Indiapost 07 26 2013 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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PM to visit US in Sept and meet Obama Details on page 6

VOL 19, No. 984

July 26, 2013

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Periodical Postage

BIDEN REASSURES INDIA OVER AFGHAN EXIT Stresses on removing trade bottlenecks

Rajnath Singh in US

‘PM candidate will be through consensus’ Details on page 7

Don't want Modi as my PM: Amartya Sen Details on page 7

Taj 'Spellbound' Jill Biden left craving for more

Advani must be at the helm, says Shatrughan

Details on page 6

Details on page 10

Glittering kickoff party for 21ST Festival of India

Pitroda: Diversity backbone of India innovation

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Puri splendor replicated at Fremont Temple Details on page 16

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

US has little concern for India over Taliban fears? Last week’s result

Will House Immigration bill be better? YES 36%

NO 67%

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 52

LAUGHING MATTER: Visiting US Vice President Joe Biden with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a meeting in New Delhi on July 23. They discussed serious issues also

NEW DELHI: The visiting US Vice President Joseph Biden in his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed the need for removal of bottlenecks to enhance trade ties with India and emphasized on the reforms process to encourage business. Biden also sought to calm fears over the exit of US troops from Afghanistan and capitalize on growing investment opportunities. The most senior US official to visit India since President Barack Obama in 2010, Biden discussed with Singh

the security situation in Afghanistan during a 75-minute meeting. There is widespread unease among Indian leaders over what will happen in Afghanistan once US combat troops leave in 2014 with many fearing that Pakistan has most to gain from the withdrawal. Even though plans for talks between the US and the Taliban collapsed last month, the possible return to power of the insurgents alarms many in India.

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Community Post ------------ 16-226 Date Book -------------------------- 36 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-35 Horoscope ------------------------- 47 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 49-51 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 30-31 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-43

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his week US Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr Jill Biden are visiting India. Vice President Biden's visit follows US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to India last month. And of course, it precedes Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to the United States later this September. By the time you read this, Biden would have returned home, but his visit merits a run through, if nothing, to reiterate the significance that India and the US continue to attach to an all encompassing engagement from bilateral trade and investment to building on the civil nuclear agreement, climate change, defense cooperation and defense sales and regional cooperation. If this looks uncannily like the agenda that Secretary Kerry went to India with last month, yes, it is the same. Indeed, these are the areas that cover the gamut of strategic cooperation between the two countries, the foundations for which were laid during President George Bush's visit to India almost a decade ago. Like in any relationship, India and the US too go through highs and lows, but what is important is that we don't take the highs as being motivated and the lows as the petering out of the mutual understanding between the two countries, which is based more on the contemporary realities of geo-political power equations rather than on a one-off agreement or deal. The Asia-Pacific today is the new western front for all things strategic. The Vice President's 'official' engagements apart, it is the little sidelights that Dr Jill Biden will add to the visit that are more interesting. She is doing a health and nutrition event in a small community in Agra and having a similar rendezvous in Mumbai at a facility that deals with victims of gender-based violence; she's then visiting a girl's education event at the Anjuman-il-Islam school for girls. Oh, and the vice president is scheduled to visit IIT-Mumbai to meet with the women faculty and engineers and tour the facility. All in all, hopefully it will be a fruitful visit for Biden and he comes back to pursue a mutually beneficial future for the two countries.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Birthday with beau After spending a secret Spanish holiday with Ranbir, Katrina Kaif managed to enjoy her birthday with her alleged beau

Cover Story: Biden in Delhi Visiting US Vice President Joseph Biden sought to calm Indian fears over the exit of US troops from Afghanistan

Community: Ratha Yatra The Fremont Temple Ratha Yatra happened on 14 July where a gathering of over 3000 devotees took part

Immigration: Push for reform Backers of comprehensive immigration legislation are gearing up for a campaign to push the House to act

Life Style: Hug of century Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan ended one of the film industry's most-talkedabout feuds by hugging each other

Techbiz: Brighter outlook Companies are confident the U.S. economy will grow at a modest pace over the next year and are hiring more

Travel: Gulmarg Gulmarg means "the meadow of flowers" and the place is a picturesque location known for its unparalleled beauty

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Biden reassures India over Afghan exit Stresses on removing trade bottlenecks NEW DELHI: The visiting US Vice President Joseph Biden in his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stressed the need for removal of bottlenecks to enhance trade ties with India and emphasized on the reforms

will happen in Afghanistan once US combat troops leave in 2014 with many fearing that Pakistan has most to gain from the withdrawal. Even though plans for talks between the US and the Taliban

US Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. meeting President Pranab Mukherjee, in New Delhi on July 23

process to encourage business. Biden also sought to calm fears over the exit of US troops from Afghanistan and capitalize on growing investment opportunities. The most senior US official to visit India since President Barack Obama in 2010, Biden discussed with Singh the security situation in Afghanistan during a 75-minute meeting. There is widespread unease among Indian leaders over what

collapsed last month, the possible return to power of the insurgents alarms many in India. Biden, who arrived here Monday July 22 on a four-day visit, held comprehensive talks with Singh after which, sources said, the Prime Minister will undertake a bilateral visit to the US from third week of September and will meet President Barack Obama apart from attending the UN General Assembly in New York. The probable dates mentioned

are September 20-26 but there is no confirmation. According to the sources, the two sides discussed ways to boost trade ties, with Biden expressing concerns of American companies and stressing on the need to remove hurdles to do business here. On his part, Singh also emphasized the need for greater commercial engagement for India to meet its own quest for economic growth. The Cumulative FDI Equity Inflows from the US during the period April 2000 to January 2012 amounted to about USD 10.36 billion, constituting 6 per cent of the total FDI into India. The two leaders also discussed the situation in the region. Another important component of their talks was energy, including supply of LNG from the US. Singh and Biden discussed a whole range of issues, including implementation of the landmark civil nuclear deal and ways to enhance commerce, the sources said. The two leaders agreed to take these issues forward. In this context, the Prime Minister told Biden that he looks forward to meeting Obama in September, the sources said. During the meeting with Biden, Singh conveyed his best wishes to Obama. The US Vice President started his day with a meeting with his Indian counterpart Hamid Ansari

during which they had a wide ranging discussion on various aspects of bilateral relations as well as regional issues including Afghanistan. During the meeting, Ansari spoke of the need for continuous attention for building the partnership that is based on shared values and on his part Biden also emphasized that enhanced economic engagement was in the interest of both countries, sources said.

sion of India-US bilateral relations and referred to India's own Look East policy and its complementarity with the US rebalancing towards Asia. The two Vice Presidents also reviewed the regional situation especially the entire gamut of issues relating to Afghanistan. The Vice President also called on President Pranab Mukherjee and held meetings with Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj. Before his scheduled departure

US Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. meeting Indian Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari

Biden also outlined President Obama's and his own personal commitment and interest in expan-

for Mumbai, Biden attended the dinner by Ansari hosted in his honor. -PTI

'Spellbound' Jill Biden left craving for more after Taj visit AGRA: Spellbound by the beauty of Taj Mahal, US Second Lady Jill Biden felt that the little less than an hour she spent here was too brief and wants to visit the monument of love again. As she entered the site, she took a pause for few moments in front of the imposing white-marble complex. Then she took a 40minute tour of the monument, accompanied by two guides Shamsuddin Khan and Barun Rawat, who informed her about the finer details of the 17th century monument. The visibly impressed dignitary was seen touching the walls of the magnificent monument to get a feel of the intricate marble carving. "It is quite amazing. It is so beautiful. We took a drive of three hours to come here and it is so worth it. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World," Jill Biden told PTI.

Dressed in all blue, the wife of US Vice President Joseph Biden was accompanied by their daughter Ashley and son-in-law Dr Howard David Krein. While she was busy capturing

the beauty of the monument, the young couple, who were married last year, were busy clicking photographs together. The family also posed to be clicked in front of the marble marvel.-PTI

PM to visit US in Sept; attend UNGA, meet Obama

US Vice president Joe Bidenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife Jill with daughter Ashley and son-in-law Howard David Krein at historic Taj Mahal in Agra on July 23

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to undertake a six-day visit to the US from September 20, during which he will have a bilateral meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington besides attending the UN General Assembly in New York. Singh will be undertaking the visit to the US from September 20. He will first travel to New York to attend the UNGA and then visit Washington for a bilateral sum-

mit with Obama, the sources said. This will be Singh's second visit to Washington for a bilateral visit during Obama's tenure. He had last travelled to the US capital on a bilateral visit in November 2009. He had visited Washington again in April 2010 but it was to attend the Nuclear Security Summit. Obama paid the reciprocal bilateral visit to India in November 2010.-PTI

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PM candidate will be through consensus: Rajnath SUDHIR VYAS

NEW JERSEY: BJP President Rajnath Singh said here he would discuss with all other allies within the National Democratic Alliance before making any formal announcement of their Prime Ministerial candidate. Talking exclusively to this correspondent during a phone interview, Singh said "hum sab ko saath le key chalange. (We will

stone would be left unturned to defeat the UPA government led by the Congress", he asserted. In reply to a question about the alleged divisive policies of Modi, the BJP president said "pinpoint one incident to show that Modi was pursuing divisive policies. It is all about how you look at it and what you think of it", he said adding, "BJP has never followed and

Lamp lighting at the OFBJP event by Rajnath Singh

take everyone into confidence). There will be consensus within the NDA before we make any such announcement", Singh claimed. Singh was in New York before his trip to Washington. Asked to comment on the recent statement of the Shiv Sena and Trinamool Congress, who are against supporting Modi as the prime minis-

will not follow in future the policy of divide and rule." On the issue whether BJP will once again rake up the Ram Mandir issue or will it leave it the cold storage as it has been doing for the past several years, Rajnath Singh said, "once we come to power we will give preference to balanced development and if the Ram Mandir falls under our developmental agenda will be definitely give it a shot but it (Ram Mandir issue) will not be a political plank". Later talking to reporters here, Singh virtually ruled himself out of Rajnath Singh addressing Meet in NJ the prime ministerial race. terial candidate of the NDA, he "It's not necessary that party said "I will talk to the allies once I president should also be a crowd reach India". puller and a prime ministerial canIn reply to another question didate. I have an assignment to whether the NDA had any backup do for my party. I have a job to plan in case it could not reach the deliver - that is victory of the party magical figure of 272 Lok Sabha in the 2014 elections." seats to form government, Singh "Seven months before the elecsaid "let us not take up this issue tions, I have nominated Gujarat as only time will tell whether we chief minister Narendra Modi as could get to the winning post. No chairman of the party's election

campaign committee. What is unusual in that? We have nominated Modi like other parties do and why read between lines. I have named him as campaign head in view of his image, popularity and commitment to the party," he told a press conference at the start of his five-day trip to New York and Washington. 'He is a crowd puller not only in Gujarat but also in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from North to South, East to West. He is one single leader with a national appeal. His popularity will help the party in the elections,' he said. 'I am more interested in getting the BJP back to power at Centre and packing off the corruption-ridden bad governance of the Congress, in my tenure as president of the party,' he said. On the question of poll promises, he said BJP would rather go in for developmental debate than Ram Janma Bhoomi issue. 'Ram temple was not a major poll issue anytime. It was at best a national issue but not an election issue,' he added. MODI VISA Addressing a community reception hosted by Overseas Friends of BJP (OF-BJP) in New Jersey, Rajnath Singh gave a high mark of leadership to Modi describing him as leader with national appeal and observed that the US will have to give him a visa sooner than later. Singh, who is here on a fiveday US visit, added, "I do not need to praise the Gujarat Chief Minister...the whole world has praised Modi's performance. Look at the paradox. The research paper of an agency of America admired Modi's governance and achievements, but the government has been closing its eyes on the question of issuing visa to the same man." The reception held at the TV Asia auditorium was telecast live by the channel. Singh said the BJP motto for 2014 elections is to make India a global leader and global player not just economically and in strategic matters but also spiritually and culturally. BJP General Secretary Ananth Kumar, MP, Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi, advisor to the BJP President and Vijay Jolly, BJP Convener for Overseas Affairs also spoke on the occasion.

Swaraj meets Biden, refrains from raising Modi visa issue NEW DELHI: BJP leader Sushma Swaraj met visiting US Vice President Joe Biden and raised the issue of visa to skilled workers but refrained from discussing the lifting of ban on American visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. "I had a very good meeting with Mr Joe Biden, Vice President of United States of America. Amongst other issues, I raised the issue of tantalisation agreement and H1B visa to Indian professionals," the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha said on micro-

the ban on visa to Modi. BJP President Rajnath Singh, who is on a five-day visit to the US, has said he will raise this issue with the American authorities. Meanwhile, BJP expressed its ire over reports that 40 Lok Sabha and 25 Rajya Sabha MPs have written to US President Barack Obama appealing to him to continue with the no-visa policy against Modi. "Are these MPs voicing the view of their voters/people of their constituency or their prejudices? Against our own country man?

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj meeting US Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., in New Delhi

blogging site Twitter. US has entered into agreements, called Tantalisation Agreements, with several nations for the purpose of avoiding double taxation of income with respect to social security or medicare taxes. India is not yet a signatory to this agreement. Swaraj, however, refrained from raising the issue of the US lifting

Shame," BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said. She demanded that these 65 names be made public. "The 65 names be revealed, questions asked in their constituencies about their motives. Whose cause are they serving? Modi an elected CM!" she tweeted.

Don't want Modi as my PM: Amartya Sen PATNA: Coming out strongly against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has said he does not want him to become India's prime minister as he does not have secular credentials. The prominent economist also criticized Modi's model of governance saying he did not approve of it. "Yes, I don't want him," Sen told a news channel in reply to a question on whether he wanted him as his prime minister. "As an Indian citizen I don't want Modi as my PM. He has not done enough to make minorities feel safe," he said. On being asked why he did not want so,

Sen said, "He could have first of all been more secular and he could have made the minority community feel more secure." "No, I don't approve of it... I don't think the record is very good. I think I don't have to be a member of the minority in order to feel insecure... We Indians don't want a situation where the minority feel insecure and could legitimately think that there was an organized violence against them in 2002. I think that is a terrible record and I don't think Indian Prime Minister as an Indian citizen... Of who has that kind of record. No, I do not."-PTI

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Britain's future king is born LONDON: Congratulatory messages from around the world poured in as Prince William's wife Kate Middleton gave birth

to a baby boy, with Britons and the Royal family ecstatic at the arrival of Britain's future King.

The 31-year-old Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a baby boy at the private Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, central London. The fountain in Trafalgar Square was lit up with blue lighting to mark the birth of the third in line to Britain's throne and "It's a boy" was instantly being flashed on the BT Tower in central London. In an official announcement, Buckingham Palace said, "The Queen and Prince Philip are delighted at the news of the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby." Queen Elizabeth II is expected to have been the first to be informed about her new-

est great-grandson by phone. Prince Charles, the grandfather of the 8lbs 6oz boy, responded to news of the birth by saying he was "enormously proud and happy" of becoming a grandparent. "Both my wife and I are overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild. It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy," he said. "Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone's life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future," Charles said. British Prime Minister David Cameron was among the first to take to Twitter to

Prince William and Kate Middleton

say: "I'm delighted for the Duke and Duchess now their son has been born. The whole country will celebrate. They'll make wonderful parents". The statement issued by Kensington Palace, the Duke and Duchess' official residence, confirmed that William was present for the birth. "The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news," the statement said. US President Barack Obama and lawmakers congratulated the royal family on the birth of the new prince. "Michelle and I are so pleased to congratulate The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the joyous occasion of the birth of their first child. We wish them all the happiness and blessings parenthood brings," he said. "The child enters the world at a time of promise and opportunity for our two nations," Obama said in a statement. Top-selling British newspaper 'The Sun' changed its name in its edition to "The Son" to honor the royal baby..-PTI

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Washington Post highlights Maryland kids cricket India Post News Service

GERMANTOWN, MD: In a lead article on its Kids section on July 20, the Washington Post has highlighted the rising interest in cricket among Maryland kids. In a lengthy piece, Post reporter Moira E. McLaughlin goes on to compare cricket with Baseball and pinpoints the differences. She writes, "In the past couple of years, the game of cricket has been growing in popularity among Maryland kids. Next week, six coed youth cricket teams from the Maryland Youth Cricket Association will meet at the first Maryland Youth Cricket Championship. It will be the first state youth cricket competition in the country, according to Jamie Harrison, who helped found the United States Youth Cricket Association. "The Maryland association plans to add two more teams to the group next year. "At a recent match early on a Sunday morning, the Germantown Kids Cricket Club challenged the Bowie Girls and Boys Club, playing on part of a baseball field. "Coach Anurag Babbar started the Germantown team two years ago with five players, because his son, Anav, now 12, wanted to play. Today, there are 65 players on his team, so they have enough players for two teams." The article was illustrated with pictures from the Maryland kids cricket.

India, China talk to ensure peace on LAC NEW DELHI: India and China on Tuesday July 23 discussed ways to ensure peace and tranquillity along the border in the backdrop of recent Chinese incursions during a meeting here, the first since the three-week "face-to-face" standoff in April at Depsang Valley near LAC in Ladakh. India is understood to have raised these incursions and their impact but there was no official confirmation for the same. The two-day meeting under working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs also "discussed all issues since the last meet in November", sources said. "The meeting deals with all issues of peace and tranquillity on the border.... However, this meeting does not deal with border issues as those issues are handled by Special Representatives on both sides. Also the meeting does not discuss Border Defence Cooperation Agreement since there is a separate mechanisms for that," spokesperson in the Ministry of External Affairs said here. The meeting is led by Joint Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs Gautam Bambawale and seniors officials of Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs from Indian side and a composite delegation of officials from Chinese side comprising members from various departments dealing with the boundary issue, he said. -PTI

Ishaan Verma, 11, takes practice swings after his team finished a cricket match in Germantown

The Germantown kids Cricket Club in blue, plays the Bowie Boys and Girls Club in a match

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'BJP to create atmosphere of goodwill and trust' WASHINGTON: The BJP, if voted to power, will create an atmosphere of "mutual goodwill and trust" with the US, party president Rajnath Singh said here, asking America to look at India as a longterm strategic partner and "not merely as a transactional" relationship. Besides strongly raising India's concerns over H-1B visa issues as mentioned in the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill, Singh said the BJP-government would give new impetus to IndoUS ties, which is not only in the interest of the largest democratic countries of the world, but also in interest of regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. "If we come to power, we will create an atmosphere of mutual good will and trust between our two countries so that all the perceptional problems can be automatically overcome and substantive issues resolved through mutual dialogue," Singh said on the first day of his Washington trip. "The US should not look its relationship with India as merely transactional relations, but as a long-term strategic partnership," Singh said in a series of close door meetings attended by experts from various think-tanks, key Congressional staff, policy-makers, officials, academicians and those from the corporate world.

Participants of these meetings, according to sources, shared their frustration with India, in particular in the trade and business sector, to which Singh is believed to have said that the BJP is in favor of taking reform process forward. "We are very much in favor of taking forward the economic reform process. It was under the

"However, we have certain constraints with regard to allowing FDI in multi-brand retail... because it will affect the livelihood of 50 million Indians adversely," he said. The US should appreciate our concerns just as we appreciate the concerns of the United States. Batting for Indian companies and Indians who would be af-

Advani must be at the helm, says Shatrughan PATNA: A day after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan hailed L K Advani as BJP's supreme leader, another voice of support for the party patriarch came when Shatrughan Sinha described him as the "most seasoned and mature" leader who must be at the "helm of affairs". Sinha also appeared to lend his support to murmurs of discontent in the party over projection of the

He said Advani was a statesman. "He is the most seasoned, most mature person and to me he has always been the ultimate leader. He is the last person who would ever sulk. He has never demanded the prime ministerial position. We pray that, whoever, is decided as the PM candidate through the Parliamentary Board, must have the blessings of Mr Advani." Asked whether Advani should

Rajnath Singh

NDA regime that the Indo-US relations both at the trade and commerce level as well as the strategic partnership level received further boost." Noting that the BJP government gave new impetus to the economic reform process, Singh said the BJP welcomes FDI in many key sectors of the economy.

The US should appreciate our concerns just as we appreciate the concerns of the United States.Batting for Indian companies and Indians who would be affected by the provisions in the Immigration Reform Bill, he urged the US to reconsider these stringent provisions

fected by the provisions in the Immigration Reform Bill, he urged the US to reconsider these stringent provisions. "The US should understand and appreciate the concerns of India on economic issues and proposed Comprehensive Immigration Reforms bill in US, which will put more monetary burden on Indian human resource deployment for Offshore IT companies through H1B & L1 visa regime," Singh said. Participants repeatedly asked questions and expressed their frustration over the current economic climate in India noting that it is not conducive for foreign direct investment, the sources said.-PTI

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and BJP leaders Sushil Kumar Modi and Shatrughan Sinha at a function in Patna on July 22

Gujarat Chief Minister as possible prime ministerial candidate saying if it was done through Parliamentary Board "it would be great". "I still maintain that Narendra Modi, though he is very popular...the kind of hype that has been created thanks to media and thanks to all of us, he has been very successful. "If he has been projected as prime minister after Parliamentary Board meeting, it would be a great thing. But the rider (is) that from our point of view Advani sahab must be at the helm of affairs," the MP from Patna Sahib told reporters here.

be in the race for prime ministerial candidate, Sinha said, "There could not be a better person than him in terms of statesmanship. "Advani is, as I said, to me and to most of us, the one who has contributed the maximum in the growth of BJP from 2 seats to almost 200 seats (in the Lok Saba). He cannot be sidelined." Sinha's comments come a day after the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister calling Advani the supreme leader of the BJP and set off on his "Jan Ashirvad Yatra" from Ujjain during which posters have photographs of various leaders but not Modi.

Row over Shakeel Ahmed's IM comments continues NEW DELHI: The row over Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed's comments linking birth of Indian Mujahideen to 2002 Gujarat riots refused to die down with BJP slamming it as a bid to "use terror" for votes and questioned if Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh endorsed these views. Ahmed, however, got backing from Minority Affairs Minister Rehman Khan and Congress leader Digvijay Singh even as he met party chief Sonia Gandhi in the wake of controversy. Ahmed, who is believed to have

explained his position to Gandhi, accused BJP of diverting the nation's attention from NIA's "observations"

on the creation of IM. "By dramatized hue & cry, BJP spokespersons are trying to make

Shakeel Ahmed

it my statement simply to divert the nation's attention from NIA's observations," he wrote on Twitter. His remarks have not gone down well in the party, which distanced itself from the same yesterday. Slamming the comments, BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain told reporters here that "the Congress wants to muster votes even in the name of terrorism... Congress leaders are eulogizing terrorism." Hussain's colleague Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the Congress was trying to "legitimize" Indian Mujahideen and terrorism.

