India Herald 032515

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India Herald

VOL . 21 NO. 12 • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • P.O. BOX 623 • SUGAR LAND, TX 77487 • PERIODICAL PERMIT USPS 017-699 25 Cent

Hindu Youth Awards gala set for April 11 The Hindus of Greater Houston will hold the ‘Hindu Youth Awards Gala’ on Saturday, April 11, at Chinmaya Mission, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land.

The objective of the Youth Gala is to identify and recognize the future Hindu leaders, to encourage them to preserve and persevere its proud legacy, and to groom them with the needed understanding, tools and resources to achieve that goal.

The highlights of the evening would include listening to the inspiring stories of the winning youth and recognizing the donors and organizations for their commitment and support of the important cause and enjoy a cultural program.

“To unite we must have a common goal. There is no higher goal than our quest for spiritual self. Let us unite as Hindu organizations in quest of this self through understanding of our scriptures”, said Acharya Gaurangbhai Nanavati of Chinmaya Mission Houston, and member of HGH advisory board.

The keynote speaker for the evening is Asit Shah, an exemplary youth and member of the Board of Regents, University of Houston, who is appointed by the Governor of Texas.

Young Attorney, Amit Misra as a special guest, will encourage the youth with his mesmerizing speech.

There will be an exclusive a youth session from 5:15-5:45 p.m.

Hindus of Greater Houston organizes this event every year.

It was hosted last year by Arya Samaj, and in 2016 Sri Meenakshi Temple, Pearland is scheduled to host it.

Sanjay Jain, co-chair of the event last year, had this to say: ‘While reducing the cost and efforts by HGH, it also brought the best from Arya Samaj and we will have a great program this year as well as years to come. Working with Arya Samaj and Chinmaya Mission this year, I feel each of these organizations is hosting the event with pride.’

See AWARD, Page 7

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Community awards presented at India House gala

At the 2015 India House annual gala three community awards were given on on March 21 at the Sugar Land Marriott. The recipients included Manish Rungta, right, an accomplished gastroenterologist, Prabhat C. Sharma, co-founder of Hindu Worship Society and Darshan Wadhwa, CPA, professor of accounting and taxation at the University of Houston-Downtown. At left, India House trustee Dr. Virendra Mathur and to his left is chief guest Dr. Tom Mendelsohn, past president of the M.D. Anderson Caner Center in Houston. Young Entrepreneur award winner Pankaj Malani and philanthropy award winner Amit Bhandari were not present.

—PhotosBIJAY DIXIT India House, the iconic and backers of India House of India International Center Indian American organization attended the program where in Delhi, the intellectual nerve whose mission is to unite four time Olympian with nine center of Delhi. cultures, create bridges and gold medals in sprint and It is the best example of serve human needs by bringing long jump Carl Lewis was the Indo-American cooperation resources, education and keynote speaker. (the Ford Foundation was a “India House has come major backer when it started), services and India’s culture to all Houstonians, held its twelfth a long way,” said Consul said Harish. It is a place where annual fund-raising banquet on General Parvathaneni Harish the best performers, scientists, in his short remarks and urged Saturday, March 21.

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Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir celebrated Cheti Chand and Pran Patishtha puja of Shri Jhulelal, patron saint of the Sindhi community, on Sunday, March 22. Over 500 devotees from the Sindhi and Lohana communities gathered to worship Shri Jhulelal. The Pratishtha puja was performed

by Pandit Virat Mehta (top photo) from 5 to 6 p.m. It was followed by a bhajan sandhya where several devotees sang Sindhi bhajans, including the famous Damadam Mast Kalander. The singers were accompanied on the harmonium by Dilip Nayak and on the tabla by Minesh Patel.

Aarti for Shri Jhulelal was performed at 8:30 p.m. and was followed by Mahaprasad (dinner). See Page 17 for the story of Shri Jhulelal.

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PAGE 4 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

VOICES A Villainous Law is Gone The Supreme Court's decision to strike down Section 66A of the Information and Technology Act, 2000, marks a major victory for free speech in this country. The section militated against the principles that lie at the core of our democratic nation and threatened the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

Since it was incorporated into the IT Act in 2008, Section 66A had been repeatedly used to scuttle dissenting voices on the Internet and had become a convenient tool for politicians to lash out, not just at critics, but just about anyone who expressed an opinion or shared a fact that they found inconvenient. In fact, the public was being so harassed that, in May 2013, the Supreme Court had to intervene and advise that arrests could only be made with the permission of a seniorlevel police officer.

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court pointed out two major flaws with Section 66A. First, that it was poorly worded. Section 66A prescribes a maximum jail term of three years for anybody who sends an electronic message (an SMS, a Facebook post, a tweet etc) that could be seen by another as “grossly offensive” or having “menacing character” or even merely “causing annoyance”.

The Section did not define any of these terms, leaving them open to interpretation and abuse. Moreover, the rights to offend and annoy, irk and oppose are all parts of the larger free speech guarantee. If these are not protected by law, the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression has no meaning. In this context, some may point out, and rightly so, that Article 19(2) does impose certain “reasonable restrictions” on free speech.

But let us not forget that even for these “reasonable restrictions” to apply, the matter at hand must pass two tests. The contentious text or speech or post must pose a clear and present danger to public safety, and it must have a tendency to create public disorder. Section 66A did not incorporate either of these checks and balances. This was its second major flaw.

To understand the kind of damage that Section 66A had the potential to cause, one only needs to go through some of the cases in which it has been invoked. At the top of the list is the 2012 case of Shaheen Dhada and Rinu Srinivasan, who were arrested from Palghar in Thane district for criticising the shutdown of Mumbai following Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray's death.

Based on this case, Ms Shreya Singhal filed a public interest litigation against Section 66A, which led to the law being stuck down. There have been many other cases too. A university professor who shared cartoons of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a high school student who recently commented against Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan, had to face the police brunt on account of Section 66A. That said, given the tremendous power of social media and the Internet in general, there is also a case to be made for regulating and monitoring forums of mass communication. Additionally, laws are also required to protect the people and the state from cyber crimes and attacks. However, these rules and laws should be framed in a manner that does not impinge on the freedoms that the Constitution of India provides. — The Pioneer

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TOPIC OF THE WEEK Narendra Modi — Hindu of the Year The Hindu of the Year Award is intended to honor one eminent religious leader who has most impacted the faith and spread its values, compassion and profundity across the globe. In surveying the world Hindu landscape for that award upon the close of 2014, the editors of Hinduism Today encountered something unexpected.

The most qualified person was not a full-time religious leader as in the past, but rather a politician: Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister.

Surprised by our own conclusion, we reached out to several Hindu leaders for their opinions.

Each agreed with us that at the moment, for reasons both historical in terms of India and personal in terms of Modi himself, he is indeed the right choice. Many people pointed out that for the first time in 800 years, a Hindu is in charge of India.

Even when independence was restored in 1947, the idea of secularism was enned in the Indian constitution, and the British Raj’s deprecation of Hinduism as the sustenance of the poor and unsophisticated seemed to only strengthen in the postcolonial Indian psyche.Now India has Narendra Modi, not only the first PM born after independence, but an openly devout, practicing Hindu, committed to using the wisdom of Sanatana Dharma to the benefit of his nation, its citizens and all peoples of the world.

His impact has been particularly notable on the youth, who came out in droves to elect him. One swami observed, “His travel abroad, his speeches and the initiation of projects such as the cleaning of Ganga, have all given the youth of India a new absence of hesitation. They used to hesitate, but now the PM himself is without inhibition. He’s talking about faith, he’s talking about Hinduism, he’s talking about the old traditions. He’s not only just talking, he’s implementing, he’s bringing it into practice.”

Dr. Abhaya Asthana, president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, told us, “Hindus the world over are thrilled that there is a person at the helm of the government in India who is guided by dharma. By simply being himself during his recent visit to the US and following his personal practices, he sent a strong signal that one can be a great leader and be a good Hindu at the same time— there is no contradiction.”

Dr. Asthana is referring to the PM’s strictly upholding a wateronly fast — which he has observed during Navaratri for the past 35 years — even while traveling, addressing the UN General Assembly, speaking to 19,000 supporters and government officials at New York’s Madison Square Garden and attending a private dinner at the White House. As others feasted in his honor, the Prime Minister of India took only water—an austerity which did not go unnoticed in the American press.

Born on September 17, 1950, to a family of grocers in present-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

day Gujarat, Narendra Modi began attending training sessions with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at the age of eight. Drawn to sadhu life in his late teens, he spent two itinerant years before returning to his home state to work in a canteen run by his uncle. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Modi became a fulltime pracharak for the RSS and rose through the organization’s leadership. He received political science degrees from Delhi University and Gujarat University.

Assigned to the Bharatiya Janata Party in 1985, he was elected as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001, the post he held until his election as the republic’s Prime Minister in May, 2014. Living a frugal, solitary life has allowed him to dedicate himself fully to serving his country and her citizens, and to his sadhana, which is said to include worship, meditation, scriptural study and hatha yoga, from which he claims he receives tremendous energy. He composes poems in Gujarati, observes a strict vegetarian diet and abstains from alcohol.

Houston’s Ramesh Shah, a close friend and admirer, and founder of Ekal Vidyalaya, summed up the personal philosophy Modi employs in his daily life and in his relationships: “Vasudhaiva kutumbakam (“global family”), sarvetra sukhinah santu (“may every being be happy”), Swami Vivekananda’s practical approach of Vedanta for humanity and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.”

Modi frequently evokes Vivekananda in his addresses and dauntlessly quotes the lessons of the Gita and other scriptures—in Sanskrit—when negotiating policy. Shah said, “He is humble,

yet firm in his duty. He knows his dharma; he knows what he has to do for the betterment of society.

And when a challenge arises, he accepts the reality of it without getting frustrated, always calmly searching for a solution; this must come from his spirituality, his practice of meditation and yoga.”

It is far too early in Modi’s term for him to have created a list of accomplishments—though he did immediately succeed at having the UN adopt June 21 as International Yoga Day. But this award is not given for programs planned or promised for the future, such as the cleaning of the Ganga or improvements to Varanasi, his home constituency. Rather, it is given for what has already occurred: inspiring Hindus worldwide with a new sense of confidence, pride and hope. Anshuman Mishra, a businessman who is affiliated with the RSS and lives in London, puts it this way: “I think he has become symbolic of the Hindu renaissance.

He has created an enthusiasm among Hindus outside of India for the first time. He is being an effective Hindu rather than a noisy Hindu.”

Here in America, Hindu organizations now encounter a different climate. Suhag Shukla, director of the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group, explained thus. “What has been most surprising for us is the subtle but palpable change in attitude we’ve experienced in our meetings on Capitol Hill. The world finally sees an Indian leader who is not only not shy or embarrassed about his religious heritage, but admittedly draws inspiration from it. This vocalization has a tremendous impact on ordinary Hindus. It provides a much-needed articulation of faith in action.”

While opponents warned that putting an avowed Hindu in India’s top leadership position might result in alienation of the country’s minorities, supporters say there has been no evidence of that so far.

Ramesh Shah explained, “We know what he has done for Gujarat, where not a single minority has been marginalized; they actually came up financially, educationally and in all ways during his administration. In the same way, on a national level, he always speaks of what must be done for all 1.25 billion citizens of India.”

— Hinduism Today, Hawaii

THE LIGHTER SIDE

INDIANS ABROAD Sir Venkatraman to head Royal Society LONDON: Nobel Laureate, Deputy Director of the British Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, and Fellow of the Royal Society, Sir Venkatraman (Venki) Ramakrishnan has been confirmed as President Elect of the Royal Society.

“It is a great honor,” Dr. Ramakrishnan told The Hindu over the phone from Cambridge.

“Unlike many others, this is given by your peers, by fellow scientists.”

He said he was “specially touched” because he is an immigrant who came to the United Kingdom only 16 years ago from the US. “To be chosen for this position really reflects a wonderful tradition of openness that the Royal Society has always had since its inception.”

