Indiapost 08 30 2013 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Harleen Malhans is Miss India-Canada Details on page 24

VOL 19, No. 989

August 30, 2013

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Periodical Postage

'INDIA'S ROLE VITAL IN AFGHANISTAN' Bera, on first visit to India, confident of ties

NEW DELHI: India has a "critical role" to play in fostering peace and stability in Afghanistan, US Congressman Dr Ami Bera asserted while addressing a special session hosted by Aspen Institute India here on Monday, August 26. Bera, the only Indian-American member in the U.S. Congress, was on his first visit to India since his election in 2012.

Festival of India honors Gadar heroes Details on page 22

Nikki Haley kicks off her re-election Details on page 7

Bera said India's involvement in the war-ravaged country could redefine its geo-political relations with the US. The Congressman stressed that India had emerged as a key stabilizing force in the region, owing to a range of initiatives pertaining to education, public health and infrastructure in Afghanistan.

Details on page 6

New York boy clinches Spelling Bee title

Beverly Singh

Indian-origin woman in fast car project

Details on page 16

Details on page 8

Bobby Jindal no more a popular leader: Survey

Indian-origin academic heads SA varsity

Details on page 9

Details on page 8

Lok Sabha passes Food Security Bill

CONTENTS NAMASTE JI: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley greets Anna Hazare at the launch of the International Edition of

Bollywood -------------------------- 28

Encyclopaedia of Hinduism at University of South Carolina in Washington

Classifieds ------------------------- 52

Details on page 11

Encyclopedia of Hinduism unveiled in S. Carolina INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Should Ami Bera visit Pakistan? Last week’s result

Indian Americans more enthused about Independence Day? YES 63%

NO 37%

COLUMBIA, South Carolina: A 25-year quest by nearly 1,000 scholars to document and present one of the world's oldest living traditions came to fruition when the 'Encyclopedia of Hinduism' was unveiled here. Hundreds of scholars, dignitaries, students, Hindu leaders and the public converged on the University of Southern California campus to witness the release of much anticipated and definitive 11-volume guide conceived, compiled and produced by the India Heritage

Research Foundation. Those present on the occasion included South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Indian Consul General in Atlanta Ajit Kumar and Gandhian Anna Hazare. The two-day event coinciding with the release featured some of the top Indian scholars who discussed the significance of the encyclopedia and the richness and diversity of Indian culture that binds more than one billion people worldwide. Details on page 6

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Community Post -------------- 16-23 Date Book -------------------------- 39 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 32-34 Horoscope ------------------------- 14 Immigration Post ------------- 45-47 Life Style ----------------------- 24-27 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate -------------------- 50-51 TechBiz Post ------------------- 35-37 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-44

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t's so unfortunate the kind of news headlines one gets to see coming out of India these days. Political news is embarrassing enough, but what is most distressing is the alarming increase in the incidents of sexual assault on women across India. The country hasn't recovered from the fatal gang rape of a young woman in Delhi only eight months ago and now there is another heinous case of gang rape of a young photojournalist in Mumbai that has brought people out on the streets in protest once again. Statistics show that almost 250,000 crimes - from sexual assaults to dowry harassment - against women were reported to the police in India last year. What makes the situation peculiar in the current context is that rapes by strangers are increasing where statistically most rapes are supposed to be committed by someone known to the victim. Young working women and foreign tourists are increasingly becoming targets of lumpen elements, which apparently live on the fringes of society, steeped with attitudes of traditional patriarchy and impunity. In India, apart from the changing economic statuses across the board and the increase in the number of women coming out of their homes to either study or work, is the dark reality of the rise of the lumpen that survives on easy money through crime. Their brazenness comes from desperation to assert their male identity, and their sense of impunity comes from the sure knowledge that they can get away from the police and law in general. But it is not a situation that is peculiar to India or particular to the present time if one were to try to understand a context for sexual crimes against women. Whether it is the most advanced of nations like the United States or a developing nation like Brazil or the poverty-stricken South Africa or the ultra conservative Islamic nation of Saudi Arabia, sexual crimes against women are no less in numbers and no less heinous. Law, it would seem, is woefully inadequate to prevent such crimes anywhere in the world. What or who then will deter these men? I think, women themselves.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: 6 crore for a song! Sonakshi Sinha has been approached for an item number for 'Boss' for which she has been paid a whopping 6 crore

Cover Story: Bera in India India has a "critical role" to play in fostering peace in Afghanistan, says visiting US Congressman Dr Ami Bera

Community: Spellbee winner Sriram Hathwar of New York wins the 2013 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee title and a Grand Prize of $10,000

Immigration: Tame opposition During Congress summer recess, Opposition to overhauling immigration laws appears notably muted, almost tame.

Life Style: Miss India-Canada Harleen Malhans of Toronto, Ontario won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2013.which was presented by Chevrolet

Techbiz: Domestic factors P Chidambaram admits that decisions taken at home were among the reasons for depreciation of the Indian currency.

Travel: Mandu Fairy tale love story of a Muslim prince with a local poor shepherd girl brings the mythological face to Mandu.

28 1 16 45 24 35 40

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'India's role vital in Afghanistan' Bera, on first visit to India, confident of ties NEW DELHI: India has a "critical role" to play in fostering peace and stability in Afghanistan, US Congressman Dr Ami Bera asserted while addressing a special session hosted by Aspen Institute India here on Monday, August 26. Bera, the only Indian-American member in the U.S. Congress, was on his first visit to India since his election in 2012. Bera said India's involvement in the war-ravaged country could redefine its geo-political relations with the US. The Congressman stressed that India had emerged as a key stabilizing force in the region, owing to a range of initiatives pertaining to education, public health and infrastructure in Afghanistan. "As we work to advance our shared economic prosperity, we must continue to partner in addressing our shared security," Bera said in an engaging discussion moderated by the former Indian Ambassador to the US, Ronen Sen. "India has made extraordinary contributions and strategic investments to the effort in Af-

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid with US Congress Member Ami Bera during a meeting in New Delhi on August 27

cal role to play in holding onto and maintaining some of the gains we have made, and a critical role in anchoring stability in that re-

"At present, US has an energy surplus, while India has some pressing energy needs. There are opportunities for mutually-beneficial bilateral partnerships not only in the space of renewable energy, but also in shale gas, oil and gas security as wellâ&#x20AC;? ghanistan. As the U.S. draws down our troops, India has a criti-

gion. So, we must both remain committed to an enduring strate-

gic partnership in the region, both to spur development between the dynamic economies of South and Southeast Asia, and to ensure that we can support the will of the Afghan people as they prepare for the upcoming 2014 elections," the Congressman added. Highlighting India's rise as a global power, Bera also urged Indian and U.S. investors to build on the fast-expanding canvas of opportunities in the two economies. "At present, US has an energy surplus, while India has some pressing energy needs. There are opportunities for mutually-beneficial bilateral partnerships not only in the space of renewable energy, but also in shale gas, oil and gas security as well. The future for India-US cooperation looks very bright," said Bera. "We (India and US) need to have a constant robust dialogue for our geopolitical stability. I am there in the Congress and I would like other members of the Congress to understand the relationship. I would like them to understand India. And, now people born and raised in US will play a role in redefining that relationship," he said. The California-based physician who recently visited Afghanistan called engaging in Afghanistan till 2014 end as "in our interest". "As part of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, I will continue to say that it is in our interest to en-

gage with Afghanistan till December 2014. And, we should do it successfully," he said. Bera's father hailed from Gujarat and migrated to the US in 1950.

his application will be considered in accordance with US immigration law and policy, Bera said. Indicating a roadmap for the Indo-US relationship ahead, the Indian-American said, "I'm an optimist. And, I see India and the US engaging more and more. There will be a few bumps in the road ahead but that is part of any relationship. But, I'm still optimistic." He also warned against politicizing the issue of immigration, saying, "Issues pertaining to visas and immigration need to be negotiated through regular channels. There are loose ends that need to be mended in US as well as India, and we must refrain from making the issue a political one in both nations." A robust trading relationship with India is important to the US economy and helps create American jobs. In California, exports to India are worth more than 3.7 billion dollars annually. Much of Bera's visit focused on promoting trade and economic development in the Sacramento region, and expanding bilateral economic relationship. During his two-day visit, Bera met Indian government officials,

Dr Ami Bera with former Indian Ambassador to the US, Ronen Sen at Aspen Institute India

Born in California state, he is the third Indian-American after Dalip Singh Saundh in 1950 and Bobby Jindal in 2005 to have ever been elected to the House of Representatives, the lower house in the US legislature. Responding cautiously to a question from the audience on the issue of US visa for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Bera referred to the statements of State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki. It is a state department issue. And, if Modi applies for a visa,

leading policy advocates, and innovators in the non-profit sector to increase his understanding of the India-U.S. relationship, and to explore new opportunities for partnerships. While in New Delhi, Bera also participated in a wreath-laying ceremony with U.S. Ambassador Powell and discussed the U.S.India economic relationship, specifically opportunities for partnership between India and the Sacramento region, at an event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).-Agencies

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Encyclopedia of Hinduism unveiled in South Carolina COLUMBIA, South Carolina: A 25-year quest by nearly 1,000 scholars to document and present one of the world's oldest living traditions came to fruition when the 'Encyclopedia of Hinduism' was unveiled here. Hundreds of scholars, dignitaries, students, Hindu leaders and the public converged on the University of Southern California campus to witness the release of much anticipated and definitive 11-volume guide conceived, com-

that binds more than one billion people worldwide. The event is the launch of the international edition of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism. Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama had launched the Indian edition in 2010 in Rishikesh. Dr Harris Pastides, President of University of South Carolina, said that he was humbled to see the encyclopedia being launched in his campus. "It is a deep honor to be par-

The comprehensive encyclopedia is an 11-volume work and it covers Hindu spiritual beliefs, practices and philosophy, and is the culmination of a 25-year academic effort. The encyclopedia is written in English and includes about 7,000 articles on Hinduism and its practices piled and produced by the India Heritage Research Foundation. Those present on the occasion included South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Indian Consul General in Atlanta Ajit Kumar and Gandhian Anna Hazare. The two-day event coinciding with the release featured some of the top Indian scholars who discussed the significance of the encyclopedia and the richness and diversity of Indian culture

ticipating in the American release of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism. This is a remarkable work of scholarship and research. I hope that many in academia and in everyday life will turn to it as a resource to better understand the characters, the tenets, and the impact that Hinduism has had, and is having in the world," he said. Consul General Kumar said India and Hindus all over the world are grateful to the University of

South Carolina for the launch of the monumental work. The comprehensive encyclopedia has 11-volume work and it covers Hindu spiritual beliefs, practices and philosophy, and is the culmination of a 25-year academic effort. The encyclopedia is written in English and includes about 7,000 articles on Hinduism and its practices. The work also deals with Indian history, languages, art, music, dance, architecture, medicine, and women's issues. It contains more than 1,000 illustrations and photographs. The encyclopedia's volumes run from 600 to more than 700 pages. Some 3,000 copies are being printed in the first edition. Hinduism is the world's thirdlargest religion, with 1 billion followers, according to a Pew Research Center study. Christians number 2.2 billion and Muslims 1.6 billion. Brightly colored images of Hindu deities fill entire pages, with foot-noted explanations of the forms and powers God can take in the religion. "The goal was to have something pretty definitive not just about Hinduism, but about the whole South Asian tradition," said University of South Carolina professor Hal French, who met a small

group of scholars in 1987 to offer academic support for the project. "This hadn't really been attempted before," said French, an octogenarian distinguished professor emeritus of religious stud-

inspiration is one of India's most revered spiritual leaders Swami Chidanand Saraswati. French was among nearly 1,000 scholars from India, the United States and Europe who wrote,

Dr Meera Narasimhan, Vice Dean of University of South Carolina School of Medicine, sits with 11-volume Encyclopedia of Hinduism that is to be donated to the Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s library

ies at the school and an associate editor. "It is a milestone of research that brought together both Eastern and Western scholarship." French, who specializes in the religions of Asia, said the primary

edited and compiled the encyclopedia, which provides the first standardized and objective presentation of the panorama that is Indian culture. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 13

Nikki Haley kicks off her re-election campaign WASHINGTON: IndianAmerican South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has kicked off her re-election campaign, showcasing the work done by her during the first term and targeting President Barack Obama for

and remind folks what a great job their governor is doing." Both Perry and Walker praised Haley's accomplishments in her first term urging the people of South Carolina to give her another term in the elections scheduled for

"With the fastest growing economy on the east coast, more than 37,000 jobs announced in 45 of 46 counties, and the state unemployment rate hitting a five year low, South Carolina is moving fast in the right direction" his healthcare reform. Currently the youngest governor in the US, the campaign of Haley, 41, was kicked off in the presence of three Republican Governors, Indian-American Bobby Jindal from Louisiana; Rick Perry from Texas and Scott Walker of Wisconsin. Jindal, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, said that it sometimes "takes an outsider to come in

November 2014. "I want to continue representing you as Governor to help ensure that South Carolina remains the best place in America to live, raise a family, and do business. I would be honored to have you stand by my side," Haley said. "While running for governor in 2009, I promised the people of South Carolina that I would work tirelessly to help promote new job creation and bring economic

growth to every corner of the State," she said. "While there's more work to be done, our jobless rate has dropped to a new 5-year low, we've announced 36,000 jobs in 45 of 46 counties, and South Carolina tops the list as one of the fastest growing economies in the nation. And we've moved 18,000 off of welfare and into jobs," Haley said. "With the fastest growing economy on the east coast, more than 37,000 jobs announced in 45 of 46 counties, and the state unemployment rate hitting a five year low, South Carolina is moving fast in the right direction," said Haley for Governor spokesman Rob Godfrey. She had termed President Obama's healthcare plan as ridiculous, saying "It is something that shows how far away we have gotten from the focus." However, opposition Democratic Party was quick to launch its anti-Haley campaign. Her main rival Senator Vincent Sheheen questioned the decision of Haley to bring in Governors Walker,

Perry and Jindal to headline her campaign rally. "I think it does speak volumes

Sheheen alleged that the jobs numbers in South Carolina show an unemployment rate that's

Nikki Haley

that when she announces her campaign she gets people from out of state to stand with her. Just last week, we announced the support of over 12 mayors across South Carolina, we did that because we have a great support spread across the state," he said.

much higher than the rest of the country. "Haley has raised millions of dollars from out of state donors, but we're really proud that small donors and supporters around South Carolina have rallied behind our effort," he said. -PTI

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Indian-origin woman to help build world's fastest car JOHANNESBURG: A 29-year-old Indianorigin woman from South Africa is set to join the team of specialist engineers building the world's fastest car in the UK. Beverly Singh, a mechanical engineer from Port Elizabeth, will help design the Bloodhound supersonic car, currently being built by a team of about 30 engineers in a high-tech centre near Bristol. The rocket-powered car will come to South Africa in 2015 for a series of test runs (over several months) to break the sound barrier and current land speed record of 1228 km/h.

In 2016, it will attempt to set a record 30 per cent faster than that: 1609 km/h. Singh, who won the Bloodhound Chevening Scholarship for her masters in mechanical engineering at the University of West of England, will join the team next month, working alongside engineers from companies such as Boeing and RollsRoyce, who are assembling the car, 'Times Live' reported. "The engineers working on the Bloodhound are the best in the world in their fields. I always wanted to do something like this," said Singh. Singh has left her job as a process engineer in Port Elizabeth and will fly to Bristol in a few weeks. She says she will focus on her full-time degree studies but will take time out to be with the team building the car. "I am so excited. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. However, Singh said she had no idea what she would be working on in the Bloodhound project. She hopes she will be able to join the team when the car is shipped to South Africa for testing. The test runs and the record attempts will take place at Hakskeenpan in the Northern Cape Province. -PTI

Indian-origin academic to head South African varsity JOHANNESBURG: An Indian-origin professor has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of one of South Africa's internationally-renowned academic institutions. Prof Adam Habib has been named as Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, by Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke. The university is popularly known as Wits. "(Prof Habib) has been selected to lead the university in confronting challenging social and economic realities, at the same time ensuring that the work of the university is grounded in making sense of these realities," said South African Minister of Science and Technology, Derek Hanekom. Habib, joining Wits in its 91st year, conceded that his task as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University will be fraught with challenges. "Building and managing any university is challenging in the 21st century, but undertaking this responsibility in South Africa is an even more onerous one. This is because the managerial challenges tend to be all the more acute," Habib said. "Structural poverty and inequality seep across institutional boundaries and force the University's executive to confront challenges such as starving students and residential overcrowding," Habib said. Habib announced a brand new equality scholarship program for the top disadvantaged learners in the country.-PTI

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Sibal asks courts to be 'extremely careful' NEW DELHI: Courts are "enthusiastic" to portray politicians as criminals, Law Minister Kapil Sibal said here asking them to be "extremely careful" while delivering judgments which have an impact on the polity of the country. "There is a general negative perception in the country that all politicians are criminals...Courts are enthusiastic to prove us so, even if we are not so," he said while moving the Representation of the People (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2013. Sibal's remark drew mixed response from the parties with Ravishankar Prasad (BJP)

Bobby Jindal no more a popular leader: Survey HOUSTON: Indian-American Governor of Louisiana Bobby Jindal is no longer considered a popular state leader in America, according to a new survey. The Republican has battled bleak poll-

Bobby Jindal

ing numbers all year, but a new survey indicates that he's one of the least popular state leaders in the country. According to the survey by Democraticleaning Public Policy Polling (PPP), Jindal has an approval rating of only 28 per cent. Fifty-nine percent of Louisiana voters said they disapprove of the job he is doing. According to PPP, those numbers make Jindal the least popular Republican governor and the second most unpopular governor overall. Democrat Pat Quinn of Illinois is the lowest rated governor in PPP's polling. At 41 per cent, President Barack Obama actually boasts a higher approval rating than Jindal in Louisiana, according to PPP. PPP also found Jindal, who's thought to be considering a 2016 Presidential bid, tied for fourth in a hypothetical Republican presidential primary in Louisiana. When PPP tested him against Hillary Clinton in a hypothetical general election match up, the former secretary of state claimed a seven-point lead among all Louisiana voters. Earlier this week, a survey from Republican outlet Harper Polling also showed a majority of Louisiana voters disapproving of Jindal. -PTI

asking him to show respect towards the judiciary and SP members including Naresh Agrawal fully backing him on it. "I have greatest respect for the judiciary and that is why we never make adverse comments against any judge or court," he said in response to Prasad's remarks. The Law Minister said the verdict of a court to bar persons in jail from contesting elections was "clearly erroneous" as the matters or right to vote and right to be on electoral roll were being dealt by separate sections in the Constitution and till proven guilty, every one was to be taken

as innocent. "We are fallible, we commit mistakes and the judges can also commit mistakes...the judiciary should be extremely careful while giving judgments which can affect the polity of the country," he said. Noting that the "delicate balance" between the various institutions of the Constitution has been disturbed, Sibal said there was an environment of "mistrust" in which the political class was dubbed as criminal. "The nation has suffered because of

this and the delicate balance has been disturbed. We are partly to be blamed and others too might have failed. When we do not perform, the other organs steps in," he said. The Law Minister said if other organs of the system were keen to reform, "then so are we... We have failed to perform our duty. If there is some fault in some institution, it needs to correct itself. There is need for the media to correct itself." He said the Constitution is a carefully crafted document and if it has failed to be implemented, then "it is we who have failed it, it has not failed." -PTI

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Opposition slams govt over 'We could've developed cryogenic engine by 2000' state of the economy NEW DELHI: Opposition parties pilloried the government over the state of the economy, saying its "reckless policies" have created a massive disaster, despondency and uncertainty in the country and that UPA's exit from power is the only remedy to the situation. Citing rising prices, slowdown in growth and depreciation of rupee among the problems facing the economy, the opposition members said in the Lok Sabha that they feared the repeat of the 1991 crisis when the country had to mortgage gold as it failed to meet short-term debt obligations. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P Chidambaram, the opposition members said they have been assuring the country that all is well and prices will be controlled but the reality is otherwise. Participating in a debate on the economic situation in the country, BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said, "The government has lost control over the economy. So it is better that it goes." Suggesting that the government was deliberately "playing with" the economy" since the last five years, he said, "the result is that the whole nation is suffering." Contending that the country had never seen such a "corrupt and incompetent" government, he said, "We don't want this government anymore. Let us go to the people now. If you have courage, let us go to the people. There is

only one solution (to the economic problems), go. Let people decide." At the same time, the former Finance Minister said the Congress-led coalition will not give up power as it uses government "to make thousands of crores". Referring to volatility in the currency, Sinha said the government has failed to control it. "Market is disturbed and whatever is happening, it is not good for the country."

