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Aakash tablet unveiled at United Nations Details on page 5
Taiwan beauty Christine Kan is Miss Asia USA Details on page 30
Embassy hosts Clemson Varsity alumni Details on page 6
Lawmakers say don’t give visa to Modi Details on page 6
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VOL 18, No. 952
December 14, 2012
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WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI: Many Indian funds and portfolio managers from India are believed to have come under scanner in the US for serving clients there without the required regulatory approvals for such activities. These entities also include those soliciting investments from institutional and individual investors in the US, in-
Greg W Nuti and Jenny Feng
Fremont Temple program on shedding weight Details on page 16
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29
cluding Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), in funds and portfolio products involving arts, real estate, commodity and various other non-equity assets, sources said. The US market regulator SEC recently charged four Indian brokerages -
Classifieds ------------------------- 52
Details on page 5
Horoscope ------------------------- 50
Community Post -------------- 16-25 Date Book -------------------------- 49 Edit Page --------------------------- 54 HealthScience Post --------- 12-14
Immigration Post ------------- 44-46 Life Style ----------------------- 30-32 Philosophy ------------------------- 53 Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
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Real Estate -------------------- 36-37 TechBiz Post ------------------- 34-35
Legendry actor Dev Anand’s life size brass statue was unveiled by yesteryear great Waheeda Rehman and son Suneil Anand at the Bandra Bandstand Promenade in Mumbai on December 4 to mark his first death anniversary. (Details on page 11)
Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 40-42
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ike the Nano earlier, which presented a cheap but efficient car to Indians, a low cost tablet Aakash 2 is set to revolutionize computing in India. Meant initially for students, it is a path breaking project of the Indian government. When showcased recently at the UN headquarters, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon praised India as a "superpower" in the field of information technology and appreciated the tablet for being "small and handy." Threatened by its low-cost availability, rivals have questioned its indigenous status which Montreal based Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of UK company DataWind, says was never claimed. On the eve of the presentation at UN, stories appeared in the Indian press that DataWind had procured the devices off the shelf from China for $42 a piece. It is interesting that the quality or affordability of Tablet 2 has not been questioned. Datawind admitted that the motherboard and kits for the first 10,000 units of Aakash 2 were manufactured in China "for expediency". The final assembly and programming was done in India. However, it denied there were any commitments on its part to manufacture the tablets in the country. In fact Aakash 2 is a tribute to outsourcing and it has become a symbol of successful globalization. For comparative advantage, parts can be bought from nations who have an edge in certain areas. If it was wrong earlier to chest-thump about its Indian inventiveness, it is wrong to bewail its assembling of cheap parts. What matters is cheap availability for consumers and this put-together device will bring Internet to billions. Experts say the so-called exposure of Datawind assembling various parts from different sources is more of a perception issue, and it is unlikely to derail India's attempt to empower millions of its poor students with low-cost and subsidized tablets. Tuli has termed the Aakash tablet as a story not just of Indian innovation, but "a story of global innovation led by India, an idea that the Indian government decided to aggressively implement." Even as I write more mud is being dug up to throw at Tuli which proves here is something which is going to work for India.
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HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Not interested Shahrukh Khan's latest film Jab Tak Hai Jaan has already raked in 100 crores but Shahrukh doesn't seem to be interested.
Cover Story: Under scanner Indian funds and portfolio managers from India have come under scanner in the US for serving clients without approvals.
Community: Fitness program Fremont Hindu Temple is running a very educative and informative program to shed extra pounds and enhance fitness.
Health: Abortion laws Irish PM Enda Kenny has promised swift action over the issue of abortion laws and sought a "calm and rational discussion"
Life Style: Miss Asia USA A crowd of over 1500 witnessed the Miss Asia USA and the Mrs. Asia USA Cultural Pageants presented together.
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US probing Indian funds and brokers WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI: Many Indian funds and portfolio managers from India are believed to have come under scanner in the US for serving clients there without the required regulatory approvals for such activities. These entities also include those soliciting investments from institutional and individual investors in the US, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), in funds and portfolio products involving arts, real estate, commodity and various other non-equity assets, sources said. The US market regulator SEC recently charged four Indian brokerages Ambit Capital, Edelweiss, JM Financial and Motilal Oswal - for providing unauthorized broking services to the American clients. While the Securities and Ex-
change Commission (SEC) agreed to settle the charges against these brokerages after a payment of more than USD 1.8 million (about Rs 10 crore) by them, the US mar-
In the case of these brokerages, the quantum of business provided by them to their US clients was not big and they also readily agreed to take corrective steps after being contacted by the SEC ket regulator might take stricter action against other entities from India being probed by it, sources
said. In the case of these brokerages, the quantum of business provided by them to their US clients was not big and they also readily agreed to take corrective steps after being contacted by the SEC regarding their possible violations. The SEC is also probing the role of some other Indian brokerage firms for potential violation of similar nature. However, in the case of the portfolio managers and funds, the violations are said to be of much bigger in nature, a senior official said. The US regulator has also contacted financial regulatory authorities in India with regard to its probe into Indian entities, while notices have also been served to some of the companies suspected
to be serving the US clients without proper authorization in the country, the official added. However, he declined to name the entities, saying it might come
In its order on November 27, SEC had said that the four financial services firms were providing brokerage services to institutional investors in the US without being registered with the SEC as required in way of the probe and could also affect their business interests in case they are not found to be
guilty. In its order on November 27, SEC had said that the four financial services firms were providing brokerage services to institutional investors in the US without being registered with the SEC as required under the federal securities laws. Despite being unregistered broker-dealers, the four companies engaged the US investors here through sponsored conferences, regular travel of their employees to meet the US investors, traded securities of India-based issuers on behalf of US clients and participated in securities offerings from India-based issuers to US investors, SEC said. In their respective settlements, the firms agreed to be censured while neither admitting nor denying the SEC's charges. -PTI
Aakash tablet unveiled at United Nations UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has lauded India as a "super-power" in the field of information technology as he unveiled the country's first indigenously created lowcost Aakash 2 tablet here. The tablet was showcased at the UN headquarters on the occasion of the India's current Presidency of the UN Security Council. CEO of Datawind, maker of the Aakash tablet, Suneet Singh Tuli, presented the device to the UN chief who voiced appreciation for the tablet for being "small and handy." "India is a critical player on security issues, but you are also a leader on development and technology. Indeed, India is a superpower on the information superhighway. There is a reason places like Hyderabad are called 'Cyberabad'," Ban said in his remarks. The UN chief said he is aware that 'Aakash' means 'sky' in Hindi and called on nations to work with the UN to help young people "reach for the sky and meet their dreams." He said technology is not an end in itself but is the key to empower people to make the most of their own potential. "Information and communications technologies are engines of economic growth and development and can help transform people's lives. They are great enablers, helping people communicate across distances, facilitating trade and commerce and providing better access to health care and education," he said.
Ban said technology is being used in innumerable ways around the world to improve the lives of people but the challenge is to leverage the power of technology and bridge the digital divide.
The $40 tablet ran into controversy after reports surfaced that parts of the device, like the motherboard, were manufactured in China and only the final assembly and programming was done
components of the tablet sourced globally. He said certain parts of the Aakash 2 tablet were secured globally, including the touchscreen which was manufactured in
Suneet Singh Tuli, right, CEO of Datawind, presents UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. left, an Aakash2 tablet computer during a meeting at United Nation headquarters November 28. India’s UN Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri is at center
The controversy Datawind CEO Tuli said he is "proud" that certain components of the low-cost tablet were sourced from Beijing as he dismissed the controversy over the issue as "sensationalism".
in India. "Over the last 72 hours I have dealt with this controversy that the Aakash tablet is not 100 per cent made in India. Why is that a controversy," Tuli said in response to questions about certain
Canada, motherboards and kitting from China and the final assembly and programming in India. "Parts of the tablet are made in different parts of the world. I am proud that the motherboard and kitting is done in China. I am proud
that we are setting up six manufacturing facilities in India with six different partners," Tuli said. The India-born chief of Datawind said the controversy exists because he was the only proponent who had proposed that the tablet be made locally. "Because I have been a big proponent of local manufacturing, that is why this controversy exists. China and India are neighbors. China is part of the global community. In my mind there is no controversy, all that there is sensationalism," Tuli said. Tuli termed the Aakash tablet as a story not just of Indian innovation, but "a story of global innovation led by India, an idea that the Indian government decided to aggressively implement. Datawind had said that for the first 10,000 units for IIT, and for the sake of "expediency", the motherboards and kits were manufactured in its Chinese subcontractor's facilities. The units were 'kitted' in China at various manufacturers while the final assembly and programming happened in India. Tuli said "too much is being made" about the sourcing of parts from China. "If the customer does not have any objection to it, why should anybody else have any objection to it. We are the ones who have been pushing everybody to make more of the tablet in India. People who doubt that this can be done in India should not have an inferiority complex," Tuli said. Cont’d on page 6
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Embassy hosts Clemson University alumni India Post News Service
WASHINGTON: As a follow up of Ambassador Nirupama Rao's official visit to South Carolina in February 2012, the Embassy hosted a reception for the Baltimore and DC based alumni of Clemson University, South Carolina on November 27. With over 125 guests in attendance, the event marked the first such interaction between the Embassy and Clemson University. Ambassador Rao along with the President of
the university Dr. James Barker addressed the gathering on this occasion. In her remarks, Ambassador recalled her trip to South Carolina earlier this year, summarizing her excellent impressions of that visit. Speaking of her warm interaction with Clemson University alumnus and the first female governor of the state, Governor Nikki Haley, Ambassador Rao added that she was highly optimistic about the potential of multifaceted collaboration between India and the state
Ambassador Nirupama Rao with Dr James Barker, President of Clemson University and his wife Marcia Barker at an event for Baltimore and DC based alumni of Clemson University at the Embassy on November 27
of South Carolina. She particularly highlighted the possibilities in this direction in the areas of education, automobile industry, urban planning and infrastructure. President Barker thanked the Embassy for hosting the university alumni, and spoke at length about the contributions of Indians and Indian-American students to Clemson University. He said that these students, whether in science or humanities, have been at the heart of advancing Clemson University's national and global standing. In this context, he mentioned that Dr. Autar Kaw, a Clemson alumnus and Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of South Florida, has been named U.S Professor of the Year (2012), the highest honor in the United States for undergraduate teaching, by Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching. President Barker invited Ambassador Rao to again visit the university and address students and faculty in the near future. Prior to the public event, Ambassador Rao also had a restricted meeting with President Barker to
Ambassador Nirupama Rao welcomes and addresses Baltimore and DC based alumni of Clemson University at the Embassy on November 27
discuss possible partnerships between the Clemson University and universities in India in the
larger context of India-US cooperation in the field of higher education.
Aakash tablet unveiled at UN Cont’d from page 5
"We need to focus on the opportunity that exists. Just because some components were made in China to get started should not cause anybody any great concern," Tuli told PTI. He added that it may not be possible to manufacture the entire tablet solely in India as certain components need to be procured from different parts of the world. "Greater effort needs to be made for local manufacturing," he said. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep Singh Puri, who organized the launch of the tablet at the world body, said when the Indian government had floated the global tender for the tablet, there was not any stipulation that it had to be made entirely in India. "Nowhere does it say this is an Aakash 2 tablet made in India exclusively or even partially. It is a very poor attempt at orchestrating a controversy when you realize that the Aakash 2 was going to be showcased in New York," Puri said. China's Ambassador to the UN Li Baodong also attended the event with Puri saying his Chinese counterpart came for the launch of the tablet "to show his
solidarity." Puri said he decided to utilize India's presidency to showcase the tablet only after getting confirmation that President Pranab Mukherjee would be unveiling the tablet in India. Tuli said the product is being made at a price that no one had thought would be possible and
‘We believe that over time, within the next year as the touchscreen manufacturing happens in India, the motherboards will also be made in India’ as time goes by, "we will manufacture more in India." "I wish those people who are unhappy with it can show me the 100 per cent Indian-made products they use," he said, adding that the computers on which reports of parts of Aakash being sourced from China were being written also have been made in China. Tuli said India's first touchscreen panel plant is being
set up in Amritsar and it is expected to be fully functional within the next 30 days with an initial capacity of three million units. Once the plant becomes operational, touchscreens which are currently manufactured in Canada would be made in India. "We are big believers in local manufacturing and in vertical integration of manufacturing. We believe that over time, within the next year as the touchscreen manufacturing happens in India, the motherboards will also be made in India. China and other countries around the world will play a role in providing components and other value adds to the product. "This is a global story," he said. Tuli said he is targeting to bring down the price of the tablet from 40 dollars to 25 dollars in the next 18 months. "Nobody thought it was possible to build a tablet PC in this price range. This requires a form of frugal innovation that is unique to India and developing countries. Frugal innovation does not mean creating an iPad killer. It is about creating an iPad for the 'rickshaw-wala' and for the mass of the market," Tuli added. PTI
Guests in attendance
25 US Congressmen ask Clinton to continue denying visa to Modi WASHINGTON: As Narendra Modi seeks a fresh mandate in Gujarat and also eyes prime ministership, a bipartisan group of 25 US Congressmen has asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to continue denying him visa, claiming he has not adequately pursued justice for victims of the 2002 riots. "As ... justice has yet to be fully realized for the victims of the riots, we ask that you continue to deny Mr Modi a visa," the lawmakers from the US House of Representatives said in a letter to Clinton. Dated November 29, the letter, which comes ahead of the Gujarat polls on December 13 and 17, was released to the press by Republican Congressman Joe Pitts and Frank Wolf on the eve of their joint press conference at the Capitol Hill with family members of the victims of the 2002 Gujarat riots. As the Gujarat Chief Minister "continues to pursue a potential run for higher office, we believe a change in policy to his request for a visa will only embolden Modi
and his government's efforts to obstruct further investigations ... to bring the perpetrators to justice," the Congressmen said. India is a thriving democracy, and one that is aspiring to a high standard of leadership and progress, they said. "It is disturbing that certain parties in India are considering elevating Modi, despite his tie to these attacks. Allowing him to enter the United States will only serve to abdicate his responsibility for the 2002 human rights abuses." Observing that the Bush Administration "rightly denied" Modi a visa, the lawmakers said as he is currently seeking support for a possible bid for prime ministership, including meetings with leaders of foreign nations, "we expect" that he may again request entry into the US. "We respectfully request that the US government deny Mr Modi entry due to numerous reports of his involvement in horrific human rights violations in India," they said.-PTI
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ArcelorMittal gets nod for multibillion Arctic iron ore project TORONTO: Facing hurdles in dian Arctic last year in a USD France, Luxembourg-based 567.61 million deal as part of its ArcelorMittal has got green light new thrust to reach its long-term from Canada for its multi-billion goal of nearly doubling its iron ore dollar project to develop one of production, reducing dependence the world's largest ironore mines in the Baffin Island in the Arctic. The local Nunavut Impact Review Board gave its final clearance to the project under which ArcelorMittalled consortium will begin conLakshmi Mittal and Aditya Mittal struction of the new ironmine close to Arctic, CBC re- on miners such as Vale SA, Rio ported. Tinto and BHP Billiton. ArcelorMittal acquired the ArcelorMittal will hold seventy Mary River deposit in the Cana- per cent stake in the Arctic ven-
ture with the rest to be shared by Australia's Iron Ore Holdings LP. The 17,000-hectare mine and associated infrastructure, including a port and railway, is expected to cost between Canadian dollars 4-5 billion, with first production about five years after construction starts. CBC said the Canadian board's decision was the culmination of a four-year assessment of the project, in which Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation plans to build a massive open-pit mine at its Mary River site about 160 kilometers south of Pond Inlet, Nunavut, along with a railway and port that would allow icebreakers to ship the ore through Arctic waters year-round. The television network quoted a local board official as saying that the current production plan was for 18 million tonnes which would be ramped up "fairly quickly within the first year or two of start
of production". The Arctic is considered to be the last frontier of mining and until just a few years back, the huge resources had been left untapped due to the region's inaccessibility and the massive costs of extraction. But now, due to the exponential rise in commodity prices,
marking a staggering USD 2 billion for building a 140-kilometre railroad connecting the mines to a port. The port near the mines can be reached only by ice-breaking cargo ships, with three times the normal engine power and custombuilt to navigate frozen waters.
The Arctic is considered to be the last frontier of mining and until just a few years back, the huge resources had been left untapped due to the region's inaccessibility and the massive costs of extraction the mining companies feel that the risk would be well compensated. This will be the first iron-ore mine inside the Arctic circle where temperatures plunge to as low as -50 degree Celsius and to overcome this, ArcelorMittal is ear-
To provide stability, the railroad track would be set on a four-meter deep foundation. Canadian official said that the construction of the port and the railroad would be completed between 18 months to 2 years.-PTI
Get involved: Sunita Williams to Indians the space program and be flying people in space before too long," Williams told PTI in an interview. Asked what would be her message to fans in India, she said, "I think the message that I would like to give to folks in India about the InSunita Williams
WASHINGTON: "Get involved, try to be a part of it" is the message of record-breaking Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams to millions of Indians students and space enthusiasts. Stressing that India has a great resource of people and talent, Williams, who is just back from her 127 days mission to the International Space Mission, said she can't imagine India taking a backseat in space programs. "You know, I hope so. I am short of had my head down for last mission for the last couple of years. So I haven't really been in the know about all the Indian space program and what it has been doing, but gosh we really hope so," Williams, 47, said when asked if India stands a chance in front of US and Russia to emerge as a leader in space research. "India has a great resource of people and talent out there that I can't imagine, Indian taking a back seat. So, I am really hoping they will jump out there and be part of
ternational Space Station is get involved". She added, "We have experiments up there from all over the world, not only the international partners that participated in building the space station, but all over the world...universities, schools, we talk to kids all over the place. "Get involved, try to be part of it, open up new doors and new opportunities".
‘I think the message that I would like to give to folks in India about the International Space Station is get involved’
Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space during her two long-duration missions. That makes her the second most experienced female astronaut in history, behind NASA's Peggy Whitson (who spent 377 days in space during two station flights). Williams now also holds the record for spacewalking time for female astronauts. -PTI
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India, China reach understanding on border talks progress BEIJING: India and China have reached a "common understanding" on the progress made so far in their vexed border talks that will provide a framework for drawing a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable" boundary, National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon said here. The understanding was reached during the current round of talks here between Menon and his designated Chinese counterpart Dai Bingguo. "Dai and I agreed on common
Representatives for the boundary talks, held three rounds of parleys spanning about six hours. Elaborating, Menon said the border talks are currently in the second stage of a three-stage process which had been agreed in the beginning. The first stage was to work out the guiding principles. It resulted in the 2005 agreement on the political parameters and guiding principles for boundary settlement. The second stage is aimed at working out a framework for boundary settlement. "Once we have a framework we will proceed to actual business of drawing boundary that is fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable," he said. "We are in the middle of the second stage. What we try to do in the common understanding which we prepared was to say where we are today," he said. "Overall when we looked at our relationship and when we looked at the boundary that we have actually made considerable progress and we handled the relationship well. The border is peaceful and we made progress toNational Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon wards settlement," with Wu Bangguo, the head of the National "There is work People's Congress - or Parliament - at the Great still to be done. Both Hall of the People in Beijing on December 4 sides recognize understanding on discussions on that," Menon said, adding they the framework for a boundary have not allowed the boundary settlement," Menon told media issue to prevent all-round develhere. opment of relations. Menon and Dai, the Special The two countries launched
the mechanism of meetings between Special Representatives on border issues in 2003. Dai, who would be retiring in
India asserts that the dispute covered about 4,000 km, while China claims that it is confined to about 2000 km to the area of Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Southern Tibet March, has remained China's Special Representative in all the 15 rounds so far. India asserts that the dispute covered about 4,000 km, while China claims that it is confined to about 2000 km to the area of Arunachal Pradesh, which it refers to as Southern Tibet. Menon, who also met Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, wound up his visit after calling on Wu Bangguo, the number two in the outgoing leadership of the ruling Communist Party, ranked next to President Hu Jintao. His meeting with Wu, also the Chairman of China's national legislature, the National People's Congress, was an anti-climax as he had not met any members of the all-powerful new seven-member Standing Committee of the CPC. Menon's visit was partly aimed at establishing contacts with the new leadership headed by CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping. Earlier, he was expected to meet Vice Premier Li Keqiang, who is to replace Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.-PTI
Indian-origin executive among top appointees at News Corp NEW YORK: News Corp has Chief Financial Officer for MGM announced a major restructuring Studios, would assume the role of of its top management in line with Chief Financial Officer of the its decision to split into two pub- newly formed publishing comlicly traded firms, naming a new pany. head for its troubled British newsA fellow of the UK Institute of paper arm and appointing an In- Chartered Accountants, Singh dian-origin executive to head the had previously served as CFO at publishing business' finances. Novartis Pharmaceuticals and The company said Dow Jones SONY Pictures Entertainment. Editor-in-Chief and Managing Prior to 2000, he held a number Editor of The Wall Street Journal of positions at News Corp, includRobert Thomson will become the ing senior finance roles at News CEO of the new proposed pub- International and 20th Century lishing entity, following the Fox. company's intended separation Under the collective new leadinto two independent, publicly ership, Fox Group would continue traded companies. to strengthen its creative content In the new role, Thomson will businesses and distribution ashave to confront a lingering scandal in the UK News Corp that closed its News of the World newspaper in July 2011 after a phone hacking scandal. The publishing entity Murdoch announced that Bedi would retain the name of Ajay Singh, who had most reNews Corporacently served as President, Fition and the media and ennance and Administration and tertainment Chief Financial Officer for MGM company Studios, would assume the would be named Fox role of Chief Financial Officer Group. of the newly formed News Corp publishing company Chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch would serve as Chair- sets, including enhancing its man of the new News Corporation sports portfolio through key inand Chairman and CEO of Fox vestments in Asia, Europe and Group. Latin America, the company said. Murdoch announced that Bedi Murdoch's son James Ajay Singh, who had most re- Murdoch would continue in his cently served as President, Fi- capacity as Deputy Chief Operatnance and Administration and ing Officer of the Fox Group.-PTI
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2 Indians involved in Kabul Bank fraud case NEW DELHI: Fraudulent lending and embezzlement by officials, including by at least two Indian citizens, led to failure of Afghanistan's Kabul Bank resulting in misuse of about USD 935 million Afghan public money, according to an independent report. The 87-page 'Report of the Public Inquiry into the Kabul Bank Crisis', prepared by the Independent Joint Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, was released in Kabul. As per the report, the bank's controlling shareholders, key supervisors and managers led a sophisticated operation of fraudulent lending and embezzlement, mainly through a loan-book scheme. "This resulted in Kabul Bank being deprived of approximately USD 935 million funded mostly from customer's deposits," it said. Further, the report stated that shareholders, related individuals and companies as well as "politically exposed people" were the ultimate beneficiaries of the fraud. In September 2010, Kabul Bank ran into trouble and was later taken over by the Afghanistan's
However, specific details about the executives or their current status were not disclosed. It was found that the bank's Credit Department opened loan accounts for proxy borrowers on instruction from senior management and also forged supporting documents such as applications and financial statements. Moreover, fake business stamps were used to "lend authenticity to the documents". About USD 861 million - over 92 per cent of the bank's loan book - has been extended to 19 related individuals and businesses, including a USD 270.3 million liability for the ex-Chairman, a USD 94.3 million liability for the ex-Chief Executive Officer and two politically exposed people with liabilities of USD 74.1 million, the report said. Going by the report, Attorney General's office has sent letters to jurisdictions including India seeking mutual legal assistance regarding assets of the bank that are likely to be held or through which funds are laundered. "Letters were only recently sent out in September 2012 to
central bank. "On September 5, 2010, the exGovernor wrote to the Ministry of the Interior to seek a travel ban for Kabul Bank's Internal Audit Manager and Credit Manager who are citizens of India. "A letter was also sent that day to Kabul Airport headquarters informing the airport authority that the two were attempting to flee. They were later arrested," the report said.
Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom and India requesting assistance pursuant to the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption," the report said. In late 2009, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Afghanistan was advised that Kabul Bank was "moving money through food
trays on Pamir Airway flights, which is supported by a Kabul Bank account that paid 10 Pamir Airways pilots for cash shipments", the report said.
"Kabul Bank was nothing but a fraud perpetrated against depositors, and ultimately all Afghans; and weak institutions and political realities in Afghanistan
About USD 861 million - over 92 per cent of the bank's loan book - has been extended to 19 related individuals and businesses, including a USD 270.3 million liability for the exChairman, a USD 94.3 million liability for the ex-Chief Executive Officer and two politically exposed people with liabilities of USD 74.1 mn
offered the perfect environment to operate," the report added. British daily Financial Times has reported that as much as USD 900 million, a majority derived from loan schemes, was moved out of Afghanistan through electronic transfers between March 2007 and April 2011. Quoting an official, the report said that the amount "ended up in bank accounts in 28 countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Latvia, China, Turkmenistan, Britain, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Turkey, Russia, the US and Switzerland". -PTI
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Advani joins BJP leaders in praising Modi AHMEDABAD: Close on the heels of BJP leader Sushma Swaraj describing Narendra Modi "fit" for the Prime Minister's post, the Gujarat Chief Minister came in for praise from L K Advani who said he is a "role model" of development and asked other states to imitate him. "Modi is undertaking great development work in Gujarat. He is a role model for chief ministers of other states on how to rule, govern and take care of even the poorest," he said addressing election rallies at Kalol and Mansa in Gandhinagar district in the run up to the Gujarat Assembly polls on December 13 and 17. Lauding Modi for introducing schemes for tribals and fishermen, Advani had said, "Prices have risen during the Congress regime while the Union government is facing corruption charges. Scam after scam is being unraveled." Advani's praise of Modi comes days after Swaraj and BJP leader Gopinath Munde described him "fit" for the prime minister's post. "Narendra Modi is capable of
becoming the prime minister of the country... he is fit for it," Swaraj had said earlier. Taking a dig at Swaraj for her statement on Modi, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh
Arun Jaitley, another senior party leader, had said that BJP is proud of the fact it had a leader like Modi and he is so popular and a "successful CM" that it is "natural" the party will keep his name "ahead" had said she must first make clear if Advani also agrees with her. "It is alright if Sushma feels that Modi is good for the Prime Minister's job, but she must first tell if Advani also agrees with her on this," Digvijay had said in
Katni in Madhya Pradesh. Munde had said that "Narendra Modi is capable of becoming PM and I am satisfied with Sushma Swaraj's opinion...He has potential of becoming PM". Arun Jaitley, another senior party leader, had said that BJP is proud of the fact it had a leader like Modi and he is so popular and a "successful CM" that it is "natural" the party will keep his name "ahead" in the prime ministerial aspirants. BJP's Bihar unit chief C P Thakur had claimed that the endorsement of Swaraj, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, was the broad view of the entire party leadership. "Sushmaji's endorsement of Modi as BJP's prime ministerial candidate in the next general elections represents the broad view of the party leadership and not her personal opinion," Thakur had told PTI in Patna. "Not only Sushmaji, but the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and other senior leaders have echoed similar sentiments in favor of Modi,"
Thakur had said, adding that the final decision would be taken at an appropriate forum of the party in due course of time.
apparent growing support for Modi in the prime ministerial stakes, BJP spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi had said, "BJP is
L K Advani
The BJP on its part said there were many leaders who were eligible candidates in the party for the post of prime minister. Against the backdrop of the
fortunate to have many eligible candidates for the post of prime minister. The party will decide who will be when the time comes." PTI
US lauds new round of Indian reforms Police complaint against WASHINGTON: With a new round of reforms like allowing FDI in multi-brand retail, the Indian government has raised the prospect of a continued strong economic growth, a US official has said, lauding Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the country's remarkable development in recent years. "By championing a new round of reforms in September, the current Indian Government has raised the prospect that strong economic growth will continue. "For example, in allowing foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail, India's Ministry of Commerce estimates 10 million new jobs will be created," Geoffrey Pyatt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, said. Addressing the 6th IISS-NESA South Asia Security Conference in Muscat, Oman, over the weekend, Pyatt praised Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for lndia's remarkable development in recent
years. "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has championed India's global engagement, from his time as Finance Minister to his current stint as leader of the world's largest democracy," he said, according to the copy of his speech released by the State Department. By dispelling the myth that In-
Geoffrey Pyatt
dia must choose between inclusive growth policies and being a robust global economic driver, he put his country on a path to indigenous technological advancement and historic private sectorled growth, with 174 million Indians expected to enter the work force by 2030, Pyatt said. "By aiming to invest a trillion
dollars ... in sustainable infrastructure over the next five years, the Prime Minister will ensure that the growth story that bears his imprimatur will last well beyond his tenure," the US official said. India's economic take-off has enabled greater influence and responsibility in the international system, he said. "As India has shifted its engagement outward, this has opened new possibilities for commerce and connectivity with its neighbors," Pyatt said. India, he said, can become the connecting point between South East Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. "Academics and commentators readily acknowledge India as a dynamic link that 'fuses' the Greater Middle East and East Asia," he said. The New Silk Road vision and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor are intended to reinvigorate regional partnerships to promote economic integration, Pyatt said. "The idea is a simple one: by maximizing the use of transportation and energy infrastructure and actively promoting cross-border collaboration and trade, Central, South and Southeast Asia can once again become a bustling hub for global commerce," he added. Pyatt said the economic potential of a more open and integrated South Asia is virtually unlimited.-PTI
leasing of airport to GMR MALE: The Maldives Airports country's Anti-Corruption ComCompany has filed a complaint mission is also investigating the with the police here over what it issue. terms as "unlawful leasing" of The move by the company Male International Airport to In- comes just days after it terminated dian infrastructure major GMR. the contract signed with GMR "The Maldives Airports Com- during the regime of previous pany Limited has submitted a President Mohamed Nasheed. complaint to the Maldives Police Upset over the unilateral deciService requesting to investigate sion by Maldives to terminate the the unlawful leasing of Male In- USD 500 million Airport project ternational Airport on June 28, here, India had made it clear that 2010 by the senior officials of the former government and former Upset over the unilateral board members of the decision by Maldives to Company," the government owned firm said in terminate the USD 500 mila statement. lion Airport project here, It said that issues India had made it clear that raised for investigation include the "unlawful it would "inevitably" impact proceedings" in award- on bilateral ties given the ing the airport to GMR; "the changing of some "climate created" there of the criteria of the original agreement in a manner it would "inevitably" impact on that would bring about great bilateral ties given the "climate losses to the state; amendments created" there which was a matter made to the agreement that de- of "concern". creases state fuel revenue; allowTerming as "extremely unfortuing GMR to levy USD 25 as an nate" the campaign against the Airport Development Charge; not project, top government officials obtaining the necessary legal said it was made a political issue counsel before handing over the from purely a commercial one while airport to GMR," among others. noting that "many interests were The statement said that the at work" in Maldives. -PTI
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US policy expert calls for Life-size statue of Dev Anand unveiled deepening ties with India India Post News Service
WASHINGTON: Obama Administration needs to address its institutional deficiencies so as to deepen its relationship with India, a prominent American foreign policy expert has said. Observing that the US-India relationship is vital to maintaining a balance of power in Asia that is favorable to the United States, Ashley Tellis of the prestigious Brookings Institute said "deepening the partnership requires the US President Barack Obama to address institutional deficiencies in Washington, cooperate with New Delhi on Afghanistan and Iran, build up India's defense capabilities, and encourage Indian economic reform". An important institutional improvement would be integrating the India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan bureaucracies under a single directorate in the White House and bureau at the State Department, he said. "In conjunction, Washington ought to designate a senior official with specific responsibility for India, since it must be expected that Pakistan and Afghanistan will naturally consume substantial leadership attention in the foreseeable future," Tellis said. The Obama Administration in the second term, he said, should seek continued Indian cooperation in achieving its strategic goals in Afghanistan and Iran. "Partly because of disenchantment with Pakistan's duplicity in counterterrorism operations and partly because of the recognition that Afghans often welcome Indian reconstruction activities more warmly than they do other inter-
national programs, the Obama administration has strongly endorsed Indian contributions to efforts in Afghanistan and urged their expansion," he said. In the months ahead, Washington should encourage the Indian government to increase its contributions with an eye toward enabling a successful transition, he observed. Tellis said time has come for the United States to seriously imple-
The top American foreign policy expert said that the United States should encourage the Indian state to accelerate the economic reforms required to raise the country's growth rates to the highest levels witnessed during the last decade ment its long-professed strategic intention of building up Indian defense capabilities. "Because there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between India and America, aiding Indian defense programs and defense industrialization efforts remains in Washington's self-interest no matter what the differences in tactics or styles may be between the two states," he argued. During its second term, the
Obama administration ought to pursue specific initiatives to take US Indian defense relations to the next level, Tellis said. "These efforts should focus on direct defense-industrial collaboration, since military-to-military relations and defense sales have already done very well. Current initiatives in both areas should nonetheless be expanded because raising the operational proficiency of the Indian military and expanding India's inventory of US defense equipment serve American interests," Tellis said. The top American foreign policy expert said that the United States should encourage the Indian state to accelerate the economic reforms required to raise the country's growth rates to the highest levels witnessed during the last decade. "The United States should do everything possible to encourage the swift implementation of these reforms. They would open Indian markets to US business, generating profits for those ventures. "Successful market liberalization would automatically create expanded opportunities for American participation in India's growth, with room for US contributions in the form of increased capital, technology, and expertise transfers," he said. The reforms would also increase America's stakes in India's success, thereby providing the best guarantees of permanent US support for the country even in the face of occasional political disagreements between them, Tellis said. -PTI
MUMBAI: December 3 marked the first death anniversary of legendary actor Dev Anand and UTV Stars paid him a tribute by installing his brass statue at the Bandra Bandstand Promenade immortalizing his invaluable contribution to Indian Cinema. Dev Anand's life-size statue was unveiled by none other than yesteryear great, Waheeda Rehman and son Suneil Anand. Waheeda Rehman made her debut with Dev Anand and the two of them acted together in seven movies, which is the highest for any actress with him. Paying him a tribute at the Walk of the Stars, Waheeda Rehman said, "I made my acting debut with Dev Saab and then went on to do 6 more films with him. He was extremely passionate about
his work and we shared a wonderful working relationship. While he will always be remembered for his wonderful movies, a tribute such as this will immortalize Dev Saab forever. And I am more than happy to have the privilege of unveiling his statue." Commenting on the tribute to his father, son Suneil Anand said, "My father has to his name a wonderful line up of movies and has contributed immensely to Indian and world cinema. He continues to be a source of inspiration to millions of youth the world over. He was passionate about his work and was always forward looking. And for him to receive such an iconic tribute as recognition of his body of work is truly heartwarming. This is a momentous occasion for me and my family - Dev Anand is with us and will live forever."
Senate backs faster US withdrawal from Afghanistan WASHINGTON: The US Senate voted overwhelmingly for an accelerated withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan after more than a decade of fighting, reflecting the wishes of a war-weary nation. The strong bipartisan vote of 62-33 sends a clear message to President Barack Obama and the military as they engage in highstakes talks about the pace of drawing down the 66,000 US troops there, with a White House announcement expected within weeks.
Although the vote was on a nonbinding amendment to a defense policy bill, its significance could not be discounted. Sen Jeff Merkley, the chief sponsor, argued that al-Qaida is stronger in other parts of the world and that nation-building in Afghanistan has gone off track. His measure endorsed Obama's timetable to withdraw all combat troops by the end of 2014 but pressed for a quicker pace, without specifying how that would be achieved.-AP
Tendulkar the best batsman I have played against: Ponting PERTH: Himself considered to be one of the finest batsmen in cricket history, Ricky Ponting has paid accolades to another master Sachin Tendulkar describing him as the best batsman he has played against. "I felt Sachin was the best player I played against, and that's coming from more of a captain's point of view as well, knowing he had so much success against us in our conditions and their conditions," Ponting said at his retirement press conference after the lost final Test against South Africa here. Tendulkar has always been highly regarded by the Australians with greatest batsman in the game's history Sir Donald Bradman say-
Australia’s Ricky Ponting with his wife Rianna and daughters Emmy, second right, and Matisse pose for a photo after South Africa’s win in the third cricket test match in Perth, Australia, December 3
ing in 1996 that the Indian was the closest somebody came to emulating his batting style. "Now I never saw myself play, but I feel that this player (Tendulkar) is playing much the same as I used to play," Bradman had said. Tendulkar has an impressive record against Australia compiling 3438 runs in 35 Tests for an average of 57.30. He has scored 11 Test centuries and 15 half centuries against them. In ODIs, he accumulated 3077 runs in 71 matches for an average of 44.59. Ponting also praised West Indian batting great Brian Lara, saying he gave him sleepless nights before matches. "I probably lost more sleep on the eve of games against Lara,
because I knew he could singlehandedly win games for his team. The way I judge players has always been on their ability to win games, and win games by themselves," he added. "Lara could certainly do that and he did it probably more than what Sachin's done for India. It's hard to separate the class of player -you've got to put Kallis in that bracket as well. "You put his wickets on top of what he's done with the bat. He came out the other day to bat and I looked at the board and he was averaging 57 in Test cricket. That's remarkable considering the amount he's had to bowl and all that sort of stuff," the former captain said. -PTI
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Strides Arcolab gets approval for generic cancer drug NEW DELHI: Strides Arcolab has said its wholly-owned arm Onco Therapies has received approval from US health regulator for its generic version of cancer drug Ifosfamide. The abbreviated new drug approval (ANDA) by US Food and Drug Administration is for Ifosfamide injection in multiple strengths of 50 mg/mL packaged in 1 gram/20 mL and 3 grams/60 mL single-dose vials, the company said in a statement. Ifosfamide is part of the oncology portfolio licensed to Pfizer for the US market and the product is available for immediate launch, it added. Citing IMS data, Strides Arcolab said the US market for generic Ifosfamide is approximately USD 15 million. -PTI
NY clinic workers plead guilty to Medicare fraud NEW YORK: Two Brooklyn residents have pleaded guilty in a $71 million Medicare fraud scheme. Federal authorities say 34year-old Katherina Kostiochenko and 51-year-old Sergey Shelikhov pleaded guilty in New York to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Kostiochenko also pleaded guilty to health care fraud and conspiracy to pay kickbacks. A co-conspirator, 28-year-old Leonid Zheleznyakov, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Court documents say the three were employees of a Brooklyn clinic that paid cash kickbacks to Medicare beneficiaries. -AP
Doc, researcher guilty in Las Vegas stem cell scam LAS VEGAS: A Nevada doctor and a Romanian-educated physician with no U.S. medical license have been convicted of defrauding chronically ill patients with an experimental stem cell implant procedure. A federal court jury in Las Vegas found Henderson pediatrician Ralph Conti and self-described medical researcher Alfred Sapse guilty of conspiracy, mail fraud and wire fraud charges. U.S. Attorney Daniel Bogden says each could face decades in prison at sentencing Feb. 27. Attorneys for the 86-year-old Sapse and 51-year-old Conti say they'll appeal. -AP
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SC reports 1st flu death; cases widespread COLUMBIA, S.C.: Health officials in South Carolina are reporting the first flu death of the season is in Barnwell County. The Department of Health and Environmental Control said that flu season has started earlier than usual. -AP
Abortion laws: Irish PM vows swift action, seeks calm discussion LONDON: Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has promised swift action over the issue of abortion laws and sought a "calm, rational and sensitive discussion" on it, amid raging controversy over the death of an Indian dentist after she was refused termination of an unviable pregnancy. However, there was adverse reaction within his own party, with a number of Fine Gael backbenchers complaining that they were being "press-ganged" into moving too rapidly to deal with the matter. The development came as the report of an expert group, set up after the 2010 European Court of Human Rights judgment against Ireland on the issue of abortion, was discussed at Cabinet and subsequently published online. The report contained four options for the government, but leaned heavily in favor of a flexible combination of legislation and regulations. The Parliament is set to debate the report and Kenny said he would "provide as much time as
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny
From January 8-10 and before the Parliament resumes, the Joint Committee on Health and Children will hold public hearings on whatever option is chosen. people desire." According to The Irish Times, the Prime Minister said that prior
to the Parliament going into recess for Christmas "the Government will make its view known, arising
from those discussions and our own views, regarding which option it decides to pursue." From January 8-10 and before the Parliament resumes, the Joint Committee on Health and Children will hold public hearings on whatever option is chosen. Kenny said "the legislative options will be followed through by the Government." This appeared to rule out nonstatutory guidelines, one of the options listed in the report. However, when questioned further in the Parliament by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, Kenny said: "We have not yet decided on an option." Responding to suggestions that legislation might not be ready until the second half of 2013, he said: "This is just not true." Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton was the most senior critic of the Fine Gael leadership to speak out when party lawmakers were briefed on the report. Cont’d on page 13
Reading, writing, games keep ageing brains healthy WASHINGTON: Mental activities like reading and writing or even playing games like chess can preserve structural integrity in the brains of older people, according to a new study. Researchers from the Rush University Medical Center and the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago studied the effect late-life cognitive activity might have on the brain's white matter, which is composed of nerve fibers, or axons, that transmit information throughout the brain. "Reading the newspaper, writing letters, visiting a library, attending a play or playing games, such as chess or checkers, are all simple activities that can contribute to a healthier brain," lead researcher Dr Konstantinos Arfanakis said. The researchers used a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method known as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to generate
data on diffusion anisotropy, a measure of how water molecules move through the brain. In white matter, diffusion anisotropy exploits the fact that water moves more easily in a direction parallel to the brain's axons, and less easily perpendicular to the axons, because it is
injury and disease. "In healthy white matter tissue, water can't move as much in directions perpendicular to the nerve fibers," Arfanakis said. "But if, for example, you have lower neuronal density or less myelin, then the water has more free-
Data analysis revealed significant associations between the frequency of cognitive activity in later life and higher diffusion anisotropy values in the brain. impeded by structures such as axonal membranes and myelin. "This difference in the diffusion rates along different directions increases diffusion anisotropy values. Diffusion anisotropy is higher when more diffusion is happening in one direction compared to others," Arfanakis said in a statement. The anisotropy values in white matter drop, however, with ageing,
dom to move perpendicular to the fibers, so you would have reduced diffusion anisotropy. Lower diffusion anisotropy values are consistent with ageing," Arfanakis added. The study included 152 elderly participants, mean age 81 years, from the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a large-scale study looking at risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Participants were without de-
mentia or mild cognitive impairment, based on a detailed clinical evaluation. Researchers asked the participants to rate on a scale of 1 to 5 the frequency with which they participated in a list of mentally engaging activities during the last year. Among the activities were reading newspapers and magazines, writing letters and playing cards and board games. Data analysis revealed significant associations between the frequency of cognitive activity in later life and higher diffusion anisotropy values in the brain. "Several areas throughout the brain, including regions quite important to cognition, showed higher microstructural integrity with more frequent cognitive activity in late life," said Arfanakis. The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). -PTI
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Brewer rejects state-run health exchange for Arizona PHOENIX: Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has decided against creating a state-run health insurance exchange required to implement a key part of President Barack Obama's federal health care law. Brewer's decision means the federal government will set up an exchange that will provide consumers with an online marketplace to buy subsidized health care coverage. Brewer, who reiterated her opposition to the health care overhaul, said there are too many costs and questions associated with a state-run exchange. She said she concluded that federal requirements meant the state ``would wield little actual authority over its `state' exchange.'' ``The federal government would maintain oversight and control over virtually every aspect of our exchange, limiting our ability to meet the unique needs of Arizonans and the Arizona insurance market,'' she said in a statement. Brewer sent a federal official a one-page letter disclosing her decision. Her announcement preceded a
Dec. 14 deadline for states to declare whether they'd run their own exchanges. A decision to create an exchange would have been subject to approval by the Republican-led state Legislature.
