Friday, July 19 2013 | Vol. 32, No. 29
Indo American erican News
$1
www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX
7457 Harwin Dr, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036 713.789.NEWS (6397) • Fax: 713.789.6399 • indoamericannews@yahoo.com
Celestial
Partnered & Syndicated with Times of India, Sulekha.com, Google, Yahoo & Bing
Ratha yatra
celebrations at the
P 2, 3 & 8
Footsteps
Houston Durga Bari and at the
Discovery Green Park in Houston on Saturday , July 13.
Rath yatra
organized by Orissa Culture Center in partnership with
the Shri Sita Ram
Foundation at the
VPSS premises on Sunday, July 14.
P5
P6 2013 Hindu Youth Awards Gala, hosted at the VPSS on Saturday, July 13. Lamp-lighting ceremony, from left: CongresswomanTulsiGabbard,TharaNarasimhan,Ramesh Bhutada, Consul General P. Harish, and Girish Shintri.
Movie Review
P25
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
2
July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
Ratha Yatra at Durga Bari: Southern Sun Can’t Stop an Eastern Tradition
Ratha yatra celebrations at the Houston Durga Bari on Saturday, July 13. Photos: Parth Dwivedi
BY PARTH DWIVEDI HOUSTON: The Ratha Yatra, or Chariot Festival, was celebrated at the Houston Durga Bari in Houston on Saturday, July 13. The event was organized to bring the festivities of the original Ratha Yatra held in Puri, Orissa every year closer to home. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated on the second day of the waxing cycle of the moon in the third lunar month, Ashad Maas. In Puri, the festival is a momentous event and is celebrated with great fervor. It commemorates a journey undertaken by Lord Jagannath to his maternal aunt’s house, the Gundicha Temple, on his birthday. Along with him, Subhadra and Balabhadra are also honored in the trip. Transporting the deities from their homes into their rathas is called the Pohandi, and is considered an important part of the Ratha Yatra, as even the Sudarshana Chakra is taken out of the Jagannath Temple to go with the deities. In Puri, the return trip would also carry much significance, as a seven-day stop to the Mausi Ma Temple is made along with way. During this stop, Poda Pithas
would be made and shared, as they are said to be Lord Jagannath’s favorite food. Traditionally, a ceremonial king is also chosen, whose role is to sweep the ground in front of the ratha, a symbolic undertaking performed by coordinator, Dr. Raghu Dass this year. Dr. Dass described the main points of the Ratha Yatra to be “divinity and humanity,” beaming with happiness at the growing popularity of the festival as he spoke about the other Ratha Yatras in the Greater Houston Area, “This festival is a great way for people of all backgrounds to pull together.” Durga Bari and SKAI Foundation collaborated to organize and
promote this year’s Ratha Yatra. Partha Mohanty, coordinator, explained that since the Jagannath Temple is traditionally only accessible to upper-caste Hindus, the Ratha Yatra carries significance in addition to the belief that seeing Lord Jagannath bestows good luck and auspices upon the viewer—the festival also represents a chance for interfaith dialogue and tolerance, since Lord Jagannath is readily accessible by those of any faith, caste, or creed when he leaves his temple. Anyone can actually touch the murti of Lord Jagannath, thus making the opportunity of interactive worship a very personal event for those who partake. The day started with a pooja at nine a.m. At noon the Aarti was sung, followed by the long-awaited Pohandi. 86-degree heat did not hinder the enthusiastic devotees as the pulling of the ratha began smoothly. Prasad and a finely catered lunch were a welcome follow-up to the morning portion of the two-part event. Rae Kim, a 19-year-old Korean American, made the trip down from The Woodlands, saying that the literal representation of Lord Jagannath’s story made the message easier to understand for an outsider. For further information visit skaifoundation.org.
Tradition of Pohandi, transporting the deities from their homes into their rathas.
3
Greater Houston Ratha Yatra Witnessed by Huge Crowd of Houstonians
Grand Chariot Festival of the Lord of the Universe, “Jagannath Ratha Yatra”, was held on Saturday, July 13 at the Discovery Green Park in Houston. Above is the procession of chariots through Houston Downtown with large crowd of devotees. Photos: Thejas KR
BY SUJATA SRIKANTESWARAN HOUSTON: Over 4000 Houstonians witnessed the grand Chariot Festival of the Lord of the Universe, “Jagannath Ratha Yatra”, on Saturday, July 13 at the Discovery Green Park in Houston. The wide eyed and beautifully smiling siblings - Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra cast Their cooling and soothing Divine glances on the Houstonians, offering them respite from the hot summer weather. The Chariot festival traces its roots back to a long standing tradition of ‘Sri Kshetra’ - Puri, in Eastern India, where The Annual Ratha Yatra Festival at Jagannath Puri commemorates the summer vacation of Lord Jagannath, with His elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, from the main Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, India to a neighboring temple, Gundicha Mandir. To make the glories of Jagannath known to everybody on this planet Earth, His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder Acarya of
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
ISKCON, made Lord Jagannath’s mercy accessible to people outside India by introducing the tradition of celebrating Lord Jagannath’s Ratha Yatra outside India. Following the same spirit and tradition, ISKCON has been celebrating Ratha Yatras for more than 35 years, across India and in all major cities of the world to fulfill one of its core purposes to systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness - ISKCON, Houston and Char Dham organized an unprecedented three Chariot parade through the streets of downtown Houston, with hundreds of Houstonians chanting and dancing in devotional fervor for the pleasure of the Lordships . The Chariots, that are replicas of the Jagannath Puri Rathas, were CONTINUED ON PAGE
8
4
July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
5
Rath Yatra Draws in the Multitudes at VPSS
BY MANU SHAH HOUSTON: It was a monumental day last Sunday, July 14 at the VPSS premises for the organizers and volunteers of the Orissa Culture Center who in partnership with the Shri Sita Ram Foundation organized a rath yatra. Thanks to their combined efforts and dedication, the well-organized event was a resounding success with almost 2,000 people turning up to participate enthusiastically in the annual ceremonial chariot rath yatra of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, a replica of the one held annually in Puri, Orissa. Why Lord Jagannath’s deity has no arms and legs is both interesting and illuminating. It is said that Lord Vishnu came to King Indradyumna in a dream and instructed him to create the idol of Neela Madhaba. However there was a condition: if anyone saw the idol before it was completed, the work would not progress any further. The impatient King took a peek with the result the deity has no arms and legs. Various ceremonies and rituals prescribed for the rath yatra were observed by the priests in the morning along with a free health camp. In keeping with the Jagannatha philosophy of universal brotherhood and religious tolerance, a unified devotional session was organized in the afternoon where representatives of several supporting organizations were asked to sing bhajans and kirtans of their choice. ISKCON’s Trivikrama Swami enjoined the gathering with a gentle reminder to get in touch with their inner consciousness and live in accordance with the guiding principles of the Bhagwad Gita. He also advocated vegetarianism and kept his discourse to a minimum by recalling the words of his spiritual master who believed that “one should chant more and talk less”.
The discourse was followed by the most central ceremony – the Pahandi or the Lords carried to the Chariot by devotees to the accompaniment of the beating of dholaks, cymbals and the blowing of conch shells. Once the dieties were placed on the rath, local Hindu activist Vijay Pallod and his wife, Sushma, dressed in the roles of the King and Queen, came forward to conduct the ceremonial sweeping, the Chherra Panhara, before the Chariot. “It is our honor and privilege that Lord Jagannatha has called us to participate in the ceremonial sweeping” said Sushma Pallod dressed in a resplendent gold and red lehenga. They led the procession as it wound its way around the front parking area of the VPSS after which the Maha–arati took place in front of the chariot and free prasadam was distributed. In the evening, a cultural program emceed by Kalasudha Mataji of ISKCON was organized. A letter written by Gajapati Maharaja of Orissa was read out followed by an exquisite dance in praise of Goddess Durga by Suprita Trilok and a group dance performed by Dhara, Divya, Diksha, Riya and Shilpita which was beautifully coordinated. The auditorium was packed to capacity with another 500 people sitting outside and all waited eagerly for the highlight of the evening’s program – Indian Bhajan Samrat and Padmashree recipient Anoop Jalota who had been specially invited for this occasion to sing their favorite bhajans. And he didn’t disappoint his admirers and the audience. Starting with “Aisi Lagi Lagan” (a popular number of his that one finds impossible to stop humming) and “Jag Me Sundar Hai Do Naam” he instantaneously established an easy rapport with the audience. He invited the audience to sing along, quipped some witticisms and of course sang his all-time fa-
Highlights of the event included, ceremonies and rituals prescribed for the rath yatra, the Pahandi or the Lords carried to the Chariot by devotees, the ceremonial sweeping, the Chherra Panhara, before the Chariot, bhajans by Indian Bhajan Samrat and Padmashree recipient Anoop
Jalota who had been specially invited for this occasion.
vorite hits. The audience soaked up the soul stirring bhajans and were clearly reluctant to leave despite it being a working day the next day. The gathering erupted with laughter when he jokingly attributed his remarkable voice control to Baba Ramdev’s pranayama exercises. Jalota also paid poignant homage to the memory of his good friend, the late Jagjit Singh by singing two of Jagjit’s ghazals. This was Jalota’s twelfth visit to Houston and he spoke to the media a few minutes before his program began. When asked what could be done to get the younger generation to listen willingly to bhajans and kirtans, he replied that it was the parents’ respon-
sibility to teach their children their culture and language. This would enable children understand the infused poetry in the bhajan or kirtan and truly appreciate its beauty. Jalota, a recipient of the prestigious Indian Padmashree award in 2012, also acknowledged that the award did bring along with it the added responsibility of maintaining high standards. When asked to name his favorite lyricists, he mentioned Gulzar, Javed Akhtar and Prasoon Joshi and among the newer crop of singers believed that Sonu Nigam has the most potential and voice versatility. At the conclusion of the program, Aditya Samal, on behalf of OCC thanked Jalota for his gracious presence and stressed that an event of such magnitude was possible only because of the commit-
Photos: Ananta Patel
ted and tireless efforts of the entire Houston Odiya community as well as the active support and participation of Hindus of Greater Houston, ISKCON, Gaudiya Math, Hindu Worship Society, Meenakshi Temple, Houston Namadwaar, Sai Baba Temple, HDBS, Shiv-Shakti Temple, Sringeri Vidya Bharati Foundation, Gayatri Parivar, Guruvayurappan Temple, Ashtalakshmi Temple and Saidurga Shivavishnu Mandir. Aditya Samal was also greatly appreciative of the unstinting support given by the Shri Sita Ram Foundation headed by Dr. Arun Verma. Dr. Verma is the force behind the new Govindaji Gaudiya Maath that was recently opened and the immensely popular Ram Leela and Dassehra functions which are major attractions in Houston.
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:713-7896399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
6
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
With Awards, HGH Shows its Full Support for Hindu Youth BY PARTH DWIVEDI HOUSTON: The Hindus of Greater Houston, recognized young people for their contributions in the local community in roles of service and leadership in the 2013 Hindu Youth Awards Gala, hosted at the VPSS on the southwest side on Saturday, July 13. The organization’s President, Sharad Amin, said that the ceremony marked a “stepping stone” in the promotion of youth involvement in Hindu events, and noted that the Youth award event is presented, organized and conducted mainly by young people and their participation in the event, which is free to the youth. Dr. Snehal Desai, Kaushiki Tewary, Dr. Keyur Patel, Niyati Vaidya, Neeraj Salhotra, and Garima Doshi received awards from HGH, and were the central focus of the evening, recognized amongst 550 other guests in a comfortably packed hall. The event was presented entirely by youth volunteers. The Sri Meenakshi Temple Society was also recognized for providing outstanding contributions in youth education and development. The evening was marked by the presence of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Democrat of Hawaii, who is the first Hindu representative elected into Congress, and declared she would not shy away from opportunities to increase awareness of Hindus and Hinduism. She had visited Houston last year during her campaign to collect donations. Youth had the opportunity to speak with Gabbard in a private meeting before the ceremony commenced, where she answered questions on a variety of topics. Speaking of the youth, the Congresswom-
From Left: Neeraj Salhotra, Dr. Keyur Patel, Sharad Amin, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Kaushik Tewary, Garima Doshi, Niyati Vaidya, and Dr. Snehal Desai. Photos: Bijay Dixit
an said “The questions these young people were asking me reflect their engagement in the community. They raise the bar each year.” She spoke highly of local cultural and religious organizations like the HGH, saying that they help expound upon the application of Hindu principles, a topic she also
Riyaaz Qawwali opened the show with a bhajan.