Dr. Ramakrishnan is the first India-born scientist to be elected President of the Royal Society, although he is part of a long tradition of illustrious Indian Fellows starting with Ardaseer Cursetjee, a Parsee engineer and industrialist who became a Fellow in 1841.

The first Indian to be elected was the mathematician S. Ramanujan, followed by many others including J.C. Bose, C.V.Raman and Meghnad Saha.

Dr. Ramakrishnan will take over his new appointment on December 1, 2015, replacing the eminent geneticist Sir Paul Nurse, “one of the most articulate exponents of science that I have come

Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan

across,” he said, adding, “His will be a very hard act to follow, but I will do my best.”

Dr. Ramakrishnan’s work, which won him the Nobel Prize

in Chemistry in 2009 (shared with Tom Steitz and Ada Yonath), is on the structure and function of the ribosome, the molecular machine that synthesises proteins inside cell; and on the action of antibiotics on the process.

Born in Chidambaram, and with a B.Sc. in physics from Baroda University, Dr. Ramakrishnan took his Ph.D. from Ohio University, USA. He moved to the LMB as a group leader in 1999. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2003, and was knighted in 2012.

The Royal Society is a self-governing fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering, and medicine, set up to support excellence in science, and to encourage its use for the benefit of humanity.

Indian journalist saved by secret service WASHINGTON: An Indian-American journalist suffered a heart attack inside the White House, but prompt response by US Secret Service personnel saved his life.

Manku Singh, the only Sikh journalist accredited to the White House, collapsed in the East Room while covering the White House Science Fair moments before President Barack Obama was to speak.

Singh is a community reporter/cameraperson for TV Asia.

The emergency responders who tried to revive him found that he had no pulse. After about four minutes, one of the technicians said, "We have a rhythm." The emergency medical technicians later said Singh had a strong pulse.

He was transferred to the nearby George Washington hospital.

At the hospital, soon, Singh underwent a heart catheterisation, and the early signs were reported to be encouraging. "Secret Service literally saves a life in back of East Room," Benjamin Corb, who was in the East Room representing the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, tweeted about the incident.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 5

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Indian Music Society of Houston Presents A Concert of Morning Ragas By

Pandit Sanjeev Abhyankar Disciple of Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj

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Milind Kulkarni on Harmonium Disciple of Pt. Pramod Marathe

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PAGE 6 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

INDIANS ABROAD The Telugu divide in North America

By Sribala Vadlapatla The Times of India HYDERABAD: Nearly 10 months after the creation of Telangana, the bifurcation of the Telugu-speaking state has crossed the Atlantic.

The Telugu community in the US and North America, one of the most influential among the Indians there, is all set to celebrate their diversity from now on.

With the launch of Telugu association of Telangana in the US in the first week of April, the Telugu divide is set to be formalized in North America.

The Telugu community is nearly 10 lakh-strong in the US and Canada, and post-bifurcation, the majority numbers appear to be loaded heavily in favour of Andhra Pradesh. "Of the 10 lakh Telugu population here, only about 1.5 lakh are from Telangana," Anugu Srinivas Reddy, a professional from Washington DC and hailing from Telangana, told TOI over telephone. Srinivas Reddy is the founder of Telangana American Telugu Association (TATA) whose formal launch is to take place at the Royal Albert Palace in New Jersey on April 5 at the hands of Nizamabad TRS MP K Kavitha.

After the Telugus landed in big numbers in the US, the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) was among the first major community organization floated by them in the year 1977.

However, with people from coastal

Andhra dominating the association, splinter groups emerged. If the earlier splits were based on caste dynamics, it is the regional divide that has given rise to TATA. "Telangana state has become a reality. And there has been a tremendous response from the Telangana Telugus to the association. We hope to secure a primary membership of about 10,000 Telugus soon after the launch," Srinivas Reddy said.

Representatives of both the associations (TANA and TATA) conceded that regional frictions between them rose in the recent past and simmer even after the bifurcation of the state. "We will all work for the growth of the Telugu community, the only difference being we will promote the culture and heritage of our respective states. I welcome the formation of TATA," TANA's current president Mohan Nananpaneni told TOI. According to him, TANA has spent nearly Rs 300 crore so far in philanthropic activities and that will not stop just because a separate Telangana association has been formed.

For TATA's Srinivas Reddy, except for extending support to the people of Telangana, there is no regional divide. "In fact, we will be inviting other Telugu associations for our launch" he pointed out.

And unlike bitterness and animosity back home, the representatives of the two Telugu states in North America promised to work in close coordination.

Ram Navami at ISKCON Many millennia ago, in an age what the Vedic scriptures call Treta Yuga, an incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead descended on earth as Lord Ramachandra in Ayodhya. Born to King Dasharatha and his chaste wife Kaushalya on the 9th day of the month of Chaitra, Lord Rama exemplified the perfect person as is recorded in the great epic Ramayana. He was an ideal king, an exemplary brother and a devoted husband. For worshippers of Vishnu or Krishna, Rama Navami is a very auspicious day as it signifies the appearance of the revered incarnation who defined principles of dharma and righteousness. Devotees observe a fast and chant the holy names of the Lord. Many also prefer to read from sacred scriptures like the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Ramayana that describe His extraordinary pastimes.

On Saturday, March 28, ISKCON of Houston will celebrate this festival starting at 5 p.m. There will be a discourse on the glories of Sri Rama and His pastimes from the Ramayana, followed by worship with aarti and chanting of holy names, cultural programs with drama presentations and more. These will be followed with a grand feast.

Iskcon temple of Houston is located at 1320 West 34th St, Houston, TX 77018.

Obama impressed with young Indian American scientists WASHINGTON: President Obama on Monday recognized immigrants' contributions that have enabled continued US dominance in science and technology, while specifically calling out Indian-American students during a White House science fair.

At least five of the 30 projects selected nationwide for the annual White House science fair this week were from students of Indianorigin.

Their high visibility and immediate relevance appeared to strike a chord with the US President as he gave a shout out to Anvita Gupta, Ruchi Pandya, and Nikhil Behari, after examining their projects and questioning them closely.

"Their parents came here as immigrants and we are glad they did," Obama remarked at a time Washington is trying to craft immigration policies to attract and retain the best and the brightest among potential immigrants while keeping out those it feels will simply take away American jobs and undermine the US economy.

Obama was particularly impressed by the project of Nikhil Behari, a Pennsylvania high-schooler whose father is a well-known physician in Pittsburgh.

Having heard about data breaches at retail chains, Behari created a security system that uses people's distinctive typing speed and style as a means of secondary authentication for safer passwords.

He connected sensors to a microprocessor he had programmed to detect keystroke pressure, and used a separate programme to measure action and pause-time as users type. By analyzing data from these devices, Nikhil discovered that keystroke-based authentication is a potentially powerful technique for distinguishing and authenticating individuals.

His invention won a second place at the 2014 Broadcom MASTERS national finals, and even President Obama was visibly impressed by the technology.

Ironically, his administration has been under scrutiny for privacy violations. Obama was also impressed by the work of San Jose highschooler Ruchi Pandya, who combined nanotechnology, biology and electrochemistry to devise a method to test specific cardiac biomarkers with a single drop of blood. Again, given his enormous interest in healthcare costs, Obama spend considerable time on her project.

Obama, during his speech, praised Arizona teenager Anvita Gupta who used machine learning to "teach" a computer to identify potential new drugs for cancer, tuberculosis, and Ebola.

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COMMUNITY NEWS HMM celebrates Gudi Padwa Houston Maharashtra Mandal (HMM) celebrated Gudi Padwa on Saturday March 21st with its own vibrant bouquet, “Prem Dhara,” a musical concert strung together by the universal theme of love.

Gudi Padwa signifies the first day of the bright phase of the moon, the New Year and the arrival of spring It also symbolizes the day Lord Brahma created the world after the deluge. In Maharashtrian homes, a “Gudi” is raised high to represent victory and reminds us that we can all triumph over personal daemons.

After Bhagyashree Dixit’s warm welcome, students from HMM’s Marathi School gave the event an invigorating start with their delightful rendition of prayers.

The poetry of spring splashes gentle color onto the white canvas of winter. Its shades and sounds are subtle but hold within them, the promise of new beginnings. “Prem Dhara” explored the nuanced palette of human love, from the rush of

Award From Page 1 He added, ‘As Hindu leaders, it is our responsibility to encourage youth and recognize them for their service. This is an excellent event supporting that purpose.’

To quote Neeraj Salhotra, a recipient of the award ‘The HGH Youth awards program is an excellent way to recognize youth engaged in service. It was truly a humbling experience to be selected as a winner, and I know that this experience further inspired me to continue serving my community.’

Chairman of the Board of Advisors, Dev Mahajan commented: ‘In 2013, the Board of Advisors made the decision to host the Hindu Youth Awards at the venue of a different Hindu Temple or organization each year, to inspire solidarity.’

‘We celebrate them as torch-bearers of tradition in upholding our Dharma and being proud of their heritage.

We dedicate the evening to their celebration. This year we will recognize six youth who have provided outstanding service to community in education and development of youth’, said Gala co-chair Richa Dixit.

Please save the date, September 12, 2015 for Janmashtami, a signature event that Hindus of Greater Houston has been celebrating for the past twenty-five years.

They also host and support a variety of events on an ongoing basis, with the generous help of patrons in the community. We are always looking forward to more sponsors and support.

For more information visit Hinudusofhouston.org or call Richa Dixit at 832.451.7206 or Sanjay Jain at 281.565.5246.

puppy love, to a mother’s unconditional love for her child, to the purity of spiritual love and ended with patriotic love.

Hints of buds peeking through half frozen stems, the gurgle of streams from melting snow and the chirping of birds are not just renewed affirmations of life but also of enduring love.

The multimedia presentation took the audience on a stroll through the ages and included timeless favorites as well as an original composition. Stringing the songs together like a garland of blooms, the narrative script resonated with its own signature flourishes. New voices, budding young artists and the sweet sounds of guitar and flute in the lineup further enhanced the show with a refreshing touch.

Taking us back to the poet for the first song, the program

Marathi school children perform during Gudi Padwa celebration. came full circle and ended on a high note with Arati Kolhatkar’s creative and insightful version of Marathi poet Padgaonkar’s poem on love.

Dinner was served with a smile by enthusiastic audience members.

An event of this nature can-

not be successful without the tireless efforts of volunteers who weather the unexpected storms behind the scenes.

HMM’s 2015 committee consists of Bhagyashree Dixit (President), Hemraj Gaidhani (VP), Arati Kolhatkar (Secretary), Swati Joshi (Treasurer),

Savita Kale (Cultural, Food), Amit Godbole (Cultural, Audiovisual), Koushik Gumaste (Cultural, Audio), Pradnya Borikar (Food),Yogesh Kondaskar, Sanjay Gurav and Piyush Sawant (Web Admin) and Yogesh Patil (Marketing).

—By Neeta Patwardhan

PAGE 8 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

COMMUNITYCALENDAR CALENDAR COMMUNITY Ram Charit Manthan – Seminar on Lord Ram

Durga Bari Temple

Sat., March 28 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Shri Govindaji Gaudiya Math temple will celebrate Ramanavami in a unique way by organizing a scholarly symposium on Lord Rama and his Lila. The seminar will feature ten local scholars who will speak on various aspects of life and deeds of Lord Rama. The seminar theme is Ram Ek, Charit Anek. Program followed by temple Arti and dinner prasad. For more information, write to om@ramacharit.org and/or call Om Gupta 713-471-7822. You may also visit www.ramacharit.org/manthan2015 for more information.

Durga Bari temple is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Mon. thru Sat. Sandhya aarti at 6:30 p.m.

Temple closes at 7 p.m. Sunday special from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Puja services - Priest Bishnupada Goswami 281-597-8100 Temple is located at 13944 Schiller Rd (off Hwy 6 bet. Bellaire & Westpark).

Call Ganesh Mandal at 713-7979057 / 832-423-8541.

