IndiaPost_11-02-2012 by Ghanshyam Bisht

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Teresa Cox with Dr Romesh K Japra

Newark Grand Gala to honor Teresa D. Cox Details on page 17

Three women in politics to make a difference

VOL 18, No. 946

November 2, 2012

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CHINA SAYS INDIA IS 'STRATEGIC PARTNER' BEIJING: Fifty years after a war across their high Himalayan frontier left decades of bitterness, the Chinese media, echoing the establishment's thinking, has struck a positive note, declaring India and China had come a long way to establish a "comprehensive strategic partnership". Suggesting that the specter of war should be left behind, the tightly-controlled Chinese media in a rare commentary on Sino-India ties said the two nations had achieved progress despite differences due to unresolved

border disputes. But it warned that the US and Western media were trying to "sow discord" between the two Asian giants and lead the two neighbors in the direction of a confrontation. In an article titled "Who sows discord in India-China Relations", the Shanghai-based Liberation Daily regarded highly by the Chinese political and military establishment quoted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaking about building strong Sino-Indian ties. Details on page 6

Harjeet Mehndi sings to give happiness Details on page 30

Special Sikh award for Lakshmi Mittal Details on page 6

Details on page 16

40 Indians to contest local polls in Australia

Superb Saina clinches Denmark Open

Details on page 7 Details on page 8

Story of 'King of Romance' comes to end

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 51

Details on page 30

Community Post -------------- 16-27 Date Book -------------------------- 50 Edit Page --------------------------- 54

INDIA POST SURVEY

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Horoscope ------------------------- 48

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 43-45

Can India trust China friendship offer?

Life Style ----------------------- 30-33 Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4

Most Indian Americans support Obama? YES 78%

NO 22%

Real Estate -------------------- 46-47

COLORS OF THE MOTHER: Devotees hold earthen lamps as they take part in the Maha Aarti ritual at Hindu deity Umiya Mata temple during Navratri festival in Surat, Gujarat

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TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-42 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 36-38

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wonder if it can be considered a distinction if your country happens to be the world's largest open air toilet. Unfortunately India does and what is shame ful is that not many Indians are really bothered by it. When India's federal environment minister Jairam Ramesh recently remarked that India has more temples than toilets, some political right wingers made an issue about their religious sentiments being hurt. Unfazed, the minister has now asked Indian women not to marry into families that do not have a toilet in their homes. It is shameful that in this day and age of such technological advances and India boasting of being capable of being a super power, a minister has to issue a slogan that says: 'No toilet, no bride'. Five years ago, the Indian government said India would be free of open defecation by 2012. Obviously that hasn't happened. So now, in 2012, they are promising it would be open defecation free by 2022. It defies logic as to why so many Indians lack that basic sense of hygiene. But I would also find fault with consecutive governments over the six decades since the country's independence that have not managed to prioritize the provision of something as basic a facility as a toilet to millions of people in the country. And unfortunately what the minister says is true, that Indians who would readily give money for the building of temples, wouldn't do so for the construction of a toilet facility in Indian villages or for that matter in urban slums. Never mind that these are the same people who would take umbrage at Danny Boyle's elaborate shot of a toilet in a Mumbai slum, in his Academy award winning film Slumdog Millionaire. But try to digest this shocking statistic - more than half the population of India lacks toilet facilities as of today. That is more than 600 million people. There are a number of non-governmental organizations working on innovative ideas for the provision of these facilities. But no technology can bring about social change unless the people themselves will it.

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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Leone signs 3 Sunny Leone, who created a lot of stir with her debut in Jism 2, has signed a 3 film deal with Alumbra Entertainment.

Cover Story: Positive China Fifty years after a war across their high Himalayan frontier left decades of bitterness, China has struck a positive note.

Community: Women in politics In the upcoming November 2012 elections, there are many women contestants and three of them are from Fremont.

Health: Rapid hepatitis tests Research has shown how rapid, pointof-care tests for hepatitis C are as reliable as the conventional laboratory tests.

Life Style: Singing star Harjeet Mehndi will be performing in Diwali Mela organized by FIA and Fremont Hindu Temple at Alameda Grounds.

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China says India 'strategic partner' BEIJING: Fifty years after a war across their high Himalayan frontier left decades of bitterness, the Chinese media, echoing the establishment's thinking, has struck a positive note, declaring India and China had come a long way to establish a "comprehensive strategic partnership". Suggesting that the specter of war should be left behind, the tightly-controlled Chinese media in a rare commentary on Sino-India ties said the two nations had achieved progress despite differences due to unresolved border disputes. But it warned that the US and Western media were trying to "sow discord" between the two Asian giants and lead the two neighbors in the direction of a confrontation. In an article titled "Who sows discord in India-China Relations", the Shanghai-based Liberation Daily regarded highly by the Chinese political and military establishment quoted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh speaking about building strong Sino-Indian ties. On the 50th anniversary of 1962 Sino-India war today, the influential daily noted that India was not allowing its territory to be used for "anti-China activities" or "encirclement" strategy vis-àvis China and recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of Chinese territory, saying these were positive signs.

Lauding some of the write ups in Indian media on the eve of the anniversary suggesting that the specter of war should be put behind, the article praised the "rational attitude" taken by the Indian leadership in improving ties with China. "The rational attitude taken by India's leaders and top officials, not only conforms to the demands of this era of peace, development

The influential daily noted that India was not allowing its territory to be used for " anti-China activities" or "encirclement" strategy vis-à-vis China and recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of Chinese territory and co-operation, but is also in the fundamental interests of the peoples of the two countries and a reflection of the current state of bilateral relationship," it said. Stating that the two countries came long way from the deadly conflict that resulted in deaths thousands of troops on both sides, it said the progress was achieved despite differences due

to unresolved border dispute. . "Admittedly, the two countries still have to resolve some problems left over from history and manage the contradictions that crop up sometimes due to clash in their practical interests," the daily said. "India's large scale military expansion program and the major pursuit of great power diplomacy are two factors whose influence cannot be ruled out on the bilateral relationship. Despite all this, the commonalities between the two countries are much greater than their differences," it said. "Moreover, looking at the larger picture, the two nations have already been successful in establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and have reached a consensus on six points of Political Guiding Principles to resolve the border dispute. All these elements represent the fundamentals and mainstream of the bilateral relationship," it said. "But in the eyes of the 'world's freest and most democratic" media, specially, the United States news agencies, these are not the 'final quantifiers' of the bilateral ties. Looking at the Sino-Indian relationship through a "Cold War Paradigm", they are looking for a 'magical weapon' to 'sow discord', and lead India and China in the direction of a 'confrontation', it

said. "If India conducts joint military exercises with US and Japan, they claim that it is 'aimed' against China. Whenever India develops some new missile systems, they claim that India's 'deterrence' visà-vis China has gone up, since 'the whole of China is now in India's reach'." But the same media remained "speechless" when India-China

‘The two nations have already been successful in establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and have reached a consensus on six points of Political Guiding Principles to resolve the border dispute’ hold joint military exercises, the paper said. "What is even more ridiculous is that attempts by China to expand mutual co-operation with other South Asian nations is frequently described as attempts to encircle India through a 'string of pearls' - a deliberate attempt to provoke the anti-Chinese forces in India. To all such attempts, we

all must remain highly vigilant, and must not let ourselves be fooled," it added. To reinforce its arguments to establish improvement in the Sino-India ties, the paper quoted Prime Minister Singh's assertions that the two countries made significant progress in bilateral co-operation in various fields, and that the two sides have co-operated well on various regional and international issues of importance. "In the face of major global political and economic changes taking place in the world, India is attaching even greater attention to its relations with China. India now considers its relationship with China as an important part of its overall modernization strategy, and one that is of great significance to global peace and stability," it said apparently addressing the hardliners in Chinese defense establishment. "India does not allow its territory to be used for anti- China activities, does not participate in any containment or encirclement strategy vis a vis China, recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of Chinese territory, and does not allow Tibetan exiles in India to engage in anti-China activities," it said. "India hopes to work with the Chinese side in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions, and arrive at a final solution to the border problem through friendly negotiations," it said.-PTI

Special Sikh award for Lakshmi Mittal LONDON: Indian-origin steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal has received a Special Recognition Award from the Sikh community here for his outstanding contribution in setting up a USD 4 billion joint venture refinery in Punjab. Receiving the Sikh Award a program here, Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal the

the State-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd in Bhatinda, Mittal said he received "tremendous support" from the state government and the refinery is fully operational with 9 million tonnes of oil a year or 180,000 barrels a day. Sant Baba Iqbal Singh, an educationist who set up hundreds of schools in Punjab and Inderjit

Referring to the refinery set up by Mittal Energy Ltd jointly with the State-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd in Bhatinda, Mittal said he received "tremendous support" from the state government and the refinery is fully operational with 9 million tonnes of oil world's largest steel producer, said, "The Sikh Award given to a non-Sikh is very important... This award is for the Sikhs and the people of Bhatinda and Punjab". Referring to the refinery set up by Mittal Energy Ltd jointly with

Kaur, who has broadened the Pingalwara movement, received Sikh Lifetime Achievement Awards. Harpal Singh Kumar, CEO of Cancer Research UK, a leading cancer research charity, received

the "Sikhs in Charities" award. Jagir Singh, who has served as a lecturer at The Guru Gobind Singh College, was chosen for the Sikhs in Education Award. Other recipients of the Sikh Awards were Gurpreet Singh (India, Entertainment), Guruka Singh (US, Media), Rashpal Kaur (India, Sports) and Surender Singh Khandhari (UAE, Seva). Paul Singh Uppal, the only Sikh Member of British Parliament won the Sikh People's Choice award while Gurmant Singh Grewal of Canada), who was elected as an MP within six years of immigrating to Canada won the Sikhs in Profession award. Rajinder Singh Baryan, a respected businessman and philanthropist of Kenya, won the Sikhs in Business Award while Sukhinder Singh (US) won the Sikhs in Business-Business Woman award. India's Suneet Singh Tuli, founder and CEO of DataWind Ltd, received the Sikhs in Business-Entrepreneur Award. -PTI

November 2, 2012

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40 Indians to contest local polls in Australia MELBOURNE: With Indians emerging as one of the fastest growing communities in Victoria, the local government elections for the first time will see a big contingent of over 40 Indians entering the poll fray. According to the Victorian Election Commission website, 41 Indians and some 10 with India lineage are contesting for the local government polls across the state from 77 council seats on October 26 in what is being dubbed as a positive change in Australian elections. "The real thing is for the first time Indians are in the Council polls in a big way and this shows their rising clout in Australia," said Neeraj Nanda, a Melbourne-based community leader who runs a newspaper for Indian community called 'South Asian Times'. For many of the candidates, local politics is a new area they are venturing and they may not be able to secure a seat. However, such a big representation from the community is being seen as a positive

Intaj Khan, a contestant from Whyndam Council in west of Melbourne, said, ‘It seems there are more Indian candidates than Chinese for this year's state local government elections. This is something notable’ step, Nanda said. Echoing similar views, Intaj Khan, a contestant from Whyndam Council in west of Melbourne, said, "It seems there are more Indian candidates than Chinese for this year's state local government elections. This is something notable." Khan, who runs a vocational college and a private school here, said if he gets elected he would try to work for good ties between Australia and India. In Victoria, a council is a democratically elected body on a four-year term and are generally regarded as closest to the people.

It exercises a wide range of government functions and powers for the "peace, order and good government" of its municipal district. Each council in Victoria has between 5 and 12 elected councilors. The elected council makes decisions in the interests of their community, plus the administrative organization that delivers services and ensures that council decisions are implemented. "There is a sudden interest in local politics here amongst growing Indian community and we have been stressing the community to come forward and represent ourselves into this area as well," said Manoj Kumar, an active Labor Party member who has recently been appointed as an inaugural member in "Subcontinent Ministerial Consultative Committee" by the federal government. "We (Indians) are everywhere today working from hospitals to IT companies to supermarkets, so why not politics. Indians need to take bigger role in Australian culture and set up and the time is right," he said. However, not many Indians have been able to strike it big in politics here despite their long associations with political parties. Till now there has been only one political appointment in Victoria, that of Liberal Party supporter Nitin Gupta, who is currently an advisor at the state Premier Ted Ballieu's office and to the multicultural minister. Very few Indians have been able to secure a council seat with the exception of Tim Lawrence Singh, who was councilor during 1996 and 2008. And although chances are bright for some of the Indians this time, one can never predict until the results are out. For candidates like Rima Das, Anamika, Parameswaran Menon, Gautam Gupta, Sukhdip Singh, Randip Singh, Nirmaljit Singh, Gursharan Mann, Moti Visa, Raj Dudeja, the objective is to secure a council seat and work for the local concerns that benefit both communities - Australian and Indian. "If any Indian manages to win a seat as a councilor, it would actually show a true multiculturalism in Melbourne," said Moti Visa, a community leader who is contest-

Indian national jailed for consuming cannabis SINGAPORE: An Indian national working as auditor in Singapore has been jailed for six months for smoking banned drug cannabis, local media reported. Karan Vijay Chetan, 25, was arrested in August last year along with a group of others suspected drug users from an apartment, The Straits Times reported. Defense lawyer Subhas Anandan told the court that Chetan suffered from epilepsy and had taken the cannabis believing it would ease his condition. But Deputy Public Prosecutor Seraphina Fong pointed out that Chetan had been smoking cannabis regularly since February

last year. Being an educated man, he should have known about Singapore's harsh anti-drug penalties, Fong said. Announcing the verdict, District Judge John Ng accepted medical opinions that Chetan was not addicted to cannabis, which could have got him a longer sentencing period. Chetan, who graduated from the Indiana University and worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, took to the drug when studying in the United States. He gave up using the drug for about a year but relapsed in February last year.-PTI

‘Indians are fastest growing community and the best way to assimilate and intermingle into Australian culture is to have more and more Indian faces to take up such leadership roles and create an understanding of Indian culture at the grass root level through these local council jobs’ ing as an independent candidate from Melbourne city. He wants to focus on safety and security issues should he win.

Seeking support for herself, Anamika in her nomination said, "Being a mother of a four-year old, an entrepreneur, a community leader and a long term resident in Mulgrave, I have the knowledge and capacity to listen to the community's concerns and to serve them in a responsible and professional manner. I am committed to ensuring a better lifestyle for all residents by connecting people and addressing social isolation." "Indians are fastest growing community and the best way to assimilate and intermingle into Australian culture is to have more and more Indian faces to take up such leadership roles and create an understanding of Indian culture at the grass root level through these local council jobs," Vasan Srinivasan, President of Federation of Indian Association of Victoria, said.-PTI

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Superb Saina clinches Denmark Open title ODENSE, Denmark: Olympic bronze-medalist shuttler Saina Nehwal fought through a troubling knee to clinch her fourth title of the year by lifting the Denmark Open Super Series Premier trophy with a dominating win in the final here. The 22-year-old Saina, who was competing in her first tournament after the London Games, won 21-17 21-8 against sixth seed German Juliane Schenk in 35 minutes to notch up her second Super Series Premier title which fetched her USD 30,000 from a total purse of USD 400,000. "I thank Denmark and the Indian fans here for supporting me. I never expected to win this tournament," an elated Saina said after the win which took her overall lead against Schenk to 6-3. The match began a few minutes past the scheduled time as a false fire alarm went off at the venue. Both players waited at their respective ends of the court with Schenk seemingly restless, even as the Indian stood next to the umpire with a confident smile on her face. Playing in her fourth final of the year, Saina made a resounding start reeling off four straight points with a mix of her trademark crosscourt smashes to which Schenk had no response. "There were a lot of things which I did after Olympics which made me fresh but every tournament is tough. My right knee was

not really in perfect shape but I thank god for giving me the energy to win the title," said Saina who had beaten world number one Yihan Wang in the semifinals. Saina was ahead 8-2 just three minutes into the match, which included five smash winners. But Schenk clawed her way back to make it 9-9 with Saina being guilty of being a shade slow

The triumph marked another high for the Indian shuttle queen who had successfully defended her Swiss Open title by defeating world number two Wang Shixian of China a day after she turned 22 in March in her returns. . Schenk's ploy was to draw Saina close to the net to neutralize her trademark powergame and it worked as the German grabbed a 10-9 lead. The third seeded Indian, however, relied on her fine baseline game to be 15-12 ahead. She also began to outfox Schenk at the net. To her credit, the world number seven Schenk, seeded sixth in the tournament, showed a lot of

commitment in retrieving whatever Saina threw at her in the engaging rallies. The gap was not too huge between the two players but Saina took the early advantage as her ninth smash winner fetched her the opening game in 19 minutes. In the second game, fortunes fluctuated as Schenk also improved her baseline game. Saina was still ahead 11-7 at the break but was guilty of committing quite a few errors. But the Indian got her act together after wiping off the sweat and even though Schenk tested her in rallies with her fighting spirit. The German was, in fact, left exasperated as she struggled to get a grip of the pace of the game. Leading 20-8, Saina won it rather easy as Schenk did not even return the Indian's serve on the championship point. The victory was sweet revenge for Saina who had lost in straight games to Schenk last year. The triumph marked another high for the Indian shuttle queen who had successfully defended her Swiss Open title by defeating world number two Wang Shixian of China a day after she turned 22 in March. In June, Saina lifted the Thailand Open Grand Prix Gold title before winning the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier by defeating world number three Li Xuerui of China. It was her third Indonesia Open title.

Saina Nehwal poses with the trophy after her victory against Juliane Schenk during their women's final at the Danish Open badminton championship on October 21

Not endorsing any individual by re-engaging with Gujarat: UK AHMEDABAD: Britain has said the decision to re-engage with Gujarat was taken in its national interest and it should not be seen as an endorsement of any individual. British High Commissioner to India James Bevan met Chief Minister Narendra Modi, ending the 10-year boycott of the state over the 2002 Gujarat riots and discussed ways to take forward the relations. Bevan said after the meeting that active engagement with Gujarat was the right way to advance UK's interest in the state. "This is engagement with Gujarat and Gujarat as a whole and not an engagement with any individual," Bevan said. "I don't agree with your perception that we are rehabilitating Mr Modi, this engagement is not about endorsement. If we need to engage with some state, we need to engage with the Chief Minister of state and Mr Modi is democratically elected leader of

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi presents a memento to British High Commissioner to India, James Bevan, during a meeting in Gandhinagar

Gujarat," he said. Bevan was asked what UK government stood to gain from "rehabilitating" the Gujarat Chief Minister. Britain had snapped all ties with Gujarat in the aftermath of the 2002 communal riots. The British

High Commissioner interacted with Modi for about 50 minutes, discussing a range of issues, including climate change and investment. In a reply to a question on whether UK will now grant visa to Modi, Bevan said, "This is a

hypothetical question as Modi has not applied for any visa. We deal with the visa issue when it comes up on case to case basis". Though the decision to re-engage with Modi comes just ahead of the legislative assembly elections, Bevan sought to dispel the notion that it would have any effect on the outcome of the polls. "We have no intentions of interfering in any way in the election which is taking place in Gujarat. Who runs Gujarat is the matter for people of Gujarat to decide. And frankly I think that Gujarat voters are unlikely to be swayed in his or her decision whom to vote for on the basis of a visit of eight hours by the British

High Commissioner," he said. Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Bevan said, "2002 was 10 years ago and in those 10 years many important things have happened. The British government that was elected in 2010 took a decision to deepen and strengthen its relations with India. And if you want to do that you can't ignore one of the most important states in India, which is Gujarat. "Also, in those 10 years, state of Gujarat has grown to became more prosperous and more successful. There are very large number of Gujaratis living now in UK, and Gujarat over the 10 years has become more important to UK," he said.-PTI

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;2002 was 10 years ago and in those 10 years many important things have happened. The British government that was elected in 2010 took a decision to deepen and strengthen its relations with Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

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Pak gains spotlight during final US Presidential debate BOCA RATON, Florida: The final US Presidential debate raised questions over Pakistan, with Republican contender Mitt Romney apprehending that with 100 nuclear warheads if the country becomes a "failed state", it would be an extraordinary danger to Afghanistan and America. President Barack Obama exhibited his own trust deficit over Pakistan when he disclosed that had Islamabad been consulted on the commando operation to eliminate Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, the US would not have succeeded. In the third and final debate which polls gave to incumbent President, 65-year-old Romney said Pakistan "is important to the region, to the world and to us" because it had 100 nuclear warheads and was rushing to build a lot more. "They'll have more than Great Britain sometime in the relatively near future," Romney said. "They also have the Haqqani network and Taliban existent within their country. And so a Pakistan that falls apart, becomes a failed state would be of extraordinary danger to Afghanistan and us. "So we're going to have to remain helpful in encouraging Pakistan to move towards a more stable government and rebuild a relationship with us. And that

President Barack Obama, right, and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney discuss a point during the third presidential debate at Lynn University, Monday, Oct. 22

means that our aid that we provide to Pakistan is going to have to be conditioned upon certain benchmarks being met," he said during the 90-minute debate ahead of the November 6 polls. Romney argued that despite a strained relationship with Pakistan, the United States cannot afford to "divorce" Pakistan, which is a nation of over 100 nuclear weapons.

"No, it's not time to divorce a nation on earth that has a hundred nuclear weapons and is on the way to double that at some point, a nation that has serious threats from terrorist groups within its nation, the Taliban, Haqqani network. It's a nation that's not like others and that does not have a civilian leadership that is calling the shots there," he said. It is important for the US to rec-

ognize that it cannot just walk away from Pakistan, Romney said. On his part, 51-year-old Obama said the US would have never killed al-Qaeda chief bin Laden if he had to seek permission from Pakistan, indicating the sheer lack of trust he had with the Pakistani leadership and it's military in particular. "If we had asked Pakistan for permission, we would not have

Floating around in space 'priceless': Sunita Williams HOUSTON: Record-setting Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams has completed 100 days in space and is not missing gravity as she loves floating around, an experience she calls "priceless". "I love being up here and I love floating around," 47-year-old Williams, who is currently commanding the International Space Station's Expedition 33 crew, said. "I think the mindset really is you know it is not going to last forever, so I think you take an advantage of flying around as much as possible," said Williams, who is in space along with Flight Engineers Yuri Malenchekno of Russia and Akihiko Hoshide of Japan. Sometimes her mindset reverts, however, to how she'd do things on Earth. "It took a little while to get used to falling asleep without laying down on a bed or having a pillow," Williams shared. "Still, every now and then, you take a bag of nuts and go like this, holding it up in the air to have them

fall in your mouth, and that's not I think we need to clean up before 33rd commander and only the secgoing to work." the next crew comes here," she ond woman to lead the outpost Some of those small uncon- said while floating inside the "Des- since the first crew took up resiscious things catch you off guard tiny" US laboratory module. dency on the outpost in 2000. but being in micro-gravity and flyWilliams is the space station's PTI ing around in space is priceless, Williams said. "I think we're cherishing every moment we have of it." "There is nothing like home anywhere, there's no place like home, even in space," Williams said. The International Space Station has become her home. "It's definitely our home at this point in time," Williams said in a televised interview from aboard the Station. "We have our Expedition 33 commander Sunita "Suni" Williams takes part in an interview with little things scattered collectSPACE.com from on board the International here and there and we Space Station on Oct 19. Pic NASA TV know where they are.

gotten him. And it was worth moving heaven and earth to get him," Obama said during the high-stake debate. He said he has delivered what he had promised on al-Qaeda and bin Laden. "When it comes to going after Osama bin Laden, you said, well, any President would make that call. But when you were a candidate in 2008 - as I was - and I said, if I got bin Laden in our sights, I would take that shot, you said we shouldn't move heaven and earth to get one man, and you said we should ask Pakistan for permission," Obama said. Romney agreed that going after bin Laden without the permission of Pakistan was the right thing to do. "I don't blame the administration for the fact that the relationship with Pakistan is strained. We had to go into Pakistan; we had to go in there to get Osama bin Laden. That was the right thing to do," said the Republican presidential candidate during Af-Pak section of the debate. According to a CNN snap poll, Obama won the final presidential debate; and same was the case for other opinion polls including that of CBS news. While 48 per cent voted for Obama, 40 per cent supported Romney in the CNN poll. PTI

Saudi Arabia deports another terror suspect NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia has handed over to India a suspected LeT operative, who was wanted by Kerala Police in connection with a 2009 explosive haul case. A Rayees, believed to be an associate of banned Pakistanbased terror outfit's member Thadiyantavide Nazir, was deported to Mumbai where he was arrested by Kerala Police about a fortnight ago. "Rayees was deported by Saudi Arabia and Kerala Police took his custody," Union Home Secretary R K Singh told PTI. Rayees was named as the third accused in a case relating to seizure of ammonium nitrate from Chakkarakkal in Kannur in 2009. During the period of investigation, he had slipped out to Saudi Arabia. Ammonium nitrate, a controlled commodity, is frequently being used by terrorists to carry out blasts. Highly placed sources said Rayees was first arrested in the Gulf country for alleged visa violation and he was deported when he completed his sentence there.-PTI

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HAF highlights persecution of minority women in Pak India Post News Service

Washington DC: In light of the recent tragic cases of Rimsha Masih, a fourteen year-old disabled Christian girl imprisoned under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, and Rinkle Kumari, a nineteen year-old Hindu girl kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) hosted a Capitol Hill Briefing recently to highlight the persecution of minority women in Pakistan. The widely attended briefing attracted Congressional staffers, U.S. State Department officials, non-governmental organizations, religious freedom advocates, and members of the media. Bringing together a high-profile panel of policy experts and human rights activists, the briefing explored the legal, institutional, and societal challenges facing minority women in Pakistan, as well as recommendations on how to alleviate their plight. The program's first speaker, Samir Kalra, HAF's Director and Senior Fellow for Human Rights, provided an overview of the violence and discrimination faced by non-Muslim women in Pakistan. In particular, he focused on the prevalence of sexual and physi-

and systematically enslave Hindu and Christian women," said Kalra. "An archaic and pernicious system officially prohibited by law, but openly practiced by Muslim landlords in conjunction with support from local politicians and police, this modern day form of

The widely attended briefing attracted Congressional staffers, U.S. State Department officials, nongovernmental organizations, religious freedom advocates, and members of the media slavery is characterized by patterns of abuse, illegal detention, physical violence, and sexual exploitation." Kalra's talk was followed by remarks from Lisa Curtis, Senior Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, who added a unique perspective based on her first hand experience in Pakistan during the mid-1990s and her in-depth

Kavita Tekchandani, a Los Angeles based attorney and human rights activist, provided a detailed summary of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan, and their disproportionate impact on religious minorities. She described the marginalization of Hindu women cal violence against Hindus and Christians under the bonded labor system. "The rural districts of Sindh and Punjab provinces have seen the bonded labor system flourish

knowledge of the region. Citing the example of Malala Yousafzai, the fourteen year-old girl shot in the head for openly advocating for girls' education in the Swat Valley, Curtis outlined a clear con-

nection between militancy and extremism in Pakistan and the deterioration of women's rights. She further noted that Hindu and Christian women have been increasingly subjected to human rights abuses in recent years. "The fate of women in Pakistan will reflect the nature of the Pakistani state and whether it will be a stable society that controls terrorists or a state that harbors them," said Curtis. "Allowing women to live dignified lives and to take part in the social, political, and economic life of the country will both help guarantee their rights as human beings but also help prevent extremist ideologies from taking root in Pakistan." The panel's next speaker, Dr. Rubina Greenwood, Chairwoman of the International Sindhi Women's Organization (ISWO) and Vice Chairwoman of the World Sindhi Congress (WSC), discussed the systematic abductions and forced conversions of Hindu girls in the country's southern Sindh province. Dr. Greenwood, who led a human rights campaign in Europe on behalf of Rinkle Kumari, also noted the impact of such incidents on the increasing migration of Pakistani Hindus to India. Similarly, Kavita Tekchandani, a Los Angeles based attorney and human rights activist, provided a detailed summary of the blasphemy laws in Pakistan, and their disproportionate impact on religious minorities. Moreover, she described the political and social marginalization of Hindu women in Pakistan and the severe discrimination they faced without formal recognition of their marriages. "One of the primary structural hindrances for Hindu women in Pakistan has been the state's refusal to officially register Hindu

marriages, which has deprived Hindu women access to basic rights and services," said Tekchandani. "The passing of a Hindu Marriage Act, therefore, is imperative to the safety, and civil rights of Hindu women living in Pakistan." Knox Thames, Director of Policy and Research at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), concluded the panel by expounding on Pakistan's archaic blasphemy laws, the kidnappings and conversions of both Christian and Hindu girls, and the rise of violent extremism in Pakistan,

ing respect for freedom of religion or belief must be an integral part of U.S. policy in Pakistan, and designating Pakistan as a CPC would enable the United States to more effectively press Islamabad to undertake needed reforms." The briefing also featured a short poignant film on the ongoing struggles of Pakistani Hindus and concluded with a moderator led question and answer session with the panelists. Prior to the briefing, HAF held highly productive meetings with the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC), the State

amongst other issues. Consequently, he strongly maintained that Pakistan should be listed as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the U.S. State Department. "Pakistan is arguably the most glaring omission on the State Department's CPC list, as the government continues to both engage in and tolerate systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of freedom of religion or belief," said Thames. "Promot-

Department's AfPak office, the U.S Association for International Development (USAID), and a number of Congressional offices. The briefing was complemented by HAF's ongoing efforts in advocating Congressional offices to co-sign a letter initiated by Rep. Robert Dold (R-IL) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) in September 2012, encouraging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to address the plight of religious minorities with her counterparts in Pakistan.