speeches and performances, the first being an introduction on the organizational vision and accomplishments of HGH, whose goals are to unite Hindus and encourage youth. During the award show, Gabbard related her personal life story, explaining the role of karma yoga as a cornerstone in her life and her work successfully raising awareness of Hindu culture on Capitol Hill. She recalled an incident with a previous year’s awardee, Tejas Dave, who works as an intern in her office. “He approached me with an idea to improve education in America,” she said, “and I responded by outlining how to make it happen,” telling him to Sri Meenakshi Temple Society was recognized “find your supporters and know your for providing outstanding contributions to youth critics’ arguments.” education and development. Consul General Harish spoke during the award ceremony, saying that those addressed in her Keynote speech. After the meetings, the group Riyaaz Qaw- born in India have a natural connection with wali opened the show in the main hall with a their culture, but it was more difficult for bhajan. The ceremony itself was initiated by those born overseas. He applauded the work the ritual lamp-lighting by Congresswom- of organizations like HGH for helping build an Gabbard, Indian Consul General Par- those connections for people born outside. vathaneni Harish, and other distinguished In a year marking the sesquicentennial annifigures in the community. The Anjali School versary of the birth of Swami Vivekananda, of Performing Arts performed a classical Harish gave the moral of a story from the life dance piece, while Riyaaz Qawwali also of the Swami, “Gods can take care of Gods. Religions can take care of religions. People, closed the Gala with more bhajans. The recognitions were interspersed with however, must take care of people.” INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
2013_Double Discount Promo_AI Print_HP_Hou_IAN_Final.indd 1
7
7/5/13 11:07 AM
8
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
Greater Houston Ratha Yatra Witnessed by Huge Crowd of Houstonians CONTINUED FROM PAGE
LAW OFFICES OF ZAINAB K. RIZVI DEDICATED DEPENDABLE & PERSONAL ATTENTION IMMIGRATION LAW Non Immigration and Immigrant Visa, Family & Employment Immigration. Citizenship/Naturalization, Asylum,VAWA
3
designed in Puri and assembled locally. Special 2.5 feet tall deities, carved out of wood, replicas of the original Puri Deities were also brought from Puri. Similar to Jagannath Puri deities, these deity forms are also adorned with seven layers between wood and paint signifying the living form of the Deities. A glimpse of Lord Jagannatha on the chariot is considered to be very auspicious and scriptures have repeatedly glorified the sanctity of this special festival. Devotees from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and other places in the US came to participate in the festival. The chariots and ropes used to pull the chariots were thronged by enthusiastic devotees, as even a touch of the Chariot or the ropes is considered enough to confer the results of pious deeds or penance for ages. Several booths including Books/CDs, Henna, Food and Face painting were set up in the arena, to educate people about the rich Indian culture, food, Vedic philosophy and spirituality. The cultural programs kicked off with a sweet Oriyan Bhajan rendition by Kavita Sahu and Sonali Mohanty. This was followed by an impressive Dance Drama featuring Lord Krishna and Jagannath pastimes, organized by Natya Lila COPA Dance School with children from Hare Krishna Dham. The Mayapuris, renowned kirtan band from Florida took the event to yet another level with their energetic chanting of the Holy Names and Mrdanga (Indian drum) presentation. On a more meditative tone, was the Yoga Presentation by Yoga
Master Robert Bousany. HG Varsana Devi Dasi regaled the audience with nectarean Vaishnava Bhajans. There were several dance performances from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Group, Nrtya school of Dance, Laksmi Dance Company, Polish Dance Group of Greater Houston, Bharathadarsana School of Classical Music and Dance, Masala Bhangra Works, making it a truly International cultural event in honor of the Lord of the Universe, Jagannath. The MC’s for the evening HG Nityananda Dasa, President, ISKCON Dallas and HG Kalasudha Devi Dasi did wonderfully at keeping the audience informed about the festivities and happenings throughout the event. Councilwoman, Helena Brown was the Guest of Honor and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee the Chief Guest appreciated the Houston Community for putting together a grand festival and urged the need for many such festivals in the future to showcase the diverse but unified Houston culture. Proclamations from United States Congress and City of Houston conferring this day as Festival of Chariots day were presented. HG Saranga Thakur Dasa delivered vote of thanks and honored Dr. Surya Sahoo and Kabita Sahoo of Char Dham temple. Such a grand festival would not have been possible without the untiring services of volunteers from Hare Krishna Dham Houston and Char Dham Temples, the generous sponsorship of SKAI foundation, Woodlands and of course, the Divine mercy of the Lord of the Universe, “Jagannatha”.
WILLS/TRUSTS
Power of Attorney, Estate Planning
BUSINESS FORMATION Partnerships, LLC, LLP
WE ALSO SPEAK URDU & HINDI CALL TODAY FOR FREE CONSULTATION
713-297-9131 www.zkrlaw.com
2425 WEST LOOP SOUTH SUITE 200, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027 Principal office located in Houston, Texas Many enthusiastic devotees attended the festival of chariots.
MITRA / CAMDEN TRAVEL Consolidators for Turkish Airlines and Asiana Airlines
We have completed 20 successful years 12375 Bissonnet, Ste. B Houston, TX 77099
WHOLESALER FOR S MAJOR AIR CARRIER • Emirates • Gulf Airways • Kingfisher • Singapore Airlines • Jet Airways • Sahara Airlines • Indian Airlines • Eva Airlines We have • Asiana Airlines special low • Qatar Airways • PIA fares on • Air India Jet Airways • Royal Jordanian • China Airlines
Announcement
281-530-3000 1-888-811-LESS Please call us to get these special fares WHOLESALE CONSOLIDATOR OF QATAR & EMIRATES AIRLINES Call us for competitive and confirmed seats on all major cities in Texas to any city in India.Call us for Summer and December seats now
Last minute fares to Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Calcutta and many more...
For December fares please call us now.
Special Student and Teacher discounts www.faregurus.com/ camdentravel@aol.com
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
Indo-American News © 2013
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
9
Grand Opening of Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Math Temple
HOUSTON: On July 13, the International Gaudiya Vedanta Society (IGVS) of Houston celebrated the grand opening of the new Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha temple with the installation of beautiful Deities of Sri Gaur Nitai, Sri Radha Govindaji and Sri Sita Rama Laxman Hanumanji. This Vedic educational and cultural center will be dedicated to the philosophy and practices of bhakti-yoga (yoga of devotion). The design and construction of the new 15,000 square foot facility in the northwestern area of Houston was completed over an eighteen-month period and culminated with four days of festivities beginning on Thursday, July 11. The inauguration of the center was marked by ceremonial rites, ecstatic bhajans & kirtans, and discourses by renowned practitioners of bhakti-yoga from all over the world. More than two thousand people from the Houston community attended the festivities throughout the four days. In addition, the entire event was broadcast in real-time over the Internet and made available to a world-wide audience of several thousands. Each evening, young students from the temple gurukula
(Sunday school) performed plays depicting devotional stories. Local dance schools also presented beautiful dance performances. In honor of the cultural milestone for the greater community, the Mayor of the City of Houston, Annise D. Parker, proclaimed Saturday, July 13 as “Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha Day.” Additional tributes were given by the Indian Consul General Parvathaneni Har-
ATTENTION DOCTORS
Maximize your collections by letting us help you with all of your Medical Billing needs; we have a combined experience of 10 + years in this field. We provide services in all areas of Medical Billing and we specialize in Denial Management. We also provide Medical Transcription (only 5 cents/line), complete FREE EMR/EHR solutions. Earn thousands of dollars in EMR Stimulus Incentives (up to $ 39,000 in Medicare and $ 63,750 in Medicaid incentives if you start this year).
Please call us at ZTS, Inc 713-550-8428
Email: team@zenith-transcriptions.com Web: www.ztsonline.com (Currently hiring aggressive sales persons with excellent Salary + Com)
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
ish and by representatives from other religious and cultural organizations throughout Houston, including BAPS, Meenakshi Temple, OCC, HWS, Sanatan Dharam Radio, Living Planet Foundation, and others. The highlight of the four-day event was the installation ceremony for the presiding Deities of the temple: Sri Radha-Govindaji. Sri Gaura-Nitai, and Sri Sita-Ram-Laksman-Hanuman. The ceremony was conducted as per elaborate Gaudiya Vedic procedures and officiated by Sripad Madhav Maharaja and Sripad Van Maharaja. Before their unveiling, the exquisite four-foot white marble Deities from Jaipur, India were consecrated in milk, yogurt, sugar, honey, and ghee and then bathed in a collection of pure waters gathered from holy rivers throughout India. These waters were carried to the temple in shiny copper pots by a procession of one hundred and fifty women devotees dressed in matching yellow and red saris. For their first public appearance on the temple altar, the Deities were dressed in beautiful rosecolored outfits that were handcrafted in Vrindavan, India. They CONTINUED ON PAGE
14
10
July 19, 2013 Laxmi
Ramadan & Anniversary Sale 07/05/13 to 07/31/13
Open 7 Days 10am- 9:30pm
Vishala Grocery & Restaurant #1
Vishala Grocery & Restaurant #2
9410 HWY6 South Houston,Tx 77083 Phone: 281-498-0220 • 281-498-6074
$25.99
Chana Dal
$3.
Toor Oily
$3.
$3.
$1.
Methi seeds
$2.49
Buy 1 get1free
Jaggery
$6.99
Fried Onion
$1. 49
400gm
Swad & Laxmi frozen vegetables each
99C
National Ginger garlic, Ginger & Garlic paste
$5.
00
Dilpasand Ginger garlic, Ginger & Garlic paste 2 for
99
$5.
00
$4.99
Swad Gulabjamun
4 for
$2.99
Shan Masala
$1. 99
$0.75
Laxmi Basmati Rice
$9.
Garvi Gujarat 3 for Snacks
$5.
00
10oz
Ginger
Swad Snacks 3 for
$5.
00
1lb
10oz
29C
99C
$3.99
4lb
$3.99
$3.
30oz
99
$9.
10lb
$3.99
400gm Buy 1 get1free
400gm Buy 1 get1free
Surati Snacks
$10.
99
Tomato 1lb
59C
Long squash (Dudhi)
1lb
99C
$3.
99
WAGH Bakri Tea
Parle-G 10 for
$1. 00
$5.99 900gm
Shalani snacks
$0.99
150gm
$9.
99
Guava (Amrud)
$ 1.19
1lb
Parval
99C
$3.99
4lb
$2.99
SAFFRON 1GM
$2.99 Toor Dal Plain Deep
4lb
$3.99
Swarna chakki atta 20lb
Swad Bhalia flour
cardamom seeds
cinnamon flat
$6. $1.
100gm
Laxmi
99
Mustered seeds
400gm
Buy 1 get1free
$2.49
Chick peas Chirag/Supreme 14oz
$0.69
Laxmi Sabudana Swad Kesar mango Pulp 4lb
Diabetic Rice
1lb
99
Turmeric powder
$3.
10lb
Coconut Powder
400gm Buy 1 get1free
Moong wholeDeep
99
$3.
99
56.4gm
99
2lb
99
Coriander powder
Swad Rasgulla
$2. 99
$8.
$3.
Coriander seed
Deep
Laxmi chapati flour 20lb
99
4lb
Moong split 4lb
Raw Peanuts
Yellow Onion 1lb
Deep
Golden Dates
$7.
340gm
10lb
Moong Dal
Laxmi Besan
817 Basmati Rice
99
WE HONOR ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS
Ashirwad Atta 20lb
$1.99
100gm
10lb
$2.
99
1kg
1kg
Roohafza
Famous
2 for
$4.
400gm Buy 1 get1free
$1. 00
200gm
69
Cumin Powder
Laziz Vermicelli
11lb
Except fruits & Lilva
$2.
4lb
Deep
99
Suji Laxmi Spicy world
99
400gm
Deep
$3.
Cumin seeds
400gm Buy 1 get1free
(Gota) 4lb
$2.
09
99
FOOD STAMP CARDS ACCEPTED ON BOTH LOCATIONS
35lb
Masoor Dal 4lb
49
49
4lb
Laxmi
Urad whole
Swad Besan
King Basmati Murmura 400gm
Deep
4lb
99
$2.
49
Urad Dal
Deep
4lb
$3.
