Friday, January 09 2015 | Vol. 34, No. 02
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New Year Celebrations, P3
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Sunny Taj of ABCD Houston (right) with DJ Dholi Deep (Sandeep Sulhan) at the Synn Ultralounge on Wednesday, December 31.
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Celebrations at Sri Meenakshi Temple.
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Celebration held at Houston Namadwaar.
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Midnight balloon drop at the New Year’s Eve party hosted by Bollywood Shake Events and Aalponaa Event Designers at the Safari Texas Ranch.
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January 09, 2015
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COMMUNITY
January 09, 2015
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Dhol Vajda Countdown for the New Year’s Eve Celebrations Galore at Synn Ultralounge in Houston
BY VANSHIKA VIPIN HOUSTON: What exactly happens when a top Bollywood promoter of Houston collaborates with a sensational DJ who pumps up the Bollywood music? Yes, galaxies collided and the meteors showered at the plush Synn Ultra lounge on Wednesday, December 31, to usher in the New Year 2015 amidst the crème de la crème of the city. Sunny Taj of ABCD Houston joined hands with the renowned DJ Dholi Deep (Sandeep Sulhan) to create an electrifying evening that got the crowd charged up for the New Year. The New year’s eve party hosted at the Synn Ultra Lounge was one of the most awaited party of Houston owing to the presence of the famed Dj Dholi Deep and Sunny Taj. A night filled with Bollywood music definitely became the focal point of conversations leading to a complete ticket sell out. It did not seem like the temperatures were as low as 46F when one saw the stylishly dressed guests appearing for the party. The party, that began at around 9 pm, was in its full form till the end. One could feel as if they had entered a gala Fashion show where everyone had a zing in their step, not just due to the party favors that were distributed generously, but also due to the feel good factor brought in by the opulent ambience of the lounge. The lounge was done up beautifully in the ambient lights with intermittent bursts of reds to kick in the dancing mood. Red and Black seemed to be the hot favorites even amongst the city’s socialites who marked their presence in their craziest best. While the passionate dancers and the couples crowded the dance floor, there was the other set of guests who wanted a smooth
Photos: Meedu’s fotografy
DJ Dholi Deep played all the famous songs at the Synn Ultralounge on Wednesday, December 31.
sailing ride on the Aladdin’s carpet through Aladdin’s hookahs that were so enchantingly laid in the patio. There were other few who just wanted to enjoy their
stiff drinks watching the plasma screens that were showcasing the video screening while their jubilant partners danced the night away banishing the worries and
embracing the trance. The 600 plus crowd jointly called in the new years with the customary New Year’s Eve countdown. DJ Dholi Deep played all
the famous songs, Top 40 to hip hop and finally ended with Masala Bollywood numbers and Bhangra. No desi can ever say that they had a rollicking time without shaking their booty to either a Masala number or a Bhangra. Sunny Taj of ABCD Houston was the most graceful host. He incessantly ensured that each guest was having the time of their lives all throughout the party. The organizers said, “There is no other way we would have wanted to start 2015 than being around people who have supported us through all these years. Thanks for making our events a great success every single time. NYE at Synn was not just a finale for 2014, but also a beginning for bigger and better events, that we look forward to hosting in 2015.” Houston stay tuned for more happening parties and juicier scoop in the upcoming year.
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January 09, 2015
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COMMUNITY HOUSTON: Bollywood Shake Events and Aalponaa Event Designers hosted a dazzling New Year’s Eve party on December 31, at the Grand Ballroom of Safari Texas Ranch in collaboration with Friends ‘n Friends, a community networking group. More than 700 glamorous guests of all age groups partied together and welcomed 2015 with their families and friends at this amazing event. The theme of this event was ‘Glamour and Glitz’ and Aalponaa Event Designers, Sailaja Bandyopadhyay, Mumu Choudhury and Piyal Sen Gupta ensured that the event was glamorous indeed! The Ballroom looked stunning decked in Red, Black and Gold, the chosen colors for the event. The gorgeous decor with aesthetic lighting truly reflected the theme of the night. The event was meticulously designed with a lot of attention to detail, a forte of Aalponaa Event Designers. Ruchika Dias, the founder of Bollywood Shake Events and the Aalponaa Event Designers team organized this party with one thing in mind- a perfect party where families can enjoy! Good food and drinks, Open Bar with premium liquor, rocking music, a huge dance floor, lots of elegant party favors, a separate ballroom for kids activities made this party the one to go to this new Year’s eve! To top it, they had a live comedy act by Comedian Dan Nainan who co-hosted the event alongside the winner of Bollywood Shake’s Mrs. Bollywood pageant 2014, Nina Desai. Bollywood Shake dancers set the mood of the night and opened the dance floor with a Bollywood dance demo that got the crowds dancing. A stunning and deli-
January 09, 2015
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Glamour & Glitz: A Dazzling New Year’s Eve Gala
From left: Pavana Polineni Gadde, Nina Desai, and Ruchika Dias, the founder of Bollywood Shake Events.
Indo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $40 per year) by IndoAmerican News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036., tel: 713-789-6397, fax:713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo American News,7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036
Aalponaa Event Designers team, from left: Mumu Choudhury, Sailaja Bandyopadhyay, and Piyal Sen Gupta. Photos: Saurabh Sen Gupta and Murali Santhana.
cious 5-tier cake was sponsored by Suman of Tea Cake Factory Sugar Land. At mid night, the crowd joined the count down with a complimentary champagne toast and a fantastic and colorful balloon drop arranged by Rajiv and Nikhil of Friends ‘n Friends. DJ Geo and Dholi rocked the floor with a multitude of Bollywood Hits and Punjabi songs. The crowd danced nonstop from 10:00 pm to 1:30 am. The food, catered by Standard Sweets was delicious, as was the Pizza for the kids as well as an assortment of midnight snacks. Aalponaa Event Designers and Bolly-
wood Shake would like to thank their generous sponsors Anand Chauhan and Dr. Ashima Chauhan, Amir Dodhiya of New York life, Omar Saeed and Irfan Fazal of Metlife. Heartfelt thanks to Nina Desai, Pavana Polineni Gadde , the Bollywood Shake dancers and team, Aalponaa team volunteers Anusha, Ananya and Alec, Friends ‘n Friends organizers Rajiv Singh and Nikhil Chauhan, Murali Santhana and Saurabh Sen Gupta for photography, the Safari Texas Ranch management and staff and ofcourse, the Greater Houston friends and supporters who made this party a grand success!
