, online video gallery, online audio gallery, e-newsletters and a GIS Map to help visitors to the state. -PTI
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'Tourism elevation means prosperity for J&K' JAMMU: Terming tourism as a vital part of the state's economy, Minister of Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir has said that there was need to explore the potential to elevate prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. "Tourism elevation means the prosperity of the whole state. Tourism is not enemy of anybody but the friend of all of us. We should cash it through accurate ways for our prosperity," Mir said after inaugurating Tourist Facilitation Centre at the border outpost of Suchetgarh, 30 kms from here. Mir appealed to people to contribute positively towards the development of tourism and not link it with politics and conflicts for the larger interests of the state. Tourist Facilitation Centre along with other tourist related fa-
Ghulam Ahmad Mir
cilities at Suchetgarh, built at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore have been developed to promote border tourism in the area. "The initiative will help develop border areas which possess immense tourism potential," Mir added. Mir also inaugurated one-day Border Tourism Mela, organized by Tourism Department to showcase the border tourism potential of the area, on the occasion. Besides the locals, a large number of tourists evinced interest in the festival and were charmed by
the cultural programs presented by reputed artists depicting rich cultural ethos of the state. Mir pointed out that tourism was linked with promotion of other potential sectors like agriculture,
Mir appealed to people to contribute positively towards the development of tourism and not link it with politics and conflicts for the larger interests of the state horticulture, handicrafts and handlooms and it was the responsibility of all to bring complete normalcy in the state for providing congenial atmosphere for not only flourishing the tourism but also other trade and commerce activities. "The government would encourage private stakeholders for investment under tourism sector for creation of varied infrastructure facilities, for the purpose besides ensuring lucrative advance incentives up to Rs 1 crore would be provided to them," he added. Mir further said that J-K has tremendous border tourism potential which would be explored fully in a phased manner to boost the economy of these areas. "Instructions have been given to Tourism Department higherups to identify potential border spots for development and they were also directed to prepare the project reports for Central funding this year to create way site amenities towards all tourism spots," he said. Mir informed that Rs 6.39 crore was approved by the Centre for the development of tourism infrastructure at Suchetgarh in Jammu district and Chambyal in Samba district, against which Rs 5.10 crore has already been released by the Union Government. -PTI
Maharashtra plans to launch Seaplane service MUMBAI: Maharashtra plans to kick-start a Seaplane service this month with an initial focus on establishing connections using the inland water bodies, a top official from the state's tourism promotion body has said. "We are hopeful of launching the (sea plane) service this month," Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation's managing director Jagdish Patil told PTI here. He said the proposal is now awaiting a go-ahead in the form of a no objection certificate from the state irrigation department. "It is better to have such services inland rather than on the sea as the waters are very tranquil in dams," Patil said.
When asked about the locations, Patil said efforts are on to connect Rahuri in Ahmednagar district,
Efforts are on to connect Rahuri in Ahmednagar district,which will serve pilgrims going to nearby Shirdi, Koyna dam (which will help tourists going to Mahabaleshwar) which will serve pilgrims going to nearby Shirdi, Koyna dam (which will help tourists going to
Mahabaleshwar) and Pune. Earlier, the authorities had said that the service will be launched before the end of the fiscal itself, but the plan seems to have been delayed. "We will launch it before the monsoons," Patil stressed, when asked about the delay. Earlier reports had said that Maritime Energy Heli Air, which operates similar services in Kerala and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has been chosen to commence operations in Maharashtra as well. The company had said that it has got the go-ahead from Maharashtra's coastal zone management authority to begin Seaplane services from the financial capital. -PTI
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Best destination for honeymoon, water sports Cont’d from page 39
Lakshadweep territory encloses ten inhabited and 17 uninhabited islands, some attached islets, five submerged reefs and four newly formed islets. The inhabited Islands include Agatti, Andrott, Amini, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kiltan, Bitra, Chetlat and Minicoy. Lakshadweep is connected mostly to Kerala through Cochin and is under the Jurisdiction of Kerala High Court. The common belief is that the first settlers in these Islands were brought by the renowned erstwhile Kerala King Cheraman Perumal, after a shipwreck in the stormy Arabian Sea. Lakshadweep presently has a majority of Muslim population and there are more than fifty mosques, some of which attract huge crowd of devotees and have beautiful architectural styles like Ujra mosque. One of the main attractions in the Lakshadweep Islands is the
abundance of fisheries items and the variety of fishes from the Arabian Sea. Oceanic birds flying over the Islands is an eye catching experience. The common people in Lakshadweep are very friendly, good hosts and they belong to Arab and Hindu culture. Other tourist spot which can be visited by adventurous travelers includes the poultry farms, milk dairies at Kavaratti and Minicoy and the Marine Museum. Festooned with wonderful coral islands, marine life in Lakshadweep is simply superb and unique. The rich and credited legacy of eye catching and unspoiled world of marine life is the prime attraction of the lagoons of the Kadmat and Bangaram islands. Lakshdweep is famed for many water sports including Scuba diving, Kayaking and Canoeing. A paradise for divers, Lakshadweep Islands is world renowned as the definitive exotic diving location in the Arabian Sea. Attractions: Lighthouse
Established in 1885 by the British at Minicoy, it is one among the oldest lighthouses in Lakshadweep. This is a wonderful structure attracting many tourists,
being a major landmark in Minicoy Island. One can go right up to the top of this lighthouse with a height of 300 feet. A bird's eye view of the Lakshadweep islands is an amazing scene from the top of the Light house. Agatti Islands Many adjectives can be used to
describe the pristine natural beauty of Agatti Islands in Lakshadweep. Soothing weather, a balanced mix of sunlight, sea breeze and sandy shore makes the visit in Agatti
memorable for a visitor. Swaying palm trees, silvery beaches and exotic coral reefs, nature has gifted Agatti all its prime attractions. Agatti is the gateway to Lakshadweep, as the only airport in the islands is situated here. Agatti is best suited for many water sports. One can experience the real pleasure of fiber glass boats and country canoe cruises. Agatti has an outstandingly attractive lagoon in the west, with multi colored fish fauna and exquisite coral growths. This is a remarkable tourist destination.
tourist attractions including many Buddhist archeological remains and the tomb of Saint Hazrat Ubaidullah. Andrott has the unique feature of lying in the east-west direction; all other islands are oriented in north-south direction. The island is dense with coconut palms and coir industry flourishes in this island. If the tourists are patient enough, they can catch hold of small species of octopus during the neap tides from sea shore in this island. This is a calm and attractive place to spend the evenings. Kalpeni Islands Kalpeni Islands, Koefaini as per Arab writers, is a group of three small islands and is considered as one of the most exquisite and impressive islands of Lakshadweep. The satellite islands Cheriyam, Pitti and Tilakkam are inhabited and many tourists are attracted to this Kalpeni Islands to spend their holidays. A unique feature of this Island is the coral debris along the south eastern and eastern banks. This island is encircled by a lagoon of fantastic splendor, which is highly rich in coral life. Kalpeni is famous for many water sport activities.