Contending that the country had never seen such a "corrupt and incompetent" government, he said, "We don't want this government anymore. Let us go to the people now. If you have courage, let us go to the peopleâ&#x20AC;? Initiating the debate, CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said, "The country is facing a massive disaster and economic tsunami because of reckless policies of the government." He said the government should take responsibility for the state of "despondency, fear and uncertainty." Shailender Kumar of SP, which supports the government from outside, said the country has

been facing economic crisis since UPA-I and that he feared the repeat of 1991 situation. "The Prime Minister keeps assuring people that they (government) will control price rise but there is no control," he said. Targeting Chidambaram, he said he keeps assuring the country that there is no need to panic. "But I pray to the Almighty that he should give them wisdom so that the economy is taken care of." He also took a dig at Chidambaram, saying he is "wise" and aspiring to be the Prime Minister. On the longevity of the government, the SP leader said people say elections would be held in November or December but the ruling coalition insists these will be held on schedule in May next year. "We wish that they (government) get wisdom and all goes well. We will continue to support them," he said. Alleging that the country has been made "insolvent", Dasgupta said, "A non-performing government has generated a dangerous crisis which is almost an economic disaster, thanks to their incapacity and inability." Suggesting that the government was looking at the US to help address the economic problems here, the CPI leader said, "Crisis is within India, not in America. Government has to evolve a policy to face the challenge...it has failed."-PTI

KOCHI: India could have de- Aviation was the airline which veloped a cryogenic engine by brought Russian Cryogenic enthe year 2000 if "indiscriminate" gines and other relevant materiarrests had not been made in the als for ISRO, it was stated. ISRO espionage case by those Pointing out that Mathews had who investigated it initially, former a 'definite plan', Narayanan space scientist Nambi Narayanan claimed he was arrested in Novemtold the Kerala High Court. ber 1994 without conducting any Narayanan, who was arrested search at his office or home and and later released in the espio- no incriminating documentary nage case, informed the court that evidence was seized from him. the special police team led by He also stated that he had not former ADGP Sibi Mathews, raised the allegation that his arwhich had initially probed the rest was part of a US agenda accase, had planned to arrest all those working for the development of Pointing out that Mathews cryogenic engine to had a 'definite plan', 'demoralize' them and Narayanan claimed he was stall development in the arrested in November 1994 specialized area. Narayanan, who had without conducting any approached the court search at his office or home seeking action against Mathews, presently and no incriminating Chief Information Com- documentary evidence was missioner, and two other seized from him officers, was responding to the reply affidavit of the former police officer. complished by CIA as he realized While admitting that India has the agenda only later. not been able to successfully Sibi Mathews, in his affidavit, launch a cryogenic engine till date, had earlier stated that he said recently ISRO had at- Narayanan's plea seeking action tempted it but had to postpone it against the three police officers, just an hour and 48 minutes be- including him, was only to tarnish fore its official launch. his image. Narayanan's counsel submitMathews had stated though ted that all those working in the Nambi Narayanan was reinstated line of cryogenic development in in service and continued to work ISRO and Russian scientists, who in ISRO till his retirement in 2001, supported India and the Russian he was never given an important Private Airline (Ural Aviation), assignment connected to cryowere made the accused. The Ural genic engine possibly because the central government knew the allegation of espionage against the petitioner. Narayanan had approached the High Court challenging the government order of June 29, 2011 dropping action against investigating officers of Kerala police Sibi Mathews and two former SPs K K Joshua and Vijayan. He had also sought initiation of criminal and disciplinary action against the three officers. Charges of espionage at ISRO had surfaced with the arrest of a Maldivian national Mariam Rasheeda in Thiruvananthapuram in October 1994. Another Maldivian woman Fausia Hassan, a former ISRO scientist and two Tarja Halonen Bangalore based businessman "Girls have been more than in- were the other accused besides terested to educate themselves," Narayanan in the case. The case had been handed over she said. Halonen said, "The equality for to CBI which had filed final report women has penetrated into the on April 30, 1996 as 'not proved society to an extent. Things have and false'. The closure report was changed, people have changed, accepted by the CJM Ernakulam, politicians have changed too and and all the accused were discharged on May 2, 1996. -PTI it's a good sign." -PTI

'Dec gangrape case an eye-opener for India' HELSINKI: Indian society has undergone a transformation after the December 16 gang-rape case, but still there is a lot to be done to achieve the complete equality for women status, former Finland President Tarja Halonen has said. "It was a tragic incident. But the way government offered support and people came on streets to protest was something which wasn't often seen in India before. It was definitely an eye opener," she told a group of visiting for-

eign journalists. The number of rape cases and crime against women do exist but the mechanism to deal with them and the reaction of the society towards them has definitely undergone a transformation, said Halonen, the first woman president of Finland serving from 2000 to 2012. The 23-year-old girl was raped by six people in a moving bus in New Delhi on the night of December 16. The victim later died in a

Singapore hospital on December 29, sparking street protests in many cities across India. "The position of women In the Indian society has changed over the years. But still there is lot be done to achieve the complete equality for women status. They can explore more international collaborations as well which will be helpful in decision making issues," said Halonen, who is also a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. She said the basic education schemes, family planning initiatives and maternal healthcare are some of the issues in which India has progressed a lot.

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Lok Sabha passes Food Security Bill NEW DELHI: After much delay and uncertainty, the landmark Food Security Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha which seeks to provide cheap foodgrains to 82 crore people in the country, ushering in the biggest program in the world to fight hunger. The ambitious bill was adopted by the House through a voice vote after a combined discussion on the measure and a statutory resolution seeking to disapprove the ordinance promulgated on July 5. Over 300 amendments moved by the opposition were rejected. The legislation was passed after a day-long debate during which Congress President Sonia Gandhi, during her maiden speech in the 15th Lok Sabha, said "our goal for the foreseeable future must be to wipe out hunger and malnutrition from our country." Significantly, Gandhi, who is the main force behind the bill, could not participate in voting as she fell ill during voting on amendments and had to leave the House at around 8.15 pm. She was later admitted in the AIIMS. Her son Rahul too could not take part in the voting as he accompanied his mother to the AIIMS. Earlier, Gandhi sought to allay concerns over the measure. "This legislation is only a beginning. As we move forward, we will be open to constructive suggestions; we will learn from experience," Gandhi said. She said the approach of the UPA has brought in "an empowerment revolution in our country

something we are proud to have facilitated." Just before voting on the bill, Leader of Opposition Sushma Swaraj said BJP is supporting the legislation despite it being "halfbaked and weak". She added, "We are waiting for the day when we come to power and we will be able to improve the law." AIADMK was the only party to have opposed the bill. After the bill gets Rajya Sabha's nod, India will join the select league of countries that guarantee majority of its population foodgrains. At Rs 1,30,000

crore government support, the food security program will be the largest in the world. It would require 62 million tonnes of foodgrains. The bill will guarantee 5 kg of rice, wheat and coarse cereals per month per person at a fixed price of Rs 3, 2, 1, respectively. However, about 2.43 crore poorest of the poor families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) scheme under PDS (Public Distribution System) would get legal entitlement to 35 kg of foodgrains per family per month.-PTI

Onus on Cong to remove hunger, says BJP NEW DELHI: A day after the much-touted Food Bill was passed by Lok Sabha, main opposition BJP says the onus will be on Congress to remove malnutrition and hunger from the country as it has ruled it for long. "This Bill has been passed, but Congress also needs to realize that if India suffers from malnutrition and hunger, the primary responsibility is that of the Congress party which has ruled for so long," BJP deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Ravi Shankar Prasad said. Lamenting that many of its important amendments with regard to the legislation were rejected, BJP explained to its leaders the shortcomings of the Bill

which is silent on making available ration in case of drought or earthquake when food is required the most. "The party explained as to how it's most reasonable propoor amendments have been rejected," he said after a meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party. The leaders at the meeting explained as to how some of the shortcomings of the Bill will come in the way of its successful implementation, Prasad told reporters. He also termed as "wrong" that lactating mothers and some others were not entitled to benefits of the Bill as they are already getting advantage from other schemes. -PTI

Iraqi PM al-Maliki woos India Inc, assures security MUMBAI: Making a strong pitch for investments to rebuild his war-ravaged country, visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Kamil al-Maliki sought to allay India Inc's concerns about security and legal issues. "We guarantee all the work around security and the legal issues," he said at a gathering of industrialists and corporates organized by industry bodies CII and Ficci. "We desire and wish that there is progress on investment," he said, seeking investments from India Inc in a variety of fields including energy exploration and production, refineries, fertilizer

plants, affordable housing, health and education. The Prime Minister hinted that he prefers private sector investment over public sector as it is more effective in managing investment and making an impact. He also laid emphasis on the importance of finance and called upon Indian banks to open more branches in his country which is struggling to rebuild itself after years of internal and external strife. "We also call upon you to open branches of banks to finance the reconstruction efforts," he said. Addressing the gathering, a top functionary from engineering giant Larsen & Toubro, which has

interest in the oil-rich Arab nation, said domestic companies are apprehensive about the security security scenario in Iraq. "We find the security environment a bit scary." Earlier, Sami Araji, chairman of the Iraqi national investment commission, said the country is targeting to invest USD 1 trillion in various infrastructure projects over the next 10 years through two five-year plans. He said apart from financial investments, Indian companies can help through supply contracts and in execution of large scale engineering, procurement and construction projects. -PTI

Indian hockey is more professional now: Kurtz IPOH, Malaysia: One the first foreign coaches to have worked with the Indian team, German Oliver Kurtz feels that Indian hockey has become more professional now, the lack of which resulted in the eight-time Olympic champions slide in the last three decades. Kurtz, who assisted countryman Gerhard Rach as coach of the Indian team in the 2004 Athens Olympics where the team finished seventh, reminisces his short stint with India and said a professional approach is key to any country's success in modern day hockey. "Indian hockey is more professional now. It is making a big difference. There is a totally different culture in Asia. Earlier, there was no professionalism in teams like India and Pakistan which I believe is a reason behind their fall in world hockey," Kurtz told PTI in an interview on the sidelines of the ninth Asia Cup here. "If you look at teams like Australia, Germany you will get an idea how professionally they work. The daily routine of these teams, the fitness level of their players... "Indian hockey is slowly becoming more professional. They have hired specialized people for every aspect of the game. In Hockey India League, India now has the world's biggest and most expensive hockey league," said Kurtz, who is here as the coach of Oman.

The former German striker said Indian hockey's decision to invest on youth paid rich dividends. "In the last 3-4 years India has focused on the youth and now this is getting them results. I always love to see India playing good hockey. Individually the Indian players are very good," said Kurtz, who was a member of Germany's gold medal winning team in 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Oliver Kurtz

Kurtz, however, advised the administrators of the game back in India not to indulge in frequent change of plans. "India is on a very good way to recovery. Indian hockey has improved by leaps and bounds, but it will take time, may be 2-3 years more. "But India need to focus and trust in one plan. The problem arises when too many changes are made. If every time a new plan is introduced then the players get confused," Kurtz observed. Kurtz had high regards about Indian hockey's High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans' abilities. -PTI

NRI youth, murdered in US, cremated FATEHGARH SAHIB, Punjab: Amid heart-rending scenes, the body of an NRI youth, who was allegedly murdered in the USA on August 6, was cremated in Majri Kishnewally village of Amloh subdivision here. The deceased Manpreet Singh Ghuman (27) died after he was shot by an unidentified person while working at a gas station, family sources said, adding, that a customer later found him lying in a pool of blood. Ghuman, the son of an agricul-

turist Surinder Singh, had migrated to the US two years ago and was working as a clerk at a petrol pump in the South Lake Tahoe City in El Dorado County in California. Avtar Singh Bhamrasi, a close relative of Ghuman, who is also living in the US, accompanied the body to the village. He said the Lake Tahoe Secret Witness Program had offered a USD 1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. -PTI

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Karzai seeks Pak help for peace talks with Taliban ISLAMABAD: Afghan Presi- portant juncture in his country's "We fully agree that this prodent Hamid Karzai has pitched for history. We wish the Afghan cess has to be inclusive, Afghana joint campaign against extrem- people....The year 2014 is particu- owned and Afghan-led. I assured ism with Pakistan and sought its larly crucial for Afghanistan and Karzai that Pakistan will continue cooperation to jumpstart the this region," Sharif said. to extend all possible facilitapeace process with the Taliban in Ties between the two countries tions," he said. his war-torn country. nosedived after Pakistan and the He said Pakistan will also help Karzai, who arrived here on a US supported a Taliban office that reinforce regional support in staday-long visit, made his appeal in opened in Doha in June to foster bilization of Afghanistan. talks with Pakistan Prime Minis- talks. Karzai was infuriated by the "It is also indispensable for our ter Nawaz Sharif, who promised opening of the Taliban office, con- positive agenda of peace and deto extend all possible assistance. sidered a precursor towards talks velopment," he added. Stating that both he and Sharif with US officials. He now wants Both sides also talked about discussed all issues of mutual concern, Karzai said, "We discussed in this regard primarily and with emphasis the issue of joint fight against extremism and reconciliation in Afghanistan with the expectation that the Government of Pakistan will facilitate and help in manners it can to the peace process in Afghanistan and providing opportunities on all platforms for talks between Afghan High Peace Council and the Afghan President Hamid Karzai, left, shakes hand with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Taliban movement." Sharif prior to their meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, August 26 The Afghan President said the primary concern for both countries is the Pakistan to help open dialogue increasing bilateral cooperation in lack of security for their citizens with the Taliban which has re- the field of economy and connecand the continued menace of ter- fused all contact with Kabul. tivity. rorism. Karzai was also upset over a Karzai said Pakistan, as a friend "It is this area that needs to reported statement by Pakistan's and neighbor can expect good have primary focused attention by National Security Advisor Sartaj from Afghanistan just as Afghaniboth countries. It is with hope on Aziz that Kabul should cede some stan expects from Pakistan. this that I have come to Pakistan provinces to Taliban for lasting The Afghan President said he and to advance efforts and action peace. informed Sharif about Kabul's retogether so that we can have Aziz reportedly proposed this gional and international relations. peace in Afghanistan and Paki- to Afghan Ambassador Umer He underlined that stan," Karzai said addressing TV Duadzai in a meeting in Islamabad Afghanistan's relations with cameras. in June. countries of the world and in this Sharif on his part said his govSharif said it was Pakistan's region will only be beneficial to the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is the first highest-level This is also Karzai's first visit to Islamabad in exchange between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the democratic 18 months and could be crucial in transition and swearing-in of the overcoming hostility ahead of the massive new government here. This is also Karzai's first visit troop pullout by the US-led NATO to Islamabad in 18 months and forces scheduled for end of 2014 could be crucial in overcoming hostility ahead of the massive ernment has assumed office with sincere hope and desire that the troop pullout by the US-led the resolve to create a peaceful 2014 milestone is crossed peace- NATO forces scheduled for end external environment so that it can fully. of 2014. focus on Pakistan's domestic pri"We focused on common chalPakistan too wants some sort orities. lenges that we face. I stressed to of political settlement between "Being in a cooperative and President Karzai the importance Kabul and Taliban to avoid a civil stable relationship with all our that Pakistan attaches to peace- war scenario at its restive border. neighbors is a vital component of ful, stable and united Afghanistan. But there is pervasive suspithis vision. Our security and fu- I also reaffirmed Pakistan's strong cion about Pakistan's long term ture prosperity is linked to Af- and sincere support for peace and objective and role of its intellighanistan in multiple ways. Presi- reconciliation in Afghanistan," gence agency ISI in backing the dent Karzai is visiting at an im- Sharif said. Taliban. -PTI

Pakistan, China discuss economic corridor project ISLAMABAD: Senior officials like that of Hong Kong could be from Pakistan and China dis- awarded to Gwadar. cussed various aspects of multiThe corridor was first anbillion dollar economic corridor nounced during the June visit of project that envisages the con- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to struction of a 200 km-long strate- Pakistan and an agreement in this gic tunnel through the rugged regard was signed during the rePoK region. cent visit of Pakistan Prime MinThe Joint Committee on Paki- ister Sharif to China. stan-China economic corridor met China took control of the strahere and discussed details of the tegic Gwadar port this year, which ambitious project, including rail and road link from Kashgar in According to a deal China to Gwadar in Pa- signed in July, the project kistan. According to a deal includes construction of 200 signed in July, the kilometers long tunnel, project includes construction of 200 kilome- which will link both the ters long tunnel, which countries and facilitate will link both the countries and facilitate trade trade and commuters and commuters. As per the plan, special eco- gave it access to the Arabian Sea nomic zones would be established and Strait of Hormuz through along the economic corridor, and which a third of the world's oil is Chinese companies have shown transported. willingness to set up industries in According to experts, the corthe zones. ridor will speed up development The Pakistani delegation was in Xinjiang, which has seen freled by Minister for Planning and quent unrest, and also open up a Development Ahsan Iqbal while new route for China's energy imthe Chinese side was led by ports from West Asia. Zhang Xiaoqiang, China's NaThe corridor will pass through tional Development and Reform Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Commission Vice Minister. which borders Xinjiang-Uygur Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz autonomous region of China and Sharif has said that Gwadar port provides the only feasible transhas the potential to become a free port link between the two counport, adding that a special status tries. -PTI

Four cups of coffee a day may fight prostate cancer WASHINGTON: Men who drink four or more cups of coffee daily are at a lower risk of prostate cancer progression and recurrence, a new study has found. Researchers from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that men who drank four or more cups of coffee per day experienced a 59 per cent reduced risk of prostate cancer recurrence and/or progression as compared to those who drank only one or

fewer cups per week. The study did not, however, find an association between coffee drinking and reduced mortality from prostate cancer, although the research included too few men who died of prostate cancer to address that issue separately. The study also did not find an associated reduction of prostate cancer recurrence and/or progression with tea consumption. "To our knowledge, our study is the first to investigate the potential association between tea consumption and prostate cancer outcomes," researchers wrote in the study to be published in journal Cancer Causes & Control. "It is important to note, however, that few patients in our cohort were regular tea drinkers and the highest category of tea consumption was one or more cups per day. -PTI

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Lake County Indians celebrate Tulsidas Jayanti SURENDRA ULLAL

Joshi briefed devotees about the life and works of Sant Tulsidas. Versatile and popular singers rendered bhajans making devotees to sink in Bhakti. President Dr Harsh Kumar along with Ex-President Shashi Mehta distributed the pictures of Tulsidas to every devotee. They also honored Smt. Bindu Shroff for her family's contribution to the temple and organizing and actively participating in the Tues-

cially Sundar Kand of Tulsidas. He also mentioned that solutions to our problems can be found in Ramayana as it teaches how to live in this world and how we can achieve the ultimate goal of life. Various characters of Ramayana mould our thinking and living process. He appealed to youth to chant Hanuman Chalisa and know more about the literary works of the brilliant Saint Tulsidas. Harsh Kumar also thanked all

Devotees at Sant Tulsidas Jayanti celebrations

CHICAGO: Sant Tulsidas Jayanti was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by more than one hundred devotees on August 13 at Hindu Mandir of

Lake County. Devotees started Sant Tulsidas Jayanti with Ganapati, Ram Parivar and Hanumani Ji Pooja followed by the pooja of

Sant Tulsidas. Madhu Mehta and Rita Patel chanted their regular Ram Stuti and Hanuman Chalisa filled with spiritual spirit along with other devotees. Prabhakar

Encyclopedia of Hinduism unveiled in South Carolina Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 7

Board of Editors include Subhash Kak, Regents Professor of Computer Science, Oklahoma State University; V V Raman, emeritus professor of physics and humanities, Rochester Institute of Technology and senior fellow at Metanenexus Institute; Rama Rao Pappu, senior professor of philosophy at Miami University in Ohio and Ratna Lahiri, senior fellow, Encyclopedia of Hinduism. The encyclopedia is the brainchild of Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Hrishikesh and founder of the India Heritage Research Foundation. Chidanand Saraswati said the idea of the encyclopedia was not to convert anyone to Hinduism but help others in becoming good citizens. It presents Hinduism as a living religion with application to modern times and contains over six million words and 10,000 original entries. "It's for the parents who have no answers to the queries of their inquisitive children about Hinduism and gods and also to educate themselves on their own religion," he said. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, president of Divine Shakti Foundation and managing editor of the encyclopedia, said the two-day conference aims to deepen a con-

versation among cultures as part of India's quest for spiritual unity. "Indian cultural and spiritual traditions, encompassed within the religion known as Hinduism offer some of the deepest and most universally applicable insights, truths and teachings. Un-

The encyclopedia is the brainchild of Swami Chidanand Saraswati, president of Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Hrishikesh. Chidanand Saraswati said the idea of the encyclopedia was not to convert anyone to Hinduism but help others in becoming good citizens fortunately, these tend to be misunderstood in the West. "The Encyclopedia of Hinduism brings together, in a format comprehensible and accessible to people of all cultures, all religions and all walks of life, the depth and breadth of this ancient yet timeless heritage," she said.

The encyclopedia, also called the 'Project of the third Millennium', began in 1987 under the leadership of Chidanand Saraswati. The offices for the project were located at the University of South Carolina. "The Encyclopedia of Hinduism, a comprehensive compilation of the spiritual and cultural heritage of India, provides a rich tapestry of Hinduism in the global context, a great gift to mankind," said Meera Narasimhan, Vice Dean of Innovative Healthcare Technologies of University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Raoul Goff, founder of publisher of Insight Editions, Mandala Publishing, said the aim was to present the comprehensive structure of Hinduism as a total life experience covering not only textual material and oral traditions but the whole spectrum of Hinduism consisting of regional forms and variations of Hindu self-identity. The University of South Carolina also announced CarolIndia a celebration of India through a series of Fall and Spring events. Led by the College of Arts and Sciences Walker Institute, CarolIndia aims at elevating campus and community understanding of India's growing importance as the world's largest democracy and a rising global economy.-PTI

Dr Harsh and Shashi Mehta distributing Tulsidas pictures

day Ram and Hanuman pooja and Sundar Kanda path. Finally temple priest Pandit Anil Joshi gave a speech on greatness of Sant Tulsidas. He said that Shree Ram is known to people because of literary works espe-

devotees and the youth for their contribution and voluntary services to the temple. The devotees offered flowers to Tulsidas Ji. Maha Mangalarati was performed and delicious prasad was served to all the devotees.

One in four Indians skips breakfast: Study MUMBAI: Even as Food Security Bill for ensuring foodgrain supply to poor in the country gets debated in Parliament, a study by cereal maker Kelloggs India has found that one out of four Indians in metro cities, skip breakfast, which could lead to chronic diseases. With reasons ranging from paucity of time to fears of weight gain, the study conducted by College of Home Science, Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai, found 27 per cent respondents saying they skipped breakfast. Only three per cent respondents said they considered breakfast as essential part of the day, it added. The study conducted over years, starting 2009, covered 3,619 respondents from Delhi, Mumbai,

Kolkata and Chennai. "Even among those who are having breakfast, we found glaring deficits in nutrients as per the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). About 72 per cent of the subjects are having nutritionally inadequate breakfast, especially in

terms of iron and fiber intake," Malathi Sivaramkrishnan, Research Director at the institute told reporters here. This was highest in Kolkata, followed by Mumbai and Delhi, while the best nutrient profile was that of Chennai, she added. -PTI

Horoscope

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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

AUGUST 30 TH - SEPTEMBER 6 TH , 2013 (March 21 to April 20)

ou will do very well with money this week. There will be many chances to make fast bucks. You will become more social and will be in demand in the party. People will appreciate your contribution. You will receive valuable advice and tips from an elderly and matured person. Spouse will pay more attention to health and have few uncertainties in mind.