"At a time when the country is fighting terrorism, Congress is trying to support terrorism," he said. "We will like to have comment from Rahul Gandhi or the Prime Minister as to whether they support the views of Shakeel Ahmed," he said. While the attack continued, Ahmed got support from the Minority Affairs Minister who said he had quoted from NIA chargesheet. "Suffering has taken place. There is anger among Muslims. Anger is prevalent. It is obvious," Rehman Khan said.-PTI

July 26, 2013

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Central Bank pays hefty dividend to Indian govt DIANA GABRIEL

MUMBAI: The Central Bank of India, one of the largest nationalized banks of the country, has performed well last financial year and this enabled the Bank management to pay a hefty dividend and PNCPS amounting to Rs.373.27 crores to the Indian government for the year ending March 2013. At a small function organized in the Office of Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, the Bank chairman and managing director M.V. Tanksale, along with Malay Mukherjee and R.K. Goyal, Executive Directors of the Bank, handed over a check for the amount to the Minister. Besides Finance Minister P Chidambaram, those present on the occasion were Namo Narain Meena, Minister of State for Finance and Ms SnehLata Srivastava, Addl. Secretary, Department of Financial Services. During the check presentation event, Bank chairman M.V Tanksale feliciL-R: B Mondal, Field Zonal Manager, Delhi, R.K. Goyal and Malay Mukherjee Executive Directors of the Bank, M.V. Tanksale, Chairman & Managing Director, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Namo Narain Meena, Minister of State Finance, Mrs. SnehLata Srivastava, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Department of Financial Services and P C Joshi, AGM-PR

L-R: R. K. Goyal, Executive Director, M.V. Tanksale, Chairman and Managing Director, B.K. Singal, Field General Manager, B. V. Joseph, Chief Manager, Anoop Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse

tated the Finance Minister and appraised him about various activities taken by the Bank during the last year and the way forward. The Bank recently opened a branch at Bharat Diamond Bourse, Mumbai. The Chairman and Managing Director M. V. Tanksale inaugurated the branch at a grand function attended by top diamond merchants from the Bourse and the top Bank officials. The Branch will cater to the banking needs of diamond merchants. Meanwhile, the Central Bank that had cut its Base Rate to 10% from 10.25% with effect from July 15 in response to various measures taken by RBI, is now not going to review its decision and will continue with its reduced base rate, according to M.V. Tanksale, the CMD. He further stated that every effort will be made by the Bank to reduce the cost of deposits.

Pravasi Divas in Sydney to boost ties MELBOURNE: The Indian community in Australia and the Pacific will get an opportunity to contribute between India and countries in the region at the 7th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Sydney, a top Indian diplomat has said. "The objective of the convention would be to reach out to those members of the community who have been unable to participate in the annual PBD in India and to provide a platform for the Indian community in Australia and the Pacific to contribute to the relationship between countries of the region and India," Indian High Commissioner to Australia Biren Nanda said. The three-day-long convention for Non-Resident Indians and People of India Origin in Sydney, scheduled to start on November 10, will be organized by the Indian mission in the country in collaboration with the New South Wales Government. -PTI

Tech News Obama commends work of consumer protection agency WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is commending the work of a consumer protection agency created after the economic crisis. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau got its first permanent director last week after the Senate voted to install Richard Cordray after years of delay. In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says consumers can go to the agency to ``get some measure of justice'' when financial institutions disregard the rules. He says the bureau has addressed more than 175,000 complaints and has helped recover more than $400 million in refunds for consumers. In the Republican message, Reps. Todd Young of Indiana and Tim Griffin of Arkansas are calling on the Democratic-controlled Senate to vote on bills passed by the House to delay requirements on individuals and businesses by Obama's health care law. -AP

Par panel seeks regulator for multibrand retail FDI NEW DELHI: Cautioning that the entry of foreign retail giants could create joblessness, a Parliamentary panel has asked the government to set up a 'Retail Regulatory Authority' to deal with issues concerning foreign multi-brand retail companies in the country. "We have recommended a regulatory authority to look into the problem (impact of FDI in multi-brand retail on MSMEs)," Tiruchi Siva, DMK leader and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry, told reporters here. According to Siva, if multibrand retail chains are not regulated well, it will impact medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs), farmers and domestic mandis. "Once...mandis are eliminated, the big foreign retail giants will manipulate prices and our farmers will be forced to sell their products at low prices dictated by them (foreign retailers), the panel said in a report. "Our own squeezed out retailers and all those associated with the market and retail trade would lose their livelihood and become jobless. It will add to our already existing social and economic woes, which generate so much unrest and violence." -PTI

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July 26, 2013

President of Chiba University of Commerce, (Japan) Haruo Shimada and BJP MP Piyush Goyal at BSE during the conference on India-Japan Global Partnership

Survey: Brighter US economic outlook boosts hiring WASHINGTON: Companies are increasingly confident the U.S. economy will grow at a modest pace over the next year and are hiring more, according to a survey of business economists. Nearly one-third of the economists surveyed by the National Association for Business Economics said their companies added jobs in the April-June quarter, according to a report. That's the highest percentage in nearly two years. And 39 percent expect their firms will hire more in the next six months. That's near the two-year high of 40 percent reached in the JanuaryMarch quarter. The hiring increase occurred even though sales and profit growth slowed in the second quarter. Optimism about future economic growth increased. Nearly three-quarters of the survey respondents forecast growth of 2.1 percent or more over the next 12 months. That's up from two-thirds in the first quarter survey, released in April, and the most in a year. The quarterly survey's results echo much of the recent data tracking the economy. Growth has been slow in the past nine months, but employers have added jobs at

a healthy pace. Many economists anticipate that the steady hiring will help accelerate growth in the second half of this year. The NABE surveyed 65 of its

firms increased in the second quarter. That's sharply lower than the 55 percent who reported rising sales in the first quarter. And 15 percent said sales fell, up from 9

File photo of job seekers lining up to register to attend a job fair in Atlanta

member economists between June 18 and July 2. The economists work for companies from a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation and utilities, finance, retail and other services. Among the findings: *Only about 35 percent of the respondents said sales at their

percent in the first quarter. *Profit growth also slowed: Only 21 percent of respondents said profit margins increased last quarter, down from 29 percent in the first. *Only 19 percent of economists said their firms were raising wages and salaries, down from 31 percent

in April and the lowest proportion since October. Looking ahead, companies are increasingly concerned about higher interest rates. That reflects the jump in rates that took place following Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's comments in late May that the central bank could slow its bond-buying program later this year. Those purchases are intended to keep interest rates low. The interest rate on the 10-year Treasury bond, a benchmark that influences mortgage rates and other borrowing costs, has increased nearly a full percentage point to about 2.5 percent since May. When asked for their biggest concern over the next 12 months, 17 percent of the respondents cited rising interest rates. That is a big jump from April, when only 4 percent cited such concerns. The biggest concern for most companies is the health of the global economy, which was cited by nearly one-third of the respondents. Europe's financial crisis has plunged that region into a recession, and growth in China, Brazil and other large emerging markets has also slowed. That's crimping U.S. exports. -AP

Apple's developer website hacked NEW YORK: Apple Inc, the iconic maker of iPhone and iPad, has temporarily shut down its developer site after a hacker tried to steal personal information about the most valued technology firm's software developers. The California-based firm said the 'intruder' might have accessed personal information like developers' names, mailing addresses, and email addresses. The computer and software major has closed down the site, where programmers write applications for Apple products like iPhones, Macs, etc, on July 18

for overhauling and updation. "Last Thursday, an intruder attempted to secure personal information of our registered developers from our develo p e r website," Apple said in a statement on its developer's website. "Sensitive personal information was encrypted and cannot be accessed, however, we have not

been able to rule out the possibility that some developers' names, mailing addresses, and/or email addresses may have been accessed. "In the spirit of transparency, we want to inform you of the issue. We took the site down immediately on Thursday and have been working around the clock since then," the

statement further added. Apple said it is overhauling the system to prevent a similar incident from occurring in future. "In order to prevent a security threat like this from happening again, we're completely overhauling our developer systems, updating our server software, and rebuilding our entire database. "We apologies for the significant inconvenience that our downtime has caused you and we expect to have the developer website up again soon," it said. -PTI

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Facebook's mobile phone McDonald's falls short, warns of tough year app users cross 100 million NEW YORK: Social networking giant Facebook has said over 100 million people are accessing its website every month through its app for feature phones, aiding the firm in expanding in developing markets like India. 'Facebook For Every Phone' app enables people globally to connect with friends and others on the famous social networking site regardless of the mobile device they use. "We are excited to announce that there are now more than 100 million people using Facebook For Every Phone each month," the Californiabased company's Growth Manager Ran Makavy said in a post. Facebook for Every Phone is a fast and easy-to-use native app that works on more than 3,000 different types of feature phones from almost every handset manufacturer. These devices can cost as little as 20 US dollars, he added.

"Today, millions of people in developing markets like India, Indonesia and the Philippines are relying on this technology to connect with Facebook, without having to purchase a smartphone," Makavy said. The app is powered by tech-

and grew the user base to where it is today. Snaptu's platform uses the power of servers to accelerate and optimize the way mobile apps work, and is the key to providing a great user experience on low-end devices," he added. Founded in 2004, Facebook has

nology created by Snaptu, an Israel-based mobile platform that was co-founded in 2007 by Makavy. "Our small team relaunched Snaptu as Facebook For Every Phone in July of that same year,

1.11 billion monthly active users as of March 2013 of which about 79 per cent of the daily active users are outside the US and Canada. The firm's user base in India stood at 78 million as of March 2013. PTI

Anil Ambani moves SC against appearance NEW DELHI: Reliance Telecom Ltd (RTL) has moved India's top court challenging the trial court's order summoning Reliance ADAG Chairman Anil Ambani and his wife Tina Ambani as prosecution witnesses in 2G spectrum allocation scam case. A bench headed by Supreme Court's Chief Justice P Sathasivam, before whom the matter was mentioned for an urgent hearing, agreed to hear the case and posted it for July 24 before an "appropriate bench". RTL, facing trial in the case, moved the Supreme Court against the trial court's order as the apex court had earlier restrained all other courts, including high court, from entertaining any plea arising out of 2G scam case. The trial court had July 19 allowed India's top investigative agency Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) plea that the testimony of Anil Ambani and Tina Ambani may throw light on alleged investment of over Rs 9.9 billion

Anil Ambani

by his group companies in Swan Telecom, facing trial in the case along with its promoters Shahid Usman Balwa and Vinod Goenka. It had said CBI's plea to summon Anil Ambani, Tina and 11 others as prosecution witnesses was essential for arriving at a just decision in the case. Testimony of Anil and Tina is required to prove the facts "per-

taining to incorporation of shell companies as some of the witnesses examined earlier have not been able to do so," it had said. The court had dismissed the contentions of the counsel for the accused persons that CBI's plea "suffers from the vice of delay" saying the process of examination of prosecution witnesses is still underway.-PTI

NEW YORK: McDonald's Corp. is mixing up its menu to lure more customers but not enough of them are biting. The world's biggest hamburger chain reported a second-quarter profit that rose 4 per cent but fell short of Wall Street expectations. It also said July sales are expected to be relatively flat and warned of a tough year ahead. Its stock edged down more than 2 per cent at USD 98.05 in premarket trading. The company, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, says global sales edged up 1 per cent at restaurants open at least a year for the three months ended June 30. The figure rose by the same amount in the US, where the company has been trying to adapt to changing eating habits with items such as its new chicken wraps and eggwhite breakfast sandwiches. But the tepid growth in the latest quarter reflect the challenges facing McDonald's, which for years had been a standout in the fast-food industry. Part of the problem is that economic conditions remain weak in many parts of the world. But another factor is that dining habits are changing, particularly in the US, with people increasingly opting for foods they feel are fresher,

healthier or higher-quality. CEO Don Thompson, who took over last summer, has said that the chain has a bigger product pipeline than in the past. Thompson has noted that the company can capitalize on ideas from around the world and adapt them to other markets. But for the first three months of the year, the company reported its first global quarterly sales decline at restaurants open at least 13 months. For the latest quarter, the company said sales were down 0.1 per cent in Europe as results in Germany and France dragged down

results from the United Kingdom and Russia. In Asia, the Middle East and Africa, sales also dipped 0.3 per cent, primarily because of negative results in China, Australia and Japan. For the quarter, the company earned USD 1.4 billion, or USD 1.38 per share. That's up from USD 1.35 billion, or USD 1.32 per share, a year ago. -AP

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Tata to launch light commercial vehicles in Australia MELBOURNE: Automobile giant Tata Motors is all set to launch its light commercial vehicles in Australia through an agreement with a local distributor Fusion Automotive. Under the deal that gives Fusion Automotive exclusive market-

able and all models will be powered by a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine producing 103-kW of power and 320Nm of torque, said a report by local daily 'The Age'. Sara Smith, marketing and communication manager of Fusion Automotive, was quoted as say-

ing and distribution rights within the country, it will first start with a range of commercial vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to media reports. The 4x2 and 4x4 'Xenon ute' models, with single-cab and dualcab variants would be made avail-

ing in the report that the new models will be competitively priced and well equipped. "We haven't locked down a price point. But they will be in the AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 (around USD 18,446-27,669) range," she said.

Fusion Automotive said by the end of 2013, there will be 13 dealers and the company was targeting 25 dealers around Australia by next year. A report in the web portal 'The Motor Report' here quoted Tata Motors MD Karl Slym as saying: "We are very pleased to announce our entry in Australia and this marks an important milestone in the continued expansion of our global footprint." "As we launch products tested and validated across some of the toughest terrains into the Australian market, we are happy to partner with Fusion Automotive, who brings to the table their tremendous experience in the Australian market," Slym said. This is more of a re-entry for the car-maker in the country. Tata kicked off in Australia in 1996 with its Telcoline ute it will again focus on the budget utility market when it relaunches, the report added. Fusion Automotive MD Darren Bowler, said the new 'ute' range will be up to dealing with Australia's harsh conditions. "There is no tougher place on

Govt â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;has nothing to do with sale of Jet slotsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; NEW DELHI: Under flak from several MPs over the Jet-Etihad deal, government has said it had "no role to play" in the sale of Jet's slots at London Heathrow airport to the Abu Dhabi-based airline. Terming the charges of irregularities in sale of three slots by Jet to Etihad leveled by the MPs as "absolutely baseless and false", Civil Aviation Ministry came out with a detailed note on the matter, saying "Government or any other Civil Aviation Institution in India has no role to play". "This is purely a function of Airport Coordination Limited of Heathrow Airport and the concerned airlines," it said. It also maintained that Air India, which had four slots at Heathrow, was currently using only three and the remaining one was leased to Delta Airlines of the US. A slot, or landing and departure time, are permissions to use a runway or airport infrastructure which is given by the airport to the airlines as per procedure.

Politicians, including Nishikant Dubey of BJP, Dinesh Trivedi (Trinamool Congress) and Subramanian Swamy (Janata Party) had claimed that the Heathrow slots were owned by the government and not Jet Airways. Jet had sold them to Etihad without official permission or reimbursement

to the government, they had alleged. Countering the charges, the Ministry said that trading of slots at Heathrow or any airport and allotment of global traffic rights to Indian carriers were two different things. While the rights to fly on inter-

national routes under Bilateral Air Service Agreement are given by the government, the availability of slots at foreign airports like Heathrow "are two different matters," it said. It quoted data received from Heathrow airport authorities to say that slot trading in the last 12 years, had risen from 42 slots in 2000 to 526 in 2012. Apart from Air India and Jet, many airlines like SWISS, British Airways, Virgin, Qantas, Delta, Continental and Air France have traded or transferred slots for the last 15 years. Two years after a slot is allotted to an airline by the airport, the airline gets 'grandfather rights' on it. The airline then is entitled to trade the slot to another airline by way of sale, lease, sale-and-leaseback or 'baby sitting'. Baby sitting is the practice of leasing slots on a short or medium term basis by one airline to a noncompeting airline. Sometimes an alliance partner may 'baby sit' a slot to keep out newcomers. -PTI

earth to test vehicles than on the tough and demanding roads of India, and we believe this will give the Tata Motors products a competitive advantage within the Australian market," Bowler said. He added that the light commer-

hicles with the toughness and value for money equation that Tata Motors products deliver." In regards to other passenger vehicles, Bowler said Fusion Automotive may look to other Tata products in the future. "There are

cial segment is now the third largest segment of the Australian new-car market, with 13 major brands in the 4x2 and 4x4 categories. "We believe there is demand in Australia for a utility range of ve-

a number of other vehicles we could consider as Tata has a huge range of great products. But we are focusing on launching our range of commercial vehicles first to make sure we get that right," Bowler said. -PTI

India produces record pulses in 2012-13 NEW DELHI: India has MT achieved in the 2011-12 crop achieved a record pulses produc- year (July-June). tion of 18.45 million tonnes (MT) In foodgrains category, rice in the 2012-13 crop year ended production has been revised upJune, while foodgrain output fell ward to 104.4 MT from 104.22 MT by 1.5 per cent to 255.36 MT due in the third estimates. to drought in some states last year. However, rice output is lower The Agriculture Ministry re- at 105.3 MT compared with 2011leased the fourth advance esti- 12. mates of foodgrain production for Coarse cereals production es2012-13. timates have also been revised Pulses output has been revised upward at 40.06 MT in 2012-13 upward to record 18.45 MT in from 39.52 MT in the third estimate, 2012-13 as compared with 18 MT in the third estimates released in The record pulses producMay. Pulses output tion augurs well for the stood at 17.09 MT in country which is depended 2011-12. The record pulses on imports to meet the production augurs well shortfall of around 3-4 MT. for the country which is Higher supply will reduce depended on imports to meet the shortfall of imports and also prices around 3-4 MT. Higher supply will reduce imports and but it is still lower than the previalso prices. ous year's 42.01 MT. Higher support price prompted However, wheat output has farmers to grow pulses. been revised downward to 92.46 "As per the latest estimates, MT from 93.62 MT in the third esIndia has produced 255.36 MT of timate. Production stood at record foodgrains during the 2012-13," an 94.88 MT in 2011-12. official statement said. Foodgrains output in 2012-13 The foodgrains output is same is lower than previous year due to as it was in the third estimate, but poor monsoon in Maharasthra, it is lower than the record 259.29 Karnataka and Rajasthan.-PTI

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July 26, 2013

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Factors that affect auto loans

o some people, auto financing might seem like a mystery and if you have bad credit, you might believe that the universe is working against you. After all, aren't bad credit auto loans supposed to be the worst of the worst? In reality, there are many factors that impact auto loans, and bad credit isn't the only thing that could be holding you back or working to your advantage. With the right combination of factors, even bad credit auto

you, your score can be your saving grace. However, if you have poor credit for any reason, there are many other things that carry just as much weight. The length of your credit history can also influence your interest rate; even if your score is bad, if you have a long credit history with successful loan payments, you can get a better deal. EMPLOYMENT Your job, your salary, and the length of time you've been em-

Despite what you may have heard about bad credit auto loans, there are many things that affect your ability to get a good rate and credit score is just one of them. Not all car loans with bad credit will have tight terms and steep interest rates loans can be surprisingly affordable. CREDIT Credit score does play a part in the kind of auto financing you qualify for. The better your score, the better your rates will be. Additionally, if you have a good score and other factors working against

ployed at your current position are all influential in your interest rate. For example, if you make a lot of money but have only held your job for a few months, you may be subject to worse rates than someone who makes a modest salary but has been in their current role for a decade. Longevity tells fi-

nancing bureaus that you have a steady income you aren't at risk of losing. Additionally, the loan-toincome ratio will make a difference. If you make $50,000 a year and buy a car that costs $30,000, your car loan will be three fifths of your income, a bad sign to a lender. PURCHASING Elements of your car purchase specifically can also impact your auto financing. For example, the larger your down payment, the lower your interest rates can be. Furthermore, new cars tend to get better financing than used cars since there is less product liability. Purchasing additional coverage on your car can lower payments as well, although you will ultimately end up paying more on the face value of the loan due to the increased price of the car. Despite what you may have heard about bad credit auto loans, there are many things that affect your ability to get a good rate and credit score is just one of them. Not all car loans with bad credit will have tight terms and steep interest rates; if you meet some of the other criteria, you might be able to secure a great auto loan, regardless of your credit score.

60% students borrow annually to cover costs

early 20 million Americans attend college each year. Of that 20 million, close to 12 million - or 60% - borrow annually to help cover costs. There are approximately 37 million student loan borrowers with outstanding student loans today. As of the first Quarter of 2012, the under 30 age group has the most borrowers at 14 million, followed by 10.6 million for the 30-39 group, 5.7 million in the 40-49 category, 4.6 million in the 50-59 age group and the over 60 category with the least number of borrowers at 2.2 million for an overall total of 37.1 million. There is roughly somewhere between $902 billion and $1 trillion in total outstanding student loan debt in the United States today. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports $902B while the

Consumer Finance Protection Bureau reports $1T. Roughly $864 billion is outstanding federal student loan debt while the remaining $150 billion is in private student loans. Private student loans are not made or backed by the federal government.

As of Quarter 1 in 2012, the average student loan balance for all age groups is $24,301. About one-quarter of borrowers owe more than $28,000; 10% of borrowers owe more than $54,000; 3% owe more than $100,000; and less than 1%, or 167,000 people, owe more than $200,000.

Desi News Diversity backbone of innovation in India: Sam Pitroda RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: "Diversity has always been the backbone of innovation in India. In solving the challenges of development, demography, and disparity, we will need expansion, excellence and equity," said Dr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation In his keynote address at the India Innovation Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here in Chicago on Thursday July 18, he observed that "as a nation of a connected billion, a first in the history of the world, we need to leverage emerging technologies, including social media, to help alleviate the enormous problem of poverty."

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Jalaram Mandir organizes Bhagwat Katha, Guru Purnima Details on page 25

16 India Post

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July 26, 2013

Puri splendor replicated at Fremont Temple Rath Yatra

Details on page 21

Ro welcomes Pelosi move on agenda for women India Post News Service

Soha Ali Khan to lead FIA India Day Parade ABDUL SDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan will serve as the Grand Marshall for FIA's India Independence Day Parade on Saturday August 17. The Parade will have a kick-off from Devon Ave & Western Ave in Chicago. Iftekhar Shareef said actress Soha Ali Khan is the daughter of Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, a former India cricket captain and actress Sharmila Tagore. Details on page 23

Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra deities and Pt Jhagendraji. Pics Neeloo Kapoor

RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: Jagannath Puri is one of the four pilgrim centers (Dhams) that are most sacred to Hindus. Lord Jagannath is one of the most revered and prayed incarnations of Vishnu. Every year, in the month of July, Lord Jagannath is taken out in a Chariot (Rath), around the city to the

packed streets, full of devotees eager to get a glimpse of the Lord. This is the day when Lord belongs to everyone. Regardless of social status, everyone has equal opportunity to see, touch and get blessings of the lord. Fremont Hindu temple together with the Bay Area Odiya Community follows the same tradition and organizes a Rath Yatra every year to commemorate the event. It be-

Devotees eager to pull the sacred Chariot and also get a glimpse of the Lord

gins with Snana Poornima and culminates in Bhauda Yatra. It events run through for the whole month. The main event Ratha Yatra happened on Sunday, 14 July this year where a gathering of over 3000 devotees took out a beautifully decorated Rath constructed by Prasanna Samanta Ray, Rudra Kar and their team members. The Ratha replicated the splendor of Puri Rath Yatra.