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer
Though the Nov. 6 election results reduced the size of Republicans' majorities in the state House and Senate, a Brewer push to create a state-run exchange would have faced a fight from GOP lawmakers who oppose the law. An alliance of hospitals, insur-
ance companies and business groups wanted Arizona to have a state-run exchange, arguing that it would increase coverage while giving the state flexibility in designing a program to its liking. Conservative advocacy groups such as the Goldwater Institute stand in opposition. They say Arizona shouldn't help implement a law that could foist new expenses on the state and raise health insurance prices for residents. Brewer's administration spent two years planning for a possible exchange, accepting approximately $31 million of federal funding to pay for the advance work. As part of that planning, Brewer in September selected a minimum benefits package for a state-run exchange based on current insurance coverage for state employees. She noted in a Sept. 28 letter to the Obama administration that the package she chose excludes abortion coverage. While some Republicans governors in such states as Texas and Maine have balked at creating state-run exchanges, others in Nevada and New Mexico have opted to proceed. -AP
Abortion laws: Irish PM vows swift action, seeks calm discussion Cont’d from page 12
Backbenchers John O'Mahony, Terence Flanagan, Billy Timmins and James Bannon were among 12 members who spoke critically. In an "impassioned" contribution, Creighton insisted that Fine Gael did not have a mandate to legislate for abortion. Other speakers complained that their votes were being taken for granted by the leadership. Many complained that the timeline was too tight. Earlier, Minister for Health James Reilly told reporters that after the health committee hearings, "we will seek to implement through legislation the decision of the government as quickly as possible." However, he went on to say that his reference to "legislation" was a "slip of the tongue" and that he did not want to preempt the Parliament debate and Cabinet decision. Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher said he hoped a "middle-ground consensus" could be reached on the report. Sinn Fein health spokesman Caoimhghin O Caolain said the report made it clear that primary legislation was required and regulations alone would not suffice.
Irish Council for Civil Liberties Director Mark Kelly said: "The Government must now inform the Oireachtas (national legislature) and the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe of its precise timeline to enact the necessary reforms." The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children said: "This report is undemocratic. It fails to
Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher said he hoped a "middleground consensus" could be reached on the report. suggest as an option consulting the Irish people through a referendum." Its statement comes amid controversy over the death of 31-yearold Savita Halappanavar from blood poisoning at the Galway University Hospital on October 28 after doctors refused to terminate her 17-week pregnancy, stating "this is a Catholic country". -PTI
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Medicaid expansion still uncertain for Colorado DENVER: Colorado health officials won't commit to increasing Medicaid coverage as called for by President Barack Obama's federal health care law, saying it's too soon to know whether the state can afford to expand health care for the needy. Speaking to a group of health care activists, Roxane White, chief of staff to Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper, said the administration is waiting until after a December tax estimate before deciding how to proceed. ``Let me tell you now, we don't have answers for you,'' White said. Under the law, Medicaid will be expanded to cover individuals who earn about $15,400 or less each year, which is 138 percent of the federal poverty line. Current income limits in Colorado depend on several factors, but can be as low as about $1,100 a year. The change would add about 225,000 people to the state's Medicaid rolls, which currently cover
about 620,000 people. Some states have already said they can't afford to expand Medicaid. There's no penalty for states that don't make the change, although they would not receive federal funds that would cover the initial expansion. The Medicaid overhaul is one of the two main ways the federal health law expands coverage to most of the 50 million uninsured U.S. residents. As a broader Medicaid safety net picks up more low-income people, new health insurance markets, called exchanges, will offer subsidized private coverage to the middle class. Both parts of the strategy take effect in 2014, at the same time that most Americans will be required to carry health insurance or pay a fine. A national report out this week said Colorado may have to spend $858 million over the next 10 years on the Medicaid expansion. Nationally, growing the program to
cover about 20 million more lowincome people will cost over $1 trillion nationally from 2013 to 2022, said the joint report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Urban Institute. The analysis,
As a broader Medicaid safety net picks up more low-income people, new health insurance markets, called exchanges, will offer subsidized private coverage to the middle class however, found that states could pay $76 billion of that. White disputed the $858 million projection, but the administration has not offered its own. White told the health care activists gathered at a daylong summit organized by
HIV epidemic reversing, but young still vulnerable India Post News Service
NEW DELHI: The HIV/AIDS epidemic shows signs of reversal globally and in South-East Asia. WHO and countries are now working towards zero new HIV infections, zero deaths from AIDS-related illnesses and zero discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. To achieve this goal, on World AIDS Day 2012, WHO has emphasized the need for all people to learn about their HIV status, and for greater effort to reach and support young people, men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, migrants and others who are most vulnerable to the disease. The HIV epidemic is now clearly reversing. In 2011, 2.2 million people across the world were infected with HIV and 1.7 million died, half a million fewer new infections than 10 years ago, and 600 000 fewer deaths than 2005. In all 11 countries of WHO's South-East Asia Region, there was a 35% reduction in new infections, from 320 000 in 2001 to 208 500 in 2011. "The overall decline in the Region is cause for increased optimism, however complacency now could become our greatest enemy," said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, Regional Director, WHO SouthEast Asia. "Those most vulnerable to HIV are also among the least empowered and HIV prevention care and treatment services for these
people need to be made available and accessible", he added. One of the key factors contributing to fewer people being infected with HIV is increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and expansion of HIV prevention programs. In the Region, 46% of adults in need of treatment were enrolled in
"The overall decline in the Region is cause for increased optimism, however complacency now could become our greatest enemy," said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia care and treatment by the end of 2011 - up from 12% in 2005. The coverage for HIV treatment in children is 39% in 2011 - up from 9% in 2005. Starting treatment early reduces morbidity and mortality due to HIV, and recent studies have also confirmed the pre-
vention benefits of early treatment in uninfected regular sexual partners of HIV-infected individuals. This has led experts to aim towards end of HIV/AIDS. While there is much to rejoice, challenges remain. Nearly half of those in need of treatment are not getting it. Vulnerable groups such as sex workers, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men (MSM), continue to face stigma and discrimination in accessing prevention, care and treatment services. There is urgent need to expand and decentralize HIV testing services to capture those who are HIVpositive and link them into care. Linkages between programs are critical to expand the reach of services. WHO launched the updated treatment guidelines for adults, children and pregnant women in 2010. Consolidated guidelines are currently being developed that will have both normative and operational guidance on scaling up testing and treatment services. These will also look at models of care beyond the health sector to enhance community and health sector linkages. These guidelines will be launched in 2013.
the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative that state officials need to know tax projections and plans to contain costs before suggesting a Medicaid expansion. White suggested that a big question for Colorado will be not whether it can afford to expand Medicaid for a year _ but for many years. Under the law, the federal government pays all of the Medicaid expansion cost for the first three years, gradually phasing down to 90 percent of costs thereafter. White said Colorado will resist expansion if it can't be sustained. ``That is not a place we can go,'' she said. Democratic Sen. Pat Steadman, who will lead the state budgetwriting committee next year, compared Medicaid expansion to window shopping at a jewelry store where the gems are 90 percent off, but still unaffordable. ``Wow, that's a great sale. I wish I could afford to buy it,'' Steadman said.
Steadman called for patience by the health activists, many of whom are hoping Obama's re-election and new Democratic control of both chambers of the state Legislature will smooth the way to insure more people. Steadman cautioned that minority Republicans in the state still wield power and that lawmakers from both parties disagree on how to expand health care without spending too much. ``Health care seems to be one of those really polarizing issues,'' Steadman said, adding, ``folks just want to throw up roadblocks.'' Officials and activists agreed that Colorado has saved some heartburn going forward with implementing the health law by setting up a private health insurance exchange. Colorado was one of 17 states that have already started such work. The law requires exchanges, but many states held off as a failed legal challenge was resolved. -AP
Workers asked to pay more for retirement benefits SANTA FE, N.M.: State and local government workers and educators could see their takehome pay shrink in the next several years under proposals to have them contribute more out of their salaries for retirement benefits. Taxpayers also would chip in tens of millions of dollars under proposals endorsed by a legislative committee to shore up the long-term finances of two programs for public employees - a retirement system for educators and a separate program offering health insurance to retirees from state and local government jobs as well as public schools and universities. The measures will be forwarded to the Legislature to consider when it convenes in January for a 60-day session. Lawmakers and the governor must approve the proposals before higher payroll contributions would take effect. One proposal calls for nearly 62,000 educators to pay an extra $46 million over two years into their pension system, starting in July 2013. That would mean a $520 increase over those two years for an educator earning $40,000 annually. The proposed pension fund increases boosting the contribution rate by 1.3 percent from what's paid currently would not apply to educators earning $20,000 or less a year. Under another measure, 133,000 public employees, including educators, would pay $30 mil-
lion over three years for retiree health care while taxpayers pay $60 million more. For a government worker or educator earning $40,000 annually, the proposal would cost them an extra $300 over the three years starting in July 2014. Their payroll contribution rate would increase by 0.75 percent over the three years. The higher payments by taxpayers $30 million from the state and $30 million from cities, coun-
One proposal calls for nearly 62,000 educators to pay an extra $46 million over two years into their pension system, starting in July 2013 ties, schools and other governmental employers would take place over three years, starting in the 2016 budget year if lawmakers approve the proposal for a 1.5 percent increase. If nothing is done, the retiree health care program will run out of money in 2029. The program is financed by payments from government workers and their employers meaning taxpayers as well as insurance premiums paid by about 50,000 retired public employees. -AP
December 14, 2012
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Desi News MKCA announces Nathal Fest on Dec 22
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: The Malabar Konkani Christian Association (MKCA) has announced hosting of its 11th Nathal Fest celebrations in Chicagoland, USA. This annual celebration will be held on Saturday Dec 22 at Courtland Square Recreation Hall, 8909 David Place, Des Plaines, Illinois at 5:30 pm. For this year's Christmas celebration, as with every year, the association conducts a charity fund drive, with all proceeds going to a charity in India. This year, the MKCA Executive Committee has decided to support "Educare" - a student scholarship fund run by Don Bosco Club (DBC), Puttur, Mangalore, India. The executive committee has announced a unique opportunity where people can exhibit their culinary skills by sharing their favorite desserts. There will be attractive cash prizes for the winners.
Grand musical extravaganza for a noble cause VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
NEWARK, CA: Star Entertainment presented "Musical Extravaganza" on November 30 at the Chandni Restaurant, Newark. Peter Sahjani, marketing executive and Dahya Mistry of Star Entertainment in association with Bindu Bhansali, Viraj Dixit and Sanjeev Kumar were the organizers of this grand show which entertaining the crowd with live singing by Bay Area's leading singers. It was a splendid evening of a delightful singing entertainment, dinner, and dance for the support of local charitable cause during this holiday season. Details on page 19
Gujarati Cultural hosts anniversary and Diwali Milan RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The 36 years old Gujarat Cultural Association, one of the oldest of its type of ethnic organizations in Chicagoland, did it again by celebrating its annual Diwali Milan and get together in style and grace. Details on page 23
Indian Radiologists' annual meet a big success Details on page 22
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December 14, 2012
Fremont Temple message: Wait is over for 'weight is over' RAKESH KAPOOR India Post News Service
E
verybody is talking about their weight, which is over than what it should be normally for a healthy person but now Fremont Hindu Temple (FHT) is proudly sending the message that "Wait is Over" for the over-weight problem and no more falling prey to any kind of disease or ailment. These days FHT is running a very educative and informative program to shed the extra pounds and enhance the overall physical and mental ability under the prudent guidance of Dr. Romesh Japra, a well-known Cardiologist and a Visionary who happens to be Chairman of the Fremont Hindu Temple and Federation of Indo Americans also.
TLS class in session
ated by health professionals for licensed health professionals that enhances and compliments medical and alternative healthcare services. It consists of customized isotonic nutritional therapy, lowglycemic weight management and genetic DNA assessments for op-
These programs provide a solid foundation that not only makes a difference to the client, but to their families as well…especially the children. The rise of childhood obesity is not the fault of the children, as the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the parents. Kids will learn and develop the same habits that parents practice Dr Japra has taken both the institutions to such a height with his vision that the Indian community will feel proud of him, for times to come. This program is running in its second year very successfully after it was introduced in the temple in mid 2010. These days the nutraMatrix program's TLS (Transition Life Style) class is the talk of the town. It is conducted by Greg W Nuti, CEO GWN Health Services and Jenny Feng, a Registered Nurse from last many years with a renowned hospital. Harish Kalewar is the person from the Temple side who looks after the product line. We got a chance to peep into this class one Sunday and talked to Greg, Jenny the coaches and students of this class. India Post: Tell us about nutraMetrix and TLS Greg Nuti: nutraMetrix is a comprehensive wellness program cre-
timal health. TLS Weight Management Solutions encompasses lowglycemic impact eating, behavior modification, and body composition, offering an extensive plan that covers everything needed to get fit and trim. It is a 12-Week Education Program designed to help people get on the road towards optimal health. In fact, a big part of TLS is helping clients make healthy choices, while still eating a normal, diverse diet. TLS teaches people about low-GI impact eating and how to identify new favorite foods, creating new, healthy behaviors, and improving body composition to get their metabolism operating in high gear. IP: Since when you are associated with this? GN: I have been associated with TLS and nutraMetrix for the last two years. Jenny Feng: For the last three
years. IP: What were you doing before coming to this profession? GN: I have always been involved with teaching, instructing, training, or coaching, so being a TLS Educator has been a great fit. JF: I have been Registered Nurse for years and have passion about educating people to be healthy IP: How can the nutraMatrix Program be beneficial for the common man? GN: nutraMetrix and/or TLS is beneficial for everyone because we all need to learn how to live a healthier lifestyle. From a statistical standpoint, the continual increase in the obesity rate, the growing number of cases of diabetes, and the reliance on processed foods with high fat and
children. The rise of childhood obesity is not the fault of the children, as the responsibility rests squarely on the shoulders of the parents. Kids will learn and develop the same habits that parents practice. The same holds true for eating habits and exercise. Finally, nutraMetrix provides a valuable resource for health professionals to provide more holistic care to their patients. Education and quality nutrition are the components of true health care and most patients seek nutritional guidance from the doctor. Fortunately, nutraMetrix and TLS offer a solution for the health professional. JF: Yeah, I agree with Greg. Actually preventing is much easier than treating the disease. Everybody can be treated and benefited with nutrMatrix program and tailor made products. Our Isotonix supplement plays a vital role in maintaining good health. IP: What is this Isotonix? JF: Isotonix supplements are scientifically-advanced formulas designed to give your body the maximum benefit from vitamins and minerals. When you take a daily vitamin or nutritional supplement tablet, your body must work hard for up to four hours to digest and absorb the vitamins and minerals. During that process, your
Greg Nuti with Jenny Feng
sugar content speaks volumes about the need for education. Most people "think" they understand what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle, but the evidence doesn't reflect that. These programs provide a solid foundation that not only makes a difference to the client, but to their families as well…especially the
body may not absorb enough nutrients to gain the maximum benefit it needs to remain healthy. Isotonix supplements use an isotonic formula to speed nutrients to your body where they are needed most. This provides superior delivery and speed nutrients to your body. Cont’d on page 21
December 14, 2012
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Diwali celebrated with devotion at BAPS Mandir India Post News Service
CHINO HILLS, CA: This year's Diwali festival was celebrated with great devotion at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, CA. On Tuesday November 14, devotees gathered at the Mandir with family and friends to participate in the Chopda Pujan, a special ceremony for business owners to receive blessings for the upcoming New Year. This is traditionally the day when business owners close their existing account books for the year and open new ones in prepa-
ration for the upcoming year. Through chanting Vedic hymns and prayers, hundreds of ledgers were blessed during the ceremony. On November 15, devotees gathered early in the morning to offer their prayers on the first day of the New Year. Devotees graciously greeted each other and spread wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year. All were dressed in traditional attire and shared mutual feelings of excitement and joy. The hall was packed for the first aarti, a Hindu ritual of waving lighted wicks before the murti of Bhagwan as an act of
spiritual enlightenment, which took place at 7:00 am. Throughout the day visitors poured in to the hourly services to see the beautifully arranged lights as well as the Rangoli, unique floor design made with colored rice and powder. One of the unique aspects of celebrating the New Year is offer-
ing a feast of food items called Annakut, literally meaning "a mountain of food". The devotees of the Mandir, through their devotion, prepared this colorful array of vegetarian food items to be offered to Bhagwan. This created a sense of togetherness amongst all who were involved.
Despite residing in India, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj continually inspires devotees all over the world to celebrate their Hindu heritage and customs. These festivals allow for families to celebrate the Hindu festivals and pass on traditions to future generations.
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Young talent shows promise in Carnatic concert VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
MILPITAS, CA: Carnatic Chamber Concerts also known as CCC is a group dedicated to fostering young kids learning Carnatic music, by way of hosting monthly events. This is an excellent forum for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners to showcase their talent and helps them to relate to the peer performers in a positive envi-
Shruti Jagan (Vocal)
ronment. This group was founded by Padma Mohan in December 2008 and its inaugural concert was on January 1 2009 and the group has been having concerts every month with some exceptions. CCC is a no-money organization and the operations are run with help from parent volunteers. December CCC event was held at Sri Sathyanarayanaswamy Sandhya Chari (Vocal), Divya Mohan (violin), Ajay Gopi (Mrudangam)
Devasthanam, Milpitas on December 2 from 2:00 to 4:45 pm. It was a packed show with wonderful performances by talented Bay area kids. Archita Padmanabhan, Janani Sekar, Sruthi Jagan, Preethika Ashok and Sarika Sriram were given the introduction slot for about 10 minutes each and they awed the audience with their wonderful singing. Sandhya Chari and Kirthana Srikanth, repeat performers in CCC concert every year, enthralled the audience with their mesmerizing performances for about 40 minutes. Sandhya Chari is a disciple of Sri. Ajay Nambudiri and is a 10th grader from Mission San Jose High School, Fremont. She has won several awards in FIA and Papanasam Sivam Festival. Kirthana Srikanth is a disciple of Smt. Sangeetha Swaminathan and is a junior from Dougherty Valley High School, San Ramon. Accompanying artists were Ajay Gopi, Akshay Aravindan, Sanjay Chandrasekar and Nithin Sampath on the mrudangam. They supported the vocalists and it was a
Sandhya Chari and Kirthana Srikanth, repeat performers in CCC concert every year, enthralled the audience with their mesmerizing performances for about 40 minutes treat for the audience. Divya Mohan, Malini Mahes, Sanjna Arvind, Vignesh Thyagarajani on the violin and Priyanka Chary on the veena provided awesome support. Padma Mohan spoke about the growth of CCC and reiterated that the purpose of show was to nurture young talents. She feels proud on its phenomenal growth in Bay area. She thanked the parents for their relentless support, Mr Namdev Nayak and his team for professional audio setup, Mr Jayaraman for audio setup for concerts. She made a special mention on CCC's regular team of volunteers, Nami (website), Prasanna (photos), Latha (membership), Radha, Balaji, Pramila (food co-ordinators), Sriram (bios projection), and Viji (budding artists maintenance) for their support and hard work.
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Grand musical extravaganza for a noble cause VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
NEWARK, CA: Star Entertainment presented "Musical Extravaganza" on November 30 at the Chandni Restaurant, Newark. Peter Sahjani, marketing executive and Dahya Mistry of Star Entertainment in association with Bindu Bhansali, Viraj Dixit and Sanjeev Kumar were the organizers of this grand show which entertaining the crowd with live singing by Bay Area's leading singers. It was a splendid evening of a delightful singing entertainment, dinner, and dance for the support of local charitable cause during this holiday season. The event was a full house with over 500 attendees and began at 7:45 pm with non-stop musical
melodies performed by finest Bay Area talented singers like Mandeep Singh, Bindu Bhansali, Sanjeev Kumar, Viraj Dixit, Moonmita Sen (Moon Mg) , Arpita Mukharjee, Sujata Roashan, Rahul Pandhe, Deepti Venkat, Nina Rahman, HemKumar Joshi, Shruti Dixit, Surbhi Kaul and Steve Balram Singh. The professional dances were performed by Bay Area's versatile and recognized artist Elena Elsoukov who has been performing in Bay area for the past few years in Classical & Bollywood numbers. Other dance numbers were performed by Shveta Dave Sood of StarLight Performing Arts. StarLight Institute of Performing Arts was founded by Shveta Sood and Michelle Randev who bring in with them professional experi-
Honoring Divine Vastu (Rewa Kumar) as a grand Sponsor, Emcee Smita Deepak on left, Shalini Raj Singh (holding mike) and Dahy Mistry
ence of more than 15 years in the entertainment industry.
Since 1985, the Alameda County Community Food Bank has been at the forefront of hungerrelief efforts, helping people struggling with hunger in the neighborhoods. More than 50 percent of the fund raised in the show is to feed children of age under 10 Elena dance
CRY organizes 5K/10K run in Bay Area RITU MAHESHWARI India Post News Service
FREMONT: CRY (Child rights and You) America is one of the largest organizations helping improve living conditions of thousands of underprivileged children in India. It works closely with
walk and run as part of its efforts to help underprivileged children. The event featured walk and run in multiple batches and gave participants an opportunity to work out as well as support a worthy cause. The event was supported whole heartedly by many sponsors who not only donated money
Sujay Saha, US National Volunteer Lead of Cry America, said that San Francisco is a key chapter of CRY and he was proud and excited to walk/run in San Francisco NGOs working at grassroots level in helping children. CRY arranged for a 5K/10K fun
and food, but also helped in registering participants for the walk. Amit Saxena was one of the key
volunteers organizing the run. He has been a CRY volunteer for the past seven years. He said that CRY has supported more than 411,000 children so far. CRY is run with support from its donors and sponsors. He added that for more info Bay area people can reach Sushmita Pilaka. Sujay Saha, US National Volunteer Lead of Cry America, said that San Francisco is a key chapter of CRY and he was proud and excited to walk/run in San Francisco. CRY America has been around 10 years in America. CRY's cause attracts and keeps donors attached to the grassroots level. CRY is looking for volunteers and encourages people to start new chapters if there is none in their city.
Peter Sahjani & Moonmita Singer
The show was for a charitable cause and 100 percent of the proceedings were donated to Alameda County community food bank. It was to serve food for the needy people in areas such as Oakland during holiday season. Since 1985, the Alameda County Community Food Bank has been at the forefront of hunger-relief efforts, helping people struggling with hunger in the neighborhoods. More than 50 percent of the fund raised in the show is to feed children of age under 10. "For every $1 that is donated
to the food bank, they are able to get food worth $4 through the wholesale network and this is a small way to serve the community which we have been a part of", said Bindu Bhansali. She is also raising fund for the same cause and interested people can donate through Facebook page "Alameda County Community Food Bank". The program was emceed by Smitha Deepak. It was followed by scrumptious dinner by Chandni Restaurant which included vegetarian and Non-vegetarian entries.