Wal-Mart sued over temporary agency hours NEW YORK: Wal-Mart Stores Inc is being slapped with a lawsuit that claims that the world's largest retailer and its staffing agencies broke federal minimum wage and overtime laws by requiring temporary workers to appear early for work, stay late to complete work and work through lunches and breaks without compensation. According to the proposed class action suit that was filed in the US District Court of Illinois Eastern Division, Labor Ready and QPS, two of the staffing agencies that the dis-

counter used in the Chicago area, failed to provide workers assigned to the Wal-Mart stores with required employment information. The suit also claims that WalMart itself failed to keep accurate records of workers' time. That has made it difficult for workers to make claims that they were not paid by the temporary agencies for all hours worked. The suit also claims that the discounter and its staffing agencies also failed to pay the plaintiffs and others in similar situations a minimum of four hours pay on days when they were con-

The suit seeks all unpaid wages for the workers and calls for an injunction against Wal-Mart and its temporary agencies preventing them from future violations of state labor laws

tracted for work, but not used for a minimum of four hours as required by Illinois law. That prevented the workers from looking for other jobs. According to the suit, the alleged violations occurred beginning in early 2009 and continue up until the present time. The suit seeks all unpaid wages for the workers and calls for an injunction against WalMart and its temporary agencies preventing them from future violations of state labor laws. Neither Wal-Mart, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, nor Labor

Ready immediately responded to requests for comment. Diane Gadzalinski, QPS's director of human resources, said she is currently reviewing the matter . The suit comes just after Wal-Mart faced a worker walkout earlier this month ahead of its annual investor meeting that expanded to about dozen states. Still, the number of employees involved was less than 200, according to union officials. That's a tiny fraction of WalMart's US workforce of 1.3 million workers at its namesake division. -AP

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Union sues to stop closure of mental health center ROCKFORD, Ill.: A nurses union has gone to court in an attempt to prevent the closure of a mental health facility in Rockford. The Illinois Nurses Association has filed a lawsuit in Winnebago County. The union is seeking review of a state board's decision allowing the closure of Singer Mental Health Center. The Chicago-based union represents nurses who work at the facility. Illinois Department of Human Services spokeswoman Januari Smith Trader says the department can't comment on pending litigation, but remains committed to rebalancing mental health care in the state by increasing community care options. -AP

Portland police adding mental health unit PORTLAND, Ore.: The Portland Police Bureau is creating a crisis intervention team and updating its written policy on the use of Taser stun guns in response to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation that found officers too frequently use excessive force against the mentally ill. The Police Bureau said that all officers will continue to be trained in how to deal with the mentally ill, but a specialized team with ``enhanced'' skills will be dispatched when a mental health issue is the main reason for the call. The officers on the team will perform their usual patrol duties when there is no mental health crisis. -AP

West Nile virus cases still climbing in Illinois SPRINGFIELD, Ill.: Illinois health officials say nine people in the state have died from West Nile virus this year and the number of cases has continued to climb. The Illinois Department of Public Health is tracking cases of the mosquito-borne disease and has updated its count. There have been 211 cases of West Nile virus statewide this season. Health department spokeswoman Melaney Arnold says the mosquitoes carrying the virus could be around until the first hard frost. She says wearing long sleeves while outdoors is still a good idea. Arnold says with cooler temperatures and rain, the season is beginning to wind down. -AP

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November 2, 2012

New fast and cheap Hep C tests as reliable as lab tests

research led by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre has shown how rapid, point-of-care tests for hepatitis C are as reliable as the conventional laboratory tests. The tests can provide highly accurate results in 30 minutes and at a cost between $1 and $5. Conventional way of screening for hepatitis C is expensive and time-consuming. The research, published in the current issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, was the first systematic review of global evidence on such tests, researchers from McGill University, Canada said. 'Despite being cost-effective and a time-saving alternative to conventional laboratory tests, their global uptake partly depends on performance,' Dr Nitika Pant Pai, clinical researcher and assistant professor in the university's medicine department told The Indian Express. Accuracy of the available rapid

Dr Nitika Pant Pai

'The new tests usually don't need specialized equipment. Many do not even need electricity. These tests have the potential to be game changers on a global scale. It is now time to optimize their potential' diagnostic and point-of-care tests on oral fluid, whole blood and serum was reviewed by the researchers by evaluating 19 studies world-

wide. 'Given their accuracy, convenience and quick turnaround time, these tests may be useful in expanding first-line screening for

hepatitis C,' Dr Pai said. It takes 10 days for the results from conventional tests in laboratories. The rapid and point-of-care tests involve placing a saliva sample or a finger-prick sample in a solution to read results. 'Researchers were able to determine that point-of-care and rapid tests in oral fluids and blood ranged in accuracy from 97 to 99 per cent,' said Dr Pai. 'First-generation point-of-care tests are convenient, effective and informative for clinical decision making,' she added. 'The new tests usually don't need specialized equipment. Many do not even need electricity. These tests have the potential to be game changers on a global scale. It is now time to optimize their potential by integrating them in routine practice settings,' concluded Sushmita Shivkumar, lead author of the study and a medical student at McGill University. -health.india.com

Red Ribbon drug prevention week launched India Post News Service

he National Family Part nership® (NFP) has an nounced the national contest for its 27th annual Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31. Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. In 1985 after the murder of a DEA agent, parents, youth and teachers in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs. This year, families can get involved by entering a contest to promote awareness in their neighborhoods and win a drug prevention grant for their schools. The odds of winning are good because families can generate their own online votes from friends, colleagues, schoolmates and family members (and the

entries with the most votes win). To participate in the contest families and students will decorate the front of their homes with this year's message: "The Best Me Is Drug FreeTM." Here's how students and their families can enter to win $1,000 for their local K-12

2 to www.redribbon.org/contest or www.facebook.com/ RedRibbonWeek (must be parents or 18+ to upload photos). 3. The voting begins! Ask family and friends to vote for your entry at www.redribbon.org/vote Nov. 2-16. Ten lucky winners from

"Students will once again take Red Ribbon Week's message of prevention home to their neighborhoods with this national contest," said the NFP's Volunteer President Peggy Sapp school and a new iPad for their home: 1. Students bring the Red Ribbon Week® message home by working alongside parents to decorate their front door, mailbox, fence, etc. with this year's theme "The Best Me Is Drug Free™." 2. Take a photo with the family and their Red Ribbon Week® decoration, then upload by Nov.

regions across the U.S. will win. Winners will be announced at events at their winning schools in December. "Students will once again take Red Ribbon Week's message of prevention home to their neighborhoods with this national contest," said the NFP's Volunteer President Peggy Sapp. "By decorating their homes together with

this year's Red Ribbon theme, families carry the message to their communities." The nation's oldest and largest drug prevention campaign reaches more than 80 million people nationwide. The DEA is co-sponsoring this year's national contest. "DEA is excited to partner with the National Family Partnership® on this contest that empowers communities to come together to talk about the drug problem," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. "Red Ribbon Week is also when we honor DEA Special Agent Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena, who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe." Adds the NFP's Peggy Sapp: "Take the Red Ribbon Week® pledge across America to help children grow up safe, healthy and drug free." Visit www.redribbon.org/contest for contest information.

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November 2, 2012

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Save human lives and not the tobacco industry SHOBHA SHUKLA

udos to Justice Amar Saran and Justice Anuraag Kumar of the Allahabad High Court for issuing strong warnings to the Uttar Pradesh government to ban gutkha (paan masala mixed with tobacco), on a public interest litigation filed by the Indian Dental Association, in the light of the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act. The Court also expressed its displeasure over the delay and the frequent change in the stand of the state government on this issue. It was only due to the firm stand taken by the Court that the Uttar Pradesh government has agreed to ban the manufacturing, sale and distribution of gutkha in accordance with the Regulation 2.4.3 of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 notified for implementation from August 5, 2011 by the Government Of India which states: 'Tobacco and nicotine shall not be used as ingredients in any food products'. The Supreme Court had clarified that 'since pan masala, gutkha or supari are eaten for taste and nourishment, they are all food within the meaning of Section 2(v) of the Act.' However, this much delayed order will come into effect in UP

only from April 1, 2013 as our young and dynamic Chief Minister Sri Akhilesh Yadav wants to help the workers of the industry by giving them six months' time to find alternative employment and occupation. This concern reads more like a statement of the gutkha lobby which has time and again made its hapless employees a shield to fight against civil society efforts for tobacco control. Akhileshji too seems to have played into the powerful hands of the gutkha industry by giving it enough time to sell off its existing stock of this hazardous substance. Earlier also the UP government had dilly dallied enough even after receiving three letters sent by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare between May-August 2012 directing it to prohibit the sale and distribution of gutkha. Instead of putting a ban on the manufacture and sale on gutkha, the UP government, in August, had lowered the entry tax to facilitate increased sale of the product. Perhaps the greed for filling the state coffers with the revenue earnings from gutkha overpowers the human duty of the government to save lives from this lethal attraction. Reportedly, in 2011-12

the sale of gutkha in UP fetched over Rs 200 crore in tax, while paan masala sales added another Rs 32 crores to its kitty. But the expenditure by the government health services on treating tobacco related diseases was bound to be much higher. One also wonders if the Honourable Chief Minister realizes that it is incumbent upon the

Akhileshji too seems to have played into the powerful hands of the gutkha industry by giving it enough time to sell off its existing stock of this hazardous substance state government to protect the health of its citizens by taking appropriate measures. Does he care as much for the families and lives of 328 lakh men and women above the age of 15 years who consume smokeless forms of tobacco with nearly 41.5% or 136.21 lakhs of them consuming gutkha and thus sitting on a veritable landmine of oral cancer? According to a newspaper report,

some 2.5 lakh people are suffering from cancer in UP, of which 75,000 are cases of oral and mouth cancer, mainly due to use of chewing tobacco, gutkha and paan masala. Experts believe that by 2020 the cancer population will swell by 56% with more than 30% of them suffering with oral cancer caused by chewing tobacco. Also, 33% of the patients oral cancer seeking treatment at the Mumbai based Tata Memorial Hospital are from Uttar Pradesh. This adds up to about 12,000 patients per annum from just one hospital. It is indeed unfortunate that till now only 14 states (Goa, MP, Kerala, Bihar, HP, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab and Mizoram) have been able to invoke the law banning the manufacture, sale and consumption of the gutkha. Perhaps it is the so called small gutkha industry which in collusion with the political class (which in many cases has big stakes in the industry) has been thwarting all tobacco control measures and has tried its level best to hoodwink the authorities into believing that it is a big revenue spinner. Yet there are a few sane voices in this wilderness of chaos. After

banning gutkha, the Goa government has already banned all eating outlets, shops and establishments from storing or selling tobacco products in any form - cigarettes, cigars, beedis, gutkha, and hookah. Likewise, the Delhi government is also contemplating a ban on chewing tobacco. The government has clarified that the anti-tobacco warnings will have to be displayed in 40% of the frontal displayed area of the tobacco/cigarette packs with the word 'Warning' printed in red colour along with the messagesSmoking Kills and Tobacco Kills. It remains to be seen if the government will stick to its mandate strictly or succumb to the pressures of the tobacco lobby as has often happened in the past when these warnings have been repeatedly diluted and/or delayed due to vested interests. As per the Framework Convention on Tobacco Treaty (which India has ratified), the pictorial warnings should be rotated at least once every year, and the new set should have come into force from December 2012, which India has failed to abide by. It is high time our politicians and citizens chose life over tobacco. -CNS

November 2, 2012

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Health officials worry about tattoo infection risk FORT WAYNE, Ind.: Since the beginning of the year, Allen County tattoo artists and the shops in which they work have been required to have permits to be legal, and health officials inspect the establishments twice a year. But there's one health problem local inspectors might not catch - the potential for a bacterial infection recently traced to contaminated tattoo ink. The organism is known as nontuberculosis Mycobacteria. Since late 2011, strains have been linked to five clusters of post-tattoo skin infections in New York, Colorado, Iowa and Washington, according to a Food and Drug Administration warning to consumers issued in August. Infections appear as a raised, red rash that might include pus-filled bumps at the site of the tattoo. The rash, which can be itchy and/or painful and accompanied by swelling, usually appears one to three weeks after tattooing. According to federal health officials, even scrupulously hygienic tattooists can't always prevent or detect the problem because contamination isn't readily apparent. Overall, Mycobacteria infections are rare, officials say, but they still are urging those who suspect infection to consult a doctor, alert their tattooist and report any unexpected adverse reactions to MedWatch, a federal database of medical side effects. Ann Applegate, director of the food and

consumer protection division of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, told The Journal Gazette that consumers also should alert local health officials.

cials haven't identified the brands, says Don Cora, owner of Artisan Tattoo Co. in Fort Wayne. In addition, he says, federal officials say

She says she knows of no infections in the Fort Wayne area. State law requires tattoo inks, dyes and pigments to come from professional suppliers and be only used for tattooing human skin but inspectors don't check for contaminated inks She says she knows of no infections in the Fort Wayne area. State law requires tattoo inks, dyes and pigments to come from professional suppliers and be only used for tattooing human skin but inspectors don't check for contaminated inks, she says. ``We locally don't regulate the manufacturing of those,'' Applegate says. ``Tattoo inks are subject to federal regulation under the cosmetic provisions.'' Because tattoo inks are considered cosmetics by the FDA, they aren't required to be sterile. But officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending that manufacturers be held to a higher standard. Local tattooists say their ability to curb risk from contaminated inks is limited. Although federal officials have linked four brands of ink to the infections, offi-

some infections have resulted from diluting ink after manufacture or performing other tattoo procedures with non-sterile water not from the ink itself. The FDA has advised tattooists to avoid non-sterile water, which includes tap,

bottled, filtered, distilled or water treated by reverse osmosis. But as a matter of practice, that can be difficult, says Cora, the Indiana representative for the Alliance of Professional Tattooists. ``You can't buy sterile water. I've tried. It's not available over the counter in Indiana,'' he says. ``Two pharmacists and a medical supply company told me you need a prescription.'' Believing it to be safest, many tattooists use distilled water, but even it can contain spores that reactivate, he says. ``They're not distilling it to kill microbes,'' Cora says. ``They're trying to remove sediments and minerals.'' Contaminated ink has no off-odor or appearance or performance change that a tattooist could notice, Cora says. -AP

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Lawsuit challenging vaccine rule dismissed CHARLESTON, W.Va.: A judge has dismissed a lawsuit that challenged new vaccine requirements for schoolchildren, ruling that the Department of Health and Human Resources can impose them. Kanawha County Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman said in his decision that the immunization rule is consistent with state code and does not exceed the Legislature’s limits on interpretive rules. The lawsuit argued that the department cannot require additional vaccines without the Legislature’s approval. “The main reason for my clients’ challenge in the first place was not addressed at all,” said Delegate Patrick Lane, an attorney who filed the lawsuit on behalf of six families. “The crux of our argument, the basis of our complaint, is that

DHHR did not follow the proper legislative procedures that are required by statute.” The Kanawha Republican said he anticipates that his clients will appeal. State code requires children entering school for the first time to be immunized against diphtheria, polio, rubeola, tetanus and pertussis, or whooping cough. Under the department’s rule, incoming seventh-graders and 12th-graders must show proof they have received one dose of vaccines against meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Incoming 12th-graders must show proof they received booster doses after age 16. The vaccinations are recommended by the Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention. Booster shots for Tdap are necessary to meet the Legislature’s di-

'In every one of those cases, the circuit judges recognized that the child does have a fundamental right to an education and that education must be provided irrespective of the vaccinations' rective to protect students from these diseases, Kaufman said. He also said vaccination requirements for meningitis, as well as

WHO: TB numbers drop to 8.7 million new cases LONDON: The number of people who caught tuberculosis last year inched downward according to an estimate by the World Health Organization, but the agency warned that drug-resistant strains are still spreading. In a new report, the U.N. agency estimated there were about 8.7 million new cases of TB last year, down from about 8.8 million in 2010. The number of deaths was unchanged at about 1.4 million _ making it the second-leading killer among infectious diseases after AIDS. But no one knows for sure what the actual figures are since the WHO report said it was too expensive and complicated to

measure the exact number of new TB cases every year. WHO also said drug-resistant tuberculosis was spreading but acknowledged it didn't have enough data to know if those strains were getting more prevalent or not. Drug-resistant TB is often the result of patients not being treated properly for regular TB; it is more expensive to treat and the drugs have worse side effects. WHO estimates that only 1 in 5 cases of drug-resistant TB are identified globally, meaning the others are spreading the disease without being treated. A look at various regions: Eastern Europe and Central

Asia: These regions have the world's highest rates of drug-resistant TB, including 62 percent of previously treated patients in Uzbekistan and 75 percent of such cases in Belarus. Much of the disease's spread here is driven by intravenous drug users and weak health systems that don't identify and treat patients early enough. India and China: These two countries have almost 40 percent of the world's TB cases. India and China also have a rising number of drug-resistant cases even though both countries claim to treat about 90 percent of their TB patients. Last year, India reported several cases of totally resistant TB that were untreatable.

ND facilities got meningitis-linked products BISMARCK, N.D.: The state Health Department has reported that six North Dakota pharmacies or clinics have received products from a Massachusetts company associated with a national meningitis outbreak. The department said it has informed facilities in Williston, Fargo and Grand Forks of new federal recommendations regarding products from New England Compounding Co. Only three lots of medications, none of which were shipped to North Dakota, were originally implicated in the outbreak. But the department said additional cases of meningitis reported in other states indicate other medications may also be causing meningitis. The department said no cases

of meningitis or joint infections had been reported in North Dakota, and none of the products received by North Dakota health care facilities have been implicated in any of the outbreak illnesses. However, the Health Department said out of an abundance of caution it is endorsing federal recommendations that health-care providers notify any patients who may have received any injectable or ophthalmic medication from the company that was produced or purchased on or after May 21. The department is also advising patients to seek care if they develop symptoms of meningitis or joint infection. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, sensitivity to light and altered mental status,

the department said. Symptoms for fungal infections may include fever; swelling and increasing pain, redness or warmth at an injection site; pain, redness or discharge from eyes; chest pain; or drainage from a surgical site. People who have no symptoms need take no action, the department said. According to records from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NECC products have been received in North Dakota by: Service Drug Pharmacy of Williston; the Department of Veterans Affairs in Fargo; the Hogue Vein Institute of Fargo; Altru FMC, Side A in Grand Forks; Lamb Plastic Surgery Center in Fargo; and Northern Plains Surgery in Fargo. -AP

Hepatitis B and varicella, are valid under a state Board of Education rule. The school board, whose rules do not require legislative approval, requires students to be in compliance with the immunization schedule set by the Bureau of Public Health commissioner. Kaufman noted that these vaccinations are recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a 15-member group of experts selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary. “The rule is entitled to substantial deference as it represents the best judgment of a national group with undoubted expertise and experience whose judgments are vetted before the public,” Kaufman wrote. Similar lawsuits are pending in

Mercer, Ohio and Randolph counties. Judges in these cases have ordered county school boards to provide homebound instruction to students barred from attending school because they did not receive vaccinations. “In every one of those cases, the circuit judges recognized that the child does have a fundamental right to an education and that education must be provided irrespective of the vaccinations,” Lane said. “Clearly, the counties are going to have to pay for homebound instruction.” If Lane’s clients appeal the Kanawha County ruling, he said the Legislature probably will stay on the sidelines until the West Virginia Supreme Court issues a decision. -AP

NY court weighs affair as medical malpractice ALBANY, N.Y.: The attorney for a Long Island family doctor told New York's top court that his client's affair with a patient was consensual and separate from her treatment, urging the judges to overturn her medical malpractice award for $416,500. Attorney Norman Dachs argued at the Court of Appeals that Kristin Kahkonen Dupree, who ended up divorced after the ninemonth affair ended 2002, initially seduced Dr. James E. Giugliano and then sued him later. His client, an osteopath, was treating her for a gastrointestinal condition, he said, and while his behavior was unethical, it wasn't medical malpractice. Doctor's actions would have to be related to treatment to be considered malpractice, Dachs said. Questioned by the judges, he acknowledged the jury could find that he also was giving her ``some sort'' of mental health treatment. ``There was no indication by him, or no thought on the part of the patient, that this extramarital sexual relationship had anything to do with that treatment,'' Dachs said. A jury had found Giugliano 75 percent at fault and awarded Dupree damages for mental distress and economic loss and $166,000 in punitive damages. A midlevel court split 3-1 in upholding the malpractice verdict. ``Isn't it different when a doctor takes advantage of a medical condition, a vulnerability, that the patient has and uses his superior knowledge about that condition to victimize the patient?'' Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman said. ``Isn't that a violation of your professional obligation?'' Dachs called that a violation of professional obligation, but not

medical malpractice. Attorney Kenneth Cooperstein, representing Dupree, said the doctor had also given her advice and medications for psychological conditions, depression and panic attacks, and breached her trust. Giugliano had been treating her for 18 months before the affair started, he said. ``That relationship crossed the line from ordinary transference,'' Cooperstein said, referring to a patient's tendency to shift emotions toward a therapist over time.

