IndiaPost_04-22-2011 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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South Asian Summit discusses bias Details on page 40

Radia links Pawar to 2G; minister denies Details on page 7

VOL 16, No. 867

April 22, 2011

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INDIA, CHINA RESUME DEFENSE TIES BEIJING/ NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao have agreed to resume meetings of high-ranking military commanders, Indian National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon has said. A delegation of Indian military commanders will visit China in June this year, and other contacts are being dis-

cussed, he said. The agreement was reached by Singh and Hu at the BRICS summit in Sanya, Hainan. Menon did not say whether joint military exercises were possible. India and China suspended military cooperation after the Chinese authorities denied an entry visa to an Indian General in August 2010. Details on page 5

Speaker Meira Kumar

Indian Parl. delegation in Chicago Details on page 10

US investigating Indian-origin tax evaders Details on page 8

Indian American pleads guilty to abusing woman Details on page 8

Chicago Indians relish victory with unique gala

Interactive tool for autistic students

Details on page 11 Details on page 20

Sachin named Wisden’s leading cricketer

PM, Medvedev discuss nuke safety reviews

Details on page 44 Details on page 30

DoL warning over hair salon products Details on page 36

INDIA POST SURVEY

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 26-27

ANNA MAGIC: Young Indians demonstrating at Times Square for corruption free India. Pic Srirekha

Community Post -------------- 10-19

Youth unite at 'NYC for Anna'

survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Will Hazare compaign dent corruption in India? Last week’s result

World Cup victory will inspire Gen Next? YES 73%

NO 27%

Classifieds ------------------------- 47

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: When Atul Kumar, a former IIMAhmedabad alumni and New York professional decided to join in the India Against Corruption movement, he began by creating an email-chain among his alumni in the US. The initial response to his calls to have a protest

similar to Anna Hazare's in New Delhi, was nothing short of cynical and negative where someone asked him if he was so passionate about India why doesn't he go back; another asked him if he could guarantee that he had never taken or given a bribe ever in his life; yet another asked him why he wanted to wash India's dirty linen among the public in Times Square.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Details on page 6

Date Book -------------------------- 46 Edit Page --------------------------- 49 HealthScience Post --------- 36-39 Horoscope ------------------------- 28 Immigration Post ------------- 40-43 Life Style ----------------------- 22-25 Philosophy ------------------------- 48 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 34-35 TechBiz Post ------------------- 20-21 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 29-31

India Post

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April 22, 2011

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Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Subhash C Japra Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Ranjana Sodhi Managing Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Sonia Sidhu Management Analyst Radhika Jhamb Correspondent Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Deepa Japra Youth Post Correspondent Rama Mehra Advertising Bhumi Bhutani Health Science Correspondent Jaya Gautam Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Sirisha Chandraraju Correspondent Isha Patnaik Correspondent Raaj D. Photo Journalist Los Angeles Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief J S Bedi PR & Marketing Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent

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Publisher’s Diary

fter the Administration vs Republican House shenanigans over the passing of the 2012 budget, which nearly shut the federal government down, I am convinced that left to politicians, this country's future could really be bleak. Here we have the country's political leadership holding their own people to ransom in a showdown that is nothing short of a made-for-TV WWF wrestling match. The President came out this week to make his "I'm-open-to-ideas-but-onlyif-they-are-better-than-mine" budget speech which in good part was about how "the House will aggressively oppose it" or "will have to make the tough decisions to find common ground" or "give ground on issues that were important to them" and so on. Since when did issues of life and death importance to common people become purely Democrat vs Republican scoring points? Unlike in dictatorial regimes where decisions taken are for the benefit of the rulers and their cronies, the problem with democracies is most decisions are taken to get one better on the Opposition. And at the bargain end are not the common people but partisan interests for electoral gains. Whenever I hear an American President address the nation on issues of importance, it always seems like they are addressing a kindergarten class of four-year olds. Why can't Americans have adult conversations that these are real issues facing them and not the politicians? Why is it so difficult to understand that their country is going broke and if it was not for the dollar reserves in other countries, America would go the way of Greece - bankrupt to be precise? Why do Americans elect a President and pay for the entire government machinery when they are so afraid of government decisions? When will they accept that the system they are so arrogant about is not working any longer and that if someone like Obama is trying to change it he is not turning it into a socialist nation, but an economy that can still be viable just 10 years from now? Like Indians are realizing now, when will Americans realize that it's all about them and not about politicians? Romesh K Japra

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Mallika’s challenge Mallika Sherawat’s latest item song has thrown an open challenge to the ‘Munnis’ and ‘Sheilas’

Cover Story: Defense ties PM Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao have agreed to resume meetings of high-ranking military commanders.

Community: MPs in Chicago

Members of the Indian MPs’ delegation that visited Chicago recently expressed sympathy for the Anna Hazare movement.

Life Style: All for Japan At the fundraiser for Tsunami victims, contestants for Miss and Mrs Asia showcased the heritage and culture of Asia.

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April 22, 2011

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India, China resume defense ties BEIJING/ NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao have agreed to resume meetings of high-ranking military commanders, Indian National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon has said. A delegation of Indian military commanders will visit China in June this year, and other contacts are being discussed, he said. The agreement was reached by Singh and Hu at the BRICS sum-

China said it was "vigorously committed" to developing military ties with its "important neighbor" and was ready to resolve the visa row through friendly consultation mit in Sanya, Hainan. Menon did not say whether joint military exercises were possible. India and China suspended military cooperation after the Chinese authorities denied an entry visa to an Indian general in August 2010. The two countries have also agreed to work together to resolve their land border dispute 'Committed' to military ties Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lie told a media briefing in Beijing that China always valued military ties with India. Sounding upbeat over the resumption of defense exchanges with India, China said it was "vigorously committed" to developing military ties with its "important neighbor" and was ready to resolve the visa row through friendly consultation. "India is an important neighbor of China. China is vigorously committed to developing military to military relations with India," Hong said. After a considerable pause, India is set to restore full defense cooperation with China, with a high-level Indian military delegation expected to visit this country in June. The decision to send a military delegation to China marks an end to the freeze on high-level defense exchanges by India after the then Northern Army Commander Lt Gen B S Jaswal was denied a

proper visa in July last year for travel to Beijing because he served in Jammu and Kashmir. "China always values our military exchanges with India and believes the two sides could proceed from the overall interest of bilateral relations, follow the principal of seeking a common ground while solving differences to promote sound and stable development of military relations," the spokesman said. The Indian decision comes amid apparent moves by China to reverse its two-year policy of giving stapled visas to people hailing from Jammu and Kashmir. To a question on whether China has ended the policy of issuing stapled visas to Kashmiri residents in India, Hong said: "I would like to point out that for issues relating to people to people exchanges in our relations, we are ready to properly solve this issue through friendly consultation". Strengthening strategic, eco ties Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese President Hu Jintao met in Sanya, with the Indian leader conveying the intention to expand cooperation in all areas and strengthen the strategic and economic partnership. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation with particular focus on economy and trade, amid India's concerns over the imbalance in favor of China. In his opening remarks at the meeting, Singh told Hu that India was "keen to expand areas of cooperation" with China. "I wish to reaffirm the desire to strengthen strategic and economic partnership with China in every

developing countries in the world, India and China bear an important responsibility of ensuring their allround and sustainable socio-economic development. Recalling the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to India in December last year, Singh said the two sides had agreed on a series of measures to broad base and balance trade and economic cooperation. "We have to make more efforts to promote greater Indian exports to China to reduce the trade defi-

Recalling the visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to India in December last year, Singh said the two sides had agreed on a series of measures to broad base and balance trade and economic cooperation Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with the President of China, Hu Jintao, on the sidelines of BRICS Summit, at Sanya, Hainan, China on April 14

possible way," the Prime Minister said. As the two leaders greeted each other warmly, Singh pointed out to Hu that they had met a number of times, including on the sidelines of G-20 and BRIC Summits. Hu said it was pleasure to meet Singh and that he looked forward to exchanging views on bilateral and international issues of mutual

interest. Singh and Hu met in the backdrop of concerns in India with regard to expanding trade imbalance in favor of China and other issues like grant of stapled visas to people hailing from Jammu and Kashmir and Chinese activities in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir. Ahead of his meeting with Hu, Singh said that as the two largest

cit," he has said in an interview to Xinhua while expressing hope that the two countries would be able to achieve the target of USD 100 billion by 2015. Trade imbalance Earlier, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said there was a need to address the question of trade imbalance and that India had sought greater access to Chinese markets, particularly in the areas of strengths like IT and pharma, to bridge the gap.-PTI

PM, Medvedev discuss nuke safety reviews SANYA, China: In the backdrop of nuclear radiation fears in Japan after a tsunami, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev discussed the need for reviewing safety mechanisms of atomic reactors of the two countries besides pushing for safety reviews of such facilities at international level. Meeting for the second time in four months, Singh and Medvedev also discussed ways to push the unique bilateral strategic partnership that covers a wide range of issues, including energy, defense, space and trade and economy. Briefing reporters, National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon said the two leaders discussed the recent events in Japan which was

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry A. Medvedev, in a bilateral meeting, on the sidelines of BRICS Summit, at Sanya, China on April 13

hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami triggering radiation threats at a damaged nuclear plant. Considering that India and Russia have active cooperation in the civil nuclear field, the two leaders discussed the need for international efforts to "re-examine nuclear safety standards and see what can be done internationally besides the internal reviews that both the countries have put in place" in response to the Fukushima episode. "We will go through this process together. We are examining this," Menon said. He said the two leaders were of the view that despite the concerns, there is no sound alternative economically or environmentally to nuclear energy if security is ensured.-PTI

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India Post

April 22, 2011

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Youth unite at 'NYC for Anna' SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: When Atul Kumar, a former IIM-Ahmedabad alumni and New York professional decided to join in the India Against Corruption movement, he began by creating an email-chain among his alumni in the US. The initial response to his calls to have a protest similar to Anna Hazare's in New Delhi, was nothing short of cynical and negative where someone asked him if he was so passionate about India why doesn't he go back; another asked him if he could guarantee that he had never taken or given a bribe ever in his life; yet another asked him why he wanted to wash India's dirty linen among the public in Times Square. But then it took just another day for the positive responses to begin pouring in and within two

‘The general feeling among our parents and grandparents in India is that India is a hopeless case and nothing can be done to better it. But we (the youth) don't feel that way’ days, 700 people signed up to join the fight against corruption in India (spearheaded by Gandhian and septuagenarian social activist Anna Hazare) in a peaceful show of support on April 9, at Times Square in New York City. And so, on this crisp Saturday afternoon, more than 300 young Indian Americans - among them software engineers, financial consultants, investment bankers, in their 20s and 30s and recent immigrants to the US - essentially connected by Facebook, turned up, standing out among the teaming tourists and New Yorkers at the iconic Square, stark in long white T-shirts with 'NYC 4 Anna' emblazoned on the front. None of them were friends or neighbors or colleagues, but they were brought together by a common cause they genuinely believed in, that is to bring about systemic change in India through the power of the youth. Indeed, it was Facebook that aided in spreading the word about the Times Square event. But even if it may seem inspired by the recent Egyptian Tahrir Square phenomenon, for the 'Internet Generation' as they all themselves, it is

the best means, although not the end to their cause of seeing a corruption-free India. "This is a cause very close to my heart and I am willing to give my career for it," said Atul Kumar as he gathered signatures from all those who turned up on a petition to be given to India's Prime Minister asking for the speedy passing of the Lokpal Bill. "The general feeling among our parents and grandparents in India is that India is a hopeless case and nothing can be done to better it. But we (the youth) don't feel that way. We feel we can make a difference and bring about change in our lifetime." Atul Kumar's involvement in the fight against corruption was spurred when he learnt about the involvement of Arvind Kejriwal who had earlier successfully brought about the implementation of Right to Information Act in India. "With people of integrity like Arvind Kejriwal in this movement, we are confident the anti-corruption movement too will be successful," he said. "Also, for the first time, hundreds of thousands of people in India have come out for something that is not connected to Bollywood or cricket or other middle class pastimes. This shows they want change." For Purvi Parikh, who grew up in Mumbai and has been living in New York for the last ten years, showing up at Times Square on this beautiful Spring day was no picnic. "We are here to make a quiet statement," she said. "There's a lot of cynicism in India that 'kuch badalne wala hai nahi to bolke kya fayda' (what's the use of raising your voice when nothing's going to change). We have grown up with that attitude that 'the system never changes', the cliché being that the 'system changes you'. With youth participation, Parikh hopes it will be different this time. "It's impressive that someone with Gandhian principles (Anna Hazare) took the lead and got the country around," Parikh continued. "It kind of teaches the new generation about what he represented - that they had achieved freedom from tyranny then and that this is a new kind of freedom that we are trying to achieve now." "It's difficult for today's generation to understand non-violence in the world we live in today," she added to good measure. "Hopefully this will get the internet generation involved in a more active way. We need younger leaders; we don't need politicians; we need statesmen; we need better

Young Indians unite at Times Square for corruption free India. Pic Srirekha

causes, and I hope this movement encourages youngsters to become part of the political system and make a difference from within." For Shweta Joshi, a software engineer who has lived outside India for over 20 years, it was the recent spontaneous victory celebrations among Indian Americans in her Newport, a New Jersey neighborhood that made it seem possible that Indian Americans can unite for India. "Indian Americans living in Newport are mostly highly placed professionals and tend to keep a low profile. But when India won the cricket World Cup, they just spontaneously came out onto the streets creating a traffic jam and

dians in general suffered from the 'chalta hai' (it's ok) attitude. "Earlier the common refrain was that 'Ek se kya hoga' (what can one individual change?). But now we are realizing that even one person can make a difference," he said. "It's a sorry state that somebody had to take such drastic measures (fast unto death) to get attention," said Priya Gogia, another working professional in New York. "We Indians generally come together only when good things are happening, like a cricket victory, but when there's something bad happening, we kind of become subdued." Shravanth Bhagat, who works for Citigroup was more pragmatic

‘Indian Americans living in Newport are mostly highly placed professionals and tend to keep a low profile. But when India won the cricket World Cup, they just spontaneously came out onto the streets creating a traffic jam and the police had to be called. Although this is a more serious cause, we know we can come together for India’ the police had to be called. Although this is a more serious cause, we know we can come together for India." Though they are so far away from India, Joshi believes that through social media, if more and more people support, the process of change (in India) will speed up. Vikram Malhotra, an investment banker in Manhattan said that In-

in his approach. "I don't say people will stop taking bribes because of some legislation. I want a system whereby if I take a bribe, I want to be punished for it." The geographical distance between India and the US does not matter for their efforts to have an impact on events back home in India, they all believe. Says Bhaskar Mitra: "Just because we

are in NY it doesn't mean we are not Indians. I don't know what impact my being here will have in India, but my job is to keep engaged with any causes that relates to India." Explaining why a Times Square protest was significant, a former Indian army colonel now settled in Canada wrote on his Facebook posting that Indian politicians should understand that they will get the same treatment now as the dictators from Africa or Middle East get if we tell the world that they are corrupt. Not necessarily the last word, but as Atul Kumar says with conviction, "Any change has to come from oneself, at an individual level. If the younger generation grows up with the values that being honest is as important as being rich and/or famous then I think change will come from grass root level." Visibly charged up, the gathered youth, many of whom plan on eventually going back to India, are determined to sustain the movement through the social media. On that day, the NYC 4 Anna team collected more than 320 signatures on a petition to be submitted to the Indian government through the Indian Consulate. The motley group of volunteers also decided to formalize their efforts through a focus group, NY Desis, to carry on similar events and social causes in future. Spontaneous events similar to that in Times Square were held by young Indian Americans in several cities across the US.

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April 22, 2011

India Post

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Pakistan-origin American sentenced to 23 years for plotting Metro-rail attacks India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Pakistani-American Farooque Ahmed, 35, of

Ashburn, Virginia, was sentenced April 11 to 23 years in prison, followed by 50 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to

charges stemming from his attempts to assist others whom he believed to be members of alQaeda in planning bombings at

India gifts $ 1 million for 'UN Women'

mbassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Permanent Representative of India to the UN April 8, handed over a check of $1 million towards India's contribution to the core voluntary budget of UN Women (United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the

Empowerment of Women) for the year 2011. The check was received on behalf of UN Women by Dr Michele Bachelet, Under Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Women. India's contribution demon-

strates its firm support to the promotion of UN efforts in the field of gender equality and the empowerment of women. India is currently one of the members of the Executive Board of the UN Women. Photo: SnapsIndia

IOC seeks Air India report implementation India Post News Service

CALGARY, Canada: Indian Overseas Congress President Vikram Bajwa held a meeting with Justice John Major here to discuss an update on the "Air India A Canadian Tragedy-Kanishka" report, submitted to the Conservative Government of Stephen Harper. He said that since Canada has been forced to go to elections on May 2 due to the Government losing the confidence Vote, IOC strongly recommends, on the advise of Justice John Major, that all prospective candidates, irrespective of political party affiliations, should vow to ask the New Government in May 2011 to implement the report and grant justice and a decent compensation to the families of the victims. IOC also suggested that IndoCanadians should not only be emotional in ensuring victory to NRI candidates but should have them endorse the report as a political promise.

Justice John Major with IOC president Vikram Bajwa

Metrorail stations in the Wash- gence officials working together ington, D.C. area. continue to use the criminal jusNeil H. MacBride, US Attorney tice system to protect America for the Eastern District of Vir- from attack, obtain intelligence ginia; Todd Hinnen, Acting As- from terrorists, and secure their sistant Attorney General for Na- lawful, long-term detention." tional Security; and James W. "This individual followed a McJunkin, Assistant Director in twisted, radical ideology outside Charge of the FBI's Washington that of the mainstream Muslim Field Office, made the announce- community which led him to ment after Ahmed entered his break the law. He now faces the guilty plea and was sentenced by consequences of his actions," US District Court Judge Bruce said James W. McJunkin, AssisLee. tant Director in Charge of the Ahmed, a naturalized US citi- FBI's Washington Field Office. zen born in Pakistan, pleaded "The FBI remains committed to guilty to the charges of attempt- disrupting possible terrorist ing to provide material support plots and individuals who seek to a designated terrorist organi- to assist terrorist organizations." zation and collecting information Ahmed was arrested by the to assist in planning a terrorist attack on a transit facility. In a plea agreement, the defense and government jointly recommended a prison sentence of 23 years in prison. Following the acceptance of the guilty plea, Judge Lee immediately sentenced Ahmed to the agreed-upon term of imprisonment and imposed a 50-year term of supervised release. In announcing the Farooque Ahmed plea, officials emphasized that at no time was the public in danger during this investiga- â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It's chilling that a man from tion and that the FBI Ashburn could admit to was aware of Ahmed's activities from before planning these acts of terrorthe alleged attempt be- ism, and a 23-year sentence gan and closely moniis a just punishment. We are tored his activities until his arrest. grateful for the outstanding "Mr. Ahmed today work of the FBI in detecting admitted he was determined to kill as many and disrupting this plotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; people as possible through multiple bombings at the heart of our nation's FBI on Oct 27, 2010. According capital," said US Attorney Neil H. to court records, between April MacBride. "It's chilling that a and October last year, Ahmed atman from Ashburn could admit to tempted to assist others whom planning these acts of terrorism, he believed to be members of and a 23-year sentence is a just al-Qaeda in planning multiple punishment. We are grateful for bombings to cause mass casuthe outstanding work of the FBI alties at Metrorail stations. Sometime in Sept. 28, 2010, in detecting and disrupting this he also provided to an indiplot." "From his home in Ashburn, vidual whom he believed to be Virginia, believing that he was affiliated with al-Qaeda diaworking for Al-Qaeda, Farooque grams that Ahmed drew of Ahmed plotted to carry out the three Metrorail stations in Arsimultaneous bombing of mul- lington and provided suggestiple Metro trains in the D.C. tions as to where explosives area," said Todd Hinnen, Acting should be placed on trains in Assistant Attorney General for Metrorail stations in ArlingNational Security. "Today's plea ton to kill the most people in provides a powerful example of simultaneous attacks planned how law enforcement and intelli- for 2011.

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India Post

April 22, 2011

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US investigating Indian-origin tax evaders SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Vaibhav Dahake, a Somerset, NJ, businessman man had admitted and pleaded guilty to conspiring to conceal undeclared bank accounts in India, US Attorney Paul J. Fishman and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General John A. DiCicco of the Justice Department's Tax Division announced April 11. Dahake, 44, pleaded guilty to an Indictment charging him with one count of conspiring to defraud the IRS. He entered his guilty plea before US District Judge Freda L. Wolfson in Trenton federal court. At sentencing, Dahake faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the amount of financial gain to the defendant or loss to the IRS. Additionally, Dahake has agreed to pay a 50 percent civil penalty for failing to file Reports of Foreign Bank or Financial Account relating to his undeclared bank accounts, for the calendar year, from 2004 through 2009, during which the accounts had the highest balance. Sentencing is scheduled for July 22, 2011. In a larger investigation related to similar cases, the United States has asked a San Francisco court to allow the IRS to access HSBC India bank account records to identify Indian origin US residents who may be tax evaders. The US Justice Department is seeking an order from a federal court in San Francisco authorizing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to request information from HSBC Bank USA, about US residents who may be using accounts at The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in India (HSBC India) to evade federal income taxes. The government filed a petition with the court to allow the IRS to serve what is known as a "John Doe" summons on the bank. The IRS uses a John Doe summons to obtain information about possible tax fraud by people whose identities are unknown. If approved, the John Doe summons would direct HSBC USA to produce records identifying US taxpayers with accounts at HSBC India, many of whom are believed by the government to have hidden their accounts from the IRS. It has reportedly been found that at least 9,000 Indian Americans were holding accounts in HSBC's India branch with more than $100,000 in deposits. According to documents filed with the government's petition, on Jan 26, 2011, a grand jury in New-

ark, NJ, indicted Vaibhav Dahake, charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States by using undeclared accounts in the British Virgin Islands and at HSBC India to evade his income taxes. According to those documents, employees of HSBC Holdings plc and its affiliates operating in the

At sentencing, Dahake faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the amount of financial gain to the defendant or loss to the IRS. Additionally, Dahake has agreed to pay a 50 percent civil penalty United States assured Dahake that accounts maintained in India would not be reported to the IRS. According to documents filed during the guilty plea proceeding: Dahake admitted that from 2001 through 2010, he maintained undeclared bank accounts in India that he failed to report on his federal income tax returns. In 2001, Dahake received from HSBC an unsolicited letter advertising bank accounts in India that paid high interest rates. Dahake subsequently met with a banker, employed by the bank's New York office, who advised Dahake that one of the advantages of opening up a bank account in India was that he would not have to supply the bank with his social security number. After Dahake decided to open an account in India, the banker advised him not to send one large check, but to send five checks, each in the amount of $10,000, in

into either British pounds or Euros before wire transferring them. The banker told Dahake that the funds would not be transferred through the US banking system because the international bank had correspondent banks in Europe and around the world that handled transactions in different currencies. During a subsequent trip to India, Dahake had a telephone conversation with a third banker, employed by the international bank in California, regarding how to conceal the repatriation of funds from India to the United States. The banker advised Dahake that he and his wife should not withdraw more than $18,000 collectively to avoid coming back into the United States with over $10,000 each. In 2006, Dahake faxed a letter to the international bank in India instructing it to issue him five bank checks, each in the amount of $9,500, and to send the checks via courier to his residence in New Jersey. A banker employed by HSBC in India had advised Dahake to purchase multiple checks in that amount when repatriating funds from India to the United States. Following the publication of news reports that Swiss bank UBS AG had entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice, Dahake advised the banker in California that he was considering repatriating all his money from India to the United States. In response, the banker told Dahake he had nothing to worry about because the international bank would not be issuing Forms 1099 on the accounts in India, and that the IRS would be looking for undeclared accounts maintained in the Caribbean rather than in the Far East. The banker also advised Dahake that the international bank operated banks in both Singapore and Hong Kong and that the banker could introduce Dahake to

Dahake wire transferred additional funds from the British Virgin Islands to his undeclared bank account in India. A second banker employed by HSBC in New York advised Dahake that he could conceal his undeclared accounts order to "stay below the radar." During 2003 and 2004, Dahake wire transferred additional funds from the British Virgin Islands to his undeclared bank account in India. In connection with these wire transfers, a second banker employed by HSBC in New York advised Dahake that he could conceal his undeclared accounts by converting funds from US dollars

bankers in those countries if Dahake wanted to move his funds there. Individuals who physically transport, mail or ship - or cause to be physically transported, mailed, or shipped - currency, checks, and other monetary instruments in an aggregate amount exceeding $10,000 into or out of the United States are required to file a FinCen

Form 105, Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments (a "CMIR"), with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. United States law prohibits individuals from structuring the importation or exportation of currency, checks and other monetary

During a subsequent trip to India, Dahake had a telephone conversation with a third banker, employed by the international bank in California, regarding how to conceal the repatriation of funds from India to the United States instruments if the purpose of the structuring is to evade the requirement to file a CMIR for transactions exceeding $10,000. US Attorney Fishman stated: "New Jersey businessman Vaibhav Dahake admitted today that he conspired to hide his assets from the IRS by stashing them in India. As all taxpayers prepare to file their annual returns, we remind them and their financial institutions not to cheat their fellow citizens by defrauding the IRS." "Those who still think they can

hide their assets and income offshore to evade taxes need to rethink their strategy. The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting such individuals, and U.S. taxpayers who honestly report their income and pay their taxes can take comfort in that fact," said John A. DiCicco, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's Tax Division. "This is another step in our ongoing effort to pursue hidden offshore assets - no matter where they are located," said IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Victor S.O. Song. "We are continuing our work to crack down on offshore tax evasion. Through our efforts, we are gaining access to more and more information on institutions and individuals involved in offshore tax evasion, and you can expect us to use all of our enforcement tools to stop this abuse." U.S. Attorney Fishman and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General DiCicco commended the special agents of the IRS, under the direction of IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Victor S.O. Song, who investigated the case. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey A. Levine of the U.S. Attorney's Office Health Care and Government Fraud Unit in Newark; and Senior Litigation Counsel John E. Sullivan and Kevin M. Downing of the Department of Justice's Tax Division. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 9

Indian American pleads guilty to abusing woman on flight India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Berkeley Heights, NJ resident Ramesh Advani, admitted April 12, that he sexually abused a woman who was sleeping while on board a flight from Hong Kong to Newark Liberty International Airport, US Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced. Advani, 64, pleaded guilty before US District Judge Dennis M. Cavanaugh to information charging him with abusive sexual contact. According to documents filed in this case and statements made during Advani's guilty plea proceeding: On May 21, 2010, Advani was seated next to a woman while on board an overnight Continental flight from Hong Kong to Newark. While the plane was in the air over international waters, the victim fell asleep in her seat, covered with a blanket. While she was

asleep, Advani reached his hand under the blanket and sexually abused her. When the woman awoke, she realized what was happening and got up from her seat to inform the flight's crew members. The federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over all sexual abuse cases that occur in American airplanes over international waters, because such crimes are not within the jurisdiction of any state. The count to which Advani pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of three years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 1, 2011. The President has designated April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in order to highlight an issue that impacts our society and to challenge citizens to learn more and become involved in finding solutions to a collective problem.