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COMMUNITY
January 09, 2015
India House Kicks Off New Year with Bash tended to full capacity. As a party for the entire family, all attendees dressed in fine clothing, jewelry, and in their dancing boots. Vipin Kumar, General Manager of India House and the main organizer of the event, kicked off the event by welcoming all the guests at around 8:30 pm. The entertainment for the night included a live singing performance by Dipayan, who sang melodious and popular romantic numbers such as “Pee Loon” from the movie Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. The audience was so engaged and intrigued that several of the audience members came ahead to the stage and even sang a few numbers themselves. The evening then went ahead with engaging the guests with few interesting games, which followed by prize distribution for the winners. Mousumi Banerjee organized the entertainment and games. To get the rest of the attendees on their feet, the DJ played songs that gave the audience members no choice but to take advantage of the huge dance floor
Live singing performance by Dipayan Photos: Vanshika Vipin
Attendees at the India House New Year’s Eve Bash
BY VANSHIKA VIPIN HOUSTON: For those who wanted to start off the New Year with a festive and Bolly-
wood mix, India House Houston hosted its first New Years Eve Bash on Wednesday, December 31. With live performances, delicious food and a dance floor, the event was well at-
The delicious food catered by Bombay Brasserie.
until night’s end. With such a great attendance, Kumar said, “This can encourage more Houstonians to organize such events at India House. We are happy with more and more people organizing their community events at our venue, as our prices are much cheaper as compared to other venues, and I would like to thank Bhavila, a fellow guest, who supported us by bringing a huge group from the greater Katy area with her.” Bombay Brasserie catered the event, with an array of food, from samosas, paneer tikka and chicken tikka served in appetizers alone, followed by other savory Indian foods. The organizers also allowed for BYOB and served alcohol at a very low cost. Part of the evening was sponsored by
Col. Raj Bhalla, one of the boards of directors of India House. Although Bhalla was not in attendance at the event, his contribution was well appreciated. Fellow Board of Directors/ Council Members Nagraj Eleswarapu, Ramesh Cherivirala, Virender Bansal and Mahesh Wadhwa, did attend the event to represent India House. Bansal also helped distributing the food at dinner. As the countdown for the New Year winded down, all the attendees – young and old – enjoyed the food, partied on the dance floor and watched Time Square’s New Years Eve Ball Drop on the three giant screens provided in the hall. For further information about India House and their upcoming activities visit: www.indiahouseinc.org or contact 713-929-1900 / info@indiahouseinc.org
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COMMUNITY
January 09, 2015
Chitra Divakaruni: The 20 Most Influential Global Indian Women
shaped Indian values and cultures to their needs in the US in some amazing ways. -The Economic Times
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
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Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni debuted in 1997 with The Mistress of Spices. The Los Angeles Times declared it as the best of that year. Eight years later the novel was made into a film by Gurinder Chadha starring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, catapulting the author into an even bigger league. The debut novel opened up avenues for Divakaruni to publish her work in more than 50 magazines, including The Atlantic Monthly and The New Yorker. Her writings have been included in over 50 anthologies. She’s won the American Book Award and her books have been translated into 29 languages. Divakaruni, who teaches creative writing at the University of Houston, says Indian immigrants have
Indian American writer Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is an awardwinning author, poet, activist and teacher. Her themes include the Indian experience, contemporary America, women, immigration, history, myth, and the joys and challenges of living in a multicultural world. Her books have been translated into 29 languages, and her work has appeared in over a hundred magazines and anthologies. Several of her novels and stories have been made into films and plays. She has won an American Book Award and a Light of India award. -www.chitradivakaruni.com
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January 09, 2015
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The Band Rocked the New Year’s Party at Naren’s BB’s!! dancefloor, which was packed by revelers on this New Year’s Eve. Sehgal and his son Sanjay made sure that the food was superb, starting with the non-stop appetizers and open bar and continuing on through the sit down dinner menu which was served in deep dishes at each table. Both were all around, working the staff and
making sure that the food and service flowed seamlessly. At the tail end of the night, just before the party-goers left, they nipped in for a cup of masala chai or coffee and one last item. “You got to try the mini-veggie burgers and stick French Fries,” said one patron as she walked by chewing a bite. “It’s to die for!”
The revelers after the stroke of midnight and into the first few moments of 2015 at Bombay Brasserie’s new banquet hall.
Hardik Jani sings a request.
BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: So, it was a spontaneous idea to get a New Year’s party together, as Swatantra Jain made calls to a list of his friends who were still deciding where
to go. And Narender Sehgal was game, with the new banquet hall he just finished putting the final touches to, just next door to his Bombay Brasserie restaurant, adjoining with passages from the large dining room. Word spread like wildfire to the others who were still undecided. Gluing the two together was the energetic four man Darshak Thacker Liveband, pieced together by one of the city’s most sought out sounds and lights guy behind Krishna Sounds, including his own place as the gifted, vibrant dhol and electronic drums player that Thacker is, and sounds control by his wife, Mona, as always behind the scenes. The band featured the mean singing talents of a jeans-clad Manek Joshi and bearded Hardik Jani in a shiny blue coat, with backup and an occasional riff of his own by keyboardist Kamal Haji. The band played an interlude between the appetizers and dinner and then non-stop from 10:30 onwards through midnight when the party animals donned New Year’s hats and crowns, blew horns and
paper whistles and made merry before trickling out. The banquet hall can easily accommodate 120 people and still have space for a
The Darshak Thacker Band performed all evening with Darshak at the drums, Manek Joshi and Hardik Jani belting out songs and Kamal Haji on the keyboards.
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10 January 09, 2015
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January 09, 2015
Grand New Year and Vaikunda Ekadasi Celebrations at Sri Meenakshi Temple
MTS executives honoring Shoba Ramesh and other artists
Sam Kannappan, President, Dr. SG. Appan, Trustee with Dr. GS. Goplakrishna, Vice Presdient and Dr. P. Vaduganathan, Chairman with Board and Council members of MTS.
BY M.K.SRIRAM AND AKILAN GOPAL PEARLAND: It was a great and divine start to 2015 for several thousand devotees who worshipped at Sri Meenakshi Temple on New Year’s day. The forecasters predicted a rainy and cold day, but this did not make any impact on the spirits and minds of the devotees – they came in large numbers from far and wide, from tiny tots to the elderly – a truly extraordinary display of their faith. It is indeed a very rare occurrence to have Vaikunda Ekadasi falling on January 1st. The Laksharchana for Lord Venkateswara was concluded with the participation of hundreds of devotees, while hundreds more lined up for the Vaikunda Swarga Dwara darshan outside the temple. This is the one time every year when the “Gates to Heaven” open and devotees have the blissful experience of having darshan of Maha Vishnu in his abode in heaven. As the doors opened at about 10 AM, there was rapturous chanting of Govinda Govinda and devotees entered the Lord’s abode. It was an indescribable sight to see the Lord with His consorts Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi adorned with dazzling alankarams seated on His Garuda vahana. Hundreds of devotees thronged through the heavenly gates to have darshan,
the Indian Consul General, Harish with his wife among them. At around 11 AM, the deities on the Garuda Vahanam were taken in a procession around the temple to the chanting of Purusha Sooktham and various other Vedic verses. It was truly amazing that there was a non-stop stream of ardent devotees walking through Swarga Dwaaram from 10 AM till late in the evening. Later at 5 PM, Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswara most beautifully decorated were taken in a procession around the temple on a pallakku (palanquin) by hundreds of devotees. The priests tirelessly performed the archanas non-stop all day and till late evening for all the deities. This was also the day when. Sam Kannappan, a founding member of the temple was appointed as the President and Dr. S.G. Appan, a long time highly respected member, as trustee for a period of four years, in front of a packed devotees. The whole atmosphere was very festive. The afternoon cultural program “ Dhasavathar” was organized by Mala Gopal. It consist of songs and dances from local dance schools followed by Carnatic music concert by Shoba Ramesh, an All India Radio artist accompanies by Charan Rajan on Miruthangam and Divya Ramachandran on the violin. And to make this even more au-
thentic, local Indian restaurants brought the taste of India. Chairman Dr Vaduganathan summarized that this day has been the most unprecedented day in the temple history with an over 7500 people visiting the temple, that too in spite of inclement weather. MTS Joint secretary Murali Ravuri, the event coordinator was ably supported by the temple Board members, several volunteers with their spouses, their children, the temple staff, priests and shilpis by putting in hundreds of hours of hard work to make this all happen. This is indeed a great beginning to the New Year!