Doctor's actions would have to be related to treatment to be considered malpractice, Dachs said. Questioned by the judges, he acknowledged the jury could find that he also was giving her "some sort'' of mental health treatment ``She was particularly vulnerable.'' ``Aren't you really saying that anyone who falls in love with a doctor, or at least with a therapist, can sue when the relationship ends badly?'' Judge Robert Smith said. Cooperstein said he believed most patients aren't as vulnerable as Dupree, who was suffering debilitating panic attacks. He asked the court to find the Southampton family practitioner entirely at fault for damages. -AP

November 2, 2012

Health Science Post

India Post

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Reasons why you must quit smoking today

ere are some great reasons to quit smoking that will strengthen your resolve to quit this dangerous habit for good. According to tobaccofree maine.org, 'one can experience the benefits of not using tobacco within 20 minutes of quitting, and as your tobacco-free days accumulate, the benefits will accumulate, too.' Now isn't that inspiring? Quitting smoking is the best thing a smoker can do to preserve a healthy body and mind; yes it's not easy to kick the lethal addiction, but we give you some strong reasons to call in the cold turkey. Read on to push yourself to the next level of commitment to quit smoking. Save money On an average a smoker spends more than Rs. 2000 per month on cigarettes alone. With prices going up every day, one will be shelling out more than this. Don't forget the

HIV-positive patients who smoke, have a faster progression time to AIDS than non smokers, since smoking impairs the lungs, making them more vulnerable to infection and affects the immunity of the body host of medical appointments and treatments you need regularly because of smoking - bronchial infections, coughs, breath mints, extra deodorant use to mask the smell, etc. All of this costs money. And the medical costs of smoking are astronomical! Even if you have insurance, your health-care costs as a smoker are likely way ahead than that of a nonsmoker. So rather than spending 120 bucks everyday or Rs. 21,600 every year save that money and you will be smiling on a rainy day! Trouble in your bedroom Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which means it has a narrowing effect on the arteries. So it's harder for the heart to pump blood through the narrowed arteries, and this effects your body's pleasure controls. You will face difficulties in feeling aroused. A study looking at the impact smoking has on a man's ability to get an erection was recently presented at the American Heart Association's annual conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention in Miami. The study highlighted that men

who smoked more than 20 cigarettes daily had a 60% higher risk of erectile dysfunction, compared to men who never smoked. In fact 15% of the past and present smokers had experienced erectile dysfunction. Sleep Troubles A study that appeared in the 2008 (February) issue of Chest, journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), revealed that smokers spend less time in deep sleep and more time in light sleep than nonsmokers. They also show the greatest differences in sleep patterns in the early stages of sleep. This was as a result of nicotine withdrawals every night. Weak bones As reported by webmd.com in 2001, Edward N. Hanley Jr., MD, chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. looked at work-related injuries and smoking. He found that 50% of smokers suffered from low back pain, compared with only 20% of nonsmokers. To add to their woes smokers always complain of cramps in their legs and perennial back pains. Nicotine also hampers healing of fractures and estrogen effectiveness. Non smokers tend to have stronger bones than smokers. Women smokers have been found to lose 2.3% to 3.3% of bone mineral density for every 10 packyears of tobacco use. The effects are even worse in postmenopausal women. Ears Ringing Nicotine again!! It lowers the circulation of blood to the structure of your ears resulting in Tinnitus or ringing of ears. Rather, keep your ears healthy and enjoy good music and happy conversations. Smokers have a nearly 70% greater likelihood of developing hearing loss than nonsmokers. Kill Pill It is a toxic mix! Oral contraceptives are not recommended for smokers because oral contraceptives carry a risk of clots, heart attacks, and strokes. Anyone who smokes more than 15 cigarettes a day should be very careful about using birth control pills. The risks increase for women who are over 35 years of age and for those who smoke a great deal. According to Randy Fink, MD, Director of the Center of Excellence for Obstetrics & Gynecology in Miami, "Women who are current smokers on birth control have an 8.8-fold higher risk for having a blood clot than nonsmoking women not on birth control." HIV to AIDS Risk HIV-positive patients who smoke, have a faster progression

time to AIDS than non smokers, since smoking impairs the lungs, making them more vulnerable to infection and affects the immunity of the body. Studies have also found that cigarette smoking significantly increases the likelihood and rate of developing mouth sores, oral hairy leukoplakia (whitish sore on the side of the tongue and inside cheeks) and bacterial pneumonia in smokers with HIV. Heart Risk, Heart Attacks and Cancers Smokers are at two to four times greater risk of developing coronary heart disease as nonsmokers. Ciga-

rette smokers with coronary heart disease are also at twice the risk for sudden cardiac death as nonsmokers with coronary heart disease. Plus you have higher rates of many types of cancer, including bladder cancer, lung cancer and throat cancer. Brighten your teeth All those tobacco stains look very bad every time a smoker smiles, and then you spend a fortune to get them back to their glory. Just kick the butt and you save a lot of time and money. Psoriasis Studies have shown that daily smoking can lead to psoriasis. The higher the number of cigarettes

over 20 smoked per day, the greater that risk. A study conducted in February 2012 revealed that smokers have an increased risk of developing the chronic skin condition psoriasis. Of nearly 186,000 men and women followed for 12 to 20 years, 2,410 developed psoriasis during that time. And the risk was greater among both current smokers and former smokers. People who were current smokers at the study's start were almost twice as likely as lifelong non-smokers to develop psoriasis. And past smokers had a 39 percent higher risk than non-smokers.

Desi News Navratri celebrated with traditional fervor SUDHIR VYAS

SOMERSET/ELIZABETH, NJ: Backless cholis, embroidered chania, colorful dhotis and kurtas and a kaleidoscope of saris were all out as Gujaratis in particular and others in general danced to the tune of loud music in Somerset as Navratri began with the usual gusto throughout the United States. The celebrations started when darkness fell and continued till the wee hours of the day. Young and old, men and women danced their heart out in front of Amba Mata. Particularly in the New Jersey area which is the hub of the Indian and Gujarati population.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

Wells Fargo offers free credit scores Details on page 27

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November 2, 2012

Three Fremont women in politics to make a difference

Details on page 18

Hari Om Mandir Dinner raises $120,000 Asian Media USA

CHICAGO, IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated its 25th Annual Fund Raising Dinner with great pomp and style on Saturday, October 13 at India House Banquet Hall, Schaumburg, a north side Chicago suburb. The event helped the management raise funds over $120,000. The program started with chanting of Shloka, 'Karpur Gaurav Karunavtaram' by Mrs Sneh Chaudhary. Thereafter she introduced the MCs for the evening Mrs Indu Wadhwa who in turn called Gaurav, RJ from Desi Junction, as her co-host for the evening. Priests performed the Ganpati pooja and Board of Trustees Chairman (BOT) Chairman Ayodhia Salwan, along with Rajeev Bharel, President Executive Board and Brij Sharma, Chairman Fund Raising, lighted the lamp.

Anu Natarajan (Left) is running for re-election to the Fremont City Council, Teresa D. Cox (Middle) is running for reelection as Trustee to Board of Ohlone College and Reshma Karipineni (Right) is running for Fremont School Board

RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

FREMONT: Over the past two decades, California has been at the forefront of development in all aspects of life. It is well known for its high tech innovations and its genetic research. It is also a leader in community development. One such sign of growth is women in politics. Starting with State Senator Barbara Boxer, Dianne Feinstein and Speaker of the

HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: Terry D'Souza has been elected by the Cabinet as its II Vice District Governor District 1-A, Mother District of Lionism for the year 2012-2013. The election was during the second Cabinet Meeting of District 1- held at the Scottish Home, North Riverside, recently. Past District Governor Mike Smigielski made her nomination speech and Region Chairperson Brenda Guttierrez made seconding speech. Details on page 23

mont School Board. They all have been active in the local community for a long time and have exciting ideas on development in Fremont. Talking about women in politics, Dr Romesh Japra, Chairman and Convener of the Federation of Indo-Americans, said that Fremont has been at the forefront of growth and is home to the most tech start-ups in the nation. "It is very encouraging to see more women in politics. It bodes well

for the development of our community and we should support their candidature whole heartedly," he added. Local Bay Area entrepreneur Rahul Roy echoed similar thoughts. He said that the empowerment of women has progressed and women from our local community have come forward to participate in politics. He wished them best of luck in the upcoming elections and hoped they make a difference to the community.

Exclusive interviews by Ritu Maheshwari

Details on page 19

Terry elected Lion II Vice District Gov

House Nancy Pelosi, there has been an increasing awareness and interest among women to enter the political arena. In the upcoming November 2012 elections, there are many women contestants vying to get into political positions. The Iocal Fremont political field is no exception. Three of the ladies in the fray this year are Anu Natarajan for Mayor of Fremont, Teresa D. Cox for the Board of Ohlone College and Reshma Karpineni for the Fre-

Get more involved in politics: Anu

nu Natarajan is Vice Mayor of Fremont, and is a well known public figure in the Bay Area. She has been in Fremont for the past 14+ years and has been very active in community. Despite being less than 1% of American population, Indo-American community holds significant proportion of positions in education, politics, medicine, administration, technical and business fields. What do you attribute this growth to? Anu: Indians have done extremely well in above areas as they have been able to integrate well with American life and have worked hard to excel in these areas. Cont’d on page 22

Education cornerstone of economy: Teresa Cox

hlone College Trustee and Trade Advisor to Obama Administration Teresa D. Cox spoke on her position on various topics of interest to community today. She is campaigning for reelection to board of Ohlone College. Tell us about your childhood and early education Teresa D. Cox: I grew up in a family that deeply valued education. My mother was a music teacher and my father taught the building trades in public school. My dad died when I was just nine years old. Raised by my mother on a teacher's salary with two brothers, I learned that education, hard work, and personal responsibility were the keys Cont’d on page 26 to success.

Best education with scarce resources: Reshma

eshma Karipineni has lived in Fremont for over 30 years and is very passionate about education, both as a consumer and advocate. Through her professional and volunteer work, she has experienced firsthand the impact current economic turmoil has on education. She has great ideas on prioritizing the educational programs to ensure best value out of scarce financial resources. Despite being less than 1% of American population, Indo-American community holds significant proportion of positions in education, politics, medicine, administration, technical and business fields. What do you attribute this growth to? Cont’d on page 23

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Newark Grand Gala to honor Teresa D. Cox RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

Dr Rakesh Sharma with Dr Romesh K Japra

Reshma Karipineni with Dr Romesh K Japra

Teresa Cox with Dr Romesh K Japra

FREMONT: Over the last few years, economic turmoil has had severe impact on education in California. Budget cuts have been causing havoc on affordability and availability of quality education to the young. Community colleges are no exception. It becomes critical for board leaders to plan and strategize better. Current Trustee and Ohlone College Board member Teresa D. Cox is standing for re-election to the governing board of Ohlone College, Fremont. She has many firsts to her credit, including being a first woman nuclear engineer. She was also appointed as Trade Advisor to Obama Administration. A grand gala was organized in honor of Teresa Cox at Bombay Garden, Newark. Many local dignitaries attended the gala to show their support. Among those who attended were Dr. Romesh Japra, FIA President, Alka Bhatganar, Bollywood singer, Reggie Green, 76ers and Golden State Warrior, NBA Alumni, Anthony Simmons, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills, NFL Alumni, Melrose Forde, ViceChair, Ohlone College Foundation, Brad Hatton, Member, Ohlone College Foundation, Rakhi Sharma, Co-Founder Cheeni for Tots, Harvard Alumni, Renuka Ahijua, Bay Area Realtor, P.C. Gupta, Bay Area Realtor, Dr. Rini Johar, Sunnyvale Human Relations Commission and Sunnyvale Leadership, Tejinder Dhami, Sikh Community, Tawny Warren, Ohlone College Student Trustee, Commissioner, Derrick Bulls, Oakland Oversight Commission. The event featured Bollywood dance and singing.

Teresa Cox, Dr. Romesh Japra, Alka Bhatganar, Ritu Maheshwari and others

Large gathering of attendees listen to the candidates

SEF Dandiya for 10th hospital in India VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

SANTA CLARA, CA: Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF) organized a mega Dandia event in the Bay area to raise funds for the construction of their 10th eye hospital in India. The Dandia events were spread over four days Oct19, 20, 26 and 27 in Santa Clara and Pleasanton. The motto of the event was to spread awareness and to raise about $800,000 for the construction of their 10th eye hospital in Kanpur. They have received funds from a generous donor and were

trying to match the rest with these events and start construction. They are planning to open the hospital by 2014 under Focus UP program. The Dandia event on October 19 was held in Santa Clara Convention Center. The event was attended by 5000 people and there was a separate kids Dandiya area. The arrangements were done by about 200 volunteers. They had about 15 vendor stalls catering to jewelry, ethnic wear, real estate against and non-profits. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 24

Community Across America

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Navratri celebrated with traditional fervor SUDHIR VYAS

fantastic colors carrying a hoary heritage draped countless beau-

Musicians from India made it to the shores of the US to make the Indians dance to traditional rhythms mixed with modern beats. Myriad dresses of fantastic colors carrying a hoary heritage draped countless beauties

ties and they blossomed each midnight to the cadenzas of wild music. It all began with the traditional Raas which continued for an hour followed by the Taali Raas. With every song like the `chundi udi udi jai',`mehndi te vavi mandve' `maniyaro', and `bhamariya re lal bhamariya' the steps began to pick up speed and so did the music and the singers stepped up their beat so as to reach the crescendo. The most fascinating was the Dandiya Raas. Colorful Dandiyas, some of them specially ordered from India, had modern looks.

While the traditional Dandiyas are made of wood, it is now the age of aluminum and even colorful plastic. Some of the Dandiya s change

INOC inducts new President of Punjab Chapter India Post News Service

NEW YORK: India's Minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur inaugurated the Indian National Overseas Congress (I)'s new President of Punjab Chapter Mr. T.J. Singh Gill who took over from outgoing President Mr. Phuman Singh at a glowing and well-attended mega gala dinner reception. The reception was held in honor of the visiting minister at World's Fair Marina, Queens, New York on October 16. President George Abraham and Senior Vice President Shudh Parkash Singh heralded her entry into the reception hall to the tune of music of welcome, through a passageway lined with girls holding bouquets of flowers which they presented to her. Cont’d on page 25

Minister Preneet Kaur honoring Indian National Overseas Congress (I) USA Punjab Chapter’s new President

color with every beat making it all the more fascinating. The nonstop Dandiya for almost 90 minutes not only drains the participants but the musicians also. The viewers are left spell bound by the fast rhythm and pace. Crystal Jenkins, an American girl in her 20s had taken special training on the Raas and Garbas from her Indian friend, Pratiksha Mehta, so as to participate in this year's Navratri at Peter Kothari's Garba at the Garden State Exhibit Center. "It (the Raas) is something I always wanted to do after I had first seen it two years ago at the Navratri in Jersey City. I was fascinated by the synchronized movement of the hand and the feet and so I learnt it during the summer break so as to do the Raas this Navratri. I will participate all the three weekend as it is so much fun," Crystal observed talking to this paper. Cont’d on page 25

November 2, 2012

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IDF USA launched amidst great fanfare HARISH RAO

CHICAGO: "I wish India Development Foundation (IDF) USA to bring peace, harmony and relief to millions globally," said US Congressman Joe Walsh as he lit the traditional lamp to inaugurate the Project Goodness event. IDF USA was launched amidst applause from the audience by the octogenarian social worker Dr ARK Pillai (85 yrs) in the presence of the elite of Chicago who thronged India House, Schaumburg on Friday, Oct 19. Commending the untiring efforts of Dr Pillai and Dr Narayan CEO, IDF-India, he promised every support to continue goodness efforts in Chicago and elsewhere in USA. "A large number of people below the poverty line in India deserve to be looked after and it is the responsibility of Samaritans in India and USA to come forward to take this challenge. Health care in critical zones, education for poor children and development work including environment are focus areas that need attention," Dr Pillai, founder President of IDF India and mentor of IDF USA, said. The journey of goodness which started serving a few leprosy patients in Mumbai, went ahead in designing the communication strategy for India's leprosy elimination program and later be-

Congressman Joe Walsh, IDF chief and supporters at India House Restaurant

coming a national NGO and getting the UN Special Consultative Status for Economic Social Council from 2012, he said reminiscing his four-decade association with IDF.

Hari Om Mandir Dinner raises $120,000 duced the MCs for the evening Mrs Indu Wadhwa who in turn called Gaurav, RJ from CHICAGO, IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated Desi Junction, as her co-host for the its 25th Annual Fund Raising Dinner with evening. Priests performed the Ganpati great pomp and style on Saturday, October pooja and Board of Trustees Chairman 13 at India House Banquet Hall, (BOT) Chairman Ayodhia Salwan, along with Rajeev Bharel, President Executive Board and Brij Sharma, Chairman Fund Raising, lighted the lamp. Govind Dhingra sang a bhajan 'Aaja Aaja Aajare Tu Gita ke Bhagwan tu Apna Vachan Nibhajare'. After this Brij Sharma and Rajeev Bharel gave welcoming speeches. Brij Sharma spoke about the temple and its importance for immigrants. Rajeev Bharel highL-R: Mrs Nirmal Bagga, Past President, Rajeev Bharel, President, lighted the contriExecutive Board, Mrs Sneh Chaudhary, Secretary, Brij Sharma, Vice bution of senior President, Vipan Wadhera, Past President. Pics courtesy Ganes Yadav members who have Schaumburg, a north side Chicago suburb. worked day and night to generate funds for The event helped the management raise setting up this temple. He thanked members of the Fund Raising Committee and memfunds over $120,000. The program started with chanting of bers of the Board who worked tirelessly to Shloka, 'Karpur Gaurav Karunavtaram' by make this event a success. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22 Mrs Sneh Chaudhary. Thereafter she introAsian Media USA

Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, Dr Narayan Iyer commenced his address with `Sisters and Brothers of Humanity' salutation. He gave an excellent account of the humanitarian work done by IDF for nearly three decades in India and exhorted citizens of USA to come forward in large numbers to

support social work both in India and US to serve those in distress. Dr Pillai announced the names of Trustees of IDF USA as follows: John Trivedi (President), Thomas Abraham (Vice-President), Mukesh K. Shah (Treasurer), Cecil Joseph (Secretary and CEO) and Mrs Queenie Mendonca (Trustee). Cecil Joseph narrated his personal experience in Children School near Panvel. The Advisors will be Chandresh Brahmbhatt, Kanti S. Patel, Keerthi Kumar, Vinod Patel, Dr Suman Patel (Detroit), Ramesh Gandhi (Detroit),Vijay Nurani (Detroit), Billy Singh (New York), Vijay Oruganti (Albany NY) and S Jayaraman (San Jose). "More advisors will be inducted as the journey of goodness gains momentum in other states and cities of USA," Dr Pillai said. IDF USA will support IDF India's social projects involving health, education for poor children and empowerment of women. In addition to cleft correction projects, IDF India has 120 health projects, 100 Empowerment Schools and five Women Empowerment Projects spread across the nation. IDF USA will also support humanitarian projects in USA, said Mr. John Trivedi, President of IDF-USA. Ms Sunita Latamba compeered the event with great style while Thomas Abraham proposed a vote of thanks. M. Bhupendra Singh rendered hit melodies filling the audience with joy.

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Hamdard Center Gala helps raise $220,000 JIBRAN ILYAS & NAND KAPUR

Dr. Mohammad Hamid, Chairman of Hamdard, Pakistani CG Zaheer Pervaiz Khan and his wife. -Pics Asia Media USA

Singer Amanat Ali

CHICAGO: Hamdard Center, a not-for-profit health and social service agency in Chicagoland, held its 20th Annual Gala titled "Building Our Legacy" at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois on October 13. The Hamdard Center was established by late Dr Farzana Hamid and Dr Mohammad Hamid in 1992 as a proactive response to address the critical mental health needs of the South Asian, Middle Eastern, Bosnian and other minority communities in the Greater Chicago area. Its philosophy is to meet the needs of the underserved through its new paradigm of care, which includes a comprehensive service model to provide culturally-sensitive and linguistically-appropriate services to individuals and families. More than 750 people attending the event were regaled by spirited Emcee of the event, comedian Khaleel. The Farzana F Hamid Community Service awards were given to founding members Dr Syed Hashmat Anwar, Dr Firdaus Jafri, Dr. Arif Azam and Dr Mohammad Hamid. Michael Espe from Zaffarano auctioneers introduced the client testimonial "Priya, A story of Hope" of a Hamdard client who received shelter at Hamdard's domestic violence shelter. Michael moved the evening to the live auction segment which

Bhavesh Patel of Sahil and Dr Mohammad Hamid

raised over $90,000 alone. During dinner Khaleel entertained the guests with his raucous comedic

More than 750 people attending the event were regaled by spirited Emcee of the event, comedian Khaleel. The Farzana F Hamid Community Service awards were given to founding members

act. Moghul Music announced the beginning of the fashion show conducted by Sahil in conjunction with Kalapriya dancers. The exclusive Royal Bride collection was shown with Raja Umang Hutheesing flying from India to attend the gala. The evening ended with the renowned Sa Re Ga Ma Pa finalist Amanat Ali performing his hit songs and delighting the crowd. Hamdard Center raised over $220,000 to support its seven programs - Domestic violence, which includes the transitional housing program, Senior services, Youth services, Primary and mental health services, and Case management.

'Giving Back' discussed at Meera book signing India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Giving Back Foundation and Asia Society on October 19 hosted a panel discussion, a book signing for Meera Gandhi's "Giving Back" book, and a reception at Asia Society's headquarters and museum in New York City. Meera Gandhi, CEO and Founder of The Giving Back Foundation and Donzelina Barroso, Senior Advisor at Rockefeller Philanthropies, discussed "Philanthropy in the East and West," during the session. Alisyn Camerota, host of Fox TV's Fox and Friends Weekend program, moderated the panel, whose discussion points included: the changing landscape of philanthropy in the East and the West; emerging trends in giving back in the East and West, and their challenges and the differences and similarities in philanthropic giving in the East and the West. The discussion with Meera Gandhi and Donzelina Barroso

concluded with a conversation about unique ways in which to encourage children and teenagers to "give back" at an early age. Tom Nagorski, Executive Vice President and Acting Head of Asia Society, welcomed guests to the event. The "Giving Back" book, with

The discussion points included: the changing landscape of philanthropy in the East and the West; emerging trends in giving back in the East and West, and their challenges and the differences and similarities in philanthropic giving in the East and the West

foreword by Cherie Blair, features people and charities that have inspired Meera Gandhi and the Giving Back Foundation, including Mother Teresa's Asha Daan, The Eleanor Roosevelt Leadership Center in Hyde Park, New York; Lord Loomba; Kristi Yamaguchi; Bono; Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his sister Kerry Kennedy; Steven Rockefeller; Deborah Norville; Donna Karan and many others. The Giving Back Foundation, with operations in London, Hong Kong, New York and Mumbai, is a non-profit organization whose beneficiaries include carefully selected existing charities and individuals from around the world, with special emphasis on women and children. Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context.

Meera Gandhi, CEO and Founder of The Giving Back Foundation speaking at a panel discussion at the book signing for Meera Gandhi's "Giving Back" book, at a reception held at Asia Society on Oct 19. -Pic Mohammed Jaffer-Snapsindia

November 2, 2012

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Dallas honors Dr Satyam on his 84th birthday India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: Natyanjali Kuchipudi Dance School students and parents joined together on Sunday, October 14 at Cultural Hall of Karya Siddhhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco, TX for a Guru Smarana and to pay tribute to Padmabhushan Vempati China Satyam Master Garu as part of his 84th birthday celebrations. The performance started with welcome by Smt Srilatha Suri, Artistic Director Natyanjali Kuchipudi Dance School. Young students recited basic slokas of Natya Shastra and a few fundamental steps. Intermediate level students performed few Jathis to Vedic chants. Later on, all students - juniors and seniors joined to perform 'Brahmanjali' choreographed by Padmabhushan Vempati China Satyam Master Garu. Chief guest Prasad Thotakura, TANA President, recalled the close association with Dr. Vempati Mastaru and hosting many dance ballets in Dallas. TANA awarded Life Time Achievement award to Dr. Vempati in Dallas in the year 2000. He announced that TANA is making arrangements to erect a life size bronze statue of Dr.

Vempati in Kuchipudi village in December this year. Prasad congratulated Natyanjali School for coordinating these beautiful dance sequences to pay tribute to the great Master. Rao Kalvala, NATA Regional Vice President also spoke on the occasion and thanked Srilatha Suri, the Director of Natyanjali Dance school and students for displaying beautiful dance performances in celebration of Guru Dr Vempati China Satyam's birthday. Students of Natyanjali Kuchipudi school

Malayalam School's 6th year of service ASHWIN PATEL

School children with organizers

ST LOUIS, MO: Malayalam School of St. Louis is entering its sixth year of service to the community this year. Classes meet twice a month for two hours each and run from September through May every year. Currently there are 32 students enrolled in Malayalam School. All classes are run by dedicated volunteers. Course structure is developed into four levels, from entry level to

proficient. Graduates of Malayalam School are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in Malayalam. Malayalam School of St Louis is an affiliate program sponsored by Ohmkaram, a nonprofit voluntary organization of Malayalees in St Louis, Missouri, USA. Malayalam School was started with the perception for the need to educate the next generation of Malayalees growing up in St Louis.

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eBay presents 'Handcrafted in India' products India Post News Service

MUMBAI: eBayIndia is reaching out to Indians in the U.S. celebrating Diwali by launching eBay presents "Handcrafted in India,"

an exclusive microsite featuring specially curated handcrafted products from Indian entrepreneurs on eBay.com. The microsite can be found at www.ebay.in/ handcraftedinindia. During the

Hari Om Mandir Dinner raises $120,000 Cont’d from page 19

Ayodhia Salwan apprised about the current status of the 20 feet Hanumanji statue being made in India for installation in the Mandir parking lot. This was followed by a cultural program compiled by children of all ages. In between the performances, Mrs Madhu Salwan sang a song. The last cultural item for the evening was Bhangra dance by the youth team. Tushar Sharma and his team gave a spellbinding performance. Mrs Indu Wadhwa and Gaurav shared lot of jokes. Sat Pal Salwan, who was the keynote speaker, spoke about various ways of donation. Ranbir Tangri, Mrs Usha Singla and Ravi Rawat of India House were recognized for their help to the temple. Mr Sham Rawal gave vote of thanks. It was a great team work and all the volunteers and executives deserve compliments for their hard work. Special mention here goes to Anil Saxena, In charge of Special Events, Akshay Sarkar, past President of Executive Board, Gopal Tiwari, Treasurer, Sham Rawal, Vice Chairman Board of Trustees, Satish Chander, Member Board of Trustees, Vipan Wadhera, past President of Execu-

tive Board and Vikas Chaudhary. Board members Chairman Board of Trustees: Mr. Ayodhia N Salwan Executive Board: Mr. Rajeev Bharel, President; Mr. Brij Sharma, Vice President; Mr. Gopal Tiwari, Treasurer; Mrs. Sneh Choudhary, Secretary; Mr. Sunil Saxena, Property Management; Mr. Swappan Kumar, Publication, Parking & Volunteer team head; Mrs. Anshu Paul, Education; Mr. Anil Saxena, Special Events Mr. Ramesh Bhardwaj, Food; Nirmal Bagga - Outgoing president The Priests: Shastri Yogesh Pandya Ji and Pd Dinesh Ji About Hari Om Mandir Hari Om Mandir is located at DuPage County in the heart of Chicago land. The Mandir has statues of all major North Indian gods & goddesses. Every Sunday there is a Havan and general congregation followed by Aarti and Bhojan Prasad. On every first Saturday of the month there is Devi Jagran from 7-10 pm. Every Monday there is Shiv Puja and every Tuesday there is Hanuman Challisa Path. There are two learned priests available in temple, for Poojas, Havan, Kathas etc in the temple and at home.

campaign, for every purchase made from shoppers in the U.S. on the eBay Handcrafted in India site, eBay will donate $1 to the National Rural and Development Association (NARAD), a nonprofit that supports rural welfare in India. eBay Handcrafted in India is the first ever eBay campaign focused on the Indian Diaspora in the U.S. It will offer over 15,000 unique products from 120 Indian sellers to help Indian Americans bring the spirit of Diwali home. The products include ethnic wear for men and women, jewelry, home furnishings, Bollywood entertainment, religious and spiritual items, remedies, art and Diwali specialties. The microsite will allow buyers to shop for all their Diwali needs conveniently from their home or mobile devices. Current eBay customers will be able to utilize their existing accounts. Any new users may register on the microsite for free. All Diwali purchases will be delivered to customers within seven days of purchase. All purchases will be backed by eBay Buyer Protection. Customers will also be able to pay securely with PayPal, which allows payments to be sent online quickly and safely using their credit card or bank account. "Diwali is India's largest and

most important festival, and eBay wanted to bring the best of ethnic specialties to the Indian Diaspora. We also wanted to provide Indian entrepreneurs with additional opportunities to provide handcrafted products to consumers," said Deepa Thomas, Head-Partner-

The microsite will allow buyers to shop for all their Diwali needs conveniently from their home or mobile devices. Current eBay customers will be able to utilize their existing accounts ships, eBay India. During the eBay Handcrafted in India campaign period from Oct. 18 to Nov. 10, eBay will donate $1 for every purchase made through the microsite to NARAD. NARAD is a nonprofit organization in India founded with the objective of supporting the development of the tribes in Jawhar in rural Maharashtra. One of the NARAD's programs assists rural

artisans to promote and sell their Warli art-inspired home décor products to consumers across India. Speaking about the donation drive, Sunil Madhukar Bhat, Executive Director of the National Rural Research and Development Association, expressed, "We have been working in the tribal areas of the Maharashtra state in India for the past 10 years in the areas of child education, environment and water management. We are delighted with the support extended by eBay by making us the beneficiary of the Diwali Handcrafted in India campaign. The donation received through this campaign will be utilized towards rural welfare for the tribal population in Jawhar." "eBay India provides a charity fundraising platform to over 70 nonprofits in India. Not only do these non-governmental organizations list their products for sale on eBay, it also raises awareness for their cause. We are so proud to be able to support NARAD, which has an active presence on eBay's charity fundraising platform, during the campaign. NARAD is actually based in Jawahar in rural Maharashtra, the heart from which Warli art originated, and the rural artisans help keep traditional Indian art forms alive," said Thomas.