Special arrangements were made by Deb Mohanty and his bhajan group to conduct discourses on the significance of Rath Yatra. Manoj Panda, Shakti Swain, Amiya Mohanty, Asish Sahu, Dilip Praharaj, Namita Panigrahi, Mita Tripathy, and several other volunteers prepared special Odiya dishes as offerings to the Lord and served as Prasad. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

Glittering kickoff party for 21ST Festival of India VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: The Federation of Indian Associations is a Fremont based Non-Profit organization, working on various community based initiatives. The FIA has also proudly hosted the annual Festival of India and Parade for the last twenty years. This event has continued to garner participants from all over Northern California, and has attracted luminaries and dignitaries from all over the world. The festival organizers have continued to organize this Festival which is intended to give our communities an opportunity to work together and present this Festival year after year. Every year, the attendance has grown manifold and has allowed

L-R: Smitha, Naresh Sodhi, Rajesh Verma, Dr Romesh Japra, Ritu Maheshwari, Priya Nayar, Vidya & Soni Singh. Pics Neeloo Kapoor

our communities to get a better understanding of the culture, the arts, the music and foods of the Indian American community and allow our communities to further strengthen their bonds with each other.

The 21ST Festival of India celebrations are to be held on August 17 and 18 at 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave. The 21st anniversary celebrations are

coupled with Gadar Centennial, 150th Swami Vivekananda anniversary celebrations and 100 years of Bollywood. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

July 26, 2013

Community Across America

India Post 17

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Aligarh Muslim University VC visits Bay Area RAS H. SIDDIQUI

particularly those in the San Francisco area who have excelled in many fields and would like to see their old university present even better opportunities for future generations of AMU students. The gathering started off with some networking and a fine brunch buffet in the Mughlai tradition. Before the formalities I had a chance to interact with the VC. We discussed the contributions of Aligarh alumni as leaders in other countries in the region, his brother's efforts to boost the arts irrespective of borders. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah

NEWARK, CA: The Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association of Northern California (AMUAA) had the pleasure of hosting a luncheon for Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, Vice Chancellor of their Alma Mater on Saturday, June 22 at the Chandni Restaurant in Newark, California. The Vice Chancellor was accompanied by his wife Mrs Sabiha Shah. Besides being the VC of one of the most famous universities in South Asia, Shah has been one of the most senior-level Muslim soldiers ever in the Indian Army (he reached the position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff). He is also the older brother of famous Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah. For an introduction of the hosts in their own words, the "AMU Alumni Association of northern California consisting of the alumni of Aligarh Muslim University and its friends and supporters of the Aligarh move-

ment was founded in 1996 as a secular, nonpartisan, non-political organization serving the Educational, Social, Literacy and Cultural needs of the Community. It aims to keep alive Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's dream of ensuring equality for all and particularly the underprivileged through education, by supporting AMU and its students in their academic efforts, and by organizing events to highlight AMU's role in creating a modern India." In their promotion of the event it was stated that "Vice Chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah, has affirmed his core mission of making AMU one of the top universities in India through pursuit of excellence in teaching and research." This goal also happens to be close to the hearts of many AMU alumni in the US

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Glittering kickoff party for 21ST Festival of India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

The festival kickoff party was organized by FIA on July 13 at San Jose Garden Airport Hotel. The glittering event was attended by over 230 Bay area residents from all facets of life. The evening was an ultimate platform to socialize, and allowed the Bay area resident to interact and share their opinion on our community. The entertainment quotient of the evening was provided by fash-

Dr Romesh Japra & Dr Harmesh Kumar

ion show by Nalli Silks, Mountain and build bridges between various View and scintillating performance communities and business. "Evby Alka Bhatnagar. ery year we showcase Indian culAlka Bhatnagar was born in a ture and heritage through mela, family with a long tradition in mu- booths, dances and floats to mainsic, in Meerut, India. Gifted with a melodious and baritone voice, she pursued her Master's in music and went on to become an acclaimed singer. The guests of festival's kickoff party enjoyed the performance of Alkaji and her team which was a perfect blend of Raj Salwan, City Council member, Fremont evergreen and latest & Ashok Kapoor melodies. Nalli Silks, a household name in South India stream Americans and the next presented contemporary designs generation. Through Health Fair, over 100 physicians and other health professionals give free testing and medical advice," he says. Dr Japra said the kickoff party is the best start for the grand event. He thanked the attendees of the Ritu, Smitha, Deepak Chhabra & Mrs Chhabra evening and looking forward from their house. The fashion to make the 21st festival a grand show was a fusion of poise and success. dignity. Sonya Wadhwa, Executive VP at Nalli Silks thanked FIA for the opportunity and remembered their grand opening in Bay area around 20 years back in FIA mela. Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman of FIA, says the annual festival is to Manorama Joshi & Soni Singh promote diversity and democracy

Sonya Wadha, Executive VP Nalli Saree with models

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Yesudas presents mix of favorites & a few surprises VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

HAYWARD, CA: India's foremost exponent of Carnatic vocal music and leading playback singer in all Indian languages, Dr K.J.Yesudas performed live Carnatic concert on July 20 at Chabot College, Hayward, California. The show was presented by Thampy Antony Thekkek and Prema Thekkek in association with Lending Hands International. The three-hour divine concert attracted around 1300 music lovers from all parts of United States. Antony Thekkek, also known as Thampy Antony, is an IndianAmerican film actor and producer. He won the Best Actor Award at the Honolulu International Film Festival in 2005 for portraying the role of Dr Acharya in the English film 'Beyond the Soul', directed by Rajeev Anchal. In 2010, he featured in the Hollywood movie Cash (2010 film). Thampi Antony produces films under the banner of 'Kayal Films' and has produced critically acclaimed movies like Parudeesa, Sufi Paranja Katha and Papilio Buddha. Thampi Anthony with his wife Prema Thekkek is involved in health care business and has been serving the Bay area

for over two decades. "It was a successful event and we are happy to bring in Dr K.J.Yesudas after six years to perform in Bay area and are also planning to have a light music show with him next year," said Prema Thekkek and Thampi Antony, Organizers of this gala event.

families for the education, medical, housing, and establishing a lively hood such as a business. Our Mission is to break the ongoing cycle of poverty by educating children. We believe; by helping one child at a time; we can help the poor, distressed, and disadvantaged family break out of the

Kerala. He was awarded Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Bhushan in 2002 by the Government of India for his contributions to the arts. In 2011 Yesudas was honored with the CNN-IBN outstanding achievement award. Accompanied by Srivatsan on the violin, T.S.Nanda Kumar on mridangam, Santosh Chandru on ghatam and Balaji on thambura, it was indeed a superb show that would even appeal to casual fans of Indian classical music. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

Ro welcomes Pelosi move on agenda for women India Post News Service

Regina Raj, Founder of Lending Hands International, said, "Lending Hands International founded in 2005 is a non-profit organization which helps the poor and under privileged children and

cycle of poverty. Till date we have helped poor families in Kerala, India and are planning to expand to other states in India and in US as well." Besides being a seven-time In-

Puri splendor replicated at Fremont Temple Rath Yatra Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

The pujas, prasad, decorations and the special veshas were conducted in the same fashion just as they do in Puri. Mahesh Pakala, a member of the Odiya community said, "The Bay Area Odiya community has been working hard to build the Chariot for Lord Jagannath for the past several months. Our Tri Valley team who led the celebrations this year, presented a well organized and coordinated event with efficient support of the Fremont Temple events director Deepak Chhabra and temple administration. The community comes together passionately and emotionally for this special celebration and the fervor is similar to celebrations in Puri, Odisha, the abode of Lord Jagannath" Temple officials Govind Pasumarthi, Manorama Joshi, Rakesh Kapoor, together with the temple priests helped create the spiritual ambience in the temple.

dian National Award winner for Best Male Playback Singer, Dr Yesudas has also been honored with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award in India. Equally renowned for his prowess in Indian classical singing as he is for performing some of the most popular Indian film songs ever, Yesudas is credited with singing more than 50,000 songs in all regional languages in India. He is the only singer who has been given the title of Asthana Gayakan aka Official Singer of

Musical performance and discourses on the occasion

Dev Roy, Mahesh Pakala, Manorama Joshi and Govind with other devotees establishing Lord in the temple

FREMONT, CA: Ro Khanna, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce and candidate for California's 17th congressional district, has issued the following statement on Leader Pelosi's new Women's Workplace Rights Initiative: "I am very encouraged to see Leader Pelosi and several other House members take the lead today in promoting an "Economic Agenda for Women in Families", which will better advocate for women and families in this country. Their work casts much needed light on three of the most important issues facing women in our country today: equal pay for equal work, workfamily balance, and adequate funding for childcare. "The agenda is part of a larger framework that promotes the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and champions paid sick leave, paid parental leave, and Obama's proposal for greater preschool and childcare subsidies and tax credits. "These sorts of reforms are long overdue, and as a member of Congress I will be proactive in modernizing the workplace and ensuring that women are protected equally under the law." Since announcing his campaign for Congress in early April, Ro Khanna has received key en-

dorsements from Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, local elected leaders including Mayor Orrin Mahoney of Cupertino and Mayor Estevez of Milpitas, and some of the leading job creators and innovation luminaries in Silicon Valley. Ro for Congress is focused on building a technology and grassroots driven 21st century campaign that utilizes and improves upon the best practices deployed by both Obama campaigns. A longtime Bay Area resident, Ro returned to Fremont after a two-year stint serving as Deputy

Ro Khanna

Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Obama Administration. In addition to running for Congress in California's 17th District, he is also currently a Silicon Valley technology lawyer, visiting lecturer in economics at Stanford University and adjunct professor of law at Santa Clara University. Ro's book on manufacturing, Entrepreneurial Nation: Why Manufacturing is Still Key to America's Future, has won widespread praise for its strategies for keeping the best companies, jobs and opportunities in America.

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Aligarh Muslim University Gandhi Youth Camp at Vedanta Society Retreat VC visits Bay Area India Post News Service

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

When I mentioned that I had visited my late father's former place of residence at AMU named Mumtaz House, he lamented that the current conditions of all the dormitories was not good and that he was seeking assistance in funding for their repair and upgrading. He also mentioned that he had invited the Aga Khan and Prince Charles to pay a visit to the campus. The formal event started in the Aligarh tradition with the recitation from the Holy Quran by Afzal Khan. Emcee for the afternoon and local AMU luminary Shaheer Khan said that this was the first time that the organization had hosted an AMU Vice Chancellor and welcomed the community present, some of whom had come from as far away as Sacramento and Davis. He also reminded everyone present of the coming Eid Milan party and Sir Syed Day on September 27 this year. He also thanked the donors who have supported the efforts of the Alumni Association and the Aligarh Education Endowment Fund. He then introduced the Vice Chancellor who came to the stage and received a plaque on behalf of the association, presented by Nihal Khan. Mrs Shahla Khan also presented a bouquet of flowers to Mrs Sabiha Shah. That set the stage for the VC's speech. Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah spoke for about 50 minutes and used a PowerPoint presentation. It is just not possible to incorporate all

"I accepted the job as a mission," he added. "My mission was to pull AMU out of the trough in which it has descended," he said. He added that his mission (with Allah's help) was to make AMU a top university in India within two years. He said that he was going to Insha'Allah turn the University around so that its graduates can meet the new demands of both the market and the nation.

Shah Sahib said that he faced three immediate issues: Student indiscipline, intra-religious (not communal) and regional friction on campus, and lastly faculty infighting. He added that these problems were difficult but were not insurmountable. He said that he is looking to add more new and qualified faculty at AMU. He said that he was a liberal Muslim and he wanted AMU to be a liberal-secular institution but primarily for the Muslims. "It is a secular institution, primarily for the Millat as Sir Syed wanted it, and we are going to keep it that way," he said. He added that the focus should remain on "modernscientific education," something

He stressed the modernizing of the existing facilities and the building of new ones on campus especially for female students. The restoration of the horse riding club and adding a golf course (The VC is an avid golfer) at AMU were already on the cards that he said in this single report so a few chosen highlights will have to suffice here. He was commanding in his delivery and exuded confidence from the beginning of his speech to the very end. He started off by thanking everyone for the honor and the wonderful gift. He said that the job of being a Vice Chancellor was a thankless one. "It is the toughest I have held," he commented generating quite a few smiles in the audience; especially since he is a former military man.

that unfortunately was not being provided. He said that AMU needs to move beyond the blackboard and chalk era into the computer age. He added that the year 2020 will bring on the university centenary and the plan should be to make it a memorable one remembered all over the country since it is an institution of national importance. He also said that unfortunately the university had a setback on its minority character status and that he would focus on getting it

restored. The Vice Chancellor said that foreign dignitary visits to the campus have dried up mainly due to our own fault. "It was the fault of the students misbehaving and rebelling against visitors but they do not know what colossal damage they did to our reputation." He said that will have to change and that some important foreign dignitaries have already accepted his invitation to visit AMU when

they visited India next. Shah Sahib dwelled a great deal on the need to improve the facilities at AMU especially the housing which is beginning to resemble a slum. He added that this was one of the main reasons why foreign student's numbers have declined dramatically. He stressed the modernizing of the existing facilities and the building of new ones on campus especially for female students. The restoration of the horse riding club and adding a golf course (The VC is an avid golfer) at AMU were already on the cards. He said that AMU should produce well-rounded graduates. On entrance standards for AMU he said that all aspiring students should pass an entrance exam (not just for engineering and medical students). He also added that foreign languages, including Chinese and Hebrew need to be taught on campus. To conclude, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah expressed pride in Aligarh Muslim University alumni all over the world and hoped that they could assist him in his mission to build the campus infrastructure in whatever way they can. He added that he was also seeking the assistance from the Aga Khan Foundation for this effort. The VC took questions after his speech and was presented a book on the Taj Mahal by authorphotographer Maqsood Ul Haque. The event concluded with a presentation of Aligarh focused poetry by Khalid Siddiqui titled "Green Day".

OLEMA, CA: Gandhi Youth Camp is a residential one week camp to be held August 3-10 at the beautiful 2500 acre Vedanta Society Retreat in Olema, California near Point Reyes. Now celebrating its 28th year, there are still openings for boys and girls 10-17 years old (grades 5-12). Gandhi Youth Camp has been held annually once every year for the last 27 years in the rolling foothills of beautiful mountains and surrounded by majestic beauty. The camp has been led by Dr. S. N. Subba Rao, who has dedicated his life to youth development, and he visits us every year from India. The camp can take only about 45 boys and girls. It has been run by a dedicated group of adult volunteers and youth counselors. This one week camp is offered at a much lower rate than many other

camps of similar nature. This has been made possible by the generous use of the camping facility by the Vedanta Society, in addition to the efforts and energy put in by the parents and youth. Indeed, the Gandhi Youth camp provides such an excellent environment for one week that children who attend this camp simply love it very much and

look forward to revisiting every year. Gandhi Youth Camp promotes the strong value system of our Indian heritage, self-discipline, non-violence and leadership involving community service. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22

Yesudas presents mix of favorites & a few surprises Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 19

After the deep customary "Om" chant, the live concert kicked off with the Vanajakshi in Kalyani raga, he then went on to perform Vathapi Ganapathi in hamsadvani, mix of favorites and a few surprises. Yesudas fans are sure to own his Vatapi Ganapathim album that unfailingly transports the listener to a different world. He gave a musical treat to the packed crowd in all languages starting from Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi etc. He also took time to explain some of the finer points of singing Indian classical music, talking about the origins of certain raagas

and how they've evolved over time. Other songs performed included Thaye Yashoda (Thodi ragas), Janaki Ramana, Maa Bhavani (Hindolam ragas). There was a special luncheon with Dr K.J.Yesudas at Sneha Indian restaurant, Sunnyvale on 21July. He interacted with over 100 guests and spoke about his musical journey. Artistes like Yesudas are rare. He has a talent for rendering songs in multiple languages cutting across multiple beliefs, race, and religion, a sincere effort to understand the meaning, clear lyrical pronunciation, enthusiasm to constantly learn, and all of this with total emotional involvement.

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Diversity backbone of innovation in India: Sam Pitroda RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: "Diversity has always been the backbone of innovation in India. In solving the challenges of development, demography, and disparity, we will need

mendous energy and enthusiasm. Discussions encompassed key policy interventions, funding mechanisms, and partnership opportunities between India and the U.S. in the innovation space. Madhav Lal, Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium

Speakers at CII Meet: L-R: Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII, Dr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation and Kris Gopalakrishnan, President, CII and Co-founder & Executive Vice Chairman, Infosys Ltd.

expansion, excellence and equity," said Dr Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation In his keynote address at the India Innovation Summit organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here in Chicago on Thursday July 18, he observed that "as a nation of a connected billion, a first in the history of the world, we need to leverage emerg-

Enterprises (MSME) emphasized leveraging collaborations to scale up innovations, and the growing role of technologies to enable this cross-sector engagement. "I would like to see more collaborative networks between the governments, industry, academia and institutions, cutting across country borders," he said. The MSME Ministry was one of the agencies that also had an exhibit booth at the Summit, which

Speakers and guests at the meet that was well attended by cross section of industries and businesses

ing technologies, including social media, to help alleviate the enormous problem of poverty." The Summit, organized in partnership with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA), the USIndia Business Council (USIBC), PanIIT Alumni Association and TiE Midwest, brought together creative minds, experts and entrepreneurs, financing institutions and economic development officials, packing the halls with tre-

had on display their various initiatives that facilitate innovation among smaller companies. Other agencies that participated in the exhibition included the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). CII President S Gopalakrishnan was leading a CII CEOs delegation to the Summit. In his thought pro-

voking address, he said that the need of the hour is to empower a large number of people using mobile connectivity and cloud computing platforms and make them a part of the knowledge revolution, which would ultimately contribute to economic growth.

"Innovation generates economic value, new jobs and a culture of entrepreneurship. By virtue of its relationship with competitiveness, innovation emerges as a factor in promoting economic growth," he added. Stressing the need to enhance

Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Vikram Kirloskar, Chairman, CII Innovation Council and Vice Chairman, Toyota-Kirloskar Motor said, "Mutual trust will lead to mutual benefit. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 23

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Oakdale City Council Gandhi Youth Camp at Vedanta Society Retreat opens with Hindu Prayer Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 20

SONIA SIDHU India Post News Service

OAKDALE, CA: The City Council of Oakdale in California, founded in 1871, had its first historic Hindu invocation on the evening of July 15, containing verses from world's oldest existing scripture. Rajan Zed, President of Univer-

ended the prayer with "Om", the mystical syllable containing the universe, which in Hinduism is used to introduce and conclude religious work. Reciting from Brahadaranyakopanishad, Rajan Zed said, "Asato ma sad gamaya, Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya, Mrtyor mamrtam gamaya", which he then translated as "Lead me from the

a ruddraksh mala (rosary), and traditional sandalpaste tilak (religious mark) on the forehead, Zed sprinkled few drops of water from river Ganga of India, considered holy by Hindus, around the podium before the prayer. Zed presented a copy of Bhagavad-Gita to Mayor Pat Paul, who thanked Zed. Known as "Cowboy Capital of

Just before the Oakdale City Council Hindu invocation; Rajan Zed (third from right) with Mayor Pat Paul (fourth from right) and other members of the Council

sal Society of Hinduism, delivered the opening prayer from ancient Sanskrit scriptures before the City Council. After Sanskrit delivery, he then read the English translation of the prayer. Zed recited from Rig-Veda, the oldest scripture of the world still in common use, besides lines from Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), both ancient Hindu scriptures. He started and

unreal to the Real, Lead me from darkness to Light, and Lead me from death to Immortality." Reciting from Bhagavad-Gita, he urged council members to keep the welfare of others always in mind. Council members, city employees and public were seen standing in prayer mode with their heads bowed down during this invocation. Wearing saffron colored attire,

the World", female majority Oakdale is home to a Cowboy Museum and Stanislaus River winds through town. Prominent people associated with it include baseball player Miguel Olivo, singer-songwriter Brett Dennen, football player Bruce Coslet and drag racer Eric Medlen. Kathy Teixeira and Bryan M. Whitemyer are City Clerk and City Manager respectively.

Promoting peace through arts in Little Tokyo India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: In a stirring remembrance of the atomic bomb dropping on Hiroshima, Japan 68 years ago, The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) will host Remembering Sadako: A Call For Peace Aug. 3-6 in Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. The four day event will promote peace through the arts, culminating with a performance by long-time peace activist and renowned singer/ songwriter, Jackson Browne, in the Aratani Theatre. Among the special guests will be the brother and nephew of Sadako Sasaki, whose story was immortalized in the children's book "Sadako and the Thousand Paper

Cranes." Sadako was two when the bomb was dropped. At age 11, she became ill with leukemia from radiation exposure. In keeping

with a Japanese legend that says that if a sick person folds 1,000 paper cranes, the gods will make her well again, Sadako spent long hours in bed, folding those paper

cranes, and never giving up hope. When Sadako had folded six hundred and forty-four cranes, and they hung above her bed on strings, her classmates folded the rest. "Sadako is remembered by children around the globe through the story of a thousand origami cranes," said Leslie Ito, Chief Executive Officer of the JACCC. "She and the origami paper crane have become international symbols for peace and we invite people of all ages and ethnicities to join us Aug. 3-6 to celebrate peace through arts and culture. All events take place at the JACCC, located at 244 S. San Pedro Street (between 2nd and 3rd Streets) in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles.

These principles are integrated in several activities that go on throughout the day. The day begins with 6 am wakeup, an optional morning run followed by a meditation session with prayer in many religions and physical exercises often directed by youth counselors. After breakfast, the campers go on to several different work projects in groups of 5 and 6 where they work together the whole morning which is over 3 hours of physical labor. Some examples of the work projects are trail blazing (involve cutting down the excess growth after winter rains to maintain roads and trails in the surrounding beautiful forest), gardening (planting new trees and shrubs and weeding), fixing pavements, painting barns and decks, and maintenance projects involving carpentry work. These work projects are a unique feature of this particular youth camp usually not available at other camps. This has been made possible by the collaboration of the monks at the Vedanta Society who allow generous use of their property at Olema, Califor-

fun activities that include group dancing, t-shirt painting, discussions and games. The highlight is the group game activities that Subba Raoji weaves so skillfully that it wins everybody's heart and mind. Children, youth and adult, boys and girls, everybody looks forward eagerly to these group games that inculcate a sense of belonging, sharing and caring. This is a truly delightful experience not to be

missed by anyone. After the evening snack, many other activities follow where campers hook up with each other and while parents wonder if they are feeling tired, the young campers go on working, enjoying, and sharing tirelessly to everybody's amazement. And yes, the campers participate in every camp activity including cleaning and

hen a group of bandits harasses travelers, most worry about their safety. If you're Subba Rao, you'd follow them to the ravines and confront them, armed with nothing but a heart full of love ... and consequently you would convince all 550 bandits to put down their weapons and help the poor villagers with development work! Fearlessness. Peace. Everyone wants it, many rally for it, but few actually have it. At 82, Dr S. N. Subba Dr S. N. Subba Rao Rao - a Gandhian legend respectfully called "Bhai-ji" - still has a habit of doing the unimaginable: whether it means confronting bandits with compassion, engaging in peace dialogue with world leaders, promoting interfaith understanding, or running youth camps with thousands of participants doing community service. "Accept everything that makes you strong - physically, intellectually and spiritually," Dr Rao says. "Reject everything that makes you weak."

nia, located near the Point Reyes National Sea Shore, about two hours north of San Francisco. After an exuberating morning's work, campers come back for a light snack. While they meet and greet each other take bath and get ready for lunch. The afternoon program is filled with a variety of

cooking. Where do they get all this energy from? Before dinner, Subba Raoji conducts a prayer and discussion section. After dinner, the campers plan out cultural events, jeopardy type of games to learn Gandhiji's principles, and the newsletter.