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At India's behest UNSC to tackle Somali piracy India Post News Service

NEW YORK: For the first time, at the initiative of India, the United Nations Security Council last week passed a resolution addressing the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia, which has become of a matter of grave international concern. Resolution 1976 adopted by the Security Council on April 11 strongly condemns the growing practice of hostage-taking by pirates operating off the coast of Somalia and expresses serious concern at the inhuman conditions hostages face in captivity. It also recognises the adverse impact of the act of hostage-taking on the families of the hostages. The resolution calls for the immediate release of all hostages and notes the importance of cooperation among Member States on this issue. The Resolution 1976, adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Char-

ter and co-sponsored by India, also calls upon all Member States to cooperate on the issue of hostage-taking. The problem of piracy off the coast of Somalia is a serious threat to international security and maritime trade. Somali pirates are operating further and further off from the Somali coast. A few recent incidents of piracy have taken place about 250 nautical miles away from the Indian coast. India has been seriously concerned at these developments and the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have stepped up their vigil against pirates in its EEZ. A serious humanitarian issue concerning piracy is the problem of hostage-taking. The International Maritime Bureau reported that in 2010 alone, 1,016 sailors of all nationalities were taken hostage by Somali pirates, of whom 638 continue to remain in captivity. It has been a matter of serious concern for India that 53 Indian

Radia links Pawar to 2G, minister rubbishes reports NEW DELHI: A fresh controversy brewed after corporate lobbyist Niira Radia reportedly linked Union Minister Sharad Pawar to 2G scam-tainted DB Realty firm but the senior leader trashed her claim. Pawar was reacting to media reports which had quoted Radia as telling the CBI that he may be controlling DB Realty and may have pursued the issue of spectrum and license for Swan Telecom with former Telecom Minister A Raja. Her statement was part of the CBI charge sheet but she herself made it clear that it was the perception in Mumbai that she was talking about and she had no documentary proof to back it. Pawar said, "This is absolutely a lie and foolish statement. Her claim is absolutely irresponsible and a total lie and one should not give too much importance to her statement. "I have no financial interest in this company. DB Realty and that telecom company I have no relations at all. I have no financial, not one 'naya paisa' interest in that company," the minister said. He said he knew DB Realty's Vinod Goenka's father K M Goenka for the last 35 years and he had set up a milk processing

unit in Baramati about 20 years back. "We, all farmers, are helping him in getting good quality milk. We have a relationship. There are no two opinions about that but we have no involvement or association with the telecom

Security Council had not considered the problems of hostages taken by pirates. At India's initiative, however, the Council has addressed this issue for the first time in a resolution of the Security Council

nationals, who were aboard the hijacked ships, are being held captive by pirates. The hostages are generally from working class backgrounds and often the only breadwinners of their families. Sailors are in many circumstances required to endure very harsh conditions under the captivity of pirates and are often tortured by their captors. So far the Security Council had not considered the problems of hostages taken by pirates. At India's initiative, however, the Council has addressed this issue

for the first time in a resolution of the Security Council. The resolution further urges States and international organizations to share evidence and information for anti-piracy law enforcement purposes. With these positive elements, resolution 1976 will go a long way in helping States deal with the scourge of piracy and hostage-taking, India said. India's contribution in the drafting and adoption of the resolution has been widely appreciated by the members of the Security Council.

Tata Power bags over Rs 1,000 cr ‘India to ratify UN anti-graft order from Indian Air Force NEW DELHI: In one of the biggest private sector engagement in the defense sector, Tata Power has bagged an over Rs 1,000 crorecontract from the Indian Air Force for modernization of its 30 airfields. Tata Power has received the order to modernize the Airfield Infrastructure of Indian Air Force from the Ministry of Defense. Sources said the contract is worth over Rs 1,000 crore and would be implemented in a twophases over a period of around four years. It would cover about 30 air fields. This would probably be the largest defense contract awarded through a global tender process, another source said. The contract is quite important and encouraging in terms of private sector participation in the defense sector and would create a "precedence", the source added.

"The program, known as Modernization of Airfield Infrastructure, Phase I (MAFI-I), is of strategic importance and aims to improve capability of the Airfields to handle the modern combat air fleet being inducted by IAF," Tata Power said in a statement. Tata Power Strategic Electronics Division (SED) Chief Executive Officer Rahul Chaudhry said the contract "won against a Global Defense tender of MoD, is a watershed moment, not only for us, but also for increasing private sector participation in Indian defense sector". The company has been working closely with the Ministry of Defense and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to provide state-of-theart solutions to Indian Armed Forces for the past four decades, he added.-PTI

convention’

KOLKATA: Union Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said India would endorse the UN convention on graft which the country signed in 2005. "India will ratify the UN convention on graft. There is a long legal procedure which is needed to be followed," the Finance Minister said at a media interaction here. The UN anti-graft convention has 140 countries in its list. Taking a jibe at BJP for its tirade against corruption in the country, Mukherjee said it was the nature of that party to raise the issue from "time to time". When BJP was in power during 1998-2004 it did not pass the Lokpal Bill conceived in 1972. "Nobody stopped them from doing that," he said.-PTI

US investigating Indian-origin tax evaders Cont’d from page 8

Niira Radia

company," he said. Pointing out that Radia had herself stated that she had no proof to back the charge, Pawar said he had no talk with the corporate lobbyist or anyone else with regard to grant of license for spectrum use. "I am looking after agriculture of the country, not telecom," he said. Swan Telecom is one of the companies that allegedly benefited from 2G allocation scam. It was part of Mumbai-based DB Realty, which has since then become Etisalat DB. -PTI

Meanwhile, the government alleged that, according to HSBC's website, in 2002 HSBC India opened a "representative office" at an HSBC USA office in New York City to enable "Non-Resident Indians" (NRIs) living in the United States to open accounts in India. In 2007, HSBC India allegedly opened a second representative office at an HSBC USA office in Fremont, CA, purportedly "to make banking transactions more convenient for the NRI community based in California." Although HSBC India closed those offices in June 2010, the government alleges that NRI clients may still access their accounts at HSBC India from the United States. According to the petition documents, NRI clients have told IRS investigators that

NRI representatives in the United States assured the clients that they could invest in accounts at HSBC India without paying U.S. income tax on interest earned on the accounts and that HSBC would not report the income earned on the HSBC India accounts to the IRS. "The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all US taxpayers meet their obligations to declare and pay taxes on foreign bank accounts," said John A. DiCicco, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Tax Division. "The ability to hide accounts in foreign countries is rapidly dwindling. We will continue working hand-in-hand with the IRS to enforce the tax laws against those who are using offshore accounts - wherever they are located - to evade taxes."

"The IRS continues to focus its attention on international tax evasion," said IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman. "This summons request is focused on obtaining more information to help us determine if additional actions are needed. As I've said all along, our international efforts are not about just one country or one bank - it's about our wider effort to ensure compliance with the nation's tax laws." Federal law requires US taxpayers to pay federal income taxes on all income earned worldwide. US taxpayers must also report foreign financial accounts if the total value of the accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. A willful failure to report a foreign account can result in a penalty of up to 50 percent of the amount in the account at the time of the violation.

Desi News Telugu Assn celebrates Ugadi & Ram Navami USHA PARITI

CHICAGO: The 2011 Ugadi and Sri Ram Navami cultural event organized by the Tri-State Telugu Association (TTA), Chicago, on Saturday April 9, at the Samarathi Auditorium at the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont was a feast to the eyes and kept the audience glued to their seats from start to the end. The spirit of Ugadi and Sri Ram Navami was brought forth in vibrant colors with the thematic cultural program. TTA celebrated the event with a multi talented, multi faceted cultural program of music and dance.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Rallies and candlelight vigils to support Hazare Details on page 17

10 India Post

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April 22, 2011

Indian Parliamentary delegation pays 2-day visit to Chicago

Details on page 13

Candle vigil to support anticorruption bill India Post News Service

HOUSTON, TX: Houston NRIs have welcomed the decision of the Indian Government to accept representatives from civil society for drafting the Lokpal Bill following the anti-corruption campaign of Anna Hazare. Houston NRIs gathered at Mahatma Gandhi statue in Herman Park on April 11, did a candlelight vigil and discussed about their next plan of action. In support of the Jan Lokpal bill to eliminate corruption, the Houston NRIs started a signature campaign to mobilise people and get them involved. In the University of Houston, around 300 signatures were collected to support this cause.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar addressing the meet

RAMESH SOPARAWALA & SURESH SHAH India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Members of the Indian Parliamentary delegation that visited Chicago recently expressed sympathy for the anti corruption movement of Anna Hazare and said the issue needs to be ad-

Prominent invitees, MPs, CG Tomar, Speaker Meira Kumar, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, among others

own. Meira Kumar was leading a 12member delegation to PanamaMexico and as put by her, the twoday visit to Chicago was of a "transit" nature and had no specific objective in mind. The Indian Parliamentary delegation was scheduled to attend the 124th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary

number of Indian as well as American businessmen, educationists, professionals, community activists and members of ethnic media. Introducing Meira Kumar and members of the delegation, the Indian Consul General in Chicago, Ms Mukta Tomar, said that Ms Kumar is lawyer and a former diplomat turned a ranking Indian poli-

Details on page 14

She praised Indian Americans for espousing the cause of India and Indians here at the government and non-governmental level and lauded the upsurge in economic and cultural relations between the two countries

Vaisakhi gala at Indo American Center HARISH RAO

Ms. Tomar then dwelt upon the religious, cultural, academic and economic ties and cooperation between Midwest in general and Chicago in particular, and India. She referred to the visit of Swami Vivekanand 120 years ago to attend the World Parliament of Religions and that of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore 100 years

Guests including Air India Chief Crasto and SBI Chief Kumar

dressed. The question was put to the leader of the delegation, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and she is reported to have observed that the matter is being discussed at the highest level and that a decision could be expected soon. She counseled awaiting the outcome and made no observation of her

Union being held from April 15-20 in Panama. Meira Kumar visited Chicago along with her delegation en route to Mexico and Panama. The Indian consulate in Chicago held a dinner reception in the honor of the visiting delegation at the Union League Club in Chicago Downtown on Sunday April 9. The dinner was attended by a good

tician having been elected five times as Member of Parliament. She was a member of 8th, 11th, 12th and 14th Lok Sabha before getting elected unopposed as the first woman Speaker of Lok Sabha on 3 June 2009. She also acted as Cabinet Minister in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (2004-2009).

ago to UIC at Urbana Champagne. She praised Indian Americans for espousing the cause of India and Indians here at the government and non-governmental level and lauded the upsurge in economic and cultural relations between the two countries, especially after the visit of President Barack Obama. ContĂd on page 12

April 22, 2011

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Chicago Indians relish victory with unique celebrations AQ SIDDIQUI & RAMESH SOPARAWALA

Ald Joe Moore (fifth from left) Consul Vishwas Sakpal (second from left) with Balwinder Singh (fourth from left) and community members

CHICAGO: The craze for the game cricket is not limited to the people in Indian sub-continent. It equally affects all those hailing from the Indian subcontinent whether they are Indians, Paki-

the first ball was bowled in the month-long tournament to the last delivery when the final was played between two Asian countries - India and Sri Lanka - at the famous Wankhede stadium in Mumbai,

cast from the sub-continent. The culmination was the final but not so in Chicago. Indian Americans decided to hail the Indians for their decades after victory and announced hosting cel-

Community members with CG Ms Mukta Tomar (Pics courtesy Suresh Shah)

stanis Sri Lankans or Bangladeshis. Right from the day

many had sleepless nights watching the day and night matches tele-

ebrations at North Shore banquet hall on Mahatma Gandhi Marg -

Devon Avenue on Friday April 8 in a little unique way - making it a truly community affair and not an individual or one organization affair. The lead was taken by

Ms Mukta Tomar, Indian CG, expressing her joy

contributions. The culmination was when the Indian Consul Gen-

Fair fans of cricket with Balwinder Singh

Balwinder Singh, a front ranking community activist. The entire business community on Devon and surrounding suburbs besides members of the Indian community at large decided not only to par-

eral Ms Mukta Tomar not only decided to join the celebration but induced members of the Consulate also to come and participate. Jude Crasto of Air India was there along with his wife Manju Crasto

Restaurants on the Devon Avenue sent food items, the Indian owned liquor stores offered wines while others offered monetary contributions

Group of community members

ticipate but contribute in their own modest or grand way to the celebrations Restaurants on the Devon Avenue sent food items, the Indian owned liquor stores offered wines while others offered monetary

and there were 150 plus members of the community - class, creed, caste, religion language no bar flocking to the Banquet hall to share their happiness and joy. ContĂd on page 12

Community Across America

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April 22, 2011

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Chicago Indians relish victory with unique celebrations ContĂd from page 11

The good part of the near three and half hours of celebrations was that there were no formal speeches and everybody would mingle and interact with each other without inhibition and reservations. Ms. Mukta Tomar expressed her joy being there and offered congratulations to the Indian team and the Indians gathered there for recognizing the Indian victory. Among dignitaries were Alderman Joe Moore who came with his graceful wife and Indian Consul Vishwas Sakpal who is

now elevated to the Consul General position with a transfer to Russia. The musical program was presented by Saif Ali, Sahil, Shaila Khedkar, Anil Sharma and Vinita Gulabani. Smt. Vandana Jhingan, TV Asia community news anchor, welcomed the guests and congratulated all for India's historic victory. She pointed that the celebration idea was mooted at short notice but it got the Chicago Indian community all under one roof. That only proved that the victory had thrilled all Indians, both at home and abroad.

Singer Anil Sharma (right) Balwinder Singh and Naren Patel

Balvinder Singh with TV Anchor Vandana Jhinagan. (Next pic) Ms Kokila Patel, Ms Tomar and Naren Patel

Jude Crasto with his wife Manju and Vinesh Virani of Art of Living

Indian Parliamentary delegation pays 2-day visit to Chicago

Ms Tomar addressing meet ContĂd from page 10

Ms Meira Kumar in her brief addressed also referred to historic ties between Chicago and India as also between the USA and India. She talked about the non-violent movement for achieving social justice by Mahatma Gandhi and how it had its influence on the thinking of the leaders here. She mentioned the

Speaker Meira Kumar being greeted by CG Mukta Tomar

visit of President Barack Obama and how it boosted the bilateral relations between the two countries. She specifically alluded to President Obama's address to the Indian Parliament and his backing Indian bid to be a Permanent member of the Security Council. Ms Meira Kumar endeared herself to the Chicago Indian fraternity with her unassuming look and

approach, and quite an easy interaction with the guests present. Members of Parliament, especially Gopal Vyas, Ravindra Pandey, too were seen interacting with the community members Indian Consul Vishwas Sakpal presented a vote of thanks which was followed by a delicious dinner. Following is the list of the delegation members:

Consul Vishwas Sakpal presenting vote of thanks

Speaker of Lok Sabha, Mrs. Meira Kumar and & Manjul Kumar - Spouse; Dr M Jagannath, MP, Lok Sabha; S. Gopal Vyas, MP, Rajya Sabha; Ravindra Kumar Pandey, MP, Lok Sabha & Smt. Pandey; Sanjay Kumar Dinanath Patil, MP Lok Sabha & Smt. Patil; T. K. Vishwanathan, Secretary General, Lok Sabha Secretariat & Smt. SudhaVishwanathan; S. Bal

Shekar, Additional Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat; U. S. Saxena, Joint Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat; Mrs. Shalini Singh, IPS, Private Secretary to the Speaker of Lok Sabha; K. P. Balyan, Officer on Special Duty, Lok Sabha Secretariat; N.C.Gupta, Director, Lok Sabha Secretariat, and Rakesh Anand, Deputy Director, Lok Sabha Secretariat.

April 22, 2011

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Telugu Assn celebrates Ugadi & Ram Navami USHA PARITI

Dance performances by local artists and children

dered by Sri Sai Krishna, Priest of Lemont Temple, educated the audience with what is in store for the Telugu New Year. Festival theme based contemporary item Colors of Spring to Irish instrumental music and Kuchipudi performance Kalyana Rama by Smt. Janaki Anandavalli Nair and her students was one of the highlights of the evening and was received well by the audience. An excellent rendition of the Ugadi patriotic theme based production Ugadi Hela choreographed by Smt. Lavanya Jonnalagadda and written by Dr Nannapaneni Mangadevi was marked with a high degree of coordination and artistry and enthralled the audience. With about 30 participants in this production, the costumes and the en-

An excellent rendition of the Ugadi patriotic theme based production Ugadi Hela choreographed by Smt. Lavanya Jonnalagadda and written by Dr Nannapaneni Mangadevi was marked with a high degree of coordination and artistry dances. TTA Board Director Dr. Karri Bhaskar Reddy welcomed the audience. The cultural show started with a prayer song Kondalalo NelakonnaAnnamacharya Krithi by students of Sri Praveen Jaligama. This was followed by an excellent Veena medley of the themebased musical production Swara Raga Sudha in Ragam Kalyani by students of Smt. Rajeswari Pariti. The dance presentations for the evening commenced with a Nrithya Vandanam by students of Smt. Radhika Raghuvir. Movie dance item choreographed by Smt. Lakshmi Duvvapu was entertaining. The spirit of Ugadi and Sri Ram Navami was well captured by thematic dances and productions. Panchanga Sravam ren-

tire presentation were a treat to watch. The special attraction for the evening were theme based semiclassical presentations MathruBhasha Telugu and Bhadrachala Ramadasa krithi Sreerama nee namam performed by students of Smt. Sushmita Arunkumar, demonstrating elements of laya and nrittha and executed beautifully with talent and synergy. Madhurashtakam, describing the beauty of Lord Krishna presented by students of Smt. Sowmya Kumaran in Bharatanatyam dance style was executed with poise. Classical dance presentations Vara leela Ganalola by Swetha Vijayaraghavan, Ramayana Sabdam choreographed by Smt.

Sobha Tammana and Mohana Kalyani Thillana choreographed by Mahalakshmi Varadhan were rendered with grace. Vasanta Ritu Hela and Gopika Geetam-Kolatam dance depicting the spirit of Ugadi choreographed by Smt. Devaki Janakiraman and Smt. Prasuna Vootkur and her students gave

immense pleasure to the audience. The high energy was highly evident for the movie dances Arrere Vana, Telug remix from Godavari movie choreographed by Sri Lalitha and Priyanka respectively. One of the highlights of the evening was a unique performance by Ronit Akurathi, where the 8-year-

old performed the dance moves from Orange movie while singing with Karaoke. The emcees for the evening wer Dr Krishna Sarada Bathina and Smt. Usha Pariti. Dr Prem Sharma, social worker and Cofounder of Apna Ghar, was felicitated by the TTA Board for her services to the community.

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April 22, 2011

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Candle vigil to support anti-corruption bill

India Post News Service

ruption, the Houston NRIs started a signature campaign to mobilise people and get them involved. In the University of Houston, around 300 signatures were collected to support this cause. 5th pillar www.5thpillar.org and people for Loksatta www.peopleforloksatta.org have been in the forefront with other organisations like Bharat Swabhiman, Ekal Vidyalaya etc in spreading awareness among concerned citizens to take the responsibility to make India a

Now that NRIs can vote, they should vote only for people who will make the Jan Lokpal bill a reality. Many students and other people with various backgrounds participated in this event

corruption-free country. Speaking on the occasion, Raghava Solipuram from 5th Pillar said, "We need to persevere in this work and make our voices heard to policy makers in the form of vote. Now that NRIs can vote, they should vote only for people who will make the Jan Lokpal bill a reality. Many students and other people with various backgrounds participated in this event. Among the participants were Hyma, Sandeep, Vijay, Sanjitha, Shankar, Praveen,

Dinesh, Prasad, Srinivas, Pavan and many more. Raghava said the Lokpal bill has been pending for decades and we want to have this bill passed and implemented by incorporating the recommendations from Jan Lokpal bill by August 15, "which is a Herculean task. This can definitely be done if there is commitment and willingness from both ruling party and opposition. For this to happen, all concerned people of India must be with this process all the time."

Blood donation drive at Sikh Gurudwara SURENDRA ULLAL

PALATINE: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) in conjunction with Sikh Religious Society, Palatine, a north side Chicago suburb, organized a successful blood drive on Sunday April 10, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, at the Palatine Gurudwara facilities. The special event was to celebrate the Sikh spirit of community service on Vaisakhi festival season. "As we ring in the New Year

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;These blood drives are one of the ways that PCS encourages our community to give back to the community and the country we live in. One blood donation can save three livesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with the Vaisakhi spring harvest festival, there could not be a better way than to display our value of Seva by putting it into practice," said Balwinder Singh Girn, PCS President. Vaisakhi is the harbinger of spring and harvest season for the Sikh community that claims its

Donors at an all day blood donation camp organized at Sikh Religious Society Gurudwara

roots in India's breadbasket: Punjab. This day has special historical significance for Sikhs because on this day in 1699 the tenth and the last Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh started the Sikh initiation ceremony "Amrit Chhakna." This historical day also marks the Sikh New Year. "These blood drives are one of the ways that PCS encourages our community to give back to the community and the country we live in. One blood donation can save three lives. It is a great personal satisfaction as well, and it's

healthy for you," said Rajinder Singh Mago of PCS Chicago, the coordinator of the blood drive. This Life Source blood donation camp was open to all. The expected target of the units of blood collection was met. Many donors who are regular visitors to India and some other countries could not donate because, according to the current blood bank rules, if the donor has visited India less than twelve months ago then their blood will not be accepted. India is considered a malaria zone country.