Kayaking and Canoeing Amindivi Islands Excellent facilities on the sea Amini or shore and the tempting sea waves, Amidivi Islands, m a k e the first and fore- A unique feature of this Lakshadweep an most human in- Island is the coral ideal spot for wahabited Island ter sports, mainly and densely debris along the south Kayaking and Capopulated, is fa- eastern and eastern noeing. Paddling mous for superior banks. This island is through amazing quality of coir sea waves in the encircled by a lagoon u n p r e d i c t a b l e products. The island with tropical of fantastic splendor, weather makes caclimate is small in which is highly rich in noeing one of the area. It is only 3 coral life. Kalpeni is most challenging km long and 1.6 water sports. famous for many water km wide. This island sport activities. Scuba diving was captured in Clear and unthe 16th century by the Portu- spoiled water in the Lakshadweep guese. They made it as their colony, makes it a neat and perfect destinaattracted by the craft of making of tion for diving. Lakshadweep has coir ropes. Later British took over grown to a wonderful stature with the control in 1799 till the merging unique diving facilities. of Lakshadweep with the Indian How to reach Union. By Air: Lakshadweep has an airThe island is famous for many port in the island of Agatti and is beautiful craftworks, walking sticks very well connected by regular beautifully made with the shells of flights from Kochi (Cochin) in Kerala. tortoise and coconut and carved It takes one and a half hours to striking flower motifs on hard coral travel from Kochi (Cochin) to Agatti. stones, are some important artifacts Helicopter services are available available here. from Agatti to the capital city of Kavaratti. Andretti Islands By Sea: Some passenger ships Andrott (Andretti) Island, the are organized by the largest Island in Lakshdweep, is the Lakshadweep Administration closest to the mainland of India which sail from Kochi to through Cochin. It is a densely Lakshadweep, thus giving you an populated island, situated with opportunity to sail through the glamour and glare of natural beauty. deep blue waters of Arabian Sea. The Island is blessed with many It takes nearly 18 to 20 hours.
In Brief Keith Vaz warns over 'arms race' on immigration LONDON: One of Britain's most prominent Indian-origin MPs Keith Vaz has warned the government against an immigration "arms race" that would create tougher policies. The chairman of the influential House of Commons' Home Affairs Committee called on all major political parties to work together on the issue to keep "fringe parties" in check. "What is needed is not an arms race among our party leaders on immigration policy but a new consensus... Messrs Cameron, Clegg and Miliband should now sit down together and talk about this issue. By doing this they will deny fringe parties the opportunity to fill the vacuum and demonstrate to the British people they want to engage purposefully and productively in addressing one of the most challenging issues that our nation faces," the senior Labor MP wrote in the 'Sunday Express.' Vaz also stressed on the urgent need to get realistic estimates on the much-talked-about influx of Romanians and Bulgarians once curbs are lifted at the end of this year.-PTI
Oregon may free immigrants to ease jail overcrowding MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore: Officials say they will soon decide whether to endorse a proposed detention policy to allow undocumented immigrants jailed for nonviolent misdemeanor crimes to be released. Sheriff Dan Staton, who has been drafting the proposed policy shift with county chair Jeff Cogen, said the move is necessary to make space for violent criminals in his overcrowded jails. "I'm releasing people who are committing burglaries. I'm releasing people that are stealing vehicles. I keep releasing people that are low level drug offenders and I've got to put a stop to it," Staton told ABC News' Portland affiliate KATU-TV. The proposed policy would mean local officials would decline immigration holds issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials for nonviolent offenders, according to a copy of the proposal found on the Multnomah County Commissioner's website.
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Republicans still reluctant to follow national party's shift
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New immigration bill to be rolled out in few weeks: Graham WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of US senators working on a proposal to overhaul the nation's immigration laws has reached a conceptual agreement. The new draft immigration bill will be rolled out in the next few weeks, Senator Lindsey Graham said, noting that eight Senators involved in the process have agreed to the broader contours of it, even though it is yet to be given a written shape. "I think we've got a deal. We've got to write the legislation," Graham told the CNN in an interview. He is part of the eight Senators from both the Republican and Democratic party working on a comprehensive immigration reform, which has the backing of the White House. He hoped that 2013 will be the year that the Congress passes bipartisan immigration reform signed into law with three goals: to prevent a third wave of illegal immigration; to make sure that the guest worker program is available to employers who can't find an American worker, and turn familybased immigration system into a merit-based immigration system with a family component. "So stopping that third wave means securing your border and controlling who gets a job in America. I think we've accom-
plished that in this bill. And I believe it will pass," Graham said. However, the Senator said the bill is yet to be written. Graham asserted that the bill
it will be earned, it will be long and it will be hard, and I think it is fair," he said. Eight senators from seven states have worked on this bill to
Lindsey Graham
will pass the House because it secures the borders, it controls who gets a job. "As to the 11 million, they'll have a pathway to citizenship, but
serve as a starting point for discussion about fixing the broken immigration system. "But arriving at a final product will require it to be properly sub-
"We're not going to come to a final agreement until we see draft legislative language and we agree on that. We drafted some of it already. I am very, very optimistic� Schumer said
mitted for the American people's consideration, through the other 92 senators from 43 states that weren't part of this initial drafting process. In order to succeed, this process cannot be rushed or done in secret," Rubio said. In an interview to NBC's "Meet the Press", Senator Chuck Schumer said he expects the bill to be rolled out in May. He is one of the leading members of the bipartisan group of Senators - called the Gang of Eight - working on the immigration reform. "With the agreement between business and labor, every major policy issue has been resolved on the Gang of Eight," he said. "We're not going to come to a final agreement until we see draft legislative language and we agree on that. We drafted some of it already. I am very, very optimistic that we will have an agreement among the eight of us next week," Schumer said. "We haven't dotted every 'i' and crossed every 't,'" Senator Jeff Flake, told NBC news channel appearing on the same Sunday talk show. David Axelrod, a former top adviser to President Barack Obama, said Obama views the issue of immigration reform as a legacy item. -PTI
Time to change the way America counts GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA
P
erfect numbers like perfect men are very rare." Rene Descartes Now is the time to change the way America counts green card numbers. Congress is presently debating comprehensive immigration reform and grand events are likely to reshape the legal landscape. Yet, at such a seminal moment we ought not to lose sight of the value of technical modifications that can have enormous consequences. Most Americans, including virtually all policy makers, would be surprised to learn that the
majority of green cards awarded each fiscal year go not to the principal aliens themselves but to dependent family members, thus re-
past decade have grown ever longer, this pattern has become more pronounced. A quick overview of green card distribution
Most Americans, including virtually all policy makers, would be surprised to learn that the majority of green cards awarded each fiscal year go not to the principal aliens themselves but to dependent family members, thus reducing even further permanent migration ducing even further permanent migration to the United States. In fact, as the waiting lines over the
during the first decade of the 21st century quickly makes this evident.