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Soha Ali Khan to lead FIA India Day Parade ABDUL SDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan will serve as the Grand Marshall for FIA's India Independence Day Parade on Sat-

Trustee Chair Iftekhar Shareef made a joint announcement to host an impressive India Independence Day function that will feature a

Trustee Board Chief Iftekhar Shareef and President Hina Trivedi

urday August 17. The Parade will have a kick-off from Devon Ave & Western Ave in Chicago. Iftekhar Shareef said actress Soha Ali Khan is the daughter of Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, a former India cricket captain and actress Sharmila Tagore. Shareef also said that Soha's dynamic brother and Bollywood's superstar is no other than Saif Ali Khan. Unveiling the plans, FIA's President Hina Trivedi and

grand parade, gala banquet and flag-hoisting ceremony from August 15 to 17. To facilitate large participation from the public, the FIA has made parking arrangements in and around Devon Ave. FIA President Hina Trivedi said that invitations to the elected officials have been sent and FIA has actively enlisted the sponsorship support of many corporations, companies and business estab-

lishments. She said that FIA is making every effort to bring in the finest local talent and youth to dominate the events this year. Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee Chairman, said a host of invited elected officials including Governor Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Aldermen along with Bollywood star Soha Ali Khan will lead the colorful convoy of decorated floats in the grand parade filled with bands, dances, colorful costumes and reverberating music. The parade will showcase the rich diversity and cultural splendor of India with the confluence of various regions each making an attempt to capture the unique elements of India's majestic heritage, tapestry and landscape. Shareef said that the newly appointed Consul General of India Ambassador Dr Ausaf Sayeed will attend all the events. India's Minister of State for Transportation and Highways Sarve Satyanarayana has also confirmed his presence for all the events. Special Guest world silver medalist Mohtesham Ali Khan along with India's Esa Misri will also be traveling from India and attending all the programs. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Executive Vice President detailed three major events to be hosted by FIA in commemoration of India's Independence: (1) Grand India Independence Day Parade will be held on Satur-

day, August 17 that will kick-off at 11:30 a.m. from the corner of Devon Ave. & Western Ave in Chicago; (2) Gala Banquet & Reception on Friday, August 16 [6:30 p.m.] at India House Banquets in Schaumburg, Illinois and (3) Indian Flag-Hoisting ceremony on the Daley Plaza in Chicago downtown on Thursday, August 15 at 11:45 am on the corner of Dearborn Street and Washington Street. Iftekhar Shareef thanked Alderwomen Debra Silverstein and State Senator Ira Silverstein for relaxing the zonal parking timings on the side streets of Devon Ave which will help Attendees Park in the side streets of Devon Ave. He urged that all participants to be watchful of the signs and make sure to follow the parking rules on the side streets of Devon Ave.

Soha Ali Khan

Diversity backbone of innovation in India: Sam Pitroda Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 21

The public and private sector cannot be working in isolation." He elaborated on the recent formation of the Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA), which manifested as PPP-model based, a non-profit company jointly incorporated by the Tech-

to connect them to leading research institutions and universities," he said. The Indian government has declared 2010-2020 as the decade of innovation, and the upcoming launch of the India Inclusive Innovation Fund seeks to catalyze the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem, targeted at innovative

FIA to help in vital issues facing India SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Good, bad and indifferent things keep happening in India and many times we are just silent spectators. In recent days, three developments have been rather disturbing and caught the eyes of Indians in this part of the world. One is the Uttarakhand tragedy, the second one is the suicide by one the bright and upcoming young engineering student hailing from relatively backward class and the third is the tainted food supply to schoolchildren The Federation of Indian Associations which is brandished as one concentrating on parades and banquets, has decided to take up two of the causes. It has joined efforts with other like minded organizations to help Uttarakhand victims. The FIA Board has also decided in principle to look into the details of the case of young engineering student Nitin Padlakar,19, who was driven to commit suicide because of ha-

rassment from some of the seniors who apparently were pressuring him to help them in exams. Padalkar was a first year student at Ramrao Adik Institute of Technology and the family spared no efforts to get him best possible

The FIA Board has also decided in principle to look into the details of the case of young engineering student Nitin Padlakar,19, who was driven to commit suicide because of harassment education. His father is a coolie while the mother a vegetable vendor. His suicide has devastated the family. FIA has taken up the matter with the Principal of the Institute

as well as with the new Mumbai Police Department to get the first hand feel about the status of investigation - if the culprits who are named in the suicide note are booked and if the Principal has initiated any disciplinary action against them or the case has gone to cold storage. FIA also intends to help the family in all possible ways mainly with providing best legal help to get those (however highly connected they may be) involved to pay the price for their action. FIA may also consider helping the family get best possible education for Nitin's sister who is now determined to be an engineer and help her parents realize the dream of her brother. "We appreciate that the general public and media in particular appreciate our new stance, and help FIA efforts in bringing justice to the bereaved Padalkar family," said Hina Trivedi, FIA President.

A section of the attendees

nology Development Board (TDB) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and CII. On enabling innovation in education, Dr Naushad Forbes, Chairman, CII National Committee on Higher Education and Director, Forbes Marshall highlighted two major areas of engagement: to build capacity in the administrative leadership in higher education institutions and connecting Indian companies with leading U.S. universities. "As Indian companies invest more in Research and Development, there is a heightened need

solutions for the bottom of the pyramid. In this context, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII expressed that U.S.-India collaboration presents a huge opportunity. "A lot remains to be done in India on the innovation front, and we believe that the power of collaboration between India and the U.S. - two countries with a diverse, democratic and creative people would yield tremendous results. We are delighted to hold the India Innovation Summit for the first time ever in Chicago, and hope to see many fruitful partnerships emerging from this interaction," he said.

24 India Post

Community Across America

July 26, 2013

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Gujarati Samaj organizes fun-filled picnic Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Gujarati Samaj Chicago (GSC) organized its annual Family Picnic from 11:30 am to 7 pm, on Sunday July 14 at Cook County Forest Preserve, Northwest Busse Grove. The picnic was a big success with a well-planned program of food, beverages (soft drinks) and engrossing games. The mouth watering lunch consisted of Gota, Chai, Mexican food, Chatni, Chips & Salsa, Nachos & cheese, Popsicle and ice cream. Dinner served in the evening consisted of Khichdi, Kadhi, Veg Shak and Puri. The temperature was around 90 degrees F and to overcome the heat the organizers served watermelons and plenty of drinks, Throughout the event, Indian games and sports, such as cricket, volleyball, Bingo, and fun games like Standing Kho, Gajgrah, Lemon & Spoon, and other enjoyable games

Gujarati Samaj young and senior members. Pics Asian Media USA

were played. There were many games for children as well as elderly people and the winners were rewarded with prizes.

Trophies were given to Puja Lapsiwala, Vidya Soni, Esha Modi, Ayushi Modi, Shalin Shah, Sirohi Shah, Ayushi Shah and Eisha Shah. Trophies were presented by spouses of the Board Members. President Suryakant Patel said that his team comprised youngsters who worked hard combining the experience of seniors with their own innovative ideas to attract all, mostly the youth, and to m a k e Gujarati S a m a j more acceptable to all segments of the society. Gujarati Celebrating a young member's birthday Samaj Chicago is a non-profit organization serving the Chicagoland area with an avowed objective to help the community to grow personally, professionally, emotionally, and spiritually by practicing Gujaratis' inherent goodness, integrity, and enormous business skill. Its upcoming events are: GSC Mix & Mingle: Saturday, August, 17th at Holiday Inn,3405 Algonquin Rd., Rolling Meadows, IL 60008. From 7-00 pm. Navratri Garba Raas: Saturday September 8th at Manav Seva Mandir, 101 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL 60106. From 7-30 pm. Diwali Dinner: Saturday, October 26 at India House, 14731521 W. Schaumburg Road, The following members are part of the 2013-2014 Gujarati Samaj of Chicago Executive Board. Suryakant Patel- President, Kamlesh Shah- Vice President; Jayesh Parikh- General Secretary; Bhavesh Shah- Cultural Secretary; Manish Pandya- Treasurer; Deepen Modi- Jt. Treasurer; Sandip Shah- Board Member; Ashok Shah- Board Member; Vibha Dave- Board Member; Payal Shah- Board Members; Maulin Parikh- Board Member; Umang Shah- Board Member; Dakshesh Modi- Board Member.

Volleyball game in progress

Community Across America

July 26, 2013

India Post 25

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Encyclopedia of Hinduism Jalaram Mandir organizes Bhagwat Katha, Guru Purnima to be launched in Chicago ATUL PATEL

YOGESH THAKKAR

CHICAGO: It was a grand seven days spiritual affair for hundreds of Hindu devotees at Shree Jalaram Mandir Chicago in Hoffman Estates with a renowned

emotional which added more life to the celebrations. Devotees danced, sang bhajans, did Garba and took pride in swinging Balkrishna.

Jalaram Mandir Katha Shobha Yatra

Kathakar Guruji Bhupendra On Friday July 19, it was Nand Pandya conducting Shrimad Mahotsava and Giriraj Utsav Bhagwat Katha beginning July 15 which were celebrated with lot of and culminating it with Guru religious fervor and enthusiasm. Purnima Celebrations on July 21. The atmosphere was very much On the first day, Guruji like one being in Gokul. Bhupendra Pandya arrived with On Saturday July 20, the first Pothi-Bhagwat and participated in Shobha Yatra with a large number of devotees and Mandir officials. Guruji started his discourse explaining the importance of Pothi Yatra and also narrated the importance of Bhagwat. He continued his talk on Bhagwat narrating various Avtars (Lord Vishnu Incarnations) and their relevance for that time. The discourse was embelGuruji Bhupendrabhai with a devotee lished with anecdotes and humor casting a lasting spell on all those attend- part of the program starting at 1 ing the hours long narration. p.m. was allotted to youth. The Shree Pandya has his own main purpose was to get the youth unique and distinct style and to understand their religion and those coming to listen to his dis- have their doubts cleared thru course would want to come again. questions answer session. Guruji The atmosphere became divine. in his persuasive distinct style The narration on the birth of Shree handled the job quite creditably. Krishna had the attendees im- There was variety of questions put mersed as if it was a real life hap- forward by youth as well as adults. pening and celebrated it with great Some were simple and some were enthusiasm, with music and very interesting as well as intelbhajans. Even Pujya Guruji got lectual.

Jalaram Katha attendees

One question worth noting was, 'Why are there many gods in Hinduism? This was answered by Guruji in most befitting manner pointing out that it was reflective of individual characteristics and qualities of multi faceted personality of ultimate reality. In the second phase Katha was extended and it ended with 'Rukmini Vivah' marriage of Shree Krishna and Rukmini. It was ceremoniously arranged according to Vedic method. On Sunday there was closing ceremony and Guruji narrated crux of Bhagawat and all dispersed with a feeling that they understood Hinduism in real perspective and better. During the entire Katha Guruji explained the true characteristics and value of Sanatan Dharma and cleared many prevailing misconceptions. Riddhi Joshi played the role as Krishna and Arpit Joshi, Rudra Joshi and Parth Joshi played roles of brothers to Rukmini. With an increase in the Mandir activities that attract a larger attendance, the facility right now is proving relatively inadequate. Plans are afoot for expansion. An ardent appeal from Mandir Board Members and supported by Guruji was made. A spontaneous proposal of declaring donations in bricks @ 101$ was floated and met with instant favorable response. Guruji also visited the newly modernized kitchen at the cost of nearly $ 160000 and hoped that with the support of devotees the Chicago temple may become a replica of Virpur Temple - the only temple in the world that does not accept donations in spite of multifarious activities. A booklet 'Harine Bhajta' was distributed by Shri Ghanshyam Thakkar to all participants free of cost. The entire proceedings were live telecast simultaneously at nook and corner of the temple with webcasting. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

Festive spirit during Jalram Katha

CHICAGO: Manav Seva Mandir, a socio religious organization of Indian Americans in Bensenville, will be hosting a very special event - the launching of the historic Encyclopedia of Hinduism - on Saturday July 27. Twenty-five years in the mak-

discourses, lectures, question-answer sessions and leads meditation at Parmarth Niketan and in travels around the world. Swami Chidanand is also the president and spiritual head of one of India's largest spiritual institutions, Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh.

Swami Chidanand and Ma Bhagwati Saraswati Devi

ing, the product of more than 1000 The Encyclopedia is truly a esteemed scholars from around compendium of thousands of the world, totaling 11-volumes and years of history, science, art, arapproximately 7000 entries, the chitecture, polity, religion, phiEncyclopedia of Hinduism is the losophy and culture. It is not limfirst of its time in history that the ited to Hinduism as a religion, but depth and breadth of India's great rather provides all inclusive treatspiritual culture is made avail- ment of India's spiritual culture able in authentic, academic and (including in-depth coverage of scholastic form. Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism, The Encyclopedia was con- and aspects from Islamic and ceived, inspired and blessed by Christian traditions in India). The one of India's most beloved and Encyclopedia was previewed and revered spiritual leaders, Swami blessed at a huge ceremony in InChidanand Saraswatiji (founder of the HinduJain Temple in Pitts- It is not limited to Hinduism burgh, and an inspira- as a religion, but rather tion behind innumerable provides all inclusive treatHindu/Jain temples throughout America ment of India's spiritual and the world). It has culture (including in-depth been published by India Heritage Research coverage of Sikhism, Foundation of which Jainism and Buddhism, and Swami Chidanand aspects from Islamic and Saraswatiji is the Christian traditions in India) Founder/Chairman. The Swami will be coming to Manav Seva Mandir for dia by His Holiness the Dalai Lama this historic launch event, where and hundreds of India's most rehe will deliver an address on vered spiritual, social and national "Spirituality in Daily Life: The leaders. Eternal Message of Sanatan "We invite you all to come to Dharma," which will also include be part of this historic event which time for question-answer and a will surely teach, touch and transguided universal meditation. form you. The program will take Swamiji will be accompanied by place in a mixture of Hindi, Gujarati Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, PhD, and English, so be sure to bring the Managing Editor of the Ency- your young ones and the second clopedia, and an American gradu- generation youth as well as well ate of Stanford University who has as there will be a great deal in Enspent the last 17 years living in glish for them to understand and India, studying and serving under enjoy," said Bharat Barai, a Mandir Swamiji. Sadhvi Bhagawati gives Trustee.

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July 26, 2013

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Raunak Mela at Hari Om Mandir Asian Media USA

CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir in Medinah (a north side Chicago suburb) organized its annual 'Raunak Mela-2013' on Sunday, July14 with over 200 devotees, guests, and well-wishers participating.

Those who came to the Mela had lot of fun. For kids, there was moonwalk etc. Other attractions were snacks, merchandise stalls, Health Fair and much more. There were many items for eating: Chole Bhature, mouth watering Dosa; Panipuri, Samosa/Tikki and Rossogulla, sandwich &

sprout, corn stall by Vipani, Bhel Puri, Lassi, juice and soft drink etc. which were enjoyed by all. Hari Om Mandir's youth volunteers actively participated to manage various stalls and other activities. Health camp was organized for health checkup of nearly 100 people. They received Blood Kids enjoy games at the Mela

Indians with Seniors join July 4 parade SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: With great enthusiasm and patriotism, the new Board of the Indian Community of Niles Township along with the United Senior Parivar took part in Skokie's 4th of July Parade this year.

music, the Indian community well represented with children as young as 5 and octogenarians passed through the streets of downtown Skokie, stopping on to share greetings of Happy Fourth

ICNT members - all dancing with the music and adding to the holiday atmosphere. After the parade, the ICNT served a delicious and healthy lunch to all the participants.

Indians and Seniors participate in Independence Day Parade in Skokie-Niles

Thousands of people witnessed the parade and watched while more than 40 members of ICNT marched together dressed in red, white and blue T-shirts, and dancing and jumping to the music of Indian DJ Dhamaka. While spectators enjoyed the haunting

of July with everyone. Rohit Joshi, president of ICNT wished a happy Independence Day to the Mayor of Skokie. Arvind Patel, Jt. Treasurer, and Vijai Gupta, Vice President were joined by Ramanbhai Patel, President of United Senior Pariwar and

ICNT enthusiastically explores Indian culture and music to share the Indian heritage with the different ethnic groups in Niles Township area. The board plans to celebrate the 66th Republic Day of India in the last week of January 2014.

Over 800 attend Kadva Patidar picnic JAYANTI OJHA

CHICAGO: The Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago (KPS) successfully hosted its annual summer picnic at Carl Hansen Woods at Cook County Forest Preserve, Hoffman Estates, a north side Chicago suburban July 14 with over 870 members, friends, and well

of the most enjoyable events for all the participants. Volunteers arrived at the Carl Hansen Woods as early as 8:30 am and started preparation to serve the expected crowd of more than 800+ members. The food team served donuts, chips, salsa, peanut butter and

KPS trustee & committee members

wishers participating. The picnic starting from 11 am and continuing till 7:30 pm was one

jelly, breads for kids. Guests were served over 1000 pieces of corns on two grills. Also, as usual, In-

dian traditional Fresh Gotta (Bhajiya) was cooked and adding to the taste on Gott was special Indian Kadi (Chatani) prepared along with fried green peppers and onions. To counter the scorching heat the water team served cool bottled water ice, and beverages. Many famous Indian games such as cricket, volleyball, Kothra Daud, water balloons, musical chair were played. Prizes were given to winning individuals and teams. The Raffle tickets were also sold and the winners were given complimentary gifts. A traditional Indian dinner was served to all members and guests that had vegetable pulav (rice), mixed vegetables, handmade mango pulp (russ), Puri, Rayta (butter-milk), Athanu (achar) and green peppers.

Sugar Checkup, EKG and Blood erty Management, Ramesh Pressure screening. Dr Om Bhardwaj Publication & Parking, Dhingra and Dr Ramesh Dhingra Anshu Paul Education, Usha volunteered to conduct the entire Verma Food & Prasad. Health Checkup and Shashank Hari Om Mandir has statues of Saxena and Sharul Saxena assisted all major North Indian deities. Evthem. Desi Junction covered the whole event live on Radio. The highlight of the Mela was the Antakshri, part of which was aired live. The segment recorded was streamed Health Camp at Raunak Mela again at 8 pm CST on 15 July. The participants were so ex- ery Sunday there is a Havan and cited about singing at the general congregation followed by Antakshari knowing that their Aarti and Bhojan Prasad. On evvoice would be heard all over the ery first Saturday of the month world by interested listeners! there is Devi Jagran from 7-10 pm. Executive Board of the Temple Every Monday there is Shiv Puja :Brij Lal Sharma President, Indrajit and every Tuesday it conducts Sarkar Vice President, Sneh Hanuman Challisa Path. There are Chaudhary Secretary, Vikas two learned priests available in Choudhary Treasurer, Jeetu Patel temple for Poojas, Havan, Kathas Special Events, Sham Taxali Prop- in the temple and at home.

Jalaram Mandir organizes Bhagwat Katha, Guru Purnima Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 25

With Shree Guruji blessings and his divine guidance many institutions such as the Samakti Foundation, Samakti Mission USA, Samakti Mission UK and Samakti Seva Parivar are active in uplifting the lives of the handicapped, and underprivileged by offering medical, social, educational, and spiritual help. Pujyashree Bhai has held many seminars, especially for youngsters every year across the globe. Participants not only of Indian origin but even the ones with their roots in the western soil are attending these events and are showing a keen interest in how they can apply ancient religious practices in contemporary times. Guruji's exposition of the divinity does not have any languagebarrier, as he is fluent in languages like Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, San-

skrit and English. He has rendered a total of more than 450 discourses on Bhagavat, Ramayan, Geeta, Upanishads and other subjects. For the Katha, the Chief Hosts were Late Shri Ambalal Dahyabhai Thakkar family and Late Shri Dhulchanddas Karsandas Thakkar family. The Pothi Yajmans were Satishbhai, Pratibhaben Jagi; Tejasbhai Bhatt; Priteshbhai, Manishaben Patel. Daily Yajmans were Piyushbhai, Geetaben, Sonibe Chaudhari, Nimeshbhai Patel. Krishna Janmotsav in charge were Ashokbhai, Hemaxiben Thakkar family. For Rukmani Vivah, in charge for Lord Krishna Paksh were Babunath Tekriwala (Sponsor did not want their names to be published) and for Rukmani Paksh were Deepakbhai, Anjanaben Patel. For Rukmani Mosad Paksh: Surendrabhai, Padmaben Thakkar.

July 26, 2013

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India Post 27

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Maston Ka Jhund: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 2

Tum Tak: Raanjhnaa

3 Sawaar Loon: Lootera 4 Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag www.indiapost.com

28 India Post

July 26 , 2013

5 Ay Saki: Raanjhnaa 6 Mera Yaar: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 7 Manmarziyan: Lootera 8 Ek Ghadi : D-Day 9 Murshid Khele Holi: D-Day 10 Ghanchakkar Babu: Ghanchakkar

fter spending a fun-filled secret Spanish holiday at Barcelona with Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif managed to enjoy her birthday dinner with her alleged beau recently! According to spectators, Ranbir drove to Katrina's Bandra residence in a white Merc around 9 pm to pick her up and headed to a luxury hotel in south Mumbai. Later they met up with close friends to have dinner in Bandra. Katrina's spokesperson has however refused to comment. But the spokesperson said, "She was down with a viral fever. She was not keen to have a big birthday bash, so she went to have dinner in Bandra with close friends." A source close to the actor says, "RK dropped Katrina home in the wee hours of the morning."

eems like Nargis Fakhri won't enthusiastically support the ad age, 'practice makes perfect' for a while. She injured herself while rehearsing her moves for her item number with Shahid Kapoor for his upcoming movie. She has been practicing her steps since the last few days and pulled a muscle in the back just a day before she was supposed to shoot for it. A source associated with the movie says the shoot was slightly delayed, owing to Nargis' injury. The song needs to be shot immediately as the set, built in a suburban studio, is ready. "The team is waiting to see whether Nargis will be able to pull off the song within the stipulated time," said the source. Interestingly, she will also be doing some belly dancing in her item song.

onam Kapoor, who assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali in "Black", says direction is her first love and acting came as a mistress. "Yes, my first dream was to be a director. I love reading, I love movies, and stories. It's because of that I always wanted to direct," Sonam told reporters. "You get attached to the fame and glamour and I am attached to it. I won't lie about it. That was my first love, but then acting came as a mistress," added the actress who has been acting in front of the camera for the past six years. In future, she has definite plans to go behind the camera to tell her kind of stories. "And if nothing else, at the risk of sounding extremely spoilt, I have my sister (Rhea who produced 'Aisha') to make movies for me."