April 22, 2011

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St Louis Indians celebrate Holi-Spring festival ASHWIN PATEL

ST. LOUIS: India Association of St. Louis (IAS) hosted a Spring Festival 2011 on Saturday April 2 with enthusiastic participation from members and others alike. The event, attended by more

nificent and colorful entertainment program highlighting the spirit and mood of Holi was organized in which over 125 participants from different age groups took part. The diverse cultural program

than 300 St. Louis Indians representing different regions, started with a Rangoli competition held in two separate categories for adults and children. The winners of the competition were awarded gift certificates. The event also featured variety of stalls including food delicacies, merchandise and art from different parts of India. Later in the evening a mag-

had 27 items ranging from classical devotional music to fast beat Bollywood remixes. The start was with a semi-classical fusion dance choreographed on Ashta Vinayaka Stuthi followed by jugalbandi of Mohiniattam and Bharatnatyam. Kids of different age groups performed on songs like Hur hur Dabangg, Hoton pe aise baat and

other popular Bollywood songs. Later, the audience was treated to a soulful musical performance by a local group who played violin, keyboard and mridangam on Bollywood songs like Tum paas aaye and Dheem ta dare. The evening ended with a few groups performing folk dances from different parts of India. The performances kept the audience enthralled and spellbound for about three hours.

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April 22, 2011

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Vaisakhi celebrations at Indo American Center HARISH RAO

Govindbhai Limbachia

CHICAGO: Seniors in Chicagoland flocked to Indo American Center (IAC) recently to celebrate a Punjabi harvest and New Year festival, Vaisakhi, with a lot of enthusiasm and fervor. Though Vaisakhi in a way historically is also associated with Sikh religion and New Year, it was a gathering of mostly of Hindus, Muslims and Jains with no presence of Sikhs. This clearly underlined the huge Indian cultural diversity with underlying unity of purpose and thought. The organizers primarily were from Punjab and Delhi - Kapurs and Chawlas but they were equally supported by those from Gujarat and Mumbai. And besides a sort of Punjabi Bhangra style dance, there was Gujarati Garba participated by all and sundry present. IAC has evolved a tradition of celebrating all important festivals and national Indian holidays with fanfare and the Vaisakhi celebration was no different. Gita Chawla and Shiv Chawla were coordinators with a good degree of initiative from Sher Mohammed Rajput,

Gita and Shiv Chawla

A section of the audience

an IAC Director, and Govindbhai Limbachia, an IAC activist and Sudaksha Kapoor, a former professor in India but now settled here. Govindbhai Limbachia started the ball rolling by welcoming all

religious, social and cultural angles. The historical perspective that she presented was quite informative and the seniors who were present welcomed it. Sher Mohammed Rajput in his own un-

picious day in the Punjab and was akin to Diwali that is celebrated in most States of Indian Union. There were good singers to entertain the audience of 100 plus. They were Kirist Shah, Adam

IAC has evolved a tradition of celebrating all important festivals and national Indian holidays with fanfare and the Vaisakhi celebration was no different Sudaksha Kapoor Garba in progress

and singing a devotional song in praise of Goddess Amba and then Sudaksha Kapoor, who emceed the event, took over dwelling on the importance of Vaisakhi from

assuming way welcomed all and talked about the activities of the Center. Gita Chawla then briefly addressed the meet and mentioned that Vaisakhi was very aus-

Usman and Suresh Sukhadia. Bashir Dubha who has two decades of experience as an entertainer under his belt, regaled those present with innovative jokes.

There was a Garba dance and it was participated by young and old. Shiv Chawla was in charge of the one man orchestra. Sudaksha Kapoor proposed a vote of thanks.

Hindu event at White House to promote Seva India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Hindu American Seva Charities (HASC) is sponsoring a two-day event aimed at increasing Seva (service) and visibility across America. The event, which includes a briefing by the White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, opens at the White House July 29. The theme of the event is "Energizing Dharmic Seva (Service): Impacting Change in America and Abroad," and is designed to inspire all towards community service. Following the opening event at the White House, it continues at Georgetown University Campus

on July 30th and 31st as Festivals of Service. To impact change and encourage new service ideas, HASC is sponsoring a widespread civic

The theme of the event is "Energizing Dharmic Seva (Service): Impacting Change in America and Abroadâ&#x20AC;? and service participation essay contest. The winners of the contest will be recognized by HASC at the White House briefing in

Washington D.C. 75 best entries will be invited to the White House for briefings. Nominees will be recognized on the second day of the conference at Georgetown University. Interfaith cooperation and community service is an important way to build understanding between different communities and contribute to the common good, the HASC says. The essay questions can be downloaded at http:// www.hinduamericanseva.org/ seva-conference All entries and queries should be sent to: Uma Chaudhary at uma@hinduamericanseva.org with contact information and include a short biography.

April 22, 2011

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Rallies and candlelight vigils to support Hazare India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The success of Anna Hazare's fast to fight against corruption is a victory of all Indians. This is the second time Indians celebrated within a week, the first being the cricket World Cup championship. About a thousand people gathered in different places of USA such as Los Angeles, Bay Area, New York and Seattle to celebrate the moment with rallies and candlelight vigils and discuss about the next steps in the fight for corruption free India. In Cerritos Regional Park, Los Angeles, a candlelight vigil was followed by a discussion about Anna Hazare's fast and the current state of corruption in India. One of the organizers, Srihari Atluri led the pledge to encourage their

record holding singer, supported the cause and gave performances. The event ended with public discussion forum organized by Sundeep Pattem and a mass

man of FIAWA, emphasized on the unity and strength of the people power. Mrs Prabha Sinha, renowned Indian TV actress, led the gathering to sing "Raghupati

ther give nor take a bribe. The event ended with lighting of the candles in front of Gandhi's statue at Bellevue Regional Library and singing Indian of national anthem.

Samiti (WATS) among others. The turnover of thousands of people not only in India but also abroad has reinstated the belief in the power of the people to bring

In Milpitas, San Francisco, around 150 people gathered at India Community Center and walked for two miles shouting "Anna Hazare Zindabad" and "Brashtachara Hatao Desh Bachao" in the streets of Milpitas

families back home to vote for the right people in their constituency, not necessarily for the winning party. People For Loksatta-LA president Varma Dantuluri said that the root of the current problems is good people staying away from politics. It was felt that corruption exists because of not having strong law-enforcement in India and thus the corrupt know they can get away with it easily. In Milpitas, San Francisco, around 150 people gathered at India Community Center and walked for two miles shouting "Anna Hazare Zindabad" and "Brashtachara Hatao Desh Bachao" in the streets of Milpitas. Naren Bakshi, Silicon Valley entrepreneur and community leader and Jayaram Komati, president of Telugu Association of North America (TANA) addressed the people. Jeff Whittler, well known master of Bansuri and Sai Manapragada, Guinness Book

pledge to continue the fight until Jan Lokpal bill is enacted. In Seattle, Washington, the event commenced with an informative speech on Jan Lokpal Bill

Raghav Rajaram" which was followed by many other inspiring songs by different groups. Participants ended their fast with lemon water and jalebis. Mrs Lavanya

These events were organized and supported by many associations such as India Community Center, India Against Corruption, Dandi March II team, People For

about a positive change in a democracy. The fight for corruption has just begun but the lawmakers need to be careful because Indians in every nook and corner of

and the state of affairs by Pooja Tripathi, lead organizer of the event. Sudip Gorakshakar, Chair-

Reddy, President of FIAWA, encouraged everyone to take an oath with a "Zero Rupee Note" to nei-

Loksatta, FIAWA, USABF, Association for India's development (AID), and Washington Telugu

the world are carefully watching their actions and will not just watch passively if anything goes astray.

Community/California

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April 22, 2011

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IFA to hold signature fundraiser 'Archana'

Manipuri Archana India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: India Friends Association (IFA), an organization of Indian Americans and others dedicated to fostering grassroots development in India, is holding its annual signature fundraiser 'Archana' on Saturday, April 23 in Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, CA.

tional contributions in cash, kind and labor. It is never about how much one is required to give, it is how much one is able and willing to give. The program is also not about show casing or advertising talents, even though we frequently have performers of exceptional quality. Instead, it is about the desire to work collectively for a cause that transcends individual

Kids dance

The funds that are raised are used to empower the poor people in India to fight corruption, improve governance, obtain employment and healthcare, protect the environment and more. Archana features a cast of more than 100 local children and adults. Showcasing India's cultural richness and diversity, the program also aims to build social consciousness by using a variety of audio visual resources. Archana programs are envisioned to reflect Indian culture/traditions in a manner that relates to IFA's overall mission. It is a collective effort of hundreds of volunteers. Other than the hall and food, most everything else is donated by members or supporters. All performers, artists, and others offer their services free of charge. Many also make addi-

Archana

cerned about the red tape and corruption involved in charity work, they wanted to explore direct avenues for their support. The resulting success of this endeavor and the satisfaction received wherefrom encouraged them to make a long-term commitment. The group has since evolved in to a solid organization with a well thought out charter and clear

self-sufficiency and empowerment of the underprivileged segments of Indian society. Some of the projects that IFA has worked towards include: Awareness about Farmers Suicide, Arunachal-Karuna Trust, The Health Awareness center (THAC), Asha Ashram, National Campaign for People's Right to Information, RIM (Rejuvenate In-

group structure and working principles. Their philosophy is rooted in the Gandhian concept of service that attaches a high value to personal involvement. Monetary contribution, thus, becomes a sort of proxy for those who are unable to be active due to various reasons. Their commitment to inviting all - but compelling none - has resulted in a warm and supportive

dia Movement), Foundation for Democratic Reform, Save the Rivers Campaign, People's Science Institute, Child Labor Study Centers, Manavi, FFDA, Samskar: Child at Risk, Gramin Vikas Vigyan Samiti and the list goes on. The greatest strength of IFA is exemplified in its philosophy,

relationship with the local community. There has been a steady growth in IFA's outreach in home base and its impact in the field. It is now linked with numerous campaigns, organizations and movements that are attacking endemic poverty in creative ways. On the home front IFA's growth is evident in the steady increase in the funds raised and the number of people involved. Archana the annual, signature fund raiser epitomizes the ideal of widespread community participation in a shared and worthy cause. It is a celebration of Indian culture which is held in the spring of each year. It is an excellent opportunity for people in the community to experience the colors, the costumes, the songs and dances of India. and all of that for a cause that really transcends us all.

Bharatnatyam

recognition. It is also about ordinary people working hard to create something that is beautiful and unique. IFA, located in Ventura County, California, was started in 1993 by a group of Indian Americans in Southern California after the devastating Latur earthquake. Con-

philosophy. Neither a charity nor a debating society, IFA is designed to function as a catalyst in activities that promote economic empowerment and self sufficiency of the most under privileged population of India. IFA's mission is to help change the face of India by becoming a help in the economic

Archana commnuity dance

Community/California

April 22, 2011

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Indefinite fast against corruption in Rajasthan

hen some of us alumni of IIT Delhi met the Governor and Chief Minister of Rajasthan in the year 1999, we were exhorted by them to do something significant for Rajasthan. Based on their assurance of state government's support orally as well as in writing, with an earnest desire to establish a truly top quality educational complex as a model of no compromise in an out of the way place like Jodhpur in Rajasthan, I left my senior position with a leading American multinational to return to Rajasthan, after being away for 24 years. Within one month of my relocating to Rajasthan in April 2000, the government land was shown to us and we finalized it. However, despite our best efforts for five years, we did not get the government land in view of our firm belief that education, by definition, is based on ethics. Therefore, to realize our vision, in the year 2005 we purchased 236 bighas (94.4 acres) of extremely saline barren wasteland in Kaparda, Tehsil Bilara, District Jodhpur in view of the limited financial resources we had and we could raise and our insistence on paying 100% payment by

check only. We paid full stamp duty to the state government for registration of this land and did not seek any exemption, since it would have entailed payment of bribes. After purchase of the private land, for the last six years we have been trying to get its conversion done for educational purpose but without success. In fact on May 15 2007, shockingly the state government issued an order in a fraudulent manner for the auction of this land for realizing a fabricated demand of around Rs 60 lakh plus penalty without even giving us any notice. We did, however, send a check for this large amount but after six months, the check was returned to us, on the excuse that we had not followed due process. In October 2009, we managed to get the required process completed including depositing full conversion amount in the government account and with recommendation of everybody concerned including Tehsildar, the District Collector of Jodhpur, who wrote to the state government for the conversion of above land on Oct 30 2009. It has been around one and half years since then but we have not received the conversion ap-

***********

proval till date. A number of distinguished persons from all over India and abroad have written to the Governor, Chief Minister and other senior government functionaries of Rajasthan but of no avail. In fact, in view of our persistent refusal to compromise, the state government has recently illegally created problems of title and even issued notice to us alleging acquisition of our land in violation of the laws. In view of above, my wife and I will be joining the students and faculty of our Institute, IITs and IIMs alumni community and many other supporters from all over India and abroad for indefinite fast from Baisakhi, April 13 2011 at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. This is the best way to get justice as per Mahatma Gandhi. It has been overwhelming to have the support of around 2300 signatories from all over India and abroad so far including many distinguished persons, CEOs, IITs & IIMs alumni. Varun Arya President Marwar Education Foundation, Marwar Bhawan Polo No. 2, Paota, Jodhpur 342 006 Rajasthan, India ***********

Let Trivisa open 2 more offices

ince the State Department has refused permission to the Ministry of External Affairs to open another Consulate General Office in Los Angeles or Seattle, the problem of Indian Visa and other related issues for Indo-Americans numbering over 250,000 in Los Angeles and over 125,000 in Seattle, needs to be addressed. A mere trip to San Francisco Trivisa Office costs over $ 1,000 dollars, along with three days of time off from work. In order to facilitate the NRIs in Los Angeles and Seattle, Indian Overseas Congress, CAUSA has proposed to Minister of External Affairs S.M. Krishna, through the office of Ambassa-

dor Ms. Meera Shankar and C.G.I.S.F. Ms. Sushmita Thomas, to instruct Trivisa to open two more offices, one in Los Angeles and the other one in Seattle, as per the bidding, process underlaid with MEA. We wish to place on record that the only Trivisa office in San Francisco is handling over 500,000 visa applications each year. Thus the inconvenience of understaffing in their office and C.G.I. has the NRIs fuming at the UPA Government of not doing enough for them. I urge you to bring this issue to our community leaders for their input in the matter and serve our NRIs and US citizens, who wish to do business in India. Conced-

ing this demand will not only serve the 5 million Indo-Americans in USA (who have been given voting rights by India in 2011) but another 2 million US citizens who travel to India for personal and business reasons, every year. I also seek support of all US organizations in the said matter to serve our community in a fast, efficient manner and come to terms with the services being offered to them. We also feel this will enhance the business interests for India which will increase by 25%. Vikram Bajwa President Indian Overseas Congress, CA-USA

Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

Sexual assault awareness month launched

Left to right: Ken Muche, public relations manager, Verizon Wireless; Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel; Linda Cruz; Luis Cruz, region president, Verizon Wireless, and Patti Giggans, executive director of Peace Over Violence. India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: The nonprofit organization Peace Over Violence (POV), together with community leaders and supporters, held a reception April 7 to launch the 12th annual Denim Day in LA & USA, a sexual violence prevention and education campaign as part of Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Dozens of POV supporters were on hand, including Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel and Luis Cruz, region president for Verizon Wireless. Denim Day in LA & USA will be held April 27. On that day, everyone is encouraged to wear denim to show support for survivors of sexual abuse and to raise awareness about the need to prevent sexual violence.

Mendoza hosting free child seat check-up India Post News Service

NORWALK, CA: In an effort to ensure the safety of children in vehicles, Assembly member Tony Mendoza (D-56) has joined forces with California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers to inspect car seats to make certain the seats meet federal safety requirements. "Not placing your child in the proper car seat could end up costing more than a ticket - it could cost a life," said Assembly member Tony Mendoza. "It isn't safe to have a toddler or child in a seat that is not suitable for their age, size and weight. This free checkup will allow parents to ensure their child is safe in the event of an accident." Automobile accidents are one of the major causes of injury and death in children. In California, the

law requires car seats for children lighter than 60 pounds or younger than six years of age. According to the National Safety Council, nine out of 10 child car seats are incorrectly installed-a troubling reality that unnecessarily endangers millions of young riders each day. The event, sponsored by Target and State Farm Insurance in partnership with the California Highway Patrol, is a free and easy way for parents to have their child's car seat inspected by a member of the CHP. They will ensure proper installation, look for any defects and provide an upgrade or new car seat at no cost if needed. The event will be held on Saturday, May 7, 10 am to 2 pm at Target Parking Lot, 12051 Imperial Hwy. Norwalk, CA

Tech News Reliance Com rolls out 3G services in HP SHIMLA: Leading telecom service provider Reliance Communications (RCOM) has launched its 3G Services in major towns of Himachal Pradesh. With the 3G rollout, the 3G services would be offered in Shimla, Solan, Baddi, Nalagarh, Paonta Sahib, Mandi, Kullu, Palampur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Maclodganj and Una. It announced that the 3G services would be launched in Sundar Nagar and Manali shortly. The company is targeting a national footprint of Reliance 3G services through associations with other like minded, quality 3G licensees and Reliance 3G is now available in all 13 circles in nearly 150 plus towns, a spokesperson of the group said. The launch of Reliance 3G is an integral part of our Vision 2015 of creating a 'Wirefree Himachal' built on 'affordable 3G services for all' platform, he said Personalization of services, simplification of tariffs and a content rich portfolio on the 'Best in Class' 3G Wireless Network will enable Reliance customers to get a much superior 3G service experience, significantly differentiated from others in the marketplace," said Sami Butt, Circle Head Wireless Business of the company. -PTI

Omar for revival of SFC to boost industrialization JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has emphasized on the need to rejuvenate the State Financial Corporation (SFC) to give the necessary boost to the industrialization in the state. Chairing a meeting to review the measures to infuse new energy in the Corporation and making it a viable and effective tool to address the growth and development issues of industry in the state, the Chief Minister stressed on a clear road map in this regard. Omar said SFC could prove highly effective in developing the MSME sector in the state and laying strong edifice for viable and profitable industries. The Chief Minister said that strong credit institutions were imperative for paving the way to develop industries and ensure their sustenance. He said revival of SFC would be an important step in this direction. The Chief Minister asked the Finance Department to move ahead and work out meaningful and viable strategy to achieve the goal. -PTI

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April 22, 2011

Michael Boneham (R), President & MD, Ford India and Nigel Wark, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales & Service unveiling the Ford Fiesta during a press conference in New Delhi.

Interactive tool for autistic students launched ASHOK OJHA

NEW JERSEY: 'Shanesh Colors', an interactive educational tracking and monitoring system was recently launched at Eden Institute in Princeton, which caters to the needs of individuals with autism. Demonstrating the Shanesh

With three cameras mounted on it, the kiosk records users' response and stores the information for evaluation. "This method and technology maximizes results of all applied behavior activities without diminishing human touch," commented Parikh Colors kiosk to a small group of supporters, Nish Parikh the brain behind the software and CEO of Web Team Corporation that developed the method and the system, said, "Shanesh serves the supple-

At a function organized to commemorate Autism Awareness Month at Eden Institute in Princeton, NJ, seen from right are Doug Schoenberger, VP, Corporate and Public Affairs, Verizon, NJ Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Andy Armstrong, Director of Development at Eden Autism Services, Ann Lustenberg, Director, External Affairs,Verizon, , Nish Parikh, CEO, WebTeam Corporation and Architect of Shanesh Colors Program and Hetal Parikh, President, Rangam Consultants. (Photo by Ashok Ojha)

mental intervention requirement of teachers who need to monitor physical movements of students and deliver individualized intervention in the classroom. I believe our global patent pending method

and technology is going to revolutionize the special needs education world." With three cameras mounted on it, the kiosk records users' response and stores the information

for evaluation. "This method and technology maximizes results of all applied behavior activities without diminishing human touch," commented Parikh. Contíd on page 21

Tata came close to getting married four times NEW DELHI: Revealing one of the best kept secrets of his personal life, the bachelor industrialist Ratan Tata has said that he had fallen in love and had come seriously close to getting married as many as four times. But in the hindsight, he thinks it was not a bad thing to remain unmarried and the situation would have been more complex had he got married, Tata said in an interview to CNN International's Talk Asia program. "When you asked whether I'd ever been in love, I came seriously close to getting married four times and each time it got close to there and I guess I backed off in fear of one reason or another," he said. He replied in the affirmative

when asked whether he had ever been in love. When asked how many times, he replied, "seriously,

country's biggest business empires which comprise nearly 100 firms with revenues totaling about

‘I came seriously close to getting married four times and each time it got close to there and I guess I backed off in fear of one reason or another’ Ratan Tata

four times." Ratan Tata, 73, heads one of the

USD 67 billion dollars. He is scheduled to retire in December,

2012 when he turns 75. Asked to speak more about his love life, Tata said: "Well, you know one was probably the most serious was when I was working in the US and the only reason we didn't get married was that I came back to India and she was to follow me... "... and that was the year of the, if you like, the Indo-Chinese conflict and in true American fashion this conflict in the Himalayas, in the snowy, uninhabited part of the Himalayas was seen in the United States as a major war between India and China and so, she didn't come and finally got married in the US thereafter." Contíd on page 21

TechBiz Post

April 22, 2011

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UP mango production down 73 pc due to poor weather LUCKNOW: In what may leave a sour taste for mango lovers, Uttar Pradesh-- known for producing Dussehri, Langda and Chausa varieties of the saccharine fruit - may witness up to 73 per cent decline in production due to adverse weather conditions. "There was bumper production of about 30 lakh tonnes mangoes last year. But this year the production is likely to go down by one-third. We are expecting about eight to 10 lakh tonnes of mango production this year", President All India Mango Growers Association, Insram Ali told PTI. The mango belts in Uttar Pradesh, which include Lucknow (Lucknow, Malihabad, Bakshi-kaTalaab), Saharanpur and Sambhal-Amroha-Muzaffarnagar districts have registered poor flowering this season due to which mango lovers will have to be disappointed, Ali said. He said that they were trying to save the fruit on the trees but it was sure that the situation was unlikely to improve much and production would certainly come down. Renowned Mango grower Haji Kalimullaha Khan, a Padma Shri awardee and known for develop-

ing a rare technique for growing more than 300 varieties of mangoes of different shapes, sizes and hues on one tree, when asked said he was deeply worried at the scenario of decline in mango production scenario. "A bumper crop is always succeeded by an average crop, but this time the situation is worse than expected by us. The mango

clearly notice the change this time. "The trees, which were laden with fruit last year now have considerably less number of mangoes", Khan said. The Lucknow belt, which produces world famous Dussehri mangoes besides Langda and Chausa, alone comprises 30-40 per cent of the state's annual

‘A bumper crop is always succeeded by an average crop, but this time the situation is worse than expected by us. The mango growers will be witnessing losses this season due to less flowering in trees due to adverse climatic condition’, Khan, who owns an orchard in Malihabad, said growers will be witnessing losses this season due to less flowering in trees due to adverse climatic condition", Khan, who owns an orchard in Malihabad, said. He said just a visit to the mango orchards in Malihabad, known for producing the Dussehri variety, earlier registered under the Geographical Indication (GI) Act for its unique sweet taste and fragrance, one can

mango production. During 2010, the total arrival of mango in the market from Lucknow region was roughly 87,000 tonnes. The corresponding figures for 2008 and 2009 stood at 52,000 tonnes and 34,000 tonnes, respectively, official sources said. Delhi is the biggest market for Uttar Pradesh mangoes, followed by Punjab, they said. -PTI

Interactive tool for autistic students launched Contíd from page 20

Scrolling over various features and activities of 'Shanesh', Parikh continued, "Individualized education is provided with the help of touch screen and animation technology. The program allows students to respond to animated characters on the screen while their responses are monitored by administrators or teachers. The reports and recorded video are accessible to experts for further analysis and improvements." The group was given a guided tour of Eden Institute where students of different age groups and diverse needs are trained and educated under clinicians and instructors. In the transition room Kirsten Meehan, Lead Teacher, was monitoring her students, who were enjoying the audio and visuals that appeared on Shanesh color kiosk with every touch of her finger. Once the student answered all questions a character appeared on the screen to reward the student with a colorful trophy, balloon or

candy as incentive to encourage her moving on to the next activity. "The tool was introduced six months ago for children of age group 13-18. We are in the process of analyzing data generated

‘It is important to teach them lifespan needs. Once they enter their late teens and twenties, students can be trained in different skills, such as, copying, shredding and other office jobs’ through this supplemental tool that we are using in our transition classroom," said Meehan. "Now we are ready to enter in the second phase of the program." The group was shown classrooms where students were pro-

vided lifespan needs. "It is important to teach them lifespan needs. Once they enter their late teens and twenties, students can be trained in different skills, such as, copying, shredding and other office jobs. They achieve competency to work in the community as volunteers or paid workers," Melinda McAleer, Chief Development Officer of Eden Autism Services, pointed out. Founded in 1975, Eden began as a small, family oriented school for individuals with autism. Anna Lustenberg of Verizon, the sponsors of Shanesh Colors at Eden, said, "It is a great feeling watching them actively involved in Individualized Educational activities. We are very proud to be part of such an initiative." Acknowledging the support extended by Verizon Foundation implementing Shanesh project at Eden, Parikh commented, "We truly appreciate the opportunity provided by Verizon Foundation and Eden Institute to pilot our innovative intervention technology."