(July 23 to August 22)

ou will be under lots of pressure in order to prove your efficiency under difficult conditions. Do not allow a co worker distract you from real goals. Sun in the third will help resolve all issues with government in your favor. If you sign any paper in a hurry you will regret soon. People in business will have better sales and make new clients.

(April 21 to May 20)

f you can keep your emotions under check, you will be rewarded in near future. Money will become available as and when needed. Any changes at work at this point will prove to be beneficial in time to come. You will be again successful in trimming corners and save a lot. You will be working on a great plan with some like minded friends.

(August 23 to September 22)

pponents will try hard but fail. You will be selected among number of candidates for the job. Quick recovery from minor illness also indicated. You will benefit from some one lot younger in age. Money wise things will start moving in right direction and you will recover some old payments too. An old friend will call and invite for lunch.

(May 21 to June 20)

t will be an interesting week and if you play your cards right and quick, it's a win win situation. Changes you had been waiting for can take place so fast that even you will be amazed. You will take little time off work and spend quality time with family and may travel to a nice place for a day. Some body is working behind the scene for you.

(September 23 to October 22)

long awaited reunion is in the air. Things will continue to be strong in career with bad days a matter of history. You will spend more time away from home for business purpose. Loan application will finally get approved bringing big relief in mind. You will be full of great ideas and wit for right opportunity and time. Get together will be entertaining.

(June 21 to July 22)

o not act childish and take things seriously. It's a trap, watch out and be careful with a person who's been trying to flirt with you lately. Some disturbance will continue in career but without any real threat. You may need new prescription for glasses. Soon you will have few visitors in the house. You will travel to a nice area with family.

(October 23 to November 22)

ou will need outside help in order to get out of a sticky situation. Some of you will be trying very hard to find another job. Things will continue to stay on the edge as far as finances are concerned. Hard work and efforts will pay off in near future. You will be spending more on family and their needs. You will have few guests at your place. (November 23 to December 22)

ou will join hands with some very like minded and famous people. Plans you are working on will bring drastic changes in career very soon and place you to a totally different level. Home remedy will help you overcome health problems. You will take a short trip to a hot and dry area. You may also dispose off some stocks for a decent profit. (December 22 to January 19)

ou will need to make changes in plans on the last minute. People in power or the boss will give little headache. Money wise this could be a rewarding week. Money may come from totally unexpected quarters. You will make an appointment with your dentist too. You will learn from opponents and try to correct your approach to obtain a better deal. (January 20 to February 18)

ou should not wait another day and cash profit making stocks. Suddenly you will become very ambitious and seriously look for new avenues to supplement your income. Time spent on phone will not go waste and you will save some money for long time. You will get to sit with successful people and learn from their experience and personality. (February 19 to March 20)

worthy cause will bring you closer to some like minded people. Mars and Venus can involve you with an adventurous person but it will be temporary only. An upcoming move will cause lots of excitement in the family. You may have to travel to another city in connection with some urgent business. Money wise you will be comfortable.

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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Desi News Festival of India honors Gadar heroes RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Ro Khanna for transformative ideas on education Details on page 23

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Sriram Hathwar of New York clinches Spelling Bee title India Post News Service

Details on page 22

Indo-American Center celebrates India Day SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: Over 200 people attended the India Day celebration hosted by Indo American Center, a premier service organization of Indian Americans in Chicagoland All those present had a good time enjoying patriotic and other songs rendered by talented local artists. Mrs Gita Chawla, Seniors Program Coordinator, welcomed the guests and briefed them about significance of the celebrations. James Lemonides, IAC Interim Executive Director, also welcomed everyone and greeted them with Happy Independence Day. The emcee was Govindbhai Limbachia who did a remarkable job. A variety of delicious food was prepared by Kamlesh Kaur and Dupinder Kaur. The meeting hall was set up well decorated by Kemal Huric. Details on page 18

St Louis Association celebrates India Day ASHWIN PATEL

NEW JERSEY: Sriram Hathwar correctly spelled the word 'phorminx' during the 2013 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee Finals to clinch the title of National Champion. During the event on August 16, which was taped live for broadcast on Sony Entertainment Television, Sriram along with 23 other finalists competed for the title. Siblings from Pearland TX - Shobha & Shourav Dasari - were National Runners-Up. Twenty-four top spellers from 12 regional centers gathered at the Rutgers College auditorium to battle it out for the title of champion and a $10,000 Grand Prize from MetLife. The event was organized by leading South Asian advertising firm, Touchdown Media Inc. and sponsored by MetLife, a leading provider of insurance, employee benefits and other financial services. Sony Entertainment Television is the exclusive rights holder and will be broadcasting the event across the globe in over 119 countries. Airline major Air-India and education company C2Education have also come on board this year as sponsors for this event. "An elite group of 24 spellers from across the country gathered here tonight and the contest was tough! The best finally prevailed, so heartiest congratulations to Sriram and all the spellers", said Rahul Walia, CEO, Touchdown Media Inc. and Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. He added "This is a great platform that helps children showcase their talent, hone their skill and inculcate a sense of discipline that will help in their overall development. I urge parents to take advantage of this unique contest next year." The special guest at the Finals was Syamantak Payra, 2012 South Asian Spelling Bee National Champion, who helped co-host a portion of the event. The champion received a $10,000 grand prize from MetLife along with the South Asian Spell-

(L to R) Elaine Liu, Director Asian Markets for MetLife with brand icon Snoopy alongside 2013 MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee National Champion Sriram Hathwar of Painted Post, NY and Rahul Walia, Founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. Pic Gunjesh Desai/MasalaJunction.com

ing Bee trophy. The runners-up received tickets to India from Air India. "MetLife would like to congratulate all the winners, especially Sriram Hathwar, our new national champion," said Laurel Daring, assistant vice president, Diverse Markets, MetLife.

the Bee have better prepared themselves for their future through commitment and hard work." The event was open to children up to 14 years of age and was held in 12 regional centers across the United States. These areas included, New Jersey, DC Metro area, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Seattle,

Twenty-four top spellers from 12 regional centers gathered at the Rutgers College auditorium to battle it out for the title of champion and a $10,000 Grand Prize from MetLife "Being the title sponsor of the South Asian Spelling Bee competition has given MetLife the opportunity to play a role in the education of these talented young people whose dedication to furthering their educational goals is an inspiration to everyone. It is very gratifying to know that Sriram's path to higher education will be assisted by this grand prize - and that all the participants in

New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Bay Area and the newly added Orlando. The contest was conducted in written and oral format at the regional levels which served as the elimination as well as selection process for the finalists. Jaideep Janakiram, Head North America, SET Asia commented," Once again, we are proud to be associated with the Bee and this year, have planned

on a series of episodes highlighting the journey of this event since its inception. SONY will be broadcasting a total of six episodes in 2013 giving sponsors, participants and viewers an insightful look at the Bee. SET Asia is always looking to entertain and to involve our international viewers in shows such as the Spelling Bee and look forward to broadcast this exciting event to all its viewers around the globe." After registering their child online at www.southasianspellingbee.com, parents brought them to the designated center and a 25 word written test was administered. Children had to spell 15 or more words correctly to qualify for the afternoon oral round and from there the top three were awarded prize money and the top two qualified for the Finals. From each of these centers, the finalists along with a parent were invited on an all expenses paid trip to the finals in NJ. Overall about 700 children registered to spell amongst all the centers.

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FIA (Asli) takes exception to antics of other FIA ABDUL SIDDIQUI

Iftekhar Shareef, Chairman of FIA-Chicago Board of Trustees, said that on many occasions the move had been condemned by him and many well meaning community activists. He openly invited them to join the original FIA founded in 1980. He warned them of legal action if they continue to confuse the community. It is learnt that the other group took out a small parade of one float

Iftekhar Shareef and Hina Trivedi

CHICAGO: The Federation of Indian Associations (Chicago) claiming to be real FIA representing strong Indian American community in Chicagoland, has taken strong exception to antics of other group who have set up another organization and naming it FIA.

In a statement it said that by using the name of FIA Chicago and collecting funds was unfair and grossly misleading. Two individuals after losing FIA elections in 2009 registered another FIA by manipulating the name by one letter.

Anila Sinha Foundation to present 'Gondwana Dawn' MADHU PATEL

CHICAGO: Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF) a premiere service organization promoting classical Indian dances (Kathak in this part of the world), has slated a unique program Gondwana Dawn - an interactive performance of African and Indian classical music with dances. This unique presentation is

several raagas including Bhairav, depicting 'The Dawn' and raag Kalavati based on Indian traditional poetry by Sumitranandan Pant. In addition an item in raaga Hansdhwani will be presented with cosmic dance of Lard Shiva and Parvati. The African counterpart will be performed in 'Zulu', 'Ubuntu' and

An Indian artist performing Kathak dance and Grammy award winner Robin Hogarth

slated at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie on Sunday, Sept 8 at 3pm. This program is an unusually fascinating presentation combining African and Indian classical music. The Indian lyric will be presented in

African choir depicting African wedding song with traditional dancing. Towards the end a special song entitled 'Nikosi Sikelel'i Afrika', meaning God bless Africa will be presented. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 19

in a parking lot in Schaumburg Illinois, and the total attendance was 25 people who were not fully aware that this was the break-away group. Shareef said the original FIA has no issue if they do any events but they should not use the FIA-Chicago name. Meanwhile, The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) President Hina Trivedi thanked the sponsors and business commu-

nity for their valuable help and support in the organization of the India Day festivities along with the team of FIA leaders, trustees and the executive board for their steadfast dedication and team spirit. The closing ceremony on the reviewing stand was graciously handled by Sanhita Agnihotri who drew the curtains on the colorful parade with the singing of Indian national anthem.

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Indo-American Center celebrates India Day SURENDRA ULLAL

James Lemonides, IAC Interim Executive Director, also welcomed everyone and greeted them with Happy Independence Day. The emcee was Govindbhai Limbachia who did a remarkable job. A variety of delicious food was prepared by Kamlesh Kaur and Dupinder Kaur. The meeting hall was set up well decorated by Kemal Huric. Gita Chawla extended her heartfelt thanks to all

Flag salutation during India Day celebration at Indo American Center

the seniors for their active participation in the program. She said that "our goal is to make all the seniors happy and delighted." Seniors Independence Flag Salami and songs were done by Hamid Syed, Bhavana Desai, Sudha Baxi, Naresh Shah, Sabera

Saiyed, Mariya Christen, Vijay Kumar, Raj Kumari, Rela Devi, Adom Osman, Poria Mahipal, Khokhar Mohammed, Ramesh Shah, Ali Mir, Sudaksha Kapur, Mansoor Chatur, Sudrshan Nargotra, Parkash Varma and Neeru Singh.

Graduation ceremony at Vedic Day Care Center SURENDRA ULLAL

CHICAGO: The Vedic Day Care Center, a pre-school and kindergarten facility in Chicago, celebrated its 19th annual graduation program on Sunday, August 18 at the Center. The graduation celebration was a grand success participated by

of Krishna dances were performed. The Chief Guest was Navin Mehta. Praising this unique facility doing yeomen job in Chicagoland, Mehta said that the community as such should encourage the efforts of the Center management and see

Children at the Vedic Day Care Center with organizers and guests

patrons, family members of the students, guests and well wishers of the facility. The children of the Vedic Day Care recited some slokas from the Bhagavad Gita and the Raas Lila

that it serves as a role model for similar facilities not only in Chicago land but across USA. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 20

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St Louis Association celebrates India Day ASHWIN PATEL

Community members gathered at India Day celebration

ST LOUIS: India Association of St. Louis (IAS), established five decades ago, celebrated India's Independence Day on August 18 at Mahatma Gandhi Cultural Center (MGC) in a grand style keeping up its years old tradition. The event started with hoisting the American and Indian flags by Charlie Dooley, the St. Louis county executive. The program was stated by the singing of Vandemataram. In his address, Dooley spoke about the relationship between India and United States and stressed on how Indian Community grew in America since the inception of Immigration act in 1960s. He honored Tejshi Rapar Shah, 93, and Kastuben Tejshi Shah who recently celebrated their

68th marriage anniversary. Shah who started his career on a sailboat to Kenya has a life story that is an "epitome of human endurance and a triumph through adversity". Dooley presented to him a plaque in his honor and a saree to Mrs Kasturiben. Dooley then opened the Independence Day Mela (stalls) by cutting the ribbon. The floating population of Americans and Indians enjoyed the mouthwatering Indian food and a stroll around booths that offered beautiful Jewelry, cloths, decorations, sandals, insurance, and real estate among others. India Association of St. Louis also conducted an essay writing and math competitions for junior and senior level children. These events were sponsored by

A cultural presentation during India Day event

County Executive Charlie Dooley with Indian community members

Mayfield, CornerStone Mortgage. Finally, an exciting cultural

program started at 4 pm. Many children and adults participated in showing their talent in classi-

cal and Bollywood dance. Certificates of Appreciation were distributed to all the participants.

Anila Sinha Foundation to present 'Gondwana Dawn' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

A group of African and Indian artists to present Gondwana

There are several items in between leading to the last song entitled 'Asato Maa Sadgamaya' depicting from untruth to truth, darkness to light, death to immortality will conclude the program. Verses in Zulu have similar meaning. The African and the Indian artists together will present a fascinating program with dance chorography in Kathak style by Kiran Chouhan. The African ensemble will be directed by Grammy award winner Robin Hogarth. The Indian ensemble will be directed by Padmashree Sumitra Guha along with live orchestra which will include Tabla, Flute, Drums, and base Guitar. "This will be truly an

exciting program not to be missed'" pointed our Dr Birendra Sihna, Director ASF. ASF was incorporated in the year 1998 in memory of Mrs Anila Sinha, a Kathak dancer herself, solely to the promotion of the Indian arts and culture. Since its inception, in keeping with its mission, ASF has presented numerous stage performances using reputable venues and two International Kathak Festivals. ASF also operates a school of Kathak dance (Kathak Nrityakala Kendra) with several centers in the Chicago land area. ASF has a full time highly qualified Kathak dance teacher and choreographer who is a disciple of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj.

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Pakistani parade and Mela attracts thousands A.Q. SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Pakistani American community celebrated 66th anniversary of Independence Day of Pakistan in Chicago with usual fervor. Many distinguished community members, social activists and leaders joined the Pak Day Parade on Devon Ave along with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Clerk of Circuit Court Cook County Dorothy Brown, Alderman Joe Moore, President Board of Commissioners Cook County Toni Preckwinkle and a team from the office of Secretary of State Jesse White. The Parade and Independence Day Celebrations were organized by Pakistan United Parade ComStart of the Parade. Pics Asian Media USA

mittee (PUPC) under chairman Dr Wasiullah Khan. Other members, Hameed Ullah Khan, Asif Salim, Yasin Chouhan, Ali Bakhtiari, Mehmood Kishwar, Abdul Wahid Butt, Jawaid Riaz, Akhtar Ali Taslim Raja, Raja Yakub, Raja Razzaq and Ilyas Khokhar were seen participating in Parade. The Parade concluded near Western Ave where a podium was erected for parade leaders. Dr Wasiullah Khan and Raja Yakub welcomed Pakistani American community and congratulated them on the 66th anniversary of Independence Day. Twenty One colorful floats passed by as speakers expressed their wishes

Crowd at Pakistan Day celebration

and greetings to community. Later, a Mela was organized at Warren Park near Devon Ave where hundreds of visitors enjoyed food and music. Many businesses made their presence in the Mela. Gifts and raffles were awarded for the visiting community. Raffle tickets sold for $10 a piece. Prizes were awarded such as an airline ticket to Pakistan, flat screen television, camcorder, digital camera, iPod, and many more. Raja Yakub emceed the event. Pakistani Christian community presented a musical chorus. The Mela and celebrations continued till late in the evening.

Chicago businessman passes away CHICAGO: Ishvarlal Danawala, a front ranking Chicago Devon Avenue businessman, passed away at his son's residence in Niles on Friday, August 16. He struggled with prostrate cancer for the past six months even though he had been successfully operated upon earlier. He was 89. Born at Diva near Bharuch in Gujarat on April 5, 1924, Isvarlal was a self made man. Form a modest start he raced to the top with the setting up Steelman Industrial Corporation, and Madhu Engineering in Vapi GIDC. He came to this country two and half decades ago and was a pioneer in establishing electronics business on Devon Avenue with his son Dilip

Danawala. He was also a religious man and wanted to give back to society. His

Ishvarlal Danawala

last wish was to set up a community hall in name of his wife

Matudevi, who passed away seven years ago in India. He was mentally active till his last moment. His cremation was done at Sax Tiedemann funeral home in Franklin Park near Chicago in the presence of his family members, relatives business associates and friends. The urn of his ashes has been sent to India for final religious rites. He had realized the value of education and was insistent upon his sons and grand children to have good education. The result is that his many grand children are doctors, pharmacists and professionals. He is survived by three sons, a daughter, 12 grand children and 14 great grand children.

Floats during Parade

Graduation ceremony at Vedic Day Care Center Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

It has done a wonderful job of teaching the children about Indian culture and traditions, he observed, emphasizing that more and more parents should take advantage of the education that is provided by the Vedic Day Care. During the graduation ceremony, students received trophies and certificates, rewarding them for the out-

standing performances done at the Center. The rewards were given by the Chief Guest. The grand finale of the graduation ceremony was chanting prayers and distribution of prasadam, which was sponsored by Jai Hindi Plaza (Valabhai Patel) and Swati (Hansa Ben). Amongst those who support the Center financially are Dr. Agarwal, Dr Modi, Kalpesh Patel, and Navin Mehta.

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First ever US cricket tourney creates history SANJEEV VERMA

GERMANTOWN, MD: For three years Jamie Harrison, founder and president of the United States Youth Cricket Association, carried a dream in his head: a cricket championship in

Jamie Harrison, President of USYCA

Cricket Championship. Tossing the coin for the championship match was Dr Rajan Natarajan, Deputy Secretary of State of Maryland. Cockeysville won the toss and chose to bowl. Both the teams were taken aback by the fast, bouncy pitch as the balls were rising up into the batsman's ribcage. Germantown was in trouble as soon as they lost their opening batsman on the 2nd bowl and Cockeysville contained Germantown in the 1stinnings by allowing only 18 runs for 7 wickets. In return, Germantown restricted Cockeysville to 20 runs for 5 wickets. In the 2nd innings, Cockeysville bowling entranced the Germantown batsmen who were bowled out for just seven runs. This was the time when Cockeysville realized that the championship was theirs as they only needed 6 runs in 8 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Germantown team regrouped

the US. Last month his dream came true at the South Germantown Recreational Park on a Sunday afternoon when two teams battled for the Maryland Youth Cricket Championship, the first such event in United States history. In the final of the t o u r n a m e n t , There was music, activities Germantown Kids for the kids and of course Cricket Club won the the cricket match. Watched state title over Cockeysville Kids by dozens of parents and Cricket, 25-23, after a fans, both A and B squads one-month, four-team of the Germantown Kids tournament. "This is something Cricket Club (GKCC) happening in front of me that I envisioned defeated their opponents and imagined and thought that could happen," said under their coaches Sanjeev Verma Harrison. "It's proof of concept. and Kush Singh, shrugging off I've imagined this day in my head the thought of defeat and for three years. And now I'm bounced off to the field to see the watching it, with my eyes, happen. match through. They knew if there I feel crazy that this is actually was to be a comeback it would regoing on." quire ingenuity and unorthodox There was music, activities for measures. In the next two overs, the kids and of course the cricket Germantown team gave 2 runs and match. Watched by dozens of par- one wide, total of 3 runs and took ents and fans, both A and B 1 wicket.

GKCC - Team B gather after winning their final match

squads of the Germantown Kids Cricket Club (GKCC) defeated their opponents and sealed the season with the first-ever Maryland Youth

The 11thover became a nail biting, stomach crunching, better than best of the T20 match as Germantown took four so desper-

GKCC - Team A in blue with their coaches pose for a picture with CRC before the Championship. GKCC won the 1st ever MD Youth Cricket Championship by 2 runs

ately needed wickets to stop Cockeysville in their tracks. You could hear the gasps half a mile away from family and friends of Cockeysville as they were expect-

ing to take the championship home. But Germantown rose to the top at the last minute and took the first-ever inaugural Maryland Youth Cricket Championship.

This was a monumental comeback that has been engraved in all of the Germantown Kids Cricket Club with the new motto: "Never Give Up".

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Festival of India honors Gadar heroes RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

FREMONT: Gadar movement was started by a few young individuals in California brimming with passion for Indian freedom in 1913. Keeping the Khalsa traditions, Gadri Babas sacrificed their lives for the country and sparked the revolution. It soon caught on and resulted in revolutionary efforts. Some of the well-known revolutionaries such as Subhash Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh were inspired by the movement. The 21st Festival of India in Fremont honored the Gadar heroes (Gadari Babas) in a prominent manner. A special area was earmarked to show case the Gadari Babas and their sacrifices. Over 1000 rare pictures of martyrs who gave up their lives for

Ritu Maheshwari demonstrating at the exhibition

The 21st Festival of India in Fremont honored the Gadar heroes (Gadari Babas) in a prominent manner. A special area was earmarked to show case the Gadari Babas and their sacrifices

nation's freedom were displayed. Indo American Cultural Organization's Avtar (Tari) Singh, Mehnga Singh, and Sucha Singh along with Ritu Maheshwari devoted long hours in putting together the exhibition and shared the Gadar stories with the visitors. The exhibition went a long

The award winning Gadar float

way in creating awareness among Bay Area residents around Gadar movement. A beautifully decorated float was dedicated to represent the essence of Gadar movement. As part of the largest Independence Day parade in California, the Gadar float, adorned with life size

cutouts of key Gadari Babas (Sardar Kartar Singh Sarabha, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Lala Har Dayal among others) strutted along the parade route. It caught everyone's eye along the way. It was also adjudged the float with best appearance in the parade.