Let us take employment based migration in the employment-based first preference (EB1) category as our data sample. In 2000, there were 5,631 new arrivals under the EB-1, 2,241 went to the principal vs. 3,390 to family members. This means that family members accounted for 58.67% of EB-1. In 2012, there were 1,517 new arrivals under the EB-1. 516 went to the principal & 1001 to family members. This means that family members accounted for 65.98% under the EB-1. Cont'd on Page 46
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US engineers' body seeks curb on H-1B visas WASHINGTON: Claiming that H-1B visas lead to outsourcing of US jobs, an American professional body of engineers has opposed the move of expanding the most popular working visa among IT professionals. "The H-1B program shouldn't
be used to facilitate the transfer of high-paying jobs to other countries. If Congress wants a full US economic recovery, it shouldn't even think about expanding it," IEEE-USA President Marc Apter said.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)-USA is the largest body of electrical and electronics engineers in the US. In a statement, the body alleged that most of these visas are being grabbed by those companies which outsource American jobs overseas. "Proponents of an H-1B visa increase will bemoan the fact that the H-1B cap is already used up. But it w a s outsourcing companies businesses who use the visas to take American jobs - who used nearly two-thirds of them" Apter said. Referring to data compiled by the US Department of Labor Office of Foreign Labor Certification, the body said the top 10 compa-
nies applying for H-1B visas in the first three months of fiscal 2013 are all offshore outsourcing companies. These 10 organizations collectively had 1,12,739 positions - representing 73.4 per cent more than the base annual H-1B cap of 65,000 - certified to be filled by an H-1B worker. Many of these work visas are issued to scientists and engineers, it said. Moreover, 64.1 per cent of the 1,75,806 certified H-1B applications from just 1 October to 31 December 2012 went to these 10 companies, and there are many more than 10 outsourcers, IEEEUSA said. The engineers' body has sought a legislation providing employment-based green cards for skilled immigrants earning advanced STEM degrees from US colleges and universities, and their dependents. Green cards, unlike H-1B visas, allow immigrants to start their own companies, many of which will create jobs in the United States, it said. -PTI
Judge blocks parts of Ind. immigration law INDIANAPOLIS: A federal judge has permanently blocked enforcement of two key provisions of a controversial 2011 Indiana immigration bill: one barring the use of consular identification cards and another allowing the arrests of people whose immigration status is questionable. In the ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Sarah Evans Barker made permanent a preliminary injunction that she issued in June 2011. That ruling found the state law violated the Constitution's due process and search and seizure provisions, as well as other protections, because local police were allowed to arrest people whose immigration status had been questioned by federal authorities even if those authorities had determined that a person should be able to remain in the country. Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said he will not appeal the decision. "Now that the federal court decision reinforces what we said all along - that immigration enforcement is a federal government not
a state responsibility - this case is at an end," Zoeller said. Advocates for civil liberties and Indiana's growing Latino community hailed the ruling as a victory that protects law-abiding citizens and visitors to the U.S. - a decision that reaches well beyond any one ethnic group.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and National Immigration Law Center had filed the challenge on behalf of three foreign-born residents living in the state "The ruling says we're not going to allow police officers to profile people just because of their national origin," said Kevin C. Munoz, an Indianapolis immigration and criminal lawyer. "It pro-
tects us from xenophobia that anybody can have and all of a sudden start harassing someone who has every right to be here whether they are a legal resident or have been granted some other protective status." Other provisions of the state law, which penalize employers for hiring illegal immigrants, remain in effect. Barker also issued an order denying a motion from three Indiana lawmakers who asked to defend parts of the state's immigration law in court. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and National Immigration Law Center had filed the challenge on behalf of three foreign-born residents living in the state. "The U.S. Supreme Court made it quite clear that states should not be engaged in this sort of enterprise," Ken Falk, the state ACLU's legal director, said of the immigration legislation. "This ruling demonstrates that the Constitution applies to all Indiana residents." Cont'd on Page 46
H1B visas may be decided through lottery this year WASHINGTON: The much sought H-1B work visas could be decided through lottery this year, industry experts and officials feel, based on initial feedback from companies, as the US starts accepting applications. If it happens it would be for the first time since 2008 that the fate of thousands of applications for H-1B visas would be decided by a computerized draw of lots. Even Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said it expects the cap for H-1B visas to be filled in the first five days itself. According to Congressional approved mandate, USCIS can reward a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2014 beginning October 1, 2013. In addition, the USCIS can also reward 20,000 H-1B visas for those having masters or higher degree from US academic institutions. This limit on H-1B visas has been in place for more than two decades now. For three years from 2001 to 2003, Congress had increased the
cap to 195,000; which was not reached. "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 said in a statement early this month. If USCIS receives more peti-
tions than it can accept, it 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, when the cap was filled on the first day itself. -PTI
Colorado bill to grant driver's licenses to illegals DENVER, Colo: Illegal immigrants would be eligible to get Colorado driver's licenses under a bill Democrats plan to introduce, the third substantial piece of immigration legislation this year for a party that a few years ago joined Republicans in passing strict enforcement laws. With the proposal, Colorado would join only a handful of states in the nation that allows driver's licenses for illegal immigrants. New Mexico and Washington allow illegal immigrants to obtain the same driver licenses as U.S. citizens. Illinois passed a law this year. Colorado Democratic Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, the sponsor of the bill, said illegal immigrants are already driving, whether it is to take their children to school or take loved ones to the hospital. "If they're driving on our roads, we want to make sure that every single driver is licensed and in-
sured," he said. The bill will be called the "Colorado Road and Community Safety Act." Republican Sen. Kent Lambert argued the proposal would violate federal immigration law. "Maybe he plans to override all federal law. I think that's very problematic," said Lambert, who has been a staunch opponent of illegal immigration. "If people are here illegally, that means it's illegal to do this," he said. Immigrant advocates tried to get driver's licenses proposal on the ballot last year, but failed to get enough signatures to send it to voters. The group that pushed that ballot proposal, Driver's Licenses For All, said that everyone would benefit if drivers who are currently unlicensed learned the rules of the road and got insurance. Cont'd on Page 45
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Republicans still reluctant to follow national party's shift
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he dramatically tectonic nature of the national Republican Party's shift on immigration policy wasn't really clear until Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, long a favorite of the ultra-conservative Tea Party, in late March suddenly came out for a pathway to citizenship for some illegal immigrants - even though he doesn't want it called anything like that. In the very same speech to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Paul - son of the Libertarian leader Ron Paul and himself a likely 2016 Republican presidential candidate - essentially denied the longstanding but unsupported claim that undocumented newcomers are "parasites" who cost state, local and national governments billions of dollars. "I have never met a new immigrant looking for a free lunch," Paul said. "We should be proud that so many want to come to America…We should make it a land of legal work, not black-market jobs, work and not welfare. Our land should be one of assimilation, not hiding in the shadows." Before Paul's talk, remarks like those would far more likely have come from Democratic politicians - almost any Democratic politicians trying to cement Hispanic votes into that party's column. Especially in California, the Latino vote has been solidly Democratic since 1994, when Republican ex-Gov. Pete Wilson ran for reelection on a strident antiillegal immigrant platform. The three years after that campaign saw more than 2.5 million legal immigrants become U.S. citizens
and register as Democratic voters, shifting California from a swing state to one where only one Republican has been elected to a top-of-the-ticket job in the last 19 years. But many California Republi-
"We should be proud that so many want to come to merica…We should make it a land of legal work, not blackmarket jobs can activists apparently are not yet ready to admit - as the national party now has conceded that they must change in order to survive. After last year's election, where GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney advocated "self-deportation" for millions and campaigned with the originator of Arizona's draconian stop-onsight immigration law, Latino voters went Democratic by a margin of almost 3-1, providing President Obama almost all of his reelection edge. Now, after years of apparently not noticing that Hispanics were becoming more and more active politically, the GOP at last has read the election returns. The party's national leaders also appear to be heeding an early-March Latino Decisions poll indicating that 63 percent of registered Hispanic voters are
personally acquainted with someone who is undocumented. That figure is up 10 percent over two years ago. The survey also found that 43 percent of Latinos who voted for Obama would consider voting Republican if the GOP leads the way on immigration reform with a doable path to citizenship. The same survey found onefourth of all Latino voters know at least one immigrant who has faced detention or deportation. Said Gary Segura, a Stanford University professor who helps operate the Latino Decisions polling firm, "That means for Latino voters, immigration is not just a policy debate - it's personal." Taking note, the Republican National Committee issued a "growth and opportunity report" the day before Paul's speech, saying "the nation's demographic changes (show) how precarious our position has become. Unless Republicans are able to grow our appeal (among Hispanics), the changes tilt the playing field even more in the Democratic direction…If we want ethnic minority voters, we have to show our sincerity." But there's considerable doubt many California Republicans are ready to buy into those themes or into adopting a kinder, gentler stance toward illegal immigration. True, the party's new state chairman, Jim Brulte, says the GOP must recruit candidates who look and sound like the folks they seek to represent, adding that "the same conversations taking place in Washington are also going on in Sacramento."