Bollywood

July 26, 2013

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B I

f you thought Farhan Akhtar could bid adieu to his grueling exercise and diet regime, now that Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's biopic 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' is out, you couldn't be more wrong. Apparently, the actor, who has been training hard for over a year to get under the skin of 'The Flying Sikh', will have to continue wearing his running shoes for the next two months. Reason is two songs and a few scenes of Shaadi Ke Side Effects directed by Saket Chaudhary and produced by Pritish Nandy Communications, remain to be shot, and Farhan simply cannot afford to regain any of the weight he had lost during the filming of the second half of Bhaag.

uma Qureshi is all praise for her D-Day co star Arjun Rampal. Both Huma and Arjun are sent on a secret mission to Paki stan to bring back India's most wanted man. Talking about Arjun, Huma says, "We all were celebrating Arjun's birthday and I was shocked to know that he had turned forty. I couldn't believe it. He's so fit and also very good looking. He's great fun to work with and he's very involved with what's going on in the film". Talking about her role in this male centric movie Huma adds, "It's a very male heavy film and there are many male characters. But I knew for a fact that if female characters were being cast, Nikhil wouldn't waste them. He's not going to cast me just like that. I will bring something every important to the table".

ollywood's 'desi girl' Priyanka Chopra, who turned 31 on July 18, wished love, luck and success galore by her friends and colleagues from the Hindi film fraternity. The actress has been on a roll, courtesy the widely appreciated 2012 film "Barfi!", and for her international singles "In my city" and the recently-released "Exotic". She has also been busy working on the biopic on boxing Olympic medalist Mary Kom. Despite her father's demise in June, Priyanka, a former beauty queen, returned to work at the earliest. After a career of over a decade in the industry, the actress is one of the most formidable names, with hits like "Krrish", "Don", "Fashion" and " Agneepath" under her belt. She won a National Award for her portrayal of a model in Madhur Bhandarkar's "Fashion".

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Realty Tidbits

EDMC to rollback property tax hike NEW DELHI: East Delhi Municipal Corporation has said it will rollback the hike in property tax rates, days after its North counterpart decided to move in the direction. In a resolution approved during the Standing Committee meeting, the councilors agreed that increase of tax from 12 to 20 per cent should be rolled back. "The decision of North Corporation has been welcomed by all and traders of EDMC will feel cheated if we do not do the same," the resolution said. "Since the traders have been asking for a rollback, we believe their demands should be met," it said. Earlier this month, NDMC had declared it would rollback the hike in property tax rates of non-residential properties. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Over 50,000 families identified for housing scheme CHANDIGARH: Over 50,000 beneficiary families have been identified for Haryana government's ambitious scheme Priyadarshini Awaas Yojana (PAY), aimed to provide houses to economically and socially-deprived sections of the society. "As many as 51,171 beneficiary families have so far been identified and registered for the sanction of funds. The process of registration and sanction of funds to the listed beneficiaries is going on in full swing," said an official release here. The PAY is a demand-based 100 per cent state-funded scheme, which aims at providing houses to two lakh poor families living in the rural areas. Initially, approximately two lakh families are planned to be covered under PAY within a period of two years --2013-14 and 201415. The project is estimated to cost Rs 1,350 crore. Each of the selected beneficiaries will be provided financial grant of Rs 90,100, including Rs 81,000 for house and Rs 9,100 for construction of sanitary toilet. -PTI

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India Post

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July 26 , 2013

Forest Service property in Jackson under contract JACKSON, Wyo.: The U.S. Forest Service has entered into a contract to sell 10 acres at Bridger-Teton National Forest headquarters in Jackson. Real estate agency William Van Gelder says the price agreed on for the property is $11.5 million. He would not name the party that hopes to buy the land. If sold, the acreage would come into the town under rural zoning and would require a zone change for commercial development.-AP

Oregon house flippers flip fewer, do better SALEM, Ore.: ``Flipping'' homes - purchasing a house, fixing it up and selling it again within six months for a profit - may be down in Oregon, but the profits are up. According to the latest data from RealtyTrac, there were 949 single-family home flips in the first half of 2013 in Oregon. Each home was purchased at an average price of $187,391. When they were resold again a few months later, sellers banked more than $37,000 in profit. That's a 47 percent decrease in homes flipped from the first half of 2012. But although flipped homes last year were losing money, flipping homes this year is proving to be profitable. And the return for Oregon investors - 20 percent - was much better than the 9 percent national average.

Nationwide, more than 136,000 homes were flipped in the first half of 2013. The average gross profit off these homes was $18,391. Flipping homes not only provides a profit to sellers, but it also

flippers who are actually adding improvements to the property rather than just relying on home price appreciation,'' said Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac. ``In Oregon, the

helps add overall value to a neighborhood and can be a way to breathe new life into old homes. ``For the most part, these are

metrics were even more indicative that the flippers are adding value to improvements.'' The ideal home for the practice

would be inexpensive with easy cosmetic fixes, said Byron Hendricks, president of Prudential Real Estate in Salem. His company doesn't participate in home flipping, but brokers will frequently partner with investors to help identify promising neighborhoods and homes. ``I think sometimes that prepping the property for re-sale is as simple as some cosmetic work and very minor repair issues,'' he said. ``There's other times where it can be tremendously involved; think of contaminated houses with substantial rot issues or structural issues. It takes a skilled person to estimate how much it will cost in repairs.'' Flipping can become especially popular - and profitable - when home prices are rising, and quickly. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 31

Delhi govt lifts power of attorney ban NEW DELHI: Delhi Government has decided to lift the ban on transaction of properties through general power of attorney (GPA) which is expected to provide relief to lakhs of residents living in group housing societies and others. Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said government decided to reverse the restriction imposed by it last year in transaction of properties through GPA considering difficulties faced by people of the city. "We have decided to allow transaction of properties through GPA," Dikshit said. Following a Supreme Court order on property transactions,

Delhi government in April last year had put a stop on property transaction through GPA. The Supreme Court had on October 12, 2011 ruled that sale transactions carried in the name of GPA

5 had quashed the Delhi government order banning property sale through GPA. Following the Delhi Government order, volume of property transaction in the city had come

The lifting of the ban on GPA-based transactions will help sale and purchase of properties in unauthorized colonies where there is no clear title will have no legal sanctity and immovable property can be sold or transferred only through registered deeds. The Delhi High Court on May

down drastically as selling of leasehold properties through GPA transfers was a convenient way of such transactions. Transaction through GPA was

common for properties not having a clear title. Officials in Revenue department had said government's revenue collection had also come down following the ban on property transactions through GPA. The lifting of the ban on GPA-based transactions will help sale and purchase of properties in unauthorized colonies where there is no clear title. The city government had regularized 895 unauthorized colonies in September last year and the decision to lift transaction through GPA will allow property sell and purchase in those settlements, said officials. -PTI

Real Estate Post

July 26 , 2013

India Post 31

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Donald Trump to launch first Indian project in Pune WASHINGTON: America's real estate business tycoon and celebrity Donald Trump has announced his companies' first Indian project, a 22-storied residential twin towers in Pune having 44 luxurious single-floor condominiums. "Trump Organization's first project in India, Trump Towers Pune, will epitomize inspired living and timeless elegance," Donald Trump, said on the micro blogging website Twitter, to announce his entry into India's booking real estate market. "A pair of sleek ultra-modern towers that redefine the Pune skyline, Trump Towers Pune marks the entry of the Trump brand of luxury and elegance in India," the company said on its website. As the first Trump project in India, Trump Towers Pune is a

Donald Trump

blend of modern architecture, cultural richness and an oasis of elite comfort, it added. The cost of each condominium

has not been announced yet. Expected to be completed by 2015, Trump Towers Pune will also have an exclusive fitness center by Bollywood star John Abraham. "All residences will have five bedrooms with an additional home theatre room and host a 360-degree view of Pune cityscape with the surrounding Aga Khan Palace and the lush green Jogger's Park being prominent. Trump Tower Pune is being developed by city's leading real-estate developer, Panchshil Realty, located in upscale Kalyani Nagar neighborhood.

HDFC plans to buy Lever House in Mumbai MUMBAI: Country's largest housing finance company HDFC is planning to buy Hindustan Unilever's former headquarters, Lever House, located at Backbay Reclamation in the southern tip of the megapolis. "Today, the HUL building is on lease with us and we have the right to buy it and we will buy it," chairman Deepak Parekh told the shareholders at the annual general meeting held here over the weekend. No financial details were immediately available. HUL was housed at the Lever House for 46 years before it moved to a new campus in Andheri (East) in North Mumbai in January 2010.

The mortgage lender will also shift its general insurance arm,

Currently, HDFC is headquartered at Ramon House (in the same area in south Mumbai) where it started its operations in 1977. Later, it took over the entire building but chose to retain the name. HDFC Ergo General Insurance, and HDFC Mutual Fund to the build-

ing. "The group's requirement is very large. We are also going to move HDFC Ergo and mutual fund," Parekh said. Currently, HDFC is headquartered at Ramon House (in the same area in south Mumbai) where it started its operations in 1977. Later, it took over the entire building but chose to retain the name. On this, Parekh said, "We do not want to change the name Ramon House, where we started, because it is good luck for us. We want to retain the name Ramon House." However, the 1.53 lakh sqft HUL building will be named as HDFC House, Parekh added. -PTI

Sobha Developers' Q1 sales bookings up 26 pc NEW DELHI: Sobha Developers' sales bookings rose by 26 per cent to Rs 602.8 crore in the AprilJune quarter of this fiscal, as the company sold more area at a higher price despite overall slowdown in housing demand. The company had sold properties worth Rs 479.4 crore in the same quarter of last fiscal, Bangalore-based company said in its operational update. In volume-terms, Sobha Developers sold 10 per cent more area

in the first quarter of 2013-14 fiscal at 9.2 lakh sq ft against 8.35 lakh sq ft in the year-ago period. The average price realization was higher by 14 per cent at Rs 6,548 per sq ft against Rs 5,737 per sq ft during the period under review. "The real estate operation of the company during the first quarter of the financial year 2013-14 performed credibly especially in Bangalore, Chennai and Trichur. Notwithstanding a slowing

economy and sliding rupee, there was sustained momentum in sales," Sobha said. The company noted that its launch of a mixed development project in Bangalore was successful, allaying concern of slowdown in that market. Sobha said that its sales bookings in the NCR market dipped in the first quarter. It expects the market to recover on account of "positive dynamics in employment and demographics".-PTI

Days of high residential prices gone: Parekh MUMBAI: Amidst stubborn said it is only residential compoprices in most of the real estate nent where prices have not yet markets, HDFC chairman Deepak fallen. Parekh said here the residential "In smaller cities they (residenprice escalation now seems to be tial prices) have gone up but they a thing of the past. are reasonably priced in Tier II and "My view is that real estate prices should come down, at least on the residential side. The days of prices shooting up have gone," Parekh told shareholders during the company's annual general meeting here. He also said the commercial real estate segment has collapsed and the prices of commercial properties are unlikely to rise. "If you look at the general property scenario, commercial real estate has collapsed across the country," he HDFC chairman Deepak Parekh said, adding the IT, retail and office space are in surplus. Tier III cities," he said, adding his The chairman of the largest company's growth is coming from pure-play mortgage lender further small towns now. -PTI

Oregon house flippers flip fewer, do better Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

``Home flipping was at an outlandish peak when prices were shooting up so much,'' Hendricks said. ``The gambling that occurred when prices were running high paid off well.'' ``I think what it tells us about the market is that the market is healing,'' said Blomquist. ``Flipping is a way to bridge the gap between distressed housing markets and a much more healthy and vibrant market. As long as it's a short-lived trend. We wouldn't want to see flipping continue year over year

because that would be a sign of a market that's overheated and highly speculative.'' It is, after all, gambling. Flippers rely on the ability to sell the home at a higher value than purchased in order to make the effort worth it, and that doesn't always pan out. ``Things that are worth it usually take some work,'' Hendricks said. ``I really applaud this effort and I love to see people doing it and doing it with integrity and making money off it because it makes our communities a better place.'' -AP

Â&#x201E; Health

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Lab facilities in Kerala to be improved THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Analytical laboratories in Kerala would be developed at a cost of Rs 50 crore for the strict implementation of the provisions in the Food Security Act, state Health Minister V S Sivakumar has said. "Facilities at the government analyst laboratory at Thiruvananthapuram and regional analytical laboratories at Kozhikode and Kochi would be improved to meet international standards," the minister said in an official release here. "Steps would be taken to get these labs accredited with the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)," he said. The scheme would be implemented with the assistance of the Centre. New laboratories would be started in border districts of Palakkad and Kasaragod as part of the drive to intensify food security tests. Three mobile laboratories would also start functioning soon as part of the drive, the minister said, adding that food safety officers would be deployed in all assembly constituencies in the state. -PTI

Â&#x201E; Perry orders probe of rural hospital chain DALLAS: Aides to Gov. Rick Perry say he has ordered a ``deep and comprehensive look'' at health care facilities owned by a Dallas-area physician whose rural hospitals have violated safety regulations without drawing state scrutiny. The Dallas Morning News reported that the decision comes after Democratic state Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth called on Perry and other lawmakers to not ``drag their feet'' in determining the size and severity of patient abuse and deaths at hospitals owned by Dr. Tariq Mahmood of Cedar Hill. Perry spokeswoman Lucy Nashed said the governor expects the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and its inspector general ``to thoroughly review this and any other allegations to ensure Texans are receiving safe and effective medical care.'' State health officials said an inspection team already visited one of Mahmood's hospitals, the Lake Whitney Medical Center in Whitney. -AP

Health Science 32

India Post

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July 26, 2013

Cancer survivors face more menopausal symptoms Details on Page 34

Smart knife to tell surgeon if tissue is cancerous LONDON: Scientists have developed a 'smart knife' that can tell surgeons immediately whether the tissue they are cutting is cancerous or not. In cancers involving solid tumors, removal of the cancer in surgery is generally the best hope for treatment. The surgeon normally takes out the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue as it is often impossible to tell by sight which tissue is cancerous. One in five breast cancer patients who have surgery require a second operation to fully remove the cancer. The new device can eliminate the need for repeated surgery. In the first study to test the invention in the operating theatre, the 'iKnife' diagnosed tissue samples from 91 patients with 100 per cent accuracy, instantly providing information that normally takes up to half an hour to reveal using laboratory tests. The iKnife is based on electrosurgery, a technology invented in the 1920s that is commonly used today. Electrosurgical knives use an

electrical current to rapidly heat tissue, cutting through it while minimizing blood loss. In doing so, they vaporize the tissue, creating smoke that is normally sucked away by extraction systems.

what chemicals are present in a sample. Different types of cell produce thousands of metabolites in different concentrations, so the profile of chemicals in a biological sample can reveal information

The inventor of the iKnife, Dr Zoltan Takats of Imperial College London, realized that this smoke would be a rich source of biological information. To create the iKnife, he connected an electrosurgical knife to a mass spectrometer, an analytical instrument used to identify

about the state of that tissue. In the new study, the researchers first used the iKnife to analyze tissue samples collected from 302 surgery patients, recording the characteristics of thousands of cancerous and non-cancerous tissues, including brain, lung, breast, stomach, colon and liver

tumors to create a reference library. The iKnife works by matching its readings during surgery to the reference library to determine what type of tissue is being cut, giving a result in less than three seconds. The technology was then transferred to the operating theatre to perform real-time analysis during surgery. In all 91 tests, the tissue type identified by the iKnife matched the post-operative diagnosis based on traditional methods. "These results provide compelling evidence that the iKnife can be applied in a wide range of cancer surgery procedures. It provides a result almost instantly, allowing surgeons to carry out procedures with a level of accuracy that hasn't been possible before," Takats said. "We believe it has the potential to reduce tumor recurrence rates and enable more patients to survive," he said. The findings are published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. -PTI

NC weighs abortion ban for some insurance policies RALEIGH, N.C.: North Carolina is poised to prohibit private insurance companies from covering customers who decide to have abortions if their policies are purchased through a health insurance marketplace. Limiting private coverage of abortion is allowed under the federal health overhaul law requiring nearly everyone to buy insurance or pay a fine, and more than 20 other states have already decided to do so. Legislation aiming to further restrict abortion in North Carolina includes a ban on covering the procedure when it's elective in private policies sold on the new online marketplace. The House and Senate passed a pair of competing measures, and negotiations are under way over

final language. The 2010 health care overhaul law requires states to have websites where households and

als can shop for their own coverage through the exchanges and could receive government subsidies based on their income. Con-

small businesses can shop for private health insurance. Individu-

sumers can start shopping in October for coverage that begins in

January. North Carolina, like many states where Republican opposition to the health care law continues, opted against setting up an exchange. The federal government will run the state's exchange instead. But the federal law that created the insurance marketplaces also allows states to prohibit abortion coverage in health insurance policies offered through them. Anyone wanting coverage for most abortions would need to purchase that coverage separately, outside the marketplace. Abortions that follow rape or incest or if deemed necessary to preserve the mother's life would be covered by policies sold on the exCont'd on Page 34 change.

July 26, 2013

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HPV virus behind third of throat cancer cases LONDON: Human papillomavirus may be behind a third of all throat cancers, suggesting that the HPV vaccine may provide patients with protection from the disease, a new Oxford study has found. The new findings come just a month after Basic Instinct star Michael Douglas re-

ported to have spoken about the link after his own diagnosis with throat cancer. Experts said the research which quantifies the link, showed "striking" results, BBC News reported. HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer, and is known to spread through genital or oral contact. The study looked at HPV's link with cancer of the back of the throat - oropharyn-

geal cancer. It looked at blood test results collected from people who took part in a huge prospective study into lifestyle and cancer, who were all healthy at the start. Researchers were able to check for the presence of antibodies to one of HPV's key proteins - E6 that knocks out part of cells' protection system, which should prevent cancer developing. Having the antibodies means HPV has already overcome that defense and caused cancerous changes in cells, the report said. The study compared blood test results - some more than 10 years old for 135 people who went on to develop throat cancer and for 1,599 cancer-free people. Researchers at the University of Oxford found 35 per cent of those with throat cancer had the antibodies, compared with fewer than 1 per cent of those who were cancer-free. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. -PTI

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July 26, 2013

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Bright light can make you more honest, less selfish LONDON: Bright lights make people more honest, altruistic and ethical, and less selfish, a new study has claimed. Researchers conducted various experiments and found that people in a brightly lit room donated more than twice as much as those in a dim room, and were more likely to offer to help others. "We provide the first experimental evidence showing that brightness appears to heighten the salience of morality to the individual, thereby leading people to perform ethical deeds," said researchers from National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan. "We suggest that brightness may enhance the self-importance

of morality and thereby increase ethical behavior," they said. The researchers carried out a series of experiments with three levels of brightness under 12,

ing money between themselves and a stranger said to be in another room. Those in the brightest room offered around 15 per cent more of the cash than those in the moderately lit room, and around 30 per cent more than the Those in the brightest room people in the dimmest offered around 15 per cent room. The researchers calmore of the cash than those culated an 85.2 per cent in the moderately lit room honesty rate for people in the well-lit room, 70.4 per cent for those in eight, and four fluorescent lights, the moderately lit room, and 51.9 'The Independent' reported. per for those under dim lighting. In one experiment, men and The study was published in women were told they were play- the Journal of Environmental Psying a game which involved shar- chology. -PTI

Cancer survivors face more menopausal symptoms MELBOURNE: Cancer survivors are twice as likely to experience severe and frequent menopausal symptoms than other women, according to a new Australian study. The study was led by University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne, with the King Edward Memorial Hospital and the University of

"Our study showed for the first time, that cancer survivors experienced more severe and frequent menopausal symptoms (such as hot flushes and night sweats) than patients who did not have cancer," Marino said. More than 1,51,000 (around one in 25) women in Australia are cancer survivors with more than one third of those are breast can-

Interestingly, the mental health of cancer survivors appeared to be better than the noncancer patients."The study revealed the cancer survivors were less troubled by symptoms of anxiety and depression than women attending the menopause service who had never had cancer," Western Australia. The number of cancer survivors were twice who faced severe menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats compared to women who do not have cancer, the study said. Lead author Jennifer Marino of the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital said the study was the biggest of its kind to assess the impact of menopausal symptoms on the quality of life of cancer survivors.

cer survivors. Almost 1,000 cancer survivors (mostly breast cancer) and 155 non-cancer patients aged 40 to 60, who attended the Menopause Symptoms After Cancer Clinic at the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Western Australia, were surveyed to determine a range of factors including severity of menopausal symptoms, impact on quality of life and sexual function. Cancer survivors had twice as many hot flushes (six compared

with three in 24 hours) and were twice as likely to report severe or very severe flushes as non-cancer patients. More than 200 cancer survivors reported experiencing more than 10 flushes a day. Interestingly, the mental health of cancer survivors appeared to be better than the non-cancer patients. "The study revealed the cancer survivors were less troubled by symptoms of anxiety and depression than women attending the menopause service who had never had cancer," Marino said. Senior author Professor Martha Hickey said menopausal symptoms were a frequent and distressing effect of cancer treatments in women. "In women with hormone sensitive cancer such as breast cancer, effective treatments reduce estrogen levels and this commonly leads to menopausal symptoms," she said. Co-author Professor Christobel Saunders, Deputy Head of the University of Western Australia School of Surgery, said the findings were significant in providing an improved understanding of the nature and impact of menopause on cancer survivors while also highlighting the need for better support services for menopausal women without cancer. The study was published in the journal Menopause, a statement from University of Melbourne said. -PTI