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OPINION
January 09, 2015
New Year, New Perspective
BY AKRITI KESWANI HOUSTON: It’s a brand new year again, and all of a sudden, everyone is reflecting on what resolutions they need to make, in order to change themselves for the better this year. With this New Year, I hope to bring new perspectives into the picture so life isn’t just filled with the same boring information again. It needs to rather be complete with creative energy, or a sense of purpose and direction. TheMedAspirations is meant for young people who aspire to become a great physician later on, but there’s more to the path of going to medical school than just studying the coursework and taking the MCAT. After all, medical schools are not just interested in how much someone has done to improve their application, but instead how they have learned from their failures and experiences. Medical schools need students who not only excel in academia, but also in other aspects of human life. In this New Year, we can bring together new perspectives and step out of our comfort zone to discover new, innovative ideas. So, I’ve compiled a list of things that would be nice to implement in 2015. 1) Watch a TED Talk at least once a week. The reason I say this is because, TED is all about ideas worth spreading, and I believe it’s important to keep yourself constantly stimulated with new information and data because neurogenesis will occur more effectively and cognition will naturally increase. If we remain confined to our comfort zones, our brains have already mapped the next step. Our life is no longer spontaneous or filled with wonder, and we can no longer expand our perceptual vastness. The result is hedonic adaptation, which we want to avoid here. 2) Take Walks Outside, they are NOT a waste of time. If you’ve ever experienced the “mind-fog” or when you can’t think clearly because you feel so burdened by all the things going on
around you, take a walk outside. A recent study conducted by Stanford shows that creative thinking actually improves by walking or pacing outside. Catch some fresh air, and rejuvenate yourself! 3) Take 20 minutes out of each day to invest in a new, creative project. It can be anywhere from drawing, painting, playing an instrument, writing lyrics to building a robot or machine using scrap material. Regardless of what your talent is, invest time and energy in it every day and the outcome will be delectable. It doesn’t matter how busy you are, if people like Mark Zuckerberg or Arianna Huffington can do it, you definitely can. 4) Spend time with your loved ones each day. This one is kind of common sense, because evolution has proved that human beings have a stronger mental health when they are with people they love. Studies have shown that releasing oxytocin, a.k.a. the love hormone could potentially ward of brain disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and depression. Surround yourself with the people you love and those who imbue you. It’s as simple as that. 5) Remove FOMO: Fear of Missing Out. I’ve seen passionate people, who compromise their passion to join another group that they think is superior to what they are a part of. However, like Joseph Campbell says, “Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid. Doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.” Human beings hold themselves back from their true potential by joining others groups because of the “FOMO.” Like the brilliant philosopher Rumi says, “Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” These are just some strong ideas I had this New Year. Perhaps this was more philosophical than intended, but I’ve learnt from the successful people who have actually made it through life thriving.
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Namadwaar Celebrates 7th Annual Srimad Bhagavata Mahotsava
Kids after Srimad Bhagavatam Musical Play
Overflowing Namadwaar on Radha Kalyanam day
Ramanujamji discourse
MANVEL: December 21 to 27, was a joyous, blissful week in Houston with the Srimad Bhagavata Mahotsava and Grand Madhura Utsav spiritual and cultural celebration held at Houston Namadwaar. Organized by Global Organization for Divinity and Love to Share Foundation America, the event saw over 100 devotees from across the USA join Houston devotees for this unique celebration – from Orlando, Richmond-VA, RaleighNC, Boston, New Hampshire, Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, Austin, Bay Area-CA, Redding-CA and other cities. The days were packed with kirtanam and katha shravanam with little chance to think of anything other than Bhagavan. Every day began with Prabodhanam and Tiruppavai recital at 6 am. This was followed by the commencement of Srimad Bhagavata parayanam (18000 slokas in 7 days) which went on until about 1pm daily. Simultaneously, in the mornings and afternoons there was either vahanam processions or Sampradaya bhajan with Sri Jayadeva Ashtapadis and kirtans of numerous other mahatmas including Sri Thyagaraja, Sri Purandara Dasa, Sri Bhadrachala Ramadasa, Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji and Panduranga bhaktas’ abhangs. Every evening was magical, as everyone was transported to Gokula and Brindavana through the wonderful exposition of Sri Krishna Leela by Sri
Ramanujamji, disciple of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, at Sri Meenakshi Temple. This discourse series was co-sponsored by Meenakshi Temple Society. Sri Ramanujamji delved to great depths into many of Sri Krishna’s bala leelas, bringing out and explaining many enjoyable points in the stories through the commentaries of various mahatmas. It was truly an amazing discourse series. On a couple of days, after the discourse, the day of Krishna Jananam and Rasa Leela, women devotees danced in joy and celebration, around Bala Krishna and Sri Radha-Krishna respectively. The discourse series was preceded daily by cultural dance performances by Houston dancers including students of Sravanthi Modali (Kuchipudi), Rathna Kumar/ Venugopal Josyula (Bharatanatyam), Supradipta Datta (Odissi), Indrani Parthasarathy (Bharatanatyam) and Padmini Chari/ Kum. Surabi Veeraragavan (Bharatanatyam). On one day, children of G.O.D.’s Gopa Kuteeram heritage program from all across the USA presented a musical play depicting all the Cantos of Srimad Bhagavatam, and on another, Gopa Kuteeram Youth presented a “Street Play” on how they follow Bhagavata Dharma. These cultural performances were conducted under the auspices of Love to Share Foundation America. Other special events during the week-long utsav at Namadwaar in-
cluded celebration of Nandotsavam (with children dancing around baby Krishna), Govinda Pattabhishekam and Anna Koototsav, Radha Kalyanam (divine wedding of the divine couple), Madhura Gitam quiz (quiz on the compositions of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji), beautiful Jhoola Seva at night amid diya lamps and Nikunjotsavam with an extremely melodious vocal concert themed on Krishna Bhakti by Shilpa Sadagopan. Shilpa was accompanied by Deepa Ramachandran on violin and Karun Salvady on mridangam. It was an exhilarating week that rejuvenated everyone and inspired all to do more service, kirtanam, katha shravanam and celebrate Bhagavan in their own lives! Global Organization for Divinity and Love to Share Foundation express their heartfelt gratitude to the many restaurants and grocery establishments who came forward to sponsor dinner prasad for the week-long event – Annam Indian Cuisine, Balaji Bhavan, Bhojan restaurant, Hyderabadi House (Woodlands), Madras Pavilion, Maharaja Bhog restaurant, Meena Catering, Raja Sweets, Sagar Indian Cuisine, Shiva Indian Restaurant, Shiv Sagar restaurant, Patel Brothers (Hillcroft), Subbulaxmi Grocers (Hillcroft), Swadeshi Grocers (Pearland), Chipotle, Olive Garden, HEB, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Food Town and Fiesta.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