4lb
$27.99
Kala Chana
Deep
49
4lb
i
35lb
Kabuli Chana
Laxmi
4lb
$28.99
35lb
5205 South Mason Rd. #220, Katy,Tx 77450 Phone: 281-492-2020
Laxm Canola Oil
axmi Corn Oil L
il Vegetable Omi Lax
Both Locations
$ 7.99
6pk
$5.99
20lb
$4.99
400gm Buy 1 get1free
Eno
$2.99
100gm Buy 1 get1free
Fried Onion Chirag
400gm
$1.99
TYJ Spring roll Pastry
$0.99
each
Fresh Vegetable 07/12/2013 to 0718/2013
Green mango 1lb
99C
Small Eggplant 1lb
99C
Tindora 1lb
$ 1.29 Long Eggplant 1lb
99C
Drum Sticks 1lb
$3.99
Kent Mango (Marathon) Box 9CT
$5.99
•Sale Items are subject to availability •We reserve the right to limit the quantity of sale items • Vishala is not responsible for any kind of typographical error in this advertisement • No refund, no exchange, no credit, no rain checks • Sale price valid till supply last INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
11
Holistic Living to Get Best Out of Life and World Seminar
Help Wanted Full Time Sales Girl
for Jewelry Store. Must speak Hindi & be good in Math. Please Call: 713-789-7575 HOUSTON: A unique seminar was organized on Holistic Living to Get Best out of Life and World organized by the South Central Chapter of Holistic Science Charitable Research Foundation in Houston on Saturday, July 13 which was very well attended by a cross section of many different professions. Experienced self-realized Swamis Dr. Shaileshanandji and Swami Deepakanandji, Dr. Bahl, associate professor at the University of Texas, and Jeff Power, psychotherapist were the speakers. Holistic Inner Science is the science of our own life and living; inner and outer circumstances along with natural laws, nature regulatory system and universe as a whole. It gives us the science and art of happy, harmonious, rich, meaningful inner living in our daily life with ultimate aim of liberation. The topics covered were Live to eat or eat to live? Our diet and its science- aspects related to health and spiritual progress, Human Life - a unique live experiment, Drivers of life – who and what drives us? Self-talk is the most powerful tool for creating our destiny, Holistic Inner Science – Experiment and Experiences Symposium on ‘My inner journey’ and Holistic inner science perspective on Yoga/Meditation, Divine code of conduct, religion and spirituality. Salient features and message of the seminar are discussed below. One should be careful in selecting diet especially where there is obesity along with associated diseases. It is better to avoid or cut down on animal proteins, processed foods like cheese and fats. Outside food have adverse effect on inner psyche. Human Life is a unique live experiment. Happiness given to others make us happy first. Each action of mind, speech, body, affects us first. One who masters the art of ‘Adjust Everywhere’ would be happy in every way. Human beings having different personalities
are like plants and trees in a garden, each one with some positivity or skill. Life is a bundle of beliefs and effects thereof correct or positive vision would find happiness and positivity. One needs to understand inner self functioning to get best out of life. Normally our inner self consisting of mind, reflective consciousness, intellect, and ego drives the outer self which is influenced by our opinions, beliefs or vision. Our inner weakness of anger, greed, and pride also plays a role. If our goals and aims are positive, outcome would be good. Upon having correct understanding and
awareness, one would have awakened living. One who has known “Who Am I” would progress from awareness to exactness. Self-talk is a powerful tool for creating our destiny. One should visualize what one wants to be and self-talk would help one become that. The seminar had free interactions between speakers and attendees. Life issue questions were answered in detail and to the satisfaction of all. Practical experiments were conducted to get rid of problems bothering individuals. The seminar was lively and successful.
LIVE-IN NANNY WANTED
Indian family living in the Houston, TX area is looking for a Nanny to take care of a newborn baby and for light cooking/cleaning. If interested, please contact (936) 355-0284 or email at lysistrata722@gmail.com
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
12
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
HOUSTON: Grady Cricket Club (GCC) won the TCC Taped Ball Spring 2013 tournament defeating Sri Lanka Cricket Club (SLCC) by 4 wickets. It was a well-deserved win for GCC in only their second appearance in the fiercely fought tournament featuring 17 participating teams. SLCC reached the finals for the second consecutive time. On a hot and humid Saturday morning (13 July), GCC won the toss and opted to field first. Openers for SLCC (Wickrama and Ranil) provided a quick start to the innings (25 runs after 3 overs). Suraj from GCC provided the first breakthrough just in his second over with the score reading 29/1. Despite this initial set back, SLCC kept the scoring rate up (courtesy of Ranil), scoring at almost 8 runs an over to take the score to 72/2 in 10 overs. Following the drinks break, GCC kept plugging away at the SLCC wickets and slowed the scoring rate. Ranil was holding the SLCC innings together, top scoring with 56 runs before he was out caught in the outfield, trying to accelerate the run rate. Gihan (13), Thilan (14) and Thusitha (19) all chipped in with useful scores. With the score reading 105 in 15 overs, Nalith provided the final push to the innings, scoring a quick fire 22 runs of 9 balls. SLCC finished the innings at 161/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Suraj was the stand-out bowler for GCC, finishing with figures of (4-0-27-3). The concerted efforts from the rest of the bowlers also helped GCC stem the SLCC runs whose batsmen
TCC Taped Ball Tournment Spring 2013 – Grady Winners, SLCC Runners up
TCC Spring finals winners, Grady with chief guest Natraja Rao.
TCC Spring 2013 runners up SLCC with chief guest Natraja Rao.
had been prolific throughout the tournament. Aveg chipped in with 2 wickets and Arijit, Ankit took a wicket each. Sushil despite taking no wickets was very economical
conceding just 18 runs in 3 overs. Faced with the highest total ever to chase in TCC Taped Ball tournaments finals, GCC got off to a
brisk start courtesy of some explosive hitting by its opening batsman Arijit Roy. GCC lost their first wicket as a result of a terrible mixup though, where the opener Vipul got run out when the scoreboard just read 17/1 of 2 overs. The loss of wicket did not stop Arijit from playing his shots that included some sweetly timed 4s and massive 6s. SLCC struck back in the 5th over of the GCC innings, removing Arijit (30 runs in 14 balls) out caught in the outfield by a great running catch from Thusita. At the half way stage GCC were 72/4, having lost their captain Aveg and Pervinder (toprun getter for GCC) and still requiring 90 runs in the
Real Estate “MEDI” Easy !! MEDI REALITY GROUP Residential & Commercial Specialize in:
HUD & BANK FORECLOSURES, New Homes, Resale Harinath Medi (832) 244-3100
Email: Medihari@yahoo.com
ALEXANDER P. MATHEWS, CPA For Services In:
INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS TAXES • BUSINESS TAX CONSULTATION INCORPORATION, FORMATION OF LLC CERTIFIED QUICK BOOK ADVISOR AVAILABLE
25 Years in Public Accounting 11104 West Airport, Ste 114, Stafford, TX 77477
(281) 564-9500
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
last 10 overs. By the 13th over, the asking rate was 10/over. The turning point was 14th over which yielded 26 runs. Suraj played a match winning innings and was well supported by Sharad. He defended the good balls and punished loose balls with 4s and 6s. He held onto his nerve to remain undefeated, and went on to score a match winning and priceless knock of 77. Sharad went on to score 22 runs before he was freakishly run out as well. Battling the 100° F heat and humidity, GCC chased down the target of 162 in 19.3 over, losing 6 wickets in the process to win the match and thereby the tournament. The final proved to be very competitive, thoroughly entertaining game and turned out to be nail biting and nerve wrecking for the gathered spectators and well wishers. For SLCC, Gihan was the most economical bowler, finishing with figures of (4-0-19-1). Sampath and Sivaruban took 1 wicket each. The game had high quality umpiring done by Sanman of Gladiators and Venkat from ECC. The game was followed by a well-organized prize distribution ceremony arranged by TCC. The presentation party had Natraja Rao, secretary for TCC as the chief guest. Jagadish Biradar, organizer for TCC Taped Ball tournament coordinated the presentation ceremony. Aveg, the captain of Grady was presented with the championship trophy and Udesh, the captain of SLCC was presented with the runners up trophy. The players of the winners and runners up received individual trophies. Man of the match for the finals was Suraj from Grady for a match winning performance of undefeated 77 runs, 3 wickets and wonderful catching. Vinit from Gladiators won the Best Batsman trophy with 325 runs. Nattu from Spartans won the Best Bowler trophy with 21 wickets. Mathew from Chargers won the Best All Rounder trophy with 264 runs and 16 wickets. Trophies were also given to the man of the match for Semi Finals and Quarter Finals. Aveg from Grady and Gihan from SLCC were the recipients of the man of the match for Semi Finals. Sarang from Rattlers, Kanchana from SLCC, Suraj from Grady and Sohail from Spartans were the recipients of the man of the match for Quarter Finals. Vinit from Gladiators was given a special award for scoring the first ever century (150 not out) in TCC Taped Ball tournaments.
July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
13
14
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
Home Run, T20 Style on Svetasvatara Upanisad Guruji’s Yajna in Houston
BY PADMASHREE RAO HOUSTON: With pure Grace, masterly delivery of Knowledge, and an agile sense of humor which kept the audience alert and enchanted, Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda completed his seven-day (July 7 -13) Jnana yajna on Svetasvatara Upanisad at Chinmaya Prabha, Houston. Guruji introduced the rare Upanisad with a invocative game-plan of a T20 (limited-overs) cricket match which right away became a home run on the Chinmaya Smrti pitch! Young and old listened spellbound as Guruji delivered exquisite strokes of explanations for the 112 verses of the Upanisad; his yajna was an incomparable innings of three lectures everyday for a week. The subject matter of the Svetasvatara Upanisad is no mere play – the discussion happens among the serious seekers of Brahma Vidya. Yet, Guruji let questions like “What is the Cause of Creation, its nature, and sustaining principle?” and “What is Liberation and the vision of Oneness?” sink into the audience gently and deeply. His simple, direct approach encouraged everyone in the audience to reflect on the difficult existential questions with true enthusiasm. After Guruji laid out the scenarios of the cause-hunting game, he called attention to how knowledge about Truth was elusive – a game where the seekers themselves need to disappear on a meditative pitch! The Svetasvatara Upanisad is a mesmerizing combination of supreme knowledge and pure devotion expressed in startlingly con-
CONTINUED FROM PAGE
His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, center, the spiritual leader of worldwide Chinmaya Mission, was given a ceremonial reception at Chinmaya Prabha in Houston on July 7 where he completed a week long “Jnana Yagna” on Svetasvatara Upanisad. ” Priest Sri Ganeshji, left, and Acharya Gaurang Nanavaty, right. Photo: Jayesh Mistry
crete imagery. When Existence is probed through intense meditation, the seekers are presented symbolic answers about the fabric of Creation. Guruji, a teacher par excellence, drove home many an answer while explaining Creation as a fascinating Wheel with many spokes and fasteners, all indicating cyclical aspects of life. He made the audience roar with laughter with his collection of ‘Indian truck’ jokes, and then made them plunge into a great river of introspection again about the Truth. In the later chapters of the Upanisad, Guruji unfolded the vision required to untangle from the delusory web of attachments. His
Art23
BROW
Grand Opening of Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Math Temple
emphasis was on a wiser “outlook to look out,” an ability to see the Oneness that the Upanisad inspired. Guruji described how the unique beauty of the Svetasvatara Upanisad lay in blending a deep faith in God with a pure quest for knowing the Self in One and All. The jnana yagna was thoughtprovoking and mind-stilling at the same time. Guruji’s bhajanas touched the soul; his humorous anecdotes made learning delightful and happy; his deep insights stunned the audience. His quote from the Upanisad, ““Sa no budhya subhaya samyunaktu” was a blessing to stay inspired – “May He (God) endow us with noble, auspicious thoughts.” Guruji’s teaching of the Svetasvatara Upanisad at Chinmaya Prabha will be a memory to treasure, revere, and reflect on. On the evening of July 11, one special feature of the yajna was Guruji’s address to the Houston Bala Vihar children. Guruji spoke to an enthusiastic crowd which ranged from toddlers to teenagers and CHYKs. In harmony with the
Upanisadic spirit of the yajna, Guruji recounted a beautiful Puranic story of a boy called Upamanyu who prayed for the “real thing” in life and found it. So, Guruji urged every child and youth to never settle for the false and fleeting; Reality is everyone’s birthright waiting to be claimed. Later that evening, Guruji also spoke to Bala Vihar teachers and conveyed the importance of teaching with deep purpose and love. The entire week of the jnana yajna was a joint offering at the feet of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda by Chinmaya Houston families. Hosting many respected acaryas from other Mission centers, Acarya Gaurangbhai Nanavaty and Acarya Darshanaben Nanavaty energized many dedicated teams of volunteers who worked together tirelessly in pure joy for the success of the yajna. For further information on Chinmaya Mission Houston and its activities visit www.chinmayahouston.org or call Jay Deshmukh @ 832 541 0059 or Bharati Sutaria @ 281-933-0233.
9
were worshiped with various paraphernalia, including incense, ghee lamps, flowers, and peacock fans, and were offered more than two hundred and fifty cooked preparations, including over one hundred varieties of sweets. On the last day of the festivities, over one hundred families from the community participated in the performance of a sacred fire ceremony, for which twenty-eight elaborate fire pits were constructed on the premises. Priests chanted Vedic mantras in accompaniment to various offerings made to the sacrificial fire. The final event of the inaugural celebration was a video tribute to the founder of the International Gaudiya Vedanta Society and initiator of the Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha project, His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja, who was a world-renowned authority on the philosophy, culture, and practices of bhakti-yoga in the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition. For over half a century, this intrepid spiritual leader and firm follower of the Vedic system of self-realization (sanatana-dharma) touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of spiritual aspirants around the globe. Starting at the advanced age of seventy-six years, he circled the planet more than thirty times from 1996 to 2010, giving enlivening discourses to rapt and appreciative audiences everywhere. In line with Srila Narayana Maharaja’s broad vision for the Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha, the center is proceeding with plans to develop an on-site auditorium, school, library, restaurant, guest quarters, botanical gardens, and more. All programs and events are open to everyone in the public. The temple will be open every day from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM and several aartis and worship services will be carried out throughout the day. For further information visit www.sggm.org or call (832) 4644686.