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Corporate Diversity Conference a big success
New Hindu Temple inaugurated in Santa Clara
MANSI MAJITHIS
CHICAGO: Changing Color of Corporate Leadership in America was the theme of this year's Corporate Diversity Conference 2012 hosted by Chicago United Con-
Advocate Health Care, and governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn. Chicago United is the largest minority advocacy group promoting the concept of changing the color of business leadership in America. There were over 1,000 attendees at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. The conference was hosted under the leadership of Gloria Castillo, CEO of Chicago United, and a highly respected business leader. Following the banquet, there was an award ceremony. Those honored were: William C. Weldon, Chairman of Johnson & Johnson and Gregory D. Wasson, President and CEO of Walgreen Company. Two Asian Indians L to R: Gregory Wasson (Walgreen), Ms. Gloria Castillo (Chicago United), William C. also participated in the Weldon (Johnson & Johnson), Ms. Patricia Hemingway Hall (Blue Cross Blue Shield), 2012 Chicago United Nand Kapoor and Sher Rajput (Indo-American Center) and Conference from the Frederick H. Waddell (Northern Trust Bank) Indo-American Center. ference here recently. Chairman and CEO Northern Trust Nand Kapoor, former president of Many giants of industry gath- Corporation, Patricia Associations of Indians in ered to discuss how to develop Hemmingway Hall: President and America and Sher Rajput, trustee ways for more minorities to par- CEO of Health Care Service Cor- of Indo-American Center, personticipate in corporate America. poration, Jan Fields: President of ally delivered an invitation letter Among this highly distinguished McDonalds USA, James H. to Weldon and Wasson to visit gathering were Chicago business Skogsbergh: President and CEO of the Indo-American Center. leaders, such as Gregory D. Wasson: President and CEO of Walgreen Company, William C. Weldon: Chairman of Johnson & Johnson, Frederick H. Waddell:
VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
SANTA CLARA, CA: Shiva Durga Temple, a new Hindu shrine, was inaugurated on December 2 at 3550, Flora Vista Avenue, Santa Clara. The temple is located at the heart of India community locations of Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. It houses idols of Durga, Ram Darbar, Shiv Linga, Ganeshji, Sai Baba, Radha Krishna, Navgraha and Balgopal. The inauguration ceremony started amidst Vedic chanting under the supervision of Pandit Venkat Shastri at 8:30am. It was followed by purnahavthi and maha mangala arthi at 1:30pm. The ceremony was attended by over 500 devotees from Bay area. The devotees were given an opportunity to do the Sringar ceremony for all the idols. Preeti Bhoj was served to the devotees. Acharyaji Pandit Krishna Kumar Pandey is the founder of
Shias in Chicagoland mourn Imam martydom Asian Media USA
Chicago: The Shia Muslims of North America observed Muhharam on November 22 at Ramada Inn, Glendale Heights, a northside suburb of Chicago This month is a time of mourning for the Holy prophet's grandson, Imam Hussein. He is a man that stood for righteousness and piety. This is a very auspicious time and is dedicated to Imam Hussein and his brother, Hazrat Abbas. Shia Muslims around the world annually dedicate the first ten days, called 'Ashura, of their new year(and continues through forty days, called Arbayeen) to commemorate a battle that took place
nearly 1400 years ago on the tenth of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. Shia Muslims have been con-
him felt. They are then usually followed by a scholar lecturing on Islamic teachings that then tie it into the
Shias gather at Ramada Inn with their religious leader
gregating since the incident that took place nearly 1400 years ago. The program generally begins with recitation of poetry that is meant to evoke emotions of sadness and the despair that Imam Hussein and those that supported
teachings from the tragedy itself. Most Shia Muslims beat their chests as a symbol of mourning for what happened to Imam Hussein while again melodically reciting poetry that retells the emotional story of Imam Hussein.
Shiv Durga temple as it was his dream to build a place for worship for the Indian community. Hailing from a family of priests from Northern India, he is an Acharya in Vedic Religion and Astrology from Sanskrit University, Varanasi, India. Panditji has served as a priest for the world famous temple of Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir. He oversaw and directed the project for renovating the base temple First Darshan of Mata Vaishno-Kandoli Mandir. Panditji gave his services to Indian Army for 18 years and received three medals in recognition of his outstanding services. From November 2003, Panditji has been giving his services in United States of America
as a priest. He was the first Vedic and Hindu priest in Iowa State who was honored to perform a Prayer ceremony at Iowa Senate Legislative Assembly in United States. It was his dream to construct a Shiv Durga temple comprising a 9 feet tall Goddess Durga and 5 ft tall Shiv Linga, thereby leaving the future generation to preserve Indian roots and culture. The nine feet tall goddess idol symbolizes
Navrathri, Navgraha and comprises Maha Kali, Maha Saraswathi and Maha Lakshmi. The 5 feet Shiv Linga symbolizes five elements of nature, and Shiva acts as a body and Sakthi as Soul, thus making a perfect combination. Panditji took the opportunity to thank the team of volunteers who have worked relentlessly for the temple. He thanked Swathi Nigam, Sathyam Sinha, Sunil Khanna, Shalini Khanna, Amit Bharadwaj, Anjali Bharadwaj, Pradeep Parmar, Harpreet Parmar for their sincere effort in making this dream come true. The temple has regular puja activities on all days and looks forward for help from the community. Devotees can contact Acharyaji, President and Amit Bharadwaj, Latha Goel, Swathi
Nigam, co-founders for further details of temple events and activities.
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Wait is over for 'weight is over' Cont’d from page 16
IP: How is this profession different from others? GN: This work is different because I can see the results of my efforts. It means so much when a client truly wants to make a healthy change in their life and they're willing to follow the program. Seeing them physically change, watching their excitement and observing their increased energy and developing a new lease on life is very powerful and very rewarding. JF: This job is not about money, it is more about helping people. You will have the best feeling by doing so. IP: How was nutraMatrix introduced to the temple; I mean who brought you here? JF: We had a very successful TLS class in Dr. Romesh Japra's office with his patients. Dr Japra wanted to help his extended family, which is Fremont Hindu Temple's devotees. He said I do not want people to come to me for stunts or blood pressure pills. I want them to learn, "how to prevent disease." That is the reason we are here to have the class free for temple supporters. GN: I was first introduced to the program by Jenny Feng, who in turn introduced me to Dr. Romesh Japra who is a well-known Cardiologist. I had the good fortune of teaching several classes in his practice, which had a very positive effect on his patients. Dr. Japra saw the importance of the TLS program and how its focus on lowglycemic impact eating could truly benefit the Indian community, in which diabetes is very prevalent.
Dr. Japra felt that TLS and nutraMetrix would be a good fit for the temple by making the program more accessible to the community. IP: How much are you satisfied with people benefiting from nutraMatrix? GN: Overall, I feel we've made a very positive impact for temple participants, as the program continues to spread. Previous students are still implementing better eating habits and continuing to support their new lifestyle with high quality nutritional supplements. At the same time, I feel we have much more work to do. We must continue to promote the value of the program, as we still need to educate the community on the importance of achieving optimal health. JF: I am really very excited about the results from TLS class. When people show me the lab results, I tell them, I knew it will hap-
Dr. Romesh Japra
pen. When people tell me they feel very much energetic and do not feel any ailment, my graph of satisfaction starts soaring. There are so many good stories about their as well as our satisfaction.
Testimonies from: Dr. Romesh Japra, Cardiologist As far as this Transition Life Style is concerned, which we have started in our temple, I was very impressed with this. I applied it on myself first, two years ago. I re-
All Healthy Food & Fruits
member that I had gained about 15lbs and had a waist of 36". I started looking around for something so that I can be fit and finally found this program which is really a nice program that this company has. It not only watches diet, not only just exercising, not just taking supplements but deals with overall progress. How to work everything together, which I did and lost 10-12 lbs and lost 4" of my
waist. I am now feeling so energetic; my stamina has really come back. I am back to say what I was in my twenties. Now we have implemented this program in our temple. Hundreds of people have gone through this program and have benefited. I would like to appeal to everybody out there, "Come forward, join the program, and try it out and in 12 weeks you will see that you lose
the weight that you desire. Some people have lost 15 lbs and some 50lbs and some 100 lbs and they lost even 10" of their waist. After that you can maintain it and it is not that you are going to lose it and it is going to come back if you continue doing what we are supposed to do and what we are supposed to eat. Cont’d on page 24
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'Dances of India' celebrate anniversary with 'Birth of Nataraja' ASHWIN PATEL
ST LOUIS: Dances of India celebrated their 35th Anniversary with a spectacular, eclectic mix of dances Nov. 16-18 at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts in St. Louis, Missouri. Both classical and fusion Indian dance styles were represented. The Birth of Nataraja, the featured dance-drama, was a lively, rhythmic retelling of how Shiva acquired the qualities necessary to become Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. Sanjay Shantaram of ShivaPriya School of Dance in Bangalore, India, played the role of Shiva, while dancers from Asha Prem's Dances of India played the narrators as well as the opposing forces Shiva needs to conquer in order to become the presiding deity in the temple of Chidambaram. Shantaram was wonderfully dynamic and expressive, while the other dancers of the company performed with much verve and skill.
Kiran Rajagopalan, a rising young star in Chennai, played the roles of Gajasura and Muyalagan with impressive strength, grace, and intricate, heartfelt emotion. Fusion dance was represented
He performed a haunting, lyrical piece on the differentiated and undifferentiated aspects of Ganesha that comprised both Bharata Natyam and contemporary styles by Patrick Suzeau, Professor of Dance at the University of Kansas-Lawrence. He performed a haunting, lyrical piece on the differentiated and undifferentiated aspects of Ganesha that com-
prised both Bharata Natyam and contemporary styles. His total immersion in the deep meaning of the piece was evident from the subtle smoothness of his hands and incredibly flexible body movements. The performance ended with an ingenious combination of mridingam (by Ram Lakshmanan), flamenco (by Kristina Martinez of Viva Flamenco), tap (by Taylor Pietz of Diva La Tap) and Indian dance (by Sanjay Shantaram and another Dances of India performer). This piece of pure rhythm was a crowd-pleaser, as was evident by applause and appreciative whistles by the audience. St. Louis Ballet, a local company headed by Artistic Director Gen Horiuchi, also performed in the 35th Anniversary celebration. Their piece, Retourner Encore, was breathtakingly radiant, a lovely, elegant piece performed by at least fifteen dancers to music by Bach.
Indian Radiologists' annual meet a big success Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: The American Association of Radiologists of Indian Origin (AARI) held its annual meeting and dinner at Gaylord India Restaurant located in the heart of downtown Chicago on Sunday November 25. Over 150 radiologists from across America and abroad attended the event. Keynote Speaker Dr. S. Swaminathan, Past President of Illinois State Medical Society, highlighted the future of Radiology and new sweeping changes coming to the medical field in view of Obama's re-election. Larger share of health care budget will be consumed by changes taking place in Obamacare. This will increase Medicaid enrollment up to 50% of healthcare budgets. Due to low rate of re-imbursement by Medicaid and to decrease the overhead, trend will continue towards decreasing independent practitioners and increasing number of employment type working contracts. Most adverse effect due to shrinking revenue will be felt by independently owned imaging centers. He asked the Radiologists to be proactive and join political action committees.
His comments were followed by a question and answer session. Highlights of advances in Radiology were presented. This was followed by sponsor Sanjeev of
AARI symbol
Meddiff Technology Private Ltd, headquartered in Bangalore, India. Past presidents, visiting Radiologists from India and England were recognized by Dr. Rodriguez. The curtain fell after Vote of Thanks and a sumptuous dinner. AARI executive team includes
Rajeev Suri MD (President), Ajay Sood MD (Vice President), Roger Rofrigues MD (Secretary), Roger Rofrigues MD (Treasurer), Vivek Mishra MD (Membership Com-
A scene from Dances of India
Keynote speaker Dr S Swaminathan addressing the gathering
mittee), Ajay Sood, MD (Foreign Medical Graduates Committee), Ajay Sood, MD (Website Committee) and Sridhar Shankar MD. Dr Rofrogues agreed to hold two posts - that of Secretary and Treasurer - since no other member volunteered to undertake the respon-
Chandrakant Modi MD and Piyush Vyas MD (Radiologist)
sibility, it was learnt AARI Mission is to provide support and information helpful to the needs of American radiologists of Indian origin and to function as a venue for charitable, educational, cultural and networking activities, for members to share
common ideas and discuss mutual concerns. AARI started in 1975 and functions as a venue for charitable, educational and cultural activities. Furthermore, it creates a forum that allows members to share common ideas and discuss mutual concerns.
December 14, 2012
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Gujarati Cultural hosts anniversary and Diwali Milan RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The 36 years old Gujarat Cultural Association, one of the oldest of its type of ethnic organizations in Chicagoland, did it again by celebrating its annual Diwali Milan and get together in style and grace. The event at Waterford Banquet Hall in Elmhurst on Saturday December 1was attended by 350 plus members and guests among whom quite a few were nonGujaratis. One of the highlights, besides induction of new life members and introduction of new Executive team, was the scintillating music from Bhupinder Singh and his group. The event started with Beena Patel addressing in Gujarati and Hetal Patel, both senior members of the organization, welcoming the guests and Jyotindra Patel dwelling on GCA achievements and activities. The traditional lamp lighting ceremony began with the Chief Guests Niranjan Shah and Pratima Shah taking the lead followed by Air India Regional Manager Rishikant Singh and other dignitaries which included former Illinois official Raja Krishnamoorthy, still a popular figure with Indian Americans despite his political losses. Niranjan Shah was brief and most relevant starting in English but switching over to Gujarati befitting the occasion. He said he felt honored to attend the event with his wife as has been the case for nearly 29 years since 1982. He observed that the things have changed a lot and the new faces are coming in the organization as with the broader Indian community but then "we cannot forget our old associates and acquaintances with whom we worked and walked in the past together." Gujarat Cultural Association has been doing yeomen services not only for the Gujarati commu-
Lamp lighting among others by Niranjan Shah, Pratima Shah and Rishikant Singh
Hetal Patel, Beena Patel, the two emcees and Jyotindra Patel, a director addressing the meet
nity but for Indians at large and he wished the association well in its bid to serve the community in years to come. Air India Regional Manager Rishikant Singh paid handsome tributes to the enterprising spirit of Gujarati community observing
A group of dignitaries attending the event
that it is not only here but go anywhere - Africa, UK Europe, Australia-New Zealand - and you will find this vibrant community contributing to the welfare of the society at large. Closely following the Gujaratis are Punjabis, Malayalees and Andhraites. "In
fact, it is the Indian Diaspora and it is the privilege of my airline to serve the Indians across the world with first class services," he added. In a talk to this paper, he said that Air India from Chicago has been doing "really great with its non-stop flight from Chicago to New Delhi with easy connections to most cities." Air India has added newer version Boeing-787 Dreamliner with added facilities but the services to begin with are from Europe to India and Australia. He said that Air India has been constantly changing and improving its Menu for in flight passenger meals and making it more customer friendly. Kanti Patel, chairman of GCA introduced one by one the top invited dignitaries one by one and said that it is not only Gujaratis but even Punjabis and others too are supporting the association in its endeavor to serve the community. A s h o k Punjabi of Chicago Imports went to the extent of presenting gift to each and every person present during the Diwali Milan. Present among others on the occasion were Naren Patel of MedStar, Chandresh Brahmbhatt and Satish
Gabhawala of AAHOA, Arvind Patel of GOPIO and Jasbir Suga, Gulzar Singh, Dinesh Gandhi and Harin Sheth. Kanti Patel also introduced the new executive team members. The team consists of: Girish Patel President, Dr Manish Brahmbhatt Vice President, Shaurin Mehta Secretary, Hemang Patel Jt Secretary, Dinesh Patel Treasurer, Kanu Parekh Cultural Secretary, Geeta Bhatt Jt Culural Secretary. The Board of Directors was introduced too and they are: Jyotindra Patel, Yogi Patel, Vijay Patel, Dilip Patel, Nilesh Patel, Subhash Majmudar and Gopal Trivedi. Secretary Shauirin Mehta proposed a vote of thanks. This was followed by sumptuous dinner and grand music fest from Bhupinder Singh and group.
Kanti Patel (right) being introduced by Beena Patel, one of the emcees
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December 14, 2012
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Wait is over for 'weight is over' Cont’d from page 21
There are really very good principles about which I cannot go in detail here but if you come and attend our meetings you will love it. Priya Nayar, Bureau Chief India Post The benefit of this program is, it never encourages you to starve. It just teaches you to follow a healthy lifestyle. The products which they sell help you to reach your goal weight in a healthy and natural way. TLS program completely changed my lifestyle for good. I feel so good and energized. I used to skip my meal thinking it is good for me but now I know it is the most harmful thing you can do to your body. By skipping your meal you let your sugar level go very low. Then your body starts to store the fat. That way you never lose weight. That was an important eye
opener for me. I feel very motivated. I know what to eat. I can never go back to my bad eating habits. I feel like sharing this with everybody. If I can do it, you can too. You can still eat and keep the weight off. Just
Priya Nayar (before & after)
watch what you eat." Participant # 1 I am a registered nurse and work in a hospital in Intensive Care. I joined TLS as I saw that couple of our doctors and health professionals had gained from this program and it attracted me. It is a safer way to go. I think what I like about TLS is that it is realistic. It can be incorporated into your normal life. It teaches you as opposed to other programs that tell you to buy food and buy their products. This is something that you can do in a very educated way. These are things that we already know as health pro-
fessionals but it just redirects your total mindset to what you are looking for. I do like the products that they offered. I personally like the fat buster CLA and I do take the core and I think that these helped me to stop the craving and see the results. In just 9 weeks I have lost about 11 lbs and certainly some inches too, which I see is much more beneficial. I have started building muscles. I do slip little bit here and there but because of this program I am mindful about how to get back on track. My choices have gotten better and yeah all in all it is lot better because it is easy to incorporate in daily living as opposed to the other programs that are unrealistic once you have completed the program. This one you can continue and go on. IP: So your eating habits have changed to some extent? Part. # 1: As a health professional I knew what was right but I think my lookout now is different. My approach is different with this TLS and it is very balanced and that is what I like about it. It teaches you to look at the things you never looked at before, like eating every two hours. Leading a busy life with the kids you knew that you have to eat every two hours but now it is a habit. Keep
eating healthy these days and am on low carb diet. I am feeling great these days and my stamina has also increased. I go to gym regularly and do the exercises and overall I think this has been a life changing experience for me. I am giving the same diet to my kids and husband and they too are feeling lot better. It has been a very good experience for me and I can recommend anybody to this program. Part. # 3: I am Deepak Mehta living in the valley for the last 20 years working in marketing business and fortunately am a part of this TLS program. It really helps you refine your thought about healthy eating. I thought that I knew quite a bit but as I went through this program, I realized lot more and learnt to implement. As I implemented the instructions, I could bring my weight to the proper level. I also felt light and more active and hygienic. I really liked the class as they go really into details with lot of support groups and various people going through
Deepak Mehta
Surjeet & Sarabjeet Oberoi
Mona Sehgal
along with you in the journey. This definitely helps and I tried exercising and diet of my own program. This has been an experience which leads you to continue the program. I am talking to more of my friends to join this program. Hopefully everybody can benefit from it. IP: Tell us how it has been helpful in finding for you the food of your choice, particularly the Healthy Food. Part. # 3: I am a vegetarMr Reddy ian. In this program you have to eat lot of vegetables and green so that is not a problem. A protein diet has to be there and I have been able to mix it up with my preferences. I do not eat anything special that I was not eating earlier. The portions of eating have also been refined now. So it is not that your life is becoming miserable with this kind of eating.
the right snacks in the car, keep the things around you, so that you don't slip and eat every two hours. Part. # 2: My name is Mona Sehgal and I am working in IT field and have been on this program from last nine weeks. It has immensely benefited me, my personal eating habits and my family's eating habits too. I have reduced about 8 to 9 lbs. Apart from that I have developed very good eating habits. I am staying away from sweets and am able to actually curb that craving. I am eating lots of fruits and vegetables and actually the best results came last week when I went to my Optometric for my eyes exam. She looked into my eyes and asked, "Are you eating healthy food?" She added "I can tell you by just looking at your eyes that your eye muscles and nerves are looking strong." I said, yes I am
Harish Kalewar : One of the Temple Admins taking care of the products
Cont’d on page 25
December 14, 2012
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CAPAC recognizes Guru Nanak birth anniversary India Post News Service
WASHINGTON, DC: Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) have paid tributes to Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism, on his 543rd birth anniversary Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair, said: "Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings
American community has embraced these values and made significant contributions towards the betterment of our country. As we mark the anniversary of Guru Nanak's birth, we must also remember the victims of the tragic Oak Creek gurdwara shooting and commit ourselves to preventing future incidents of hate-based violence. I send my best wishes to
sage of love and harmony have made a profound impact on humanity. Today, the Sikh community continues to embrace principles of unity, peace, and compassion that enhance the social and cultural fabric of our great nation. In spite of the terrible violence, hate crimes, and trauma experienced by Sikh Americans in the aftermath of 9/11 and this summer
In spite of the terrible violence, hate crimes, and trauma experienced by Sikh Americans in the aftermath of 9/11 and this summer at the gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the community remains resilient in its virtues and steadfast in the practices of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Judy Chu
emphasize the values of peace, respect, hard work and service to those most in need. The Sikh
the Sikh American community and all of those that follow Guru Nanak Dev's teachings as they celebrate this auspicious day." Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: "I give my best wishes to Sikh Americans as they celebrate the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings and mes-
at the gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, the community remains resilient in its virtues and steadfast in the practices of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I am proud to work closely with the Sikh community, and I join in celebrating the birth and righteousness of Guru Nanak Dev Ji." Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-7): "On this day, as Sikhs in the U.S. and around the world
Wait is over for 'weight is over' Cont’d from page 24
Part. # 4: Surjit Oberoi, a Civil Engineer and his wife Sarabjeet, a business woman: Surjit lost about 22 lbs of weight and 2 sizes of his waist. Earlier it was 34" and now it is 31". He says, "I learned a lot about eating, particularly the right size of the portion. The good thing is that I am eating more but still losing weight." IP: That means you are eating right now. Part.# 4: Yes I am eating right now. I never used to eat salads and was always the last to reach the dining table. Now I am eating fewer grains in lunch and more salads. Although the class is only once a week, it has make a big difference. It has changed our lifestyle for the whole of our life. It has been so good. Greg is a good teacher. He talks very calmly and satisfies your queries very nicely. I had high Cholesterol, and was also pre-diabetic but only after three weeks of joining this program, my cholesterol level came down. My sugar level is fine. Sarabjeet said, "We eat good and we feeI good. I lost about 16 lbs of weight and 2 sizes. We are taking lots of fluids and salad now and are really feeling good." Part. #5: Mr Reddy: "I am a
Staffing Manager in a company. When I came to know about the Temple's program regarding Health Care, I joined it immediately. It gave me immense knowledge about selecting the healthy food. Usually we eat lot of junk food so
Chitra : New TLS Coach
I am really happy from my health point of view and activity point of view that I know so much about it. It has changed my lifestyle particularly when I am in office. Now I am able to select the right food and portion to eat. I really recommend this program to everybody; it is a very good program. My parents and friends say it is amazing that you stopped eating rice and not taking tea at all during the day. Earlier I used to have 2-3 cups of tea per day and 3 times rice. I swear it is hard for a South Indian to stop eating rice. So I learned how to
choose right for my health and to be fit. Part. # 6: I am Chitra. Basically a housewife in Bay Area but I have my Phd. degree in Chemistry, Genetics & Nutrition. When I came to Fremont Temple I came across the TLS class and immediately joined so that I could grasp the idea of eating right by minor changes and keeping fit yourself. This is a good program. I myself joined the 12 weeks class and lost about 20 lbs in 3 months and reduced my clothes size from 12 to 8. I am so much impressed with the program that I am going to attend the seminar where they are going to teach us to become a TLS coach and by the time it will be printed, I will be the coach in the Fremont Temple. As far as eating habit is concerned the junk has been removed from my plate and exercise, meditation and portion size of right diet has been added to my lifestyle. If you can control this way you can eat anything under the sun which your body feels is good for it. Your taste buds change so you eat only good food which is supporting your health. When you see the results you definitely want to pass the message to your friends and family. That is why I decided to become a coach.
gather to honor the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, we are all reminded of the values and principles of the Sikh religion, including social equality, righteousness, and service to our fellow neighbors. Today is also a day to recognize the many contributions SikhAmericans have made to our nation. I
Guru Nanak Dev
send my best wishes to all those celebrating this momentous occasion." Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-16): "In observing the anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth, the founder of the Sikh faith, we celebrate a religion that preaches peace and tolerance. Those principles remained firm even in the face of this year's terrible tragedy in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, when the faithful like those in the Bay Area Sikh community turned their grief into action by organizing peace rallies to promote greater understanding and unity." Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-12): "As Sikhs from across America and the world come together in celebration of the birth and life of Guru Nanak, we can all reflect on the virtues of unity, honesty, and truth which he extolled. We also stand together to remember and honor the innocent lives lost in the tragic events earlier this year at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin."
