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Madhya Pradesh CM
Chauhan blends governance with scriptures Details on page 16
VOL 18, No. 944
October 19, 2012
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OUTSOURCING: INDIA LEADS THE WORLD
NEW DELHI: India ranked first in the list of top 10 locations for outsourcing business operations in 2011 but it has started facing competition from countries like Philippines and Indonesia, global property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) said in a report. "India, while still hitting the high notes on the offshoring market, will need to work hard to maintain its edge," JLL India Chairman and Country Head Anuj Puri
said in a statement. Puri said when it comes to offshoring business operations to India, the traditional benefit of availability of a large talent pool, lower costs and quick turnaround time still apply. Outsourcing to India enables foreign companies to overcome office space costs in their own countries, he added. Details on page 5
'Utsav' show a celebration of life
US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
US Secy hails India’s reforms initiatives Details on page 10
Vishakha Desai to join Columbia as Advisor Details on page 8
US economy would prevail over Chinese: Ro
Details on page 17 Details on page 7
'India will make great progress if Modi is made PM'
Community fundraiser for Richard Valle
Details on page 18 Details on page 9
India infra poised for big leap
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 51 Community Post -------------- 16-26
Details on page 39
Date Book -------------------------- 50 Edit Page --------------------------- 53
INDIA POST SURVEY
HealthScience Post --------- 12-15
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Horoscope ------------------------- 48
This week’s question
Immigration Post ------------- 43-45
Will Krishna visit assuage feeling of Sikhs?
Life Style ----------------------- 30-33 Philosophy ------------------------- 52
Last week’s result
Narendra Modi is an embarrassment for BJP? YES 17%
NO 83%
Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
CONSOLING VISIT: External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Ambassador Nirupama Rao (left) address media persons after their visit to the Oak Creek Gurudwara, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 4. (Details on page 5)
Real Estate -------------------- 46-47 TechBiz Post ------------------- 39-43 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 36-38
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his is one reality that doesn't seem to surprise, but manages to shock simply because of the numbers involved. Apparently, one in every 10 road deaths in the world and every sixth road crash across the globe happens in India. At least 14 people die on Indian roads every hour. And this, considering India has only one percent of the global vehicle population. Road fatalities in India increased from 1.32 lakh in 2010 to 1.43 lakh in 2011. Despite India being a signatory to UN's 'Decade of Action' program to reduce road deaths by 50% during this decade, it has not yet announced its plan to achieve the target. Like I said, the fact that India should be the road kill capital of the world doesn't surprise me but the staggering numbers involved are shocking. For callous Indian authorities every death is perhaps one less person burdening the country. Because, for a country that is claiming economic progress by encouraging conspicuous consumption in the form of new cars flooding the roads every day, it doesn't seem to correlate to the simultaneous need to develop its infrastructure, road safety norms, basic traffic rules, public awareness on road etiquette and a tighter leash on traffic authorities who are lax in enforcing the laws. How many of those who drive on Indian roads actually have valid driving licenses? Or for that matter, how many have even gone through any formal driving lessons? Travel across Indian cities and towns and you wonder how anyone survives the traffic at all. It's anarchy on the streets where the most persistent and loudest of honkers to those who literally bully their way through the traffic that get to go first. Lanes are non-existent as a concept; traffic lights are at best a sad joke; pot-holes, repair-ridden road diversions, illegal encroachers blocking entire portions of the roads are an integral part of the milieu. Roads in this country are apparently where every citizen exercises complete right of ownership, taking the idea of public property quite literally.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Ever a dreamer Rani Mukerji is a dreamer and so is Meenakshi Deshpande, her character in the forthcoming film Aiyyaa.
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Cover Story: Tops in outsourcing India ranked first in the list of top 10 locations for outsourcing business operations but it has started facing competition.
Community: Impressive CM Sounding more like a saint-politician, visiting Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan impressed all.
Health: Pushed to poverty Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad says 39 million Indians are pushed to poverty because of ill health every year.
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Outsourcing: India leads the world NEW DELHI: India ranked first in the list of top 10 locations for outsourcing business operations in 2011 but it has started facing competition from countries like Philippines and Indonesia, global property consultant Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) said in a report. "India, while still hitting the high notes on the offshoring market, will need to work hard to maintain its edge," JLL India Chairman and Country Head Anuj Puri said in a statement. Puri said when it comes to offshoring business operations to India, the traditional benefit of availability of a large talent pool, lower costs and quick turnaround time still apply. Outsourcing to India enables foreign companies to overcome
office space costs in their own countries, he added.
India is beginning to face stiff competition on the outsourcing front from other markets like Phillipines and Indonesia. Options for global location decision makers are extending "India has the largest English speaking population in the world, ensuring optimal communication customer-vendor communica-
tions. However, India is beginning to face stiff competition on the outsourcing front from other markets like Phillipines and Indonesia," Puri said. The report said that the options for global location decision makers are extending. "Optimal decisions require a broader and more considered evaluation reflective of changing times. India continues to be a leading player in this environment, supported by its strong fundamentals," JLL Director - Corporate Research Tom Carroll said. However, he said the global corporations are increasingly focused on productivity, operational efficiency and future scalability, rather than straight cost-saves in the short term and therefore "India will need to en-
sure it reflects these concerns if it is to retain its leading position". "India consistently leads top 10 locations for FDI in shared service centers (2003-2011), the
statement said. Malaysia and Poland were at the second and third positions, respectively, according to the report. -PTI
Krishna meets families of shooting victims
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna attends a Satsang at the Oak Creek Gurudwara, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 4
NEW YORK: External Affairs Minister S M Krishna met family members of victims of Oak Creek Gurudwara shooting and said India and the US stand united against those who perpetrate a culture of violence and hatred. Krishna paid a visit to the Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and met the family of priest Punjab Singh, who is still in coma after being critically injured in the August shooting. He later met with families of six Sikh persons who were killed when lone gunman Wade Michael Page went on a shooting rampage in the gurudwara, critically injuring three others. Expressing condolences and grief on behalf of the people and the Indian government, Krishna said such incidents "remind of the grim challenges that we face from perverse ideologies." "The senseless act of violence is more tragic because it happened in a place of worship, devotion and peace," Krishna said as he addressed over 300 members of the Sikh community at the Milwaukee gurudwara.
He added that all "rightly-thinking people" in India, the US and across the world had condemned the "barbaric act." The world has to be rid of such "intolerant bigots" who "perpetrate" a culture of hate and violence, he asserted calling for a unity regardless of nationalities and religious affiliations to fight such forces.
Krishna, who traveled to Wisconsin after attending the 67th session of the UN General Assembly here, had discussed the gurudwara tragedy in his meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier in New York. He said both he and Clinton agreed that as democracies and privileged societies that have always upheld the highest ideals of plural-
ism, diversity and religious freedom, India and the US must stand together against violence and hate. "We shall not be intimidated by such senseless violence and would continue to pursue (our) faiths and nobody dare obstruct that culture," Krishna said. The minister also expressed appreciation for US President Barack Obama speaking to Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh immediately after the shooting. He also termed as "extraordinary gesture" the order that American flags be flown at half mast in honor of the victims. Krishna said Obama's message of support and sympathy was a "source of assurance" to the Sikh community.
S M Krishna meets family members of victims of the Oak Creek Gurudwara shoot out on October 4
Cont’d on page 7
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Terrorism is a 'Frankenstein monster': Advani UNITED NATIONS: Terming terrorism as a "Frankenstein monster", senior BJP leader L K Advani has said that the global community cannot afford to adopt "selective approaches" in dealing
been wracked by activities of the biggest terrorist actors in the world like Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar-eTaiba and Jamat-ud Daawa. "The fight against terrorism has to be unrelenting and fought
the use of terrorism as an instrument of State policy is shortsighted. "Indeed, those who have taken recourse to it have invariably themselves suffered immensely
Senior BJP leader L. K. Advani speaks on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism during the 67th Session of UN General Assembly in New York on October 8
with terrorist groups and use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy is short-sighted. Advani, who is among a group of visiting Indian Parliamentarians here attending sessions of the UN General Assembly, said India has faced the scourge of terrorism for over two-and-a-half decades with the South Asian region having
across all fronts. The international community cannot afford selective approaches in dealing with terrorist groups or in dismantling the infrastructure of terrorism," Advani said in his address on 'Measures to eliminate international terrorism.' He said terrorism is a "Frankenstein monster" and resorting to
from it proving the age old dictum that those who play with the sword, also perish by it," Advani said. He said terrorism, extremism and radicalization continue to pose a serious challenge to peace, progress and prosperity in the South Asian region. He asked the international
community to step up its collective efforts with real cooperation among member states to confront the scourge of terrorism "squarely and decisively." Noting that terrorism constitutes the most serious challenge to international peace and security, Advani said terrorists in today's world are not only globalize, but are waging an asymmetric warfare against the international community. "India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. No cause or grievance could justify terrorism. We need to adopt a holistic approach that ensures zero-tolerance towards terrorism," he said. Advani stressed on the need to constantly expand the scope of the legal instruments taking into account the changing nature of the threat and expand enforcement efforts to destroy safe havens for terrorists, their financial flows and support networks. Acknowledging the "seminal role" played by the UN in combating terrorism, Advani said the normative framework at the world body to deal with terrorism needs to be strengthened continuously. "Time has come for adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which has been pending for a long time. The convention will further strengthen the implementation of the Global counter-terrorism strategy," the senior BJP leader said. Advani reiterated India's support, particularly to efforts within the purview of the UN, that strengthen international and regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
"The success in the fight against terrorism goes hand-inhand with progress in strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation and exchange of information at the international, regional and sub-regional level," he said. Advani added that an effective and balanced implementation of the global counter terrorism strategy requires greater cooperation than the one the international community has so far been able to achieve. India is Chair of the UN's Counter-Terrorism Committee and has been focusing on providing a political direction to the work of the committee as well as a greater momentum to efforts in bolster-
Advani stressed on the need to constantly expand the scope of the legal instruments taking into account the changing nature of the threat and expand enforcement efforts to destroy safe havens for terrorists, their financial flows and support networks ing member states' ability in confronting the scourge of terrorism. Last year, the committee had adopted an 'Outcome Document' which urged all member states to ensure zero-tolerance towards terrorism.
India pitches for reform in global governance
Minister of State E Ahamed speaks during the 67th Session of UN General Assembly
UNITED NATIONS: Making a case for urgent reform of structures of global governance, India has said that developing countries should be ensured due participation in the decision making mechanism of international economic and financial institutions. "The continuance of economic vulnerabilities and new and emerging challenges with intertwined complexities of globalization demand an urgent reform of the structures of global governance," Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed said at the General Debate of the Second Committee here. He said despite concerted efforts, the global economic situation remains one of deep concern with unemployment, food and
energy concerns running high. "It is imperative that developing countries are given due voice and participation in the decision making structures of the global economic and financial institutions," he said.
rica on debt sustainability, financial assistance, trade and development. He also reiterated the need for urgent reform of the UN Security Council, including expansion of the permanent and non-perma-
‘It is imperative that developing countries are given due voice and participation in the decision making structures of the global economic and financial institutions,’ he said Ahamed said that the move would also help address core concerns of the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, Small Island Developing States and countries in Af-
nent categories and revitalization of the General Assembly. He said the task before the Second Committee, which focuses on area of global finances and economics, is well laid out. -PTI
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US economy would prevail over Chinese: Ro WASHINGTON: Even as the world looks at China for phenomenal success in manufacturing, an Indian American, who had a twoyear stint in the Obama Administration, believes it is the US' free market economy, which promotes entrepreneurial culture, will finally trump the Chinese model. "I am very confident that the American economy will prevail over the Chinese model in the 21st century. An entrepreneurial culture that welcomes immigrants and embraces the free-market will trump China's more closed, economic model," Ro Khanna, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary at Commerce, told PTI. In his book 'Entrepreneurial Nation: Why Manufacturing is Still Key to America's Future' which was released early this year, Khanna profiles 15 successful American manufacturers and highlights their comparative advantage. "Despite cheaper labor abroad, currency manipulation, intellectual property theft, and subsidies to foreign competitors, these American manufacturers are winning," writes Khanna in his book. "The United States makes 20 per cent of the world's products, with 10 per cent of our economy, while China makes 20 per cent of the world's products with 40 per cent of its economy. The US has six times productivity over China. "When it comes to making complex equipment and machinery, the US is still the world leader," Khanna said.
Indian American Ro Khanna delivering a talk at Politics and Prose, one of the most prestigious invitations for an author in the United States, in Washington on October 6
Khanna, whose provocative book has been widely acclaimed in the US, says that the problem with China is that it is cheating? and currency is undervalued, and providing illegal subsidies to its manufacturing sector and helping their exporters. "We need a level-playing field. If there were a level playing field wherein China played by the rules then there would be no problem in trade," he said.
Both the presidential candidates - Barack Obama and Mitt Romney - recognize the unfair trade practices of China, he said. The US, he said, has successfully brought several cases against China at the World Trade Organization. China really needs to open up in the 21st century society. If there is a level playing field then the US manufacturing sector can compete, he said. -PTI
India calls for efforts to destroy terrorists' safe havens UNITED NATIONS: Noting rorism must comply with all oblithat terrorism cannot be justified gations under international law, in by any cause or grievance, India particular international human has asked UN-member states to rights, refugee and humanitarian expand enforcement efforts to law. destroy safe havens and terrorHe termed the UN's convening ists' support networks besides power as "unparalleled," which evolving a counter-narrative to has played a "seminal" role in combat radicalization. combating terrorism and capacity "To say that terrorism today building of member States. constitutes the most serious chal"Our efforts at the UN are now lenge to international peace and increasingly focused towards ensecurity would be both a self-evi- hancing greater cooperation, codent truism and an understate- herence and coordination of ment. No cause or grievance can counter-terrorism efforts amongst justify terrorism," India's Ambassador to the UN and Chair of the He termed the UN's convenCounter Terrorism Coming power as "unparalleled," mittee Hardeep Singh Puri said at the 11th which has played a "semiMeeting of the Heads of Special Services, Secu- nal" role in combating terrorrity Agencies and Law- ism and capacity building Enforcement Organizaof member States tions. Puri said combating the global scourge of terrorism various UN entities," he added. effectively requires necessary Puri said the success in the political will of member states and fight against terrorism goes handgreater international and regional in-hand with progress in strengthcooperation. ening counter-terrorism coopera"We need to constantly ex- tion and exchange of information pand the scope of the legal instru- at the international, regional and ments taking into account the sub-regional level. changing nature of the threat and Outlining the measures instiexpand enforcement efforts to tuted by the Counter Terrorism destroy safe havens for terrorists, Committee to combat terrorism, Puri their financial flows and their sup- said the Committee adopted an 'Outport networks. We also need to come Document' last year which is evolve a powerful counter-narra- a major landmark in providing strative to combat incitement and tegic direction to the work of the radicalization," he added. Committee aimed at strengthening He stressed that measures capacity of States in their countertaken by nations to combat ter- terrorism efforts.-PTI
Krishna meets families of shooting victims Cont’d from page 5
First Lady Michelle Obama's visit to Wisconsin also added a "healing touch at a moment of great anguish and grief," Krishna held. The minister said there was a deep sense of "pain and anguish" in India when news of the shooting broke out. He expressed appreciation and gratitude to the local government in Milwaukee and police authorities whose prompt action helped avert an even bigger tragedy. Thanking the local community for providing emotional support to the Sikhs in the aftermath of the tragedy, Krishna wished a speedy recovery to Lieutenant Brian Murphy, who was among the first police officers to respond to the shooting and sustained
S M Krishna and Ambassador Nirupama Rao (left) meet the family - Jaspreet Singh (son), Kulwant Kaur (wife) and Raghuvinder Singh (son) - of Punjab Singh, who was injured in the Oak Creek Gurudwara shoot out, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 4
Oak Creek Gurudwara trustee Dr Harcharan Gill describing Oak Creek shoot out incident to External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna and Ambassador Nirupama Rao during their visit to the Gurudwara on October 4
serious injuries in bringing Page down. Noting that US and India are defined by pluralism, diversity and respect for religious freedom, Krishna said people from all parts of the world have made America their home and enjoy equal rights and opportunity. The three million people of Indian origin form a vibrant part of America have made enormous
contribution to the country's growth story through their professional and community work, he said. Earlier during his visit to the hospital, he spoke with doctors who told him that Singh is recuperating and is being provided with the best medical care. At the gurudwara, Krishna also participated in a traditional community Langar. -PTI
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Priya Dutt promotes Nargis trust activities RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Priya Dutt, trustee Nargis Dutt Memorial Charitable Trust (NDMCT), recently visited Bay Area to promote and fundraise trust activities. Priya visited various NDMCT chapters to support their annual events. She spoke about Trust and SF chapter activities during the press conference. Through Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation (NDCF), NDMCT is at the forefront of supporting fight against cancer in India. It was established in 1981 in memory of Priya's mother Nargis Dutt, with the objective of providing care for cancer patients in India. It started in a humble way with efforts of a few individuals in New York. It has since grown all over US in many states. There are many
other cities on the anvil. San Francisco chapter was formed in 1991 and has been active ever since. Ms. Dutt was recognized for NDCF work by California Assembly member Bob Wieckowski. NDCF aims to provide basic health facilities in India. It has been setting up rural hospitals in India. So far $25M+ has been raised and used to provide medical facilities in India. NDCF provides bone marrow transplants, dialysis treatment, pediatric cancer treatment and palliative care among other treatments. Ms. Dutt said that "there is lot more to be done to improve medical care in India. This is great opportunity for all people from India to give back to their country. NDCF uses 100% of donations for the projects. Everyone works voluntarily and out of dedication and commitment".
Dr Bhupinder Bhandari, Ms Priya Dutt and Mr. Mahesh Pakala
A new Palliative care center is being set up in Pune. Palliative care is all about keeping people comfortable after the active treatment ends. San Francisco chapter President Dr. Bhupinder Bhandari and Vice President Mahesh Pakala mentioned that there is a huge fund raiser being held in Santa Clara Convention Center featur-
ing Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan on November 4 at 5 pm. Mr. Mahesh Pakala, Reena Rao and Dr. Bhupinder Bhandari are working hard and organizing the local chapter activities. Priya Dutt also met with some key members of Silicon Valley at the Amber restaurant in Santana Row to discuss the projects and update NDCF work in India.
Vishakha Desai to join Columbia as Special Advisor India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger has announced that Vishakha Desai, former president and chief executive of the New York-based Asia Society, will join the University as his special advisor for global affairs while also serving as a professor of practice at the School of International and Public Affairs, effective January 1. "Vishakha Desai has had wonderful success leading the Asia Society," said Bollinger. "This is, in part, due to her abilities both to understand people from the many sectors involved in globalization - the arts and academia to business, government and NGOs - and to develop a fine grained understanding of the way deep cultures are interacting with the powerful economic and secular forces in our society. Her insights and experience will contribute greatly to Columbia both here on our campus and around the world at our Global Centers." Desai spent 22 years at the Asia Society, an educational or-
ganization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships in Asia and the United States, the last eight years as its president. She steered the organization to
Vishakha Desai
significant growth in its education, art, business and public policy programs, including the establishment of a Center on U.S.China Relations and major new facilities in Houston, Hong Kong, South Korea and India. Asia Society's global reach now includes a presence in 11 cities in Asia and the U.S. Cont’d on page 11
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Community fundraiser for Supervisor Richard Valle
Richard Valle, Yogi Chugh and Joe Johal India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Bay Area community leaders joined together at the home of Yogi and Monica Chugh on Sunday, October 7 for a fundraiser to benefit Supervisor Richard Valle and his campaign to retain his seat on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Co-hosts Yogi Chugh, Ro Khanna, Dr Romesh K. Japra, Joe
Co-host Yogi Chugh making a pitch for Indian American support for Candidate Valle
Johal and Rahul Roy along with Ravindra Johal, Anil Yadav, Rajesh Verma, Dharminder Dewan, Manorama Joshi, Veena Birla and others in a very short window of time, created an event that expressed fully a unified and strong voice of support for the Supervisor.
Supervisor Valle was appointed in late June to fill the vacancy created by Supervisor Nadia Lockyer's departure from the Board. Since that time, the Supervisor has jumped right in and has addressed issues facing the general community head on. Supervisoir Valle is a leader with
whom community leaders look forward to partnering on many issues of mutual concern. For more information regarding the Supervisor and his campaign, please visit www.electsupervisorvalle.com and do not forget to vote on November 6, 2012.
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Reforms initiatives very promising, says US Treasury Secy NEW DELHI: Describing India's recent reforms initiatives as "very promising", US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said it would have positive outcomes for the country's economy. "The reforms outlined by the government of India offer a very promising path to improving growth outcomes for the Indian economy," he said at a joint news conference with India's Finance Minister P Chidambaram. Geithner said this while replying to a question on India's recent decision to open multi-brand retail to foreign investment. The other recent reforms initiative of the government include the decision to raise FDI cap in insurance from 26 to 49 per cent and allowing foreign investment in pension. The reforms, Geithner said, would lay the foundation for improving investments in the economy and ensure that "gains of those growth and investments are shared more broadly by the citizen of India". Geithner and US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke are on a two-day visit to participate in the 3rd Cabinet Level Meeting of Indo-US Economic and Financial Partnership. Among others, the meeting was also attended by RBI Governor D Subbarao. Referring to the joint meetings, Chidambaram said: "This forum has given us a much bet-
Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram and US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner shake hands and exchange documents after signing a Memorandum of Understanding at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on October 9
ter opportunity to be able to talk to each other and understand each other. In Tuesday's meetings we discussed the global economic and financial developments". Geithner and Bernanke are scheduled to address business leaders and visit Mumbai before leaving for Tokyo to attend the International Monetary Fund and
World Bank meetings. Geithner said his meeting in New Delhi focused on lowering barriers to trade and investment and facilitating stronger and more inclusive growth. "We give importance on improving cooperation in bilateral tax matters including restructured tax treaty and implementation of Foreign Account Tax
Complaint Act to address offshore tax evasion," he said. "We have made huge progress on financial developments and reforms... We discussed ways US investors and businesses can best help contribute to India's investment and infrastructure needs," Geithner said. The meeting also agreed to
strengthen cooperation between the two countries on issues relating to illicit finance, including efforts to combat money laundering, terror financing and other financial crimes. Chidambaram said that since India is deeply locked into the global economy, whatever happens in other parts of the world would affect India as well. Three working groups later discussed wide range of macro economic financial sector and infrastructure sector issues, including infrastructure financing, issues concerning money laundering and financing of terror. Replying to queries on eurozone woes, Chidambaram said, "We have a deep interest in the crisis being resolved. We know that won't be easy ... That has affected our exports, that has affected capital flows into India". When asked about impact of quantitative easing (QE) on India, Chidambaram said, "I raised the concern that it may impact commodity prices and commodity prices may rise. "The US side pointed out that there has been no impact yet on commodity prices and commodity prices may not rise...that we have to wait and see if the QE revises the American economy that is good for us. If US economy grows, it will help us in our exports, it helps us in attracting more capital inflows".-PTI
AIA New York Deepawali reception
India and Pakistan share one platform in NY. Indian Ambassador to UN Hardeep Singh Puri speaking during AIA NY Deepawali reception in NY. Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Abdullah Hussain Haroon and Ravi Batra can be seen in pic on October 6. Pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia
Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Abdullah Hussain Haroon and Vikram Seth an Indian poet, novelist, travel writer, librettist, children's writer, biographer and memoirist, during AIA NY Deepawali reception in New York
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Bin Laden movie to premiere IMF cuts India's growth forecast to 4.9 pc in US ahead of election WASHINGTON: A big-name Hollywood fundraiser for Barack Obama is releasing the first feature film about the raid that killed Osama bin Laden two days before the US presidential election. "SEAL Team Six: The Raid on Osama bin Laden" is distributed by Harvey Weinstein, the respected movie mogul who hosted the president at a celebrity-studded fundraising event in New England last month. In a press release, the National Geographic Channel said it would premiere "SEAL Team Six" on November 4 after its president Howard Owens and Weinstein discussed "the insight the film is sure to evoke in all Americans." The film - directed by John Stockwell and produced for theatrical release by Nicholas Chartier, who produced the Oscar-winning war film "The Hurt Locker" - will then go onto Netflix movie screening website. In a trailer posted online, characters are heard saying "We're
going to be the team that takes out Osama" and "the president of the United States is going to be staking his presidency on this call."
