India HeraldOct.8,2014 by India Herald

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VOL . 20 NO. 41 • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • P.O. BOX 623 • SUGAR LAND, TX 77487 • PERIODICAL PERMIT USPS 017-699 25 Cents

Baytown ‘Hindu Temple’ for sale Walk for peace marks Gandhi’s birthday By SESHADRI KUMAR A Hindu temple set up by Annamalai Annamalai also known as Commander Selvam Siddhar, has been put up for sale. Annamalai founder of the now defunct Hindu Temple of Georgia, was convicted of 34 felony counts of fraud and obstruction charges on Aug. 25 in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Georgia. Annamalai was convicted of bank fraud offenses, filing a false tax return, bankruptcy fraud offenses, money laundering, obstruction, false statement offenses, and conspiring to conceal a person from arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, before District Court Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. Annamalai’s legal problems began after his Georgia temple went into bankruptcy. Subsequently Annamalai moved his operations to Dayton, Ohio. After closing down the operations in Ohio, he moved to Baytown, Texas. An advertisement in a local paper reads: HINDU TEMPLE/MANDIR FOR SALE OR LEASE A well settled Hindu Temple/Mandir currently in full operation is for sale. in Houston ( Baytown), Texas... The temple is located on 5 acres unrestricted land with $11,000 sq temple place, paved parking for over a 100 cars. The adjacent 5 acres with a 5 bedroom home is presently used as priest quarters is also for sale. The temple has the biggest Shivalinga in the U.S, Vishnu/Balaji, Kal Bhairave, Ganesh Ji, 6’ Durga Ma, Lord Shanidev, Lord Gurudev, Nandhi Ji, and it also has many panchaloka murthisvigrahas such as Lord Muruga with Valli, Dhevanai, Ramseetha Lakshman Pariwar, Panchamukh Hamunan Ji, Sathyamarayana, Prapiyankara Soolini Ma, etc.” The temple was also known Texas Shiva Vishnu Temple. Now it is called Texas Krishna Mandir. The temple website lists Paru Sivanadian, Annamalai’s wife as the president. She is awaiting trial for conspiring to conceal a fugitive, Kumar Chinnathambi, co-accused in the bankruptcy fraud. An attorney associated with the Georgia temple bankruptcy proceedings said his understanding was that the government was going to seize this property pursuant to a civil forfeiture, but apparently that has not occurred. Annamalai and Sivanadian appear to be still running the same operation even though they are incarcerated, he said. Their “Karma” magazine is also being published as usual.

Mahatma Gandhi Library celebrated Mahatma Gandhi Week with cooperation of 100 organizations from Sept 27 to October 4. The week culminated in “1000 Lights for Peace” celebration at the Jones Plaza in downtown Houston. The event started with a Walk for Peace along Buffalo Bayou Park that was followed by multi-cultural performances that underscored the values of truth, peace and nonviolence. In the picture Premankur Cholia (left) with Sonal Bhuchar. At right are Atul Kothari, the inspiration behind the event, and Suresh Shah, dressed as Gandhi.

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PAGE 2 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 23

COMMUNITY NEWS Sewa Day 2014: International Day of Volunteering celebrated across USA Sewa International USA celebrated “Sewa Day” at over 20 locations in the USA involving volunteers in the Indian, IndianAmerican, Hindu and other communities. The objective was to bring together a diverse group of volunteers representing professional bodies, associations, linguistic, temple, spiritual, social and cultural organizations for a day of community service. Hundreds of volunteers of different ages and backgrounds from Sewa International and partner organizations worked on a variety of projects at locations across the country to make a difference in their communities. In San Diego, California, about 80 volunteers sorted fresh produce, inspected, sorted, boxed, and labeled food donations; and assembled food packages at Feeding America. Volunteers in the Bay Area, California packaged 3600 lbs. of fresh fruit at the Second Harvest Food Bank that would be delivered to families and communities in need. Volunteers at Portland, Oregon cleaned and rebuilt trails at Scappoose Retreat owned by the Vedanta Society of Portland. Activities included cleaning weeds and ferns, shoveling, garbage disposal and a guided group meditation session. Volunteers in the Denver, Colorado area cleaned the Sanatan Mandir temple in Brighton. In the Chicago area, volunteers arranged a bus trip for 55 Bhutanese refugee senior citizens to Downtown Chicago. They also organized a free community workshop on self-healing, cleansing and meditation by a well-known yogi. At Bloomington, Illinois, volunteers helped the local food bank by sorting and storing the food and loading their food truck. Volunteers in Atlanta, Georgia cleaned up and maintained a neighborhood road in Cobb County as part of the Adopt-A-Mile program. Sewa volunteers in Cleveland, Ohio cleaned up a community vegetable garden at Oxcart Pantry in North Olmsted. In Akron, Ohio, Sewa volunteers distributed boxes of warm clothing and accessories to a homeless shelter and to the Bhutanese refugee community. Among the many projects held in New Jersey this year, volunteers at New Brunswick prepared, bagged and delivered lunches for a local food shelter (Elijah’s Promise) that are distributed by the soup kitchen and by a community outreach team. Sewa volunteers at Boston, MA cooked dinner for 300 hungry people at the Cor Unam Meal Center in Lawrence. In Delaware, volunteers prepared and served food for a couple of homeless shelters.

Vivek Oberoi, famous Bollywood star and brand ambassador for Sewa Day 2014, said, “I try to reach out and tell people that this (Sewa) is incredible. I think Sewa Day is a great platform and that it should be a celebration of humanity”.

Sewa Day projects are scheduled at a few more locations such as in Pittsburgh where volunteers will serve at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Volunteers in the Seattle area will plant and remove invasive plants at the Martha Washington Park. At many of these locations, Sewa International prepared or sponsored lunch for the volunteers and facility staff after the volunteer event. Sewa Houston celebrated this years Sewa Day,by cleaning the Galveston Beach.Sewa worked with The Adopt a

Beach fondation,for their fall beach clean up.The event saw huge paticipation with 45 volunteers spending 3 hours cleaning the beach and supporting the environment. In all, the volunteers logged in 135 hrs of service. This group of students and adult volunteers represented various organizations like U of H, HSS and Sewa International. UK Prime Minister David Cameron is among many celebrities and dignitaries who endorsed Sewa Day. At the awards ceremony, he said: “I think Sewa Day is something

really, really, special and valuable. As Prime Minister you see amazing things and get to meet amazing people but I think the thing that gives me greater pleasure than anything else I do is seeing these amazing examples of social action in our communities”. Vivek Oberoi, famous Bollywood star and brand ambassador for Sewa Day 2014 said, “I try to reach out and tell people that this (Sewa) is incredible. I think Sewa Day is a great platform and that it should be a celebration of humanity”. About Sewa Day Sewa Day is a project of Sewa International. It is an international day of service. Sewa Day (www.sewaday.org) is being celebrated in over 20 locations in the US, as well as in UK, Australia, India and many other countries. For more information, please contact us at sewaday@sewausa.org or 708-USA-SEWA. Sewa International (www. sewausa.org) is a 501 (c)(3) Hindu faith-based charitable nonprofit service organization that works in the areas of disaster relief/rehab and development (education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, child welfare, rural and tribal welfare, and refugee support). Sewa serves regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability or national origin.

PAGE 4 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

TOPIC OF THE WEEK Prime Minister Modi’s visit has boosted India’s image By SESHADRI KUMAR The euphoria over the just concluded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States has somewhat subsided and it is time for some calm recapitulation. Modi’s visit to the Madison Square Garden was beamed live all over the world and it is superfluous to describe the scene again. But, some congenital critics of Modi were quick to denigrate the glowing reports in the media as overblown, exaggerated and “worshipful.” An article in the Economist, after opening the essay with the remark that Modi was a “pain in the ass,” had an editor’s retraction or explanation at the end of the article saying that it was how a New York cop would have described the visit. Another ‘intellectual’ in Bloombergnews.com clairvoyantly reduced Modi to a “dangerous cliche.” The decade-old campaign to “convict” Modi has failed, but his the critics continue to use the adjective “accused” to describe Modi, as Pankaj Mishra did, but omitted to mention that accusations were just that and Modi has not been found guilty. There are many journalists who do not “participate” in the worship, but faithfully convey the message to their viewers and readers. Analysts and opinion makers can comment on Modi’s visit as a success, failure or of no consequence, and explain why they think so. However, anti-Modi elements, in their impulse to attack, ignore the context of an event or appearance and articulate their disdain for Modi and his supporters in the most visceral language. If the show was tasteless (it could be, for some), it is no reflection on Modi. To dismiss his Madison Square Garden appearance as a mere show of optics would be easy, but can only be said by the intellectually lazy. The content of the pre-Modi speech was a small part of the big picture, but the venue, and the audience added immensely to the show, a show of strength, and Modi’s performance was very commendable, both in style and substance. Any amount of stereotyping and caricaturing cannot diminish Modi’s role as India’s prime minister. Skeptics may compare Modi’s message to President Barack Obama’s “Yes, We can” and “Hope and Change” slogans and they may predict and wish that he will fail to deliver like Obama. But, would Obama supporters agree with this assessment?

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A delegation of members of Houston’s Dawoodi Bohra community was among the audience at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sept 28 It is not out of place to think that Modi may have made too many promises or raised expectations too high and one may doubt his ability to accomplish all that he has promised. Time will tell if that legitimate skepticism is right or wrong. The bottomline is that Modi’s visit made a difference to the Indian American community in the U.S. and his visit contributed to bolstering India’s image. Historically, Indian Americans have been indifferent to Indian politics, mostly because of the long Congress Party rule and the perception that the country was governed by corrupt politicians. The recent elections in India galvanized the indifferent Indian Americans, a large number of youth, and an unprecedented campaign support for Modi and the BJP emerged. A large contingent of Modi supporters went to India to campaign, while the rest worked from the

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U.S. for his victory. The spectacular show of support for Modi at Madison Square Garden is a direct result of this enlarged segment of Indian Americans interested in Modi and the BJP. The fact that a sizeable chunk of Indian Americans hail from Gujarat and they proudly associate themselves with Modi is certainly an added factor and Modi tailored his speech to tap into this reservoir of support. What about the 30-odd American elected officials waiting in line to welcome Modi? That is a sign that Indian Americans have come of age in local politics as well. I can vouch for this after watching the Indian Americans in mainstream politics for over two decades. However, Indian Americans have yet to perfect their art of politics and channelize their strength to greater advantage. In this context, the Indian TV commentator Rajdeep Sardesai, comes to mind. Sardesai seemed to have incited the crowd by design and, by posing silly and demeaning questions to Modi’s ardent admirers, invited their wrath. Sardesai asked if the NRIs believed one man can change the country. A man replied: “If one woman can loot the country, one man can change country.” Sardesai called Modi the “pied piper” and suggested that the crowd was bought out, but the audience told him that tickets to the Madison Square Garden event were free and they had come on their own. When Sardesai asked what they found in Modi, another youth responded that Modi was a catalyst and he channelized their energy for the growth and development of India. Sardesai almost insulted the Indian Americans by saying they were there only to show their faces in front of the TV cameras and they did not do enough for their motherland. Several in the audience said they would go back to India answering Modi’s call and they already were doing their bit for India’s economic growth and development. The impassioned crowd began shouting slogans in support of Modi and India and denounced

Sardesai. After a series of negative questions and disgusted with the devotion of the people for Modi, Sardesai concluded that it was a “frenzied crowd” and asked the audience if Modi told them to behave like that. As the confrontation continued, Sardesai verbally abused one man, who returned the favor. Then a scuffle ensued, with Sardesai charging towards the man, as seen in the TV clippings. Nowhere in this massive congregation did anyone resort to violence, other than the ecstatic shouting of the slogan “Modi, Modi.” It would have gotten under the skin of most Modi-haters, but journalists should have thick skin and nimble feet to steer away from trouble. They should avoid becoming participants and remain observers. The most memorable passage from Modi’s speech, according to me, was the ‘taxi fare’ to Mars. Just as his visit has implications at different levels, his comparison of India’s Mangalyaan (Mars Oribiter Mission) and America’s Mission to Mars was profound, though it sounded funny. India could get to Mars at a low taxi fare of Rs. 7 per kilometer, Modi said. The mission was the cheapest, costing $75 million. NASA spent $637 million on its mission. (The cost difference is because India’s mission is like a Honda Civic and the U.S. mission is like Mercedes-S class, to quote a NASA spokesman.) Another slogan that has lingered in my mind was “Minimum government; Maximum governance.” Quoting Mahatma Gandhi and imploring a path to “clean” India, his clarion call to clean the Ganges brought to mind the imagery of Hercules cleaning the Augean Stables. Modi cleverly used Mahatma Gandhi’s name again, by referring to Gandhi’s return to India and fighting for India’s freedom. The open-ended message was whether NRIs would return to India to pay back their debt to the motherland. Many said yes as the one who answered TV personality Sardesai.