Mata Chauki & Ram Navami Mataji ki Chouki on Fri., March 27 from 7:30 p.m.to 10 p.m.

Ram Navmi (Ram Janam ) celebration on March 28 at noon.

Prasaad will be served after the Program. At Shri Radha Krish Temple, 1625 Beechnut. For further information call temple at 281-933-8100 or visit www.SRKT.Org.

India Bee 2015 Sun., Mar 29 from 9- 6 p.m.

Foundation for India Studies (FIS) and India House, Inc. jointly present India Bee - 2015, a unique quiz contest that will encourage your child to learn more about India and win "India Bee -2015" title, and cash prizes. At India House, 8888 West Bellfort Avenue, Houston, TX 77031.

5K Walkathon Sat., May 9 Chinmaya Mission Houston invites all to join in 5K community walkathon in celebrating birth centenary of Pujya Swami Chinmayanda.

For online registration, visit www.chinmayahouston.org/walkathon.

Must register before April 6. Registration fee $5 includes T-shirt, food, water, lots of games and fun for all ages. For more information, call Jay Deshmukh 832-541- 0059 or Jaya Chitale 832-437-0236.

Arya Samaj Satsang Weekly Havan Satsang every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

DAV Sanskriti School Sundays 10 a.m. to 12 noon. - Havan, Hindi and Naitik Shiksha classes. DAV Montessori School for ages 2 to 7 years. Call Arti Khanna 281-759-3286. Free Yoga classes on Sat. Sanskrit & Upanishad classes Tue. 6-8 p.m. At 14375 Schiller Rd. (bet Westpark & Bellaire off Hwy 6). 281-752-0100.

Chinmaya Mission Sunday satsangs for adults, youth, and children. A unique Bala Vihar program for each grade, from PreK to Grade 12. Satsangs in two sessions between 8:35 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. and 11:20 a.m. - 1p.m. Bala Vihar students can take shloka, bhajan and orchestra classes or language classes for Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, and Gujarati. Located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77498. New members may visit the welcome desk between 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. or 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Visit www.chin mayahouston.org or call Bharati Sutaria 281.933.0233.

Vedanta Society Vedanta Society of Greater Houston, 14809 Lindita Drive (77083) has classes every Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, 1st & 3rd Sunday; Bhagavad Gita, 2nd Sunday; on works of Swami Vivekananda, 4th Sunday; Holy Mother Sarada’s Gospel, 5th Sunday. Swamis of Ramakrishna Order visit to conduct retreats and lectures. www.houstonvedanta. org or 281-584-0488.

Open Forum Radio Program Where Your Opinion Counts

KGOL 1480 AM • Saturdays 4 to 6 p.m.

Informative programs with doctors, lawyers, politicians and other newsmakers.

Call 713-784-1480 Hosts: Dinkar Chheda, Jagat Kamdar & Subodh Bhuchar

Chandra & David Courtney Tabla and Vocal

Classes now ongoing

(713) 665-4665

Classes in Houston, Mission Bend, & Sugar Land

Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program is funded by Southwestern National Bank to recognize and assist outstanding high school graduates to reduce financial burdens for college. Southwestern National Bank Scholars are selected on the basis of their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Each year a total of $5,000 will be awarded to five selected scholars. Each scholar will be awarded a total of $1,000.

1. Please send your application package to Southwestern National Bank, Attention Scholarship Program-Jennifer Zhou, 6901 Corporate Drive, Houston, Texas 77036 2. Applications and all supporting documents must be received by the end of May, 2015 for application to be considered 3. Interview may be part of the application process for all semifinalists 4. Scholars for the 2015Scholarship program will be announced by mail before end of June, 2015.

For scholarship application and information, please contact scholarship coordinator by email, Jennifer.zhou@swnbk.com or call 713-272-5004.

Sahaj Marg is a natural and simple system of heart-centered meditation and spiritual practice that helps one realize the utimate potential within oneself. The meditation is available to anyone who wishes to practice. Weekly meditation sessions held throughout the or Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 for puja or other ceremonies.

Houston area. Web: www. sahajmarg.org Email: meditate_ Houston Namadwaar houston@yahoo.com.

A prayer house where the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Maha-mantra is continuously chanted. Weekends: 8-11 AM & 4-7 PM, WeekHeritage Classes days: 7-8 AM & 6-7 PM. Weekly “Gopa Kuteeram” children’s heriAshirwad’s Heritage Classes in tage classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes. Call 281-402-6585; Katy, Cypress and Sugar Land for visit www.godivinity.org (Global Organization for Divinity). kids 4 to 18 yrs - meditation, Yoga, slokas, stories from scriptures, Mar Thoma Church Vishnu Sahasranam, bhajans, comTrinity Mar Thoma Church every Sunday at 5810 Almeda Genoa petitions and fun activities. Adult Rd. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Malayalam service at 9:30 a.m. on 1st meditation classes. Register at & 3rd Sunday. Adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. English service at 10:30 www.ashirwada-blessing.org or a.m. on 2nd & 4th Sunday. Call 713-991-1557 or 281-261-4603.

Sri Ravula 281-995-0930.

Hare Krishna Dham Houston’s original Vedic temple, ISKCON of Houston. At 1320 W 34th St. (77018). Daily Darshan & Arati Times: 4.30am, 7am, 8.30am, 12noon, 4.30pm, 7pm, 9pm. Sunday Festival: 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Weekly Gita classes for adults; call 281-433-1635 or harekrishnadham @gmail.com

Gandhi Library Mahatma Gandhi Library Book Club: Meets 2nd Sunday of each month; 12:30 PM at Arya Samaj Greater Houston, 13475 Schiller Rd. Join the discussion of the great man’s autobiography – The Story of My Experiments with Truth.

Call Manish Wani 713-829-6979.

Saumyakasi Sivalaya Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya is located at Chinmaya Prabha, 10353 Synott Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Temple timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon and 5:00 - 8:00 PM Saturday and Sunday: 8:30-2:00 PM and 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Call Bharti Sutaria 281-5681690 or Jay Deshmukh 832-5410059 or visit www.saum yakasi.org.

Veerashaiva Samaja VSNA Houston is a group of families who believe in Veerashaiva dharma (Basava dharma). Monthly Mahamane program for prayer and discussion on Vachana Sahitya followed by Prasada. Contact: vsnahous ton@gmail.com or Jagadeesh Halyal 832-744-4166.

Shiv Shakti Mandir

Visit www.chandrakantha.com

or call for info.

‘The Universe Within’

SW National Bank Scholarship 2015

Sanatan Shiv Shakti Mandir, 6640 Harwin. Open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All major festivals, as well as birthdays, naam karan, engagement and other ceremonies. Call Pandit Virat Mehta 713-278-9099

Sri Guruvayurappan Temple

Hours: Mon to Fri 6 a.m. -8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekends & Holidays: 6 a.m. to noon and 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bhajans Saturdays 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Special poojas (weekends and holidays) Choroon (Annaprasam) for kids, Thulabharam, Vahana Pooja, Nirapara. Temple is located at 11620 Ormandy St (77035) Tel: 713-729-8994 email: temple@ guruvayur.us

Preksha Meditation New facilities of JVB Preksha Meditation Center. Classes for Yoga and Meditation under guidance by Samani jis and discourses. At 14102 Schiller Road (off Hwy 6 bet Bellaire and Westpark - 77082). Tel 281-596-9642.

OBITUARY In loving memory of Vishwanath Kelkar

Vishwanath Kelkar, a long-time resident of Houston, passed away in India on March 14.

“My husband passed away in India peacefully while being surrounded by many of his Kelkar family members,” wife Vasudha Kelkar wrote in an email to friends in Houston.

Born in Shriwardhan, Maharashtra, Vishwanath Kelkar grew up in Thane and attended M.H. High School. He graduated from VJTI, Mumbai, in 1958 with BE, Civil Engineering. Subsequently he worked for BEST until 1965 when he ventured out west to England.

“Earlier we had married in 1961 in Mumbai and then lived in England for many years,” Vasudha Kelkar wrote in her email. “Later both of us migrated to Houston in 1979 where he worked for Bechtel, Kellogg etc. for many years. During our stay in England and Houston, he actively supported many social groups to promote Indian cultural activities and particularly classical music. Out of this love and dedication, he was instrumental in forming the India Music Circle of Houston and later was an active member of the ‘India Music Society of Houston’ (IMS) for many years.”

Indian Music Society board said it is “deeply saddened by the passing away of Mr. Vishwanath Kelkar ji. His smiling face will always remain in our hearts. Our prayers and sympathies are with Mrs. Vasudha Kelkar ji.

“He and Vasudha Kelkar Ji were pillars of the Houston classical music community, way before IMS was born. They organized many private concerts in early 1980’s with such names as Late Pt Bhimsen Joshi Ji, Late Pt Jitendra Abhishek Ji, - just to name a few. They were very much instrumental in supporting the idea of forming an association to promote Indian classical music and were actively involved with IMS till they went back to India for health reasons of Vishwanath Ji,” the IMS board said.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 9

COMMUNITY NEWS

Samarpanam’s Krishnamrutham exudes sweetness all around

By LAVANYA RAJAGOPALAN On March 22, at the Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland, Houston dance enthusiasts were treated to a poised, solidly researched, imaginatively executed, and deeply felt performance of Dr. Surabi Veeraraghavan that was a true feast for the eyes and soul.

‘Krishaamrutham’ lived up to its name, giving the audience a taste of the sweet nectar that is the life and character of Sri Krishna.

Backing up her strong dancing and emoting skills with an impressive body of research into Vaishnavite literature, Surabi proved to the Houston audience that she is a talent to reckon with.

The performance began with a Muralidhara Kauthuvam, in Ragam Aarabhi, Thalam Adi, extolling the greatness and various facets of Lord Krishna, the mythological favorite of Hindu lore and an incarnation of the Supreme Lord Vishnu.

The Varnam for the evening was the Charukesi varnam “In-

num en manam” composed by Lalgudi Jayaraman, in which the lovelorn heroine exhorts Krishna to heed her repeated pleas and come to her.

Choreographed by Surabi’s first Guru, the acclaimed dancer Smt. Chitra Visweswaran, the Varnam bore the trademark lighthearted and joyous nritta of this celebrated danseuse, faithfully reproduced by Surabi with elan.

The sanchari-s were imaginative and resonated with the audience, and the abhinaya was clearly deeply internalized and emotionally charged.

After a brief intermission, Surabi returned in the persona of Andal, the poet-saint who devoted her life and work to Lord Vishnu.

‘Vaaranam Aayiram’, an collection of pasuram-s from the Nachiar Thirumozhi, beautifully depicted the yearning of the poet to be united with her Lord, reflected in her dream of a wedding between herself and Lord Vishnu.

In a more lighthearted vein,

Sharma Tilal Senanayake, CPA

Surabi Veeraraghavan— Photo by Jake Hellbach the Marathi song ‘Rusali Radha’ presented the exasperation of Radha at Krishna’s infidelity.

Radha’s anger infuriates Krishna, and soon the entire village is consumed in their lover’s tiff.

Surabi demonstrated her range in abhinaya with this piece, which called for a completely different and nuanced repertoire of emotion than that of the spiritual devotion presented thus far. Krishna’s eventual penitence causes Radha to relent, a scene portrayed with

Off: 713-984-4852 • Cell: 832-283-1677 • Fax: 713-278-1656 Email: Email:sharma@sharma-cpa.com Sharmasenanayake@yahoo.com

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By Dr. RITU RAJU Carnatic music lovers in Houston braved the rains to welcome the newest entrant to Houston’s vibrant cultural landscape—the musical prodigy Aishwarya Venkataraman, disciple of the famed violinist T.N. Krishnan and respected musicologist S.R. Janakiraman.

The artiste, along with her father, Vinod Venkataraman (on the mridangam) and violin maestro Dr. Narmadha Gopalakrishnan (daughter of legendary violinist M

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flair by the dancer.