Display of rare Gadari Babas pictures

Community organizations helping in health insurance SEETA BRAHMBHATT

CHICAGO: With only 45 days to the start of open enrollment, the Asian Health Coalition (AHC) and its partners have been actively conducting education and outreach about the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace. AHC is one of 44 communitybased organizations around the state that have been selected to participate in the outreach and enrollment initiative for the Affordable Care Act. "We recognize the immediate

need to help educate the public about the more affordable and comprehensive options that will be available through the Marketplace," said Ranjana Paintal, Project Director at AHC in a joint statement with Kiran Siddiqui, Executive Director at Hamdard. Governor Pat Quinn in a statement said "These proven organizations have stepped up and joined our movement to get the word out about insurance options that will improve the health of the

people of Illinois. Our goal is to make sure that no one is left out of this historic opportunity to obtain quality health coverage and the peace of mind that comes with it." Asian Health Coalition (AHC), established in 1996, has a mission to improve the health and wellness of the Asian American community through advocacy, technical assistance, communitybased education and research. Hamdard is a comprehensive mul-

tilingual, multicultural social service agency dedicated to serving the South Asian, Middle Eastern and Bosnian Communities in Illinois to promote physical and emotional health and psychological well-being of individuals and families Enrollment in the Marketplace will begin on October 1 with coverage to start Jan 1, 2014. The Marketplace will be accessed through a user-friendly website where individuals, families and

small businesses will be able to compare health care policies and premiums and purchase comprehensive health coverage. Individuals can set up an appointment to meet with an in-person counselor to learn more about the health insurance options available. Bilingual counselors are available in English, Bosnian, Hindi, Urdu, and Laotian. For assistance in Bosnian, Hindi, and Urdu, contact: Kiran Siddiqui (773) 465-4600 x27

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Pankaj Udhas mesmerizes with 'Heart to Heart' ghazals VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

HAYWARD, CA: Ghazal connoisseurs of Bay Area got to hear the best selection of melodies rendered by Padmashree Pankaj Udhas on Saturday, August 24. The event "Heart to Heart" presented by Instant Karma began at 8 pm at Chabot College, Hayward. The legendary Ghazal singer mesmerized the packed audience for over three hours. Pankaj Udhas is an Indian singer, credited in the Indian music industry, along with other musicians like Jagjit Singh and Talat Aziz, with bringing the Ghazal style to the realm of popular music. In 2006, Pankaj Udhas was awarded the Padmashree. Besides films, he has released a whole lot of private albums. Some of his popular songs include "Chitthi aayi hai, "Main deewana hoon" and "Chhupana bhi nahi aata". He is credited with bringing unique singing style where Urdu verses of poets are set to music. Pankaj Udhas has performed at nearly all prestigious venues all over the World and has entertained millions of ghazal lovers everywhere. In 1986, Pankaj won millions of hearts with his ever popular 'Chitthi Aayi Hai' from the movie Naam. This song struck a chord with every In-

dian living overseas and is still one of the most requested songs in concerts. It was judged as one of the 100 best songs of the Millennium by a BBC Poll. The program started with his popular Sharabi songs and he rendered the ghazals from his latest album, titled Sentimental. The album comprises seven ghazals that revolve around an emotional theme that revives lost moments with loved ones. The audience was taken through a musical journey of his popular ghazals that spanned the 80s and 90s to the

Ro for transformative ideas on education tional classroom, we have the opportunity to substantially change FREMONT, CA: Ro Khanna, the way we approach education. "Massive Open Online former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce and candidate Courses (MOOCs) are becoming for California's 17th congressional more available and the material district, has issued a statement on they provide is improving. ensuring college affordability as MOOCs have the potential to fundamentally part of a new change our 21st century education education system by agenda. lowering The statecosts and imment says, "I proving outcommend comes. AddiPresident tionally, we Obama's push should allow to return edustudent loan cation to the deferments for forefront of young entrethe national preneurs so debate by they can take holding colthe steps necleges acRo Khanna essary to countable for build sucthe value of the education they provide. But cessful businesses and create we can go further and, to truly re- good paying jobs. I encourage form our education system, I be- others to join me in pursuing translieve we must. With advances in formative ideas for education in technology and a willingness to the 21st century, which are essenthink outside the box of the tradi- tial for our nation's future." India Post News Service

current decade. The audience was emotional while he sang the ghazal titled "Maiee". The quality of the accompanying artistes was also evident as some outstanding

interludes were performed on flute, violin, mandolin, key board, dholak and tabla. Instant Karma, organizers of the event, thanked the audience

and sponsors for their support. Avex funding, India Cash n carry, Peacock Restaurant, Beta Soft systems, RL Runways were the main sponsors for the show.

24 India Post

India Post News Service

TORONTO: It was a night of entertainment, prestige and glamour all rolled into one. The 23rd annual Miss India-Canada Event, which was presented by Chevrolet, had it all this past Saturday. The sold out show was truly

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a memorable experience that those present will remember for years to come. Brita was once again the associate sponsor this year. At the end of the evening, Harleen Malhans of Toronto, Ontario won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2013. Other sponsors included Om

August 30, 2013

Financial, Cuisine of India Catering, NHS Family Trust, Quality Street and Bigen Speedy Hair Colour, to name a few. This year's show will be telecast next month on Zee TV Canada, the exclusive broadcast partner. With a red carpet entrance, dazzling cocktail hour, and stunning

Miss India-Canada 2013 and Chevrolet Spark Award winner for Best Performance, Harleen Malhans with her grand prize, Chevrolet Spark.-Pic Richard Budman

stage set provided by Dream Party Decor, patrons were "Wowed" right from the very beginning. The 16 delegates began the evening with a high-energy dance sequence that captivated the audience and kept them in their seats for the remainder of the evening. Notable attendees were Huse Madhavji, from television hit series Saving Hope and Combat

Hospital; Ms. Charandasi, Consul & Head of Chancery and Mr. Pardeep Kumar, Vice Consul Consulate General of India Toronto. The opening host, Aashish Rajhans, introduced the emcees for the evening - Karen Johnson, weather anchor of CTV's Canada AM, and Mohit Rajhans, segment producer at Breakfast Television. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 26

L-R: Organizer Sanjay Agnihotri, Celebrity Guest Jassi Sidhu, Hossein Hassani, Senior Manager of Customer Marketing General Motors of Canada, Harleen Malhans, Miss India-Canada 2013 and organizer Gautam Sharma. Pic M. Sagoo

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India Post 25 www.indiapost.com

Drink & drive 'Consequences' Conversation with novelist Nigel Fernandes PREETI VERMA LAL

ook ideas are so unpredictable. You never know where they are born. For Nigel Fernandes, it began in personal tragedy. In the death of his 20-month old nephew who was killed by a "reckless motorist", as Fernandes laments in his dedication. Consequences, Fernandes' debut novel has blood dripping on the white book jacket. Inside is a blood-curdling tale of revenge, vengeance, retribution. And, of course, the consequences of 'dad' (drink and drive). Straddling two continents (he divides time between Goa and Auckland), Fernandes doubles up as a freelance media/marketing specialist. A Gemini, Fernandes' favorite author is John Grisham; his favorite book A Time to Kill. When a writer's mental block starts killing him, Fernandes puts on his cross-trainers and goes for a run. In this interview, he talks about Consequences and his upcoming book. 'Consequences' stems from a personal tragedy. Did the accident in which your nephew was killed push you to write? Or, did you always want to write, the incident gave you the book peg? I have always wanted to write. My nephew's accident made me

tem in India when it comes to drunk-driving and hopefully raise a public debate that will lead to more stringent laws. How much time did you spend researching and writing the book? Roughly about 8 months. The printline defines this book as a 'work of fiction'. However, the characters are obviously taken from real life. The names are a twist to the easily-recognizable real-life drunk-driving accused. Was it a deliberate ploy? Yes, it was a deliberate ploy. A couple of the drunk-driving cases have been in the news in India for several years now. I merely added a twist in my book by using a vigilante to close these cases permanently. 'Consequences' seems like a spiel against drunk driving. If you had a magic wand, what would you do to 'stopdad'? I would definitely implement more stringent laws. On a social level, I would encourage people

to dissuade their family and friends from drinking and driving. We can all stop drunk-driving. We just have to be aware of the conse-

quences and take a stand. 5. You straddle two worlds Goa and New Zealand. You double up as a marketing/media specialist and writer. How seamless/tedious is it to be on two continents and to do two entirely different kinds of things? This is my first book, so I am still getting used to the idea of doing two different things on two different continents. I must admit

though, that has eaten into my coffers but I enjoy writing too much to worry about money. You are working on your second book, what is it about? Is it based in New Zealand? I have just started the research for my second book which is based in India and once again looks at the Indian legal system and its inability to bring justice to victims of a prevalent social evil.

John Abraham takes on the skeptics

has cleared the film. He cited that he hopes that no groups would exploit the film for their political gain. 'We have shown the film to the censor board, the biggest democratic body and they have cleared us. I think we should trust them and if someone wants to see the film, we will definitely show it to

them', Shootjit Sircar said. Among the various factions demanding a ban of Madras CafĂŠ is Naam Thamizhar (We Tamils), a Tamil activist group, which has sought a ban on the film for reportedly portraying Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) members as terrorists.

India Post News Service

he buzz around John Abraham's new film Madras CafĂŠ is audible across the world as the tense political thriller made headlines ahead of its international release. Some pro-Tamil organizations have even called for a worldwide ban of the film. Reacting positively to the critics John Abraham, who stars in the lead role as the Indian RAW intelligence security officer Captain Vikram Singh and whose production banner JA Entertainment co-produced the film, said that he was more than happy to clear

look at motor accidents from the point of view of a victim and the victim's family. I started to research motor accidents in India and realized that drunk-driving

victims and their families didn't really get justice through the judicial system. The laws are lax, the cases have been dragged through the courts for more than a decade and all the accused are out on bail. I am hoping that my book makes readers question the justice sys-

any misgivings about the film and even to hold screenings for those people who have raised objections. 'There have been a lot of enquiries from ruling parties and the opposition parties and the interest has increased and they want to see the film. We are ready to show it to them, but only when they watch it as viewers', said John Abraham. Director Shoojit Sircar has also agreed with John Abraham and has stated that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)

that as a writer I experience the best of both worlds. My marketing career has moved from full-time to part-time or contractual. Al-

Nigel Fernandes

India Post

August 30, 2013 www.indiapost.com

India.com built 70ft replica of Red Fort India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India.com, a ZEE Entertainment initiative, launched in the United States with a big Bollywood fanfare at the 33rd annual India Day Parade in New York City. The parade which is the largest gathering of the Indian community outside India, had more than 150,000 footfalls. India.com built a 70ft replica of the Red Fort, aka "Lal Qila." The Red Fort is the 255-acre complex in New Delhi built in the 17th century by Mogul emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal. Every August 15th on Independence Day, the Red Fort is the chosen location where the Prime Minister of India hoists the

country's flag and delivers a national speech from its ramparts to a loud and proud crowd.

Inside the fort, a royal red carpet welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and invited them to sign up

for a new @india.com email ID. There were more than 40 Macintosh computers laid out on a glass table. The inside walls of the fort were decorated with images that defined India.com. After registration, people went home with fun India.com freebies. India.com is a new online platform for everything Indian in an instant - from breaking news, business, and Bollywood to sports, travel and free classifieds. The website combines these one-of-akind features with an e-mail portal that will keep you connected. India.com launched in India back in 2011 and has since gained 28 million unique users making it one of the fastest growing portals. Other highlights of the parade

included marching bands, over 40 floats, 100 food vendors, and the presence of famous Bollywood actress Vidya Balan and anti-graft crusader, Anna Hazare. Sameer Targe, General Manager of ZEE Americas said, "The timing of our launch in North America could not have been any better. India Day Parade, which celebrates India's Independence Day, by any measure, is the biggest, most vibrant South Asian event that happens on the east coast. We had a tremendous response for the site. India.com is customized for the South Asian Diaspora and the Indophile segment. It was about time someone catered to the real needs of the Indian-American digital consumer."

Harleen Malhans is Miss India-Canada Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 24

They commenced the evening by introducing the distinguished Panel of Judges: Gurdeep Ahluwalia - CoHost of CP24 Breakfast and Anchor CP24; Deepti Aurora, Gala Committee Member - Scarborough Hospital Foundation; Rahul Bhardwaj, President - Om Financial; Dr. Arvi Grover, Director of Cardiovascular Research - KMH Cardiology; Hossein Hassani, Senior Manager of Customer Marketing - General Motors of Canada; Soula Kioussis, Director of Marketing The Clorox Company of Canada; Sangita Patel, CoHost - Entertainment Tonight Canada; Rahul Shastri, Senior Partner - Kagan Shastri LLP, Melanie Solmon, President - Exec Assess. The judges were then put to the test as each delegate completed the first three segments: Evening Gown, Talent, and Indian Dress. Next, the emcees announced that Harleen Malhans of Toronto, ON won the Chevrolet Spark Award for Best Performance and the Zee TV Canada TV Personality Award. Aradhna Juneja of Toronto, ON won the Brita Miss Congeniality Award, Ruchika Bindra of Montreal, QC won Miss Photogenic, and Neha Bhatia of Scarborough, ON won the People's Choice Award. Organizers Sanjay Agnihotri and Gautam Sharma were then called upon to say a few words and present UK Bhangra sensation, Jassi Sidhu with the Special Achievement Award for his contribution to South Asian music. The top five finalists were then announced in random order: Jasreen Cheema of Brampton, ON;

A sold out crowd enjoying the opening dance sequence at the 23rd annual Miss India-Canada Event.-Pic M. Sagoo

Reema Khithani of Mississauga, ON; Harleen Malhans of Toronto, ON; Nikki Shah of Richmond Hill, ON; and Lavanya Hiremath of Vancouver, BC. The final segment of Question & Answer involved asking each contestant a different question by the panel of judges. As the anticipation of the winner grew, the audience was treated to two jaw dropping entertainment pieces by two young, talented singers named Mohit and Anjali doing a fusion mash up. Patrons waited in complete silence as Karen and Mohit announced the results from the accounting firm of Kunjar Sharma and Associates. The Second Runner-up was Reema Khithani, the First Runner-up was Nikki Shah and this year's Miss IndiaCanada 2013 was Harleen Malhans. Harleen Malhans was born and raised in the beautiful, multicultural city of Toronto, Ontario. The 23-year-old is the youngest of four daughters. She has been fortunate enough to share the stage with the Indian actress and politician Jaya Prada and one of India's most influential vo-

calists, Manna Dey. Harleen successfully earned a B.A. in Communication Studies at York University. Currently, Harleen stays busy by juggling a career at Canada Protection Plan, assisting in the production of various shows with a Canadian television network, and is also the upcoming

Ms Soula Kioussis, VP Marketing The Clorox Company of Canada, presenting the BRITA Ms. Congeniality award to Aradhna Juneja.-Pic M. Sagoo

fashion host of a new Torontobased television show. It is her life-long dream to become a successful and well respected South Asian television personality. Harleen passionately feels it is crucial to have positive South Asian role models in the media world who inspire and lead

Organizers Sanjay Agnihotri (right) and Gautam Sharma (left) presenting the Special Achievement Award to UK Bhangra Ambassador, Jassi Sidhu.-Pic M. Sagoo

by example for younger generations. The experience of winning the Miss India-Canada 2013 crown has reconfirmed Harleen's belief that hard work, dedication, a positive mindset and a good sense of humour can result in a winning combination. After the show, Sanjay Agnihotri remarked "This certainly was the most successful Miss India-Canada event to date. We were honored to have Chevrolet on board for the very first time, and Brita back with us for a second consecutive year. And of course, having the Chevrolet Spark as our Grand Prize has made this year's show incredibly special. I am also delighted that the audience not only got to witness a truly glamorous event, but also walked away with some complimentary give-aways, of which a Brita Filter bottle was included in each gift bag. Moreover, we are overwhelmed with the support we received from the community this year. I am also very proud that we have associated ourselves with a noteworthy cause: We Are Your Sisters (WAYS)"

August 30, 2013

India Post www.indiapost.com

Om Puri denies beating his wife MUMBAI: Noted actor Om Puri, who has been charged with domestic violence, has accused his estranged wife of targeting him and said the truth will prevail. Puri's wife Nandita has filed a

Pheri. This is not the first time Nandita and Om Puri are facing problems. In 2009, when Nandita came out with a biography on her husband titled Unlikely Hero: The Story Of Om Puri highlight-

Actor Om Puri with wife Nandita

police complaint accusing the 62year-old actor of hitting her with a stick after an argument at their Versova flat. "I do not want to talk much about all this. She is targeting me. The matter is sub judice as it is in court," Puri told PTI. Nandita had earlier complained that Puri was not paying her maintenance and school fees of their son. "You can ask the entire building and our staff that who abuses. I have all the evidence (of paying maintenance and school fees). Truth will come out. "I have been working in the industry for 35 years, have acted in over 250 films here in 20 films abroad but no complaint of abuse or beating or misbehavior or anything negative has ever come out against me. It shows she is lying," Puri alleged. "I understand what my son (Ishaan) would be going through. I was quiet because of my son," he said. An alumnus of the National School of Drama and the Film and Television Institute of India, Om Puri carved a niche for himself with films like Aakrosh and Ardh Satya. He also entertained viewers with his comic timing in Hera

ing some of his most private sexual incidents, it had upset the Padma Shri winner.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Zinda: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 2 Mera Yaar: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 3 Titli: Chennai Express 4 Ye Tune Kya Kiya: Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara 5 Alvida: D-Day 11 India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 30, 2013

6 Maston Ka Jhund: Bhaag Milkha Bhaag 7 Get On The Dance Floor: Chennai Express 8 Chugliyaan : Once Upon A

AKKI HAS ROPED IN SONAKSHI FOR THE PARTY SONG, 'PARTY ALL NIGHT.' SONAKSHI HAS SHAKEN LEGS WITH ACE CHOREOGRAPHER PRABHUDEVA AND NOW SHE HAS DANCED WITH AKSHAY IN A HOT AVATAR

onakshi Sinha is considered a lucky mascot. She has done three films with Akshay Kumar, 'Joker' 'Rowdy Rathore', 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobaara' and two of them rocked at the box-office. Sonakshi also performed a special number for Akshay's film 'OMG' and the film fared well at the box-office. Therefore, continuing this hit game, Sonakshi

Sinha has again been approached for an item number for 'Boss'. It is heard that she has been paid a whopping 6 crore for the special song. 'Boss' stars Akshay Kumar in the pivotal role and the film is being directed by Prabhudeva. Akki has roped in Sonakshi for the party song, 'Party All Night.' Sonakshi has shaken legs with ace choreograp h e r Prabhudeva and now she has danced w i t h Akshay in a hot avatar. The duo will be joined by 600 dancers. Yo Yo Honey Singh who sung 'Lungi Dance' song from 'Chennai Express' will make a grand appearance in the club number. The song is touted as the most expensive shot in the industry.

ecently, Kareena went to Dubai along with the co-star of her upcom ing movie, 'Satyagraha'. Ajay Devgn and Kareena went over a promotional campaign for their upcoming movie. Both took a tour of the city and met thousands of fans. Then, Kareena and Ajay went to inaugurate a jewellery store in Dubai. Thousands of fans mobbed them, making it difficult for them to move ahead. The fans jostled with each other to get a glimpse of the glamorous actress. There was a stampede kind of situation. Inside the jewellery store, the actors could not find a place to stand properly. Apart from huge gathering of fans, there was an equally huge battalion of photographers waiting to capture every single move of the diva.

Time In Mumbaai Dobara 9 Tum Hi Ho: Aashiqui 2 10 Lungi Dance: Chennai Express

KAT AND RANBIR HAVE BEEN PAIRED OPPOSITE EACH OTHER IN 'JAGGA JASOOS'

or quite sometime Katrina Kaif has been struggling to get a film opposite her boyfriend and actor Ranbir Kapoor and finally, the actor has grabbed a promising project opposite the 'Barfi!' actor. Kat and Ranbir have been paired opposite each other in 'Jagga Jasoos'. 'Jagga Jasoos' is being directed by Anurag Basu of 'Barfi!' fame. If things go on the right track then fans of the couple will get to see them onscreen together for the third time. In the past they have acted in movies like 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' and 'Raajneeti'. Both the films fared well at the boxoffice and their chemistry was equally cherished. 'Jagga Jasoos' will be co-produced by Picture Shuru, which is Ranbir Kapoor and Anurag Basu's new joint production company.

Bollywood

August 30, 2013

hey did 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' in 2006 and, after a gap of seven years, Abhishek Bachchan has got a chance to work with Shah Rukh Khan again in 'Happy New Year'. He says SRK took "toowww.indiapost.com much time" to work with him again. Happy New Year is being directed by choreographer-director Farah Khan, who had directed SRK in Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om. "I am very excited to work with Farah. Farah is a dear friend and I am very excited to be part of Happy New Year and I love Shah Rukh," said Abhishek. "I worked with him in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and I think he is taking too much time to do another film with me. It is going to be a lot of fun," he added. While the male leads of the film are in place, Farah has yet to finalize the female leads.

alman and Katrina's love might have died down in the mid-way but there is still some love and respect left which binds the two professionally as well as personally. They will be seen in an item number together in Salman Khan's brotherin-law and director Atul Agnihotri's next movie. The film stars Pulkit Samrat and Sarah Jane Dias in the lead. It is heard that Atul has approached both Salman and Katrina to groove in this special song. Well, this is not the first time Katrina Kaif is doing a special number with Salman Khan and for Atul Agnihotri. Back in 2011, she had groove to 'Aaya Re Aaya' song from blockbuster 'Bodyguard'. Katrina agreed to do the special number after Alvira and Atul requested her to do the song. This time too, Atul has been able to convince her, as per report. However, Atul Agnihotri maintains that the song is still in process and no leading lady has been approached for it.