FEEDBACK Did America snub Prime Minister Modi? Dear Editor: Prime Minister Modi’s US visit was certainly a huge morale booster for the Indo-Americans. Some twenty thousand IndoAmericans at the Madison Square Garden, thousands standing outside watching on close circuit TVs, and several hundred thousand watching on Internet were in the awe as Modi spoke from the heart, connecting with each and everyone at a personal level. Modi made every Indo-American proud, including yours truly. Modi’s charismatic speech at the United Nations was eloquent. He did not mince words, was radiantly proud of his Vedic heritage, and politely but firmly rebuffed his Pakistani counterpart who addressed the body the day before. Modi met with CEO’s of selected American businesses; one hopes these meetings will generate much needed investment in India. Modi met President Obama, Vice President Biden, and exPresident Clinton during the visit. He also dined with these gentlemen separately. But, there was no State dinner, a symbol of status of a visiting foreign dignitary. Also conspicuously missing from Modi itinerary was an address to the US Congress, another indicator of the importance of the visitor. If the White House treatment of Modi was lukewarm, that of the American press was plain cold. I kept on switching the TV channels, hoping to see a glimpse of Modi coverage. Unless I missed an isolated footage, there was Zip,

Zero, Nada! Having denied him visa for no valid reason some years ago, I thought the US Government will go out of the way to roll out the red carpet for Modi. America purports to champion the cause of democracy and Modi is the legitimate head of the largest democracy in the World. So, what is America’s problem! Some argue officially it was only a visit to the UN, not a State visit. Well, did Modi beg to be invited to the White House while officially on a UN visit? To my mind, while Indo-Americans welcomed Modi with enthusiasm, America snubbed Modi. I hope it was an act of omission, not of commission. Dr. Hari H. Dayal Friendswood, TX

ASIE: Some reflections Dear Editor: When I had just returned from an overseas assignment,and was looking for a job in Houston, someone whom I had met in a Hillcroft store told about the American Society of Indian Engineers (ASIE). which met once a month in Mahatma Gandhi Community Center, owned by Gujarati Samaj, located at 6220 Elm Street, Houston, TX.77081. Mr. Kirti J. Sanghani was the second term President when I joined ASIE in 1996. ASIE was originally started as an offshoot of Gujarati Samaj, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Hasmukh Doshi, the first President of ASIE who saw the need to create an identity for Indian Engineers as a group. ASIE membership originally comprised of mostly Gujaratis and I was probably the first Telugu speaking person to join the organization. I knew then that the membership base of ASIE was too small and had to be expanded to include engineers from all states of India. In the early days, ASIE was teased as an association of job seekers and did not enjoy due respect from employers. Engineers with full employment did not see much benefit in joining the organization. However, during lay-offs and bad job market, ASIE membership often swelled. “No O.T. (Over Time)…No roti” used to be the joke in those days. Engineers who came to this country in the 60’s and 70’s with eight dollars in pocket looked for overtime earnings and worked late evening hours. After a long day’s brain straining work, they were reluctant to come and sit through a technical presentation. ASIE’s present practice of giving Professional Development Hour (PDH) See Page 6

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 5

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Indian Music Society of Houston Presents Hindustani Classical Vocalist

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Vocalist Kumar Marduris from Dharwad in Northern Karnataka, home to several leading Hindustani classical vocalists. Trained by his father, Pt. Somanath Mardur, and then by the famous Pt. Feroz Dastur, Pandit Kumar Mardur is a recipient of Sangeet Natak Academy award. He is a tutor (guru) at the prestigious ITC Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata, teaching and growing in an environment which is just as rich as his birthplace. He has received many awards, has performed very widely India and abroad.

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PAGE 6 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

INDIANS ABROAD Stanford Professor to get U.S. Medal of Science recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science and engineering. Born in 1935 to a Malayalam-speaking Syrian Christian family who hailed from Kerala, Kailath has authored several books including wellknown Linear Systems. After graduating from the University of Pune in 1956, Kailath received his Master’s degree and his doctorate degree in 1961, both from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US. He was the first India-born student to receive a doctorate in electrical engineering from MIT. He joined Stanford University as associate professor of electrical engineering in 1963 and was promoted to the post of professor in 1968, and was appointed the first holder of the Hitachi America Professorship in 1988. He is also known for his contributions to the information and system sciences.

WASHINGTON: A 79-yearold Indian-American Stanford University professor is among 10 innovators to receive the US National Medal of Science announced by President Barack Obama for their contribution to the field of science. Pune-graduate and Padma Bhushan recipient Thomas Kailath will receive the United States’ highest honour for achievement and leadership in advancing the fields of science at a White House ceremony later this year. “These scholars and innovators have expanded our understanding of the world, made invaluable contributions to their fields, and helped improve countless lives,” Obama was quoted as saying by National Science Foundation, a US government agency, yesterday. Awarded annually, the medal

Rockford Univ names business school after Indian American donor WASHINGTON: A top private US university has named its first business school after an Indian-American real estate tycoon in the Midwest. Rockford University announced the creation of the Puri Business School in recognition of a $5 million contribution to the university by First Rockford Group founder and president Sunil Puri, 1982 alumnus and 2013 recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university. Puri Business School is the first named school at the University. “It is important to my family and me, that the Puri Business School offers not only an exemplary space where students, faculty and the community can interact and innovate, but where significant programmatic and curricular advances that will deepen the University’s commitment to advance the university and partner in the economic revival of this region,” Puri said. “The liberal arts education I received at Rockford College significantly contributed to my success and the Puri Business School is my way of paying it forward,” he added. The event was attended by Senator Dick Durbin, last week. “I am pleased to honor my friend Sunil Puri for his commitment to Rockford University as we dedicate the Puri Business School,” he said. “In 1979, Sunil came to Rockford University with virtually no money or proper transcripts, but he did come with hope and tenacity. Rockford University gave him a chance and today on his birthday — he’s made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten the role the school played in his success.”

Reflections on ASIE From Page 5 certificates at the end of each technical seminar is certainly motivating engineers to attend the ASIE meetings which would help keep their professional licenses current. In 1997, when I was elected the President of ASIE, I was determined to bring ASIE from the back street to the main street. India’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 1997 provided me an opportunity to do just that. To many Westerners, India was no more than a country of Maharajahs, magic carpets and snake charmers. It was a challenge to change that perception. The time was ripe to show case India as an emerging modern nation that was transforming itself into a technological and economic power house. ASIE’s first Gala was held on

September 6,1997 in a grand style at the South West Hilton Hotel. The uniqueness of the event was an all-day seminar highlighting India’s space technology. Mr. L.S. Satyamurty, Counselor for ISRO at the Indian Embassy, flew in from Washington, D.C. and made a presentation on India’s pioneering space program, INSAT-1C, etc. Professor John Lienhard was the key note speaker who spoke on India's contribution to Science and Technology. India's recent highly successful insertion of Mangalyaan satellite into Mars orbit coincided with ASIE's 20th Anniversary Gala which brought back proud memories of ASIE's salute to India's space achievements in its very first Gala in 1997. What a coincidence indeed! Krishna Vavilala Houston, TX

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COMMUNITY NEWS Neeta Sane honored as one of the top ‘Influential Women of Houston’

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832-276-0412 Celebrating Trustee Neeta Sane as one of the “Top 30 Most Influential Women of Houston 2014.” Sonia Guimbellot , Elizabeth Maldonado, Dr. Cesar Maldonado, Shawn Taylor, Lina Sabouni, Neeta Sane, Michael Sabouni, Deepak Sane. In a ballroom filled with family, friends and co-workers, Neeta Sane, Houston Community College Board of Trustees Chair, was honored as one of the “2014 Top 30 Influential Women of Houston” by Dmars marketing and communication firm. “We are proud to have Trustee Sane as chairman of the board. Her role in the continuous growth of Houston Community College and her commitment to student success make her a perfect recipient of this award,” said Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor. Sane and the other women honored represent the finest in corporate, civic, philanthropy, education, entertainment and community leadership that their city has to offer. Under Sane’s leadership, the Board of Trustees recently selected the chancellor, commenced working on all 14 construction projects passed in the 2012 bond election, and announced the development of a RigOne lab at HCC Northeast College. “I am proud of the partnerships that Houston Community College has cultivated over the years. In fact, the name of our institution reinforces our critical mission – to serve and work with our community,” said Sane. Sane, an entrepreneur, wife and mother, grew up in India with tremendous respect for America. After she migrated here, she immersed herself in the community and public service to give back some of the blessings and opportunities this country gave to her. The Texas Legislature commended Sane for her efforts to strengthen the college’s capacity to serve as a pathway to higher education and workforce training.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Karva Chauth Vrat Sat., Oct 11 @5:30 p.m Karva Chauth Vrat Katha at the Shri Radha Krishna Temple, 11625 Beechnut Street. Katha starts at 5:30 p.m. For further information please call temple at 281-933-8100 or visit www.SRKT.org.

MTS Diwali Bazaar Sat., Oct 18 @8:30 a.m. Annual Diwali Bazaar at Meenakshi Temple, 17130 McLean Road in Pearland. From 8:30 a.m. to midnight. Includes health fair, rangoli competition, food court, fireworks, and garba to live music.

Diwali fest at Radha Madhav Dham Sat., Oct 18 @5 p.m. Diwali celebration at Radha Madhav Dham, 400 Barsana Road, Austin 78737. From 5 p.m. to midnight. Ram Leela performance, fireworks, food and games for children, raas-garba. Visit www.Radhamadhavdham. org for details.

HTW Diwali Mela Sun., Oct 19 @ 11 a.m. Hindu Temle of The Woodlands celebrates Diwali Mela from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring mehndi, rangoli, diya decorating, Idnian dances and showcase of jewelry, fashion, handicrafts and chatpat snacks. Admissioin is free. Temple is located at 7601 S Forestgate Dr, Spring, TX 77382. Visit woodlandshindutemple.org.

Children’s Theatre From Oct 11 to Nov 15 every Sat at 2 p.m. To kick off its 24th season, “Around the World and Across the Street,” Express Children’s Theatre will present Mulan the Warrior Princess. This original adaptation dramatizes value of courage, compassion, loyalty and

the power everyone has to make a difference in the world. On Saturdays at 2 p.m. from Oct 11 to Nov 15 at Express Children’s Theatre, 446 Northwest Mall. Tickets are $10. Visit www.expresstheatre.com or call 713-682-5044.

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 281-7593286. 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 talks. www.houstonvedanta.org or 281-584-0488.

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Durga Bari Temple

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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.

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 or Hardik Raval 361-243-6539 for puja or other ceremonies.

Telugu Fellowship Telugu Christian Fellowship meets every third Saturday of the month at Triumph Church, 10555 W. Airport Blvd., Stafford TX 77477 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for a time of praise, worship and fellowship. Worship is in English. Call Chris Gantela 281-344-0707, or Rev. V. Gurrala 281-997-0757.

Sahaj Marg Meditation Sahaj Marg (Natural Path) Meditation and Spirituality (www. sahajmarg.org) A natural, simple system of Raja Yoga meditation and spiritual practice. Weekly satsangs in Houston area. Email Radheshyam Miryala at meditate_ houston@yahoo. com or meditate.galveston @gmail.com.

Heritage Classes Ashirwad’s Heritage Classes in Katy, Cypress and Sugar Land for kids 4 to 18 yrs - meditation, Yoga, slokas, stories from scriptures, Vishnu Sahasranam, bhajans, competitions and fun activities. Adult meditation classes. Register at www.ashirwadab lessing.org or 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. Contact Bharti Sutaria 281568-1690 or Jay Deshmukh 832541-0059 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: vsnahouston@gmail.com or Jagadeesh Halyal 832-744-4166.

Houston Namadwaar A prayer house where the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Maha-mantra is continuously chanted. Weekends: 8-11 AM & 4-7 PM, Weekdays: 7-8 AM & 6-7 PM. Weekly “Gopa Kuteeram” children’s heritage classes and Srimad Bhagavatam classes. Call 281-402-6585; visit www.godivinity.org (Global Organization for Divinity).

Mar Thoma Church Trinity Mar Thoma Church every Sunday at 5810 Almeda Genoa Rd. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Malayalam service at 9:30 a.m. on 1st & 3rd Sunday. Adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. English service at 10:30 a.m. on 2nd & 4th Sunday. Call 713-991-1557 or 281-261-4603.

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

Arsha Vidya Bharati Sanskrit classes and special worship sessions for all ages. At 2918 Renoir, Sugar Land, TX 77479.Call 281-606-5607 or AVB.Houston@gmail.com. Web-site: https://sites.google.com/site/ avbtexas/classes

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.

Patanjali Yogpeeth Free Yoga Classes every Sat/Sun at Arya Samaj from 8 am to 9:30 a.m. Call Anil 281-579-9433. For other free classes, call Indra 281537-0018. For Yoga/Herbal products, call Shekhar 281-242-5000. Web: www.pyptusa.org and www.DivyaProducts.com.

Houstonian to head Pakistan’s top Univ Prof. Javed Ashraf has been named to head Pakistan’s Quaid-i-Azam University, according to a notification from Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. Dr. Javed Ashraf has been a Houstonian since 2003. He has served as Dean of the Cameron School of Business at the University of St. Thomas. He has also held the Cullen Endowed Professorship of Economics at the University. Dr. Ashraf served as the Director of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Prof. Javed Ashraf in Karachi from 2000 to 2002. Under his directorship, IBA became the first public-sector institution in Pakistan to offer four-year bachelor’s program in the country. Later, Dr. Ataur-Rahman as Chairman of the Higher Education Commission ordered all universities in the country to adopt the four-year degree program. While at IBA, he received an award from President Pervez Musharraf for his contributions to education in Pakistan. Quaid-i-Azam University (formerly known as Islamabad University) is the country’s flagship university in the federal capital. Dr. Ashraf is leaving for Islamabad on October 9 to take the oath of office from President Mamnoon Hussain. Dr. Ashraf becomes the second Houstonian to wear the robes of a Vice-Chancellor in Pakistan. A few years ago, Dr. Ahmad Durrani left Houston to head the Lahore University of Management Sciences.