‘This portrayal of the events that took place that night is moving, to say the very least. I anticipate audiences will be as captivated as I was from the beginning to the end’ Obama personally gave the green light for US Navy SEAL commandos to target Bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan on May 2, 2011 in a daring night-time raid that killed the al-Qaeda leader responsible for the 9/11 attacks. "This portrayal of the events
that took place that night is moving, to say the very least," said Weinstein in the National Geographic Channel press release. "I anticipate audiences will be as captivated as I was from the beginning to the end," he added. "And I'm extremely proud as an American citizen to play a role in making sure this stunning portrayal over very recent American history is available in as many homes as possible." Weinstein, executive producer of films as diverse as "The English Patient," "The Artist" and the most recent "Rambo" movie in a filmmaking career dating back to the 1970s, is a well-known supporter of the Democratic party. His exclusive Obama fundraiser in August at his seaside compound in Westport, Connecticut was attended by about 50 people, the Hollywood Reporter trade journal reported. Tickets cost USD 38,5000 each. AFP
Indian Americans help raise millions for Romney WASHINGTON: Away from the public glare, prominent Indian Americans supporting Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney are believed to have raised between USD 15-20 million for his presidential campaign. While Romney campaign has not released any fundraising statistics from ethnic coalitions nor has it made public the list of its bundlers or exclusive Stars and Stripes members, the list of big donors include over 200 prominent Indian Americans. The 'Indian American Coalition' was established in November 2011 by the Romney Campaign National Finance Committee Chairman Spencer Zwick to recognize not only the individual donor, but also the larger community under a group identity. There have been other ethnic coalitions in the Romney campaign's Finance Committee such as Jewish American coalition, Women's coalition, Veteran's Coalition, etc. By conservative estimates Indian Americans supporters of Romney believed to have collectively helped raise between USD 15-20 million for his Campaign, according to those familiar with the fundraising efforts. "...An Indian American coali-
tion in a Presidential Campaign's National Finance Committee is new and historic. Such a decision of the Romney Campaign has produced the desired results," Indian American supporters of 65-year-old former governor of Massachusetts say. Some of the prominent Indian
‘They are also appalled by the incendiary anti-India rhetoric coming out of the Obama campaign with numerous ads attacking India for loss of American jobs due to outsourcing,’ American bundlers/Star and Stripes members include Sampat Shivangi from Mississippi; Sudhakar Shenoy and Shreedhar Pottarazu from Virginia, Zach Zachariah, Akshay Desai and R Vijaynagar from Florida; Bharat Barai from Indiana, Rupesh Sreevastava and Raj Vatticutti from Michigan.
"Everyone has contributed funds, bundled money or held an event that has raised a minimum USD one million," Sue Ghosh Stricklett, Stars & Stripes Member, Romney Finance Committee, told PTI during a conference call with top Indian American donors. "They are unanimously supporting Mitt Romney for President because they believe that the country is on the wrong track and that their children's economic future is at stake. "They are also appalled by the incendiary anti-India rhetoric coming out of the Obama campaign with numerous ads attacking India for loss of American jobs due to outsourcing," Ghosh said. One of the influential Republicans from Utah, Patel joined the Romney Campaign after John Huntsman, the former State Governor and US Ambassador to China, helped raise more than a USD 1 million during the campaign. "Republicans are much closer to India than the Democratic party. Romney would be much better president towards India," said Sampat Shivangi, who was one of the three Indian American delegate to the Republican National Convention and a major fund raiser in Mississippi.-PTI
WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed India's growth forecast to 4.9 per cent for 2012 due to low business confidence and "sluggish structural reforms". The IMF had in July projected a growth rate of 6.1 per cent for the current year. During the first quarter ended June 2012, Indian economy expanded by 5.5 per cent. "India's activity suffered from waning business confidence amid slow approvals for new projects, sluggish structural reforms, policy rate hikes designed to rein in inflation, and flagging external demand," IMF said in the World Eco-
nomic Outlook (WEO) released in Tokyo ahead of the IMF-World Bank 2012 Annual Meetings. In India, the report said, "growth weakened more than expected in the first half of 2012, an outcome of stalled investment caused by governance issues and red tape, and a deterioration in business sentiment against the backdrop of a rising current account deficit and the recent rupee depreciation." Compared with the region's growth performance in recent years, the near- and medium-term outlooks are less buoyant, the report said.-PTI
Vishakha Desai to join Columbia as Special Advisor Cont’d from page 8
seum of Art, she was assistant curator of Indian, Southeast Asian and Islamic Collections at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. She has published catalogs of major exhibitions and holds five honorary degrees. Born in India, Desai received her B.A. in political science from Bombay University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in art history from the University of Michigan. She joins a group of scholars and administrators at Columbia focused on enhancing faculty research and student learning that cut across traditional academic boundaries and national borders - both on its home campus in New York and at recently established Columbia Global Centers around the world.
"I am excited about working with President Bollinger and others to develop a coordinated approach to Columbia's global ambitions," said Desai. "I admire the University's distinctive commitment that combines intellectual, geographic, in-person and virtual connections to prepare globally competent and globally literate students. I have been privileged to work on similar projects at Asia Society and I hope to bring that experience to Columbia." She has been a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow, a board member at the Brookings Institution, the Bertelsmann Foundation USA, India's Auroville Foundation, Berlin's House of World Cultures, and ‘I'm delighted to welcome New York's Cultural Af- Vishakha to the SIPA comfairs Advisory Commismunity,’ said Robert sion, as well as Senior Advisor for Global Pro- Lieberman, interim dean of grams at the Solomon R. the School of International Guggenheim Foundation. She is the editor of and Public Affairs Asian Art History in the "Vishakha Desai is one of the Twenty-First Century (Yale Univerworld's most distinguished and innosity Press). "I'm delighted to welcome vative historians of Indian art and arVishakha to the SIPA community," chitecture, and she is also a pioneer said Robert Lieberman, interim dean in conceptualizing the cultural dynamof the School of International and ics of Asia's history up to the present Public Affairs. "Her work on the day," said Nicholas Dirks, vice presicultural underpinnings of interna- dent and dean of Columbia's faculty tional relations will enrich both SIPA of arts and sciences. "Building on her success in exand Columbia Global Centers." A visiting professor at Colum- panding the reach and impact of the bia in 1995-96, Desai has taught at Asia Society, Vishakha has become Princeton University, Williams Col- a leading thinker on the intellectual lege, Boston University, College of and institutional dimensions of the Charleston and the University of new global environment and will Massachusetts, Boston. In addi- join the outstanding group of scholtion to early work in education and ars and administrators working topublic programs at the Brooklyn gether to chart Columbia's global Museum and the Cleveland Mu- course."
Health
Line
US says Teva antidepressant is ineffective
WASHINGTON: Teva Pharmaceuticals is pulling its generic version of a popular antidepressant off the market after a U.S. government analysis showed the pill does not work properly. The Food and Drug Administration called on Teva to withdraw Budeprion XL 300 after chemical testing showed the drug releases its key ingredient faster than the original drug Wellbutrin, made by GlaxoSmithKline. The action contradicts the FDA's previous update on the issue in 2008, when regulators said the drugs are essentially the same. That review came after hundreds of patients complained that Teva's drug did not work or caused side effects like headaches, anxiety and insomnia.-AP
Flu season hits Montana early HELENA, Mont.: Flu season is getting an early start in Montana. The Department of Public Health and Human Services says four cases of influenza had been confirmed in Yellowstone and Park counties. Montana’s first cases were not confirmed until late November in each of the past two years. The agency recommends everyone older than six months get the influenza vaccine. Agency Director Anna Whiting Sorrell says people who were vaccinated last year should be vaccinated again this year because two of the three components of the vaccine are new to protect against the flu viruses that are more common this year. -AP
Bacterial illness hits OH day care centers
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NEW DELHI: Drug firm Cipla has said an anti-malarial drug developed by Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) has received pre-qualification from the World Health Organization (WHO). Details on page 14
Ill health pushes 39 mn Indians to poverty every year: Azad NEW DELHI: Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said 39 million Indians are pushed to poverty because of ill health every year and around 30 per cent in rural India did not go for any treatment due to financial constraints, as per a WHO report. Addressing a Conference on 'Responsible Use of Medicine' at Amsterdam, Netherlands, Azad said India is embarking on an ambitious target of achieving Universal Health Coverage for all during the 12th Plan period, where all citizens will be entitled to comprehensive health security. Earlier quoting WHO's World Health Statistics 2012, Azad said almost 60 per of total health expenditure in India was paid by the common man from his own pocket in 2009. The report states that about 47 per cent and 31 per cent of hospital admissions in rural and urban India were financed by loans and sale of assets. India has already enacted the Clinical Establishment Act which will ensure that unnecessary drugs are not prescribed, he said. Azad said the recommendations of the Consultative Expert Working Group set up by WHO on research and coordination highlights the fact that very little research is happening in neglected
Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad
Azad said India is embarking on an ambitious target of achieving Universal Health Coverage for all during the 12th Plan period, where all citizens will be entitled to comprehensive health security diseases and intellectual property rights have become a barrier to access to medicines. "We need to consider the recommendations of the CEWG and ensure that adequate financing is made available to these diseases so that the poor and the vulnerable do not suffer from lack of proper medicines," he said.
Free medicine scheme Azad announced that India pro-
poses to start an initiative for free supply of essential medicines in public health facilities to provide affordable health-care to people in the country and reduce their expenses on medicines. The Health Minister said this initiative will promote rational use of medicines and reduce the consumption of inessential, unscientific and hazardous medicines. Responsible and rational use of
medicines is a crucial part of the national health policy and access to medicines is one of the vital tools needed to improve and maintain health, he said. "Considering that provision of affordable medicines is the responsibility of the public sector and the state, a fine balance has to be maintained between the private sector which operates on the demands of the market and the responsibility of the state for ensuring a positive benefit risk profile of available medicines...," Azad said. He said there is very high outof-pocket expenditure on health in India, of which a larger part is on medicine. "We need to look at adherence to Standard Treatment Guidelines, curbing unethical promotion of medicines by drug manufacturers, better regulatory control over prescription and dispensing of medicine and also to make the consumer aware about the hazards of self-medication," Azad said. He said India is facing an increasing threat of anti- microbial resistance and the Health Ministry has formed the National Policy for Containment of AntiMicrobial Resistance to tackle the menace as well as to promote rational and responsible use of antibiotics. -PTI
United Sikhs Health Fair a Grand Success! self-care, instead of reactive. The health fair continues to highlight the susceptibility we have as a
India Post News Service
COLUMBUS, Ohio: A bacterial illness is plaguing day-care centers in central Ohio, and health officials warn it could spread if parents aren't vigilant. The Columbus Dispatch reported that the number of reported cases of shigella more than doubled in September in Franklin County, which includes Columbus. There have been 435 cases, compared with reported numbers in the teens the past two years. The disease causes diarrhea and is easily spread if care isn't taken when changing diapers, preparing food and cleaning up after bathroom breaks. -AP
Cipla's anti-malaria drug receives WHO nod
RICHMOND HILL, NY: Over 50 providers from 11 agencies came together on September 30 at Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society to provide essential health services to the community. The fair attracted over 200 people who accessed services such as blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, BMI, stroke awareness information, mental health screening, oral health screenings, and insurance information. Participants could also participate in ongoing research studies or apply to participate in ongoing diabetes prevention program through Project RICE.
'The health fair continues to highlight the susceptibility we have as a community to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disease' Volunteers assisting participants with intake forms
The health fair was organized with two major goals in mind: to provide services in language to
a community that is most in need; and second, to promote awareness of a proactive approach to
community to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiac disease. Cont'd on page 14
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October 19, 2012
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Zinc deficiency linked to immune system decline WASHINGTON: Scientists have discovered a biological mechanism by which zinc deficiency develops with age, leading to a decline of the immune system and increased health problems such as cancer, heart and diabetes.
In a study with laboratory animals, researchers found that zinc transporters were significantly dysregulated in old animals. They showed signs of zinc deficiency and had an enhanced inflammatory response even though
Oysters have the highest zinc content of almost any food
Researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University and the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences found that it is especially important for elderly people to get adequate dietary intake of zinc.
their diet supposedly contained adequate amounts of zinc. When the animals were given about 10 times their dietary requirement for zinc, the biomarkers of inflammation were restored to those of young animals. "We've previously shown in
both animal and human studies that zinc deficiency can cause DNA damage, and this new work shows how it can help lead to systemic inflammation," said researcher Emily Ho. "Some inflammation is normal, a part of immune defense, wound healing and other functions. But in excess, it's been associated with almost every degenerative disease you can think of, including cancer and heart disease. It appears to be a significant factor in the diseases that most people die from," Ho said in a statement. "We found that the mechanisms to transport zinc are disrupted by age-related epigenetic changes," said Carmen Wong, an OSU research associate and coauthor of this study. "This can cause an increase in DNA methylation and histone modifications that are related to disease processes, especially cancer. Immune system cells are also particularly vulnerable to zinc deficiency," Wong said. The study was published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. -PTI
Judge ends oversight of Ohio prisons health care COLUMBUS, Ohio: A federal judge has ended the court's oversight of Ohio's prison medical system after finding that health care and services for the nearly 50,000 inmates have greatly improved over the last seven years. U.S. District Court Judge Sandra Beckwith had overseen the prisons' medical system since a 2005 settlement of a lawsuit brought by Ohio Justice and Policy Center, a Cincinnati-based prisoner rights group. The center had asked the judge to extend the settlement. But Beckwith agreed with a report by a medical and legal team that found no persistent violations of the inmates' constitutional rights. She said she found nothing unconstitutional or indifferent to inmates' needs in the care provided by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. ``To the contrary, it is apparent that the level of service and care has markedly improved and that any previous alleged system-wide constitutional deficiencies have been remedied,'' the judge said. The team, created by agreement of both center and state
prison officials, highlighted in its July report the benefits of two newly created skilled nursing facilities and a move to a single provider system for doctors and nurse practitioners, among other improvements. In addition, it said
'It is apparent that the level of service and care has markedly improved and that any previous alleged system-wide constitutional deficiencies have been remedied' interaction between medical practitioners and patients have improved. The ``prior culture of viewing inmates as virtual objects has all but disappeared,'' the report said. ``Inmates are people and patients and norms of clinical interaction have moved well along in this direction.'' -AP
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Two-day test can spot gene diseases in newborns WASHINGTON: Too often, newborns die of genetic diseases before doctors even know what's to blame. Now scientists have found a way to decode those babies' DNA in just days instead of weeks, moving gene-mapping closer to routine medical care. The idea: Combine faster geneanalyzing machinery with new computer software that, at the push of a few buttons, uses a baby's symptoms to zero in on the most suspicious mutations. The hope would be to start treatment earlier, or avoid futile care for lethal illnesses. The study is a tentative first step: Researchers at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., mapped the DNA of just five children, and the study wasn't done in time to help most of them. But the hospital finds the results promising enough that by year's end, it plans to begin rou-
tine gene-mapping in its neonatal intensive care unit - and may offer testing for babies elsewhere, too while further studies continue, said Dr. Stephen Kingsmore, direc-
dicted Kingsmore, whose team reported the method in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Even if the diagnosis is a lethal disease, ``the family will at
by a problem with a single gene. While there are thousands of such diseases - from Tay-Sachs to the lesser known Pompe disease, standard newborn screening tests de-
The new process for whole-genome sequencing can take just 50 hours – half that time to perform the decoding from a drop of the baby's blood tor of the pediatric genome center at Children's Mercy. ``For the first time, we can actually deliver genome information in time to make a difference,'' pre-
least have an answer. They won't have false hope,'' he added. More than 20 percent of infant deaths are due to a birth defect or genetic diseases, the kind caused
tect only a few of them. And once a baby shows symptoms, fast diagnosis becomes crucial. Sequencing whole genomes all of a person's DNA -can help
United Sikhs Health Fair a Grand Success! Cont'd from page 12
United Sikhs hoped that regular screenings and early warnings will promote a culture of preventive action, and will motivate community members to engage in healthy behavior. The event was organized in collaboration with Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society Inc who provided invaluable logistical support. Neighborhood Health Providers generously sponsored the event.
Cipla's anti-malaria drug receives WHO nod
Providers and volunteers at the Health Fair
Screenings at the Health Fair
Participants waiting in line to access services
Agencies at the Health Fair
Gratitude was expressed to the agencies who volunteered their time to serve the community. They were South Asian Health Initiative, Queens Hospital Center, NYU College of Dentistry, NYU Medical Center, NYU Emergency Services, NYU College of Nursing, NYU Prevention Research Center, Child Center of New York, and all the individual physicians, medical students and practitioners without whom the event would not have been possible!
Gulf oil spill workers sought for health study BATON ROUGE, La.: The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is making another push to get people who worked on the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil disaster cleanup to enroll in a long-term health study. Dr. Dale Sandler, chief of the agency's epidemiology branch, said that more than 29,000 people have enrolled so far. But, she says, the goal is to get 35,000 to 40,000 people signed up before enroll-
when it's not clear what gene to suspect. But so far it has been used mainly for research, in part because it takes four to six weeks to complete and is very expensive. Researchers reported that the new process for whole-genome sequencing can take just 50 hours half that time to perform the decoding from a drop of the baby's blood, and the rest to analyze which of the DNA variations uncovered can explain the child's condition. That's an estimate: The study counted only the time the blood was being decoded or analyzed, not the days needed to ship the blood to Essex, England, home of a speedy new DNA decoding machine made by Illumina, Inc. - or to ship back the results for Children's Mercy's computer program to analyze. Kingsmore said the hospital is awaiting arrival of its own decoder, when 50 hours should become the true start-tofinish time. Specialists not involved with the study said it signals the longpromised usefulness of genemapping to real-world medicine finally is close.
ment in the study ends Dec. 31. The Advocate reports enrollment started March 2011. The study looks at how the oil leak cleanup work affects the physical and mental health of people who participated. ``It's important to put out there that participation in the gulf study is completely confidential,'' Sandler said. Participants first do a phone interview with the study team
and then there is a follow-up home health visit during which a second interview is conducted and basic medical tests, such as blood pressure and blood samples, are taken, Sandler said. Those who go through those steps get a $50 gift card for their time and receive information about their health, she said. Sandler expects some preliminary results that can be shared with communities along the Gulf
of Mexico coast by the middle of next year. The study is the largest health study of its kind focused on cleanup workers and volunteers, according to the agency. ``It's really important that we include as many different types of workers as possible and in large numbers,'' she said. One underrepresented group, so far, she said are people who worked on the oil rigs. -AP
NEW DELHI: Drug firm Cipla has said an anti-malarial drug developed by Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) has received pre-qualification from the World Health Organization (WHO). The Mumbai-headquartered firm is manufacturing the fixed dose combination drug of Artesunate and Mefloquine (ASMQ FDC) under a technology transfer agreement with Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi). This Cipla-manufactured ASMQ FDC is the first artesunatemefloquine FDC to be prequalified by WHO and is recommended for the treatment of malaria, Cipla said in a statement. 'Pre-qualification' is a process under which drug companies have to fulfill certain WHO-stipulated conditions to become eligible to supply vaccines to UN procurement agencies globally. "The prequalification announcement is recognition that ASMQ FDC meets WHO's high quality standards and we aim to make this treatment widely available throughout Asia," Cipla Medical Director Jaideep Gogtay said. ASMQ FDC was originally developed by DNDi and the Brazilian government-owned pharmaceutical company Farmanguinhos/ Fiocruz and was registered in Brazil in 2008. -PTI
October 19, 2012
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Some dietary supplements illegally labeled SAN FRANCISCO: Dozens of weight loss and immune system supplements on the market are illegally labeled and lack the recommended scientific evidence to back up their purported health claims, government investigators warn in a new review of the $20 billion supplement industry. The report, released by the Department of Health and Human Services' inspector general, found that 20 percent of the 127 weight loss and immune-boosting supplements investigators purchased online and in retail stores across the country carried labels that made illegal claims to cure or treat disease. Some products went so far as to state that the supplements could cure or prevent diabetes or cancer, or that they could help people with HIV or AIDS, which is strictly prohibited under federal law. Consumers may not just be wasting their money on pills or tablets, but they could be endangering their health if they take a supplement in place of a drug thinking it will have the same effect, the report concluded. ``Consumers rely on a supplement's claims to determine whether the product will
provide a desired effect, such as weight loss or immune support,'' the report said. ``Supplements that make disease claims could mislead consumers into using them as replacements for prescription drugs or
other treatments for medical conditions, with potentially dangerous results.'' The market for dietary supplements which can include anything from Vitamin C tablets to capsules of Echinacea is a huge one with hundreds of products. The inspector general's investigation focused on one
Organ donation can help save lives NEW DELHI: A city-based hospital has launched a campaign to encourage families of brain-dead patients to donate organs. The campaign aims to create awareness on cadaver transplantation. BLK Super Speciality Hospital also felicitated the parents of a 17-year-old girl, who was recently declared brain-dead after an accident. Her parents had decided to donate her organs, which saved five lives. "My daughter Payal (name changed) met with an accident on August 23. She was declared brain-dead a few days later. We decided to donate all her organs. It was an emotional decision for all of us," said Ajay Mathur, Payal's father. "We realized that our daughter was never going to return, so we decided to help others. The process of taking approval from authorities was arduous, but we managed to do that on time," Mathur added. Few donate A recent data cited that 1.25 lakh Indians died in road accidents last year, and less than 20,000 of them donated their organs kidneys, liver, pancreas and heart - for potential recipients. A doctor of the hospital said thousands of patients die due to unavailability of organs. "To overcome the shortage of kidney, liver and heart, the only ethical and legal way for retrieval of these organs is from a brain-dead person," said Sunil Prakash, senior consultant and director, nephrology and renal transplant services at BLK Hospital.