Colorado bill to grant driver's licenses to illegals Cont'd from Page 44
"It's not a benefit for them. It's a benefit for everyone," said Esmeralda Dominguez, an organizer with the group. Ulibarri said the licenses would show that the people are not U.S. citizens so they would not be able to register to vote. Immigrants would have to prove they're paying state and federal
taxes and have an identification card from their country to get driver's licenses. Ulibarri said qualifying documents are to show that immigrants "are here in our community, paying taxes, trying to play by the rules" and making themselves known to state government. Connecticut is considering a similar proposal to Colorado's this year. Utah grants immigrants a driving permit that can't be used for
identification. Ulibarri said public opinion on immigration has changed over the last 10 years, and he's optimistic he can get Republican support for the measure. In 2006, Democrats joined Republicans in passing a strict package of immigration laws in Colorado, including barring non-emergency benefits to those in the country illegally.-AP
But the activists at the party's core don't yet seem ready to bend. One barometer is the California Republican Assembly, an all-volunteer group that sends large numbers of delegates to state GOP conventions where policies
Frank also suggested that Democrats have "bought the votes" of Latinos by making it easier for them to come or stay here illegally and platforms are adopted. "The CRA has not changed its position," says conservative
blogger Stephen Frank, former president of the group, "What the Republican National Committee is trying to suggest is that we need a new policy that contradicts the law. That does not work." Frank also suggested that Democrats have "bought the votes" of Latinos by making it easier for them to come or stay here illegally. "The American people deserve to have their laws respected and enforced," he said. That's a bit discouraging for Californians who believe a strong and viable two-party system is essential for good government. Right now, Democrats so dominate the Legislature and other state offices that the GOP is all but irrelevant. If the state party proves unwilling to change, that's probably how things will stay.
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant State s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
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Time to change the way America counts Cont'd from Page 43
Things are getting worse. It need not be that way. Neither the law nor logic commend or require such a result. Without creating a single new immigrant visa, Congress can eliminate quota backlogs and restore relevance to a green card system that is sorely in need of such restoration. The solution is simple but elegant: Count all members of a family together as one unit rather than as separate and distinct individuals. Do that and systemic visa retrogression will quickly become a thing of the past. Nor is this merely something for idle academic debate. Rather, it is essential if the path to legal resident status for the undocumented is ever to mean anything. Under any conceivable iteration of CIR, even if there is an expansion of immigrant visa numbers in the preference categories, the undocumented will be relegated to the back of the green card line behind those patiently waiting under the legal system.
tus and the immediate issuance of a visa under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this section, be entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration provided in the respective subsection, if accompanying or following to join, the spouse or parent. There is nothing in INA § 203(d) that explicitly provides authority for family members to be counted under the preference quotas. While a derivative is "entitled to the same status, and the same order of consideration" as the principal, nothing requires that family members also be given numbers. Is there not sufficient ambiguity in INA § 203(d) to argue even under current law that family members should not be counted against the quotas? There is no regulation in 8 C.F.R. instructing what INA § 203(d) is supposed to be doing. Even the Department of State's regulation at 22 C.F.R. § 42.32 only parrots INA § 203(d) and states that children and spouses are "entitled to the derivative status corresponding to the classification
Under any conceivable iteration of CIR, even if there is an expansion of immigrant visa numbers in the preference categories, the undocumented will be relegated to the back of the green card line behind those patiently waiting under the legal system Unless a solution is found to remediate the tyranny of priority dates, the undocumented like the ancient Israelites who left Egypt, will never enter the promised land. Family members Section 203(d) of the INA is the provision that deals with family members. Let us examine what INA § 203(d) says: A spouse or child defined in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of section 1101 (b)(1) of this title shall, if not otherwise entitled to an immigrant sta-
and priority date of the principal." 22 C.F.R. § 42.32 does not provide further amplification on the scope and purpose of INA § 203(d). We acknowledge that INA 203(d) derivatives are wholly within the preference system and bound by its limitations. They are not independent of numerical limits, only from direct limitations. It is the principal alien through whom they derive their claim who is counted and who has been counted. Hence, if no EB or
FB numbers were available to the principal alien, the derivatives would not be able to immigrate either. If they were exempt alto-
If the Executive wanted to reinterpret INA § 203(d), there is sufficient " constructive ambiguity" here too for it do so without the need for Congress to sanction it gether, this would not matter. There is a difference between not being counted at all, which we do not argue, and being counted as an integral family unit as opposed to individuals, which we do assert. We seek not an exemption from numerical limits but a different way of counting such limits. INA § 203(d) took effect under IMMACT 90. It still remains a mystery as to why INA § 203(d) was enacted. There was no need to do so since family members were counted in the preIMMACT90 quotas. No clear answer can be gleaned from the legislative history of IMMACT 90. Though family members were explicitly exempted from being counted in the House bill, such exemption was removed in conference with the Senate. Ultimately, Congress enacted INA § 201(d), which set a numerical limit of 140,000 for EB immigrants, and it appears that the intent of Congress in IMMACT 90 was to count family members in the final legislation. Was INA § 203(d) introduced to ensure that family members would be counted especially after the House sought to exempt them? Or was it the converse? Could INA § 203(d) have been a vestige of the House's intent that
was never taken out - to make sure that, even though these derivatives would be counted against enlarged EB cap, they would not be left out in the cold but still get the same "green card" benefits as the principal? If the Executive wanted to reinterpret INA § 203(d), there is sufficient "constructive ambiguity" here too for it do so without the need for Congress to sanction it. We have explained this in our prior article, Why We Can't Wait: How President Obama Can Erase Immigrant Visa Backlogs With A Stroke Of A Pen, http://www.ilw.com/articles/2012,0201-endelman.shtm. If this happened, the EB and FB preferences could instantly become "current." The backlogs would disappear. The USCIS might even have to build a new Service Center! But we do not want to end on such optimism and throw all caution to the winds. Thus, we propose a simple technical fix in Congress, which is to exclude family members from the FB and EB quotas. We do not see why this cannot
to do so in S. 2611, which was passed by the Senate in 2006. Section 501(b) of S. 2611 would have modified INA § 201(d)(2)(A) to exempt family from being counted in EB cases. The EB and FB numbers ought not to be held hostage to the number of family members each principal beneficiary brings with him or her. Nor should family members be held hostage to the quotas. We have often seen the principal beneficiary being granted permanent residency, but the derivative family members being left out, when there were not sufficient visa numbers under the preference category during that given year. If all family members are counted as one unit, such needless separation of family members will never happen again. Even an increase in the visa numbers in a reform proposal, which might seem adequate today, will again result in backlogs shortly based on the uncertainties with economic booms and busts as well as the varying size of families. An immigration system that does not
An immigration system that does not count derivatives separately will have more of a chance to remain viable before Congress is again required to expand visa categories a few decades later. This will also go a long way in restoring balance and fairness be accomplished as there is already a pedigree for such a legislative fix. The proposed wording to INA 203(d) would be a simple add on to the current text, such as: "All family members, including the principal alien applicant, shall be counted as one unit for purposes of INA 201(c) and 201(d) limitations. They shall not be counted on an individual basis." Not only did Congress try to remove family members in IMMACT90, but also attempted
count derivatives separately will have more of a chance to remain viable before Congress is again required to expand visa categories a few decades later. This will also go a long way in restoring balance and fairness to our immigration system. Sometimes even small things can cast a giant shadow. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Judge blocks parts of Ind. immigration law Cont'd from Page 44
The 2011 law originally empowered local police to investigate drivers' immigration status during traffic stops. It was significantly watered down amidst opposition from many public figures, including the state attorney general. Still, as adopted, the law made it a crime for a person to provide as identification a consular iden-
tification card issued by the government of a foreign country. "These sweeping regulations, targeted solely at foreign government-issued identification that consulates are entitled to issue and which restrict the manner in which foreign citizens may travel, live, and trade in the United States, have a direct effect on our nation's interactions with foreign nations," Barker wrote in her rul-
ing. "Such interactions cannot be dictated or restricted by individual states." The law also had allowed police to arrest a person if that person was the subject of a removal order issued by an immigration court, a detainer or notice of action by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, or when there is "probable cause to believe that the person has been indicted for
or convicted of one or more aggravated felonies." The Indiana law authorized "state and local law enforcement to arrest in circumstances far broader than those in which Congress has allowed state and local officers to arrest immigrants," Barker wrote. The provisions were even broader than what federal officers are allowed under federal law.
Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane of Anderson, Ind., said the ruling should be "a reminder to the legislature to be extremely careful when creating punitive public policy." Republicans dominate the Indiana General Assembly. "Its measures unfortunately portray Indiana as intolerant" and involve the state in time-consuming litigation, he said.
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CHICAGO: A highly popular TV show, American Idol, had its replica in different forms in India and elsewhere but not so for Indian Americans in Chicagoland. Things are about to change as a foursome group of music industry insiders have teamed up and announced hosting for the first time Chicago Idol offering a platform to many a latent talent in the Indian community here to come out and share their talent with others. Explaining the salient features of the concept to Indian media here last week, Sharan Walia, head of the newly set up company Indian Event Management (IEM) said that there had been a crying need of a reality show like Indian Idol and SaReGaMaPa where local professionals and amateur singers could take part to compete in singing competition to explore their interest in singing world. " Understanding this need and people's interest, he said, his company IEM decided to take up the cudgels and do something in the matter. "After a lot of deliberation, we have chalked out a plan of action that involves hosting the 1st Indian singing reality show Chicago Indian Idol (CII) in Chicago
Anoop Walia, Sharan Walia, Pratibaha Jairath and Raju Bankapur
Raju Bankapur, a singer in his own right, said the competition is not restricted to amateurs but is open to all. He said that IEM team would strive to get a celebrity from Indian Bollywood for the final setting. and its suburban areas," he said The IEM team also thinks that the launch of this program will also bring like minded people together to build a strong network of Indian community to help each other and to provide opportunity to all people of Indian origin to explore the world of Indian entertainment in America. Walia added that the IEM is a startup event management company but with a team of qualified and experienced professionals
of diversified talents and is committed to conduct Indian Idol and similar reality shows every year in densely Indian populated cities of America. Pratibha Jairath, a member of the IEM executive team, explained the format: There would be three auditions, two semi finals and one final. The fee is surprisingly very nominal at $10 only per entry. "This is with a view to attract a large participation and is not a reflection on the quality of the program," she said.
IEM announces May launch Anoop Walia, also a member of the team, had earlier welcomed the media representatives and thanked their active supporters, Meena Purohit and Kishore Purohit, both India TV anchors. He said the first launch will be on May 19 and it is expected that "we would have semi finals in August and the final in September this year." Sharan Walia said that the IEM expects a participation of 200 to 250 contestants. "It could go up but it would not come down based on the pre-launch inquiries that we have," he said with confidence. Raju Bankapur, a singer in his own right, said the competition is not restricted to amateurs but is open to all. He
said that IEM team would strive to get a celebrity from Indian Bollywood for the final setting. "Surely, we will try to see that the finalists get a chance to sing with Bollywood celebrities," he added. He pointed out there would be audience participation in selecting winners at semi-final and final stages. Besides, the judges would be quite independent and will be selected on merit. Sharan Walia added that though the competition is initially for Chicago and surrounding area, IEM would have the similar competitions organized in other States and cities in not too distant future.
'Josh' comes to Sacramento W RAS H. SIDDIQUI
riter, producer & director Iram Parveen Bilal brought her Pakistani feature film "Josh" to Sacramento, California on March 21 to the delight of members of the local Desi community. This was a one night only screening at the historic Tower Theatre on Land Park Drive which we locals sometimes refer to as our version of 'Off Broadway" (in a humorous way since this location certainly is off Broadway Street but without any of the attractions attributed to its New York or San Francisco counterparts). Josh has slowly been gaining traction outside Pakistan at film festivals (2012 Mumbai Film Festival) and at community screening events here in the United States (Stanford, Se-
attle, Sacramento and in San Jose on March 23. One reason for its high visibility here in America could possibly be the contributions made to it by several Pakistani-Americans, especially in the realm of its music. Director Iram Parveen Bilal received her Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from Caltech but pursued a different calling and then obtained a M.F.A. from the University of Southern California, embarking into film-making from that point onwards. Josh is her first full length feature film. This trend of Pakistani-American engineers and doctors dabbling in film-making is not new. Cont’d on page 50
Iram (far Right) with local community members
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50 years of Bhojpuri cinema, rare 1st film screened KUNAL DUTT
W
ith the screening of the first Bhojpuri film "Ganga Mayya Tohe Piyari Chadahibo" in Patna, the history of this vernacular film industry has come full circle as it was shown in public exactly fifty years ago, in February 1963. To mark the completion of fifty years of tumultuous journey of the Bhojpuri cinema and offer viewers a taste of cinema history, Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy and Cine Society, Patna jointly organized a screening of this rare classic on February 22, at the Premchand Rangashala in Bihar's capital. The event was said to be attended by close to a thousand viewers ranging across all age categories according to the organizers. Filmmakers and scholars look back with nostalgia on the cinematic journey of a language that is now spoken from Bihar to Mauritius. "The first Bhojpuri film itself was a result of untiring efforts of veteran cine actor Nasir Hussain who insisted on making the film in Bhojpuri language only, after having heard of the desire of the then President Rajendra Prasad to see a film in his mother tongue in early 1960," R N Dash, president, Cine Society, Patna told PTI. After Nasir Hussain found patronage in Vishwanath Shahabadi as the producer and a chance encounter with Kundan Kumar, who eventually helmed the directorial venture, a history was about to be written in the realm of a re-
gional dialect's full-fledged debut on the big screen. "The film was eventually dedicated to President Rajen Babu at his post-retirement retreat at the Sadaquat Asharam in Patna on
February 21, 1963 and released the next day for public at the Veena Cinema in Patna," Raviraj Patel,
Cine Society, Patna member, said. Patel, also an independent researcher and documentary filmmaker, who is currently working on a book on the making of 'Ganga Mayya....' said the film was "later
the golden era for posterity," Dash said. Octogenarian Anandi Mandal who was employed as a manager, in the 60s, with the company which distributed the film in Patna and Kolkata, still recalls the overwhelming crowd and resounding acceptance of the film by viewers from far and wide, urban and rural. "On the opening day of the show on February 22 that year, we had about one thousand people inside the venue and many thousands who had gathered outside
rian Vijaya Mulay, who had cofounded the Patna Film Society (now Cine Society, Patna) in the
1950s, congratulated the team for marking the historic occasion with the first film.-PTI
Khiladi now thrills as 'Boss' ollywood's high-kicking original action hero Akshay Kumar will once again return to fighting form in the high-octane thriller film 'Boss'. Akshay, who is renowned in Bollywood for his adrenaline-inducing, heart-pumping films, will 'bring it' in Viacom 18's action fest by displaying an array of death-
'Boss' is a remake of the classic South Indian tale 'Pokkiri Raja' and sees Akshay return to his muchloved Khiladi avatar as a tough talking, hard-hitting, lovable gangster. The film is directed by Anthony D'Souza (Blue) and sees Akshay reach top form again after his 2012 box-office-busting films: Housefull 2; Rowdy Rathore; Khiladi-786; OMG: Oh My God; and more recently in 2013 Special
defying stunts. Akshay recently wheted the appetite of his adoring fans when he revealed an exclusive still of the climax scene from 'Boss'. The image shows a fully toned Akshay hitting the sand hard as he films the thrilling final sequence in Thailand. Akshay's big screen outing in
Chabbis. Now Indian cinema's finest is set to break records again with his latest energy-fuelled offering Boss, ensuring that 'Khiladi Kumar' is a force of nature to reckon with. Boss will release through Viacom 18 in October 2013
India Post News Service
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"The first Bhojpuri film itself was a result of untiring efforts of veteran cine actor Nasir Hussain who insisted on making the film in Bhojpuri language only, after having heard of the desire of the then President Rajendra Prasad to see a film in his mother tongue released in Varanasi on April 4 the same year at the Prakash Talkies (now closed) as per the newspaper clippings of the time". "The film was shot in Patna, Maner, Varanasi, and supplemented with studio shoots in Mumbai. It was much ahead of its time and through its moving script attacked social evils like caste system, dowry and other ills and yet gave a wonderful entertainment material too. "It is a classic in all sense. And, therefore the government must preserve films like these from