The Vaatsalya bhavam (motherly love), a known favorite theme of the dancer was aptly and touchingly brought out in the Purandaradasa composition Jagadodhaarana, in which one could almost see the naughty, lisping, baby Krishna weaving his magical spell over his mother Yashoda.

The performance concluded with the ever-pleasing and sweet Madhuraashtakam as a fitting dessert to a sumptuous

Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan is the Artistic Director of Silambam Houston and the Silambam Houston Dance Company, which will present an original dance theater production ‘Krishna…?’, choreographed and performed entirely by Houston-trained pre-professional dancers, on April 25th at 6 pm at the Marie Spence Flickinger Fine Arts Center in the San Jacinto Community College South Campus on Beamer Road.

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meal of artistry and bhakti.

The guests of honor for the evening were the highly esteemed community members Dr. and Mrs. S. G. Appan, with several other Houston dignitaries also present in the auditorium. Commendations and congratulations are due to Surabi’s guru, Smt. Padmini Chari, for nurturing and fostering such dedicated passion, and to Samarpanam and the cosponsors Bharathi Kalai Manram and Meenakshi Temple Society for presenting this beautiful experience to the Houston audience!

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Vinod Venkatraman, left, Narmadha Gopaakrishnan, Aishwarya Venkatran and Kruthi Bhat, rear.

S Gopalakrishnan), performed a benefit concert in aid of Baylor College of Medicine’s Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPAI) on 21 March at the Cullen Auditorium. They were accompanied on the tanpura by Houston’s own Kruthi Bhat.

Aishu, as she is fondly called, tied in the theme of the concert beautifully into her musical selections; she began the evening with a 5-speed varnam in the raga Keeravani to reflect the five stages of progression of AIDS. She and Dr. Narmadha took the audience on a delightful cruise through an ocean of ragas.

The classic Vatapi in Hamsadhwani culminated in a rhapsody of kalpana swarams that showed exquisite fingering and bowing techniques.

The Ragam Thanam Pallavi (an improvisation segment where the artistes show their mastery over the raga and delineate the raga with spontaneous ornamentation) was an engaging odyssey through a number of ragas—Mohanam (Bhoopali), Subha Pantuvarali, Ananda Bhairavi, Kapi, Behag, Kanada, Sahana, and Nalinakanti. The purity of notes and clarity of expression of both performers resulted in an intricate exposition of these ragas. Under Narmadha and Aishu’s superb handling, the raga Nalinakanthi assumed an added splendor and vibrancy.

Vinod Venkataraman’s spirited Thaniavarthanam (solo percussion performance) brought the item to a memorable end. A feisty rendition of English Note (made famous by the legendary Madurai Mani Iyer) and a soulful version of Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram left the audience in ecstasy. Dr. Narmadha’s sheer fluidity and ease was perfectly complemented by the crisp notes of Aishu’s creativity. Indeed, it was a true jugalbandhi (duet of two solo musicians)—it was the ultimate jugalbandhi of dexterity, erudition, and above all, of an unconditional love for music.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in performance from Berklee College of Music and a Bachelor of Science in biophysics from Stanford University, Aishu has made the move to Houston to continue her education at Baylor College of Medicine, where she is pursuing a medical degree.

PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY,MARCH 25, 2015

COMMUNITY NEWS Sanctum construction for Goddess Lakhsmi begins Sri Meenakshi Temple Society (MTS) is engaged in a major project called Main Temple Renovation Project (MTRP) which includes expansion of the Maha Mandapam of the main temple, Prakaram for all the three main Sannidhis and a new Maha Lakshmi sanctum with Vimanam and Prakaram.

A key milestone of this project was celebrated at MTS on Sunday, March 15th with Sri Lakshmi Sannidhi Prarambha Puja with Ashtalakshmi Yagnam (initiation ceremony of the new Lakshmi Sanctum).

As the devotees walked in to the Ganesh temple, in a pradhakshina around the new Ganesh Temple to the back of the prakaram, they were enchanted

to see the five beautiful peacocks dancing and showing off their feathers. That set the stage for the rapturous day to unravel.

After a weeklong rain, a picture perfect weather greeted the four hundred plus devotees who attended this blissful event.

The days event started with the invocatory blessings of Sri Vishvakshena (Lord Ganesha) after which devotees took the Yagna offerings in a procession circumbulating the outer walls into the Rajagopuram to enter the inner walls of the temple to the auspicious Nadaswaram and other instrumental music.

After receiving the blessings

Devotees circumambulate the temple site where a sanctum is being built for Goddess Lakhsmi

See TEMPLE , Page 11

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 11

MP Mitra Mandal members enjoy Holi at Bear Creek Park

HOUSTON Madhya Pradesh Mitra Mandal (MPMM) organized Holi Picnic on Sunday, March 15 at Bear Creek Park, in Houston.

It was attended by 200+ people who enjoyed delicious lunch prepared by several families, fresh made Thandai, Sev-Parmal, Masala Chai, per-

Temple From Page 1

of each of the Pradhana Moorthies, Sri Sundareswara, Sri Meenakshi, Sri Venkateswara and Sri Padmavathi, where the devotees placed the homam offerings.

Punya Vachana and recitation of Sri Lakshmi Sostras and vedic chanting was conducted to the Mahalakshmi Utsavamurthy, resplendent in a majestic decorated pedestal and set the scene for the ensuing Mahalakshmi Yagnam conducted by our eminent priests at the site for the Mahalakshmi Sannidhi, with the sublime chanting by Priests Sri Sridharan Raghavan, Sri Manicka Bhattar, Sri Pavan Kumar Bhasyam, Sri Doraiswmay Bhattar, Sri Sriman Narayana Rompicharyulu.

The devotees enthusiastically recited Mahalakshmi ashtakam as the priests were offering the specially delivered 108 Lotus flowers in the yagnam. About 20 new donors

formances from attendees and playing with colors during this daylong event. The feeling of togetherness, the bonding between families & friends and the cordial atmosphere made this gathering fun & entertaining.

After introduction of new families, there were perfor-

carried the gold brick and followed the beautiful Mahalakshmi as she was carried around the main temple. Priest Sridhar Raghavan pointed out the smile on the face of Mahalakshmi as she was carried up high around the temple.

A delicious lunch awaited them at the end of the puja. The MTS chairman Dr Vaduganathan thanked all the Temple staff and volunteers who came on Saturday to prepare for the puja by cutting vegetables and making rava laddu, as well as the Board and council members and devotees for attending this very first Mahalakshmi Yagnam at MTS. The 400 rava laddus were long gone before the line finished. The Fund raising committee chair AVN Reddy, while describing the progress of the MTR project, acknowledged the broad base support given through the number of donors. Devotees stayed captivated in an unforgettable experience throughout the day.

— (Dr P. Vaduganathan & G.N. Prasad)

mances by kids and adults which captured one and all.

Surprise package for audience was flash mob dance by the troop of Amit & Ruchika of Bollywood Shake with 20+dancers, which was so energetic and treat to watch. On audience demand, they had to do it once more.

After all mauj-masti and food, everyone played Holi with colors (Gulal), in the park in a fun and festive way.

Kids, youth and adults, equally enjoyed playing with colors in beautiful outdoor weather.

Colors & Gifts were sponsored

by Jhanvi Thakar.

This event was organized

by Ashish & Pallavi Jain, Ga-

gan & Shilpa Pandey, Manish & Richa Sharma, Ashish & Mukul Kudaria, Gaurav Upmanyu, Nikhil Jain Jr. and Devendra Sharma. Their Planning, hard work and execution made it best ever MPMM picnic by far.

For the past few years, response to MPMM picnic has been so overwhelming that RSVP had to be closed 2 weeks before the event, to ensure that picnic is managed well by the volunteers.

MP Mitra Mandal is an informal community group made up of people who have come from Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh to Texas.

These states reflect “unity in

diversity” in true sense which is visible amongst the people who attend MPMM events in Houston.

This group was started in Houston in the year 2001 by Ashish Bhandari and Nikhil Jain and has grown to over 225 families belonging to various cities like Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Bilaspur, Raipur, Gwalior Bhilai etc., who are also registered on the group’s website http://www. mp.abindore.com . Its events have been covered by various media groups in Houston as well as in leading news media in Madhya Pradesh in the past.

Picture Courtesy – Navin Mediwala

PAGE 12 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

Please Join Us On: SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015, 6.00 P.M. Hilton Americas @ 1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX 77010

Honoree

Cocktails * Dinner * Dancing

Dr. Renu Khator Chancellor & President University of Houston

Gala Co-Chairs Lillie Robertson Beth Madison * Harriet Latimer

Keynote Speaker Dr. Rukmini Banerji Director, Pratham ASER Center

It takes just $25 to educate a child for a whole year!

Every dollar of your donation changes a life!

Emcee

Donate online at www.prathamusa.org

Nina Davuluri Miss America 2014 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE PRATHAM OFFICE:

713 774 9599 or info@prathamusa.org 9703 Richmond Avenue, Suite 102, Houston, TX 77042 * Tel: 713-774-9599 / Fax: 713-583-6779 info@prathamusa.org / www.prathamusa.org Pratham USA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization

As a mark of Respectful Tribute to the Loving Memory of

Shri Anil Kumar-ji CENTER FOR INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC C OF HOUSTON

Samarpan Presents

समपण

A BHAJAN FESTIVAL

75 Solo & 2 Group renderings of Devotional Compositions By

THE DISCIPLES OF PANDIT SUMAN GHOSH Saadhana Pariwar – The Celebrated Gurukul of Hindustani Vocal Music Anjali Center Hall, Sugar Land, TX Saturday, March 28th 2015, 1.45pm – 7.30pm Tickets: $15 [to book your ticket, please write to cicmh@outlook.com or Call 281 265 9437] Snacks & Dinner will be served

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

India House Fund-raiser

Keynote speaker Carl Lewis From Page 1 intellectuals and opinion leaders make presentations.

The Indian American community is diverse, made up of people most of whom came here for education, not through family reunion. Members of the community have contributed in every ďŹ eld, Harish said, and saw a major role for India House at a time when India and Houston are coming closer in trade and business.

As the participation of Keynote speaker Lewis, who came very late, seemed unlikely, MD Anderson’s John Mendelsohn, a true Indophile, was asked to give the keynote address.

Mendelsohn quipped that he never expected to replace a ninetime gold medal winner at a tenminute notice. He lauded the progress of India House which he described as incredible and praised Indian Americans for

their loyalty and love for America as well as India. He spoke of his visit to India where he met President Abdul Kalam, the ďŹ rst Asian Church in Asia and a Synagogue (both in Kerala) where the congregation strength was nine! He also recalled his meeting in Houston with Yoga guru Swami Ramdev (“quite a characterâ€?).

Carl Lewis came is as dinner was served. There was a rush of fans wanting to take a picture with him and Lewis obliged all. He was introduced by India House trustee Durga Agrawal as a vegan who practices yoga and meditation regularly. Lewis spoke of the hard work and his mentors and coaches who inspired him to aim high and achieve. “Thank you for what your culture brings to the world,�

Lewis said as he spoke about his association with New York’s Yoga guru, the late Sri Chinmoy.

Five community members were recognized for excellence in their ďŹ led of work. They were: Manish Rungta, gastroenterologist who has coordinated and promoted India House volunteer charity clinic;

Consul General Parvathaneni Harish (right) with other dignitaries.

Prabhat Sharma, co-ofounder of Hindu Worship Society who inspires and mentors the younger Hindus to be aware and respectful of their cultural heritage; Darshan Wadhwa, CPA, professor of accounting at University of Houston-Downtown who has helped India House since its inception; Pankaj Malani, young entrepreneur who has a passion for stat-up ventures, teaching and motivating youngsters; Amitabh Bhandari, philanthropist, founder of BioUrja, an energy commodities trading ďŹ rm. The award is presented in recogni-

tion of outstanding social service campaigns through sommunity support.

A cultural program of consisted of several dances by local dance groups and old and new Bollywood songs by Ajay Chunchu.

India House hasbecome the logical venue for hosting dignitaries -- Indian and American.