No travel curbs over SARS-like disease: WHO NEW DELHI: The World formation now available, and usHealth Organization said the situ- ing a risk-assessment approach, ation arising out of the spread of the conditions for a public health SARS-like Middle East emergency of international conCoronavirus in many countries is cern have not at present been serious but does not constitute a met," WHO said after a meeting public health emergency and does of its International Health Regunot recommended lation Emerany travel or trade gency Commitrestriction yet. India has, however, tee. Middle East India has, sent an advisory to Respiratory Synhowever, sent drome Coronavirus all states on the an advisory to (MERS-CoV) can all states on the spread of the MERS cause fever, coughspread of the ing and pneumo- virus, saying it has MERS virus, nia. It is related to saying it has become a global Severe Acute Resbecome a glopiratory Syndrome threat bal threat and (SARS) and its patients with symptoms are also travel history to similar to H1N1 or swine flu and the Middle East, China and Taihas already killed 45 persons wan, who show signs of respiraacross the world. tory discomfort, should be re"WHO does not advise special ported and kept under surveilscreening at points of entry with lance. regard to this event nor does it The Director General Health currently recommend the applica- Services has asked its airport tion of any travel or trade restric- health officials to screen all intions," a WHO statement said. bound passengers with flue- like "It is the unanimous decision symptoms for H1N1 and MERS. of the Committee that, with the in- -PTI

Medicare gives state hospital 90 days to shape up AUSTIN, Texas: Federal investigators say an East Texas state psychiatric hospital could lose Medicare funds because of deficiencies in 12 distinct areas of patient care and hospital management. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has given the Terrell State Hospital 90 days to fix things or lose Medicare funding - $4.6 million that accounts for about 9 percent of the hospital's $49 million budget, the Austin American-Statesman reported. In a letter, the federal agency said nursing, laboratory, food, anesthesia and respiratory services were deficient, and the hospital's infection control and physical environment for patients weren't adequate. The agency also said federal, state and local laws weren't followed. The agency gave the hospital until Oct. 6 to fix the problems or lose funding. ``We've still got work to do, and that's our focus,'' said Carrie Williams, spokeswoman for the Texas Department of State Health Services, which operates state hospitals. ``The extra time will let us continue to work on the hos-

pital, make improvements and meet the standards we expect from our state hospitals.'' The Medicare agency was expected to reveal its detailed findings at the end of the month after the state has a Medicare-approved plan to remedy the hospital's shortcomings, the American-Statesman reported. The investigation began in April after the American-Statesman made the agency aware of the 2012 death of Terrell State Hospital patient Ann Simmons. The 62-year-old woman died at the hospital 30 miles east of Dallas after being left in restraints for 55 hours. Medicare investigators concluded that improper care was responsible for her death and a continued threat to the lives of other patients. After warning the state of urgent deficiencies, which the state has remedied, the Medicare agency began a comprehensive investigation of the hospital. The agency's letter stemmed from that investigation, the AmericanStatesman reported. Since April, state officials have forced the hospital's superintendent to resign and closed its 20bed medical unit. -PTI

July 26, 2013

Health Science Post

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India gets yellow fever vaccine after severe shortage NEW DELHI: In a major relief for those traveling to African nations, government has received a consignment of 60,000 yellow fever vaccine doses through WHO which will be distributed across the country. There has been acute shortage of the vaccine in the country and users are finding it difficult to get the vaccine ever since the Kasauli-based Central Research Institute stopped its manufacture. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory for all those traveling to African nations, after the World Health Organization held a consultation on yellow fever saying the threat of introduction of Yellow Fever into Asia was very real in the age of faster air travel. "There was a shortage of yellow fever

vaccine as WHO was not supplying it leading to problems for users. We have procured 60,000 vaccines and the same are being distributed to 27 vaccination centers across the country for use," Director General of Health Service Jagdish Prasad told PTI. The Health Ministry has already placed an order of 2.75 lakh doses of the vaccine from the WHO which are likely to be received soon and would be sufficient for two years. The yellow fever vaccine is available at 27 government vaccination centers free of cost and is also available in the open market. However, due to shortage of the vaccine, it is being sold in the black-market by private retailers, leading to problems for those traveling to African nations. -PTI

NC weighs abortion ban for some insurance policies they comply with laws and regulations that govern what's marketed in North Carolina, The federal law also sets up a mecha- then they're reviewed by the federal marnism requiring insurance plans that offer ketplace operators to make sure they meet abortion coverage to charge beneficiaries further standards. separately, and those funds would have to Two smaller insurers also have submitbe kept in a separate account from taxpayer ted individual policies to the Insurance Demoney like government subsidies that help partment for potential inclusion in the expeople buy health insurance. That wasn't change. Coventry Health Care of the Carosatisfactory for North Carolina Republicans linas Inc. filed two policies for individuals who have written the state abortion legis- that do not cover elective abortions, said lation. Aetna spokesman Walt Cherniak. Aetna ac``Under the Affordable Care Act, direct quired Coventry in May. funding for abortions is prohibited. HowFirstCarolinaCare Insurance Co. filed one ever, through these segregated funds that policy for individuals that specifically excan be used in the plans, you have taxpayer cludes abortion and one that makes no menfunds that are indirectly going to be fund- tion of the term, according to company filing abortions unless the state opts out of ings. Company representatives did not rethat,'' said Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer, R- spond to requests for comment about the policies. A final list of available poliIn the abortion legislation pending cies is expected to be published in the General Assembly, other by the time open enrollment starts Oct. 1. elements would direct state health In the abortion legislation regulators to change abortion clinic pending in the General Assembly, other elements would direct rules so they're similar to those for state health regulators to ambulatory surgery centers. change abortion clinic rules so they're similar to those for amMecklenburg. bulatory surgery centers. Any medical proBlue Cross and Blue Shield of North fessional could refuse to participate in an Carolina controlled more than 80 percent abortion based on conscience, a right that of the individual insurance market, the U.S. now applies to doctors and nurses. Health and Human Services Department County and local governments would be said last year. Blue Cross does not cover prohibited from covering abortions beyond abortion, pregnancy or delivery in its stan- the exceptions for rape, incest or preservadard plans, company spokesman Lew tion of a mother's life. Insurance policies Borman said. Those procedures can be for state employees and teachers already covered by purchasing an additional ma- have those limits. The federal government ternity rider, he said. also excludes insurance coverage for aborBased on company filings with the state, tions except in the same circumstances. some of the seven Blue Cross individual By the end of June, 22 states had moved and group policies submitted to the N.C. to restrict abortion coverage available Insurance Department for potential listing through the marketplaces, according to the on the exchange included abortion cover- Guttmacher Institute, which tracks restricage. The state reviews policies to make sure tions on abortion rights.-AP Cont'd from Page 32

India Ventures to float Rs 1,000-cr healthcare fund KOLKATA: Ajay Piramal Group promoted India Venture Advisors, a healthcare focused venture capital, is planning to launch a Rs 1,000 crore fund. "We are looking at Rs 1,000 crore fund, of which Rs 500 crore will be from overseas investors to invest in the Indian health-care market," India Ventures Advisors President Sanjay K Randhar said. He said the existing Rs 400 crore has been completely invested or committed and a new fund will be unveiled. "We will be the sponsors of the fund, but we cannot disclose how much we will put in the fund," Randhar said during his

brief visit at a CII organized health-care summit here. The company has focused on some early stage hospitals with strong local presence mainly in south and western India. He said that Tier-II and Tier-III cities will drive the next phase of growth in healthcare in India. This is a market that had huge potential for expansion in quality healthcare, he said. With the Reserve Bank having classified the health-care industry as part of the infrastructure sector, long-term loans of a term period of 12 years are now available for the sector, Randhar said. -PTI

Planned Parenthood: Wilmington office to stay open WILMINGTON, N.C.: Planned Parenthood Health System says it won't close its Wilmington office even if the North Carolina General Assembly approves new restrictions on abortion clinics. The StarNews of Wilmington reports that spokeswoman Melissa Reed said the Wilmington clinic does not meet the standards of a freestanding surgical center but would raise the funds to do so if that's mandated.

Planned Parenthood operates four clinics in North Carolina that offer abortion services There are two bills under consideration, and Gov. Pat McCrory said that if it reaches his desk he would veto the more restrictive one that would require abortion clinics meet the same standards as surgical centers and require a doctor be present for all doses of abortion drugs. The Senate has yet to act on the measure. -AP

Datebook

36 India Post

NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sun, July 28

• Indian Clothing & Jewelry Exhibition

NEW YORK Upcoming Fri, July 26

• Personal With The Last Empress Sridevi

Venue: Palace of Asia, 2389 Route 70 West (located at America Inn), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 570-606-3384

Venue: The Metropolitan, 3 Pratt Blvd, Glen Cove, NY 11542 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 516-439-8989

Sun, Aug 4

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

• Chand Raat Eid Festival

Sat, July 27

Venue: The Rose Garden, 911 Arena Dr, Hamilton Township, NJ 08610 Time: 4:00 am Contact: 6098884141

Venue: K lounge, 30 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: 646-543-8127

Sun , Aug 4

Sat, Aug 3

Venue: Colden Center , 65-30 Kissena Blvd, , NJ 11367 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 516-852-2222

Venue: Holiday Inn Westbury, 369 Old Country Rd, Carle Place, NY 11514 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 631-456-7335

• Satinder Sartaaj Live in NY

• NKC Eid Exhibition

July 26, 2013

www.indiapost.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Thu,Sat, July 25 to 27 • Ohlone College Summer Fest Theatre Department Production Venue: Smith Center At Ohlone College Nummi Theatre 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Time: 8:00 pm Contact: (510) 659-6031

Sun, July 28 • Shri Krishna Madhuram Venue: Chabot College Performing Arts Center in Hayward CA Time: 4:30 pm Contact: 510.545.6037

Sun, July 28 • Ohlone College SummerFest Theatre Department Production Venue: Smith Center At Ohlone College Nummi Theatre 43600 Mission Boulevard, Fremont Time: 2:00 pm Contact: (510) 659-6031

Sat, Aug 3 • Jaane Kahan Gaye Won Din Venue: Royal Delhi Palace, 22323 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303 Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm Contact: 805-404-9836

Sat, Aug 17 • 21st Festival of India and

Fri, Age 2

• “Cbazaar Style Bash – Clothing Exhibition” Venue: Holiday Inn Express, 5925 Lusk Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 314-258-3117

Fri, Age 2

• The Moment of Calm - Global Forgiveness Moment Venue: Place of work or residence , 100 South Main Street, Carson, CA 90745 Time: 2:00 pm

Sun, June 24-August 8 • Ohlone for Kids (and Teens)

Summer Enrichment Program

Venue: Office of College Advancement Ohlone College Contact: 510-742-2304

ATLANTA Upcoming Wed, Aug 7

• DJ Shaan's Chand Raat Eid Mela Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 6:00pm Contact: 404-993-2060

Sat, Aug 10

• Pankaj Udhas Live In Atlanta Venue: Atlanta Event Hall, 3750 Venture Dr, Duluth, GA 30096 Time: 8:30pm Contact: 404-934-9991

Parade Venue: Corner of Paseo Padre and Walnut Ave., 39439 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 510-565-9993

Sat, Aug 24

• Festival Of India 2013 Venue: Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 404-317-5474

ILLINOIS Upcoming • J K Yog Satsang and Bal Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month Chicago Satsang Information: J K Yog, Chicago - Swami Mukundananda Venue: Clarion Inn/Waterford Banquets, Board Room, 933 South Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126 Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org

1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807 Website: www.jkyog.org/bal-mukund

Sat, Aug 3 • Sathwaro Shri Radhe Shyamno Venue: Coppernicus Center (Gateway Theatre), 5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 708-408-2488

Fri, Aug 9 • FIA independance day Gala Banquet Dinner Venue: India House Banquet, 1521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193 Time: 7:00pm Contact: 630-251-5843

India Post 37

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ulmarg means "the meadow of flowers" and the place is indeed a pictur esque location. Known for its unparalleled beauty, Gulmarg's virgin for ests are a welcoming sight for tourists. The lush green slopes, their silence broken by the occasional tinkling of cowbells, have been the locale for several films. The rich verdure with the snow-capped tips provides an ideal ambience for the skiing and winter sports. Located in the northernmost state of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is in the Baramulla district, 57 km southwest from the capital city of Srinagar. It is perched at an altitude of 2730 meters above sea level and is not very far from the Indo-Pakistan border. It has a gently sloping topography generally identified with European skiing of the 1940s and 1950s. ADVENTURE SPORTS: For the adventure seekers Gulmarg is the ultimate destination for skiing. You may easily hire the skis and sticks, snow boots, woolen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, and caps. With all the equipment and the Ski instructors at hand it is the best bet to enjoy the holidays at Gulmarg. The skiing season at Gulmarg is from November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg varying between 8,700 and 10,500 feet make the ski runs the highest in India. It is noteworthy that Gulmarg is the only heli-skiing resort in Asia. Even the amateurs can enjoy with the ski lifts and the chair lifts. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

July 26, 2013

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Oberoi Udaivilas voted best resort in Asia NEW DELHI: Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur has been voted the best resort in Asia for the third consecutive year by the New York based Travel + Leisure magazine based on a reader's poll. Commenting on the development, the Oberoi Group Executive Chairman P R S Oberoi said: "It is indeed a moment of pride for us that The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur has been voted the best resort in Asia for the third consecutive year." This is a significant landmark for Indian tourism that will make India a preferred destination

amongst international travelers, he added. In addition to Oberoi Udaivilas, Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur and Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra have also been ranked amongst the top ten resorts, as per the magazine. Earlier, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts was voted the world's best hotel brand by Travel + Leisure magazine. Travel + Leisure offers information about the destinations around the globe with a mix of advice, photography, reporting, and coverage of hotels, food, design, style, culture, and trends. -PTI

Tourism meet focuses on security of foreign visitors NEW DELHI: Security of foreign visitors and improving facilities to boost India's image as a tourist-friendly country were the main focus of the tourism ministers' conference held here. In the wake of the country getting negative publicity over incidents of crime against foreign tourists, it was decided in the conference that all states and union territories will have tourism police.

"In case of assault on any tourist, states will ensure immediate post-traumatic help to the victim, respecting their privacy," the resolution said. The ministers also decided to establish proper toilet facilities along roads leading to important destinations, utilizing the existing infrastructure like petrol pumps, dhabas and panchayat bhawans. State tourism departments

"In case of assault on any tourist, states will ensure immediate post-traumatic help to the victim, respecting their privacyâ&#x20AC;? Those which do not have it will set up the force by taking officials on deputation from police and engaging ex-servicemen and home guards. The conference, which was attended by 23 tourism ministers and high-ranking officials from 12 states and UTs, also passed a resolution aimed at making the country safer for tourists, especially women.

would rope in local bodies for cleanliness measures and take steps to make tourism destinations beggar free. Terming the meet, as "historic", Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said, "We met to evolve strategies. I never expected such a response." The ministry had said it will encourage people involved in the tourism sector to wear badges with the slogan 'I respect women'.-PTI

India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

July 26, 2013

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Gulmarg: Ideal for skiing and winter sports Gulmarg also boasts of a gorgeous green golf course that happens to be the world's highest too. You may even hire the golf sets from Gulmarg. The Golf Club of-

not fail to mesmerize you. Then there are the Nanga Parbat and the Haramukh that you may explore. Past: The British discovered the hill resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during their colonial rule in India. TOURISTATTRACTIONS:

fers short-term memberships to the players. Gulmarg also offers some excellent opportunities for long walks. In case you take up the outer circle walk you can enjoy the pine forests and wonderful vistas. The beauty of the Kashmir valley will

From Gulmarg, a pony track leads upwards to Khilanmarg, Kongdori and Seven Springs. It takes a couple of hours by pony, and slightly longer on foot. Khilanmarg offers an unparalleled view of the great Himalayan range. From here, across the Apharwat -

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

the peak that looks up from this point - is Alpather Lake, a picturesque alpine lake that remains frozen until late June. It is located at a distance of about 13 km from Gulmarg. For horse riding freaks, Alpather Lake makes an exciting day's excursion, and one has to start early morning and return by late evening. Slightly lower than Gulmarg is the shrine of Baba Reshi (a Muslim mystic saint), which is visited by people of all faiths. Best time to visit: Throughout the year (November-February for skiing). The hill resort of Gulmarg is a gorgeous place to be at throughout the year. There are winter months from November to February that are ideal for skiing. The adventurers are known to throng the hill resort as soon as the snow falls. As it is, the summer months from May to September offer pleasant weather to the tourists. The sun scorched souls from the plains flock to the hill resort as a summer retreat. How to reach Air - The nearest airport is in Srinagar. This airport is connected with major cities of the country. The nearest railhead is at Jammu.

July 26, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

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Goa seeks visa-on-arrival for Russian tourists PANAJI: The Goa tourism ministry has pitched for a visa-on-arrival facility to be extended to tourists from five more nations including Russia, to attract maximum footfall during the peak tourist sea-

before Union Tourism Minister Chiranjeevi to extend the visa-onarrival facility for tourists from Russia, Germany, France and Netherlands. Russia is the leading market for

son. Goa tourism minister Dilip Parulekar, who is back from Delhi after attending a meeting of state tourism ministers told reporters that the demand has been placed

Goa's tourism industry from where more than a lakh tourists arrive annually, second only to arrivals from the United Kingdom. "I have requested Union Minister for Tourism Chiranjeevi to in-

clude more countries like Russia, Germany, France and Netherlands in the list of countries whose citizens can be granted visa-on-arrival facility," Parulekar told reporters here. Citizens from 30 different countries already enjoy visa-on-arrival facility at half a dozen airports in the country including Dabolim in Goa. The minister said that having more countries on the list for visaon-arrival facility would help increase foreign tourist arrivals to India, since tourist destinations like Sri Lanka and South East Asia offer such a facility. Parulekar said that the tourism industry in Goa is thankful to the Centre for allowing collective landing permits which enables a group of more than four tourists to land in Goa and get visas at the airport. The concession is permitted with the rider that the travel agent who brings the group should not allow any of them to stray around and everyone should be together, following same travel itinerary. PTI

Virginia artist moves dinosaurs in hopes of new park

ark Cline likes to pointout what he has in common with the dinosaurs he so often sculpts: Just as the giant reptiles did throughout their 150-million-year reign, Cline has to keep evolving. In 2001, his Enchanted Castle Studios in Natural Bridge burst into flames. In April of last year, his Professor Cline's Haunted Monster Museum located in the same community caught fire. That's not to mention the everchanging demands for tourist attractions, which the Waynesboroborn artist both creates and supports through his sculptures. `Ì look at these fires as ways of reinventing myself,'' Cline says. `Ì've constantly had to relook at how I was going to survive.'' Cline's most recent attempt at `èvolution'' was transporting a few of the creatures at his Dinosaur Kingdom, located in the woods directly in front of the monster museum, to Grottoes. Dinosaur Kingdom shut down along with the museum - the `ànchor attraction,'' he said - after the fire. While trying to figure out the best way to reopen his attractions, the Natu-

ral Bridge park itself, highlighted by the rock formation that gives the site its name, went up for sale. ``We decided it wasn't going to be a good investment (to reopen there),'' Cline said. He started looking for a new location for his huge dinosaur replicas. Enter Grottoes, a town with its own naturally formed tourist

Cline's most recent attempt at ``evolution'' was transporting a few of the creatures at his Dinosaur Kingdom, located in the woods directly in front of the monster museum, to Grottoes attraction -Grand Caverns. Earlier this month, the prehistoric creatures started to take over the woods near Grand Caverns Park. That's when Cline's team placed three dinosaurs in the town. And he arranged for two more - a mother triceratops and her

baby. Cline is using the next several months to test out his creations in Grottoes and see how visitors and locals alike react to them. He'll likely leave the sculptures up until the end of October, at least. He plans to approach Grottoes Town Council - as he did in the winter when he was granted permission for the test-run - to seek approval for a permanent, paid tourist attraction. He hasn't determined what the name of the site would be, but it would likely include at least 20 dinosaurs. `Ìf that works out, we're looking at possibly bringing several more dinosaurs there and arranging them very similar to how we had it at Dinosaur Kingdom,'' he said. `Ì think this could be a good attempt to try to stay ahead of the tourism game.'' Dinosaur Kingdom married dinosaur replicas with Civil War soldier creations, a combination that proved successful, Cline says. It was featured on several networks, including the Discovery Channel and BBC. `Ìt was a winning formula,'' he said.-AP

Uttarakhand seeks 3,560 cr package for tourism infra DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has demanded Rs 3,559.81 crore for the re-construction of tourism infrastructural facilities damaged in massive floods here. State Tourism Minister, Amrita Rawat put forward this request before Central To u r i s m Ministry at a tourism ministers' conference held in New Delhi, according to an official statement. The central government should declare a financial package of Rs 258.74 crore under a short-term plan, Rs 322.07 crore under midterm plan and Rs 2,981 crore under long-term plan for the state, she said. She also requested for an expert team to be sent to inspect the

damage done to the tourism infrastructure and property here due to the natural disaster. Eight towns are completely safe despite the calamity and tourism infrastructure in popular tourist spots including Mussoorie, Nainital, Haridwar and Rishikesh

are intact, she said. Amrita also requested all the tourism ministers to inform the tourists planning to come to Uttarakhand about the present situation.-PTI

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In Brief Biden: Immigration overhaul is about public safety WASHINGTON: Vice President Joe Biden is making a case for overhauling the nation's immigration laws. Biden is rallying support from law enforcement officials and arguing that a sweeping new law would help public safety. The Senate immigration legislation would boost border security and provide a path to citizenship for immigrants who are in the United States illegally. Biden says making it law would bring those immigrants ``out of the shadows.'' He says border crossings have declined sharply but that security measures in the bill would help cut down human and drug trafficking as well. He says the bill would help law enforcement by requiring immigrants without documents to register, submit to fingerprinting, and pass criminal background checks. Biden spoke after a meeting with law enforcement officials. -AP

Aus audit reveals large-scale fraud of visa system MELBOURNE: Thousands of Indian students and skilled workers on 457 foreign worker visa scheme entered Australia on dodgy travel and work documents from 2008-10, according to a report. The immigration department's internal audits show fraud rates touching 50 per cent and reveal that it has struggled to properly identify people who were entering the country, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) said. "Identity fraud is a significant risk in the Indian caseload given how easily genuine documents with fraudulent details can be obtained," according to one of the documents obtained by the ABC. The large scale prevalence of identity theft because of low level of technology in Indian passports led to a significant level of fraud during 2008, 2009 and 2010 but has been brought under control since then, according to the documents. Reacting to the report, Immigration Department spokesperson Sandi Logan admitted the figures from 2008-09 financial year were troubling. "Around the periods of 2008, 2009, 2010, the fraud levels were quite considerable, a matter of real concern to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship," he said. -PTI

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India Post

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July 26, 2013

How to qualify as person of extraordinary ability -II Details on page 46

Immigration backers plan push for reform WASHINGTON: Backers of comprehensive immigration legislation are gearing up for a campaign to push the House to act, even as some begin openly voicing fears they're already losing the fight. Congress' month long August recess could be crucial and supporters aim to exert influence in dozens of congressional districts home to Republican House members seen as open to reform. Business and religious groups and others with ties to the GOP majority are under pressure to win over lawmakers through tailormade campaigns from within their districts, involving ministers, local executives and other contacts. Immigration activists, labor leaders and others on the left are making plans for larger-scale mobilizations such as rallies and marches to exert pressure from without. ``Here's the fact: We're not winning, so we've got to wage a campaign,'' said Sen. John McCain, R-

Ariz., a lead author of the Senatepassed immigration bill. ``There are many members of the House that don't want to take up any bill at all, as you know. What our job is,

to avoid is what happened to President Barack Obama's health care bill in the summer of 2009, when it was savaged by irate voters at unruly town hall meetings,

John McCain

we want to convince them to at least pass legislation, so that we can go to conference and work together.'' The scenario supporters hope

taking a beating it never really recovered from. ``August is a month in which either legislative proposals die, or they survive,'' said Sen. Robert

Menendez, D-N.J. He said those who favor immigration legislation must be heard in August. ``And if we do that, we'll be well positioned for the fall in the House. If we don't, then we run a risk.'' Immigration legislation, a top priority for Obama, has been in limbo since the Senate last month passed a sweeping bill with provisions aimed at securing the border, requiring employers to verify their workers' legal status, allowing many more workers into the country legally, and offering eventual citizenship to the 11 million immigrants already in the country illegally. Many members of the House's Republican majority oppose citizenship for people who crossed the border illegally or overstayed their visas, and House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has ruled out taking up the Senate bill in the House. Instead, he's declared that the House will move in a piecemeal fashion, beginning with border security. Cont'd on Page 46

Napolitano approved as Calif. university president N FRANCISCO: The University of California's governing board voted to appoint Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano as the first female president of the 10-campus system despite objections to her record on immigration. Napolitano said her leadership experience as a cabinet secretary and governor of Arizona had prepared her for leading the university system with 240,000 students. ``Let me acknowledge that I am not a traditional candidate for this position,'' the 55-year-old Napolitano told the regents. ``I have not spent a career in academia. But that said, I have spent 20 years in public service advocating for it.'' Student regent Cinthia Flores was the only board member to cast a vote against Napolitano,

echoing heated remarks from protesters inside and outside the meeting concerned about deportations and other elements of Napolitano's policies as head of homeland security.