18 January 09, 2015 Who Deserves Bharat Ratna?
So how did the New Year begin? Militants attacked two primary schools in Pakistan. North India stayed cold. When the going got tough in Test cricket, as it did last year in governing Delhi, the team-leader went off the field. Can you imagine that happening in a really accountable profession—a doctor quitting midway through an operation or a general going home halfway through a battle? And yet it’s politicians and entertainers (a sportsman is an entertainer) who seem to get the Bharat Ratna. Those who do really useful things for the Indian people, like the citizens behind our food revolution and milk revolution, don’t seem to count. The Bharat Ratna was announced 60 years ago, on January 2, 1954, by the office of the President of India. The awardees are recommended by the prime minister. This fact is out there in the public domain but I wonder how many of us know or remember that Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi awarded themselves the Bharat Ratna. Nehru, prime minister from 1947 to 1964, recommended himself for the Bharat Ratna in 1955 and Indira Gandhi recommended herself in 1971, during her first tenure as prime minister (1966-77). VV Giri, President of India from 1969 to 1974, who ceremonially conferred it on Indira Gandhi, received it in turn in 1975. You’d think they would have been embarrassed to do that, wouldn’t you? What price, the much-vaunted ‘refinement’ of Congress leaders that is often contrasted with the homespun ways of the BJP and the regional parties? How is awarding yourself the country’s highest civilian honor less vulgar than ordering statues of yourself all over Uttar Pradesh, as Mayawati did, or disfiguring Chennai with cardboard cutouts as JayLi and her rivals, the Karunanidhis, did? The award was even suspended for some time as no more than a political toy, by prime minister Morarji Desai. As all know, it has attracted its share of controversy. But the Bharat Ratna can play its part in nation-building if used to meaningfully state India’s principles again to her people. In my view, although we love them dearly for beguiling our hours of ease, artistes, film personalities and sports stars should not automatically qualify for this award. It should ideally be given to those who have significantly contributed to improving the health, nutrition, education and enablement of our disadvantaged and disabled, to those who invent and adapt for the greater good, who actually empower the lives of our people. India’s shame remains our lack of conscience that so many citizens live in such utter indignity while the state has increasingly demonstrated that it is reactive, not proactive, by honoring politicians and entertainers. Our longing for a new era may be better achieved if we honor the genuine contributors among us and hold up worthy examples to our young that the idealism that still lights many a young and sincere heart is not extinguished. This would be good religion and definitely good culture for a country as full of hopes and dreams as ours, where so many still work for the public good and for the sake of the many among us, who never had a chance. Renuka Narayan in Hindustan Times
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY Do University Rankings Matter?
BY ASIT K. BISWAS Last September, Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, gave me an honorary Doctor of Science degree. When the honour was conferred President Pranab Mukherjee, in his capacity as visitor to the institute, lamented that no Indian university is now ranked among the top 200 in the world even though historically the country had excellent educational universities like Takshashila and Nalanda. President Mukherjee’s contention raises two serious issues. First, how relevant are university ranking processes and do these give a fair indication of the quality and appropriateness of education in a rapidly changing world? Second, should Indian universities be concerned that not even one is in the top 200? There are now three ranking systems. The oldest one is Academic Ranking of World Universities, popularly known as Shanghai rankings because it was started by Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2003. It is updated biannually. The Times Higher Education (THE) World Education Ranking started in 2004 in collaboration with Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). In 2010 QS went its own way with its own ranking methodology whose citation data base is provided by Thomson Reuters. The three ranking systems provide different results because criteria used as well as their relative weights differ. Many of the criteria are subjective and dependent on views of stakeholders sampled. With different stakeholders, the results could be very different. To be ranked, universities have to continually fill up numerous surveys from the three ranking organisations. How reliable is self-reporting when results have high stakes as there are considerable economic and reputational consequences? University rankings have become an important tool to attract high-quality staff, good students and serious funding. For administrators, politicians, government officials, funding agencies and media, rankings are important. Thus, temptation to ma-
Students at Delhi University.
nipulate data is quite significant. Providing regular global rankings data have become a fiercely competitive, lucrative and booming market. The way rankings are done at present, the roles of poachers and gamekeepers have become blurred. No matter how the three ranking systems are assessed, they do not consider how good or relevant teaching quality is. Sadly, there is no indication that the system is likely to change in the near future because universities that rank within the first 200 simply refuse to provide such information. Not surprisingly, they would like to maintain the status quo since it serves their agenda well. From my perspective, even though not a single Indian university is within the Global 200, i am not overtly worried about this fact so long as they can provide quality education to prepare the students for a rapidly changing world. Sadly, this is not happening. The country made a good beginning as early as September 1944 when it was announced that an ‘Indian MIT’ would be set up. Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, was conceived in the image of MIT and started functioning in 1951. When i joined this institution as a student, in 1954, it truly had an all-India character, with the best faculty and students available. When the second IIT was established in Kanpur a large number of faculty left Kharagpur, including M S Muthana who became director of IIT Kanpur. Over the years, as the number of IITs proliferated, these have become provincial institutions. Until recently, admissions to IITs were strictly on the basis of qual-
ity. IITs became a respected global brand because they selected students who were the best in India. With the proliferation of IITs and quota system for admission, the overall quality of future IIT graduates is bound to decline. Sadly, for political expediency, India does not have a single MIT as in the United States, but at least 21 IITs in the foreseeable future. Not surprisingly, in 2014, early results showed that during the first phase only 9,061 of 9,711 seats were filled. There is still high demand for the first five IITs (Kharagpur, Kanpur, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai) but not for the newer ones. This is also reflected in quality and retention of staff. Overall, in IITs nearly 30% of faculty positions cannot be filled because of lack of quality staff. Indian politicians, for the sake of short-term gains, have killed the goose that laid golden eggs! Compare this with Chinese policy. In 1998, the Chinese government decided to support only nine of their 2,000 universities to become world class. The results have been truly spectacular. China is now supporting a few universities at a much higher level so that these become globally some of the best. This does not mean research and teaching facilities are not supported at other universities but only that the elite universities are supported at a much higher level. Other countries like Germany have followed similarly successful policies. Current Indian policies are unlikely to produce world-class universities. Irrespective of whether any Indian university is ranked within the first 200 of the world, the quality of education has to be improved significantly so that graduates receive the skills they need for employment. If India wants to have elite global universities it has to select a few that have the necessary potential and comparative advantage, then support them consistently over the long term with higher funding and less bureaucratic intervention. The writer is distinguished visiting professor at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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January 09, 2015
19
Missing American Sikh Found Dead in Mexican Mountains
Hari Simran Singh Khalsa took this selfie during the hike when he apparently fell to his death on Tuesday. Khalsa’s body was found on Friday, January 2.