as we had also brought in the main star cast and crew and it took us half-and-hour to negotiate through the crowd," Mandal told PTI. "We had the female lead Kumkum, already a star in Hindi cinema by then, male lead Asim Kumar, Padma Khanna, who later became a big name in Bollywood, the producer, director, famous composer Chitragupta, among others," he said. "So, big was the reception that the cinema ran for 19 weeks at Veena Cinema in Patna. This success was followed later by amazing films like 'Lagi Nahi Chute Ram' and 'Bidesiya', all a classic today which set such high standards that today's sub-standard Bhojpuri cinema cannot even begin to match," he added. National Award winning documentary filmmaker and art histo-
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Art to the rescue of underprivileged children
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ime spent eking out a living on the railway station sketching portraits has prompted artist and art teacher Ganga Narayan Maharana, to reach out to children from the underprivileged and bring out their talent in art. Maharana, who hails from Orissa and has degrees in fine art from colleges in Bubhaneshwar and Shantinekatan has taken upon himself to "bring out the hidden artistic talent" of children who do not have the means or access to study and develop their abilities in drawing sketching, painting and music among other art forms. "I have not won any national award but have conducted art shows all across the country. I want to do something for those who are lesser privileged than me, especially children," says
it shut down. I roamed around the railway stations drawing and sketching portraits of people. Somehow, one day a principal of a school discovered me and now am working as an art teacher there. However, it is hard to forget my experiences and that drove me to vow to do something to help others," says Maharana. For the past seven years Maharana's school has also been conducting, once every two years, an exhibition-cum-sale of artworks produced by his students. "Most of my students have made it into prestigious Art and Design colleges. Some of them have even started their own ventures. I am very proud of them," says the artist. "Kahan Gaya use doondo" (Find out where it is hidden) is the motto of his school. "There are
Maharana, who hails from Orissa and has degrees in fine art from colleges in Bubhaneshwar and Shantinekatan has taken upon himself to "bring out the hidden artistic talent" of children who do not have the means or access to study and develop their abilities Maharana. The artist who had in the year 2003 set up the Manorama School of Fine Arts, holds special classes for children, including those from slum areas, five days every week in Mehrauli area here. "When I came to Delhi I was employed with an ad agency but soon became unemployed when
many children who waste their lives by taking drugs at roadside. I seek them out and give them free guidance, art materials, venue, etc. so that realize their inner talent and get confidence to express their inner self through sketches and painting," says the 46-year-old artist. Students from public schools too come to study under
skills and has been passionately learning the nuances of art work," says Maharana. Trinayan has put up a mixed media painting for the "Seedlings" exhibition. Deeksha Sharma, who is pursuing her MBBS from Jamia Hamdard is also participating in the show says, "I enjoy exploring the world of creativity and colors." Among the 40 children whose works are being exhibited include artists as young as 7 years. "Selling the artworks we get around Rs 8000 to Rs 10,000 which are given to the underprivileged students to help them continue their studies," says Maharana. -PTI Maharana and their works are also included in the biannual exhibition. This year the "Seedlings" exhibition is being held from March 1 to March 5 and comprises art work of 40 children. Art critic Suneet Chopra says, "The works reflect the hope and confidence art breeds in human beings in times of adversity and uncertainty. And efforts like these need to be helped to get beyond the seedling stage to become contributions to our history of art and carry forward our art traditions beyond new heights and frontiers." Nine-year-old Trinayan Bordoloi, a class IV student, who bubbles with energy, has an avid interest in technology could not remain still for long. "However once his hidden inherent art interest was noticed by his parents who encouraged him to hone his
'Josh' comes to Sacramento Cont’d from page 48
From right here in Northern California Shoieb Yunus has made Streets of Karachi and Dr Hassan Zee his colorful Night of Henna. Josh starts off with a quote from poet Rumi and has been inspired by some factual events (Parveen Saeed's Khana Ghar project?). It is a Karachi and Sindh centered movie dealing with topics of poverty, feudalism and youth trying
Iram Parveen Bilal and Ras Siddiqui at Josh event
Josh Premiere in Sacramento
to bring change. It has not been released in Pakistan yet so this short mention will have to suffice. Aamina Sheikh as Fatima does a decent acting job in the movie and Mohib Mirza certainly swayed the ladies
in the audience here. It is not as intense as Bol or Khuda Ke Liye or as magnificent as Khamosh Pani (probably the best India-Pakistan cooperative effort to date). But it is a hopeful and watchable film and its director certainly has the Josh to carry it through.
Why people like to watch violent movies WASHINGTON: People are more likely to watch movies with gory scenes of violence if they felt there was meaning in confronting violent aspects of real life, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Augsburg, Germany and the University of WisconsinMadison studied why movie audiences are attracted to bloodshed, gore and violence. Their study examined whether these serious, contemplative, and truth-seeking motivations for exposure to violent portrayals are more than just an intellectual pleasure. They invited a large binational sample from Germany and the US (total of 482 participants), ranging in age from 18-82, and with varying levels of education. Participants viewed film trailers featuring different levels of gore and meaningfulness, and rated their likelihood of watching the full movie. They also indicated their perceptions of the film (how gory, meaningful, thought-provoking, suspenseful, etc).
Earlier studies have suggested that audiences are not necessarily attracted to violence per se, but seem to be drawn to
violent content because they anticipate other benefits, such as thrill and suspense. The new findings suggest that such hedonistic pleasures are only part of the story about why we willingly expose ourselves to scenes of bloodshed and aggression. Some types of violent portrayals seem to attract audiences be-
cause they promise to satisfy truthseeking motivations by offering meaningful insights into some aspect of the human condition. -PTI
April 12, 2013
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Horoscope
52 India Post
April 12, 2013
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
APRIL 12 TH - APRIL 18 TH 2013 (March 21 to April 20)
H
elp will come from totally unexpected place and person. Mind will be full of some bright ideas and you will wait another minute to implement them. Relationship will keep getting stronger. You may go to a mall and buy some nice cloths for your self this week. Some of you will be switching jobs also.
(July 23 to August 22)
F
our favorable planets in house of luck will give you the Midas touch for next few weeks. Money stuck for several years may be finally awarded and of course with legal help. Value of your assets will shoot up and you may replace one of your old vehicle with a new luxury model. You will be invited to an important party.
(April 21 to May 20)
Y
ou will be spending money on buying some fine and quality item for the house. Large gains possible from far off places and people living overseas. People in business will continue to gain edge over their opponents with the new strategy and marketing. Do not sign any contract in a hurry and read the fine lines.
(August 23 to September 22)
E
ven the planets in eighth will help you in a strange manner. Legal matters will take favorable turn overnight and you could be awarded a big chunk of money. You will make friends with few very compatible people at the party. You will be spending more money on a child and may help him with some paper work also.
(May 21 to June 20)
S
upporting planets will bring an excellent opportunity to get involved in a new venture with some like minded people. A child may get accepted far away from home. You may have to make little sacrifice and put your needs aside in order to help close family member. It will be better if you allow head rule over your heart.
(September 23 to October 22)
C
oncentration of four planets in kendra forms a big Laxmi yoga. Deal will be nothing less than a financial jackpot. Do not hesitate and try your hands at lottery also. Stocks purchased in the past could suddenly appreciate and it will be better to cash them out right now. There will be some change in your travel plan.