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INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 9

INDIA

India, Pakistan spar over LOC violations

under the carpet,” reiterating Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address to the UN General Assembly last month that the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir has to be be resolved through negotiations and in accordance with the wishes of its people. Voicing concern over the recent escalation of the ceasefire violations along the LoC by Indian security forces, Khan called on the Indian Government to immediately cease fire to preserve tranquility at the border. He added that the UN mission in India and Pakistan must also be enabled to play its role in monitoring the ceasefire. The Indian representative, again exercising the right of reply, said that India rejected all untenable and unsolicited remarks made by Pakistan. Later, a representative of Pakistan, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, said that the ceasefire along the LoC and the working boundary must be preserved in the interest of people in the region, and asked for restraint from the Indian government and from security forces. He called for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to be enabled to play its role in monitoring the ceasefire and securing peace and tranquility along the LoC and the working boundary.

Rahul: Modi is all talk, no action An injured man is brought for treatment at the government medical college hospital following firing by Pakistani troops across the India Pakistan border at Jora farm in Jammu.

UNITED NATIONS: India and Pakistan have sparred at the UN over ceasefire violations along the LoC with India making it clear that its armed forces are “fully ready” to respond to “provocation”. India also said that the onus of creating a positive environment for normalization of relations is on

Pakistan. A war of words between the two countries over the situation at the Line of Control took place on Tuesday at the UN General Assembly where India said that it was a “matter of deep regret” that Pakistan violated the ceasefire, in which eight people were killed and several others injured.

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“It is a matter of deep regret that Pakistan has violated the ceasefire and their unprovoked firing has led to loss of civilian lives on Indian side…Firing on innocent civilians by Pakistan will only hamper normalisation of relations. “The onus of creating a positive environment is on Pakistan which is utterly failing to do so,” senior official at the Indian Mission to the UN, Devesh Uttam said on Tuesday in his right of reply to Pakistan’s remarks. The Indian official stressed that everyone must be “assured” that India’s armed forces and paramilitary forces are “fully ready and they will respond to provocation”. The Indian diplomat was responding to comments made by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Masood Khan when he raised the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during the 21st plenary meeting of the General Assembly here on Tuesday. Khan said that long-standing festering issues “cannot be swept

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MAHAD: With shelling and firing by Pakistani troops continuing to claim civilian lives in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he has done nothing to stop it despite “many provocations”. “Before the Lok Sabha polls, Modi used to speak of adopting an aggressive approach towards China and Pakistan. Now, despite so many provocations, the PM is not doing anything for the last three months,” he said, addressing his first campaign rally for the October 15 Maharashtra Assembly elections at Mahad in Raigad district. When the Prime Minister was enjoying a swing with the Chinese President, thousands of their soldiers were occupying our land in Ladakh….,” he said. On Modi’s recent US trip, Rahul said, “During the visit, the Prime Minister thought of how medicines on diabetes and cancer, produced by companies there, could be sold in India. “As a result, medicines costing Rs 8,000 will be available in India for Rs one lakh,” the Congress leader said. He also hit back at Modi for his Congress-free India slogan, saying it was “impossible”. “BJP says it wants to make India Congress-free. They do not realise that ideology of Congress, India and Maharashtra is the same. It is not possible to make India Congress-free,” he said.

Transgender is anchor on TN channel CHENNAI: A Coimbatore-based transgender has become a trailblazer for her community becoming the first TV transgender news anchor when she went ‘live’ on Independence day on a private Tamil satellite channel in Tamil Nadu. “I will be completing two months in Lotus news channel on October 15,” Padmini Prakash told PTI. It has been a hard grind for Padmini considering the fact she had to drop out after her first year in B.Com course some 15 years ago after her parents disowned her. She wanted to study for IAS but could not because of the discrimination and stigma she experienced and economic conditions. But such setbacks only made her more determined to succeed, she said. Padmini realised very early on that the media was the best way to reach to wide sections of society and to create awareness about the problems of the transgenders, and is happy that she has landed a job as a news anchor. Padmini, who is in her thirties, participated in talk shows and some serials before she caught the attention of Coimbatorebased Lotus representatives who were scouting for a member of her community for their channel. In between, she took part in transgender beauty contests and won the Miss Tamil Nadu and Miss India titles in 2007 and 2009 respectively. G K S Selvakumar, Chairman of Lotus news channel, said he wanted the transgender community to come up in society. “So we were scouting…and Rose Venkatesan, who is the first transgender TV show hostess, put us on to Padmini.” “We were impressed by her fluency in Tamil and provided training for her for about two months,” he said. “Look in places like Mumbai, they are treated with respect and provided assistance. But there is so much of discrimination against the community in other places, so I felt some opportunities should be given for them to come up in society,” he said. “Now I am getting enquiries about Padmini from places like US, Germany and Australia.” Impressed by her diction and fluency in Tamil, the channel has entrusted her the task of reading the 7 PM special bulletin daily.

Broadband connectivity in all Kerala villages Kerala plans to become the first Indian state to take broadband internet connectivity to all villages across the state under the National Optical Fibre Network (NOFN). Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the state envisaged to complete the project by March, 2015, to become the first state to achieve high speed net connectivity in all panchayats. The Kerala leg of the NOFN would further require a cable network of 8,00 km and so far 150 km of cable has been already laid. Broadband internet facility is already available in many villages in the state. Kerala has 978 village panchayats in the threetier local governing system.

PAGE 10 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

INDIA Assembly polls: Sena cousins declare truce

File photo of Shiv Sena chief the late Bal Thackeray with nephew Raj, left, and son Uddhav, right.

MUMBAI: Estranged Thackeray cousins, Uddhav and Raj, have set aside their mutual bitterness to present a united front against the Modi-inspired BJP in Maharashtra’s October 15 elections. The tactical shift within Shiv Sena and MNS aims to send a message to the cadre that their political survival in the state may be under threat because of the likely high tide of a Modi wave. The BJP’s decision to go it alone in the state has forced Uddhav and Raj to redraw their poll plans but the leaders have stopped short of declaring an alliance. Political analyst Suresh Jondhale told The Indian Express that there is no question of an alliance at this moment. “But one cannot rule out a post-poll alliance where Sena and MNS will work together… today they are both attacking Modi to prepare a common agenda,” he said. The Sena — which has high stakes in almost 120 seats across Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Pune, Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Aurangabad, Parbhani, Raigad and Sindhudurg-Ratnagiri — is afraid of BJP making a dent in these support areas. Similarly, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, which also draws its strength from Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivali, Thane, Nashik and Pune, wants to safeguard its turf. We will give a befitting reply to those trying to undermine the state. And we have always welcomed anybody working for our people,” Uddhav told a rally last week. Raj Thackeray told The Indian Express : “I will work with all those SEWA International Houston brings to you

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who are willing to safeguard the rights of Maharashtra and Mumbai.” “MNS is not the real rival. Our main rival is Modi. If BJP spreads its tentacles across Maharashtra, it threatens the political dominance of Sena in the state,” said a senior Shiv Sena leader. It is learnt that after the SenaBJP split late last month, Uddhav took the initiative to call Raj. Political managers in Sena now warn that “Uddhav Thackeray’s campaign against Modi will further intensify”. In 2009, Shiv Sena won 45 seats of 169 it had contested. The MNS won 13 seats. In Lok Sabha elections, all of MNS’s 10 candidates lost badly, with a mere 0.13 per cent of votes. This was a massive decline from 4.6 per cent votes it polled in 2009 assembly elections. The primary concern for Raj Thackeray is to ensure that the tally of 13 MLAs is retained. And he reckons that Modi’s surge, if it works, would make the this goal hard to achieve. “I can clearly see Modi’s gameplan is to wipe out regional parties,” he had told The Indian Express. If MNS is concerned, Sena has good reason to be spooked. This is the first state election after the death of Bal Thackeray. Although Sena is playing Bal Thackeray’s last emotive appeal to people to vote for the party he founded, it is not perhaps making the desired impact. Both Uddhav and Raj are amply speaking of Thackeray’s contribution to Maharashtra to counter Modi and portraying the latter as an outsider who has little stake in the state’s asmita. State BJP spokesman Madhav Bhandari said, “If we look at the campaign, it is clear that Shiv Sena and MNS are working together and targeting BJP and Narendra Modi. They can see their defeat.”

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A rickshaw-puller from the city pedalled for two months and covered a 3,000-km arduous journey to reach distant Ladakh valley to become the first man to achieve the feat. After riding his rickshaw for 68 days through Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Srinagar and Kargil, 44year-old Satyen Das said he had crossed the famous Khardung La pass in Ladakh on August 17. He returned home a few days ago and is now eyeing an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records for plying rickshaw at an altitude above of 5000 metres. His trip was financed by the Naktala Agrani Club in south Kolkata. The secretary of the club, Patho Dey, said, “We estimated that the trip would cost around Rs 80,000 which we raised from among club members. We were impressed by his passion and determination to undertake the adventure.” “After I crossed Pathankot in Jammu and Kashmir, locals told me that they had never seen a rickshaw in their village,” Das said.

My House….Your House…. Our House Free Family Law Consultations: Starting Oct 7, 2014. www.indiahouseinc.org Tues 6 pm to 7 pm. By appointment (Walk-ins may be rescheduled). Free Medical Clinic: Sat. 9 am to 1 pm. Free Yoga Classes: Tues & Thurs 11 am to 12 pm; Sat. 10 am to 11 am. Free Meditation Classes: Sat. 11 am to 11:30 am. Free Craft Classes: Sat. 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Free Immigration Consultation: Sat. 1 pm to 3 pm - By appointment (Walk-ins may be rescheduled). Free Kidney Smart Classes: 4th Thurs. 12 pm to 1:30 pm. After-School Tutorial: Mon. to Fri. 3 pm to 6 pm. Sareen Clinic (Harris Health System): Mon. to Fri. 8 am to 4 pm; Sat. 9 am to 11 am. Bollywood & Classical dance classes: Sat. & Sun. Religious prayers & spiritual fulfillment: Sun. 10 am. For info or appointment, contact vipin@indiahouseinc.org or call 713-929-1900 • 8888 West Bellfort, Houston, TX 77031

Jayalalithaa denied bail

BANGALORE: A single judge of the Karnataka High Court on Tuesday, Oct 7, dismissed a plea filed by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for grant of bail and suspension of her four-year prison term following her September 27 conviction in a Rs 66.65 crore disproportionate assets case. Dismissing the bail pleas filed by Jayalalithaa and three of her associates, Justice A V Chandrashekhar said the Supreme Court had in recent times taken a tough stand against corruption cases and had called “corruption a violation of human rights’’. Although Special Public Prosecutor Bhavani Singh said he had no objections to bail being granted, the High Court bench referred to recent Supreme Court orders in corruption cases and ruled against Jayalalithaa’s plea. Initially, after Singh’s turnaround, word trickled out of the courtroom that Jayalalithaa had been granted bail, leading to celebrations by AIADMK supporters who had gathered outside. “In view of the clear observation of the apex court that corruption is a violation of human rights, this is not a fit case for suspension and bail. Bail plea is liable to be dismissed,’’ said the court. It observed that there were no grounds to suspend her sentence. Though it is true that the sentence can be suspended in cases where it is seven years or less, it is not an absolute right, the court said. The apex court has created a framework for addressing corruption cases in the course of the State of Maharashtra through CBI, Anti Corruption Branch, Mumbai Vs. Balakrishna Dattatrya Kumbhar case where it stated that “corruption is a serious malady affecting the health of the polity,’’ the bench observed. The judge said Jayalalithaa’s case was not one without evidence, although there could be reason for argument on evidence that could be taken up at the stage of an appeal. The court cited a Supreme Court observation that conviction after a trial means a person is assumed to be corrupt till exonerated by a higher court. A conviction by a sessions court is a disqualification against suspension of sentence since the court has applied its mind in the course of the trial, the bench said. The mere fact that the accused was on bail in the course of the 13-year trial of the case and did

not violate bail conditions does not warrant a suspension of sentence and grant of bail, it said. Senior advocate Ram Jethmalani, counsel for Jayalalithaa, said the special judge had committed several perversions in the trial and had proceeded in the case with the assumption that the prosecution had proved its case. Senior advocate Amit Desai, appearing for V K Sasikala, said the special judge had “virtually reversed the first principles of jurisprudence’’ by putting the onus on the accused to disprove the evidence against them rather than on the prosecution to prove its case. The court found Jayalalithaa guilty of amassing wealth to the tune of Rs 53.60 crore against a known income of Rs 9.91 crore during her first term as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in 1991-96. The case, registered in 1997, was transferred to Karnataka by the Supreme Court in 2003 following allegations by the DMK that the trial was being subverted by Jayalalithaa during her second term in power between 20012006. Widespread attacks and protests erupted across Tamil Nadu on Tuesday soon after the court’s verdict. The protesters targeted vehicles with Karnataka registration numbers and business establishments owned by people from Karnataka. At the party headquarters in Chennai, a dozen AIADMK ministers and senior leaders gathered in front of the television. “We will approach the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court before moving the Supreme Court,” said a senior party leader. The Data Udipi hotel in Chennai, reportedly owned by a Karnataka group, was attacked by AIADMK supporters. Police also confirmed at least half-adozen incidents of attacks and stone pelting on vehicles with Karnataka registration numbers in Trichy, Salem and Dindigul. Breaking his week-long silence, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam asked the public to refrain from any kind of violence, protests, closure of shops and bandhs.