MEXICO CITY: Searchers on Friday, Jan. 2, found the body of an American man who had been missing in the rugged mountains in central Mexico since going on a hike four days ago. Carlos Mandujano, the civil defense coordi-
nator for Morelos state, said a search team found the body of Hari Simran Singh Khalsa, 25. He was found in one of the narrow gorges or ravines that crisscross the rugged mountains in the colonial town of Tepoztlan, not far from where he was last seen in a picture of himself that he sent by cellphone. “He has been found, but unfortunately, dead,” Mandujano said. “We don’t know the cause of death yet; that will be determined by the autopsy.” Khalsa’s family and friends said in a statement later that he apparently died from a fall. “He appears to have fallen while hiking and sustained a fatal injury to the head,” it said. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City also confirmed the death. It said it was offering consular support to Khalsa’s family and extended the U.S. government’s condolences. While helicopters and hundreds of police and
rescue workers combed the craggy mountains and cliffs around Tepoztlan this week, it appears Khalsa never went very far. The body “was in the same wooded area, but the thing is that it is very rough terrain,” Mandujano said. The search began Tuesday after Khalsa didn’t return from going on a hike in Tepoztlan, about an hour south of Mexico City, with only a Tshirt, shorts, and little food and water, said his wife, Adpurkh Kaur. Kaur said Friday from Tepoztlan that her husband was a yoga instructor born and raised in Brooklyn. The couple have been living in Leesburg, Va., but were planning to move back to Brooklyn at the end of the month. Kaur, whose legal name is Emily Smith, said she and her husband arrived in Tepoztlan for a yoga retreat Dec. 26. Tepoztlan, a frequent weekend getaway for
Mexico City residents, is known for the towering, whimsically shaped cliffs and mountain peaks that tower over the colonial town on the valley floor. Kaur said she heard from her husband at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, when he sent a picture of himself on a mountain top pointing to the site of the yoga retreat, with the message: “Looking down on you!” She last heard from him about two hours after that, when he sent a text message. “I accidentally summited another mountain,” he wrote, Kaur said. “Looks like I’ll be a little later coming back. Save me some lunch if you can.” Kaur said her husband was an experienced hiker who was just getting into backcountry hiking, though she said he didn’t have much survival training as far as she knew. -Houston Chronicle
Chiropractor Gets Prison Time for Billing Fraud BY KEVIN KRAUSE CARROLLTON, TX: A Carrollton chiropractor who committed health care fraud was sentenced Monday, Jan. 5 to 12 years in prison, the U.S. attorney’s office said. Dr. Abbas Zahedi, 49, also was ordered to pay about $2.4 million in restitution for a scheme that involved billing insurance companies for health care services that were not performed, authorities said. Zahedi, owner of DFW Rehab & Diagnostics, was convicted in June 2014 of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft. Zahedi has been in federal custody since his conviction.
Five others who were convicted in the case have also been sentenced. Reginald Guy, 44, of Arlington, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison and ordered to pay about $2.4 million in restitution. Guy was a factory worker and union representative in Arlington who used his union position to recruit and refer workers to DFW Rehab & Diagnostics. The workers claimed health care services they didn’t receive in exchange for monthly kickbacks, work excuse notes and “a variety of prizes,” authorities said. The conspiracy took place from 2009 to 2012. Co-defendants James Sterns, Tina Perkins, Donna Harris and Gregory Wattron cooper-
ated with the government and testified against Zahedi and Guy at their trial. Sterns, 50, of DeSoto, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison and ordered to pay about $2.2 million in restitution. Perkins, 43, of Dallas, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay about $2.4 million in restitution. Perkins’ sister-in-law, Donna Harris, 43 of Haltom City, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and was ordered to pay about $2 million in restitution. Wattron, 56, of Grapevine, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and was ordered to pay about $1.3 million in restitution. -Dallas Morning News
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
20 January 09, 2015 • • • •
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On January 14, 2014, land was procured for the 225-bed community eye hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and SEF set goals to start fundraising for its tenth hospital while still wrapping up the work on its ninth hospital in Kanpur, which was completed and inaugurated in October 2014. To help achieve the fundraising goal for the Rajasthan Hospital, an anonymous donor stepped forward and threw a challenge to SEF and its supporting community. The donor offered to match dollar for dollar, up to one million dollars, for the upcoming Rajasthan Hospital but only if the donations came in before December 31, 2014. With around $100K in the bank for the Rajasthan Hospital, SEF fundraising went into full gear around October 2014 to meet this new challenge. As usual in the last moments, SEF volunteers and the generous
Sankara donors rallied and toppled the goal of $1M dollars, just hours before the deadline. SEF would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to its donors and supporters across the country, who have come through to make this goal possible. To date, SEF’s accomplishments include screening around 3.3 million people and performing over 1.2 million surgeries across 339 village blocks, 79 districts, and 10 states. Today, SEF is the largest community eye care provider in the world. While WHO (World Health Organization) states that the maximum success rate achievable for cataract surgeries is 91.1%, SEF has been able to deliver 98.8% success rate through the rigorous quality processes, governance models and protocols. SEF not only gifts vision but also
gifts lives as in a patient with Steven Johnson syndrome, who until recently had never seen her children or grandchildren. This patient was implanted with synthetic cornea developed at SEF. Free life-saving procedures are also performed for young patients who suffer from retinoblastoma (eye cancer). This is only possible with the help and support from the SEF Donor Community comprised of individual donors and organizations such as the Cupertino Rotary Club, RANA, TANA, BATA, AKKA, KKNC, CLiPs etc. SEF appeals for continued support as it takes on new challenges and establishes hospitals in the other states such as Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar. For further information visit www.giftofvision.org
Annual Board Meeting of Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois BY NAND KAPOOR
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ILLINOIS: Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois called its annual board meeting on December 17. The meeting took place at Taco Express 1127 Fairview Ave., Westmont Ill. The attendees at the meeting were Gurbachan Kaur Shewakramani, Vinita Gulabani, President, Nand Kapoor advisory board member and past president of AIA, Sudaksha Kapoor, Kamal Gupta and Acharya Rohit Joshi, all advisory board members. Shanu Sinha and Ranjana Bhargav joined via phone. The meeting started with one minute of silent prayer for Naren Patel, CEO of Medstar whose sudden demise on December 15, shook the Indian community. He was a very prominent member of Indian community and a very big supporter of Hindi Lovers Club. Acharya Rohit Joshi recited slokes for the peace of his soul and everyone prayed to give the family members and friends to bear the loss. Everyone also prayed for the innocent victims killed in the senseless killing in Peshawar. The board then discussed the agen-
da for upcoming year 2015. Two main events being decided. Annual fundraising on May 2, will be an All American Hindi Kavi Sammelan. Second will be Hindi Diwas which the club will try to celebrate together with the World Hindi Organization NJ and few other Hindi Organizations. In July the Club will join Niles Township Community and Senior Pariwar for Summer picnic and Kite flying. Other event will be Diwali with members.
Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois invites Hindi poets from all over America to send their bio-data of their poetry work if they want to participate in the Kavi Sammelan. The email is hindiloversclub@gmail.com or call Gurbachan at 847 962 8595. The meeting concluded with everyone’s acceptance to follow 2015 agenda. Hindi Lovers Club of Illinois wishes everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
DIASPORA
January 09, 2015
Gandhi-Bot: US Company Apologises for Using Gandhi’s Image on Beer Cans
WASHINGTON: The use of Mahatma Gandhi’s image on beer cans and bottles by a US company has raised hackles with a petition being filed in a Hyderabad court alleging it had insulted the father of the nation
following which the liquor company has apologised. The Connecticut-based New England Brewing Company even claimed that its intention was to pay homage and celebrate the apostle of peace and that Gandhi’s granddaughter and grandson have expressed their admiration for the label. The beer brand is called ‘GandhiBot’, which the company says is an intensely hopped double India pale with a blend of three varieties of American Hops. An advocate has filed a petition before XI Metropolitan Magistrate, Cyberabad, Sunkari Janardhan Goud contending that Gandhi’s image on the alcohol cans and description of the father of the nation by the brewery is highly condemnable and punishable
under Indian laws. The petition submitted that it amounts to offences under Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and 124-A of IPC (related to us inflammatory words, signs or visible representation). The petition is slated to come up for hearing tomorrow. However, Matt Westfall, head brewer and partner at the New England Brewing Company, said the company apologises if the sentiments of Indian people have been hurt. “We do apologise if the good people of India find our Gandhi-Bot label offensive. Our intent is not to offend anyone but rather pay homage and celebrate a great man who we respect greatly. “We take great care in creating a product we hope will not be abused in the manner that Mahatma Gandhi spoke of when referencing alcohol,” Westfall said in an e-mail response to PTI. “Aromatic and fully vegetarian, Gandhi-Bot is an ideal aid for selfpurification and the seeking of truth and love,” the company says on its web site. “We hope that not only our product is consumed responsibly with fine food and friends but that they are also inspired to learn more about Mahatma Gandhi and his non-violent methods of civil disobedience. So many Indian people here in American love our tribute to the great man,” Westfall said. “Gandhi’s granddaughter and grandson have seen the label and have expressed their admiration of the label. We hope that you understand our true intent and respect the method and the freedom we have to show our reverence for Gandhi,” he said. The company’s products are not sold internationally. -HindustanTimes
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22 January 09, 2015
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Aloo Frans Bean (Potatoes and Green Beans) The lowly aloo (potato) is not so low on the culinary scale for Indian food as it is, by far, the most used vegetable in desi cooking. You find it in samosas, paranthas, rice biryani, daals, curries, chaats, pakoras, cutlets, sautéed with other vegetables and, of course, cooked in many ways on its own. It is probably used in more dishes in Indian cooking than in any other variety of cuisines. But sadly, even though potatoes are loaded with vitamin C and potassium, they are full of carbohydrates in the form of starch, are classified as high glycemic and so are not suited to individuals on a low sugar diet. Still, this doesn’t deter Indians from eating aloo without any concern; in fact they often eat them with lots of other heavy carbohydrates, like white rice, rotis (flat bread) and puris (fried breads). Indians do, however, mitigate the carbs with other vegetables, especially when sautéed alone and this recipe, with frans bean is just one of them which is hugely popular in North Western India as it is easy and fast to make. Interestingly enough, most Indians do not give any thought to the name referring to France. The bean evolved from its origins in Central America and made its way to India through French colonizers. It is cultivated in Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Hills, Nilgiri (Tamil Nadu) and Palni (Kerala) hills,Chickmagalur (Karnataka) and Darjeeling hills (West Bengal). Ingredients: 1 lb frans bean (French beans) 4 medium aloo (potatoes) (white or red, not Russet) 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil 1 tsp haldi (turmeric) 1 tsp rai (rye) Spices to taste: namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), garam masala
Directions: 1. Cut the ends of the beans and then cut them into ½ inch pieces. Do not peel the potatoes but cut them in cubes the size you prefer.
2. Place the beans and potatoes in a bowl and wash them thoroughly. Let them soak in water so that the potatoes don’t turn dark. 3. Heat the oil in a medium skillet, wok or khadai. Throw in the rye, turmeric and let it roast for a minute. 4. Drain the beans and potatoes through a strainer, add to the skillet and stir well to coat them with the masala. Be sure to add salt and red pepper at this point, to your taste. Cover the skillet well and cook over medium heat. 5. Do not put in any water. The vegetables will cook in their own steam so let them cook covered for 10 minutes. Check to seek that they are tender and stir gently to make sure they are sticking to the bottom. Turn the heat to very low and then let cook covered in their own steam for 5 more minutes.
6. Turn the heat off and leave covered to let the vegetables cook for 3 more minutes. Uncover the skillet and sprinkle with a little garam masala and let it sit covered for a while to let the taste and aroma of the garam masala seep through. This dish is best eaten with roti or naan. Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur, India before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her mid-eighties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share some of her delectable Punjabi recipes.
MAMA’S TIP OF THE WEEK USE VINEGAR TO MAKE PICKLES THAT WILL LAST A LONG TIME
Indian pickles are usually very spicy and made with lots of oils, among them mustard seed oil. Most of them also contain lots of salt and aren’t suitable for many older people who live on a salt restricted diet. Although my mother and the older generation made pickles the old-fashioned way – especially ambh da achaar (green mango) or mitha achaar (sweet and sour vegetable pickle), this was time consuming and is not practiced much anymore by the younger generation in the cities. For many years while I lived overseas, I turned to making achaars which were healthier and much simpler to make, like nimbu-mirch-adrak (lemon-green pepper-ginger). One of the chief ingredients to use, instead of namak (salt) is sirka (white wine vinegar), which is readily and cheaply available. The other advantage is that it allows the achaar to stay good for many weeks and even months in the fridge.