Jackie Speier
Mike Honda
Joe Crowley
Zoe Lofgren
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December 14, 2012
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Rediscover your wardrobe with Amita Bal VIDYA SETHURAMAN India Post News Service
FREMONT: Amita Bal Couture, one stop shop for all your South Asian designer attire, was opened in October at 40579 Fremont Blvd, Fremont CA. Amita Bal brings with her a high knowledge of fashion and culture and has recently launched her label to cater to the Bay area. The store is located conveniently in the heart of Fremont where about 50 percent of the Bay area Indian community resides. Amita designs upscale trendy outfits as per the client's specific requirement and measurements. Keeping all essential qualities in mind makes Amita Bal chic, haute and classy. She has a wide range of collections in women's clothing, jewelry and men's clothing. Women's clothing line carries bridal wear, anarkalis, saris, salwar suits, lehengas, tunics and dresses. Custom jewelry such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, hair accessories complement the clothing line and the collections are unique and have an authentic Indian touch. Each outfit is made by hand at a workshop located in India. Amita Bal's team consists of over fifty dedicated craftsmen and tailors. "Each employee is organized to maintain a high standard. Our goal is to provide you with quality material, outstanding hand detailed embroideries, graceful fitting and a flawless finish", says Amita,
and Ashwini Kumar are officially launching their company L U S H Entertainment at this upscale New Year Party. This will be the hottest and
Rajdeep and Amita Bal. Pics Harsh Singh
owner of Amita Bal Couture. Amita Bal is doing an exclusive fashion show at the most extravagant and anticipated L U S H New Year Party on December 29 at the Madhuban Lounge, San Jose. Owners of L U S H Rajdeep Bal
most exciting event of the year. Arrive in style with valet service, start the party with complimentary champagne & hors d'oeuvres, enjoy and dance the night away with top shelf bar, good music and trendy upscale ambiance.
December 14, 2012
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TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
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areena Kapoor has reprised her 'Chameli' character in Talaash. She is playing a sex worker, yet again. According to Kareena, this character is one amongst her most sensitive and powerful. "I play a prostitute, who is kind of an escort. It`s a
1 Apnaa Mujhe Tu Lagaa: 1920 - Evil Returns 2 Jiya Re: Jab Tak Hai Jaan 3 Jee Le Zaraa: Talaash 4 Challa: ab Tak Hai Jaan 5 Laakh Duniya Kahe: Talaash 6 Saans: Jab Tak Hai Jaan December 14, 2012 7 Muskaanein Jhooti Hai: Talaash 8 KikliKalerdi: Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana 9 Badla Nazara: English Vinglish 10 LSTCK Theme: Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana
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very deep character. I have hopefully achieved a sensitive performance. It`s by far one of my most sensitive performances, I believe," Kareena told reporters. However, her role in Talaash is completely different from that of the character she played in Chameli. " `Chameli` was totally different. It was very raw. The lingo and the language, body language and the outfit - everything was different. Here from head to toe, the performance, and everything is different," she said. "I don`t look at the project with commercial aspect. I wanted to work with R e e m a (Kagti) and wanted to work with A a m i r again. I loved the role. This is one of t h e most powerful roles that I have done," she said. Kareena added, "Reema comes across as a very strong director and a strong personality, but when you get to know her, she is a very sensitive girl and that is what she has brought about in her actors and in her film."
hahrukh Khan doesn't feel that 100 crores is a big deal. The actor's latest film Jab Tak Hai Jaan has already raked in 100 crores and is still going strong at the Box Office, but Shahrukh doesn't really seem to be interested. But, the success of this film didn't come easily. Yash Chopra, the producer of the film passed away and then Ajay Devgn, whose movie released the same day as JTHJ, created a problem for the producers of JTHJ. This could also cause a problem between the relationship SRK and Kajol share. Shahrukh said: "Ajay might be having some righteous things in his mind about the way distribution should be done. Jab Tak Hai Jaan is not my film although I have a part of it. I have a beautiful relationship with Kajol and I have met Ajay a few times. After Yashji's (Chopra) death we were all in a different zone and I did not want to remain in this space." But all's well in his kingdom so far. The man takes his muchtouted rivalry with various actors with a pinch of salt. "I know people say that I am manipulative, detached; business minded, etc, but I am not cheap. Meri toh jab picture aati hai ek nayi rivalry shuru ho jati hai. This year there was no one, so it's Ajay. Earlier it was Akshay and things like Khiladi versus King. Mein toh sab se pyaar se milta hoon."
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ooks like India has more to celebrate than just the 5 films namely Rajan Khosa's Gattu, Musa Syeed's Valley of Saints, Ashim Ahluwalia's Miss Lovely, Anand Gandhi's Ship of Theseus and Hansal Mehta's Shahid that will be part of the Dubai International Film Festival. As India's most successful Hollywood export Freida Pinto will be seen gracing 9th International Dubai Film Festival as a coveted member of the jury As a member of the jury, she will be judging films that are part of the Shorts and Emirati section - short films from the Arab, Emirati and Asian African countries making her the first Indian to be on the jury of the international short film contest. In addition to her duties as a juror, she has also been invited to attend a special gala hosted by Academy Award winning actor Colin Firth and his fashion entrepreneur wife Livia to support the annual 'One Night to Change Lives' charity event to benefit Oxfam and Dubai Cares. Other international stars expected include Cate Blanchett, Colin Firth, Rooney Mara, Kirsten Davis, Cuba Gooding Jr among many others.
Bollywood
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njuries while filming have become common these days, with most actors choosing to perform their own stunts. The latest addition to this 'injury' list is Deepika Padukone while shooting for a number alongside Ranveer Singh in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's forthcoming film, Ram Leela. During the shoot, Deepika met with injuries due to some high-adrenaline steps she performed with Ranveer. At the end of the day, her bruised feet from practicing on the rough surface were testament to the ordeal of an avant-garde track. "Several shots required close contact between both the leads. And the actress was left with severe swelling and red gashes since Ranveer sported many heavy accessories and piercings in the film. Some sequences required Ranveer to hit Deepika's midriff several times - not to mention, swing her around and bang into it as part of the choreography! To add to the pain, the actress was also left with several cuts on her feet by the end of the shoot," says a source close to Bhansali. However, the acDuring tress didn't flinch a the shoot, bit and continued Deepika with her dance met with routine. "She injuries due surprised all the to some crewmembers high-adrenaline steps she because she performed refused to act with Ranveer like a diva," sums up t h e source.
aveena Tandon's new film Shobhna's Seven Nights, about a rich bored columnist-author who gets into a relationship with a struggling actor moonlighting as a gigolo, is getting itself into a series of sticky situations because of the close resemblance that some characters bear to real-life figures from the Indian entertainment and publishing industry. To begin with, Raveena Tandon's character is partly inspired by Shobha De, a fact that the director verifies. He admits that the character has been "expanded into a colorful scandalous avatar" which may not go down well with Ms De. Also, the character played by Rohit Roy of a dashing rakish glamour photographer is modeled on Atul Kasbekar. The director admits that Rohit's character is indeed based on Kasbekar, "It's true. When I wrote the character of a good-looking glamour-photographer who hobnobs with the sexiest models and actresses, I could think of only Atul. When I signed Rohit for the role, I saw an uncanny physical resemblance with Atul Kasbekar."
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et ready to see Sunny Leone dancing in an item song of Sunny Deol's film. The adult film star has been in big demand post the success of her debut film, 'Jism 2'. Her next would be Ekta Kapoor's Ragini MMS 2. There were rumors about Sunny Leone's item song in the film, 'Singh Sahib The Great'. And then speculations started about filmmaker Anil Sharma dropping her from the item number. But now the filmmaker himself has revealed that the babe would be part of the item song and the only issue is her dates. The renowned Bollywood filmmaker, says that Sunny Leone is a good friend and he certainly wants her into the item song but the problem right now is her dates and they are working on them.
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December 14, 2012
The 24th Annual Miss Asia USA and the 8th Annual Mrs. Asia USA Cultural Pageants were presented together onstage at the beautiful Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center
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Nicole Kim - Mrs Asia USA 2012 India Post News Service
REDONDO BEACH, CA: An enthusiastic sellout crowd of over 1500 witnessed two magnificent and unforgettable cultural pag-
eants performed as one. The 24th Annual Miss Asia USA and the 8th Annual Mrs. Asia USA Cultural Pageants were presented together onstage at the beautiful Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. With thunderous applause and raucous support, the audience enjoyed a truly remark-
Christine Kan - Miss Taiwan - Best In National Costume
able and diverse display of Asian cultures performed by the Delegates. The evening's festivities were hosted by Emmy-nominee David Millbern and the lovely Mrs. Asia USA 2009 Kimberly Vodang. Following months of painstaking preparation by each Delegate, dreams turned into wonderful reality on Saturday night with the crowning of Four outstanding and deserving Queens. After five categories of intense competition in both pageants, the
dent of Virgelia Productions, Inc., produced and directed the show. Dedication and hard work formed the foundation of self-confidence, intelligence and elegance that the Judges look for in a queen. As the Queens, they will continue the proud tradition of these pageants demonstrating how to bring unity through diversity. Virgelia went on to say, "I am pleased and proud of all of our wonderful Del-
Christine Kan - Miss Asia USA 2012
distinguished panel of judges selected the striking Christine Kan, representing Taiwan, as Miss Asia USA 2012 and the beautiful and talented Nicole Kim, representing Korea, as Mrs. Asia USA 2012. Elizabeth Vo was crowned Mrs. Asia International and Hannah Hwang crowned as Miss Teen Asia USA. Virgelia B. Villegas, Chairman & Presi-
egates and I offer them my sincerest gratitude for their participation and hard work. Thank you to the Delegates, our generous sponsors, our staff, volunteers and our hosts. If the audience's reactions were any indication, our annual celebration of Culture, Beauty and Talent was a tremendous success. Cont’d on page 32
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Priyadarshini Roy crowned Miss India So Cal the prestigious Miss India Worldwide Pageant. The winner of the Miss India Southern California 2012 Pageant will represent Southern California in the forthcoming Miss India USA 2012 pageant. Contestants from over 25 cities from all over the USA will participate in the annual event to be held in February 2013 in New
tion of the Indian community in Southern California. The goal is to promote the glorious Indian culture and performing arts development and enhance awareness of Indian arts, customs, performing arts, culture, philosophies and history through the Pageant. Contestants for the Miss India Southern California Pageant must be of In-
Dilip Butani, Mike Raja, Shekhar Rahate, Jill Shah, Priyadarshini Roy, Zoya Khan, Ramesh Ramnani and Vijay Patil
DILIP BUTANI
BELLFLOWER, CA: Priyadarshini Roy was crowned Miss India Southern California 2012, by Sunil Tolani, at the 1st Annual Miss India Southern California on Sunday November 18. The event hosted by Finesse Events & Films, Hollywood & Sahara TV, was held at the William and Jane Bristol Civic Auditorium, Bellflower, CA. The pageant consisted of five segments; Indian Sari, Western gown, Modern Indian, Talent and a Question-Answer session. The organizing committee that put up this wonderful show for the first time in Southern California included Shekhar Rahate, Dilip Butani, Vijay Patil, Ramesh Ramnani, Mike Raja and Sunil Narkar. The winners were: Miss India Southern California 2012 Priyadarshini Roy; 1st runners up - Jill Shah; 2nd runners up - Zoya Khan Best Talent - Priyadarshini Roy; Miss Photogenic - Alisha Khatwani; Miss Congeniality Priyanka Chopra; Best Catwalk Zoya Khan; Best Smile - Paayal Bhakta; Best Hair - Parizad Panthaki The evening's gala was covered by Sahara TV and featured professional dance performances
by Noopur Dance Academy and a Desi Divas dance performed on Chann Ke Mohalla song from Action Replay, by Karishma Ramnani, Kareena Sakhrani, Prerna Chugani, Gehna Chugani, and Rika Mirpuri - all children from Sindhi Association of Southern California. It also featured fashion show Couture by Maneka, Divine Ray
One of the attractions of the program was a fashion show by Divine Ray LLC. The company launched its 2013 collection that was showcased by eight models and designer Shekhar Rahate. Indian outfits for the pageant were provided by Rohini Bedi. The Pageant was directed and choreographed by Shekhar Rahate. The Judges for the pageant were Mayor Pro-Tem Harry Sidhu, former Miss India Ayushka Singh, former Miss California Jenniphalauren Nielsen, film maker Vandana Tilak and real estate developer A J Dudhekar. The event was hosted by Miss India Northern California
2007, 2nd runner up Snigdha Mallik, Model-Actress Jessica Berry & Classical Dancer/host Meha Raja. One of the attractions of the program was a fashion show by Divine Ray LLC. The company launched its 2013 collection that was showcased by eight models. The collection was inspired by the colors that are created where the earth meets the sky and was aptly called "Grounded Earth". The Fashion Show was choreographed by Viral Gandhi, one of the co-founders of the company. Divine Ray is a boutique apparel label dedicated to educating and promoting "Khadi" and its values. Divine Ray, defines "Khadi" as pure breathable cotton that is hand spun and hand woven by the best artisans in the industry. It aspires to revive this rich historical fabric into timeless designs appealing to the men and women of today. It strives to reduce Carbon footprint by adopting minimal energy consumption and by using bio-degradable material for packaging. As part of its social responsibility, the company is committed to donating 10% of its profits to charities. Alkesh Kubadia and Vijay Patil are the other two co-founders of Divine Ray. The Miss India Southern California Pageant is affiliated with
Mr and Mrs Harry Sidhu with Dilip and Ratna Butani
Jersey. The winner will compete in the internationally established Miss India Worldwide Pageant to be held on April 27, 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Miss India Southern California was created to provide entertainment and enlightenment about Indian arts and culture to the audience; benefits and opportunities for the contestants; and an annual event for the participa-
dian origin, between the ages of 16 and 27, never married, and are U.S. citizens or residents, or born in USA or at least have one parent of Indian decent. The event was sponsored by: Sahara ONE TV, Sunil Tolani, AJ Dudheker, Vinod Dudheker, Globimax Travel, Sameera Salon, Gauri Collection, Marinello School of Beauty, Aveda Salon & Spa and Divine Ray.
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Taiwan beauty is Miss Asia USA Mrs. Friendship - Chachaa Teerawara -Thailand Mrs. Radiant Smile -Inna Selinger -Ukraine People's Choice -Sandy Roxas -China Community Service Award of Excellence -Toktam Aboozary -Iran Best National Costume -Janet Salandanan -Philippines Best in Talent -Nicole Kim -Korea Best Evening Gown -Toktam Aboozary -Iran Hannah Hwang -Korea -Miss Teen Asia USA 2012 Elizabeth Vo -Vietnam -Mrs. Asia International 2012 Royal Court -Inna Selinger - Ukraine; Linda Tumboimbela -Indonesia; Chachaa Teerawara -Thailand
Cont’d from page 30
With their continued support we will begin preparations for our 25th Anniversary of Miss Asia USA. In honor of this tremendous milestone, the 2013 Miss Asia USA Cultural Pageant will be an extravaganza as never seen before." Virgelia also announced the Queen's Court for Miss Asia USA 2012 and Mrs. Asia USA 2012 and the winners of the special recognition awards: MISS ASIA USA Christine Kan - Taiwan - Miss Asia USA 2012 Karina Ayrapetova -Uzbekistan -1st Runner-up Kelleen Chea - Cambodia - 2nd Runner-up Jennifer Nguyen -Vietnam -3rd Runner-up Rie Yoshida -Japan -4th Runner-up Genevieve Zulueta -Philippines -5th Runner-up Miss Photogenic -Elle Bi -China Miss Congeniality -Christine Kan -Taiwan Miss Popularity -Elle Bi - China
Elizabeth Vo - Mrs Vietnam - Mrs Asia International
Alvina Tham - Miss Indonesia - People's Choice Award
Genevieve Zulueta - Miss Philippines - Miss Radiant Smile
Elle Bi -Miss China - Miss Popularity and Miss Photogenic
Miss Friendship -Karina Ayrapetova - Uzbekistan Miss Radiant Smile - Genevieve Zulueta - Philippines People's choice -Alvina Tham - Indonesia Community Service Award of Excellence -Kelleen Chea Cambodia Best National Costume -Christine Kan -Taiwan Best in Swimsuit -Karina Ayrapetova -Uzbekistan Best Evening Gown -Jennifer Nguyen -Vietnam MRS. ASIA USA Nicole Kim -Korea -Mrs. Asia USA 2012 Janet Salandanan -Philippines -1st Runner-up Toktam Aboozary -Iran -2nd Runner-up Veera Mahajan -India -3rd Runner-up Sandy Roxas -China -4th Runner-up Mrs. Photogenic -Veera Mahajan -India Mrs. Congeniality -Janet Salandanan -Philippines Mrs. Popularity -Sandy Roxas -China
Veera Mahajan -Mrs India Mrs Photogenic
Karina Ayrapetova - Miss Uzbekistan - Miss Friendship
Janet Salandanan - Mrs Philippines - Best National Costume
Inna Selinger - Mrs Ukraine - Mrs Radiant Smile
Hannah Hwang - Miss Teen Asia USA 2012
December 14, 2012
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Tech News Saudi businessmen see opportunities in India DUBAI: A delegation of businessmen from Saudi Arabia visited India recently to explore business opportunities. Indian Consul General in Jeddah Faiz Ahmad Kidwai described the visit as significant. "It will strengthen and cement the good ties that currently exist between our two countries," Kidwai said in a statement. The visit was organized jointly by the Consulate General of India and the Saudi-Indian Business Network (SIBN) and the delegation was led by Ghazi Binzagr of Binzagr Group and Faysal AlAquil, CPC Director of Business Development and Head of CSR. Al-Aquil said his country has recently established a limited liability company registered in Mumbai named CPC India for Industrial Development. - PTI
India 19th biggest exporter in merchandise trade DUBAI: India is the world's 19th biggest exporter in merchandise trade surpassing countries like Australia, Brazil, Switzerland and Sweden, according to the recent classification done by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat for 2011. A report released by WTO Secretariat said India exported of USD 297 billion in merchandise trade. The figures were released on the sidelines of the announcement of the 27th International Autumn Trade Fair (IATF2012), which will be held here from 11-13 December.-PTI
Jet 'plans' to have marketing alliance with Etihad MUMBAI: Jet Airways, which has been in talks with Etihad Airways on off-loading 24 per cent of its stake for about Rs 1,600 crore, also plans to have a marketing alliance with the premier Gulf carrier, sources said. "Apart from sale of stake, the two airlines are expected to have a marketing agreement along with sharing of some flying slots under the air traffic rights," one of the sources said here. Several rounds of meetings are learnt to have been held in Abu Dhabi and London over the past few months and the deal is being negotiated by a team led by Jet Airways' Chief Commercial Officer Sudheer Raghavan and Chief Operating Officer Capt Hamid Ali, they said.-PTI
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Etihad to fly to Kozhikode every day from Jan DUBAI: Etihad Airways is increasing its flight frequency to south Indian Kozhikode city beginning January 1, 2013, the airline has said. The Abu Dhabi-based airline will now more than double its flights to Kozhikode, increasing from three to seven a week, it added. -PTI
December 14, 2012
Mittal's deal with France averts plant nationalization PARIS/LONDON: ArcelorMittal and the French government have struck a deal under which nationalization of the Lakshmi Mittal-owned Florange steel plant has been ruled out in return of the company's commitment to make fresh investment of 180 million euros and not to lay off any worker. Also, the company will not shut
Lakshmi Mittal
down two blast furnaces at the Florange facility which will retain about 650 workers whose jobs were under threat. The world's largest steel maker, owned by the India-born tycoon, has 2,700 employees at the entire
plant situated in the North-Eastern part of the country. The deal was announced by French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault when the deadline for ArcelorMittal to find buyers for the two blast furnaces expired. "The government decided against the idea of a temporary nationalization that was floated in recent days...It ruled that option out given the commitments secured from ArcelorMittal," Ayrault said in a press conference. He said the company has pledged that its investment in Florange over the next five years would not mean it would reduce its financial commitment at other sites in France. The fresh funds of 180 million euros (USD 233.6 million) at Florange would reinforce coldsteel and packaging operations at the site. The steel giant employs about 20,000 people in France across multiple facilities. The French government and ArcelorMittal had locked horns for months over the fate of the Florange facility. The dispute escalated last week when the French government had threatened to
French Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault addresses reporters as he makes a statement on the Arcelor Mittal situation, at the Hotel Matignon in Paris, November 30
nationalize the company's assets in the country. Industry Minister Arnaud Montebourg had said that the multinational is no longer welcome in the country, as per media reports. In a meeting earlier this week,
French President Francois Hollande had told Mittal that the government would consider temporary nationalization of the plant if the company didn't recall its decision to close the blast furnaces or refused to sell the facility to a competitor. -PTI
Several HSBC staff leave amid laundering probe GENEVA: Several employees at the HSBC bank in Geneva have left "by mutual agreement" after the unraveling of a USD 130 million drug and money laundering ring in France and Switzerland, a media report has said. While it remained unclear how many workers had left, one of the employees to go was the eldest brother of no fewer than three suspects accused of involvement in the ring, including the main suspect for Switzerland operations Meyer Elmaley, Swiss daily Tribune de Geneve reported. "He is not suspected of any involvement (in the money laun-
dering probe)", said the man's lawyer, Marc Bonnant, adding that it was his client's idea to leave HSBC's Supervisory Executive
was not given, had gone to live in Israel but was still working with HSBC before French and Swiss police cracked down on the ring
Committee to protect against any question of wrongdoing. "He wasn't even questioned by police," the lawyer said, adding that his client, whose name
on October 10. HSBC, which declined to comment on the development to AFP, has also come to a similar arrangement with other employees in a
bid to protect its reputation, the lawyer added. Two of the former HSBC executive's brothers -- one of them a former HSBC colleague -- are being held in Swiss custody over their involvement in a drug and money laundering racket Paris says legitimized at least 100 million euros. A third brother is being held in France in connection with the same case. According to reports, the two brothers held in Switzerland are suspected of laundering cash through a Geneva-based finance company, with the possible unwitting participation of French tax evaders. -AFP
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India's manufacturing growth jumps to 5-month high NEW DELHI: India's manufacturing sector growth improved in November, registering the fastest pace in five months, driven by a strong pick up in new orders and improved purchasing activity, an HSBC survey has said. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) - a measure of factory production -- stood at 53.7 in November, up from 52.9 in October, indicating a further improvement in the health of the Indian manufacturing sector. The index has remained above the 50-mark, below which it indicates contraction, for more than three years now. The November reading of HSBC PMI points to the fact that the sector has gained momentum
in the last few months, after it registered the weakest pace of growth
The November reading of HSBC PMI points to the fact that the sector has gained momentum in the last few months, after it registered the weakest pace of growth rate in nine months in August rate in nine months in August. "The manufacturing sector gained momentum thanks to a
Angry Brides Campaign bags award India Post News Service
NEW YORK: Shaadi.com, the world's largest matrimonial portal has won the 'Innovative Digital Marketing Solutions' award at the Internationalist Awards, held in New York. Shaadi.com bagged a Bronze for its anti-dowry campaign. The award was presented by John Williams, Vice President, BBC Worldwide. 'Internationalist Awards' is organized by Internationalist, a US based adver-
tising, media & marketing space magazine. The Winners Gala was produced in association with BBC World News, the Financial Times and Publicitas. Shaadi.com was a first time entrant and competed against nearly 200 entries from over 30 countries. It was only the second Indian company in the list of 43 award winners that were considered as examples of best practices of innovative strategy, solutions worldwide.