Wheat procurement down by 75 pc so far this year NEW DELHI: Wheat procurement has declined by 75 per cent to 13.04 lakh tonnes so far this year as arrivals are yet to pick up in Haryana and Punjab, which together made up for nearly threefourth of the central pool in 2010. The procurement stood at 51.2 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period. Food Corporation of India (FCI) had procured 22.5 million tonnes in the entire 2010-11 marketing year (April-March), of which Punjab had contributed the most at 10.2 million tonnes followed by Haryana at 6.34 million tonnes. Procurement in Haryana and Punjab, which generally starts from April 1, has been very low because of less arrival of crop in markets owing to delay in harvesting. In Haryana, FCI and other state agencies have procured 2.62 lakh tonnes till April 12as against 28.32 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. Arrivals of wheat in the state has declined to 2.63 lakh tonnes against 28.32 lakh tonnes in the review period. The procurement in Punjab so far is only 8,819 tonnes as com-

pared with 9.45 lakh tonnes in the corresponding period of last year. In Madhya Pradesh, the procurement has declined to 10.17 lakh tonnes so far this year against 12.93 lakh tonnes in the year-ago period. This is despite the state gov-

Procurement in Haryana and Punjab, which generally starts from April 1, has been very low because of less arrival of crop in markets owing to delay in harvesting ernment paying Rs 100 per quintal more to farmers than the minimum support price (MSP) fixed by the Centre at Rs 1,120 per quintal. FCI expects the procurement to touch 26.2 million tonnes in 201112 marketing year on the back of record wheat production of 84.27 per cent in 2010-11 crop years (July-June). -PTI

Tata came close to getting married four times Contíd from page 20

Asked why he never got married, Tata said: "Each of the occasions (the four times he was close to getting married, but did not) were different, but in hindsight when I look at the people involved; it wasn't a bad thing what I did. I think it may have been more complex had the marriage taken place."

Asked whether any of the people he was in love with were still in the city, he replied in the affirmative, but declined to speak any further on the matter. "Oh, well I'd certainly because of the people that are here, of course this may be aired in the US, so I'd be in trouble, whatever I do, so I think I'd better stop here," he added. -PTI

JS BEDI India Post News Service

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA: Virgelia Productions held a fundraiser for Tsunami and earthquake victims in Japan. The event was held in collaboration with Charity World Vision, non-profit aid organization. The event started with lunch and the stage program kicked off with a Japanese drum performance. What followed was a collage of color and culture with contestants for Miss and Mrs Asia and other

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Payal and her group

Morina and Payal

artistes showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the Asian continent. The Indian subcontinent was very ably represented by some very talented ladies from India and Sri Lanka. Mrs. Asia USA 2007 Smita Vasant presented a cultural fashion show called 'Sari Extravangza'. The group presented a variety of saris from the traditional to contemporary to party wear and ending with bridal saris. Make up for the ladies was sponsored by Parul Gandhi of Karishma Beauty Salon in Artesia, CA. Ladies participating were Bhavna Rao, Shilpa Kapadia, Alka Patel, Alka Trivedi, Parul Gandhi, Nina Gaglani, Benita Chauhan, Falguni Patel, Ruby Singh and Smita Vasant. Mrs India Payal Wadhawan along with

her dance group presented an amazing Indian dance based on Indian wedding theme. Crowd cheered and clapped as they watched the group perform an upbeat dance number - 'Nagada'. When asked, Payal Wadhawan told us that she and her friends (Ragini, Vinod, Hiral, Vishal, Gerald, Ayesha and

April 22, 2011

that too in such a fulfilling way. We absolutely loved performing for Japan Fund Raiser and we thank Virgelia for giving us this opportunity" said Mrs India Payal Wadhawan. Sri Lanka Los Angeles Consul General Jeff Goonewardena was a special guest. Extremely humble with no airs, Ambassador Goonewardena

Consul General Jeff Goonewardena with Sri Lankan models and designer Senani Abeygoonasekara

Virgelia Productions CEO Virgelia Villegas and Grace Lubwama (second from left)

Sri Lankan Model Manuri Ranasinghe

Vivek) formed a dance group named INDC (Indian Dancers for Noble Causes) last year. "We all met at a party and shared our passion for Indian dancing and charity. Then we decided to combine the two passions by performing for charity organizations for free. As we all have a fulltime jobs, we meet once a week after our work hours to rehearse. We feel great that we get to live our passion and

spared no efforts in encouraging the Sri Lankans. And unlike Indian diplomats and officials he did not show up with an entourage. The Sri Lankan Fashion Show was organized by Aruni Ganewatte who was Miss Asia USA 2nd runner up in 2002. Aruni will be representing Sri Lanka in the upcoming Mrs Asia USA contest to be held in August 2011. The Sri Lankan Fashion Designer was Senani Abeygoonasekara as-

sisted by Poorna Gamage. Sara Markandura, who was also a model, was previously Miss Asia USA Runner up in 2010. CEO Virgelia Productions Virgelia Villegas welcomed the guests and spoke about the tragedy in Japan and urged the guest to be generous. Executive Director World Vision Grace Lubwama in her address also reflected similar sentiments. She shared her own experiences growing up in Uganda. An estimated $8000 was collected and handed over to Ms Lubwama. The expenses incurred on this event were all borne by Virgelia Villegas. Forty-eight countries took part and over 300 people attended the show.

April 22, 2011

India Post

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Gourmet New Yorkers flock to Varli Food Festival

SK Cooking Show

Varli Singh India Post News Service

NEW YORK: An estimated 800 people attended the first ever Varli Food Festival, an Indian Culinary & Chef Showcase in New York City held April 7. This one of a kind, culinary event at the prestigious Altman BuildSRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY

lmost a decade ago, as a newly-minted Community Reporter in New York City, I was on my first assignment to cover an event organized by a reputed community organization. Of the 200-odd members of the audience - mostly middle-aged and older men - many had been settled in the US for over 25 years and were naturalized Americans. Whatever the event, I was shocked and strangely embarrassed when at the end of the program, they arose in unison to shout: 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'. Privately, many of them were severely critical and even condescending of everything about India, but standing collectively, they almost by default were proud persons of Indian origin. Thinking about it even today, I think the oft-repeated cliché is the most apt to describe this tendency of Indians, that you can take an Indian out of India but not India out of an Indian. Reading through this new book 'India Was One (Ek Tha Bharat)', sent to me by the author who chooses to remain anonymous - preferring to call himself "an Indian" - that's what I was reminded of, for here is a writer, no literary genius by any measure, but one that oozes sentiment and emotion for a country that he left a long time ago, but

ing in the heart of Chelsea in Manhattan, became a sold out event days before the big day, with nearly 1,000 people scrounging to buy additional tickets. Inside the venue were multiple representations of the unique flavors of India. Over 35 restaurants featured unique samplers such as Tandoori Chicken Sushi Rolls, Paneer Kati Roll, Coconut Shrimp, and even Masala Crab Cake with Lotus Root Crisp. Award winning celebrity chefs participated in various activities including cook book signing, food demonstrations and a silent auction. The evening also

included wine parings, full bar, cooking demonstrations and a live performance of tabla and dance by

India's most famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor indulged guests with a live cooking show. His new book 'How to Cook Indian' was available for purchase Tina Sugandh. India's most famous chef Sanjeev Kapoor indulged guests

All chefs

with a live cooking show. His new book 'How to Cook Indian' was available for purchase. Other unique things included a gift certificate book worth over $500 in discounts from participating restaurants, V card membership and a large spice market offering everything from spices and rice to cookies and snacks. Other chefs that participated in the Festival were Vikas Khanna, Jehangir Mehta (former, runner up on "the Next Iron Chef') Hemant Mathur, Floyd Cardoz , Suvir Saran, Prasad Chirnomula, Hari Nayak, Maneet Chauhan (former,

Divided we fall… still calls home. For most part, the book reads like a guide book for non-Indian beginners in India and fresh-offthe-boat Indians in America. Although well intentioned, you do wonder who the author's targeted audience is.

Nevertheless, 'India Was One' seems to come from an immense yearning for the relatively simpler society of his youth and frustration over the deep politicallydriven fissures in today's India that the author fears might one day result in yet another Partition.

So, it would seem that the writer found a simple story based loosely on personal experiences - down to his obsession for cricket - to weave around the idea of a possible north-south division of India. The story begins in a college canteen in Mumbai where boy meets girl, they fall in love, friends support, parents approve, they marry, move to the US and - with impossibly uncomplicated ease - are settling in towards a 'happily ever after' life, when they hear (on CNN) to their shock and dismay that India is divided. Fearing for the safety of their respective families back home, they decide to go back, only, they can't go back together to the same city, because now the hero who is a "South Indian" has to go to one India and his wife who is a "North Indian" has to go to the other India. The writer here lets his imagination run loose as to the possible scenarios of a horizontally divided India where in the absence of any "government" the army takes over. While one wouldn't bother with self-published books such as this one, I must admit I was touched by the utterly simplistic

narrative - both in style and content. It comes straight from the heart and the message is not camouflaged in a verbal cloak. The book reflects the innate emotions of every Indian who has left India to settle abroad - that sense of longing for their families, friends and all things mundane that was part of the everyday life

BOOK REVIEW The underlying message is that although we are coming from different states, with different languages and religion, we are all Indians. We all love India…in our own way in India; a sense of distance which keeps them from reaching out in time in times of trouble; and a sense of fear in the knowledge of the socio-political and geographical threats the country faces from within and in its immediate neighborhood spurred perhaps by a guilt that they may have aban-

contestant on 'The Next Iron Chef'), Walter D'Rozario, Mel Oza, and Peter Beck. Chef Pankaj Bhadouria, winner of Master Chef India and Radhicka Agarwaal, runner up of Master Chef India both flew in from India to be a part of the Varli Food Festival. The Festival was organized by Varli Singh, founder and publisher of The Varli Magazine. Varli Magazine linked up with the Food Bank for New York City and will be donating 10% of the proceeds from ticket sales and 100% of proceeds from cookbook sales and the silent auction to the charity. doned their country when it needed them the most. Suffice it to say that the book ends with a quintessential Bollywood-style twist while I leave you to spare a thought on the potential havoc that parochial and narrow self-serving agendas can wreak on the fragile multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-caste and multi-regional India. Meanwhile, here are some questions from me that the author has taken the time to answer: Q. Why have you chosen to be anonymous as the author? I really think that labeling my name as a Hindu, a Muslim, etc. would have pre-conceived notions in the reader's mind. It is more important to me that it was written by 'An Indian.' Q. What is the message that you are trying to convey through the story? The underlying message is that although we are coming from different states, with different languages and religion, we are all Indians. We all love India…in our own way. Q. Does the idea of another partition come from a deep rooted fear, perhaps, in the context of contemporary Indian milieu? No, not a fear but a gentle reminder. To show what can happen if things go out of hand. {India Was One, available on Amazon.com $16.95 and in other e-book formats}

India Post

April 22, 2011 www.indiapost.com

Aruni to represent Sri Lanka in Mrs Asia USA India Post News Service

runi Ganewatte was born in Sri Lanka in 1979 and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 10 years old in hopes of achieving the American dream. She is the eldest child of Sunil and Chandreka De Silva, and has two beautiful children Sahan, 6, and Savanah, 4, with her husband Suranga. She is currently working as a Behavior Therapist for children with autism. She has always enjoyed working with special needs children and it is her passion to serve and care for them. She also takes great pride her hobby of participating in beauty pageants during her down time. As a child, Aruni was introduced to the world of beauty pag-

Aruni with son Sahan, daughter Savana and mom Chandrika

eants by her mother. In 2000 Aruni won 2nd runner up for Miss Asia U.S.A. and went on to win the "Prettiest Five" Virgoa wards in 2001 and in 2003. One of her proudest moments came when she was crowned Miss Sri Lanka/Canada/

U.S.A. in (2001). This year Aruni will be representing Sri Lanka in the Mrs. Asia Beauty pageant as a tribute for her mother, Chandika De Silva, who was killed in a car accident on July 17th 2010. Aruni recalls that her mother wanted her

South Asians garner NAMIC Award nominations India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Three South Asian television programs, actors or reporters have been nominated for the 2011 NAMIC Vision Awards, one of the most respected awards in the US entertainment industry to recognize diversity and ethnic presence in US television. NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) is a premier organization focusing on multi-ethnic diversity in the communications industry. The nominations coming in the Comedy, Best Comedy Performance and News/Information categories are the most number of South Asians to have been nominated in one year.

The nominees are: Dr. Sanjay Gupta for his story 'Pakistan Hope Floats' on CNN, in the News/Infor-

Nine South Asian programs/actors including Maulik Pancholy, Aziz Ansari, Sanjay Gupta and the actors of Outsourced - were recognized mation category; Anisha Nagarajan for her role in NBC's Outsourced, for Best Performance-Comedy; and the sitcom Outsourced in the Best

Comedy category. Equally significant, South Asians had their best showing ever in overall submissions across all categories. Nine South Asian programs/actors - including Maulik Pancholy, Aziz Ansari, Sanjay Gupta and the actors of Outsourced - were recognized and submitted for consideration by their TV networks or studios. Overall, ESPN Networks and Turner Broadcasting System led all nominated networks and distributors vying for the NAMIC Vision Awards honoring original, multi-platform programming that depicts the lives, spirit and contributions of people of color and best reflects the diversity of the global viewing audience.

Aruni Ganewatte

to participate in the pageant last year, but unfortunately she was not able to do so. Aruni believes that regardless of what happened to her mother, she is always with her guiding and protecting her. She will participate in this year's pageant with more pride and dedication than ever before. She also has great support from her family, friends and the community. Aside from her job, family and pageant work, Aruni has also found time to serve as the president of the Sri Lankan Youth Organization, which she founded to provide networking and leader-

ship opportunities for the Sri Lankan youth in her communities. Aruni has taken on these many tasks and responsibilities in hopes that her ambition, courage and strength displayed to her community will teach them that life will present difficulties everyday but it is up to them if they accept the challenges and learn the lessons. Aruni obtained her M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from California State University, Northridge and currently resides in Lake Balboa with her husband, two children and their dog Frisket.

April 22, 2011

India Post

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Indie film Patang to premiere NY Indian Film Festival's feature line up at Tribeca film fest India Post News Service

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Independent filmmaker Prashant Bhargava's first feature film Patang (The Kite) is having its US premiere at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in the World Narrative competition. A poetic journey to the old city of Ahmedabad, Patang weaves together the stories of six people transformed by the energy of India's largest kite festival. Every year a million kites fill the skies above Ahmedabad-dueling, soaring, tumbling and flying high. When a successful Delhi businessman takes his daughter on a surprise trip back to his childhood home for the festival, an entire family has to confront its own fractured past and fragile dreams. Music and fireworks, food and laughter, a kaleidoscope of color and light, the

magic of the kite flying high - a traditional recipe of healing and renewal. With naturalistic performances from actors and non-actors alike, bold, lyrical editing, vibrant cinematography and a kinetic score, Patang delights the senses and nourishes the spirit.

Prashant Bhargava's Patang

Six years in the making, Patang's cast includes national award winning actress Seema Biswas (Water, Bandit Queen) alongside actors Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Peepli Live, Dev D. Firaaq) and Sugandha Garg (Tere

Bin Laden, My Name is Khan, Janne Tu Ya Janne Na). Previously, Bhargava's short film Sangam had premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, garnering several awards and distinctions. The film was distributed by Film Movement and Mubi and broadcast on Arte/ZDF, The Sundance Channel and PBS. Bhargava started out in the arts as a graffiti artist in his hometown of Chicago. He went on to study computer science at Cornell University and theatrical directing at The Actors Studio MFA program. For the past fifteen years, he has directed and designed commercials, music videos, title sequences and promos. Public screenings of Patang at the Tribeca Film Festival are scheduled for April 21, 24, 25 and 29. Each screening will be followed with a Q&A with director Bhargava.

Dish Network secures broadcast rights for IPL India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Dish Network announced April 12 that it is the only television provider in the US to broadcast the entire Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, including playoffs and finals in high definition, for the next four seasons. In addition, Dish Network has signed agreements to launch the Neo Cricket channel and serve as the exclusive US provider of the Ten Cricket channel, giving Dish Network customers access to a total of nine cricket boards the largest lineup of cricket programming in the nation. In its fourth season, the IPL tournament in India features a new format with 10 teams, where a new play-off system will see the top two sides in the league standings play each other to determine the first finalist. The sides finishing third and fourth will then meet to determine which side plays the loser of the first play-off for the second final place. Dish Network will air all 74 IPL tournament matches live this year on pay-per-view - including exclusive TV coverage of the playoffs and finals in high definition. In addition, Dish Network today announced the launch of Neo Cricket, which offers full coverage of the Board of Cricket

Control India (BCCI) matches, Indian domestic cricket including the Ranji, Irani and Duleep Cups, and the Asia Cup as well as the launch of Ten Cricket, owner of four cricket boards including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe. The combination of Neo Cricket and Ten Cricket with previously-launched Willow Cricket, owner of four boards including Australia, England, New Zealand

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are thrilled to deliver Ten Cricket to fans in the US, who now can enjoy live coverage of four of the most popular cricket boardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and South Africa, gives Dish Network customers access to the most cricket coverage in the United States. All three channels will be available in the new Cricket Pack for $20 per month beginning April 13. "Dish Network's carriage of the IPL and the launch of our Cricket Pack will offer our customers an anticipated 300 or more days of live cricket over the next year," said Chris Kuelling, vice president of International Programming for Dish Network. "Nowhere else can cus-

tomers access more than 75 South Asian channels, watch every heart-stopping play in the IPL, and get year round coverage of their favorite cricket teams." "We are excited to launch Neo Cricket, the world's first cricket-only channel, on Dish Network. Through its dedication to cricket and high-quality programming, Neo Cricket brings all of the home games of the World Champion India national team to the US so that fans do not miss a second of the live action," said S. Venkatasubramanian, President of Neo Broadcast America, Inc. "We are glad to partner with Dish Network to continue our commitment toward providing world-class cricket." "We are thrilled to deliver Ten Cricket to fans in the US, who now can enjoy live coverage of four of the most popular cricket boards including Pakistan and Sri Lanka," said Suresh Bala, CEO of Asia TV USA LTD. "Ten Cricket is an integral part of the Dish Network cricket offering, and in the next year alone will deliver more than 100 days of live cricket programming." In addition, the tournament is offered through Dish Network's recently-launched IPTV service, Dish World, which provides access to programming without the need for a satellite dish.

NEW YORK: The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) announced its complete line-up of exciting and thought-provoking feature films for the 11th Annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) which will take place from May 4 to May 8 in Manhattan. A total of 25 feature films will screen over the five-day period at the oldest and most prestigious Indian film festival in the country including 15 World and US premieres. Making its US premiere will be Sudhir Mishra's acclaimed romantic crime drama Yeh Saali Zindagi starring Irrfan Khan (Slumdog Millionaire, The Namesake). Legendary actress Shabana Azmi stars in the cross-cultural love story A Decent Arrangement which makes its world premiere. And movie fans will get to go back in time with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan with the New York Premiere of Raakh Redux, the digitally remastered version of the actor's early hit which won three National Film Awards. NYIFF will also showcase an amazing line-up of powerful documentaries from and about India. The Bengali Detective, which chronicles the life of Kolkata's dance-obsessed private eye Rajesh Ji, makes its New York Premiere following its extraordinary reception at Sundance. Also screening will be Made in India which examines both sides of the surrogacy issue with an infertile American couple and a young mother in India contracted to carry their baby, and Bhopali which looks at the suffering that still exists today after the 1984 Union Carbide gas leak which was one of the world's worst industrial disasters. The full line-up of features in-

cludes three previously announced films - Disney's Do Dooni Chaar directed by Habib Faisal and starring Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh which makes its US premiere as the opening night selection of NYIFF, the US premiere of Rituparno Ghosh's Nauka Dubi which is the Closing Night selection, and the New York premiere of Aparna Sen's Iti Mrinalini, which will screen as the Centerpiece selection. I am thrilled to present the line up for the 11th Annual IAAC New York Indian Film Festival, says NYIFF Director Aseem Chhabra. "From May 4-8 film lovers in the greater New York area will see an array of unique stories and meet and interact with the filmmakers.

Making its US premiere will be Sudhir Mishra's acclaimed romantic crime drama Yeh Saali Zindagi starring Irrfan Khan We are presenting a wonderful mix of films from India and other parts of the subcontinent as well as the Diaspora - a blend of works by young independent filmmakers and a few masters," he adds. "The program represents films from Mumbai as well as other regional filmmaking centers in the subcontinent. Many of the films we are presenting are world and US premieres." Dozens of actors, directors, and celebrities will descend upon this year's edition of the New York Indian Film Festival and its red carpet premieres including Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Habib Faisal, Rituparno Ghosh, and Aparna Sen.

Kajol all smiles with Padma Shri Award

Actress Kajol was on seventh heaven when she received the prestigious Padma Shri Award by President Pratibha Patil during a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Mit Jaaye Ghum: Dum Maaro Dum 2 Char Baj Gayi : F.A.L.T.U 3 Teri Justaju (Saaware): Shor In The City 4 Jiyein Kyun: Dum Maaro Dum

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n what seems like an open challenge at the throne of the two hottest Bollywood item queens, Mallika Sherawat danced to an item song at Yashraj Studios, whose words blatantly mocked Katrina and Malaika's twin triumphs. Mallika sang, "Munni bhi maani aur Sheila bhi maani, Shalu ke thumke ki duniya deewani." According to a source, the lyrics were originally quite different for the song. "By openly singing that she's better than 'Munni' and 'Sheila,' Mallika is sending out a clear signal to the entertainment industry. It was Mallika who wanted the Munni-Sheila element incorporated into the song. Composer Anand Raj Anand modified the tune accordingly," the source said. "Mallika wants to position herself as the No.1 item queen of Bollywood. What's more, her image as the tantrum queen is now a thing of the past. While shooting for "Munni bhi maani Sheila bhi maani", Mallika was the epitome of good behaviour.

April 22, 2011

5 Saibo: Shor In The City 6 Maine Yeh Kab Socha Tha: Game 7 Ringa Ringa Roses: Yeh Dooriyan 8 Tum Bin Yeh Dil Ghabraye: Zokkomon 9 Dilli Ke Deewane: Hair Is Falling 10 Chalo Dilli: Chalo Dilli

Mama's boy

anbir Kapoor is always seen with different women. However, the one lady that he has diligently stuck with since his birth is his mommy dear Neetu Singh. Ranbir says, his mum is the first person on his speed dial. "I speak to her at least two or three times a day," says Ranbir. "I don't do anything in my day without actually letting her know; without actually talking to her. "You know, she is always calling me asking me if I have eaten my lunch, my dinner, if I am doing ok," Ranbir will make his presence felt a lot this year. He will first be seen in Rockstar directed by Imtiaz Ali with costars Nargis Fakhri and Shammi Kapoor; Azan directed by Prashant Chadha with co-stars Chitrangada Singh; and Barfee directed by Anurag Basu with co-stars Ileana D'Cruz and Priyanka Chopra.

Bollywood

April 22, 2011

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o receive compliment from a senior actor in the industry is a great achieve ment. Sonakshi Sinha who has won the hearts of billions with her 'Dabangg' act has impressed Bollywood's most stylish actor Hrithik Roshan too. After endorsing a major cloth brand jointly, Hrithik and Sonakshi passed words of praise for one another. On their first assignment together Hrithik said, "I am happy she is the new face. We have lived in the same neighbourhood and known each other. I think she is great and has a great future ahead of her. I am dying to work with her." "He is the counterpart and sharing the space with him is amazing," said Sonakshi. Unlike her 'Dabangg' co-star Salman Khan, she was all praise for Hrithik`s last release 'Guzaarish'."I cried while watching

'Guzaarish'. In fact I even spoke to Mr Bhansali also after that," said Sonakshi expressing her desire to work with Hrithik, "I definitely am looking forward to work with him. It has started on a great note and hopefully we will see more. It would be my privilege. I am too small a person to comment on him. He is one of my most favourite actors. How much ever I talk about him is less."