Nearly 14 persons are involved in fatal accidents every hour in India, he said. Of these, one brain dead person could save up to eight lives. This helps to overcome organ shortage and prevent organ trade, he added. According to doctors, though there is an increase in interest and awareness about cadaver transplant all over the world, India lags behind. "There has been a renewed interest in cadaver transplant because of the huge gap in supply and demand in cases of chronic renal failure, where the only possible remedy is cadaver transplant. In India, for varied reasons, this has not taken off to the extent of its potential," said Aditya Pradhan, senior consultant, urology at BLK Hospital. Data show that Spain tops the list with the highest organ donation figure from brain-dead patients (33 per million). India ranks low with only 0.05 per million. Donation by default In some countries, organs are donated by default, unless someone specifically opts out. In India, under the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1995, cadaver donation is possible only when a patient is declared brain-dead. For cadaver donation, if the deceased, while alive, had not pledged to donate organs during his or her lifetime, the authority to give the consent lies with the person lawfully in possession of the body. -deccanherald.com
handwritten college term paper to substantiate its claim, while others included news releases, advertisements and links to Wikipedia or an online dictionary, according to the report. Overall, the review raises questions about whether the system is The food safety allowing companies to mislead consumers, investigators said, and recagency said it ommended that FDA ramp up its would consider oversight. The report did not name asking Congress for individual brands or products, and also did not estimate the total nummore oversight ber of dietary supplements on the market. powers to review In response, the food safety supplement comagency said it would consider askpanies' evidence ing Congress for more oversight powers to review supplement comproving their prodpanies' evidence proving their products' purported ucts' purported health benefits. FDA agreed that the agency should exhealth benefits pand surveillance of the market to detect spurious claims that supplebenefits before they hit the market. ments can cure or treat specific diseases. Investigators also found that 7 percent The Office of Inspector General found that in numerous cases, when companies of the weight loss and immune support did submit evidence to back up their health supplements they surveyed lacked the reclaims, it fell far short of government rec- quired disclaimer stating that FDA had not reviewed whether the statement on the laommendations. One company submitted a 30-year-old bel was truthful. -AP segment that officials said is booming. Federal regulations do not require the Food & Drug Administration to review supplement companies' scientific evidence for most of their products' purported health
Desi News Student's blog makes engineering easy VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
FREMONT: Cupertino High school senior Shachi Nandan Kakkar, 17 writes a blog on EDN in which he relates "engineering to everyday life". He tries to explain engineering in an inspiring, fulfilled manner and thereby encouraging youngsters to take up engineering studies in college. Here's how Shachi got into the world of engineering. When Sunil Kakkar, Shachi's dad, an electrical engineer asked him if he was interested and wanted to get into engineering, he said it was not his cup of tea. Details on page 19
Organic food worth the extra cost? VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
O
ff late a regular sight in any supermarket or neighborhood grocers are Organic products, which are undeniably mainstream. Is the product worth the additional money which we shell out? Here we explain the benefits which we get for the extra bucks and tips to spend wiser. Organic foods are produced using methods that do not involve synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers. They are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. Organic food production is a regulated industry and the producers are required to obtain special certification in order to market their food as organic. Details on page 19
Shri Krishna Vyjayanti dance a grand success RAMESH SOPARAWALA & SURESH SHAH
CHICAGO: With the Bartlet Jain Auditorium near full to watch Shri Krishna Vyjayanti - a dance ballet in Hindi, Sewa International Chicago managed to raise close to $40,000 for its on going humanitarian activities as also to fund its flagship project involving settling Bhutanese refugees in Chicago. Vice president Anil Deshpande said that the program would not have succeeded but for the support of grassroots volunteers and sponsors like Amrit Mittal, Dr Bharat Barai, Narayan Chandak and many others. Details on page 22
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
'India will make great progress if Modi is made PM' Details on page 18
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October 19, 2012
Madhya Pradesh CM Chauhan blends governance with scriptures SURENDRA ULLAL India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Sounding more like a Raja-Rishi (saint-politician) rather than a politician per se, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan impressed the audience at an reception organized in his honor by Friends of India Society International (FISI) and Overseas Friends of BJP at the India House Restaurant auditorium in Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, By his remarks on governance of Madhya Pradesh interspersed with quotes from scriptures and works from intellectual giants like Shri Sankaracharya and Swami Vivekananda, one got the impression that it was it a socio-political event or a spiritual discourse.The Chief Minister was on an eightday tour of the US, especially to meet with World Bank officials and other organizations. The India House reception for the CM was attended by 300 plus guests and invitees and all those atending had a feel of a future Prime Minister of India. Among the elites attending were Dr Bharat Barai, Amrit Mittal, Om and Usha Kamaria (of Gandhi Foundation), Sitaram Patel, Sohan Joshi, Rohit Joshi, Prasad Yalamanchi, Kanti Patel, Harendra Mangrola, Richard Benton, an eminent social activist who is working for the welfare and in support of suffering Hindu community Bangladesh, Iftekhar Sharif, Sher Mohammad Rajput and Congressman Joe Walsh. Amrit Mittal introduced the Chief Minister and observed that "We have a grassroots leader who has participated in many of the activities of Sewa, a social organization with a mission and zeal for carrying on humanitarian activities regardless of caste, religion or region. He has been a source of inspiration to the youth and is credited with views that valor and sacrifices make one great and cited leaders like Guru Gobind Singh and Banda Bahadur. Highly appreciating Indians settled in USA, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said he was extremely happy to be amidst them. "I am all
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan in Chicagoland
the more happy in Chicago, especially because it is a city consecrated by the presence of Swami Vivekananda during the Parliament of Religions. I have a feeling that you are the sons of Immorality, Amritasya Putrah and there is nothing in this world that you cannot achieve. Therefore I wanted to come to Chicago. I admire you all because of your success and salute you for your love of your
humanity as a whole, not self directed. It is based on the Upanishadic idea of Sarve Bhavatu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu, Ma Kashchit Dhukhbhagbhavet. May all be happy, May all be secured, and no one suffer. Tena tyaktena Bhunjita, i.e., enjoy without attachment." He continued, "Bharat is grow-
Highly appreciating Indians settled in USA, Shivraj Singh Chauhan said he was extremely happy to be amidst them. "I am all the more happy in Chicago, especially because it is a city consecrated by the presence of Swami Vivekananda during the Parliament of Religions� mother country, Bharat." He said, "Bharat and America share many common values like democracy and liberty. We never show distinction among the people and according to our long held belief, the whole world is a single family -Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Equality of all faiths or religions Sarva Dharma Samanvaya - is the cornerstone of our national character. In India we are taught that righteousness prevails, that is Yato Dharmahstato Jayah. Our prayers are always directed to the
ing with a rate of 6 to 7% per annum, despite occasional problems, which is natural because of our size and population. "I believe it is the duty of the government to provide adequate facilities and create proper environment to grow richer and stronger. Today, after eleven 5-year plans growth of M.P. is 11.5%. We are connected to every village by road and electrically. We have 220 thousand hectare land under irrigation. Our aim is to have an integrated 12% growth across M.P. We are one of the fastest growing agricultural commu-
nity in the nation. We are also endeavoring to become among the fastest growing Industrial economy too." " We want young and energetic younger entrepreneurs to set up industries under our guaranteed financial support. M.P. is an ideal destination for all kinds of industries because or 24/7 power availability, and educated and skilled manpower not to speak of the historical, cultural and geographical connectivity with the rest of the nation." He observed besides being the CM, he was also the CEO of M.P. "We call for global investments so that the economic development must reach all the people with distribution of necessities to all, especially the poor," he said "We have made it a State policy to create environment for women empowerment. We have set up programs for help towards their education, including uniform, books and transportation. Even help is available for their marriages. In local and state governments 50% seats are reserved for women. In terms of political participation we encourage them to contest in elections. Elders are not ignored." "Yet another aspect of our national life is pilgrimage to holy places. We have identified 17 holy places, like Nankana Saheb, Mathura, Kashi (Varanasi), Hardwar, Badrinath, etc. M.P. is also the first state to declare "Citizens Charter". According to that all permts, licenses or help must be received by the citizens within three days from the date of initiating such requests. Failures will be punishable in terms of deductions from their salaries directly at an appropriate level. MP has become one of the first states to introduce computerization of public services, making it more effective." The Chief Minister informed the audience that the United Nations Organization has recognized M.P. as a Seva State for using technology in governmental services. Besides, special courts are appointed for speedy administration of justice and transparency in governance. Cont’d on page 20
October 19, 2012
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'Utsav' celebrates life with song, dance & much more
SANTA CLARA: Star Plus TV in association with WomenNow,
Santa Clara Convention Center with the theme focusing on "Celebration of life". It had the star talent contest comprising kids talent contest, teen and adult dance
Dandia Raas, Health Fair, exclusive Fashion Show and DJ Night by Paragon Studio. Star chef cookery contest had 25 finalists and the main ingredient to
and uniqueness. Judges for the show were Ashwini Kumar, Papiha Nandi and Sukhi's Restaurant. Singing and dancing competition had participants from age
keep the ailments at bay. More than 20 million adults in the US have kidney disease, but most don't know it, quotes Dr Rashmi. She was a part of Davita
America's first South Asian TV talk show, presented two day mega UTSAV 2012 on Oct 6 and 7 at
competition, cookery contest "Star chef" and quiz contest. The show also had scintillating Garba-
be used was "Besan" and they were judged on five points namely taste, presentation, originality, nutrition
group ranging from kids, teens and adults. Folk, classical and group Bollywood were the different themes under which the contestants proved their talent and gave tough competition. Mukta and Jaya Sharma were the winners of singing competition. Nilanjali group and Supriya Puranik bagged the prizes on dance floor. Health fair was conducted by Stanford Hospital, Elcamino Hospital and Davita. Dr Rashmi Jain MD, board certified nephrologist was present at the venue and she explained kidney related disease, switch to home dialysis, kidney friendly recipes and preventive measures one needs to take to
dialysis, second largest dialysis company in the nation and they primarily focus on ways to help home patients. She explained about DaVita NephroLife, India's first-of-its-kind renal disease management centre which offers affordable and holistic care for acute, chronic, and End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It has centers in Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Delhi, Pune and beyond. Stanford hospital and clinics were a part of the free health fair and they educated the crowd on how to plan for a healthy heart and how one measures up.
VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
Cont’d on page 26
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October 19, 2012
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'India will make great progress if Modi is made PM'
Rahul Roy, CM Narendra Modi and Raja Kaushlendra Singh of Rai Bareily. (Pics: Neeloo Kapoor)
RAKESH KAPOOR India Post News Service
FREMONT: Rahul Roy, an entrepreneur and philanthropist of Silicon Valley, had the privilege of meeting Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad on August 17 and was greatly impressed by the passion and vision he has for the development of not only Gujarat but entire India. That is why he seemed to him the fittest person to lead India as Prime Minister. The meeting was arranged by his friend Kaushlendra Singh Ji, the Raja of Rai Bareily in UP. Roy says the Chief Minister embraced him and said he was well aware of what he did and also his philanthropic work in America, as well as in India. He said, "Rahul Ji you are very much invited to do something in the state of Gujarat and I will help you in every possible way to start any enterprise which is going to help the people of Gujarat." Rahul promised to start a global university on the soil of Gujarat. Rahul Roy happened to be present when Mr Modi was having a press conference. One journalist asked him, "What have you done for the Muslims in Gujarat." Modi replied, "Nothing." But he went on to add, "Let me tell you all Gujaratis, whether they are Hindus or Muslims, are better off than in any other part of India. That is why the Muslims of Gujarat are the richest Muslims of India. Why is that? Because in Gujarat there is no discrimination. Gujarat is for Gujaratis, regardless of what creed, what caste, what religion they come from. They are all part of the improvement, advancement and the prosperity of Gujarat." Rahul Roy commented, "Now that is something very impressive.
That is what you call a real secular Gujarat." Here are excerpts from the India Post interview with Mr Rahul Roy: Rahul Ji, how & why did Chief Minister Narendra Modi impress you? Rahul Roy: I see in Mr Modi qualities of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel and Netaji Subhash Chander Bose. Netaji was strong as iron so was Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Now India is actually in worse situation than it was under the British. Our poverty level has increased, our cultural heritage is doomed, thus our backbone is lost. As Indians we have completely lost our identity in India. The only identity we have is to make money by hook or by crook. Mr Narendra Modi impresses me because he carries a passion, he carries a vision and he has the drive to fulfill it. I can see that in Gujarat he has done it. And Gujarat in 10 years will be a better place
than where it is today because there is a continuous progress going on. The improvement that I saw in Gujarat under this leader, I want to see the same in entire India, including my state of West Bengal and in Uttar Pradesh. I have seen Mr. Modi going through so many accusations and charges by the government, by judiciary, by police, the CBI, the media, the ruling party and some supporting parties. In spite of all the political pressure and threats of putting him behind bars, he comes through cool and soft, with his integrity and honesty, he declares, "Why would I have to be scared if nothing wrong has been done." He always said," My hands were never in riots." He criticizes and is angry about what has happened, the things were beyond his control. But the media does not pick up the Sikh riots; what Congressmen did at Rajiv Gandhi's instruction! Modiji is a man of courage and he is a man of all religions. His only
Rakesh Kapoor with Rahul Roy
message to the people is that he will never tolerate any terrorist from any community, whether it is Hindu or Muslim. He will not tolerate any Jehadi from any religion. People have to abide by the law, and one law and there should not be any discrimination against any weaker section or any minority. Do you have any political ambition? Given a chance, would you like to go and do something for the society or the people there? RR: Not as a politician but I am already doing it as an individual. I would like it if my work is appreciated and accepted say by the ruling dispensation, then it gives you more strength. I have discussed it with Narendra Modiji. if God is kind and he becomes the Prime Minister of India and I am given a chance as a individual or philanthropist, I have enough good, In-
He always said," My hands were never in riots." He criticizes and is angry about what has happened, the things were beyond his control. But the media does not pick up the Sikh riots; what Congressmen did at Rajiv Gandhi's instruction! dian origin people living inside and outside India, who will help India. That would be on a much bigger scale than what I am doing on my own today. It will be more collective because now I have the assurance from the national leader. So I need that backing but do not need to be a politician or be run-
ning for election and become the part of a system which is still not very clean. Like Anna Hazare has said he does not need to enter politics to clean it. It can be done better by being outside the system. I totally believe in it but you still need a connection, means you still have to have backing from the Government and also acceptance from the people; then you can deliver. My dream is very clear as Mr Modi said; a strong, united, secular and prosperous India. There are a lot of people like you here in the US. How can you take them along in your vision? RR: According to the latest census report approximately 1.3 million people live here and out of that, my guess is that about 75,000 to 80,000 have relatives back in India. India has a cross country culture and Hindus and Sikhs have to be together. We are the same community, we are the same people. For Indian Muslims also, who really love India, it is said in their Holy Book that your motherland is supreme. If we all love India and want to see it prosperous we should not be scared of rumors that the ruling party and media spread all the time. Mr Modi is a candidate to become the National Leader; he should be our next Prime Minister. If we all believe in that then I request all Indians of all religions that we should make a call to all the relatives and give them an example of Gujarat. Gujarat has a big population of Muslims and they are affluent out there. I have personal Muslim friends in Gujarat. I talked to them, yes we all condemn, we all are angry at what has happened and it was wrong, and right people has been put behind the bars. A judgment has been delivered, what has happened should never have happened. Riots should never happen in India. We are one country and we are one people. The only way to reach that level is to eliminate the coward and corrupt people from the government. If we remove corruption and replace it with better education for everybody; lay a strong economic and financial foundation which will create opportunities for everybody, then India will become a very vibrant country. All the dreams will come true and the future generation will reap the benefits. (Rahul Roy has five companies in Silicon Valley. Four companies were acquired. His Mirror+ merged with ARC and for the last 12 years it has been a public company in New York Exchange. He has 7000 engineers working for him and he has been serving the community for the last 25 years as a philanthropist)
October 19, 2012
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Student's blog makes engineering easy VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
FREMONT: Cupertino High school senior Shachi Nandan Kakkar, 17 writes a blog on EDN in which he relates "engineering to everyday life". He tries to explain engineering in an inspiring, fulfilled manner and thereby encouraging youngsters to take up engineering studies in college. Here's how Shachi got into the world of engineering. When Sunil Kakkar, Shachi's dad, an electrical engineer asked him if he was interested and wanted to get into engineering, he said it was not his cup of tea. His main interest lay in business, marketing and advertising. He is also the local chapter president of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) an international association which prepares leaders and entrepreneurs for careers and education in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. When he started applying for internship, he thought it would be good if he equipped himself with technical knowledge, which he feels would help him succeed in business and he approached his dad to explain his work. Sunil explained to him about the design and verification on computer chips, in which he is an expert himself. Shachi immediately related this with his high school play as both the tasks follow a stringent process and collective effort from people of diverse expertise. A play has a director and a dedicated team of actors who have been assigned specific roles. Each part is explained to the actors and it is rehearsed again and again to bring out the best on the stage. Likewise, the chip verification team has a leader and group of engineers with assigned tasks. Sections of code are scrutinized. Engineers test the product again and again to deliver the best on the final run. Sunil thought this to be interesting and fun filled and he approached EDN network to publish Shachi's article and they were deeply impressed by his work and offered him his own blog on EDN network. His blog was widely appreciated by EDN editors and technical stalwarts of electronics industry. His blog focuses on relating engineering to everyday life such as chess and electronics companies, journey of electronics engineer
and a basketball player. Shachi explained to us how he relates chess and electronics companies. He feels both need acute strategic planning well in advance to dominate the future scenario. In the game of chess one needs to calculate four or five moves in advance to keep the opponent at bay. Similarly in this competitive world, electronic companies are forced to see long term and plan their moves strategically and he feels this is the key to success. There is hierarchy in a company as well as in chess, and making moves based on what the managers can accomplish is important, because their competence will define the company's quality of work and
Shachi Kakkar
what it can accomplish. Shachi with his blog has changes the perception of engineering, which is conceived as boring, "only for nerds". He feels we can excel in any business only if we have a sound technical knowledge. He explains the joy that is lying within and wants more students to take up engineering and thereby serve the nation. With more people pursuing engineering and having the right expertise in business world, we can cut down of outsourcing and thereby boost the economy, says Shachi. It's just the sort of perspective that EDN was looking for and they encouraged Shachi with his ideas thereby connecting with the younger generation, says Sunil. Shachi is also a FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) State champion, an avid golfer and very active in debates and other community activities.
Organic food worth the extra cost? VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
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f late a regular sight in any super market or neighborhood grocers are Organic products, which are undeniably mainstream. Is the product worth the additional money which we shell out? Here we explain the benefits which we get for the extra bucks and tips to spend wiser. Organic foods are produced using methods that do not involve synthetic inputs such as pesticides and chemical fertilizers. They are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives. Organic food production is a regulated industry and the producers are required to obtain special certification in order to market their food as organic. But American Dietetic Association says, "There is no evidence that organic foods are superior over traditional foods." The government stops short of making any scientific claims that organic food is safer or more nutritious than conventional foods. Experts confirm that organic fruits and
vegetables probably are better for the environment, and they're often a good way of ensuring to get fresh food. The simplest reason is that often, organic food is produced locally and is therefore fresher. But although a recent study on organic nutrition levels showed a higher level of some vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, experts are divided on whether that translates to better health. If you are ready to shell out the extra bucks, experts recommend choosing organic foods that have the most nutritional impact. Fruits and vegetables with thin skin or no skin are smart buys, since they have a higher risk of crosscontamination and pesticides. Here are a few organic foods you may not want to waste your money on: fruits with thick skin like bananas, avocados and pineapples. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and corn do not require a lot of pesticides, so buying regular may be just fine and saves your hard earned money in times of bad economy.
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Chevrolet improves small & midsize models India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: For 100 years, Chevrolet has produced award-wining cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers for a global marketplace. Classic vehicles in American culture,
Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already wellrounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles
with the Bowtie that has shaped the automotive industry through compelling design and innovative technology. Modern times have seen Chevrolet make significant improvements in its small and midsize car models and introduce the Volt plug-in hybrid. The latter provides a nearly 40-mile range on electric power alone, and adds to the company's already well-rounded lineup of cars, trucks and SUVs. Though today's marketplace is very demanding, Chevrolet seems poised to remain a power player through its affordable and innovative vehicles. So far in 2012, Chevrolet has accounted for 73 percent of the 1.32 million new ve-
hicles GM has sold in the U.S. market. GM's GMC brand has accounted for 15 percent, followed by Buick at 7 percent and Cadillac at 5 percent, according to Autodata Corp. Chevrolet Volt The 2013 Chevrolet Volt ranks 7 out of 19 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Volt, and analysis of reliability and safety data. The 2013 Chevrolet Volt offers the fuel savings of an electric car along with the unlimited range of a gas engine. While more electric and plug-in hybrid cars are coming to market, reviewers agree that few of those rivals have powertrains
that are as flexible as the 2013 Chevrolet Volt's. Two electric motors are powered by the Volt's battery pack, which drives the front wheels. When the battery is depleted (or the Volt's Hold drive mode is engaged), a four-cylinder gas engine acts as a generator for the Volt's electric powertrain. Fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 35/40 mpg city/highway with the gas engine, or 98 mpg-e (miles per gallon-equivalent) when the Volt is in EV mode. Despite its high-tech powertrain, many reviewers say that the Volt drives much like a regular car. Inside, the 2013 Volt features high-quality materials and tech features that help drivers monitor vehicle info like fuel economy and the battery's charge level.
such as the Impala, the Suburban, the Corvette, the Camaro and the extended-range electric Volt all come from this iconic brand
Madhya Pradesh CM Chauhan blends governance with scriptures Cont’d from page 16
Shivraj Singh Chauhan assured that M.P. will not lag being in its contribution to the development of Bharat. "I am the servant of 7.5 crores people of Bharat, which I consider my temple and I am the priest. It is my dream that Bharat should be among the best countries in the world. I also hope and urge you that you will also work very hard to make the US continue to be the best country in the world. I have already decided that a special NRI Cell will be created to help the NRIs in every way possible. I promise you will not feel lack of help in M.P. 'Awake and move forward. Stop not till you reach your goal.' These words of Swami Vivekananda have become our aim and inspiration to march forward and make Madhya Pradesh more prosperous, healthy and happy," the ebullient Chief Minister concluded as the audience gave a standing and thumping ovation. Shivraj Singh Chauhan had earlier served as General Secretary of BJP and as State President of M.P. BJP. He joined the RSS in 1972. He has been five-time Member of Par-
liament, representing Vidisha in the Lok Sabha since 1991. At present he represents Budhni, in Sehore District of Madhya Pradesh in the state assembly. Chauhan was born in a Rajput family to Prem Singh Chauhan and
“I have already decided that a special NRI Cell will be created to help the NRIs in every way possible. I promise you will not feel lack of help in M.P. 'Awake and move forward. Stop not till you reach your goal� Sundarbai Chauhan. He was a gold medalist in M.A. (philosophy) from Barkatllah University, Bhopal. He also participated in underground movement against Emergency during 1976-77 and was imprisoned in Bhopal Jail for some time. Upon arrival in USA he held par-
leys on issues like health, education, social security, drinking water, rural and urban development and transport with officials of the international financial institution. Later, he took part in a program organized by the Indian Embassy in Washington. The Chief Minister made a presentation in Stanford University's Hoover Institution on the issue of women's empowerment and their direct involvement in socio-economic development programs. He also met the International Finance Corporation (IFC) representatives and held discussion on issues such as infrastructure development, non-conventional energy sources and public-private partnership in urban projects. The Chief Minister also addressed a gathering of the US India Business Council (USIBC) on the possibilities of investment in Madhya Pradesh, besides interacting with officials of American universities and Indian journalists and visited Michigan University to meet industrialists from the state. He also paid a visit to the memorial of Swami Vivekanand in Chicago.