Get more involved in politics: Anu Cont’d from page 16

We have done a good job in educating our children and this reflects well in overall achievements of the community. How are Indian Americans able to integrate easily with American mainstream? I think it is possible because India much like US is a democracy. This helps us to integrate socially and politically in the country. Also, English being a common language in India helps us integrate with mainstream here. What potential areas of improvement you see for further growth of Indian Americans here? Having made progress in multiple areas, Indo Americans now should also get more involved in politics and journalism. Recently, Indian Americans have started getting into these areas, but need to get entrenched more. They should try to reach every area of decision making, be it at local, state or federal level. There are only three Indian American Council members in Bay area and I am the only woman. Asian and Indian women should get out of their

comfort zone and get more active in political field. We are fast learners and can make a difference What message you would like to give to Indo-American community on integration and assimilation with American main-

Fremont has faced the brunt of economic downturn. Fremont's unemployment is in line with other cities in Bay area. Closure of NUMMI resulted in loss of 4700 well paying jobs. We have been making sure that we use that land judiciously stream? We are part of mainstream. We need to give back to the country. We should be part of government, politics, military.

Last few years have seen a big economic turmoil in the country. What have you seen in Fremont? Fremont has faced the brunt of economic downturn. Fremont's unemployment is in line with other cities in Bay area. Closure of NUMMI resulted in loss of 4700 well paying jobs. We have been making sure that we use that land judiciously and keep future development in mind. We are focusing on clean and green tech businesses. What is your vision for the city of Fremont? I would like Fremont to be one community with several ethnicities and diversities. We need to maintain that make up of Fremont. How can people get involved to support you in campaigning? There are several ways community can be involved. High school and college students can be involved and bring new ideas. We are running a grassroots campaign, making phone calls, going door to door. We need to get message out to several thousand voters. You can also go to website anu4fremont.com.

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Best education with scarce resources: Reshma Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

Reshma: Indian culture has always held education in high regard. Many Indian immigrants and immigrant families in the US have firsthand experience with, or at least knowledge of, poverty of a different level than that which we typically see here. In my experience, part of the Indian immigrant culture is a sense of responsibility for our own welfare and that of our families. This is what drives the desire for education and motivation to work hard to achieve our goals. How are Indian Americans able to integrate easily with American mainstream? Almost all Indian Americans speak English, which makes it easier to integrate into the American mainstream. What potential areas of improvement you see for further growth of Indian Americans here? I would like to see Indian Americans continue to build our presence in the area of politics and other public positions. I think we as a community recognize the importance of making our voice heard and ensuring we are represented in government. We can continue to support each other and overcome our trivial differences. What message you would like to give to Indo-American community on integration and assimilation with American mainstream? I think the Indo-American community has done a good job of integrating into American society, while still maintaining our values and traditions. I want us to focus on coming together to achieve our common goals. Tell us about your early years. Where did you grow up? How long have you been in Fremont? I grew up in Fremont. My parents are physicians who moved here when I was just a year old, and our family has lived here ever since. My sister and half a dozen cousins, along with my own two children, were born right here in Fremont. Growing up, my parents always prioritized my education and values, and my grandparents spent many years with us when I was young. As a parent, I realize it must have been difficult for them to manage demanding full-time careers while staying so involved in my and my sister's lives. But they did it because it was important to them, and we were lucky to have the help of their own parents as well. What motivated you to get involved in the community and education? I've been involved in the community for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I've volunteered at Fremont institutions like

Abode, Washington Hospital, and local businesses. I've served as a volunteer tutor, admissions advisor, resume editor, and job counselor to community children and their parents. Education has always been important to me - as a kid, I was concerned about my own education. I felt a strong education was the key to becoming self-sufficient, to achieving

I think we as a community recognize the importance of making our voice heard and ensuring we are represented in government. We can continue to support each other and overcome our trivial differences my own goals, and ultimately to helping others. With the support and encouragement of my family, I was privileged to receive my BS in Biomedical Engineering from Yale, and my MBA from Stanford. As a parent, education took on a different meaning for me. I believe the collective education of my children's generation will affect not just them, but all of us. A strong public education system is at the very foundation of democracy, and in the current economic environment we cannot take for

granted that our children will have the resources to reach their potential. We need people that have experience in both finance as well as education to get involved - people who know how to use finance to achieve our educational goals. I have this experience. I can't make the economy magically improve, but I can explore ways to reduce our dependence on unpredictable state funds, and make sure we get the most bang for our buck out of our limited budget by bringing better investment discipline and accountability to the Board's decisions. Last few years have seen a big economic turmoil in the country. How has it impacted education? Public education is dependent on federal, state and local funding. So when the economy suffers, education suffers. Fremont Unified School District has lost about $100 million in funding over the past three years alone, leaving us with a budget of under $250 million. So the cuts to our budget have been extremely large. We've lost many programs, our facilities are in need of significant repair, our classrooms are overcrowded, children are overloaded to non-neighborhood schoolsâ&#x20AC;Śthe list goes on. Teachers and parents are unhappy, and the education of our children has absolutely been affected in every way. Fremont today is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. What changes have you seen in Fremont over the years? When my family moved here

over 30 years ago, Indians were a minority. Today, a typical Fremont classroom may have an Asian majority. We also have the largest Afghani population here outside of Afghanistan. So from a cultural perspective, Fremont is indeed a melting pot. What measures can be taken to minimize impact of budgets cut on k-12 education?

Education is such a cornerstone of our community in Fremont, perhaps as a result of the Asian cultures that are now prevalent here. It is one of our city's great selling points, and even props up our housing values While we must continue to seek all federal, state, and local funding for which we become eligible, we need to find ways to decrease our dependence on unpredictable state funding in particular. We can explore public-private partnerships, using our facilities to generate revenues, and other creative opportunities to raise money from local sources. Perhaps most importantly, we must make the most of the funds we do have by being disciplined about our spending. Every time we fund a program,

we should ask three questions: (1) what are the specific goals of this program? (2) how will we know it is working, and (3) when we will re-evaluate this? We have to be proactive because children only get one chance to be in first grade, or fifth or tenth or whatever. They are counting on us to provide the resources they need to achieve their maximum potential. We are proud of our schools in Fremont, and we should be, but we cannot rest on our laurels much longer. The cuts we've made will have an impact, and it will show up in our kids. Education is such a cornerstone of our community in Fremont, perhaps as a result of the Asian cultures that are now prevalent here. It is one of our city's great selling points, and even props up our housing values when the economy is weak. For so many reasons, it is imperative that we act to minimize the impact of budget cuts on our schools. How can people get involved to support you in campaign? I've been honored to receive endorsements from education leaders, community leaders, business groups, and trade organizations. At this point, I want to get the message out to as many people as possible. We would be grateful for donations of time or money, and have a number of volunteer opportunities for students and parents. I love to hear directly from people in our community, and hope people will email me personally at vote4reshma@gmail.com.

Terry elected Lion II Vice District Gov HARISH RAO

that an Indian born woman has become Vice District Governor in District 1-A. After the election, newly elected second vice district governor Terry thanked all the members. Terry's husband Austin was a Past District Governor and Current Governor of District 1-A. He and Terry are creating a new record in the history in Lionism of Chicagoland.

Terry D' Souza, newly elect Vice District Gov with her husband Austin D'Souza, Current Governor of District 1-A

Scottish Home, North Riverside, recently. Past District Governor Mike Smigielski made her nomination speech and Region Chairperson Brenda Guttierrez made seconding speech. This is the first time

Terry has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and is retired after working for 31 years as Administrator for Cook County Hospital mainly in the Departments of Psychiatry, Adult Emergency Room, Internal Medicine and Family Practice. Terry is married to Past District Governor Austin D'Souza for 32 years.

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SEF Dandiya for 10th hospital in India Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

The kids area was unique and it had strollers parking area and was for kids below age 10 and they danced to the traditional tunes. The music for the event was by Preetysha and troupe from Los Angeles. The event sound system was unique with 65000WATT and was done by Pacific Sound. The main Dandia floor was occupied by about 4500 people and they danced till the wee hours. The event was a huge success and people were open to help out for a cause way back in our homeland. SEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to the eradication of curable blindness in India. It was founded in 1998 in the Bay Area by K. Muralidharan, K. Sridharan and Ahmad Khushnood. With over 300 volunteers, SEF has major presence in several major US cities. The bulk of fundraising is achieved through fundraising events, booths in major events, advertising and working with major donors, says Mr Murali

Krishnamurthy, Executive Chairman SEF. Through these fundraising efforts, SEF, USA has played a significant role in increasing the number of free surgeries to over 140,000 in 2011. SEF's mis-

sion is to realize the goal of 20/20 vision for the people of India by the year 2020 and to open about 20 hospitals all over India and provide about 1 million eye procedures. The hospitals are operational in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Hrishikesh, Silvassa. India bears the highest burden of the world's blind, facts are 1/4th of the world's blind live in India, 45 million Indians are visually impaired, 12 million are totally blind, four million new cases are added yearly but fortunately, 80% of them can easily be cured, says SEF. These are incredibly large numbers and SEF's vision is to work towards eradicating this problem by the year 2020. SEF has a unique program to reach to the poor people in villages. Mr Krishnamurthy explains

it as, "Rural outreach implies going to the economically disadvantaged people in rural areas who need the care and education" instead of waiting for them to come to a hospital or medical institution for eye care. They take them for check up, provide them with food, leave them back in village with proper medication, surgeries and follow up with them. We have performed over 750,000 surgeries performed and about 120,000 surgeries in 2011 alone. Mr. Krishnamurthy thanked the Board of Trustees, Executive

council members and volunteers who are worked relentlessly for this cause and made the event a grand success.

Enchanting evening of Tamil movie-melodies VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service

PALO ALTO, CA: Kathamba Maalai, a Tamil light-music show fundraiser for the Concord Shiva Murugan Temple, was held on October 21 at Cubberly Auditorium, Palo Alto. The temple is hoping to raise some 4 million dollars for its new structure at its current site. The temple has completed the acquisition of two adjacent properties at 1837 2nd St. and 2609 Concord Avenue. The acquisition gives the temple a great deal of space to expand.

The temple estimates that it will be a multimillion dollar project. They have set up a building fund and the management has requested the congregation to donate for the same. They encourage the community to come forward and donate for the expansion and new temple premises. In an effort to help raise funds for this cause, the temple has partnered with IndiStage to stage a light-music show featuring some well-known and fresh local talents. IndiStage, headed by Rooben Morgan, is a theatre company dedicated to creating forums for

new voices and fresh perspectives. "So when an opportunity came up to showcase local talents and raise funds for the temple, I had to take it" says Rooben, who

The temple has partnered with IndiStage to stage a light-music show featuring some well-known and fresh local talents

is also a featured singer in the show. The show featured all time classic Tamil melodies by Ilayaraja, AR Rehman and many music directors and accepted audience requests as well. Rooben Morgan is a seasoned theatre artist in the Bay Area. His directing credits include Mahesh Dattani's 30 Days In September, Matthew Todd's Blowing Whistles, and Yusseff El-Gundi's 10 Acrobats In An Amazing Leap of Faith. This was his most extensive performance of Tamil songs on stage in the Bay Area. The team includes Ishwarya, Raja Mani and Shreyas Srinivasan.

Ishwarya is a trained exponent of Carnatic music. She has also participated and won many shows and is a season has performed for various bands in Chennai. Raja Mani is a software engineer and music is his passion. He is the founder of Tamil light music group in the Bay area named "Raagalaya". Shreyas Srinivasan is an upcoming singer who has won awards and prizes at state-level and national level school competitions in all age categories. Most recently he was part of Gapsaa, a stage production by Swaram and performed right here in the Bay area.

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INOC inducts new President of Punjab Chapter

Indian Minister Preneet Kaur graced the occasion Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

As she made her way up to the podium, an enthused audience of 500 gave her a long and thunderous applause. Shudh Prakash Singh characterized her as the most adored, admired and respected leader of Punjab and spoke of the Minister's dynamism, popularity, compassion and work with the Red Cross and disabled children which had won her numerous international awards. Ms Preneet Kaur praised the wonderful job done in short time by Mr. George Abraham and Mr. Shudh Parkash Singh and members of its National Council in putting their best foot forward in their continuing effort to establish a strong and vibrant INOC (I) organization. She also expressed satisfaction to see all Indians in America retain their pride in their homeland India and called for their continued allegiance to their newly adopted country. She recognized members of her constituency from Patiala, Punjab who were present at the event. She appealed to them to stay united and let the good work of the INOC to continue under the new leadership in enhancing the bilateral relationship between India and U.S. Guest of Honor for the occasion was Ms Grace Meng, Democratic candidate running for US Congress for 6th District, which would make her the first Asian American in the US Congress if she wins. Ms. Meng in her address promised the audience of her total commitment to the Indian American Community and vowed to continue work as friend of India just like her predecessor Gary Ackerman in the House of Repre-

sentatives if she got elected. Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, Deputy Representative to the United Nations, noted the size of the overflowing crowd and applauded INOC's effort to forge closer ties between India and US, two countries with shared ideals. Mr George Abraham noted that the Minister emphasized the important step taken by the Chairman of All India Congress Committee in reorganizing INOC (I) and thanked her for her support and

Among INOC (I)'s new announcements made were plans of a "Business Delegation" formed to go to India led by Mr. Kanwal Sra, National Treasurer, the passing of its own Constitution by Kerala Chapter under INOC (I) umbrella under the leadership of Chapter President Mr. Kalathil Varughese which is going to be a model for chapters to follow and reminder of membership campaign still current and underway. The announcement also included an

Ms Preneet Kaur praised the wonderful job done in short time by Mr. George Abraham and Mr. Shudh Parkash Singh and members of its National Council in putting their best foot forward in their continuing effort to establish a strong and vibrant INOC (I) organization guidance in the past and said it has been inspirational. He also wished Ms Grace Meng all success, recognized and thanked Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations for being present. He also thanked all members of the National Council team - Mr. Shudh Parkash Singh, Mr. Kanwal Sra, Mr. Mohinder Singh Gilzian, Mr. Phuman Singh, Mr Kalathil Varughese, Mr. Karamjit Dhaliwal and others, chapter Presidents - Dr. Dayan Naik, Mr. Daljinder Singh, Mr. Sawaran Singh, Mr. John Joseph, Juned Qazi and others; advisory committee - Mr. Harbachan Singh, Ms. Malini Shah, Mr. Mohan Wanchu, Mr. Anand Ahuja and others, public relations committee - Mr. Prasad Kambhampaty, Ms. Rekha Valliappan and all media which are voices of the community.

NRI Interface Council created under the Chairmanship of Anand Ahuja which will be soon addressing the issues of concern to the Diaspora as well. Honorees for the evening - Mr. Surinder Singh Chawla, Mr. Rajeev Bhambri and Dr. Sukhvinder Ranu - were recognized at the podium and received citations. Mr. Sawaran Singh, INOC (I) Haryana Chapter President introduced Mr. Surinder Singh Chawla, former Nassau County Commissioner on Human Rights and Chairman of the oldest Sikh Temple on Long Island in Plainview. Dr. Dayan Anand Nayak, INOC (I) Karnataka Chapter President introduced Mr. Rajeev Bhambri, media industry veteran and Chief Operating Officer of newspaper publication India Abroad. Mr. Prasad Kambhampaty INOC (I) Public Relations Committee introduced Dr.

Sukhvinder Ranu, physician by profession, Associate Director of Neonatology, Board Member of AAPI-QLI (American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Queens and Long Island) and President of IALI (India Association of Long island), one of the largest organizations representing Indians on Long Island. Mr. Shudh Parkash Singh recognized many other distinguished guests - Mr. Sudhir Vaishnav, Mr. Lal Motwani, Ms. Indu Jaiswal, Mr. Prakash Swamy, Mr. George Stanley, Mr. Gobind Munjal, Mr. Prem Bhandari, Mr. Peter Bheddah and others for being present. Among sponsors recognized were Mr. Justin Smith, Prestige Hospitality

Group, Mr. Harbans Singh Dhillon, Mr. Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Mr. K.K. Sharma and others. Among the community and business leaders present were Mr. Zach Thomas, Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Mr. Harendra Singh, Mr. Ravi Batra, Mr. Atul Kumria, Mr. Andy Mansukhani, Dr. Kishore Kuncham and many others. Ms. Sandy K. Walia, was the energized Emcee for the evening who concluded with the eagerly awaited announcement of the vigorous and colorful dance performance by the Bhangra Team of New York. Mr Harbachan Singh delivered the vote of thanks and brought the function to a fitting close before dinner.

Navratri celebrated with traditional fervor Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

A number of younger generation participants that this correspondent spoke to were apprehensive. Rohit Pandya, a 10th grader who participated in Peter Kothari's event, said, "though I do not know too much about Goddess Durga but have heard from parents, I can say that she is Goddess of strength and fights the evil and since then I have started respecting Her. We are here to uplift our tradition and our god and goddesses give us inner strength to fight today's world which has so much violence." Peter Kothari's Garbas, organized under the Indo American Religious and Cultural Center, are well

known not only for their scintillating music and performance but also for the elaborate arrangements. A large number of devotees of Amba Mataji also had flocked to the Gayatri Chetna Centre because the Raas and Garba there was totally devoted to Mataji and had no Bollywood angle. The songs were purely traditional and the boys and girls, men and women were dressed in their traditional best as a respect to Mataji. During the Navratri celebration, which spread across several weekends, Indians are at their best with high wattage music, pulsating crowds and months of preparation. For nine nights the singers from India and the local population would put the Virgin star to shame.

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Education cornerstone of economy: Teresa Cox Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

I excelled in school. In 1985, I graduated from Northwestern University in Chicago as the first African-American female to earn a degree in Nuclear Engineering in the United States. In 1988, I completed my MBA Degree from the University of Rochester's Simon Graduate School of Business Administration. As a result of my upbringing, I have spent my career focused on education, community service, and economic development. I have also served on the board of the San Francisco chapter of the Thurgood Marshall College Scholarship Fund and Stanford's Lucille Packard Children's Hospital Neonatal Advisory Board. In addition to my role at Ohlone College, I have the following roles in our community: I am the proud mother of two children, a daughter and a son. I worked at the White House during the Clinton administration, where I coordinated White House events strengthening community relations with constituent groups, facilitated public policy briefings for Presidential business forums

ommendations to the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) regarding trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements affecting small and minority business; and perform such other advisory functions relevant to U.S. trade policy as may be requested by the Secretary and the USTR or their designees. In 2012, I was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson to serve as one of the members of the U.S. District Export Council (DEC) representing Northern California. I serve in numerous trade promotion activities with the U.S. Department of Commerce and foreign government officials. I assist small and medium sized businesses that are interested in exporting and help to address international trade issues. I am the first African American Commissioner for the Economic Development Advisory Commission for the City of Fremont where I chaired this commission in 20082009. I served as a member of the Fremont Delegation to China and visited the new Ohlone College

I am the first African American Commissioner for the Economic Development Advisory Commission for the City of Fremont where I chaired this commission in 2008-2009. I served as a member of the Fremont Delegation to China and organized Presidential delegations and appointments. In 2010, I was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and the United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk to serve during the 2010-14 charter term on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Small and Minority Business (ITAC 11). I work with the other members of ITAC 11 to provide trade policy and rec-

in Suzhou, China in 2008. You were first African American woman to get a BS in nuclear engineering in the United States from prestigious Northwestern University. What attracted you to that field? I excelled in math and science. When I was accepted to Northwestern University, I enjoyed the world class education and decided to pursue a degree in engi-

neering. At that time, I selected nuclear engineering to study because the professors gave the hands on approach and worked with Commonwealth Edison

I am running to provide access to a great education, good training and job opportunities. I am running to continue to fight for students and teachers to sustain a world-class community college nuclear power plants to do some of the experiments. I also used my Radiation Physics coursework to help me understand cancer patient treatments when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. You have served in many different industries and domains. What do you think is need of the hour for our country to get back on education growth track? Education is the cornerstone of our economy. The College must provide added value to the community to make a difference in the following ways: a. Provide equal learning opportunities for all. It is important to provide the best curriculum for transfer to 4-year college, for better training for continuous improvement in the workforce, and focus on latest technology trends that will promote healthy economy growth, i.e. green technology. b. Promote diversity and culture awareness in the community. We must recruit, retain, mentor, and provide scholarships to those underserved, underrepresented, and disadvantaged students. Also recruit and retain our faculty and administration that represents the local community. c. Collaborate with public and

private partnerships to generate educational opportunities and provide the latest education trends in our community. It will also allow the opportunity to gain key skills in our workforce talent. For past four years you are on board of Ohlone College. Can you share some of the activities you perform? Any key accomplishments? As you know, I've had the honor of representing my community over the past four years as a board member of the Ohlone College Board of Trustees. I am running to provide access to a great education, good training and job opportunities. I am running to continue to fight for students and teachers to sustain a world-class community college. The past four years have been busy. I along with other board members have helped to save the college by preserving its accreditation, passed $349 M Measure G, a bond measure that allows us to repair old facilities and create classrooms equipped to train students on cutting edge issues to prepare them for the new economy

panels to generate 2 Mega-watts of power and saved the college approximately $400,000 per year. The board will monitor the progress on the solar panel projects to ensure cost savings are achieved. To generate additional cash flow for the College during these economic downturns, I along with the Board of Trustees will move toward developing our frontage property along Mission Blvd that also create opportunities for small businesses. What are key priorities you would like to accomplish in your next tenure at Ohlone College Board? A: The three priorities are: 1. Prepare for our accreditation to maintaining quality of education. 2. Continual sustainability for our fiscal situation due to declining California budget. 3. Keep Measure G- $349M bond projects moving forward to repair old facilities and create classrooms equipped to train students on cutting edge issues to prepare them for the new economy and create economic development opportunities for small businesses. How can people help and support in your reelection bid? The community can help by

Serving as one of the board members along with top talented faculty has helped Ohlone earn "Top Five" honors of all community colleges in the state. The board will be making decisions to ensure that Ohlone College will be the job creator and economic development opportunities for small businesses. Serving as one of the board members along with top talented faculty, has helped Ohlone earn "Top Five" honors of all community colleges in the state. The board will be making decisions to ensure that Ohlone College will be the job creator in our community and promote opportunities for small businesses. The Board approved the solar

supporting me as well as my fellow board member Greg Bonaccorsi and newcomer Kevin Bistrow to keep Ohlone the top rated college in our community. To help with my re-election bid, my campaign always needs volunteers and donors. Please visit my website at www.ElectTeresaCox.com to volunteer, contribute, attend the upcoming events, and campaign updates.

Durga-Puja in Bhutan welcomed NAND KAPUR

CHICAGO: Indian Americans across Chicgoland and USA have welcomed the news that the Bhutan Government has decided to extend its support for the annual nine-day Durga Puja celebrations in the capital and largest city Thimpu till October 24. According to reports, a team of seven Brahmins lead by Dr. Puspala Nirola is reciting from various Hindu scrip-

tures including Durga Saptasati, Bhagwat Mahapuran, Vedas, etc. during this festival. Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism and Madhu Patel , president NRI Press Club in Chicago have described this as a step in right direction as both the religions have their origin in Indian peninsula. Last October, ground-breaking ceremony was conducted for

the government supported first permanent Hindu temple of Thimpu by Chief Abbot His Holiness the Je Khenpo. It was attended among others by national assembly speaker, opposition leader, cabinet ministers, national council chairperson, parliament members, business community and pundits. Construction work for this temple on 2.53acre government land, already

approved by the Cabinet, will take two years, reports suggested. Although a deeply Buddhist country with Vajrayana Buddhism as state religion, in principle there is freedom of religion in Bhutan. There are estimated 10,000 Hindus in Thimphu. Remote, landlocked, nestling in the Himalayas and a constitutional monarchy, Kingdom of

Bhutan was rated by Business Week magazine as the happiest country in Asia. In "Land of the Thunder Dragon" Bhutan, inhabited since about 2000 BCE; national dress is compulsory - gho for men and kira for women - "Gross National Happiness" is promoted, protective giant penises are painted on many houses, and buying cigarettes is illegal.