``I can tell you the fear is real.'' Napolitano defended her track record on immigration, saying she has been an advocate for the federal DREAM Act and immigration reform.

Janet Napolitano

``I grew up in an immigrant household, in an immigrant community,'' Flores told the regents.

She is expected to start the new job in late September and will make a base salary of $570,000, about

$20,000 less than her predecessor. Chairman of the board of regents Bruce Varner said Napolitano was offered the same compensation as Mark Yudof, but her representatives said she would take the lower salary. Napolitano did not directly address why she decided to take less pay. ``All I will say is I've been in public service for 20 years, and you do these jobs because of your passion for the work,'' Napolitano said. She will also get a one-time relocation fee of $142,500, an annual auto allowance of $8,916, and $28,500 annually in special senior management benefits plus a standard retirement plan that would be vested after five years. Her base salary as homeland security secretary is $199,700. Cont'd on Page 46

Immigration Post

July 26, 2013

India Post 45

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How to qualify as person of extraordinary ability -II CYRUS D. MEHTA

Continued from last week nfortunately, post Kazarian decisions seem to be affirming the twopart test and final merits determination analysis notwithstanding the holding in a prior decision, Buletini v. INS, 860 F.Supp. 1222 (E.D. Mich 1994), which held, "[o]nce it is established that the alien's evidence is sufficient to meet three of the criteria listed in 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(h)(3), the alien must be deemed to have extraordinary ability unless the INS sets forth specific and substantiated reasons for

As my colleague David Isaacson has pointed out, in the asylum context, an applicant who demonstrates that he or she has suffered past persecution on account of a protected ground is rebuttably presumed to have a reasonable fear of future persecution on that same ground. 8 C.F.R. §§ 208.13(b) (1), 1208.13(b) (1). In such cases, by regulation, "the Service shall bear the burden of establishing by a preponderance of the evidence" that a change in circumstances, or the reasonable possibility of relocating within the

The court agreed with the USCIS that there was no evidence to substantiate that he played a "leading or critical role" for his team and nor did the "published material" about him pass muster since it focused more on the team and only briefly mentioned Noroozi. its finding that the alien does not meet extraordinary ability." Id. at 1234. Under the burden shifting approach in Buletini, the petitioner should be deemed qualified, and the burden then shifts onto the Service to reject the evidence that meet the criteria, if suppose, it finds that the evidence was fraudulent or too dated and stale. In fact, such a burden shifting approach is not unknown in other aspects of immigration law.

country of persecution, should lead to a denial of asylum. 8 C.F.R. §§ 208.13(b) (1) (ii), 1208.13(b) (1). Rijal v. USCIS, 772 F. Supp. 2d 1339 (W.D. Wash. 2011), aff'd Rijal v. USCIS, 683 F.3d 1030 (9th Cir. 2012) is a decision that explicitly follows the Policy Memorandum, and ignores the burden shifting approach as set forth in Buletini. Although the petitioner in Rijal, a Nepali documentary film maker, submitted a UNICEF prize, the USCIS concluded that it did not

meet the evidentiary criterion of "lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards of excellence" as it was awarded more than 4 years ago and did not provide evidence of the alien's sustained acclaim. While the court criticized the USICS for failing to consider this evidence under 8 CFR §204.5(h) (3) (I) and for similar errors under other evidentiary criteria, it nevertheless held that the petitioner did not suffer prejudice from these errors as "it made those errors with an eye toward the ultimate merits determination." Rijal at 1347. Based on a holistic determination of the petitioner's evidence, the court held that the USCIS appropriately found that the petitioner did not demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim. It is clear that the Ninth Circuit in Rijal affirmed the two step test set forth in the Policy Memorandum even though the suggestion of a "final merits determination" was mere dicta in Kazarian. Noroozi and Assadi v. Napolitano - F. Supp. - (SDNY Nov. 14, 2012), available on AILA InfoNet at Doc. No. 12111644 (posted 11/16/12), is another recent decision from the Southern District of New York that has agreed with the Kazarian two-step analysis. Petitioner Noroozi represented Iran in table tennis at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Although neither Noroozi nor the Iranian table tennis team won any

Outsourcers must be receptive to changes: TCS MUMBAI: With the new US immigration bill posing long-term cost implications for the IT players, the country's largest software exporter TCS has said companies need to be receptive to the situations in any market. "....there is an unemployment issue. Job growth is a major issue being faced by many nations. So you are seeing regulatory changes or discussions, dialogues about regulatory changes...," company MD & CEO N Chandrasekaran told reporters at the earnings announcement. "It is happening not just in the US. In Canada, there is a discussion, in Australia there is also a discussion. So, we just have to be receptive of those situations and engage in the whole process and then see what changes we need to make to our business model as

and when it is required," he said. The US immigration bill proposes several changes including higher visa costs and increase in wages for H-1B visa holders. It will hurt the over USD 100 billion ITITES industry in the country and domestic software firms like TCS and Infosys as their cost of operations could go up. In June, the Senate approved the most far-reaching reforms to U.S. immigration policy in 50 years. Chandrasekaran said TCS is "extremely engaged" in all the countries it is present in. "We will do anything that we need to do in order that we have a very effective and agile business model," he said. Asked if clients had expressed concerns around these proposals that could impact cost and the model of delivery of ser-

vices for Indian outsourcers, Chandrasekaran answered in the negative. "There is no impact on client spend (because of the regulatory changes). They today understand the environment and are working with that...There is no finality...So we all have to wait to see how it (Immigration Bill) will proceed and take actions appropriately," he said. Australia recently tightened its work visa program with changes to the 457 visa program (for skilled immigrants) that requires companies to prove that they have considered local hires and advertised in newspapers before sponsoring workers from outside of Australia. Similarly, Canada is also taking steps to ensure that only genuine skill shortages are being filled by temporary overseas labor. -PTI

medal at the Olympics, the USICS initially approved the EB-1 petition, but then subsequently revoked it. A second EB-1 petition was filed, which was denied on the ground that Noorzi only met two of the criteria, but not three. The court agreed with the USCIS that there was no evidence to substantiate that he played a "leading or critical role" for his team and nor did the "published material" about him pass muster since it focused more on the team and only briefly mentioned Noroozi. Even though the failure

based on the petitioner's association with the attorney who had been unfairly singled out in a DOS cable. That strategy too failed since the court rejected that there was any bad faith on the part of the USCIS in denying Noroozi's EB-1 petition. Various unpublished AAO decisions [See e.g. AILA InfoNet Document Nos. 12062752 and 12062753] suggest that the government's final merits determination will consider evidence whether or not the petitioner has demonstrated : 1) a "level of ex-

While it makes sense to preserve the argument in the record that the final merits determination is inapplicable and to propose the burden shifting approach under Buletini instead, it also behooves a petitioner to argue that his or her client merits a favorable adjudication under the "final merits determination" to meet the evidentiary criteria could have ended the analysis, the court also discussed how Noroozi did not merit a favorable judgment under the second part "final merits determination." Since Noroozi ranked 284th in the world in table tennis, and finished 65th place in table tennis in the 2008 Olympics, the court noted that this would oblige the USCIS to hypothetically grant EB1 petitions to the 283 higher ranked table tennis players, and also to the 283 higher ranked players in other sports, assuming they were non-US citizens, as well as to the 64 table tennis players who outperformed Noroozi in the 2008 Olympics. The court's "final merits determination" in Noroozi is troubling as the EB-1 was never intended only for the number one player in a sporting field, and this decision should be contrasted with a preKazarian decision involving an ice hockey player in the National Hockey League whose team won the Stanley Cup, but was not an all-stars or one of the highest paid players, but was still found to be qualified under EB-1. See Muni v. INS, 891 F. Supp. 440 (N.D. Ill 1995). The "final merits determination" permits USCIS to set subjective baselines with respect to rankings of players in sports even if they would potentially qualify under the ten evidentiary criteria as Muni did after he sought reversal of the denial of his EB-1 petition in federal court. Interestingly, in Noroozi, the attorney also became a plaintiff along with the petitioner on the ground that the USCIS denied the EB-1 petition

pertise indicating that the individual is one of the small percentage who have risen to the very top of the[ir] field of endeavor," 8 CFR § 204.5(h)(2); and 2) "that the alien has sustained national or international acclaim and that his or her achievements have been recognized in the field of expertise." § INA 203(b)(1)(A); 8 CFR § 204.5(h)(3). See also Kazarian, 596 F.3d at 1119-20. While it makes sense to preserve the argument in the record that the final merits determination is inapplicable and to propose the burden shifting approach under Buletini instead, it also behooves a petitioner to argue that his or her client merits a favorable adjudication under the "final merits determination" analysis given that it has been blessed in postKazarian decisions. The amorphous nature of this standard allows the petitioner's attorney flexibility to make a broad argument just as it gives the USCIS examiner the same flexibility to approve or not approve a case even after the petitioner has submitted evidence under the evidentiary criteria. For instance, if a petitioner has met 3 out of 10 evidentiary criteria, the agile practitioner may be able to argue that the petitioner has demonstrated to be among the small percentage who has risen to the top of the field, sustained national or international acclaim, and recognition of achievements, by highlighting only the strongest evidence rather than evidence submitted under all three criteria. Cont'd on Page 46

Immigration Post

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How to qualify as person of extraordinary ability -II Cont'd from Page 45

If the scholarly articles are very impressive, but the awards are not and the petitioner may have judged the work of only one PhD student, then the focus could be on the impressive scholarly articles when qualifying him or her under the final merits determination. Moreover, under the final merits determination, a petitioner may be able to point to other evidence that may not categorically fall under the 10 evidentiary criteria, such as testimonials from eminent authorities in the field, as well as petitioner's stellar academic background. Of course, if the evidence submitted under the evidentiary criteria is all qualitatively superior and extensive, then the practitioner must not rest on these laurels and take pains to highlight this for the "final merits determination." Finally, the practitioner must always remind the USICS that the "final merits determination" is governed by the preponderance of evidence standard, as suggested in the Policy Memorandum too, which requires only 51% certainty. It need not be this way as Congress probably did not intend for the USCIS to create a subjective

final merits determination, when it enacted the priority worker categories under the Employmentbased first preference in the Immigration Act of 1990. The starting point for examining the legislative history of the Immigration Act of 1990 is the House Report. See H.R. Rep. No. 723, Pt. 1, 101st Cong., 2d Sess. 4 (Sept. 19, 1990). With respect to aliens of extraordinary ability, the House Report states: In order to qualify for admission in this category an alien must (1) demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics (as shown through extensive documentation); (2) be coming to the United States to continue work in that area of expertise; and (3) by virtue of such work benefit the United States. Documentation may include publications in respected journals, media accounts of the alien's contributions to his profession, and statements of recognition of exceptional expertise by qualified organizations. Recognition can be through a one-time achievement such as receipt of the Nobel Prize. An alien can also qualify on the basis of a career of acclaimed work in the field. In the case of the arts, the distinguished nature of the

alien's career may be shown by critical reviews, prizes or awards received, box office standing or record sales. In short, admission under this category is to be reserved for that small percentage of individuals who have risen to the very top of their field of endeavor.H.R. Rep. No. 723 at 69.

Documentation may include publications in respected journals, media accounts of the alien's contributions to his profession, and statements of recognition of exceptional expertise by qualified organizations. Recognition can be through a one-time achievement such as receipt of the Nobel Prize. There is nothing in this passage that suggests that the USCIS needed to conduct a two-step analysis to determine extraordinary ability. On the contrary, the House Report broadly suggests a number of possibilities under which an alien can establish extraordinary ability, such as through publications in respected journals, media accounts or statements of recognition of exceptional expertise by qualified organizations. Moreover, the House Report also indicates that "[a}n

Napolitano approved as Calif. university president Cont'd from Page 44

Supporters lauded Napolitano as a leader who has managed large, complex public agencies, and said her political aptitude would help the financially embattled university system secure money from the state and donors. ``I think we have in front of us a remarkable person of character,'' said California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cast his vote for her. Before the vote, dozens of protesters gathered outside the board meeting, waving signs and shouting speeches against Napolitano. Six protesters were arrested inside the building after one jumped over a rope barrier and headed toward the regents, prompting more shouts and chants of ``Education not deportation.'' UC officials said the six people were cited and released. Flores called on Napolitano to prioritize immigrant student issues, fund academic preparation programs, and review the presidential appointment process. The announcement that

Napolitano had been nominated for the position caught many university and Washington insiders by surprise. Napolitano was the unanimous choice of a 10-member search committee that considered more

Several newspapers have taken issue with the secrecy surrounding Napolitano's selection and the short time frame between the announcement and the vote. than 300 people for the job. Napolitano, who attended the private Santa Clara University in California as an undergraduate, has already announced her resignation from President Barack Obama's cabinet. In the week since she surfaced as the search committee's choice, some faculty members have com-

alien can also qualify on the basis of a career of acclaimed work in the field." The implementing regulations appropriately relied on the House Report in defining "extraordinary ability" to mean "a level of expertise indicating that the individual is one of the small percentage who

plained that she is more schooled in politics than higher education. Several newspapers have taken issue with the secrecy surrounding Napolitano's selection and the short time frame between the announcement and the vote. Napolitano will succeed Yudof, 68, who in 2008 became the first president from outside California to lead the UC system in two decades. He had spent 11 years leading the public universities in Minnesota and Texas. As UC president, Yudof was one of the nation's most highly paid college administrators, earning an annual salary of $591,084 almost triple what Napolitano makes as Homeland Security secretary - plus car and housing allowances, retirement contributions and other benefits that brought his annual compensation at more than $925,000. Napolitano will take over at a time of improving but still serious financial challenges for the university system, including rising costs for employee salaries and retirement benefits.-AP

have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor." See commentary on implementing regulations at 56 Fed. Reg. 60897 (Nov. 29, 1991). The proposed regulations would have used one of the "few (emphasis added) who has risen to the very top of the field," but after listening to the objection of com-

mentators, the Service substituted the word "few" with "small percentage" in deference to the same, albeit broader, verbiage that was used in the House Report. By developing the ten evidentiary criteria at 8 C.F.R. ยง204.5(h) (3) (1)-(x), and recognizing that if an alien met three out of the 10 criteria, the Service appropriately followed Congressional intent by allowing this alien to demonstrate extraordinary ability, which is "a level of expertise indicating that the individual is one of the small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor." (This article is partly based on Demystifying the Final Merits Analysis of Extraordinary Ability by Cyrus Mehta, Roberto Caballero and Rita Sostrin, Immigration Practice Pointers, AILA 2013-14 Ed. The article contains general information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice.) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Immigration backers plan push for reform Cont'd from Page 44

Although Boehner had hoped for House action on immigration before August, that goal is no longer in sight. He reiterated that the House must address the issue. When and how remained unclear, although Boehner said he hoped to see the House pass something before Congress next confronts raising the debt ceiling, which is expected sometime this fall. Authors of the Senate bill summoned dozens of business lobbyists, officials with religious groups and others to the Capitol earlier this week to tell them they needed to work harder and coordinate better to win over House Republicans. The senators distributed a list of 121 House Republicans seen as persuadable, and instructed those present to focus on tailoring individual campaigns for their congressional districts. ``We are going to have numerous business contacts - whether it be a local restaurant that cares about immigration or a high-tech or manufacturing or financial business in their district - contacting them in terms of how important this is to the future of jobs in each district,'' said Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The coalition that supports immigration overhaul includes agri-

culture interests, businesses large and small, Catholics and evangelicals, high-profile Republicans, labor groups and others. By most measures, it dwarfs those opposed to reform, including tea party activists and lesser-known groups such as NumbersUSA, as well as some leading Republican voices. ``We're up against a very shrill minority,'' said Charles Spies, a GOP fundraiser and co-founder of the group Republicans for Immigration Reform. Yet thus far, supporters have not translated their greater numbers and bigger budgets into a successful campaign to shift opinion among House Republicans. Some officials with outside groups say that until recently their attention was focused on the Senate, arguing that as they begin to make inroads in congressional districts their efforts will show. Joe Trauger, vice president of human resources policy at the National Association of Manufacturers, said his group is making plans for everything from plant tours for members of Congress to showing up at their town halls over August, all aimed at ``making sure they understand there are folks out there that do support moving forward on immigration reform and want the House to proceed.'' -AP

Horoscope

July 26, 2013

India Post

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

JULY 26 TH - AUGUST 1 ST , 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

ou will buy some nice gifts for others. Business trip will be aninstant success. You will be offered a nice and easy part time consulting job. Confidence level will be on the peak and your advise will help a needy friend. You will be slowly getting ready for an upcoming big event and finalize travel plans also.

(July 23 to August 22)

ar could give some trouble and need little repairs. People in business should keep an eye on employees this week. You will be working extra hours without much financial gains. Some of you will be travelling long distance to attend an important meeting. You may become double minded about attending an upcoming social event.

(April 21 to May 20)

ome issues involving a close family member will keep your mind occupied and solution is no where in sight. You will have a chance to make some money little unorthodox way. Sign all papers after careful examination only. Boss will call you and have some serious talks. You will slowly gain edge over your opponents.

(August 23 to September 22)

ou should continue to be very careful when it comes to money and avoid making any fresh commitments for some time. Running around will increase and you may have to do some amendment in paper work ready to go. You may be in market to replace an old vehicle also. It will be better to seek advice and help from experts.

(May 21 to June 20)

ou will be fixing things in or around your home this week. You will feel tired of Almost no progress or the stale life and take some drastic actions. Results will be very favorable. You may seek help from some one lot younger to finish your project. You may also finish some important paper work and mail them out.

(September 23 to October 22)

xtra time spent at work will pay off. Boss will make necessary recommendation. Money wise you will continue to stay in comfortable zone. A child will need your help with home work or studies. People you try to get in touch may not return your call promptly. You will be introduced to an interesting personality this week.

(June 21 to July 22)

hings will get little tough at work and the news will not be encouraging. Money wise another expensive week and you may have to use your reserves to meet fresh commitments. People in business will experience slow down and you may think of even changing your field. You may be in touch with a wise man for some advice.

(October 23 to November 22)

usiness will pick up little bit and you will have few new clients this week. Do not lower your expectations and stick to your terms when it comes to negotiating a deal. A friend will give very good advice. You will be desperately looking for ideal partners for your project. Spouse will plan a small get together this weekend. (November 23 to December 22)

ou may receive a weak offer from a relatively new company. Mind will stay relaxed and you will enjoy food of your choice this week. You may also win a big favor from a government agency. Boss will take your side and agree with your plan. Some of you will be slowly getting ready for an upcoming presentation. (December 22 to January 19)

f you are not careful, you could make big commitment and find yourself under huge financial pressure. Things will keep improving at work, its the money you have to be careful with. You will get to meet an old friend after long interval this week. Do not disclose your plans and strategy to any one at work. (January 20 to February 18)

ave patience with partner whether its life or business as transiting Mars in seventh is disturbing. Mind will be slight restless as you will be looking for some easy solutions to problems. It will be better to stick to earlier plan and wait for the right opportunity to strike. Money will come and go fast. (February 19 to March 20)

lanets will help those who are looking for change in career. If appearing for any competitive exam, chances are you will come out with flying colors. Advertising bills will be high and you may try to downsize everything. Weak Mercury in first will cause some nervousness in mind but you should stick to your guns.

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

510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com

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49 India Post

July 26, 2013

MUMBAI: Two of Bollywood's biggest superstars, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, ended one of the film industry's most-talked-about feuds recently. "Finally u realize turning the page is the best feeling in the world, becos there is so much more to the book than the page u were stuck on, (sic)" Shah Rukh tweeted. Both the actors had hugged each other at an Iftar party hosted by Congress leader and Bandra MLA Baba Siddique in Mumbai on Sunday July 21. They had not spoken to each other after a fight at actor Katrina Kaif's birthday party in 2008. "Salman and Shah Rukh are my childhood friends. They themselves met each other," Mr Siddique had said at the Iftar party. Both Shah Rukh and Salman seemed perfectly fine, the latter being the one who took the initiative to shake hands and hug Shah Rukh. FUNNIEST TWEETS Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan are trending on Twitter, ever since the two superstars have decided to bury the past and start afresh. Here is what appeared on Twitter: •Baba Siddiqui seemed as happy as Rakhee from Karan Arjun when Salman and SRK were hugging each other. •Petrol prices to be slashed by government because #Salman-HuggedSRK

•its just #Salman-HuggedSRK. Hype aise kar rahe ho jaise India-Pakistan ki dosti ho gayi *National holiday declared in some parts of India after #SalmanHugged-SRK •What do you mean by #Salman-HuggedSRK even #SRKHugged-Salman •Na vikaas se, Na prakash se, Na jeevan apna sawaar Ke. Saara Desh khush tab hua when #salmanhuggedsrk •SalmanHuggedSRK. And everyone else lived happily ever after. Phew •Rakhee seen Crying..Kajol, Mamta & Jhonny

dancing...Amrish Puri Tensed in Heaven..Rakesh looking for a script to sequel... •Its ok Micheal Clarke...No one will talk about the crushing defeat vs England coz#salmanhuggedsrk •One of the most serious issues that hampered the growth of this country is finally solved. •Considering the hype around #SalmanHuggedSRK, Madame Tussauds may decide to have a wax statue of SRK

and Salman hugging each other. •Jaya Bachchan hugs Rekha after SRK and Salman hug and patch up. •The biggest issue of the Desi community has been solved: SRK and Salman Khan hugged today. Now for the smaller problems, like poverty.