India House, in the past, has hosted President Abdul Kalam, Indian ambassadors Ronen Sen and Meera Shankar, Texas Governor Rick Perry, South Carolina Governor Nikkki Haley, to name a few.

India House has also become

a hub for a variety of social and cultural programs, seminars, musical evenings, anniversaries, birthdays, Kavi Sammelans etc..

A brief video of India House activities showed the diverse areas in which it is helping the community — the Urban Youth Program, After-School program, Summer Enrichment Camp, the Charity Clinic, Sareen Clinic witrh Harris Health System, Free Legal Consultations on immigration and family law; Yoga and meditation classes, Classical and Bollywood Dance classes and taped ball cricket. — R.G.

At the end of the cultural program, all the dancers from various groups came on stage to take a bow. Photos: Bijay Dixit

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PAGE 14 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 15

SPORT NZ win thriller to enter final

HARDIK VYAS

Grant Elliott and Daniel Vettori celebrate New Zealand’s win after Elliott his a six off the penultimate ball of the innings

New Zealand beat South Africa with a six off the penultimate ball to reach the World Cup final for the first time.

With five needed from two balls, Grant Elliott hit Dale Steyn into the stands to finish unbeaten on 84 and seal a four-wicket win in Auckland.

Elliott and Corey Anderson’s 58 had lifted the Black Caps from 149-4 in their chase of a rain-adjusted 298.

South Africa had earlier posted 281-5, with Faf du Plessis making 82, in a match reduced to 43 overs per side.

Captain AB de Villiers weighed in with an unbeaten 65 for South Africa and David Miller an 18-ball 49 in a target that was escalated by Duckworth-Lewis, but just within New Zealand’s reach.

It was a fourth unsuccessful World Cup semi-final for the Proteas to add to two defeats and the famous 1999 tie with Australia.

For New Zealand, a seventh last-four tie finally yielded a place in the final after six previous losses.

It was earned in a thrilling, fluctuating contest played out in front of a raucous and partisan crowd at Eden Park.

In scarcely believable drama that had echoes of Kane Williamson’s six to defeat Australia by one-wicket earlier in the tournament, South Africa-born Elliott smashed Steyn for six over long-on two balls after Daniel Vettori steered a four to the third-man boundary.

South Africa 281 for 5 in 43 overs (de Plessis 82, De Villiers 65*, Miller 49, Rossouw 39; Anderson 3 for 72, Boult 2 for 53) New Zealand 299 for 6 in 42.5 overs (Guptill 34, McCullum 59, Elliott 84, Anderson 58; Morkel 3 for 59) QUARTER-FINAL WIN In the quater final match against the West Indies, Martin Guptill made the highest score in World Cup history with 237 not out. His 163-ball innings in Wellington featured 11 sixes and 24 fours and beat the 215 made by West Indies’ Chris Gayle earlier in the tournament.

Guptill hit 137 from his last 52 balls to help his side post 393-6. Trent Boult then took four early wickets as New Zealand bowled out the Windies for 250 to seal a 143-run win.

Gayle’s 33-ball 61, featuring eight sixes, entertained the crowd as the Caribbean side scored at a furious pace. But they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out in 30.3 overs to spark jubilant scenes among New Zealand fans.

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India, Australia vie for final spot

India and Australia will meet in the other semi final on March 26 after their quarter final victories over Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively.

Australia withstood a pulsating spell of fast bowling from Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz to set up a meeting with India.

Australia’s hopes of chasing 214 looked in peril when Riaz removed David Warner and Michael Clarke to leave them 59-3. But Steve Smith countered with a measured 65 and Shane Watson capitalised on a dropped catch to steer Australia home with an unbeaten 64. Josh Hazlewood took 4-35 as Pakistan slid from 97-2 to 213 all out.

Defending champions India coasted into the World Cup semi-finals with a 109-run win over Bangladesh in Melbourne.

Opener Rohit Sharma made a composed 137 from 126 balls and Suresh Raina 65 from 57 as India recovered from 115-3 to post 302-6 at a boisterous MCG. Bangladesh lost two wickets in the seventh over of their reply and eventually limped to 193 all out in 45 overs as India’s bowlers dominated. Initially, the Tigers were not overawed, despite being made to field first on a very good pitch as some accurate bowling and tight fielding stifled India in the first half of their innings.

However, the rebuilding done by Rohit and Raina in a stand of 122 ensured that India were able to accelerate as Bangladesh became ragged. The batting powerplay yielded 50 runs and the final 15 overs a total of 147.

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PAGE 16 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

REVIEW/PREVIEW Hunterrr: Provocative and pungent sex comedy Kangna adjudged Best Actress Cast: Gulshan Devaiah, Radhika Apte, Sai Tamhankar, Sagar Deshmukh.

Hindi filmmakers usually limit themselves to the romantic journey of their protagonist. When it comes to sex, they develop cold feet. Hindi film hero usually has puritanical views or gets naughty in bits and pieces. Director Harshvardhan Kulkarni attempts to trace the sexual escapades of his leading man who can’t hold his pants. One of the more mature attempts in adult space it accepts sex as a natural urge and how at a particular age it becomes very difficult for boys to control it.

With creative licence tightly in his grip and wit as the fuel, Kulkarni takes us back to adolescence when body threatens to get the better of mind. Right from the title which anoints the boy as the hunter and girl as the prey, Kulkarni treads a lot of stereotypes.

The selection of the girl also fits the types that we often get to read in popular culture. But what is refreshing is that how the narrative travels from lust to love after crossing the clichés.

Mandaar (Gulshan Devaiah) refuses to grow up and get over the phase and lets lust drive his life. From the dumb girl in college, to the neighbourhood aunty, he keeps hunting. But for how long?

There is an age for it. What looks cool and experimental during college days sounds like perversion as you grow older. Mandaar tries to settle down and takes the arranged marriage route but he comes across Tripti (Radhika Apte), who also has a colourful

journey like Mandaar. Finally the hunter finds his match and we have an interesting dialogue on modern-day relationships. Unlike the innumerable ‘Masti’ movies that proliferate in this genre, Kulkarni has a keen eye on tackling the issue without diluting the risqué tone.

The narrative keeps going back and forth from the present to the 90s but the film has 70s feel to it. All through you can sense a Basu Chatterjee-Amol Palekar kind of vibe to it. It is just that Kulkarni can place the taboos on the table with very little cover. But the best part is the film is not just about the escapades, it gives Mandaar a believable arc. The lessons are not splashed in your face and the truth strikes you with certain tenderness.

More and more young Hindi filmmakers are dealing with nostalgia.

Kulkarni’s work also has a strong whiff of the past with the voices of Bappi Lahiri and Altaf Raja generating times when kitsch was cool.

When classes were bunked for the sleazy morning show. When Samantha Fox was a rage. No not because of her voice! Some of it is effortless but a lot of it is laboured as if the director is a little too keen to share his personal album to a guest who wants him to come to the point. The fact that it is rough at the edges makes it unpredictable but at times the indulgence is difficult to ignore. At times the dumbness of female characters looks baffling but then all kinds of people make this universe and Kulkarni offers plenty of variety.

Two of the most competent performers of the young crop of actors, Gulshan Devaiah and Radhika don’t allow the proceedings to become cheap or gimmicky. Gulshan has a chameleonic quality to him and he uses with conviction to render the charm of Mandar. With those big eyes searching for something, Radhika has emerged as a force in her short career and here she takes one more step towards an accomplished performer in the making.

NEW DELHI: Court, a little known quadrilingual film, was judged the best feature film while Kangana Ranaut was adjudged the best actress for her critically acclaimed title role in Vijay Bahl’s Queen at the 62nd National Film Awards announced here on March 24.

Court, directed by Chaitanya Tamhane, depicts the “mundaneness of judicial procedure” and the “heartwrenching insensitivity of institutional structures.”

It was released last year in Hindi, English, Marathi and Gujarati and tells the story of the trial of an ageing folk singer charged with abetting the suicide of a sewage worker through his music.

Srijit Mukherji won the best director and best screenplay awards for the Bengali thriller Chotushkone, a film about four directors coming together for a film with four different stories, all thematically connected by a common thread — death.

Kannada actor Vijay won the best actor award for “his subtle and non-stereotypical” portrayal of a woman trapped in a man’s body for Nanu Avanalla Avalu, a film on transgenders.

Haider, director Vishal Bharadwaj's adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, won the most awards for one feature film, bagging best music direction and best dialogue (Vishal Bharadwaj), best male playback singer (Sukhwinder Singh for ‘Bismil’), best choreography (Sudesh Adhana for ‘Bismil’) and best costumes (Dolly Ahluwalia).

The Priyanka Chopra-starrer Mary Kom, a biopic of the celebrated boxer M.C. Mary Kom, was declared the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.

Bobby Simhaa won the best supporting actor award for Tamil film Jigarthanda, while Baljinder Kaur was adjudged best supporting actress for Haryanvi film Pagdi:The Honour. For his directorial debut, Bengali filmmaker Aditya Vikram Sengupta won the Indira Gandhi award for best debut film for Asha Jaoar Majhe (Labour of Love).

Malayalam film Ottaal, based on Anton Chekhov's short story Vanka, was adjudged the best film on environmental conservation and also bagged the best adapted screenplay award (Joshy Mangalnath). The jury described the film, directed by Jayaraaj, as “a visual poem”, expressing the “beauty and serenity of the protagonist’s rural environment and a way of life whose value is measured by the poignancy of its loss”. Tamil film Saivam won the best female playback singer (Uttara Unnikrishanan) and best lyrics (N.A. Muthukumar) awards for the song ‘Azhagu’.

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 17

STORY OF A SAINT

The legend of Lord Jhulelal Faith has established Jhulelal as the Asht Dev (community God) of Sindhis. His birthday, "Cheti Chand" second tithi of Chaitra, is auspicious for Sindhis and is celebrated the world over with traditional pomp and paiety.

But how, when and where in history was the lord of Sindh born?

The Hindu legend of Jhulelal or the River Deity has its historical or semi-historical beginnings in Sindh, an erstwhile province of united India and now a state of Pakistan.

During the days of Sapt-Sindhu (land of seven rivers), the mainstream Sindhu and its tributaries were considered life-givers to the people who lived on its banks and drew sustenance from its waters.

It was precisely the lure of plentiful water that brought invading hordes of Muslim rulers from the neighboring Arabian kingdoms to Sindh and India.

Having conquered Sindh and its adjoining territories, they spread Islam at the point of the sword.

In the 10th century A.D. Sindh came under the rule of Samras.

The Samras, being converts from Hinduism to Islam, were neither bigots nor fanatics.

However, there was no exception in the Sumra region. Being far away from its capital, Thatta maintained its separate identity and influence. Its ruler, Mirkshah, was not only a tyrant but also a religious fanatic.

And as is the wont of many a tyrant, Mirkshah too was surrounded by sycophants. These friends advised him one day: "Spread Islam and you will be granted 'Jannat' or eternal bliss after death."

Mirkshah summoned the 'panchs' (representatives) of the Hindus and ordered them: "Embrace Islam or prepare to die".

The terrified Hindus begged Mirkshah for time to consider.

The pompous Mirkshah relented and agreed to give the desperate Hindus 40 days to plead with their God. Faced with imminent death, the Hindus turned to God Varuna, the God of the River, to come to their aid. For 40 days, they underwent penance. They neither shaved nor wore new clothes, praying and fasting and singing songs in the praise of God Varuna. They beseeched him to deliver them from the hands of their persecutor.

On the 40th day, a voice was heard from Heaven: “Fear not, I shall save you from the wicked Mirkshah. I shall come down as a mortal and take birth in the womb of Mata Devki in the house of Ratanchand Lohano of Nasarpur.” After 40 days of chaliho, the followers of Jhulelal even today celebrate the occasion with festivity as Thanksgiving Day. The oppressed Hindus now anxiously awaited the birth of their deliverer. After three months, the second tithi of Asu month, they got confirmation of the news that Mata Devki has indeed conceived. The River

God has incarnated himself in her womb. The Hindus rejoiced and praised the Lord.