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JANUARY 09, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
ENTERTAINMENT
January 09, 2015
Movie Review: Badlapur Boys
Computer Baba, Sadhus Watch PK, Threaten Stir Over Insult to Hindu Gods BY RITESH MISHRA
BY SHUBHA SHETTY-SAHA NEW DELHI: This Hindi film, claiming to be the first-ever on Kabaddi, stays rooted to the ground just as the sport is. Set in a rural setting in UP, Badlapur Boys is about a bunch of Kabaddi enthusiasts, who are used to losing every game that they have played. However, their best player, Vijay (Nishan) sits on the sidelines, thanks to a promise he made in childhood. Like him, the first half of the film shows a lot of promise as you get engrossed in the simple tale of helpless villagers in a drought-ridden village named Badlapur. The inhabitants are desperate to get a water dam to
be able to survive. Vijay’s father immolates himself for the cause but that doesn’t’ help the cause. Vijay, thankfully not the typical Hindi film revenge-seeking kind, is a gentle fellow who wants his father’s dream realised. Vijay meets Sapna (Saranya Mohan) in an annual mela in the village, love blossoms and before he could even ask her name, she goes back to her village with the promise of returning for the next mela. The real locations that the film is shot in, adds to the appeal. As is the case with films about sports, the second half is where the energy reaches its peak but unfortunately, in this one the second half
and the climax turn out to be total dampeners. From what started out as a rooted, believable story, the flow goes on to become a rather too convenient and silly storyline in the second half. However, one must give credit to the director (Shailesh Verma) for eking out good performances from almost every actor on the screen — if you ignore the hamming by Annu Kapoor. Nishan and Saranya Mohan show potential. Kabaddi fans might get a little disappointed as you see more melodrama and less of the sport in the second half. -Indianexpress
INDORE:A ‘fact-finding team’ of 35 sadhus watched the Aamir Khanstarrer ‘PK’ in Indore on Sunday and threatened to launch violent protests if the MP government and the censor board did not take steps to stop what they said was the ridiculing of Hindu deities in the movie. The sadhus led by a senior guru popularly known as ‘Computer Baba’ walked into a multiplex at the Treasure Island mall chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ to watch an afternoon show. They left the hall fuming after watching the film. “The movie has deliberately tried to ridicule Hindus. It has made (a) mockery of Hindu religion,” said Computer Baba. “We will (meet) the state chief minister and submit a memorandum asking him to stop (the) screening of the film in the state and in two days’ time will decide (on) the shape of our agitation. We can go (to) any extent.” The movie, in which Khan plays an alien who finds the custodians of various faiths dividing the society, has triggered protests, particularly from Hindu religious leaders in various parts of India.
Computer Baba’s view was supported by Rameshanand Maharaj, who said that the film projected Hindu deities as ‘comedian.’ However, one of the members of the fact finding team, Swami Navinand, blamed the film’s director Rajkumar Hirani for the controversy. “Aamir is a good man. He is not to be blamed for this. The entire blame lies on the director. He did not treat all religions at par and targeted Hindus only,” said the swami. Sources in the administration said the religious leaders and sadhus had approached them for a screening of the movie after the buzz in the media about reports of “Hindu deities being ridiculed”. Swami Navinand, however, said the district administration did not arrange tickets for them. Before entering the hall the sadhus were served glasses of juice but they refused anything except water. They sat patiently for three hours without showing emotions, said a person who was sitting next to them. Outside the hall, the district administration had deployed a posse of policemen to prevent any untoward incident. -Hindustan Times
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Six Things to Watch out for in 2015
Currently, the RBI’s policy rate is pegged at 8%
BY TAMAL BANDYOPADHYAY One: Every man and his dog knows that the interest rate in India will come down but the question is when and by how much? Currently, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) policy rate is pegged at 8%. The rate cut can begin as early as in February when RBI announces its next bimonthly policy or as late as April when it unveils its monetary policy for the next fiscal year. Or, even in March, immediately after finance minister Arun Jaitley announces the Union budget. “A change in monetary policy stance is likely early next year, including outside the policy review cycle,” the last policy document said. It has put two conditions—continuation of the current inflation trend and changes in inflationary expectations, and encouraging fiscal developments. Dropping for the sixth consecutive month, In-
dia’s wholesale price inflation slipped to zero in November, its lowest since January 2009. The retail inflation in December was 4.4%. Indeed, it will not stay at this level in the coming months because of the so-called base effect, but it is fairly certain that RBI will achieve its target of containing retail inflation at 6% by January 2016—much ahead of schedule. So, a rate cut is a few weeks away. I would think it will happen immediately after the budget. Two: Will the rate cut help in changing the investment climate and ensuring growth in bank credit? Demand for bank loans in the first nine months of the current fiscal year dropped to its lowest since 1998—the earliest data available on the RBI website. Between April and midDecember, the banking industry’s loan portfolio grew just 2.68%. There are reasons behind this tardy credit growth. Corporations have been rais-
ing money through short-term commercial papers as well as overseas borrowings; besides, lower working capital demand from state-owned oil companies because of the recent drop in oil prices has also contributed to the lower demand for credit. However, the overall theme of the last year is Indian corporations’ unwillingness to make fresh investments. All of us will be happy to see a change in sentiment and higher growth in bank credit in 2015. A drop in the loan rate will certainly play a role in propping up bank credit. Three: Corporations’ lack of will to borrow money from banks is only one side of the story behind tardy credit growth. On the other side is banks’ unwillingness to lend. Yes, banks are not too excited to lend for fear of piling up bad assets. Gross non-performing assets, or NPAs, of 40 listed banks grew 17.5% to Rs.2.69 trillion in the quar-
ter ended September from Rs.2.29 trillion a year ago. Banks have also restructured a cumulative Rs.3.67 trillion of loans until 30 September on the corporate debt restructuring (CDR) platform. Outside the CDR, there have been bilateral agreements on loan restructuring between banks and their borrowers; the money involved could be as much as Rs.3.5 trillion. Overall, NPAs and restructured loans could be as much as 12% of total banking assets. Will the scene change for the better in 2015? If the economy looks up and the loan rate drops, it could happen. In the September quarter, State Bank of India’s gross NPAs dropped to 4.89% of its advances from 5.64% a year ago and this could be the beginning of the good times. Meanwhile, RBI, too, has tightened the screws on bank customers who default on loans despite having the ability to repay, creating a new category of borrowers classified as “non-cooperative”, in addition to “wilful” defaulters. RBI governor Raghuram Rajan’s view on this issue is well known. According to him, “promoters do not have a divine right to stay in charge regardless of how badly they mismanage an enterprise, nor do they have the right to use the banking system to recapitalize failed ventures”. Four: At the two-day Gyan Sangam in Pune over the weekend— the first of its kind—finance minister Arun Jaitley promised a hands-off policy, with no interference from the government in the operations of public sector banks. He also spoke about importing talent from the market. The government seems to be serious on changing the ways public sector banks have been working—piling up bad assets and fraught with corporate governance issues. Jaitley’s assurance came a week after the finance ministry named chiefs of four public