S E I T I N U T OPPOR S!
SE I TEXA H T C U N O A H G R U F BLE THRO ILA N O W A V A anchisee, you will have:
try. proof indus 23 fr t n r io A s s e w c o r re e in a As a B ing franchis w ro g a h it & support. g nity w in u rt in o a p tr p e o iv n A prehens sts. • Com o C p -U rt ta Low S . pportunites visit Multi-unit o 1-2667 or
773-57 t o l ea r n m o t a m s o c k . n 3 a r 2 t F r A Erin www.Brow Please call
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
re .
July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
15
d in
16
COMMUNITY Sewa International USA Helps Refugees
July 19, 2013
HOUSTON: Houston is home to many refugees from around the world. Adjusting to this country can be very overwhelming in many ways, especially for children. Sewa International combined its synergies with Alief ISD, Texas Children Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine to provide wholesome acclimatization for refugees and their school-going children. Right from helping the children with their school to getting them up to date with their immunization and then helping them direct their energy towards helping fellow members of the refugee community, Sewa has been there every step of the way to help the refugee children get integrated with the mainstream. The SLI is a month-long summer school session offered by Alief ISD for children in grades 4-11. It provides students, primarily from the refugee community, with more opportunities to help them learn the English language. Often times, the refugee students are learning the English language solely from school and need more assistance. High school-aged children have an especially difficult time with language comprehension. In collabo-
Interns of Sewa International Houston’s summer Get Inspired Program at the Alief ISD immunization drive. Photos: Michael Shemenski
cal community. The final immunization drive in the Los Arcos apartments proved to be more challenging. Unruly weather caused the mobile clinic to be out of commission after heavy rain had broken the awning, which posed a safety hazard and immobilized the immunization bus. While forced to wait for repairs, Sewa was able to host a free clothing drive for the Los Arcos community that had been scheduled for that day as well. Children and families in the waiting area received refreshments before and after their appointments in the mobile clinic. In spite of extenuating circumstances, we were still able to immunize over 20 children in the community and those who were unable to receive immunizations have been directed to upcoming Texas Children’s Hospital dates and locations in the area. Both events have been able to vaccinate over 100 children in total. Sewa strives to help refugees, specifically the Bhutanese, become acclimated to their new surroundings in the United States. Sewa is currently looking for high school and college students who would like to volunteer with the refugee community. For further information visit www.sewahouston.org or email at houston@sewausa.org.
tary and high school-level class- intern and Coordinator for the rooms during the month of June in event said, “The first drive at Alief hopes of maximizing the school’s was a great way for the interns and efforts in acclimating the students volunteers to see the drive in acto the English language and aca- tion, and make us more prepared “IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA” demics. When classes resume, for Sewa events to follow.” The Sewa will begin implementing a Alief immunization drive proved new volunteer service program for to be successful in helping the lothe regular school year. Sewa has also encouraged the to refugee population to become from 2.30pm to 3.30pm more health conscious. The organization’s partnership with Baylor College of Medicine has provided hjoshi7@hotmail.com many new contacts in the nonprofit community that is able to w w w . s h oba jos h i . c om better assist families with medical related questions. With immunizations being a requirement for schools and important for the quality of life, Sewa and Texas ON AM 1320 Geetanjali Radio Children’s Hospital co-sponsored two immunization drives in the Sat & Sun) 2-6 PM Alief-ISD area and the Los Arcos For your ) business ads apartment community of HousExploreExplore the world the into world comfort in comfort with... with... ton. Alief ISD was able provide ) Tel:281-909-0825 - 713-545-4749 classrooms in order to successfully ) - Cell:832-878-4338 "#$%&'$%(&) #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() comfort with... 713-984-0424 the Alief summer program ) ) "#$%&'$%(&)tend to #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() shobajoshi999@gmail.com students and the nearby communi- Children’s Activities Intern Megan Nguyen (third from left) with ) ) '-($-,%& the of the Alief ISD summer program. ty. Emma Welch, a Public Health studentswith... ) ) Explore world in comfort ) ration with Alief ISD, the Sewa Houston summer interns volunteered twice a week in the elemen-
Stay tuned every Sunday,
HIREN JOSHI
832-646-2116
SHOBA )JOSHI
Explore the world in comfort with... Explore the world in comfort with...
)
Explore the world in comfort with...
)
!
)
) ) ) ) )) #$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() ) ) ) )
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
*)+
*)+
'-($-,%& ) Explore the world in comfort with... Explore with... the world worldinincomfort comfort with... )Explore the ! "#$%&'$%(&) *)+ #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() ! "#$%&'$%(&) ! "#$%&'$%(&) *)+ #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() *)+ #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#()
)
)
!
)
)
'-($-,%& ) '-($-,%& ) '-($-,%& ) !"#$%&'$%(&) " # $ % & ' $ % ( & ) * *)+ ) + # #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$ , & # $ - . ' / # ( & ) 0 # ( ) ' $ $ ) 1 ' )1'2#() 2#() ! ! "#$%&'$%(&) *)+ #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() '-($-,%&) ! "#$%&'$%(&) *)+ #,&#$-.'/#(&)0#()'$$)1'2#() '-($-,%& ) '-($-,%& ) '-($-,%& )
Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pakistan / Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pakistan / Bangladesh / SriBangalore, Lanka / Africa Cochin, Delhi, Cochin, Hyderabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Chennai,Bombay Pakistan Kolkata,/ /Pakistan / Bangladesh / Sri Lanka / Africa
Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Pakistan / Bangladesh / Sri Lanka / Sri / Chennai, Africa Lanka Kolkata, / Africa Bangalore, Cochin, Chennai, Kolkata, Pakistan / Ahmedabad, Colombo / Bangladesh Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pakistan / - Instant Reservation/Ticketing - Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel Bookings Bangladesh / Sri Lanka / Africa - Instant - Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel BookingsBookings ri Lanka / Africa - Reservation/Ticketing Instant Reservation/Ticketing - Instant Reservation/Ticketing - Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel - Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel Bookings Bangladesh / Sri Lanka / Africa InstantDelhi, Reservation/Ticketing - Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel Bookings Cochin, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pakistan / ackages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel Cochin, Delhi, Bookings Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pakistan / 713-271-1000 /// 713-493-8981 TOLL FREE: 1-888-468-8786 Bangladesh / Sri Lanka / Africa Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, 713-271-1000 713-493-8981 TOLL FREE: 1-888-468-8786 713-271-1000 713-271-1000 713-493-8981 /-Ahmedabad, 713-493-8981 TOLL FREE: TOLL 1-888-468-8786 FREE:Pakistan 1-888-468-8786 - Instant Reservation/Ticketing Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel Bookings / 713-271-1000 / 713-493-8981 TOLL FREE: 1-888-468-8786 Bangladesh Sri Lanka / Africa INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • /ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM / Sri Lanka / Africa TOLL FREE: 1-888-468-8786 - Instant Reservation/Ticketing Bangladesh - Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel Bookings - Instant Reservation/Ticketing Bookings 713-271-1000 / 713-493-8981- Vacation Packages/Leisure/Escorted/Cruise/Car/Hotel TOLL FREE: 1-888-468-8786
July 19, 2013
17
! # $" $"# "" $" # $" "
! # % % # ! & #
$ !* %$ &(
( %& $(& & %&#!$ &(' (&
&! + )"+ ( (
' ( %&
% # !# $$ &$ ! !&$%! &$ !#
# ( # $ " # ( # ' !
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
18
EDITORIAL
July 19, 2013
Rebooting India’s Growth What can yet be done to usher in a set of reforms that can benefit citizens at large and keep the India growth story intact? The answer lies in state governments. Most of them have a comfortable governing majority in state assemblies and can effect major policy changes, not only to boost their own fortunes but also to show the way forward to parliamentarians. For the past 20 years, state governments have piggy-backed on reforms driven by the central government. State coffers were booming while public spending on roads, electrification and infrastructure were built on central funds. Many of the social welfare schemes like MGNREGA and subsidy bills of the farmers, the poor and the middle class were underwritten by Parliament. With the country’s economic growth slowing considerably, the fallout for state governments is likely to be more adverse. State governments can also play a crucial role in job creation. There is abundant red tape in state bureaucracies that hinders entrepreneurs and discourages startups. According to data collated by World Bank in its ‘Doing Business 2013’report, it takes months to get construction approvals, property registration and electricity connections. More than 20 clearances are obligatory at the state and local government levels to get a project off the ground, a daunting and expensive task for budding entrepreneurs. State governments must establish a business climate that is conducive for new companies or small and medium scale manufacturing facilities to stimulate job creation. According to a McKinsey study, fundamental institutional changes are a must to create thriving cities that can spur economic growth. A young population yearns for access to quality education and healthcare. Water supply, sanitation, affordable housing and a good transportation network are essential to enhance standards of living, improve productivity and sustain prosperous cities. The study goes on to suggest that the central government can only play a catalytic role while major initiatives are required from state governments that can boost GDP by nearly 1-1.5%. Unfortunately with an eye on New Delhi, governments are working at cross-purposes. The Centre is trying to provide rice and wheat at Rs 2-3 per kg when many state governments are already offering them at a lower price. While the Centre is trying to wean people away from subsidies by introducing a cap on LPG cylinders or reducing fertiliser sops, state governments are stepping in to offset the consequences. Governments and political parties must sense the winds of socio-economic change blowing across the country. A young and burgeoning middle class along with the aspiring poor is hungry for jobs and good quality of life. State governments too must try to usher in big bang reforms that can hasten development and revive economic growth. For the past 60 years, social justice was the dominant theme but henceforth political battles will witness a tectonic shift to development justice. More than populism, development and good governance will carry the political parties on future election days. N. V. Krishnakumar in Times of India
Bonds that Do Not Bind BY SITARAM YECHURY
It is, indeed, an irony of history that in the year 2013, which marks the centenary of the Ghadar movement, the first political movement for Indian independence, the British government is seeking to impose a £3,000 (with the falling rupee; R3 lakh) cash bond from November this year for Indians applying for a British visa. Facing large-scale protests against this highly discriminatory and racist measure, Britain’s Home Office official sought to clarify that this applies only to “high risk individuals” without explaining how this would be determined. He was quoted as saying: “In the long run, we’re interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services.” There is, however, no mention of the contribution made by immigrants to the British GDP. The chairman of the British Parliament’s Home Affairs Select Committee, Keith Vaz, who has been continuously elected to the House of Commons for over 25 years, has called this move “unfair and discriminatory” and has asked the Home Secretary to appear before the Committee on July 16. The Ghadar movement began as a revolt against the blatant racial discrimination faced by Indian immigrants in Canada and the US. This was distinct from how other immigrants like the Chinese or Japanese were treated. The Indians came to the conclusion that it was India’s colonial slavery which was the root cause for such discrimination and racial exploitation. Ironically, like today’s Britain, among the many conditions for the entry of Indians into Canada then was showing $200. The struggle against these injustices, thus, naturally, coalesced with the quest for India’s freedom. Thus emerged the Ghadar Party on the U.S. west coast in 1913. Its openly declared policy was to start another Ghadar (The 1857, First War of Independence). Consider those times: a year before World War I began, four years before the Russian Revolution, eight years before Maulana Hasrat Mohani and Swami Kumaranand moved, on behalf of the Communist Party, a reso-
On the centenary of the Ghadar movement, Britain is seeking to impose £3,000 cash bond on Indian visa applicants. lution for complete independence at the Ahmedabad AICC session, 1921, which was rejected by Mahatma Gandhi. The slogan of poorna swaraj was finally given on December 31, 1929 at its Lahore session. A full 16 years after the Ghadarites first raised the slogan of independence. The Ghadar movement started towards the end of what is called the ‘Britain’s Imperial Century’ where the ‘sun could never set’. An Indian patriot, we are told, promptly retorted, “Yes, of course. Even god does not trust the British in the dark”! The call for independence given by the Ghadar movement not only predates all other important milestones in India’s epic struggle for freedom but it also, in a sense, anticipates many of the hallmarks associated with the freedom struggle. The Gandhian noncooperation satyagraha was one of the strategies that the Ghadarites anticipated when they concluded that if the then 300 million Indians refused to cooperate, the British would never be able to stay in India. Their slogan was, ‘pindaan walion maamla bandh kar deo’ (village folks stop paying land revenue). This movement was a source of inspiration for Bhagat Singh who reportedly always carried a photograph of Kartar Singh Sarabha about whom he said: “One is amazed to think of what he at the age of 19 was able to do... Such courage! Such selfconfidence! So much of self-denial
Indo American News FOUNDER: DR. K.L. SINDWANI PUBLISHER: JAWAHAR MALHOTRA EDITOR: PRAMOD KULKARNI BUSINESS & PRODUCTION MANAGER: VANSHIKA VIPIN MARKETING INTERN: PARTH DWIVEDI CORRESPONDENTS
HOUSTON: HAIDER KAZIM, MANU SHAH CHICAGO: NAND KAPOOR, INDIA: RAJ KANWAR ®All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the written consent of the publisher. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Monday of each week. Please include self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of all unsolicited material. Published at 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, Texas 77036. Tel: 713-789-NEWS or 6397 Fax: 713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com, website: indoamerican-news.com