November 2, 2012

Community Across America

India Post 27

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Gill poised to upset McNerney, says Rothenberg India Post News Service

"Antioch is facing tough times, and we need a change in leadership to address the serious challenges we face," said Kalinowski, a longtime law enforcement officer and Antioch resident who has served 12 years on the Council. "I know Ricky will be a strong advocate for Antioch when it comes to public safety, education, and economic development. I'm proud to endorse

STOCKTON, CA: Leading political observer Stuart Rothenberg has concluded in Roll Call that Congressional candidate Ricky Gill (RLodi) is poised to upset three-term incumbent Jerry McNerney (DPleasanton). "Insiders on both sides of the aisle agree that Gill has become a serious threat to McNerney," Rothenberg writes in an article titled "Looking for House Up- ‘I'm honored to have sets? Take a Look at These." Brian's support as we Listing California's 9th Disenter the final weeks of trict as the top prospect for an upset, Rothenberg notes that, this important election’ while numbers indicate the race is competitive, Gill's opponents are him, and I look forward to working nonetheless "scratching their with him in the future." "I'm honored to have Brian's supheads in disbelief over the developport as we enter the final weeks of ment." A recent poll found that Gill was this important election," said Gill. leading McNerney by a margin of "Antioch and communities across one point with nine percent of vot- the 9th District need a new generation of leadership to fight for public ers undecided. safety, job growth and educational Endorsed by Democrat Meanwhile, Ricky Gill has earned achievement. I look forward to workthe endorsement of Antioch City ing with Brian and other leaders in Council Member Brian Kalinowski, Contra Costa County to tackle these a Contra Costa County Sheriff's challenges and give our communiLieutenant and registered Democrat. ties the fresh start they deserve."

Wells Fargo offers free credit scores India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: Consumers' credit profiles affect their ability to borrow and the interest rates they'll pay. And lenders aren't the only people who use credit scores to make decisions - many insurance companies, cell phone providers and landlords, do too. To help customers know where their credit stands and how to better manage their credit, Wells Fargo has launched initiatives to encourage consumers to take charge of their credit situations: Free Credit Score. Wells Fargo is offering a free credit score for every Wells Fargo consumer customers through Nov. 15, 2012. According to Experian, the average credit score in the Bay Area is 783 and the average debt is $23,888. Credit Education Sessions. In support of the American Bankers Association's Get Smart About Credit day and monthlong campaign, Wells Fargo will offer more than 100 financial education sessions throughout the Bay Area. "In order for our customers to

reach their financial goals, knowing how to use credit is essential," said Mike Billeci, president of Wells Fargo's San Francisco Bay region. "We want our customers to feel empowered to take charge of their credit. By providing them access to a free credit score and informa-

Wells Fargo is offering a free credit score for every Wells Fargo consumer customers through Nov. 15, 2012 tion, we can help them do just that." "We want to share credit and money management tactics that can help the community succeed financially," said Jim Foley, president of Wells Fargo's Greater Bay Area region. "Through financial education sessions, we will teach people how to strengthen their credit and to plan for their financial futures." Free Credit Score From Oct. 1 through Nov. 15, 2012, all Wells Fargo consumer cus-

tomers have complimentary, noobligation access to their credit score and credit report. Customers can take part in this program by visiting a store and obtaining a unique access code from a Wells Fargo banker. Typically, if consumers wish to check their credit score, they either pay a flat fee or they sign up for a service such as credit monitoring or identity theft protection and pay a monthly fee. Get Smart About Credit In support of the American Bankers Association Education Foundation's 10th annual National Get Smart About Credit day on Oct. 18, 2012, Wells Fargo launched a month-long campaign to reach out to communities across the country and talk about the importance of credit and how to use it responsibly. Team members will use the curriculum from Hands on Banking®/El Futuro En Tus Manos® to talk with young adults about the importance of managing their credit and using it wisely to reach their financial goals. The company has set a national volunteerism goal of 60,000 hours.

TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS

1 Gustakh Dil: English Vinglish 2 Aashiyan: Barfi! 3 Phir Le Aya Dil: Barfi! 4 Barfi!: Barfi! 5 Badla Nazara: English Vinglish 28

India Post

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November 2, 2012

6 Radha: Student Of The Year

7 Navrai Majhi: English Vinglish unny Leone, who created a lot of stir with her de 8 The Disco: Student Of The Year but in Jism 2, has signed a 3 film deal with Alumbra En9 Tujhpe Fida: Heroine tertainment (the makers of 10 Saiyaan: Ishkq in Paris Bhoot Returns). Sunny will film the first among the films in the second quarter of 2013 and the rest of them will be shot later, one after the other and released after Sunny's second film Ragini MMS 2.

A spokesperson for Alumbra confirmed the development. Alumbra Entertainment is producing a series of films which started with the release of Bhoot Returns followed by Ab Tak Chhappan 2 in November, Warning by Anubhav Sinha in December, and RGV's film on the 26/11 attacks which will be releasing on Republic Day in 2013. Alumbra Entertainment also has Singh Saab The Great directed by Anil Sharma which is expected to go on the floors by the end of the year.

he Punjabi munda composed and lent his voice to Paani da in Vicky Donor and created the desired ripples in Bollywood. But will his singing prowess overshadow his acting skills? Ayushmann Khurrana never knew that his musical talents would be appreciated so much in B-town that his song Paani da, one that he composed during his college days, would be nominated for the Global Indian Music Awards (GIMA). But it was! And thanks to this, AK will have two more songs to his credit in Rohan Sippy's Nautanki Saala. "Ayushmann is not a regular singer and hence there is a novelty in his voice," producer Bhushan Kumar of NS said.

n n a m Ayush ? R E G N I S

ife can't get better for Priyanka Chopra. 2012 has indeed been a year that she will remember forever. While on one hand, her film Barfi! has not just proved to be a smash hit and won her critical acclaim for her performance, but also has become India's official entry to the Oscars, on the other, she has released her first international single 'In My City'. Well, if that wasn't enough, she has now been signed up for YRF's Gunday, that's being directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and stars Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor. With her signing the dotted line, the strong rumours that Katrina was being considered 'strongly' for the role can now be put to rest! Talking about the film, Ali said that the film will be completely shot in Kolkata and that it's a period film set in 1971 to 1988. He also added that the lead actors Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh will be seen as Bengalis in this 'not a love triangle' film.

PRIYANKA'S

Gunday

Bollywood

November 2, 2012

India Post 29

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JUST

FRIENDS T

he Aiyyaa actor frequently sends across strong signals of her 'close' association with the Chopras. That Rani Mukerji has been spending quality time with the Chopras, especially Aditya Chopra, is known to all. So it didn't come as a surprise when Ms Mukerji went out of her way to be the perfectâ&#x20AC;Śerrâ&#x20AC;Ś'good friend' and cancelled all media events and theatre visits to gauge the response to her latest film Aiyyaa just to be by the side of speculatedly soon-to-be father in law Yash Chopra. The veteran director-producer has been in hospital recovering from an attack of dengue, with his wife Pamela Chopra, sons Uday Chopra and Aditya in attendance, along with the oh-so-supportive Ms Mukerji! You don't do so much for 'just' friends - na, Rani? There's something definitely odd about the man in Rani's life. More so after her latest release Aiyyaa, which told the story of Meenakshi (Rani), who desperately wants to marry her dream man. But the outspoken actor recently made it clear that she's single in real life. When she was poked about her close proximity to the media-shy director and asked whether they are married as per some of the media buzz, she said, "As far as my marriage with Aditya is concerned, I can only say - Main toh abhi kunwari hoon.

ajal Agarwal is cementing her position in Bollywood. On the Bollywood front, grapevine has it that the actor has given feelers to makers that she wishes to be cast opposite the young brigade (read Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor). Recently, there was news that Kajal turned down a film opposite Govinda, understandably a has-been. Rubbishing these reports she says, "I turned down the film with Govinda simply because I have too much to handle. And I didn't have any dates to commit to them. I think it's really stupid to suggest that I want to act with younger actors because I started with Ajay Devgn and now I am doing a film with Akshay Kumar". If her fans are looking for a glamourised Kajal in B-town, they may have to wait. She is playing yet another simpleton in Neeraj Pandey's film. "I am playing a school teacher in the film. It is very 80s style and she is a very simple girl. And my character is not so bubbly like in Singham, it is more mature," she adds. Quiz her about turning down roles over the nobikini policy in B-town and she is quick to retort. "I have declined a few offers but that was because there were no dates. But, I have always maintained the no-bikini rule even in Tamil and Telugu," says Kajal.

SIMPLETON

KAJAL

BIHARI

ENGLISH

peaking fluent English is not only a big deal for a Maharashtrian housewife as shown in Gauri Shinde's English Vinglish. The film's message of overcoming a linguistic barrier has gripped Bihar's collegegoing Dalit girls who are rooting for Sridevi in English Vinglish in the way cricket lovers cheered Aamir Khan in Lagaan. Girls en masse from various colleges in Patna and neighbouring towns of Bihar have watched the film and are motivated into improving their spoken English. Delighted by the turn of events, English Vinglish producer R Balki said, "That our film has influenced a section of the audience to improve its language is awesome. English Vinglish is not just about learning English. It's about the determination that the lack of a familiarity will not stop people's aspirations and dreams from growing." Adds Sridevi, "To see our film make such an impact makes me happier about its success. This is the real success of English Vinglish."

30 India Post

STORY OF 'KING OF ROMANCE' COMES TO AN END MUMBAI: Legendary filmmaker, Yash Chopra, also known as the 'King of Romance', who succumbed to dengue and multiple organ failure on October 21, was cremated here amid a large presence of Bollywood personalities. The thespian had turned 80 on September 27 this year and was busy preparing for the release of his last directorial venture 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' starring Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma. The filmmaker's body, covered with white flowers had been kept on stage number 3 of the Yash Raj Films studio

RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service

arjeet Mehndi is a famous international singer. He has made his identity as an accomplished singer just as his brothers Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh. He started his singing career with the album 'Nach Punjaban Nach'. He will be per-

www.indiapos

November 2, 2012

Jagjit Singh's ghazals inspired me. I started singing in multiple languages. I sing in Hindi, Farsi, Telugu, Gujarati and Punjabi. I sing for many different events and styles. Some of them are Pop, Bhangra, Sufi style, Quawalis, Jagaran, Bhajans and Ghazals. Tell us about your stage performances I started my performance with Bappi Lahiri and Manna Dey when I was 11 years

Harjeet Mehndi being interviewed by Ritu Maheshwari

since morning for people to come and pay homage. A huge black and white photo of the director was also there with several candles lit around it. Son Aditya, Uday and actress Rani Mukerji were seen standing in front of the stage with moist eyes, while the family members and those from film fraternity were seen sitting behind. A string of celebrities were seen entering the studio from both the front and back gates, guarded by policemen and security personnel owing to the large number of fans that had gathered outside. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 33

forming in Diwali Mela organized by FIA and Fremont Hindu Temple on October 27 at Alameda Fair Grounds. In this interview, Harjeet talked about his upcoming performance in the Mela and his singing career. Tell us about your childhood Harjeet: My father was a Zamindar and had huge farms and orchards. We started learning music as hobby to sing bhajans. I got introduced to world of music early on and practiced Tabla with my father and uncle Professor Ranjeet Singh. I was not too much into sports. I loved to dance. I am happy that I could learn music at very early age. How did you get into singing? Who was your inspiration? My elder brother Daler Mehndi is my idol. I have learnt singing and stage performance from him. I used to play Tabla with him. After coming here, I could not find company for Tabla performances so I started singing.

old. I have performed with Jagjit Singh, Anoop Jalota, Mehndi Hasan and Ghulam Ali saheb. I have performed with many great singers and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Tell us about your upcoming performance in Diwali Mela I am looking forward to Diwali Mela. I will sing the best and popular songs. We'll have dance and lot of fun and Masti. I will make the program very interactive and people will love it. I am very excited about it.

What changes have you seen in the world of music over years? There have been many changes. I like change. It allows singers and listeners to innovate and perform better. This change produces new styles and creative masterpieces. However, changes should be for good. We should make sure that the roots and foundations of music and culture are left intact. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 33

November 2, 2012

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Moghul-o-mania in Chicago fashions

ASIAN MEDIA USA

CHICAGO: Sahil and Bhavesh Patel may soon become a synonym for organizing unique and memorable fashion shows in Chicagoland. The one held on Saturday, October 13 at Rosemont Convention Center was a class by

itself and has turned out to be an affair to remember. The theme of the Fashion Show was Moghul Royalty and it had rare collections depicting the Mogul era dresses for brides and bridegrooms. The royal fashion show produced by Sahil featuring the Royal Bride Collection by

Umang Hutheesing, was a part of the fundraiser that Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services had organized for its various humanitarian activities primarily in the area of health and medicine. It was a celebration of two decades of existence and it was emceed by none other than Comedian Khaleel Farooqui who excelled in his depiction of fashion show themes, artists and participants. The evening was also high-

Sahil presented two unique collections; a 2013 collection designed exclusively for Sahil by Shefali Hedge and feature collection by Umang Hutheesing. The theme fashion show was of Jaipur, Rajasthan lighted with wonderful, live music from Singer Amanat Ali, and an extremely entertaining live auction presented by Michael Espe of Zaffarano Auctioneers. For 200 years a single family has dominated India known to history as The Great Moghuls. Sahil Exclusive presented "Moghul Royalty" - an evening to come and

Bhavesh, one of the organizers, with Fashion Show participants

join their royal court, view the elegant styles and experience Moghul Royalty. Sahil presented two unique collections; a 2013 collection designed exclusively for Sahil by Shefali Hedge and feature collection by Umang Hutheesing. The theme fashion show was of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Saahil Exclusive has the best and largest selection of Indian clothing and women's bridal wear. The nicest looking Indian store on Devon, Sahil carries the latest fashions in men and women's Indian clothing besides beautiful collection of Indo Western Sherwanis, according to Bhavesh Patel "The saris here

had a "wow" factor. The price also had a "wow" factor. The associates are really helpful and friendly," he added Bhavesh Patel thanked all who helped successful fruition of the Shoe-Designer: Umang Hutheesing; Designer: Shefali Hegde, Runway Producer: Pranav Tailor; Stage Design: Dream Occasions; Models: Factor Model Management, Megha Rao, Puja Bhagwaker & Ruchi Ray; Makeup Artist: Candace Corey and team; Dance: Kalapriya Dance Company with special thanks to Pranita Jain and Priya Narayan. Music: DJ Sohbash; Photo/Video Team: Studio Seven

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November 2, 2012 www.indiapost.com

Book on Lip Forensics released at NY Fair India Post News Service

NEW YORK: "Lip Forensics" authored by renowned Indian forensic scientist Padma Bhushan Prof Dr P. Chandra Sekharan was released at Seventh NY Book Fair Expo held at Queens Museum of Art (QMA) recently. Authors, books, live music and a reception were at the center of the Seventh Annual Book Fair, celebrating the release of the book Languages of New York, as well as the talent of local and international writers. The New York Book Fair, established in 2005 by Jacqueline Donado has been held annually at The Queens Museum of Art. Due to the Book Fair's success and continued efforts to bridge the literary world and urban communities, the event has established venues across the city and the country. The book describes sight recognition technique to identify criminals, especially terrorists, to be learnt by police and public. Prof. Chandra Sekharan is the only author from India to participate in the New York Book Fair this year. "A careful glimpse of the lips instantly tells us the mood of the individual. The lips are the most expressive and the most mobile, or flexible facial feature, but in its normal relaxed state, it can be described quite accurately. Since the tendency is to watch the lips of another when he or she speaks, sight recognition of the lips should have a more lasting impression and the witness will be able to describe the lips better than any other facial feature. Thus the description of lips becomes an im-

India Post News Service

PRAHOVA, Romania: A r t Museum at Ploiesti here opened a vibrant art exhibit "Indian Traditions" on 17th Oct showcasing 25 brilliant artworks of Ms Kiran Soni Gupta amidst a huge gathering of artistes, art lovers of Romania. The exhibition will continue till 10th Nov. The show was inaugurated by Ms M Animekalai, Ambassador of India in Romania. Mr. Florin Sicoie the Director of the Museum presided over the function. Artist bureaucrat Kiran Soni Gupta got a roaring response from the people of Romania. Ms Manimekalai highly appreciated the show and commended the exceptional quality of an administrative officer to weave her work experiences into visual delights. She said that it is a great step towards meeting of two great cultures and building greater understanding. She outlined the need of more cultural activities to forge relationships be-

Prof P Chandrasekharan, left, with Jacqueline Donado founder of NY Book Fair Expo and John Joseph, committee member of New York Tamil Sangam

portant aspect in facial recognition and identification," said Prof. P.Chandra Sekharan. The macrostructure, the size of the lips, the shape of the oral fissure, upper and lower vermillion borders and protrusion of lips are age stable and environmental stable. Therefore the classification system of macrostructure can be potentially used for the processes of personal appearance identification, he said. "In one of the sensational cases investigated by the Q-branch police of the state of Tamil Nadu the system developed in this work has already been successfully put into use in identifying a terrorist-suspect as per the description of the lips given by the witnesses," he said. "The audiovisual unit attached to the Anna University, Chennai with the financial assistance from University Grant Commission, New Delhi produced two TV protween different countries. Mr. Florin Sicoie the Director of the Museum also applauded the artworks and was all praise for the artist to keep her creativity alive and having the ability to communicate through vi-

grams on Forensic Cheiloscopy to inculcate awareness of public participation in crime investigation and to stress the importance of

"In one of the sensational cases investigated by the Qbranch police of the state of Tamil Nadu the system developed in this work has already been successfully put into use in identifying a terrorist-suspectâ&#x20AC;? sight recognition of lips in terrorists' activities," he added. "Prof P. Chandra Sekharan, an international celebrity in Forensic Science, has established for the

first time a comprehensive classification system for the micro and macro structural pattern of lips," said Jacqueline Donado introducing the author from India. The author has developed a universally applicable language to obviate the difficulty in using proper terminology by the witnesses and the inability of the investigating police to understand what the witnesses speak. The terminology developed by the author could easily be used by the witnesses and could easily be understood by the investigating police." "This book, besides being useful to the researchers and scientists, shall serve as a hand book to all investigating police officers and a useful guide to all men and women who are interested in combating crime by helping the police investigator and in propagating as well the concept of public participation in crime investigation," she added. Prof. Chandra Sekharan who has been invited as a special guest of International Conference on Forensic Research and Technology in Chicago between Oct 15 and 17 is also giving a seminar on "Lip Forensics for identification of criminals" to international scientists and forensic experts from different parts of the world. Professor Chandra Sekharan's Tamil book "Kalavu Pona En Kadavulum, Kanal Pona En Kathaliyum' (Stolen God and missing girl friend) was released at a function organized by New York Tamil Sangam in New York. John Joseph, committee member welcomed the gathering and the first

copy of the book was received by Thenmozhi Gajendran and Sankalp Shettar, son of Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar. A Professor Emeritus of Dr Ambedkar Law University, Chennai and Visiting Professor, National Law School of India University [NLSIU], Bangalore, Chandra Sekharan has also served as Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director-Professor, Centre for Forensic Sciences, National Law University at Jodhpur. He was awarded Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for his investigations in forensic science. He was also Professor-Director, Forensic Sciences Department of Government of Tamil Nadu; UGC Professor, Faculty of Forensic Engineering, Anna University; UGC Emeritus Fellow of University of Madras and Professor of Forensic Sciences at NLSIU, Bangalore. The scientist provided scientific evidence in more than a 100,000 cases and some of the world-class cases include identification of killers in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case; identification of Nataraja idols in Pathur Nataraja Case at Royal High Court in London; document forgery case at Malaysian High Court, Kuala Lumpur; cases of suspected signature forgery in High Court, Singapore; facsimile (Fax) forgery appeared as prosecution witness, Singapore Courts; signature forgery case Colombo High Court; auto Shankar multiple murder case and several drug murder cases. Advised, assisted and trained personnel for the establishment of National Forensic Science Laboratory, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Kiran show appreciated in Romania

The art exhibit captures the Indian traditions in abstraction drawing an onlooker to the beauty of the colors of the desert state and people sual arts. Mr Valter Parachivescu curator of the art exhibit "Indian Traditions" expressed satisfaction on this very successful show. For the artist it was a dream come true and she was of the view that art diplomacy can play a big role in making nations come together. The art exhibit captures the In-

Indian Ambassador to Romania Ms M Manikmekalai, Artist Kiran Soni Gupta and Director of Art Musuem Mr Florin Sicoie

dian traditions in abstraction drawing an onlooker to the beauty of the colors of the desert state and people. The highlights of the exhibit are the masterpieces of con-

temporary artworks in abstract form. This collection is a departure from her previous work which was largely realistic. This style gives her more leeway for imagi-

nation and expression as she says. These abstracts are largely based on live patterns of rural Rajasthan. They have been done predominantly in oils on canvas.

November 2, 2012

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Story of 'King of Romance' comes to an end Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

Among biggies who turned up at the studio included Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Shahrukh Khan, Vidya Balan, Shahid with father Pankaj Kapoor and mother Supriya Pathak, Parineeti Chopra, Sridevi with husband Boney Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Kajol with mother Tanuja and sister Tannisha, Tabu, Kabir Khan with wife Mini, Prem Chopra, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vipul Shah, Abbas Mastan, Ramesh Sippy, Gulzar, Subhash Ghai, Shyam Benegal, Saroj Khan, David Dhawan, Resul Pukkotty, Imran Khan and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, son Ranbir, Randhir Kapoor, Archana Puran Singh and husband Parmeet Sethi, Punit Malhotra and Varun Dhawan were also seen offering

Waqt

John Abraham, Manish Malhotra, Priyanka Chopra, Sonu Nigam, Amitabh Bachchan with son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai visited the studio. Chopra, who gave several memorable films to Indian cinema like 'Waqt', 'Deewar', 'Silsila','Dil Toh Pagal Hai', 'Veer Zaara', anChopra, who gave sev- nounced that he was retiring eral memorable films to from direction in a conversation with Shah Rukh on 27 SeptemIndian cinema like ber, his 80th birthday. 'Waqt', 'Deewar', The director had said that 'Silsila','Dil Toh Pagal 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan', starring SRK, Katrina Kaif and Anushka Hai', 'Veer Zaara', anSharma, was his last film as a nounced that he was director. The film is slated to reretiring from direction in lease on November 13. a conversation with Shah A song from the film was to shot in Switzerland on a Rukh on 27 September, be grand level but after Chopra his 80th birthday was hospitalized, the trip to Switzerland with the lead actors tributes to the 'King of Romance'. had to be cancelled. Chopra's body was brought Chopra also talked about his from Lilavati hospital to his resi- journey in cinema at the Yash Raj dence in Juhu and then taken to Studios on his birthday. the YRF studio of which he is the Born on September 27, 1932 in founder. Lahore, he was the youngest of His last public appearance was eight children, one of whom was at Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birth- elder brother B R Chopra who beday bash on October 11 with wife came a director and producer. He Pamela. came to Mumbai with Rs 200 in The previous night, a host of his pocket and his mother's blesscelebrities including Salman Khan, ings to make a mark in films.

Singing to give happiness Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 30

Do not give up or despair. Keep practicing and trying. Keep yourself open for new experiences. What difference do you find between live performance and recordings? While in recording we pay lot of focus on give perfect singing performance. Engaging the audience and making it interactive is key during live performances. I personally prefer live performances to recordings as they are lot more fun. What are your upcoming projects? I have many interesting upcoming projects. We have a family

movie being produced by Daler Mehndi's son. This comedy movie 'Meri bhi Shaadi Karvao' has a couple of songs by me. I am also working on my latest album to be launched soon. It will have Hindi, Sufi and Punjabi songs. I am also working on couple of more movies. What advice will you give to young aspirants? What can they do to be successful? Be happy and give happiness to others. Parents should support young kids to learn our culture. I wish all a very happy Diwali. How can people reach you? You can always reach me at www.harjeetmehndi.com.

Deewar

Chopra started his journey in the film industry as an assistant to IS Johar and then with his brother. With his brother's production house he made his directorial debut in 1959 with 'Dhool Ka Phool' and directed iconic films like 'Dharamputra', 'Waqt' and 'Ittefaq'. In 1973, he set up his own production company Yash Raj Films under which he made 'Daag'. Then

he went on to make intense and action packed films like 'Deewar', 'Trishul', 'Kaala Patthar', 'Mashaal', 'Vijay'. The filmmaker was among the first to have an ensemble cast in his films. Known for making larger than life multi-starrer films, Yash Chopra had been instrumental in shaping the careers of Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

Veer Zaara

'Waqt', 'Daag', 'Kabhi Kabhie', 'Trishul', 'Silsila', 'Chandni', 'Lamhe', 'Darr', 'Veer Zaara' are some of his works that created ripples in the industry. With the demise of Chopra, an era has come to an end - those times that glorified the beauty of Kashmir, the peaks of Switzerland and the rustic landscape of Punjab.-PTI

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November 2, 2012

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he temple city of Konark is situated in the eastern state of Orissa at a distance of around 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri. Best time to visit: Being close the sea, the climate of Konark is never very harsh. With greenery surrounding the place, rainfall is heavy. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March; however, one can go there throughout the year. History: Myths and legends are an integral part of most of the Indian temples and the Sun Temple of Konark is no exception. Crowned as the Black Pagoda, this 13th-century temple is said to be related to Lord Krishna. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father's curse on him. After 12 years of

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penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honor he built this temple. However, history relates that Konark was actually built by Narsinhadeva I of

November 2, 2012

Tourist attractions: The UNESCO has listed the Sun Temple as a World Heritage Site. The structure of the temple resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled

Crowned as the Black Pagoda, this 13th-century temple is said to be related to Lord Krishna. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father's curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honor he built this temple Ganga dynasty in the 13th century AD on his victory over the Mughals. The temple fell into disuse in the early 17th century after it was desecrated by an envoy of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

by seven straining horses, and has a threetiered pyramidal roof topped off by a fine spire. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 38

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November 2, 2012

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Water sports delay leaves Goa Tadoba Tiger Reserve to tourists disappointed reopen for tourists PANAJI: With the setting in of the Dussehra holidays, Indian tourists are flocking to Goan beaches hoping to have some fun. But their hopes were dissolved due to the near total absence of water sports activities on the state's shoreline. Water sports activities have not commenced despite the season beginning in the first week of October since the authorities are yet to issue licenses to operators for this tourism season. The thousands of tourists who have come with their families were disappointed as they missed out on water sports activities. Youth and children were dejected. And water sports operators, too, claimed that they have suffered losses over the last one month. Normally, water sports activities commence around the end of September. The state government recently formulated a policy to keep a check on erring water sports operators on its coastline including enforcing a queue system following an order by the Bombay high court at Goa and has begun the process of moving files for issu-

ing licenses. This was done mainly to curb touts, undercutting of prices by rival operators and prevent accidents. The water sports association de Goa met captain of ports officials urging them to expedite the process of issuing licenses. Vary-

"Tourism department officials are thickskinned. They have been delaying issuing licenses to water sports operators. They don't seem to be concerned” ing estimates put the number of water sports operators at over 400, each having several registrations for different types of water sports activities. Also, several operators function without any licenses, sources said. "Usually, we start business by September-end or in the first

week of October. This year, due to circumstances, including the matter being in court and the formulation of the water sports policy, we are going to start our business almost a month behind schedule," said Paul Silveira, president, Water Sports Association de Goa. Pointed out that some operators had already begun water sports activities without permission from the government, Silveira replied, "One can't really blame them. They've taken bank loans, paid insurance policies, are paying staff salaries, besides other overheads. Water sports operators have already suffered losses due to the delay." Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said, "Tourism department officials are thick-skinned. They have been delaying issuing licenses to water sports operators. They don't seem to be concerned about difficulties faced by water sports operators because of the delay in issuing licenses which has affected the livelihood of the people. Tourists have been deprived of enjoying water sports in Goa."