India Post 29

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Comments sought on revised NYC watershed plan ALBANY, N.Y.: The state Health Department is seeking public comment on revisions to New York City's upstate watershed protection plan. The plan for the watershed in the Catskills and Delaware River basin allows the city to get a federal waiver from filtering its drinking water. In addition to previous protection programs such as land acquisition, the revised plan includes provisions for New York City to fund a local flood hazard mitigation program. The revisions include a number of requirements to address the occurrence of suspended sediments, or turbidity, in the Catskill system after large storms. Also new is funding for farms and septic systems to reduce runoff pollution.-AP

Â&#x201E; US grants to help WVa residents on health care CHARLESTON, W.Va.: Sen. Jay Rockefeller says more than $642,000 in federal funding is on its way to West Virginia to help residents learn about the Affordable Care Act. The Democrat says $365,758 is headed to West Virginia Parent Training and Information to help people with limited literacy, disabilities and in rural areas. The remainder - $276,617 - is going to Advance Patient Advocacy to work with medical centers.

Jay Rockefeller

The Department of Health and Human Services funding is intended to help residents navigate new coverage options and enroll in health care plans under socalled health insurance marketplaces. Rockefeller says the funding will give West Virginians the opportunity to sit down with experts to determine what best meets their needs. -AP

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August 30, 2013

Eating fruits may lower women's bladder cancer risk Details on Page 34

FDA warns 2 Indian firms for manufacturing lapses WASHINGTON: In its latest action against Indian drug makers, the US health regulator FDA has red-flagged "significant deviations" from good manufacturing practices at two Indian pharmaceutical companies. In the case of Hyderabadbased Posh Chemicals, the US Food and Drug Administration said that lapses found at its manufacturing facility may cause the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) manufactured by it to get adulterated. During an inspection of the company's facilities, FDA found failure to protect computerized data from unauthorized access, failure to ensure that test procedures are scientifically sound and failure to follow and document quality-related activities at the time they are performed. With regard to the second company, Himachal Pradesh-based Sentiss Pharma (formerly Promed

Exports), the FDA said the company failed to establish adequate systems for monitoring environmental conditions and for cleaning and disinfecting the room and equipment in aseptic processing areas.

FDA said that their deviation from "good manufacturing practices" could cause their products to be adulterated as per the US regulations. The FDA said it may withhold approval of any new applications

Wockhardt and Fresenius Kabi received warning letters last month, while Hospira Healthcare India and RPG Life Sciences got such letters in May.Besides, the FDA recently also clamped down on 15 companies globally, including Gujarat-based Amrutam Life Care, for illegal sale of drugs Besides, Sentiss allegedly failed to thoroughly investigate any unexplained discrepancy or failure of a batch or any of its components to meet any of its specifications, FDA has alleged. In separate warning letters issued to the two companies, the

or supplements of the two companies, until they put in place necessary corrective measures and get those corrections approved as per the US regulations. At least six Indian drug makers have been issued such warning letters so far this year by the FDA,

which has also ordered recall of certain drugs manufactured in India. Wockhardt and Fresenius Kabi received warning letters last month, while Hospira Healthcare India and RPG Life Sciences got such letters in May. Besides, the FDA recently also clamped down on 15 companies globally, including Gujarat-based Amrutam Life Care, for illegal sale of drugs labeled as dietary supplements and ayurvedic products for treating diabetes. Others having faced FDA action for non-compliance with various US regulations include Ranbaxy, Dr Reddy's Labs, Sun Pharma, Cadila, Aurobindo Pharma and Glenmark. Known for making cheaper generic versions of expensive wellknown drugs, India enjoys about 10 per cent share in the finisheddose product market in the US. PTI

Cure to jet lag comes closer to reality TORONTO: Scientists have discovered a new way to improve internal body clock function, a finding that could help cure common sleep disturbances. In mammals, "circadian clock" in the brain drives daily rhythms in sleep and wakefulness, feeding and metabolism, and many other essential processes. But the inner workings of this brain clock are complex, and the molecular processes behind it have eluded scientists until now, researchers said. Researchers from McGill University and Concordia University in Canada identified how a fundamental biological process called protein synthesis is controlled within the body's circadian clock - the internal mechanism that controls one's daily rhythms. Their findings may help shed light on future treatments for disorders triggered by circadian

clock dysfunction, including jet lag, shift work disorders, and chronic conditions like depression and Parkinson's disease. "To understand and treat the causes and symptoms of circadian abnormalities, we have to take a closer look at the fundamental biological mechanisms that control our internal clocks," said study co-author Shimon Amir. Amir and co-author Dr Nahum Sonenberg studied how protein synthesis is controlled in the brain clock. "We identified a repressor protein in the clock and found that by removing this protein, the brain clock function was surprisingly improved," said Sonenberg. Because all mammals have simi-

lar circadian clocks, the team used mice to conduct their experiments. They studied mice that lacked this specific protein, known as 4E-BP1, which blocks the important func-

tion of protein synthesis. They found that the mice that lacked this protein overcame disruptions to their circadian clocks more quickly. "In modern society, with the frequency of trans-time zone travel, we often deal with annoying jet lag problems, which usually require a couple of weeks of

transition," said Dr Ruifeng Cao, a postdoctoral fellow who works with Sonenberg and Amir. "However, by inducing a state like jet lag in the mice lacking that protein, we found they were able to adapt to time zones changes in about half of the time required by regular mice," said Cao. Researchers found that a small protein that is critical for brain clock function, vasoactive intestinal peptide or VIP, was increased in the mice lacking the protein 4E-BP1. The results indicate that the functioning of the circadian clock could be improved by genetic manipulations, opening doors on new ways to treat circadian clock-related disorders. "A stronger clock function may help improve many physiological processes, such as ageing," said Cao. The study was published in the journal Neuron. -PTI

August 30, 2013

Health Science Post www.indiapost.com

CERN develops cancer zapping radio beam LONDON: Scientists at CERN claim to have developed a 'revolutionary' new radiotherapy machine that can destroy the most aggressive tumors with its intense beam without harming the healthy tissue. The "miniaturized" machine created at the The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)'s physics laboratory in Switzerland, allows more patients to have aggressive anticancer treatment without harmful side-effects. The machine could prove instrumental in cancer-fighting technology as it is more targeted, smaller and more cost effective, the 'Daily Express' reported. "This equipment will allow patients to

recover faster and doctors to destroy more of the tumor so survival rates are much better. This exciting opportunity is a fantastic way to bring this new treatment to more cancer patients," Dr Stephen Myers, the director of technology for medicine at CERN, said. The new device is a third of the size of existing machines and will also cost less than half the price. The new technology is designed to treat cancers of the head and neck, spine, brain, lung and breast, the report said. Already existing techniques can cause devastating side-effects especially in kids, ranging from loss of vision to hearing impairment, it said. -PTI

Health board says trailer park has rodent problem BOZEMAN, Mont.: The Gallatin CityCounty Board of Health is asking a judge to stop a Logan man from running a trailer park that county officials say is infested with rodents and has trash piled on trailers. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports that officials filed the request in Gallatin County District Court to prohibit Gene Morgan from running Morgan Court. County officials also contend there are more trailers on the 7-acre property than

allowed and that there are unpermitted sewer systems and unauthorized connections. County officials say in the complaint they became aware of the problem May 16 when the Montana Department of Health and Human Services notified county officials of a Hantavirus illness and death possibly related to the Morgan Court. Residents also complained of a rodent infestation. -AP

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Eating fruits may lower women's bladder cancer risk WASHINGTON: Higher intake of fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of invasive bladder cancer in women, a new study has found. University of Hawaii Cancer Center Researcher Song-Yi Park, along with her colleagues, analyzed data collected from 185,885 older adults over a period of 12.5 years. Of those 581 were diagnosed with invasive bladder cancer (152 women and 429 men). The investigation was conducted as part of the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) Study, established in 1993 to assess the relationships among dietary, lifestyle, genetic factors, and cancer risk. After adjusting for variables related to cancer risk (age, etc) the researchers found that women who consumed the most fruits and vegetables had the lowest bladder cancer risk. For instance, women consuming the most yellow-orange vegetables were 52 per cent less likely to have bladder cancer than women consuming the least yellow-orange vegetables.

The data also suggested that women with the highest intake of vitamins A, C, and E had the lowest risk of bladder cancer. No associations between fruit and vegetable intake and invasive bladder cancer were found in men. "Our study supports the fruit and vegetable recommendation for cancer preven-

tion," said Park. "However, further investigation is needed to understand and explain why the reduced cancer risk with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was confined to only women," Park said. -PTI

WB-assisted AIDS control project launched NEW DELHI: To support AIDS prevention programs and discourage stigma and discrimination against affected people, a Rs 2,550-crore World Bank-assisted project was launched here by Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Of the total project cost of USD 510 million (Rs 2,550 crore), USD 255 million will be financed by the World Bank through a credit from the International Development Association (IDA). The National AIDS Control Support Project was launched in Delhi by the department of AIDS c control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to help and accelerate the country's AIDS prevention program by targeting high risk groups. These group include female sex workers, men who have sex with men, injecting drug users and vulnerable population like migrants and truckers. Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare A H Khan Choudhury and Santosh Chowdhary were also present at the launch. Azad said the prevention of HIV is high priority for the government and over 99.5 pc of India's population is free from HIV now. Accordingly the focus of the program has been on prevention of spread of HIV, while ensuring access to treatment and care for all HIV infected persons. In the current global economic scenario,

external aid has dried up and there is need for greater reliance on domestic support to ensure that such a successful program does not suffer lack of resources. The project will contribute to three of five strategies of National AIDS Control Program IV - prevention component, behav-

Ghulam Nabi Azad

ior change component and institutional strengthening component. The two other components of provision of care, treatment and support to people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) and strategic information management systems (SIMS), including disease surveillance, will be supported by national budget, with technical and financial support from other donors. -PTI

Plan would offer carbon offsets to timber owners CORVALLIS, Ore.: Older mid-Willamette Valley landowners selling timber from their forest lands to pay for health care could get an alternative soon. An Oregon conservation group has proposed a health initiative linking landowners with carbon offset buyers, getting money to the older owners for health care costs while more effectively managing their timber. The initiative can work for woodlots as small as 20 acres, The Corvallis Gazette Times reported. Catherine Mater of the Pinchot Institute for Conservation says the initiative will conserve forests, reduce the threat of climate change and provide rural landowners with access to health care. ``Fir trees are excellent oxygen producers,'' Mater said. ``Trees are carbon-eating machines.'' The Forest Health Human Health program would allow family tree farmers to sell carbon credits based on the amount of carbon estimated to be digested by their trees each year. Under the plan, timber harvesting could

continue in the form of tree thinning or underbrush removal. The program is already in place in Columbia County. A national 2005 study was the first time medical expenses were identified as potential key factors in the decision to sell family woodlands. The 2005 study and another one in 2007 showed that 50 percent of landowners and their offspring had high-deductible insurance coverage and that 30 percent of landowners and more than 35 percent of offspring are likely underinsured. In addition, they found that 45 percent of offspring believe it is likely they will have to accelerate the sale of timber from the family forests to pay for health care in the future. Mater said contracts would be for 20 years. Ninety percent of the payment would go into a health care account and the landowner would receive an ``ATreeM Card.'' The other 10 percent would be dedicated to community health programs, for example, a scholarship fund to help educate doctors who will practice medicine in rural areas. -AP

Tech News Digital signature registration not mandatory NEW DELHI: Retirement fund manager EPFO has not made it mandatory for employers with more than 1,000 workers to register their digital signatures with it, Parliament was informed. "Registration of digital signature with EPFO is not mandatory. However, field offices of EPFO have been instructed to make maximum efforts to obtain digital signatures of the employers or their representatives," Minister of State for Labor and Employment Kodikunnil Suresh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. However, the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is implementing the digital signature facility for online settlement of PF account transfer claims on changing jobs, he said. The facility is optional and claims can be filed either online or by submitting a physical form. The system will be made operative after the digital signature of a willing employer or its representative is registered with the EPFO, the minister added. -PTI

'Nature Bazaar' in Delhi for crafts and organic produce

NEW DELHI: 'Nature Bazaar', a new crafts and organic produce market for artisans from India and abroad, was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit here. The market, the result of a collaboration between Delhi Tourism and Dastkar, a society which aims at improving the economic status of craftspeople, is to be located near Chhatarpur Metro station in south Delhi. It would be a round-the-year cultural and retail hub with a lively, colorful and constantly changing program to showcase crafts and natural and organic produce. Spread over an area of 7,000 sq.m and situated at a place where residents of both Delhi and Gurgaon can easily visit the market, "'Nature Bazaar' will be a vibrant 'green' space in a busy metropolitan area. A module on how to be both Indian and contemporary, environmentally ethical and people-friendly," Dikshit said at the inauguration.-PTI

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Titagath Wagon cancels demerger plan KOLKATA: Wagon and railway coach-maker Titagarh Wagons Ltd has said it has scrapped plans to demerge its coach manufacturing business into a new company, following sluggish order flow for wagons from Railways. "We have decided to scrap our plans to restructure business which included separating the coach division, with the idea behind it being to have separate coach and wagon manufacturing units," Titagath managing director Umesh Choudhary said here on the sidelines of AGM. He said the proposal was mooted to concentrate more on each of the current division businesses.-PTI

Domestic factors also responsible for Re slide: Chidambaram NEW DELHI: With rupee at its life-time low, Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said decisions taken at home to counter impact of 2008 economic meltdown were among the reasons for depreciation of the Indian currency. Chidambaram said during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha that the rupee has overshot its true value but expressed confidence that it will find its appropriate level. "There are not just external factors, there are also domestic factors. We recognize that there are domestic factors. One of the domestic factors is that we allowed the fiscal deficit to be breached and we allowed current account deficit to swell because of certain decisions that we took during the period 2009 to 2011," he said. This was the period when government announced stimulus to ward off impact of collapse of western economies. "It brought us growth, it stabilized the economy, we swayed off the very serious consequences of the 2008 collapse of the US economy. But it cost us in terms of fiscal deficit and current ac-

P Chidambaram

count deficit," Chidambaram said. The government, he said, had steps to check fiscal deficit and is now on path of fiscal consolidation. The Finance Minister said the exchange rate was remarkably stable between August 2012 and

May 2013 but rupee has come under pressure since May 22. "All the currencies of all the emerging economies have come under pressure. For the moment we believe that the value of the rupee has overshot its true value," he said, refusing to speculate on

India to be cleared of aviation 'safety concerns' tag NEW DELHI: India is set to be removed from the list of nations having significant aviation safety concerns, with an audit by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) showing that action plans were in place to address them. After a safety audit carried out by ICAO experts, the auditors have informed aviation regulator DGCA that they would recommend India's removal from the category of countries which have "significant safety concerns". "The auditors have cleared us of all the 'significant safety concerns'. They have recommended this to their (ICAO) headquarters in Montreal," Director General of Civil Aviation Arun Mishra told PTI here.

The week-long audit has shown that India has "implemented corrective action plans to address the safety concerns satisfactorily," he said.

The formal clearance by the UN-body ICAO is likely to come within a week or 10 days. The ICAO audit report is sig-

nificant as India could have been permanently downgraded in terms of following aviation safety norms. Normally, such a downgrade could have global ramifications and, among other things, lead other countries not to allow the airlines of the downgraded nation to fly in their skies or stop the sale of aviation products. Earlier this year, India had been clubbed by the ICAO with Congo, Guatemala, Haiti and Hungary which had 'significant safety concerns'. -PTI

the way rupee will move in near future. "We have to be patient, we have to be firm, we have to be clear headed... in order to strengthen the fundamentals of the economy," he said. "I am confident that the rupee will find its true appropriate level." Noting that high inflation and current account deficit was a cause of concern for investors, Chidambaram said the government has the conviction to contain fiscal deficit but needs to communicate its policies on CAD and inflation more effectively. He said steps are being taken to unblock stalled projects both in infrastructure sector and manufacturing. "Once the investment cycle picks up, manufacturing picks up, I am sure it will have positive impact on the economy and in particular the current account deficit," he said. On challenges facing the economy, he said, inflation, sluggish export growth in first three months and gold imports posed challenge. -PTI

e-Trip system to be implemented in Punjab from Sept CHANDIGARH: Despite stiff opposition from trade and industry, Punjab government is all set to implement anti-evasion measure 'e-Trip system' from September. "The e-Trip system will be implemented from September 1 to check tax evasion as almost all the issues with trade are resolved now," Punjab Excise and Taxation Commissioner Anurag Verma told PTI here today. After facing widespread resistance from industry, Punjab government had postponed the implementation of e-Trip till August 31, enabling the industry to upgrade their IT infrastructure to comply with the provisions of the law. Penal action will be taken by the excise and taxation department if industry fails to follow the e-Transportation of Information within Punjab (Trip) system, a department official said. -PTI

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August 30, 2013

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We were not consulted on calling Ambani or Tina: CBI NEW DELHI: National investigation agency CBI was not consulted before calling Industrialist Anil Ambani and his wife Tina Ambani as prosecution witnesses in the 2G Spectrum case and the decision was taken by Special Public Prosecutor U U Lalit, says CBI Director Ranjit Sinha. The position of Central Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the 2G case, was made known after both Anil, Chairman of Reliance ADAG, and Tina appeared before a special CBI court here on August 22 and 23 separately. Appearing before Special CBI judge O P Saini hearing the 2G spectrum case, Anil had resiled from his statement made during the probe in February, 2011. In the case of Tina, CBI claimed that she was "deliberately withholding facts" which the judge found was "adverse" to the prosecution. "The additional prosecution witnesses were summoned by the court appointed counsel (U U Lalit) and we were not consulted

about them," CBI Director Ranjit Sinha told PTI here. Sinha said this when he was asked whether the stand taken by Amil and Tina was a blow to CBI investigations in the case. Though the CBI Director refused to elaborate anything be-

CBI Director Ranjit Sinha

yond this, sources in the agency said the evidence was well documented and the statements could have no bearing on the outcome. The 54-year-old corporate baron, during his deposition on August 22, recalled that he had visited CBI in February, 2011 but did not hand over any note to

the CBI officer. "I do not recall" was the stock reply of Anil to most of the questions put up by the prosecution. He also said he does not have the knowledge about various firms - AAA Consultancy Services (P) Limited, ADAE Ventures (P) Limited, Parrot Consultants (P) Limited, Tiger Traders (P) Limited, Zebra Consultants (P) Limited, Swan Telecom (P) Limited and Swan Consultants (P) Limited - which were alleged to be the associate companies of Reliance ADAG. A day later, Tina denied having any knowledge about the company affairs or about Reliance ADAG's top executives Surendra Pipara and Hari Nair and group's Managing Director Gautam Doshi, who are facing trial. Tina also denied that she knew "everything" about the six companies, which are said to be as-

ADB to provide $18.4 mn for Gujarat farming NEW DELHI: In its first ever loan to private agribusiness in India, Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide USD 18.4 million to Champion Agro to set up cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables focusing on Gujarat. "Up to 6,000 farmers in Gujarat could attain higher revenues from their crops with the construction of cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables by Champion Agro using USD 18.4 million in funding from Asian Development Bank," ADB said in a release. The project will include five collection centers, a controlledatmosphere cold storage facility, and an individually quick frozen facility in Gujarat, as well as five distribution centers located in large cities in different states of northern India. "Rural poverty can be reduced through better post-harvest management, which not only helps significantly raise farmers income but also provides direct employment opportunities," said Martin Lemoine, Senior Investment Specialist at ADBs Private Sector Op-

erations Department. Though India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world, about 35 per

their yields through irrigation facilities. The loan funding will support distribution to food wholesalers

cent of its fresh produce gets wasted due to lack of post-harvest infrastructure. The ADB project is expected to improve the processing and distribution of quality fruits and vegetables sourced from local farmers as well as help them increase

and processors in India as well as abroad, it said. Champion Agro provides agribusiness services such as irrigation system, agricultural inputs to retail malls and farming with about 17,000 hectares under lease and contract farming.-PTI

Tina Ambani, Anil Ambani,

Anil Ambani with wife Tina Ambani

sociate firms of Reliance ADAG. During her deposition, Tina told the court that she had "no role" in the running of Reliance ADAG as she was "a housewife, run a hospital and do a lot of social work." The two had appeared in a case in which their group Managing Director Gautam Doshi,

Senior Vice Presidents Hari Nair and Surendra Pipara were charged with criminal conspiracy to cause criminal breach of trust by a public servant, cheating and forgery. Lalit was appointed as Special Public Prosecutor by the Supreme Court on April 11, 2011 despite government's opposition on the same. -PTI

Gujarat plant delayed due to slowdown: Maruti NEW DELHI: The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) has said it will miss the target of commissioning its Gujarat plant due to the ongoing slowdown in the Indian automobile market. "It is unlikely that we would be able to commission the Gujarat plant even by the end of FY16. The slowdown in the auto sector is very acute," MSI Chairman Chairman R C Bhargava told reporters after the company's 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) here. When asked by when the company would like to start work and commission the facility, he said the company is trying to access the sales projections and would accordingly decide. Last year, Suzuki Motor Corp Chairman Osamu Suzuki had visited the site in Gujarat where MSI plans to set up its third plant at an investment of Rs 4,000 crore. As per the original plans, the company had planned to roll out 2.5 lakh cars annually by 2015-16 from the Gujarat plant. MSI is looking at a total annual capacity of 20 lakh units once the Gujarat plant

goes on stream. MSI at present has a total installed annual capacity of about 15 lakh units, which will go up to 17.5 lakh units by September this

year when its third unit at Manesar goes on stream. Bhargava said even the company's vendors have not started work at the site in Gujarat so far. -PTI

TechBiz Post

August 30, 2013

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First woman member of the NYSE dies at 80

Muriel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mickieâ&#x20AC;? Siebert

NEW YORK: Muriel ``Mickie'' Siebert, who started as a trainee on Wall Street and became the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, has died of complications of cancer at age 80. Siebert died on August 24 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Her death was confirmed by Jane Macon, a director of Siebert Financial and a partner at the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright. Siebert was founder and president of brokerage firm that bears her name, Muriel Siebert & Co. Inc. The company went public in 1996 as Siebert Financial Corp. Macon said Siebert was ``a fabulous woman, a trailblazer and a pioneer'' who set a high standard for those who entered the financial world after her. ``She always pushed the doors open and kept them open for other people to follow.'' Siebert, who was born in Cleveland and moved to New York in 1954 at age 22, started her career as a trainee in research at Bache & Co. earning a $65 a week. She went on to become an industry specialist in airlines and aerospace and later became a partner at brokerages including Brimberg & Co.