Watching guards Sexiest vegetarian S S alman Khan who is not a very big fan of cricket, was seen glued to his television during the World Cup semi final and final match. Reason: Salman wanted to ob serve how the bodyguards of the VVIPs and the SPG (Special Protection Group), behaved and managed in a crowded situation like that. A close hand reveals, "Salman wanted to observe how they manage the VVIPs in a crowd situation, and how they move about in the crowd, and how they take care of these important people as these were the real bodyguards, and Salman wanted to make the most of the situation, by noticing them while on the job. These observations benefitted Salman immensely. He has even made subtle changes in his character where required for the film Bodyguard, after observing these men at work." Reveals Atul Agnihotri, producer of Bodyguard, "Salman Khan for the first time wanted to know body language of SPG. These guys are trained to blend and protect Z plus personalities. All protection is an eye play. Yes Salman Khan though not a frantic cricket buff watched the India Pakistan match without missing a second."

hahid Kapoor is sexy and he is a vegetarian. Shahid appears with chicks in the new ad for PETA. He has been voted as Bollywood's sexiest vegetarian by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The new PETA ad has Shahid Kapoor holding two downy chick on the palms of his hands. The punchline in the ad reads: "Chicks Love A Vegetarian". "I love chicks…pigs, cows, fish, and all the other animals too. That's why I turned vegetarian," Shahid is quoted as saying. The promo shows Shahid, 30, dressed in a white buttoned down dress shirt with sleeves casually rolled up, holding two chicks on his palm. The ad, that repeatedly focuses on Shahid's unshaven chest, was shot by Atul Kasbekar. Shahid has been vegetarian for many years and was adjudged PETA India's Sexiest Vegetarian in 2009.

Horoscope

India Post

April 22, 2011

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

APRIL 22TH - APRIL 28TH ARIES (MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20)

TAURUS (APRIL 21 TO MAY 20)

ssue involving a close family member will cause frustra tion. Solution you are looking for has always been close to home. You will be taking an important trip and the results will be instant. Some confusion will also clear in career and you could be on path of a promotion to higher level. Family trip will take the final shape.

ou may have to make second attempts but the job will get done. You will continue to have better luck with money from now and on for quite some time. Bachelors will come across an excellent proposal from a well educated and established person. Deal will be hard to ignore. Some of you may make up your mind to invest in a big property.

GEMINI (MAY 21 TO JUNE 20)

CANCER (JUNE 21 TO JULY 22)

nemies and competition will grow at fast pace. Slow or almost no progress will cause frustration. You may have to go through some legal process this week. You will seek advice from a very trusted person and act on it quickly. You may need strong medicine to counter problems around throat or sinus. Implement your ideas before somebody else does.

LEO (JULY 23 TO AUGUST 22)

atience and previous hard work will pay off. Strong planets not only bring fresh financial opportunity but also improve your self confidence and image in professional world. You will successfully resolve any issues causing stress in the past. You will try to keep your emotions also under check.

oney will keep disappearing fast but you will meet your commitments on time. You will have to take all decisions yourself as right help and correct advice will be hard to locate. People around will act more selfish. It will be better to maintain low profile and patiently keep working on your ideas.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 TO SEPTEMBER 22)

xpect some changes in career whether you like them or not now, but in long run they will be beneficial. Expect some changes in career whether you like them or not now, but in long run they will be beneficial. Our application will be accepted and quick response is on its way. Try not to involve yourself into unnecessary legal battle.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22)

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 22)

our past actions will bring name and fame to your doorsteps. You will spend quality time among important people. Deal will go through easily opening new doors. Planets in second will provide you with several opportunities to make extra bucks. You will be taking a bold initiative, though the close family members will not agree to it.

lanets in second forms strong Laxmi Yoga. There is strong possibility of a windfall. Money may come through speculation or lottery even. You will buy few expensive items for the house. You will be on the move and spend more time on freeways. Some of you will be moving in near future to a nice place.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 22)

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19)

here will be lots of confusions and temptations in mind but ultimately you will make the right choice. You will be spending money on an upcoming trip. It will be better to park your vehicle in well lit and safe place. You will meet your financial commitments but will not have much left at the end of day.

here will be major changes at place of work and you will benefit from them but little later. Money will come and disappear but only on valid reasons. Business will improve but less than expectations. You will meet few old friends after a long interval. Do not let slow progress demoralize you. You will avert a legal process.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18)

trong planets will help you achieve your goals. You will be in commanding position. An influential person will be instrumental in your crusade. Some close in the past will again try to flirt with you. Money anticipated will keep getting delayed. You may travel with family to a nice place to meet an old friend or relative.

Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20)

here will be lots of movements in life. Someone you knew or dealing with in the past will make a lucrative offer. You may get some money through a property deal also. Change of previous financial strategy will save a lot in long term. You will receive blessings and valuable advice from a learned person. Children will do better.

925-833-7170 website: www.parashar.com

29 India Post

Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, it also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of the cities of Mumbai and Pune. The picturesque green surroundings of this pretty hill station attract many travelers

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handala is an important hill station in the state of Maharashtra and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains. Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, it also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of the cities of Mumbai and Pune. The picturesque green surroundings of this pretty hill station attract many travelers. Khandala is located in the western part of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is situated 101 km southeast of Mumbai and 69 km from Pune. It is 5 km from Lonavala. Weather in Khandala is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are mild, while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy southwestern monsoon rains between June and September. The best time to visit Khandala is between the months of October and May.

April 22, 2011

History: The origin of the place is obscure. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the area around Khandala. Later it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas. Tourist attractions: Khandala is a small hill station. The town provides a panoramic view of the lush green hilly environs. Travelers throng this place to escape the hectic lifestyle of Mumbai city. They can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place by taking a walk around. It has a number of trekking trails around it. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

April 22, 2011

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Baby boom at the Los Angeles Zoo Gujarat speeds up preservation India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: On April 14, the Los Angeles Zoo's koala joey, Peninsular pronghorn twins and desert bighorn sheep made their media debut. The Zoo's baby boom kicked off last year with the July 6 birth of a female koala. Since newborn koalas spend about six months developing in the mother's pouch, this joey has just recently begun to emerge. Baby koalas are commonly referred to as joeys. When a koala is born, it is just threefourths of an inch long. After birth they climb into the mother's pouch and stay there for six months. For the following six months, they are weaned from milk to eucalyptus as they stick their heads out of the pouch to eat partially digested leaves. After a year, they leave the pouch for good. Although they are often referred to as a "koala bear," koalas belong to the marsupial family. Marsupials are mammals whose females typically rear their young in a pouch through early infancy. Other members of the marsupial family are kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, wombats and opossums. Native to Australia, koalas have a very low metabolic rate requiring them to conserve energy and to sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day. They spend about three of their five active hours eating a diet

that consists entirely of eucalyptus leaves. Koalas consume 2 Â˝ pounds of leaves per day and rarely drink water due to the moisture found in eucalyptus leaves. On March 1, two Peninsular pronghorn, one male and one female, were born. Native to Baja

Georgie & Baby

California Sur, Mexico, these graceful animals are mostly active at dawn and dusk. Hunting, cattle ranching and agriculture have resulted in the significant decrease of this critically endangered species. Newborn pronghorns take their first steps within 30 minutes of birth. By the time they are four days old, they can outrun humans. After just a week, fawns can run

faster than dogs and horseback riders over short distances. They are the second fastest land mammal and the fastest ungulate (hoofed mammal), clocking in at anywhere from 40 to 60 miles per hour. They can maintain this speed, without showing any sign of distress, for an hour or longer. Typically, a pronghorn mother will have one or two fawns weighing in at around seven or eight pounds. When they reach adulthood, pronghorns weigh up to 125 pounds and reach a height of 35 inches. The females are usually 10 to 25 percent smaller then males. March 20, brought the birth of a female desert bighorn sheep. This species is native to the high mountains and deserts of the south western United States and northern Mexico. Preferring to reside in places with rocky terrain and access to water, they completely avoid forested areas. Bighorn sheep can be seen in our local San Gabriel Mountains, though their population is threatened by many factors including drought, predators, disease and fires. The most recognizable characteristic of the bighorn sheep is the male's massive, spiraled horns and their majestic faces. These horns may add up to one third of their total body weight when they're full grown. Females have much smaller horns.

of Buddhist sites AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government has accelerated efforts for preservation of sites that are going to be part of the Buddhist tourism circuit comprising caves in Saurashtra and remains of Buddhist monastery in Central Gujarat region. While the proposal for Buddhist tourism circuit awaits approval from the Centre, Gujarat government has sped up work on preservation of ancient Buddhist caves and sites which are presently being excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Chief Minister Narendra Modi himself has taken keen interest in the activities and had recently visited the excavation site in Vadnagar of Mehsana district in North Gujarat to take stock of the works taken up there. "In ancient times thousands of Buddhist monks were coming to Vadnagar in search of spiritual knowledge. It is believed that eastern belt of India is especially influenced by Buddha but with the finding of Buddhist relics in Vadnagar, an opportunity to study his influence on western belt has also opened up," Modi said during his visit. According to an official of the department of youth and Cultural affairs, they plan to build a shed made out of special fiber to protect the Vadnagar excavation site from rain and other disturbances. "We also plan to erect a cultural wall that would display the

relics of the Buddhist monastery and coins. An amount of Rs 40 lakh has been allocated for it," the official said on the condition of anonymity. He said that there was also a long term plan to build a museum at the Vadnagar site. Since its excavation began five years ago, over 7,000 pieces of Archaeological importance have been found from Ghaskol Darwaja excavation site in Vadnagar town. The findings include number of clay utensils, silver coins, beads, ornaments, sculptures, clay plaque, tablets, plaque depicting Buddha, and parts of vessel with inscription related to Buddhism. The state government has proposed to develop Devni Mori in Sabarkantha, Taranga in Junagadh and Vadnagar in Mehsana as an integrated Buddhist circuit and asked the Centre for Rs 10.11 crore aid. Vipul Mitra, Tourism Secretary said the Buddhist caves found in various locations of Saurashtra region would also become part of the circuit. Minister for Cultural Affairs Fakir Vaghela said efforts for the preservation of Buddhist caves in Saurashtra region and development of its surrounding areas have already begun as a step towards the tourist circuit. Vaghela said that restoration of Buddhist caves and development of surrounding areas was being done with technical support and collaboration of the ASI. -PTI

Khandala: Panoramic view of lush green hills & valleys

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 29

Places around The popular hill station of Lonavala is only 5 km from Khandala. Lonavala also has the same geographical settings as that of Khandala. There are a number of lakes around Khandala. Tugauli Lake, Lonavala Lake and

Bhushi Lake are worth visiting; so is the Walvan Dam. Karla and Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 16 km from Khandala, are important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock-cut temple art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of

Buddhism. Adventure seekers can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke's Nose peak and other locations in the Karla hills, near Khandala. Travelers coming from Mumbai to Khandala via the Mumbai-Pune highway can see the Duke's Nose with its peculiar peak. How to reach Air - Khandala does not have an airport.

The nearest airport is at Pune (69 km). Rail - The nearest railway station is at Lonavala. As Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune (Poona), all express trains plying between the two cities stop here and travelers can take express trains passing through Lonavala to reach Mumbai and Pune.

Travel & Hospitality Post

April 22, 2011

India Post 31

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Maharashtra mulls tiger tourism 1411 (in 2006) to 1706. Among various enhanced conservation and protection measures undertaken by the state to provide a safe shelter to India's national animal include creation of buffer zones ranging from eight to ten kilometers around the boundary of these reserves and sanctuaries. "These buffer zones help in keeping the human population living around that region away from tiger attacks," adds Khetrapal. Besides this, certain sanctuaries in Maharashtra have been declared

steps to rope in more tourists. Buddhist architecture comprising 30 caves was rediscovered by a British Army Officer John Smith in 1819. Out of the 30 caves, 12 have been closed down by ASI due to water leakage. "The leakage of water was a major issue some time ago but the problem has been resolved now. The ASI team has created separate pipes to divert the route of the leaking water thereby saving the antique wall paintings from decay," says Abrar Hussain, a gov-

"The concept behind such a habitat is to remove the entire human population dwelling there and provide them an alternate shelter. Thus providMUMBAI: The Maharashtra government is proposing to tag Nagpur as the 'tiger capital' of the state to gain more visitors as it gears up to promote the state on India's tourist map. "We have decided to make Nagpur the gateway to the tiger land as Maharashtra and Gujarat have the highest tiger population (in the country). States like Gujarat and Kerala are already promoting their assets... in order to stay in competition we will now promote what we have in abundance," Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters who visited the state recently as part of a tour organized by the Maharashtra government. Maharashtra has a tiger population of 169 as per the 2010 census, Nagpur being the highest scorer with 148 tigers. The total number of tigers has gone up from 103 to 169 in a period of four years.

"Nagpur is the major store house of tigers as the city alone has three tiger reserves and more than five sanctuaries. In all Maharashtra has four reserves and 34 sanctuaries," A K Khetrapal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) told PTI. "The tiger population has gone up from 53 to 69 in Tadoba reserve and from 30 to 35 in Melghat reserve since 2006. Besides this, the tiger population has seen an increase in the sanctuaries of Sahadyri - Sindhudurg with 21 tigers, Nagjira-Navegaon - 20 tigers and Bor - 12 tigers," said Khetrapal. Maharashtra ranks after Uttarakhand in terms of increase in the tiger population, followed by Assam, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The tiger-census carried out in three phases across the country in 2010 reported the number of tigers to have gone up from

ing enough space and security to the tigers" as critical habitat areas. "The concept behind such a habitat is to remove the entire human population dwelling there and provide them an alternate shelter. Thus providing enough space and security to the tigers," said the official. A protection force has also been introduced to save the animal from poachers. In addition to that, both artificial and natural water holes have been dug out to provide enough water for them during summer season. Ajanta Caves Besides this, Archaeological Survey of India has collaborated with the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) to save the 1000- year-old paintings at the Ajanta Caves which are facing severe issues of water leakage and color fading as part of the

J&K to have a golf development authority SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked the tourism department to create a Golf Development Authority to attract high-end tourists

for promotion of tourism in the state," Omar said. He said RSGC is already an international golfing destination and shortly, courses at Pahalgam,

He said being a high-end sport, golf can strengthen state's tourism economy. Omar emphasized that upcoming golf courses must be equipped with standard infrastructure to the valley for boosting the state's economy. The chief Minister made this proposal while addressing the 7th Governing Body Meeting of Royal Springs Golf Course (RSGC) here. "A golf circuit will augur well

Gulmarg and Sidhra will give an option to have round-the-year golfing calendar in the state. He said being a high-end sport, golf can strengthen state's tourism economy. Omar emphasized that upcom-

ing golf courses must be equipped with standard infrastructure. He also called upon the department to ensure proper maintenance of revenue generating assets in the State. “Our focus should be to make RSGC, SKICC and other tourism bodies financially self-sustaining institutions so that they depend less on budgetary support from the Government," Omar said. Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzan Jora inaugurated the Tulip Golf championship 2011 at Royal Spring Golf Course. On the occasion, Jora said the government has already initiated several measures to woo tourists towards Kashmir valley and in this connection several tourism mela and road shows were organized. -PTI

ernment approved tourist guide at the Ajanta caves. The installation of fiber optic lights has proved to be the most remarkable step till date to preserve the Buddhist paintings depicting the entire life of Lord Buddha. Perfect for light-sensitive exhibits, use of fiber optic lighting is harmless and also does not produce heat. "Earlier normal lighting methods

which were installed inside the caves resulted in the discoloration and melting of the texture of the paintings," adds Hussain. Private vehicles have been banned within the periphery of about five kilometers. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has started eco-friendly CNG buses to carry tourists. The fair too has been kept nominal, ranging from Rs seven to Rs 15 for air conditioned and nonairconditioned buses respectively. "ASI in collaboration with the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) is currently building a replica of the entire monument for further research on the caves and its history," adds Hussain. Apart from this, the government is planning to raise the standard of guest houses at all tourist places to provide comfortable stay and experience to the visitors, Chavan said. It has also been decided to focus on the rich heritage of forts in the state by allotting a separate fund for their conservation. "Maharashtra has a large number of forts which speak about the rich Maratha lineage. It has become important to put forth this history of warriors and hence promote the state," Chavan said. -PTI

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Realty Tidbits

Ansal API sold properties worth 2,392.7 cr NEW DELHI: Real estate firm Ansal Properties & Infrastructure has sold properties worth Rs 2,392.7 crore, comprising 22.43 million sq ft of spaces, during the financial year 2010-11. According to a presentation by the company to its investors, Ansal API said the sales realization has also increased by about 37 per cent to Rs 1,067 per sq ft in the last financial year. "The total sales booked in FY11 increased to 22.43 million sq ft aggregating to sale value of about Rs 2,392.7 crore," the company said. Of the total sales, the company's largest township in Lucknow 'Sushant Golf City' contributed 11.49 million sq ft, while the Gurgaon township 'Esencia' contributed 2.93 million sq ft to the total sales booked in last fiscal, it added. 'Sushant Golf City' is a 3,530-acre hi-tech township, while 'Esencia' is being developed in 112 acres of land. The company sold worth Rs 1,111.37 crore projects in Uttar Pradesh, while Haryana accounted for worth Rs 1,080.47 crore properties. The remaining sales were contributed by different properties in Rajasthan and Punjab. -PTI

Â&#x201E;

Mumbai rises in ranking for super rich

MUMBAI: London and New York look set to retain their top spots for the next ten years, but cities in emerging nations are fast catching up. The main cities to watch are Mumbai, Moscow and Sao Paolo, according to The Wealth Report 2011, A Global Perspective on Prime Property and Wealth produced by Knight Frank in conjunction with Citi Private Bank. According to the report, luxury residential rates in Mumbai increased by 20 per cent in 2010 over 2009. Mumbai comes a close second to Shanghai, which saw a 21 per cent increase in this period The report shows that prime property remains incredibly important to the world's wealthiest people. On average, property accounts for 35 per cent of Ultra High Networth Individual's (UHNWI) investment portfolios, second in importance only to investing in their own businesses. Almost 40 per cent of the 85 prime city and second-home locations in 40 countries that were analyzed by the report's Prime International Index (Piri) rose in value during 2010, 17 of them by 10 per cent or more.

Real Estate 34

India Post

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April 22, 2011

Unitech unveils housing project at Ambala

eal estate major Unitech Ltd has unveiled the first phase of its affordable housing project Unihomes in Ambala, Haryana. This project, which will be launched in phases, is a part of the 150-acre Unitech township project coming up in Ambala. First phase of this project is offering 300 units to buyers with unit cost staring at Rs 19.84 lakh onwards. The project comprises 2 & 3 BHK independent floors in sizes including 953 square feet and 1,646 square feet.

Indian-American excited about heading GSA CHICAGO: Ann P Kalayil, who has roots in Kerala is excited with the two firsts to her credit, being the first woman as well as the first Asian to head the General Services Administration (GSA) of the sixstate Great Lakes Region. Kalayil, 50, wants to improve GSA, which is the federal government's real estate and procurement manager and serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. "It's interesting in many dimensions. It's always exciting to be the first and also you are responsible towards duty and government and for others who come behind you," Kalayil told PTI. Born in Chicago but originally from Keezhoor in Kottayam district of Kerala, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to the

post in January this year. As head of GSA, she has

Ann P Kalayil

worked for energy conservation policy launched by the Obama government. GSA is responsible for federal

buildings owned and leased - like congressional offices, Internal Rev-

Our goal like President Obama's goal is to consume less energy and have zero environmental footprint," she further added. Kalayil is responsible for an inventory of 128 federal buildings enue Service, and Social Security. She said that she has the opportunity because of the economy and that she worked to serve fed-

eral agencies. "Our goal is to increase energy star buildings, lighting, infrastructure and decrease water consumption in toilets," she said. "Our agenda is sustainability. An amount of USD 4.5 billion was given to the GSA through the Act (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) to create high performance green government buildings," she added. "We are trying to use HVACs (Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning), solar energy and storm water management. Our goal like President Obama's goal is to consume less energy and have zero environmental footprint," she further added. Kalayil is responsible for an inventory of 128 federal buildings, 986 leased locations and 11 US land ports of entry on the Canadian border. -PTI

Reserve price for Mohali MMRDA gets Mumbai's auction slashed Nhava-Sewri link CHANDIGARH: State owned Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation (Infotech) said it has slashed the reserve rate for auction of its commercial site by 25 per cent to Rs 45 crore to encourage real estate developers to participate in the auction. The move comes in the wake of poor response to the auction. "We have reduced the reserve price for auction of our site for commercial use from Rs 60 crore to Rs 45 crore," a senior official of Punjab Infotech said here. Earlier, Punjab Infotech had fixed Rs 60 crore as reserve price for auction of 1.52 acres of land which could be used for setting up shopping mall, retail complex, multiplex or hotel. "But we did not receive even a single interest in the auction which forced us to think that the reserve price was fixed on a higher side. Then we decided to bring down the reserve price," he said. Punjab Infotech has contiguous piece of land located in the heat of Mohali city which has accessibility to airport and railway

station. It has allowed built up area of 198,634 square feet which is enough to accommodate hotel, multiplex and recreation centers, he said. Real estate experts viewed the slashing of reserve price as wise move taken by the Punjab Infotech, which could not develop interest

We did not receive even a single interest in the auction which forced us to think that the reserve price was fixed on a higher side. Then we decided to bring down the reserve price," he said among realtors to participate in the auction, considering the limited commercial development in this area. "I think it will now be feasible for the companies to bid for the commercial site after reduction in reserve price," Punjab Property and Colonizers Association President Kulwant Singh said. -PTI

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government's ambitious plan for building a sea link to connect Mumbai with the mainland has got a push. After procrastinating for three years, the state government has decided to ask the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to build the 22-km Mumbai Trans Harbor Link (MTHL), which will link the city to Raigad district. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan made the announcement in the Legislative Council. Replying to a debate on the city's infrastructure, Chavan said the MMRDA would now focus exclusively on infrastructure projects. "The MMRDA will implement the much-delayed MTHL project which connects Nhava Sheva to Sewri. It will also appoint engineering and financial consultants to assist it," said Chavan. If everything goes as planned, work on the project will start by the end of 2012 and is likely to be completed in six years with a partial opening in four years.

Interestingly, Chavan himself heads the MMRDA, which has been competing with the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) to build the 22.5km sea bridge. However, Chavan's coalition partner, the Nationalist Congress Party that runs the MSRDC, have been vocal against the MMRDA. In 2008, when the tender was first floated, there were two parties and the financial gap was huge and in 2009 the tender did not get response due to global recession, Chavan said while explaining the delay. Also, the feud between the government agencies added to the delay. In April 2010, the then chief minister Ashok Chavan had asked urban development secretary TC Benjamin to prepare a report on which agency should be given the project. Meanwhile, the MMRDA said that it will appoint a consultant to finalize a detailed project report. The development authority is looking at building the project on public-private partnership model.

Real Estate

April 22, 2011

India Post

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Realty firms look to diversify as sales slow MUMBAI: Real estate companies are again diversifying into businesses such as aerospace, education, power, film production and healthcare as the industry passes through uncertain times. In 2006-07, promoters of DB Realty Ltd and Unitech Ltd ventured into telecom. DLF Ltd and Emaar MGF Land Ltd looked at hospitality to diversify their portfolios and others looked at sectors such as logistics, education and oil and gas, but many had to shelve their plans because of the economic slowdown in 2008-09. This time, their ventures are largely to hedge risk with a diversified portfolio and to dabble in sectors that have higher returns, property analysts said. "Even those who can diversify into residential, commercial and retail properties are more likely to prevail if there is a setback, because diversification ensures business stability if there is a slowdown in any one sector," said Anuj Puri, chairman and country head, Jones Lang LaSalle India (JLL), a property advisory. "A diversified portfolio also adds credibility to the brand image and boosts investor confidence." Some of the earlier diversifications by realty firms have gone horribly wrong. In recent months, top executives of Unitech have been questioned in connection with the investigations into the second-generation (2G) spectrum scam. DB Realty's former managing director Shahid Balwa has been arrested as part of the probe. Diversifications have become attractive again because of slowing property sales and a temporary freeze in liquidity after banks became more cautious with loans to the sector because of the loans-for-bribe scam in November.