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
and passionate commitment has been rarely seen earlier...Ohnan di rag rag vich inquilabi jazba smaya hoya si (revolutionary passion was embedded in every vein of his)”. The legacy of the Ghadar movement, hence, was an inspiration for all streams of India’s struggle for independence including the RIN mutiny of 1946. The historical voyage of Komagatamaru, that met the Canadian challenge that only ships directly bound to its shores can carry Indians, was inspirational. Refused entry it stayed in water near Vancouver port for eight weeks and returned to India at Budge Budge, near Kolkata, on September 27, 1914 to be greeted with British bullets, claiming 18 lives, many arrests and 29 missing. Following this, the Ghadarites returned to India planning for an armed uprising in February 1915 which failed. The repression that followed led to 46 hangings, 64 life transportations to Kalapaani and hundreds being subjected to various degrees of punishment. With leaders like Lala Hardayal, Sohan Singh Bhakna, Kartar Singh Saraba, Pandurang Khankhoje, Vishnu Ganesh Pingle, Darsi Chenchaiah, Azharuddin Mohamed Dali and Hafiz Abdullah, among many others, the Ghadar movement was the first movement for Indian independence that was supremely secular. Soon after the Ghadar uprising failed, the world history changing event — 1917 Russian Revolution — deeply influenced Ghadar Babas who worked for revolutionary change through the political education and mobilisation of peasants and workers. The glorious history of the Ghadar movement and its deep influence on all subsequent currents of our freedom struggle acquires greater significance in today’s world situation where there is growing racial discrimination. What eventually happens to the proposed British £3,000 bond will be known in November. The government of independent India cannot remain a silent spectator. In this centenary year of the Ghadar movement its role in India’s independence struggle must be recognised and also in moulding the youth down the generations in carrying forward these struggles. HT
COMMUNITY
July 19, 2013
19
Dr. Syamal Poddar Receives Award for Distinguished Services to the AIChE
SAN ANTONIO: The AmeriDr. Poddar earned his Ph.D. in can Institute of Chemical Chemical Engineering from the Engineers (AIChE) Fuels University of Pennsylvania. and Petrochemicals division In addition to authoring 44 tech(F&PD) each year recognizes an nical papers and 2 U.S. patents, he individual’s outstanding services has made numerous technical and to the division. business presentations at national For 2013, the distinguished serand international conferences and vice award winner was Dr. Syaorganized & chaired many such mal K. Poddar, an active member conferences and received several of over 35 years and a Fellow of national and international awards the AIChE institute. and recognitions. The distinguished service The award was presented to award was presented during the Dr. Poddar by Tim Olsen Chair, F&PD Awards Dinner at the past AIChE F&PD. “A veteran volSpring National Meeting in San unteer, Syamal led social and Antonio. professional organizations with Dr. Syamal Poddar is the tangible membership growth Founder President of the consult- Dr. Syamal Poddar with the AIChE with value added activities,” exing company, Poddar & Associ- Distinguished Services award plaque. plained Mr. Olsen. “Syamal has ates, consulting nationally and held practically all leadership internationally. roles for F&PD.” adjunct faculty, for several years His 35+ year industrial career in the past. Dr. Poddar is a frequent contribincludes working for two major As a part of his consulting activi- utor to Gulf Publishing’s Hydrocompanies, Exxon Research & ties, Dr. Poddar has given several carbon Processing (HP) magazine Engineering and Bechtel Corpora- technical, project & business de- and is a member of the Advisory tion, with diversified management velopment and leadership courses Board of International Refining and global professional & leader- nationally and internationally. and Petrochemicals Conference ship responsibilities. In addition With Bachelors and Masters (IRPC), which took place recently to his industrial career, he main- Degrees in Chemical Engineering in New Delhi. tained his teaching interest as an from Jadavpur University, India,
For advertising Call: Vanshika Vipin at 713.789.6397
Celebrate 22nd Foundation Day with Chatur Veda Yajna On Aug 10-11, 2013
Everybody is invited to join as per the following program. We wish to thank all our patrons, donors and volunteers who have been part of our growth. x Saturday, Aug 10, 6pm – 8 pm, followed by dinner and a Musical evening x Sunday, Aug 11, 10am – 12 noon, followed by lunch, 6pm – 8pm, followed by Cultural Program and dinner For more information please contact: Ashutosh Garg at ashutosh@heatflux.com, or Acharya Surya Nanda ji at 832-867-4126 or snnanda68@gmail.com
Regular Programs
Open Invitation for all to attend and avail of the following benefits: Satsang with Bhajans, Meditation, Havan and Pravachan every Sunday, 10am – Noon. Free Yoga Classes, Vedic Library, Book Store, Health Seminars, Upanishad Classes, Sanskrit Classes, Cultural Programs, Social Events.
D.A.V. Montessori School
Montessori curriculum enriched with Naitik Shiksha. Now registering for 2nd and 3rd grades. Call Ms. Arti Khanna @ 281-759-3286 or davmontessori@gmail.com
D.A.V. Sanskriti School
Instruction in Hindi, Naitik Shiksha, Music, Public Speaking, Vedic Math & Yoga for students ages 5 to 18 years on Sundays. For School or AYM activities, call Sanjay Nayyar @ 713-668-2610.
Priest Services
For weddings, Nama-karan, Birthday, Griha-pravesh, Antim-sanskara & other services, please contact Acharya Surya Nanda ji @ 832-867-4126 or Acharya Praveen ji @ 281-896-7309.
14375 Schiller Road, Houston, TX 77082
www.aryasamajhouston.org
Phones:(281)752-0100, (281) 759-3286
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
20
TRAVEL
July 19, 2013
LEARN TO DRIVE TODAY!
Bhangarh Fort: The ‘Most Haunted’ Place in India?
Ganesh Anand Catering Services Pure Vegetarian South & North Indian Dishes. Chaat & Snacks Contact Babulbhai: 832-891-1421 13180 West Park Dr. @ Synott Houston, TX 77082
Want to Buy Your Dream Home? Want to Save Money on Your Existing Home? TIME IS NOW!! RATES ARE LOW!!
Call Sutherland Mortgage 713-579-7222
Contact: Krishnan @ 713-579-7222
krishnan@sutherlandmortgage.com
www.sutherlandmortgage.com
PROUND WINNER OF DISTINCTION - AWARD FOR EXCELENCE from the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU - 2012
NMLS # 9891
Sutherland Mortgage Services Inc. Krishnan Swaminathan
NMLS #20770
5959 Corporate Drive, Suite 3000 Houston, TX 77036
How many of us believe in ghosts? Do they actually exist? Can they be felt? Believers will reply in affirmative and non-believers will perish the thought. But everybody would like to take a trip to THE den of the ghosts and such was the trip to Bhangarh, considered India’s “most haunted” place. Although it is a 300-km drive away from Delhi, yet a handful of people know about it. We started driving towards Bhangarh from Delhi early morning, expecting the journey to last not more than four hours. As not many people frequent the place, we did not have any first hand information and took guidance from a map and distance measurements available on the internet. After crossing Gurgaon we proceeded towards Bhiwadi and turned to Alwar district in Rajasthan. Till this point we did not encounter any problem; it was a nice long drive and a little anxiety about what we would encounter at the fort. From Alwar, as we crossed the Sariska reserve, the weather conditions changed. The sky became completely dark and in the afternoon it seemed like 7 o’ clock in the evening. Dark clouds started descending over the Aravalli range and both melted into each other. The weather condition was becoming hostile the more we approached the fort. To add to our plight, we bumped our way over at least two kilometres where there was no asphalt on the surface. After crossing Ajabgarh, we entered into Bhangarh territory. It started raining profusely. It rained so much that visibility was down to 500 metres. Luckily we were carrying umbrellas and so without wasting a minute’s time, we jumped out of the car and entered the fort. The lush green grass in the fort and its adjoining area surprised us. It did not at all seem like a place in the desert state of Rajasthan. There were many local tourists who came in groups,
mostly youngsters. The dilapidated fort and the ruins welcomed us. As we entered we found a Hanuman temple right next to the main gate. The sprawling premises has more than half a dozen temples: Hanuman Temple, Gopinath Temple, Someswar Temple, Keshav Rai Temple, Mangla Devi Temple, Ganesh Temple and Naveen Temple and a very strategically positioned Purohitji ki Haveli. It left us wondering how ghosts stay in a premises where there are so many temples! A young tourist, Babulal, who was in a group of 10, said: “We all have come to see bhoot bangla (the fort of the ghosts)! We have heard about this place a lot and hence thought of coming once.” As we entered, we saw a Dancers’ Haveli and Jauhari Bazar. All dilapidated now, but locals say paranormal activities are observed in these places at night. Further down the sprawling expanse of the fort was the Gopinath Temple, crossing which we reached the Royal Palace. It is located at the farthest end of the fort area. The architecture of the buildings and the fort speaks volumes of the talent and acumen of the people during the rule of Bhagwant Das who established the town in 1573. There are many myths about the place. It is believed that the entire township was obliterated in a day. But no written evidence has been found till date. Against the backdrop of the Royal Palace stands the Aravalli
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
Range. Bisram Nath, who works in the Someswar Temple said at times wild animals come down from the mountain ranges at night. “A few families like ours stay within the premise. We stay near the Ganesh Temple. The biggest problem is that the area does not have electricity.” The Archeological Survey of India has put up a board on the fort gate that it is prohibited for tourists to stay inside the fort area after sunset and before sunrise. Locals say whoever has tried to stay inside after sunset was never found. Standing on the terrace of the Royal Palace one can view the vast expanse of the fort. It has four gates - Lahori Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Phulbari Gate and Delhi Gate. It seems life has come to a standstill in this area. Like all other tourists, we also left the place before sunset with many questions remaining still unanswered in our minds. How to get there: 1. Route: Delhi-Gurgaon-Bhiwadi-Alwar-Sariska-ThanagazhiPratapgarh-Ajabgarh-Bhangarh. It’s a nearly 300-km drive. Best to travel in a SUV and always carry a spare tyre as there are stretches where for kilometres there are no petrol pumps or habitations. 2. Always carry some dry food as good dhabas and eateries are rare. 3. Carry a torch with you as the fort does not have electricity and even in day time, a torch will help you to see parts of the fort better. - Hindustan Times
BOOK REVIEW The Billionaire’s Apprentice
July 19, 2013
21
The Rise of the Indian-American Elite and the Fall of the Galleon Hedge Fund AUTHOR, ANITA RAGHAVAN BOOK REVIEW BY PRADEEP ANAND I knew that the book would not have a surprise ending. I knew that Raj Rajaratnam and Rajat Gupta would be found guilty and be sentenced to jail terms. Yet, I had to read the book. And when I embarked on this reading journey, Anita Raghavan’s writing was so compelling, brisk and riveting that I couldn’t put the book down. There were also many personal hurdles that could have prevented me from reading and finishing the book. Firstly, I am an Indian-American and I wasn’t pleased that an icon’s reputation was being dragged through the muck and destroyed. Additionally, Gupta and I had common friends, and our families had met a few times, until fifteen years ago. Also, I knew many other members of the book’s cast of characters, especially those who received their undergraduate degrees, like me, from an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). I wasn’t pleased that one of them had copped a plea. Yet, The Billionaire’s Apprentice: The Rise of The Indian-American Elite and The Fall of The Galleon Hedge Fund by Anita Raghavan (512 pages) kept my attention and interest throughout the reading expedition. Ms. Raghavan has an eye for details that I enjoyed. She also avoided dime store psychology to provide “insights” into the players—she just laid out the meticulous minutiae in a “just-the-facts-ma’am” manner. The reader be the judge and the jury. The book documented a business tragedy in a journalistic way. However, a reader, who chooses to delve, can conjure images, parallels and lessons, even a screenplay. First and foremost the book has drama. At the center is a bright but boorish seducer of Sri Lankan birth, who has an aura of financial success that makes him larger than life. His success was due in part to his Wharton/Silicon Valley/South Asian network that he “played” for insider information at publicly traded companies. On the sidelines, is a persevering star, who propels himself out of humble and orphaned beginnings, and shines and sparkles as he crosses oceans and continents, only to fall ignominiously. While reading the book, Greek and Shakespearean tragic images can be invoked. The Great Gatsby may also come to mind. However, to this Indian-American, the Indian Epic, The Mahabharat, was recalled. Central to that epic is Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava clan, who was also known as Dharmaraj—loosely translated into the “Righteous King” or “King of Dharma”. Yudhishtra, the novice, is drawn into a game of dice by Shakuni, the expert. Dharmaraj gambles away and loses his entire kingdom in a single game. In addition, he, his brothers and family are forced to a thirteen year exile. (They do return and are victorious after a battle at Kurukshetra; but, in this context, that sequel has to come.) The book has minor characters who are very intelligent but possess a common flaw—these bright people believe that they should be richer, their net worth larger, comparable to the wealth of people of equal acumen. It was a flaw that any modern Shakuni could exploit. Add to this brew of frail human traits