Police-VHP nexus? A common thread appears to have emerged from a series of communal incidents in Gujarat over the last two weeks, with residents of the areas affected blaming an alleged nexus between local VHP activists and police in triggering the violence. All the clashes were sparked by crackdowns on the sale of beef during Navratri and Bakr Eid — the slaughter of cows is banned in Gujarat. The latest clash was reported from the Muslim-dominated Dabhel village of Navsari on Monday night when police, tipped off by VHP’s ‘gau rakshaks’ (protectors of cows), detained a resident for allegedly selling beef. The villagers retaliated by attacking the police, who opened fire leading to injuries to two residents.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 11

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Renjitha Babu and Vijna Vasudevan Samarpanam, a non profit organization promoting Indian arts and culture in the Houston area, in collaboration with Bharathi Kalai Mandram (BKM, Houston) and Silambam, presents “Sammarga – A mystic union.” A thematic visual confluence of Bhava, Raga and Tala by the illustrious dance duo Renjith Babu and Vijna Vasudevan, visiting artists from India, “Sammargam” will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 2014 at Kaplan theatre, Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community center. Renjith and Vijna perform the Kalakshetra tradition of Bharatanatyam and are currently under the tutelage of Padma Bushan Prof. C.V Chandrashekar, Chennai. They are partners in dance as well as in life and are an upcoming couple par excellence in the discipline of Bharatanatyam. Their aim is to extend the boundaries of Indian traditional dance and create a new benchmark in the aesthetics of presentation by using innovative dance techniques. They strive to inculcate a higher quality in their performances that will inspire, entertain and educate a diverse audience. The couple work together as creative partners in molding complete individuals through their brainchild: Dhwani – Temple of Performing Arts. They are undoubtedly a perfect couple in the younger generation of prominent ‘Dance Duos’ in India representing the élan that signifies the principle of Shakti and Shiva in spiritual parlance. The Hindu, one of Chennai’s leading news daily says “Renjth and Vijna wowed rasikas with impeccable execution and dy-

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PAGE 12 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

COMMUNITY NEWS

Krishna: Love Reinvented

First was Sangamam featuring three brilliant young dancers from America, then came the magnificent and dazzling Dashavatar, followed by the hilarious comedy Go to your room, Mother! by Vinita Belani. The ever popular Bollywood Blast came next, featuring Arzan Gonda and her Rhythm India dancers, with a sublime Life of Gautama Buddha by Lushin Dubey, Bubbles Sabharwal and Theatre World, New Delhi. Year 2014 has been a busy and artistically fulfilling year for Samskriti thus far, and it only promises to get better with the supremely aesthetic production, Krishna, Love Re-invented, by Ramli Ibrahim and the Sutra Dance Theatre of Malaysia. This presentation is a perfect example of ‘dance without borders,’ where art transcends religion and dance becomes the language of the soul rather than the body, and is another

celebration of Samskriti’s 20 years of service to Houston Arts. Krishna, Love Re-Invented embodies the human spirit that has always celebrated love in its many forms. In Hinduism, Bhakti or devotion remains a central tenet of its teachings. Hindu saints and poets have explored love’s profound effects on the soul through the stories of the gods. The Krishna-Gopis idyll has become the all time symbol of romantic love at its sublimated best. The moods, feelings and emotions of this love affair, an embodiment of Rasa (highest emotional state) become a sublime allegory expressing and affirming the highest love the individual soul has for God. Through this concept of Krishna as God-Lover, the Other, who are the Gopis and devotees and a reflection of ourselves, can sublimate their cravings. This new love enables both God and lovers to participate in an intimate relationship with total identification. Love is able to transcend man-made restrictive morality. It finds itself ‘re-conceived’ and ‘reinvented’ to accommodate our real, imagined and fantasized desires with complete abandon Established in 1983 by Ramli Ibrahim, Sutra Dance Theatre has promoted the cultural diversity and vibrancy of Malaysian dance to national and international audiences. As artistic director of the Sutra Dance Theatre, he has choreographed stunning works and nurtured some of the brightest dance talents from Malaysia. Ramli has been instrumental in transforming the dance scenario in Malaysia by boldly charting new paths and he is known for single-handedly establishing Odissi as a widely appreciated dance form in Malaysia. He is acknowledged as a ‘Living Heritage’ by the Government of Malaysia and is the recipient of the highest and most prestigious title of Datuk from the Prime Minister of Malaysia. He is presently Chairman of Sutra Foundation. Ramli Ibrahim besides an acknowledged dancer in Bharatanatyam and Odissi in India itself, Ramli was formerly with the Sydney Dance Company and plays important role in the interface of Asian & Western dance in redefining modernity from an Asian perspective. Krishna, Love Re-invented will be presented at the Cullen Theater, Wortham Center (in the Downtown Theater District) at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. Tickets are available at www.explorehouston.org/ticketing or www. sulekha.com. This program is funded in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, and a generous donation from Schlumberger. Samskriti is very grateful to the Orissa Cultural Center, Kalangan School of Odissi Dance, Classical Arts Society of Houston, Asia Society Texas Center and Dance Source Houston for their unstinted support for this event.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 13

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PAGE 14 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 15

COMMUNITY NEWS

Week long Durga Puja festivities at Houston Durga Bari By Sanchali Basu It started with the Mahalaya celebration on Sunday, September 28 morning with the full re-rendition of the popular hour-and-a-half musical montage Mahishasur Mardini. It is synonymous with the ushering in of the Debipaksha lunar fortnight and the Durga Puja, when the goddess comes to visit her parents. This program which never loses its charm, brought back the memories of childhood growing up in Kolkata when we used to be woken up at daybreak to the sounds of Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s Chandipath resonating through the air waves. Ananda Mela, more so than the previous years brought in huge crowds who got a taste of phuchka to egg rolls to fish chop to mangsho bhaatghugni, patishapta and so on. The mouth watering delicacies cooked by the outstanding chefs in the Bengali community helped in raising funds for HDBS. The afternoon concluded with a niftily put together kids fashion show, Pujor shaaje, which ended up being a huge hit and so was Aampanna with Aparna a la Kofee with Karan where Aparna got to interview celebrity impersonators. From the next day onward, to coincide with the tithi (Bengali calendar) celebrations, Shashthi to Navami pujas were conducted with tremendous sincerity and dedication by head priest Dr. Bishnupada Goswami. Ashtami puja on Wednesday morning drew an unprecedented number of people considering it was a weekday morning. Sandhi Puja was carried out meticulously with 108 lotuses and 108 lamps. Thursday evening, the cultural program kick off was by Hindustani classical singer Rajyashree Ghosh accompanied by Samir Chatterjee on the tabla. They were successful in captivating the audience with their range of song selections from Aagomani to Tappa to Puratoni, Nazrul Geeti, Dadra, Thumri and Khayal. From Friday, the whole cycle started all over again with Maha Saptami for folks who cannot take time off during the week and yet do not want to miss the flavor of the 5 day Puja. Chandipath, Balidaan, Pushpanjali, Aarati and Sandhyarati were part of the daily Puja and fruit prasad, lunch and dinner were served every day. Somchhanda Bhattacharya and Trijoy Deb wrapped up the evening with their karaoke medley of popular Bollywood numbers. Saturday is normally the day when one can never be prepared for, since a large number of out-of-towners drive in just for a day to join in the festivities as Durga Puja is the biggest

yearly celebration for the Bengalis. In anticipation, the organizers were proactive and had arranged for satellite parking and shuttle bus services. Volunteers provided tremendous crowd control and let devotees into the temple in batches to offer puja and pushpanjali. The arati performed by

the three priests to the ringing of the ghanta, kansor ghanta, beat of the dhaak and the blowing of the shankh was a treat to watch. The temple got filled to capacity four times in a row and the balmy weather made it pleasant for devotees to stand in line for prasad.

The stalls in the Kala Bhavan ranged from music, video, book, sari, jewelry, shoes to Metlife, bone marrow donation and Vedanta Society. The mood was festive and while some were busy reuniting with friends who they had lost touch with in the food tent, kids were treated to clowns

and magic shows in the kids tent, ladies were busy shopping, volunteers were selling the Puja souvenir Sharod Arghya while the NABC registration booth was getting people to register for the upcoming North American Bengali Con-

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PAGE 16 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

COMMUNITY NEWS

Puja From Page 16 ference to be held in Houston July 10-12, 2015. Kinjal Chatterjee, the evening’s performer with his versatile flexibility in moving from Rabindra Sangeet to Sachin Dev-Rahul Dev Burman, Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey, Manabendra, Bengali, Hindi, Sufi, Punjabi Kalaam and Ghazals was able to keep the audience till 2 in the morning. Everyone just loved him and his incredible voice quality and singing prowess. Sunday is always a bittersweet day when one thinks that the festivities are coming to an end with the Bisarjan of the Kala Bou in the adjacent lake and the Sindoor Khela of married women signifying the departure of the Goddess to her in laws abode. But with chants of Aashch-

he bochhor aabar hobey (next year it shall be repeated), dancing to popular pujo songs and exchange of pranaam and kolakuli the sense of camaraderie uplifts the spirits. Yet again, entire credit goes to the organizers and volunteers with Jayati Banerjee at its lead in carrying out this monumental task very smoothly.

Above and right, Priest Vishnupada Goswami prepares for the Puja with volunteers. Below the Chandi Mela team is ready to play the traditional drums during the puja celebrations. Photos Courtesy Saurabh Sen Gupta

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INDIA HERALD â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE 25

INDIANS ABROAD Yezidis and Non-Resident Indians join hands for the Yezidi Cause As Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met the Non Resident Indians in New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Madison Square Garden, a group of Indians were spotted canvassing for the Yezidi community in Iraq. Who are the Yezidis and why a bunch of tech savvy Indians are suddenly eager to take up their cause? The Yezidis are an Aryan people originally from Airyna Vaeja the mystical Homeland of Aryans which is in present day India. The word Aryan is not related to race but refers to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The righteous.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The Yezidi calendar is 6764 years old and is the oldest in the Middle East. About 5000 years ago Yezidis migrated to Afganistan, Iran, Iraq and Middle East. At that time they were called Children of Melek Taus. Melek is an ancient Semite God of Babel and Caanite. Another spelling in Semite of Melek is Malik. Melek or Malik can be found in Sanskrit word Malaiklavon. Malaiklavon is another name for Murugan/Skanda, a God found in South India. Airyna Vaeja was an Empire of Aryans which included present day India. It also included Turkministan, Uzbekistan, Afganistan and Meda. Meda was part of Iran (a name rooted in the term Aryan) which is in present day Kurdistan. In the Avesta text and Shahnameh text, the legendary King Jamshid of Airyana Vaeja is mentioned. The name Jamshid is latter version of the name Yima Sira or Yima Khshaeta. Yima means the radiant. In Avesta Jamshid is called Yima, son of Vivanghat. While in the Vedas he is called Yama, son of Vivasvant also known as Surya or the Sun-God. The Avesta language was named after the Avesta text of Zoroastrians. The language and style of Old Avesta and Rig Veda are so close that they are commonly thought to be different versions of the same language of Sanskrit. The religion of Yezidis share much in common with Vedic Hindus. Yezidis believe in reincarnation. The Peacock finds a special place in their religion. It is worshiped as Melek taus/Murugan/Skanda/Kartikeya. The peacock is not native to Iraq or the Middle East but is indigenous to India. The serpent is the totem of Melek Taus/Murugan in Yezidi. Like the Hindu Indian Murugan the serpent symbolizes the Kundalini released. Lord Rama is also one of the Yezidi gods. Exactly like the Hindus the Yezidis use Tilak and place the mark upon their foreheads. Another clue in Yezidi to the location of their homeland lies in mythology of their Holy land called Perani which is derived from word Pazhani, a Temple in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. The deity there is Murugan or Kartikeya. The present crisis represents the 74th attempt at genocide against this ancient people. It began with an attack on Shingal. This is where most of the Yezidi population reside. The latest attack began in May this year when ISIL crossed into Iraq from Syria. The Yezidi tribal leaders were able to fight ISIL in the plains. In the mountains the Yezidis were able to hold up until August when ISIL broke through the mountains killing thousands. Frightened Yezidis fled from the plains to the mountains. ISIL encircled the mountain trapping the Yezidis on the mountain. Thousands died without food or water, children lived for days on the blood of their parents. Most refused to convert to Islam and rather preferred to be beheaded. 500,000 Yezidis are now refugees in Syria. Only one million Yezidis are present in Iraq and their survival is crucial for the survival of this ancient civilization. Following the massacres, the Hindus globally began rallying to the Yezidi cause. The Yezidis under Qasim Shesho has formed an armed resistance group to protect the last surviving Yezidis from ISIL. Recognition for the efforts of the global Hindu community was recently expressed by Qasim Shesho himself speaking from the battlefields of Iraq. In a recently published interview with Zee News, he lauded the Hindus for their tangible support for the Yezidi cause . In his words, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know my future is in danger in Iraq and so is my familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s which is currently in Germany. ISIS has its people in Europe and everywhere in the world. But I would like to thank you and all Hindusâ&#x20AC;Ś your government because they have shown care for us and have respected us like a family.â&#x20AC;? - Qasim Shesho There is a prophecy, which the Yezidis believe, that says all Aryan tribes will be united in spiritual harmony as one people. It is to enhance our natural affinity that the Yezidi Sanatana Dharma Society (YSDS) have been formed. Headquartered in the US it is an effort to protect one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last surviving root cultures and to find common cause with all other ancient traditions that believe in unity in diversity. A tangible milestone was reached when Non Resident Indians joined hands with the Non Resident Yezidis to raise $100,000 though SEWA. A representative of YSDS was present during Modijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rally at the Madison Square Gardens and the response was encouraging. As of now, since the attack on Yezidi mountain of Shingal by ISIL, we have seen Indian Hindu community reaching out to the Yezidis in India as well. They are showing support on the ground at the Hindu Samhati Rally in Kolkata, where over 20,000 people attended. It was lead by Tapan Ghosh, President of Hindu Samhati. Protesters were marching in support of Yezidis and other communities and nations victimized by Islamic extremism. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; By Nallein Satana Al-Jilwah Sowilo