The "Angry Brides" campaign was launched on Shaadi.com's Facebook page to highlight the practice of illegal dowry demands in India. The game went viral and received an overwhelming response from people in over 35 countries. What is remarkable is that out of the 500,000 people that played the game, over 200,000 were women. This strongly reflects the changing approach of women against the social evil of
Dowry. Commenting on the occasion, Gourav Rakshit, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Shaadi.com said, "It is a proud moment for us at Shaadi.com to see an Indian social media initiative like 'Angry Brides' getting noticed at a global platform. As a brand, we strive to provide freedom of choice to individuals seeking a partner and also stand for togetherness that is free of dowry."
strong pick up in new orders, which lifted output growth," HSBC Chief Economist for India and ASEAN Leif Eskesen said. However, output growth remains constrained by power shortages, HSBC said adding that backlogs of work still rose, although at a slower pace than in October. "Output remains constrained by continued power shortages and stocks of finished goods were, consequently, drawn down again to meet the rise in demand," Eskesen added. On inflation, HSBC said In line with higher input costs, prices charged by manufacturers in India increased during November. The rates of inflation were robust, and faster than in October,
Kapil Sibal's personal website hacked NEW DELHI: Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal's personal website has been hacked and defaced by groups alleging Internet censorship and curbs on free speech. The website 'www.kapilsibalmp.com' was attacked and contents were altered to show the minister in poor light.
Sibal, who represents the Chandni Chowk constituency in Parliament, uses this portal to interact with his constituency. While most of the website has been restored, certain sections like blogs, gallery, speeches and conversation were still not working. While no official comment was immediately available, a source in the minister's office said the website is an old one and had not been updated for sometime now. The Twitter account of Anonymous India (@opindia_revenge) said Sibal's site was getting "trolled". The time to sit silently is gone. Call your friends and get them to protests sites," said a link posted on the Twitter handle. Meanwhile, the government said about 294 websites belonging to various ministries and government departments were hacked in the January-October 2012 period. "A total number of 201, 303, 308 and 294 websites belonging to various ministries and departments in the government were hacked during the year 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (till October), respectively," Minister of State for Communications and IT Milind Deora said. -PTI
which were mainly driven by higher raw material and diesel
Output growth remains constrained by power shortages, HSBC said adding that backlogs of work still rose, although at a slower pace than in October costs led to the latest increase in input prices. "Inflation picked up again as higher raw material prices increased input costs for firms and they had enough pricing power to pass these on to end consum-
ers due to the firm demand conditions," Eskesen said. The RBI is scheduled to announce its mid-quarter monetary policy review on December 18. Reserve Bank governor D Subbarao has resisted a widespread call for the growth-propping rate cuts for some time now, citing the elevated inflation. "The PMI numbers suggest that the RBI should continue to abstain from easing," Eskesen said. Inflation as measured by all indices has remained elevated and Wholesale Price Index-based inflation has remained above the Reserve Bank's comfort zone of 5 to 5.5 per cent for nearly three years now. Meanwhile, job creation was recorded in the Indian manufacturing sector in November for the ninth successive month, though the pace of expansion was only slight, HSBC said. -PTI
„
Realty Tidbits
Couple wins battle against delaying builder
Real Estate
A
15-year wait of a Kandivali couple seeking justice ended on November 6, when Maharashtra State Consumer Commission (MSCC) ordered a builder to return their Rs 3.16 lakh and pay them a compensation of Rs 2.2 lakh within two months for not giving possession of a flat. Failure to pay will entail 18 per cent interest for each day of delay. Rajesh Varma booked a flat in Alok Jyot building in Goregaon in 1992 and was promised possession by June 1993. However, builder Jagat Parikh refused to hand over the 580-sq-ft flat bought after making payment in three installments. He kept making frivolous excuses such as "stamp duty" was not paid. In an ex-parte order, MSCC presiding members P N Kashalkar and Dhanraj Khamatkar observed "the complainant needs to be compensated with attractive interest of 18 per cent per annum on the amount he paid and an adequate compensation for mental and physical agony." The commission observed the builder intentionally entered into a third-party agreement and denied Varma the right to property for over 20 years despite constant follow-ups.
„ Bank of Baroda stops home loan installments NEW DELHI: Bank of Baroda has stopped releasing home loan installments to flat owners in Greater Noida (West) in Uttar Pradesh, particularly Gaur City-1 project, in view of an ongoing litigation, the government informed Parliament. "Yes, Sir", Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha to a question whether Bank of Baroda has stopped releasing the next housing loan installments to house owners in Greater Noida (West), particularly Gaur City-I in view of litigation against acquisition of land by companies.
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CAG criticizes Army for giving land to builder NEW DELHI: The CAG has criticized the Army for letting a private builder usurp its land at a prime location in Mumbai by giving it "an irregular No Objection Certificate" and compromising the defense security. The government auditor pulled up the local defense authorities saying even after "certain fraudulent activities regarding the piece of land had come to their notice, Central Ordnance Depot Mumbai did not get the land demarcated in its favor from state authorities which facilitated the usurpation of the land from the Army.�
Sharp drop in foreign investments over past two years NEW DELHI: Indian real estate market, despite its opportunities, has seen a sharp drop in foreign investments over the past two years, and in future, global investors may be more cautious investing in markets that lack international standards, says Sean Tompkins, global chief executive officer of UK-based Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a professional qualification and standard setting body for land, property and construction sectors. The country's real estate sector saw close to $20 billion in investment between 2006 and 2009 but only about $2-3 billion of that has seen an exit yet, after over six years of investment. India, he says, hasn't really delivered since 2005 on the promise that it held as an investment destination and today most of the capital finding its way into Indian real estate is really domestic capital. Investors of all types are a bit wary and cautious because of the global slowdown, and it's critical to create the right conditions to make an investor more comfortable for investment. "There will be an expectation that standards would rise and I believe that those countries that are able to provide safe and high standard environment in real estate will benefit from significant investment flows," says Tompkins. For a number of private equity investors who invested between 2006 and 2009, returns have been subpar from what they had hoped and been promised. Many expect to lose money because many projects have not taken off and
There is no shortage of capital flow globally, but what's dictating the flow of money is professionalism and international standards, which India needs to improve many others are stuck in litigation with their investee companies. Tompkins says India needs to change its mindset and look at real estate and construction as a proper profession like it is in the West if it has to come up to global standards.
"The biggest challenge for investors is that, though they love the attractiveness of markets such as Brazil, Russia, India and China, the difficulty they have is that there isn't a profession to give them the advice or the standards to give them comfort."
For India to be a major world economy with some great winning cities, Tompkins says it's necessary to train people in the real estate and construction professions. There is no shortage of capital flow globally, but what's dictating the flow of money is professionalism and international standards, which India needs to improve if it were to sustain its massive growth in urbanization, to the tune of 40%. For Tompkins, India's biggest challenge is urbanization. Countries that are creating successful winning cities - where people want to live in, work in and invest in - are thinking about everything. "But the problem with most governments is that they think in silos, so you will have one bit thinking about housing, one about infrastructure, one about finance, but all those need to come together, which is the challenge in most major developing countries. How do you plan for that, because if you don't, you might end up with big cities that don't work," he says.
TN makes transaction documents mandatory CHENNAI: With an aim to preventing land grabbing incidents, documents relating to power of attorney and sale agreement of property would be made mandatory in Tamil Nadu from December. President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to an amendment in this regard by the Tamil Nadu government, an official release said here. "It is felt that the root cause of
land grabbing and bogus registration is due to the fact that registration of documents of power of attorney, sale agreements and agreements relating to deposit of title deeds is optional," it said. In order to prevent the misuse of these documents, the government passed a Bill in May 2012, for amending certain provisions of the Registration Act, 1908. "The President of India has now
given assent to the above amendment and the same has been enacted as Tamil Nadu Act 29 of 2012?, the release said. As per the amendments made, it has been made "compulsory" to register the documents relating to power of attorney, sale agreement, agreement relating to deposit of title deeds and construction agreement as provided under Article 5(i) of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899.
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Air India appoints global real estate consultant amine its properties in India and abroad and to suggest a roadmap for the monetization of the same. The consultant is in process of identification of the properties,"
Minister of State for Civil Aviation K C Venugopal
NEW DELHI: Air India has appointed a global real estate consultant to examine its properties in India and abroad to raise Rs 5,000 crore over 10 years through monetization of assets as part of its financial restructuring plan, Rajya Sabha was informed. "Air India has appointed a global real estate consultant to ex-
"Air India has appointed a global real estate consultant to examine its properties in India and abroad and to suggest a roadmap for the monetization of the same� Minister of State for Civil Aviation K C Venugopal said in a written reply. As per its approved Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP), Air In-
dia is required to raise Rs 5,000 crore over a period of 10 years through asset monetization, he said. In reply to a separate question, the Minister said loans taken by Air India as on July 31, 2012 total Rs 47,226 crore and there was no proposal in the Ministry to waive these. To a another question, Venugopal said the joint venture of Air India and Singapore Airport Terminal Services (AISATS) has made a profit of Rs 47.57 crore in 2011-12 fiscal against a profit of Rs 13.62 crore the previous year. AI SATS was formed to handle ground handling activities at airports to counter competition of new entities in this business following adoption of a new ground handling policy by the government. -PTI
Bayer CropScience sells property in Maharashtra NEW DELHI: Agro-chemical firm Bayer CropScience Ltd has said it has sold its property at Thane in Maharashtra for Rs 1,250 crore to Agile Real Estate. The company had 104 acres of land at Kolshet Road, Balkum Village in Thane along with buildings and structures. In March 2011, Bayer CropScience had entered into a binding agreement with Agile Real Estate for the proposed sale of land and building. It had received Rs 520 crore from Agile as earnest money and advance for this exclusive deal. In a filing to the BSE, Bayer CropScience said that both the partners "have accepted a sum of
Rs 1,250 crore to be the full and final aggregate consideration for the sale and transfer of the said property in favor of Agile". The company said it has en-
tered into two agreements and executed all other incidental documents with Agile and also undertaken all the requisite acts to close the transaction.
"...the company has received the balance consideration being Rs 730 crore only in full and final consideration," Bayer CropScience said in the filing. In India, Bayer CropScience operates in three business segments: crop protection, bioscience and environmental science. It offers wide range of products and extensive service backup for modern, sustainable agriculture as well as for non-agricultural applications. In 2011-12 fiscal, Bayer CropScience had posted a net profit of Rs 139 crore over a revenue of Rs 2,272 crore. Bayer CropScience is part of Germany's Bayer Group. -PTI
Parishoners oppose move to acquire land
P
arishoners have raised objection to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) alleged move to acquire parts of land of Our Lady of Assumption Church in Kandivali and St Anthony's Church in Malad for river and road-widening projects. Corporators, however, said only those areas are being taken that are required for development. Members of Save Our Land (SOUL) Committee alleged the civic body was trying to acquire part of the cemetery, parts
of Our Lady of Assumption Church and a portion of St Joseph's school ground on M G Road in Kandivali West for widening Poisar River as part of the Brimstowad project. "Instead of widening it at points where the nullah is only 4 to 20 meters wide, they want to widen it near the church where it is widest at 36 meters. At some places it is even encroached and so there is no space for water to flow," said Prashant Perreira, SOUL member. "We suggested alternative
methods such as deepening, which was recommended even by an agency as a flood-control measure after the 2005 deluge, but to no avail," he said. Shailaja Girkar, local corporator, said, "I stay opposite the church and myself have lost 18 feet. Only areas absolutely required are being taken." Ajit Bhandari, a Malwani corporator, said, "People along the stretch have lost their homes due to this road-widening project. If we need development, some compromise is required."
DDA plans aerial survey of encroachments NEW DELHI: Officials plan Delhi as the present road length aerial survey to finalize alignment cannot take the increased traffic of three Urban Extension Roads. load in the city,'' a DDA official An aerial survey will be con- said. ducted to find a solution to the The land agency said work had problem of encroachment along begun on UER-I and III as well. the proposed route for the three "We have started work on new urban extension roads (UER). stretches along UER-I and -III, These roads are being constructed where there is no encroachment,'' by the Delhi Development Author- the official said. ity (DDA). The UERs are meant to decongest Delhi's arterial roads. The problem of encroachment is mostly on UER-II, the longest road of the three, and will connect Wazirabad bypass to NH-I, NH-10, NH-8 and NH-2. This is a first-of-its-kind survey, DDA officials said. "The L-G's office has sanctioned the survey to come up with a solution to the dwelling units and other buildings coming in the way of constructing UER-II. The alignment of the road has been changed thrice The UERs are meant to because the ground survey did decongest Delhi's not take into consideration all these aspects. The cost of the arterial roads. The probsurvey is about Rs 2 lakh,'' of- lem of encroachment ficer on special duty to L-G, is mostly on UER-II, Ranjan Mukherjee, said. According to the L-G's of- the longest road of fice, a helicopter will be hired the three from Pawan Hans and DDA planners and engineers will take to the air to get an aerial view The first UER will connect of the stretch. Wazirabad bypass to NH-I, NHThis will give them a better un- 10 and NH-8 while UER-III will help derstanding of the topography provide connectivity from and help come up with a final Wazirabad bypass to NH-I and alignment for the road. According NH-10. The DDA hopes to comto DDA officials, while work has plete work of these three roads by begun on UER-II, encroachment 2015. continues to be a problem. "These roads will not only imThe UERs will serve as a by- prove connectivity but will also pass for the integrated develop- take the traffic load off Delhi's arment of Delhi, DDA officials said. terial roads. The UERs will serve While these projects were concep- as direct links from Mahipalpur to tualized several years ago, work areas such as Rohini, Rohtak Road could not be started due to prob- and Narela. Once these roads are lems related to removal of en- constructed, motorists traveling croachments and land acquisition. from Gurgaon or Dwarka will be "The construction of these able to go directly towards roads are necessary to decongest Rohini," the official said.
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O
ne of India's spookiest and haunted ruins lies in Bhangarh, Alwar district in the state of Rajasthan. The town of Bhangarh whose haunted status is attracting scores of tourists these days, lies beneath the Sariska forest in Rajasthan. The lost city is open only during the hours of daylight and is strictly prohibited after sunset. The place is beautiful and tranquil. What remains though, is a shadow of a once beautiful kingdom. The Archeological Survey of India doesn't have an official office here though government regulations state that every historical site must have an office of the ASI. The myth has it that due to the curse of Guru Bala Nath, the whole town was vacated overnight. The Guru Bala Nath forbidden blight devastated the whole town. The tomb of Guru Bala Nath is still found amongst the ruins. The Bhangarh story The fortress was established in 1573 by Raja Bhagawant Das, the ruler of the city of Amber. Bhangarh Fort became the residence of Madho Singh, the ruler's second son who fought alongside his father and brother in many wars. The decline of Bhangarh Fort started in 1630 after Chhatr Singh, son of
India Post
Madho Singh, got killed in a violent attack. The decline continued until 1783 when the fortress and the city were completely abandoned following that year's famine. The myths It is said that the city of Bhangarh was cursed by the Guru Balu Nath, causing the town's evacuation. Balu Nath sanctioned the
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ting matrimonial offers from other states. In the same region there lived a Tantrik, a magician well versed in the occult, named Singhia who was desperately in love with the princess despite knowing that he would never be allowed to even see her, let alone meet her. One day, he saw the princess' maid in the market buying scented oil for her. He used his black magic and put a spell on the oil which would hypnotize the princess by her merely touching the oil, and she would
Balu Nath sanctioned the establishment of the town but said: "The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more!" Ignorant of such foreboding, one ambitious descendant raised the palace to such a height that it shadowed Balu Nath's forbidden retreat and thus the town was devastated as prophesied establishment of the town but said: "The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more!" Ignorant of such foreboding, one ambitious descendant raised the palace to such a height that it shadowed Balu Nath's forbidden retreat and thus the town was devastated as prophesied. The small samadhi of Balu Nath is still there. The other myth is as follows: The charm of princess of Bhangarh Ratnavati was said to be matchless in all of Rajasthan. Being eighteen years old, the princess started get-
surrender herself. The princess foiled this plan though. She had seen the Tantrik enchanting the oil, and she therefore threw it away, whereupon the flagon rolled over a stone. As soon as the oil touched the stone, it started rolling towards the wicked Tantrik and crushed him. While dying, Singhia cursed the palace with the death of all who dwelt in it, without any rebirth in their des-
December 14, 2012
tinies. The very next year there was a battle between Bhangarh and Ajabgarh and Ratnavati died. Garden at Bhangarh premises Bhangarh is a deserted town with some 10000 dwellings established in 1613 by Madho Singh. Bhangarh fort offers an intact view of the medieval past. Apparently, the Bhangarh town had been desolated by an old Mughal invasion, and is just reverting back to being habited again. Chhatri on hill top Bhangarh premises are enclosed by a partially ruined wall. Other than dwellings, ruins of Bhangarh also include gardens, havelis, banyan trees and temples of Lord Someshwar, Gopinath, Mangla Devi and Keshava Rai. But the enigmatic attraction is a secluded chhatri (umbrella) on the hill top which catches attention of travelers. The random placement of all these sites within Bhangarh premises may look frightening and mysterious at the same time. Ajabgarh Fort near Bhangarh There are some other forts near Bhangarh built in the same era and sharing related history. Ajabgarh is a picturesque garrison fort between Bhangarh and Pratapgarh, with a lovely reservoir nearby. Cont’d on page 42
December 14, 2012
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Madhya Pradesh adjudged best Monaco focus on Bollywood to woo Indian tourists tourism friendly state State, HRD, Shashi Tharoor along with the Ambassadors to India from Egypt, Turkey and Kuwait. Speaking on the occasion,
NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh has been adjudged the best tourism friendly state, while Turkey has been awarded the most favored foreign destination for Indian travelers at an award function here.