October 19, 2012
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IADO extends support to Dem. leaders & candidates
Chief Guest Lt. Tammy Duckworth with Congresswoman Jan Schakowski flanked by IADO Team members Abdul Siddqui & Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: A political wing of Indian Americans in Chicagoland, Indo American Democratic Organization in Chicago land (IADO), celebrated thirty three yeas of its existence with a gala banquet at Holiday
event while among the dignitaries were Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Danny Davis, State Congressman Lou Lang, Cook Country Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, State Senators Kotowski and Silverstein..
Mangrola said he was saddened and surprised noting that it was America which helped people in Arab countries to transition to democracy and yet it is America which is the butt of the anger of people in some of these regions Inn in Skokie with lot of enthusiasm and fanfare in the light of approaching Presidential elections in November. Besides, a good number of IADO members and supporters, the event was also
The event started with the singing of national anthems of USA and India. This was followed by an inspiring speech from IADO Chief Harendra Mangrola. The emcee of the near three-hour function was
The dance team that presented 'Satyagraha' with Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown, IADO Chief Mangrola , FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef, FIA Vice President Keerthi Ravoori and others. (Pics: Asian Media USA)
graced by a number of top Democratic leaders, elected and otherwise. Lt. Colonel Tammy Duckworth was Chief Guest at the
Parag Mehta who did a remarkable job getting the guests introduced and setting the tone of the function in right mood.
IADO President Harendra Mangrola presenting Award to Dan Kotowski
It was inevitable that such an event would take notice of the recent developments at Oak Creek Sikh temple in Wisconsin or the savage killing of American Ambassador in Libya. Mangrola took note of these two events and condemned the uncivilized and barbaric acts of violence by extremists. A moment of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives and also to show support for families of the victims. Mangrola said he was saddened and surprised noting that it was America which
helped people in Arab countries to transition to democracy and yet it is America which is the butt of the anger of people in some of these regions. In difficult times like this America is lucky to have a leader and President like Barack Obama who keeps his cool in difficult times and shapes the country's policy in a right way. Exhorting support to Obama, he observed that it is not only that we should re-elect him but we should also send members to the Congress who are supportive of his policy. Cont’d on page 22
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Shri Krishna Vyjayanti dance a grand success RAMESH SOPARAWALA & SURESH SHAH
CHICAGO: With the Bartlet Jain Auditorium near full to watch Shri Krishna Vyjayanti - a dance ballet in Hindi, Sewa International Chicago managed to raise close to $40,000 for its on going humanitarian activities as also to fund its flagship project involving settling Bhutanese refugees in Chicago.
The artistic skill was quite in evidence in that the important aspects of Lord Krishna's life were composed beautifully in dance style for a two and half hours of presentation. There was not a single dull moment and the audience kept on showing its appreciation by clapping Vice president Anil Deshpande said that the program would not have succeeded but for the support of grassroots volunteers and sponsors like Amrit Mittal, Dr Bharat Barai, Narayan Chandak and many others. The near twenty artists troupe of Bharat Kala captivated the audience with their masterly depiction of various episodes in the
Grand Sponsor Amrit Mittal greeting artists with presentations.
life of Lord Krishna - right from the birth to his childish pranks of surreptitiously picking and eating Makhan (raw butter), going to Mathura and dueling with Kansa, and then playing a crucial role in the lives of Pandavas and rendering time immemorial sermon on Kurukstetra battlefield to Arjun. The artistic skill was quite in evidence in that the important aspects of Lord Krishna's life were composed beautifully in dance style for a two and half hours of presentation.
There was not a single dull moment and the audience kept on showing its appreciation by clapping. It was a mammoth task to depict every aspect of Krishna's life in the two hours time frame. Still the group has done an excellent job maintaining a high level of acting and choreography blended with songs in classical tunes sung by famous singers like Vani Jairam and Yesudas and composed by maestro music composer Padmashree Pandit Vijaya Raghav Rao. The
Ballet presentation by Prabhat Kala group in cities in USA so far has drawn rave reviews from those attending it - Chicago being no exception. With 32 chapters in 22 States across USA, Sewa (Selfless Efforts for Welfare of All) is now poised to do one better in coming year with expanding its base and areas of service to the community at large. Cont’d on page 25
IADO extends support to Dem. leaders & candidates Another highlight of the evening was a great entertainment program titled Satyagraha - which means the force of Truth - underlying the importance of changes thru ballot rather than bullets. The Kalapriya Foundation presented entertainment program in three stages and it was applauded by one and all. The Scene I presented that the quest for truth was a lifetime jour-
ers Scene III presented Rev. Martin Luther King, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi, who found from Satyagraha and the quest for truth, hope and strength to overcome the injustices experienced by African Americans in "We Shall Overcome". A song that has returned to Gandhi's India as "Hum Honge Kamiyab" IADO was incorporated in
"After the redistricting we have just 18 congressional districts in Illinois and we have 44 days left to change these Red districts to a total Blue." He urged all those eligible to vote to get themselves registered
Members of the audience at IADO event Cont’d from page 21
Republicans claim to care for small business but in fact they do not. Republicans also claim to care for new immigrants, the seniors in the country, those who are handicapped, the children, and under privileged but their actions belie
their words. America will be better of with Democrats at the helm of the affairs, he said. Illinois can take lead in turning Red Congress to a Blue Congress by re-electing the old guard and electing six more Congressmen by fighting hard the Republican money machine, he said.
"After the redistricting we have just 18 congressional districts in Illinois and we have 44 days left to change these Red districts to a total Blue." He urged all those eligible to vote to get themselves registered and fill the ballot box supporting Democratic candidates.
ney undertaken by Mahatma Gandhi. This dance sequence described the conflict within the being; between mind, body and soul (heart) and the conflict between peoples. Scene II showed that Mahatma Gandhi found strength in compassion in the face of violence/conflict. Chavez' farmers (shown harvesting) stand together to resist and stand for the rights of the farm-
March of 1980. Its mission is to lobby on behalf of the Indian American community on issues of immigration, affirmative action, education, social security, healthcare reform and hate crimes. Additionally, they strive to get Indian Americans to participate in the political process from voting to running for office. Vote of thanks was proposed by IADO Secretary G. Verghese.
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Pran Pratishta Mahotsav by Hindu Cultural Center NAND KAPUR
Devotees at Shivalaya Pran Pratishta Mahotsav
CHICAGO: Shivalaya Hindu Cultural Center held an impressive three days Pran Pratishta Mahotsav beginning September 27 through 29 at the Center facility in Chicago Downtown, 318 West Grand Avenue, Suite 201 in Chicago. The Pran Pratishta and Murti Sthapana ceremony were a huge success with hundreds of people attending during the three days of
emony ended at 2 pm, people kept coming until late in the evening to pray and glimpse the deities that were finally unveiled after a month's wait. It was a great sight to see the Hindu community come together in this fashion with outpourings of devotion and Shradhha (deep faith) clearly visible amongst the attendees. One of the attendees said, "It is great to finally have a
Shivalya was recently founded to serve the Hindu Community in the Chicagoland area. Its goal is to provide a place of worship and learning for the community. There are going to be several classes for kids and adults alike, ranging from Bhagwad Gita to Bharat Natyam and Hindi learning the ceremony. On all three days, the pooja and ceremony were led with great festivity by Chief Pandit Shri Shanti P Shastriji. Lunch was graciously donated on all three days by Taste India Chinese Restaurant in Downers Grove. On all three days, people flocked to the Cultural Center to participate in the Pooja and prayers that were taking place. Even though the Pratishta cer-
place of worship in the City of Chicago and a place where my kids can learn Hindi without having to go to the suburbs". As the mahotsav came to a close on Saturday evening, pleased devotees were eagerly looking forward to the Navratri and Diwali celebrations that would now take place so close to their home. Shivalya was recently founded
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to serve the Hindu Community in the Chicagoland area. Its goal is to provide a place of worship and learning for the community. There are going to be several classes for kids and adults alike, ranging from
Bhagwad Gita to Bharat Natyam and Hindi learning. The goal of the center is to provide the current generation and next generation with tools to strengthen their ties and roots and establish a
strong identity for the Hindu population in the City of Chicago. The Center is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit company established and run based on donations.
Community Across America
24 India Post
October 19, 2012
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Bollywood award function: An affair to forget RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: An event that could easily have been "an Affair to Remember" turned out to be such a big flop that it got dubbed as an Affair to forget and bury as soon as possible Bollywood USA 2013 had organized a big reception in Downtown Chicago for announcing the hosting of Bollywood Film Awards - the Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA) presentation in 2013 which would be a first time major South Asian awards program in the country. This had seemingly the blessings of the Illinois government. It was trumpeted that the event would be attended by Illinois dignitaries including Governor Pat Quinn and Bollywood stars. That was sufficient for hundreds of elite not only from Chicago but also
hundreds of Bollywood fans to line up the Waldorf Astoria gates to have a glimpse of their favorite stars - hero/heroines and "villains". There was to be a Red Carpet treatment for the dignitaries and Bollywood artists. These were the plus points of the near two hours program but then to the disappointment of the guests, invitees and scores of Bollywood fans, not all the billed dignitaries made it to the function. There was no Governor and there were no Bollywood stars coming and there was no Red Carpet laid down. Quipped somebody that the organizer did not have any Red Carpet or any carpet at all and with their sixth sense prevailing, the stars and dignitaries decided not to come. A doctor from Indiana seethed with so much anger that he unleashed his fury on a media man
Honorees Rep. Daniel K. Davis , Elizabeth Moseley Braun, a former Senator and US Ambassador to Nigeria Alderman Carrie M, Austin Ald Walter
per articles. One and all believed and whis-
ported to have paid a hefty donation for supposedly "good cause"
There was to be a Red Carpet treatment for the dignitaries and Bollywood artists. These were the plus points of the near two hours program but then to the disappointment of the guests, invitees and scores of Bollywood fans, not all the billed dignitaries made it to the function Local supporters L-R Babu Patel, Sejal Patel, Bhavesh Patel, Jordy Patel - business head Adil Jagmagia - Artist Management, Abbas Muni - GIFA Media Spokesman (Sohail Khan Ent.)
from neighboring States of Indiana and Wisconsin to come to the Hotel Waldron Astoria in Chicago Downtown. It was also enough for
catching him by neck and made him to commit that he would report "every bit of this nonsense and hoodwinking" in the newspa-
pered that the organizers knew that the Stars were not coming and that everybody was taken for a ride. The Indiana doctor is re-
Invited guests and media representatives at the Bollywood event
and was non-plussed. It is a talk of the town that two activists in the entertainment field in Chicago land are to be blamed for this "fi-
asco". They allegedly maneuvered to see that celebrities do not come to the function. It was announced that the media briefing after the general reception that the Award Presentation will be globally televised by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, one of India's leading television, media, and entertainment companies. Illinois in keeping with its renowned tradition as a pioneer in cultural field will act as the host destination for the GIF A awards. The Global Indian Film Awards (GIFA), produced by Sohail Khan Entertainment, marks the first time a major South Asian awards program has been held in the United States. The event will feature Alist celebrities and stars. Venues are currently being finalized and all information, including opportunities for sponsorship, will be available on Bollywood USA 2013's website: www.bollywoodillinois.com. "It's a pleasure to bring GIFA to the beautiful City of Chicago. I sincerely thank the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago for host-
Dance presentation at Bollywood program
October 19, 2012
Community Across America
India Post 25
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3,000 volunteers at Be The Change events
RI schools list Diwali on calendar
Diwali Festival of Light India Post News Service
India Post News Service
WASHINGTON, DC: The spirit of volunteerism and community service should be taken beyond a single day of service - that was the message at the annual Be The Change national day of service hosted by the DC area-based nonprofit organization, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), on Saturday, October 6 in coordination with over 46 campus and city planning teams around the country. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's message, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," over
3,000 volunteers including students, professionals, and retirees contributed their time and energy to service activities around the
Oklahoma to New York coordinated Be The Change activities. "For the past 11 years, Be the Change has encouraged commu-
"For the past 11 years, Be the Change has encouraged community members, young professionals and students to take an active role to build community through service country, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, New Brunswick, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. In addition, college campuses from Hawaii to
nity members, young professionals and students to take an active role to build community through service. Cont’d on page 26
NEW YORK: Indian Americans across the country have welcomed reports that two schools in Rhode Islands in East Coast near New York - Smithfield Public Schools and Barrington Public Schools have listed Diwali on their respective calendars, According to their 2012-2013 School Calendar (Smithfield's was approved on October one), Diwali is listed at November 13 under "Major Religious & Cultural Holidays". Both Smithfield and Barrington Public Schools have six schools each and Robert O'Brien and Michael B. Messore III are superintendents of Smithfield and Barrington Schools respectively. In the light of growing importance and presence of Indians across the country, many feel that other schools in East Coast should also follow the step the Rhode Island schools and list Diwali as a major holiday. This
would help bridge the cultural gap between East and West, feels Madhu Patel, president of NRI Press Club. Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism said that such listings would make the Smithfield and Barrington Public
In the light of growing importance and presence of Indians across the country, many feel that other schools in East Coast should also follow the step Schools' pupils well-nurtured, well-balanced, and enlightened citizens of tomorrow. He joined Madhu Patel in asking all school districts in Rhode Island to list Diwali as a religious/cultural holiday.
Shri Krishna Vyjayanti dance a grand success Cont’d from page 22
Anil Deshpande, Vice President Development SEWA International, said that one of the focal points of their activities is to get more and more youth involved so that the organization remains energized all the time. Locally beneficial activities by Sewa are many, like adopting a highway, providing food to local shelters, meals on wheels, community parks' cleanup etc. The youth also help Sewa International raise funds for its various ongoing projects. Deshpande pointed out that thousands of Bhutanese have fled to Tibet and are now virtually stateless. They are given asylum in many a western country including USA. In Chicago alone, there are 3500 Bhutanese refugees who need to get their home and hearth. "We are actively
Krishna teasing Radha
involved in assisting them to get settled here and our youth team is a good help to us," he said. The Chicago presentation was the last lap of Prabhat Kala
The Prabhat Kala artists group
journey to this country and it has gone back to India. Deshpande said that it plans to invite another talented group of Manik Sarkar in 2013 which will give a
Laser Show presentation on the life of Swami Vivekananda. The 150th Birth Anniversary of Swamiji is being celebrated across the world and Chicago
being a second home of Swamiji, many Indian American groups are gearing up for the celebration - Sewa International included.
26 India Post
Community Across America
October 12, 2012
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Hasan Chishti bestowed achievement award SURENDRA ULLAL India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Charminar Connection, a group of Hyderabadis on the Internet, which has
Hasan Chisti
played a powerful role in connecting Hyderabadis around the world, has honored Hasan Chishti by presenting him their highly prestigious Achievement Award in recognition of his liter-
ary and social services to the community. This was done during the celebration of Tenth anniversary of Charminar Connection in Chicago on 15 September.
This award is one more feather in the cap of Hasan Chishti in continuation of many recognitions and honors he received for his writings, excellence in community service and uplifting human values This award is one more feather in the cap of Hasan Chishti in continuation of many recognitions and honors he received for his writings, excellence in community service and uplifting human values.
3,000 volunteers at Be The Change events Cont’d from page 25
With each year, we are increasingly inspired by the growth in numbers and initiative taken by individuals around the country to live the words of Gandhi as they get involved on this day and truly be the change," said Deepa Iyer, Executive Director of SAALT. "This was Austin's third year participating in Be the Change as a core city. It was extremely exciting and gratifying for the Austin BTC coordinating team to watch the day unfold as volunteers from all walks of life stood together in service," said Sonia Kotecha, the head of BTC Austin's planning team. "To think that just a small group of us could inspire, motivate and mobilize an entire community to 'be the change' was humbling. It reminds me each year how ordinary people can do extraordinary things through serving each other." This year's service activities focused on food and hunger, seniors, children and youth, civic engagement, and the environment. Partners and sponsors also affirmed the values of Be the Change. Partners ranged from South Asian sororities and fraternities to national Asian and Pacific Islander organizations and South Asian professional networks. Be the Change 2012 was supported by National Sponsors
Sodexo, Development & Training Services, Inc., North American South Asian Bar Association, and Iota Nu Delta. "Sodexo is once again thrilled to be a part of the nationwide Be The Change events which align with our corporate values and reflect our Business Resource
"This was Austin's third year participating in Be the Change as a core city. It was extremely exciting and gratifying for the Austin BTC coordinating team to watch the day unfold as volunteers from all walks of life stood together in service," Groups' commitment to community engagement," said Cassandra Chin Muh Loh, Sodexo Senior Training Manager and National Co-Chair of Community Engagement/Cultural Awareness of Sodexo's Pan Asian Group.
'Utsav' celebrates life with song, dance & much more
Cont’d from page 17
They gave inputs on how to improve cholesterol with diet, exercise and medicines. Few quotes from Sadhna Sud, RN, BSN, Case Manager, Stanford for healthy living are eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits everyday, 3 servings of fiber rich whole grains a day and eat fish at least twice a week. Kriyaa dance academy performed at the Utsav. They specialize in classical, semi-classical, Bollywood, fusion and hip hop dances. It is been run by Art Director, Uma Dhanapal in Sunnyvale, Fremont, Mountain View. They have been the pioneer in Bay area events and have won many accolades since their launch in January 2010. They strongly believe in getting the best out of an individual and encourage students to perform and participate in solo events. Star Quiz competition was conducted as a part of the event and it saw about 100 contestants from the Bay area. The event was sponsored by Winmax and Hooley Corporation. Questionable characters emerged as winner. Quizzing was on sports, Hollywood and current affairs. Shopping occupied an imperative position in the event. The stalls were from all walks of life, food, clothing boutique, jewelry, real estate, Vastu consultants,
non-profits, beauty salon, travels, designer lines, internet service provider, mortgage agent, yoga services, lason treatment clinics to name a few. The food booth was catered by Madhuban Indian cuisine and they served the crowd with free kebab entrees. Clothing lines such
The awards for the event were distributed by Dr. Romesh Japra, eminent cardiologist and Mr. Parthasarathy, Consulate General of India, San Francisco. Mr. Parthasarathi mentioned the event as the one which had the potential to bring out women's talents as Outrage fashion, Vibha, Rang Bandhej, Neerant Couture, Gauri collections, AmitaBal, Chennai Tees, Leela Gutta, The Grand Trunk were present at the event and displayed their ethnic collections which ranged from sari, salwars, kurtis, skirts, lehengas. Heavy and regular office wear jew-
elry was an instant hit among the crowd. Fashion show was the highlight of the show and prominent designers walked the ramp with exotic designs. The designers walked for unique theme and many prominent bay area ladies were a part of the show. DJ night, by Paragon Studios was with Dance Away theme and was attended by bay area desi and many defined it as a show with pomp. The awards for the event were distributed by Dr. Romesh Japra, eminent cardiologist and Mr. Parthasarathy, Consulate General of India, San Francisco. Mr. Parthasarathi mentioned the event as the one which had the potential to bring out women's talents and wished it continues for years to come. "Women occupy an imperative position in family, work place and in society and shows such as these boost their energy and they can re-charge themselves", said Dr. Romesh Japra. He said the fashion show was unique in its style and wished the winners and awarded them with Star Plus trophy, gifts from WinMax and Hooley. Ena Sarkar, President CEO of WomenNow TV was happy that the event was an instant hit among the Indian community and said she wishes the event continues for years to come and entertains the Bay area people.
October 19, 2012
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India Post 27
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Gustakh Dil: English Vinglish 2 Aashiyan: Barfi! 3 Phir Le Aya Dil: Barfi! 4 Barfi!: Barfi! 28
India Post
October 19, 2012
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5 Badla Nazara: English Vinglish 6 Radha: Student Of The Year 7 Navrai Majhi: English Vinglish 8 The Disco: Student Of The Year 9 Tujhpe Fida: Heroine 10 Saiyaan: Ishkq in Paris
H
er dream of making a house for her life partner remains unfulfilled, says Rani Mukerji, drawing an interesting comparison between herself and her character in her forthcoming film Aiyyaa. Rani is a dreamer and so is Meenakshi Deshpande, her character in Aiyyaa. "I am quite a dreamer. I think we all are dreamers. We all don't like to live a practical life all the time. There is a thin line between our hopes and dreams," Rani said, highlighting the similarities between the two. "My dream of making a beautiful house for my parents has been fulfilled and my dream of making a house for my husband is still there." Asked when she planned to fulfill the dream, Rani said on a philosophical note: "I don't know. Death, birth and marriage are the three things that you cannot plan and predict. When it will happen, it will happen." Rani, 34, who has completed 15 years in filmdom and has more than 40 films to her credit, feels that she has evolved as a person as well as an actress. Rani admits that her career has been influenced by a lot of people in the industry. "There are a lot of people who have been there for me. Right from my first heroes Aamir and Shah Rukh Khan to my directors Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Mani Ratnam and now Sachin Kundalkar (Aiyyaa). I am growing with my experience of working with different directors and co-stars. As an actor I am supposed to learn. The day I stop learning, I will stagnate," she said.
COMEBACK UPBEAT SONG A P riyanka Chopra's In My City, which also features Black Eyed Peas singer Will.i.am, was launched on September 13. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is humming Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra's debut single In My City these days. The Hollywood actor, whose new film Looper is set to release in India, says he will soon add the song to his iPod list. "I came across Priyanka's new track and found the song very upbeat and refreshing. She is beautiful and extremely talented. The song is going on my iPod list," Gordon-Levitt, popular for films like Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, said in a statement. In My City has hit the right chords with the music lovers in national as well as international circuits.
Khiladi
kshay Kumar, known as Bollywood's Khiladi following his on-screen daredevilry and his string of Khiladi films, says he would love to give the title to his 10-year-old son Aarav in future. "I would give this title Khiladi to my son after another 24 years," Akshay told reporters during the trailer launch of his upcoming film Khiladi 786. He thanks filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan, who were the first to give him the title of Khiladi with the 1992 film of the same name. "When I first entered the industry, they were the ones who gave me this tag 'khiladi'. It is with me since then. After that, many films were made on Khiladi and this (Khiladi 786) is a Khiladi film I am doing after 12 years. So you can call this is a comeback film of Khiladi." The 45-year-old's Khiladi series so far includes Khiladi (1992), Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994), Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995), Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996), Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi (1997), International Khiladi (1999), and Khiladi 420 (2000). He also made his TV debut as the host of action-adventure reality show Fear Factor - Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2009. Akshay, who recently became a father to a daughter, says "I try to spend as much time possible (with her). As soon as I get done with my shooting and press conferences, I go and see her."