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PAGE 18 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

Hindu Heritage Youth Camp 2014 By RESHAM HEMLANI Being born and raised on the remote island of Guam, my resources, when it came to my Hindu culture, were limited. We had weekly mandir prayers sprinkled with religious and cultural events every now and again, but for the most part there was no set institution that taught me of my Hindu heritage. Instead, it was dependent upon the parents in the Indian community and their willingness to educate future generations. Occasionally, a family friend of the community would make a trip from off-island and carve out some time to teach us children slokas, bhajans, and even mantras; however, moments like those were shortlived. When I moved to Houston for college in 2010, I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the Hindu Heritage Youth Camp. For those who don’t know, for the past thirty years, VHP has held this annual camp and invited kids from ages 7 to 17 to join in on a wide variety of fun, Hindu activities. During this six-day camp, the children are given educations on various topics that relate to Hinduism, while also participating in cultural activities like Holi and Garba. In the past, the HHYC would be held for one week but this year was extremely exceptional as camp was split into two weeks. The first week, held from August 5th-11th, was focused on high

school students; while the second camp, held from August 12th-18th, was dedicated to the elementary and middle school children. With two camps, the counselors were able to spend more time with the kids and provide each and every child with the attention and time that they deserved. Veli Shah, a veteran counselor, explains, “Although we, as counselors, teach educations, [the kids] never fail to make their curiosity known. Through heated discussions, I get to facilitate true learning, as they are always eager to have their opinions and observations heard and debated. In the end, not only do I get to teach them, but they teach me, and I love that.” This year’s camp would not

have been possible without the dedication and tireless efforts done by our directors: Bharat Pallod and Sagar Patel. With their help, along with the dedicated counselors and devoted volunteers, this year’s camp experience was one of the best. This immersive experience allows the children to not only gain a better understanding of their culture but also find a balance between the Hindu heritage they’re born with and the American culture they are brought up with. When asked what the goals of camp were, Bharat Pallod said it best, “Our goal isn’t to teach campers the book, we know that 6 days is too little time for even one topic in Hinduism. Our goal is to inspire them, to show them

how vast and beautiful their religions is, and hope, when they go home, they open a book themselves.” Co-Director Sagar Patel adds, “One of the most fulfilling and rewarding parts of camp is watching the growth in our campers every summer and seeing how eager they are to come back as counselors to help make an impact on future generations.” The objectives of a Hindu youth camp are simple: educate the children about our Hindu morals and values in a fun, learning environment. Here at camp, the kids are given the opportunity to create relationships with other people that share their culture and understand the obstacles that come with being brought up with two identities.

Thanks to camp, I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to create a home away from home. It’s been a privilege, to say the least, to be a part of the VHP community and help give back by influencing and shaping the minds of future generations. It’s been two years since I’ve been a part of the HHYC family and HHYC has made such a profound impact in my life, to the point where I could not imagine not being a part of this enlightening, educational and dynamic experience. Resham Hemlani has been a part of HHYC for two years. She is currently a senior on the Pre-Dental track pursing a B.S. Degree in Anthropology at the University of Houston.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 19

INDIA Anger over Gujarat CM’s bid to woo investors away from Mumbai

Anandi Patel

MUMBAI: A mid speculation that the October 15 Assembly elections in Maharashtra could be polarised along Marathi versus Gujarati lines in Mumbai following the collapse of the Shiv SenaBJP alliance, the recent speech delivered by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandi Patel in Mumbai to woo investors away from the “congested” financial capital to Gujarat is being seen as only sharpening the divide. Reacting to Patel’s speech, delivered partly in Gujarati to a large group of investors at Mumbai’s Indian Merchants’ Chamber on Saturday, Oct 4, Shiv Sena MP from South Mumbai Arvind Sawant has accused the Gujarat CM for attempting to “lure investors away”. “This is a conspiracy to lure investors to Gujarat. They are doing it purposely so Mumbai loses its status of India’s financial capital,” he said. On Saturday, addressing industrialists and investors on the 108th anniversary of Indian Merchants’ Chamber, Patel began to read a speech in English, then switched over to Gujarati, clearly aware that a majority of the audience was Gujarati. “Bhaiyo ane behno (brothers and sisters),” said Patel. “I just read out the speech in English but what is the big deal? Jyare Narendrabhai US maa jai ne Hindi maa bhanshan aapi shake, toh hoon Mumbai maa avi Gujarati maa boli shaku chu (When Narendrabhai can speak in Hindi in the US, I can certainly speak in Gujarati in Mumbai),” she said. She then went on to praise Gujarat and the Gujarati culture before getting down to business. Describing Gujarat as a global business hub, she hinted that investors and industrialists must think beyond Mumbai. Patel invited all the gathered investors to attend the “Vibrant Gujarat” Summit to be held in January 2015. She also mentioned Mumbai’s notorious traffic. “I have been told it takes you a couple of hours to go from one place to another. That frightens me,” she said, before going on to add that Gujarat has a better quality of life for industrialists. Congress leader and former minister Arif Naseem Khan said the attempts to project Gujarat as an alternative to Mumbai as an investment destination were politically motivated. He said even though Gujarat has managed to

attract big investments in the past few years, Maharashtra is far better in industrial growth. “They are unable to achieve this and hence the CM came to Mumbai to invite investors,” Khan said. The BJP, however, denied charges that there was a deliberate ploy to polarize voters in Mumbai. “Critising Anandiben for inviting investors is a silly logic which can happen only in Mumbai. If Maharashtra CM goes to Ahemdabad and invites investors to Mumbai, he won’t be criticised for that,” BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said. Krishna Hegde, the Congress MLA from Vile Parle, where onethird of voters are Gujaratis, said it was sad that some politicians were trying to divide communities. “As far as investments are concerned, Anandi Patel must try to get investments from abroad and not from Maharashtra,” he said. President of IMC Prabodh Thakker said, “We were impressed by her deep knowledge and interest in investment and industries sector the first time we met her. We decided to invite her to Mumbai. I think the way she spoke will attract investors to Gujarat. We want investments to stay in India ... whether it goes to Gujarat, Maharashtra or anywhere in India, it is good.” Thakker, director of Mumbaibased Global Insurance Service Pvt Ltd, has pledged to invest Rs 150 crore in the Global Skill and Knowledge Development Centre in the Gujarat International Finance Tech (GIFT) City project being developed as the country’s first smart city near Gandhinagar.

Dhaka seeks details of blast probe DHAKA: Bangladesh has asked India to share any details of the Bardhaman blast investigation that point to the hand of Islamist terror groups on its soil. The West Bengal police are investigating if any of the four people arrested for the October 2 blast at the house of a local Trinamool Congress supporter have links with underground or terrorist groups in Bangladesh. Along with certain explosives, literature used for making bombs was found at the site of the blast. Expressing his concern Bangladesh’s junior Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told The Hindu over phone: “We have good relations with India. We share all information on sensitive issues. We would like Indian government to do the same in this case.” The prime suspect in the blast, Shakeel Ahmed, who died on the spot, had allegedly crossed over from Bangladesh in 2009. He had earlier rented a house in Beldanga in Murshidabad and only a few months ago rented the one in Khagragarh in Bardhaman, where the explosion occurred. The Minister said Bangladesh has “not allowed” its territory to be used for anti-Indian activities.

Polio alert in Rajasthan JAIPUR: With Pakistan reporting the highest number of polio cases in the past 15 years, India has stepped up surveillance along the international border, particularly in Rajasthan, to check any spread of the infection. Jodhpur and Barmer districts are under heightened vigilance because of the Thar Link Express passing through here which ferries people between the two countries. More than 25,000 people have travelled in Thar link Express since 2006 when it was started after a gap of 41 years. It arrives at Bhagat ki Kothi station near Jodhpur every Friday and returns to Khokhrapar in Pakistan every Sunday. While India was given the polio-free certificate by the World Health Organisation this February, Pakistan has recorded 202 polio cases this year — the highest in the world — accounting for 83 per cent of the cases reported globally until last week. Most of these cases have been reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). More than 70 per cent of the global cases are reported from within these provinces. Other than Pakistan, neighboring Afghanistan, and Nigeria, where polio is endemic, outbreaks have been reported from Syria, Somalia, Iraq and several African countries in the recent years. However, for India, the risk of transmission of this crippling and potentially deadly disease is more from Pakistan because of crossborder population movement — both legal and illegal.

‘Alai Balai’ fest in Hyderabad HYDERABAD: The sprawling Jal Vihar on Necklace Road presented the typical rural ambience of Telangana as the ‘AlaiBalai’ cultural fete was organised on Sunday. On display were the culture and cuisine of Telangana. The picturesque spot turned cultural arena from early morning as artistes showcased a variety of tribal dances. Colorfully attired Banjara women cast a spell with their rhythmic movements. Yellow-turbaned youth belted out foot-tapping music, sweat rolling down their bodies as they played the drums. Yonder a group presented the tribal dance, sporting the head gear of wild buffalo horns. Bare-bodied men had everyone awe-struck as they hit themselves with whips, even as a Muslim boy atop a camel kept waiving a green flag. Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreya, the man behind the festival, also joined the dancers and tried to match their steps. Golatalu, sannai vaidam, gondola nrityam, dhimsa were some of the typical Telangana dances which regaled everyone. Nearly 100 cooks prepared Telangana dishes and all visitors were treated to ragi ambali served in earthen pots.

Goa cops booked for dual citizenship The Panaji Town Police on Saturday, Oct 4, booked two senior police officials, 48 advocates and over 500 others for illegally having dual citizenship. The accused include Superintendent of Police Juse Allan De Sa, Police Inspector Edwin Colaco, six persons working under the Bombay High Court at Goa and 500 persons working/retired in government service in Goa and other individuals who have been booked under Section 14 of Foreigners Act, Sections 4&5 of Registration of Foreigners Act and Section 12 of Passport Act for holding citizenship of India and Portugal. They are accused of having dual citizenship of India and Portugal. Prior to February 4, 2013, all the accused allegedly acquired the citizenship of Portugal by obtaining the ‘Bilhete de Identidade’ without surrendering the citizenship of India. The cases are registered on complaints of Kashinath Shetye, a right to information activist, in 2012. JMFC judge Bosco G F Roberts had directed the crime branch of the State police to register an FIR against BJP MLA Glen Ticlo, Goa Vikas Party MLA Caetano ‘Caitu’ Silva, superintendent of police Jose Allen de Sa and police inspector Edwin Colaco over the dual citizenship issue. However, the police have not registered cases against the two MLAs as they have stay orders from High Court in their favour. Shetye had approached the JMFC after the investigating agencies failed to register an FIR on a complaint filed by him for allegedly possessing dual citizenship. His contention was that those holding dual citizenship were a threat to national security. Interestingly, according to a recent debate in the Goa Legislative Assembly, at least 40,000 Goans have dual citizenship and a large number of Goans have been known to register their names in Portuguese birth registry in Lisbon, a facility they were offered by Portugal as citizens of their erstwhile colony, to get access to European Union in pursuit of better career and economic prospects. Many are said to be unaware that their Indian citizenship and voting right in India could be challenged before Union Home Ministry.

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PAKISTAN Hashmi says new province should be people’s choce MULTAN: Veteran politician Javed Hashmi said there was no harm in carving out a new province in south Punjab if the people of the region demand it. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, Hashmi said Seraiki was his mother tongue and he spoke Seraiki even in Larkana, Bunnu and Kohat, adding that both Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif ignored the Seraiki belt that was not justified. “Entire (southern) region was ignored and no development work was done here. I am not against the leadership of PML-N but they should not ignore this region,” he said. He said that although he was against dividing people into boxes, he was convinced that Seraiki province should be established. He said that MQM was the outcome of the policies of Mumtaz Bhutto who declared compulsory the teaching of Sindhi language in entire Sindh, including Karachi. “Provinces should be established according to the wishes of the people and if the people of Bahawalpur, Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions want their separate province, there was no harm in establishing it,” he said. Hashmi said while he was in PML-N he had got approved various development projects, including colleges and health institutions, for southern Punjab but after he left the party many of the projects in Multan could not be initiated as Shahbaz Sharif was focusing more on Lahore. He said that a separate province should be established whatever name be given to it and Multan should be made its centre (capital). He said initially Imran Khan was not demanding mid-term elections and was not willing to topple the government but he was more focused on removing the flaws in electoral system. “All the political parties including PPP, PML-N, ANP, PTI and JUIF were complaining that the elections were rigged and agreed to remove the electoral flaws, it was delay on the end of PML-N that forced Imran Khan to demand ouster of the government,” he said.

Polio teams demand security KARACHI: With Karachi witnessing its worst period in polio incidence and having already made a new high in the decade in polio cases tally, health officials have demanded enhanced security for polio teams manned at more than 100 transit points in Karachi to ensure that no vehicle coming from the country’s northwest enter without its minor passengers being duly inoculated against polio, it emerged on Saturday. Officials said they had to man some 107 transit points in Karachi and twice as many in the entire province to check the vehicles coming from the northwest particularly those from North Waziristan or any city abutting it. They admitted that scores of vehicles daily entered Sindh and most of them came to Karachi but few of them stopped at the signal of the polio officials concerned at the transit points who had been entrusted with the task of not allowing any vehicle or train to proceed further without immunising the children it. “We have placed dedicated teams at each of 215 transit points across Sindh with half of them only in Karachi to vaccinate the children coming from restive North Waziristan against polio but few vehicles stop at their signal,” conceded a senior health official. Since the WHO imposed travel restrictions on Pakistan for its contribution to the polio cases in the world, the country has recorded 121 polio cases out of which 13 were reported in Sindh.