The function titled 'Hospitality India and Explore the World Annual International Awards and Tourism Travel and Trade Fair' was attended by External Affairs Ministers Salman Khurshid and Minister of
Khurshid said, "India is known for its hospitality and we wish to extend it further by making it available to the world...we need to take tourism to those parts of India which were somehow left out, that way we link ourselves to the real India." "We hope to improve our ties with India, and improve the scope of tourism with our country and put it a way beyond," Ambassador of Turkey to India, Burak Akcapar said. Apart from the awards extended to the hotels in India, the event also marked the presentation of hospitality awards to organizations like banks and schools. In this category, the Excellence in Banking award was presented to the Central Bank of India, while the best school principal was presented to Anand Swaroop of the Air Force Bal Bharati School, New Delhi. -PTI
NEW DELHI: The Principality of Monaco is taking the Bollywood route as one of the ways to woo tourists from India and is chasing producers to shoot movies there. The tiny city state is aiming at 25 per cent increase in the number of Indian tourist by the end of 2013 from an expected 1,500 arrivals this year. "We stayed in Mumbai for two days and visited many producers. We are trying very strongly. It could be very interesting for us," Monaco Tourist and Convention Director of Communications and Public relations Jean-Francois Gourdon told reporters here. Giving details about the talks, he said that the authority took suggestions from the Mumbai film fraternity and also invited them to shoot in Monaco. Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority, which promotes Monaco and its tourist facilities across the world, is targeting In-
dian tourist from the upper strata. "We received 1,500 Indian tourists in 2011. This year is going to be slightly better. We are aiming for a 25 per cent increase in the number by the end of next year,"
Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority Marketing Director Eric Marsan said. Terming India as an important market for them, the Monaco tourism authority expects the number of tourists to grow over the next few years. -PTI
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6.84 mn travelers from India used Dubai airports NEW DELHI: Dubai Airports (DA), which owns and manages the operations and development of the two airports in Dubai, considers India its topmost market as it accounted for 6.84 million air travelers last year. Seven airlines, including five from India, were operating into the two airports in Dubai - Dubai Inter-
national and Dubai World Central (DWC), from as many as 17 Indian cities, Lorne Riley, Head of Corporate Communications of DA, told reporters here. He said the maximum number of people traveled on the MumbaiDubai route, followed by those from Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Estimating a major growth in overall passenger traffic, Riley said traffic to Dubai International
reached "a historic 50.9 million in 2011 and is projected to cross 56.5 million by this year end, making it the world's fourth busiest airport for international passengers." This airport was also the world's fourth busiest hub for freight with 2.19 million tonnes (MT) recorded last year. Elaborating on its expansion
plans, Riley said Dubai International's annual capacity of handling 60 million passengers would jump to 75 million on completion of "the world's first dedicated facility for superjumbo Airbus A-380." On DWC, Riley and DA's Media Relations Manager Zaigham Ali said this airport's expansion would increase Dubai's airport capacity to accommodate 48 per cent increase in cargo volumes that is anticipated by 2015.-PTI
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Tourism only way to preserve heritage sites: Secy NEW DELHI: With the aim of protecting and promoting heritage buildings across the country, government today said tourism is the only way to preserve heritage sites. "In Britain, we found tourism is the only way to maintain heritage properties by either turning them into museums or to allow tourists once or twice in a week to visit them with a fee. That alone can maintain heritage buildings," Tourism Secretary Parvez Dewan said at the tourism conclave organised by PHDCCI here. Taking note of unregulated mushrooming of vendors and various types of establishments in and around heritage sites, he said these kind of activities hamper the growth of tourism. Advocating regulated construction activities near heritage sites, he said, "We have got great heritage buildings all over in India. We got palaces, forts and likewise. Wherever there are heritage buildings there is pressure from neighbouring buildings to construct houses near it. A better tourism experience can be planned by permitting controlled construction activities in and around the heritage sites."
Tourism Secretary Parvez Dewan
"The preservation and showcasing heritage will definitely increase the number of foreign tourists in the country," he said. Seeking people's cooperation and participation in preserving heritage sites, he said, "No government in the world has the funds to maintain every haveli in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh or elsewhere. Even if government has funds it will not be possible to do it. People's cooperation is required for this."
The Tourism Secretary also suggested putting blue plaques in front of heritage buildings signifying their importance. "I will pursuade states to put blue plaques infront of heritage buildings in state capitals to preserve them," he said. Highlighting the importance of heritage properties in promoting tourism, he said the conservation and preservation of the areas around the monuments not only provide an additional opportunity for growth and expansion of heritage tourism in India but also enhance the experience of domestic and foreign tourists. "The preservation and showcasing heritage will definitely increase the number of foreign tourists in the country," he said. As far as intangible heritage is concerned, Dewan said, "We have to promote our cuisine, music and culture also." The Tourism Ministry has taken the initiative of identifying, diversifying, developing and promoting the new niche tourism products like wellness tourism, medical tourism, polo tourism, film and adventure tourism to make the country a 365-day destination. -PTI
Bhangarh Fort: Haunted ruins of a once beautiful kingdom Cont’d from page 40
Ajabgarh fort was built by Ajab Singh Rajawat, the grandson of Madho Singh and is in good condition. It offers an incredible panoramic view of the eponymous walled town and the Well-preserved, but less visited temple of Shri Raghunath and old chhatris, all nearby. Pratapgarh is a remarkable fort situated on hill top which dominates the region. Pratapgarh and its vicinity are famous for its natu-
ral surrounding and scenic countryside.
Lot of tourists who visit Bhangarh affirm that there is a strange feeling in its atmosphere which causes symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.
Archeological importance During recent excavations different types of tools used by early man have been recovered from the prehistorical site of Bhangarh. The old town was surrounded on three sides by elevated hills where wild undergrowth is seen today. There were natural springs and waterfalls there and one such is found near the temple of Lord Someshwar. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has put up a signboard at Bhangarh stating: "Entering the borders of Bhangarh before sunrise and after sunset is strictly prohibited." Lot of tourists who visit Bhangarh affirm that there is a strange feeling in its atmosphere which causes symptoms of anxiety and restlessness. How to reach Nearby cities of Jaipur and Alwar are great starting points as they are major metropolitan hubs and are easy to get to. Regular bus service leaves for Bhangarh Ruins but it entails about a kilometer of walking because the nearest bus stop is not directly at the ruin. Another option is taxis.
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In Brief Brewer sued over license policy for immigrants PHOENIX: Immigrant rights advocates have filed a lawsuit in a bid to overturn Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's order denying driver's licenses for young immigrants who have gotten work permits and avoided deportation under a new Obama administration policy. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to declare Brewer's policy unconstitutional because it's trumped by federal law and denies licenses without valid justification. The Obama administration in June took administrative steps to shield as many as 800,000 immigrants from deportation. Brewer has defended her Aug. 15 order on driver's licenses as necessary for ensuring that state agencies adhere to the intent of state laws denying public benefits to illegal immigrants. -AP
DeGette, Polis praise Metro's immigrant tuition DENVER: Two Democratic members of Colorado's congressional delegation told the Metropolitan State University of Denver that they support the school's decision to allow illegal immigrant students to pay a lower tuition rate than out-of-state residents. The Denver Post reports that U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette and Jared Polis praised the move in a letter. The university's board of trustees approved the new rate in June. It allows illegal immigrants who graduated from Colorado high schools to pay $3,358 per semester, a rate that's lower than the outof-state rate, but higher than the in-state rate. -AP
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Bosnian War crimes suspect held in NY ALBANY, New York: A fugitive accused of killing one prisoner and torturing another after a 1995 battle in his native Bosnia has been arrested in upstate New York, federal authorities said. -AP
US House votes for green cards to more advanced-degree students WASHINGTON: The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to make green cards accessible to foreign students graduating with advanced science and math degrees from U.S. universities, setting up what is expected to be a turbulent battle over immigration policy next year. Even this limited step, strongly backed by the high-tech industry, is unlikely to go anywhere this session of Congress, indicating how difficult it will be to find lasting solutions to the nation's much-criticized immigration system. For Republicans largely shunned by Hispanic voters in the November elections, the vote for the STEM Jobs Act was a way of showing they have softened their hardline immigration policies and are ready to work for more comprehensive legislation. A more sweeping bill presumably would deal not only with legal residents but also with the estimated 11 million people in the U.S. illegally. In another gesture to Hispanics and other minority communities, lawmakers added a provision
that will make it easier for those with green cards to be reunited with spouses and children now living overseas. But for many Democrats and
for offsetting the 55,000 new permanent residency visas by eliminating a program that provided green cards to people with traditionally lower rates of immigration,
The Democratic-controlled Senate is seen as likely to ignore the House STEM bill in the waning days of the current congressional session the Obama administration, this first step was more of a misstep. Democrats, including members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, assailed the legislation
particularly those from Africa. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A White House statement said it was encouraged that Congress
``appears to be ready to begin serious debate on the need to fix our broken immigration system.'' But it said the administration does not support ``narrowly tailored proposals'' that do not meet long-term objectives of achieving comprehensive reform. That comprehensive approach includes dealing with the young people brought into the country illegally, establishing a solution for agriculture workers, creating an effective border enforcement system and worker verification program and deciding by what means those living in the country illegally can attain legal status. The Democratic-controlled Senate is seen as likely to ignore the House STEM bill in the waning days of the current congressional session. The idea of retaining foreign students with advanced degrees in the STEM fields enjoys wide bipartisan support and has long been sought by high-tech industries that have seen some of their brightest employee prospects forced to leave the U.S. and work for competitors abroad. Cont’d on page 46
New face of comprehensive immigration reform - II GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA
Ga. considering options on law appeal ATLANTA: The state of Georgia is considering its options a day after a federal appeals court denied its request to reconsider a ruling on the state's tough law targeting illegal immigration. The Georgia attorney general's office said it hadn't made any decision about its next step. A three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit in August left in place a lower court injunction that blocks part of Georgia's law making it illegal for someone to knowingly harbor or transport an illegal immigrant during the commission of a crime. -AP
(Contd from last week)
W
e focus here on the need to also reform our employmentbased immigration system. Any CIR proposal needs to contemplate an expansion of the number of green cards under the employment-based preferences so that an employer is able to obtain the services of a foreign national more quickly after the US labor market has been tested through the labor certification process. We also need more temporary work visas. The current 65,000 H-1B cap, along with the additional 20,000 H-1Bs reserved for graduates with advanced degrees from US universities does not meet the
demands of US employers. Moreover, we need to provide an incentive for foreign students whom we educate, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineer-
who are bent on denying temporary work visas because they have self-appointed themselves guardians of the economy or because they do not like a certain
There should also be better oversight over officers who are bent on denying temporary work visas because they have self-appointed themselves guardians of the economy ing and Math) fields, to not leave and compete with the US from their home countries. Studies have shown that the US is losing in the competition for global talent, and any reform proposal needs to stop this bleeding. There should also be better oversight over officers
business model, such as Indiabased IT consulting, which is what the Neufeld memo sought to do. Officers must faithfully apply the law as intended by Congress. Finally, we also need to have a visa that will encourage entrepreneurs and startups in the US. In addition to broadly reform-
ing the employment-based immigration system, here are some additional pointers that can greatly improve the system we have presently. Even if there is reform of the employment-based immigration system, backlogs could still build up again in the coming years. When the numbers in the employment and family-based system were last increased under the Immigration Act of 1990, who would have envisaged that the EB-3 for India would be a 70 year wait! As part of CIR, INA §203(d) should be modified to specify that family members should not be counted separate and apart from the principal alien to stop double or additional counting. Cont’d on page 46
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Conn. official faults US handling UK strict immigration laws affecting business of immigrant HARTFORD, Conn.: An adviser to Connecticut's governor has said the U.S. government's detention of a Mexican immigrant reveals flaws of the federal Secure Communities program, joining advocates at a rally condemning the initiative that took effect statewide earlier this year. The immigrant, 34-year-old Josemaria Islas of New Haven, was arrested in July on charges that he tried to steal a bicycle. His lawyers said he was wrongfully arrested and the charges were later reduced to misdemeanors, but instead of being released, Islas was turned over to federal agents at the request of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Mike Lawlor, the governor's top aide on criminal justice policy, said the case shows why the program that shares arrestee fingerprints with ICE could lead immigrant communities to lose trust in police officers. ``The bottom line is Mr. Islas is not a serious offender,'' Lawlor said at the rally outside the federal courthouse in Hartford. ``If anything he is a poster child for why Secure Communities creates problems for local police departments.'' ICE spokesman Ross Feinstein said Islas is a priority for removal from the country because he has broken immigration laws repeat-
edly. Biometric records show Islas was deported four times in August and September 2005, he said. ``As clearly stated in ICE's civil immigration enforcement priorities, illegal aliens who repeatedly violate immigration law are a priority for the agency,'' Feinstein said.
Family members said a judge set bond for Islas, who is being held at a detention center in Massachusetts. They hope to have him released within days Islas' brother, Francisco Paulino, disputed that Islas had been deported previously. He said Islas had never been arrested before he was picked up in Hamden on July 2. Family members said a judge set bond for Islas, who is being held at a detention center in Massachusetts. They hope to have him released within days as he awaits the outcome of deportation proceedings. Under Secure Communities, arrestee fingerprint information is
checked against FBI criminal history records and biometrics-based immigration records kept by the Homeland Security Department. If an irregularity is found, a ``hold'' is placed on a person, usually leading to deportation. The program was activated in June 2010 in Fairfield County, and statewide in February. Feinstein said a total of 331 people have been deported from Connecticut under Secure Communities, including 201 convicted criminals, 41 ICE fugitives and 69 who were removed from the country previously. Lawlor said he and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy are concerned that a number of non-serious offenders are being caught up in the program. Earlier this year, the state Department of Correction implemented special protocols for the handling of ICE detention requests, saying they would only be granted in certain cases such as involving convicted felons. But Islas was turned over to federal agents by court marshals who report to the Judicial Branch, which traditionally has honored all ICE requests. Lawlor has been meeting with representatives of the Judicial Branch, the attorney general's office and the Correction of Department aimed at developing a uniform policy on ICE requests.-AP
Annual net migration to UK falls first time LONDON: For the first time since 2008-09, net migration levels to the UK have fallen significantly in the past year, mainly due to a dip in the number of foreigners studying in the country, indicating that the Cameron government's tough immigration policy was taking effect. Net migration - the balance between the number of people who come to live in Britain for the longterm and the number who are leaving - fell from 242,000 to 183,000 in the year to March. The reduction was principally because of a fall in the number of
foreign nationals studying in the country, the BBC reported. The UK government led by Prime Minister David Cameron wants to reduce the annual figure to the tens of thousands. The Conservatives made reducing net migration a key part of their immigration policy while in opposition although totals actually rose by more than 20 per cent in 2010-11. But provisional data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicates that net migration in 2011-2012 fell to below 200,000 for the first time since 2008-
2009. Over that period, inward migration to the UK fell by 42,000 to 536,000 - with the number of nonEU nationals settling in the UK falling from 317,000 to 296,000. The ONS said the fall was "largely due" to a drop in the number of foreign students despite an increase in the number of arrivals from China - the UK's largest overseas student market. "The recent falls for work and study are likely in part to be due to policy changes, which came into effect in December 2010 and April 2011," the ONS said. -PTI
MUMBAI: Industry body CII has said Britain's strict immigration laws are affecting businesses and asked for a special dispensation when it comes to applications from the country. "The British visa and immigration policy in the last two years has seriously affected small and medium businesses," CII President Adi Godrej said during a dinner meeting with the visiting London Mayor Boris Johnson here. Godrej asked for special treatment to applications from countries like India which contribute towards British economy. "We feel that there should not be blanket rules and they should look favorably at countries that are contributing towards British economy," he said.
He added that ban on non-EU students to work as they learn has led Indian students to take courses in other countries like the US, Canada and Australia. "Equally hard hitting has been the immigration policy for students, disallowing non-EU students from working even after completion of their course," he said. "With this advantage gone and the increase in the tuition fees, a large number of Indian students have been moving to the US, Australia and Canada," he added. Mayor Johnson, said he will request the British government to "sand paper" or polish its policies for smoother functioning, while Godrej suggested a relook in the upcoming policy announcement in 2013. -PTI
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New face of comprehensive immigration reform Cont’d from page 44
Such double counting undermines the principle of family unity which is at the core of our immigration values. Also, when the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) was enacted, the kind of visa retrogression we have today did not exist. Congress never anticipated systemic visa backlogs particularly affecting EB3 and EB2 for India and China. That is why they wrote the age formula the way they did. Not until the priority date is current can the pendency of the I-140 be subtracted from the chronological age to give you the CSPA age. In any CIR proposal this should be changed so that you only look to the age of the child when the I-140 is approved. That would make the CSPA relevant to backlogged categories, which is not now the case. We also propose that INA § 245(a) (3) be modified to allow the filing of an adjustment of status application without regard to the priority date. This could be possible for both FB and EB beneficiaries who have an approved an I-130 or I-140 petition. Such adjustment of status applications will be provisionally submitted with final approval subject, as under current law, to the immediate availability of an immigrant visa number. With regard to H-1B visas, the truth is that a cap on H-1Bs is a cap on the US economy and should be removed. Since many Indian and Chinese students start work in the United States as temporary H-1B workers, we propose the creation of a streamlined or Blanket H-1B application process for large H-1B employers similar to the Blanket L system under which work visa applications can be presented directly to US Consulates abroad, thus bypassing the need for individual H applications with the USCIS. Allow large H-1B employers to
enter into centralized application arrangements with US Consulates in connection with the Blanket H1B similar to what the USCIS now offers many corporate employers so that economies of speed, efficiency, and informed adjudication can be achieved on a consistent basis. It would also be a good idea to remove the six-year maximum imposed by the Immigration Act of 1990 and transform the H-1B visa into what it really is, namely a "preimmigrant" instead of a "non-immigrant" visa that it is not now and never has been. Also, end the ban on spousal employment for H-4s that cruelly and unnecessarily puts the promising careers of countless professional spouses into the deep freeze. There should be a broader more accessible visa, unlike the very limited H-2B visa we have today, for essential factory, hotel, restaurant, construction and farm workers. That will be the only way to ensure that the undocumented population does not build up again. If the labor certification procedure will still exist in a CIR proposal, the notion of minimal qualifications that is required when an employer files a labor certification is wholly artificial and does not exist in the real world. Although the points system was suggested in earlier CIR proposals in 2006 and 2007, a points-based system may not effectively match the skills of potential immigrants with prospective employers. Those who wish to be productively self-employed as entrepreneurs can avail of a specific startup visa. CIR is a good opportunity to broaden the application of the equally qualified standard from academic to all PERM labor certification cases. We also suggest removing the need for print advertisements in all PERM cases since many employers, especially in IT, advertise
only on the Internet; allowing use of experience with the same employer, and eliminating the need for a fixed job description that can never change no matter how long a wait till the green card. Keeping a PERM application so static will be totally unrealistic for EB backlogs if they again begin to accumulate. The shocks waves of November 6th are only a harbinger of things to come. A new study by the Pew Hispanic center predicts that, within 20 years, 40 million Hispanics will be eligible to vote as compared to 23,7 million today. Hispanics are younger and
If the labor certification procedure will still exist in a CIR proposal, the notion of minimal qualifications that is required when an employer files a labor certification is wholly artificial have a higher birth rate than other groups. If the rate of Hispanic political participation reaches the level of Whites and African-Americans, we could experience a doubling of Hispanic voters by 2032. Hispanic voters will constitute fully 40% of the growth in the American electorate between now and 2030. If the rate of Hispanic naturalization rises, this would be even more powerful since 5.4 million permanent residents of Hispanic heritage did not vote. Nativists should also take note of the fact that about 800,000 Latinos turn 18 each year. Furthermore, it was not just the strong Latino turn out in favor of Obama. Even Asian Americans, who make up 3% of the electorate, over-
whelmingly supported Obama. The graying of America may be the most serious domestic problem of the next quarter-century. As the massive baby boomer generation slouches towards retirement, an aging population needs the fountain of youth. Immigration may be the magic elixir. The US Census Bureau estimates that the number of elderly people over age 65 could rise from 34.6 million today to 82 million by the year 2050. This trend will be most evident between 2011 and 2030 when those baby boomers born from the late 1940s to the early 1960s hit retirement age. Census experts predict that the number of senior citizens over this period will soar from 13% to 20% of the population. During the same time, the number of foreign-born people living in the United States should dramatically increase, both in absolute terms and as a percentage of the general population. Their number should grow from 26 million today to 53.8 million by the year 2050, an increase from 10 to 13% of the population. If these census statistics are correct, continued high levels of immigration will be necessary to provide a large enough workforce to support a rapidly aging America. The Census Bureau predicts the immigrants will become a majority in Texas within the next 14 years; five states will have a majority of non-White residents by 2025 and, in the course of the next half-century, Latinos may comprise about 25% of the entire US population. That's a lot of folks and they will no longer be concentrated in a select number of states, such as California, New York, Texas, or Florida, but will be distributed throughout the nation. They will be the deciding votes in elections on all levels and their voice will be a strong and powerful one in setting the political agenda.
In 1998, the National Immigration Forum joined with the Cato Institute to publish a study by Stephen Moore on the fiscal impact of immigration. What he found was startling and directly relevant to the problem so much on the mind of Chairman Greenspan. Most immigrants arrive in the United States in the floodtide of their working years; more than 70% of them are over age 18 when they get here. Stephen Moore estimated that there were roughly 17.5 million immigrants now in America whose education was paid for by their home countries, not US taxpayers. He concluded that this represented an infusion of unearned human capital worth some $43 trillion into the US economy. At a time when fewer and fewer wage earners will have to be paying for growing retirement benefits enjoyed by more and more elderly, it is worth remembering that immigration is one of the main forces keeping the Social Security Trust Fund afloat. In 2007, for example, the Social Security Trust Fund realized a net benefit of $120-240 billion from undocumented workers in the shadow economy representing 5.4%-10.7% of the Fund's total assets of $2.24 trillion. Immigration is an essential strategy that responsible policy makers must use in a robust way to solve the systemic problem of financing Social Security For all these reasons, there is no alternative to sweeping comprehensive immigration reform. We are all in this together. The American poet James Russell Lowell famously wrote that "once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide." This is our moment. The time to act is now. * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com
US House votes for more advanced-degree visas Cont’d from page 44
``We should staple a green card to their diplomas,'' said Republican Rep. Jeff Flake, a proponent of overhauling immigration law. He cited a National Science Foundation study showing that foreign students receive nearly 60 percent of U.S. engineering doctorates and more than 50 percent of doctorates in mathematics and computer science. The STEM Act visas would be in addition to about 140,000 employment-based visas for
those ranging from lower-skilled workers to college graduates and people in the arts, education and athletics. But the elimination of the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is a ``slap in the face to the core value and the position of immigrants to the United States,'' said Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a leader on immigration policy with the Hispanic Caucus. ``If you support this bill, then you are saying that one type of immigrant is better than the other.'' The Diversity Visa Lottery
Program, created partly to increase visas for Ireland, has shifted over the years to focus
9,000 to Asia and 16,000 to Europe. Applicants must have at least a high school education.