Bollywood
October 19, 2012
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A
Nothing 'BREWING'
nushka Sharma is said to be irritated with reports about Sidhartha Mallya taking a 'special' interest in her. The actress who will soon be seen in Yash Chopra's Jab Tak Hai Jaan opposite Shah Rukh Khan, apparently, is upset because of the rumors about Sid Mallya flying her to London in his private aircraft. Anushka's spokesperson, cleared all doubts saying, that there is absolutely nothing 'brewing' between her and Sidhartha. "There is no truth to the story at all. Anushka was busy shooting in Kashmir and was not even contacted once for confirmation." Stated the spokesperson.
INTERESTING
S
In search R
OF LOVE
anbir Kapoor, often cited as the Casanova of Bollywood, has revealed that he in search of his true love and is eagerly waiting to tie the knot. He is one Bollywood star whose personal life has always been under media scanner. However, the star admits that the day he finds the right person, he will get married. "If I meet the right person, I would love to get married," Ranbir said. Ranbir's roaring affair with Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and apparently Nargis Fakhri too, was just a passing phase in his life. Now, the actor is hoping to find true love. "I always think that I will get true love in my life. I hope I can really find that person soon with whom I can live my whole life," added the actor. Presently, Ranbir Kapoor is riding high on Barfi's! success. The actor will soon be seen with his ex-flame Deepika in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.
ROLES
he is just one film old in the industry but Huma Qureshi says she is focused about the kind of work she wants to do. Huma came into limelight with Anurag Kashyap's "Gangs Of Wasseypur" and she has already completed her second film "Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana" and has signed her third project - Vishal Bhardwaj's "Ek Thi Daayan". "I am not that important or big an actress to do movies to change my image but I am making the best of what is being offered to me. I want to pick interesting characters. I don't want to do the same thing again and again and be known as boring," Huma said. Her next "Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana", an Anurag Kashyap production, sees Huma play a Punjabi girl. She stars alongside Kunal Kapoor in the movie. "It is a fun movie. I play a Punjabi girl who is a doctor. It is a romantic comedy and I enjoyed shooting for the movie. I am glad I am getting opportunities to do different movies." Huma says life has definitely changed post "Gangs of Wasseypur" and she gets excited when people recognize her and ask for autographs. Though she is happy with the fame and glamour, Huma admits that it is a difficult profession to stay in, especially for her as she comes from a non filmy background.
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30 India Post
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October 19, 2012
PREM KISHORE
T
he stunning, visceral performance 'Encounter' by Navarasa Dance Theater swirls with powerful narrative, lushly layered vocal chants, dance, martial arts and explosive movement. Encounter draws on deep rooted traditions, the physicality of the human body, and the abuse of power. Multiple meanings of Encounter which includes an orchestrated "chance meeting" between the police or military and "so-called" enemies of the state are explored with raw power and daring programming. Based on a short story Draupadi by Magsaysay award winner Mahasweta Devi, Aparna Sindhoor and Anil Natyaveda directed and choreographed the performance. Eighty minutes long without an intermission, the compelling and creative expanse of the story of the indigenous Adivasi farm workers who are captured and interrogated by the military who are determined to usurp the land is accompanied by improvisatory theater, Kalaripayattu and haunting songs and dance in innovative ways. It
Aparna, Sindhoor & Anil Natyaveda in Draught dance
Based on a short story ‘Draupadi’ by Magsaysay award winner Mahasweta Devi, Aparna Sindhoor and Anil Natyaveda directed and choreographed the performance – eighty minutes long without an intermission
is a journey into wild emotion, and primal terror as we face the relationship of fear and freedom. In association with East West Players (Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang) Encounter was staged in Los Angeles from Sept 6-Oct 7. The theme is universal states. Encounter is a dance theatre production that unearths vari-
ous kinds of encounters, with the Divine, the Self, Love and the military. Encounter explores imageries from the lives of communities from around the world - whether it is Native American history or indigenous peoples' history globally; or a modern day occurrence in Iraq, Afghanistan or Rwanda". Cont’d on page 32
October 19, 2012
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31
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Best of South Asian cinema at Chicago fest
Farooq Sheikh with Chicago community activists L-R Sher Rajput, Farooq, Sumitra Patel, Naren Patel and Beena Patel. Pics Asian Media USA Asian Media USA & IPNS
CHICAGO: Bollywood film aficionados from Chicagoland and neighboring States were treated to an array of stellar films, acclaimed artists, and energetic parties during the 3rd annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival held in Chicago at different locations. The four-day festival held its Opening Night on September 20 with a star-studded Red Carpet reception followed by the North American premiere of the much anticipated Bollywood film "Heroine". Artists who walked the Red Carpet included acclaimed actor Farooq Shaikh, Lillete Dubey, and
dent Richard Lariviere and Columbia College Vice President Dr. Eric Winston were present to show their support. In his opening remarks, Dr. Winston said "I feel like a proud father" as he expressed his and Columbia College Chicago's support for the Festival from its inception back in 2010. Over the next three days, the Festival showcased the best of South Asian independent cinema to packed audiences at Showplace Icon Theater and Film Row Cinema at Columbia College Chicago. Moviegoers especially enjoyed hearing the various artists and filmmakers talk about their films and performances in the post film dis-
Ketki Parikh (Chicago South Asian Film festival -Founder and chairman), Mukta Tomar (Consul General of India, Chicago) Jigar Shah (actor, choreographer and dancer) and a guest
Adil Hussain. Indian Consul General Mukta Dutta Tomar, Field Museum Presi-
cussions. "Doggoned" director Arshad Khan described how his lead actress almost got arrested as
Suhani Amin (second from left), Ketki Parikh (second from right) with the team of Chicago South Asian Film festival
Raveena Tandon (movie star)
they filmed without a permit in the streets of Montreal. Actor Adil Hussain got a standing ovation for his performance in "Lessons in Forgetting", a film based on Anita Nair's book of the same name. The highlight of the Festival was undoubtedly the world premiere of "Listen Amaya" starring the magical yesteryear pairing of Farooq Shaikh and Deepti Naval. Director Avinash Kumar Singh's debut film played to a sold out theater with numerous people sitting on the aisle floors to watch the tale of a daughter coming to grips with her widow mother's relationship with a man who is not her father. "I desperately missed having my friend, confidante, editor, writer and wife Geeta sitting beside me as she has done all the way
through this film," said Singh in a touching acknowledgement to his wife. If the Festival began with a glamorous affair, the closing was no less sensational with Bollywood star Raveena Tandon attending the premiere of her film "Shobhna's 7 Nights". "We've made this film with a lot of love, not money" quipped the charming Tandon before the adoring audience. A special panel on entertainment law was also held during the festival with one of Chicago's premiere entertainment lawyers Robert Labate explaining the legal aspects of independent filmmaking.
to developing them in the coming year" said Festival Director Amit Rana. Chicago South Asian Film Festival is dedicated to fostering a diverse cinematic experience through South Asian films. The Festival was founded in 2010 and is organized by the Chicago South Asian Arts Council Inc. The Festival is held in late September in conjunction with Columbia College Chicago and includes a stellar selection of films and guests, panel discussions, opportunities for filmmakers and film lovers to connect, musical performances, tributes to major artists, and gala's. The Festival is committed to pro-
A section of the audience
"We've found our stride as a Festival this year and truly elevated it to a world class event. We've got some interesting initiatives in store for 2013 and are looking forward
viding a ground-breaking cinematic experience for filmmakers and moviegoers alike with the warmth and personal touch that is unique to Chicago.
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October 19, 2012 www.indiapost.com
Natasha Malhotra is Miss India Star VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
NEWARK, CA: Natasha Malhotra, from University of California, Davis won the title Miss India Star 2012 organized by Swagat Foundation in partnership with India Waves TV Network at Hilton Newark on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Scholarship prize of $10000 was shared among the first five winners. The First Runner-Up was Sakshi Sharma of Sacramento State University and Second Runner-Up was Shivani Phanse of University of Arizona. Title holder Natasha Malhotra walked away with $5000 in scholarship money and internship with India Waves TV Network and Radio. Scholarship Star Pageant sponsored by Swagat Founda-
tion headed by Mr. Jayaram Komati was held to recognize and assist in educational development of students of Indian heri-
tage between the ages of 14 years and 24 years old. "Our vision is to award annual scholarship cash money to tal-
ented students to aid in their academic expense, a service to give back to the community which we have been catering for over three
Scholarship Star Pageant sponsored by Swagat Foundation headed by Mr. Jayaram Komati was held to recognize and assist in educational development of students of Indian heritage between the ages of 14 years and 24 years old
decades", commented Mr. Komati in his speech. "Unlike other typical beauty contests, we primarily focus on contestants personality, ability to get along with others, and their achievements", said Ms. Lakshmi Baweja in her speech. Ms. Lakshmi Baweja of India Waves TV network and radio services offered internship opportunity for title holder on India Waves TV Network, besides two other winners. "The contestants are judged based on their poise, appearance, creativity, talent showcase", said Ms. Vijaya Aasuri, one of the judges for the mega event. The event had four rounds including modeling in Western and Indian traditional outfits, talent segment and IQ round with questions and answers on youth related topics.
Stunning performance by Navarasa Dance Theater Cont’d from page 30
Aparna Sindoor and Anil Natyaveda are brilliant, far sighted, young visionary prolific artists taking our imagination into a world far removed from the urban life, with provocative storytelling and artistic statements on oppression and the powerless. Other members of the cast transform themselves from heroes to villains in lightning transitions as we are thrust into the vortex of brutality and pitched into the classic struggle of tyranny, politics, feudal traditions and a vicious government.
languages and English, her deep tenderness using body and emotion, the taut, uncompromising courage of her spirit is searing and riveting. Anil Natyaveda has trained in dance and aerial dance forms which was evident in the dynamic and powerful body language as he used creative space to demonstrate his amazing agility. There are fully realized scenes where he communicates on a non-verbal level, in a primal manner using his sinewy body with dramatic impact Music by Isaac Thomas Kottukapally was an enthralling symphony to the action on stage.
Told mainly from the perspective of Dopdi Mehjen, a farm worker, Aparna Sindoor alternates between commentator and pursued as she presents the stark commentary of a woman's timeless struggle for peace and freedom. She is a thrilling actor, an uncompromising actor of our time, and driven by a ferocious passion for her art Told mainly from the perspective of Dopdi Mehjen, a farm worker, Aparna Sindoor alternates between commentator and pursued as she presents the stark commentary of a woman's timeless struggle for peace and freedom. She is a thrilling actor, an uncompromising actor of our time, and driven by a ferocious passion for her art. Her singing shorn of all artifice, staccato vocabulary threading between South Indian
The minimalist backdrop of shadows, and towering bamboo poles were juxtaposed with mythic arts and contemporary theater. The atmospheric lighting by Jeremy Pivnick was not merely dramatic but used shade, color and intensity to draw us compulsively into the lives of those on stage. SM Raja, the Writer who adapted the short story along with Aparna Sindoor, his wife has a background of entrepreneurship
and computer science in the US and produces educational videos for school children in Tamil Nadu, India. He is a multiple winner of the James Baldwin Award and has produced and directed Malayalam films exploring universal themes of prejudice, globalization and feudal traditions. Aparna Sindoor holds a doctorate in Dance, Cultural and Women's Studies from Boston and has trained in yoga, martial arts, contemporary aerial dance, music and theater. Originally from Mysore India, she has performed in prestigious venues -Jacob's Pillow, Asian American Theater Festival, Amol Palekar's Theater Festival, India and collaborated with various dance and theater companies including Urban Bush Women and New World Theater. Anil Natyaveda is a writer, director martial artist from Thiruvanathapuram, India. He has performed all over the world including Edinburgh Dance Festival, Germany International Summer Theater Festival and Hong Kong Art Festival. He has a degree in dance from Sree Swathithirunal Music College, India. Other members of the multi skilled cast who offer incredible support with footwork, synchronization and body movement include Raghu Narayanan, a classically trained dancer from Kerala India who has a Master's degree in Dance and has performed in India and the UAE winning many awards for Bharata Natyam, Kuchupudi and folk dance. He has worked with the company for
five years in contemporary dance theater. Leah Vincent completed her MA in Latin American Studies from Ohio University and trains in Kalaripayattyu with Anil. She has been exposed to a variety of dance forms, West African, Sals Rueda and Ecuadorian folk dance. Sunil Kumar Thakachan is a dancer and martial artist form Kerala, India. He has trained in the company and is proficient in martial arts, aerial dance, Bharata Natyam and theater forms. He
teaches Bollywood dance in Trivandrum, has won awards and performs on various TV channels. Suvarna Raj, from Kerala, India, is a martial artist and dancer and has performed all over India. He has won several dance competitions and teaches Bollywood dance in Kerala. He has been involved with Navarasa Dance Theater for a year. Audiences the world over will anticipate new, exhilarating projects from this Navarasa Theater in years to come.
October 19, 2012
India Post
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Shreya Ghoshal charms with hit songs
Shreya Ghoshal singing a romantic song
Shreya Ghoshal
The event was possible only because of dedicated and commitment from Dr. Dhingra and others AAPI leaders."
RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
SAN JOSE, CA: Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal gave a stunning performance at the October 7 concert at San Jose Center of Performing Arts. The concert was part of a pan national event organized by AAPI to bring all local chapters together and hold an educational and entertainment event. Events were held in nine different cities and highlights were educational seminars as well as high profile entertainment, which was provided by leading Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal. This was the last event of the series. She sang all her hit songs and also took requests from audience. Everyone was spell bound by her Devdas songs and her perfor-
We appreciate AAPI and Dr. Narendra Kumar and others for doing a fantastic job. In Bay area, there is so much goodwill being
Indian Consul General Mr. Parthasarthy was also every impressed by the event and turn out. He said "Indian community can make impossible things possible. We appreciate AAPI and Dr. Narendra Kumar and others�
Dr. Kranthi Achanta, Dr. Hemant Dhingra, Dr. Narendra Kumar, Dr. Romesh Japra and Dr. Akhil Wadhera
Wadhera were among leading Bay area doctors who made the event in San Jose possible. Many local luminaries including Dr. Japra attended the event. American Association of Phy-
Indian Consul General Mr. Parthasarthy was also every impressed by the event and turn out. He said "Indian community can make impossible things possible.
created by such events." Such large scale events show significantly increasing influence of Indian community in US in all spheres of life.
than a year to plan. The event combined entertainment along with educational seminar in nine cities. It has brought all local chapters together with national AAPI. It also gives the confi-
Indian Consul General Mr. Parthasarathy and AAPI president Dr. Narendra Kumar
Dr. Akhil Wadhera, Dr. Hemant Dhingra, Mr. Parthasarathy and Dr. Narendra Kumar
mance in many languages. Jeffery Iqbal and Prithvi Gandharv supported Shreya Ghoshal during the concert. They are both accomplished singers with melodious voice. During the day, educational seminars were held at nearby Hyatt Place. Dr. Hemant Dhingra, Dr. Vijay Tiwari and Dr. Akhil
sicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) is an umbrella organization for all Indian origin physicians. It has chapters in over 30 cities. It has been acting as glue for all Indian origin physicians for over 25 years. Dr. Narendra Kumar, President AAPI spoke to India Post on the occasion saying, "It took more
dence that together we can accomplish anything. We have also raised substantial revenue for organization work. Every city had a sold out event. In Dallas, we had 7000 people attending the concert. It has rebuilt the vitality and confidence in our leadership. There were a lot of people involved in making this successful.
Mr. Vijay Thapar, Dr. Hemant Dhingra, Dr. Narendra Kumar, Dr. Romesh Japra and Dr. Akhil Wadhera
34
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October 19, 2012
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36 India Post
A
llahabad lies 135 km west of Varanasi in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is at the confluence of the Ganga (also Ganges), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati River, the point of their mingling known as Sangam. Also known by its old name of Prayag, the city is an educational hub and a great pilgrimage center, especially the world-famous Kumbh Mela. Best time to visit: The climate of Allahabad is one of extremes with annual range of temperature differing by around 12°C. The temperature varies from a maximum of 45.6°C to a minimum of 1.1°C. The weather is one of the finest in the month of January and February. Annual rainfall is 1935.5 mm and the maximum being 914.7 mm (August) and minimum 68.3 mm (December). Monsoon touches Allahabad by 15th of June. History: Allahabad finds mention in the
holy scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and in the Puranas - as Prayag. Hindu mythology has it that Lord Brahma, the cre-
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centers.' Allahabad's antiquity attracted curious itinerants from even the Far East. Huen Tsang and Fa Hien, the Chinese travelers,
Allahabad finds mention in the holy scriptures - the Vedas and the grand epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and in the Puranas - as Prayag. Hindu mythology has it that Lord Brahma, the creator, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati would flow into a quiet confluence ator, chose a piece of land on earth, on which the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati would flow into a quiet confluence. He referred to it as 'Tirtharaj' or the 'king of all pilgrimage
who visited it in the fifth and the seventh centuries respectively, found it a flourishing state. As time wore on, Allahabad found play-
October 19, 2012
ing itself host to the royalty, including the illustrious Harsha, Akbar, Dara Shikoh, Khusro, and Queen Victoria. In 1575, the Mughal Emperor Akbar named it 'Illahabas.' Akbar realized its strategic importance and built a magnificent fort on the banks of the holy Sangam. Over the centuries that followed, Allahabad remained on the forefront of national importance-more so during the days of the Indian independence struggle. The chequered history of Allahabad with its religious, cultural and historical ethos also gave rise to several renowned scholars, poets, writers, thinkers, and political leaders. Cont’d on page 38
New Yamuna Bridge, the iconic monument of Allahabad.
Travel & Hospitality Post
October 19, 2012
India Post
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US eyes on China, Brazil and India to boost tourism WASHINGTON: The US has stepped up its effort to attract more foreign tourists, in particular those from countries like India, China and Brazil, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton emphasising on the need for a hassle fee visa processing and entry programmes for tourists. "We want to use our global reach and our diplomatic tools to help drive that economic growth here at home and to advance our strategic interests around the world," Clinton told a meeting of strategic dialogue on travel and tourism. "And encouraging travel and tourism moves us toward these goals. The average tourist from overseas spends USD 4,000 in the United States. In July of this year, foreign tourists spent nearly USD 14 billion here," she said, adding that for every 65 international visitors, one American job is created.
"In the last year, visitors from just China and Brazil supported more than 40,000 American jobs. And the number of tourists bound for the United States is growing all the time.
easier for tourists to get here. "We have sped up visa processing times at our posts around the world-like in Sao Paulo in Brazil, it once took 140 days to get a
"We have sped up visa processing times at our posts around the world? In India, the United States has not only increased the strength of its staff, but also taken several other steps to reduce the visa interview waiting period. It also introduced interview waiver program for certain categories of applicants So in addition to trying to ease the way for Americans to travel, we have matched that commitment with trying to ease the way for foreigners to travel here," Clinton said. The United States, she said, is making it
visa, that time is now under 48 hours; or in China, where the average wait time is five days, even though visa applications are up nearly 40 per cent; and in Mexico, where we issued more than two million visas and bor-
der crossing cards this year alone," she said, but noted that in doing so there is no compromise with the security of the country. In India, the United States has not only increased the strength of its staff, but also taken several other steps to reduce the visa interview waiting period. It also introduced interview waiver program for certain categories of applicants. "Just last week we implemented the Global Support Services Contract," James W Herman, Executive Director in the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs, told PTI in an interview later, explaining that the application process that used to take up to 72 hours can now be completed in 20 minutes. This service, which has been opened at five centers in India, would be expanded to other cities at a later stage, he added. The US is planning for a tourist growth rate of 15 percent to the US per annum. -PTI
Nepal to promote 'war tourism' to cash on decade-long conflict KATHMANDU: A new trekking trail to attract more foreigners by allowing them to retrace the memory of Nepal's decade-long Maoist insurgency has been launched by former rebel chief Prachanda to rebuild the country's economy. The ambitious project 'The Guerrilla Trek' - a 19-day hike - follows trails where thousands of Maoist guerrillas once dug trenches and ambushed enemy during their fight against the onceabsolute monarchy. The civil war claimed 16,000 lives. UCPN-Maoist Chairman Prachanda yesterday launched a map and a guide book produced by US author Alonzo Lyons at a programme organised by Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu. The trail has been divided into three sections and is a walk over rugged mountains, forests,?rivers,
caves and centuries-old villages. "As all know, Nepal has seen big political upheavals and the people's revolution will be of no value unless the country goes through an economic transformation," Prachanda said at the function.
voted to power two years later. Guerrilla Trek has the potential of becoming a "war tourism product" like in Vietnam, Russia, and China, he said. "As war tourism has been promoted worldwide for economic benefit, Nepal's Guerrilla Trek also
Guerrilla Trek has the potential of becoming a "war tourism product" like in Vietnam, Russia, and China, he said. The trek also consists of the Yarsagumba Trail to collect the life giving herb With peace restored in the country, the Maoist party has now transformed the districts hit by war into a "war tourism" destination. In 2006, Maoists agreed to lay down arms and participate in the new electoral process and was
holds the potential to lure visitors from around the world," he said. The trek also consists of the Yarsagumba Trail to collect the life giving herb and the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Lyons said there is "plenty of
J&K to promote tourism in Kupwara SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government will pay special attention to bring unexplored tourist places in the border district of Kupwara on the world tourism map. Minister of State for Tourism, Home and Urban Development Nasir Aslam Wani said the tourism potential of Bungus, Lolab and Drangyari areas in Kupwara district will be looked into, which would help in generating employment. The Lolab-Bungus-Drangyari Tourist Development Authority has developed infrastructure worth crores of rupees which includes tourist huts and rest houses at Bungus and Lolab tour-
ist resorts, the minister said while speaking at a fair in Chandigam in Kupwara. Wani said the development authority has focused on creating
tion would be paid to bring the areas on the world tourism map, an official spokesperson said. The minister later visited stalls set up by Sheep and Wool Devel-
The Lolab-Bungus-Drangyari Tourist Development Authority has developed infrastructure worth crores of rupees which includes tourist huts and rest houses basic infrastructure in these "attractive tourist places," adding that after completion of all the construction projects, special atten-
opment, Agriculture and Fisheries departments among others for developing the tourism sector in these areas. -PTI
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sun-shine for the remote districts like Rukum and Rolpa that were quelled into a seething pot of war once upon a time". Villages like Khara, Khawla, Jhimkhani, Jibang, Khabang, Bafikot, Kunakhet, Pipal, Rukumkot, Maring, Kakri and Tuksara stand witnesses to the war and retain the scars of a de-
cade of fighting. The vision is more or less showing visitors how the people's war began and spread to other districts from Rukum. The Maoists were the largest party in the parliament, which was dissolved in May over the failure to draft a new post-war constitution. -PTI
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38 India Post
Travel & Hospitality Post
October 19, 2012
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Vedic era pilgrimage center & Kumbh Mela venue Cont’d from page 36
Allahabad today is an important city where history, culture, and religion create a confluence-much like the sacred rivers that caress this God-graced land. Tourist attractions: The meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, Sangam is around 7 km from Civil Lines. This is one of the most sacred places of Hindu religion. It hosts the Maha Kumbh Mela (the largest gathering of Hindus) and Ardh Kumbh. At the point at which the brown Ganges meets the Greenish Yamuna, pandas (priests) perch on small platforms to perform puja and assist the devout in their ritual ablutions in the shallow waters. Boats are available
for visitors. Near the Sangam is situated the Allahabad Fort built by Akbar in the AD 1583. Unrivalled for its design and craftsmanship in its heydays, the fort is now used by the army and only a part of it is open to the visitors. This huge, majestic fort has three magnificent galleries flanked by high towers. The visitors are allowed to see the Ashoka Pillar, Saraswati Kup (a well said to be the source of the river Saraswati), and Jodhabai Palace. The Patalpur temple and the much-revered Akshaya Vat (immortal Banyan tree) are also here. Swaraj Bhawan, the historical building built by Motilal Nehru, was donated to the nation in 1930 to be used as the headquarters of
Anand Bhavan owned by Indian political leader Motilal Nehru in the 19th century.