She bought a seat on the New York Stock Exchange in December 1967 after months of struggling with the male-dominated business world that initially resisted her efforts to join. She established her investment firm the same year and transformed it into a discount brokerage house in 1975.

bank mergers, and convinced the federal government to advance millions of dollars to make the new mergers viable. She persuaded stronger institutions to help weaker ones. In 1982, Siebert resigned from the job to run for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat of Daniel Patrick Moynihan. She came in second to a state lawmaker, Florence Sullivan, who went on to lose to Moynihan in the November election. Siebert returned to running her company. To celebrate 30 years as member of the exchange, Siebert was invited to ring the closing bell on the NYSE. The ceremony was held on Jan. 5, 1998. The next year, while president of the New York Women's Agenda - a coalition of over 100 women's organizations - Siebert developed a personal finance program to improve the financial literacy of young people. The program became part of the New York City high schools economics curriculum for seniors. Siebert worked to expand the program nationally. An advocate for women in business, she served on several organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations, the International Women's Forum, Deloitte & Touche's Council for the Advancement and Retention of Women, and the New York Women's Forum, for which she was a founder and president. ``Mickie was a pioneer and recognized as a leader throughout the financial services industry and beyond,'' Siebert Financial Chief

An advocate for women in business, she served on several organizations including the Council on Foreign Relations, the International Women's Forum, Deloitte & Touche's Council for the Advancement and Retention of Women, and the New York Women's Forum, for which she was a founder and president. Siebert took a leave of absence from the company in 1977 and placed it in a blind trust to be run by the employees when she was appointed the first woman superintendent of banking for the State of New York by Gov. Hugh Carey. She served five years. As interest rates climbed steeply and bank failures became common, Siebert launched protective measures to prevent banks from failing in New York. She reorganized troubled banks, forced

Operating Officer Joseph Ramos said in a prepared statement. ``Those of us who worked with her will miss her spirit, leadership and great commitment to her clients and the securities markets.'' Siebert also is a former appointee to the New York State Commission on Judicial Nomination and the National Women's Business Council. Siebert, who lived in New York City, never married and did not have any children. -AP

Intel, Educomp session on 'Toddlers and Technology' NEW DELHI: Chip maker Intel and education solutions firm Educomp held an interactive session to connect with young parents on introducing children to technology at an early stage. The program explained how a personal computing device can support positive interaction between parents and their children. "Personal computing devices are useful tool for parents to help expand their child's learning and development in a fun and interactive way," Intel SouthAsia Director (Marketing and Market Development) Sandeep Aurora said. Today, children are exposed to technology from the early years through the presence of multiple screens from smartphone to televisions, etc, he added. On the impact of introducing a PC in a household with children, Educomp Solutions Head of Research and Development Bindu

Rana said earlier some parents were reluctant to introduce children to technology as computing devices were viewed as a distraction. "However, today technology is viewed as a facilitator which can help hone a child's skills. Be it helping a child discover his inner artist or facilitating a child through

their studies, technology is changing the way children learn today, and making it fun," Rana added. A personal computing device is not a baby sitter, but it has the ability to be an incredibly powerful developmental tool by expanding a toddler's learning horizon, she said.-PTI

Local phones beat Apple, Samsung in India, China NEW DELHI: The rising demand for affordable smartphones in the major emerging markets of India and China has helped local mobile manufacturers surpass shipments by the established global brands like Samsung and Apple in April-June quarter this year, research firm IDC says. According to IDC data in the Asia/Pacific excluding Japan region, homegrown vendors shipped 46 million units, while Samsung and apple combined shipped 35 million units in second quarter this year. Other global brands like HTC, BlackBerry, Nokia, Sony, LG and Motorala shipped a combined 10 million units, whereas, the internal vendors from China like Huawei, ZTE and Lenovo shipped a total of 27 million units in April-June 2013. IDC identified Micromax, Karbonn, Lava, Maxx and Intex as the rising players in the emerging smartphone market in India and brands like Coolpad, K-Touch,

Xiaomi, Gionee and OPPO in China. The research firm said local brands in the world's two most populous country, part of Asia/ Pacific (Excluding Japan) region (APEJ), have aggressively scaled up their operations and are competitive on both price and hardware specifications.

"Aside from the top-tier international brands or Chinese brands that also ship globally like Huawei and ZTE, there is also a rising segment of homegrown brands, which as a group have been steadily rising in shipments and prominence," IDC said in its latest report on mobile shipments.-PTI

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NEW JERSEY

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

ILLINOIS

Upcoming

Sat, Sep 7

Thu, Sep 5

• SEWA - Volleyball Tournament

• Spirituality In Daily Life

Venue: Gateway Little League Field, 43 Merseles St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 Time: 08:00 pm Contact: 646-494-7392

Venue: Town Hall Theater, 123 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 212-354-9090

Sat, Aug 31 • LNSO Announces Shri

Tue-Sat, Sep 5 to 7

• J K Yog Satsang and Bal

• Pop! Goes The Mashup

Krishna Janmastami

Smith Center Season of the Arts 2013-2014 Venue: Smith Center Outdoor Amphitheatre Under the stars at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont Time: 8:00 pm Contact: (510) 659-6031

Mukund Hindi Classes are held every 2nd and 4rth Sunday of Month

• "ORE SWARAM"

• K. S. Chitra and M. G. Sreekumar With Symphony

Venue: Felician College Auditorium, 262 S Main St, Lodi, NJ 07644 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: 888-584-1666

Venue: Colden Center , 65-30 Kissena Blvd, , NY 11367 Time: 9:00 pm Contact: 914-720-7891

Venue: New Shree Vadtal-dham Temple Site At 48437 Warm Springs Blvd. In Fremont Time: 1 pm to 4:30 pm Sri Dongreji Bhagvat Katha starts 4:30 PM to 5 PM Tea/coffee break 5 PM to 6:30 PM Evening session 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM Weekly Satsang, Aarti, Prasad follows

Sat, Sep 14

Fri, Sep 13

Sat, Sep 1

Sat, Sep 7 Sun , Sep 8

• Hariharan Live In Concert In NJ Venue: Ritz Theater, 1148 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Time: 8:00 pm Contact: 732-277-6687

• DJ Aqeel Live - The Official Black Out Party Venue: Pranna - NYC, 79 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 201-696-7222

11 AM to 1:30 PM Katha day 2 & purnahuti with aarti 1:30 PM to 2:30PM Lunch Prasad Contact: (510) 673-2121,(408) 561-1594

Sat, Sep 8 • Gayatri Pariwar - Yug Niram Venue: Gayatri Pariwar – Yug Nirman, 22116 Pioneer Blvd, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716 Time: 10:00 am Contact: 562-924-3921

Tue, Sep 10 • Bollywood Pop Dance Classe

Tue, Sep 3 • Bhagwat Katha by Swami Nikhilanand Venue: Valley Hindu Temple, 18700 Roscoe Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 626-319-2064

Sat, Sep 7 • Udit Narayan - Alka Yagnik Live In Concert Venue: Anaheim Arena, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time: 7:30 am Contact: 310-753-8990

Tue, Sep 10 • Bollywood Pop Dance Classes by Project Pulse Venue: Ektaa Center, 2692 Richter Ave, Irvine, CA 92606 Time: 8:30 pm Contact: 949-572-4500

Venue: Ektaa Center, 2692 Richter Ave, Irvine, CA 92606 Time: 8:30 am Contact: 949-572-4500

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, Sep 14 • "Pratham Dandiya Charity Event" Venue: Kellogg Gym, 3801 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 Time: 8:00 am Contact: 714-267-0076

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Aug 31: • Crescendo 2013 Venue: Georgia Tech Student Center, 350 Ferst Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 Time: 11:00am / Contact: 678-421-4216

Sun, Sep 1 • 100 Year's Of Bollywood Red Carpet,Star Venue: Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates - Chicago, IL 60192 Time: 5:30 pm Contact: 847-227-8780

Fri, Sep 6 • Soordas An Inspiring Musical Play Venue: Glenbard East High School Auditorium, 1041 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148 Time: 8:00pm Contact: 630-964-6061

40 India Post

airy tale love story of a Muslim prince with a local poor shepherd girl brings the mythological face to Mandu. Mandu, a small town on the edge of Malwa Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, is surrounded by forests and has a historical significance. History tells us that the founder of this cute, beautiful town was Raja Bhoj and it was once

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a royal retreat. Architectural marvel is the main attraction in this city. Remains of ancient architecture, way back to 10th century, are still visible. Mandu has the finest examples of Afghan architecture in India. The town is a monument of love, romance and affection as it is believed that this place is associated with love legend of Prince Baz Bahadur and singer Roopmati, the beauty of the city. The relationship of the Muslim prince with shepherdess Hindu girl was however destined to fail. The Mandu region has a number of wonderful palaces, baths, attractive canals and artistically crafted pavilions bringing out the age old fairy tale love story with all its

August 30, 2013

beautiful pomp. Rock cut caves with enchanting paintings decorating the walls and ceilings are added attractions. Antiquity and artistry merges here to bring some marvelous structures. The massive gateways to Mandu are an example of this ancient artistic excellence. It is a city of monuments like Alamgir, Bhangi, Rampol Darwaza, Jehangir Gate and Tarapur Gate. Mandu is one of the few places where the very rare Baobab tree grows. Mandu welcomes the visitors will all its charm and heritage. It is the perfect honeymoon destination as it is the city of love and delight. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 41

Travel & Hospitality Post

August 30, 2013

MANDU

India Post

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Wonderful palaces, canals & a fairy tale love story Cont’d from page 40

CLIMATE Mandu experiences a tropical climatic condition all through the year. Summers (March to June) in Mandu are slightly hot, but overall pleasant due to its elevated position. The temperature ranges from 35°C to 20°C during summers. Winters (October to February) are cool and pleasant. Maximum day time temperature is 22°C and temperature drops down to a minimum of

century. However, the name was changed to 'Shadiabad' (meaning happiness) by Alauddin Khilji, who gained control over the city in the 13th century. After the conquest by the Mughals in 19th century, the town was ruled by Hoshang Shah, the son of Dilawar Khan. However, Akbar attacked the city in 1561 and gained control. Baz Bahadur fled from Mandu in order to save his life and the town of Mandu remained unoccupied for quiet some time.

Jahaz Mahal

7°C during nights. Monsoons (July to September) have medium level annual rainfalls. HISTORY The history of Mandu talks about the romantic tale of Rani Roopmati and Baz Bahadur, a poetprince. The history of the 'City of Joy' dates back to 10th century, when it was founded by Raja Bhoj. Though the city finds its mention in

TOURISTATTRACTIONS Jami Masjid: Built in 1454, the Jami Masjid is the most majestic building in Mandu. It is designed after the Omayyed Mosque of Damascus. The best view of this monument is from the Ashrafi Mahal rising in front of it. Hoshang Shah's Tomb: A massive, foursquare monument with a huge dome, constructed in AD 1435, it is the oldest marble struc-

the Sanskrit inscription of 555 A.D., not much of it has been retained. The city was referred as Mandavgarh under the rule of Parmara rulers in the 11th and 12th

ture in India and depicts typical Hindu influences. An inscription on the right jamb of the door mentions the name of Ustad Hamid who was involved with the build-

ing of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Jahaz Mahal: It is one of the most popular monuments in Mandu, this ship-like structure was erected by Ghiyas-ud-din, son of Mohammed Shah, for his harem. According to legend, this harem was home to 15,000 maidens. There are two lakes on the east and west side of the palace that create a perfect illusion of a ship with its rectangular shape. Cont’d on page 44

Hoshang Shah's Tomb

India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

August 30, 2013

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In Indian trains you still make friends with total strangers ASHIM CHOUDHURY

haled Mansour, travel ling from New York to some place in the US writes on Facebook: "In a train where all adults are seriously busy and frowning at smart phones when I notice the only two non-serious people, both kids, watching cartoons or photos on their parents smart phones. At

world. We too are becoming like that. These days, people, particularly the young, remain wired to their phones and head phones and barely make conversation. It wasn't like that. In earlier days friendships made in trains lasted long beyond the train journey. I particularly remember a Marwari couple from Kolkata who were

The children couldn't suppress their giggling. The young man who had just arrived had long hair rolled into a bun, like a woman's. The kids were whispering to their mother, 'Is it a man or a woman? least they are laughing. But nobody is looking out of the train windows-- only into the virtual ones!" It's not just in the Western

traveling companions while I was on my way to Kanpur. The couple showered me with bhujias, namkeens and what-haveyou eatables. And they shouted

me down when I ordered my lunch from the railway catering, forcing me to gorge on the parathas and achar they had bought along. Much of that bonhomie on trains is gone now, particularly in the AC coaches where everyone has an air of self-importance. So I wasn't exactly looking forward to this train journey on the non-stop Duronto Express from Delhi to Kolkata recently. As I took my window seat in the 3-tier compartment, I noticed a young man nattily dressed opposite me. On his side were two children with their mother, apparently from Haryana. The children smiled coyly at me by which time another young man came to my part of the coupe and took his seat. The children couldn't suppress their giggling. The young man who had just arrived had long hair rolled into a bun, like a woman's. The kids were whispering to their mother, 'Is it a man or a woman?' In

a mock chide I put my finger to the lips. They giggled even more. The English-speaking man-woman, from South India I presumed, took refuge on the upper berth and hid

her bag against the window. 'It'll block my view..!' I protested. Offended, she flung her bag on top bunk giving me a dirty look. She was teary eyed I noticed. Just then

himself in the pages of a thick book by Kafka. 'I can urge him to buy my book,' I thought, 'author-signed'. Just then a young woman arrived and asked if she could hang

the train began to move and her young escort ran out with a brief, incomplete hug. He ran along the train for a while, waving good bye to his girlfriend, I presumed. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 43

August 30, 2013

Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

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Germany woos Indians with attractive holiday packages NEW DELHI: In a bid to increase tourist traffic from India, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has started focusing on attracting Indian youth to visit the country by offering cheap budget holiday packages. The GNTO unveiled the offers at a road show here to promote Germany as leisure and incentive destination with budget holidays, free WI-FI services, youth micro sites, affordable offers on bed and breakfast (B&B) services. "The pricing of B&B is such to make it affordable to young Indian travelers and even backpackers offering them overnight stays starting from 15 euros across hotels in Germany. Home and farm

stays are yet another attraction for youth in the country," Romit Theophilus, Director Sales and Marketing, GNTO India told PTI. Germany which was earlier limited to being a destination for business purposes has evolved as a tourist destination with over 5,60,000 overnights every year from India to Germany, he said. GNTO also hopes the next year's general elections would do away with the current slump in tourism from India to Germany due to plunging of rupee value. Joined by two new members in 2013, Lufthansa and BadenBaden, GNTO will also target tier 2 cities in India to promote German tourism.

"Other than family and business trips, other potential targets are also school children and college students in India who go for exchange programs in German

schools. The air fares are relaxed for those who book early," said Alan Chacko, Lufthansa German Airlines. The team along with its 18

travel partner companies is promoting Germany as tourist destination in road shows in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore. PTI

In Indian trains you still make friends with total strangers Cont’d from page 42

With seven individuals the train felt silent, except for the kids who fought among themselves. I hate traveling in a train without conversation. So I began with the young man opposite me, 'Visiting Kolkata?' 'Yes. My first visit … for a friend's wedding... Can you tell me what places to see around Kolkata?' he asked. I began listing the places one by one….Kali Ghat, Park Street, Chowringhee, College Street, Jora Sanko. In the meantime, I also learnt that he was a practicing lawyer with the Supreme Court (SC) of India. How could such young fellow practice in the SC? 'You have to pass certain exams,' he assured me. As I listed more places the manwoman on the upper bunk leaned out and said, 'Don't forget to see the Howrah Bridge (since our train was going to Sealdah the man would not be entering the city through the Howrah Bridge)…And Rajarhat…It's the new happening place," he offered. So he was a Bengali! Living in the outskirts of Kolkata, he worked as a techie in cyber-city. 'Bengal and Bengalis are changing,' I thought. In the meantime the young lady, who had been insouciant some time back, asked if I could lend her

my mobile phone. "My phone is not working…I'll insert my sim card," she explained. She looked so desperate I had no option but to give her the phone. Meanwhile the SC lawyer kept on jotting the names of places he should see on his smart phone. I

How could such young fellow practice in the SC? 'You have to pass certain exams,' he assured me. As I listed more places the manwoman on the upper bunk leaned out and said, 'Don't forget to see the Howrah Bridge asked him to visit Digha, Kolkata's poor answer to Goa, to which he warmed up since he had never been to a sea. Finally it turned out he had just two days, including the wedding, to spare. Then we came to the topic of food when I suggested Tangra for Chinese food, Park Street for Chinese and Mughlai food. The young woman who had just taken a break from her marathon phone

call interrupted us. 'I'm from Park street…Go to Shiraz if you want good biryani.' Then she went back to her call. The man-woman supplied more names of food and biryani joints around Park Street. When the woman handed me back her mobile I asked her, 'You speak Bengali?' No she said, but she was born and brought up in Kolkata. Then she cleared the mystery, 'I'm a Muslim.' She also handed me her visiting card. 'Naukri.com!' I exclaimed,' You can give me a job!' The others who had overheard me also began asking her for her calling card that had apparently exhausted. That didn't stop them from scribbling her name, number and email. Suddenly she was in much demand. And she was perfectly happy with the attention she was attracting. From jobs we moved to her first visit to Delhi. 'Most of the day I was holed up in my room too terrified to get out alone,' she explained. The boy who had escorted her and was waving to her was a distant cousin and her fiancé, she revealed. Then she went on to explain how she felt much safer in Kolkata, which lately, according to her, was acquiring a bad reputation. Then somehow the conversation veered back to jobs. I got this

feeling that all my fellow travelers were looking for jobs. Could this woman really give me a job? 'Send me your CV', she said confidently. The others were not so open in asking her for a job, but it was apparent they all hated their jobs. Why, even the girl from Naukri

'Hello…! Are you sure you are working for Naukri.com, the one giving jobs! I have a feeling you are searching for a job yourself…!' There was a loud burst of laughter from everyone including the young woman appeared unhappy. Every now and then she had work-related calls from office. In a way her phone became her workstation. But as the train rolled into Bengal I realized she was making discreet enquiries with the IT geek, the man-woman, about possibilities in IT. The man-woman readily offered her advice that I pretended not to hear. She was interested in SAP. The man-woman confessed

he did not know much about SAP. But his cousin knew. 'I can give you his number,' he said. She jotted down the number. At that point I had to interrupt the Naukri girl. 'Hello…! Are you sure you are working for Naukri.com, the one giving jobs! I have a feeling you are searching for a job yourself…!' There was a loud burst of laughter from everyone including the young woman. The SC lawyer put it philosophically, 'Life is all about that dream job that you never will get.' I added my bit, 'It's better to be unhappy in a job than to not have one at all!' The Naukri girl promised, 'Uncle don't forget to send me your CV.' I would have done that but my nephew, on searching my pockets (he always does that) discovered her card and said, 'Naukri.com! I'm going to keep this!' And to think of it he was just a year into what his friends thought was a 'dream job'! Several weeks later, I was remembering Nazia Hussain, that lively girl from Park Street. It was Eid. 'My sister makes wonderful biryani,' she had said. 'So you're inviting us?' I had retorted. And all of us had had a good laugh. Ashim Choudhury is author of 'The Sergeant's Son'. Read more about him on his blog www.ashimch13.blogspot.in)

Travel & Hospitality Post

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August 30, 2013

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Increase in foreign exchange earnings from tourism NEW DELHI: The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism in the country have registered a positive growth over the years, the government has said. From January to July in 2013, the FEEs stand at Rs. 50,448 crore while the earnings have grown from estimated Rs. 64,889 crore in 2010 to Rs. 94,487 crore in 2012,

Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said. The number of foreign tourist arrivals and Indian nationals traveling abroad have registered a positive growth dur-

ing 2010-12, said the Minister. The House was also informed that media campaigns have resulted in an increase of tourist arrivals to India. Tourist arrivals increased from 2.38 million in 2002, when the 'Incredible India' campaign was launched to 6.58 million in 2012, the Minister said.-PTI

MANDU

Wonderful palaces, canals & a fairy tale love story Hindola Mahal

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 42

Hindola Mahal: It's a large hall supported by sloping buttresses which, resembles the supports of a swing. According to legends, both the Jahaz and Hindola Mahal were popular with the Mughals for partying on monsoon evenings. Champa Baoli: Champa Baoli is an interesting step-well on the north edge of the tank situated there. It was a popular hot-weather retreat and featured cool wells and bathrooms.