On Cheti Chand, two tithis from the new moon of Chaitra, Mata Devki gave birth to a bonny boy. A miracle hailed the child's birth. The babe opened his mouth and behold!

There flowed the Sindhu with an old man sitting cross-legged on a pala fish. The pala is a tasty fish which always swims against the current.

To welcome the newborn 'avatar', unseasonal clouds gathered and brought down torrential rains.

The child was named 'Udaichand' (Uday in Sanskrit means moonbeams). Udaichand was to be the light in the darkness.

An astrologer who saw the child predicted that he would grow up to be a great warrior and his fame would outlive the child. Udaichand was also called 'Uderolal' (Udero in Sanskrit means 'one who has sprung from water'). Inhabitants of Nasarpur lovingly called the child 'Amarlal' (immortal child).

The cradle, where little Uderolal rested began to sway to and fro on its own. It is because of this that 'Uderolal' became popularly known as 'Jhulelal' or the swinging child. Soon after the child's birth Mata Devki passed away. A little later Ratanchand remarried.

News of the birth of the mysterious child reached Mirkshah who once again summoned the Panchs and repeated his threat. Hindus, now quite confident that their savior had arrived, implored him for some more time informing him that their savior was none other than the Water God himself. Mirkshah scoffed at the very idea of a child saving the Hindus.

“Neither am I going to die nor are you people going to leave this land alive,” he jeered. “I shall wait.

When your savior embraces Islam, I am sure you will also follow suit.”

With this remark, the haughty Mirkshah threw a challenhe to his Hindu subjects.

The maulvis pressed Mirkshah hard not to let the Hindus off the hook. But the very thought of the child proving more than a match for him amused the conceited ruler.

He told the maulvis to wait and watch. As a token precaution, he asked one of his ministers, Ahirio, to go to Nasarpur to see things first hand. Ahirio did not want to take any chances. So he took along a rose dipped in deadly poison.

At the very first glimpse of the child, Ahirio was astonished. He had never seen a child so dazzling or more charming. He hesitated, then mustering courage proferred the rose to the child.

The child gave a meaningful smile while accepting the rose. He then blew away the flower with a single breath. The flower fell at Ahirio’s feet. Ahirio watched stupefied as the babe changed into an old man with a long beard. All of a sudden the old man turned into a lad of sixteen.

And then he saw Uderolal on horseback with a blazing sword in his hand. There were row upon row of warriors behind him. A cold shiver ran down Ahirio's spine and

he bowed his head in reverence.

“Have mercy on me Sindhu Lord,” he prayed “I am convinced.”

On his return, Ahirio narrated the miraculous happening to Mirkshah. But Mirkshah was not convinced. He hardened his heart even more. “How can a little baby turn into an old man?” he mocked.

“It looks like you have been fooled by simple magic.” But in his heart, Mirkshah was afraid.

That night he dreamt a dreadful dream. A child was sitting on his neck. The vision changed to an old man with a flowing beard.

And again to a warrior with a drawn sword confronting Mirkshah on the battlefield. Next morning Mirkshah called for Ahirio and gave him orders to counter the threat posed by the child. Ahirio, however, advised Mirkshah not to rush matters.

Meanwhile, Uderolal grew in stature and spirit performing miracles and comforting the sick.

Residents of Nasarpur were fully convinced that God had come to save them. Uderolal also received the ‘Gur Mantar’ of “Alakh Niranjan” from Goraknath.

To earn money for the family, Udero’s stepmother would send him to the market to sell baked beans.

Instead of going to the market, Uderolal would go to the banks of the Sindhu. There he would distribute half of the beans among beggars, the poor and the sadhus.

The other half, he would offer to the Sindhu.

He would then spend time speaking to little children and the elderly about spiritual wealth. In the evening when it was time to go home, Uderolal would fish out from the river a container full of fine quality rice. This he would take home and give to his step mother.

Growing suspicious about her step son’s behavior, the step mother one day despatched Ratanchand to follow him. When Ratanchand witnessed the miracle, he bowed to Uderolal from a distance and accepted him as the Savior.

Mirkshah, on the other hand, was being pressured by the Maulvis to bring Hindu infidels into the fold of Islam. They gave him the ultimatum. “Order the Hindus to convert or be branded as associate of kafirs.” Fearing the wrath of the clerics, Mirkshah decided to meet Uderolal face to face. He asked Ahirio to arrange for a private meeting with Uderolal.

Ahirio, who had in the meantime become a devotee of Daryashah, went to the banks of the Indus and pleaded with the Water God to come to his rescue.

To Ahirio’s amazement, he saw the same old man with a white beard floating on a pala fish. Ahirio’s head bowed in adoration and he understood that Uderolal, the Water God, was in fact the other form of Khwaja Khirz.

Ahirio then saw Uderolal leap onto a horse and gallop away with a sword in one hand and a flag in the other.

Uderolal appeared before Mirkshah and explained to the stubborn ruler: “Whatever you see around you is the creation of only one God, whom you call 'Allah' and the Hindus call 'Ishwar'." The maulvis urged Mirkshah not to pay any heed to the infidel’s talk and to arrest him. Mirkshah, dithering as usual, ordered his soldiers to arrest Uderolal.

As the officials of the court moved towards Uderolal, great waves of water leaped forth inundating the courtyard and drowning Mirkshah and his courtiers. Fire too broke out and the palace was consumed by the flames. All escape routes were sealed. Uderolal spoke again.

“Mirkshah, think it over. Your God and mine are the same. Then, why do you persecute my people?”

Mirkshah was terrified and begged Uderolal, “My Lord, I realize my foolhardiness. Please save me and my courtiers.” All at once the water receded and the fire died.

Mirkshah bowed respectfully and agreed to treat Hindus and Muslims alike. Before they dispersed, Uderolal told the Hindus to think of him as the embodiment of light and water. He also told them to build a temple in memory of transformation of Mirkshah. “Day in and day out,” he said “light a candle in the temple and always keep available water for daat (holy sip).”

Uderolal named his cousin, Pagad, as the first Thakur (priest of the religious sect that believes in Water God). Pagad followed Uderolal wherever he went.

Uderolal gave seven sysmbolic things to Pagad. These seven form the essential elements of the Daryahi sect. Uderolal asked Pagad to continue the sacred work of building temples and spread the message.

Selecting a place near village Thijahar, Uderolal gave up his earthly form. Both Hindus and Muslims were present in the large number to witness this mysterious happening. Mirkshah's representatives were also there.

As soon as Uderolal's soul left his body, they took charge and wanted to build a 'Turbat' or 'Qaba" at the site according to the dictates of Islam. The Hindus wanted to erect a 'Samadhi' according to Hindu custom. While the debate raged, heavy rains came down a voice said: “Behold! You shall make my shrine acceptable both to Hindus and Muslims. Let its one face be a temple and the other a Dargah (Shrine).

I belong to all of you.”

Jhulelal continues to be the unifying force and the centre of all cultural activities of the Sindhi community. The word Sindhi is derived from the river Sindhu (now in Pakistan).

When Sindhi men venture out to sea their women pray to Jhulelal for their safe return. They offer the Lord prasad of akha, a sweet made from rice, ghee, sugar and flour. Sindhis all over the world greet each other with "Jhulelal Bera-Hee-Paar".

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PAGE 18 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

INDIA 300 arrests in school exam cheating Conservationist Rajendra Singh bags ‘Water Nobel’

PATNA: About 300 people have been arrested in Bihar state after reports emerged of blatant cheating in school exams.

Parents and friends of students were photographed climbing school walls to pass on answers. Many of those arrested were parents. At least 750 students have been expelled.

An estimated 1.4 million students are taking their school leaving exams in Bihar alone - tests seen as crucial for their chances of a successful career. The authorities have clearly been embarrassed by the cheating, the BBC's Jill McGivering says, with the episode prompting ridicule on social media.

Students were seen copying answers from smuggled-in note sheets, and police posted outside test centres were even seen being bribed to look the other way. On top of the arrests, in four centres further exams have been cancelled.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar condemned the cheating but said the images were not the "whole story" of his state. State Education Minister P K Shahi said it would be difficult to conduct fair exams without help from parents, given the number of people involved.

"Three to four people helping a single student would mean that there is a total of six to seven million people helping students cheat," he said. "Is it the responsibility of the government alone to manage such a huge number of people and to conduct a 100% free and fair examination?"

Former chief minister Lalu Prasad said had he been in power, he would have allowed examinees to refer text books and write the answers. “Only those who have read could write answers from books; those who have not read, would still be searching for answers at the end of the three hours,” Prasad said after inaugurating a new school in a remote village of Buxar district.

Parents climbing a three- to four-storey building to supply chits to their wards, “looked as lizards sticking on a wall,” he said.

Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi supported Prasad. “The openbook system is prevalent in prominent universities in America and elsewhere in the world. It has the logic that only student who has read the book could trace the answer,”Sushil Modi told reporters.

Dadasaheb Phalke award for Shashi Kapoor Shashi Kapoor, whose nuanced acts in memorable films like “Deewar”, “Satyam Shivam Sundaram”, “Trishul” and “Kabhi Kabhie” captivated Hindi film buffs, will be conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2014, it was announced on Monday, March 23.

The veteran actor-producer, 77, is the 46th winner of the honor, conferred by the government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema. Born in 1938, Shashi started his tryst with acting at the age of four, with plays directed and produced by his father Prithviraj Kapoor. When he grew up, he made his debut as a leading man in the 1961 film “Dharmputra”, and went on to appear in more than 100 Hindi films.

A popular name in Bollywood during the 1960s, 1970s and until the mid-1980s, Shashi was one of India’s first actors to go international.

In 1978, Shashi set up his production house Film Valas, which produced critically acclaimed films such as “Junoon” (1978), “Kalyug” (1981), “36 Chowringhee Lane” (1981), “Vijeta” (1982) and “Utsav” (1984). He starred in many British and American films, notably Merchant Ivory films such as “The Householder” (1963), “Shakespeare Wallah” (1965), “Bombay Talkie” (1970) and “Heat and Dust“(1982).

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award entitles him to a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs.10 lakh and a shawl.

Swine flu death toll climbs to 1926 NEW DELHI: Fifteen more persons succumbed to swine flu as the toll from the disease touched 1,926 and the number of cases on Monday rose to 32,482 in the country.

Sharing the data as on March 22, the Union Health Ministry said

An award known as “the Nobel Prize for water” has been given to an Indian campaigner who has brought water to 1,000 villages. The judges of the Stockholm Water Prize say his methods have also prevented floods, restored soil and rivers, and brought back wildlife.

The prize-winner, Rajendra Singh, is dubbed "the Water Man of India". The judges say his technique is cheap, simple, and that his ideas should be followed worldwide.

Singh uses a modern version of the ancient Indian technique of rainwater harvesting. It involves building low-level banks of earth to hold back the flow of water in the wet season and let water to seep into the ground for future use.

He first trained as a medic, but when he took up a post in a rural village in arid Rajasthan he was told the greatest need was not health care but drinking water.

Groundwater had been sucked dry by farmers, and as water disappeared, crops failed, rivers, forests and wildlife disappeared and people left for the towns.

"When we started our work, we were only looking at the drinking water crisis and how to solve that," Singh said.

"Today our aim is higher. This is the century of exploitation, pollution and encroachment. To stop all this, to convert the war on water into peace, that is my life's goal."

The Stockholm International

Train derails, 34 die LUCKNOW: A passenger train derailed in Uttar Pradesh, killing at least 34 people, a railway spokesman told the BBC. The engine and two carriages of the Janta Express, which travels between Dehradun and Varanasi, went off the rails near Bachhrawan village. Several dozen people were injured in the accident.

Villagers, police and railway guards worked to rescue passengers trapped in the carriages. Images from the scene showed mangled carriages lying beside the track.

India's railway network operates 12,000 passenger trains and carries some 23 million passengers every day.