Suraj opens up about Jiah

uraj Pancholi, 22, is deeply emotional, strong-headed, does not drink or smoke and is calm even when provoked. In this interview he opens up about his girlfriend Jiah Khan who took her own life by hanging: "I met her through Facebook 10 months back. She was a really nice person, quiet, small things made her happy, caring, but she was too possessive even about my guy friends. We went twice for dinner and then a week later, I get a message saying, 'Sooraj, I need help. My hand is bleeding. Can you come over?' "I was in town and she stayed in Sagar Sangeet Juhu (three minutes from my house), so I sent my staff to her house at 11.30 at night. She opened the

door and fainted. She had slit her hand at the elbow like 3 inches. I was 21 then. By the time I went there, the doctor had stitched her up and she was on drips. I was with her, but she did not speak. "After a few days, I called her mother up in London and introduced myself. I told her, 'Aunty, Nafisa is under depression and she needs you and her sisters to look after her and be with her. I have met her only twice and she has called me'. She said, 'Beta, I will come in two months, but please take care of her'. But she took four months to come. "During those four months, I fell in love with Nafisa. I could relate to her as I too, like her, lived alone and could see what she was going through. She would tell me how she was depressed due to not getting work, her relationship with her family not being good, the fact that her father had disowned her and that she supported herself. Cont’d on page 50

50 India Post

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Rollicking India Tribune Nite in Chicago Asian Media USA & Harish Rao

CHICAGO: It was an extravaganza of fashion, dances, breathtaking lights and sounds as India Tribune presented its India Tribune Nite 2013 which rocked a capacity audience at the classy Meadows Club here on Saturday, July 13. As the audience were treated to a vibrant fashion show by Studio Elite choreographed by Monica Gandhi and presented by Sahida Khan and Abiha Javed Khan, what really followed was a truly memorable dance concert aptly titled "Dance, Vance te Rhythm Suhana" by performers from Hollywood and Chicago led by choreographer and dancer Shivani Thakkar. The show was conceived and scripted by Madan Kulkarni and narrated by Shebani Kulkarni. The finesse and energy of the MKM Bollystars from Hollywood, the sensuousness of Arabian dancers Megan and Jessica and the breathtaking pyrotechnics of hip hop and breakers Danny Haywood and the Brave Monks from Chicago had the audience gasping in awe and appreciation. Tanya Prabhakar commenced

spoke briefly thanking all and underlying the face that the evening was going "to be and about entertainment, entertainment and entertainment".

show which was to follow the dinner was then announced by Shebani Kulkarni and a riveting presentation of classical and fusion styles, Dola re & Dum Dum

service. The gourmet dishes made by the chefs of the Meadows Club were highly appreciated Apart from the desserts the mood was enhanced by some me-

Scintillating Fashion Show at India Tribune Nite Leah Nandy then presented the "Agneepath" dance which again captivated the audience for

was presented by the MKM Bollystars from Hollywood. A multi-course dinner was

lodious songs by Chicago songstress Kathakali Das Gupta. A heady mix of Indian, Latin, Cau-

A glimpse of Mix and Match Bollywood Hollywood dance presentations the show with welcome to all those attending the event and then introduced the first performance, an invocatory number by Leah Nandy, a student of Guru Dilshad Khan. It was a very skillful performance with beautiful movements and expressions in the Kathak Style of dance. This was followed with US Congressman Danny Davis reading out a special proclamation applauding and appreciating the contributions of India Tribune and its publisher Prashant Shah to the community in the US. He presented the proclamation to Eric Shah of the Tribune who

video clip showing famous classical Bollywood performances over the years was presented. This was followed by an extremely expressive Bharat Natyam piece

its subtle grace and footwork. The fashion show then presented by Studio Elite held sway for the next 30 minutes as energetic and sprightly models paraded an exquisite collection of designer outfits by leading designers from South Asia. The churidars, lehengas, kaftaans and other accessories sizzled under the dazzling lights and through innovative presentations conceived and choreographed by Monica Gandhi. The audience were mesmerized by the rich designs and intricate work on the outfits presented. A brief glimpse of the cultural

served with wine and champagne

Shebani Kulkarni

casian and Black performers gave their own twist to famous Bollywood tunes which reflected the international appeal of Bollywood music and dance today. The choreography of Shivani Thakkar was exceptional and innovative. The classical element was first introduced to the audience by narrator Shebani Kulkarni and then a short

"Bho Shambho". Black and Latin performers Erica Duff and Gloria Lanuza delighted the audience in their traditional Indian outfits as they performed to the Taraana from the movie Thak Shak in "Bollywood Natyam". The vibrant and colorful folk element of Bollywood was followed by the Spirit of Rangeela presented by Megan and Jessica which featured colorful props and entrancing movements. A high energy Rajasthani folk style presentation of Dholna by the MKM Bollystars proved very captivating The pop and hip hop sections were then introduced to the audience while Cabaret and Mujra was the next segment. This was followed with an absolutely breathtaking medley of cabarets and a mujra by the MKM Bollystars". The lights and sound added to the glamour and finesses of the presentation. Madan Kulkarni, founder and CEO of the Meadows Club, proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of India Tribune and then the culmination was another exquisite presentation, a medley of Talli Ho Gayi and Jai Ho by the MKM Bollystars. Prashant Shah, Publisher of India Tribune, complimented the choreographers, performers and directors of the show for an outstanding presentation and said he was already thinking and planning for the next year's event.

July 26, 2013

India Post 51 www.indiapost.com

Bad is the New Good: Akshay India Post News Service

kshay Kumar who plays a flamboyant gangster in 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Dobaara', has been spotted trotting the globe for promotions of the film. First India, then Oman, followed by the UK and recently Akshay visited the United States of America, where he partook in a press conference with the film's director Milan Luthria and shared his

experiences about the film. The film depicts the fervent gang wars of the 80's era in Mumbai and Akshay has continued to move away from type to play a baddie in this film. Commenting on his villainous role, he said: 'Bad is the New Good' and commented: 'I am not trying to glorify a bad lead character; it is just a character I am playing. Not many actors agree to play a negative role'. Akshay last played a negative

character in the film Ajnabee after which 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara' would be his second. The film is a 'villain's love story' and Akshay feels very strongly about his role, as he believes not many bad characters take centre stage as important characters. Akshay also said that the only difference in the sequel is the change of a few faces whilst the story picks up from where it left off. However, despite the negative

Suraj opens up about Jiah Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 49

"She told me about her getting abused by her former boyfriends and how an older man had raped her when she was 14 in London and how at one point in her life, she would get only one meal a day. "I fell even more for her. She just needed more love from her family and respect from people around. I could not fulfil all of that, though I did more than a 21-yearold could. She would cry every night. She could never be alone

and she told me she had even tried to hang herself before. "Till now also, I have respect for her mother and really wish I could ask her that does she really believe I have done something as she knows what I have done for Nafisa. "One day she told me, 'Suraj, I am not getting my periods. Can we go to a doctor?' We went to this doctor, who gave her a pill saying she would get it. We went back home and everything was normal. When the police asked her family doctor if I was there at the time of

"Every night during the seven months we were seeing each other she would cry, barring three nights - once when we were in Goa, my birthday and her birthday. She had a depression problem and had been for counselling before and she told me she had even tried to hang herself before. after she met me and would come to my house often. Initially, even my father did not approve of her as she had a really sexy image, but he was fine after I made him meet her. "Every night during the seven months we were seeing each other she would cry, barring three nights - once when we were in Goa, my birthday and her birthday. She had a depression problem and had been for counselling before

abortion, they denied it. The police asked me and I said, 'Sir, we had a physical relationship. She did not tell me about her pregnancy. If it can be proven that it was mine, I will accept it otherwise it is not mine as I can't say'. LIVING WITH GRANDPARENTS "I used to stay with my grandparents in Juhu from the beginning and my sister lived with my

parents. They both died five years back and so, since the age of 16, I live alone with my four dogs. My parents initially lived in Bandra and now live in Seven Bungalows. I could take care of myself that is why I was so good in jail. "I miss both my grandparents today. There was some energy supporting me in jail. I don't know whether it was Nafisa or my grandparents. I know that she would not want me to go through this. If the mother blames me, I should tell her that I did not take her life. In fact, I gave her extension of life by 10 months. Had I not been there in her life, she would have tried this and succeeded earlier. THE BREAK UP A month before Nafisa passed away, she came to my house at 8 in the morning crying. She said, 'I have had a fight with my mother' and had small cut marks on her hand. I left her with my friend Karan and without telling her, went across to meet her mother. I asked her mother, 'Aunty, did you have a fight with Nafisa? Did you hit her?' She said, 'No, I have never hit my daughter'. I told her I am no one to come between them both but just wanted her to know that her daughter was not doing well and needed medical assistance and her help and that I was trying my best to help her.

Akshay Kumar

hue in his character, Akshay seems to be concentrating more on romance then his usual actionpacked stunts in the film. He has passed the stunt baton to Imran Khan, who performs a series of thrilling action sequences. Akshay said: "He [Imran Khan] did all the stunts with me and jumped from rooftops, and I was very impressed with him. I think he is the next action hero.' Returning to form for this se-

quel, director Milan Luthria (The Dirty Picture) was all praise for Akshay Kumar, saying: "Akshay is a very happy guy, a wonderful happy person to work on and off the sets. Having a person like him with you gives you a lot of confidence. He kept the atmosphere very happy on the set. I also felt that the character played in the original instalment by Emraan Hashmi needed to be older, with a different kind of presence."

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Philosophy

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis GREG GOODE

he body is not often dealt with in non-dual teachings, writings and gatherings. But it is just as much a part of experience as emotions, thoughts and feelings! Actually, your direct experience can show you directly, in the here-and-now, that: • The "body" is not a physical object. • The "body" is not a separate object endowed with a separate sentience. • The "body" is not a container of awareness. • Rather, the body, like the world, is awareness itself. That is, in direct experience you can discover that the "body" is actually the body of love and the world of light: pure clarity and unconditional openness. The body is actually the world - there is no difference to be found. It is the global world of experience in which there is no inside/outside, no here/there, no separation and no suffering. But what about the brain? Many credible scientists say that awareness is a produce of brain chemistry. When looked at very closely, physical objects are not to be found. They melt directly into awareness. Your direct experience of a physical object is nothing more than colors, sounds, textures, sensations of hardness, softness, moistness or dryness. Each of these sensations is inSWAMI NIKHILANANDA SARASWATI

uccess can be measured from two standpoints - externally and internally. Externally it is the measure of a job well done and the accompanying recognition from society. Internally it is a feeling of achievement, satisfaction, fullness, completeness, wholeness which comes on the completion of a task or the fulfillment of a desire. All of us have various goals which are based on our desires and aspirations. When we fulfill a desire or achieve a goal we feel happy and successful. Till another desire arises and we feel incomplete and we begin to strive again. Sometimes it happens that when we reach a goal we begin to feel a void in our lives and do not know what to do next. Success can also be measured by the feeling of comfort we have with ourselves. This generally happens when we live according to our intrinsic nature. If we attain what we want and still find something lacking then we know that either our desire was not desirable or the means adopted were not in

separable from its exclusive sensory modality. In other words, • Colors are inseparable from vision, • Sounds are inseparable from hearing • Sensations of texture, hardness, softness, moisture or dryness are inseparable from touch • Flavors are inseparable from taste • Fragrances are inseparable from smell Even in imagination, "sense objects" cannot appear

mally thought of as a physical object. As a physical object, it is part of the "world." How does the brain arise? What happens? No one sees their own brain in the act of seeing. We may "see" and "feel" the brains of other organisms, the way I did in school. We see many images of brains in anatomy classes, images of CATscans and X-rays on light tables, in textbooks, on computer screens, represented by scopes and meters of different kinds, and

• The ability to recall objects and actions • The ability to report one's name or location • The measurements of chemicals • The activity of and within neurons, as measured and depicted by various kind of scientific apparatus There are two things to say about these elements in the description of awareness. One is that they are all based on the very

Body is actually the world

- there is no difference Greg Goode

apart from "sense faculties." This is shocking if it is "grokked." For example, if it is deeply understood how a color can never be experienced separately from seeing, then it simply makes no sense to believe that you can "see a color." Colors aren't objects hanging around outside awareness, waiting to be seen. Rather, the arising of color is what we mean by "seeing."

Your direct experience of a physical object is nothing more than colors, sounds, textures, sensations of hardness, softness, moistness or dryness.

THE BRAIN The brain is normally thought of as a mass of a certain kind of biological tissue. That is, it is nor-

on TV shows about doctors and cops. What arises in all cases is a visual or tactile image. But biologists and physiologists say that the brain is an essential component for sentience. Many people attracted to nondual teachings agree. The "awareness" that is measured by brain science includes • Certain kinds of reactivity to stimuli, • The ability to see, hear, smell, move, etc. • The ability to speak or give verbal reports

same kind of physical object as a table or a chair. You can investigate at any time how one of these objects or events arises: as a set of colors, sounds, textures, etc. So how can the brain, which is experienced as an arising in awareness, actually give rise to awareness? That is like saying that the color "blue" can give rise to awareness! Greg Goode is a philosophical counselor in New York City who uses video in combination with direct counseling to instruct on the direct path.

accordance with nature. Modern managements feel that if a person is satisfied there will be a lack of motivation, which will work against the interest of the company. This is a negative way of looking at the issue of satisfaction. When a person is positively satisfied, he/she wants to share the

anything. He did it out of a joy of sharing what he had, so that others may benefit as well and share in his knowledge, good fortune and success. It was an expression of the joy he felt within. True success is that which gives joy to me and to others. Success should include or em-

nothing but remain true to its nature and in that it found fulfillment and completeness. So we have to remain true to our Supreme Nature for in that lies our greatest success. We must learn how to share success from the life of Lord Rama. After returning from Lanka he was

Real success lies in making others happy When a person is positively satisfied, he/ she wants to share the feelings of joy and contentment with others, wants to work for the welfare and well being of others. feelings of joy and contentment with others, wants to work for the welfare and well being of others. His/her motivational levels are higher and the opposite happens - he/she wants to do even more and work more efficiently. This is the state of mind of a Mahatma. Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of Chinmaya Mission went all over the world, reaching out to people not because he desired

brace all aspects of my life - holistic success. Some professionals may be greatly praised at work but be utter failures in the family. Some maybe good for the family but for society they may be no good. We must be whole individuals, just as God intended us to be. Take the case of a mango seed that grew to be a plant and then a tree that gave the world sweet fruit. What did the seed do? It did

Love sewed us securely together. We owe nothing to the needle and thread. -Rumi The lower classes of society are those who fatten themselves in life in the name of religion. −mubarak -Ibn el− Three things in this life are destructive: Anger, Greed, Self-esteem. -The Prophet Better than being what you imagine to be good is to be with those who are really good. Worse than doing something evil is to be with those who are evil. -Bayazid Bistami Most of humanity do not know what it is in their interest to know. They dislike what would eventually benefit them. -Al-Nasafi O Lord! If I worship you from fear of hell, cast me into hell. If I worship you from desire for paradise, deny me paradise. -Rabia

Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati

asked how he won the battle and he gave credit to all those who had helped him, making even the ordinary monkeys great. Real success lies in making others happy and giving credit to the whole team. Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati, a spiritual master of the Chinmaya lineage, is the Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission in New Delhi and its centers in Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad.

The learned man who only talks will never penetrate to the inner heart of man. -Saadi of Shiraz Your medicine is in you, and you do not observe it. Your ailment is form yourself and you do not register it. -Hazrat Ali

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

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Indian military aid for Afghanistan: Syrian lessons

India Post

MONISH GULATI

here is a growing view amongst certain analysts that India's reluctance to provide military (lethal) aid to Afghanistan particularly after the recent visit of the Afghan president to India, is indicative of a deficient Indian approach to Afghanistan, in terms of the want of in-depth evaluation, risk appetite and a coherent strategy. The viewpoint advocates the use of military aid as an instrument for achieving Indian foreign policy objectives in Afghanistan. Citing the case of the recent US decision to supply arms to the forces opposed to Syrian government, this article argues that it may not be a viable assessment. CURRENT DISCOURSE India's response to Afghanistan's repeated requests for military hardware assistance has been viewed as surprising and symptomatic of little policy plan-

even result in India having no presence at all in Afghanistan. This would be because New Delhi's current policies are blindsided to the full range of possibilities in Afghanistan in the future , some of which can potentially reverses India's engagement in that country. In essence India's Afghan policy is constrained by self imposed restrictions, desire to heed to regional sensitivities or playing second fiddle to the great powers, which has compromised its strategic objectives and its future engagement in Afghanistan. It has been suggested that given the history of India's relations with the Taliban and its collaboration with the ISI, it is an appropriate time to counter the coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul through arms support to the Karzai government. India requires to do everything possible to ensure the defeat of the Taliban, even

Afghan President Hamid Karzai during a recent visit to India

ning and preparedness to realize Indian foreign policy objectives in Afghanistan. Further there is skepticism regarding India's long-term strategy towards Afghanistan, despite its expressed desire to seek a larger role. One view is that "New Delhi never possessed and continues to lack the necessary commitment to take on a strategic role in the country that may require it to bear some potentially costly burdens." New Delhi's position on arms transfer to Afghanistan has even been found to be reeking of cowardice or even worse, India has no strategy for Afghanistan. There is also a foreboding that the complex unfolding of events in the coming days would test India's present intensity of engagement into the transformational decade (2014-2024) and may

at the cost of "going counter to the US strategy". SYRIAN LESSONS The US arms to the Syrian rebels (Free Syrian Army) began after the chorus on US inaction on the Syrian conflict reached a crescendo amid mounting civilian casualties and human rights violations. Also the Russian army sales to the Syrian regime continued, clandestine arms sales from Iran to the Iraqi Shia militias and the Hezbollah prompted their intervention in Syria, the 'redline' on use of Chemical weapons was crossed and the peace talks in Geneva were stalling. However, the arms transfers have had undesired consequences. US and Western weapons instead have been reaching Iranianbacked Shiite militias fighting to keep Bashar Assad's forces in

power in Syria. Also in the hands of the rebels "that could one day be turned against the US," as it's "extremely difficult" to distinguish between friend and foe in Syria. It has been concluded that "no amount of safeguards can guarantee that weapons will not fall into the wrong hands." Also fractures have grown as the Free Syrian Army (FSA) has increasingly maneuvered to distance itself from other Islamist factions in order to corner funding and weapons deliveries from the US. Rivalries have expanded within Syria's opposition after a senior member of the FSA was reportedly killed by a rival Islamist group (al Qaeda). Recently the US House and Senate Intelligence panel members have voted to block President Obama from arming Syrian rebels by placing severe restrictions on funding. There is a fear that the US administration plan would let weapons fall into the hands of terrorist groups linked to al Qaeda. The committee felt that if US is going to arm FSA it has to make sure that it can control what arms are out there so they don't fall into the wrong hands. AFGHAN CONTEXT There are some key distinctions to be made in the case of Afghanistan. First, India unlike the US role in the Syrian conflict is not part of any peace or reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has little influence on the participating parties. Two, India has no contributions to the ongoing NATO/ISAF military operations in Afghanistan and has serious reservations about doing so in the future. Three, India, unlike the US and the NATO is not part of any equipping program of the Afghan National Security Forces. Last and importantly, India has no mechanisms to monitor or ensure that the weapons supplied by it do not fall in Taliban hands and are not used against the NATO/ISAF. In such a situation, given the unintended consequences military aid have, it would be ideal for India to step-up its assistance in training and maintenance of equipment where crucial gap in capability exits. Recent acquisition of Mi17 helicopters by the Afghan Air force presents one such opportunity. The writer is an Independent Analyst

Reformists all

t is to the credit of President Obama that he wound up the illthought of George Bush led intervention in Iraq and is now in the process of winding up a similar intervention in Afghanistan. From reports of daily bombings in Iraq it doesn't seem the Americans have left Iraq a haven of peace. Does that mean the Americans should go back to Iraq to "save" that country? Is it anyway better than before the US had intervened? Nobody in US is prepared to answer this question. Now with the imminent withdrawal from Afghanistan, the same question is being repeatedly asked. Will the US leave Afghanistan a better place than before it intervened? The example of Iraq shows that Afghanistan also will be back to normal violent feuds and bombings. The imposition of democracy in these two faction-ridden states has only a brought a bad name to democracy. The early notion that America has the divine right to restore "order" in the world has taken a big beating. The order it seeks to restore is colored by self-interest. The Iraq and Afghan interventions have also played havoc with US economy. An economically weak and war-exhausted US will not again try to intervene in another State. There are enough domestic problems piled up for Obama to think of solving the world's problems. George Bush also talked big to the world about virtues of democracy and sought to export and impose it on other countries. Watching the Democrat-Republican stalemate in US houses the world would not be greatly enthused about this mode of governance. Right since his inauguration Obama has faced stiff opposition to his plans and with the near equal party equations in the Senate and House, hardly any worthwhile initiatives have seen success. The healthcare and immigration reforms are stuck at various stages. FAVORITE WORD Reform is the favorite word for the media in the present situation. There was no talk of reforms when the US was doing well and was the only superpower to reckon with. It is the favorite word also in India where the economy is in the doldrums thanks to populist schemes. But this word was not in use when India was growing at 9 percent. So things have to be perceived to be going wrong before any corrective measure, that is reforms, can be thought of. Now what is reform depends upon the ideology of the party that uses this word. For the Republicans bringing in laws to ban abortions is reform. Making immigration difficult for illegal entrants is reform. For Democrats liberal abortion rules is reform and making immigration easier for the brilliant young students who could make a difference to the US economy is reform. In India the discourse about reforms is not too ideological. Whoever comes to power practices crony capitalism. And in the ruling Congress administration all kinds of animals inhabit. If holier-than-thou anti-corruption crusader defense minister AK Antony has allowed the armed forces to be deprived of modern weapons for fear of bribes to dealers' agents, the Congress' own Railway Minister is caught allowing huge bribes for Railway Board posts. When the BJP talks of reforms it is not clear if it wants to bring in good governance or Hindu nationalism. It is not prepared to clear this ambiguation. Narendra Modi, who started off with offering an alternative model of governance has gone back to maligning secularism and arrogantly proclaiming Hindu nationalism. It is matter of satisfaction that fewer countries now want to reform other countries embroiled as most of them are in domestic problems. Along with many western countries, India had been trying to reform its eastern neighbor, Myanmar. It has now learnt from its mistakes and has made peace with Generals finding that China was all the time exploiting Myanmar resources without any ideological hang-ups. In fact China has found a new way of intervening in other countries: by offering economic carrots.

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