more ingredients: ego, greed and frayed integrity. Spark it with rising market tides and you have a dramatic crucible for schemes that go splendidly for a while, and then abruptly and explosively go awry, when the tide recedes. The persistent good guys from the SEC and the US Attorney’s office come in to clean up after the party is over. And then there is the role of chance and diligence. A pull at what seems to be a weak thread that, when pursued diligently, unravels a ball of chicanery, tied to insider information. These Modern Untouchables were dogged and meticulous in their pursuit, seeking those decisive informational pearls in a vast ocean of data. The drama ends in a courtroom battle, followed by sentencing, and the accompanying shocked agony of family and friends. There are other tugs at emotional strings: Destroying the sanctity and joy of every future Diwali (similar to Christmas) celebration, which would be remembered as the day of arrest; the deep sense of responsibility that the oldest son of an orphaned family has for his younger siblings; the empathy and sympathy for the emotionally distraught families; the immigrant’s pain in being rejected in corporate America; the humiliation of being found guilty, with the family in the gallery; the irony of Preet Bharara (US Attorney, Southern District of New York) visiting Harvard Business School to lecture on white-collar crime, with one of Gupta’s daughters in the class; and many more. Besides the human drama, this tragedy is another lesson in how much successful executives, caught in the euphoria of triumphs in the market, underestimate the role of uncontrollable factors in their achievements. Two uncontrollable factors affected Galleon, its principals and partners. The first was growth trends in the technology sector in the 1990s. As is the nature of trends, this growth was accompanied by two abrupt decelerations--one, with the bursting of the dotcom bubble, and, two, due to the stock market meltdown that began in 2007 and persisted until 2009. Bubbles create blindness to alternate scenarios, especially to markets regressing to the mean. The second uncontrollable factor was government regulation. In 2000, the SEC
passed a rule called Regulation FD. This rule required publicly traded companies to disclose material information publicly to everyone. Before Regulation FD, large investors, like hedge funds, got a competitive edge because companies could provide information to select investors and analysts. But, after Regulation FD was passed, that edge disappeared. Hedge funds—about eight thousand exist today—had a hard time in creating market-beating strategies that could be protected from competitors and not replicated. Unsurprisingly, these funds, as a group, have underperformed the market for nine out of the past ten years. When uncontrollable factors overpower an industry, there is some backlash of illegal activities to maintain performance standards. Ponzi schemes are well known examples of such fraud—Bernie Madoff, Alan Stanford and many others have succumbed to them. Add “seeking insider information” and Rajaratnam to that list. Gupta was caught in the net of an elaborate trap set by the SEC, meant for this bigger fish named Rajaratnam. The book drove home another lesson. This one goes back to a key tenet from McKinsey’s own Waterman and Peters, In Search of Excellence: Stick to your Knitting. In this case, many players moved out of their comfort zones, crossed legal lines of integrity, and were judged by precedence in their new environment. As Federal Judge Jed S. Rakoff said, “The annals of white-collar crime in this district are filled with people who wanted to make themselves respected, powerful members of society by giving to charity.” In a similar situation, on familiar turfs, where “giving to charity” was not viewed with such suspicion, Gupta’s global altruism, perhaps, would have permitted more character witnesses. Finally, the majority of the pursuers and the pursued are South Asians. Therefore, the book has substantial South Asian content. To many readers, South Asia is a generic name for the sub-Himalayan region that includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives Nepal and Sri Lanka. For students of South Asia and the Indian Diaspora, Ms. Raghavan sprinkles ethnic and cultural insights throughout the book. For example, she highlights the appreciation of quality of education these
fine people received at the best of schools and colleges in India and the US. The Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) are engineering and management institutes whose alumni have proved to be strong innovators and highly successful executives and technologists in the corporate world, entrepreneurial ventures, academia, government and other walks of life. It is estimated that IIT graduates have created over 500,000 jobs in the U.S. and significantly more in India and the rest of the world. Almost 40% of technology startups in Silicon Valley, over the last 20 years, have an IIT graduate as a Founder or CEO. In 2005, the US Congress passed House Resolution 227—introduced by Congressman Tom Davis and co-sponsored by then Congressman Bobby Jindal— praising the stellar work done by IITians. Today, IIT alumni hold executive positions in many of the largest global organizations, like Gupta did at McKinsey. Finally, I was left with the question: Why do people cross that fine line that separates ethical and unethical pursuit of money and wealth? I found an insight in recent research done by Francesca Gino of Harvard Business School and Adam D. Galinsky of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School. They concluded that when people feel psychologically close to someone who behaves selfishly, they are more likely to consider the behavior to be less shame-worthy and less unethical. Like parents often warn their children: Be careful about the company you keep. Pradeep Anand is president of Seeta Resources, www.seeta.com, a consulting firm that helps business leaders cope with and manage change, resulting in accelerated growth. He is the author of An Indian in Cowboy Country: Stories from an Immigrant’s Life.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
22
INDIA
July 19, 2013
When Telegram was the Lifeline of a News Correspondent
First Ever
24 Hour
Telugu Radio in Houston
Online at www.radiohungama.net & Every Sunday 12 PM to 3 PM CST On
KCHN AM 1050 Contact: Sridhar Dadi at
281-217-9736
houstonradio@yahoo.com
13100 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478
www.testmasters.com
281-564-7700 For advertising
contact: Jawahar Malhotra/Vanshika Vipin
at 713-789-6397
Mr. Raj Kanwar had begun his career as a journalist in mid 1950s. Today, when the institution of the telegram has been laid to rest in India, Kanwar remembers when the telegram was the lifeline of a news correspondent and the various codes used for stories, addresses and special occasions. BY RAJ KANWAR IAN INDIA CORRESPONDENT Now with the impending demise on 16 July of the ancient telegram, it will be nostalgic to recall how this humble and jumbled piece of paper once played a very significant role in the successful discharge of the duties by an outstation or overseas press correspondent. The telegram then was a prerequisite for a correspondent as that was the sole medium he could use for sending his stories. It was thus no wonder that newspapers all over the world would necessarily employ or retain a correspondent in important countries or even theatres of conflict wherever those developed from time to time. Thus was born the legendary tribe of “war correspondents”. Personally speaking, I have had a fascinating introduction to press telegrams as a rookie correspondent for a number of mainstream national newspapers in mid 1950s. Most newspapers in India then retained part time correspondents in the capital of a province or even in some small towns. Dehra Dun then was a tiny blip on country’s political map, yet along with Mussoorie, it had acquired a formidable reputation as an important news centre thanks to the frequent visits there of Nehru and other VVIPs. An outstation staff correspondent was then a rarity. Some of the newspapers paid a fixed monthly retainer while others paid retainer plus “lineage” that meant that the length of the news per column inch would be paid. The Indian Express paid one rupee for a column inch of news in addition to a monthly retainer. The Statesman paid only a monthly retainer of rupees seventy five. Someone in the accounts department of the newspaper would daily measure column inches of news
from various correspondents and credit to their respective ledgers. It was during that period that I learned the nitty-gritty of writing telegraphic news, keeping in view some essential points that would impact on its length and consequently on the telegraphic charges. The telegraph charges were per word not exceeding 10 characters. Another word would be added to the cost if it exceeded 10 characters. That way, I became accustomed to using smaller words; it was a good training. Yet, despite being particular on smaller words, I did not penny pinch and wrote full and clear sentences, unmindful of the cost involved. A new ‘journalese’ jargon had by then come into vogue since Morse code only conveyed English alphabets. For instance, we wrote ‘stop’ instead of just putting a dot and expressed punctuations in words such like ‘COMMA’, ‘DASH’, ‘UNDASH’ etc so as not to leave any room for confusion or misunderstanding. We wrote ‘PARA’ when beginning a new paragraph. And at the conclusion of the message, we always put ‘EOM’ meaning ‘end of message’. A most proud acquisition was a press bearing card issued by the Post and Telegraph department that enabled a correspondent to send press telegrams without any prepayment; the bills were sent to the newspapers concerned that would pay the same every month to the department. Much later in 1970s, when I started an international business, the telegram was one of my best means of communications with my international associates in the US and Europe. Even telex had not yet then made its debut in the Indian communication world and we per force had to willy-nilly depend on the humble telegram to communicate with our foreign principals and associates. Happily, there was a much less expensive category of foreign telegram known as ‘letter telegram’ which virtually served the same purpose although it was not necessarily sent the same day. Even in the 1970s, the telegraph technology had lacked direct overseas ‘connect’ and telegrams sent from Dehra Dun to the US would
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
first go to international telegraph office in New Delhi from where these would be further transmitted to their foreign destinations. Yet, it was worth its while since we were able to successfully and relatively promptly communicate with our overseas business associates. Most of the companies had also acquired a special one-word telegraphic address that saved the sender much expense on giving a lengthy address; mine telegraphic address then was ‘liaison’ and that enabled us to maintain unhindered business correspondence. With the advent of telex in 1980s, the use of the telegram became very infrequent, yet we continued to retain and print our registered telegraphic address just as a matter of prestige. Even though now SMS and Smartphone have become the new fashion, the old timers will miss the grace of sending a ‘greeting’ telegram that we used to send on special occasions to our friends and relatives. The telegraph department had then introduced nearly 40 greeting codes each with a figure; for example in the Republic Day greetings has ‘19’ as a code and the sender just has to write ‘nineteen’ to convey the entire message that would be delivered on a special decorated paper. These codes included greetings for almost all the religious festivals covering the wide and varied regional divide. These codes also included congratulations on different occasions and even ‘happy birthday’ greetings. There was also a code for offering ‘best wishes for the success in the examination’. More than all of that, we will miss the telegram ‘boy’ who would during my business years was a welcome daily visitor to our office and a special guest on occasions like Holi and Diwali. Raj Kanwar is a veteran Dehra Dun journalist and author. At 83, he writes regularly on local and current affairs.
INDIA
July 19, 2013
23
From Jobs to Fewer Jobs
BY SMRUTI KOPPIKAR MUMBAI (HT): Mumbai is not starved of rags-to-riches stories, men and women who came to the city with little except their skills and dreams, and went on to build their modest nests or mega fortunes. If you are willing to work hard, the city gives you an opportunity to make good, is the refrain often heard from migrants who left joblessness and despair back home in their villages or small towns. There has been permanence about the hope of finding work in the city, whether the seeker actually finds it or not. A romance, even. Mumbai, among other things, has always been a city of jobs. That, sadly, seems to be changing. No, this isn’t the old textile mill jobs that disappeared. It isn’t about the manufacturing jobs which moved out to the northern regions of the state and neighbouring states. Those were stories of the 1990s. Here’s the news. From April to June this year, the generation of new jobs in the city declined by a staggering 28 per cent over the corresponding period last year; the city’s share in the total number of new jobs generated across the country plummeted from over 14 per cent a year ago to barely 10 per cent now, according to mintnew figures released by the trusted industry body, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). Mumbai managed to generate 13,100 new jobs in the three months. Delhi – how can the old rivalry be left unaddressed? – topped the list of cities that created new jobs with a healthy 27 per cent. This isn’t disturbing until you check out the job generation across cities in the second half of the last financial year. Mumbai ranked third behind Delhi and Bengaluru then; importantly, the city created
11000 Richmond Ave, Ste 300 Houston, TX 77042
one job for every two that Delhi did in an economic market where job generation declined by 14 per cent, also according to an ASSOCHAM report. The numbers from reports in the last few years are not rosy. The trend in these numbers should begin to disturb the city’s administrators, if they haven’t already. It’s time to examine where and why is Mumbai losing. The answers are not hard to come by. Anecdotal evidence and urban studies over the last five years point to two key factors: the deterioration of the city’s investment and infrastructure climate, and its declining quality of life. The administration’s stock response to projects that prefer other states or cities has been: Maharashtra and Mumbai still rank the highest in total investment in the country. Why then isn’t the investment translating into jobs? The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has had the highest share – nearly half -in the state’s economy. Within the MMR, Mumbai contributed the maximum towards the gross domestic product and employment. The biggest job creator in the last decade was the tertiary or services sector, typica of the global trend in urbanisation. Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services remain, even today, the largest job creators followed closely by the banking, finance and insurance sector but Mumbai may not be as attractive as it used to be. Regionalists like the Thackeray cousins may see this as a positive trend because fewer jobs mean fewer migrants. The rest of us see a different picture: our city, warts and all, gradually overtaken by other cities in its most outstanding attribute of creating job or work opportunity.
WONDER
GLEE
ADVENTURE
Take a Cinematic Ride Around the Globe! ASIA SOCIETY TEXAS CENTER PRESENTS CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL SEATTLE
Colombia, India, China, and more featured in Film Festival Saturdays and Sundays, July 20 – 28 Films in Mandarin, Portuguese, Spanish, and more. All with English subtitles. 8S WR ÀOPV VFUHHQHG SHU SURJUDP Show times are 11:30 AM and 2 PM. (7/20, 7/21, 7/27, and 7/28)
1370 Southmore | Houston 77004 | 713.496.9901 | AsiaSociety.org/Texas
15950 N Dallas Pkwy, Ste 400 Dallas, TX 75248
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
24
RECIPES/PUZZLES
July 19, 2013
SUDOKU
Place a Number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.