The elimination of the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is a ``slap in the face to the core value and the position of immigrants to the United States,'' said Rep. Luis Gutierrez on former Soviet states and now Africa. In 2010, almost 25,000 visas went to Africa;
Critics say the visa lottery program has outlived its purpose because Africans and East
Europeans are already benefiting from family unification and skilled employment visas, and the lottery program is subject to fraud and infiltration by terrorists. The provision on reuniting families allows the spouses and children of permanent residents to come to the United States to wait for their own green card applications to be processed one year after applying. Currently, family members must wait more than two years before being reunited. -AP
December 14, 2012
Perspective
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Preserve, Protect & Promote Vedic Culture STEPHEN KNAPP
especially the youth so they are aware of it and know it, 6. Practice the traditions, such as the holidays and spiritual paths in everyday life. Protection: is the next step. Even if you do what you can to preserve the tradition, it may also come under attack in many ways. So you have to help protect it by: 1. Overcoming negative impressions that people may try to use to unnecessarily criticize or demean it, 2. Be on guard for negative press in newspapers or television, and work to correct it, 3. Watch for the use of devious ways and false statements that are said to convert people from the Vedic path to some other religion, 4. Be careful even of politicians who have a disdain for God, or for the Vedic culture and who try to work against it or promote some other ideology or religion at the cost of the Vedic institutions. Promotion: This is important whether we like it or not. Many times Hindus or devotees feel there is no proselytizing in Vedic culture, so you have to be born into it or something like that, but there should
have to work in ways to preserve the culture to make sure it will also be around over the long term so others can learn about it, take advantage of its wisdom, and even follow it for their own spiritual progress. This may include, but may not be limited to, such things as: 1. Preserve the great and ancient Vedic texts, 2. Preserve the main yoga systems, the dharmas that lead to God, 3. Preserve the temples and let them be freely maintained by those Hindus and
be no process to convert others. However, in this day and age this is but a prescription for a slow extinction. Everyone and everything promotes what they have. Just like an author, he may have written the best book ever, but if no one knows about it, no one will buy it. Promotion of some form is a must. And the Vedic tradition is one of the most profound and dynamic cultures the world has ever seen. Therefore, there is a great need to let others know about it. This does not mean that you have to be
Vedic path or its knowledge has to offer. Someone has to be willing to tell them. In fact, we all should be willing. Therefore: 1. Everyone can be a Vedic Ambassador to simply share with other seekers the ways the Vedic culture has helped them and what they have gotten out of it, the difference it has made in their life, 2. Promote it as a spiritual path that can help solve many of the world's problems, 3. Distribute the simpler portions of the Vedic texts, such as BhagavadGita, or various forms of introductory literature that can introduce and easily explain what the Vedic path is so others can benefit from it, 4. Open the temple doors to all who want to come and investigate it or be a part of it so others can see what it is and how to get started, 5. Offer classes on yoga and Vedic philosophy for the same reason, 6. And hold programs wherein the youth can also be a part of it and practice it, 7. Arrange for radio or even cable TV programs so everyone can learn from it or stay connected. Perpetuation: is why we do all of the above. How can we keep Vedic culture a flourishing and dynamic path? By doing all of the above, and providing the means to show people how to practice it. Without the preservation, protection, and promotion of Vedic culture, it cannot be perpetuated. This is where such things as the following can be helpful: 1. Establish and maintain temples that help uphold and show how to practice the Vedic traditions (I have written a whole book on what can be done through temples), 2. Hold classes and study groups, either at temples or at homes, wherein people get together to comfortably converse on various topics of the Vedic texts to help everyone understand it and how deep or practical it is, and then invite friends to join, 3. As mentioned above, spread this knowledge through book distribution, radio, and various other programs, so people can learn about it and utilize it in their lives, 4. Set yourself as an example for those who know you, but at least for your family
devotees who are most sincere and qualified, 4. Distribute this literature for colleges, schools, personal homes, so it can spread, 5. Educate people in this knowledge,
in a conversion campaign, but you can certainly share what you know of it. Many people are looking for deeper levels of spirituality, but they do not know where to look, or they do not know the depth of what the
and children so they begin to understand it, recognize its potential and practice it as well. If you take it seriously, it will leave positive impressions on others. There are many other points that can be
Stephen Knapp
O
ne of the primary needs for Vedic culture right now, especially in places like India, is the following the formula of preservation, protection, promotion and perpetuation of its existence. I call these "the four pers". I have traveled all over India and have seen many situations where this formula is most needed. I have already written some reports on this, but let me explain a little more clearly the basics of this formula. Preservation: It is the first step. You
Some people may say that it is an eternal religion, Sanatana-dharma, so it will never fade away. But have they really read the Bhagavad-Gita, wherein Lord Krishna explains that one of the reasons why He appeared was to re-establish the Vedic Dharma, which had become lost? Lord Krishna says, "I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku
listed. I have already written detailed action plans that can be used to carry these ideas much further. But the main issue is that we have to work to keep the Vedic culture very much alive and available for everyone. It is what I call the "last bastion of deep spiritual truth." If this should ever disappear, the world will never know what it has lost. Some people may say that it is an eternal religion, Sanatana-dharma, so it will never fade away. But have they really read the Bhagavad-Gita, wherein Lord Krishna explains that one of the reasons why He appeared was to re-establish the Vedic Dharma, which had become lost? Lord Krishna says, "I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sungod, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku. This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost. That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend; therefore you can understand the transcendental mystery of this science." (Bg.4.1-3) So, yes, it is eternal but can disappear from the face of the earth, and does at times. It is up to those of us who are serious and sincere to make sure that it can continue being a practical spiritual culture far into the future by applying the above mentioned "four pers." Much more information can be found at my website: www.stephen-knapp.com
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Horoscope
50 India Post
December 14, 2012
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Your Weekly Future by Pandit Parashar
DECEMBER 14TH to DECEMBER 20TH (March 21 to April 20)
G
uidance from a trusted friend will help you overcome many difficulties and see things in a clear way. Things will be little tight on financial front also but you will meet all commitments on time. Some of you will be taking a trip in direction East. Issues involving a child will come to a favorable ending.
(July 23 to August 22)
I
f you do not play your cards right, soon you will be in a financial mess. Do thorough research before you make the commitment. An important meeting will ultimately get finalized and you will start making the preparation. You may be in touch with an expert to seek advice about an issue involving a child.
(April 21 to May 20)
Y
ou may ignore the conflicting reports and go ahead with your plans. New friends and contacts will come handy. All presentations will go well and a big contract is within your reach. You will try to help your child with his future plans and maybe move. Long awaited reply will finally come from government agency.
(August 23 to September 22)
T
here will be lots of confusion in mind and things can become opaque again. Help will come from total unexpected place and person. You will take time out of busy schedule to take kids on a fun trip. Some of you will be getting ready to move to a nice location. Do not rush to conclusion when it comes to relationships.
(May 21 to June 20)
Y
ou may buy some fine quality items for your personal use. You will be double minded about an important issue but ultimately take the right decisions. Projects recently launched will keep moving in right direction at fast pace. You will throw out many fears after consulting a trusted and matured person.
(September 23 to October 22)
V
alue of Stocks recently purchased will appreciate considerably. If you are not careful you could get into some trouble with law. Boss will ask you to go on an important trip. Keep an eye on other family members using credit cards. Some of you may make up your mind to get out of a partnership venture soon.
(June 21 to July 22)
Y
ou may loose little money due to a contract recently signed in a hurry. There is a strong chance of money through lottery or stocks. You will be little aggressive on the phone but will get the job done. Just handle all tools and machinery will extra care. You will be working on a travel plan for close family members.
(October 23 to November 22)
Y
ou will have chance to learn from someone lot younger in age. News will come but not through proper channel. You may be nominated for some kind of prestigious award also. You may either replace or purchase another car this week. You may cash out some money making stocks and out money aside in savings.
(November 23 to December 22)
A
major break in career just a few days away so stay optimistic. Money wise you will continue to stay in comfortable zone as expenses will come down a lot. You will plan a short trip to another state with family. You may be thinking of getting some work done in or around the house or add another area. (December 22 to January 19)
C
oncentration of planets in house of luck will bring more than one opportunity. You may recover some money from Insurance also. Concerns about an older family member will grow bigger. Keep an eye on your valuable during the course of a trip. You will be invited to a big party by a very close relative. (January 20 to February 18)
T
ry to relax as much for next few weeks and postpone all major decisions. Some of you will be traveling far away from home this week. You may find some item and return it to the rightful owner. Money will come but will not stay too long. You will spend a quite evening with people from political background. (February 19 to March 20)
Y
ou will be paying more attention to spouse. A business partner will try to create some problems. Money wise you will be comfortable. Some one you knew in the past will call to seek your valuable advice. You will be going for an important business trip soon. You will be given a choice to move to another department.
Pandit Parashar, CEO & COO Astro Scan USA is also available for individual consultations. He can be reached at: parashar@parashar.com
510-886-4370 website: www.parashar.com
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Philosophy
December 14, 2012
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L
ove, peace and happiness are simply the words that are used to describe the taste of our true nature. They are non-objective in the sense that they do not have any objective qualities. As such they are not experiences of the mind or body. Seeking and resistance veil our true nature, present Awareness, and therefore veil the love, peace and happiness that is inherent within it or rather that is it. As a result of forgetting our true nature of present Awareness and imagining ourselves instead to be a separate entity, we set out in the world looking for love in relationships, peace in situations and happiness in objects. This seeking is, by definition, uncomfortable - it is the activity of suffering which defines the separate entity. In fact there is no separate seeking entity. The apparently separate entity is the activity of seeking/resisting. When the relationship, situation or object is found, the seeking comes temporarily to an end and our true nature shines, that is, Awareness tastes itself, as it were, for a brief moment (actually it is a timeless moment, because the mind is not present there). That timeless moment is what is known as love, peace or happiness. It is also known as beauty and un-
EKNATH EASWARAN
M
y wife and I once went into a cafĂŠ in San Francisco during the lunch hour, and the people working there were in such a flurry that one nearly hit the head of the fellow next to me with a plate. She hadn't lost her temper, she had no grievance against him, but the sheer speed of her movement so unnerved her that the plate flew out of her hands. A great deal of carelessness results from hurry, and all kinds of accidents that we choose to call chance or fate or luck are actually simple processes of cause and effect. We do not see the causal connections because we move too fast to notice. Speeded-up people can be likened to automata, to robots. Perhaps you remember that insightful Chaplin movie Modern Times? Charlie stands at an assembly line in a factory, and for eight hours a day he tightens a nut with his wrench as each piece goes by. From time to time the boss turns up the pace of the conveyor belt, and poor Charlie has to work even faster. Throughout the day he makes the same movement with his arm. When he comes out after eight
derstanding. That is our true nature. When the mind rises up again, it misinterprets this non-objective experience of love, peace or happiness, during which it was not present, and attributes it to the relationship, situation or object. With this appearance of subject/ object thinking, the love, peace and happiness is again veiled and thinking then sets out again in search of a new relationship, situation or object hoping to re-enact the experi-
activity of seeking/resisting. The love you seek is not love - it is a state of the mind or body, however subtle. True love does not arise, it does not come and go, it cannot be found in the world, it cannot be found at one moment and lost at another. It has nothing to do with relationships or others. In fact, love is precisely the dissolution of all otherness or relatedness. Remember Shakespeare: "Love is not love which alters when it
Therefore, seeking it is the very denial of its presence. In seeking it, you compel it to seem as if hidden or lost. It is You that does not alter, You, Awareness. You are that for which you long and your longing is this very presence of love itself thinly veiled by the belief that it is absent, that it is an object that can be lost and found. In other words, the love you seek is present right here in your
Love, peace, happiness do not have objective qualities
Rupert Spira
True love does not arise, it does not come and go, it cannot be found in the world, it cannot be found at one moment and lost at another. It has nothing to do with relationships or others
ence of love, peace or happiness that it mistakenly believes was produced by them. However, it is not the relationship, situation or object that produces the love, peace and happiness. It is the cessation of the seeking/resisting thought which enables the underlying love etc. to shine. That is, the cessation of seeking/resisting allows our true nature to know or taste itself as it is, un-apparently-veiled by the
alteration finds..." Every appearance of the mind, body and world is constantly altering. What is it in your experience that does not alter? That is love. There is one 'thing' alone in your experience that does not alter. That is You. That is the love you seek. You will never find it because you already and 'always' are it. Not 'always' in time but eternally, now.
longing. Yet your longing for it as an object in the future, however subtle, veils its presence in you, as you. Whatever is not present right now is not worthy of the name love and is likewise not worthy of our desire. Forget it. Whatever is not present now will by definition one day disappear. Rupert Spira, an English studio potter, is also a teacher of Non Duality
hours, he cannot stop. Though he has no wrench, he makes the same gesture all the way home, to the amazement of the passersby. This is what happens to speeded-up people. They become automatic, which means they have no freedom and no choices, only compulsions. Since they take no time to reflect on things, they gradually lose the capacity for reflection.
we are moving like a launched missile, our vigilance falls; we may hurt the feelings of our children or partner and never know it at all. We need to remember, too, that hurry is contagious. When a person comes rushing into a room with an agitated mind, it has an impact on the people there. If they are not very secure themselves, they will become even more agi-
remember where she left her notebook. She spills some milk pouring it on her cereal, which she tries to eat standing up. In a few minutes the relaxed atmosphere in the room has dissipated, and everyone becomes edgy. Happily, the opposite also holds true. When someone at peace and free from hurry enters
Speeded-up people can be likened to robots
Eknath Easwaran
Without reflection, how can we change? We first have to be able to sit back, examine ourselves with detachment, and search out our patterns of behavior. When we go faster and faster, we grow more and more insensitive to the needs of everyone around. We become dull, blunted, imperceptive. In the morning, for instance, when
A great deal of carelessness results from hurry, and all kinds of accidents that we choose to call chance or fate or luck are actually simple processes of cause and effect tated by the sight of someone hurrying about out of control. Suppose the family is trying to get breakfast when in races the high school junior already late for school. She calls out to remind her mother to pick up her shoes from the repair shop on the way to the supermarket. She scrambles about trying to
a room, that person has a calming effect on everyone present. Such collectedness too is contagious. Until we learn to act in freedom, most of us will be temporarily calmed or agitated by those we are around. The 102nd birth anniversary of Eknath Easwaran will be observed on December 17
A devotee who can call on God while living a householder's life is a hero indeed. God thinks: 'He is blessed indeed who prays to me in the midst of his worldly duties. He is trying to find me, overcoming a great obstacle -- pushing away, as it were, a huge block of stone weighing a ton. Such a man is a real hero. -Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. -Buddha When your last breath arrives,Grammar can do nothing. -Adi Shankara While you are alive, conquer death, and you shall have no regrets in the end. -Sri Guru Granth Sahib By hating that person, you have lost something very sweet in yourself. -Sri Chinmoy Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage. -Sri Aurobindo
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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A region-led, region-owned solution for Afghanistan D SUBA CHANDRAN
M
uch emphasis has been put on the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned solution; but with the 2014 deadline approaching; will there be a stable Afghan government that would be able to stand on its own by 2015? Perhaps, instead of looking for alternatives and Plan Bs, there is a need to find complimentary strategies that would assist the Afghan-owned, Afghan-led solu-
Afghan President Hamid Karzai
tion. In this case, a region-owned and region-led strategy would augment an indigenous initiative, which is already in place. Two issues warrant a regionled, region-owned solution for stability in Afghanistan. First and foremost, the existing approach is unlikely to result in a stable Afghanistan by 2014. If the Afghans have to hold the key to their own future as Karzai thundered rhetorically at an international summit, there should be an effective Parliament, independent judiciary, clearly identified institutions with separation of powers, and most importantly, a confident and welltrained Afghan National Army and Afghan Police. None of the above is likely to happen by 2014. The Afghan Parliament would remain weak; in fact, given the problems associated with electoral reforms and voters' registry, the election process and the formation of next Parliament before 2014 would itself be a new source of instability. The institutions are in clash mode, with more powers with the President undermining the Parliament and independent judiciary. In fact, Karzai has been ruling Afghanistan through decrees, under the facade of a Parliament. An unstable Afghanistan is not a new phenomenon. It has happened in the past; in fact, Afghanistan has remained unstable for the most part of its history. However, an unstable Afghanistan per se does not pose a huge threat to regional or international
security. Had it not been for the al Qaeda's superimposition in Afghanistan, the rest of the international community would have been willing to live with the Taliban, however uncomfortable it had been. This is why the region-led and region-owned approach towards Afghanistan makes better sense, if the country is likely to remain unstable as explained above.
Taliban leader Mullah Omar
Pakistan, Iran and India need to agree to work together and keep away from engaging in any Regional Great Game in Afghanistan, as had happened before British India and the Russian empire, and later between the US and the Soviet Union. If these three countries, along with China and other Central Asian republics agree to not support any nonState actor, or make Afghan territory their own backyard, Afghani-
Pakistan, Iran and India need to agree to work together and keep away from engaging in any Regional Great Game in Afghanistan, as had happened before British India and the Russian empire, and later between the US and the Soviet Union stan would not become a regional graveyard. It would still remain unstable with infighting between the multiple groups but none of them would be able to walk over the rest, post 2014, as the Taliban did in the 1990s with Pakistan's active support. An unstable Afghanistan, without becoming a theater for a
regional Great Game would insulate the instability. Though it would make life tough for an ordinary Afghan, the multiple ethnic communities and numerous Afghan militias and warlords would be able to find an unstable and ugly peace within. It would be a negative approach, but perhaps better amongst a set of bad options. Second, as a positive approach, a region-led and regionowned initiative is extremely important to make Afghanistan selfsufficient. There is an international fatigue setting in; despite the bravado in Chicago and Tokyo summits, the international community's economic aid and funding support to Afghanistan is likely to decline. Given the Afghan reluctance for economic reforms and good governance, international donors are unlikely to keep funding a State where there is rampant and systemic corruption, with no signs of stability. In that situation, it is important that Afghanistan remains economically self-sufficient. A region-led and region-owned approach would do exactly that. Historically, Kabul, Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif have been part of multiple silk routes, and Afghanistan remains the biggest bridge between four regions - Central Asia, West Asia, China and South Asia. If the regions are willing to come together, then Afghanistan would become the natural core for the Asian Highway, since trade routes and pipelines would intersect here. It would then become a natural transit for the above four regions; for buses, trucks, trains and pipelines. In return, its economy would become self-sufficient. But, the most important question remains - can there be a regionled and region-owned approach in Afghanistan? Can the stakeholders be brought together? Let there be more initiatives and summits to find out what could bring the region together. It is time to look beyond Bonn, Tokyo and Istanbul. Perhaps there should be summits in Delhi, Islamabad, Tehran, Dushanbe and Almaty, bringing the regional stakeholders into the picture. Finally, the region-owned and region-led solution for Afghanistan should not be an alternative strategy, but a supplementary to existing initiatives. D Suba Chandran is Director, IPCS
Cash for votes
I
t is an aspect of the times that a General Election still one and half years away is the subject of much attention. This situation would not have arisen if the Congress-led UPA-2 had been governing properly as it was elected to do. In spite of its recent efforts at reforms the UPA government has lost the trust of the people and they are looking forward to replacing it when its term ends, or even earlier. But that doesn't mean the Congress-led alliance will surely be defeated in 2014. By the nature of the major Opposition's agenda, or lack of it, it doesn't seem that the people are eager to put their faith in the BJP either. Instead of garnering new friends, the BJP is in danger of losing the present ones by its dithering on policy matters and inability to stem revolts as in Karnataka. In popular discourse it seems the UPA has ensured it will not just fade out by its plan to put money in the hands of the poor through its new scheme of cash transfer. Since there are no banks in the villages, it has devised a system of banking correspondents - individuals who will visit villages on behalf of banks, with hand-held electronic device. The opposition has protested that it is open bribery to villagers to vote for the Congress and significantly the scheme comes on the eve of the Gujarat elections. The Election Commission has taken note of this and sought an answer from the government. The election system in India seems to be designed to discourage development. The ruling parties cannot take up any new development schemes on the eve of elections and in some cases, have to suspend the ongoing schemes also in order to ensure a level playing field. And there is hardly any time of the year when some or the other election in some part of the country is not due. When governments are overthrown midway, the original election cycle gets disturbed and we have the phenomena of mid-term elections. When they have the time to do so, governments do not implement development schemes but instead busy themselves in feathering their own nests, as revealed by the recent exposes of a series of scams. And when they intend to do something for the people, ubiquitous election somewhere or the other looms large to block the program. Even though the direct cash transfers scheme will benefit the poor, the opposition to it on grounds of due elections seems myopic. The country is waiting with baited breath to see if at last a program which can uplift the poor will start functioning. It can be said to the credit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that he had thought of this scheme much earlier and that is why he had sought out IT wizard Nandan Nilekani to design the Aadhar ID cards through which such schemes would be implemented. A similar experiment in Brazil is said to have reduced inequality by 21 percent. A number of conditions had been tied to the program such as the children of the beneficiaries will go to school till they are 17 and will have full set of vaccinations in the first five years. This way Brazil was able to improve education levels and health indices. If the UPA worth has gone up with this one scheme, the BJP seems to be in such disarray that they are all now in the process of putting all their eggs in one basket - that of Narendra Modi, who seems to be their trump card. The Gujarat chief minister is yet to win re-election in Gujarat but he has been anointed the chief contender for the prime minister's seat in 2014. The senior leaders of the party, one by one, have started voicing support for the 'Modi as PM' mood of the cadres, thus being led, instead of leading.
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