If telecom ruled the interest of some developers in the past, the coming years will see huge interest in the education and power sectors, said Ambar Maheshwari, head of investment advisory at DTZ International Property Advisors Pvt. Ltd. Ajmera Realty and Infrastructure Ltd is venturing into the solar and wind power business. "Negotiations are going on and we are forming a separate subsidiary," said director Bandish Ajmera. Realty and infrastructure firms would

Group has three new businesses up its sleeve-power, education and aerospace. It has acquired Bangalore-based aerospace companies Aero Accessories and Systems Pvt. Ltd (AASPL) and VXL eTech India, and expects combined annual revenues of about Rs.100 crore from these over the next few years. With a projected investment of about Rs.100 crore by 2012, it plans to open four schools. In power, Salarpuria is applying for licences for solar power projects in Gujarat,

Some of the earlier diversifications by realty firms have gone horribly wrong. In recent months, top executives of Unitech have been questioned in connection with the investigations into the second-generation (2G) spectrum scam. DB Realty's former managing director Shahid Balwa has been arrested as part of the probe easily cough up nearly Rs.5,000 crore in the education sector in the next few years, analysts estimate. "The fundamental asset in education is land and it's convenient for them to venture into it. There is also huge demand for education and (it) is a good business opportunity," said Maheshwari. Bangalore-based Nitesh Estates Ltd recently launched its maiden retail venture and is looking at education. Executive director L.S. Vaidyanathan explained that sectors such as education add value to the brand. "In the process, you also make money," he said. Another Bangalore firm Salarpuria Sattva

Orissa and Rajasthan. "We will fund these new ventures through internal accruals and debt," said chairman and managing director Bijay Agarwal. "Businesses such as education, hospitality or even healthcare are tax-saving instruments, allow additional construction incentives and generate huge returns," said Gulam Zia, national director, research and advisory services, Knight Frank India, a property advisory. Noida-based Amrapali Group has formed a film production company, Amrapali Media Vision Pvt. Ltd, with a seed capital of Rs.100 crore, said chairman and managing

director Anil Sharma, refusing to give more details. It has produced a Hindi movie titled My Dear Friend Hitler. Spurred by the demand for more luxury and budget hotel rooms, midsize property firms are venturing into hospitality. Aerens Gold Souk International Ltd (AGIL) has struck a strategic alliance with US-based Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Announcing the signing of a franchise agreement this week, Ashish Gupta, vicechairman and joint managing director of AGIL, said the group will build four hotels in India under the "Ramada" brand. "The group also plans to set up a hotel management academy in collaboration with foreign institutes," Gupta said. AGIL has acquired land for these projects and is likely to invest Rs.500 crore in them, including land costs. "We have big plans to enter into education and are in the process of acquiring a big university in Himachal Pradesh," said S.P.S. Pruthi, chairman of AGIL. Hiranandani Constructions Pvt. Ltd, which ventured into power last year, sees hospitality as a soft part of its business, having opened a 160-room hotel in Mumbai recently. "We will develop hotels, as part of our townships that are ready and complete," said managing director Niranjan Hiranandani, adding that he sees an incremental rather than exponential growth. JLL India's Puri said strategic diversification is not within everyone's means. "Smaller players that have attempted to diversify in the past have met with failure and were obliged to sell out their portfolios to larger banners," he said, without naming them.

Gujarat realtors continue protest

he real estate developers met a group of senior ministers and held talks on the contentious issue of revised jantri rates. The meeting was described as positive, but the realtors announced they will continue their protest by not executing any sale deeds till May 5. Around 40 leading developers from across Gujarat met a group of senior ministers comprising revenue minister Anandi Patel, urban development minister Nitin Patel and industries minister Saurabh Patel, at Nirman Bhavan in Gandhinagar. During the meeting, which lasted for more than an hour, the builders represented their contentions about the revised jantri, which has been implemented from April 1. The builders, associated with Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India (Credai) and Gujarat Institute of Housing and Estate Developers (Gihed), represented that the revised jantri was impractical and will have negative impact not only

on developers and home buyers, but also on farmers. The developers reasoned that buyers will not

GIHED president, Suresh Patel said that they were able to communicate to the ministers that the proper procedure of preparing jantri was not followed, which is why there were widespread anomalies in the new revised jantri only be burdened with additional stamp duty, but will also have to bear various central government taxes, including capital gains tax.

Emerging from the meeting, Jaxay Shah, vice-president of Credai, said that they placed the various anomalies in the revised jantri before the group of ministers. "Jantri is a complicated issue, and cannot be resolved in a day or two. But, the ministers were quite positive on the issue, and we are likely to have another meeting with them in the next two to three days," Shah said. Talking to reporters, industries minister Saurabh Patel, said "The state government is positive about the issue. We will study the various jantri related issues the developers have pointed out, and call them for talks." GIHED president, Suresh Patel said that they were able to communicate to the ministers that the proper procedure of preparing jantri was not followed, which is why there were widespread anomalies in the new revised jantri. "We are going to hold another round of talks with the government later this week. We are

confident that the government will understand the situation and come up with a remedy," said Patel. However, the builders have decided to continue their protest by not executing any real estate sale deeds till May 5. "We have decided to continue with our protest even as talks take place with the government over the issue," both Shah and Patel said.

Sources said that while requesting the government to look at the various anomalies and discrepancies in the jantri, the developers also demanded that implementation of the revised jantri should be deferred with immediate effect. "Many builders are also in a fix as the revised jantri was implemented all of a sudden and in an abrupt manner," said sources.

Health

Line

Purdue trustees hear ideas on health benefit costs INDIANAPOLIS: A study committee has told Purdue trustees that recommended changes in the university's health benefits could save millions of dollars in just a few years. Trustees heard the recommendations during a meeting in Indianapolis. They include a surcharge for spouses who have access to other employer-provided health care and adjusting employee contributions to fit a plan's level of benefits. Associate nursing Professor Pam Aaltonen, who chaired the study committee, says the latter proposal could save nearly $4 million. The Lafayette Journal & Courier reports cutting health care costs has been a priority for Purdue during the past year amid a state budget crunch and possibly lower state support in future years. -AP

Study probes if bear hormones deter osteoporosis HOUGHTON, Mich.:AMichigan Technological University researcher is using a $1 million grant from National Institutes of Health to see if a bear hormone holds promise for treating osteoporosis in humans. Associate professor Seth Donahue has long been studying bears to help learn what protects their bones against calcium loss during hibernation. The Houghton school says that bears recycle rather than excrete calcium while they're inactive. Donahue's research team earlier isolated the genetic material responsible for making the parathyroid hormone in black bears. -AP

Health Science 36

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WASHINGTON: Republicans portray Planned Parenthood as primarily focused on performing abortions and intentionally or not using American taxpayer dollars to do it. Details on page 38

Arizona plan to cut Medicaid rolls headed to court PHOENIX: Gov. Jan Brewer's plan to help balance the state's budget by providing governmentpaid health care to fewer lower-income Arizonans is headed to court. A lawyer for one of several liberal-oriented public interest law firms preparing to challenge Brewer's plan said their lawsuit will be filed soon, probably with the Arizona Supreme Court. The key issue in the case will be whether Brewer's plan to shrink enrollment in the state's Medicaid program by roughly 138,000 people through sign-up freezes over the next year violates the Arizona Constitution's protections for voter-approved laws. Arizona voters in 2000 approved a ballot measure that mandated an expansion of eligibility for the Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. The 2000 ballot measure requires that money from a settlement paid by tobacco companies to the state be used to pay for increasing Medicaid eligibility. But the 2000 law also said the state had

Gov. Jan Brewer

The key issue in the case will be whether Brewer's plan to shrink enrollment in the state's Medicaid program by roughly 138,000 people through sign-up freezes violates the Arizona Constitution to use "any other available sources" of money if the tobacco settlement money didn't pay for the entire cost.

The settlement money and tobacco tax proceeds available for health care haven't been enough to pick up the tab, and the state

has used regular appropriations of tax dollars to fill the gap. But with the state's ongoing budget crisis and shortfalls of $1 billion or more in recent years, Brewer and Republican legislators said the state cannot afford to keep paying for the full eligibility increase. And that will be the crux of the state's argument in defending against the promised lawsuit, said Senate Appropriations Chairman Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert. "We have no other available funds," Biggs said, adding that the approved budget's spending cuts throughout state programs and services should convey that reality to any judges hearing the case. An attorney preparing the planned challenge said the "available" argument used by the budget's proponents attempts to skirt the 2000 voter-approved law's requirement that eligibility be increased to cover people with incomes up to 100 percent of the federal poverty level. Cont’d on page 37

DoL issues warning over hair salon products

India Post News Service

New health plan starts in Boston public housing

NEW YORK: The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a hazard alert to hair salon owners and workers about potential formaldehyde exposure from working with some hair smoothing and straightening products. Responding to complaints and referrals about possible exposure to formaldehyde, federal OSHA and many state occupational safety and health agencies are conducting investigations. Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Connecticut's Department of Public Health, and agencies in several other states already have issued warnings. Federal OSHA has found formaldehyde in the air when stylists used hair smoothing products, some of which do have formaldehyde listed on their labels or in ma-

BOSTON: A Boston-based community health center has launched a program aimed at fighting hypertension and depression among Boston public housing residents. Whittier Street Health Center recently unveiled the "Vibrant Communities in Boston Public Housing" that will target residents in five Boston public housing developments. Frederica Williams, president and CEO of the center, said 1,800 families will benefit from the program since it will provide preventative health services and offer training on how to lead healthier lifestyles. -AP

April 22, 2011

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Planned Parenthood, abortion and the budget fight

terial safety data sheets as required by law. During one investigation, the agency's air tests showed formaldehyde at levels greater that OSHA's limits for a salon, even though the product tested was labeled as formaldehyde-free. California's Occupational

posed. It can irritate the eyes and nose; cause allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and lungs; and is linked to nose and lung cancer. OSHA requires manufacturers, importers and distributors of products that contain formaldehyde as a gas or in solution, or

Federal OSHA has found formaldehyde in the air when stylists used hair smoothing products, some of which do have formaldehyde listed on their labels or in material safety data sheets as required by law Safety and Health Administration recently issued violations to an importer and distributor of smoothing products labeled formaldehyde-free for failing to list formaldehyde as a hazardous ingredient on the company's product labels and in the material safety data sheets. Formaldehyde presents a health hazard if workers are ex-

that can release formaldehyde during use, to include information about formaldehyde and its hazards on product labels and in the material safety data sheets that are sent to employers. If a salon owner decides to continue using a formaldehyde-containing hair smoothing product, then he or she must follow OSHA's formaldehyde standard. Impor-

tant requirements of this standard include conducting air monitoring, installing ventilation where needed and training workers about formaldehyde, as well as providing protective equipment such as gloves, chemical splash goggles, face shields and chemical resistant aprons. The material safety data sheet includes important information about what a product contains and how the ingredients can affect a worker's health. Salon owners and other employers must have a material safety data sheet for any of the products they use that contain hazardous chemicals. They must also make the sheet available to stylists and other workers. OSHA currently has a number of ongoing investigations at salons and of importers/distributors/ manufacturers relating to hair smoothing and straightening products. Some citations have been issued.

Health Science Post

April 22, 2011

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Official: NH program ahead of federal initiative CONCORD, NH: A White House initiative to support military families mirrors what New Hampshire has been doing for years, the state's adjutant general told a group of foreign naval officers. Maj. Gen. William Reddel spoke to naval officers from nearly 50 countries who are spending 11 months at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I. The group of about 80 officers spent a day in New Hampshire learning about the state's health and human services programs, including its partnership with the New Hampshire National Guard to help military families cope with a variety of issues, including mental illness and child care. First lady Michelle Obama and the vice president's wife, Jill Biden, are kicking off a national campaign to strengthen military families by focusing on employment, education, wellness and public awareness. Reddel said New Hampshire's Deployment Cycle Support Program has succeeded in all those

areas since 2007. Since then, the percentage of active duty guard members, reservists or family members who have untreated mental health issues has dropped from 31 percent to 4 percent, he

Public health director Dr. Jose Montero noted that while the state is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest states, maintaining that distinction is a challenge, particularly when it comes to disease prevention said. Unemployment has dropped from 22 percent to 13 percent, and homelessness has dropped from 3 percent to just over a half a percent. ``We do everything this new program does,'' Reddel said.

``What we look for is the community to help us out.'' The naval officers also heard from officials with the state Department of Health and Human Services, who explained the department's structure and approach to promoting health and independence among the state's 1.3 million residents. Public health director Dr. Jose Montero noted that while the state is consistently ranked as one of the healthiest states, maintaining that distinction is a challenge, particularly when it comes to disease prevention. ``How do we get the public to understand that being healthy is better than saying `I was cured of my disease?''' he said. Capt. Sameer Saxena of India said he found the briefing valuable despite coming from a country with a population nearly 1,000 times the size of New Hampshire. "It is a fact that the U.S. has been in conflict for a decade, causing a tremendous stress on veterans," he said. "We can learn from that." -AP

Arizona plan to cut Medicaid rolls headed to court Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

"That's a mandatory directive," said Tim Hogan of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest. "I understand how they want to abbreviate this, but the language is pretty strong." Besides, Hogan said, there's plenty of discretionary spending throughout the $8.3 billion budget. Hogan said he was unaware of any applicable prior court ruling on what "available" funding means but that a 2009 state Supreme Court ruling might have some bearing. That ruling said lawmakers and Brewer violated the constitutional protection for a voter-approved law creating an early childhood program when they raided interest on the program's funding. The violation was clear from both the wording and the obvious intent of that voter-approved law, since-retired Justice Charles Ryan wrote in the unanimous 2009 decision. An expert on Arizona constitutional law said the argument that no money is available seems weak. "That would mean the requirement to fund it if you have available funds would only have meaning if you have a state surplus," said Paul Bender, an Arizona State University law professor. "And you have to give some meaning to

that (voter-approved law) that is consistent with the voters' to make this a high funding priority," he added. If the budget's $510 million cut in AHCCCS' funding is reversed as a result of the anticipated court case, legislators have only two options, said Sen. Ron Gould, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

That ruling said lawmakers and Brewer violated the constitutional protection for a voter-approved law creating an early childhood program when they raided interest on the program's funding The Lake Havasu City Republican said the options would be a resumption of borrowing that majority Republicans largely eschewed in the new budget and new, deeper spending cuts. "I think there's still a lot of stuff that could be cut," Gould said, acknowledging that reductions midway through the new fiscal year could devastate the programs involved -AP

Cancer survivor helping others STATESVILLE, N.C.: Sarah Stikeleather couldn't stop rubbing the back of her neck on a Friday morning at Pharr West Salon on Davie Avenue. Even though it was the third time she's donated her hair to Locks of Love, 10 inches of hair was gone and the 21-year-old was still trying to get used to it. "I get tired of my long hair," she said. "It feels better. It's out of the way." Locks of Love is a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis, according to the organization's website. Stikeleather is a two time cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 4, and battled thyroid cancer last year. Stikeleather never wore a wig after her leukemia treatments, said her mother, Tammy CromieWilkins. She always preferred to wear hats. But while she was undergoing treatments, she became friends with others who did wear the wigs. Stikeleather started donating

her hair to the national nonprofit when she was 11, after she had been in remission for five years, said Cromie-Wilkins. To date, Stikeleather has donated 32 inches of hair. "They do a lot with the hair," Cromie-Wilkins said. Cromie-Wilkins said she's seen baseball caps with ponytails sticking out of the back. More than a week ago, CromieWilkins also cut 11 inches of her own hair for Locks of Love. "We'll save on shampoo," she said, with a laugh. Stikeleather, who is currently attending Mitchell Community College, said short hair has some definite benefits. Stikeleather has Down syndrome and is an avid Special Olympics athlete. She said her short hair will make it easier for her to run and swim. "I love swimming," she said. "I always do my best. Cancer has never been in the way." Stikeleather is already trying to decide whether to donate to Locks of Love a fourth time. "I think Sarah has inspired a lot of people," CromieWilkins said. "She's certainly inspired me." -AP

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April 22, 2011

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Planned Parenthood, abortion Move for smaller veterans mental health clinic and the budget fight WASHINGTON: Republicans portray Planned Parenthood as primarily focused on performing abortions and intentionally or not using American taxpayer dollars to do it. Not so, say Democrats who counter that the group's 800-plus health centers nationwide provide an array of services, from screenings for cancer to testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Abortion is just one of many procedures, and the law bars Planned Parenthood from using tax money for it. In the budget maelstrom that threatened to partially shut the federal government stood Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a 90-year-old organization now part of a decades-long congressional battle over abortion. Republicans want any legislation keeping the government operating to bar federal dollars for Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest provider of abortions. They want to distribute the money to the states. ``The country is broke and the vast majority of Americans don't want tax dollars to take the life of unborn children,'' Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio., chairman of Republican Study Committee, told reporters in a conference call. Democrats say they see a radical agenda against women's health, especially poor and lowincome women, and won't allow it, even if that means shutting down the government. ``It is appalling that Republicans would hold our economic recovery hostage for a ransom of denying millions of women Pap tests, breast exams, and birth con-

trol,'' said Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. ``It shows their top priority is not keeping our economic recovery on track _ it is reviving divisive social issues.'' Republican leaders say that's just not so. The question of a shutdown, they said, is about a need for greater cuts in federal spending, not social issues including abortion. Abortion nearly scuttled President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in the final hours of de-

Abortion nearly scuttled President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in the final hours of debate last March. A year later, the stakes are still high bate last March. A year later, the stakes are still high, the political rhetoric fierce and the claims in need of clarification. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., wrote last month that the legislative fight is ``Big Abortion vs. American taxpayers.'' Giving its version, Planned Parenthood said it performed about 330,000 abortions last year, 3 percent of its total health care services. The organization also said its doctors and nurses annually conduct 1 million screenings for cervical cancer, 830,000 breast exams and some 4 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted diseases.

``It's an outrage to shut down the government over an extreme proposal that would deny millions of women Pap tests, breast cancer screenings and birth control,'' Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood, said in a statement. ``Attacking Planned Parenthood's preventive health care hurts women, does not cut the deficit or fix the economy, and must be stopped.'' Nine of the Senate's Democratic women stood together at a midday Capitol Hill news conference vowing to stop the House GOP effort. ``This is an opportunity for the right wing in the House to really sock it to women,'' said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. Said Sen. Maria Cantwell, DWash.: ``These women are a mighty line of defense against cutting Planned Parenthood.'' The organization said it receives $363 million in federal funds, getting its money from both the Title X program and Medicaid. Title X provides grants for family planning and related health services under a law signed by Republican President Richard M. Nixon in December 1970. Of the Title X money, Planned Parenthood gets about $70 million, some 25 percent of the $317 million in Title X spending. The organization's annual budget is $1.1 billion and includes individual donations. Federal law bars Planned Parenthood from using tax dollars for abortion. In 1976, three years after the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, Congress passed the Hyde Amendment which bars the use of taxpayer funds for abortion except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. It annually is attached to the congressional spending bills. But Republicans argue that often all the money ends up in the same account for the organizations. ``Come on,'' Jordan said, ``Money is fungible. ... It's just common sense. We think that taxpayers understand this, particularly at a point in history when the country is broke.'' No matter what the outcome, the fight over federal money for Planned Parenthood will continue. Once Congress resolves the budget for the current fiscal year, it must decide on spending for the next budget. ``We have a long history of prolife protection being part of an appropriation debate,'' Jordan said. -AP

FORT WAYNE, Ind.: The US Department of Veterans Affairs is taking steps to create an out-patient mental health clinic in Fort Wayne, with a budget request for $2.85 million in the coming federal fiscal year and a projected opening in March 2015. It's greatly scaled back from a now-scrapped 2009 plan for a $60 million, 200,000-square-foot veterans health facility in Fort Wayne. The new plan calls for a 27,000square-foot facility. An aide to Republican U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana said that the congressman and his staff have been talking about the project with officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Stutzman chief of staff Tim Harris told The Journal Sentinel that the project is "in the early stages." The 2012 budget request includes $1.49 million for design and construction costs and $1.36 million for annual rent. "It's our understanding it's a very positive step that it is where it is," said Harris. "That doesn't mean it's a done deal. "Where it is, we understand, is a good sign. What this says is the Fort Wayne facility has moved up on the priority list." At a hearing of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,

Stutzman asked department officials where the project stood. "It is our experience that on sizable projects such as that, it's typically better to construct new in order to get the functionality and capabilities and meet energy requirements," said Robert Neary, acting director of the department's Office of Construction and Facilities Management. "If there were a facility available in the area, we would look at it."

The 2012 budget request includes $1.49 million for design and construction costs and $1.36 million for annual rent Neary said that after the project is authorized, the department must search for and identify a site, obtain a purchase option and award a development contract for the clinic to be built and leased back to the VA for 20 years. The Department of Veterans Affairs said in its 2012 budget proposal that it expects an increasing demand for mental health services even as the number of war veterans in the region declines. -AP

South Dakotans among most inactive in US RAPID CITY, SD: South Dakota residents are among the nation's biggest couch potatoes, according to a new government study. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that on average, residents in 40 states are more active than South Dakotans, the Rapid City Journal reported. South Dakota's obesity rate is also among the nation's highest, according to the most recent CDC figures. The state also fared poorly in the percentage of adults who are considered "highly active," with slightly more than a one-third of South Dakota adults getting at least 300 minutes a week of "moderate" activity or 150 minutes of "vigorous" activity. Only four states had lower percentages. South Dakota's low rating could be linked to the fact that many smaller communities don't have such things as health clubs and outdoor trails, said Kristin Biskeborn, nutritionist with the state Health Department. "We wish the results were bet-

ter because it helps overall health and is a major strategy to reduce obesity," she said. "There are areas of the state that do better than others. Pennington County, for instance, is one of the best areas to be physically active." Tim Rangitsch, owner of Acme Bicycles in Rapid City, said the

The state also fared poorly in the percentage of adults who are considered 'highly active' Black Hills has a growing community with a "burgeoning interest in outdoor activity." "It's not just based on getting healthy," he said. "It keeps you young, it keeps things fun. The fitness aspect isn't what I shoot for, but it's a byproduct of having fun in the woods, hunting, fishing, biking and climbing." -AP

April 22, 2011

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Colo. budget puts cancer screenings at risk DENVER: Colorado's looming budget cuts threaten more than schools and state jobs they also could put lives at stake. Largressa Munnerlyn wants lawmakers to know that. She survived breast cancer, thanks to a state screening program now under threat from budget cuts. "I'm living proof that we need this program," Munnerlyn said of Colorado's Women's Wellness Connection, which estimates it will cut breast and cervical cancer screenings for 5,100 women next year under a 41 percent budget cut pending in the state Senate. The program provided 9,152 screenings in the last year, down from 16,809 in the 2009-10 fiscal year. Munnerlyn lost her job, and her health insurance, when the recession cranked up in 2009. She learned she had breast cancer after a cancer screening at a state "mammovan" at a neighborhood health clinic. A Denver woman in her 50s, Munnerlyn subsequently relied on state assistance for a lumpectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. Fearing other women won't be so lucky, she joined other cancer survivors outside the Capitol last week to plead with law-

makers to save the program. "Losing your job and your health insurance shouldn't cost you your life," Munnerlyn said. Despite sympathy from lawmakers, the prognosis for health care in next year's budget is poor. Lawmakers struggling to close a half-billion-dollar shortfall are poised to ax an array of health services, from cancer screenings to tobacco cessation programs to payments for doctors who treat the poor. Lawmakers insist their top priorities are public education and reviving the economy and that they have no choice but to trim health care across the board. "These are all hard cuts that impact real people all across the state. And I don't see them being reversed any time soon because of the long-term fiscal outlook," said Rep. Mark Ferrandino, a top budget-writer for the Democrats. The cuts include shifting $33 million from cancer prevention and smoking cessation programs to fund Medicaid. By law, the money, collected from tobacco taxes and tobacco settlement funds, must be used for health care. But advocates complain that the shift allows lawmakers to siphon Medicaid money to non-health-related items in the rest of the $7 billion

general fund. Republican Rep. Cheri Gerou said the cancer screenings covered with tobacco taxes will still be done, only under Medicaid instead of the previous program.