Baz Bahadur's Palace: The Rewa Kund is actually a tank of sacred water from the river Rewa, another name for the Narmada. This is the place where the love of poet-prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati flourished. Baz Bahadur was the last independent king of Malwa who fell in love with an ordinary shepherdess called Roopmati. Unfortunately, their love had a tragic end when the great Mughal emperor, Akbar, moved by Roopmati's beauty, attacked Mandu and Baz Bahadur fled leav-

Punjab to launch 'bed and breakfast' scheme for tourists CHANDIGARH: To give a boost to tourism and provide a home-like affordable accommodation to visitors, the Punjab government is set to promote high-end 'bed and breakfast' scheme. The scheme will be managed by Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board. The guidelines for the launch of the scheme have been formed, an official spokesman said here. The initiative is to provide a clean and comfortable place for overseas and domestic tourists along with an opportunity for them to stay with an Indian, particularly a Punjabi family and experience the traditions, culture and cuisine of the state, he said.

The first phase of 'bed and breakfast' scheme would be launched in the urban areas of Amritsar, Patiala and Mohali and would be expanded to other towns of the state in due course, the spokesman said.

ing his lover to poison herself. Baz Bahadur's Palace was constructed in 1509 beside the Rewa Kund. Roopmati's Pavilion: Roopmati's Pavilion, is situated on the very edge of Mandu Fort. It is a very romantic building, a perfect setting for fairytale romance! Nilkanth Temple: Nilkanth (literally, the blue-throated one; another name of Lord Shiva) is a shrine dedicated to Shiva.

Ratlam railway station, which is about 125 km from Mandu. It is well connected to the rest of the major cities in India and is an important junction in the western railways. By Air: Indore Ahilyabai Holker Airport is the nearest airport to Mandu. Mandu is about 100 km from the airport. By Bus: State owned buses connect many cities in Madhya Pradesh to Mandu. Deluxe buses are available from Indore (100 km), Bhopal (278 km), Ratlam (125 km) and Ujjain. Deluxe buses charges about Rs 3 per km.

HOW TO REACH By train: Nearest railhead is

It would be useful source of additional income for those who have necessary aptitude and adequate living area as per the requisite standards, he said. -PTI

Rani Rupmati Mahal

In Brief Bond denied for man charged in machete slaying CANTON, Miss.: A justice court judge denied bond for a Mexican immigrant accused of hacking a neighbor to death with a machete at a central Mississippi trailer park. Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker told WAPT-TV that 40year-old Eugenio Nolasco is charged with murder. The coroner identifies the victim as Jose Alphonso Rosas Tolentino, also from Mexico. Tucker says Tolentino had proper documents to be in the U.S., but Nolasco didn't. Authorities say a woman walking near the Westside Trailer Park outside Canton spotted a nearly decapitated body in the grass. Deputies recovered a machete nearby.-AP

Trucker convicted in immigrant smuggling case LAREDO, Texas: A trucker from Missouri has been convicted in a South Texas immigrant smuggling scheme in which six people were found hidden in the cab. A federal jury in Laredo convicted Miguel Granadeno of Carthage, Mo. U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson says Granadeno was convicted of conspiracy to transport and the transportation of undocumented persons. Magidson says evidence showed the six immigrants had entered the U.S. illegally near McAllen. Granadeno in April was stopped at a checkpoint near Laredo. The six people were found hiding in the cab, including four in a storage compartment under the bed in the sleeper area.-AP

Man accepts using immigrants on Mich. oil spill HOUSTON: An East Texas man has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in transporting immigrant workers to Michigan to clean an oil spill. Prosecutors say 50-year-old Thomas Gard of Nederland, Texas, also conspired to pay the workers less than what was arranged by the contractor for the cleanup in Kalamazoo, Mich. Gard appeared in court on charges related to harboring workers in the country illegally. A second man, 49-year-old Phillip Hallmark of Winnie, Texas, entered a guilty plea in April. -AP

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August 30, 2013

How immigration reform can come back to life

Details on page 46

Voices opposing immigration law muted this August RICHMOND, Va.: It was the kickoff of a ``Stop Amnesty Tour'' organized by the Tea Party Patriots and other groups. But the crowd was so sparse that immigrant advocates were soon gleefully circulating photos of the featured speaker, Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa, standing alone on an empty stage. The rally at a public park in Richmond, Va., earlier this month, along with the subsequent cancellation or postponement of several similar events, points to an emerging reality during Congress' fiveweek summer recess: Opposition to overhauling immigration laws appears notably muted, almost tame. Meanwhile, advocates who support comprehensive overhaul legislation are claiming they've changed at least a handful of minds among House Republicans. During Congress' last attempt to remake the immigration system, in 2007, public backlash helped kill the bill as angry calls overwhelmed the Senate switchboard. This summer, other issues, notably President Barack Obama's health care law, seem to be topping the list of voters' concerns. Constituents opposed to citi-

zenship for immigrants in this country illegally are loudly voicing their views at Republican

people ticked off about amnesty,'' said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigra-

House members' town hall meetings this month. But advocates of immigration legislation that offers a path to citizenship are having some success getting their supporters to show up, too, even in heavily Republican districts. ``In a sort of immediate sense, Obamacare is what the party has decided they want to make a big deal of in these town halls, so that's frankly siphoning off a lot of outrage because the people ticked off about Obamacare are the same

tion Studies, which opposes higher immigration levels. Plus, the pro-immigration reform side is better organized and funded this time around and many establishment Republicans are on board. ``All of that put together means you're not going to see the same level of frantic activity,'' Krikorian said. What's less clear is how much it will matter once lawmakers return to Washington in September. Immigration overhaul legisla-

tion, a top second-term priority for Obama, is in limbo after the Democratic-led Senate in June passed a far-reaching bill that includes tens of billions of dollars for border security, new visa programs to bring more high- and low-skilled workers to the country, requirements for employers to check all workers' legal status, and a 13-year path to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants already in the country illegally. GOP House leaders have rejected that approach, vowing instead to proceed with bills addressing individual immigration issues, beginning with border security. And although by advocates' count more than 20 House Republicans have now declared their support for some kind of citizenship path, the majority of House Republicans remain opposed, creating a potentially unbridgeable divide between the House and the Senate. Congress also faces looming deadlines on the debt ceiling and spending bills to keep the government running. It all adds up to a tough environment for getting an immigration bill to Obama's desk. Cont'd on Page 46

Wipro asks PM to intervene with Obama NEW DELHI: IT services major Wipro has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek Obama administration's intervention to remove provisions in a proposed US immigration bill that are discriminatory towards Indian IT firms. "Provisions of the Senate Bill that are discriminatory and target Indian companies are outplacement bans and restrictions; attestation on recruitment of US workers; and higher wages to H1B employees vs American employees," Wipro Chairman Azim Premji said in a letter addressed to PM. "We want your support to seek White House intervention to eliminate the discriminatory provisions in both the Senate

and House Bills and to treat Indian IT service providers at par. This is in the interest of IndoUS trade relations and in keeping with your vision to increase bilateral trade by five times from the current level of USD 100 billion," Premji said. The United States Senate in June passed a landmark immigration bill retaining killer provisions on H-1B Visas that would badly hit Indian IT companies in America. "Discriminating against Indian

companies in favor of American IT services companies including lead-

Azim Premji

ing companies aggressively selling into India, this is not in the interest of free trade," Premji said.

The Bill, if it becomes law in the present form, will deal a body blow to Indian IT services firms using the guest worker visa (H1B program) to win contracts in the US as it legislates higher fees and salaries, thereby robbing Indian companies of their competitive low-cost edge. Seeking to assuage America's concerns, Premji said: "Contrary to misconception, Indian IT companies in US in the past five years have created American jobs of at least 35,000 and today support 2,80,000 jobs in the US. Three out of these four jobs are held by Americans. Contrary to this, a leading American Services company in the last six years has reduced 36,000 American workers".-PTI

Immigration Post

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August 30, 2013

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How immigration reform can come back to life GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

"The only true test of leadership is the ability to lead and lead vigorously" -President John F. Kennedy The Republican National Committee passed a resolution on August 16 calling on Congress to pass immigration reform by the end of the year. Unlike the Senate Bill, S. 744, the Border, Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act, which

the anniversary of the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, one of the main Republican architects of BSEOIMA, when he warned his party members in Congress that if they did not pass a reform bill then President Obama could extend the administrative relief for young people to everyone through administrative action. The authors have since 2010

This tepid resolution is completely at odds with BSEOIMA, which will dramatically reform the immigration system. Although the bill does not have everything that everyone wants, S. 744 offers a pathway to legalization for the 10 million undocumented grants a path way to citizenship, the RNC resolution contemplates legalizing immigrants who came to the US above the age of 18, but only by granting them two year renewable work permits. For those who came to the US as minors, they would get a renewable five year permit. There is no pathway to citizenship in the RNC's resolution. This tepid resolution is completely at odds with BSEOIMA, which will dramatically reform the immigration system. Although the bill does not have everything that everyone wants, S. 744 offers a pathway to legalization for the 10 million undocumented, a new W visa to allow for future flows of lower skilled immigrants and attempts to clear up the backlogs in the employment and family preferences. It also reforms the existing system in many ways by removing the 1 year bars to seeking asylum, creating a startup visa for entrepreneurs, clarifying a contentious provision under the Child Status Protection Act, providing greater discretion to both Immigration and Judges to terminate removal proceedings, among many other beneficial provisions. Therefore, it remains uncertain whether any measure that the House passes can get reconciled with BSEOIMA, which truly reforms the immigration system. The intransigence in the GOP controlled House, while frustrating the hopes and aspirations of all those who believe that a reformed immigration system will benefit America, also further foreshadows doom for the party in future elections. What caught our attention was a statement by Senator Rubio on

been advocating the ability of the President to ameliorate the plight of non-citizens trapped in a broken system through administrative measures. We have also proposed that the President can resolve the crisis in the backlogs in the employment and family based preferences by not counting derivative family members. It was thus heartening to know that Rubio also acknowledged the President's ability to pass an executive order, although he sees this more as a threat for his party. First, if Obama provides ameliorative relief to millions of immigrants, it will benefit the Democrats in future elections, just as DACA benefited the President in his reelection in November 2012. Second, if the President were to expand DACA to a broader group of undocumented people, and allow them to apply for work authorization and travel permission, this might be better than the GOP immigration reform proposal, if it got passed into law as part of a compromise with the Senate. Such an executive order will not be accompanied by a needless and expensive militarization of the border (which is also a feature of S. 744), along with mandatory EVerify that will bog down business large and small. It will not include draconian provisions that the House might likely pass in exchange for legalization, such as authorizing enforcement of immigration law by state police or criminalizing undocumented status. This is not to say that a Presidential executive order is a substitute for comprehensive immigration legislation. The President will not be able to grant permanent residence to the undocumented, only

work authorization and travel permission, and the family and employment based preferences will continue to have a limited supply of visas. Still, in the absence of Congress passing a comprehensive bill to reform the broken system, something is better than nothing. As we have already commented, if we do not count family members, that in itself would dramatically reduce waiting times in the family and employment preferences. Many of the people who will be legalized under an executive order may be able to ultimate get permanent residence through existing pathways. It is true that the President will not be able to increase badly needed H-1B visas through executive fiat, but it may be possible to give employers greater access to the unlimited O1 visa by broadening the definition of "extraordinary ability" to allow many more accomplished foreign nationals to work in the US. While an executive order will not include a new start up visa, if the current Entrepreneurs Pathways initiative is implemented faithfully, many entrepreneurs can start companies in the US under existing work visa categories. While the authors support the passage of S.744, it is tempting to add that executive action can

The President always has this ace up his sleeve, which is the ability to grant relief through an executive order, to force Congress to pass immigration reform. avoid the economic illiteracy that plagues the H-1B wage provisions embraced by the Senate as the price of passage and avoid the misguided tendency of House Republicans to extend this inflationary regime to other categories such as the TN. Unlike S. 744, it will not discourage employers from hiring foreign nationals by mandating artificially inflated wages for foreign nationals, a feature of S. 744 that sharply conflicts with expanded H-1B quotas and more generous provisions for employment-based migration. It will not cripple start-up companies who badly desire key foreign personnel but will under the new law be unable to afford them. It will not price American com-

panies out of the green card sponsorship market, divert precious funds that would otherwise be invested in cutting-edge research or dry up surplus capital that would be better spent on equipment modernization. Executive action will be devoid of the hugely inflationary wage rules adopted by the Senate as part of the deal making that resulted in the passage of S. 744,

vocated by House Judiciary Committee Chair Robert Goodlatte (RVa.). Many of the undocumented already have, or will, over time, acquire adult US citizen children; others may marry American citizens and still others could attract employer sponsorship. Keep them here, allow them to come in from the shadows, and let the undocumented regularize their status through the disciplined uti-

It is true that the President will not be able to increase badly needed H-1B visas through executive fiat, but it may be possible to give employers greater access to the unlimited O-1 visa by broadening the definition of "extraordinary ability" thereby encouraging more employers to refrain from moving jobs offshore or to low wage labor markets out of the United States. As a result, when compared to S. 744, action now by President Obama might make it more, not less, likely that companies will sponsor foreign workers for green cards. The President always has this ace up his sleeve, which is the ability to grant relief through an executive order, to force Congress to pass immigration reform. If Congress in fact fails to pass immigration reform, the President can actually bring about immigration reform, which may look better than any of the reform proposals being floated by the GOP in the House. Of course, a future President can get rid of such administrative measures, but this usually does not happen as it would be politically too dangerous to further alienate the Latino vote. It is more likely that a future Congress will bless such administrative measures like the way BSEOIMA did with DACA recipients. So, in light of all the uncertainty regarding the passage of a comprehensive immigration bill, a Presidential executive order, or the potential for one (as Rubio presciently realized) may not be such a bad thing. The invocation of executive action would allow the undocumented to remain in the United States with the opportunity for employment authorization and seek to utilize existing avenues for transition to lawful permanent resident status. It puts them in the same position as everyone else who seeks the green card. From this perspective, executive action would be consistent with the compromise proposal ad-

lization of existing remedies. Not only is this a solution that does not require the House GOP to abandon dysfunctionality as their prime governing philosophy, something they are manifestly loath to do, but, even if Congressional ratification subsequently is felt necessary or desirable, this is precisely the path to legalization that Representative Goodlatte has already outlined. The President cannot grant more L-1 intra-company transferee visas but he can restore the relevancy of those that now exist by ending the war on claims of specialized knowledge. No new allowances for extraordinary ability can come through the stroke of a pen but an enlightened decision to banish the suffocating Kazarian final merits determination would give new hope to aliens who now have none but otherwise satisfy what the law requires. Only Congress can exempt green card categories from the tender mercies of PERM but no legislative sanction is required to halt the use of audits as a tool of intimidation. The need for change should not blind us to the ample opportunities for remediation that the present law affords. As valuable as comprehensive reform is, as badly needed as the benefits it will bring most surely are, no law will succeed if those who enforce and interpret it lack the moral courage and political will to usher in a newer world. As that fan of Tudor prerogative told us long ago in no less contentious times, "the fault dear Brutus is not in our stars but in ourselves." * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Immigration Post

August 30, 2013

India Post 47

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Indians third largest immigrant group in US WASHINGTON: Indians have emerged as the third-largest immigrant group in the US behind Mexicans and Chinese, with nearly 1.9 million of them living in the country, a new study by an American thinktank has said. Indian population in the US has grown to over 150 times its size since 1960, when the slightly more than 12,000 Indian immigrants represented less than 0.5 per cent of the total immigrant population of 9.7 million immigrants, a study by Migration Policy Institute has found. Till 2011, Indian-born immigrants accounted for almost five per cent (1.86 million) of America's 40.4 million immigrants. Almost one-third of all Indian immigrants resided in just two states - California and New Jersey. More than a quarter of them lived in three major metropolitan areas New York, Chicago and San Jose. Two per cent of all unauthorized immigrants in the United States were also from India.

The study found that India was also the second most common country of origin for international students studying at US institutions of higher learning in 2011, behind China. According to the Institute of

International Education, students from India accounted for 13 per cent (100,270) of the 764,495 international students studying at US institutions of higher learning during the 2011-12 academic year. As a group, immigrants from In-

dia are better educated, more likely to have strong English language skills and arrive on employmentbased visas, and are less likely to live below the federal poverty line than the overall foreign-born population, the study says. Indian immigrant men outnumbered women in 2011. More than 29 per cent of employed Indian-born men worked in information technology occupations, while 19 per cent of employed women worked in management, business and finance. The data for the study was collected from the US Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey (ACS), the 2000 Decennial Census (as well as earlier censuses), and the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Immigration Statistics (OIS) (2012 data). -PTI

Voices opposing immigration law muted this August Cont'd from Page 45

Nonetheless, pro-immigrant advocates are claiming success in their August recess efforts to pressure House Republicans to act on immigration in the fall. An unusual and deep-pocketed alliance of Catholics and evangelicals, labor unions, business groups and others have been targeting dozens of GOP members viewed as open to hearing them out, and say they'll have momentum on their side when Congress reconvenes. ``The big story I think of the August recess is that we haven't seen what some had predicted, this major anti-immigrant movement where members of Congress would be heckled into inaction,'' Galen Carey, vice president of government relations at the Na-

tional Association of Evangelicals, said on a media call last week to announce a $400,000, 14-state radio ad campaign in support of immigration reform. ``We've seen very much that that has been a muted voice, but actually the pro-immigrant voice has been rather prominent at many of the town halls that we have observed.'' Although there have been no giant public rallies to draw national attention, pro-immigrant advocates have kept up a drumbeat of activity nationwide. They sent some 1,500 supporters into House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy's Bakersfield, Calif., district last week; delivered a 10,000-signature petition to Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas; and launched a statewide tour

through Wisconsin, among other activities. They're pointing to comments in the past few weeks from a handful of House Republicans, including Reps. Daniel Webster of Florida, Aaron Schock of Illinois and Dave Reichert of Washington, indicating qualified support for eventual citizenship for immigrants here illegally. So far, though, such comments have not become too widespread, and it's uncertain they'll add up to a real impetus for action in the fall. But immigrant activists who'd been concerned that this summer could be a repeat of the last immigration fight - or of 2009, when irate voters trashed Obama's health care bill at unruly town hall meetings across the country - are starting to breathe easy.-AP

Employee behind racist website on paid leave WASHINGTON: The Homeland Security Department says an employee who runs a racist website predicting and advocating a race war has been put on paid administrative leave. An acquisitions officer for Immigration and Customs Enforcement who deals with small businesses, Ayo Kimathi, operates the website War on the Horizon. It includes descriptions of an ``unavoidable, inevitable clash with the white race.'' Kimathi is black. Kimathi has been with the department since 2009. He was told that he is being put on paid ad-

ministrative leave. His website criticizes whites, gays, those of mixed race, and blacks who integrate with whites.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which monitors hate groups, earlier reported on Kimathi's role in running the site.-AP

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Dikshit inaugurates housing complex, faces protest NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit faced angry protest in Central Delhi when she had gone to Chanakyapuri area to inaugurate a housing complex for NDMC cleaning staff. Supporters of BJP MLA Karan Singh Tanwar shouted slogans against the Chief Minister when she visited Bapu Dham area in Chanakyapuri to inaugurate the housing complex. Tanwar, an MLA from Cantonment area, who was also there at the function alleged that Dikshit wanted a shopping mall to come up in the area and she was opposed to the flats for NDMC employees. The Chief Minister does not have right to inaugurate the flats as she opposed the project, Tanwar alleged. Officials in the NDMC said that though BJP supporters disrupted the function, Dikhsit inaugurated the flats. -PTI

Godrej seeks incentives for affordable housing KOCHI: Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej has asked the Centre to provide incentives to the affordable housing sector as more thrust needs to be given to this segment. India being a land scarce country, there is a huge growth possibility for affordable housing developing which would be 'great value addition', Godrej said at the plenary session of 'We Build India', the southern regional summit of Young Indians here. Job creation is another challenge as the growth rate has been slow for the past two years, he said, adding that rupee depreciation, inflation, fiscal deficit, current account deficit are among the economic challenges. Government and corporates need to improve their systems to regain fast economic growth. Once the pending legislations on goods and services tax are implemented, it would help regain 8-10 per cent expansion, he added. Godrej said while skill and training were important for the country's growth and development, equally important are moral leadership and good governance. He asked the youth to have a vision not only for the country, but for the entire world. He also called for setting up of a National Action Agenda to settle business disputes. India has the lowest rate of solving business disputes in the world, he said. -PTI

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Maharashtra stands by elevated metro proposal PUNE: The state government will stick to the elevated metro plan proposed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for Pune, setting aside all the objections raised by NGOs, civic groups and the state finance department, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar said here. He was speaking during an interaction with the media at the Pune Union of Working Journalists.