Toxic liquor kills 38 in Karachi, Hyderabad KARACHI: At least eighteen people have died in the port city of Karachi since Tuesday night due to the consumption of toxic moonshine, DawnNews reported. “Since last (Tuesday) night, Oct 7, 18 people have died after consuming toxic liquor,” doctor Seemi Jamali of Karachi's Jinnah Hospital told AFP. The doctors were trying to save the lives of 15 others whose condition was serious, she added. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sindh Ghulam Haider Jamali has taken notice of the deaths caused due to the consumption of toxic moonshine and has ordered the authorities to arrest the culprits selling the banned liquor. Area police chief Akhtar Farooq said that police had conducted raids at illegal liquor factories and arrested three accused while seizing “Katchi Sharab” (home made liquor). Liquor poisoning is common in Pakistan, where the Muslim majority is forbidden to consume or sell alcohol. Non-Muslims can drink but many poor buy the cheapest home-made liquor, which is often adulterated. In Hyderabad, Four more persons died on Thursday reportedly after consuming toxic liquor leading the death toll over the past three days to 20. Hyderabad DIG Dr Sanaullah Abbasi on Thursday (Oct 2) issued warnings to two superintendents of police (SPs) over unchecked production and sale of liquor within their jurisdictions, observing that without the connivance of policemen the business could not continue. The toxic liquor produced at various illegal factories and sold in Hyderabad and its surrounding areas claimed the first four lives of consumers on Tuesday (Sept 30) and 12 more on Wednesday.

PAT withdraws notice to Bilawal ISLAMABAD: A legal notice sent on Sunday by an officebearer of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accusing him of defaming Dr Tahirul Qadri was withdrawn on the intervention of the PAT chief. Advocate Ishtiaq Ahmed had sent the notice, asking Bilawal Bhutto to apologise within 14 days over his remarks about Dr Qadri or pay Rs1 billion in damages. PAT secretary general Raheeq Abbasi told Dawn that the notice had been sent on behalf of the party’s workers without Dr Qadri’s knowledge. Abbasi said the lawyer had withdrawn the notice on the directive of Dr Qadri who had not approved of the move. Reacting to Dr Qadri’s outburst against his father Asif Ali Zardari, Mr Bilawal had on a social website dubbed the PAT chief a ‘cartoon’ and a ‘hypocrite’. The announcement about withdrawal of the notice came at a time when Zardari was having a meeting with PML-Q leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervaiz Elahi in Lahore. The PML-Q has been supporting the PAT leader’s Inqilab march and sit-in. In reply to a reporter’s question after the meeting, Elahi hinted that they might have had a role in settling the issue. In reply to a question after the meeting, Elahi hinted that they might have had a role in settling the issue.

Drone strike kills 3 PESHAWAR: A fresh drone strike left three suspected militants dead and five others injured in North Waziristan Agency on Tuesday, intelligence sources said. This is the second attack of the day and fourth such strike in last three days. At least seven suspected militants were killed and five others injured in a similar strike earlier in the day. Highly credible sources told Dawn.com that a US drone fired two missiles at a compound in Madakhel Kunar Sar area of North Waziristan’s Datakhel tehsil, killing three suspected militants. Five suspected militants were injured in the attack as well. The suspected militants were standing on a mountain near the targeted compound.

The well educated mob! By Faraz Talat We have consistently held our nation’s doctors, lawyers and engineers to a higher standard in terms of civilized behavior and social awareness. The harassment of political stalwart Javed Hashmi at Nishtar Medical College demonstrates the need for us to finally lower these expectations. The convoy of the senior politician was blocked by a sizable group of doctors and students at the Nishtar Medical College Javed Hashmi hostel, where he went to attend a funeral prayer. As the mob proceeded to heckle the ex-President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), some attempted an attack on the convoy by pelting stones. I acknowledge that these persons are not totally representative of Pakistan’s community of doctors, and certainly not the whole of Pakistan's upper middle-class. I also recognise that this blog may be an exercise in self-flagellation, as I am a young, middle-class doctor myself. In recent years, however, the broken state of whom we reverently call the “cream of the nation” has been made all too evident. We’ve seen enough footage of lawyers and doctors strutting about like gangsters to forever shatter the allure of an MBBS or LLB title. We’ve encountered enough engineers and MBAs trolling the internet as ‘like’-armada for every bigoted and jingoistic post available. The youth of Nishtar Medical College carried out their hooliganism with the best of intentions. Being ‘doctors’ (angelic chorus plays), these men and women circling Hashmi’s vehicle were so utterly convinced of their superior intellect and virtuousness, that they felt no need to question the crudeness of their ways. My outrage does not arise from my admittedly favorable stance towards Mr. Hashmi. It stems from my disenchantment in the students’ inability to voice their political concerns in a civil manner. I cannot help but partly blame PTI’s leadership for inculcating this boisterous ‘Storm-the-Bastille’ approach to politics among our youngsters. We, the upper middle-class and middle-class youth, may be the most dangerous social segment in this country: — Too young to be adequately experienced. — Too ignorant to resist the manipulative rhetoric of politicians. — Too proud to admit we’re wrong or being played. Our degrees offer us the illusion of being wise and righteous, while we’re worked as half-wit pawns by the few elites. The diploma-less poor, though effortlessly manipulated, at least possess the humility to bow their heads from time to time, and confess that they don’t clearly understand what goes on in this country, or how they should act. This humility is rarely found among the smug upper middle-class and middle-class. This wounded nation has clothed us – the doctors and all our socioeconomic equals – in immense respect, and looks up to us as models on how to behave. Thus far, I am less than thrilled with the way we have used our privileges.

Admiral Zakaullah takes over as Navy chief ISLAMABAD: Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah on Tuesday assumed command of the Pakistan Navy at an impressive ceremony at PNS Zafar located at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad. Admiral Zakuallah's predecessor Admiral Asif Sandila handed over the command of the Pakistan Navy to him. Speaking at the change of command ceremony, the outgoing naval chief said "Pakistan Navy is safeguarding the sea frontiers of Pakistan despite limited resources; it has proved to be an effective arm of defence of Pakistan.” On October 2, President Mamnoon Hussain had promoted Vice Admiral Zakaullah to the rank of Admiral and appointed him the Chief of Pakistan Navy on the advice of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

PAGE 22 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

REVIEW / PREVIEW Cast: Katrina Kaif, Hrithik Roshan, Jimmy Shergill. Direc- Bang Bang: An insipid remake tor: Siddharth Anand earnest as the ditzy If you've seen Knight and Day receptionist hoping (Bang Bang! is an official refor some adventure. make), better steer clear. OtherBut the film ends wise, the film might be tolerable, as badly as it started, even entertaining in parts. saved by the lead acWe see a scowling Jimmy tors-cavorting-in Shergill who is on the hunt for sexy wear song at Omar - India ka most wanted the end credits. Most criminal. people hung around Shergill, who plays Colonel for that and left Nanda, talks to the villain asking swooning about the him to look into his eyes where beauty of the lead acthere is no maut ka khauf, sirf tors. If you're content garv. Seriously, who talks like this? doing that, plus enjoyThe film begins with a grueing a few over-thesome murder and even ends with one. One wonders why they had the girl. Hrithik is made to dance the way only top stunts, book your to make the film this violent, con- he can. Matching step is the lovely Katrina who's ticket. sidering the tone of Knight and Day was consistently light. Hrithik Roshan is back playing the clever, charming, gourmetmeal cooking thief from Dhoom 2. Hrithik's Rajveer has stolen the Kohinoor diamond and now both the baddies and the government officials are after him. He's nonchalant of course, carrying the diamond around in his coat pocket and placing it on a cafe table for display. Katrina's character (Harleen) is introduced in the shower. She's a bank receptionist and the film hammers it in that she is "boring, boring, boring". Got that. Rajveer has a meet-cute with Haider completes Vishal the bigger manipulator. Harleen and they have an "exploBhardwaj folds in a lot of rawsive" first date. Now the goons Bhardwaj's Shakespearean trilogy ness into the film. He doesn't are also chasing Harleen, and that began with Maqbool and sweeten the proceedings to make Rajveer, after shooting people like Omkara. Whether or not you've it more palatable for the viewer. they were flies, claims he wants read Hamlet, Shakespeare's longSo you have people murdered and to save her life. They are now on est and one of his most searing the body count rising, the queasy the run with the usual chase tragedies, won't matter with this collaboration between the armed scenes - zooming cars, speed- film. Bhardwaj's adaptation is set forces and local politicians, people boats, bullets on either side and in 1990s strife-torn Kashmir and tortured. the central protagonist is a poetry so on. Which is why, the undercooked There is not much layered student named Haider (Shahid romance between Haider and his characterization here. In fact, we Kapoor). journalist girlfriend (Shraddha He arrives from Aligarh to don't know what to make of our Kapoor) including an incongrulead characters, but the film Kashmir to a burnt-down home, ously added song in the second doesn't encourage you to think a missing father, and his uncle half, remains the film's weakest anyway. The larger-than-life ac- wooing his mother. Haider's falink. But these are small grouses tion is interestingly choreographed ther has disappeared like thouin an otherwise grand film. and fun at times, the bullets sands of others in the state. InsisShahid Kapoor is brilliant as sprayed non-stop as if it's a video tent on finding his father, Haider Haider, let down by a slight inconlaments - Poora Kashmir kaid game. sistency in the performance. The song picturisations are con- khana hai. Har jagah dhoondunga. Shraddha does well as the brightfetti-dripped, hyper-coloured ex- (The entire Kashmir is a jail. I'll eyed girl in love, caught in travaganzas with a zillion costume look everywhere.) crossfire. The scene-stealers here In his quest he tries filing an changes. It's pretty good fun as are the veterans – Tabu, Kay Kay the stars give their all here-look- FIR, searches dead bodies strewn Menon and Irrfan Khan. The film ing their best, dancing gloriously, casually in trucks, looks in camps. is worth a repeat viewing just for and working their chemistry. It's We witness a heart-rending situthem, especially the luminous also a good break from the rest ation where people are randomly picked up for interrogation and Tabu. of the movie. Kashmir has been captured in As the film progresses, in one submitted to excessive torture, all its glory with a shroud of descene, you'll have the hero sipping even murdered. Tragically, they spair almost palpable. Bhardwaj Mountain Dew; in another scene remain disappeared to their fambrings in mischief with the graveyou'll have him say the product's ily members who can never get yard sequence, where the song tagline. There are other product closure on what happened to their incorporates shovel sounds. placements that are just as cheesy loved ones. The women remain Bhardwaj and co-writer "half-widows", the children won(pizza, you guessed right!) Basharat Peer give a film that But perhaps the film's biggest der if they're orphans. leaves you in its spell long after. Indeed, Kashmir, which is a letdown is bringing in faux patriotism and emotional family melo- character in its own right, extracts drama, ruining its comedy caper more emotions than the protagotone. This is indeed perplexing. nists themselves. The characters They have a reasonably good are Haider, who is now saddled product on hand, why botch it up? with the burden of revenge. His That's a pretty good question mother Ghazala (Tabu) who for director Siddharth Anand who thinks nothing of putting a bullet could have done much more with to her head to emotionally blackthe film. Toned down the film a mail her son, his uncle who is unabashedly in love with his notch, to start with. The lead cast is pretty much bhabhijaan. A girl who thinks she what the film has going for it. can sweet-talk her father into Hrithik is electric as the wily thief agreeing with her choice of lover, who is equally adept at charming and the father who turns out to be

Haider is mesmerizing

SPORT India end Asiad with 57 medals INCHEON: India brought the curtains down on their campaign in the 17th Asian Games, maintaining their domination of kabaddi with two gold medals as the country rose a rung to eighth in the overall standings on the penultimate day Magnificent Mary Kom won India’s first of competitions on gold in boxing in the Asiad Friday. The two gold medals provided the final flourish for India at the Games, which can be considered a disappointment for the country given that the overall medal count went down in this edition. Although the women’s team won their match against Iran quite comfortably, it was not a cakewalk for the men’s team which literally overcame a scare before notching up their seventh successive gold medal in the event. With two gold medals coming, India were placed eighth on the table with a total haul of 57 medals — 11 gold, nine silver and 37 bronze. China continued to be at the top with an impressive haul of 342 (151108-83) followed by hosts South Korea 222 (75-70-77) and Japan 190 (46-72-72). The medal collection was well below India’s expectation; they had a haul of 65 (14 gold, 17 silver, 34 bronze) — in the Guangzhou Games. On Friday, staging a fantastic second-half recovery, Indian men surged to gold by defeating Iran 27-25 in a thrilling kabaddi final. India thus completed a golden double on the kabaddi mat for the second successive edition after the women defeated the same nation 31-21 in their final held earlier in the day. M.C. Mary Kom — “Magnificent Mary” won the first ever boxing gold for India at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon on October 1. The five-time World Champion has punched her way to earn 13 gold medals so far in her illustrious career. Pakistan retained the women’s Twenty20 cricket gold medal on Friday by defeating spirited Bangladesh in a rain-affected final. Pakistan, electing to bat after winning the toss, were restricted to 97-6 by the steady Bangladeshi bowling attack. Bismah Maroof topscored with 24 and leg-spinner Rumana Ahmed claimed two wickets for 13 runs. But it was touch and go for the Indian men, who have won the gold medal with ease on the six previous occasions since kabaddi was introduced in the 1990 Games at Beijing. They played catch-up with Iran for most part of the game before drawing level with the last seven minutes of the 40-minute match left. The winners were trailing by a big margin of 13-21 at half time and a huge upset was on the cards before the defending champions pulled it around in the second half with some aggressive raiding and smart catching.