Rehabilitating tribals living near tiger areas

Tiger at the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.

NEW DELHI: After laying down rules for regulating tourism in critical tiger habitats, the Centre has now suggested a rehabilitation program for tribals living around them to save the endangered animal from traditional hunting. "There is an urgent need to launch a rehabilitation and development program for denotified tribes and tribes involved in traditional hunting, living around tiger reserves and tiger corridors," say the fresh guidelines on tiger conservation notified by the Centre. According to the Environment

Ministry, the denotified tribes and communities like Behelias, Ambalgars, Badaks, Mongias,

Yenadis, Chakma, Mizo, Bru, Solung and Nyishi are involved in traditional hunting of wild animals. "While this list is not exhaustive, around 5,000 such families are required to be taken up under a welfare program (forming part of National Tiger Conservation Authority initiatives) during the (12th) Plan period," it says. The Guideline underlines that the rehabilitation and welfare package should be evolved in a site specific, consultative manner with livelihood options. The livelihood options include wages for such people towards their deployment in foot patrolling for protecting wildlife, providing agricultural land with irrigation,

“There is an urgent need to launch a rehabilitation and development program for denotified tribes and tribes involved in traditional hunting, living around tiger reserves and tiger corridors” Bavariyas, Monglias, Pardhi, Boyas, Kaikads, Karwal Nat, Nirshikaris, Picharis, Valayaras,

basic health care, housing and related community welfare inputs and basic education facilities.-PTI

CHANDRAPUR: The TadobaAndhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) near here is set to reopen for the tourists following the Supreme Court's recent directive permitting resumption of tourism activities in the Tiger Reserve areas in the country, a forest official here said. The Tiger Reserve had been closed after the Supreme Court's ruling in July this year which had ordered halting of all tourism related activities in areas reserved for the wild cat. According to the statement issued by TATR field director and chief conservator of forests Veerendra Tiwari, the number of vehicles permitted to take visitors in the core area has been limited to 52 each in the morning and afternoon rounds every day. The timings for entry of visitors have been fixed from 6.30 am to 10.30 am and 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm at present, which is subject to slight changes according to the season, the release said. Tiwari urged the tourists and wildlife lovers to maintain disci-

pline during their visit and cooperate with the TATR authorities. TATR is also developing ecotourism in the reserve along with a tiger conservation plan, as per the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA),

The number of vehicles permitted to take visitors in the core area has been limited to 52 each in the morning and afternoon rounds every day he said. It will be done under a local advisory committee headed by the divisional revenue commissioner. The tourism activities going on in the TATR earlier, prior to the Supreme Court's ruling, were also well within the guidelines of the NTCA, Tiwari added. -PTI

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J-K govt committed to revive cultural activities SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government will continue its efforts to revive the cultural activities which suffered a setback during the two-decade turmoil in the valley, Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora has said. "During the last 25 years of turmoil, the cultural activities suffered a setback and artists could not have performed, but now the government would provide every possible help for its revival," Jora said at the Jammu and Kashmir Film Makers and Artists Cooperative Limited (JKFMACL) awards ceremony. "It is our duty to support such activities wholeheartedly for the

promotion of our centuries old composite culture of the three regions of the state. It is our responsibility also to listen to the prob-

The ten-day drama festival provided an opportunity for young talent to prove their mettle lems of the artists of the state and solve them accordingly," he said. He expressed happiness over an increase in cultural activities in

Kashmir valley this year. Minister of State for Home and Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani, said the ten-day drama festival provided an opportunity for young talent to prove their mettle. The need of the hour was to protect the age-old rich culture of Kashmir, Wani said, adding that "in the modern fast running world, we are forgetting our past traditions." The ministers felicitated a number of artists selected for their performance, besides renowned personalities and former officers of Information and Broadcasting department for the services rendered to it. -PTI

After SC verdict, Raj tiger reserves opens JAIPUR: Hours after Supreme Court lifted ban on tourism in core areas, Rajasthan has decided to throw open its Sariska and Ranthambore tiger reserves for tourists. "The decision to vacate the interim ban is welcoming. Ranthambore and Sariska tiger reserves will be open," Tourism Minister Bina Kak said. She said the government had been thoroughly following guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority and in future also, it will abide by every direction of court. "Ban on tourism in the core areas was resulting in loss of the livelihood to people who depend on it

and was also a setback for wildlife lovers, but now they all are happy," she said. The SC decision will prove to be a "blessing in disguise" as it came at a time when tourism season in the state has just begun, she added. Both the reserves house 59 big cats out of which 27 adult tigers and 25 cubs are in Ranthambore while Sariska has 5 adults and 2 cubs, a forest official said. With the Centre formally notifying fresh guidelines on tiger conservation, the apex court lifted the interim ban which was imposed on July 24 on tourism activities in the core areas of tiger reserves. -PTI

Konark: Sun Temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone

A sculpture of Surya - the Sun God at Konark Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

The Sun God's chariot also represents the seven days of the week and the 24 hours of the day. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with impressive sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented here, and the erotic imagery depicts the sublimation of human love manifested in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life, and war are also done with great precision. The museum of the Archeological Survey of India is just outside the temple enclosure. The museum houses many sculptures and carvings from the ruins of the Sun Temple. The stone images of nine planet deities, the Navagrahas, which were originally set above the temple's ornamental doorways is now kept as a living shrine. Situated around 3 km from the temple is Konark beach. The beach is very picturesque and one gets the beautiful sight of sunrise over here. One can also enjoy sunbathing here. Places around: Kuruma is at a distance of around 8 km from Konark and is approachable by jeep. Many Buddhist sites have been excavated here. A recent excavation has unearthed antique images of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra (earth-

Nata Mandir

touching pose) along with the image of Heruka, who is related to Buddha Akshobhya family (water element) Chaurasi is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras, and Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th century AD, worshipped according to Tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted hold-

cated at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, is worshipped here. At 45 km from Konark, Kakatapur is located in the Prachi Valley and is famous for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. Legend has it that the directions for reaching the holy log from which

The Chandrabhaga Mela or Magh Saptami mela held in the month of February is a grand religious festival. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool on this day to take a holy dip in its curative waters, and then shuffle off to the beach where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned in the Puranas, they watch the sun rise over the sea ing a fish in one hand and a cup in another. Pipli is on the way to Konark from Puri. The place is famous for its exquisite appliquĂŠ work, which depicts the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the most colorful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder handbags, etc. The cocktail effect of the colors is certainly a feast for the eyes. Situated 7 km from Konark, Ramachandi is lo-

is created Lord Jagannath's icon comes from her. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in AprilMay when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers. A famous fishing harbor, Astranga (of eight colors) lies 55 km from Konark. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place really lives to its name. Fairs & festivals: The Sun Temple of Konark provides an ideal backdrop for the

A portion of Konark Sun Temple

famous Konark Dance Festival, which is celebrated every year in the month of December. Most of the renowned Indian classical dancers perform here and the festival provides a good occasion for the people interested in the higher forms of dance such as Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, etc. Apart from the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa's own folk dance form is also performed during the festival. The Chandrabhaga Mela or Magh Saptami mela held in the month of February is a grand religious festival. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool on this day to take a holy dip in its curative waters, and then shuffle off to the beach where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned in the Puranas, they watch the sun rise over the sea. The event is followed by the puja of the Navagraha. Chaitra Prabha in March-April is the regional harvest festival celebrated with colorful tribal dances, including Chau. How to reach: There is no direct connection from Konark by air. Nearest airheads are Bhubaneswar and Puri. The nearest railheads are Puri and Bhubaneswar. These two stations are connected to all the major cities in India through long-distance trains. It is connected with Kolkata, Bijapur, and Vishakhapatnam by road.

November 2, 2012

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Tech News Australia's Queensland state lifts ban on U mining MELBOURNE: With Australia and India agreeing to launch negotiations for civil nuclear pact, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has announced lifting of ban on state's uranium mining. Uranium has not been mined in Queensland since the closure of the Mary Kathleen mine in the state in 1982. According to ABC report, state's Resources Council said Queensland holds about USD 18 billion worth of known uranium reserves, mostly in the state's north-west. Newman said the Federal Government's decision to press ahead with plans to sell uranium to India had prompted the renewed interest in the sector. -PTI

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India hails UN biodiversity conference outcome NEW DELHI: India has claimed a "huge" achievement with nations agreeing to increase funding for halting rate of biodiversity loss, despite economic downturn, at a UN conference it hosted and said it would have bearing on climate change and other international negotiations. Government said developed countries have agreed to double funding to support efforts in developing states towards meeting the internationally-agreed Biodiversity Targets, and the main goals of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020. -PTI

Thousands in UK join anti-austerity march Thousands of activists poured down London's streets in a demonstration against reductions to public sector spending which officials are pushing through in order to rein in the Britain's debt, which stands at more than 1 trillion pounds.

FM wants specific proposals for insurance biz NEW DELHI: Finance Minister P Chidambaram has asked general insurance companies to come up with specific proposals so that the government could take measures to increase penetration of non-life insurance business which is at present estimated at less than one per cent of GDP. "We will get back to the Ministry with specific proposals for boosting general insurance," said the head of a public sector insurance company after the meeting of industry representatives with the Finance Minister. To increase penetration of general insurance, Chidambaram has asked CEOs of public and private sector companies to provide suggestions for removing impediments that hamper growth of the sector, said an official release. -PTI

Panel says, keep out journalism from privacy law NEW DELHI: Journalistic activities should be kept out of the purview of the proposed right to privacy law, a government appointed expert panel has suggested. The group headed by retired Justice A P Shah, in its report, suggested that publication of personal data for artistic and journalistic purposes need not be considered as infringement of privacy under the proposed legislation. Besides, the group suggested that government could exempt application of privacy law in case of national security, public order, disclosure in public interest, prevention, detention and prosecution in criminal offences. -PTI

Thousands of activists poured down London's streets in a demonstration against reductions to public sector spending which officials are pushing through Anti-austerity march in London

LONDON: Thousands of protesters in London, Glasgow and Belfast held a loud but peaceful march against British government's austerity measures aimed at slashing the nation's debt. Labor leader Ed Miliband was among dozens of speakers addressing crowds at the biggest march in London.

Demonstrators wanted the coalition to end public service cuts and instead create policies they say can create growth. However, the government says austerity measures are vital to cutting the deficit. Union leaders recently criticized Labor for supporting a public sector pay freeze. Organizer Trades Union Con-

gress (TUC), which says workers and campaigners from across the UK are involved with the demonstration, estimates that 100,000 people are taking part while the Met Police has not released an estimate. Last year, more than 250,000 people had taken part in a London anti-cuts march and rally.

Banners on display have included those reading "Cameron has butchered Britain", "no cuts" and "plebs on parade" - a reference to the row that led to the resignation of government chief whip Andrew Mitchell, the BBC reported. Demonstrators were brought to London in more than 250 coaches. -PTI

You are in queue - Airtel tells RAW on phone tapping NEW DELHI: A barrage of requests by security agencies to a leading telecom company for telephone tapping led it to say a polite no even to the India's premier external intelligence agency RAW. The request by Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to Bharti Airtel for lawful interception of some telephone numbers came even as the telecom company was flooded with similar pleas by several agencies. A letter from Arun K Sinha, a joint secretary-rank officer in RAW, complained to the Department of Telecom about the "unacceptable" approach of the

telecom service provider of not following the instruction with regard to interception of some tele-

phone numbers. Though the telecom company replied that the targeted telephone numbers will be put on tapping

"once (they) get the space", RAW protested saying "this is an unacceptable situation in the context

eventually did on priority basis, but it was also asked to explain the circumstances after which they furnished a reply to the intelligence agency. Over 9,500 phones are When contacted, Bharti Airtel spokesperson said being lawfully tapped "as a policy, we do not in various states out of comment on matters related to national security." which nearly 4,500 Over 9,500 phones are phones were interbeing lawfully tapped in cepted during the various states out of which nearly 4,500 phones were month of August intercepted during the month of August whereas of our national security." more than 5,000 phones were alThe telecom company was not ready being tapped. only directed to comply with the Out of this, RAW is monitordemand of the RAW, which it ing only 10 phones. -PTI

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'Global warming upsetting bio clock of species' NEW DELHI: Global warming is disrupting the biological clocks of many animal species and changes in them are unnatural and unlike than their usual activities of reproduction and habitation, environmentalists say. Naturalist Raza H Tehsin and his daughter Udaipur's Wildlife Warden Arefa Tehsin studied the behavioral changes in birds, snakes and fish and concluded that global warming was upsetting their biological clock. According to B C Choudhury, honorary advisor of the Marine Conservation Division of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the changes in many species are more apparent on the global warming sea level rise, changes in temperature and tidal cycles. "Predicting the change will be significant in the coastal areas. Also with climate change, the phenological cycle will change of the plants particularly in the higher altitude areas many of insects and nectar-feeding birds that breed in these areas, their feeding regime will also change. Therefore their biological and breeding cycles will also change," Choudhury told PTI. The Tehsins say that four species of murrel fish (Chenna species) are found in Udaipur district. It is a kind of fish which can breathe in water as well as take air directly from the atmosphere. Also it makes its nest in underwater weeds, plants or some sheltered corner and lays eggs there.

"In the rivers, it lays eggs between May and June. During this time the force of water is less and the eggs don't get carried away in the current. As the danger of eggs flowing away is lesser in lakes, murrel breeds during July to August as well," says Arefa. "They generally prefer shallow waters with moss and weeds. At short intervals

"Global warming disrupts the biological clocks of these animals. Many of these species then begin their migration at the wrong time or not at the start because they do not perceive the passage from one season to another. This threatens the reproduction of many species that require certain conditions to their reproductive processâ&#x20AC;? brood comes to the surface to take air. Till the time they grow up, both the parents look after them. Another intriguing fact is that the parents keep devouring the fingerlings now and then. Rest of the times they sustain themselves on frogs, small fish and other water creatures." Raza says murrel's behavior has also been affected by global warming to a great extent. "Their breeding season is over, and yet not only do they continue to lay eggs in Chambal River and its tributaries this year but have also have been observed at many

Industrialists meet Madhya Pradesh CM with project proposals

Shivraj Singh Chouhan

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh government has inked MoUs with JK Cement to set up a cement plant in Panna district at an estimated cost of Rs 4,800 crore and establish a white putty base plant at a cost of Rs 300 crore in Katni district. The MoUs were inked in the presence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and JK Group officials, official sources said. Representatives of JK Cement, Zuari Fertiliser Ltd, JK Laxmi Cement, Maharashtra

places with their broods. "In the same context, in the region of Chambal, the migratory duck pintail comes from north - the cold region of Antarctic - in the beginning of October. This year it was seen in large numbers in the month of September itself," Raza says. "Peacock and grey partridge whose

Institute of Technology, SM Dyechem Group and Ruchi Soya met the chief minister in the Mantralaya to discuss their respective investment plans. Zuari Fertiliser Ltd has indicated its wish to set up a natural gas-based urea manufacturing plant in the state, while JK Laxmi Cement is desirous of establishing a cement plant in Satna district. Maharashtra Institute of Technology has expressed its intention to establish a design university at Indore or Bhopal, while SM Dyechem Group wanted to establish a dye and chemical manufacturing plant in Jhabua district. Chouhan said on the occasion that there is immense potential for fertilizer production in the state, which should be tapped. Besides, it is also necessary for the country, as it will reduce dependence on fertilizer import. Those who met the chief minister included JK Cement Managing Director Yadupat Singhania, Zuari Fertilizers Managing Director S Krishnan and Executive Vice-Chairman HS Bawa. -PTI

chicks are seen from February to July, have started to breed again in September and their chicks can be seen at this time of the year. There are mothers with semi-adults and baby chicks, both together. "The temperature and humidity is so high for the reptiles that the snakes have begun breeding again. Especially some cobras,

kraits and rat snakes were seen in pairs and seem ready to attack. Not only this, there has been a rise in snakebites also," Raza further says. The UN Convention on Migratory Species had recently pointed out that global warming threatens the migratory habits of many animals such as birds, turtles, dolphins or whales. "Global warming disrupts the biological clocks of these animals. Many of these species then begin their migration at the wrong time or not at the start because they do not perceive the passage from one season to another. "In this way threatens the reproduction of many species that require certain conditions to their reproductive process, such is the case for example of the Monarch Butterfly coming to Mexico to play," it says. Climate change, according to the Convention, definitely affects all species and more to migratory species. "The increase in sea level will also be a factor in the disappearance of many species will be sentenced to life their natural habitats or breeding." -PTI

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Sebi seeks special courts for market frauds MUMBAI: Worried over delays in prosecution of those found to be involved in frauds and other offences, market watchdog Sebi has asked the government to set up special courts to fast-track the process of bringing the guilty to book. Expressing concern over some cases continuing for years, Sebi Chairman U K Sinha told PTI that there was a need for special courts to expedite the process and the regulator has asked the government to facilitate the same.

Asked about the cases like the one against Rajat Gupta in the US where the Indian-origin banker is facing a possible jail term for many years, Sinha said in an interview that legal provisions in India and the US are entirely different. "In the US system, the investigators have got more powers and secondly it can lead to prosecution and actual criminal punishment. In our system, the emphasis is more on penalty and now the penalty is much higher in cases like insider trading than what it

used to be earlier. "But people start comparing that people in such and such case somebody in the US has been given a jail sentence," the Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) chief said. Sinha said that there is a provision for prosecution as well in India, in addition to penalties. "But our prosecution is not succeeding to that level. I admit that. In some cases, where we have tried prosecution, we have found that the prosecution has been going on for years and years together. "Primarily, that is because we do not have earmarked judges. If we want our prosecutions to succeed, we need earmarked judges. We need special courts. If that happens, there will be a marked improvement on this front," he said. Asked whether he would ask the government to make provisions for special courts to handle market-related cases, Sinha said: "We have done that. We do not keep things pending here. We take up the matter at the earliest occasion." In India, there is a provision for setting up special courts to deal with certain class of offences under the Special Courts Act of 1979. There are special courts for corruption and other cases, includ-

Sebi Chairman U K Sinha

ing those handled by investigation agency CBI. The apex Supreme Court has also said the government should

Sebi has asked the government to provide it access to call data records of those suspected to have violated insider trading and other norms constitute more designated courts to dispense with the cases expeditiously. The government in 1992 had enacted the Special Court (Trial of Offences relating to Transactions in Securities) Act

after the Harshad Mehta scam. Talking about cases like insider trading and comparisons with the US on this front, the Sebi Chairman said that investigation tools available with those in the US are also much more different. Sinha said Sebi has asked the government to provide it access to call data records of those suspected to have violated insider trading and other norms in the securities market, to strengthen its investigation process. "On the issue of tools for investigations, the case that you have cited, you know the methods that were used to crack that case," Sinha said, referring to the phone call records of people in the insider trading case involving Rajat Gupta. "But, here we do not have access to the transcript of any communication between two persons. But what we are asking for is one step before that. "We are not getting even the call data records to establish that two persons have been talking to each other frequently and they are working together in insider trading cases. "We have made a request to the government and they have assured us about it. We are hoping that it will happen soon, but so far it has not happened," Sinha said. -PTI

Australia's SkillsDMC in pact with India to train 500 million MELBOURNE: Australia's industry skills council SkillsDMC has signed an agreement with India's NSDC to impart training to 500 million people in key industry areas by 2022. SkillsDMC has signed an MoU with Indian counterpart National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) to support the establishment of the Indian Sector Skills Council for mining. It will also provide for ongoing cooperation between the two sides, SkillsDMC said in an official statement. The MoU was signed in presence of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Austra-

lian counterpart Julia Gillard during her visit to India. India has set an ambitious target to provide skills training for up to 500 million people by 2022 to enhance productivity, employment opportunities and income, the statement said. The Prime Ministers noted the vital role played by the expanding bilateral education and training relationship and its contribution to national goals for innovation, productivity and growth, it said. They commended the work of the Australia-India Education Council (AIEC) in providing strategic guidance to advance education, training and research partnerships.

Under the AIEC, Australia and India agreed to build partnerships between India's Sector Skills Councils and Australia's Industry Skills Councils in key industry areas. "Australia has excelled in developing methodologies that shape industry relevant skills frameworks for a strong vocational education and training system through extensive consultation with industry. "We are proud to provide support to our Indian colleagues in building skilled and productive workforces through collaboration between two countries," SkillsDMC Chairman Ray Barker said. -PTI

In Brief ACLU asking Iowa about licenses for immigrants DES MOINES, Iowa: The American Civil Liberties Union is asking Iowa officials whether the state will grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants granted ``deferred action'' status by the federal government. The ACLU says it sent a letter to Iowa Transportation Director Paul Trombino, asking him what the state will do. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said each state can determine whether to issue licenses or extend other benefits to young immigrants who qualify for the deferred status. The immigrants were brought to the country illegally when they were children. Some states say they will grant driving privileges to the eligible immigrants. Others states, including Nebraska, have vowed to deny them. Iowa Transportation Department spokeswoman Dena GrayFisher says the department hasn't yet had time to review the letter or respond. -AP

Immigration activists upset by ICE school actions DETROIT: Immigration activists and community members want a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official to step down after they reported that federal agents stopped parents at two schools in Detroit. The group, including Detroit Democratic state Rep. Rashida Tlaib, said in a statement that a man was detained after dropping off his son at Cesar Chavez Middle School and they want him released. They say another man was questioned in front of his children at Manuel Reyes Vistas Nuevas Head Start Center. ``As a community member I am outraged, and as a mother, I am heartbroken. ICE has once again violated their policies, and stopped parents dropping their kids off for school,'' Tlaib said. The group wants Detroit ICE Enforcement Director Rebecca Adducci to quit. About 125 people turned out to protest at Cesar Chavez Academy, The Detroit News reported. The area of southwest Detroit where the schools are located is home to a large Mexican-American population, including recent immigrants. ICE spokesman Khaalid Walls said in a statement that the agency didn't do anything wrong. -AP

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Appeals court leery of Arizona day laborer law SAN FRANCISCO: Arizona's attempt to criminalize day laborers who block traffic seeking work came in for rough treatment before a federal appeals court. The three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco appeared skeptical of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's argument that the law was a legal way to remedy traffic congestion she says is caused by day laborers. A lower court judge had previously put the law on hold. Opponents argue the law's true purpose is to crackdown on illegal immigrants. They say it violates the laborers free speech rights and filed a lawsuit to invalidate it. The three-judge panel seemed ready to side with opponents. ``Don't you have general traffic

laws?'' Judge Richard Tallman asked the governor's lawyer almost immediately. The same question was asked several times by Tallman and Judge Raymond Fisher throughout the hour-long hearing. The two Clinton-appointed judges

viously been insufficient to deter this specific problem.'' The ban was part of Arizona's Senate Bill 1070, which included among other provisions the socalled ``show me your papers'' law that captured national attention.

The ban was part of Arizona's Senate Bill 1070, which included among other provisions the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;show me your papers'' law that captured national attention wondered why a new law was needed when blocking traffic is already illegal in Arizona. ``There are indeed other statutes and ordinances,'' replied the lawyer, Robert Henry. ``But those statutes and ordinances have ob-

The U.S. Supreme Court this summer upheld that provision, which requires police enforcing other laws to question the immigration status of all those they suspect are in the country illegally.