the Congress Committee. The former prime minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi was born here. A fine museum today, Anand Bhawan was once home to one of the most powerful families of Indian politics, the Nehrus. Today, it houses memorabilia of the GandhiNehru family. Khusro Bagh is a large garden where tombs of Khusro, son of Emperor Jahangir, and Shah Begum are located. Hanuman Mandir is a unique temple famous for the supine image of Hanuman. This is the only temple to have Hanuman in a reclining posture. Mayo Memorial Hall is situated near the Thornhill and Myne Me-
morial. This large hall has a 180feet high tower. Professor Gamble of the South Kensington Museum, London, ornamented the interior of this memorial hall with designs. Completed in 1879, this hall was meant for public meetings, balls and receptions in commemoration of the assassinated Viceroy. Other place to visit are Shankar
Viman Mandapam, Mankameshwar Temple, All Saints Cathedral (Patthar Girjaghar), Minto Park, Allahabad University, Allahabad museum, Minto park, Muir College, Jawahar Planetarium, Chandra Shekhar Azad Park, and public library. Places around Situated 9 km from Allahabad, Jhusi (Pratisthanpuri) is a place for people wanting peace of mind and soul. It has many ashrams and temples and can be reached from
The Purna (complete) Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, which falls once every twelve years, is always at Allahabad. When the particular configuration of the Kumbh at Allahabad falls on a Monday, it is called the Somvati Amavasya and the spiritual benefits increase manifold Allahabad by taxis, buses, and boats, etc. Kaushambi (62 km) is a place traditionally associated with the Mahabharata. The city was once a great Buddhist center. Lord Buddha is believed to have visited Kaushambi twice to deliver discourses. The ruins of an ancient fort bear witness to the antiquity
of the place. There are also remains of a monastery. Bhita (20 km) is an archeological site with remains dating back to 300 BC. Shringverpur (40 km) was once the capital city of the kingdom of Nishadraj (King of Boatmen). Legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here overnight while going to the forest. Before steering Rama across the Ganga in his boat, his feet were washed by Nishadraj. Fairs and festivals: The
at Allahabad. When the particular configuration of the Kumbh at Allahabad falls on a Monday, it is called the Somvati Amavasya and the spiritual benefits increase manifold. The Purna Kumbh is followed by the Ardh Kumbh in importance and this fair falls every six years when millions of devout congregate at Allahabad on the banks of the holy river, braving the hazards of cold, disease, hunger and a myriad other privations, to gain spiritual salvation and con-
Kumbh Mela is the greatest of north Indian festival-fairs and it has exerted a mesmeric influence over the mind and the imagination of the ordinary Indian from time immemorial. It is held once every three years by rotation, on the banks of holy rivers - the Godavari in Nasik, the Shipra in Ujjain, the Ganga in Haridwar and the Sangam in Allahabad. The Purna (complete) Kumbh, the biggest and the most auspicious fair, which falls once every twelve years, is always
tentment. Other fairs include the Magh Mela, which is celebrated in the month of February. How to reach Air - Allahabad does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airports are at Varanasi (147 km) and Lucknow (210 km). Road & rail - Allahabad is situated on the Delhi-Calcutta route and can be reached from any part of India by rail or bus.
Tech News Govt to refund telcos which were cancelled NEW DELHI: An Empowered Group of Ministers has decided to refund license fee of companies whose telecom licenses stand cancelled but have no criminal charge against them. The EGoM, headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram, also decided to recommend to the Cabinet a one-time fee on existing telecom operators for spectrum they hold beyond 4.4 MHz. The Supreme Court in February had cancelled 122 licenses granted during former Telecom Minister A Raja's regime. Operators wishing not to pay the additional fee would be allowed to relinquish the excess spectrum beyond 4.4 MHz. The one-time fee would be imposed from the day the Cabinet takes a decision on the matter. -PTI
TechBiz 39 India Post
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India infrastructure offers huge investment opportunity
Assocham team to Iran to lure investors
CG Ms Mukta Tomar, Ambassador Ms Nirupama Rao, Dr Rajiv B Lall and James Metcalf
RAMESH SOPARAWALA
NEW DELHI: In a bid to promote two-way trade and lure investors, industry body Assocham is leading a 50-member business delegation to Iran which is under Western sanctions for its controversial nuclear program. "Assocham has mounted a multi-sectoral business delegation to Iran between October 5-8 to explore business prospects for Indian industries in Iran and spread awareness about attractiveness for doing business in India," the chamber said in a statement.-PTI
Govt planning to build 10-15 greenfield airports NEW DELHI: Giving a push to aviation infrastructure development, Indian government is planning to build 10-15 greenfield airports and modernizing 50 others in the non-metro cities over the next few years. "About 50 non-metro airports are being modernized within the next two years and overall 10-15 new greenfield airports are being planned," Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh told reporters on the sidelines of the 49th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation of Asia-Pacific region here. Maintaining that the civil aviation sector in India was witnessing an annual growth of nine per cent, he said, "We expect a double digit growth in air traffic in the next few years." -PTI
October 19, 2012
Secretary-General of World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA), Bonian Golmohammadi with Secretary General of India Federation of United Nations Association (IFUNA), Suresh Srivastava (L) and Vice President of IFUNA Sita Ram Sharma during a press conference in New Delhi on October 8
India Post News Service
CHICAGO: India's infrastructure sector is poised for a 'big leap' in the years ahead offering significant investment opportunities for US and global investors, according to BK Chaturvedi, a member of Indian Planning Commission Chaturvedi was addressing a group of delegates and invitees during a Seminar on "Indian Infrastructure - The One Trillion Dollar Opportunity'" organized by Indian Consulate in Chicago in partnership with FICCI and USIBC on September 26 at Hilton Hotel in Chicago Downtown. The objective of the Seminar
experiences and best practices for making such investments and identify specific project opportunities for potential investment. It
dian market, he said investment in India's infrastructure sector has high potential, not high risk. However, he cautioned that such po-
Alluding to the persistent emphasis and thrust of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to speed up the pace of implementation of infrastructure projects, Ambassador Rao said it is now the most critical area for immediate action. This is vital for removing supply bottlenecks also aimed to provide an opportunity for US firms to meet with leading Indian infrastructure development and financing firms who may serve as potential partners
tential has to be assessed on medium-to-long term basis, since any objective or correct assessment cannot be done based on one investment or two, or for short term.
Panelists and moderator at talk on Innovative Models for PPS Work L-R Asutosh Padhi, George Tapas and Prof Rajidner Gupta of Kellog Management School
was to introduce US firms to the large investment opportunity in Indian Infrastructure and share
Calling upon the prospective investors to have confidence in 'India infrastructure story' and In-
Strong arguments exist in favor of the Indian market for international investment, Chaturvedi added.
Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao flew from Washington DC to attend the Seminar. In her remarks, she highlighted the enormous potential for Indo-US collaboration in infrastructure development in India and observed that the present emphasis on public private partnership (PPP) would lead to the share of private sector in total investment in infrastructure moving up from around 40% in the 11th Five Year Plan to 50% in the 12th Plan. Alluding to the persistent emphasis and thrust of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to speed up the pace of implementation of infrastructure projects, Ambassador Rao said it is now the most critical area for immediate action. This is vital for removing supply bottlenecks which restrict growth in other sectors, and also for boosting investors' confidence to raise the overall rate of investment. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Rajiv Lall, Vice Chairman & MD of IDFC Ltd stated that the great Indian infrastructure story is not about how much we have not been able to attain, but what all substantial achievements have been accomplished so far in this area with specific examples of success. The day-long program deliberated at length on various key issues such as infrastructure financing, innovative models to make public private partnership (PPP) work and how to accelerate investment in Indian infrastructure sector. Cont’d on page 42
40
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October 19, 2012
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Air India receives third Boeing 787 Dreamliner NEW DELHI: Air India received its third Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the first aircraft coming out of the new North Charleston facility of the American manufacturer, the company said on October 6. "We are delighted to be the first airline in the world to take delivery of a Dreamliner from this beautiful factory and look forward to taking many more," Air India Board member K M Unni said after receiving the first plane from the new plant. He said the B-787 was "an airplane with unmatched efficiency and technology which will help in our airline's turnaround plan," a Boeing statement from North Charleston quoting him said. In September, Air India took delivery of its first of the 27 Dreamliners on order. The aircraft is equipped with 18 business class seats and 238 in the economy class. Work on the first South Carolina-built airplane began in October 2010 with fabrication of the aft fuselage and assembly of the midbody section. Final assembly be-
Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane during its delivery to Air India at the Boeings North Charleston facility in US on October 5
gan in June 2011 and the completed airplane rolled out in April 2012 and flew for the first time in May, the release said. "With two 787s successfully introduced to Air India's fleet, passengers are enjoying breakthrough features such as larger windows, lower cabin altitude and unprecedented flying experience," Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president of Asia Pacific and India Sales,
said. Two of these planes are already being flown in the domestic sector. The South Carolina plant's Vice President Jack Jones said, "In just under three years of breaking ground, we've flown and delivered our first airplane built here. This is a tribute to the remarkable Boeing South Carolina team and the support we've received from our airline customers, our supplier part-
ners, the Boeing enterprise". The Dreamliner is the first commercial jetliner made primarily of advanced composite materials. It offers exceptional passenger comfort features including cleaner air, higher humidity, bigger windows that dim electronically and more overhead storage space. The aircraft's fuel efficiency is 20 per cent better than other airplanes in its class, which also re-
sults in 20 per cent lower carbon emissions, the Boeing statement said. Flight to Frankfurt A senior Air India official said Air India is likely to deploy its newly-acquired Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for long-haul international operations. The first destination would be Frankfurt and the service is likely to begin from October 15. Lack of adequate manpower has forced the national carrier to delay its plan for flights to Australia and other destinations. Air India has deployed Dreamliners on domestic sector to familiarize the pilots with aircraft landings and takeoff procedures. The first commercial service of Dreamliner started from September 19 between New Delhi and Chennai, followed by New DelhiBangalore sector. The airline will take delivery of the fourth 787 on October 20 and another by the end of this year, followed by seven more in 2013, five in 2014, six in 2015 and three in 2016. -PTI
US facing prolonged economic USIBC delegation visits UP; meets Akhilesh Yadav uncertainty: Ex-envoy MUMBAI: Maintaining that there is a "prolonged" economic uncertainty in the US despite billions of dollars pumped in the world's largest economy, a former Ambassador to America said here India was able to come out of the downturn in spite of a much smaller stimulus package.
United States from 2009 to 2011. "Today we see a prolonged economic uncertainty in the US and crisis in the eurozone," Shankar said delivering a lecture on 'Role of US in Asia-Pacific', organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). The Indian stimulus in the
Meera Shankar
Asian countries which were able to come out of the downturn relatively faster were China, which undertook huge domestic stimulus, and India, which announced small revival package, said Meera Shankar, who served as India's Ambassador to the
face of the crisis was worth Rs 20,000 crore. The US, on the other hand, has so far pumped in or committed over USD 2 trillion to revive growth since the onset of global credit crisis in September 2008. Shankar said Asian countries
like China, India, South Korea and Indonesia have been displaying economic dynamism and achieving high growth despite the global downturn. "The kind of action Government of India took was limited but more targeted because we didn't had too much of fiscal space or resources to play around with. But, we were able to come back with 8 per cent growth after the crisis. "Asia is home to some of the most dynamic economies and it will be a centre of renewed US engagement and focus." The US recognizes that its relationship with China is important but very complex, the Indian Forest Service officer said. "For the US, their relationship with China is perhaps the most important and also the most complex," she said, adding engagements with Beijing would be an important part of American strategies. On the defense front, Shankar said at present about 50 per cent of the US Naval resources are deployed in Asia and 50 per cent in the Atlantic. Washington's aim now is to bring this to 60-40 ratio - that is 60 per cent resource deployment in Asia-Pacific region and reduce presence in other areas, she added. -PTI
LUCKNOW: A delegation of added. US-India Business Council The delegation also interacted (USIBC) has met Uttar Pradesh with a team of senior officials of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, the state government. who invited them to invest in the A detailed presentation on state. socio-economic, industrial and Led by USIBC Chairman Ajay proposed infrastructure projects Banga and President Ron Somers, was made to the visiting delegathe delegation was on the state's tion. visit to explore US-UP business Enthused specially by Expressopportunities, according to an of- way, Airport and other public prificial release. Assuring the visiting delegation that the Uttar Banga said due to efforts of Pradesh government is committed to creation of state government to procongenial business cli- mote enterprises and indusmate in the state, Yadav said US companies are trial development, USIBC welcome in UP to be a would work hard to conpartner in unprecedented growth envis- vince US business commuaged across all sectors, nity to invest in the state particularly infrastructure development. During the meet, Somers ex- vate partnership (PPP) projects tended invitation to the Chief Min- proposed and under implementaister to visit the United States early tion, USIBC President Somers ennext year. quired if US companies would be Banga said due to efforts of eligible to bid in these projects. state government to promote enUP's Industrial and Infrastructerprises and industrial develop- ture Development Commissioner ment, USIBC would work hard to Anil Kumar Gupta informed him convince US business community that since the developers need to to invest in the state. have working experience in India, "We will try to facilitate a full US companies could partake by size US business delegation visit forming Special Purpose Vehicle to the state in coming March," he with Indian developers.-PTI
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Aus, India to ink uranium deal during Gillard's visit MELBOURNE: Australia is close to finalize a uranium safeguards agreement with India that would allow it to sell the yellowcake to the Asian giant, Foreign Minister Bob Carr said here. His comments came ahead of Prime Minister Julia Gillard's coming maiden visit to India. "Yes we are, and the Indians are happy with the progress on this. And we always where there's a sale of Australian uranium, we always have a treaty that governs it and puts in place all the safeguards we'd require, IAEA and the rest, non-proliferation references," Carr said when asked to comment whether Canberra was close to ink a deal with New Delhi on the sale of uranium. "The relationship's in good working order and the thing the Indians wanted out of us most was a decision to sell them uranium for the peaceful development of
nuclear power which is a major strategic goal for them and I think an environmental plus for the planet," the minister told a local TV channel. However, he refrained to com-
Julia Gillard
ment if the deal was part of GIllard's visit due on October 15. "I'm not in a position to announce what the Prime Minister's going to announce. But the relationship is in quite good working order," he said, adding "The Prime Minister's headed there, let's leave it to that." Indian High Commissioner to
Australia Biren Nanda also said, "I can confirm that a civil nuclear cooperation deal was on the agenda of cooperation between the two sides." Australia's known uranium resources are the world's largest 31 per cent of the world total. In 2011-12 Australia produced 7,700 tonnes of uranium oxide concentrate. It is the world's third-ranking producer, behind Kazakhstan and Canada, according to the World Nuclear Association. Carr further stressed that Canberra has been working hard to develop ties with India and that it has not been ignored by his government. "We have been working very hard, for example when there was that awful regrettable string of attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, (Defense Minister) Stephen Smith, I think other Ministers were up there very quickly. When I spoke to the Indian Foreign Minister (S M Krishna) in Phnom Penh he expressed satisfaction at what we'd done and how that bewildering development had been curbed," he said. -PTI
EGoM tentatively resolves issues of one-time fee: Sibal NEW DELHI: A high-powered ministerial panel headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram has "tentatively resolved" all issues concerning a proposal to levy one-time fee on existing telecom operators, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal said. A final decision based on the recommendations of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) would be taken by the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later this month, he said without elaborating. "We had a two-hour meeting. We have tentatively resolved all the issues. We are now moving to the Cabinet and will try and get it to the Cabinet on October 16, if possible, so that the matter can be finalized," he told reporters here. The EGoM, in its previously meeting on October 3, could not take a decision on levy of the onetime charge in absence of a legal opinion from the Attorney General on the issue. Refusing to comment on the decisions taken by the EGoM,
Sibal said, "Till the matter goes to the Cabinet, I couldn't possibly tell you the details of the decision but all the issues placed that were
Kapil Sibal
placed before the EGoM have been resolved." The DoT had earlier made four proposals to the Cabinet on onetime fee - no charge; levy a onetime fee on all airwaves held by existing telecom companies; impose a fee on airwaves held beyond the start-up spectrum of 4.4 MHz; or levy a fee on airwaves held beyond the contracted spectrum of 6.2 MHz. -PTI
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India infrastructure offers huge investment opportunity to investors Cont’d from page 39
It was argued that in view of the massive investment requirements for developing necessary physical infrastructure in India and the limited availability of public resources for investment, it is imperative to explore new avenues of financing and adopt innovative
roads for construction this year and over 4,000 kms for maintenance under the new system of OMT (Operate, Maintain, Transfer). In railways there are plans to award work on the Elevated Rail Corridor in Mumbai, 2 new locomotive manufacturing units and the PPP stretch of Dedicated
Of the challenges to overcome, funding constraints, land acquisition issues, delays related to identification & award of projects, regulatory uncertainties, and shortage of skilled manpower were pointed out as some of the major reasons causing delays approaches for financing the country's infrastructure needs. PPP also promotes efficiency in public infrastructure and adds financial capacity to accelerate growth. Public Private Partnerships and private investment have thus emerged as focus areas. A number of panelists articulated many remarkable success stories in India's infrastructure sector and showcased Indian firms' capability to create quality assets, manage and execute mega projects in timelines that may be set as new benchmarks. Some constraints notwithstanding, it was held, the 'India Story' particularly that in the area of infrastructure has so many 'positives' which reflect the huge scope for working together for achieving 'winwin' outcome. During the discussion it emerged that detailed roadmaps have already been worked out for flagship infrastructure projects with ambitious targets. They represent a significant scale-up over earlier performance. For example, it is planned to award 9,500 kms of
Freight Corridor, in addition to redeveloping 4 or 5 stations through PPP mode. In shipping a task has been set for awarding work for two new
(Lucknow, Varanasi, Coimbatore, Trichy and Gaya). As regards urban transport, while Metro Rail projects are currently under implementation in 7 Indian cities covering a length 476 km, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recently laid the foundation of the eighth Metro Project in Kochi. Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for metro rail have been prepared for another 12 cities. Of the challenges to overcome, funding constraints, land acquisition issues, delays related to identification & award of projects, regulatory uncertainties, and shortage of skilled manpower were pointed out as some of the major reasons causing delays in infrastructure development in India. The stimulating discussion in the symposium suggested that the investment target for infrastructure sector in the current
Panelists during lunch break Dr Marshal Bouton, PK Chaudhari, RV Kanoria and Del Renigar
frastructure projects. More thorough and forward-looking project preparation and a sound land-acquisition process would be crucial in facilitating successful implementation of projects. Similarly, reduced uncertainty in the regulatory environment, effective dispute resolution, strong monitoring system, developing a sophisticated debt market and diversified set of financial instruments will increase the confidence of the private sector including foreign investors to invest in infrastructure projects in India. The well-attended symposium attracted several other eminent
experts and industry leaders including James S Metcalf, Chairman & CEO of USG Corporation; Larry Walther of the EXIM Bank; Dr. Marshall Bouton, President of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs; P K Chaudhery, Chief Secretary, Government of Haryana; R V Kanoria, President of FICCI; Ron Somers, US India Business Council; Shailesh Pathak, President of Srei Infrastructure Finance Ltd; Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Secretary General of FICCI; George Tapas of URS Corporation; Prof. Rajinder Gupta, Kellogg School of Management; and Prof. Krishna Pagilla, Illinois Institute of Technology.
Govt's tax evasion summons to insurance firms A section of the audience at the Seminar in Hilton
Major PPP Ports, besides capacity addition targets which are three times those last year. In Civil Aviation, work will be awarded on 3 new Greenfield airports (Navi Mumbai, Goa and Kannur) and 3 or 4 new international airports
Plan period is achievable, provided India could change the way to approach infrastructure development per se. The change required is needed across all phases including planning, bidding and execution of in-
NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry has issued summons to about a dozen insurance firms seeking documents pertaining to sale of insurance policies and commission paid to their field associates as part of its probe into alleged service tax evasion of over Rs 300 crore by them. Official sources said that firms including Birla Sun Life Insurance,
ICICI Prudential, HDFC Life Insurance, MetLife Insurance and Reliance Life Insurance Company among others have been issued summons by Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), an intelligence arm under the Finance Ministry. An email query seeking response from HDFC Life Insurance, MetLife Insurance, Birla Sun Life and ICICI Prudential was not answered. However, a Reliance Life Insurance Company (RLIC) spokesperson confirmed receiving a letter from the department seeking information. "We have received a letter from the DGCEI seeking some information. We understand that this is part of a process wherein the department has sought similar information from several other insurance companies. "RLIC is in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations and will be providing the required information as desired," the spokesperson said. Preliminary probe so far has found alleged irregularities including evasion of service tax by misrepresenting the information on accounts book and fudging records related to commission paid to field associates, agents and brokers who were selling the insurance policies, the sources said. -PTI
In Brief Justices question law license for immigrant TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: Most of the Florida Supreme Court justices appear skeptical of granting a law license to an illegal immigrant. The seven justices heard oral arguments in the case of Jose GodinezSamperio. He came to the U.S. from Mexico at age 9. He graduated from college, earned a law degree and passed the Florida Bar. The Board of Bar Examiners asked the state's high court for guidance before deciding whether to grant a license. It is one of a few cases across the country. Illegal immigrants are also trying to practice law in New York and California. Godinez-Samperio contends President Barack Obama's new policy involving illegal immigrants gives him the right to practice law. -AP
Gay illegal immigrant denied protection in US DENVER: A federal appeals court in Denver has refused to block extradition of a gay illegal immigrant who sought protection in the U.S. claiming Mexican authorities persecute gay people. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals said in its decision that there is evidence that Mexico supports gay rights, citing developments including Mexico City's legalization of gay marriage. Efren Neri-Garcia has said he was mistreated in Mexico because he is gay and was attacked by authorities while imprisoned in Guadalajara in the 1990s. A witness told Colorado authorities gay men in Guadalajara are still being attacked and need protection. -AP
Border agents opened fire on each other PHOENIX: The U.S. Border Patrol agent killed recently in a shooting in southern Arizona apparently opened fire on two fellow agents thinking they were armed smugglers and was killed when they returned fire, the head of the Border Patrol agents' union said. The two sets of agents approached an area where a sensor had been activated from different directions and encountered each other in an area of heavy brush, National Border Patrol Council president George McCubbin said. Agent Nicholas Ivie apparently opened fire first and wounded one of the other agents but was killed in the return fire. -AP
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Romney would end Obama policy DENVER: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney would end an Obama administration policy allowing some young illegal immigrants to stay in the country and work, though anyone already granted a reprieve from possible deportation wouldn't see that permission revoked. Cont’d on page 44
Immigrant-led startups on decline due to 'unwelcoming' system WASHINGTON: The number of US high-tech startups founded by immigrants, which have long been a source of growth for the American economy, has begun to slip, according to a study. The study suggests that an "unwelcoming" immigration system is discouraging foreign-born entrepreneurs, a major source of tech startups in Silicon Valley and other technology centers. The Kauffman Foundation study shows that the proportion of immigrant-founded companies nationwide has slipped from 25.3 percent to 24.3 percent since 2005. The drop is more pronounced in Silicon Valley, where the percentage of immigrant-founded startups declined from 52.4 per cent to 43.9 per cent. The study evaluated the rate of immigrant entrepreneurship from 2006 to 2012. "For several years, anecdotal evidence has suggested that an
unwelcoming immigration system and environment in the US has created a 'reverse brain drain.' This report confirms it with data," said Dane Stangler, director of research and policy at the Kauffman Foundation. "To maintain a dynamic
economy needs job creators more than ever," said Vivek Wadhwa, who led the study and is director of research at the Duke University's Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization.