Five tennis medals for India Sania Mirza expressed happiness over India winning five medals at the Asian Games although she felt many people did not expect them to do well with the team the country had sent. With some of top players pulling out, the expectations from Indian tennis squad were not high in the Asiad. Sania and Saketh Myneni defeated Chinese Taipei's Hsien Yin Peng and Hao Ching Chan to win the country a mixed doubles gold at the Incheon Asian Games. She also bagged a bronze in the women's doubles event partnering Prarthana Thombare. Apart from these two medals, India's men's doubles pair of Myneni and Sanam Singh pocketed the silver, while Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan settled for a bronze. Yuki also managed a bronze in men's singles. Sania, who had won the mixed doubles at the US Open prior to the Asian Games, said she was happy with her career at the moment. "At the moment, I am very happy with the way my career is going, with the way my life is going," she said. Sania said she was not yet thinking about the 2016 Rio Olympics but was getting ready to play the Singapore Open in about two weeks time. "Olympics is really far. I am planning for two weeks from now. Hopefully, if I am still playing tennis two years from now, then I will be there. Before that I have a lot more to look forward to," she said.

INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014 • PAGE 23

STORY OF MAHATMA GANDHI — XVI Nation is plunged in tragedy after Independence After the defeat of Japan in August 1945, Britain agreed to a planned withdrawal from India in friendship and with no bitterness. All through his life Gandhi had worked for unity between Hindus and Muslims, without much success. There was a large section of nationalist Muslim in the Congress but leaders of the Muslim League were drifting further and further away. Gandhi was not the man to give up hope, however, and he pursued his efforts to bring about a settlement. On the other hand, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the Muslims. The Viceroy invited all leaders to Simla and tried to find a solution and bring about Hindu-Muslim accord. Jinnah would not agree to anything except a separate Muslim state of Pakistan. Britain announced an election in India and the election was held. The Congress won most of the non- Muslim seats and the Muslim League won most of the Muslim seats. The deadlock continued. “We can settle the Indian problem in ten minutes if Mr. Gandhi agrees to the creation of Pakistan,” said Jinnah. “Cut me in half,” cried Gandhi, “but do not divide India in two.” He spoke to the deaf. In February 1946, the British government sent a Cabinet Mission to India. It consisted of Lord PethickLawrence, Sir Stafford Cripps and A.V. Alexander. The task of the Cabinet Mission was to study the situation and make recommendations. After careful consideration, the Cabinet Mission issued a statement proposing the withdrawal of British authority from India. They had the idea of a united India. On August 24, 1946, the Viceroy announced the formation of an Interim National Government to replace the Viceroy’s Executive Council. Jawaharlal Nehru was the Vice-President of the Interim Government. The Muslim League declined to join on the ground that it had not been given the right to nominate all the Muslim members. After the installation of the Interim Government, Gandhi was anxious to return to Sevagram, his ashram near Wardha, but the Congress leaders prevailed on him to stay longer in Delhi because they wanted his advice. Then the Muslim League decided to join the Interim Government and an announcement was made to that effect on October 15, 1946. Gandhi once again felt free to return to Sevagram. He was about to leave Delhi when news came of disturbances in Bengal. There was widespread communal rioting in Calcutta and in the Muslim majority district of Noakhali in East Bengal, with murder, arson, looting, forced conver- sions, forced marriages, and abduction. Gandhi was confused and griefstricken. Instead of returning

January 20, a bomb was thrown at him, but it missed its target. Gandhi continued his prayer meeting as if nothing had happened. “Bapuji, a bomb exploded near you,” said a voice. “Really?” Gandhi said. “Perhaps some poor fanatic threw it. But let no one look down on him.” On January 30, after a midday nap, Gandhi woke up at 3.30 p.m. The whole day he had had a stream of visitors. Sardar Patel went to see him at 4 p.m. Nehru and Azad were to come after the evening prayer. Gandhi left his room at 5 p.m. and went towards the prayer hall. He passed through a cordoned-off path, accompanied by Manu and Abha, his grand-daughters. As he was walking along a youth came forward as if to seek his blessings. But he stood in front of Gandhi and at point-blank range fired three shots in quick succession. All the bullets hit him. Gandhi fell, uttering the prayer, “Hay

Ram.” Gandhi was dead. The assassination gave the world a tremendous shock. Nehru went on radio to tell the country of Gandhi’s death, his voice choked with emotion: “Friends and comrades, the light has gone out of our lives and there is darkness everywhere. I do not know what to tell you and how to say it. Our beloved leader, Bapu as we called him, the Father of the Nation, is no more. “Perhaps I am wrong to say that. Nevertheless, we will not see him again as we have seen him for these many years. The light has gone out, I said, and yet I was wrong. “For the light that shone in this country was no ordinary light. The light that has illumined this country for these many, many years will illumine this country for many more years, and a thousand years later that light will still be seen in this country, and the world will see it and it will give solace to innumerable hearts.” — Concluded

nation, although split in two, was born. Lord Mountbatten hailed Gandhi as “the architect of India’s freedom through non-violence.” Gandhi had never given his approval to partition, but when it was done he accepted it and did everything possible for the attainment of Hindu-Muslim friendship. Yet the tension between Hindus and Muslims continued to increase. As a result of partition over 700,000 HIS LAST WALK: Mahatma Gandhi with Hindus, Sikhs, and his grand-daughters Manu and Abha walk- other non- Muslims, ing towards the prayer hall in New Delhi on fearing the Muslims, January 30, 1948, a little before he was felled in Pakistan left their homes and set out by an assassin’s bullet. to Sevagram, he set out for towards security in India. From Noakhali to try to bring peace India about the same number of there. The communal riots Muslims, fearing the Hindus, left spread. There were similar riots their homes for Pakistan. Golden Squash, Pepper & Tomato Gratin in Bihar and the Punjab. Several The miseries attendant on this Ingredients: thousand were killed and injured. mass migration, one of the greatGandhi was greatly distressed est in history, were manifold. One 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 by these events. and half million people on the move red onion, chopped He tried to calm and reassure were exposed to starvation, dis- fine; 2 cloves garlic, 2 golden the people. He walked from vil- ease, and death on the way. lage to village and from house to Gandhi was on his way to the squash, yellow house carrying his message of Punjab when he stopped in Delhi, squash, or zucpeace. hoping to quell the riots that had chini, cut into 1/4inch-thick rounds; Wherever he was, there was broken out there. peace, at least outwardly, but the Gandhi’s gospel of forbearance 1 red bell pepper, general situation in India was and forgiveness towards Muslims cut into 1-inch worsening. Rioting spread from marked him as a traitor in the eyes squares; 3/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup the towns to the villages. In Bihar of many Hindu extremists. In the grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp gated Parmesan cheese, 1 lb tomathe Muslims were suffering and face of fanatical opposition, toes, cored and thickly sliced; 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Gandhi went there to instil cour- Gandhi redoubled his efforts and Method: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large skillet, heat 2 age into the Muslim minority. the major disturbances in Delhi tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook 7 The situation in India was so subsided, but there were still dis- minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender. dreadful that the Congress lead- turbances here and there. Add squash and bell pepper, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and ers realized that the best way Gandhi decided to do penance cook 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender. Stir in open to them was to accept by fasting, which he thought would basil and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Jinnah’s demand for a division of bring about a change in the attiSpoon mixture into an 11x7-inch baking dish. Top with tomato slices the country. Nehru met Gandhi tude of the Hindu fanatics. and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter bread crumbs to inform him of this decision. The fast began on January 13, and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan over the top and drizzle with reGandhi asked him, “Is there no 1948. There was gloom all over maining 1 tbsp oil. Bake 20 minutes, or until topping is crisp and vegway out? No hope of a united India at the news of Gandhi’s fast. etables are piping hot. Serve hot or at room temperature. India?” People thought that he would not Nehru was sad and grave. be able to survive another fast. Curried Pumpkin & Peas “Bapuji,” he replied, “unity is imThe whole world watched as Ingredients: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 medium onion, sliced; 1 garpossible... we have to accept it Gandhi, 78 years old, fasted to lic clove, chopped; 2-1/2 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly (division of India). Otherwise this save his country from destruction. ground pepper, 2 lb pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces; deadly turmoil will never cease.” On January 18 a peace com- 2 medium red potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1-1/2 cups low-sodium Gandhi bowed his head to hide mittee, representing all communi- vegetable broth, 3/4 cups golden raisins, 3/4 cups frozen baby peas, his despair. On June 3, 1947, Brit- ties, met and signed a pact pledg- fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish. ish Prime Minister Attlee an- ing unity and the protection of life, Method: Heat butter in a large pan over medium-high heat, add nounced the plan for partition. property, and faith to the Muslim onion, and cook until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and The Congress and the Muslim minority. Gandhi was informed of cook 1 minute more. Stir in curry powder, salt, and pepper. Add pumpkin League accepted it. the pledge and he broke his fast. and potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour in broth For Gandhi it was a spiritual Gandhi was staying at Birla and raisins, cover, and reduce heat to medium. After 15 minutes, add tragedy. With infinite sadness he House. Every evening he held a peas. Replace cover and continue to cook until pumpkin and potatoes said, “All of India must accept prayermeeting in the grounds. are tender, 5 to 10 minutes more. Garnish with cilantro. Pakistan in loving resignation. We During his prayer-meeting on have no choice. Hindus must lead the way to a friendly settlement.” Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy, was anxPlease enter my subscription $25 for one year (52 issues) $250 Lifetime Subscription ious not to delay the ushering in of independent India and indepenName___________________________________________________ dent Pakistan. He shortened the time limit for Address__________________________________________________ the British to quit India. The date City_______________________State____Zip code_______________ for the declaration of Indian independence was fixed for August Tel:___________________Email_____________________________ 15, 1947. Thus on August 15, 1947, Please make check or money order payable to India Herald India’s long struggle and sufferP.O. Box 623 • Sugar Land, TX 77487 ing for freedom was over. A new

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MUSINGS Self-loathing Hindus join to pseudo-secularists in campaign to vilify Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to capture the hearts of most Indians wherever he goes. Murmurs of illegitimate secularists follow him relentlessly. Most of them are Hindus. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll always find some Hindus willing to betray the truth esp. against Hindus. Not so many â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;traitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in other religions. Hindu men and women writing for New York Times or The Washington Post toe â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;politically correctâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; journalism, with truth as the sacrificial lamb, writing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Modiâ&#x20AC;Ś received by the president at a lavish working dinner on Monday night thoughâ&#x20AC;Ś.the specter of what many think will be left unspoken â&#x20AC;&#x201D; human rights and civil society issues â&#x20AC;&#x201D; hangs over the visit.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Some' instead of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;manyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been believable butâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;manyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;reliable sourcesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, handy when hocking for the big buck. Like this one by Shreeya Sinha (Sept. 27) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NY Times â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Had Mr. Modi not been elected, it is unlikely that he would be able to even set foot in America. Many Western countries besides the US revoked his visas over his handling of the 2002 Hindu-Muslim riots, which left more than 1,000 people dead, most of them Muslimsâ&#x20AC;Ś(True so far.) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Modi, a Hindu nationalist, has been a divisive figure in India, and although he has not made inflammatory statements since his election, some respondents raised concerns about his religious tolerance,â&#x20AC;? the NY Times said. Zahir Janmohamed, among those who worked to deny Modi a visa, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Questions about Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failure to protest his own citizens are still relevant.â&#x20AC;? And Kayhan Irank of Jackson Heights, Queens, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Modiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ascendance â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;definitely strains my relationships with some elders and relatives who are less interested in justice for those who were killed and displaced over the faĂ§ade of India as a major economic player.â&#x20AC;? Guilty as framed. No mention about the Supreme Court and the various SITs (Special Investigation Teams) clearing Modi multiple times. Just Hindu Indians, earning their bread from American media. Imagine Obama on a State visit to India, finds a report by a Tea party journo about being a divisive figure with many uncomfortable with the socialistic leanings of his administration. All true, right? How many is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;manyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? Joining the chorus is Press Trust of India|Washington|Sept. 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Several groups in the US have decided to hold a series of protest rallies against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in â&#x20AC;Ś.New York and Washington this month. The recently formed Alliance for Justice and Accountability (AJA) on Monday announced that it would show black flags to Modi outside Madison Square Garden in mid-town Manhattan in New York on Sept. 28 to draw

attention to the threats to India's pluralism. The Sikhs For Justice announced a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Courtâ&#x20AC;? to â&#x20AC;&#x153;indictâ&#x20AC;? Modi at a park in front of the White House on Sept. 30. The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;charge sheetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by SFJ lists actions of Modiâ&#x20AC;? during the 2002 Gujarat riots. AJA is mostly comprised of Indian-American organizations and individuals who were part of Coalition Against Genocide (CAG), which had successfully campaigned against US visa to Modi, as the Gujarat CM. The coalition is of the willing Hindus with others to keep Gujarat riots alive by hook or crook. Where were the mock courts against Congress Party leaders for complicity in the anti-Sikh riots in New Delhi after Mrs. Indira Gandhiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assassination? According to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Alliance for Justice and Accountabilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that includes Sikhs For Justice, it seems as soon as any BJP government comes to power either in a State or at the center in India, there is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rapid erosion of human rights and religious freedom in India AND increasing violence and incendiary rhetoric against minorities led by organizations and parties aligned with the Sangh Parivar.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; as affirmed by a certified secularist Muslim Shaikh Ubaid, a founding member of the Coalition Against Genocide. Who certified Dr. Ubaid as a secularist? In India (and only in India) if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Muslim, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re automatically certified as a secularist, unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re M.C. Chagla. And those saying anything in favour of PM Modi, Hinduism or Hindus are certified communalist Hindutvawadis out to persecute and kill Muslims. Little do these people realize that these protests, the harping on Gujarat riots, accusations against Modi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guilty until proved innocent - despite all the court clearances he got, are the very things that have pushed the secular Hindus (the majority of Indian population) into BJPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp. Congress Party leaders may not say so officially but they believe that majority of Hindus in India are communal and against minorities, esp. Muslims. They have always believed that (â&#x20AC;&#x153;More than Islamist terrorism, we have to worry about Hindu terrorism.â&#x20AC;? - Rahul Gandhi) but now, BJPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s majority has brought it out in the open, albeit in code words. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m referring to the code words from Indian National Overseas Congress Chairman, George Abraham, in a letter to India West (August 22): â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A large segment of the voting publicâ&#x20AC;Ś..seem to be either antagonistic or apathetic to the very notion of open societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Translation? A large segment of Hindu voters is opposed to open society. Abraham continues: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;One needs to be concerned with eroding civil liberties and the increasing threats to the civil rights of all citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. What erosion of civil liberties? BJPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government is barely 140 days old now.