The high court struck down several portions of the immigration law, however, including sections that made it a crime for immigrants to be without federal immigration papers, mandated jail time for illegal immigrants who sought work in Arizona and made it easier for local police to make immigration-related arrests. Still other provisions, including the day laborers section, are still being litigated. Judge Consuelo Maria Callahan, appointed by President George W. Bush, the remaining judge on the panel considering the provision said that Arizona's position was ``not unsympathetic,'' but that its attempts to address illegal immigration, however, are ``not doing really well with the Supreme Court.'' -AP

A traveler won't know what is moral turpitude MYRIAM JAIDI

n a fascinating recent decision, the Office of Adminis trative Appeals determined that a visa waiver applicant is not expected to know the meaning of a "crime involving moral turpitude" ("CIMT"), with the welcome recognition that "the term 'moral turpitude' is not in common usage and it is unlikely that the average person is aware of its meaning and application in U.S. immigration law." Amen to that. The case involved an individual who had initially been denied a waiver of inadmissibility for "willfully misrepresenting" on his Form I-94W (the Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival/Departure Record, which requested biographic information and answers to a series of unfortunate questions) that he had not been convicted of a CIMT. Although the AAO determined that the individual had in fact been convicted of a CIMT, it also found that he could not be expected to know that and should therefore not be found inadmissible for not stating it on

the form. Since 2008, instead of having to complete a Form I-94W, travelers from Visa Waiver countries to the United States must answer the same set of bizarre questions to obtain permission to travel to the United States via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA"). In his New York Times Op-Ed

sible for the average person to answer at all. Courts have long recognized that a CIMT is a "nebulous concept" and the determination of whether a crime is a CIMT depends on the judge, the wording of the particular statute at issue , and whether the judge applies the "categorical approach" (which re-

Courts have long recognized that a CIMT is a "nebulous concept" and the determination of whether a crime is a CIMT depends on the judge, the wording of the particular statute at issue piece "How Not to Attract Tourists", writer and airline pilot Mark Vanhoenacker perfectly captures the absurdity of many of the questions on the form quipping, "Naturally, no one with anything to hide will answer honestly." I would add that with regard to the question "have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude . . ." it is nearly impos-

quires consideration of the minimal conduct implicated by a penal law) or "modified categorical approach" (where the categorical approach does not yield an answer because a criminal statute includes offenses that fall outside the generic criminal category, this approach allows consideration of the record of conviction for clarification), among other things. Take drug possession for ex-

ample (though note that an arrest or conviction involving drugs will cause you a whole host of problems with trying to gain permission to enter or to remain in the United In its response to the question "How do I correct a mistake on my ESTA application", ESTA includes "possession of narcotics" in its parenthetical summarizing CIMTs: "If you discover that you are not eligible to come to the U.S. under the visa waiver program because of a CIMT (such as fraud, or possession of narcotics) . . ." As an aside it is funny that the sentence starts with "if you discover" - how one is supposed to make such a discovery is not clear, especially given the extraordinary complexity of CIMTs and the disagreement among Circuit Courts with regard to how to determine whether something is a CIMT. Anyway, back to drug possession. The Board of Immigration Appeals has found that simple drug possession is not a Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 44

Immigration Post

India Post

November 2, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Danbury school reaches out to immigrant parents DANBURY, Conn.: Parents of English language learners were at attention in the Danbury High School library media center, taking a crash course in the school rules and getting homework of sorts that could help their children succeed. School officials talked about the discipline code, attendance rules and how students are graded, as well as supports available to students, during the nearly two-hour workshop, mainly presented in Spanish. ``This shows you are interested in the education of your child,'' Heather Pellicone, organizer of the program and head of the English as a Second Language/World Language Department, told the nearly 50 parents who attended the event. The change in the school's population and the growing needs of the students drove school officials this year to expand upon the workshop, which was first presented last year. In

October 2006, there were 356 English language learners, of which 39 percent were poor. This year, there are 399 ELL students, and 78 percent are classified as poor. In the same time, the number of Hispanic students at the school increased from 727 to 976. Pellicone said an increasing number of students enter high school with little or no previous formal education in their home country. High school parent Maryangela Amendola spoke Spanish and English as she told parents about the School Governance Council, a group of parents, community members and educators who advise the principal on improving the school. She explained that the state required the council be established because the high school's test scores were not adequate. ``Your kids need to go to school,'' Amendola said. ``They have to go 12 years and they have to graduate. If your kids do not attend school they will have a hard time graduat-

ing and if they don't graduate they will have a hard time getting a job.'' It's ``muy importante'' for children to attend school, guidance counselor Julie Jimenez said in Spanish, and she urged parents

“My son is only four months in this country. He has to take English,'' Zambrano said. “He likes school but it's hard for him. He doesn't speak English'' not to take a family vacation back to their home lands when school is in session. Jimenez said after-school tutoring is available on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and a late bus that would take the kids home. She urged parents to keep their phone

A traveler won't know what is moral turpitude Cont’d from page 43

CIMT, see, e.g., Matter of AbreuSemino, 12 I &amp; N Dec 775 (BIA 1968) - so tossing that general "possession of narcotics" in the parenthetical is inaccurate. On the other hand, drug possession with intent to sell or trafficking in narcotics has been found to be a CIMT. Another example of a CIMT given on the ESTA website is theft - but as noted in a previous blog by Cyrus Mehta theft is not always a CIMT either! Mr. Vanhoenacker's assessment of the "uninviting" nature of the ESTA website rings true, especially with respect to individuals trying to get a sense of what a CIMT might be so that they can try to answer the question if they have been arrested or convicted of something (two other kettles of fish there on those two legal terms - "arrested" and "convicted".). To be fair, ESTA's website offers a help page providing guidance on various topics. Given there are 773 results accessible from the page, anyone trying to understand what a crime involving moral turpitude might be should search "CIMT" in the search box at the top of the page. This yields a much more manageable 4 results (though misses a fifth result and perhaps other questions where addressing CIMTs), but each result provides a slightly different summary of a

CIMT, as noted above, and directs the reader to two different sections of the Foreign Affairs Manual("FAM") - the 8 pages of related statutory provisions in 9 FAM 40.21(a), rather than the apparently promised "list of crimes of moral turpitude", and the other the 26 pages of 9 FAM 40.21(a) Notes providing further legal background on CIMTs, but researcher beware - the FAM is not precise with regard to CIMTs either, though

Obviously, the questions are there for various reasons including security, but including unanswerable questions does not promote the security goal it does provide a lot of information. It is unreasonable to expect the average person in a foreign country to analyze that information under the applicable United States law (9 FAM 40.21(a) N2.1 states "The presence of moral turpitude in a statutory offense is determined according to United States law") and formulate an answer. Obviously, the questions are there for various reasons including security, but including unanswer-

able questions like the one regarding CIMTs (not to mention the other absurd questions) in an automated questionnaire does not promote the security goal, as Mr. Vanhoenacker so aptly demonstrates. Any error could result in an unfair denial and significant inconvenience to a would-be traveler. If someone answers incorrectly by mistake and gets denied, his or her options are to email Customs and Border Protection, seek redress from the Department of Homeland Security's Travel Redress Inquiry Program (DHS/TRIP), or to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate. None of these options are likely to allow a traveler with ticket in hand to take her trip as planned. If inquiries regarding criminal background must be included in the ESTA system, a better model might be to include a more simple question like this one from the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization: "Have you ever been convicted of a crime or offense," include a drop down box to allow an explanation, and have applications ticked "yes" automatically sent to CBP for quick review without requiring the person to email or seek redress. This may make the system a touch more inviting and comprehensible. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

numbers up to date on school records and to communicate with the teachers. Three graduates of the high school and Western Connecticut State University told parents about services at the Hispanic Center to help parents and students apply for college and financial aid. ``It's very important to have communication with schools and parents,'' Nelson Nygra, a parent of a 12th grader, said after the program. ``The only way to know how kids are doing is if parents talk to the teachers.'' Parent Marco Zambrano said the workshop was a good idea. ``My son is only four months in this country. He has to take English,'' Zambrano said. ``He likes school but it's hard for him. He doesn't speak English.'' Neris Jimez said the school is doing very well for her son, Melquisedec Paulino, a 15-year-old who came from Dominican Republic two years ago and attended the

workshop with his parents. ``He's been learning to speak English quickly,'' his mother said. ``They're helping. I know that.'' Principal Gary Bocaccio told parents he wanted them to have links that would help them communicate with faculty. ``We know from research that when parents are involved in their child's education, the child does much better in school,'' Bocaccio said. He said people at school could speak with them in their native tongue to help them with any problem they have. Jimenez said because students have more needs, the school created a new acculturation class this year. Students will learn things like the culture of the school, how to approach a teacher to ask a question and how call out sick, she said. ``Sometimes it's not natural for them because they didn't have any formal education before,'' she said. -AP

BJP will seal borders, if returned to power: Gadkari GUWAHATI: Accusing the Congress of playing "vote bank politics", BJP president Nitin Gadkari has said his party would take steps to seal the country's international borders to prevent illegal immigration, if elected to power. "If BJP comes to power, our top priority would be to seal the borders of the country... If Israel, surrounded by hostile countries, can

its borders and told (illegal immigrants) 'come and enter our country, buy land, buy property'." Gadkari said, "Even if you raise slogans against India, you need not worry because everything will be facilitated. Just keep in mind to vote for the Congress." Accusing the Congress party of being responsible for the current state of affairs,

Flagging off a rally here to mark the 50th anniversary of IndiaChina war, the BJP leader called upon India's leaders to learn from the experience of Israel in keeping hostile elements at bay BJP president Nitin Gadkari

seal its borders, why can't we," Gadkari said. Flagging off a rally here to mark the 50th anniversary of India-China war, the BJP leader called upon India's leaders to learn from the experience of Israel in keeping hostile elements at bay. Taking a dig at the Congress, he said, "To visit any country, one needs a visa, one needs to submit a number of documents. But here our country has totally opened up

Gadkari said illegal immigration pose a threat to sovereignty. "Our borders are still insecure. That is why we need to learn from shortcomings of the 1962 war and ensure that such mistakes are not repeated," he said. He alleged that Congress leaders in Assam, from Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to Tarun Gogoi, have all encouraged illegal immigrants. Cont’d on page 45

Immigration Post

November 2, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Defense claims politics in Ga. immigration case ATLANTA: A suburban Atlanta prosecutor has asked a judge to dismiss a case against a young woman from Mexico whose 2010 arrest after a traffic offense nearly led to her deportation, sparking a wider immigration debate. But the judge in the case has previously denied a similar request, and defense lawyers suspect politics may be at play. District Attorney Pat Head filed a strongly worded motion asking Cobb County Superior Court Judge Mary Staley to grant a recent defense request to dismiss the case. In the filing, Head appears to make a personal jab at Staley, comparing the charges against Jessica Colotl, to a case involving the judge's sister. ``She is too intelligent a woman to actually harbor any kind of antiimmigrant sentiment,'' defense attorney Jerome Lee said of the elected judge. ``So I can only imagine that there is some political aspiration here that's motivating this.'' Colotl, whose parents brought her to the U.S. illegally from Mexico when she was 11, was thrust into the national spotlight after she was stopped for a minor traffic violation in March 2010 and then arrested for driving without a license? In February 2011, Colotl was

indicted on a charge of false swearing after the Cobb County Sheriff's Office said she gave deputies false contact information during booking for her arrest. She entered into an agreement with the Cobb County district attorney's office in August 2011 to enter a pretrial diversion program, a solution Staley signed off on. Following a media report that quoted Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren as calling the deal a ``slap on the wrist'' and something he hadn't agreed to, Staley called a new hearing on Colotl's eligibility for the program. In an October 2011, she reopened the case and instructed the district attorney to talk with the sheriff and consider his opinion. Since then, Colotl's case has appeared on the court's docket every two weeks, meaning she and a lawyer have had to appear in court repeatedly for a case that is never called, Lee said. Head complied with the judge's order and talked to Warren, but determined Colotl was indeed eligible for the program, Head writes in a motion requesting that Staley grant Colotl's lawyer's request last week to dismiss the case. Colotl has since fulfilled all of her obligations under the pretrial diversion program. She performed

150 hours of community service, and Head has filed documents advising the court he has no intention of prosecuting the case further. Staley last month issued an or-

Since then, Colotl's case has appeared on the court's docket every two weeks, meaning she and a lawyer have had to appear in court repeatedly for a case that is never called der denying Head's filing. The judge said she refused to follow his recommendation not to pursue the case because the sheriff's office has ``raised legitimate concerns that have not been adequately addressed.'' Staley also cited a misdemeanor conviction against Colotl, saying that has ``consistently disqualified entry'' into the county's pretrial diversion program. Head's motion notes that Georgia law governing pretrial diversion programs ``shall be at the dis-

BJP will seal borders, if returned to power: Gadkari Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 44

Gadkari said that while India and China can work together for peace and prosperity at the global and regional level, the country cannot ignore threats where they are present. He cited reports of China's involvement in building infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. "Yet when we talk of defending our country, we are called communal... Has vote bank politics made us so indulgent that we have even stopped thinking about our country's national security?" Gadkari argued. The BJP president said that the

recent problems in Assam were not the result of any communal discord, but a struggle between Indians and foreigners. The BJP, he declared, was determined to change the general state of the country in which the economy suffered from problems of unemployment, farmers' suicides and other issues. He also said that the BJP wants FDI for economic development. A BJP-led government would come to power at the Centre after the next elections, party president Nitin Gadkari said here. "I have not come here to ask for votes, there are no elections

right now, but a BJP-led government would certainly come to power after elections," said Gadkari, at an interaction program with local weavers, coal-miners, beedi workers, tribals, etc, organized by Martyrs' Memorial Research Institute. Talking about the performance of BJP-ruled states in the country, Gadkari said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi had made his state "sujalaam suphalaam" by utilizing the water of Narmada, whereas 3,000 TMC of water of Godavari was being wasted in the Congressruled Andhra Pradesh. -PTI

cretion of the prosecuting attorney.'' He writes that his office has seen no correspondence between the sheriff and the judge regarding Warren's concerns. Head also points out that the guidelines for the pretrial diversion program clearly allow the district attorney to make exceptions. Colotl's acceptance into the program is not unusual for a person with no history of violence or aggression and a single misdemeanor conviction of driving without a license and nothing about the pending charge of false swearing disqualifies her either, he wrote. ``Individuals charged with False Statement and even Forgery in the First Degree have been successfully admitted into the Pretrial Diversion Program,'' Head wrote. He cited a 2007 case that the Marietta Daily Journal says in-

volves Staley's sister. After Colotl's traffic stop in 2010, she was handed over by the Cobb County Sheriff's Office to federal immigration authorities and spent more than a month in a detention center in Alabama. Immigration authorities eventually released her, saying they would give her a year to finish her studies at Kennesaw State University. She has since graduated and been granted extensions of that deferred action on her case and is in the process of applying for an Obama administration program that allows certain illegal immigrant young people to avoid deportation for two years and apply for a work permit. Colotl's immigration attorney Charles Kuck said the pending case in Cobb County shouldn't affect her immigration case. -AP

PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law

Former Assistant StateÂ&#x2019;s Attorney

Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1

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2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659

Realty Tidbits

Amsterdam plan for Ahmedabad heritage buildings

AHMEDABAD: A 55-year-old business plan that helped revive Amsterdam city with a revenue generation model, will come to the rescue of heritage buildings in the walled city of Ahmedabad. The revenue model, which has already been put to test on city's two buildings, will now be extended to more than 12,500 heritage buildings in the city. To work out the modalities and feasibility plan on such a large scale, the heritage department of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation had signed an MoU with a local heritage trust - City Heritage Centre (CHC) last week. "If the city is aiming at UNESCO World Heritage City status, we need to value the heritage of its old buildings.

Builder's license canceled over forged papers GURGAON: The Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) has cancelled the license of a Delhi-based builder, Gentle Realtors, who had reportedly submitted forged land documents for approval to develop a commercial project in Gurgaon. The order was passed by the director general, DTCP, T C Gupta, after scrutinizing the papers submitted by the builder. Earlier, the builder had been granted a license to carry out the project. The DTCP found that the revenue documents given by the builder were fraudulent. This was revealed by a probe by the Tehsildar. It was also noted that the location of the land as per the documents (Khasra No. 23//15/1/ 2) of Village Badshapur is towards north, whereas, in the revenue records, it is towards the eastern side of the village.

Real Estate 46

India Post

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More flyovers in Faridabad demanded FARIDABAD: The Haryana Government has asked the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to provide for more flyovers on the stretch of the Delhi-Agra National Highway-2 in Faridabad at the time of widening it. The NHAI has embarked upon Rs 1,900 crore project to six-lane the 179-km long highway from Sarai Khawaja in the district, near Badarpur in Delhi, to Agra.

November 2, 2012

US firm Blackstone inks India's biggest commercial deal BANGALORE: US private equity firm Blackstone has inked India's biggest commercial real estate acquisition deal, which will give it 50% stake in a Bangalore builder-owned portfolio of three business parks for $200 million (over Rs 1,000 crore). The deal beats Citigroup's acquisition of a Mumbai office building earlier this year for Rs 985 crore, which was bigger than Maple Tree's Rs 800-crore buyout of 2 million sq ft from Assetz Global Technology Park and Baring PE Partners' Rs 500-crore investment in RMZ Corp for 6 million sq ft space. A person familiar with the matter said that Blackstone, which invests in realty firms, has bought stake in an SPV comprising three commercial properties totaling over 10 million sq ft - Embassy Golf link and Manyata Embassy Business Park in Bangalore and Embassy Tech Zone in Pune. "Blackstone and Embassy Property Developments signed the transaction earlier this month. The deal was followed by the October 4 order of the Competition Commission of India, which gave clearance for the transaction," said the person, who did not wish to be named. "It is an equity-level investment, where a holding company was floated with three commercial assets under it. However, the

deal finally cascaded down to the SPV level." Experts said the deal is in line with this year's trend. "Given the uncertainties in political and economic environment, investors are

rector-investment advisory at DTZ India. As per the transaction, Blackstone will get compulsorily convertible debentures of Pune Dynasty Projects (PDP), which is

“Given the uncertainties in political and economic environment, investors are risk-averse and are investing in pre-leased commercial assets. Around 70% of the transaction closed this year are in pre-leased assets” risk-averse and are investing in pre-leased commercial assets. Around 70% of the transaction closed this year are in pre-leased assets," says Rajeev Bairathi, di-

currently into the development of the non-SEZ part of Embassy TechZone in Pune. Once converted, Blackstone will hold 50% stake in the SPV.

Additionally, Embassy, which owns 51% stake in PDP, will acquire 49% from Alta Vista, a Mauritius-based financial institution, making it a subsidiary of Embassy Property Developments (EPD). "Post this acquisition, EPD will transfer its shareholding of 35.77%, 51.01% and 48.75% in the three SPVs in Pune and Bangalore that are developing business parks along with some other assets in the form of advance paid for the purchase of land and for acquiring joint development rights to PDP. Herein after, all the three SPVs will become the investee company," said a CCI order. Embassy Golf link is a 5-million-sqft, or 65acre, business park while Manyata Embassy Business Park is a 100-acre integrated mixed-use development business park, which has a developable area of 18.29 million sq ft. Embassy TechZone in Pune is spread over 70 acre with 52 acre designated for a special economic zone. Some of Embassy's big tenants at its commercial properties in Bangalore and Pune include IBM, Capgemini, Mercedes Benz, Atos Origin and Accenture. "Blackstone and Embassy will jointly control and manage the entity in which the fund has invested. Cont’d on page 47

Surtax in health-care law will hit home sales Single-filing taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of less than $200,000 or

HASAN MERCHANT

hen the Supreme Court upheld the health-care reform law on federal tax grounds, it restocked a housing issue that had been relatively quiet for the past year: The alleged 3.8 percent "real estate tax" on home sales beginning in 2013 that is buried in the legislation. A 3.8 percent surtax takes effect Jan. 1 on certain investment income of upper-income individuals - including some of their real estate transactions. But it's not a transfer tax and not likely to affect the vast majority of homeowners who sell their primary residences next year.

Those with incomes greater than these thresholds might not be hit with the 3.8 percent tax unless they have certain types of investment income targeted by the law

Hasan Merchant

couples filing jointly with incomes of less than $250,000 probably won't be touched

by the surtax, although they could be affected by other changes in the code if Congress fails to extend the Bush tax cuts scheduled to expire at the end of this year. Those with incomes greater than these thresholds might not be hit with the 3.8 percent tax unless they have certain types of investment income targeted by the law, specifically dividends, interest, net capital gains, and net rental income. Where things can get a little complicated, however, is when a home is sold for a substantial profit and adjusted gross income for the year exceeds the $200,000 or $250,000 thresholds. Cont’d on page 47

Real Estate Post

November 2, 2012

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Real estate boom in old Veerappan haunt HASSANUR, Sathyamangalam: Few dared to travel on this pretty patch of rolling hills and fields after dusk once upon a time. Forest brigand Veerappan lorded over this green belt where the Western and the Eastern Ghats meet, until he was shot on this day eight years ago. Now realtors and investors are crowding the villages of Dhimbam, Hassanur and Thalavady in Sathyamangalam taluk area to slice large tracts of revenue land into plots and farms, selling them to those looking for a holiday retreat or retirement home. Realtors believe these villages, blessed with a salubrious climate and clean air and water, are on the cusp of becoming retirement havens for the movers and shakers of Tamil Nadu. As the road winds up along the 27 hairpin bends of Dhimbam hills and plateaus at more than 1,000m above sea level, billboards advertising property greet visitors. "When Veerappan was ruling the roost in the Thalavady-Dimbam

region, the price of land was barely 8,000 for an acre. There were times when there were no land transactions due to fear of the Robin Hood of Thalavady. Now, land close to the Coimbatore-Mysore National

Situated mid-way on the national highway that connects Coimbatore to Mysore, the Dhimbam-HassanurThalavady area is little more than two hours by road from both the cities Highway costs between 80 lakh and 90 lakh for an acre," says P Durai, a resident and senior leader of the CPI. He says even people from Karnataka and Kerala are buying land in the region. Plots in Hassanur, where

Veerappan stayed for years in a tin-roofed shelter, shocking the state police by killing five informers in October 1993, cost a fortune now. A cent of land, which sold for 1,000 in 2003, now sells between 65,000 and 75,000. An acre now sells for anywhere between 50 lakh and 90 lakh, up from 8,000 eight years ago. S Satheesh, an Erode-based realtor, bought three acres of land at Gangally in Hassanur five years ago at 8 lakh per acre. Now, he has been offered 73 lakh for an acre. "I bought the land five years ago after realty started looking up there. My relatives discouraged me saying the land was about 180km from my home. Now it is fetching a huge amount," he says. The sparsely populated area has all the ingredients to become a retirement outback. Situated mid-way on the national highway that connects Coimbatore to Mysore, the Dhimbam-Hassanur-Thalavady area is little more than two hours by road from both the cities.

Surtax in health-care law will hit home sales Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 46

The good news: The surtax does not interfere with the current tax-free exclusion on the first $500,000 (joint filers) or $250,000 (single filers) of gain on the sale of a principal home. But any profits above those limits are subject to federal capital gains taxation and could also be subject to the new 3.8 percent surtax. It will be more important than ever to pull together documentation on the capital improvements to the property and expenses connected with the

house -- including settlement or closing costs, such as title insurance and legal fees - that increase your tax "basis" to lower the capital gains. Because the health-care law targets capital gains, sellers could find themselves exposed to the 3.8 percent levy next year. Here's an example provided by the tax staff at the National Association of Realtors. Say a couple have an adjustable gross income of $325,000 and they sell their home at a $525,000 profit. Assuming they qualify, $500,000 of that

gain is wiped off the slate for tax purposes. The $25,000 additional gain qualifies as net investment income under the health-care law, giving the couple a revised adjusted gross income of $350,000. Because the law imposes the 3.8 percent surtax on the lesser of either the amount the revised adjusted gross income exceeds the $250,000 threshold for joint filers ($100,000 in this case) or the amount of taxable gain ($25,000), the couple end up owing a surtax of $950 ($25,000 times 0.038).

US firm Blackstone inks India's biggest commercial deal Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 46

The deal has very complicated structure with multiple cross-holdings. Embassy will be responsible for completion of the project," the person said. The Bangalore-based builder, which has delayed its Rs 2,400crore IPO, has been on a fundraising spree. Embassy has received Rs 135-crore funding in

an SPV from Blackstone to develop residential-cum-retail on the 14-acre land parcel in Hebbal. The fund also has an exposure of Rs 540 crore in Manyata Embassy Business Park, the country's largest operational tech SEZ, which it had bought from HDFC Property Ventures and the land developer. Embassy has developed nearly 25 million sq ft with a high degree

of focus on business parks, whose valuation is pegged at Rs 8,00010,000 crore. The company is also increasing its presence in the residential segment and has eight residential projects totaling 10.56 million sq ft under construction. It has a total debt of Rs 1,200 crore, of which 85% is linked to rentals. The company has a total land bank of 1,300 acre in Bangalore.

Trinamool to oppose land bill cleared by GoM KOLKATA: The Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill passed by Union Group of Ministers (GoM) has many provisions that will be opposed by West Bengal's ruling party Trinamool Congress once it is tabled in Parliament. This was revealed by former minister of state for urban development and senior Trinamool leader Saugata Roy. "We made our stand very clear even before coming to power, that there should not be any role of the government in acquiring land for private parties. But the bill okayed by the GoM headed by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has laid down provisions for acquisition of one-third of the total required land for private parties. We oppose such a move," Roy said. West Bengal has prepared a land policy of its own, which clearly mentions that the state government would, under no circumstances, acquire land for private parties. The land policy, which was reflected in the West Bengal Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, also spoke of non-acquisition of double and multi-crop land for any projects. Also, land would not be acquired for Private Public Partnership (PPP) projects. Although the West Bengal Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation

and Resettlement Act has not been tabled so far in the Assembly, sources in the land and land department sources said the bill is now with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her consideration. The draft bill mentions that the government will not acquire land for

West Bengal has prepared a land policy of its own, which clearly mentions that the state government would, under no circumstances, acquire land for private parties. The land policy also spoke of nonacquisition of double and multi-crop land for any projects private parties or for PPP projects, said sources in the land and land reforms department headed by the chief minister. "The state government, however, will acquire land for infrastructure projects and projects involving emergency services such as hospitals," said an official.

Horoscope

48 India Post

November 2, 2012

www.indiapost.com

Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar

NOVEMBER 02ND - NOVEMBER 08TH (July 23 to August 22)

(March 21 to April 20)

verseas trip will take final shape. You will be entertaining some important people at your place this week. Things will keep improving at work place. Boss will listen to your request but may not have any answer right away. Keep an eye on family members charging heavily on cards. Do not take any chance with changing weather.

ew courageous actions on your part will get the jobs done and will take you closer to big deals. You may be travelling to a warm area for business purpose. You may also need to sign few legal documents this week. You may make some changes or clean up your home properly. You will be on the move most of the time this week.

(April 21 to May 20) (August 23 to September 22)

e polite with spouse or people you are involved with. Boss may surprise you with the news. Some of you will be going on an important trip this week. People will take undue advantage of your generosity if you are not careful. Check you have been waiting for will come in mail. You will sign an important contract this week.

ou will feel relieved after paying off few debts. Next several months looks very good for all financial matters. You may at the same time dispose off money making stocks and pocket the profit. Changes you have been waiting for at work will start taking place and you will have a discussion with boss about new assignment.