sector banks and split the chairmancum-managing director’s (CMD) position into two—chairman and managing director. The government is still on the lookout for chiefs of four relatively large banks and, of course, chairmen of banks. Public sector banks account for 70% of the Indian banking industry and reforms in this segment are critical for the economy. Will the government bring down its stake in these banks below 51% to give banks more autonomy? Will it open up the corner room of public sector banks to the market because the talent pool is too shallow? Shall we see a recast of the boards of public sector banks? We will get some of the answers in 2015 if the government walks the talk. Five: Two new banks, Bandhan Financial Services Ltd and IDFC Ltd, will set up shop latest by October this year, marking the entry of a third set of new private banks in India since 1994. Both the entities have committed to expand banking services in Asia’s third-largest economy where roughly two out of three adults do not have access to formal banking. It will be interesting to watch how they rewrite the banking rules. Six: Finally, RBI has gone ahead and introduced differentiated banking licensing in India, asking for applications to set up small finance banks and payments banks. One can expect the regulator to be a bit liberal in granting licences to the two sets— at least half-a-dozen each—to change the banking landscape in India. Tamal Bandyopadhyay, consulting editor of Mint, is adviser to Bandhan Financial Services Pvt. Ltd, India’s newest bank in the making. He is also the author of Sahara: The Untold Story and A Bank for the Buck. Email your comments to bankerstrust@livemint.com -livemint.com
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26 January 09, 2015 New Captain, Old Result: India Chasing 572/d fluent when going over the top but began to find his rhythm and put away SYDNEY (ESPN the bad balls, and his halfCricinfo): Everywhere century came from 94 deyou turned on the secliveries. ond day in Sydney He was helped after there were stats, and lunch by Virat Kohli’s Steven Smith was at strange decision to bowl the centre of most of Suresh Raina with Burns them. But at the end and Marsh both reasonof the day the only ably new to the crease, alfigure that really matthough in truth none of the tered was 501. That bowlers looked especially was the deficit India threatening. Burns’ regisfaced at stumps, when tered his maiden Test fifty they had moved their with a sweep for four off score along to 1 for 71, Ashwin, but was caught at with Rohit Sharma on long-on for 58 when Aus40 and KL Rahul on tralia chased quick runs 31. On a good batting after tea. surface, India need to Brad Haddin, who make day three a big cleared the long-on boundone. ary off Shami from his The first two were first ball, and Ryan Harris great ones for Ausboosted the total as 34 runs tralia, who declared came in 3.3 overs after tea, at 7 for 572 shortly before Smith’s declaration. after tea. It was the That came when Harris, first time Australia’s India reeling in Australia: KL Rahul jumps to evade who had struck 19 off one a short ball, Australia v India, 4th Test, Sydney, 2nd top six batsmen had day, January 7, 2015. over from Bhuvneshwar all reached fifty in an Kumar, was caught at deep Already Watson had departed, innings, the first time midwicket for 25 off nine since West Indies toured in 1968- caught at deep midwicket when balls. It gave Shami the consola69 that Australia had posted four his pull off Mohammed Shami tion of a five-wicket haul. consecutive 500-plus first-innings picked out the fielder, R Ashwin. He was the only bowler to mantotals in a series, and the first time His 81 was a good contribution age multiple wickets. Notably, since Bradman that an Australian but in friendly conditions a fifth Bhuvneshwar’s pace was well had scored hundreds in four con- century was there for the taking; down throughout the innings and instead it was his 23rd time out be- decreased even further, to the secutive Tests in a series. The man who achieved that was tween 50 and 100. Not that the loss point where in his first over after Smith, whose 117 continued a most of Watson and Smith hurt Austra- tea every delivery was 115kph or outrageous run of first-innings lia much, for India’s bowlers were slower. form at home that stretches back unable to get anything out of the On the first day it had taken Inmore than a year. Six of his past pitch. dia three hours to break AustraJoe Burns and Shaun Marsh each lia’s opening partnership; on the seven first-innings scores in Tests in Australia have been hundreds, scored half-centuries as 118 were second day it took Australia only the last three of those as captain. In added during the middle session three balls to end India’s opening Sydney, he put on 196 for the third for the loss of only Marsh, who stand. Mitchell Starc took the new wicket with Shane Watson, their steered a catch behind off Shami ball and lured M Vijay into wafting partnership ending in the morning for 73. Marsh was typically strong outside off and he tickled behind when driving straight and cutting, to Brad Haddin to give Australia session on day two. Smith reached his hundred from and his fifty came from 87 deliver- the perfect start. his 168th delivery with a flick ies, although he had received a life Rahul, who moved up the orthrough midwicket for a bound- on 9 when he prodded Ashwin and der to open, had a few plays and ary off a low full toss from Umesh M Vijay, in close on the off side, misses early but survived, and RoYadav, and celebrated with a raise was unable to cling on. hit had struck a couple of sixes by Burns took 19 balls to get off stumps. But with a 501-run deficit, of the bat, a glance to the sky and a hug from Watson. Eventually he the mark and when he did so two it was going to take a lot more than fell for 117 when Yadav pitched consecutive boundaries arrived off that for India to fight back into the the ball up outside off, and a rare Ashwin, but after reaching 30 he match. lack of footwork from Smith re- again became bogged down for Brydon Coverdale is an assistant a period. He was not at his most editor at ESPNcricinfo. sulted in an edge behind. BY BRYDON COVERDALE
Kiwis Crush SL WELLINGTON: New Zealand 221 (Williamson 69, Pradeep 4-63) and 524 for 5 dec (Williamson 242*, Watling 142*) beat Sri Lanka 356 (Sangakkara 203*, Chandimal 67) and 196 (Thirimanne 62*, Craig 4-63) by 193 runs. The way the fourth day had panned out - only one wicket - New Zealand would have known going through the Sri Lanka batting line-up was not going to be easy. Batting had seemed easy then and it would have lent Sri Lanka the belief this match could be saved. But they suffered big blows one after the other. The visitors had played out almost 11 hours in the second innings of the Christchurch Test without Kumar Sangakkara. The pitch was flatter in Wellington and Sangakkara was back in form. But once New Zealand picked up four wickets - including Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews for singledigit scores - in the first session, the result was more or less decided. Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell did the early damage before Mark Craig ran through the tail to complete one of New Zealand’s most remarkable Test wins. It was only the second time they had recovered from a deficit of more than 100 to win a game, the last instance being their five-wicket win against Pakistan almost 21 years ago. The situation in this Test had been bleak too, until Kane Williamson and BJ Watling turned the tables on Sri Lanka with a record 365-run sixth-wicket stand. Thirimanne remained unbeaten on 62, but had to watch his partners succumbing to spin. After a 51-minute resistance, Prasanna Jayawardene uncharacteristically drove a wide delivery straight to Williamson at cover. Dinesh Chandimal did not hold himself back against Craig, swinging at a couple for boundaries, but was caught in the crease to a straighter one and edged it to the keeper. Rangana Herath was trapped lbw next ball and the innings ended 17 minutes later when Southee yorked Nuwan Pradeep.
SPORTS
Hafeez Fails Test of His Bowling Action BY OSMAN SAMIUDDIN
Pakistan allrounder Mohammad Hafeez has failed an unofficial test on his remodeled bowling action in Chennai. The result of the unofficial test means that the Pakistan Cricket Board may not apply for an official test of Hafeez’s action and the allrounder could be picked in the World Cup squad as a specialist batsman. During the test conducted at Sri Ramachandra University, Hafeez bowled 11 deliveries and of these the flex in six deliveries was above the 15-degree limit. The average flex in the deliveries bowled by Hafeez over the wicket was 16 degrees. Of the five deliveries bowled round the wicket by him, two had 17 and 19 degrees of flex respectively. Hafeez, 34, had first been reported for a suspect action while playing for Lahore Lions in the Champions League T20, but that sanction did not apply to international cricket. He was reported again in November, during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi. His action was found to be illegal in December and the ICC report said the analysis had shown that the flex for all his deliveries was above the 15-degree limit. After the ODI series against New Zealand in the UAE, where he played as a specialist batsman, Hafeez traveled to Chennai to undergo remedial work on his action. Hafeez was the second Pakistani offspinner, after Saeed Ajmal, to be suspended for an illegal action last year. Ajmal recently withdrew himself from the World Cup as his remodeled action needed further work before an official test.
Hafeez: Illegal bowling action.
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