(October 23 to November 22)
(June 21 to July 22)
C
oncentration of four planets in tenth is very favorable and may cause sudden changes in career. You may finally lay your hands on a dream opportunity with some very liberal perks. Don't hesitate to try your hands at lottery for next few weeks. Children will do better and a property deal can also finalize this week.
Y
ou will be tired of stale life and take your chance. Planets in sixth will help your cause. Though it will not be that easy but finally you will make it big time. People in business will see increasing foot traffic and some new and valuable clients. You may also recover from minor illness with home made remedy. (November 23 to December 22)
C
ombination of Sun and Mars in fifth is auspicious. There will be some fortunate changes in life within next few weeks. Mind will become very sharp and your ideas will get proper attention. A child may get accepted in a prestigious institution. Mind will become religious and you may visit a holy place. (December 22 to January 19)
Y
ou will spend lots of money towards another property or make big upgrades to your existing home. You may also write a check to government in form of some kind of taxes. Business will keep growing steady. Just remember that the project you are working on right now can change life and take you to a different level. (January 20 to February 18)
T
hings will happen in a dramatic way so don't panic. Courageous actions on your part will pay off in a big way. A government agency will also give necessary clearance making way for big improvement in career. Mind will become inclined towards religion and you may have some special prayers done at your place with family and friends. (February 19 to March 20)
C
ombination of Sun and mars in second is favorable. You may get a big refund from government this week. Speculation and playing lotto will be favorable. Loan application will go through without any difficulty. Any new venture started at this point will go a long a way and will become instant success and profitable.
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
April 12, 2013
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SUSAN KAHN
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rom the perspective of emp tiness teachings, to say that something is empty means that it is empty of inherent existence. Instead, everything exists interdependently like fire and fuel. Deconstructing consciousness and seeing its emptiness takes examination, but is profoundly liberating. For the idea of consciousness as its own thing perpetuates the sense of an inherently separate self. Consciousness is commonly viewed within non-duality, as pure consciousness and as the foundational reality of everything. This perspective does not recognize consciousness as dependent upon other phenomena to appear, but is seen as self-created. However, this argument runs into a problem. In order to create or produce itself, consciousness would need to have already existed! Consciousness is also said to be conscious of itself. But for consciousness to indivisibly know itself is a muddled notion. Consciousness must be conscious of something to be considered conscious. If there is no content to be conscious of, how could consciousness be recognized as being conscious? When it is seen that consciousness depends upon other things, then consciousness can also be seen as empty. Furthermore, for consciousness to be conscious of itself, would require it to have an interior, making the claim that consciousness is an
SWAMI RAMDAS
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isiting the ashram of Ramana Maharishi, Ramdas addressed him thus: "Maharaj, here stands before thee a humble slave. Have pity on him. His only prayer to thee is to give him thy blessing." The Maharshi turned his beautiful eyes towards Ramdas and looked intently for a few minutes into his eyes as though he was pouring into Ramdas his blessing through those orbs, then shook his head to say he had blessed. A thrill of inexpressible joy coursed through the frame of Ramdas, his whole body quivering, like a leaf in the breeze. Ramdas desired to remain in solitude for some time. He was given one small cave high up in the mountain. In this cave he lived for nearly a month in deep meditation of Ram. This was the first time he was taken by Ram into solitude for his bhajan. Now he felt most blissful sensations since he could hold undisturbed communion with Ram. He was actually rolling in a sea of indescribable happiness. To fix the mind on that fountain of bliss, Ram,
indivisible unity, impossible. It would take time and space for consciousness to be conscious of itself. Furthermore, when consciousness is viewed as inherently existent, it must be changeless. However, whatever is unchanging must be inherently dead, isolated from the flow of interrelational continuation. Alternatively, consciousness can be viewed as existing interdependently, as non-dual inter-reflec-
What intrinsic property can consciousness truly hold? How can anything be both fundamentally separate and connected? Instead of existing separately, it can be observed that consciousness is a mutually dependent phenomenon, just as fire does not burn itself and is utterly dependent upon fuel. Consciousness appears to exist in a self-created, self-powered
For love does not love itself. We don't consider an act of love to be self-referring, just as consciousness must be conscious of what is not considered consciousness. And as consciousness involves diversity, love is also of the world. As everything exists without their own essence, things are neither the same nor different from each other, as nothing exists separately. And too, as there is no inher-
Consciousness is empty, and so is love Susan Kahn
Consciousness must be conscious of something to be considered conscious. If there is no content to be conscious of, how could consciousness be recognized as being conscious?
tions, all empty of their own essence. This interdependence can manifest very subtly, as in nonconceptual meditative states. Buddhist teachings make the additional argument that consciousness is dependent upon what is not considered conscious. We are conscious of something, we recognize something that we would call non-conscious elements. And because consciousness does not exist solely as itself, it can function throughout the world. Furthermore, consciousness is dependent upon a body, including the senses. So what sort of pure consciousness can this really be?
way. It is assumed that consciousness operates itself, but this is no more so than trees that are blowing, themselves intend to blow. Consciousness is an interrelated movement of form, but is treated as if it is altogether privileged. In emptiness teachings, it is said that there is an equality among all phenomena because nothing can be truly separated out. This expands the meaning of love and compassion. Yet, this is not to say that there exists an autonomous, undifferentiated loving unity either. Love and compassion depend upon a relative otherness to be loving and compassionate toward.
ently existent consciousness, there is no inherently existent "me." This implies that there is no ultimate identity to defend, or need to desperately grasp and cling to the "mine." This lightens suffering. For as everything interrelates, there is no place to fall. Such understanding opens the heart to seeing unity within diversity, while embracing the diversity within unity. Fear, intolerance and other afflictions, cannot securely withstand such a great embrace. Susan Kahn is a licensed psychotherapist who unites both tradition and nondual emptiness teachings.
means, to experience pure joy ... He went on taking the Name in an ecstasy of longing when, lo, suddenly his Lord Rama ... appeared before him and danced and danced ... "Did you see him with closed eyes or open?" I interjected, "With open eyes, as Ramdas is seeing you," Papa answered. "But it was not this momentary vision that Ramdas's heart craved. For he knew that a vision like this, was unlikely
ways in everything; that is nothing less would satisfy Ramdas." Papa paused and then resumed with a beatific smile: "And it came one morning apocalyptically when, lo, the entire landscape changed: All was Rama, nothing but Rama - wherever Ramdas looked! Everything was ensouled by Rama - vivid, marvelous, rapturous - the trees, the shrubs, the ants, the cows, the cats, the dogs - even inanimate
cause it was not a tree but Rama Himself! A man was passing by, Ramdas ran towards him and embraced him, calling out: 'Rama, O Rama!' The man got scared and bolted. But Ramdas gave him chase and dragged him back to his cave. The man noted that Ramdas had not a tooth in his head and so felt a little reassured: at least the loony would not be able to bite him!" He laughed out. The bliss and joy came to be per-
Account of final Realization or 'Vishvarupa Darshan'
Swami Ramdas
to last and so, when the Lord would vanish, Ramdas would revert to his darkness. Therefore he prayed for the great darshan, the Vision of visions, which comes to stay for ever so there is no more parting, namely the Vishvarupa Darshan, longing to see Rama al-
It came one morning apocalyptically when, lo, the entire landscape changed: All was Rama, nothing but Rama - wherever Ramdas looked! things pulsated with the marvelous presence of the one Rama. And Ramdas danced in joy, like a boy who, when given a lovely present, can't help breaking out into a dance. And so it was with Ramdas: he danced with joy and rushed at a tree in front, which he embraced be-
manent, like a torrent rushing downhill till it finds a placid level of limpid stream. This experience is called Sahaja Samadhi. Excerpted from The Mountain Path, January, 1965. The 129th birth anniversary of Swami Ramdas will be observed on April 10.
Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. -Buddha Things derive their being and nature by mutual dependence and are nothing in themselves. -Nagarjuna Forget like a child any injury done by somebody immediately. Never keep it in the heart. It kindles hatred. -Swami Sivananda It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -Jiddu Krishnamurti Life finds its purpose and fulfillment in the expansion of happiness. -Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Spiritual relationship is far more precious than physical. Physical relationship divorced from spiritual is body without soul. -Mahatma Gandhi Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live. -Marcus Aurelius
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India Post
April 12, 2013
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India and China's riparian rivalry over the Brahmaputra ROOMANA HUKIL
C
hina's proposed strategic interests behind the building of the run-of-the-river dams along the middle reaches of River Brahmaputra provides insignificant data over the nature of the project as it develops in the course of time. As the Indian government rests on the Chinese assurance of the unalterable status quo, the Assamese government has raised serious doubts on the Chinese prospects over the watercourse. In this regard, it is time for an establishment such as that of the Brahmaputra River Valley Authority (BRVA) to undertake effective scientific investigation with respect to both the lean flows of the river and the consequences of the dam constructions by the Chinese over the river. This article delves into assessing the potential factors that are leading China into building the multiple dams. It questions China's proposition vis-Ă -vis the mounting threats and assesses the establishment of a joint authoritative body to ensure the regulatory flow of the waters, in order to provide a timely scientific data of the cause and effects of the river.
construction on the Pondo Water Control Project in 2008, which is expected to be completed in 2016, coupled with the 60 odd number of dams raises serious environmental and risk concerns for its downstream South Asian counterparts. Comprised of a reservoir and a power station, the projects are designed to irrigate millions of hectares of farmland and generate millions of kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
India's strategic move The recent exchange of state visits over the Brahmaputra discourse by China and India on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit questions the efficacy of the state of affairs, pertaining to a change in the projected plans. While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh raised India's concerns over
between any of its co-riparian neighbors and is continually propositioning new dam constructions with zero lateral negotiations over the effects of its plans. Considering relations at stake due to China's disposition, it is essential that the Brahmaputra River Valley Authority, if established, look into the present needs and evolving dynamics pertaining to irrigation, food security, climate change, flood preventive modules, hydroelectricity, ecology, etc. of the sub-regional arena. Notwithstanding pledges to take the bilateral relationship to a new level with a higher growth trajectory, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has sought a joint mechanism with China to assess the construction work on dams on the river. This will ensure a steady assessment of the work in progress vis-Ă vis foresightedness in dam con-
Factors for China's propaganda The Brahmaputra River in China (known as Yarlung Tsangpo) has been of significant strategic interest for the Chinese since the 19th century. With an average elevation of about 4000 meters, the river provides for the hydroelectricity power needs of the country. In addition, some areas within China have been experiencing their worst drought in at least 50 years. Therefore, it is believed that by diverting the river system via constructing the proposed dams, the river will provide for the growing needs of the country; prove to be a useful mechanism in flood control methods and serve the waterway navigational purposes of the country. China upholds the principle of 'Prior Appropriation', meaning that, as the first user of the river course, it must be granted the right of accessing the river without external interferences. This also marks a geo-strategic advantage for China to enforce its power structure in the South Asian region. For China, the building of the dams is merely a run-of-the-river project that will not hold the water of the lower riparian states. However, China's growing interests from the 'Tibet Three Gorges Dam', (one of the biggest dams in China)
Beijing's plans to construct three dams across the Brahmaputra River, President Xi Jinping, as part of the decadal change of power structure in China, maintained that the dams are, merely, run-of-theriver projects and are innocuous. Since there is no definitive alignment of the nature of the projects merely being run-of-theriver, India's subsequent course of action should entail restructuring the Brahmaputra Board and replacing it with the Brahmaputra River Valley Authority (BRVA). There is an apprehension being expressed throughout the Asian regime who are demanding to know the quantity of water that the Chinese are planning to divert. Therefore, demanding a bilateral collaborative study between the two countries will help allay these fears. Since no flood mitigation measures are in place, there is an excessive amount of water in the river which is not contained in any reservoir. Further, China holds no water sharing agreement
struction activities and will also safeguard Sino-Indo relations from getting muddled in the long run. By establishing a joint mechanism committee, the Indian government will be able to re-affirm its loose ties with the Northeast. Assam's vociferous claims to the central government over the issue have pushed the UPA into taking immediate action. However, the onus is still on India for looking at the tripartite aspects of the water-sharing discourse, as regards, its relations with Bangladesh loosely hanging despite weighty political ambitions being raised over the Teesta River. Presently, India needs to act swiftly over the Teesta discourse with Bangladesh whilst pushing for affirmative action over the Brahmaputra River with China in order to maintain a steady balance with its riparian counterparts in the region. The writer is Research Officer, Internal and Regional Security Program, IPCS
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Image of India
t seems anybody can insult Manmohan Singh and get away with it. The latest to do so was South African President Jacob Zuma, host of the BRICS summit in Durban, who could not find time for a one-to-one meeting with him while he played the proper host to his Chinese and Russian counterparts. The visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping was turned into a state visit and that of Russian President into a "working visit" with deals being signed with both. Manmohan Singh found himself allotted a resort at Zimbali, 40 km from Durban while the Brazilian, Russian and Chinese leaders were lodged in hotels within Durban. Also recently Italy rescinded on its promise to India's Supreme Court that it would send back the two Italian marines arrested in India for having killed two fishermen in India's waters. It is noteworthy that India's Prime Minister's protests had little impact. Only when the Supreme Court put its foot down and cancelled the immunity of South African ambassador that Italy saw better sense and returned the marines to India for trial. This shows that what to say of hostile neighbors, no country in the world thinks that the Indian government has any worth and that you can get away by hurting or harming it. The way was shown by Pakistan which has repeatedly attacked India and continues to pin prick it by proxy jihadis but has not yet found an equal response from India. This has emboldened other countries also to cock a snook at India. Analysts also question India's participation in the BRICS grouping where it is now content to play a junior role to China and Russia. India's interests also do not tally with these members who show such a shallow commitment to democratic values. India's economic interests are more closely aligned with the US, they say, than with the other BRICS. A major importer of oil and other commodities, India stands to benefit like the US from falling commodity prices, which are hurting major commodity exporters like Russia, Brazil and South Africa. Meanwhile, what is happening within civil society is also affecting India's image. Hindustan Times reports that the image of "Incredible India" has taken a massive beating since the infamous Delhi gangrape resulting in foreign tourist arrivals falling 25 percent With a weak and ineffective coalition government being embarrassed by its allies, it is not surprising that the world thinks very poorly of India. In such a scenario, it is interesting to find a contrary assessment by the Economist magazine. It first praises the virtues of India as a soft power. Listing them, it says, "India is committed to democratic institutions, the rule of law and human rights. As a victim of jihadist violence, it is in the front rank of the fight against terrorism. It has a huge and talented Diaspora. It may not want to be co-opted by the West but it shares many Western values. It is confident and culturally rich. If it has a permanent Security Council seat, it would not instinctively excuse and defend brutal regimes. Unlike China and Russia, it has few skeletons in its cupboard. With its enormous coastline and respected Navy, India is well placed to provide security in a critical part of global commons." It is these very virtues which stop India from becoming a great power, it surmises. It lacks the culture to pursue an active security policy. Its policy and strategic restraint has in some ways served the country well. With little to show for several limited wars with Pakistan and one with China, India tends to respond to provocation with caution. It has long-running territorial disputes with both its big neighbors but it usually tries not to inflame them. "India does not go looking for trouble, and that has generally been to its advantage," the magazine says. The moot question yet to be answered is whether the pacific nature of India's culture has helped it or harmed it?
April 12, 2013
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April 12, 2013