Medicaid is under siege, too. Next year, Colorado is projected to have some 613,000 people on Medicaid, about half of them children. That's up from about 559,000 this year, a growth attributed to eligibility expansion and an economic downturn in which falling incomes mean more people qualify "It's being used in Medicaid for the exact same purposes," Gerou said. Next year's budget charges some poor people more for health

assistance, and pays doctors less for treating them. Lawmakers are considering new monthly premiums of between $20 and $50 for some lowincome parents using a Colorado health insurance program for children - an effort to raise some $6 million by 2013. Those insurance recipients now face nominal annual payments, not monthly premiums. The Colorado chapter of the American Society of Pediatrics opposes the change, saying the premiums threaten to put some needy children out of the program. Medicaid is under siege, too. Next year, Colorado is projected to have some 613,000 people on Medicaid, about half of them children. That's up from about 559,000 this year, a growth attributed to eligibility expansion and an economic downturn in which falling incomes mean more people qualify. Lawmakers plan to again trim what doctors are reimbursed for treating Medicaid patients. The spending plan also trims Medicaid payments for certain radiology treatments, inpatient renal dialysis and other services. Some prominent health care advocacy groups seem resigned to the cuts. Dede de Percin, executive di-

rector of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, said lawmakers have the impossible job of preserving schools, health care and roads when there isn't enough money for it all. "There's a face behind every cut," said de Percin. Some lawmakers say the state needs to study how it spends tobacco money. Republican Rep. Cindy Acree wants an audit of tobacco taxes and tobacco settlement money. She says the money is used in a roundabout way to cover nonhealth expenses such as schools or roads. "We need to stand up and know what this money is being used for," Acree said. The audit could come next summer. No matter its conclusion, advocates fear health care will keep coming up short in the Colorado budget. "It's a scary time. They're just cutting money from everywhere," said Tina Jagerson, a Denver woman who attended the rally to save cancer screenings. Jagerson's father died of colon cancer. "We just have to keep trying to get our voice heard, too," Jagerson said. -AP

In Brief Immigration reform advocates eyeing Utah SALT LAKE CITY: National leaders in the immigration debate have been looking to Utah as a model of compassion for shaping the country's future policies toward illegal immigrants. Utah was the first state last fall to create a set of principles, known as the Utah Compact, which urged lawmakers to remember illegal immigrants are essential to the economy and deserving of respect. Groups spearheaded by religious and business leaders in a half-dozen other states are now adopting their own versions of the Utah Compact, which includes five principles that encourages keeping families together, ensuring a strong economy and supporting compassionate law enforcement. -AP

Alabama Senate panel approves immigration bill MONTGOMERY, Ala.: An Alabama Senate committee has taken a slightly different approach to illegal immigration than the House. The Senate Job Creation and Economic Development Committee voted 9-1 for an illegal immigration bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Scott Beason of Gardendale. Beason said his bill is similar to one already approved by the House because it makes it a crime to conceal or knowingly transport an illegal immigrant. But the difference is that his bill doesn't require employers to check new employees' legal status through the federal E-Verify computer system. -AP

Immigration 40

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April 22, 2011

Border Patrol arrest known MS-13 gang member YUMA, Ariz.: Federal authorities in Arizona say they’ve arrested a Salvadoran immigrant who’s a known member of a violent gang and has an extensive criminal record. -AP

South Asian Summit discusses issues since 9/11 India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Over 250 South Asians gathered to speak out, raise awareness, and collectively brainstorm solutions against growing xenophobia and discrimination in the United States, at the third national South Asian Summit 2011, hosted by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) in Washington, DC April 1-4. At a community briefing on the impact of September 11th (2001) on South Asian communities, community members and policy experts shared personal stories and policy recommendations about the continuing impact of the post-9/11 backlash. Congresswoman Judy Chu (DCA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), joined the briefing to provide closing remarks. She said, "It is so important for you to be at the Capitol at this time as we approach the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. It is so important for you to be here to fight against the worst

SAALT team members with Congresswoman Chu at the SAALT Summit

policies that occurred due to 9/11 but also to ensure that even more egregious hate crimes do not oc-

tional conference, which brought individuals from around the country for a four-day conven-

The briefing capped the national conference, which brought individuals from around the country for a four-day convening that included workshops, discussions, roundtables with federal government agencies and visits with Congressional offices cur as people are reminded of the horrors of that day." The briefing capped the na-

ing that included workshops, discussions, roundtables with federal government agencies and vis-

its with Congressional offices. The briefing was attended by Congressional staffers, advocates, community members and those directly affected by the backlash since 9/11. Speakers included Gurwinder Singh, a student whose bias-based harassment culminated in a violent, physical attack, as well as Linda Sarsour from the National Network of Arab American Communities, who described the troubling rise in xenophobia in the political climate. Cont’d on page 43

USCIS begins accepting H-1B petitions CYRUS D. MEHTA

Fate uncertain for immigration crackdown bill INDIANAPOLIS: The chairman of an Indiana House committee says he'll decide in the coming days whether it will take up a bill aiming for an Arizona-style crackdown on illegal immigration. The bill approved by the Senate would allow police officers to seek proof of immigration status if they have a reasonable suspicion a person is in the country illegally. House public policy committee Chairman Bill Davis of Portland says he doesn't want to put people in the country legally in fear of racial profiling and believes police officers have enough responsibilities. -AP

s of April 1, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun accepting H-1B petitions subject to the fiscal year (FY) 2012 cap of 65,000. Cases will be considered accepted on the date USCIS receives a properly filed petition for which the correct fee has been submitted; not the date that the petition is postmarked. USCIS will monitor the number of H-1B petitions received and will announce when the H-1B cap has been met. If USCIS receives more petitions than it can accept, it may on the date the cap is met (the "final receipt date") randomly select the number of petitions that will be considered for final inclusion within the cap. 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 first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of individuals with U.S. master's degrees or higher are exempt from the cap. Certain other petitions also are exempt from the congressionally mandated cap. Exempt petitions

Petitions filed on behalf of beneficiaries who will work only in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands are exempt from the cap until December 31, 2014. Employers may continue to file petitions for these cap-exempt H-1B categories for beneficiaries who will start work during

USCIS will monitor the number of H-1B petitions received and will announce when the H-1B cap has been met include those for which the beneficiaries will work at: • institutions of higher education or related or affiliated nonprofit entities; • nonprofit research organizations; or • governmental research organizations.

FYs 2011 or 2012. Petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap do not count toward the H-1B cap. USCIS will continue to process petitions filed to: • extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain

in the United States; • change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers; • allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and • allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H1B position. USCIS Announces Relief for Japanese, Pacific Nationals Stranded in US Following Quake, Tsunami US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on March 11, 2011, the following relief for Japanese and other nationals from the Pacific stranded in the US due to the earthquake and tsunami disasters in Japan: This advisory is for Japanese and other foreign nationals from the Pacific stranded in the United States due to the earthquakes and tsunami devastation. Cont’d on page 42

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April 22, 2011

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Feds settle with family over immigrant's care LOS ANGELES: The federal government has agreed to pay $1.95 million to settle a lawsuit with the family of a now-deceased illegal immigrant who was denied medical care for cancer in detention. Salvadoran immigrant Francisco Castaneda was denied a biopsy for a painful lesion for 11 months while in the custody of federal immigration authorities from March 2006 to February 2007. He was later diagnosed with penile cancer and died in 2008 at age 36. Under the settlement, Castaneda's 18-year-old daughter will receive roughly $550,000. The rest will go to Castaneda's estate and to cover attorneys' fees and costs. The lawsuit filed by his relatives was settled in federal court in Los Angeles. Conal Doyle, the family's attorney, said the settlement is about eight times the cap placed on medical damages in California. "It is certainly a recognition by the federal government that every human life has great value," Doyle said. "It was very significant in light of the limitations we faced if the case went to trial." Immigration and Customs En-

forcement said in a statement that the agency deeply regrets that Castaneda was not diagnosed and treated promptly. Officials also said changes have been made to let detainees' doctors make treatment decisions without waiting for approval from headquarters in Washington.

Castaneda's relatives sued the state and federal government. A jury last year determined state prisons were partly to blame for his death and awarded the family $1.73 million Castaneda was convicted of drug possession in 2005 and spent more than a year in state and federal detention facilities. He complained of a painful lesion on his penis but was never given a biopsy, even though it had been ordered by his doctors. He was given pain pills and clean boxer shorts every day, but his condi-

tion worsened. Castaneda was released from immigration custody in February 2007, just days before a biopsy was finally scheduled and after the American Civil Liberties Union wrote letters to ICE demanding he be treated, court records show. Castaneda went to the hospital and was diagnosed with cancer. Less than a week later, his penis was amputated. A year later, he died. Castaneda's relatives sued the state and federal government. A jury last year determined state prisons were partly to blame for his death and awarded the family $1.73 million. The federal lawsuit went to the Supreme Court after the family initially sued U.S. medical personnel for denying the biopsy. The government argued its medical personnel are immune from lawsuits, and the Supreme Court agreed last year. The settlement entered into court Thursday ends the family's claims against the federal government. Relatives still have claims pending against two state medical officials, Doyle said. -AP

Immigration bills advance in Tenn. House NASHVILLE, Tenn.: Opponents of a proposal that would allow law enforcement agents in Tennessee to question suspects about their immigration status are concerned it will hurt the state's image. The measure was one of three immigration bills sponsored by Republican Rep. Joe Carr of Lascassas that passed the House State and Local Government Committee on a voice vote. The other bills would require the state's employers to prove their employees are legally authorized to work in the U.S., and require agencies to verify that applicants for public benefits are legally eligible for them. Critics compare the law enforcement bill to the one in Arizona that passed last year and is currently the subject of a federal lawsuit. Carr said the proposal is different from the Arizona legislation in that local law enforcement officials wouldn't be able to make an arrest if an individual couldn't provide legal documents. Under his bill, if there was reasonable suspicion, authorities

would call an immigration enforcement hot line to find out if the person was legally in the country. However, opponents of the proposal say it could hurt tourism in the state and cause racial profiling. ``I'm afraid ... we're putting it out there that we're following Arizona's

Her statement seemed to agitate committee chairman Curry Todd, who said the federal government is irresponsible when it comes to the issue lead,'' said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner of Nashville. ``I'm afraid we're going to have some overzealous officers. I do not want to give tools to someone who would do that.'' Democratic Rep. Antonio Parkinson of Memphis agreed. ``I think this bill is going to create an atmosphere in Tennessee

that we don't want,'' he said. American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee executive director Hedy Weinberg has said that her group will pursue litigation if the enforcement bill becomes law. She told the committee the state should not be dealing with immigration, ``but the federal government should.'' Her statement seemed to agitate committee chairman Curry Todd, who said the federal government is irresponsible when it comes to the issue. ``We wouldn't be here if the federal government would do their job; Obama and the rest of them up there,'' said the Collierville Republican. ``That's why the states are getting involved in it.'' According to data compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures, states passed 346 immigration-related laws and resolutions last year a record number. Six states introduced bills similar to Arizona's, but none of them were enacted. So far this year, 11 states have introduced Arizona-style bills. -AP

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Immigration Post

India Post

April 22, 2011

www.indiapost.com

Md. OKs illegal immigrant in-state tuition ANNAPOLIS, Md.: As many southern states pass news laws to crack down on illegal immigrants, the Maryland General Assembly moved toward allowing them to pay in-state college tuition, if they meet certain conditions. The Maryland House voted 7466 for the measure after intense debate. The Senate already has passed similar legislation. Democratic supporters say the legislation would create opportunity for people who have lived in Maryland for years and paid state taxes. "It gives them an opportunity to become a productive member of our society, and I believe that's what we all want," said Delegate Aisha Braveboy, D-Prince George's. "There are limitless opportunities in the future, and I want all children to have that." But Republican opponents said the measure rewards illegal behav-

ior at taxpayers' expense, while filling up seats at the state's colleges that could be filled with citizens who are struggling to find work in a tough economy. "I don't think any American should have to compete with someone here illegally for a job, and I don't think we should be offering an enticement for a person to come here illegally, and that's exactly what we're doing," said Delegate Herb McMillan, R-Anne Arundel. Illegal immigrants would have to complete two years at a community college and show that their parents paid state income taxes for the three years before they enrolled to qualify for in-state tuition. The proposal is aimed at those who may have come to the U.S. illegally as children with their parents and may have lived most of their life in the U.S. Someone who is born in the U.S. to illegal immi-

grants is automatically a citizen. The House added an amendment that would require male illegal immigrants to register with the

The House also changed the bill so that parents would have to produce evidence they paid Maryland income taxes 90 days out of each of the three years Selective Service, or the draft, before qualifying for the reduced tuition rate. The House also changed the definition of an illegal immigrant receiving the reduced tuition rate to have him or her count as part of a school's out-of-state stu-

dent pool, keeping preventing instate slots for Maryland residents from being unaffected. The House also changed the bill so that parents would have to produce evidence they paid Maryland income taxes 90 days out of each of the three years. Delegate Luiz Simmons, D-Montgomery, who offered the amendment, included an exception for parents who were unable to meet the requirement if they experienced "serious and substantial circumstances," such as an injury. Delegate Anthony O'Donnell, R-Calvert, said the change created "substantial loopholes." "All you have to do is say, 'Circumstances beyond my control. I couldn't provide the documentation and I couldn't pay taxes,' and you can drive a Greyhound bus through this loophole," O'Donnell said.

The Democrat-controlled House of Delegates rejected a Republican-backed amendment that would have capped the amount of money for illegal immigrants getting the lower tuition rate at $1 million a year. A proposal to cap it at $3 million a year also was rejected. Democrats also shot down an amendment that would have required a one-time $250 fee from a student to receive the reduced benefit. The financial implications for students are significant. In-state tuition is $8,416 annually, and outof-state students pay $24,831 a year. Since 2001, 10 states have enacted laws to allow illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition rates at public universities. They are California, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Washington. -AP

USCIS begins accepting SC nixes wire fee from immigration bill H-1B petitions Cont’d from page 40

If you have exceeded or are about to exceed your authorized stay in the U.S. you may be permitted up to an additional 30 days to depart. Visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): • If you are at an airport, contact the US Customs and Border Protection office at the airport • All others, please visit the local US Citizenship and Immigration Services office Visitors traveling under a nonimmigrant visa: • Visit the local US Citizenship and Immigration Services office • Bring your passport, evidence that you are stranded (such as an itinerary for the cancelled flight), and your I-94 de-

parture record New Mumbai US Consulate to open later in 2011; H and L interviews limited in meantime A new US Consulate is being constructed for Mumbai, scheduled to open later in 2011. No new H and L appointments are being made at the current Mumbai Consulate, which has limited interview capabilities due to aging infrastructure. New H and L interviews may be scheduled at other US Consulates in India or at the US Embassy in New Delhi. For more information, see http:/ /www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/ news.html * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Part of Brownsville road named for slain ICE agent BROWNSVILLE, Texas: A stretch of South Texas highway near where a slain U.S. agent grew up has been renamed in his memory. An unveiling was held in Brownsville for Jaime J. Zapata Avenue. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent Zapata was killed and ICE agent Victor Avila was shot in the leg

during the Feb. 15 attack on their vehicle in Mexico. U.S. officials say the roadside ambush, in San Luis Potosi state, was carried out by drug cartel gunmen. The Brownsville City Commission approved the roadway name change. It's part of Coffee Port Road between South Padre Island Highway and Old Port Isabel Road. -AP

COLUMBIA, SC: South Carolina legislators' attempt to tax money that illegal immigrants send back home was removed from an immigration bill, after opponents said the fee on out-of-country wire transfers would hurt businesses, foreign students and military families. A House Judiciary subcommittee voted unanimously to delete that section of the bill. It was the panel's first meeting on the measure the Senate passed last month. The legislation requires law enforcement to try to check the legal status of someone they suspect is in the country illegally, following a traffic stop or arrest. Unlike a law passed in Arizona last year, South Carolina's bill says officers can't hold someone based on their suspicion. Instead, they must call Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and if they get no response, process the suspect normally. Still, opponents said the "reasonable suspicion" clause will certainly lead to racial profiling of anyone who looks Hispanic or speaks Spanish, turning the innocent-until-proven-guilty protection on its head and inviting lawsuits. The House's GOP majority has made getting even tougher on illegal immigration a priority for the session. But there was broad opposition to the bill, from college students to local governments. Several of those who urged House members to defeat the measure were white ministers, who quoted scripture to a panel led by a social conservative. The subcommittee took no other action on the bill and will likely meet again in three weeks. Senators added the wire trans-

fer fee to the bill during floor debate $5 to a transfer of less than $500 and a 1 percent fee on higher amounts. They exempted transfers between banks. The tax would affect too many people in the country legally, said House Judiciary Chairman Jim Harrison, R-Columbia. PayPal customers who buy things from an overseas company, or from a company whose payment processing office is outside the US,

In 2009, Oklahoma became the first state to levy such a fee on out-of-country wire transfers. This year, proposals to do so have already failed in Mississippi and Utah would get hit with the fee, said Kyle Michel, a Columbia attorney representing the global online payment company owned by eBay. More than 460,000 people and businesses in South Carolina a state of 4.6 million people have active PayPal accounts, he said. "Clearly, the intent ... was not to levy a tax on online transactions, but that is its effect," Michel said. A representative for retailers said the fee would require businesses to spend time and money to change how customers are charged, when they're already struggling to succeed. And it's a move unfriendly to military fami-

lies in South Carolina which includes the Army's Fort Jackson, Shaw Air Force Base, and the Marine Corps' Parris Island who wire money to spouses overseas, said Robert Adams of the state Retailers Association and Association of Convenience Stores. In 2009, Oklahoma became the first state to levy such a fee on outof-country wire transfers. This year, proposals to do so have already failed in Mississippi and Utah. Other states with similar measures pending include Arizona and Nevada, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Michel noted that Oklahoma's law exempts transactions by debit and credit cards and online payments. Senators had planned to use the fee to fund a new state law enforcement unit within the Department of Public Safety that would enforce immigration law. The fee's removal leaves the unit, and its expense. Opponents contend the bill is already too expensive, due to the need for adequate law enforcement training and potential for lawsuits. Others argue legislators will wreck the economy if they force out residents who are doing hard labor jobs for cheap, such as maid service, chicken processing and peach picking. "Hispanics are taking jobs nobody wants," said Roberto Belen, a native of Puerto Rico who retired from the Air Force in 2007 and lives in Sumter. To fill the jobs, businesses and homeowners will have to pay more, which will dip into everyone's discretionary income, he said. "We got addicted to this labor," he said. -AP

Immigration Post

April 22, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

South Asian Summit discusses issues since 9/11 Cont’d from page 40

Talat Hamdani, from September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, shared her personal experience as the mother of a firefighter who lost his life during the 9/11 tragedy, gave a powerful account of her ordeal following the attacks, especially during a time when her son, a 9/11 hero, was wrongfully accused of being a terrorist. "Nine years ago, I lost my son, I lost my faith because of those hijackers, and now we are [under threat] to lose our nationality, our identity as Americans. And that's what we are fighting for... Since 9/ 11, American Muslims... have been involved since day one. We are at the frontlines fighting terrorism." Congressman Mike Honda (DCA), echoing these views in a prepared statement, noted that, "Until people stand up and show political leadership, even when it's hard, we are going to continue this vicious cycle. When Executive Order 9066 was signed, authorizing the internment of Japanese Americans, few in Washington were brave enough to say no.

Now decades later, I'm seeing a return to this race prejudice... It is the job of those in Washington, your elected leaders, to recognize the situation, and take that tough stand." Following the briefing, participants made visits to Congressional offices to ask their elected representatives to pledge to oppose racial profiling and bias-based bullying. This year's Summit was also part of the SAALT's campaign to mark the 10-year anniversary of 9/ 11. The campaign - An America for All of Us - launched earlier this year, seeks to include the South Asian perspective in the national dialog about 9/11, and works to mobilize communities to demand accountability from their elected officials by urging them to sign a pledge to protect their constituents against hate and xenophobia. "What we want to do throughout the year is really contribute to the process of reflection that our country is undoubtedly going to be engaged in over the next few months. For South Asian commu-

nities, it is so important that we contribute to that process of reflection, adding our voices, stories and experiences," said Deepa Iyer, Executive Director, SAALT. ChangeMaker Awards The Summit kicked off with a ChangeMaker award reception to

‘Nine years ago, I lost my son, I lost my faith because of those hijackers, and now we are [under threat] to lose our nationality’ recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on social justice. Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director and co-founder of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) and keynote speaker at the ceremony, spoke passionately about the importance of organizing, and

Ga. House sends immigration bill back to Senate ATLANTA: The Georgia House passed a new version of an immigration bill that restores a key provision requiring employers to check the immigration status of new hires, just 12 hours after the Senate had taken the measure out. The House's refusal to exclude the provision makes the bill's fate uncertain, though sponsors in both chambers say they'll continue to work on it as the end of the session looms. The bill would also authorize law enforcement officers to check the immigration status of certain criminal suspects. Rep. Matt Ramsey, the bill's sponsor, presented the new version that would require private employers with more than 10 workers to prove they check their workers' immigration status in a federal database before they could get a business license or other documents needed to operate. The Senate had passed a version of the bill earlier that stripped that language. After the House voted 115-59 to approve the new version, it was sent immediately back to the Senate. ``We're hoping for an agreement," Ramsey said. "It's a very good bill.'' Sen. Jack Murphy, the sponsor of a Senate immigration bill, said after the House vote that he wasn't surprised by the House's actions.

"That wasn't unexpected," he said. He said the bill will likely be taken up in the Senate and that a motion to agree on the language would likely come to a vote. If senators vote to accept the new version with no amendments, the bill would go to Gov. Nathan Deal.

After the House voted 115-59 to approve the new version, it was sent immediately back to the Senate. ‘We're hoping for an agreement,’ Ramsey said. ‘It's a very good bill’ Deal hasn't indicated whether he would sign it. If the senators reject the new language, the bill could be dead for the session or could go to a joint committee that would seek a compromise. The restored provision that requires employers to check on their workers mirrors that in an amendment that was proposed in the Senate but that failed to pass, Ramsey said. In presenting the new version, Ramsey called changes made by the Senate "curious."

The new version of the bill still includes provisions that would allow law enforcement officers to verify the immigration status of certain criminal suspects and another that penalizes people who transport or harbor illegal immigrants. It removes language added by another Senate amendment that would have required those criminal suspects to have committed a felony before being subject to that check. The new version does amend the harboring and transporting language to reflect concerns brought to his attention that people who work for a charity or church could get in trouble for giving someone a ride. The new language excludes an employer who's transporting an employee who was lawfully hired or a person who's ``providing privately funded social services.'' - AP

fighting for the rights of the working class. "There is no other answer to organized oppression, racism, the xenophobia that we see unfold on a daily basis in this country - there is no other answer to that except organizing," said Desai, who through the NYTWA, not only led six historic city-wide strikes of taxi drivers in New York fighting for improved labor rights, but also helped raise over $15 million as September 11 disaster aid for drivers. In the spirit of fighting for the rights of working class, this year's award honored Luna Ranjit, Executive Director, Adhikaar for Human Rights, a New York-based, direct services and social justice advocacy group that serves Nepalispeaking communities. It also recognized Prerna Lal, a law student at The George Washington University, and co-founder of DreamActivist, who, through online activism in support of the DREAM Act, managed to generate over 8,000 followers on Twitter and more than 70,000 fans on Facebook - all without financial and organizational support. The third awardee was New Jerseybased organization called SAMHAJ, which has done monumental work in breaking barriers and dispelling the stigma of men-

tal health among South Asian communities. Summit Sessions The four-day long Summit had two full days of sessions dedicated entirely to issues affecting the growing South Asian population in the United States. From discussing the impact of the Census on the South Asian community, to talking about worker rights, health care policies, and advocacy among others, the Summit collected over 250 individuals, including representatives from 29 organizations, from across the country. At the Summit's plenary session community members and organizers shared their experiences in working with the community and spoke about some of the positive changes that have come through in the 10 years since 9/11 - the major one being the fact the many organizations that may not have collaborated in the past, are coming together to respond to the challenges facing communities. An example was the Sikh community, building alliance with the LGBT community to collectively unite and fight against bullying at school. Another example is domestic violence organizations finding allies with immigrant rights groups to address the issue of alienation and fear.