In the railway budget announced last month, the Indian government unveiled plans to invest $137bn (£88bn) in the ageing railway network over the next five years to help modernise it. that in Gujarat, which is one of the worst-affected states, the swine flu toll has climbed to 413 while the number of affected persons was 6,394. Also, health officials in Rajasthan said two more persons died due to the H1N1 virus in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the number of swine flu fatalities to 402.

The casualty figure in Maharashtra stands at 349, Madhya Pradesh 284, Telangana is 75, Karnataka 80, Uttarakhand 11, Punjab 53, West Bengal 24, Uttar Pradesh 36, Jammu and Kashmir 16, and Delhi 12.

The Stockholm Water Institute said Rajendra Singh’s lessons were essential as climate change alters weather patterns around the world.

Water Institute, which presented the prize, said his lessons were essential as climate change alters weather patterns around the world.

Its director, Torgny Holmgren, said: "In a world where demand for freshwater is booming, we will face a severe water crisis within decades if we do not learn how to better take care of our water. Singh is a beacon of hope."

The judges say: "Today's water problems cannot be solved by science or technology alone. They are human problems of governance, policy, leadership, and social resilience. Rajendra Singh's life work has been in building social capacity to solve local water problems through participatory action, empowerment of women, linking indigenous knowhow with scientific and technical approaches and upending traditional patterns of development and resource use." The award was lauded by Katherine Pygott, a leading water engineer who has drawn on Singh's work to help prevent flooding in the UK.

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 19

INDIA Supreme Court strikes down Sec 66 of IT Act NEW DELHI: In a landmark judgment on the Right to Freedom of Speech on the Internet, the Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 24, quashed Section 66A of the Information Technology Act that lets the police make arrests over contentious social media posts. It ruled the law violates people’s fundamental right to speech and expression.

A Bench of Justices J Chelameswar and Rohinton F Nariman held the provision to be “unconstitutional” and said it had to be struck down in its entirety. It said that Section 66A curbed people’s right to know and didn’t make any distinction between advocacy, discussion on one hand and incitement on the other. It rejected the Centre’s plea that the Section could be read down and that the authorities will make sure the law is administered well.

“Governments may come and governments may go, but Section 66A will always remain on the statute…whatever is otherwise invalid cannot be held to be valid by making a statement that it will be administered well,” said the Bench.

The court said such a law hit at the root of liberty and freedom

of expression, the two cardinal pillars of democracy. It said the section has to be erased from the law books as it has gone much beyond the reasonable restrictions put by the Constitution on freedom of speech. The Supreme Court said section 66A was vaguely worded and allowed misuse by police.

The court, however, upheld the validLaw student Shreya Singhal was the first to ity of section 69B and file a lawsuit challenging Sec 66A the 2011 guidelines for the implementation of the I-T Act against persons who allegedly that allowed the government to uploaded offensive posts on soblock websites if their content had cial networking sites.

The petitioners, including the potential to create communal disturbance, social disorder or af- NGOs, civil rights groups and a fect India's relationship with other law student, had argued that Section 66A violated citizens' fundacountries.

The court watered down sec- mental right to freedom of speech tion 79 of the I-T Act making it and expression. The first petition further difficult for the police to was filed by a law student, Shreya harass innocent people for their Singhal.

The government had opposed comments on social network sites.

The SC delivered its judgment the plea for quashing the provion a bunch of petitions filed in the sion saying it is meant to deter light of misuse of the penal provi- people from uploading grossly ofsion by government authorities fensive material which can lead to lawlessness by inciting public anger and violence.

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the funeral of Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on March 29. Lee, 91, died of severe pneumonia yesterday. The Prime Minister will be attending the funeral of Lee on March 29, the Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry said.

In his condolence message, Modi had said, "A far-sighted statesman and a lion among leaders, Lee Kuan Yew's life teaches valuable lessons to everyone.

News of his demise is saddening.

"In this hour of bereavement, our prayers are with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's family and the people of Singapore. May his soul rest in peace."

Chidmbaram: Sec 66 was poorly drafted CHENNAI: Former Union finance minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday, March 24, welcomed the Supreme Court judgment that struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, though his son Karti Chidambaram had earlier filed a case against a man under this section for a tweet against him.

"I welcome the judgment of Supreme Court holding that Section 66A of the IT Act is unconstitutional," Chidambaram said in a press release.

"The section was poorly drafted and was vulnerable. It was capable of being misused. In fact, it was misused," he said.

He said, "There could be a case of misuse of the freedom of speech.

In such cases, the ordinary laws should apply and the offender should be dealt with under those laws. If some provisions of the law have to be strengthened, that could be considered. But Section 66A was not the answer."

In October 31, 2012, S Ravi, a native of Puducherry, was arrested on charges of trying to malign the image of Karthi. Ravi had posted a tweet calling the minister's son 'corrupt.'

Ravi, an active member of the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, tweeted that Karthi had amassed more wealth than Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra.

Following the complaint lodged by Chidambaram's son, the Puducherry asked him to appear before them. He was taken into custody just a few minutes after he had met them, and a case was booked against him under Section 66(1) of IT Act. The youngster from Bareilly, who was arrested on March 18 for allegedly posting "objectionable" comments against senior Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan on Facebook, is a relieved boy now.

The Std XI student said, "I am happy that section 66A has been scrapped, but I had a very rough time when I was booked under the provision, which entailed a jail term of three years. I was stressed and was made to spend two days in jail."

"I was also embarrassed about what I had posted as it had happened by mistake. I am still recovering... it will take some time for me to get completely normal on social media," the teenager told reporters on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old's father too is relieved and happy but, he says, hasn't forgotten how much his son suffered. "All this has affected his studies and mental stability and our family as a whole," he said.

Hyderabad Funds Case: UK court tells Pakistan to pay India £150,000 LONDON: A court in United Kingdom directed Pakistan to pay £150,000 to India as legal fees in the 67-year-old Hyderabad Funds case involving the Nizam's money while terming Pakistan's behavior as "unreasonable".

Holding that Pakistan has no "sovereign immunity" in the case, the judge ordered the Pakistan high commissioner here to pay the legal costs incurred by the other respondents in the case relating to the 'Hyderabad Funds' which is currently valued at £35 million.

It is understood that the legal costs of the respondents — the Government of India, the National Westminster Bank & the Nizam's heirs Mukkaram Jah & Muffakham Jah — are approximately £400,000.

The immunity waiver under the verdict, which has opened the doors for India to recover the frozen funds through legal process, is irrevocable.

The 'Hyderabad Funds Case' relates to transfer of £1,007,940 and 9 Shillings to a London bank account in the name of the High Commissioner in the UK for the then newly formed state of Pakistan, Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola, at the Westminster Bank (now Natwest) in 1948.

The money was transferred by an agent who appeared to be acting on behalf of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad.

Following the partition in 1947, and the formation of the independent sovereign states of India and Pakistan, the numerous princely states within the sub-continent were permitted by the UK to elect to join either of the two new states, or to remain independent.

The Nizam chose to remain independent. However, on September 18, 1948, Hyderabad was annexed to India.

On September 20, 1948 the money was transferred to Rahimtoola by the agent. On September 27, 1948, the Nizam sought to reverse the transfer of money claiming that it had been made without his authority.

The Bank was unwilling to comply with the Nizam's request without the agreement of the account holder. Withour such consent, matters remained unresolved for a number of years. As the successor state to the Nizam's State of Hyderabad, India has all along sought its claim over the money maintaining that it was State monies and not Nizam's private monies.

With no hope of a resolution since 1960, the Indian cabinet had approved efforts to pursue an out-of-court settlement with Pakistan and Nizam's heirs. The cabinet had also given its approval to the negotiating strategy. With no state immunity for Pakistan over the funds, India can once again get the money through the legal process.

According to the Indian government, the ruling of the British High Court of Justice or the English High Court means that the dispute over the ownership of funds can now once again be decided through the legal route, without Islamabad being able to block such proceedings by invoking its sovreign immunity.

PAGE 20 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

SRI LANKA / BANGLADESH

1971 Genocide relived through exhibition AGARTALA: Ahead of Bangladesh's Independence Day on March 26, a three-day exhibition "1971: Genocide and Torture" opened here on Monday to showcase the sacrifices lakhs of people of erstwhile East Pakistan made to achieve their freedom.

Bangladeshi patriots vowed to win their independence on March 26, 1971, when Bangabandhu Mujibur Rehman at a huge Dhaka rally gave the call, and launched a massive guerilla struggle against the then Pakistani rulers and their army.

The 'Mukti Juddha' (Liberation War), as it is called in Bangladesh, later turned into a full-scale India-Pakistan War, leading to the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, to the Indian Army and Bangladesh was created as sovereign nation.

"As Tripura was one of the crucial areas from where the 'Mukti Joddhas' (freedom fighters) after getting training and shelter carried out guerilla warfare against the Pakistani Army, that's why we are organising the first such exhibition in this Indian state," said Genocide and Torture Archive and Museum Trust president Muntasir Mamun.

He added: "Pakistani forces during the nine months of hostilities massacred over three million Bangladeshi men, women and children, and gang raped over six lakh women and tortured lakhs of people."

During the exhibition, many documentary films on Bangladesh liberation war would be screened and a workshop with the painters and artists of both Bangladesh and India would be organised here, Mamun said.

The Tripura government and Tripura Sanskriti Samanay Kendra, a renowned literary and cultural organisation, are the co-organisers of the exhibition which intends to depict heinous and inhuman mass killings, rape and torture, committed by the Pakistani Army and their local collaborators, before the new generation.

During the Bangladesh Liberation War, 10 million men, women and children from then East Pakistan took shelter in West Bengal, Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya.

Operation Cactus Lily was launched on December 3, 1971, by the Indian Army in East Pakistan. It was a brilliantly planned and meticulously executed military operation, culminating in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troopers in East Pakistan.

Operation Cactus Lily is marked as one of the finest military operations in the glorious history of the Indian Army.

India was the first country to recognise Bangladesh.

Bangladesh affairs expert and writer Gautam Das said Tripura had six to seven camps in several sectors from where the 'Mukti Joddhas' fought Pakistani forces in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

"Over 1,600,000 Bangladeshis - a number larger than the state's then total population of 1,500,000 - had taken shelter in Tripura alone," he said.

The Tripura government is creating a "Mukti Juddha" Park at Chottakhola in Belonia, 115 km south of here, to commemorate the Bangladesh Liberation War and its heroes.

Bangladesh wins international award for women’s empowerment DHAKA: Bangladesh has won an international award for women's empowerment and reducing gender gaps, securing a place among the top 10 countries that reduced gender gaps in politics significantly, media reported on Tuesday.

The Women in Parliaments (WIP) Global Forum presented this award to Bangladesh in its annual summit in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, bdnews24.com reported.

Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Shahriar Alam received the award on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The foreign ministry said that Bangladesh won the award in the "South and Southeast Asia" category.

The WIP is the global network of female parliamentarians at the national level, including those from the European parliament, of whom there currently are around 9,000.

The awards are based on the rankings of the World Economic Forum's "Global Gender Gap Report".

The index featured in the report assesses 135 countries, representing more than 93 percent of the world's population, on how well resources and opportunities are divided among male and female populations.

The Bangladesh government dedicated the award to more than 200,000 women who were the victims of violence during the 1971 war of independence. The award comes only a few days before Bangladesh's 45th Independence Day on March 26.

Bangladesh is perhaps the only country where the prime minister, parliament speaker, leader of the opposition, deputy leader of the house, and a major opposition leader are all women.

Alam said that women's active participation in politics, defence, administration and business in Bangladesh had made the country "a pioneer in the cause of women's rights".

He also reaffirmed Bangladesh's "unequivocal commitment to establishing gender equality and uproot violence against women from the society".

Yunus asked to pay $1.5 m in taxes

DHAKA: Bangladesh authorities have summoned Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus over a disputed bill for $1.51 million in unpaid taxes, a move analysts saw as a politically motivated move against the micro-credit pioneer.