August 30, 2013

Cont’d on page 51

Homes for every stage of life JENNIE L. PHIPPS

ging in place is a popular retirement planning catchphrase. It means continuing to live in your own home even as your body gets older and you grow less able to manage the tasks associated with everyday living. That stage of life is hard to contemplate - let alone spend money on - when you are still hale and hearty. But most of us will get there one day - if we're lucky. And even if retirement is a long way off, keeping these things in mind when you contemplate purchasing a home could make it easier to resell. Think about this: The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 or older by 2050. The American Institute of Architects reported in its annual survey that accessibility - such as entries with no steps, first-floor bedrooms, wider hallways, etc. is the fastest-growing new home design trend. The group also cites low-maintenance landscaping as

another feature that has become highly popular. The National Association of Home Builders' survey of What Homebuyers Want, released in

• Hallways at least 4 feet wide, 78 percent. • Nonslip floor surfaces, 63 percent. • Entrance without steps, 50

May, confirmed this, ranking these accessibility features most desirable: • Full bathroom on the main level, 81 percent. • Doorways at least 3 feet wide, 79 percent.

percent. • Lower kitchen cabinets, 48 percent. • Bathroom aids, such as grab bars or seating in shower, 46 percent. Andrew Scharlach, associate

dean and professor at University of California Berkeley's School of Social Welfare, is particularly critical of U.S. housing policy because he says it doesn't do very much to accommodate the onslaught of aging baby boomers. In his report, Creating AgingFriendly Communities in the United States, he calls for more federal money to be targeted toward helping older homeowners remodel, so they can stay in their homes safely. He argues that this approach is much less expensive than building more nursing home and senior care facilities. Scharlach also calls for what he dubs "complete streets," which not only accommodate automobiles, but also walking, electric wheelchairs, golf carts and bicycles. In my little town, where there are mostly no sidewalks, that would be a huge step forward for me and many other residents. What would you do to make your town more aging-friendly?Courtesy Bankrate.com

NY sues Trump over 'fraud' university ALBANY, New York: New York's attorney general has sued Donald Trump for $40 million saying the real estate mogul helped run a phony ``Trump University'' that promised to make students rich but instead steered them into expensive and mostly useless seminars, and even failed to deliver promised apprenticeships. Trump shot back that the Democrat's lawsuit is false and politically motivated. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says many of the 5,000 students who paid up to $35,000 thought they would at least meet Trump but instead all they got was their picture taken in front of a life-size picture of ``The Apprentice'' TV star. ``Trump University engaged in deception at every stage of consumers' advancement through costly programs and caused real financial harm,'' Schneiderman said. ``Trump Uni-

versity, with Donald Trump's knowledge and participation, relied on Trump's name recognition and celebrity status to take advantage of consumers who believed

Donald Trump

in the Trump brand.'' But Trump's attorney accused Schneiderman of trying to extort campaign contributions from the real estate mogul through his investigation of Trump. Attorney

Michael D. Cohen told The Associated Press that Schneiderman's lawsuit was filled with falsehoods. Cohen said Trump and his university never defrauded anyone. He said Trump University provided nearly 11,000 testimonials to Schneiderman from students praising the program and said 98 percent of students in a survey termed the program ``excellent.'' ``The attorney general has been angry because he felt that Mr. Trump and his various companies should have done much more for him in terms of fundraising,'' Cohen said. ``This entire investigation is politically motivated and it is a tre-

mendous waste of taxpayers' money.'' State Board of Elections records show Trump has spent more than $136,000 on New York campaigns since 2010. He contributed $12,500 to Schneiderman in October 2010, when Schneiderman was running for attorney general, records show. An outspoken conservative, Trump himself flirted with a presidential run last year. ``Donald Trump will not sit back and be extorted by anyone, including the attorney general,'' Cohen said. The lawsuit says many of the wannabe moguls were unable to land even one real estate deal and were left far worse off than before the lessons, facing thousands of dollars in debt for the seminar program once billed as a top quality university with Trump's ``hand-picked'' instructors. Cont’d on page 51

Real Estate Post

August 30, 2013

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Plea to use of 'Made in India' materials MUMBAI: Raising serious concerns on continuous weakening of rupee against dollar, real estate body Naredco has appealed to developers to cut down imports of building construction material and instead use domestically manufactured product. "Developers import nearly USD 10 billion worth building construction products and services every year for their projects. In a situation when rupee is constantly depreciating, there is an urgent need that developers consider using made in India materials," National Real Estate Development Council (Naredco) vice president Sunil Mantri told reporters here. The imports not only include products like flooring, cement, home automation but also services like technology, consultancy and architects for which payments are made in dollars, he said. "We import these services especially for developing high-end luxury projects. Such imports account to nearly 30-50 per cent of

the total cost of the project," he said. Mantri said if developers adopted these measures it will help in making rupee stronger. On the Real Estate Regulation

On FDI in the sector, Mantri said, the government has allowed foreign investment into projects having area over 50,000 sq meter, which should be reduced to 20,000 sq meter and Development Bill, Naredco president Navin Raheja said it should be more practical and looking at the growth of the industry. "The Bill is a hugely positive step in the direction of developing the industry. However, this Bill addresses issues in a limited way.

"While the industry welcomes the positive intent of the government, we believe that the momentum gained should be utilized to iron out some of the issues. This will not only help to unlock projects worth over Rs 10,000 crore, it will also catalyze the economy with more vigor and vibrancy," he added. On FDI in the sector, Mantri said, the government has allowed foreign investment into projects having area over 50,000 sq meter, which should be reduced to 20,000 sq meter so that even small developers can get the benefit from it. "Already the financial conditions of developers is weak and to add to their woe banks are not ready to fund projects due to various issues like clearances and approvals. "In this situation the only way of raising funds is through private equity. If the area limit is reduced even small developers will be able to get foreign investment," he added. -AP

Realtors call for urgent implementation of REITs MUMBAI: With investor sentiment waning and the rupee plunging to new lows everyday, there is an urgent need for implementing the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) to ensure more liquidity in the sector, say experts. The government and market watchdog Sebi are actively working on a regulatory framework for REITs - an asset class that buys income generating real estate assets and passes on the yield to investors. "The finance ministry and Sebi are working actively on its implementation. If implemented, we be-

lieve it will encourage both foreign and domestic investors to invest in the real estate sector," National Real Estate Development Council Vice-President Sunil Mantri said at an industry summit over the weekend here. According to Mantri, the sector can attract investments worth USD 10 billion in the next thee-four years after its implementation. "In the present scenario, if the sector has to bounce back from the lows, there is a need to bring in such a mechanism," he said. If implemented, it will be very positive for the real estate sector,

attracting long-term and low-cost capital to India, PWC associate director Bhairav Dalal said. "We hope REITs is implemented soon. It will definitely give a boost to rental assets. It will act as an alternate source of funds for the developers as well," he said. However, he observed that the fund will not help in addressing the issue of non-availability of housing stock. "Though it will help in bringing liquidity in the sector, the REITs will not help developers who plan to develop residential projects. Also, developers who plan to undertake new projects, will not be able to get any benefit out of it in the initial stage," he said. Property consultancy firm Jones Lang LaSalle managing director for capital markets, Shobhit Agarwal too said REITs will not be the right answer to address liquidity issues. "REITs model, adapted to the existing mutual funds platform, do not seem to be the right answer. While everybody is working on entry and creating assets, the important question of who will buy these assets to provide an exit to the developers/investors needs to be addressed," he said. -PTI

Alchemist Realty acquires Century 21 Properties NEW DELHI: Alchemist Realty says it has acquired 99 per cent stake in Century 21 Properties India Pvt Ltd. Century 21 Properties India holds the rights of 'Century 21' brand owned by US-based Century 21 Real Estate to franchise real estate brokerage and advisory services in India. In a filing to the BSE, Alchemist Realty said it has "subscribed in 9,90,000 fully paid equity shares of face value of Rs 10 each at par

in Century 21 Properties India Pvt Ltd". Century 21 Properties has become 99 per cent owned subsidiary of Alchemist Realty Ltd, the filing added. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is the franchisor of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the Century 21ÂŽ System, the filing said.

Maharashtra stands by elevated metro proposal Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 50

Pawar said, "It is a fact that the metro project has been delayed. We have heard all the suggestions made by NGOs, experts, citizens and political parties. For the last few years the city has debated about (the merits and demerits of) underground and elevated metro. However, the fact is the city cannot afford an underground metro and hence we have decided to go ahead with the original plan (proposed by the DMRC)." Pawar said, however, the state was not in a position to announce an exact date of completion for the metro project. He added, "Recently, a delega-

tion from a citizens' group headed by Vijay Kelkar submitted a memorandum saying Pune should have an underground metro. We need to understand that an underground metro project is unaffordable and the resultant fares will also be high. The motive to have public transport will be defeated if citizens refuse to use metro because of high fares." Pawar said the state finance department has raised objections to the financial model for the project. "The state government will overrule objections raised by the finance department and go ahead with the project. The finance department has its own views, which are not binding on the cabinet.

NY sues Trump over 'fraud' university Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 50

Schneiderman is suing the program, Trump as the university chairman, and the former president of the university in a case to be handled in state Supreme Court in Manhattan. He accuses them of engaging in persistent fraud, illegal and deceptive conduct and violating federal consumer protection law. The $40 million he seeks is mostly to pay restitution to consumers. He dismissed Trump's claim of a political motive. ``The fact that he's still brave enough to follow the investigation wherever it may lead speaks to Mr. Schneiderman's character,'' Schneiderman spokesman Andrew Friedman told AP. State Education Department officials had told Trump to change the name of his enterprise years ago, saying it lacked a license and

didn't meet the legal definitions of a university. In 2011 it was renamed the Trump Entrepreneur Institute, but it has been dogged since by complaints from consumers and a few isolated civil lawsuits claiming it didn't fulfill its advertised claims. Schneiderman's lawsuit covers complaints dating to 2005 through 2011. Students paid between $1,495 and $35,000 to learn from the Manhattan mogul who wrote the best seller, ``Art of the Deal'' a decade ago followed by ``How to Get Rich'' and ``Think Like a Billionaire.'' Scheiderman said the three-day seminars didn't, as promised, teach consumers everything they needed to know about real estate. The Trump University manual tells instructors not to let consumers ``think three days will be enough to make them successful,'' Schneiderman said. -AP

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis SADHGURU JAGGI VASUDEV

Question: I am a high school teacher and wanted to ask for your advice about how not to make a mistake with children, how to inspire them. About fifty percent of the pupils in my class take Ritalin because they are being tagged as having ADD or ADHD. (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) What would your advice be? With so many doctors and psychiatrics and all this, I don't think a 'normal' child is born anymore. There are no 'normal' children because whatever they do, there is a label for them. If they are active, they are 'hyperactive' ADHD. If they are a little slow, it is something else. Whichever way they are, one label is fixed, nailed to them, which they have to carry for the rest of their life. Someone can run fast, someone limps, someone does something else - this is all normal. This is how human beings are. It is just that because we are trying to put all of them into one slot, they look abnormal. It is like your traveling bag. At the airport, they have this measuring device that your bag is supposed to fit into; otherwise some of the airlines don't let you take it. Almost nobody's bag fits into that; I am sure only the terror JERRY KATZ

alen Sharp blends Zen, quantum theory, the teachings of Douglas Harding and Wei Wu Wei (Terence Gray), but never does any one of those teachings dominate his landscape. It's always the exercises, the Reality Meditations, that are up front, making the reader the real subject of the book. The question, What am I?, is for the reader to investigate. It's always that question that's in the forefront of this book, not the author or his sources. This book is a workout for your process of attention. It's an attention gymnasium. There's lots of exercise equipment in the form of the Reality Meditations. There are also ubiquitous reminders of why you are at this gym: to find out what you are. A few quotations from the book give you a further sense of what to expect: "Moving into reality has nothing to do with strict disciplines, or religion, or New Age pseudoscience. It is not learning something new and mystical, but looking openly at what is here-and-now and discovering it for yourself. It is something you can do as you go about your normal daily round. You

guys have come with the rightsized bag. But the normal passengers don't fit their bags into it because when people travel they need things - they take this, they take that, they buy this, they buy that - it will be bulging and it won't fit. So all these are abnormal people. Have you seen a perfect mango tree? Similarly, have you seen a perfect human being? Unless they are machine turned out, there is

have ADD or ADHD. Otherwise, every one of them is capable of doing something. Some may just be so happy, they may not do anything. The education system is not going to change tomorrow, but at least you don't have to label those who are with you right now. You must see the deer in the forest. At around eight thirty, there will be bunches of deer here. Sim-

more; we need some nut and bolt which fits into the system we have created. Because of that, everybody looks abnormal. Probably the fifty percent that you think are abnormal are probably normal human beings. The other fifty percent are machine turned out. We are not thinking of living, we are thinking of productivity, so we are trying to produce machines which will produce more. Because of that,

Our idea of perfection is so messed up

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Our idea of perfection is we must be able to put everybody into the same hole, then they are perfect. Because we are trying to put everybody through the same kind of schooling, everybody should become a doctor, or an engineer

no question of whatever you call perfect. Our idea of perfection is so messed up. Our idea of perfection is we must be able to put everybody into the same hole, then they are perfect. Because we are trying to put everybody through the same kind of schooling, everybody should become a doctor, or an engineer, something - children are enduring this torture. Because of that, somebody looks like they

ply. They eat, romp around, they don't work. The castrated bullock which is drawing the cart will look at them and say, 'Those useless deer, they do nothing.' What to do? Even the elephant does nothing. He doesn't romp, he rampages through whatever he sees. But it is fine. That is how they should be. Unfortunately, we became industrialized societies - that means we need cogs in the wheels. We don't need human beings any-

any machine that does not produce what you think it must produce suddenly looks abnormal. It is not necessary that all of us should be equally capable. Some can walk, some can crawl, some can fly, it is all right. Why are we setting this nonsensical idea that only if somebody is able to do this much, he is a normal human being? The 56th birth anniversary of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev will be celebrated on Sept 3.

don't have to change anything about yourself or our life." "True liberation requires no effort and no willpower, no special principles you have to remember to apply. It causes no guilt and requires no faith. It requires nothing but watching - simply your atten-

"This New Reality must be personally witnessed, personally explored and observed deeply and thoroughly in your own experience to manifest in actuality." Galen Sharp is a teacher who stands his own ground, well-seasoned within a world of nonduality

authors/self-realized beings. In that way he was, and remains, legendary. Galen Sharp offers a view of nonduality no other current teacher can offer. This is a seasoned view from someone who has seen it all and been a part of it

What Am I? A Study in Non-Volitional Living Moving into reality has nothing to do with strict disciplines, or religion, or New Age pseudoscience. It is not learning something new and mystical, but looking openly at what is here-and-now tion. That is precisely why nothing else has really worked for you. Everything happens by itself." "It all boils down to where your thoughts come from and where your actions come from. Is any of it really from you or your 'doing?' How could it be? Can you see how the 'loss' of ownership of these things is actually liberation?" "We will soon be forced to move from the dualistic Newtonian world model to the true nondual reality."

that barely knows him. But I've known about Galen Sharp through his writings since almost the day I went online in 1997 and began looking up stuff on nonduality. At the time there was one website which stood as a model for my own vision of an internet nonduality. It was Peter's (I never knew his last name) now defunct sentient.org. (Use the Wayback Machine to enjoy past versions of the site.) Galen Sharp was one of a handful of featured

What is new in the world? Nothing. What is old in the world? Nothing. Everything has always been and will always be. -Sai Baba Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars. -Khalil Gibran In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. -Deepak Chopra I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing. -Socrates Some of us might find happiness if we quit struggling so desperately for it. -William Feather The praise that comes from love does not make us vain, but more humble. -James M. Barrie

Galen Sharp

all. Galen has been immersed in the teachings on nonduality for over thirty years. He studied personally with the legendary Wei Wu Wei, was friends with Peter, knew Douglas Harding, and even met Paul Reps. To use a generational analogy, if Galen Sharp were part of the Beat Generation he would have been best friends with Kerouac and Ginsburg. I highly recommend getting to know Galen Sharp, but mainly yourself, through this book.

Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. -Dalai Lama If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind! The mind of the sage, being in repose, becomes the mirror of the universe -Zhuangzi

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How does India fare in Failed States Index? PR CHARI

ow one defines state failure lies at the heart of any meaningful analysis of the failed states index (FSI). According to the Washington-based Fund for Peace that designed the index, a failed state is recognized by: â&#x20AC;˘ Loss of control over its territory, affecting its monopoly to legitimate use of physical force therein; â&#x20AC;˘ Erosion of legitimate authority to make collective decisions; â&#x20AC;˘ Inability to function as a full member of the international community. The idea of Pakistan failed spectacularly in 1971 when it lost its eastern wing, and Bangladesh was born. The secession of parts of a country would thus seem to offer the ultimate criterion to recognize state failure. Its likely fragmentation would also qualify, which could happen to Afghanistan after 2014. So could their rapid descent into chaos, which makes Somalia, Congo, Sudan, South Sudan and Chad - all Sub-Saharan countries uniquely singular as the countries most vulnerable to state failure. The international system abhors instability, and is interested therefore in recognizing early signs of states failing to stem this contagion from spreading. Still, no state can island itself within the international system. State failure, for example, in any part of South Asia arising from ecological disaster or economic collapse or inability to contain terrorism could transcend borders and affect other parts of the region. Realistically, however, the international system has only a limited ability to influence the domestic processes that predicate state failure in this fashion. By contrast, a failing state that is gravitating towards state failure can be recognized by weak and ineffective governance with loosening control over its territory; inability to provide public services; widespread corruption and criminality; refugees and involuntary movements of people; and sharp economic decline. There are huge difficulties, however, in parsing these subjective judgments to frame foreign policy. For instance, how much is the loss of territory under government control that would qualify a state to be "failing"? Are civil society movements indicting the State for tolerating corruption, providing immunity to

criminals, but neglecting education, public health, social and civic services providing a truer identification of a failing state? These questions are relevant for India. In 2013 it has been ranked 79 in the FSI listing of 178 states, improving its position slightly from 78 in 2012. Incidentally, Afghanistan (7) and Pakistan (13) lead the 2013 Index in South Asia, followed by Sri Lanka (28), Bangladesh (29), Nepal (30); all them fall in the highest sub-category "Alert" in the FSI, Bhutan (63), India (79), and Maldives (88) are some distance behind in the Index, and are included in the next sub-category "Warning". One must go deeper into the criteria for estimating the vulnerability of states adopted by the FSI to understand its construction. Some 12 factors, grouped under social, economic and political cri-

based on the 12 political, social and economic indicators listed above (which includes over 100 sub-indicators). These scores are checked against two key aspects viz. quantitative analysis and qualitative inputs based on major events in the countries under scrutiny. And, further cross-checked by human analysis to ensure that the raw data has not been misinterpreted by the computer software. It is claimed that the strength of this analysis lies in its methodological rigor and systematic integration of a wide range of data sources. Still, major problems persist. India (77) has been adjudged as more likely to fail than the Maldives. The fragile nature of democracy in the Maldives is painfully evident. Moreover, global warming and rising sea levels present an existential danger to its

Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh

teria, have been isolated. The social factors include: mounting demographic pressures; massive displacement of refugees; widespread vengeance-seeking group grievances; chronic and sustained human flight. The economic factors include uneven economic development on group lines, and severe economic decline. Political factors comprise criminalization and/or delegitimization of the state; deterioration of public services; suspension or arbitrary application of laws; extensive human rights abuses; security apparatus becoming a "state within a state"; rise of factional elites; and, intervention by external political agents. The Fund for Peace apparently relies on its proprietary Conflict Assessment Software Tool (CAST) to analyze data to obtain final scores for the FSI. Based on reviewing a large number of documents, countries are given scores

territory. Placing the Maldives above India in the FSI is, therefore, egregious. It is also arguable whether factors like human flight and state legitimacy among the 12 indicators chosen are relevant to India. Further, in the total FSI score of 77.5 for India, the most significant are vengeance-seeking group grievances (8.2) and uneven economic development (8.1), closely followed by security apparatus becoming a "state within a state" (7.8) and mounting demographic pressure (7.5). Inflation, corruption, criminalization of the political system, dysfunctional bureaucracy and law and order apparatus seem more relevant with several parts of the country falling under the control of ethnic and Left Extremist groups. Sadly, the reality underlying failed and failing states is much more complex than made out in the FSI, which should be borne in mind.- Courtesy IPCS

India Post States of economy

mid the prevailing gloom about the economy of India, a glimpse of a bright future has been provided in a study by Morgan Stanley economist Ruchir Sharma. Comparing the growth rates of India with that of some of the Indian states, he says that since 2006, while the growth of India as a whole has been declining, that of some of the States like Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat has been rising. And this is a hopeful trend. If the states of India take on the ownership of development on their own, India as a whole benefits. It is interesting to note that none of the states which are growing at a healthy rate are ruled by the Congress. Three of the states he has mentioned according to the statistics provided by the Planning Commission are ruled by the BJP. Can we then draw the conclusion that the BJP ruled states are better administered? The chief ministers of these states do not have to look up to New Delhi for approval while taking important decisions. They are their own masters. And most of them have developed autocratic tendencies in their haste for rapid development, he has pointed out. This is being tolerated by voters in their eagerness for jobs and growth. In fact after the Central Government's pusillanimity, dithering and lack of courage in taking decisions, people are demanding a strong person at the helm in New Delhi. That is why the rising popularity of Narendra Modi who is seen as a man of guts who can take decisions. Ruchir Sharma advisees the Central government to see the writing on the wall and, "to revive India's competitiveness in the global economy, New Delhi should step aside and allow the rising states to reclaim even more decision making power from the Center." Giving an example of how it can be done, he points out how the government recently resolved a major controversy over whether to allow international retailers to open stores in India by kicking the decision down to the state level. Some critics point out drawbacks in having strong states and a weak Center. Giving examples they say that an agreement on Teesta waters with the government of Bangladesh was scuttled by the intransigence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Central Government is unable to improve relationship with Sri Lanka because of the opposition at every step by the Tamil parties. As the future looks increasingly bleak for the national parties, the regional satraps may be calling the shots at the Center also. And what if they take decisions of international ramifications which on the short term may seem to benefit their state? It is argued that there will be hiccups but the state leaders pitchforked to manage the Center will learn by experience. There is an interesting paradox. Even as the Center weakens to the benefit of the States, the States would not be willing to give up that newly acquired power. How does a strongman like Narendra Modi, in case he reaches the Delhi throne, deal with the rising States? Compromising doesn't seem to be in his nature. And authoritative conduct would turn away support from the regions. From the increasing number of opinion polls that are now rolling in, it does not seem an easy agreement could be arrived at about who will run India after May 2014.

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