Sports Track Afridi should be made captain for long term: Akram

Sports

Priety Zinta, coowner of Kings XI Punjab, with captain Adam Gilchrist before the teams IPL4 match against Chennai Super Kings in Mohali

44 India Post

Shahid Afridi

KARACHI: Former Pakistan great, Wasim Akram, has called on the board to repose faith in Shahid Afridi by appointing him captain of the national team on a long-term basis. "I think Afridi should be made captain for a long term so that he gains more confidence because he is developing into a good captain," Akram said. He also backed the allrounder's demand for a batting coach. "I agree the team needs a batting coach. Every team now has a full-time specialist batting coach with them and I have always believed that even at this level, the best players sometimes need to be given guidance and tips on batting issues," he said. Akram's views are in complete contrast to Javed Miandad's, who has rejected the concept of having specialists on the support staff.-PTI

Bangladesh coach Siddons shown the door DHAKA: The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has decided to part ways with chief coach Jamie Siddons, just days after the national team failed to make it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup. The BCB decided not to renew the Australian's contract. "It has been agreed that head coach Jamie Siddons' contract, which expires on June 30, will not be extended," the Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a statement. "We are really appreciative of Jamie's contribution over the last four years and the successes he has had with the national team. However, we feel the time is right to ring in changes in the team management and support staff." Bangladesh, which co-hosted the World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka, made an early exit from the showpiece event after suffering huge defeats to India, West Indies and South Africa in the league stages. The Australian took charge of the team in November 2007. -PTI

www.indiapost.com

April 22, 2011

Sachin named Wisden''s leading cricketer for 2010 LONDON: Wisden, regarded as the Bible of cricket, has named Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar as the leading cricketer in the world for the year 2010. The iconic batsman became the seventh recipient of the Wisden award after teammate Virender Sehwag, Australians Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne, England's Andrew Flintoff, Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan and South African Jacques Kallis. The 148th edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack was launched and it was the first time that Tendulkar has won the award since it started in 2004. In 2007, Wisden had identified Tendulkar as the player to have won such an award for 1998 - had it been instituted then. Tendulkar, who realized his long-cherished dream when India won the World Cup earlier this month in Mumbai, has also been named in Wisden's 2009 Test XI,

SL cricketers asked to leave IPL early COLOMBO: Sri Lankan cricketers participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) have been asked to return home early to prepare for the national team's tour of England that gets underway on May 14. Ten Sri Lankan cricketers are contracted to various franchises,

and the IPL-contracted players have been requested to return home at least by May 5 to prepare for the tour. The IPL ends on the May 28. "On a recommendation made by the national selection committee I have instructed the secretary of the board to inform the players

of which two of them are being led by led by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, the islanders' two senior most players. The Sri Lankans are scheduled to leave for England on May 10,

to return by at least the 5th of May to prepare for the tour," Sri Lanka's sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told PTI. "When contracted players of

Sri Lanka Cricket represent other tournaments, they should make sure that their priority lies with the national team and this will be strictly adhered to in the future," Aluthgamage added. The move by the Sri Lankan government is in complete contrast to the one that was taken three years ago when it cancelled a tour of England in 2009 to allow the players participate in the hugely popular Twenty20 league, which had started in 2008. The government's decision at that time attracted severe criticism from both the media as well as several former players, including 1996 World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga. Besides Deccan Chargers skipper Sangakkara and Kochi Tuskers Kerala captain Jayawardene, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Tilakaratne Dilshan and Nuwan Pradeep are some of the Sri Lankan players involved in the fourth season of the IPL.-PTI

at his accustomed number four position. Sehwag, who took the honor in the last two years, has also found a place in Wisden's 2009 Test XI, forming an attacking opening partnership with Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal. The 37-year-old Tendulkar scored more than 1500 Test runs, including seven centuries in the year 2010 averaging 78. In February, he became the first in world cricket to score a doublehundred in One-day Internationals, while in December he became the first man to score 50 Test tons, both landmarks achieved against the best pace attack in world cricket -- South Africa. Tendulkar's citation read: "Wisden acknowledges his greatness by naming him as the Leading Cricketer in the World for 2010." Wisden, this year, named just four cricketers -- Eoin Morgan, Chris Read, Jonathan Trott and Tamim Iqbal -- instead of the usual five. Tamim became the first Bangladeshi to secure an honor that dates back to 1889. Five Indian players -- Sehwag, Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, VVS Laxman and Zaheer Khan -- made it to Wisden's 2009 Test list. For the first time since Wisden Test XI began in 2008, there was no room for an Australian while only two of England's cricketers - James Anderson and Graeme Swann -- made it to the final eleven. The panel that picked the Test team comprised of former players Ian Bishop, Ramiz Raja and Ian Chappell and Wisden's editor Scyld Berry. The 2009 Wisden Test XI: 1) Virender Sehwag (India), 2) Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh), 3) Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), 4) Sachin Tendulkar (India), 5) Jacques Kallis (South Africa), 6) VVS Laxman (India), 7) Mahendra Singh Dhoni (India, capt and wk), 8) Graeme Swann (England), 9) Dale Steyn (South Africa), 10) Zaheer Khan (India) and 11) James Anderson (England). -PTI

Sports Post

April 22, 2011

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Watson can do it again: Hussey MELBOURNE: After being treated to some wonderful stroke play by Shane Watson, which saw the opener etch his name in the record books, Mike Hussey believes that the batsman has the potential to go even further. Watson hit a record 15 sixes in an unbeaten knock of 185 runs from just 96 balls to see Australia home with nine wickets to spare during the second one day international (ODI) against Bangladesh. The powerful hitting exhibited by 29-year-old, who will be in action for his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals after the series, has left his teammates contemplating whether they had ever witnessed a better display. Comparing Watson's knock with that of former cricketer, Adam Gilchrist's 149 -- studded with eight sixes -- which the left-hander hit against Sri Lanka in the 2007 World Cup final in Barbados, his teammate Hussey expressed that it was difficult to separate the two innings. "It was pretty phenomenal, consistent hitting really," said

Australias Shane Watson plays a shot during their second one-day international cricket match against Bangladesh in Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 11

Kings XI Punjabs Paul Valthathy celebrates his century during their IPL4 match against Chennai Super Kings in Mohali

Hussey. "I haven't seen consistent hitting like that since probably Gilly in the World Cup final in 2007. "But it was a phenomenal innings and he's been able to put together quite a few in the last little period -- the 161 not out against England (in January) was a pretty amazing innings, too, at the MCG. His consistency at being able to do it is pretty amazing," Hussey was quoted as saying by the AAP. Emphasizing upon Watson's recent run of form, Hussey felt that the all-rounder, who was only 15 runs short of Sachin Tendulkar's record, has the ability to go higher. "He just keeps seeming to raise the bar all the time, so I reckon he could do it again. "Once you've done something once, it gives you that belief that you can go on and do it again... there's no reason why he can't do it again and again," he added. Meanwhile, Australian batsman Callum Ferguson said his side won't be easing up on Bangladesh as they seek to keep their slate clean. -PTI

A dream come true, says Punjab's Valthaty MOHALI: Unheralded Paul Valthaty, who struck a blistering unbeaten 120 to steer Kings XI Punjab to victory over defending champions Chennai Superkings, described his knock as a "dream come true" which has put his career back on track. "To be honest it was a belter of a track. It is a dream come true to score a century. Everything was perfect", man-of-the-match Valthaty said at the presentation ceremony after Kings XI defeated Chennai Superkings by six wickets. The 27-year-old Valthaty said that he had prepared hard for the Indian Premier League for the last few months and that he was happy to see his efforts pay dividends. "I had prepared well for the IPL and it paid off. I will never forget that moment (of scoring the century). It meant a lot to me" he said. Valthaty also thanked the team owners and his colleagues for supporting him. "I made it to the India A squad in 2009 but could not play because of an eye injury. The team has supported me right

through. I am happy that I could Valthaty, saying it was an amazjustify the faith reposed on me". ing innings. Chennai Superkings captain "We had a lot of faith in him Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his and he delivered today. It was an team did well to recover from a amazing knock," Gilchrist said. poor start and post a competitive "It was a good batting track. total but the bowling could have The bowlers just could not err in been "a little smarter". "We have to learn the lessons from this game. We had a competitive total but they batted very well. Valthaty was brilliant and he really took the game away from us", Dhoni said. Dhoni said that dropping a few catches also proved quite costly for his team. "We dropped a few catches which hurt us. Our bowling could have Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab, been better. But we celebrates her team win have to learn and be prepared for the next game", line and length. For us, it was a Dhoni said. terrific all round display. We A beaming Kings XI captain needed such a win", he added. Adam Gilchrist heaped praise on PTI

Datebook

India Post

April 22, 2011

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Fri April 22 • Sufi Music Ensemble Venue: Carnegie Hall, 154 W 57th St, Manhattan, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 732-331-6440

Sun April 24

Fri April 29 • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan In New York Venue: Colden Centre Auditorium, Queens College 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 516-692-8690

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sat April 23 • Rang De Basanti - Color of Spring Dance Festival

Thurs April 21

Venue: Veluchamy Auditorium, Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple, 1145 W. Sullivan Rd, Aurora, Illinois Time: 5pm to 8pm Contact: (630) 995-3167

Venue: Knights of Columbus Hall, 116 Grand St, Iselin, New Jersey Time: 10am to 11:30am Contact: 732-207-7592

• Hasya Kavi Sammelan Venue: Saraswati Hall, Across the street from, 4552 Bowne Street, Flushing, New York Time: 5:30pm to 9pm Contact: 347-441-6675

NEW JERSEY

• Virah Ka Dard

Fri April 22

Fri April 22 • The King Of Comedy Raju Srivastav

Sat April 23

Venue: Fox & Hound, Schaumburg, Illinois Time: 7pm to 10pm Contact: 224-633-9192

Venue: St. Demetrius Ukrainian Community Ctr, 591 Roosevelt Ave, Carteret, Alabama NY Time: 6:30pm to 10pm Contact: 732-925-1864

Fri April 29

Sat April 23

• Bhangratheque Presents Delhi 2 Dublin Venue: DarkRoom, 2210 W Chicago, Chicago, Ill Time: 8pm Contact: info@bhangratheque.com

• Yaadein

San April 30

Venue: Union Country Arts Center, Rahway, New Jersey Time: 8:00PM Contact: 908-723-3636

• Youthsava 2011 - Registration

• Human Unity Day Venue: Mills Recreation Center, 43895 Grottoes Drive, Ashburn, Virginia, WDC Time: 11:30am to 3pm Contact: (301) 924-2951

Fri May 20 Athirudram-2011 Venue: Sanatan Dharma Temple, 15311 Pioneer Blvd, Norwalk, California Time: 7am Contact: 714-759-2511

Mon July 4 • Rathyatra, Festival of India Venue: National Mall (in front of Air & Space Museum), Washington, DC Time: 10:30am to 9pm Contact: 301-299-2100

• Bollywood America Comedy Show

Sun April 24

• Comedy Express

Sun April 24

Fri April 22 Venue: Onyx Room, 852 5th Avenue San Diego, San Diego, Arizona, LA Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 951-897-9403

• South Asian Speed Dating

Upcoming

Venue: Chobat College Performing Arts Center, 25555,Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA Time: 7:30pm Contact: 510-565-9518

Tues April 26

WASHINGTON DC

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

• Vijayalakshmi - Mohini Aattam with live orchestra Venue: TBD, Bay Area, California Time: 8pm Contact: (408) 629-1707

Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, California Time: 9am Contact: 408-934-1130

Thu May 5 • Fund raising Volleyball tournament Venue: Ponderosa Park, Sunnyvale, CA Time: 8am to 5pm

• IFA Presents: India Festival Archana 2011 Venue: Fred Kavli Theater, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks, CA Time: Seating-4pm Curtain-4:30pm Contact: 818-706-1408, 805-492-0941 Highlights: In a New & Exciting format Music, Dances, Drama & Indian Foods at festival

Sun April 24 • Nachle 2011 - Rasika Kumar Collaboration Venue: Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Dr, Irvine, California Contact: 408-871-5959

Sat April 30 • Festival of Books

Sat May 7 • Masters Of Indian Music: Shahid Parvez & Tarun Bhattacharya Venue: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Suite 3800, Clarice Smith Center, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, CA Time: 7pm to 11pm Contact: 410-747-3950

Venue: University of Southern California, 3551 Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles Contact: 866-790-5813

Sat April 23 • Rani Dulhan Expo Venue: Pasadena City Convention Center, 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, California Time: 11am to 7pm Contact: (909) 206-2546

Sat Nov 12 • Hello Namaste Salaam Satsriakal Masti

Mon Aug 1

Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Balentine Plaza, across Hilton Hotel, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7pm Contact: 510-299-1138

Venue: Art of Living Center Los Angeles, 948 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, California Time: 6:30pm to 9pm Contact: 310-820-9429

• Yogalicious!

April 22, 2011

Classifieds

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For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632

ACCOUNTING MANGER & SALE REPS As part of our expansion program, our company is looking for part time work from home account managers and sales representatives, it pays $4,000 a month plus benefits and takes only little of your time. Requirements should be a computer Literate. 23 hours access to the internet weekly. Must be Efficient and Dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, Contact Ray Clark.

Email:ray.clark102@gmail.com

shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 212-944-1931/ Fax: 212-944-1932 pinky@indiapost.com

Philosophy

India Post

April 22, 2011

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he two hundred and fifty years which are supposed to have elapsed between Parshvanatha and Mahavira possibly saw, as evidenced by the Sutrakritanga, the rise of numerous sects and subsects loosely grouped into several monastic communities. The ritualistic practices in Brahmanism were again coming up to the forefront. The ideas about the superiority by birth and the privileged position of the priestly class were gaining ground. The commanding personality of Parshvanatha was no more on the scene. Against such a chaotic background Mahavira had to work. He immediately grasped the situation and had the courage to declare, "The external appearances are no test. What is really required is the mental purity and the behavior which would lead to such mental purity and the consequent equanimityâ&#x20AC;ŚOtherwise fake ascetics would take the field. "It is the penance and celibacy that make a real Brahmin. It is the ideal behavior which implies nonattachment towards worldly matters that idealizes a person." Once this emphasis on actual behavior, rather than mere sermons on it, was laid bare before the then somewhat demoralized society, Mahavira led this attack on the

SWAMI SIVANANDA

he noblest lesson embodied in the Ramayana is the supreme importance of righteousness in the life of every human being. Righteousness is the spiritual spark of life. Cultivation of righteousness is the process of unfoldment of the latent divinity in man. The glorious incarnation of the Supreme Being in the form of Lord Rama has exemplified the path of righteousness. Let mankind follow His footsteps and practice the ideals cherished by Him, for it is only thus that there can be everlasting peace, prosperity and welfare in this world. None but the righteous can be truly happy. None but he who has the correct sense of duty and the will for its implementation can be said to live worthily. One must be imbued with a definite conviction about the supremacy of moral principles, ethical values and spiritual ideals. These ought to guide one's day-to-day actions and serve as powerful means for the culture of the human personality. That is the purpose of life. That is the way to Self-realization. That is the message and the mission of

caste system. He had the courage to declare that "It is the Karma and not the birth that determines the social status of a person." "These ideas were revolutionary! And the receptive intelligent ideological elements in Brahmanism welcomed these ideas. It is significant to note that the Ganadharas of Lord Mahavira were Brahmins! And yet more significant reformist aspect of Mahavira's life is that he did not simply point the faults

church first in order and whatever was helpful for that he advocated boldly, for celibacy was essential to mental purity. Therefore he said, "For out of sex, attachment comes and attachment indeed is the worst possession which a nirgrantha shall never think of." "What is, however, still more important is that Mahavira showed the timely courage to emphasize this most important aspect of monastic life. Lord Mahavira kept the doors

Seniya, Pajjoya, Udayana, queens like Pabhavai, Migavai and others became his devotees. Thus it goes to the credit of Mahavira that he channeled the political personalities of his times into the more ennobling field of spiritualism. "In conveying the principles of his system to the people, Lord Mahavira had a unique system. He always preferred to preach to the masses in their own language. He never prevented his disciples from asking difficulties. The whole of

Karma, not birth determines the social status â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It is the penance and celibacy that make a real Brahmin. It is the ideal behavior which implies non-attachment towards worldly matters that idealizes a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Lord Mahavira

of others, and rest content. With the sweeping grasp of a real reformist, he expanded the chaujjama dhamma of Parshvanatha into the panchajama dhamma. Dr. Jacobi points out that there might have been decay in the morals of the monastic order during the period intervening Parshva and Mahavira. Therefore he thought it fit to put the Jaina

of his church open to all deserving persons and thus became pioneer in the field of spiritual democracy. "This spiritual democracy was applicable to all irrespective of caste or class. Therefore, besides persons belonging to the kshatriyas, Brahmans or vaishyas, even high dignitaries like kings, queens and princes, became the disciples of Mahavira. Kings like

the Bhagavati Sutra is an embodiment of the remarkable relation between an inquisitive disciple and a guru who was ever willing to satisfy intelligently his pupils. The writer was Reader in Ancient History, University of Poona The 2610th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira was observed on April 16

Lord Rama's life on earth. To a devotee, Sri Rama is not simply a good and a great person, but God Himself. Rama was the son of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya, but He is also the divine omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient God. The destruction of the tenheaded Ravana signifies the annihilation of the mind or the ten

dispassion and purity of heart and attitude. You should strive your utmost to possess the good qualities that are extolled in the Ramayana and exemplified in the life of Lord Rama. Otherwise, emotion may rise up in you temporarily to a kind of ecstasy, but you will not experience divine consciousness thereby. Devotion is a fruit which ripens

minded people say: "We will practice meditation and devotion when we retire from service." This is a serious mistake. How can you do serious Sadhana after squeezing out all your energy in working? How will you be able to practice the strict Yogic discipline in your old age? Is there any certainty in life? No, the spiritual seeds of discipline and devotion

The supreme importance of righteousness in life

Lord Rama

senses. Worship of Lord Rama is worship of the all-pervading Godhead Himself. Read the prayers offered by Mandothari and Brahma in the Yuddha Kanda of the Ramayana. They refer to Rama as the one Creator of the universe, the God of all, the Ruler of the universe. Devotion to God is not a simple emotion. It is the result of intense

Devotion is a fruit which ripens gradually through the processes of self-restraint and virtue. Without intense dispassion there can be no real Sadhana for Self-realization gradually through the processes of self-restraint and virtue. Without intense dispassion there can be no real Sadhana for Self-realization. Only after detachment from the world of things, is it possible to attain the Supreme Godhead. Remember this. Devotion has absolutely nothing to do with age, caste, creed, position or sex. Generally, the worldly-

must be sown in you while you are young, while your heart is tender and untainted. Then only will it strike a deep root, blossom forth and bear fruit when you become old and retire. Only then can you bravely face the god of death and meet him with a smile! Ram Navami was celebrated on April 12

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell. -C. S. Lewis A tragic situation exists precisely when virtue does not triumph but when it is still felt that man is nobler than the forces which destroy him. -George Orwell To see the world in a grain of sand, and to see heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hands, and eternity in an hour. -William Blake Do you not see how necessary a world of pains and troubles is to school an intelligence and make it a soul? -John Keats Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher. -William Wordsworth I think that the leaf of a tree, the meanest insect on which we trample, are in themselves arguments more conclusive than any which can be adduced that some vast intellect animates Infinity. -Percy Bysshe Shelley

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April 22, 2011

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Is BRICS Summit a paradigm shift? SWARAN SINGH

hina has hosted two backto-back summits of emerging economies. These summits seem pregnant with implications that go far beyond eloquent speeches and photo-opportunities. On a closer look, they promise to provide one more definitive push to the world that now has talks of Bohao instead of Devos and sees the emerging G5 (called BRICS) replacing the overstretched G7 (industrialized countries). This paradigm shift has begun thanks to the activism of emerging powers groupings like BRICS, IBSA and BASIC; which seek a greater share in redeeming the world from impending global crises like climate change and economic slowdown. Unlike other emerging powers' groups, BRIC is also expanding its membership. But more than adding new members like South Africa, BRICS is fast transforming this socalled 'economic club' into a far more political entity; more than its leaders are willing to admit. It was in 2001 that Goldman Sachs executive Jim O'Neill coined the acronym BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) to describe the group of countries that were emerging as the leading economic powerhouses of the 21st century. His analyses were based on the growth prospects of these economies. In subsequent years, given several unforeseen trends, his economic projections were to advance several of his original predictions. Jim's successive report of 2003 advanced the dates by when these BRIC economies would be overtaking several of the conventional post-industrial revolution sheriffs of the world, recasting the world economy and economic discourses. The significance of this third summit in China this week lies in BRICS moving much beyond what Jim O'Neill had outlined. Even though it remains fundamentally an economic grouping, the entry of South Africa makes BRICS a global entity. There are a number of other countries like Mexico, Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria, Indonesia, Vietnam and South Korea who are far bigger and faster rising economies, and have expressed an interest in joining the BRIC. However, South Africa seems to better fit the bill as an audible voice from a continent with 54 countries. At the same time, South Africa promises to serve as an effective gateway for BRIC's trade and investments into these resource-rich African nations. Jim O'Neill criticized South Africa's entry into BRIC on CNN, calling the country's influence on

global economic trends too small to qualify as a member of his original BRIC paradigm. Instead, he prefers Nigeria. But the politics of Nigeria shadow both its economy as also its acceptability in the international community. Even in South Africa, there have been voices of dissent against the BRIC. African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema called his country's entry into BRIC misplaced, making it vulnerable to external forces. This shows that the entry of South Africa into BRIC has more to it than economic credentials. The fact that BRICS is fast evolving its own life and aspirations is sufficiently discernible

be attending the Bahao Forum. Going by initial indications, BRICS leaders discussed not just economic issues of inclusive growth but also global political scenarios, including the western air-strikes to impose a UN-sanctioned 'No Fly Zone' on Libya. We may actually see a firm warning to western countries being issued in their closing statement. There is already a realization that BRICS failed to coordinate their strategy at the UN Security Council's recent discussions on imposing a 'No Fly Zone' on Libya. This resulted in South Africa supporting the resolution while the other four abstained from voting. Russia, India and China have since

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with the BRICS leaders (from left) the President of Russia, Dmitry A. Medvedev, the President of the People's Republic of China, Hu Jintao, the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff and the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, on the sidelines of BRICS Summit, at Sanya, Hainan, China

today to stand scrutiny. To begin with, this new BRICS need not necessarily fit into the original vision of Jim O'Neill. BRICS today is developing not only an economic but also a huge diplomatic footprint, grafting an influential political club over what had originated as a loose economic acronym, making tentative projections and

More than adding new members like South Africa, BRICS is fast transforming this so-called 'economic club' into a far more political entity; more than its leaders are willing to admit masquerading as a paradigm. The fact that this third summit is being hosted back-to-back with the Bohao Forum will further facilitate BRICS' journey from economics to politics. It will allow BRICS leaders to rub shoulders with their contemporaries who will

continued with their campaign against the western bombing of Libya, insinuating an impending humanitarian crisis. Even Brazil issued a similar statement after President Obama's visit. South Africa has remained relatively mute on the subject but is likely to be co-opted into an evolving antiWest BRICS consensus on the subject. What guarantees the success of BRICS' political incarnation is its strong economic fundamentals and policy coordination. These positive trends in emerging BRICS economies are leaving traditional economic powers lagging behind. At present, for instance, the BRICS account for quite over half of the world's foreign direct investments, annual economic growth, and nearly half of its global population. As a percentage share of the world's GDP, their combined GDP is expected to rise from 17 per cent of the world in 2010 to 47 per cent by 2030, if not earlier. An expansion of BRICS to include other members in their New Delhi summit next year promises to further reinforce this paradigm shift. The writer is Professor, Diplomacy & Disarmament, CIPOD, JNU. Courtesy IPCS

India Post The great debate

he tendency of a government in India is to move when coerced and then fall back on its ways of obfuscation and selfpreservation until the next round of coercion. It does make frequent noises about serving the poor and giving relief to middle classes. But little seems to be done on the ground. There have been corruption scandals before and after the TV channels have exhausted their ammunition and moved on to the next exciting thing, the governments have gone back to their non-governance mode. The latest coercion has however shaken the government much deeper and the effect might last longer. A 72-year-old Gandhian activist of unimpeachable integrity, supported by high profile civil society leaders, went on a week-long fast and won his demand that the government induct selected civil society lawyers and experts on a committee to decide the nature of a Lokpal bill which will question and take action against corruption among politicians, bureaucrats and other influential people. The government draft as expected was toothless and a concerned civil society had been agitated enough to rope in a couple of international award winners, spiritual leaders, and to cap it all, an activist of the moral strength of Anna Hazare. A vulnerable government on the receiving end of corruption charges quickly capitulated to the demands. As if this was not enough, Anna Hazare and his team fixed a deadline for the bill to be passed by Parliament and threatened to launch an even bigger agitation if the deed was not done by this August 15, Independence Day. A great debate has begun in the country over the legitimacy of the methods employed by Hazare and his friends. Concerned citizens have arrayed themselves on both sides of the spectrum. The critics express reservations and some have even gone to the extent of declaring that democracy has been hijacked and untold damage has been done to it. They say fast unto death is an undemocratic method and sets a precedent of blackmail. There is authoritarianism involved in a group of unelected civil society members seeking to make law. They encourage disrespect for democratic institutions like Parliament and put faith on a dictatorial entity like the Lokpal with absolute powers. The Hazare draft of the bill includes police powers for this new institution. With powers of judge, jury and executioner vested in a single entity, there is every possibility of evil creeping in. On the other side of the picture is the state of Indian politics. If Parliament fails to perform its function of responding to public demands, then there comes a time when the powerless public invents a way to register its opinion apart from public marches and demonstrations. When the Prime Minister himself confesses his inability to proceed with the problem of rooting out corruption because of coalition dharma, then the people realize it is time for them to do something to shake things up. If the Anna Hazare movement is anti- democratic, how democratic is the functioning of present-day politics where multi-crore family syndicates control paid vote-banks to repeatedly return to power? Politics has become a monopoly of well-connected superrich business folk and families who have nothing to with the ordinary voter. Almost every political party has become a dynastic succession. Most of the young MPs have their fathers or ancestors to thank for being in Parliament. They have nothing to do with people's aspirations. But a very useful debate has started with Hazare's bold action. Something good should emerge from the ensuing debate.

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