Yunus has been at odds with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since 2007 when he made a brief foray into the country's highly polarised political scene.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) said it had asked the 74-year-old economist to come to its office on March 29 to try to resolve the tax dispute after he lodged a court appeal against the unpaid bill.

"Professor Yunus is a very good and compliant taxpayer. But his total tax dues now stand at 117.7 million taka ($1.51 million)," tax commissioner Meftha Uddin Khan told AFP on Tuesday, March 24. "We've asked him to settle the dispute through discussions," Khan said.

Yunus, who is challenging the tax bill, was removed as head of the micro-lender Grameen Bank that he founded in 2011, in a move widely seen as orchestrated by Hasina.

He is widely respected among ordinary Bangladeshis as an elder statesman.

"I think this tax dispute is intended to prove that his integrity is not beyond doubt," Ataur Rahman, a retired professor of political science at Dhaka University, told AFP. Khan said taxes were due on financial "gifts" paid by Yunus in the last three years to trusts set up for his family members and charities.

But Yunus's office said he had contested the bill in the high court.

In a statement, it said he had given away the bulk of his earnings between 2011 and 2014 "after paying all necessary taxes claimed by the Tax Authority".

It said he had earned nearly $10 million by giving speeches across the globe and from book royalties, donating most of the money to research and charitable purposes and paying 50 million taka into a trust set up for his family.

Yunus set up Grameen Bank in 1983 to make collateral-free micro-loans to rural and mostly women entrepreneurs. Its record in helping to reduce poverty earned him global fame and a Nobel Peace Prize.

Hasina has accused him of "sucking blood" from the poor and in 2013 he faced a state-backed hate campaign seeking to paint him as un-Islamic and a spreader of homosexuality

Sirisena heads for China COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's new president heads to Beijing this week for talks with China's leadership, seeking to smooth ruffled feathers after scuttling Chinese-funded projects and seeking stronger ties with regional rival India.

Maithripala Sirisena swept to power in January, ending a decade of rule by Mahinda Rajapakse, whose close alliance with Beijing had irked the island's traditional close ally India.

Sirisena has moved to wind back Beijing's influence, which became the strategically located island's biggest foreign financier and enjoyed significant political and even military influence under Rajapakse.

Sirisena has unnerved China by suspending a $1.4 billion "port city" project in Colombo that India considered a security risk, and ordering a review of other Beijing-financed projects and loans amid allegations of corruption.

Experts say the president will be seeking a divorce of sorts from China during the three-day state visit starting Wednesday, while trying not to upset the economic giant.

Sirisena will hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping along with other members of the leadership, Colombo said.

"The former government allowed China a free run in Sri Lanka," Sri Lankan political commentator Victor Ivan told AFP. "President Sirisena wants to maintain a normal relationship that will not irritate India."

The visit is about "bringing balance in Sri Lanka's engagement with two Asian rivals", P. Sahadevan, professor of South Asian studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, told AFP. Sirisena made India -- rather than China -- his first foreign trip after winning the January elections, seeking to rebuild ties with Delhi damaged by tensions over Beijing's influence on the island.

Delhi was reportedly furious after Chinese submarines were allowed to dock at Colombo port last year when Rajapakse was still in power.

Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean in a "string of pearls" strategy to counter the rise of rival India and secure its own economic interests.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sri Lanka and other Indian Ocean nations in March in a bid to counter that influence, and reassert Delhi's traditional role in the region.

Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who visited Beijing a month after Sirisena came to power, has said the new administration will not allow Chinese submarines in Colombo.

Colombo is also seeking to renegotiate huge loans given by China for projects at rates as high as 8 percent, Sri Lanka Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told reporters recently.

China had emerged as Sri Lanka's biggest single financier, accounting for about 40 percent of some $2.03 billion in foreign money spent on infrastructure projects in 2013, according to the latest Central Bank of Sri Lanka report.

China was also one of the few countries to defend Sri Lanka's human rights record under Rajapakse, who angered Western nations for refusing to cooperate with an international probe into allegations of war crimes on the island.

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015 • PAGE 21

PAKISTAN Tahira Mazhar Ali passes away LAHORE: Veteran leader of the left movement, Tahira Mazhar Ali, passed away on Monday.

Though she had been unwell for some time, her death has been met with a profound sense of loss by those who knew her.

“Tahira was indeed a true activist,” remembers I.A. Rehman.

“She joined the Communist Party at a very young age and since then never once stepped back from the work she was doing. After the Partition too she worked on peace and was on the peace committee between India and Pakistan.”

He described her as a very active political person who even participated in rallies and protests in her old age.

She remained a member of the Central Working Committee of the National Workers Party. But though she remained strong inside, outwardly Tahira Mazhar Ali’s health began to turn fragile, especially after she suffered a stroke.

On Monday, March 23, she passed away at her house in Shah Jamal, Lahore. Tahira Mazhar leaves behind a daughter, Tauseef Hyat, and two sons, Tariq Ali, a renowned writer, and Mahir Ali, a journalist in Australia.

Born in Lahore in a prominent family, Tahira’s father was Sir Sikander Hayat Khan, the prime minister of united Punjab from 1937 to 1942, while her maternal grandfather was Nawab Muzaffar Ali Khan, a prominent landlord of Punjab.

She studied at Queen Mary School in Lahore and later married Mazhar Ali Khan at the age of 16. Marrying a student leader may have been a turning point in her life and her political life began after marriage.

Being born in an affluent family did not deter her from struggling for the rights of the marginalised. She carried on her activism for labour and women’s rights for over 60 years.

It was Tahira who for the first time in Pakistan observed the International Women’s Day publicly, where it was openly demanded that women be given their equal status and their rights be established. When it came to fighting for human rights, Tahira was unbending and her marked resistance made her a threat to the establishment. In 1950, the Democratic Women’s Association (DWA) was formed and led by Tahira.

It is considered the country’s first women’s rights organization that ran with the support of the Communist Party, something that Tahira was proud of, often comparing it to internationally run organizations today.

Other members of the DWA included Hajra Masood, Khadija Omar, Amatul Rehman and Alys Faiz. Its work was based in the grassroots in small neighborhoods and involved mobilisation of women and workers.

It is because of her work in this regard that Tahira is seen as one of the greatest women of the subcontinent. Those who knew her well recall her active role in protests and rallies.

When it came to fighting for human rights, Tahira was unbending and her marked resistance made her a threat to the establishment.

Amid tears, her long-time colleague and close friend ‘Baji’ Naseem Ashraf Malik recalled Tahira and said she was “history personified”.

“I cannot even begin to explain her greatness,” she said. “All that I have learnt about activism has been taught by her. Inspired by her, we used to follow her through the streets of Lahore holding brooms and sweeping neighborhoods.

When the women who lived there used to see us, Tahira used to explain to them about cleanliness and made them aware of so many other things too.”

Baji Naseem adds that Tahira was not just an activist for the working class and women -- she was someone who actually worked with the masses.

“Unlike many others, she never thought it was beneath her to sit next to workers in their homes and eat with them,” said Baji Naseem.

“She had so much empathy within her. But at the same time, she was outspoken, confident and brave and nothing could deter her.”

She said no other woman had done as much as Tahira had for women’s rights in Pakistan.

It is because of this that she has been recognised in the subcontinent as a great woman of Punjabi origin. Tahira also led fierce resistance against dictatorship, especially under the Ayub and Zia regimes.

In the 1960s, Ayub Khan banned the DWA for its stance on his rule. Later, in Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s regime, though there was more freedom of movement and expression, the DWA was restrained from inviting Indian women activists to celebrate the International Women’s Day here.

After further restrictions on the association during Gen Zia’s reign, these leading women’s rights activists formed the Women’s Action Forum (WAF) as a new resistance movement. Zia’s oppressive regime and controversies such as the Hudood laws compelled the formation of WAF in 1981. — Xari Jalil in Dawn

Saulat Mirza to be hanged on April 1 KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi on Tuesday reissued death warrants for former Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) worker Saulat Mirza setting him up for execution on April 1.

Mirza was sentenced to death by an ATC in May 1999 for murdering the managing director of then named Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) chief Shahid Hamid, his driver Ashraf Brohi and guard Khan Akbar in July 1997. He was moved along with four high-profile prisoners to the Machh jail, Balochistan, inApril 2014.

Last week Mirza's execution was postponed for 72 hours. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar had said the target killer’s execution was stayed as “he is not well enough to be executed”.

Last week, Saulat Mirza, in a video statement aired on Geo News, hurled startling allegations on MQM and its top leadership, just a few hours before his execution was scheduled to take place.

Mirza had said he was an MQM worker and had received direct orders from MQM leader Babar Ghauri to assassinate KESC chief Shahid Hamid.

“I was summoned at Babar Ghauri’s house where I took Altaf Hussain’s orders via telephone.

Altaf Hussain would usually pass on instructions through Babar Ghauri,” he had alleged.

35 arrested for antiPakistan speeches BADIN: More than 35 activists of the Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) were arrested for making speeches against Pakistan and the Father of the Nation during a rally held in Matli town on Monday, March 23.

An FIR was registered under sections 153B (inducing students, etc., take part in political activity), 123-A (condemnation of the creation of the state, and advocacy of abolition of its sovereignty), 124-A (sedition) and 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Matli SHO Raja Naveed told Dawn that the rally participants raised slogans against Pakistan and its founding leaders. He said raids were being conducted on the houses of the arrested and a few more people were picked up.

Misbah: I am not the devil LAHORE: Pakistan's normally mild-mannered captain Misbah-ul-Haq on Tuesday, March 24, launched a blistering tirade against his critics as he confirmed his retirement from one-day internationals.

After patiently enduring years of abuse for almost every failing by the perennially mercurial Pakistan team, the 40-year-old Misbah said he was ready for a rest.

He said he had no intention of changing his mind about one-day cricket but would continue to play Tests, in which format he is Pakistan's most successful captain.

Misbah captained Pakistan in their recent World Cup campaign which ended in a battling quarter-final defeat to hosts Australia.

Misbah praised the team’s bowling ability saying that bowlers created opportunities for the team throughout the tournament but added that the batting needed to mature and capitalize on their innings. “Not being able to get big scores was a problem.”

He said it was disappointing to see former stars on television laying into the team, "using abusive words that are way below the basic standard of ethics".

"Pakistan's media houses should have some rules for people appearing on television or at least some basic training, because it seems that anyone who can't find a job in the country becomes an expert or analyst on TV screens," he told reporters in Lahore.

Critics dubbed Misbah "tuk-tuk" because of his dogged, patient batting style.

He was also regularly lambasted for supposedly negative tactics as captain and compared unfavourably with the swashbuckling, big-hitting all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

"I was being pinpointed for everything: when the batting failed, the media blamed me, when the bowling failed, the media blamed me and when the fielding failed, the media blamed me," he said.

When Pakistan lost their opening World Cup games to India and the West Indies, effigies of Misbah were burned in the street in Lahore.

The phlegmatic Misbah led Pakistan through some of its toughest years, taking over the captaincy after the spot-fixing scandal of 2010 that saw three key players banned.

He has also never led his side in a home series. International cricket in Pakistan was abandoned after the 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus and the side play all their "home" games in neutral venues.

"I can take responsibility to a certain limit but I am not the devil, I did not attack the Sri Lankan team, I did not end international cricket in Pakistan. Why blame me for everything?" he said.

2 killed in explosion at Bohra mosque KARACHI: Two people were killed in an explosion that took place after Friday prayers, March 20, outside the Saleh Mosque for Bohra community worshippers.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) police Abdul Khaliq Shaikh confirmed that one person died in the blast. He added that four people were injured, of which two are in critical condition.

DIG Shaikh said a timed explosive device was planted on a motorcycle. Umer Khatab, a senior officer at the police Counter Terrorism Department, told reporters that about 2 kg of explosives were used in the bomb, which was detonated with a timer.

“The bomb was planted to target the people coming out of the mosque," Khatab said.

PAGE 22 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2015

INDIA HERALD â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY,MARCH 25, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 23

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