Mama’s Punjabi Recipes
Arbi Ajwain Wali (Sauted Eddoe Root with Carom Seeds)
Send us the correct answer before July 24, 2013. Email us at indoamericannews@yahoo.com or mail to 7457 Harwin Drive, Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036. Send us your picture and we will publish it if you are a winner (for first three entrees only).
Solution Next Week
Peeled Eddoe Root
Eddoe Root
Carom Seeds
2. Peel the arbi and cut into small pieces. 3. In a kadai (wok) or skillet, heat the oil and throw in the ajwain and spices. Turn the heat down to extreme low so as not to burn the spices and stir to mix thoroughly.
L��� W���’� SUDOKU S�������
L��� W���’� SUDOKU W�����
Open 7 days a week
1) Sailaja Ammu 2) Shobha Vijay Shenoy 3) Ramakrishna Pappu
Arbi is another root vegetable that Punjabis love to eat in many ways: as a snack or as a sauteed or curry dish. This dish cooked with ajwain (bishop’s weed, carom seeds, ajowan caraway) is typically oldstyle Punjabi and the spice coats the arbi to give it a unique taste that is not found in many other recipes. Ajwain is a uniquely Indian spice that is especially good for the digestion. In case of stomach ache or indigestion, just take a tablespoon of ajwain with a pinch of salt (to cut the spice’s bitterness) and swallow with a glass of water. In the winter time, ajwain is often used to coat crushed almonds and gur (brick molasses) with butter to make a brittle that is tasty and gives a boost of warmth and energy. Ajwain is a seed that smells almost exactly like thyme but is more aromatic, slightly bitter and pungent and stronger in taste. A small amount can dominate the flavor of a dish. Arbi (eddoe) is closely related to the taro root but
is smaller and has an acrid taste that requires careful cooking. It can be grown in poorer soils and drier climates than the taro root. This dish is not made with the usual ingredients used in Indian dishes. Do not use pyaaz (onions), adrak (ginger) or haldi (turmeric) as it conflicts with and takes away from the taste of the ajawain. Ingredients: • 1 kg arbi (small to medium eddoe root) • 2 tablespoon tael (vegetable or olive oil) • 1 teaspoon ajwain (bishop’s weed or carom seeds) • 1 teaspoon amchoor (dry mango powder) • Spices (to taste): namak (salt), mirch (red pepper), garam masala Directions: 1. Wash the arbi then place it in a pot and boil. Remove when still hard but not too tender.
BOMBAY SWEETS & Pure Vegetarian Restaurant Mouth watering Indian dishes & Chats Catering available for all occasions 100+ varities of sweets
4. Throw in the cut arbi into the spices and mix to coat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes then turn off the heat. The final dish should be just a little moist. 5. Some people enjoy this dish with a slight crunch. To do so, cut into large slices and after it is cooked, add a little more oil to let the arbi cook to crisp the chips uncovered a little longer over low heat; then serve dry like chips as a snack. 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.
Need Kitchen & Cashier Help The Only Branch in Houston
ner Buffet in D & h c Lun cold items 21 Hot & ou can eat ll y available Ays a week 7 da
$6.99
Dosas & Snacks PH:713-780-4453 Samosas & Chats 5827 Hillcroft, Houston Texas 77036
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
ENTERTAINMENT
July 19, 2013
Movie Review : Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
25
Glad Priyanka is Playing Me: Mary Kom
Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Sonam Kapoor, Divya Dutta, Prakash Raj, Pavan Malhotra, Yograj Singh, Rebecca Breeds Director: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Genre: Biopic Duration: 3 hours 8 minutes
BY MADHUREETA MUKHERJEE Story: A film inspired by the legendary Indian athlete, Milkha Singh’s life and journey. Review: He doesn’t sing for his supper. He runs. Every sinew tugging and rippling to be fed. For that one glass of milk(ha!). He had a choice to run away, or to run. He did the right thing, he ran. Oh yes, the eternal metaphor ‘the race of life’. We’re all runners. With reason enough? A finish line to shred? Milkha Singh did. He ran his first race for ek glass doodh. And he never stopped. Untiringly. He ran because it was his religion. ‘BMB’ traces his scarred childhood, brutalized by India’s Partition; followed by penury and petty crimes. He finds purpose in life when romance blooms with Beero (Sonam). Joining the Indian Army, where his mentor (Malhotra) inspires him to take the big ‘leap’. Thereon, Milkha just runs. Barefooted, bruised, and with the weight of a suffering soul. He goes on to break records, but faces heartbreaking defeat at the Rome Olympics(1960).
He takes it in his stride, overcomes his catastrophic past and ultimately emerges a winner. Mehra is brilliant at his craft; he infuses realism into drama, and explores characters so deeply and sensitively through tragedy and triumph, that it sparks an emotional deluge. The movie transitions from flashback sepia tones to moods of present, without losing the grip of emotions, ever. Cinematography is ace (Binod Pradhan); the music (ShankarEhsaan-Loy) heightens the drama. Prasoon’s writing is powerful, lyrics are pure poetry and emotions robustly sweep the scenes with few dialogues. While there’s a lot to marvel at, a hint of the director’s over-indulgence in the art, results in a long ‘runtime’ and
prolonged scenes that distract. Farhan is fantastic! He peeps through Milkha’s core to essay this role. With an awe-inspiring body, grit and guts, he puts blood and sweat into Milkha. He races like an athlete, breaks into bhangra like a proud sardar and shows prowess of a Punjab-da-sher. In a brief role, Sonam prettily breezes through. Pavan and Divya (Singh’s sister) are outstanding. Overall, ‘BMB’ pulsates with the storyteller’s sheer passion all the way to the finish line. While you are on-therun, pause to watch this one. Note: You will not like this film if in-depth biopics don’t appeal to your taste. -The Times of India
Mary Kom with Priyanka Chopra
BY AKSHATA SHETTY Actor Priyanka Chopra who will be essaying the role of Olympian Mary Kom in her upcoming film based on the boxer, visited the sportswoman in Manipur. Excited about the visit, Priyanka posted pictures with Mary, when the pugilist took her on a tour. Priyanka tweeted: ‘Road tripppp! Interiors of Manipur r so full of character..with #MaryKom as my travel guide..anything is possible!’ The actor was accompanied by the film’s director Omang Kumar. When contacted, Mary who hosted the actress revealed, “It was very exciting when we got to know that a superstar is coming to my place. We welcomed
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
her with our traditional folk dance Kom Khurpui Lam. She tried to dance too and I also joined her.” It was Priyanka’s keen interest to learn and study Mary’s life, that made the boxer happy. She said, “Priyanka wanted to know how I talk and was also keen to know about my interests. I am glad Priyanka is playing me in the film.” Mary also mentioned that she took the actor on a tour to various places that she is attached to, like her birthplace and her school among others. Mary shared that Priyanka also met her family members and tried the traditional wrap-around skirt. -The Times of India
July 19, 2013
Job Posting:
Community Affairs Intern
UDIPI
As an intern you will attend help in the production of community affairs shows, including scheduling of guests, help gathering and editing video, assist with community drives, forums and outreach. Each area requires significant planning, scheduling and execution. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours. All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #118526BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extra curricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D
Job Posting:
CPA DEV PATHAK RANCE BEMA INSU
EL AJIT PAT COOL AIR AN U
IONS CONGRATULAT TEAM
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP for the fall semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
MADRAS N PAVILIO T & DAAWA CATERING
Rao’s Satish CA FE
Indo-American News
26
Broadcast Technology/Engineering Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid BROADCAST TECHNOLOGY/ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP for the fall semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an onsite educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.
As an intern you will gain firsthand experience in a broadcast technical environment. You will gain experience in networking and computer hardware/software troubleshooting and support as well as learning how to maintain broadcast systems such as automation, news editing systems and live news vans. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.
INDIA
R
RAJENDE SINGH OTION
STAR PROM
JUGAL & NI RAJ MALA
INC.
SWAPAN YAWAN DHAIR ingCIATES
Infodat
CUP
RADWAJ ! Great ANDY BHA Team India aretoplayed: lations
LCC II MCC I
PCC STYXCC
INDIAN
673 713-784-5 s North Deliciou • Serving Indian DishesSizes: & South of All g Events • Caterin te | Weddings Corpora | Anniversaries s Birthday
r at a time
Building
s Rao’
ARIAN INDIAN PURE VEGET
afeusa.com
www.udipic
CUISINE
14-2716 ing: 281-9 • Cater
Indo-American News Today
We cover your world!
Name: ____________________________________ Phone: ____________________________________ Address:___________________________________ __________________________________________ Number of Years: (Circle One)
1 $40
3 $100
Credit Card: Master Card / Visa (Circle One) _________________________________________
Your Signature:
Exp Date: ___/___ 3 digit code:______
_______________
Do cut and mail to: 7457 Harwin Dr, Ste 262, Houston, TX 77036 (OR) Scan and E-mail to: Indoamericannews@yahoo.com • Call us at 713-789-6397 • Call us to sign up for E-mail Blast Indo-American News is community oriented. We thank you for your subscription & support.
Become a fan!
Follow us on facebook!
Keywords: Indo-American News
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
Digital Content Intern
34
ft, 5821 Hillcro
Diam relationships one custome
h Satis
Subscribe to
All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #118525BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D
Job Posting:
on page
on We Jewelry setting done d and Gold e Diamon Jewelry repairs and TX 77036 Exclusiv Houston,
ALI HAPPY DIW elers aja Jew Mahar lry Store ond Jewe
ESS PRINC CUISINE
www.htbc.net
RA. One Breaks Barriers
Story ali with nds3,9 & 14 Frie Fripages brate Diw Family and into Cash Story on ians Cele / Platinum metal above Houston Feasts, Fireworks, Gold / Silver for all the le prices Turn your at affordab pay top $ site Festivities,
STON
Teams Participating I MCC II LCC ECC HACC HOCC
No. 43
Del
GUJARATI SAMAJ
matches All Congratu grounds and the boys! job, Dhoni and full rd ball - On fulla pitches - With semi-ha on Saturdays - Exclusively ACC BZCC CMCC
| Vol. 30,
Diwigahlits
NDIA IIN E WORLD ON TOP OF TH
OF HOU 2011
SprASSO rnament Cricket Tou MD all Taped B
r 28 2011 Octobe
ndo can IIn Ameri News
Friday,
Job Posting:
News Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid DIGITAL CONTENT INTERNSHIP for the fall semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS INTERNSHIP for the fall semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/ media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station.
As an intern, you will turn content generated from multiple sources into comprehensive stories formatted for digital display in a fast-paced environment. The intern will interact with newsroom personnel to get text, video and images onto multiple digital platforms. Intern will make have hand in keeping station’s various social media platforms active. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and will include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.
As an intern you will attend production meetings, assist the assignment desk, research news topics, view and log tapes, transcribe interviews and edit video along with other duties. Interns also will also have an opportunity to, on occasion, travel with reporters and field crews for stories and live remotes. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and will include some weekend and early morning and evening hours.
All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req 118524BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D
All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Reqs 118520BR, 118521BR, 118522BR, 118523BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extra curricular activities. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
Friday, June 10, 3 2011 .com 9, 201 July 1 -news y a id r F erican m a o d in www.
July 19, 2013
www.indoamerican-news.com
27
IndoAmerican News
Business IndoAmerican News
STOCKS • FINANCE • SOUTH ASIAN MARKETS • TECHNOLOGY
Food Prices Bite, Pain to Worsen as Weak Rupee Stings
NEW DELHI (HT): Skyrocketing onion and vegetable prices and costlier staples such as rice and wheat pushed India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation to 4.86% in June, adding to an array of problems for the government battling to the steer the country out of a web of economic mess in an election year. The latest spike in WPI inflation, which was at a 40-month low of 4.7% in May, has largely been driven by high food prices that grew at 9.74% in June compared to 8.25% in May. Overall on a country-wide average, vegetable prices grew 16.47% in June - up from 4.85% in May - as heavy rains and floods in Uttarakhand and other regions affected crop and disrupted supplies. Earlier this week, the Reserve Bank of India moved in to check speculation in the currency market and fixed a daily limit on how much banks can borrow from the central bank - 1% of banks’ deposit base or Rs. 75,000 crore, for the entire banking system. If a bank requires
more funds, it can borrow emergency money using the marginal standing facility (MSF) at sharply costlier 10.25% from 8.25% earlier. Higher prices have hurt family budgets hard, especially at a time when firms, squeezed by costly input and borrowing costs, have offered meagre salary hikes and are holding back expansion and hiring. “Earlier we used to budget for a month. Now we have to revise the budget almost every day,” said K Ratna, a housewife from Chennai. The sharp slide in the rupee, which has fallen nearly 13% since May, is likely to knock up prices of almost everything from farm to fork, effectively negating gains from a potentially bountiful summer harvest. The rupee is hovering around 60 to a dollar and has dashed hopes that RBI will make loans cheaper. RBI governor D Subbarao said the central bank will take into account the inflation numbers while deciding on a rate cut in its July 30 meeting. “Of course we will take into ac-
count inflation numbers. Beyond that I have no comment,” Subbarao told reporters after a meeting with finance minister P Chidambaram. Chidambaram met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Subbarao to discuss measures to arrest the rupee’s fall and reverse the economic slowdown. The central bank will also sell government bonds worth Rs. 2,000 crore in the secondary market to suck out liquidity. In June, onion prices grew by 114% during the month, while egg, meat and fish prices grew 12.23%-- up from 97.4% and 11.21% respectively in May. Rice and wheat prices also grew jumped 19.11% and 13.83% in June compared to 18.48% and 12.65% growth in May. Retail price data, which was released last week, broadly mirrored similar trends with shop-end prices of vegetables and cereals soaring sharply in June. India’s retail inflation stood at 9.87% in June, up from 9.31% in May.