Even though the trend has stagnated, the number of startups involving immigrants from India rose. The study found 33.2 per cent of immigrant entrepreneurs were Indian, an increase of seven per cent in 2005 economy, the US needs to embrace immigrant entrepreneurs." The study comes amid intense debate in Washington on immigration reforms, and on visa caps set for highly skilled immigrants who are often hired in the technology sector. "The US risks losing a key growth engine just when the
"The US can reverse these trends with changes in policies and opportunities, if it acts swiftly. It is imperative that we create a startup visa for these entrepreneurs and expand the number of green cards for skilled foreigners to work in these startups. Many immigrants would gladly remain in the United States to start and grow
companies that will lead to jobs." The report said 107,819 engineering and technology companies were founded in the last six years. A random sample of 1,882 companies showed 458 had at least one foreign-born founder. Even though the trend has stagnated, the number of startups involving immigrants from India rose. The study found 33.2 per cent of immigrant entrepreneurs were Indian, an increase of seven per cent in 2005. The study found those from India founded more of the engineering and technology firms than immigrants born in the next nine countries combined. After India, immigrant founders represented China (8.1 per cent), Britain (6.3 per cent), Canada (4.2 per cent), Germany (3.9 per cent), Israel (3.5 per cent), Russia (2.4 per cent), South Korea (2.2 per cent), Australia (2.0 per cent) and the Netherlands (2.0 per cent). -AFP
USCIS updates FAQs on deferred action CYRUS D. MEHTA
U
.S. Citizenship and Immi gration Services has up dated its frequently asked questions (FAQs) several times on the new deferred action program for childhood arrivals. The latest version was updated on September 7. The Department of Homeland Security has advised that its processing goals are one month from issuance of a receipt to the biometric appointment, and four to six months on average for processing the initial batch of deferred action requests. This time could increase as more requests are received. USCIS said it plans to issue additional FAQs as people work through the process. The latest FAQ, along with other links to relevant information, is available at Federal District Court Upholds 'Show Papers' Provision of Arizona Immigration Law U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton of Phoenix ruled on Sep-
tember 5, 2012, that the "show me your papers" provision of Arizona's immigration law will stand, at least for now. That provision allows Arizona police officers to question immigration status while carrying out enforcement of other laws. Judge Bolton said the law must take effect before it can be chal-
power state and local law enforcement, as part of a legal stop or detention, to inquire about an individual's immigration status when the officer has reasonable suspicion." Congress Extends Four Immigration Programs for Three Years Congress has extended four
Congress is unlikely to pass any other immigration bills before the November elections. Major immigration reform will have to wait until 2013 lenged, but she left the door open to potential future challenges. Allesandra Soler, executive director of Arizona's American Civil Liberties Union, predicted "rampant racial profiling and prolonged detention for countless Latinos, a majority of whom are U.S. citizens and permanent residents." Jan Brewer, Arizona Governor, said the ruling "will em-
immigration programs for three years, to September 30, 2015. The programs are the EB-5 regional center program, the E-Verify program, the special immigrant religious worker program, and the Conrad State 30 J-1 visa waiver program for certain foreign doctors working in medically underserved areas. The Senate passed the extend-
ers bill (S. 3245), as it was called, in early August. The House of Representatives passed the bill on September 13 by a vote of 4123. The bill now goes to the President for signature. Congress is unlikely to pass any other immigration bills before the November elections. According to one newspaper article, this session of Congress "is on track to be the least productive in modern history." Major immigration reform will have to wait until 2013. CBP Opens Two Additional Lanes at San Luis, Arizona Port of Entry The U.S. General Services Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the city of San Luis, Arizona, celebrated the construction of two additional northbound lanes for privately owned vehicles traveling into the United States at the San Luis I Land Port of Entry. Cont’d on page 45
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NM blocked from immigrant license checks SANTA FE, N.M.: Republican Gov. Susana Martinez's administration has agreed to settle a lawsuit and not revive a plan to cancel the driver's licenses of immigrants who fail to verify whether they still live in the state. The administration announced the program last year but it was suspended by a state district court in Santa Fe after the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a lawsuit. District Judge Sarah Singleton issued an order permanently blocking the program and stopping the administration from canceling licenses of any immigrants initially checked unless the state has evidence of fraud. ``We are elated to report that this discriminatory program, which was born out of ill-will and bad politics, has met a swift end,''
David Hinojosa, southwest regional counsel for MALDEF, said in a statement. ``New Mexicans who have validly obtained their
The administration announced the program last year but it was suspended by a state district court in Santa Fe after the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund filed a lawsuit licenses can be assured that they will not be targeted based on their nationality.'' At the time of the program, only
New Mexico and Washington allowed illegal immigrants to obtain the same driver's license as a U.S. citizen. Utah grants immigrants a driving permit that can't be used for identification. A driver's license can help people open bank accounts or board a commercial airliner. A newly enacted law in California will offer driver's licenses to young immigrants qualifying for federal work permits. Scott Darnell, a spokesman for the governor, said the administration agreed to the court order and resolve the lawsuit because the license verification program would have been suspended for months if there had been a trial and appeals. The governor plans to push again in next year's Legislature to try to stop the state from issuing driver's licenses to illegal immi-
grants. The state sent out about 10,000 letters last year to foreign nationals with driver's licenses asking
The governor contends that many immigrants came to New Mexico solely to obtain a license and then left the state. About 30 percent of those letters were returned as undeliverable them to schedule appointments to recertify whether they were New Mexico residents. A 2003 law allows foreign na-
tionals without a Social Security number to obtain a driver's license. More than 100,000 licenses have been issued but the state says it doesn't know how many have gone to illegal immigrants because it doesn't ask the immigration status of license applicants. The governor contends that many immigrants came to New Mexico solely to obtain a license and then left the state. About 30 percent of those letters were returned as undeliverable for some reason, including that there was no forwarding address for an individual. A spokesman for the Taxation and Revenue Department said no licenses have been canceled so far because of the program to verify a license holder's residency. -AP
Romney would end Obama LA police chief wants immigration policy to limit arrests DENVER: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney would end an Obama administration policy allowing some young illegal immigrants to stay in the country and work, though anyone already granted a reprieve from possible deportation wouldn't see that permission revoked. Romney told The Denver Post that people who are able to earn the two-year reprieves to stay and work wouldn't be in danger of deportation if he is elected. His campaign later clarified that while Romney would honor permission to stay as granted under President Barack Obama, a Romney administration wouldn't grant such permission. Obama announced in June that he would prevent deportation for some people brought to the United States illegally as children. Applicants must not have a serious criminal record and must meet other requirements, such as graduating from high school or serving in the U.S. military. At the time, Romney criticized Obama for circumventing Congress and changing the policy a few months before the presidential election. The Obama campaign criticized Romney as ``extreme.'' Spokeswoman Gabriela Domenzain said Romney ``is against any sensible solution to fix our broken immigration system.'' ``The people who have received the special visa that the president has put in place, which is a two-year visa, should expect
that the visa would continue to be valid. I'm not going to take something that they've purchased,'' Romney said, promising to put a comprehensive immigration reform plan into place before those visas expire. Throughout the Republican primary, Romney took an aggressive tack on immigration, saying in debates that he approved of
veto the so-called DREAM Act, legislation that would have allowed a path to citizenship for non-American-born children of illegal immigrants if they meet certain education or service requirements. Romney has always said he supports a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants who serve in the military. After rival Rick Santorum
Mitt Romney
``self-deportation,'' in which undocumented workers would choose to leave on their own because they were unable to find work in the U.S. He assailed rival Rick Perry, the Texas governor, for allowing illegal immigrants to attend Texas state colleges and universities at in-state tuition rates. Romney also said he would
dropped out of the primary, leaving Romney the presumptive Republican nominee, the former Massachusetts governor indicated he would review potential legislation from Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., that would have allowed some young illegal immigrants a way to stay in the country. To date, Rubio has not offered such legislation in the Senate. -AP
LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles police chief has said he wants to stop honoring federal immigration detention requests in cases involving low-level crimes to regain the public's trust. Chief Charlie Beck proposed no longer holding people arrested on public nuisance or low-grade misdemeanors such as illegal vending or driving without a license. The department would continue to detain immigrants arrested on serious crimes or with criminal backgrounds or gang affiliations if requested by federal authorities, he said. If approved, the move would add the country's second-largest city to the list of jurisdictions that are distancing themselves from the federal government's Secure Communities program, which checks the immigration status of arrestees. ``The federal program that issues these detainees has a very valid core premise, and that is that you should use the power of the government and the power of the enforcement of immigration to keep and increase public safety, and you should do that by targeting those most serious and violent criminals,'' Beck told reporters. ``Unfortunately, that has not always been the case and that has eroded this public trust that local police departments such as the Los Angeles police department so depend on,'' he said. The announcement comes days after Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a bill to limit local law enforce-
ment involvement with Secure Communities, which is touted by federal officials as a crime-fighting tool and blasted by immigrant advocates who say it deters immigrants from reporting crime. It also comes after Santa Clara County and Cook County, Ill., stopped honoring immigration detainees under the program. Details of Beck's plan have yet to be defined. The proposal would
The move would add the country's second-largest city to the list of jurisdictions that are distancing themselves from the federal government's Secure Communities program also need to be approved by the Board of Police Commissioners. This year, the department expects that roughly 400 out of 3,400 requests for 48-hour immigration detainees will involve such lowlevel crimes. Beck said he hopes the change can take effect Jan. 1. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Virginia Kice said Los Angeles is exploring an option not much different than the agency's established priorities. -AP
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'UK visa norms may affect profitability of Indian cos' "While we appreciate that UK may have reasons for introducing a cap on non-EU economic immigrants, our concern is to ensure that these measures do not adversely affect the growing trade and economic partnership between our two countries," the statement quoting Sharma said. He also said the recent measures over student visas by the British Government, including on
David Wootton, Lord Mayor of London calling on Anand Sharma, Union Minister for Commerce Industry & Textiles in New Delhi
NEW DELHI: Raising its concerns over visa problems being faced by IT professionals in the UK, India has said the proposed visa measures by Britain may affect profitability and competitiveness of Indian companies. The issue came up for discussion during a meeting of Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and visiting Lord Mayor of London David Wootton here. Sharma raised issues pertaining
to visa and post-study work visa with Lord Mayor, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement. "The new measures that the UK government has proposed for are likely to affect the profitability and competitiveness of Indian companies," it said. Sharma said Indian companies are using the UK as a base to service their investment in Europe. Indian IT personnel visit Britain on short deputations.
USCIS updates FAQs on deferred action Cont’d from page 43
The 15-month expansion project increased the northbound lanes from 8 to 10 at one of the area's most congested land ports of entry. These additional lanes may increase capacity by 25 percent for travelers entering the United States for work and personal reasons. "This expansion will be a huge benefit for this port of entry, and for the San Luis-Sonora, Mexico border crossing community," said William K. Brooks, CBP Acting Director of Field Operations.
CBP said that one of the driving factors for this expansion project was the desire to complete the construction before the start of this year's agricultural season. The two additional lanes were officially opened on August 23, 2012, and are expected to help reduce the wait times for travelers during one of the busiest times of year.
* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
Sharma also conveyed India's concerns regarding the fate of Indian students affected by UK Border Agency's (UKBA) decision to revoke London Metropolitan University’s license post-study work visas may make it difficult for Indian students to pursue university education in the UK. Sharma also conveyed India's concerns regarding the fate of Indian students affected by UK Border Agency's (UKBA) decision to revoke London Metropolitan University license to admit non-EU international students. "Lord Mayor and his officials assured the Minister of their determination to help Indian students in all possible ways as it also involves the reputation of the UK as reliable education destination," it added. They said they would strive to ensure that all the valid students are suitably accommodated, it said. On the Lord Mayor's request to open Indian legal and accountancy sectors, Sharma said these areas are governed by self-regulatory professional bodies like the Bar Council of India and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. "Consultations with the professional bodies and the stakeholders are underway. Further movement in the matter will be possible as and when consensus emerges among all the stakeholders," it said. -PTI
Pak govt criticized for delaying new visa agreement with India ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani parliamentary panel has criticized the Interior Ministry for the delay in implementing a new visa agreement with India, with its members passing a resolution that called on the cabinet to ratify the pact at the earliest. Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jillani informed the Foreign Affairs committee of the Senate or upper house of the parliament that the ratification of the visa agreement by the cabinet was pending because the Interior Ministry is yet to complete certain formalities. The committee's chairman, Haji Mohammad Adeel of the Awami National Party, and other members of the panel were critical of the delays in implementing the agreement. Presidential spokesman
Farhatullah Babar, who is a member of the committee, proposed a resolution that the cabinet should ratify the pact at the earliest and this was passed by the members. Adeel condemned the delay in implementing the agreement. Noting that relations between Pakistan and India were improving, he questioned why such an important agreement was being held back. The Foreign Secretary explained that under the Indian system, the process for implementing the agreement had been finalized before it was signed last month. On the Pakistani side, the process is completed after the signing, he said. He briefed the panel on all the clauses of the new agreement. -PTI
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Realty Tidbits
Chandigarh builder forgotten on anniversary
Real Estate
I
t was a lonely birth anniversary for Chandigarh's master architect with just two visitors at the Le Corbusier centre in Sector 19. On October 6, this year, was the 125th birth anniversary of Corbusier, the architect who is the mastermind behind the planning of city beautiful. His office, turned into the Le Corbusier Centre, however, bore a deserted look without a single soul, except for the guard and the cleaning staff. Since the beginning of this year, just about 1,100 persons have visited the Centre. Even on weekends, an average of not more than 10 people come here.
„ Flat handover delay to cost builder Rs 2L MUMBAI: A builder has been fined Rs 2 lakh for the delay in handing over possession of three flats to the two buyers and noncompliance of a written promise to provide basic amenities to the residents of Hill Palace building near Upvan Lake here. The Thane District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum also directed the builder, M/s Patsons Engineers, to pay Rs 10,000 towards cost of legal expenses borne by the two buyers and an additional Rs 1,000 for failing to provide the piped gas line to their flats as the builder had promised initially in 2006. President of the consumer forum, R B Somani, and member Jyoti Iyer ruled in favor of the two residents - Priyank Kumar and Kiran Madhav Prasad - who had dragged the builder for lapses.
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Leaders shielding illegal buildings: NGOs PUNE: Civic organizations in the city have demanded that the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) take action against elected representatives shielding illegal constructions in the city. In a press statement issued here, the Sajag Nagrik Manch, Nagrik Chetana Manch, Parisar and Surajya Sangharsh Samiti have said the PMC should file criminal offences against those responsible for the September 24 tragedy, wherein an illegal three-storied building collapsed killing 11 people.
Pacifica to rent out 700 single family homes in Florida AHMEDABAD: City-based global real estate player Pacifica Companies (PC) has said it aims to rent out 700 single family homes in US state of Florida within a year, after having won bids for these foreclosed homes there. Pacifica purchased a managing
"We won bids for 700 foreclosed homes which were put for auction by Fannie Mae, amongst 50 bidders in fray. Within a year, these 700 single family homes shall be put on rentals. We get 20 per cent upfront management fee on gross rental income collected� interest of 20 per cent for over USD 12 million, after having won bids for the 700 residential property portfolio put up for auction by Fannie Mae, a US government sponsored mortgage company.
Fannie Mae, a US Federal Housing Finance Agency body, ventured into such an arrangement for the first time, when it had the option to dispose units as per the Foreclosure Act, which is comparable to India's Sarafesi Act, to recover bank loans. "We won bids for 700 foreclosed homes which were put for auction by Fannie Mae, amongst 50 bidders in fray. Within a year, these 700 single family homes
MCHI-Credai hails move to drop NOC provision MUMBAI: Apex real estate body MCHICredai has welcomed the Maharashtra Government's decision of not making it mandatory for flat owners and housing society residents to get no-objection certificate (NOC) from developers while selling their property. The move will help the buyers and sellers who have to do a lot of running around to get the NOC, it said. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan had said there was no need for flat owners to seek NOC from builders before sale or re-sale of flats as there is no such provision in the Maharashtra Ownership of Flats Act (MOFA). Welcoming the decision, MCHI-Credai President Paras Gundecha said, "due to in-
sistence for the NOC until now, buying and selling transactions of flats were getting unnecessarily delayed for months on end. This decision will now save time of buyers and sellers." The decision had been taken following complaints received by the Chief Minister about flat owners being prevented from selling or re-selling their flats on the grounds that an NOC from builders is required. Calling it an act of 'harassment' by builders, Chavan has asked people to report such cases to higher authorities. "We sincerely hope this is beginning of much more important reforms that are needed for the realty sector," Gundecha added. -PTI
shall be put on rentals. "We get 20 per cent upfront management fee on gross rental income collected. The minimum hold period is for three years, and thereafter a call shall be taken on exit," Pacifica's Managing Director Rocky Israni told reporters. The company holds around 4,500 residential units spread across 40 states, with the majority in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Washington.
"In four years, we expect the revenue split will change and it will be 50:50 ratio between Pacifica and Fannie Mae, after a certain threshold is achieved," he said. During the sub-prime crisis of 2008, US banks foreclosed homes where customers failed to repay home loans on their property. Later, portfolios of such properties in each state was bought by federal agencies like Fannie Mae from these banks. -PTI
Blackstone gets CCI approval for Embassy deal NEW DELHI: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved a real estate deal between global private equity giant Blackstone group and Pune-based realty firm Embassy Group. The proposed deal involves Blackstone and Embassy group having joint control over an entity engaged in the business of development and management of commercial and office space and related activities. In an order, CCI said the deal is unlikely to have any "appreciable adverse impact on competition in India and therefore the Commission hereby approves the proposed transaction." While the exact size of the deal has not been disclosed, it has been billed as one of the biggest realty deals in the country's com-
mercial and office space real estate business. As per the proposed deal, certain Singapore-based entities of Blackstone would get compulsorily convertible debentures of Pune Dynasty Projects Private Ltd - currently 51 per cent owned by Embasy Property Developments Ltd (EPDL). Upon conversion of these debentures, Blackstone Group would get 50 per cent stake in Pune Dynasty Projects Private Ltd (PDPPL) and would have joint control with Embassy group firm EPDL over the assets, business and affairs of PDPPL. Mauritius based financial investor Alta Vista currently owns the remaining 49 per cent stake in PDPPL, which is proposed to be acquired by Embassy before the Blackstone deal.
Real Estate Post
October 19, 2012
India Post
47
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Kejriwal group alleges Robert Vadra-DLF nexus
T
he allegation that business man Robert Vadra and real estate giant DLF have deep illicit links, where Vadra was given an interest-free loan from DLF, which also sold him vast amounts of property at hefty bargains in return for favors from the Congress, could not offer evidence of a quid pro quo. The business transaction between DLF and Vadra could not be established as DLF funding the latter. However, the fact that Vadra is married to Priyanka Gandhi, the daughter of Congress president Sonia Gandhi who is also the chairperson of the UPA, the ruling coalition, made it more of a political slug fest than any investigation on the DLF. "All businessmen take loans to build their business. Maybe Robert Vadra also did that. What is wrong with that? But there is nothing to prove any wrongdoing…no proof that the Congress helped out DLF," said Congress leader Rajiv Shukla. Activist-turned-politician duo Arvind Kejriwal and Prashant Bhushan said DLF sold under-valued flats, many of them in Haryana, its main market, to Vadra. In exchange, they alleged, the Congress party gave the developer vast amounts of land in states like Haryana where the party is in power. Some of this land, they said, had been acquired from farmers for public projects. The activists also said that
clearances and permissions were given to DLF projects at lightning speed. Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda refused to comment on the allegations leveled by the activists. The BJP predictably seized the allegations to target the Congress and said the party should not dismiss the accusations without a detailed investigation. "The UPA Chairperson's home has been turned into a place to make real estate deals," said the opposition party's spokesperson, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. However, market & political analysts are unanimous that the activists have offered no evidence of a quid pro quo between Vadra and DLF, but the problem for the party will lie in how to counter perception. After a series of lurid financial scandals, the
activists, used this loan to buy DLF properties. They say that from 2007 to 2010, Mr Vadra bought property that was worth 300 crores and is valued at 500 crores today. "How did he afford
An analysis of the balance sheets and audit reports of Vadra's companies (owned exclusively by him and his mother) show the total share capital was just Rs 50 lakh in November 2007 UPA is being seen at home and abroad as a government entangled in graft. The activists allege that about five years ago, DLF gave Vadra an interest-free loan of 65 crores. Vadra's five companies, which on paper were worth 50 lakhs, say the
this?" they asked. "What was DLF's interest in giving him hugely-discounted properties?" They claim that DLF was given land reserved for public-interest projects by the Congress government in states like Haryana, and that DLF received clearances at
Infrastructure development in Surat going skyward SURAT: Commuting in some of the most congested places in the city will become a tad easier. Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is drawing up a plan to build skywalks and skybridges in several high-density areas. "Looking ahead, we have to think in terms of segregating vehicular traffic from the pedestrian traffic. Till now we have made huge provisions and work is underway in building infrastructure for vehicular traffic. The next stage is for making space for pedestrian traffic to easily move along in high-density areas," said Bhimji Patel, chairman, standing committee of Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC). The ruling party is planning building skywalks and skyway bridges in few areas where walkers choke for space like railway station, Ring Road and highly-developed Athwalines and SuratDumas Road too. "We plan to connect all the tex-
tile markets of Ring Road with skywalk or bridge facility," said Patel. A detailed note in this regard has been sent to the bridge cell. Textile market stretches for 6.4 km on Ring Road and houses more than 120 markets. These markets are located on two sides of the
next year's budget to initiate the project," he added. In high-density areas of railway station too, skywalks on the lines of Mumbai are being planned. Mumbai has constructed 36 skywalks in many of its suburbs. It has country's and one of the
In high-density areas of railway station too, skywalks on the lines of Mumbai are being planned. Mumbai has constructed 36 skywalks in many of its suburbs road. At present, during the day, the traffic density on this road is more than 25,000 vehicles per hour. The human movement is also very high with labor pulling hand carts and even shouldering huge sacks of materials on their back, resulting in heavy congestion. "Provisions will be made in the
world's biggest skywalk of 1,395 meters in Borivali west. "We need people to go safely and without wasting time once they get out from station junction. Eight different directions are most commonly used and we think skywalks of 200 to 500 meters could serve this purpose," said a top official of bridge cell.
lightning speed. As an example, they cite the fact that Vadra allegedly got seven apartments at massively discounted rates in a housing project called Magnolia in Gurgaon near Delhi. The developer had been given 350 acres by the Haryana government for this project. "Is that the quid pro quo for DLF giving Vadra the seed money for the purchase of these massive properties worth hundreds of crores?" they asked. The activists also alleged that Vadra has registered six new companies in 2012. They asked about the source of funds for these new companies. "Are illicit funds of the Congress party being funneled into this property-buying spree?" they added. An analysis of the balance sheets and audit reports of Vadra's companies (owned exclusively by
him and his mother) show the total share capital was just Rs 50 lakh in November 2007. "In three years they acquired properties that are worth more than Rs500 crore today," he said. "An auditor who looked at the balance sheets said none of these companies were involved in any other business activities during these years." Initially, Vadra's wife Priyanka too was part of some of his companies. She later quit. Kejriwal and Bhushan said the information had been sourced from the registrar of companies. Citing the example of Sky Light Realty Private Limited, a company owned by Vadra, that bought a 10,000 square feet apartment in DLF Aralias, Gurgaon, for Rs 89 lakh whose market value at the time of purchase in 2010 was Rs 25 crore, the activists said the current value was about Rs 40 crore. In another instance, seven flats were bought by the same company at DLF Magnolia, Gurgaon (Haryana), for Rs 5.2 crore. Bhushan and Kejriwal alleged that the market value of these flats at the time of purchase was in the range of Rs35-70 crore. At present it is in the range of Rs 105-175 crore. They alleged that the Congressled Haryana government had given nearly 350 acres of land to DLF for this project. The land had been acquired by the state government from farmers on the pretext of doing some industrial projects.