(May 21 to June 20)

eople creating disturbance will not bother you any more. You will be selected among number of others to do the job. Planets will bring confidence back and you will start working on a short vacation with children. Your search for like minded people who can help you with your plans will continue. Bank balance will keep growing.

(September 23 to October 22)

ou will be investing big time in a project. Rewards will be huge and quick. You will have several other reasons to celebrate as most of your plans will go through. Do not feel disheartened if you don't get the property. You will be invited to a big social event. You may temporarily develop taste for hot and spicy food. (October 23 to November 22)

(June 21 to July 22)

oney could go on buying some fine item for the home or even a car. There will be some interesting developments in career and soon you could be moving to next level. People self employed will get more business this week. Some good friends who were out of touch will call again. You will make big contribution towards charity.

ars will bring energy and confidence back. You will enforce your plans with full thrust. You will continue to enjoy the company of a new friend. You have very good chances of making money through stocks or even lottery this week. Boss will take serious notes and consider your proposal. You will also visit an old friend. (November 23 to December 22)

n overseas trip is in the air. You will be making an important presentation this week and patiently wait for the reply.Financial juggling and cutting corners will help in long term. You will help spouse in clean up things piling dirt for long. Just do not take chance with weather and read all contracts twice. (December 22 to January 19)

torm will be over and things will calm down at work. You may be able to dispose off a property chewing your savings for long time and even get little money back. Money wise you will stay comfortable and make final payment on a big bill. Have little patience with spouse who will be more emotional this week. (January 20 to February 18)

t will be better to hold on to what you have in the bank and not to put it in any risky scheme. You will start keeping a tab on expenses made by other family members. Some of you will very impulsive and look for a change in career. An old friend will give some useful leads. Spouse will prepare some delicious food. (February 19 to March 20)

oney wise it looks like a very promising week. Entrance of Mars in house of luck will resolve many financial issues and you will be comfortable from now and on for next several months. Knowledge acquired recently will come handy. You will be invited to a big celebration or party. You will start eating more healthy food.

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

925-833-7170

website: www.parashar.com

November 2, 2012

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India Post 49

Datebook

India Post

November 2, 2012

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NEW JERSEY

ILLINOIS

NEW YORK

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Sat Nov 03 • Diwali Mela NJ

Fri Nov 9 • Bhangra Night!

Fri Nov 2 • Runway Princess-The Super Model Pageant

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: 8:30pm Contact: 773-728-6000

Sat Nov 10

• Kali Puja 2012

• Kiran Ahluwalia

Sat Nov 3

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

• Diwali & Eid 2012

Sun Nov 11

Thur, Nov 15

• South Asian Bridal Show 2012

• Bollywood Couples Night

Venue: Holiday Inn Rolling Meadows, 3405 Algonquin Pkwy, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Time: 11:00 AM Contact: 8474096224

Venue: The Empire Room, 350 5th Avenue 33rd Street between, New York, NY 10001 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 9173240000

Venue: Judd Elementary School, 1601 Roosevelt Ave, North Brunswick, NJ Time: 2pm Contact: 732-816-5302

Sat Nov 10 • Deepavali Celebrations Venue: East Brunswick Performing Arts, 200 Rues Ln, East Brunswick, NJ 08816 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: Telu Fine Arts Society, 9737158944

Venue: Hammerstein Ballroom-Manhattan Center, 311 W 34th St., New York Time: 7pm Contact: 732-310-3456

Venue: Valimar Club House, Valimar Blvd, White Plains, NY Time: 2:30pm Contact: 914-948-8969

Mon Dec 10 & 11 • Childrens Film Festival: Celebrating Children's movies from Bollywood Venue: Plainview Old Bethpage, Public Library, 999 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803 Time: 5:30pm Contact: 516-349-7119 Highlights: Festival Starting with the movie curated by Award winning Producer and Director Mr. Tirlok Malik (Little magician).

ATLANTA Upcoming Sat Nov 3 • Karva Chauth Celebration Venue: Brimingham Temple Auditorium 1927 Mt Olive Road, Gardendale, AL Time: 3pm Contact: 205-982-4908

Fri July 20 to Sat Dec 15 • Turning Rumi: Singing Verses of Love, Unity and Freedom Part2 : The Art of Salma Arastu Venue: Dominican University of California, 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, California Time: 2:30pm to 4:30pm (Artist Reception on Sat Sept 15at Community Gallery, Alemany Library) Contact: 415-482-2453

Fri Nov 2 • Karva Chauth Celebration Venue: Kendra Hall, 897 Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale Time: 3pm Contact: 408-400-0629

Fri Nov 09 • Diwali celebration by Gujarati Art Venue: India community center, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, CA 95035 Time: 6:00 pm Contact: Gujarati ART Literature, Phone: 408-761-6079

Fri Nov 10 • Children’s Day Venue: Windmere Ranch Middle School, 11611 E Branch Pkwy, San Ramon, CA Time: 1pm Contact: 615-397-2066

Sat Nov 10 • Deva Mani Raga Sagara - Music for healing and meditation Venue: Montgomery Theater, San Jose, 271 N Market St, San Jose, CA 95110 Time: 6:30 pm Contact: 9499032553

Fri Nov 30 • A Musical Extravaganza Venue: Chandni Restaurant, 5748 Mowry School Rd, Newark, CA 94560 Time: 7:00 pm Contact: Peter Sahjani, 510-673-0153

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 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.

Sun Nov 4 • Ravi Shankar Celebrating His tenth Decade Venue: Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach CA Time: 7:30pm Contact: 858-442-1586

Wed Nov 07 • Alarmel Valli Abhinaya Master Class Venue: Black Community Services Center, 418 Santa Teresa St, Stanford, CA 94305 Time: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Sun Nov 18 • Ayyappa Mandala Puja & Maladharana Venue: Campbell Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, 1300 White Oaks Rd, Campbell, CA 95008 Time: 5:00 pm Contact: 4847278424

November 2, 2012

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For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 212-944-1931/ Fax: 212-944-1932 pinky@indiapost.com

India Post 51

Perspective

52 India Post

November 2, 2012

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Domestic violence: Shouldn't we talk about it? VAISHNAVI BHUPAL

eports and statistics on domestic violence are star tling. Not only is this malaise resident in your immediate neighborhood, being played out behind closed doors, but among South Asians it enjoys virtually a state of protection. Because, South Asians don't like to talk about it. Unbelievably, one out of every four women on this globe is said to have experienced domestic violence in her lifetime, says according to an oft cited statistic derived from WHO multi-country studies. While the incidence of this crime may vary from place to place, it is not restricted to a particular community or country. Every year thousands of women are badly injured, requiring medical attention, and there are fatalities in big numbers. Men too are at the receiving end but on a much smaller scale. Above all this the tragic by-product is battered children, caught in the crosshairs. Some don't survive. Despite this grim scenario, only about forty four countries have adopted specific legislation to address domestic violence. The United States has seen a lot of social activism in this area and legislation is being continuously reviewed to enhance protection and support of victims. India too has tough laws written to prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence. Why then is reportage of such crimes so abysmally low from people of South Asian origin? The hush hush affair? ASHA for Women, a volunteer

"The mental state of most battered women is fragile - they are leading lives of terror" explains Priya Kulkarni animatedly. Priya is ASHA's President. "Unless the community builds an environment of support, most of these women won't have the courage to seek help and repair their own lives and that of their children. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue of domestic violence should be publicly aired in the way we speak about any sickness, such as cancer. There has to be openness, understanding of symptoms, reportage, treatment and rehabilitation on a vigorous scale. Everybody needs to pitch in." Having legislation is not enough unless there is a will to enforce it. A societal will to see this behavior as unacceptable needs to be a part of education. People are generally reluctant to discuss domestic violence because they feel it is a private affair. But that, Priya tells us, is where we're very wrong. Domestic violence shakes up the delicate peace of society. It leaves deep mental scars on individuals. And it tends to pass on to the next generation. A son who has witnessed his mother being abused is twice as likely to repeat this early 'lesson' against his own partner later in life. Caught in the same environment, daughters are likely to accept abuse as normal behavior and become victims themselves. Such violence hurts society economically in a big way. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control has estimated the cost of domestic violence to be

over $12.6 billion in the United States annually. The direct costs are from healthcare, counseling, social and welfare services, police, criminal justice and legal services and such expenses. The indirect costs are insidious, from reduced earnings and lower productivity at the workplace and at home. What is domestic violence? Kamal Dhillon is a survivor who experienced eleven years of the most horrific abuse from her husband, while bearing him four children. The name of her book 'Black and Blue Sari' is derived from her perpetually battered black and blue

condition. She is very clear about the driving sentiment behind all the heinous acts committed against her - to demolish her as an individual and gain complete mental, emotional and physical control.

Domestic violence shakes up the delicate peace of society. It leaves deep mental scars on individuals. And it tends to pass on to the next generation. A son who has witnessed his mother being abused is twice as likely to repeat this early 'lesson' against his own partner later in life. Caught in the same environment, daughters are likely to accept abuse as normal behavior and become victims themselves Counselors agree. Gaining control is the foremost driver for the oppressor and the abuse can take many forms. Apart from inflicting injury by hitting, punching, and humiliating through forced sex, there are other insidious ways of perpetrating domestic violence. Isolation, economic deprivation, public humiliation, continuous personal insults and mind games can wreck the strongest person over a period of time. Abusers can be charming people outwardly, and a third person may find it difficult to figure out what is happening. Physical violence is generally the starting point in the 'wheel of violence'. Lakshmi Aiyappa, ASHA's Executive Director, has observed such patterns for over twenty years. She maintains that once a partner has hit a spouse, this will happen again in most relationships. The first time Kamal Dhillon was hit, she was just two weeks into her highly celebrated marriage, with a broken nose she turned to her parents for help. She was told to make the marriage work. A community failure? The homicidal torture Kamal Dhillon underwent for eleven years is too painful to repeat. Some of the incidents were known to her own family and her husband's. "Sadly, many families don't intervene till the case goes out of hand," affirms Lakshmi. Domestic

violence is manifest worldwide, but the response of South Asians leaves a lot to be desired. Contrary to popular belief, domestic violence is as high among arranged marriages as in 'love' marriages. In both cases, if the marriage turns out to be violent, the tendency is to pressurize the woman to acquiesce and tolerate the unruly 'manly' behavior even when children are affected. Social taboos and 'honor' often play a big role in forcing the woman into a dangerous situation. Families and friends also tend to shrug them off as 'between man and woman' crimes of passion. "No," says Dr Revathi Vikram "these are crimes that are deliberated, planned and executed on a long term and ongoing basis." Dr. Revathi Vikram knows what she's talking about. A psychiatrist and member of ASHA's governing body, she was formerly the United Nations Family Status Committee chairperson. Ultimately, a family exists in context to its society and is driven by the need to conform to a social system or norm. Communities have the power to condemn or uphold action and influence individuals and families. If they care enough. This is the handle by which ASHA and other committed social organizations are attempting to turn around attitudes: you must care, you have to care, domestic violence affects you! Be a good neighbor! Recently, in the space of six months, ASHA has helped eightyfour abused women and eighty-

a situation of domestic violence. For sustained support ASHA pairs the victim with an advocate who is closest in sharing the language, the culture as well as religion. With comfort levels in place, ASHA connects the victim to a range of specialty counselors and agencies who can render the right advice and support. On case to case basis, the abused woman and children receive financial support as well, particularly for education and learning life skills. All this is conducted with the highest levels of confidentiality, ensuring the safety of the women and children. There are women's organizations with similar agenda operating in different zones in the United States such as Manavi in New Jersey, Sakhi in New York, Saheli in Boston. Each one is focused on the same theme, Call 911 in case of emergency, Call our helpline, Get involved, Don't let women and children get hurt. Action in October October was observed as the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1987 and was officially acknowledged in 1989 when Legislation legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. Since then October is when media, welfare agencies, universities, institutions, Government and communities come together to reflect on what needs to be done, and to celebrate the survivors who have struggled to get safety, self esteem and dignity back into their lives. In President Obama's words last

Families and friends also tend to shrug them off as 'between man and woman' crimes of passion. "No," says Dr Revathi Vikram "these are crimes that are deliberated, planned and executed on a long term and ongoing basis." Dr. Revathi Vikram knows what she's talking about, being a psychiatrist and member of ASHA's governing body one children emerge from the grip of domestic violence. "We received 355 enquiries in this period! We're happy. We see this as an indicator of people daring to get involved, calling us, calling 911." ASHA supports women and children of a rich multi-cultural mix loosely termed as South Asians, people who've originated from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. So the people who call ASHA's helpline are varied, first and second generation immigrants, some of them new arrivals. Just one call on the ASHA helpline brings attention to

October "â&#x20AC;Ś The ramifications of domestic violence are staggering. Young women are among the most vulnerable, suffering the highest rates of intimate partner violence. Exposure to domestic violence puts our young men and women in danger of long-term physical, psychological, and emotional harm. Children who experience domestic violence are at a higher risk for failure in school, emotional disorders, and substance abuse, and are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of violence themselves later in life." It's October, and time to talk about it.

Philosophy

November 2, 2012

India Post

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis PAUL BRUNTON

he treatment of unpleasant realities by not including them in his picture of the world comforts but at the same time befools a man. None of the great prophets like Jesus and Buddha denied the existence of sickness, the reality of pain, or the significance of suffering in the cosmos. No - they acknowledged them as being inseparable from human life but pitied the victims and offered them an inward comfort which was based on truth and reality. The animal part of us is doomed to oblivion, the spiritual part is ageless and deathless. The physical body belongs to the animal part. All attempts to perpetuate it must fail and arise from confusing the two levels of being, the transient and the eternal. People ask why, if all is mind, if - as you say - our bodies are only ideas, can we not control regulate and improve our bodies by controlling regulating and improving our minds? Why not go further still, with Christian Science, and play with the possibility, not only of these achievements, but also of rendering the body immortal by thinking it so? The answer is that nobody can deny the creative power of the mind. It may do all these things, except the last. That it will never do. Why? Because we live in a world whose fundamental law of SWAMI RAMA TIRTHA

f you seek ease and comfort for your bodies, waste your time in sensual pleasures and luxury, there is no hope for you. Inactivity, in other words, would bring to you death, and activity and activity alone is life. Look at the stagnant pond and the running stream. The crystal water of the rustling river is ever fresh, clear, drinkable, and attractive. But, on the other hand, see how disgusting, odorous, filthy, dirty, stinking and stanching is the water of the stagnant pond. If you wish to succeed, follow the line of action, the constant motion of a river. There is no hope for a man who would waste his wick and oil in preserving it from consumption. Follow the policy of a river, ever progressing, ever assimilating, ever adapting itself to the environment and ever performing work. Work, ever performing work, is the first principle of success. Students know that when they are speaking in their literary societies, the moment the idea "I lecture" comes into prominence within their mind, the speech is marred. Forget your little self in

being - as Buddha discovered and Jesus taught - is decay and death, change and transition. Indeed, it was because they were so painfully aware of these truths that they sought and found the only true way of escape for man and that was into Nirvana, into the Kingdom of Heaven - not into the physical body again! No Christian Scientist from the first founder down to the latest follower has ever

possibilities of spiritual healings of pathological conditions, miraculous mental cures of disease, and rapid acceleration of organic repairs through concentrated thinking, I repeat that we do not deny them. They have always existed, always been demonstrated. The relation between psychological and physical processes must certainly exist if our doctrine is true. But there are two other factors at work in human life

cept the doctrine that you as an individual, as the ego, are also an ephemeral idea. Now when you go further and declare that you want reality, you want to find eternal and not ephemeral life, you will have to abandon the fleeting idea for the eternal Mind in which it occurs: that is, you will have to sink the ego and merge its will in the greater universal will of the Infinite Being. Do this! What will you find next?

All attempts to perpetuate the body must fail

Paul Brunton

When you accept the doctrine that all is mind and each individual thing is but an ephemeral idea, you must perforce accept the doctrine that you as an individual, as the ego, are also an ephemeral idea

achieved physical immortality, nor ever will. "Man will never tire of seeking immortality," wrote Dr. Alexis Carrel, whose biological researches, yet mystical sympathies, entitle him to speak with high authority. "He will not attain it, because he is bound by certain laws of his organic constitution. . . . Never will he vanquish death. Death is the price he has to pay for his brain and his personality." Now as for the other things, the

which must also be considered and must not be ignored. What are they? The first is the factor of destiny, self-earned in previous lives and now awaiting physical expression in the present life. It has something to say, whether we like it or not. The second is the factor of renunciation. When you accept the doctrine that all is mind and each individual thing is but an ephemeral idea, you must perforce ac-

That your personal desires have sunk with it, that your individual wishes and hopes and fears have dissolved and disappeared. The desire for bodily betterment, however very attractive, would have gone too. You cannot have a single desire and yet enter the Kingdom of Heaven, as Jesus pointed out. Excerpted from The Notebooks The 114th birth anniversary of Paul Brunton was observed on October 21

work and entirely throw yourself into it; you will succeed. If you are thinking, become thought itself, you shall succeed. If you are working, become work itself, and thus manifestation of love. A merchant who does not look upon his customer's interests as his own, cannot succeed. In

all circumstances. To a living seed must be attracted by an inviolable law of affinity all that it requires of the air, water, earth, etc, to fructify. So does Nature promise every kind of help to a cheerful active worker. "The way to more light is the faithful use of what we have."

course. Why then damp our cheerful spirits by uneasiness about the event? Falling suddenly into a lake, persons who do not know how to swim can save themselves by simply preserving their equanimity. The specific gravity of man being less than that of water, he will

If you are working, become work itself

Swami Rama Tirtha

order to prosper, he must love his customers. He is to observe them with his whole heart. Be not anxious as to the reward of your labors, mind not the future, have no scruples, think not of success and failure. Work for work's sake. Work is its own reward. Without dejection at the past and without anxiety as to the future - work, work, work in the living present. This spirit will keep you cheerful under

Students know that when they are speaking in their literary societies, the moment the idea "I lecture" comes into prominence within their mind, the speech is marred. Forget your little self in work If in a dark night you are to travel a distance of twenty miles and the light in your hand shows only up to ten feet, think not of the whole way being unilluminated, but walk up the distance that is already lighted and ten more feet will of themselves be illuminated. You will not find a spot in the dark. So a real, earnest worker by a necessary law encounters no obscure ground in his

keep floating on the surface. Imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and reflect unto others all that you receive. A seed in order that it may bud forth into a tree must perish itself. Fruition is thus the final result of complete self-sacrifice. Excerpted from 'In Woods of God Realization' The 139th birth anniversary of Swami Rama Tirtha was observed on October 22

Bring all of yourself to his door: bring only a part and you've brought nothing at all. - Hakim Sanai I am a bird of the heavenly garden I belong not to the earthly sphere. They have made for two or three days a cage of my body. - Rumi O Beloved, there is no room left in my heart For anything but You! - Hafiz Sweep with your soul, before your beloved's door. Only then will you become her lover. - Baba Aziz There are as many paths to God as there are souls on Earth. -Hadith If I adore You out of fear of Hell, burn me in Hell! If I adore you out of desire for Paradise, Lock me out of Paradise. But if I adore you for Yourself alone, Do not deny to me Your eternal beauty. - Rabia Between me and You, there is only me. Take away the me, so only You remain. - Hallaj

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

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India-Australia relations & Julia's nuclear tango ABHIJIT IYER MITRA

s expected, nuclear negotiations took centre stage during Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard's visit to Delhi. Much talk of cultural links owing to the English language, cricket, a Westminster style parliament was bandied about. While Australia insists on a multifaceted engagement to build deep interdependencies, India sees only its one point agenda in all of this and has held ties hostage to the supply of uranium. While opinions in Delhi seem optimistic many factors point to need for a hard reality check. To start off, Australia as of now has no capacity to supply India. Given its current commitments are backlogged, new mines in Olympic Dam (South Australia) were meant to generate the additional uranium that would feed India. Given that India's much trumpeted nuclear reactor construction binge has fizzled out, the market pressures that would have spurred on Olympic dam's expansion added to Australia's own internal anti-nuclear sentiments means that this will probably not happen. What this means is that in the next five years we should not expect any shipments from Australia. Logistical problems aside there are legal issues at work here which may ossify the relationship into its current lukewarm state. Australia in all its other nuclear supply agreements insists on a total separation of personnel - i.e. people working in civilian facilities fuelled

from the civilian to the military. As a result while all kinds of watertight restrictions were placed on the transfer of materials and power, none was placed on the movement of scientists. This of

Hand in glove

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during her recent visit to New Delhi

course was well known, since the point was to acquire French reprocessing technology - ostensibly for civilian purposes but then to duplicate the same to improve India's reportedly dismal weapons material reprocessing. Australia however will have none of this - and all indications are that their diplomats have smartened up to India's negotiating tactics on this score. India's sob story rests on the basis of acutely limited domain knowledge. That is to say since the pool of trained nuclear scientists is so small they have to do everything from running reactors, ensuring power

The scary state of Indian reactors, their safety and security has long been whispered about - but was blown apart by the CAG's indictment a few months back. In effect no other institution in India has the kind of hilarious "self auditing" and complete lack of accountability outside of the Indian judiciary by Australian uranium cannot be transferred to weapons facilities at any point of time - past present or future. Gillard it is reliably learnt insisted on this clause. Given that her minority government is dependent on the greens, who are already angered by the nuclear deal with India, there is only so much that they can be pushed around before things snap. The India-US nuclear deal had one aspect of tacit proliferation built into its structure - the horizontal proliferation of knowledge

be indignant here we need to remind ourselves that the Australians are in fact doing us a favor. The Indian "negotiating position" is complete tosh. Much of this has to do with India's nuclear scien-

output, reprocessing spent fuel, refining raw fuel, auditing their colleagues, and making bombs when they get some free time. Indian diplomats presumably will argue this exact story - and ask that Australia make concessions on this score. If it gets nasty the negotiating position will swing to the fact that Australia is providing us with raw material not technology and they should confine their overly long noses only to the safety and security of their produce. While Indians have a right to

tists wanting to protect themselves from accountability. The scary state of Indian reactors, their safety and security has long been whispered about - but was blown apart by the CAG's indictment a few months back. In effect no other institution in India has the kind of hilarious "self auditing" and complete lack of accountability outside of the Indian judiciary. But this same establishment also gave us the bomb (even if most of those bombs were duds) and so control the institutional mechanisms of nuclear negotiations with an Iron fist - having direct access to the prime minister and shielding all errors of omission and commission with the label "Top Secret" - a luxury even the Indian judiciary can't afford. Whether or not Australia achieves this separation in the Indian establishment, this does force a closer introspection within India's establishment. This is good for us on a variety of counts - especially safety and security but also in terms of being forced to expand our educational capacity to produce more nuclear scientists and a far greater professionalism in the manufacture, storage and deployment of our bombs. In short this is good for our arsenal as it is for our infrastructure - despite what our nuclear establishment tells us. The real tests will lie of course in how good Australia's negotiating pitch is - if they make the mistake of casting this as a dogmatic sine qua non, we all lose. The writer is Research Officer, NSP, IPCS

e had all along believed that the Congress and the BJP are two different political parties. Crusader Arvind Kejriwal of India Against Corruption (IAC) has just busted that myth. He has suggested that all political parties are in an arrangement of 'I scratch your back, you scratch my back.' This unwritten law applies to the kin of the leaders who enjoy benefits from proximity. Unwittingly, Congress sharpshooter Digvijay Singh let the cat out of the bag by suggesting that they had evidence against the kin of former Prime Minster Atal Behari Vajpayee and LK Advani of alleged corruption and wrong-doing but the "Congress will never use that to embarrass them." The quid pro quo here is that you don't touch Sonia Gandhi's kin and we won't needle your leaders' kin. In line with this arrangement, BJP has not questioned the greedy acquisitions of Sonia's son-in-law. Nor will they ever do so. BJP president Nitin Gadkari has refused to join in the demand for action against NCP leader Sharad Pawar and his nephew Ajit Pawar found involved in the Maharashtra irrigation scam because he has enjoyed favors from the NCP leader. On the coal blocks allocation issue also the BJP and Congress were alleged to be hand-in-glove in the "loot of Rs 1.86 lakh crore." This cosy arrangement is between the political parties and Kejriwal is not a party to this drama. So he went ahead to expose the nexus. A lesson that Kejriwal has learnt in this ongoing struggle to expose the high and mighty is that one should not call for an inquiry. Because who will hold the inquiry? All the instruments of inquiry, including the CBI are under the government and they will either delay a probe or come out with an eyewash. When Kejriwal tore into the wrongdoings by law minister Salman Khurshid's NGO, the minister said let the UP government hold an enquiry. Kejriwal was quick to counter that nothing would come out of that inquiry. The UP Government that is being asked to hold an inquiry is a fiefdom of Mulayam Singh Yadav who is himself being inquired by the CBI for possessing disproportionate assets. And the CBI inquiry is done at the behest of the Law Ministry at present headed by Salman Khurshid himself. So will Mulayam try to embarrass the law minister by holding an inquiry? Rest assured, nothing will be done in the case of the misdemeanors of the law minister. Analysts are pointing out that those disturbed by the hit and run guerilla tactics of Arvind Kejriwal need to ponder that this "monster" has been let loose on the establishment precisely because they have put the Lokpal Bill proposed by the civil society in cold storage. This was an institution which could have looked into these very corruption charges among politicians and decided on their validity in a preliminary inquiry and rejected the unsubstantiated ones. According to that Bill, the Lokpal would conduct a preliminary inquiry within 30 days. If there was no prima facie case, the matter would be closed. If there was a case, then the Lokpal would have it investigated after providing the accused "a suitable forum." The investigation, according to the bill, must be completed within six months. Now that civil way of dealing with corruption has been sidelined, pushed back, ridiculed and sought to be dismissed. Well, that is why the free for all Frankenstein phenomena has emerged and it is not going away. The perception is growing among people that politicians are guilty unless proved innocent. This is the opposite of what the judiciary is committed with. Since the lawful procedure has been blocked, the unlawful have taken over. The Prime Minister has been repeatedly saying that deciding policy or making laws is the prerogative of lawmakers. But evidently parliament is not functioning and so the vacuum is being filled by the Kejriwals.

November 2, 2012

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November 2, 2012