The Indian Express in its 100day performance review stated, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Job creation to inspector raj, government did its workâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. No mention of erosion of civil rights, freedom of conscience et al. Nor did PM Modi declare emergency, suspending civil rights and freedoms of the press, speech etc., like an erstwhile Prime Minister of Abrahamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s party did in 1975. This charge against Hindus in India being against civil rights comes officially from the Chairman of Indian National Overseas Congress in a signed letter. Is this the kind of Goebbels-type strategy (â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.â&#x20AC;?) the Congress Party going to resort to for the rest of its existence in political wilderness? You judge an administration by its governance, not by its pre-election rhetoric. Prime Minister Modi, in his three major speeches so far - the inaugural speech, the Independence Day speech and the Madison Square Garden speech - repeatedly talked about the idea AND the goal of inclusive government. Abraham and other critics of Modi (who harp on his preelection rhetoric), should remember the Republican Party dictum as stated by President Richard Nixon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You court the far-right in the primaries to get the nomination but you move to the center to woo the independents who will win you the general election.â&#x20AC;? Modi apparently followed that template successfully. Abrahamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words about justice, liberty in the US constitution are misplaced because in American presidential elections, to be a Christian is an unwritten requirement. President Obama had to repeatedly assure Americans that he is a Christian, NOT a Muslim. Despite the American constitution, American spirit screams â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CHRISTIAN for Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. That has not yet happened in India which has had Muslim and Dalit Presidents, a Sikh PM and now a backward class PM. If, Abraham had stopped to ponder about the secular nature of Hindu Indians (that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;large segment of the voting publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;), he would have realized that the same â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;large segment of the voting publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the Hindus - not Muslims, not Christians - has the biggest hand in India being a truly secular state with a secular Constitution, not the fear-mongering doubting Thomases ready to cast the first stone once they lose power in Delhi. Those same voters will throw PM Modi and his party out if their government betrays Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secularism. Raising bogus bogeys with code words â&#x20AC;&#x201C; majoritarianism, freedom of conscience - can only make the secular majority resentful of the implications against itself. So, beware of what bogeys you raise! No matter what the RSS or

By Gadfly some Hindu zealots may say, the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;large segment of the voting publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (as Abraham refers to Hindus of India) does not want Hindustan. They want Bharat. Jai Hind does not mean Jai Hindu. Abrahamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offensive accusations and divisive politics of secularism v. communalism, maut ke saudagar etc. can only create more recruits for the far-right. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what led to Congressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rout. It is more a defeat of Congressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; divisive politics than victory of BJP. That generation of naĂŻve voters, regularly fooled by these Congress bogies, is now replaced by a 21st century internet-savvy generation that abhors politics of code words and aspires for politics of prosperity. The earlier Abraham realizes it, the better. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Send responses to gadfly7_7@yahoo.com Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) 1. Publication Title

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COMMUNTIY NEWS

Navaratri at the home of Balakrishnans

— PHOTOS BY NAVIN MEDIWALA By VENUGOPAL MENON If any Hindu in Houston feels longing and nostalgic for our time-honored traditions during Dusshera time, or guilty of leavSri Meenakshi Temple celing them all behind as we crossed over the oceans and chose the ebrated Navarathri in a grand US as our domiciled new home, I have news for you. Our Na- manner this year, from Sept. varatri rituals and observance are very much alive and fervently 25 till Oct. 3. thriving in several homes as we celebrate our centuries old cerWorshipping the Divine emonies with passion and devotion, adhering to all the obligatory Mother in Her three magnifidetails. cent forms, Mahalakshmi, MaThe annual nine days of Saraswathi Pooja is celebrated with hakali and Mahasaraswathi is the Golu (Divine Presence) decorating homes with lamps and the main significance of Sara‘Kolams’, setting up displays of various forms of God as ‘bom- da Navarathri, which uniquely mais’ or toys, inviting friends to visit, creating an exhilarating emphasis the importance to the atmosphere with prayers and songs, as well as serving them food. mother aspect of God. The Divine display was exquisitely and lavishly demonstrated Pearland’s Meenakshi temat the most hospitable, Sugarland home of S. and Roopa Bal- ple (MTS) was decked most akrishnan. Their Navaratri Golu theme for the year was the beautifully in a festive atmo‘Shivite Triad’ of Lords Shiva, Muruga and Ganesha. Spread sphere with special morning out through the spacious rooms of their extensive residence, the and evening abhishekams and descriptive exhibits steered the visitors in an orderly manner, pujas. explaining, narrating, instructing and educating them about our Every day, the Divine Mothmillennia old mythological mystiques in an astutely methodical er was adorned with exquisite fashion. vasthrams (clothes) and abhaAs the entrance foyer displayed the ‘Abhishekam’, the divine ranams (Jewelries). bathing of the deities as our convention dictated, the next room A unique feature during the had the phenomenally crafted ‘Kailasam’, the sacred, snow-clad MTS Navarathri is the daily mountainous abode of Lord Shiva, who was alighted at the pin- decorating (alankaram) of nacle, along with the Karthikeya Penn and birth of Muruga on the utsava murthys which the the premises. The roomy space on the second floor had the Main priests did in amazingly creGolu, the exhibit of the several Bommais, the dolls depicting the legendary roles of religious significance chosen from our mythology, arranged in seven steps. On the sides were also presented scenes depicting the fables around Lord Ganesha’s birth, Arupadai Veedu of Muruga, His six houses or scenes of wars that he was engaged in along with the various forms of Perumal. Story cards explaining the particular event or incident were thoughtfully drafted and placed alongside the many exhibits that helped and enriched the visitors in their understanding of our infinite Puranic episodes. Children were challenged to submit answers to a quiz after they had studied the story cards. When the girls received packets of bindi, bangles, henna cones and trinkets, the boys had gifts of prayer books. The stunningly elaborate and splendid arrangements took a year of meticulous conceptualization and planning, with the assembly required three weeks of labor to organize the pieces in place. Over five hundred visitors were fortunate to leisurely enjoy the celestial demonstration, as they were offered valet parking, sumptuous dinner and the traditional Hindu goody bags for each family. The vast variety of delicious, culinary treats of snacks and dinner were laboriously home-cooked, the special sweets imported from Chennai, with the fitting finale of authentic Kumbakonam Degree Coffee served to meet the taste of the guests. The Balakrishnans have to be profusely complimented for preserving and practicing our precious, time-honored traditions, taking tremendous amounts of time, efforts and resources. Perhaps such treasures of our Indian, Hindu celebrations should be showcased, exhibited and explained to our American audience, thus enhancing the cultural contributions that our fabled land has been renowned for.

Roopa and Balakrishnan stand in front of the exquisite display of Lord Shiva in the snow-clad Mount Kailash. Above, traditional display at Balakrishnans’ residence.

Grand Navaratri festival at Sri Meenakshi Temple

In the Dussehra 2014 special section published last week, some of the pictures of Navaratri dolls, displayed at Sri Meenakshi Temple in Pearland were inadvertently misidentified as displays in the home of Srirams. We regret the error.

ative way based on special significance and puranic associated story. The Saiva deities’ alankarams included depiction of Goddess Meenakshi as Sri Rajarajeswari, Sri Chandikeswarar, Sri Kannappa Nayannar, Sri Kala Samhara Moorthy, Sri Puttukku Man Sumantha Thiruvilayadal, Sri Ashta Dasha Bhuja Durga, Sri Mahishasura Mardhini and Sri Siva Puja. Similarly Sri Perumal was adorned with alankarams to depict Sri Vaikunta Nathan, Sri Lakshmi Narayanan, Sri Venugopalan, Sri Navaneetha Krishnan, Sri Rama Pattabhishekam, Sri Vamana Avataram, Sri Nachyar Thirukkolam and Sri Saraswathy. These alankarams were a truly indescribable sight to see, especially the evening puja with simultaneous aarthi for the Utsava murthys of

Suvasini Pooja at Meenakshi Temple during Navaratri.

Sri Meenakshi and Sri Venkateswara. The grandest event of the nine day festival was the Suvasinis Puja, on Friday Oct 26th. The auspicious puja performed by sumangalis (married woman) for the welfare of their husbands and their families had 200 ladies attend the puja. Saris’ blessed at Sri Ambal’s feet were distributed to all pooja sponsors, along with Manjal Kumkum followed by a dinner. Golu, the display of dolls, is one of the main attractions of the Navarathri festival. Volunteers with the help of the silpis tirelessly worked to put up a spectacular golu display in the new Ganesh temple. This year’s special display was the scaled model of the Ayyappan Sabari Malai, superbly put together by the MTS Ayyappa bhaktas, covering even the minute details of the landscape which captivated all. There was a rich variety of cultural programs of slokas and bhajans by VHS students, music, dance and discourses (including Sundara Kandam recital), every day at the Ganesh Temple beside the golu display that was enjoyed by the visitors. This brought an unparalleled ambience to the temple and all the devotees felt they were transported to a festival in Madurai or Chennai in India. Thus the Navarathri festival was a phenomenal success. Kudos to all the MTS Board members, staff and volunteers, in particular the Priests and staff of MTS, RAC committee, cultural and education committee for organizing and sustaining a highly successful Navarathri celebration at the Meenakshi Temple. (By M.K.Sriram with contributions from Mala Gopal and Bhavani Iyer.)

PAGE 26 • INDIA HERALD • WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

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Toor Dal Plain Toor Dal Oily Chana Dal Urad Dal Urad Gota Moong Whole Kala Chana Kabuli Chana Masoor Dal Swad Toor Dal Oily

ALMOND

$39199Oz Tin

7 OZ

SWARNA ATTA $699 20 lb

CORN OIL

$2199 Tin

Tin

Laxmi Khakhra

Bourn Vita ASIAN KITCHEN CANOLA OIL SONA 99 99 $ 9 99 $2 500gm MASOORI $ 19 20 lb

20 LB

WAGH BAKRI TEA

$549

2 Lb Pkt

TWI TEA RUSK

$0.99 7 oz Red Pkt

NUTS Jumbo Almonds Cashew 320 (whole) Cashew (Large pieces) Peanuts Golden Raisin

$15.99 / 56 oz $7.99 / 28 oz $5.99 / 28 oz $3.99 / 56 oz $3.99 / 28 oz

BEVERAGES Jivraj Tea Wagh Bakri Tea Tea India Bru Coffee Frooti Mango Drink Swad Mango Pulp

$5.49 / 2 lb $5.49 / 2 lb $5.99 / 2 lb $2.99 / 200gm BTL $6.99 / 27 Pcs $8.99 / 6 cans

Other Items Mirch Masala Snacks Surti Snacks TWI Tea Rusk Taz Mustard Oil Laxmi Khakhra Swad Thick Poha Swad Basmati Mamra Tamarind Slab Laxmi Tamarind Paste Nanak Kaju Katri Spanish Saffron Maggie Masala Noodle Swad Rasgulla can Swad Gulab Jamun can MTR Vermicelli Plain Idhyam Gingely Oil

$1.99 / 340 gm $1.99 / 340 gm $0.99 / Red Pkt $3.99 / 1 Ltr $0.99 / 7 oz Pkt $1.29 / 2 lb $1.29 / 14 oz $1.99 / 500 gm $2.99 / 14 oz $3.99 / 9 oz Pkt $39.99 / 1 oz tin $0.99 / 280 gm $2.99 / 1 kg $2.99 / 1 kg $2.99 / 950 gm $11.99 / 2 Ltr

FRESH INDIAN VEGETABLES AVAILABLE EVERY DAY Diwali Sparklers Available

PAGE 28 â&#x20AC;¢ INDIA HERALD â&#x20AC;¢ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2014

Spring Branch Family Dentistry,P.A. 1111, Gessner, Suite B Houston, Texas 77055 (713) 461-8050 (713) 461-4747 WeWe Speak English, Hindi & Gujarati speak English & Gujarati CONVENIENT HOURS Monday: 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 pm Tuesday: 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 pm Wednesday: 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6 pm Thursday: 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 pm Friday: 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pm Saturday: 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pm (Closed one Saturday a month) ' %

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