Sale of property amid seizure procedure 'illegal' NEW DELHI: The sale of a property during its seizure proceedings by government agencies is illegal and the new owner who purchases it in good faith cannot lay its claim over it, the Supreme Court ruled. A bench of justices R M Lodha and A R Dave said once the notice is issued by the government agency for forfeiture, the right over the property stands vested in the
government and it cannot be sold by its owner. "Such sale has no legal sanction. The sale is null and void. It is not protected so as to enable the purchaser to prove that he is transferee in good faith for adequate consideration. As a matter of law, no title came to be vested in the appellants (purchaser)," the bench said.
Horoscope
48 India Post
October 19, 2012
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
OCTOBER 19TH - OCTOBER 25TH (November 23 to December 22)
(March 21 to April 20)
P
ayment stuck for a while will come. It is a very favorable week for job seekers. Offer will be reasonable and on your terms. Some of you will be moved to better place in the same company. You will be spending money on buying some gifts for immediate family members. There will be slight change in your travel plans. You will hear from an old friend.
S
ome cracks could start opening up in ongoing relationship. Its the other person who will become double minded. Planets in eleventh are very favorable for all financial matters. Take your chance and you can not fail. An overseas trip will get finalized after minor change. You will be spending lots of money towards the education of a child.
(April 21 to May 20)
W
eek full of pleasant surprises. There will be some dramatic turns in ongoing legal battle and outcome could be even better than your expectations. If appearing for any highly competetive exam, have no doubts you will clear it in first shot. malefics in sixth will help you gain an edge over your opponents. Health will improve with change of diet.
(December 22 to January 19)
P
lanets are in perfect order to make your long cherished desire come true. You will get the new this week. Money may come through legal channel also. You may change your mind going to a religious event on the last minute. You may go to mall and finally spend some money on your self. (January 20 to February 18)
(May 21 to June 20)
Y
ou will become more religious and perform some serious charity work this week. A big check in mail will be a pleasant surprise and that too from a totally unexpected place. You will hardly sit idle and make very good use of time on hands. Spouse may buy some items for the home. You will continue to have the Midas touch and get many important things done. (June 21 to July 22)
T
rip will be finalized on a very short notice. You may need to take one of your vehicle for minor repairs. Money wise it looks like a very promising week. Stcks and lottery could get extra money in your pocket. For people in business, the new contract will not be any less than a jackpot. Strong Mars in fifth will help you achieve you professional goals easily. (July 23 to August 22)
G
ambling instincts will pay off, and you will reap rich rewards for your bold actions. People in business will have a chance to make some extra moey little unorthodox way. Strong Mars in fourth will help you with a property deal and help other goals easily. You may be training a new associate at work. You will be just lucky in all money matters this week.
O
bstacles will be followed by solution but will cause some uneasi ness in the mind in the meantime. New business partners will have some very good ideas and risk takers. You may spend some money on upgrading your home or buy new furniture. you may call an old friend and seek his advice on an important issue. (February 19 to March 20)
T
hings may not happen in first attempt but will ultimately. A new project will cause excitement and you may take family out to celebrate. You will become more spiritual and make a trip to a holy place and participate in special prayers. An old friend will call and invite you to a social event.
Nargis Fakhri's career will reach new heights
(August 23 to September 22)
D
o not go unprepared for legal matters or will have to pay hefty penalty. Eye sight may start to give some trouble and remember it could be the blood pressure. On the positive note there will be some interesting developments in career as well as relationship. You may be assigned an important project and boss will definetely take your advice seriously. (September 23 to October 22)
A
void any arguments with people specially who are lot older. Property deal can get extra money in your pocket. Decision will be hard to make but you will end up making the right choice. New contract will be big and you will end up saving a lot in long term. You will buy some expensive item for the house or may have some changes done in kitchen. (October 23 to November 22)
Y
ou will regain confidence and make some tough decisions about career or the business you have been doing. Changes will relive you of lots of tension of the past. Money wise you will continue to grow but at a very slow pace. Some of you may join ahealth club to get in shape. You will be invited to a big social event this weekend.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
N
argis Fakhri, who made her debut opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar, is winning many endorsement deals. Born on October 20, 1979, Nargis is a Libran from New York. This model-turned-actress possesses natural charm in abundance. She will leave a good impression on others and will be welcomed into many social circles. She will find it easy to make new friends and will be popular too. Her future in Bollywood looks bright. She is likely to be paired opposite Ranbir again. They make a great pair together and as both belong to the zodiac sign Libra; they will have much in common. They will share a great personal equation. The year ahead will be mixed one for this latest import. She will have to prove her acting talent and needs to choose some challenging roles in the coming months. As per Numerology, Nargis' ruling number is 3. She thrives on change and likes exploring new ideas, meeting new people and discovering exotic places. India will prove to be a lucky destination for her. Her career will soar and reach new heights and she is likely to become one of the top actresses in India. Her hardworking and down-toearth nature will take her far and make her a preferred choice for directors.
925-833-7170
website: www.parashar.com
October 19, 2012
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Datebook
India Post
October 19, 2012
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NEW JERSEY
ILLINOIS
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat Oct 20
Fri Oct 26
Fri Sept 11 to Sat Oct 20
• India House Navratri
• Mika Singh- Bollywood King performing Live
• Aicon Gallery present Iconic Processions: Sacred Stones to Modern Masterpieces, an exhibition of works by India's Modern Masters
Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, Nj 08873 Time: 8 pm Contact: 732-283-9696
Sat Oct 27 • Falguni Pathak-Navratri Celebration
Venue: Sears Centre Arena - 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Time: 7:30 pm Contact: 773-441-7904, 847-909-3798
Fri Nov 9 • Bhangra Night!
Venue: 35 Great Jones St., New York NY 10012 Time: 6pm to 9pm Contact: 212-725-6092 Highlights: Featuring M. F. Husain, Ram Kumar, Anjolie Ela Menon, S. H. Raza, Jenhangir Sabavala, F. N. Souza and the Anonymous Masters of the Past. In Partnership with Nayef Homsi
Venue: New Jersey Expo-Edison, 97 Sunfield Ave, Edision, NJ Time: 9pm Contact: 718-639-9200
Venue: Old Town School of Music-Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL Time: 8:30pm Contact: 773-728-6000
Sat Nov 03
Sat Nov 10
Saturday, Oct 20
• Diwali Mela NJ
• Kiran Ahluwalia
• Light The Night - Diwali Cruise
Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, NJ Time: 12pm Contact: 732-763-0118
Venue: Old Town School of Music-Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL Time: 7:30pm Contact: 773-728-6000
Venue: Hornblower Hybrid, 353 West St, New York, NY 10014 Time: 7 pm Contact: 612-220-3617
ATLANTA Upcoming Wed Oct 24 • Black Orchid Danse The Soul of Fusion Venue: Hilton Garden Inn Millenium Center, 2301 Sullivan Rd, College Park, GA Time: 3pm Contact: 678-900-0677
Sat Oct 27 • Atlanta World Kite Festival and Expo Venue: The Meadow at Piedmont Park, 1071 piedmont Ave, NE, Atlanta, GA Time: 11pm Contact: 617-669-5515 Highlights: he Festival will use the common bond of kite flying and food exploration to bring people together and to discover their common bonds.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming Sat Oct 13, 20 & 27
Fri July 20 to Sat Dec 15
• 3 Days Raas-Garba
• Turning Rumi: Singing Verses of Love, Unity and Freedom Part2 : The Art of Salma Arastu
Venue: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802 Time: 8 pm Contact: 951-318-7375
Venue: Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, California 94901 Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm (Artist Reception on Sat Sept 15at Community Gallery, Alemany Library) Contact: 415-482-2453
Sat Oct 20 • Vibha Dandia Venue: Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, CA Time: 7:30pm Contact: 480-225-8508
Fri Oct 26 • Jhilmilati Gungunati ShaamMusical Nite with live Singers Venue: Mehran Restaurant, 5774 Mowry School Rd, Newark, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 925-999-8747
Fri Oct 19 • Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi Venue: Palace Theater, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-325-4466
Sat Oct 20 • Raga Spirit 2012 Venue: The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, 445 Charles E Youth Dr S, LA Time: 9:30pm Contact: 949-300-8912
Fri Nov 2 • Spirituals to Funk Venue: Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Stamford, CT 06901 Time: 8pm Contact: 203-322-9862 Highlights: Dr John And 5-time Grammy award winners Blind boys of Alabama.
Sat Oct 27 • Concert by Padmashri Smt. Aruna Sairam Venue: Spagenberg Theater, 780 Arastradero Road, Gunn High School, Palo Alto, CA Time: 5pm Contact: 510-648-8355
Sat Oct 27 • Garba Night Venue: San Jose City College, 2100 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA Time: 7pm Contact: 408-623-4970
Sat Nov 3 • Smith Center Presents! Master Musicians from India and China Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539 Time: 8:30pm Contact: 510-659-6031 Highlights: Demonstrating expert skills on their traditional instruments, Verma and Chen each offer audiences an electrifying, emotionally revealing performance that gives a new and exciting voice to their cultural experiences. From India: Aditya Verma, sarod and Vishal Nagar, tabla and from China: Yihan Chen, pipa and Ann Yao, zheng.
October 19, 2012
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Philosophy
India Post
October 19, 2012
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Page Sponsored by Sahanis JEAN KLEIN
I
f I am already fundamentally free, then why do I not feel as though I am free? The only obstacle is your belief that you are an independent entity. That is the only obstacle. You are stuck in this belief. It belongs to a personality invented by society, education, experience, beliefs, second-hand information and all kinds of reading. You have identified yourself with this fictitious "I" and you live from this point of view. You look at and contact the surroundings from this viewpoint. Because the personality is an object like any other, you live in object-object relationship. What happens when you become aware of it? The moment you become aware of it is the most important opportunity, an opportunity to see how this insight acts on you. Until now your brain has functioned in the pattern of taking yourself for someone, and when this pattern suddenly collapses there is a reorchestration of all your energy, a transformation of your being. The old reflex, which is so deep-rooted, may come up from time to time, but you are now aware of it. You ignore it
FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE
T
hroughout the longest period of human history - one calls it the prehistoric period - the value or non-value of an action was inferred from its consequences; the action in itself was not taken into consideration, any more than its origin; but pretty much as in China at present, where the distinction or disgrace of a child redounds to its parents, the retrooperating power of success or failure was what induced men to think well or ill of an action. Let us call this period the premoral period of mankind; the imperative, "Know thyself!" was then still unknown. In the last ten thousand years, on the other hand, on certain large portions of the earth, one has gradually got so far, that one no longer lets the consequences of an action, but its origin, decide with regard to its worth: a great achievement as a whole, an important refinement of vision and of criterion, the unconscious effect of the supremacy of aristocratic values and of the belief in "origin," the mark of a period which may be designated in the narrower sense as the moral one: the first attempt at self-knowledge is thereby made.
and then forget it. Why put yourself in the cage of a fraction? You are the whole, the global. Is this insight -that you have taken yourself for someone - enlightenment, or is it a forefeeling? This insight frees the mind from wrong thinking. It comes from your real nature. Often the mind appropriates the insight again, and it appears as a point, an experience in space and time. The insight itself is constant.
ment when you are no longer in the dark at all but are completely taken by the light. This was my experience. The mind is identified with objects, but it governs. Is there something, other than simply being open, to help the mind let go of its hold? The natural state is a nonstate of not-knowing, non-concluding. When there is knowing, there is a state. But your real
say, "I must be open", you create a state. When you say, "I am going to meditate", you make a state of it. You are meditation. When you go into the state of so-called meditation or openness, you are like a donkey in a stall. What is intelligence? Intelligence is spontaneous behavior. It is creativity. When you are free from the person, from the "I-concept", when you are
You are stuck in belief of being separate entity
Jean Klein
Until now your brain has functioned in the pattern of taking yourself for someone, and when this pattern suddenly collapses there is a reorchestration of all your energy
Is the insight that you are not the personality the ray of light in the dark room? Yes, but you are still in the dark room, even though there is light in it. You must give yourself entirely to this light, and it will take you towards its source. Then there will be a sudden mo-
nature is not-knowing. It is a total absence of all that you think you are, which is all that you are not. In this total absence of what you are not, there is presence. But this presence is not yours. It is the presence of all living beings. You must not try to be open. You are open. When you
free from psychological memory, then you are open to intelligence. This intelligence is in you, it is not outside. Excerpted from a talk in Delphi, Greece 1990 The 100th birth anniversary of Jean Klein will be observed on October 19
Instead of the consequences, the origin - what an inversion of perspective! And assuredly an inversion effected only after long struggle and wavering! To be sure, an ominous new superstition, a peculiar narrowness of interpretation, attained supremacy precisely thereby: the origin of an action was interpreted in the most definite sense possible, as origin out of an intention; people were agreed in the
that the necessity may now have arisen of again making up our minds with regard to the reversing and fundamental shifting of values, owing to a new self-consciousness and acuteness in man - is it not possible that we may be standing on the threshold of a period which to begin with, would be distinguished negatively as ultra-moral: nowadays when, at least among us immoralists, the suspicion arises that the decisive
planation - a sign, moreover, which has too many interpretations, and consequently hardly any meaning in itself alone: that morality, in the sense in which it has been understood hitherto, as intentionmorality, has been a prejudice, perhaps a prematureness or preliminariness, probably something of the same rank as astrology and alchemy, but in any case something which
Value of an action lies in what is not intentional At least among us immoralists, the suspicion arises that the decisive value of an action lies precisely in that which is not intentional, and all that is seen belongs to its surface belief that the value of an action lay in the value of its intention. The intention as the sole origin and antecedent history of an action: under the influence of this prejudice moral praise and blame have been bestowed, and men have judged and even philosophized almost up to the present day. Is it not possible, however,
value of an action lies precisely in that which is not intentional, and that all its intentionalness, all that is seen, sensible, or "sensed" in it, belongs to its surface or skin which, like every skin, betrays something, but conceals still more? In short, we believe that the intention is only a sign or symptom, which first requires an ex-
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. -Lao Tzu By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. -Confucius All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved. -Sun Tzu Mankind fears an evil man but heaven does not. -Mencius Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness. -Zhuangzi
Friedrich Nietzsche
must be surmounted. The belief in "immediate certainties" is a moral naivete…but we have now to cease being "merely moral" men! Excerpted from Beyond Good and Evil The 168th birth anniversary of Friedrich Nietzsche will be observed on October 15
India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border. -Hu Shih
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Arms Trade Treaty will benefit in the long run Nothing wrong
PRASHANT DIKSHIT
T
he decision by the General Assembly (GA) of the United Nations to drop deliberations on the Arms Trade Treaty has stymied a laudable process which had commenced in 2003. Some analysts believe that it is now beyond redemption. But foisting the blame entirely on the Americans will not be right because amongst the P5 countries neither the Russians, nor the Chinese (PRC) wanted the treaty to go through, specifically the way it was taking shape; also due to the nature of its ingredients. The Indian actions also indicate the country's own misgivings. Yet at the same time, experts also believe that the role of the GA is not ultimate and it is limited to conveying the sense of the house. The real action takes place at the Security Council (UNSC) and had the treaty reached this forum in its current form, then it would have invariably been subjected to a veto. The current timing seems especially unfavorable for the treaty. With the elections in the US on the anvil, the Obama administration does not wish to alienate a sizable constituency which is not very considerate of further gun control. In the perceptions of the Native Americans the right to bear arms is fundamental as it draws strength from the 2nd amendment to the US Bill of rights. As the evolving treaty document would have led to a rehash of existing domestic gun control laws and which would perhaps, have called for a registration process for the purposes of exports, the gun lobby mounted a preemptive campaign through the legislators. The threat seemingly worked although it related only to Small Arms and Light Weapons, only a segment of weapons listed in the arms register, needed to be reported upon. The NGOs who had lobbied extremely hard with the Obama administration to support the treaty and had succeeded in a policy reversal earlier, felt cheated. The biggest disappointment had come to several African countries which saw the ATT as a savior from the onslaught of unfettered weapons infusion by military powers. The only silver lining was the American promise of consensus driven treaty down the line. The Russian and Chinese
stances had stemmed from geopolitical and profit motives. Successive regime changing rebellions, now termed as Arab Springs, were the primary motivations driving Russian hesitation. In Russia, their active participation in the global arms sales was considered pivotal to their economic well being. Their clients had fallen like nine pins. They had commenced with
should the ATT come about. Throughout the deliberations of the ATT spanning nearly a decade, India earned only a pithy remark when an observer pointed out that the Indians were always working on sidelines and never in the forefront. This Indian wariness is seen due to a fixation that the country's feverish military modernization programs will
The UN General Assembly
Libya and were now afflicting Syria, a powerful ally and a weapons importer. Their policy decision was to step in and intervene against any unilateral action by the western powers. As far as the Chinese are concerned, they are building a very
India must acknowledge that the US will remain circumspect in acquiescing to the canons of control to sign a unique binding document like the ATT. There are no parallels in this realm specially for regulating arms transfers strong constituency in Sub Saharan Africa through weapon sales. A screen was attempted to be drawn over a commercial endeavor which the observers termed as "a case of unbridled capitalism." But more importantly, the Chinese energy needs driven relationship with Iran is acquiring strategic overtones spurring the former to prevent a counter development
somehow be impeded if the ATT comes about. It will take away its sovereignty of actions and most fearfully, chase the foreign vendor and a possible collaborator away. Even worse is a scenario speculated where India will become a self-reliant weapons manufacturer and will not be able to exploit this commercial potential. India must acknowledge that the US will remain circumspect in acquiescing to the canons of control to sign a unique binding document like the ATT. There are no parallels in this realm specially for regulating arms transfers at the global level. But India has lived with substantial freedom despite the UN Arms Register to which all countries including India periodically send data about the imports as well as exports. This has been a voluntary exercise since its inception in 1991 and the Indian state has actively participated. The only difference then, is that by signing the treaty it will only be accepting a legal commitment. And in honoring such a promise India will only work towards its own benefit in the long run. Therefore, should India not work towards a fearless document? The writer is Air Commodore (Retd), Editor, Salute Magazine. Courtesy IPCS
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wrong can be righted if you know it is wrong. The refrain of those in power is always to declare, "So, what is wrong?" in case a scam is exposed. The latest scam to come to light is the growing unaccountable wealth of Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. The first thought that occurs to defenders of the loot, though often unexpressed, is, "who else should benefit from closeness to power than you own family!" It is the done thing. In journalistic circles the story of Tau Devi Lal, founder of Haryana's Lok Dal is often recounted. When he was Chief Minister, he was asked by a reporter, "Why are you favoring your sons?" "Then whose sons should I favor," the rustic politician retorted, "Yours?" It was as simple as that. "Jamai" is a very expressive word in Hindi. It denotes one who has to be kept pleased with favors, lest he misbehaves with the daughter. How could Sonia Gandhi deny any wish that her own son-in-law would express? That the wealth of the son-in-law was sky-rocketing was not something surprising. It was not a secret. But to point that out required guts which has now been summoned by the anti-corruption crusader Arvind Kejriwal, a social activist who hopes to form a political party. The former aide of Anna Hazare alleged that DLF, India's biggest property developer had given an interest free loan of Rs 65 crore and also sold property at cheap rates to Vadra. He alleged that the Congress government of Haryana granted favors to DLF as a quid pro quo. Robert Vadra is said to be a businessman. But what his real business is it is not clear. He owns Artex, a small company specializing in jewellery and handicraft exports which could not have made the millions for him that he now owns. It is surprising that some businessmen get interest free loans. Has any poor person with an ability to repay ever been granted an interest-free loan? He would be the more appropriate candidate for such a gesture. And why would a big company grant interest free loan to anyone without expecting something in return? There is a lot of explaining that ruling partymen have to do. And what have they done. One of them said Robert Vadra is a private citizen and the party has nothing to do with him. But soon a host of Congressmen, including ministers jumped into the fray to defend him. The initial response of the party was that Vadra was not a Congress member, and if there had been any wrongdoing then his accusers could go to court. Later however ministers and party spokespersons were trying to defend him vigorously. Party spokesperson Rashid Alvi said, "The attack is part of a well-planned conspiracy not against an individual but against the Congress and its leadership." Obviously the needle was getting close to the Congress president and the need was felt for partymen to draw a wall so that the damage doesn't penetrate. Finance Minister P. Chidambaram ruled out any investigation into Mr. Vadra's business dealings unless there was a specific allegation of quid pro quo or corruption. Two of Congress' allies, Union Agriculture Minister and NCP boss Sharad Pawar and Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad also came to Vadra's rescue. Obviously those who benefit from corruption have to get together to defend one of their own. Many Congress leaders and their relatives have been found to have benefited in the Coalgate scam. The company of steel magnate Naveen Jindal, an MP, and a blue eyed boy of the Congress, was allocated a coal block in Odisha in contravention of rules and regulations. It was awarded the coal block without even appearing before the Screening Committee even though four PSUs had expressed interest in the same block. To all those who thought the ruling party was trying to improve its image would be shocked to know that the party has shamelessly appointed former Union minister A Raja, the main accused in 2G spectrum scam, and Suresh Kalmadi, accused in the Commonwealth Games scam, as members of two Parliamentary Standing Committees!
54 India Post
www.indiapost.com
October 19, 2012
October 19, 2012
www.indiapost.com
India Post 55
56 India Post
www.indiapost.com
October 19, 2012