RBI Announces Fresh Steps to Tackle Rupee Volatility MUMBAI (HT): In a move to stem the continuing fall of rupee, the RBI on earlier this week came out with a slew of measures including hiking the lending rates for banks and sucking up of Rs. 12,000 crore, to make the currency dearer. The measures came after high level meetings between the Prime Minister and the finance minister followed by discussions with RBI governor D Subbarao who was called in Mumbai as the rupee lost 33 paise to reach 59.89 after touching over 61-levels. Under the measures announced, RBI raised lending rates to commercial banks 2% to 10.25% making the loans costlier. The RBI will conduct sale of Government of India Securities to suck up Rs. 12,000 crore on July 18 from the market, in a move to make rupee dearer. Government has been under attack over the continuous decline of rupee from 53.8 levels against dollar in April. Gujarat chief minsiter Narendra Modi had made a blistering attack on government’s financial management, including rupee, and targeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh calling him a “failed economist”. The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate has also been increased to 10.25% from current 8.25%. Repo rate has been left unchanged. “The Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate is calibrated with immediate effect to be 300 basis points above the policy repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)... Accordingly, the Bank Rate also stands adjusted to 10.25% with immediate effect.,” the release said.
127
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
Introduced during the 201112 period, MSF allows banks to borrow money from the central bank at a higher rate when there is significant liquidity crunch. The central bank said it could take more measures depending on market conditions, liquidity situation and the macroeconomic developments. These steps would be “consistent with growth-inflation dynamics and macroeconomic stability,” RBI said. “The overall allocation of funds under the LAF will be limited to 1.0% of the Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) of the banking system, reckoned as Rs. 75,000 crore for this purpose,” according to the release. According to RBI, the market perception of likely tapering of US Quantitative Easing has triggered outflows of portfolio investment, particularly from the debt segment. “The exchange rate pressure also evidences that the demand for foreign currency has increased vis-a-vis that of the Rupee in part because of the improving domestic liquidity situation.” RBI said the rupee has depreciated markedly in the last six weeks. Countries, it said, with large current account deficits, such as India, have been particularly affected despite their relatively promising economic fundamentals. Last week, RBI had asked oil firm to source all of their 8-8.5 billion of dollar needs every month for import of oil, from a single public sector bank. It also barred banks from trading in currency futures and exchange-traded currency options market on their own.
28
July 19, 2013
Ashes 2013: Anderson Gives England the First Test England 215 (Siddle obvious advantage. It is 5-50) and 375 (Bell 109, Anderson. Once limited Broad 65, Pietersen 64, if the ball did not swing Cook 50) beat Australia conventionally, he has 280 (Agar 98, Hughes grown into the best dry81*, Smith 53, Anderson wicket pace bowler in the 5-85) and 296 (Haddin world. 71, Rogers 52, Anderson England predictably 5-73) by 14 runs stuck with a winning James Anderson led squad for the second England to victory in the Investec Ashes Test at first Investec Test as he Lord’s. took the last four wickAlastair Cook’s team ets to fall in a steadfast hung on for a famous 14spell of fast bowling on a run win in a titanic first nerve-shredding final day Test at Trent Bridge, and at Trent Bridge. But Austhe selectors this morntralia took some silencing. ing confirmed the same A last-wicket stand of 65 13 to pick from when the between Brad Haddin and second starts at HQ on James Pattinson took a Thursday. wonderful match, against Cook and coach Andy expectations, into the afFlower will then have ternoon session before tougher decisions to Anderson struck for the make about whether to final time. again give Steven Finn Haddin’s valiant inthe nod as their third nings, 71 from 147 balls, seamer ahead of either deserved better than a disTim Bresnan or Graham missal by virtue of DRS. Onions. But it was better than an Finn struggled in Notumpire getting it wrong; tingham, where man of the system worked. Aleem the match James AnderDar, the on-field umpire, son led the home attack understandably did not brilliantly and was respot an inside edge about warded with 10 wickets. which only the wicketAnnouncing today’s keeper, Matt Prior, seemed unchanged squad, nationconvinced but England al selector Geoff Miller had two reviews in the congratulated Cook’s tank and replays clearly England on the “compoproved Haddin nicked it. sure” they demonstrated England raced into a James Anderson secured victory for England with his tenth wicket in the match. to keep Australia at bay jubilant huddle, a capacon the final day. ity crowd cheered with “It was a fantastic start display of timewasting - Stuart England’s all-time list during the delight and Haddin, his helmet re- Broad to the fore, under his cap- game. to the Investec Test series, with moved, looked pale with exhaus- tain’s instructions, with needless Turn to your leading bowler both sides showing a huge amount tion and regret. boot repairs. The umpires made when it most matters. In relying of skill and determination,” he The importance of Anderson to them have another over anyway. upon Anderson, England’s cap- said. England was doubly emphasised “I would like to congratulate Much is made of Anderson’s tain, Alastair Cook, was returning when he finally took a break. At skill, but it was his stamina that to basic principles, and aware also England on showing a great deal that stage, Australia still needed was also to the fore as he pro- of his excellent record at Trent of composure to win by 14 runs.” 64 but, with Anderson withdrawn, duced a gruelling spell of 13 overs Bridge but he would have had a Miller is expecting more of the the last pair immediately sensed off the reel and was then asked few qualms about giving Ander- same from both sides in the rethey could hit their way to victory. for 11 more deliveries after lunch. son such an arduous spell with the maining four Tests. Haddin, strong on the slog-sweep, Anderson was entrusted first with Lord’s Test only four days away. “I have no doubt that the rest of was dropped at deep square leg the old ball, then dismissed Ashthe series will be equally compelThere is no doubt who is most by Steven Finn on 64, Graeme ton Agar, Mitchell Starc and Pe- invaluable to England in this ling,” he added. “We have selected Swann’s premature visions of vic- ter Siddle with the new. He has Ashes series. It is not Cook, Jona- the same squad for the Lord’s Test, tory banished. bowled 55.5 overs in the match, than Trott at his most unflappable because this provides options for England were so shaken they taking ten for 158 in the process, or even Swann, whose superior Alastair Cook and Andy Flower.” ended the session with a shameless and passed Fred Trueman in spin bowling gives England an ESPN Cricinfo.
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
SPORTS
Afridi’s Great Return
PROVIDENCE, RI: Shahid Afridi turned in one of the greatest allround ODI performances to flatten West Indies in his comeback game. With Pakistan axing a whole host of experienced players in recent months - including Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal - there had been murmurs over whether Afridi’s ODI career should have been given yet another lifeline. He’s someone who sees himself as a bowling allrounder in recent years, and with no wickets in six previous ODIs, the doubts were justified. Afridi squashed them, and how a game-transforming half-century and then the second best oneday bowling figures of all time. West Indies were unusually generous in the field but their batting showed signs of returning to form and Sunil Narine roared back to his best as they overcame Pakistan in Providence to level the series at one-each. West Indies themselves had been helped by a sloppy effort from Pakistan’s bowlers, who conceded a whopping 38 extras in a low-scoring game. Darren Bravo provided the stability at the top of the order and, though Pakistan’s naggingly accurate trio of spinners choked the scoring in the middle overs, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard played some big shots towards the end of the innings to lift West Indies to a competitive 232 on a slow surface.
Afridi: 7/12, 76 runs
July 19, 2013
Cong Embraces ‘Secularism Burqa’, Takes Modi Head on
29
Cops ‘Identify’ IM Operatives Behind Gaya Blasts
National security guards inspect the site a day after the serial blasts in Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya.
Modi speaking during a public rally at Madhopur
NEW DELHI (HT): It is a full blown war. A day after Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi’s accused the Congress of hiding behind the “burqa (veil) of secularism” when faced with crisis, the ruling party hit back on Monday, saying the burqa was much better than naked communalism. With a battery of senior Congress leaders taking on Modi, the issue of secularism versus communalism looks set to take the centre stage ahead of the 2014 general elections. “The burqa of secularism is much better than naked communalism. While communalism divides, secularism binds,” Congress’ communication department head Ajay Maken said. Modi came under fire from estranged ally the Janata Dal (U) as well. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said use of words such as “puppy” and “burqa” would not
yield votes for the BJP but would certainly vitiate the environment. Modi’s comments appear to have created disquiet in his party as well. Party leader Yashwant Sinha cautioned that the “spurious” secular-communal debate could divert attention from the real issues of corruption and price rise on which the UPA government could be cornered. A combative Congress was unsparing. The people of the country would have to choose between those who were for an inclusive India and those with a sectarian outlook, information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari said. “The vision of the Congress party is pluralistic and inclusive. And the vision of the section of the Opposition has been sectarian, majoritarian and communal right from the beginning,” he said. Another minister Shashi Tharo-
or joined in, saying secularism burqa was preferable to “khaki shorts of the Italian fascists which signify intolerance and hatred.” The BJP, in turn, accused the Congress of running away from the debate on development. “We thought Ajay Maken will answer questions raised by Modi, but he ended up posing out of context questions,” said party spokesperson Captain Abhimanyu. Yashwant Sinha, however, said the focus of the debate should be the problems confronting the common man such as poverty and unemployment. “These are the issues which are hurting people. It is not communalism or secularism,” he said. Addressing students in Pune on Sunday, Modi accused the Congress of failing to address poverty and using a “veil of secularism” to cover its failures.
For advertising in Indo-American News
Call: Jawahar Malhotra / Vanshika Vipin at 713.789.6397
Job Opportunity
Capricorn Travel Requires Full Time Experienced Travel Agent. For Appointment: Please Call: 713-339-2222
NEW DELHI (HT): Two absconding operatives of the Indian Mujahideen (IM), who represent two of the home-grown terror outfit’s deadliest known modules, were ‘certainly’ behind the Bodh Gaya blasts, the Delhi Police special cell has claimed. Waqas alias Ahmed from the Maharashtra module and Asadullah Akhtar Haddi alias Tabrez from the Uttar Pradesh module have been evading arrest well before they allegedly planted bombs during the Mumbai serial blasts in July 2010. The men then executed a similar, though unsuccessful bid at Pune in August 2012 and another bid in Delhi last year before they allegedly struck in Bodh Gaya instead, according to highly-placed sources. “These men, who have received training at Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camps in Pakistan, according to Syed Maqbool, one of the men arrested for the Pune serial
blasts, are the only remaining IM bombers,” said a senior officer. While Haddi, who was allegedly involved in the Batla House encounter of 2008 has been on the run, Waqas was part of the infamous Aurangabad Arms Haul of 2006. “We have reached this conclusion after analysing undetonated improvised explosive devices recovered from Mumbai, Pune and Bodh Gaya. All had similar markings near their circuits. Bihar bans cylinders: With small LPG cylinders emerging as a security threat, the Bihar government has enforced a strict ban on their sale and use. The move comes in the aftermath of the July 7 serial bomb blasts in Bodh Gaya. Such cylinders were used in the 10 bomb blasts that rocked Bodh Gaya, including four in the complex housing the Mahabodhi temple, regarded as the world’s holiest Buddhist shrine.
FAISALABAD (DAWN. com): Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that unlike the previous government, his government would not adopt double standards on the issue of drone attacks. The previous regime used to criticise drone attacks, but silently supported them, he said. “We hope that drone attacks will end in the days to come,” Sharif said in an address to industrialists, exporters, traders and media personnel. He said terrorism, suicide bombings and violence were a threat
to the country’s sovereignty and the government needed public support to get rid of the menace. The Foreign Office also lodged protest with the US over drone attacks, warning that the continued unilateral strikes could set “dangerous precedents” in conduct of inter-state ties. The protest was prompted by Saturday’s attack in North Waziristan in which two militants riding a motorbike were killed by missiles fired from a CIA operated pilot-less drone.
No Double Standards, Says Nawaz
Award Winning Customer Service & Best Rates in Town Proudly Serving For Best Rates to: India, Europe, Cruises & Vacation Packages South Asian Community Toll Free: 1-866-956-0758 - Tel:713-339-2222 for Past 3939 Hillcroft Ave, Suite# 110, Houston, TX 77057 30 Years
CAPRICORN TRAVEL
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
30
July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
31 3
32 July 19, 2013
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2013 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM