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NY India Day Parade bigger but not better Details on page 14

NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA

VOL 15, No. 782

August 28, 2009

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70,000 THRONG 17 FESTIVAL OF INDIA

Jaswant Singh expelled from BJP Details on page 8

Obama, Clinton send I-Day greetingS Details on page 7

NJ woman's murder blamed on community Consul General rings NASDAQ Closing Bell

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Obama may visit India next year

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Akshat Shekhar S. Asian Spelling Bee Champion

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HAPPY I-DAY: FIA Convener & President Dr Romesh Japra and Festival Grand Marshal Neha Dhupia acknowledge cheers from the large crowds during the 17th Festival of India Parade in Fremont on August 16 -Pic Longman Studio

SUJATA SINGH India Post News Service

‘Glamour never hurts’ says Shilpa Shetty

being youngsters and teenagers. Being Indian is suddenly super cool. On this day all Indians are reminded of the day 62 years ago when at the beginning of midnight, as India entered into 15th of August, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, read out the renowned speech which announced the Independence of India. Details on page 10

'Profiled' Indian prof called 'sand nigger' by cops

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SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY

This week’s question

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Will Jaswant expulsion harm BJP? Last week’s result

New US envoy will win India’s trust? YES 78%

NO 22%

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CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-30

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INDIA POST SURVEY

Shah Rukh detention ‘a teaching moment’

sociate Professor at Central Connecticut State University and Editor of Drunkenboat.com, who spent 36 hours locked up unjustly over the weekend of July 10 in a Manhattan jail. His crime: apparently his skin color and perhaps a fouryear old unpaid speeding ticket. Prof. Ravi Shankar

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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acial profiling as a concept has become part of the American way of life since the tragic events of September 11 2001 shook the country's security agencies out of their complacency to look at start looking at the world through terror-tinted glasses. While that permanent state of acute alertness bordering on paranoia has kept the country from being attacked again, it has given a broad unwritten leeway to brand people whose race, religion or skin color the protectors of the homeland were not comfortable with, as "suspects" if not altogether as "enemies". Several recent incidents, some of them that made international headlines, have proved that if you are Black, Brown, Hispanic, Asian, Arab, Muslim or Sikh, you are not really welcome in this country. Though I am prompted to write this piece in the wake of the incidents that involved an African American Harvard professor and Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, my concern is more for the scores of ordinary people who are routinely and arbitrarily being subjected to unjust and unfair scrutiny by security agencies including the border patrol, city police, airport officials and immigration authorities. Unwarranted arrests, detentions, deportations, questioning, frisking, verbal abuse, and being pulled over in traffic have become the bane of non-white immigrant communities in this country. Among South Asians, Sikhs perhaps have been facing the worst discrimination since 9/11 for their external similarities to Arabs that is not to say that innocent Arabs themselves haven't been subjected to untold indignities on a daily basis. But now, looks like it's enough to have a brown skin to fall prey to profiling if one has had the misfortune of coming under the radar of a security agency. Sure we live in a tough world today where organized criminals and terrorists operate through an international web of operatives and security agencies at large are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the scope of such operations. But who is to determine where the line should be drawn to define fear from paranoia and paranoia from xenophobia?

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Bollywood 'Award’ for Priyanka Priyanka Chopra may be re-entering the world of Madhur Bhandarkar once again in his planned movie on film awards.

Cover Story: Festival of India The Festival of India held in Fremont on August 14, 15 and 16 entered its seventeenth year with great aplomb and style.

Community: New York I-Day

New York City on August 16 came alive to the sounds, smells and colors of India as thousands participated in I-Day Parade.

Immigration: Shah Rukh detention Political & social activists have called for stronger anti-profiling policies in view of the recent detention of Shah Rukh Khan.

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Beuty with brain Shilpa Shetty matched her looks with brains at a press conference in Manhattan on the eve of the India Day Parade.

TechBiz: I-Day at NASDAQ For the second consecutive year, India's Independence Day was recognized by the NASDAQ exchange in New York.

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Travel: Ujjain Situated on the bank of the sacred river Shipra, the ancient town of Ujjain is one of the holiest cities for Hindus.

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'Profiled' Indian prof called 'sand nigger' by cops SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: While Americans were recently agog over the arrest of an African-American Harvard professor allegedly in a case of racial profiling, suffering the indignity of similar profiling is Indian American Ravi Shankar, an Associate Professor at Central Connecticut State University and Editor of Drunkenboat.com, who spent 36 hours locked up unjustly over the weekend of July 10 in a Manhattan jail. His crime: apparently his skin color and perhaps a

jected him to a Breathalyzer test, which he passed. That did not, however, stop the cops from arresting him since there was allegedly a warrant out for his arrest. Shankar's hands were then roughly cuffed behind his back, and as he was pushed into the police van, an officer allegedly said to his partner: "Always a good day when you can bag a sand nigger." At the 14th Precinct, after his mug shot was taken, and he was fingerprinted, the arresting officer showed Shankar his arrest warrant. In what can only be termed

Shankar's hands were then roughly cuffed behind his back, and as he was pushed into the police van, an officer allegedly said to his partner: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Always a good day when you can bag a sand niggerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; four-year old unpaid speeding ticket. The harrowing ordeal, which the professor described in first person in a local Connecticut daily, began when he was returning home to Connecticut after attending a literary event at an art gallery in Manhattan. He was pulled over by cops who sub-

as bizarre, the warrant was for a 5foot-10, 140-pound White male. Shankar happens to be a 6-foot-2, 200-pound, Indian man. When he pointed out the discrepancy, the officer told him to "Tell it to the judge." It wasn't until Sunday morning that he was allowed to contact his family and speak to a public de-

fender. That noon when he was produced before the judge, the judge immediately dismissed the charge when she noted that the warrant was for a 5-foot-10 white male. But the irony did not end there. The judge deemed Shankar's status did not warrant a public defender and so asked him to be brought back with his attorney. "Arrested on Friday, I'd been just another "sand nigger," an easy catch in the night's sport," Shankar writes. "Arraigned on Sunday, I was now a professor, presumably wealthy enough to hire a lawyer. The irony was just one in a long weekend of indignities. The old speeding ticket would have to be answered. But that was for another day. Right now, all I wanted was out." Later, in a note to SAJA Forum, Shankar said that "this happened in an environment still buzzing with what happened with Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. (the Harvard professor) and in the aftermath of institutional policies like those in the Patriot Act that target those of Asian and Arab descent is less revealing than the fact that my experience is not uncommon." Shankar says that nearly 99% of the people he met in Central Booking over that unfortunate

Prof Ravi Shankar

weekend were Hispanic, Asian or African-American, many of them incarcerated for charges such as loitering, trespassing or open container. Significantly, a Rand Corporation study found that 89% of all traffic stops by the NYPD in 2006 were of non-whites. "It's mind boggling," says Shankar. "I've even read conspiracy theorists postulate that this movement is to get all brown and black people 'in the system,' have their identities and fingerprints fixed for cross-index. Perhaps that's reaching, but it's clear that on top of being shabby police work, racial

profiling also violates the 4th Amendment which states authorities require probable cause prior to a search and the 14th Amendment which ensures equal protection for everyone regardless of race." Further, Shankar states, "I'm not prone to political agitation generally but in this case, I feel compelled to advocate on behalf of all those whom I met that weekend who have no platform and because I don't want Obama's election and the idea of a post-racial America to obscure what's happening right in front of our eyes."

Gilani to back resolution seeking Tighter UK immigration norms may affect Indian professionals trial of Musharraf ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said his government will support any consensus resolution moved in parliament seeking the trial of former President Pervez Musharraf on charges of treason. "If a consensus resolution is brought before the House, I will be the first person to support it," Gilani told the National Assembly or lower house of parliament in response to the Opposition PMLN's demand that the government should move a resolution for Musharraf's trial. Gilani recalled that when Musharraf resigned as President a year ago, he said on the floor of the House that he forgave the former military ruler even though

he was imprisoned for five years during his tenure. The ruling Pakistan People's Party's chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari too has said that

He also noted that any single party did not have the required majority to get such a resolution passed in the House Musharraf's wrong-doings should be avenged through restoration of democracy, he said.

Despite this stand, Gilani said he would back any unanimous resolution against Musharraf. He also noted that any single party did not have the required majority to get such a resolution passed in the House. Gilani also urged members of parliament, particularly those from the Opposition, to play their role in strengthening democracy. "We should not play to the galleries," he said. Earlier, senior PML-N leader and Leader of Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan stressed that the government should come forward with a resolution seeking Musharraf's trial after the Supreme Court's verdict declaring the emergency imposed by him in 2007 as illegal and unconstitutional. -PTI

Sonia, Chanda Kochhar among powerful women NEW YORK: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and ICICI Bank CEO and Managing Director Chanda Kochhar ranked in the top 20 of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women list compiled by

Forbes. Kochhar debuted at number 20 behind Gandhi who was ranked 13 in the list led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Indian-origin chief executive of

Pepsico Indra Nooyi figured at number three after Sheila Bair, Chairperson of Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Yahoo's Carol Bartz was ahead of Gandhi at number 12 in the list. -PTI

LONDON: A proposal that is will help to avoid undercutting likely to adversely affect the pros- and any disincentives to raise the pect of thousands of profession- skills of UK workers." als from India in the UK, a key miThe MAC, whose recommengration panel attached to the Home dations are usually accepted by Office has recommended further the Home Office, said there tightening of the criteria for skilled should be a requirement that miworkers from outside the EU. grant workers from outside the The new measures proposed European Union will have a job by the Migration Advisory Com- offer with an annual salary of at mittee (MAC) for the Tier 2 of the pointsbased immigration sys- The MAC also recommended tem is likely to ad- that UK employers advertise versely affect profestheir job for at least four sionals from India. Some 50,000 workers weeks before are expected to arrive in the UK under the Tier 2 employing a migrant this year, nearly half of them from India. least 20,000 pounds, and those MAC chairman David Metcalf without qualifications, earn at said: "We believe that selective im- least 32,000 pounds. migration that favors skilled workThe MAC also recommended ers, as the PBS does, is vital to en- that UK employers advertise their sure that the UK continues to be a job for at least four weeks before good place to do business or invest. employing a migrant from outside "However, it is important that the EU. Besides, it said a migrant British workers are not displaced. with a Masters degree be awarded We have therefore made a num- 15 points instead of the current ber of recommendations which 10 points.-PTI

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Obama, Clinton send glowing messages on I-Day SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A vibrant and promising India has a natural friend in the United States, said President Barack Obama in his message to Indian Americans and the people of India on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of India's Independence. In a personally signed message, the President said, "Our people are bound by common values and ideals, and Indian Americans contribute to all aspects of American life. Our fates are tied by the interconnected nature of our world and a shared vision of peace, prosperity, and respect for human rights." The message began with recalling Indians' "tryst with destiny" as declared by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on August 15, 1947. "Today, sixty-two years since this appraisal, his (Nehru's) words still exemplify India's ongoing journey as it strives to reach new heights," the President said. The message goes on to say that the history to which the Prime

Minister alluded took root in a decades-long struggle for independence. In the 19th century, efforts to challenge aspects of colonial rule reached climaxes in the 1857 rebellion and the founding of the Indian National Congress. The struggle culminated in the civil disobedience movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, and the

Barack Obama

cause of independence achieved its goal when British rule ended peacefully. Praising Gandhi's leadership of this movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remarked, "If this age is to survive, it must follow the way of love and non-vio-

lence that he so nobly illustrated in his life." President Obama further said that India has attained unprecedented milestones as its democracy has matured. Boasting a vast diversity of ethnicities and languages, India constitutes the largest democratic union the world has ever known. Indian politics have given voice to women and countless minorities, and have demonstrated that Indians stand unified in their commitment to human dignity, he said. Economically, India is also forging a new path and fulfilling the promise of internationally-competitive institutes of higher education, Indian professionals are leading their nation into a new phase of growth. "From Bangalore to Boston, Indian scientists, engineers, and thinkers are generating ideas and prosperity that improve and save lives across India and the globe," President Obama said. "In Bollywood and Hollywood, Indians contribute to films that captivate audiences in every corner of the world. As the Indian economy continues along

this promising road, millions are being lifted out of poverty and are carrying the hope for a brighter future." In conclusion, the President said, "Marking Indian Independence Day, the United States and its people celebrate the realization of the vision Prime Minister Nehru described and the bright future it

Hillary Clinton

continues to portend for the people of India." In her message to India, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, "To all those around the world who trace their heritage from the Republic of India, I wish you a

happy Independence Day. Indians everywhere commemorate this day in 1947 when their nation awoke to life and freedom, and recall the sacrifices their countrymen and countrywomen made to gain that freedom. This anniversary serves as an inspiration to all, a reminder that open and democratic societies are best suited to helping people fulfill their dreams and aspirations. People and political movements across the globe continue to be inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian people's message of nonviolence. When you raise your flag in celebration today, be proud of the values that it represents." She further said, "I had the honor and pleasure of visiting India only weeks ago, and experienced firsthand the warmth and vitality of the people of India. On this historic occasion, let me reaffirm the deep commitment of the United States to work together to build a stronger partnership between our two nations based on common interests, shared values and mutual respect."

NJ woman's murder blamed on community SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: The horrific case of a Pompton Lakes, New Jersey man stabbing his wife to death before slashing his own throat in their Mountainside Drive condominium on Aug 9, has shocked the community for the sheer savagery of the crime, and prompted community organizations to call for an end to domestic violence against women. On that Sunday, 35-five-year old Pratixabahen Patel was brutally and repeatedly stabbed by her estranged husband Jitendrab Patel, 51, even as their 9-year-old daughter ran out of the house to a neighbor's with blood on her clothes and crying hysterically: "Call 911… my father is killing my mother." Police who responded to the call said Jitendrab was still stabbing his wife when they entered the house and then slashed himself across the length of his throat right even as the cops watched helplessly. Jitendrab Patel died the following day at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Paterson. The Patels' 13-year marriage had been rocky for a long time but had reportedly worsened over the past six months. In fact, police had been called to the house several times for domestic disputes during that time. According to NJ.Com, Pratixabahen

had contacted the Pompton Plains divorce attorney Larry Bruce Goodman towards the end of April. "He was not happy about the prospect of being divorced,'' Goodman was quoted as saying by NJ.Com. "He had inquired about whether there could be reconciliation, but that was declined.'' In a joint statement issued in the wake of the crime, communitybased organizations Manavi, SAMHAJ and SAALT, all of which are members of the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations,

Police who responded to the call said Jitendrab was still stabbing his wife when they entered the house and then slashed himself across the length of his throat said the loss of Pratixabahen's life was the responsibility of the community. "As representatives of South Asian community-based organizations working to end violence against women, promote awareness of mental health issues and civil rights, we are deeply saddened by the recent brutal murder of Pratixabahen Patel," they said

in the statement. "As the community deals with the trauma and grief of this incident, it is important to broaden our lens to understand the epidemic of domestic violence that affects families around the country from all backgrounds," the organizations said. "Through our direct service and advocacy work with South Asian survivors of violence, we know all too well that domestic violence can affect all families regardless of religion, race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, or immigration status." The organizations say that though domestic abuse occurs in the South Asian community, one often hears different messages: that "domestic violence does not happen in our community"; that "it does not happen within educated families"; and that "it is not an important issue for an entire community to address". From non-South Asians, we often hear that domestic violence must somehow be unique to South Asian communities, given our customs, beliefs, and familial relationships, or that it does not occur based on false stereotypes they have about South Asians. The statement says that as a result of these misperceptions, survivors of violence are often wary of seeking assistance, whether it is for restraining orders, mental health treatment, or shelters.

"Women are battered in every culture, and the common factor is the social sanction of violence against women, across cultures. Our collective work as a society then is to build safe communities where everyone can live free of fear. We must bear the collective responsibility of keeping everyone safe. And that work cannot be done in isolation, by a few community based organizations such as ours. It has to be done by all of us, working together," the statement further said.

‘Women are battered in every culture, and the common factor is the social sanction of violence against women, across cultures’ Seeking the community's support towards the work of ending violence against women and children in South Asian communities, the three organizations have asked community members to "listen to and empower survivors in your community." The organizations have further appealed to the community to "look at legislation that compro-

mises survivor safety and speak out against it and to advocate for laws and policies that protect survivors and provide them with linguistic and cultural access to the justice system, law enforcement, and shelters. “The entire community must be prepared to speak out against violence and address it in our homes, places of worship, cultural centers, and social service organizations. We ask you to reach out to someone who needs your support. We urge that as community members you take a stand, speak out against violence and be a force for change because it is only as a community that we can prevent the murders of women like Pratixabahen Patel." Manavi is a New Jersey-based women's rights organization committed to end all forms of violence and exploitation against South Asian women living in the US. In the last five years, Manavi assisted 1,242 South Asian women in the US who faced domestic abuse. SAMHAJ is a source for education and support about mental health for South Asians in New Jersey, and is a program of NAMI NJ, a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families. SAALT seeks to raise community and public awareness about issues affecting South Asians.

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Jaswant Singh expelled from Bharatiya Janata Party SHIMLA: Jaswant Singh, whose book eulogizing Mohd Ali Jinnah came under attack from BJP and the Sangh parivar, has been expelled from the BJP. The decision to expel Singh, a Lok Sabha member and a former Union Minister, was taken at the Parliamentary Board of the party which met here during the opening session of the three-day brainstorming session of the top leaders here. BJP President Rajnath Singh, who had issued a statement totally distancing the party from Jaswant Singh's book "Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence", announced the decision to the media here. "I had issued a statement that the party fully dissociates itself from the contents of the book. Today I put up the matter before the Parliamentary Board which decided to end his primary membership. "So he has been expelled. From now onwards he will not be a member of any body of the party or be an office bearer," he said on the expulsion of the 71-year-old party veteran. Rajnath Singh said he had told

Jaswant Singh not to come to Shimla for participating in the 'chintan baithak'. Jaswant Singh has been having an uneasy relationship with the party leadership ever since the Lok Sabha elections on which he had circulated a note demanding thorough discussion on the debacle. Jaswant Singh, who had held the posts of Finance, Defense and External Affairs under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was virtually declared a persona non grata when the entire BJP top brass and other leaders kept away from the function on Monday in the capital for the release of his book. Singh, who had served with the Territorial Army, was elected to Lok Sabha from Darjeeling in West Bengal with the support of Gorkhaland outfit. That things were not well with Jaswant Singh was clear when he did not stir out of his hotel even after the brainstorming session began in Peterhof, the venue of the session. His aides kept saying that he was not well and was resting. Rajnath Singh took a break from the brainstorming session to come and brief the media on the expul-

Bharatiya Janata Party senior leader and former Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh gives a press conference in Shimla on August 19

sion decision. The party was averse to Jinnah and even L K Advani had to backtrack on his comments about the founder of Pakistan after a visit to that country in 2005. He was made to step down as BJP President and the party

Expulsion sad and regrettable, says emotional Singh SHIMLA: Describing his expulsion from BJP as "saddening and regrettable", Jaswant Singh has said that he will not appeal against the decision or seek any review though he felt that the party did not follow procedures. He also made it clear that he did not regret writing the book on Mohammad Ali Jinnah and stood by whatever he has written on the "painful period of history". A visibly emotional Singh said that he was sad that his 30 years of association with BJP has come to such an end but felt he could have been told not to come to Shimla. Singh, a member of Lok Sabha

from Darjeeling in West Bengal, said his political life was not over and that he would continue to be

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Regret. Why should I regret five years of labor? I have written what is my reading of that painful period of historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; a member of Parliament. "Regret. Why should I regret five years of labor? I have written

what is my reading of that painful period of history," he said when asked if he regretted writing the book 'Jinnah - India, Partition, Independence' which led to his expulsion from the party. "I have committed no sin. None whatsoever against India," he said. Recalling that he was among those given positions of responsibility in the party by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, Singh said "I am of course saddened by the way I have been expelled after having worked for the party with dedication for 30 years. I have served the party to the best of my ability."-PTI

Singh's book ignites debate in Pak ISLAMABAD: Seeking to give Muhammed Ali Jinnah a clean chit for country's partition might have caused his expulsion from BJP, but former External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh's book has earned him supporters across the border. Jaswant's book and particularly remarks on Pakistan's founder Jinnah has become a subject of animated debate in the country with the newspapers and electronic media giving extensive

coverage to the event including his expulsion from the BJP. 'Let's agree on Jinnah's role' said an editorial in 'The Daily Times'. The paper said Jaswant Singh's book "Jinnah-India, Partition, Independence" had given India a positive portrait of Pakistan's founder. The book may lead to a revision of highly demonized Muslim leader in India, the editorial said. "Given the fact of Singh's BJP af-

filiation, the book is being treated as an extraordinary event in India. Because of his rightwing credentials, no one in India can doubt his patriotism. That is why the book is going to be an important Indian revision of a highly demonized Muslim leader". 'A new look at Jinnah' said an editorial in 'The News Daily'. The paper said, "Jinnah has reemerged in a new light" in Singh's book. -PTI

adopted a resolution condemning Jinnah's role in the Partition. In the aftermath of the Lok Sabha debacle, Jaswant Singh had criticized Advani's appointment of Parliamentary office bearers and called for a link between "performance and rewards". He was then

considered to be a dissident along with leaders like Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie. However, the party sought to delink him from the other dissidents by nominating him the Chairman of the prestigious Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.-PTI

Jaswant flays Gujarat ban on his book AHMEDABAD: In a double whammy for Jaswant Singh who was expelled from BJP, the Gujarat government has banned his controversial book on Pakistan founder M A Jinnah alleging it defamed the image of Vallabhbhai Patel. "The Home Department has issued a notification putting a ban on sale of Jaswant Singh's book Jinnah-India, Partition, Independence in the state," an official in the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) official told PTI here. "The book has been banned as it has certain references on Sardar Patel which defame his image," he said, adding "the ban comes with immediate effect." Criticizing the ban, Jaswant Singh said in Shimla it amounted to "banning thinking" and likened the step to the one taken against noted author Salman Rushdie for his controversial work 'Satanic Verses'. "I am greatly saddened by it," Singh told reporters. "The day we start banning books, we are banning thinking," he said. He said the step taken by Gujarat government was "another example of (action taken against)

Salman Rushdie and Satanic Verses" which was banned for its controversial contents on Islam. Asked to comment on BJP's contention that he had been expelled for his uncharitable comments in the book against Sardar Patel and that his views on Jinnah

were different from those of L K Advani, he said, "Let me understand why (I was expelled). Nobody has told me". On his continuance as MP from Darjeeling, he said he got a telephonic call from his constituency that the people there wanted him to continue as their representative in Lok Sabha.-PTI

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Remarks against Patel led to Jaswant ouster: BJP SHIMLA/NEW DELHI: In an apparent attempt to shield senior party leader L K Advani who had earlier praised M A Jinnah, BJP has said Jaswant Singh was expelled not for his views on Pakistan founder but for his "uncharitable" comments against Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said "there is a difference" between Advani's and Jaswant's views on Patel. "It is well-known that Advani holds Sardar Patel as an iconic figure," he said. Prasad said Advani had been "misunderstood" on his comments on Jinnah in 2005. "Advani

had quoted Jinnah during his official visit to Pakistan in 2005 and

Ravi Shankar Prasad said ‘there is a difference’ between Advani's and Jaswant's views on Patel said that the laws for Hindus and Muslims in Pakistan would be the same".

Prasad's contention came amid questions whether the party had applied different yardsticks while dealing with Advani and Jaswant Singh over praise of Jinnah. BJP sources said the decision to expel Jaswant came after some members expressed strong views on the comments made about Patel whom party has always held in high esteem. The party has even been likening Advani to Patel in respect of his iron-man image. Some sections were even concerned that showing Patel in poor light would affect BJP votes in Gujarat. -PTI

Poetic justice to Jaswant, suggests Congress NEW DELHI: Congress has sought to suggest that Jaswant Singh has been handed out poetic justice by BJP which expelled him in the wake of his controversial book projecting Mohammad Ali Jinnah as greater than Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel. "We had rejected contents of the book. BJP has rejected the author himself," AICC general Secretary Janardhan Dwivedi said. He was asked whether Con-

gress would compliment BJP for showing the door to Singh for his doctrine that Jinnah was greater than Nehru and Patel. The Congress had earlier attacked Singh for eulogizing Pakistan's founder and terming India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as partly responsible for partition. In a tough decision meant to send out a strong signal to party members, BJP expelled Singh from

the party, ending his three-decade long association with it. Jaswant came under attack from friends and foes alike after he released his book "Jinnah-India, Partition, Independence" earlier this week. "BJP and Singh are demonstrating their patriotism by denigrating India's first Prime Minister while eulogizing Pakistan's first head of state," Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi had said earlier. -PTI

Aus to introduce stricter laws to protect overseas students MELBOURNE: Amid reports of a series of educational scams, Australia is all set to bring in stricter rules to protect overseas students, including those from India, from "fake" operators in the USD 12 billion international education sector. Under the new rules, all registered educational institutions need to re-register under tougher criteria by the end of next year and make the education agents "more transparent and accountable". "The message to providers is, if you're not providing your students with a quality education in a safe environment, clean up your act or risk being shut down," Edu-

cation Minister Julia Gillard informed the parliament. Gillard was introducing amend-

She said the industry had grown too fast, with insufficient checks and balances ments to the law regulating schools that provide courses to nearly half a million overseas students who come to Australia each year.

She said the industry had grown too fast, with insufficient checks and balances, which attracted a small number of unscrupulous operators. "We need to weed out shonky operators," she said. It will now require all institutions registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students to re-register under tougher criteria by the end of next year and make the use of education agents "more transparent and accountable". Gillard said requiring re-registration would restore confidence in the quality of Australian education. -PTI

20-year-old pleads guilty to attack on Indian-origin doctor MELBOURNE: A 20-year old Australian accused of involvement in an attack on a leading Indian-origin doctor here last year pleaded guilty, becoming the second person to admit his crime in the incident that sent the victim into coma. Mukesh Haikerwal, former

president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) was attacked by a gang in September last year when he was walking in a park in Melbourne, leaving him with a fractured skull. Alfer Azzopardi, 20, pleaded guilty to a total of 41 charges involving a series of armed robber-

ies, attempted armed robberies and assaults around Melbourne. While he pleaded guilty to charges of intentionally causing serious injury and armed robbery on Haikerwal, he will contest the exact circumstances of his role in those offences, the Age newspaper said.-PTI

'Power has gone into BJP head' NEW DELHI: Jaswant Singh has said that power has "got into" BJP and sought to suggest that he was expelled while L K Advani remained in the party because of his status despite the Jinnah episode. "Rajmad chad gaya (taste of power has gone into BJP)," he told media when asked whether he felt the party has changed after it was in power at the Centre for some years. In 30 years the nature of BJP has changed in every aspect, he said. While he initially parried question whether there has been

double standard in dealing with him and Advani, who had also come under attack for his praise of Jinnah during the 2005 visit to Pakistan, Singh later said "it's a matter of relative status of leaders in the party. "Advaniji is the tallest leader of the party. When he faced the problem relating to his speech in Pakistan, I called up leaders and said it was wrong to take such a stance against Advaniji." Asked if he felt betrayed by Advani and Rajnath Singh, Singh said "I have not used such words. Wish good luck to both of them." -PTI

I was a Hanuman, now i am being treated like Ravana: Jaswant SHIMLA: "I was a Hanuman. Now I am being treated like Ravana," is how Jaswant Singh reacted to the news of his expulsion from BJP. Singh recalled a cartoon published in an English weekly

some years ago which depicted him as 'Hanuman' in BJP. "I have treasured the cartoon. I have framed the cartoon and it is still with me. Now I am being treated like Ravana," an emotional Singh said. -PTI

PPP rubbishes claim of ImranBenazir affair at Oxford ISLAMABAD: Labeling as now the President of Pakistan, was "scandalous and malicious," arranged by the two families in Pakistan's ruling PPP has dis- keeping with traditions. Khan too missed a new book's claims that has contradicted the claims, he its slain chairperson Benazir said. Bhutto once had a love affair with Hasan dismissed the "scandalcricketer-turned-politician Imran ous" claim as a "brazen and most Khan. despicable attempt to malign and Benazir, a two-time former pre- undermine Pakistan's most popumier, did not have anything ever lar leader". to do with Khan while studying He added: "This is nothing but in England's famous Oxford Uni- the cheapest possible way for versity, Pakistan's High Commis- marketing the new biography of sioner to Britain Wajid Shamsul Imran Khan". Hasan said in a statement. Sandford, who interviewed The contradiction by Hasan, a both Khan and his ex-wife Jemima close confidante of Benazir comes in the wake of a new biogra- ‘This is nothing but the phy of Khan by Christopher Sandford which cheapest possible way claimed the cricketer and for marketing the new the renowned beauty had enjoyed "a close biography of Imran Khan’ and even a 'sexual' relationship" while studying at Oxford. for his book, claims a source told Sandford also claimed Benazir him that Benazir was 21 and in her became infatuated with Khan and second year of studying politics the cricketing legend's mother had at Lady Margaret Hall when she once unsuccessfully attempted to became close to Khan in 1975. fix an arranged marriage between The source told Sandford that the two. Benazir had been "visibly imHasan, who has been associ- pressed" by Khan. ated with the Bhutto family since "In any event, it seems fairly the 1960s, described the claims as clear that, for at least a month or "baseless, scandalous and mali- two, the couple were close. There cious". was a lot of giggling and blushing Hasan also said Benazir "never whenever they appeared together had any affair with any one" and in public," Sandford told Britain's her marriage with Asif Ali Zardari, Daily Mail newspaper. -PTI

17th Festival of India

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70,000 throng 17th Festival of India

FIA President Dr Romesh Japra with Senator Ellen Corbatt

American & Indian Flags at the San Jose City Hall. Pics Mohan Sabnani

SUJATA SINGH India Post News Service

FREMONT, CA: The Festival of India held here on August 14, 15 and 16 entered its seventeenth year with great aplomb and style. There was an impressive display of enthusiasm, fervor and gaiety topped with national pride. The air reverberated with the current mantra 'Jai Ho.' Over 70,000 people joined the festivities, 40 percent of them being youngsters and teenagers. Being Indian is suddenly super cool. On this day all Indians are reminded of the day 62 years ago when at the beginning of midnight, as India entered into 15th of August, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, read out the renowned speech which announced

the Independence of India. This historic moment ended three centuries of British colonial rule in India. The festival opened on August 15 at Paseo Padre Pkwy in Fremont at 10 am with the biggest crowd puller, the free Health Fair. It was well organized by a team of FIA members, and a team of doctors and health workers from Washington Hospital. Dr Romesh Japra (FIA Convenor & President) gave strong support to this large team. One could see the specialists and doctors interacting with all the patients very patiently. About 2000 people took advantage of the various camps each related to a specialized ailment like Cardiology, Bone Density and BMI, Holistic Cure, Blood Sugar TestCFO FIA, Rajesh Verma ing, Gastronomy, Dental, Pediatric, Neurology and Blood Pressure check. A tremendous opportunity to avail consultation and diagnosis from the best of doctors and surgeons with no prior appointments and no consultation charges! Serpentine queues could be seen till late noon, dads with children perked up on shoulder took the best advantage of Pediatrician, the aged thronged the Cardiology booth and the Bone Density booth had to manage the

Dr Japra with Ash Kalra

Neha Dhupia with Dr Japra

Float of Rajasthan

India Post float Dance Group at the event

Officer & Council member Ash Karla at the function

maximum patients. Talking to India Post, Mr Sharma said "due to job recession I have lost my health insurance, this health camp with the best team of doctors from Washington Hospital is a blessing for me and my wife." Many affirmed his views "We trust the service being provided, am grateful to FIA for having this health fair" said Ananya and Kumar. Astra Zeneca group promoted latest diabetic medicine Onglyza, people wanting to know more about Symbicot their new drug for asthma and COPD. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 11

Stage Coach of Wells Fargo. Pic Longman Studio

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Neha Dhupia addressing the crowd at the mela

Neha Dhupia during the parade

Mauli Dave receiving award from Senator Ellen Corbatt

The enthusiastic crowd

Neha Dhupia giving award to Wells Fargo team

Dr Japra & government officials at the award function

Neha Dhupia greets the crowd

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 10

The doctors Harpreet Dhillon, Pawan Chadha, Bhupinder Bhandari, Zulfiqar Ali, Cezar Molina, Nutan Chadha and Romesh Japra worked tirelessly to see that concerns of everyone were well taken care. The entire health fair depicted efficiency and professionalism an event well co-coordinated and organized. Special efforts were pitched in by Ram Malik and Sonia Sidhu. Thanks to the sponsors too for their support. The list is endless - Wells Fargo Bank, Pankil Dhaiya, Medtronic, Micheal Benim, Astrazenca, Sherish, Gray Ramada, Novartis, Kushal Vepa, Biotronik, Aman Singh, Sanofi Aventis and Philips Kitson. The Festival of India besides having the entertainment factor is also a major business-boost-marketing event. It is anticipated the list of sponsors will increase next year. The morning merged into noon and more people joined in to enjoy the festivities. The air was fused with aromas emitted from a variety of food booths. Swagat Indian Restaurant, Mehran, Masala Bowl, Peacock, Kulfi and Shaved ice, Tea India, Jamba Juice attracted a large crowd queuing up at the booths for gastronomical delights. Young girls bargained at the ethnic Indian wear stall and many had their hands decorated with traditional mehndi. Indeed it was a surreal experience of a mini India. The popularity and viability of this festival can be gauged by many booths venturing in the first time, solely devoted

to various social causes. Life Challenge International dealing with addiction, Trikone dealing with homosexual issues and rights in USA and India. It has a very informative magazine being circulated for those who need to know more about the group. SEWA International, Sankara Eye Foundation, Rakshak Foundation, US Census Bureau. Many booths were devoted to various religious issues. The 'Kids Corner' booth was managed by Ajay Jain Bhutoria. This was the hub of children's activities. They had youngsters display their art skills besides host of games to develop their eye-hand coordination. They were divided into various age group starting from 3 years up to teens. The winning entries will be displayed at Fremont Hindu Temple. But seeing the awesome effort I am sure, if auctioned, they would sell like hot cakes.

Dance performance at the mela

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 12 Float depicting Ghanaian life style

FIA Group Pic

Temple float

Indian girls in traditional dress

Vikram Paul and Group

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The day one festival ended at 6 in the evening with the excitement of coming back again on 16 August for the Grand Parade and meeting the Grand Marshals of the event. The 17th Festival of India celebrating Independence Day with the Parade is one of the biggest activities in the Bay Area. FIA has gone all out to make this the most memorable celebration of Independence. This year's parade was held on August 16 on Walnut Avenue graced by Bollywood star Neha Dhupia as the Grand Marshal. Along with her was Mauli Dave, the famed young singer and winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa contest. Host of dignitaries graced the occasion, each arriving in the parade in befitting luxury cars. Loud dhol and drums added grove and jazz to the colorful parade. The star happening was the Indian Flag hoisted at San Jose City Council which will be proudly fluttering for a week along with the American flag. This is due to the effort by newly elected council member Ash Kalra of San Jose. Bollywood star Neha Dhupia and Mauli Dave were warmly welcomed by the large gathering, which braved the sun and were anxiously waiting for the dignitaries. Yogi Chugh conducted the parade ceremony, oversaw that entire parade went smoothly as programmed. Dr Romesh Japra welcomed all and graciously accepted the kind gesture of all sponsors and donors, due to which this parade could happen. Despite recession and low economy warm hearts still kindle and throb. As the parade winded people hurriedly gathered back at the venue to further interact with the two Grand Marshals. Entertainment proceeded full throttle, uninterrupted with great gusto. Groups of very young and youngsters gave dance performances. Rich tributes were paid to A.R. Rahman as they danced to his music compositions for making India proud at the Oscars. Solemn rendering of Indian National anthem by Mouli Dave set the tone for the evening. Neha Dhupia was quiet chirpy and interactive with the crowd and they loved her for her simplicity, though she reprimanded the parents for not teaching their kids Jana Gana Mana! Mauli Dave was a bundle of energy and spirit. She sang the latest numbers and made the crowd get involved in her singing. She sure has a mesmerizing stage presence. Dr Japra handed plaques to the Grand Marshals for their participation. The FIA convener and president Dr Japra was presented a plaque for FIA efforts in holding such community events and tirelessly working to bring the Indo American community together. Rose Harera and Mayor Chuck Reed graciously praised the efforts. Senator Alameda County Ellen Corbet offered a citation of participation to both the Grand Marshals. Indian Americans are considered as affluent consumers, well educated and hard working people with deep roots in their culture. This makes them the flag bearers of new age globalization in all its aspects. Many young Indians agreed as their local Indian communities grew they gained more friends, they became more interested in their own history. Hence this festival plays a very important role to assimilate the diverse community and make it appear as a whole. We should spare no efforts to make the festival an ongoing ritual with more and more active participation and involvement. The FIA dream should live on.

Wells Fargo

Dr Japra with other doctors

Dr Pawan Chadha

KTSF

Dr Japra with team of volunteers

New York Life

Dr Japra, Dr Puri & Rajesh Verma

Comcast

Dr Nutun Chadha & Team

Dish Network

Health Fair Sponsor

Land Resource Investment, Inc

Physician & volunteers

Western Union

Health Fair registration

August 28, 2009

17th Festival of India

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Neha, Mauli add glamour to FIA banquet PRAFULL LANDE

FREMONT, CA: FIA Northern California chapter hosted a Festival of India 2009 banquet night in San Ramon Marriott on Sunday, August 16 from 8 pm till midnight. Miss India 2002 and well-known Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia and Houston-based singer and a finalist on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007 Mauli Dave attended the event as Grand Marshals, adding lot of color and glamour to the event. Bay area singer Alka Bhatnagar started the proceedings by paying respect to motherland India by singing "Vande Mataram". After this the floor was opened to a young group of Bay area dancers who performed on Bollywood songs like "Om Mangalam" from movie Kambakht-Ishq, "Muqabala" by A. R. Rehman and some more. FIA President Dr Romesh Japra continued the proceedings by honoring special guests, which included San Jose Council member Ash Kalra, Mayor of Fremont Bob Wasserman with fellow council members and Mayor of Union City Mark Green. He took the opportunity to introduce, thank and welcome Grand Marshal Neha Dhupia. This was followed by Neha giving away appreciation awards to sponsors of the event as well as some distinguished volunteers of FIA. Dr. Japra and Yogi Chug thanked Neha for graciously accepting the invitation and being a great Grand Marshal of the event. Once the awards ceremony was over, Dr Japra requested young singer Mauli Dave to take the center stage. She grabbed everyone's attention by singing "Kaisi Paheli" from movie 'Parineeta'. Then onwards she sang many hit movie songs including a folk song from Bihar. Everyone got into dancing mood and got on to the dance floor. This event was attended by almost 600 people that included FIA volunteers, sponsors and guests. Music, dance, glamour and tasty Indian food made sure that everyone had a great evening.

Alka Bhatnagar singing Vande Matram

Award ceremony at the banquet

Dr Japra with Mrs Japra

Guests at the banquet enjoying live music

Neha Dhupia with fans at the Banquet

Neha Dhupia, Dr Japra and other FIA officials at the award function at the Banquet

Nidhi Gupta from Western Union receiving award from Neha Dhupia

Vikram Paul receiving award from Neha Dhupia

Neha addressing guests at the banquet

Mauli Dave performing live at the Banquet

Desi News

AIA celebrates India Day with a difference MOHAMMAD GHOUSE

CHICAGO: The Association of Indians in America (AIA), one of the oldest ethnic Indian organizations, celebrated Indian Independence Day here in Chicago with quite a difference in that its celebrations in Chicago Downtown were attended not only by leading political bigwigs but also by a group of Consular officers from other countries. AIA headed by community activist Naren Patel hosted a flag hoisting and a cultural program spiced with a small Mela in Chicago Downtown on August 12.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Janmashtami celebrated with great fanfare at BAPS Mandirs

August 28, 2009

Details on page 23

NY India Day Parade - bigger, but definitely not better

Details on page 17

Three win Chicagoland’s GOPIO Scholarship SURENDRA ULLAL India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Chicago Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), a not-for-profit organization registered in Glenview, Illinois, has instituted three meritbased scholarships ($ 1500, $ 1000 and $ 500) for graduating PIO (People of Indian Origin) highschool students from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin. Details on page 21

Akshat Shekhar is S. Asian Spelling Bee Champion India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Akshat Shekhar of Roxbury, MA, spelled the word 'osphresis' to clinch the title of the MetLife South Asian Spelling Bee National Champion at an event held in New Jersey on August 15. Shekhar, along with 15 other finalists competed for the title. The national first runner-up was Arvind Mahankali from Forest Hills NY and the national second runner-up was Aakash Gupta form Lake Mary, FL. Details on page 21

Indian Americans celebrate India's Independence Day in Manhattan

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: New York City on August 16 came alive to the sounds, smells and colors of India as thousands of Indian Americans from the Tri-State area converged on Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan to participate in India's

Independence Day Parade, an annual tradition that has come to be recognized as the biggest such parade to be held outside of India. Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) for the 29th successive year, the India Day Parade this year attracted an unprecedented coverage from mainstream television, radio and

New York City Mayor Bloomberg (left), Bollywood Actress Shilpa Shetty (3rd right) at the 29th India Day Parade to celebrate India's Independence Day in Manhattan on August 16. Also seen in the picture are FIA President Dipak Patel and Sudhir Parekh. (Pics: Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia)

print media besides a live coverage by four Indian American television channels. Near 100 degree temperatures did not deter the young and old among the community who began gathering as early as noon along the nearly

20 blocks on Madison Avenue for the one-and-half hour long parade of seemingly endless number of floats, marchers representing social, cultural and religious organizations, as well as school bands. Cont’d on page 15

Obama may visit India next year RAMESH SOPARAWALA & MADHU PATEL India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri said here that US President Barack Obama is likely to visit India next year. Addressing an august gathering of guests not only from Chicagoland but also from St. Louis MO and Indiana during an India Day celebration hosted by Indian Consulate in Chicago, Attri said that Indo-US relations have been forging ahead during the Obama administration. He cited the specific example of the recent successful visit of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and a few other top level administrative aides. Indications are that the US President would pay a visit to India next year, he said amidst applause. Cont’d on page 16

CG Ashok Kumar Attri and Mrs Usha Attri presenting an appreciation certificate to a Bharat Natyam artist.

Honoring Mayor of Naperville. A. George Pradel.

August 28, 2009

Community Across America

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Spellbinding 'Black & White' presentation at FIA Dinner RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Dr Hyder Mohammad, president of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) had said in one of the FIA meets with media to watch out for its Annual Banquet that is slated to feature a unique Black & White show. Dr. Hyder also said that the FIA India Day Parade would be held with or without Bollywood stars. On both these counts, he acquitted himself admirably well. The Parade though was not a grand affair, it was still held without the Stars but with hundreds watching it while the Black &

Illinois White show a day before the Parade evening of August 14 -turned out to be an affair that one would like to remember for a long long time. As put by a fellow journalist and the editor of a newspaper "I have attended so many shows and concerts in the past, but this is absolutely unique. I was just glued to my seat and yearned for more." The Independence Day Gala Banquet Dinner was held at Meadows Club on Friday, August 14 evening. The traditional annual event was much different and entertaining this time than what it used to be all previous years. The choice of entertainment was a live audio-visual presentation by Dhrishti & Niche that glued everyone to their chairs for more than two hours. It was a live trib-

FIA BANQUET: President Dr Hyder addressing the meet. On the left are Sunil Shah and Keerthi Ravorri. On his right are Air India Chief Jude Crato and FIA Trustee Iftekhar Shareef

The presentation chronicled the birth of cinema in India from the first movie till the first color movie; "Mughal-eAzam" in a fast packed action musical show ute to the golden era of Indian Black & White movies and it could not have been timed better than on the occasion of 62nd Independence Day Anniversary celebrations.

FIA Awardees Syed Purab, Hemant Brahmbhatt, Rahul Singh and Hetal Patel

Bollywood, the largest film industry in the world after Hollywood, had its earlier golden days recalled with live actions by Dhristi and Niche artists. They were successful in making it a memorable stage show. The presentation chronicled the birth of cinema in India from the first movie till the first color movie; "Mughal-e-Azam" in a fast packed action musical show, the stage singers Vibhavari Apte and Savani Ravindra reproduced famous Lata and Asha songs. Rishkesh Ranade and Jitendra Abhayankar played back Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar and other male singers' songs. The show included almost all the famous actors

and actresses of Black and White golden era. The presentation was so spellbinding that nobody left the Banquet hall till the show ended. Had there not been the time constraint, the audience was in a mood for more. The unique feature of the presentation was that the real scenes and songs were first played from the movie on screen and the stage singers took over to continue it. Throughout the show Anchor Rahul Solapurkar recalled the history of Black and White films in a comic way. Director Milind Oak could legitimately take pride in staging the show. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 16

NY India Day Parade - bigger, but definitely not better theme representing India, its culture or its independence day, the Bollywood actress Shilpa parade appeared to be bigger, but Shetty was the Grand Marshal this was definitely not better. Chaos reigned right at the beyear, and marching alongside were York City Mayor Michael ginning of the parade with hordes Bloomberg, India's Consul General of badge and sash wearing volunAmb. Prabhu Dayal, and several teers and general public who broke community leaders who accompa- the cordons jostled to be near the nied the FIA office bearers. grand marshal even as burly seIn all, there were 55 floats, curity guards - both of the Mayor marching groups and bands that and the actress - pushed away inincluded banks, airlines, television discriminately to make way for the channels, insurance companies, VIPs to march along. With the gimoney transfer services, news ant security guards and the dozens of scrambling media who struggled for pictures in the absence of a frontline of marchers, all that the parade viewers on the sidelines could see was an unruly mass of people rolling down the avenue. The woes of the desi media were American Punjabis performing on Bhangra dance at Madidoubled with the son Ave on 23rd street at the India Day Parade in NY cops blocking them papers, retailers, and regional, so- to make way for the mainstream cial, charitable and religious orga- media. nizations. "It seems to be getting worse Noisy as ever with popular every year," said Prashant Jain, a Bollywood numbers blaring from 55-year old resident of Queens. each of the floats, most of which "For the last 7 years, I have been did not necessarily portray any making it a point to come for the Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 14

parades as a mark of my solidarity for India. But I am not enjoying the experience any more. I don't see anything here that represents our culture; it seems to me like a Bollywood parade!" And that's exactly what Beatrice Lane, who was visiting New York from Minnesota thought it was as she craned her neck to get a glimpse of the "Bollywood superstar" who was supposed to be leading the parade. "I am curious about Bollywood because one hears so much of it these days everywhere." "I brought my seven year old son here so he can learn about India's Independence Day just like he understands the significance of July 4th," said Prema Murthy who came all the way from Princeton, NJ along with her husband and inlaws. "But all he got to see was Bollywood style songs and dances on the floats, and many of those floats did not even have pictures of India or the leaders of our freedom movement." "There are so many floats, why can't they each show a different aspect of India, its classical and folk dances or music, dress or festivals. There's so much of India that they can showcase but they only stick to filmy music," added Ramesh Murthy, Prema's hus-

band. Suresh Menon from Edison, NJ was a first time participant at the parade. "Honestly, I am overwhelmed to see so many of our people in one place," he said. "It feels good to be one of them and to know that a city like New York recognizes our community. But I

kind of awesome that an entire avenue is blocked for traffic just for our community. Also, we love to pig out on the snack stalls at the mela, for us it's a great outing with friends." For the vast contingent of jittery New York police that's assigned to manage the parade crowds, it is a trying time in these days of heightened alertn e s s . However, as the crowds dispersed at the end of the parade and the sanitat i o n Air India's float at the I-Day celebrations in Manhattan department's think we should show more of our trucks began to roll down MadiIndian culture through the parade son Avenue to clean up the mess, since we have such a great oppor- Chief Diaz of NYPD dabbed his tunity." brow in relief. "Unofficially, I beFor 16-year old Manny Singh lieve there were 30,000 people out and his group of friends from here today," he told this reporter Brooklyn, it was the sheer fun of (a glaring contrast to the exaggerbeing out together in the heart of ated estimates of 120,000+ turnout the city without the hindrance of of people as claimed by the FIA). traffic that brought them to the "I love watching people of other parade. "I was here for the parade cultures. It was a beautiful palast year also," Singh said. "It was rade."

India Post

Community Across America

August 28, 2009

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FIA Parade- stars or no stars the show went on KRISHNA RAJ

Illinois Governor & Grand Marshal Pat Quinn with other community members and political leaders

CHICAGO: The India Parade Organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) was "Star Less". There were not Bollywood stars but that was expected as FIA had decided not to "butter them with dollar bags." But there was no tennis star-Sania

Mirza; no cricket star - Mohammad Azharuddin and no former Bollywood star -Jaya Prada. This seemed inexcusable as the FIA board had blown its trumpet advertising their presence. On top of this, there were not many "political" or diplomatic"

stars. Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri was conspicu-

Illinois ous by his absence. Senator Dick Durbin was not there and so also Congresswoman Jan

Obama may visit India next year Cont’d from page 14

The annual celebration at Chicago Cultural Center last week has been an annual affair with the Consulate and as has been the case in recent years, it was attended by Chicago elites- Indians as well as Americans- and dignitaries from other States. They were Peter Kinder, Lt Governor from Missouri, Todd Rokita, Secretary of State of Indiana, Dorothy Brown Cook County Circuit Court Clerk, Illinois and A. George Pradel, Mayor of Naperville, Illinois. The event started with the singing of national anthems of both the countries by Lisa Misra and a welcome address from Indian CG Attri. In his brief address, he talked about the economic strides taken

The Parade crowd

Schakowaksi, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Congresswoman Melissa Beans and a few others. But as an old adage says, the Show Must Go On, the FIA Board had the show run not to full house but about half empty house. To be frank, the relative poor attendance was excusable and explainable. But there was a good degree of enthusiasm among those who came to watch and attend the Parade. Though the number of floats was fewer but most of them were really well decorated. Many were really eye catching. For instance, the ones staffed by the Indian Christian Association, Maharashtra Mandal, Jalaram Mandal, some private business floats like Air India, Money Dart, Etihad, Hema Kitchen, Big Cinema and National Republic Bank were well done.

The other good point was that the Parade was well organized and relatively disciplined one. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was the Grand Marshal and there was no hustling or bustling as was the case in the past to be with him or march with him. The crowd too was disciplined and well behaved. There was a band marching in the front unlike the Parade a few years ago. The Jesse White Tumblers were there and they really entertained the crowd. Speeches at the end of the Parade were short and to the point. The credit for this goes to the FIA team headed by young Dr. Hyder Mohammad. Janet River, the Etihad Chicago head, announced $50 off on each ticket purchased from travel agents from August 17 till August 21. Cont’d on page 19

Spellbinding 'Black & White' presentation at FIA Dinner CG Ashok Kumar Attri presenting a memento, book on India to Peter Kinder

Dorothy Brown and & CG Ashok Kumar Attri

quite favorable compared with other countries, he observed. Peter Kinder and Todd Rokita talked about contributions made

praised work ethics of Indian Americans specifically citing those working in her staff. She said that she would continue to have her administration diversified if elected Cook County Board President. She too indicated she would love to go to India after elections. A. George Pradel said he was happy at being invited to celebrate Indian Independence day and pointed out that he did flag hoisting at the event organized by Indian Americans in Naperville on August 15. There was an exhilarating cultural program covering classical Indian dances - Bharat Natyam artists from Kalpana Dance Academy and Kathak by artists from Anila Sinha Foundation. Hardik Bhatt, chief information officer for business and information, Mayor Office read the Independence Day message of Mayor Daley. Consul R.K. Kapil proposed a vote of thanks.

Todd Rokito

Dorothy Brown in her address praised work ethics of Indian Americans specifically citing those working in her staff. She said that she would continue to have her administration diversified if elected Cook County Board President

by India in spite of global recession. India has a huge domestic market and a drop in consumption level globally has no shrinking impact on its economy, he said. The growth rate though down is

by Indian Americans in their respective States. Attri welcoming Indiana Secretary of State said that India is in a word Indiana. Both expressed desire of visiting India. Dorothy Brown in her address

The Black and White Team Jitendra Abhyankar, Hrishikesh Ranade, Rahul Solapurkar (Anchor), Vibhavari Apte and Sawani Ravindra Cont’d from page 15

Earlier, FIA president Dr Mohammed Hyder briefly addressed the guests and congratulated all on the 63rd Independence Day. Iftekhar Shareef, FIA Trustee and a community leader thanked all the supporters and sponsors. He did not miss anybody, including media. Jude Crasto, Manager Air India Chicago, Janet River Manager Etihad Airways Chicago and Raj Sidhu Sales Manager American Airlines were among the grand sponsors and were present for the event.

Shareef recognized their support and presence. Before the entertainment program, "Black & White" began, the FIA recognized some of the community members for their services to the community. They were Rahul Singh, a self made artist with great talent, Rita Shah, a community activist, Hetal Patel, former FIA President, Hemant Brahmbhatt, a budding print media mogul and Syed Purab, a cricket enthusiast for popularizing the game of cricket here. Soon after the dinner the real program began and continued till midnight.

Community/Illinois

August 28, 2009

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AIA celebrates India Day with a difference MOHAMMAD GHOUSE

Serbian Consul Frantisek Gal, addressing the gathering

Kumar Attri in the presence of a battalion of dignitaries. Those present on the occasion were Desko Nikitovic, the Acting Dean of the Consular Corps and CG of Serbia, Frantisek Gal, Deputy CG Czech Republic, Lean Heitmann, Deputy CG Hondurus, Blesila Cabrera, CG Philippines, Martin & Mrs. Mary Rouine, CG Ireland. Besides there were a number of local political personalitiesSecretary of State of Illinois, Jesse White, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Dorothy Brown, Sheriff of Cook County Tom Dart, Senator Ira Silverstein of Illinois , Kirpal Zala representing Mayor

AIA audience

Richard Daley, Raja Krishnamurthi, a candidate for Il-

AIA President Naren Patel said that he was proud to welcome "so many dignitaries present here today to celebrate with us Indian Independence Dayâ&#x20AC;? linois Treasurer, Representative of Mike Quigley. Also present was

commanding officer of Indian Army, Brigadier T. Jaswant. Hoisting the national flag followed by singing of national anthems of both the countries, Indian CG Attri talked about the continuing strength of the Indian economy, recent high level interaction between the Government of India and the USA including the visit of Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State to India and a planned series of bilateral visits and other events. He praised AIA role in promoting the cause of Indian Americans under the leadership of Naren Patel, ably supported by Vice President Om Dhingra and other senior leaders.

He added that this was the outcome of the cooperative and constructive approach and hard work among AIA hard core workers. In his address AIA President Naren Patel said that he was proud to welcome "so many dignitaries present here today to celebrate with us Indian Independence Day." Praising the Indian CG, he said "Attri is always eager and willing to serve, support and participate in community events. It is because of his wonderful rapport with other Consulate leaders that we have other Consul Generals present here today." Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 18

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Aug 15 declared India Day by Chicago Mayor

August 28, 2009

Connecticut Indians celebrate I-Day

MOHAMMAD GHOUSE

CHICAGO: Chicago Mayor Richard Daley proclaimed August 15 as India's Independence Day in Chicago during India Day celebrations hosted by Mayor's Office of Special Events last week here. The Proclamation was presented to the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Dr Hyder Mohammad in the presence of Indian community leaders and guests at Daley Plaza in Chicago

Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy addressing the audience. Seated: Ravi Dhingra, Sangeeta Ahuja, President GOPIO-CT, and Deputy Consul General Dr. Ajay Gondane.

Illinois Downtown on August 10. A similar Proclamation was presented to Naren Patel, President of Association of Indian Americans at the AIA hosted event at Daley Plaza two days later. Kripal Zala, director Mayor's Advisory Council on Asian Affair, presented the proclamation to AIA president Naren Patel in the presence of Indian CG Ashok Attri. The proclamation recognized

India Post News Service Mayor Representative Kripal Zala presenting Mayor's Proclamation to AIA President Naren Patel.

Indian Americans to aid the vitality and strength of City of Chicago. It was mentioned the sister city relationship that Chicago has with New Delhi. It has been a tradition with the Mayor's Office of Special Events to host India Day celebrations for the past well over a decade now. This year event held on

Shah, Iftekhar Shareef, Hetal Patel, Babu Patel, Sunil Shah, Smita Shah - and President of Association of Indian Americans Naren Patel among others. Kripal Zala, Director Mayor's Advisory Council on Asian Affairs, emceed the event and in-

It has been a tradition

Consul General Dr. Ajay Gondane, followed by the singing of the STAMFORD, CT: Under warm, American and Indian national ansunny Saturday skies, almost 300 thems, led by an Indian-American members of the Indian-American youth group dressed in their colcommunity, from toddlers to se- orful national attire. Mayor Malloy praised the Inniors, and elected officials gathdian-American ered to celebrate Connecticut community, "one 62 years of of the fastest India's Independence and the hoisting of the In- growing communities in Connectidian tricolor at the Government cut." After reading the official proclamation, he said, "Americans Center in Stamford, CT. The festive event with colorful have been great cheerleaders of balloons, banners and Indian and Indian democracy. I celebrate your

with the Mayor's Office of Special Events to host India Day celebrations for the past well over a decade now

Mayor Richard Daley presented with shawl by Iftekhar Shareef

the role of Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru in helping India achieve freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947 and also touched upon the contributions made by

August 13 was attended among others by Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri, president, former presidents and office bearers of the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) - Dr Hyder Mohammad, Niranjan

troduced Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. The Mayor in his brief address talked about the family values and commitment to education cherished by Indian Americans here and mentioned that they had contributed to the betterment of the City and the society here in all walks of life- education, science, art and culture. Cont’d on page 22

Indian-American youth in their traditional attire singing the national anthems with Mayor Malloy and Deputy Consul General Gondane.

American flags, was organized by the GOPIO-Connecticut chapter, and has become increasingly popular over the last three years, attracting crowds from across Fairfield and Westchester counties. The Indian tricolor was hoisted by Mayor Dan Malloy and Deputy

kindness, your goodness and your warmth." Dr. Gondane talked about the remarkable progress Indians made in all fields in the short 62 year history of free India. Cont’d on page 21

AIA celebrates India Day with a difference Cont’d from page 17

Continuing he said "I admire Secretary of State, Jesse White's dedication and commitment to all youths and his Tumbler Team. He has been a great supporter of Indian community. I want to thank Sheriff Tom Dart for attending the India Day celebration every year. I am happy that this year Illinois State Senator Ira Silverstein joins us in our celebration. I want to thank Raja Krishnamurthi -former Deputy Treasurer and a Harvard lawyer for joining us to celebrate Independence Day. We have a spe-

cial guest to our city and country from the Indium Army, Commanding Officer Brigadier T. Jaswant." "India's Independence was achieved after a long struggle and sacrifices of so many great leaders. We salute Mahatma Gandhi for his vision and message of non-violence which is very useful and important now than ever before in today's volatile world. I am proud to say that AIA has been celebrating Gandhi Jayanti every year and this year we are planning to celebrate on October 11 at Ashyana Banquets." "AIA's goal is to serve as a medium to

unite all professionals, religions and various ethnic and regional groups in American Society. We want to maintain our Indian identity and strong family values that we all cherish and take pride in. He thanked Ruth and Santosh Vaghese from Kalapadma Acadamy and all participants. And Special thanks to Chris Zala "for bringing Rasaka Theater Company and Mayor Daley's Special Event Department for making this event possible." Kripal (Chris) Zala representative of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley presented proclamation of Chicago Mayor office to AIA

President Naren Patel declaring August 15 as Indian Independence day in Chicago Indian CG Attri, Mrs. Usha Kiran Attri. other distinguished guests and members of the audience stayed through the succeeding program and watched the vibrant and colorful Indian cultural performances. There was a Mela with booths that vended Indian crafts and food. The Mela concept has been in vogue and was started under the leadership of Prof Pandey and Nand Kapoor. Beena Patel, an AIA volunteer, worked hard behind the scenes to bring success to this event.

August 28, 2009

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ICCA celebrates unity at sixth FIA Parade- stars or no stars the show went on annual India Day Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 16

ASHIKA KALRA & RITIKA RASTOGI

NAPERVILLE, IL: The Indian Children Cultural Association (ICCA) of Naperville celebrated their community-wide sixth annual India Day on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Fry Elementary School. India Day began with its annual

The offer was not valid for online fares, she said. A general recession, economy crunch, job losses have also been cited factors for the somewhat lusterless Parade. Dr Hyder, however, observed that Bollywood stars should not expect monetary rewards for joining a national event abroad. His view sounds well but

Illinois flag hoisting ceremony by Naperville Mayor George Pradel in front of City Hall. ICCA Founder and President Raj Durga said, "I saw history in the making on this day when our Naperville Mayor hoisted the Indian flag in front of City Hall. My eyes filled with tears of joy and my heart filled with a proud feeling of fulfillment to see the flag of India shining above our city of

Raj Durga president/founder of ICCA (third to right), Paulomi Shah, the board member and 2009 event manager (second to right) along with volunteers and two cultural program performers.

City Councilman Doug Krause also celebrated with the families and presented the Outstanding Achievement awards to the children at the ceremony. ICCA awarded students of

Among the arts and crafts projects, Trisha Prabhu, a fourth grade student at Arlene Welch Elementary School in Naperville and a young author, displayed her two published chapter books at the exhibition Naperville." Following the flag raising ceremony, more than 200 families gathered to participate in the ICCA evening program filled with awards, raffles, and a cultural program featuring classical singers and young dancers. Naperville

Naperville District 203 and 204 schools who displayed outstanding achievement, volunteer participation, and the cultural program participants. "We want to recognize and encourage our children who make us all feel proud with their achieve-

ments, volunteer spirit, and participation in making this evening a very successful event," Durga said. This year ICCA also had a new attraction, the Indian Arts and Crafts Exhibition, put together by young students themselves. Students were encouraged to bring items that share their passion with the community. Among the arts and crafts projects, Trisha Prabhu, a fourth grade student at Arlene Welch Elementary School in Naperville and a young author, displayed her two published chapter books at the exhibition. Prabhu said that she had reached her $1000 goal from book earnings at this event and was glad for such a wonderful opportunity provided to her by the ICCA. (For details logon to: indiapost.com)

it may not work with Bollywood stars. And there is no second Manoj Kumar among the new generation of stars. The temperature was over 90 degrees. The band, the Marshals including Governor Pat Quinn, the flag bearers with few small kids all walked under the hot sun but none of the businesses across the way offered water or any drink for the

parade. Hema Potal of Hema Kitchen however, got on the float some kids and offered them and distributed drink. Many known Indian businessmen, leaders were missing for the only annual national event in the adopted country. Those presentNiranjan Shah, Dr Hyder, Iftekhar Shareef, Babu Patel, Smita Shah, Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Sohan Joshi, Sunil Shah, Sher Mohammad Rajput, Ajay Agnihotri, Girish Patel , Ami Shah and others exhibited the untiringly community spirit throughout the celebrations. Among dignitaries, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn led the Parade and in attendance were Ald Bernard Stone, Alderman Joe Moore, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, candidate for Illinois Comptroller position, Raja Krishna Moorthy, candidate for Lieutenant Governor position, Scot Lee Cohen and of course, Secretary of State Jesse white who was busy with his Tumblers team that entertained 3000 plus members of the audience. In fact, the Tumblers team aerobics were a treat to watch as otherwise the entire Parade more or less turned out to be a drab affair.

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MAFS evokes great support from community and local leaders

August 28, 2009

Chicago Consulate celebrates Independence Day MOHAMMAD GHOUSE

HIMALI BHARUCHA

L-R: Guests and MAFS office Bearers: Mayor Rodney Craig, Hanover Park, Dr. Pratima Shah, Vice President, MAFS, Jonathan Lavin, Chief Executive Officer- Age Options, Mr. Michael Gelder, Senior Advisor on Health Policy- Governor's Office, Ms. Nikki Smith, Director of Communications, Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA), Mrs. Santosh Kumar , Executive Director, MAFS, Mr. Ashok Kumar Attri, Consul General of India, Ms. Marta Pareyra, Executive Director CLESE, Ms. Marliyn Krolak, Executive Director of DuPage Senior Citizens Council, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, President MAFS, Mayor Ken Nelson, Rolling Meadows, Ms. Beth Ogrady Behind are the Board members of MAFS- Dr. Deepak Shah, Dr. Sheela Shah, Mr. Nikunj Baxi, Ms. Vasanti Bhatt, Mr. Shankerprasad Bhatt, Mr. Promod Kumar, CFO, Dr. Gazi, Mr. Sameer Saini

CHICAGO: Over a thousand people gathered to celebrate the eleventh fund raising dinner of the Metropolitan Asian Family Services (MAFS) on Saturday, August 8 at the India House Banquet Hall in Schaumburg. The function started with the

Illinois lighting of the lamp by Swami Parnatmananda Ji Maharaj, Board members and dignitaries, followed by a Bhajan 'Tora Mun Darpan Kahalaye' sung devotionally by Dr. Sheela Shah. Sameer Saini and Ms.Trupti Kuvadia were the Masters of the ceremony. Dr. Firdaus Jafri, the board president of MAFS

of present economical scenario. She explained that "How to care others" program is very good for the senior citizens. She said the current recession of the USA was the worst in 60 years and there is a deficit of 24 billion dollars. Tough economy, rising health care cost and long terms care, unemploy-

Nikki Smith, Director of Communications of IDoA gave the idea of present economical scenario. She explained that "How to care others" program is very good for the senior citizens ment and unprecedented home foreclosures are hurting everyone, especially families on fixed income.

L-R: Lighting of the lamp by Mrs. Santosh Kumar , Executive Director of Metropolitan Asian Family Services, Ms. Deepali Kulshrestha, Dr. Firdaus Jafri, President MAFS, Swami Parnatmananda Ji, Sameer Saini, and in the Background, left to right- Michael Gelder, Senior Advisor on Health Policy- Governor's Office, Ms. Nikki Smith, Director of Communications from Illinois Department on Aging, Jonathan Lavin, Chief Executive Officer- Age Options, Dr. Pratima Shah, Vice President, MAFS, Ashok Kumar Attri, Consul General of India.

welcomed the guests and gave the highlight of the program such as Dance, Music, Fashion show, Silent Auction, Raffles and a play by seniors. Nikki Smith, Director of Communications of IDoA gave the idea

budget cut by 10 to 12%. To support this program, Governor Pat Quinn proposed a plan of small percentage tax increase for home owners. This plan was rejected in the general assembly. The consequence of this rejection was that the government agency was unable to release the fund to MAFS

Working immigrant families of ailing seniors with linguistic and cultural barriers are facing many economic and emotional hardships due to massive lay off. The senior citizens program is directly affected by this with a

in time, as a result of which it was delayed by two months. An article was recently published in the "New York Times" mentioning, government employees took a pay cut of 4 % in the Hawaii. The situation of the seniors has become worse because of their fixed income in this poor economy. However, 342 million dollars have been allocated with a great effort of Governor Pat Quinn for the Community Care Program for seniors. During this event Michael Gelder, Jonathan Lavin, Consul General Ashok Attri, Mayor Rodney Craig and Mayor Ken Nelson, Marliyn Krolak, Marta Pareyra, Paola Castano, Dr Usha Kundala, Chris Zala enthusiastically spoke of positive things about this community based agency. They blamed the poor economy of the State but expressed joy for the outstanding community services and support of MAFS for senior population of Illinois. Mrs. Santosh Kumar, the Executive Director of MAFS expressed gratitude towards the leaders of all communities for attending the function. She insisted that the financial part of the beneficiary seniors should be taken care of by the youngsters of their family. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 22

Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri reading out Indian President Pratibha Patil's Independence Day address before a gathering during India Day celebrations at the Consulate Office in Chicago on Aug 15. Standing next to him is Mrs Usha Attri, Consul Kapil and Consul Vishwas.

CHICAGO: The Indian Consulate organized a celebration of Indian Independence Day on Saturday August 15 at its office in Chicago Downtown. The highlight of the near threehour event was the unfurling of Indian Flag by Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri accompanied by his wife Mrs Usha Kiran Attri and senior officers of the Consulate. This was followed by singing of Indian National Anthem

Illinois and reading out of the message of Indian President Pratibha Patil. Present on the occasion were members of the Indian community in the Visitors Hall of the Consulate. The Consul General talked about the recent developments in India- USA relations and the contribution made by members of the Indian community in forging closer Indo-US ties. He also gave details of the further streamlining of the Consular operations and introduced all officers and members of the Consulate, giving details of the excellent work being done by them.

A colorful cultural program was presented by dancers of the Bratham Dance Academy, Natraj Dance Theater, Kalapadma Dance Academy, Nrytanjali and two young American Indians - Anjali Prakash and Sharanya Reddy.

The Consul General talked about the recent developments in India- USA relations and the contribution made by members of the Indian community These high quality dance performances were appreciated by everyone. The participants were given certificates of participation and mementoes by CG and Mrs Usha Attri. At the end, everyone savored the Indian food items and drinks served at the event, with patriotic Indian songs playing in the background.

South Brunswick celebrates India's Independence Day India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Indo-American Cultural Foundation of Central New Jersey and South Brunswick YMCA organized India's Independence Day celebration at the YMCA in South Brunswick, New Jersey on Aug 15. The celebration started with singing of American and Indian National Anthems by 8-year old Jhanvi Joshi. The atmosphere was very patriotic with orange, white and green balloons and Indian flags all over the celebration area. Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, Middlesex County Freeholder Carol Barrett, So.Brunswick Coun-

cilman Joe Camarota and Mac Shah who is also a President of IACFNJ and YMCA Director Tom Libasi attended the event. Despite almost 100 degree weather, more than 400 people from the local and surrounding communities and IACFNJ mem-

New Jersey bers attended the celebration with pride and enthusiasm. The program included dance performances and other fun activities for attendees of all ages. DJ Parthiv performed live DJ and Hidden Gems performed singing of live patriotic and film songs made the afternoon very festive.

August 28, 2009

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Akshat Shekhar is South Asian Spelling Bee Champion

Three win Chicagoland's GOPIO Scholarship SURENDRA ULLAL

India Post News Service

New York firm, Touchdown Media Inc. and sponsored by MetLife, a leader in the insurance and financial services industry. Sony Entertainment Television is the exclusive rights holder and will be broadcasting the event across the globe in over 150 countries. "We are very pleased with the event this year and congratulate Akshat Shekhar for becoming the best South Asian speller across the country. This is a great platform that helps children showcase their talent, hone their skill and inculcate a sense of discipline that will help in their overall development. I urge parents to take advantage of this unique contest next year," said Rahul Walia, CEO, Touchdown

Connecticut Indians celebrate I-Day Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

He reminded the audience of the "social, economic and political justice and equality, as the basis of Indian constitution and the principles the nation is founded on." He said "our land is flowering, and part of these flowers can be seen right here - you are the best which India has produced and will continue to produce for years to come." Also there to celebrate the event and offer their congratulations, were Deputy Mayor of Stamford, David Martin, and the Republican candidate for Mayor, Michael Pavia. "Every citizen of the free world should be proud of India's independence and thank you for pushing democracy forward," said Martin. For Vikas Mathur, this Independence Day was especially memorable because it brought back memories of his father, Vishnu Nath Mathur, who was a freedom fighter and was imprisoned by the British for four years in the Andaman Islands. (For details logon to: indiapost.com)

Spelling Bee 2009 winner

Media Inc. and founder of the South Asian Spelling Bee. The champion received a $5000 grand prize from MetLife along with the South Asian Spelling Bee trophy. "We congratulate all of the families who participated in the 2009 South Asian Spelling Bee," said

The contest will be conducted annually in June and July months and the 2010 schedule will be announced in October this year Laurel Daring, assistant vice president, National Sales Organization, MetLife. "As the title sponsor of this year's event, we are proud to not only help families come together for a fun, educational event,

but also to raise awareness about the importance of planning for the rising costs of education." The event was open to children up to 14 years of age and was held in 8 regional centers across the United States. These areas included, New Jersey, DC metro area, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and the Bay Area. The contest was conducted in written and oral format at the regional levels which served as the elimination as well as selection process for the finalists. From each of these centers, the finalists along with a parent were invited on an all expenses paid trip to the finals in NJ. Overall about 500 children registered to spell amongst all the centers. The contest will be conducted annually in June and July months and the 2010 schedule will be announced in October this year.

Illinois and a GOPIO Chicagoland member, who passed away in 2006. He dedicated a great part of his life to improving the quality of life of the poor, the elderly, the disabled, women and children in India. Maintaining its tradition of granting college study scholarships to outstanding PIO candidates from Chicago-area high schools, three Chicago-area school graduates have topped the list and were selected to receive the Subhash Mehta scholarships: Shriya Gandhi from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago; Manju Ann George from Niles West High School in Skokie; Tejus Shankar from Adlai Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire To felicitate the

awardees and their parents a luncheon was held on August 10, 2009 at Mount Everest restaurant in Evanston. Apart from the winners for 2009, past awardees were also invited to attend. In his opening remarks, Samir Shah, President of GOPIO Chicagoland described the objective of this scholarship program as being to recognize, reward and encourage PIO high-school

The objective of this scholarship program was recognize, reward and encourage PIO high-school graduates who have outstanding academic achievements graduates who not only have outstanding academic achievements, but also display a record of sustained volunteerism and service to the community. Past recipients of GOPIO scholarships Annu Bommakanti and Deepali Darji spoke about the motivation they felt after receiving awards in 2008, and stressed the importance of active community service as a motivating factor in their studies and future professional careers.

Community Across America

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August 28, 2009

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MAFS evokes great support from community and local leaders Cont’d from page 21

She requested them to spare 10 % of their income for MAFS by following the example of the Jew Community that makes provision in the will itself to spare 3 % of their property for the community. This is the reason they never have to face financial crisis. On the

raffle tickets having the first prize of $1000, second prize of $ 500, third prize of $ 250, along with two tickets of the Shahrukh Khan Show. Promila Mehta, Program Director at Chicago-MAFS informed in her speech that MAFS is soon going to open a shelter home for the abused seniors which will be a

NEW JERSEY: Chief of Staff to Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise (right), Deputy Consul General Dr. A.M. Gondane (center), Dinesh Pandya President IACS (left) hosted Indian Flag at Hudson County Building to celebrate 63rd Independence Day of India in Jersey City on August 14. (Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia)

Ashcroft addresses NAIRA Annual Event NALINI RAJA

DENVER, CO: The National Asian Indian Republican Association (NAIRA) which is the nation's largest Asian Indian Republican group, held their 9th annual event at The Lone Tree Marriott on August 9. Almost 200 attendees packed the ballroom to hear former US Attorney General John Ashcroft address the current state of America. "General" Ashcroft's speech took a decidedly non-partisan bent, as he focused on describing an apolitical view of why America is unique in its offering of freedom and opportunity to its citizens. Ashcroft described freedom as the

key ingredient to a truly successful society. He specifically cited NAIRA as proof that legal immigration into America still comes with all of the same benefits and possibilities that were afforded his

Colorodo forefathers. Ashcroft went on to describe how detrimental a lack of freedom, or the trading of freedom for a sense of security, could be to a society's ability to thrive. He was proud to be among such a strong group of business leaders and applauded the Asian Indian community for its success and com-

mitment to our nation. Other speakers included Colorado State GOP Chairman Dick Wadhams, who highlighted the importance of the primary process to success in the General Election. Congressman Mike Coffman spoke about the critical 2010 election cycle. At least fifteen other 2010 candidates in attendance echoed that sentiment, saying that next year's elections could be similar to the 1994 election cycle which saw Republicans across the country returning to traditional conservative principles and having sweeping success at the polls as a result.

Aug 15 declared India Day by Chicago Mayor Cont’d from page 18

He also said that India was the largest functioning democracy and that Indo-US relations though good, would get further cemented in coming years. Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri paid glowing tributes to the enlightened leadership of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and recognized his special interest in India- his Indian visit and forging sister city relation ship with New

Delhi. He said that Indian Americans have notched progress in Chicago under the leadership of Mayor Daley. He also talked about the Indian economy and the progress that it notched in difficult times. Iftekhar Shareef, a Trustee and a former President of FIA presented a Shawl to Mayor Daley and mentioned that it was at the behest of Indian Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. Dr. Hyder Ahmed, the FIA President talked about FIA

activities and the India Day Parade that it organized on August 15 on Devon Avenue. The Mayor office also recognized four prominent Indian Americans and presented them with the Awards of Appreciation. The recipients were Verghese Chako, a banker, Hetal Patel, the first Indian

The Mayor office also recognized four prominent Indian Americans and presented them with the Awards of Appreciation American woman to lead FIA, Moin Saiyed, an Oakbrook Trustee and businessman, and Dr. Bhagwan Shahani, a prominent urologist and an Emirate professor with UIC. Yet another highlight of near three hours program was a cultural dance presentation by Nrutyakalashree Dance Academy. Kripal Zala proposed a vote of thanks.

Consul General of India presenting the sister agency award to Ms. Angel Kindo, Executive Director of Urhai Community Service, in the background Mrs. Attri , Shankarparasad Bhatt, a board member, MAFS, and Dr. Deepak Shah and Dr. Sheela Shah, board members, MAFS

other hand, the MAFS faces acute shortage of fund. The MAFS had to take loan from Associate Bank one million dollar to pay the salaries of its employees which was finished just within two months. She requested everyone in the community including the community leaders to come forward for the housing support. In spite of such condition, she announced the opening of 6th Senior Center in Naperville in September of 2009. Dr. Ghazi, in his touching speech (English & Hindi) said that MAFS is the only organization offering various programs such as Hot Meal, Outreach Service, Health Education and Screening, English

home for the parents being driven off from their home. There was a variety of programs throughout the function well applauded by the people. The awards in various categories were presented to the persons for their outstanding performance in respective fields which included special recognition award, appreciation award, sister agency award, media award, employee awards etc. • Special Recognition AwardNikki Smith • Appreciation Award- Michael Gelder • Sister Agency Award-. Angel Kindo

Promila Mehta, Program Director at ChicagoMAFS informed in her speech that MAFS is soon going to open a shelter home for the abused seniors which will be a home for the parents being driven off from their home as a Second Language Classes, Computer Classes, Home Care and Adult Day Care for the seniors. He said that he lost his mother when he was five years old. Whenever he comes across parents being abused by their own children, he is moved by the tears of the parents. In such a critical situation, he appealed everyone "To put his / her hand deep in the pocket" to donate generously. He also suggested all to buy painting put for the auction. Vasanti Bhatt and her young daughters Amruta and Apurva did an outstanding job selling the

• Media Award- Jatinder Bedi The recipient of employee awards include Support Service Award to. Surinder Malhotra, Best Employee Award to Fatima Borjnovic, Best Supervisor's Award- Kyati Shah and Bharti Virani, Best Driver's Award to Imran Saleem, Bharat Patel, Vina Patel and Ramesh Surti, and Best Homecare Aide Awards to Shenaz Behlim, Leija Dugonjic, Asmita Bhatt, Anandini Prabhavati, Maheswari Soni and Zarina Vahora. (For details logon to: indiapost.com)

Community/California

August 28, 2009

India Post

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Janmashtami celebrated with great fanfare at BAPS Mandirs India Post News Service

he halls of over 60 BAPS Mandirs around North America were buzzing with excitement last weekend as thousands of followers gathered on Sunday, August 16 to celebrate the birth of Bhagwan Shri Krishna, one of the most venerated incarnations in Hindu Dharma. Five thousand years ago, he incarnated, at the end of the third cosmic phase, 'Dwapar Yuga' and the beginning of the present, 'Kali Yuga'. This year the theme of the celebrations revolved around patriotism of India, following August 15, India's Independence Day and the accomplishments of Bhagwan Krishna. Aksharvandan Swami gave a speech on "Bhagwan Krishna Nu Vidvataapurna Vyaktitva" which means the scholarliness of Bhagwan Krishna. "Janmashtami is celebrated every year, but the true celebration is when God resides in our heart and we experience peace", explained Aksharvandan Swami, a BAPS sadhu in BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills, CA. Accompanied by the rhythm of

the tabla and the melodies of the harmonium, youths sang devotional songs extolling Bhagwan Krishna's glory in the traditional Indian languages of Gujarati and Hindi. Devotees relished the festive atmosphere as BAPS youths performed a drama about the inability of the great King Sikandar to conquer India. The drama talked about how the meeting of Sikandar with a holy saint led him to believe that even though he had conquered most of Asia, he wasn't a true king because he hadn't conquered his mind, which is the greatest victory

one can ever achieve. Following the

drama,

Devotees relished the festive atmosphere as BAPS youths performed a drama about the inability of the great King Sikandar to conquer India Sarvadarshan Swami gave a spiritual discourse about the "Bhakta

Vatsal and Dayalu Bhagwan Krishna", which means "His love for his devotees". For example, Bhagwan Krishna protected his favorite devotee Arjun from a damaged chariot. He also mentioned the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu scripture that serves as one of Bhagwan Krishna's most valuable contributions to mankind. In the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagwan Krishna reveals the path to self-realization to his staunchest disciple, Arjun. After the spiritual discourse, another drama was depicted about Bhagwan Krishna's love for his

devotees such as Sudama, and Vidurji. The message was that, if you love the Bhagwan with a pure heart, he will love you back with an infinite amount of love. In addition to being one of the most important holy days of the year, the Janmashtami celebration was also a testament to the effort that BAPS makes in promoting the cultural and spiritual development of its youths. "This is one of the greatest celebrations for the Hindu community, one that is observed throughout India and abroad," explained Nikhil Patel. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 24

Great entertainment at FIA I-Day Mela

Dipali Singh

JS BEDI India Post News Service

NORWALK, CA: The community got together to celebrate India's 63rd Independence Day at the Mela organized by the Federation of Indo-American Associations of Southern California (FIA) August 15. Held at the Excelsior High school grounds, the Mela got off to a slow start. However by the time dusk fell the entire square surrounded on three sides by booths and the other by the stage was a beehive of activity. Event Coordinator Kewal Kanda opened

The FIA team

the stage proceedings. As the audience settled down for the session, Anaheim councilman Harry Sidhu and Cypress Mayor Pro Tem Dr Prakash Narain lit the inaugural lamp along with office bearers of FIA and unfurled the tri color. In a gesture of peace, balloons were released. Sidhu talked about his days as a Boy Scout. Also present was his uncle Col Darshan Singh Sidhu a veteran of several wars, and his father Col Karnail Singh Sidhu. He presented a Proclamation from the City of Anaheim to FIA President Ajmer Singh and Chairman, Surinder Bhogal. Ajmer Singh pointed out that in its 5000

year history India had never invaded another country or interfered in the business of other nations. He appealed to the next generation to join mainstream America, become politically active, make good on their dreams, but not to forget their Indian heritage. Prakash Narain said the independence movement not only changed the course of history for India. He too gave a Certificate of Special Recognition from the City of Cyprus to the FlA. There was a message from Assembly man Tony Mendoza while plaques of recognition were given to the sponsors. The formal

L-R: Col Karnail Singh Sidhu, Harry Sidhu and Col Darshan Singh Sidhu

ceremonies ended with a patriotic address by war veteran Honorary Commission Officer, Dept of Aviation, Indian Navy, Srimanta Kumar Mukhupadhyaya. There was a spectacular entertainment program with kids of different age groups doing classical and folk dances. However it was Dipali Singh and Nauzad Sadry that stole the show. Both Nauzad and Dipali are accomplished artistes and they had the audience spellbound with their songs, both Bollywood and patriotic. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 24

Community/California

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August 28, 2009

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FIAs celebrate India's Independence Day India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Federations of Indian American Associations of Southern California and Los Angeles jointly celebrated India's Independence Day on August 14 at The Tandoor Restaurant, CA. The Lions Club of Little India, Artesia and Rotary Club of Cerritos & Artesia also joined in the celebrations. The restaurant, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion, was overcrowded with Indian Americans. The program started at 7:00 pm. FIA -SC President Dilip Butani welcomed everyone and invited the guests and committee members to the dais. Everyone then joined in the lamp lighting ceremony. Pandit Siddharth Pathak chanted Ganesh Shlokas. This was followed by National Anthems of United States and India. Next, FIA-LA Chairman Amrit Bhandari introduced the team members. On behalf of Tony Mendoza, Omar Garcia gave away the certifi-

cates of appreciation to the executive committee members. Those recognized included Dilip Butani, Amrit Bhandari, Mohan Sharma, Manu Patel, Ravji Patel, Prakash Pancholi, Hemant Shah, Nauzad Sadry, Raj Walia, Ajay Khetani, Dr. Sinduri, Atul Ghadiali, Sunil Kansara, Siddharth Pathak, Kiki

Mayor Pro Tem, Dr Prakash Narain to Dilip Butani, Mohan Sharma and Amrit Bhandari. Senior officials from Rotary and Lions Club including Dr Steven Sherman, Suresh Bhatti and Chet Swart also spoke. Mohan Sharma FIA-LA President proposed a vote of thanks. Many community leaders were

Many community leaders were also honored and recognized on the occasion; these included Dr Hansa Patel, Larry Dicus, Bruce, Balbir Singh, Venkatesh Hegde, Govind Vaghashia and Darshan Singh Purohit, Devna Shah and Payal Pancholi. Thereafter, Rotary Club President Manu Patel introduced Artesia Mayor Tony Lima and invited him to speak. Tony Lima spoke about the Indo-American relations and presented certificates of appreciation to community leaders. He also presented certificates on behalf of Cypress

also honored and recognized on the occasion; these included Dr Hansa Patel, Larry Dicus, Bruce, Balbir Singh, Venkatesh Hegde, Govind Vaghashia and Darshan Singh. Swami Sahjananda from Nithyananda Ashram also graced the occasion. The reception was followed by a wonderful cultural program put together by the versatile singers

Omar Garcia, Mohan Sharma, Manu Patel, Amrit Bjandari, Mayor Tony Lima, Dilip Butani, Siddharth Pathak, Ravji Patel and Govind Vaghasia.

Nauzad Sadry & Preetysha and students from Noopur dance Academy & Savithri Arts Academy. Nauzad sang Aisa Desh Hai Mera, Hotho Pe Sachaii, Mere Desh Ki Dharati & Aai Mere Pyare Vatan; while Preetysha sang Aai Mere Vatan Ke Logo & Vande Matram. Sneha Krish from Noopur Dance Academy performed on a

Rajasthani song directed by Varsha Parekh; while Vinaini Jayasinghe sang Lord Ganesha song in Sanskrit and gave a dance performance directed by Kalaimamani Dr. Sinduri. The program was followed by a sumptuous dinner. The program ended around 11:30 pm. It was indeed an event to remember.

Grand Janmashtami at Nithyananda Vedic Temple India Post News Service

MONTCLAIR: Janmastami was celebrated in a grand and festive way at the Nithyananda Vedic Temple, Montclair, a place of worship for all of the Vedic traditions and the only temple in North America consecrated by a living enlightened master. Devotees and visitors enjoyed a wide variety of activities including Sri Krishna Puja, bhajans and a cultural performance. The evening celebrations began with Sri Krishna Puja and an explanation of the significance of Krishna

Jayanthi by Maharaj Aikyananda. In addition, Paramahamsa Nithyananda's Yogam Tour dates were announced. "Enlightened masters come down to the earth again and again to share the experience of bliss," Maharaj said about Sri Krishna. He continued, "Being on the planet with a living enlightened master is even greater than enlightenment as it can be concluded from the experience of the Gopikas who took birth to share their lives with Krishna. Following Sri Krishna puja, traditional dances were performed in

Janmashtami celebrated with great fanfare at BAPS Mandirs

Cont’d from page 23

"We actively ensure that BAPS youth are very much a part of this

celebration and have the opportunity to showcase their cultural and spiritual heritage," he concluded. The celebration concluded with a celebratory dance "Govinda Ala Re" on Bhagwan Krishna's childhood, performed by young children. As the children danced with joy to celebrate their dear Kana's birthday, the audience's cheerful claps echoed the hall. At the end, the arti was performed which was then followed by the kirtan, "Nand gher anand bhayo, Jai Kanaiyalal ki .. Hathi, ghoda, palkhi, jai Kanaiyalal ki …" as the child form of Bhagwan Shri Krishna was cradled in a beautifully decorated swing filling the entire atmosphere with divinity.

temple, with the performers wearing beautiful costumes. After the dance performance, devotees enjoyed Maha Prasad, with a wide variety of sattvic vegetarian dishes being offered. This was followed by bhajans and Dandia Ras dancing as devotees awaited midnight Jhoola Puja for baby Krishna. A curtain was placed around the moorthies of Radha

To the delight of devotees, the curtains were opened at midnight to reveal the colorful, radiant alankar of Radha Krishna

Krishna while they were dressed in grand alankar (decoration). To the delight of devotees, the curtains were opened at midnight to reveal the colorful, radiant alankar of Radha Krishna. Following arathi for baby Krishna, visitors were able to offer the fan for Krishna and received butter, the traditional offering for Krishna Jayanthi.

Great entertainment at FIA I-Day Mela Cont’d from page 23

Dipali can give any Bollywood singer a good run for her money. Extremely versatile Dipali is also known as the Nightingale of So Cal. Nauzad too is extremely talented and he and his sister Khushi are often referred to as the Indian Carpenters -remember Karen Carpenter and her brother? The Mela was attended by a rolling crowd of about seven to ten thousand people. The organizers had excellent security arrange-

Puja Jain with her trophy

Disha Chellani dancing to Jai Ho

ments and there were no fights or ugly situations. This Mela did not have any Bollywood star and this

just goes to prove that you do not need a Bollywood actor to make the Mela a success.

Community/California

August 28, 2009

India Post

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Kashmiri Pandits hold national camp at Lake Tahoe

Dr. Subramanian Swamy addressing the KPs India Post News Service

he first ever KP National Camp was held from July 3 to 5 at Lake Tahoe a large freshwater located along the border between California and Nevada. It is home to a number of ski resorts, summer outdoor recreation, and tourist attractions. Its beautiful mountains and a sparkling blue lake have been very popular with tourist and residents alike. The theme of the camp was "Connect to Kashmir" and the camp activities were motivated towards reminiscing all that is Kashmiri and also increasing the awareness of the same with the younger generation. The center was divided into two parts one of which was assigned to adult activities and the other part for the kids to enjoy

and mingle. The kids had arts and craft, basketball, foosball and table tennis to keep them entertained and happily mingled with each other.

Swamy and Kailash Mehra. The "Kashmir has Talent" event aimed at showcasing the enormous talent present in the campers who made a cultural presen-

The "Kashmir has Talent" event aimed at showcasing the enormous talent present in the campers who made a cultural presentation of their choice for 3 minutes. A Kashmiri quiz was conducted by Rajneesh Raina and Arti Bambrooings The program started auspiciously with a Bhajan in the scintillating voice of our own nightingale, Kailash Mehra .There was a welcome address by Sunil Dhar followed by introductions with a special mention of visiting dignitaries such as Dr. Subramanian

tation of their choice for 3 minutes. A Kashmiri quiz was conducted by Rajneesh Raina and Arti Bambroo. The quiz centered on Kashmiri landmarks, music and sayings. This was followed by a heart warming performance by little "Batas" and

"Batnees". This was all very ably coordinated by Sonia Kaul. Ashira Monga and Shiney Raina rendered beautiful Kashmiri songs and Perl Raina and Kunal Kaul enchanted the audience with mellifluous Hindi songs. Dance performances by Perl, Vidushi Razdan and Siya Pandita got the audience feet tapping and hands clapping. Kunal and Rishi captured the hearts of the audience with their melodious bhajan and Kastur Kaul played a medley of familiar songs on her guitar with the ease of a virtuoso. This was followed by dinner and a richly enjoyed evening of music by Kailashji who started her performance by asking the audience to observe a two minute silence for Michael Jackson. (For details logon to: indiapost.com)

300 attend Harry Sidhu's Independence Day event India Post News Service

ANAHEIM, CA: Anaheim City Council Member Harry Sidhu and his wife, Gin, hosted a "Gala 62nd India Independence Day Celebration" and "Sidhu for OC Supervisor 2010 Kick-Off" at their historic Old Yorba Estate home on Sunday, August 16. The festive event was attended by more than 300 guests, and a broad representation of prominent elected officials and civic leaders were in attendance, including: Fullerton Mayor Don Bankhead; Fullerton City Council Member F. Richard Jones; Brea Councilmember Roy Moore; Brea Councilmember Marty Simonoff; Cypress Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Prakash Narain; Irvine Councilmember, Dr. Steven Choi; Mission Viejo Council Member Trish Kelley; Placentia Councilmember, Constance Underhill; Stanton Mayor Al Ethans; Stanton Mayor Pro Tem, Ed Royce, Sr.; Stanton Council Member David J. Shawver; Former Anaheim Council Member Frank Feldhaus; Former Anaheim Council Member Irv Pickler; Santa Monica Deputy Police Chief Philip Sanchez; Quang Pham, Candidate for U.S. Congress, 47th Dist.; Hugh Nguyen, Candidate for OC Clerk/Recorder; M. Reza Karkia, Commissioner, CA Health Policy & Data Advisory, Council Mem-

ber, CA Council on Criminal Justice; Anaheim Planning Commissioner Stephen Faessel; Anaheim Community Services Board Member Susan Faessel; Anaheim Planning Commissioner Kristine Murray; Todd Ament - Anaheim Planning Commissioner, Workforce Investment Board Member, & Anaheim Chamber of Commerce President/CEO; Anaheim Investment Advisory Commissioner Ajay Khetani; and Anaheim Park & Recreation Board Member Dhiru Vadodaria. Event sponsors included: GBS Linens; Visser's Florist; Dr. Birinder Sahai; Ajay Khetani; Paul Singh; and Hardeep Sandhu. Among the very special guests were Councilman Sidhu's father, Karnail Singh Gyani, and mother,

Monica Kaur Gyani, visiting from Philadelphia, and his Uncle, Retired Indian Army Colonel Darshan

Those attending enjoyed an exciting array of diverse cultural entertainment including a medley of American patriotic songs Singh Sidhu, visiting from Canada. The well-respected Inder Singh [Pres., Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO),

founding Pres. of Federation of Indian Associations of So. Calif., Past Pres. & Chairman of National Federation of Indian American Associations (NFIA)] provided an historical perspective on the importance of the India Independence Day celebration. Those attending enjoyed an exciting array of diverse cultural entertainment including: a medley of American patriotic songs ("The Star-Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "God Bless America") and "Summertime," sung by accomplished vocalist Vanessa Cedeno, with keyboard accompaniment by her grandmother, Eileen Wright; a range of patriotic ("Jana Gana," "Vande Mataram"), classical, and popular Indian songs per-

formed by internationally acclaimed Mumbai performing artists Manisha Salva and Bipin Chunawala; the talented young dancers of Vandana Dance Company performing "Niganhen Milane ko" - semi-classical "Kawwali" dance form and "Jai Ho" - the Oscar速 winning song from "Slumdog Millionaire;" performances by four dancers of award-winning Arpana Dance Company and Arpana School of Dance, under the artistic direction of Ramya Harishankar, as presented by Harish Murthy of Ektaa Center; and a romantic dance number by emcee Anupama Desai - creative writer, poet, seminar leader, keynote speaker and talented dancer. (For details logon to: indiapost.com)

26 India Post

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August 28, 2009

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August 28, 2009

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Artesia businesswoman spreads 'Peace through Business' India Post News Service

ARTESIA, CA: Women business owners across the United States are preparing to mentor Afghan and Rwandan women entrepreneurs in August through the business training program Peace Through Business. Artesia businesswoman Smita Vasant is one of those women. She will be mentoring and teaching an aspiring businesswoman from Rwanda, Marlene Nyirubutama, in collaboration with the Institute for Economic Empowerment for Women and its Peace Through Business program. "I love inspiring people, to help them achieve their dreams," Vasant said. "I feel that mentoring her and learning about her business and culture will not only help her take her business to the next level but will also help me gain a new perspective on my own business, making this the perfect mentor opportunity." Nyirubutama, 33, is eager to come to the United States in hopes that she can learn valuable lessons that will help her business grow. Nyirubutama started her business, UNIK, with the determination to follow her dream of becoming an ice cream wholesaler. UNIK is an ice cream parlor in Gasabo, Rwanda. Currently, it is the only parlor in the city and is in the process of expanding into a full scale ice creamery. Nyirubutama originally got into the business because she felt that she was missing out and not reaching her full potential at her previous job. "Even as I worked for the government (as an economist), I always wanted to start my own business," Nyirubutama said. "Then one day, I was craving ice cream, and I realized that there really wasn't any place in my city to get ice cream, and the rest is history."

Camp Gian for youth promotes Sikh way of life SHARANJIT KAUR

LOS ANGELES, CA: During the week of August 9, over 150 Sikh youth from the ages of 5 months to 22, gathered at Gurdwara Vermont to attend the 11th annual Camp Gian. Camp Gian is an overnight Sikh camp dedicated to promoting the Sikh way of life and strengthening Sikh morals and teachings while emphasizing leadership within one's sangat. The campers explored vital Sikh historical events during the years of 1708 - 1751. The children explored this theme by learning about the lives of significant figures in Sikh history, such as Banda Singh Bahadur, Bhai Mani Singh, Nawab Kapur Singh, and many others. This year's theme shabad was "So Satgur piaaraa mere naal hai" and this year's song was "I will remember you". During the course of five days, the children attended an exercise session at 6 am, which was followed by Morning Diwan, characterized by the recitation of Nitnem and Simran. Over the course of Camp Gian, following Diwan and breakfast, an act from a play that summarized the events from 17081751 was performed for all of the campers to enjoy. The play exemplifies the unique opportunities Camp Gian offers the Sikh youth of today, for the play was solely written and performed by the youth of this camp. The campers then attended three classes that discussed a myriad of topics ranging from sovereignty to leadership to history. Classes were not only taught by knowledgeable adults, but also veterans of Camp Gian, who have taken on a leadership role. The material covered in these classes is not only relevant to Sikh issues, but can also be paralleled to modern day world settings. After an academic base during the first half of the day, the campers enjoyed pleasurable activities during the afternoon. Each day, the campers would travel to Griffith Park for

three-legged races, water balloon fights, sports games, and a handful of other activities. This year, the children also spent a day in Santa Monica for a field trip, where they enjoyed the beach and the sun while playing

Evening Diwan followed these classes, which included Rehraas Sahib, Simran, and Kirtan, which gave individual or groups of campers the opportunity to showcase their skills group-oriented games such as volleyball, sand castle building, and water balloon tosses. Upon returning to the Gurdwara, each camper was given the opportunity to learn how to do gatka, perform kirtan, tie a dastar, make a roti, or braid their hair during their

intensive learning classes. This year, Camp Gian was blessed to be able to cater to a rising interest in the martial art form of Gatka. Bhai Onkar Singh, 5 time world gatka champion, taught this year's gatka classes, as well as instructed early morning exercises. Evening Diwan followed these classes, which included Rehraas Sahib, Simran, and Kirtan, which gave individual or groups of campers the opportunity to showcase their skills. Following Evening Diwan and langar, campers enjoyed quality time with one another during evening activities such as Ice Breakers, Family Fued, relay races, movies, and discussions. On August 14, the last night of camp, the Main Diwan Hall was filled with campers adorned in white and orange. The parents of the campers were in attendance and the Sangat watched as the campers recited speeches, performed kirtan and tabla, and, to everyone's excitement, showcased a gatka performance that will never be forgotten.

Sports

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NYPD Cricket League's second season underway India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A NYPD Cricket League Twenty/20 match is currently underway with the league matches being played in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. The tournament has 10 teams and roughly 170 players from all five New York boroughs competing for the Cup. This is the second NYPD Cricket season with more teams and players on the field than the last when six teams and 100 players took part. The launch included a community celebration for participants and their families at P.S. 217 in Brooklyn. The NYPD's citywide cricket league is in its second season and is administered by the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau. Players are young men ages 15 to 19. A majority of those who have signed up to play this summer are of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi

and Guyanese descent. "There are many ways to measure New York's diversity: by the languages spoken, the nationalities represented, the foods we eat, and the sports we play," Commissioner Kelly said. "The NYPD youth cricket league celebrates that diversity, one of the city's greatest strengths." Teams including the Pak Brighton, Punjab, Tigers, Warriors, Dragons, West Indies Kings, Superstars, and Knight Riders will begin play on June 23rd and will culminate play with a championship game on Aug. 25th. The NYPD league uses the twenty/20 format and matches are refereed by New York State certified umpires. NYPD Community Affairs officers conducted outreach through community groups, youth programs and businesses in the five boroughs; they also promoted the tournament through local New

The team in blue is named Dragons and the light color group photo is Lycons team. The semi finals of the NYPD Cricket League T20 Match played at the Kissena Park ground in Flushing New York. (Pic Mohammed Jaffer/SnapsIndia)

York adult cricket leagues. The NYPD Twenty20 Cricket Cup is an extension of the Department's New Immigrant Outreach initiative that aims to establish positive ongoing relations with multiple eth-

nic groups including the Arab and South Asian communities. Participation for all players is free. The Police Department provides a professional color uniform kit with a hat, pants, and jersey as

well as t-shirts and hats for the coaches. Coaches are volunteers. Cricket matches are played in Brooklyn at the Gateway Cricket Ground in Spring Creek Park and in Kissena Park in Queens.

6 Kaminey - Kaminey

1 Dhan Ta Nan - Kaminey

7 Poorza Poorza - Life Partner

2 Khudaya Ve - Luck

8 Meethi Meethi Baatein

3 Twist - Love Aaj Kal

- Morning Walk

4 Dard-e-Tanhai - Jashnn

9 Bhai Re - Phir Kabhi

5 Morey Saiyan - Teree Sang

India Post

10 Chal Chal Chal Ke - Chal Chalein

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'Award' for Priyanka

adhur Bhandarkar definitely has a mind that is constantly buzzing with ideas. The hype of Fashion was yet to die down when he focused all his energy into his next project which is a revelation of what goes on behind the bars titled Jail and starring Neil Nitin Mukesh with Fashion debutant Mugdha Godse. Jail is being wrapped up currently and now it seems Madhur is gearing up for his next reality based film. This time on the theme of Bollywood award functions. The upcoming film is to be based on the many award functions that take place at the end of each year. Madhur being an industry insider will not have to research for this as it's basically his experiences that'll make up the storyline. Of course the recent awards season provided plenty to think about thanks to the scene-stealer, Ashutosh Gowarikar. The film is to be titled Awards and will be made in true Madhur Bhandarkar fashion! (no pun intended!) However, what's more interesting is neither the subject nor the title but the star cast. Although yet to be finalized the industry is circulating with rumors that Priyanka Chopra may be re-entering the world of Madhur Bhandarkar once again. The actress got the role of her life with Fashion which put her in the top position amongst all her contemporaries so it's highly plausible that if offered a leading role once again by the Bhandarkar she wouldn't say no.

August 28, 2009

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Bollywood

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August 28, 2009

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ou cannot keep an old patriot like Manoj Kumar down! Mr Bharat, in whose veins is suspected to pulsate tricolor blood, has put aside his jhagda with Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan over a dismal portrayal in Om Shanti Om and is ready with his own and new historical script. Last time, Manoj had a script ready for Amitabh Bachchan. But he wasn't sure whether the Big B, who acted in his Roti Kapada Aur Makan in the 1970s, would sign the film, being already committed to various projects for the next year or so. Now, sources say Manoj's new script is on the life of India's third Prime Minister and one of the most legendary leaders of Free India, Lal Bahadur Shastri. The buzz is that Manoj is hoping for a casting coup. He has Aamir Khan in mind. Whether or not the film fructifies, we will know after the meticulous Mr Khan goes through the veteran producer-director-actor's script.

ivek Oberoi wishes he hadn't called that press conference in April 2003. Yes, that one where he said that Salman Khan had been harassing and threatening him over the phone for his relationship with Aishwarya Rai, who Salman was earlier dating. The poor guy is still paying a price for it. At Ramesh Taurani's silver anniversary, Sohail Khan, Salman's younger brother decided to take a potshot at Vivek. Sohail walked into the party and saw Vivek sipping a drink in a corner. He then went on further in the hall where most of the people were and he saw Vivek standing alone in a corner. Sohail suddenly called out, "Oye Vivek!" Vivek quickly turned to see who had called him. Sohail cheekily looked at a waiter, calling him Vivek and beckoning to him. Vivek was dismayed to see that Sohail had insulted him. He quietly walked away from where Sohail was standing.

ho would have thought that weight loss could be associated with the loss of money? Well, Vidya Balan can definitely vouch for that. Balan's whose biggest issue was her full figure is now contending with another issue. Her recent weight loss means that the actress can no longer fit into some of her designer clothes. And as some of these outfits cannot be altered she is going to have to give them away. Her late spring clear-out could mean a loss of up to Rs.3 lakhs! Having lost 4 inches from the top and 3 from the waist Vidya will be saying goodbye too outfits by Sabysachi, Priyadarshini Rao and Abu Sandeep. Maybe she could get together with some fellow actors and hold a charity auction - She would get to show off her new svelte figure and raise some money for charity. Maybe this would make her monetary loss a little less painful.

rithik Roshan is all in for charity these days, and he has recently come up with a foundation that he is personally involved with. This charity foundation is for handicapped people who find it difficult to face the world. "This is a charity foundation and it's something that I wanted to do since a very long time. I have the power; God has given me a little extra, thus I am trying to do what I can from my side," says Hrithik. Not many people know that Hrithik himself had a stammering problem, but at that point there were only a few people to help him. "This is where I am trying to involve my self personally, and help people to cope with the stress and pressure from the outside world," he adds.

What message do you want to give through this foundation? "I want to convey to people that there is no harm in talking about your shortcomings. It doesn't make you look ugly, as one should accept the fact and try to overcome it. I did overcome my speech impediment and I am proud about the gift, which is given to me by God. I will see and try to help others too," he concludes.

Bright & charitable!

ituated at a distance of 56 km from Indore, the ancient town of Ujjain is one of the holiest cities for Hindus. It is situated on the bank of the sacred river Shipra in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. History: Part of an ancient trade route, Ujjain was an important city under King Askoka's father but was known as Avantika at that time. Later, Chandragupta II ruled from here instead of his actual capital Pataliputra. It was at his court that the famous poet Kalidasa, one of the Hinduism's most revered poets, wrote the Meghdoot with its famous lyrical description of the city and its people. "The town fallen from heaven to bring heaven on earth" wrote Kalidasa about Ujjain. He added, "If heaven is a magnification of Ujjain, then it must be a very interesting place indeed. This is the home of Shiva as Mahakal, he who allocates the existential time of all cosmic manifestation". According to an ancient Hindu calendar, the first meridian of the planet earth passes through Ujjain, making Ujjain time the universal time coordinate. The river Shipra that passes through Ujjain is held as sacred as the Ganges. Ujjain is also one of the sites of the Kumbh Mela, the greatest religious congregation of the Hindus. In its long history, Ujjain has changed hands many times and has been introduced

31 India Post

According to an ancient Hindu calendar, the first meridian of the planet earth passes through Ujjain, making Ujjain time the universal time coordinate to many other religions and cultures. In recent times, the Marathas, Muslims and Christians too have tried to make their presence felt but it has retained its Hindu essence and the influence of the other religions has been minimal.

www.indiapost.com It finds mention in the Hindu mythological tale of churning of the cosmic ocean by the gods and the demons, with Vasuki, the serpent as the rope. It is believed that the ocean bed first yielded fourteen gems, then Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and finally the coveted vessel of Nectar. In the wild scramble for immortality, with the demons chasing the Gods across the skies, a few drops of the Nectar spilt from the vessel and fell at Haridwar, Nasik, Prayag, and Ujjaini or the present Ujjain. The indomitable spirit of Ujjain is best exemplified by the legend of a tree associated with it. On the outskirts of Ujjain is an ancient banyan tree named Siddhwat. The

August 28, 2009 tree is believed to possess extraordinary spiritual vibrations and holy men meditate under it while lay devotees worship it as they do the other gods. According to the legend, a ruler once sought to destroy the tree as an expression of his authority, in spite of his subjects begging him to spare it. The ruler mocked their sentiments and said that if the tree were actually spiritually evolved, it would grow back in spite of his assault. So, he had the tree cut down and covered the mutilated stump with seven iron plates. By the next morning, the tree had burst through the iron plates and come back to its original size. The tree is still alive and the object of redoubled veneration. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 33

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LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Zoo will be transformed into themed areas for trick-or-treaters during the annual 'Boo at the zoo' event on October 24, 25, 31 and November 1. Activities include fun performers, pumpkin carving, treats, crafts, music and creepy crawlers for a not-so-scary weekend that is suitable for the entire family! The Zoo's animals will stomp and chomp pumpkin treats on both weekends. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.

August 28, 2009

Plans to develop Kargil as tourist destination NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir government plans to develop the theatre of Kargil war -Kargil, Tiger Hills in Drass sector -- in Ladakh region as tourist destinations. Announcing the fortnightlong Ladakh festival beginning September one, Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora said the government will develop several places in Kargil and Drass sectors, which were the focus of the world during the 1999 conflict between India and Pakistan. "Who will not like to see Tololing. After all Drass is a theater of Kargil war. We plan to set up tented accommodation and pre-fabricated huts to enable tourists to come and enjoy the beauty and relive the history," Jora told reporters here. Allaying fears that the state was not completely safe for tourists, Jora, who was flanked by Director General of Tourism Farooq Shah, said "the tourist spots are safe. If you talk about the terror activities JK is not alone ... Mumbai and New York are also affected." Showcasing the development of tourism and the upcoming festival, Jora said Ladakh, the moonland, will exhibit different colors of its thriving culture. "The tourist destinations in Ladakh are comparatively new, but the region has created a niche for itself in few years," he said, adding the department has recorded many repeat visits by domestic tourists. Besides music concerts and monastic dances, the tourists, during the festival can enjoy sporting events, including camel safari, river rafting, polo and archery, the Minister said. -PTI

August 28, 2009

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Ujjain: Holy city of Kalidasa's Meghdoot Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 31

Tourist Attractions: One of the holiest of Hindu cities, Ujjain has a plethora of temples spread all over the town. The most notable are the Bhaironath (the liquor drinking deity) temple; Mangalnath temple, situated at the place where the first meridian is said to pass the earth; Chintaman Ganesh, the temple said to have been established by Lord Ram himself; Har Siddhi Mata, the family goddess of King Vikramaditya; and deep in the bazaar, Gopal Mandir, a Krishna temple. While Mahakal is undoubtedly the presiding deity of Ujjain, the other gods of the Hindu pantheon are also well represented in the hundreds of other temples all over the town. One of the major attractions of the town is the Bhasma Aarti held every dawn at the Mahakal temple. In this ritual, the master of cosmic time is propitiated with ash from a cremation ground, the ash being symbolic of the end of a particular manifestation of existential time. P l a c e s Around Ujjain: Many of sites in Ujjain are a long way away from the center of town. Therefore, it would be advisable to opt for the easily available auto rickshaws or the more romantic but slower tongas. Mandu is 152 km from the town. Here, one can visit Taj-ulM a s j i d , Shaukat Mahal, Rupmati's Pavilion, and Hindola Mahal, which tell the tales of the kings and queens of the region. Dewas, 36 km from the town, has a famous Devi Chamunda temple situated on a hilltop.

Agar is an archeological site situated 66 km away from Ujjain that must not be missed. Fairs and Festivals Almost all the major Hindu festivals are celebrated here. Having one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Maha

Mandu is 152 km from the town. Here, one can visit Taj-ul-Masjid, Shaukat Mahal, Rupmati's Pavilion, and Hindola Mahal, which tell the tales of the kings and queens of the region Shivratri is a big event here. Thousand of pilgrims flock to the fair grounds near the Mahakal temple to worship Lord Shiva. The Simhastha Kumbh Mela is a mammoth fair held once in twelve years. The magnificence of

the bathing ritual is seen at its best during this fair at Ujjain. Where to Stay: There are several hotels and lodges available to accommodate the tourists visiting the town. Besides, in Ujjain, there are also government run hotels like the Shipra and the Yatri Niwas that are conveniently priced and comfortable. How to Reach By Air - The nearest airport is at Indore, 55 km away, is connected by air to Bhopal, Bombay, Delhi and Gwalior. By Rail - Ujjain is an important railway station on the Western Railway network and connected with most of the major cities in India. By Road - Good motorable roads connect Ujjain with Ahmedabad (402 km), Bhopal (183 km), Bombay (655 km), Delhi (774 km), Gwalior (451 km). Best Time to Visit: Due to its location, the climate of the city is tropical in nature-very hot in summers and cold in winters.

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SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: There's more to Indian actress Shilpa Shetty than her svelte figure and engaging smile. The actress, who shot to fame on UK's reality show Big Brother, matched her looks with brains at a press conference in Manhattan on the eve of the India Day Parade where she was the grand marshal. "Glamour never hurts," she said in response to a reporter's question on why a movie star was necessary to pull in the crowds on an occasion like Independence Day. "It's okay if they (film stars) are used to remind the youngsters about their country of origin." She herself was here to participate in the parade because she is a "proud Indian" she said. "I like the thought of how much the community here works hard to put a parade like this together while living away from their homeland."

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August 28, 2009

Shilpa Shetty speaking at the gala banquet

Shetty, who has not been very busy in terms of movie roles, talked about her Shilpa Shetty Foundation, which she founded recently "I heard that the Empire State Building is lighted up in the colors of the Indian flag during the week and I think that's fantastic," she said. "Also I think it's amazing to have an entire avenue blocked in Manhattan just for the celebrations of one community." Shetty, who has not been very busy in terms of movie roles, talked about her Shilpa Shetty Foundation, which she founded recently. The foundation, she said, has partnered with Free Play Energy to create awareness in India about global warming and conservation and

since such profiling inconveniences as lot of people. It is unfortunate that Shah Rukh had to go through it," she said. Self-effacing and giggly, the actress was

Boogie Woogie International Finals a spectacular show

Shilpa Shetty with FIA office bearers at the post-parade gala banquet held by the FIA at the Royal Albert Palace in NJ on August 17

works to help poor villages with basic amenities like energy. The foundation also works to educate children, especially the girl child in the rural areas, she said. Asked to comment on the recent detention of actor Shah Rukh Khan by immigration authorities at Newark Airport, Shetty said resignedly that she was "so over and done with" the issue of racial discrimination. Shetty had been the butt of racial abuse by one of her competitors on the Big Brother show, which had snowballed into a major controversy rocking both India and the UK. "Such things (airport detentions) tend to get highlighted when celebrities are involved but that it is unfortunate

candid about not having had a good going in terms of her acting career in the past couple of years. "I have never manipulated my career moves. The last one-and-half years I haven't done much in terms of movies. But then after years of working, there's very little to choose from. The intention is to choose quality work. I hope the lull in my career comes to an end." As a stake holder of the Rajasthan Royals, one of the IPL Cricket teams in India, Shetty said she had to learn a lot about the game than what she knew of it as a fan. However, she was candid about the team's performance in the second seasons. "The Royals haven't had a great year. We won the first year and I hope IPL 3 proves lucky for us. It's been a great experience so far."

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: After months of rehearsing and perfecting their dance routines, 11 kids from around the globe came to London to compete for the title of world's best dancer, all under the watchful eye of three judges. They were the first ever female Indian Idol winner, Sourabhee, leading stage and screen choreographer and West End star Antonio Susinni, and Nitin

Ganatra who has starred in Hollywood and Bollywood films alongside the likes of Johnny Depp and Aishwarya Rai. All participants delivered amazing performances of their chosen songs, and made it difficult for the jurors to choose the lucky winners. In the end, it was the 12-year-old Sagar Patel from California, US who won in the junior category, dancing to Bachna Ae Haseeno and Tandav Music. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 37

August 28, 2009

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Boogie Woogie International Finals a spectacular show

Filmmaker praises aspiring Muslim screenwriters India Post News Service

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 36

The winner of the senior category was 16-year-old finalist from South Africa, Tershalya Pillay, who danced her way to the top with a medley of Nimbooda and Kahe Ched Mohe. The entire evening was a spectacular show from the beginning to end. It started with an amazing tribute to Michael Jackson by a British sensation Ben, who delivered a true spectacle that had everyone in the

audience cheering and applauding. The crowd also had a chance to hear the lovely voice of the Indian Idol 4 winner, and the night's judge, Sourabhee, and watch the funky R&B singer, Bizzie from England. All performers had the audience dancing and singing along throughout the night. You will get a chance to see the one-of-a-kind dance competition, only on SET Asia, on August 30 at 3 pm EST!

LOS ANGELES: The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) says its "Writing for Hollywood" seminar for aspiring Muslim screenwriters held here was a "tremendous success." The seminar featured filmmaker and writer Jeffrey Nachmanoff, who wrote and directed "Traitor" in 2008 and wrote the screenplay for the 2004 blockbuster "The Day After Tomorrow." Addressing some 20 aspiring Muslim screenwriters and filmmakers, Nachmanoff said that everyone has a good story to tell and that Muslims, like other minorities, should engage Hollywood at all levels to promote more realistic portrayals of their community. "It is always inspiring to speak to young writers from diverse backgrounds and to hear the passion and enthusiasm they have for storytelling," said Nachmanoff at the seminar. Last August, CAIR- Los Angeles co-hosted a community screening of "Traitor" in conjunction with Nachmanoff. More than 100 people attended that screening. The latest event, held at the Media Shop - a production company in Los Angeles - inspired many participants to use their creative writing abilities to positively impact the broader society. One of the participants, Nida Chowdhry, said: "The CAIR screenwriting seminar was awesome! Jeffrey Nachmanoff was so insightful and inspirational for

young Muslims who are interested in the film and media industry. The workshop provided realistic ad-

Last August, CAIRLos Angeles cohosted a community screening of "Traitor" in conjunction with Nachmanoff. More than 100 people attended that screening

Jeffrey Nachmanoff

vice about Hollywood, and it was a great opportunity to network with other Muslims who are also

between Hollywood and the American Muslim community. "The tremendous success of the event shows that American Muslims are artists, writers and great storytellers," said CAIR-LA

aspiring to do what they love and bring something positive to the industry along the way." The seminar is part of CAIR's efforts to build positive relations

Communications Manager Munira Syeda. "We must nurture the talent among our youth and share our story of hope and hard work with the rest of America."

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WHO urges behavioral change to fight flu

Health Science

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NEW DELHI: As the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu strain spreads in South-East Asia, WHO is providing practical information and technical expertise to Member States to help guide public health interventions. This strategy is intended to reduce panic and encourage preventive action at all levels, from the individual to the policy-maker. " It is important to remember that Member States in South-East Asia have been preparing for pandemic influenza for years and that preparedness could help them with the current pandemic", said Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia. "All countries in the Region maintain stocks of antiviral drugs according to their projected needs. WHO is assisting Member States in strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, antiviral and vaccine production and distribution, and information for the public. We continue to monitor the severity of this virus closely".

Â&#x201E; Congressman says Obama able to keep tax pledge WASHINGTON: The chairman of the House tax-writing committee says he thinks President Barack Obama can keep his promise not to raise taxes on most people and still overhaul health care. Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel of New York says that dealing with waste, medical errors and other problems that he says ``hemorrhage'' money would provide some immediate relief. As a candidate Obama promised not to raise taxes on people earning less than $250,000 a year. Critics of the health care overhaul say it will result in huge tax increases. -AP

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August 28, 2009

Minnesota schools to heed swine flu advice MINNEAPOLIS: New soap dispensers await Minneapolis children heading back to school next month, an indication school officials hope to prevent new swine flu cases where they can. -AP

Obama confident health care overhaul coming soon GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado: President Barack Obama has made it clear that his efforts to reform the U.S. health care system have meaning to him personally. Obama invoked his own anguish over the death of a loved one as he challenged the notion that Democratic efforts to overhaul the nation's health care would include ``death panels'' that decided who would get care and who wouldn't. ``I just lost my grandmother last year. I know what it's like to watch somebody you love, who's aging, deteriorate and have to struggle with that,'' an impassioned Obama told a crowd as he spoke of Madelyn Payne Dunham. He took issue with ``the notion that somehow I ran for public office or members of Congress are in this so they can go around pulling the plug on grandma.'' ``When you start making arguments like that, that's simply dishonest especially when I hear the arguments coming from members of Congress in the other party who, turns out, sponsored similar provisions,'' Obama said. Reforming the U.S. health care system is Obama's top domestic priority and arguably his most chal-

lenging political fight yet as president, in no small part because of the vast number of diverse stakeholders involved. His goal is to ensure health care for everyone in a country with the world's costliest system and an estimated 48 million uninsured people. It's an issue that touches everyone in the United States. There are thickets of competing interests among patients, doctors, drug

overhaul the U.S. health care system will succeed. ``We are already closer to achieving health insurance reform than we have ever been,'' Obama wrote in an op-ed piece published in The New York Times. Obama cited support for reforms from the American Nurses Association; the American Medical Association, which represents many doctors, and the influential seniors' advocacy

Reforming the US health care system is Obama's top domestic priority and arguably his most challenging political fight yet as president, in no small part because of the vast number of diverse stake-holders involved makers, insurers, labor, businesses and others. Any plan must get through a Democratic-controlled Congress, where many lawmakers are up for re-election next year. Also, there's an ideological fault line between Democrats and Republicans, and liberals and conservatives over the level of government involvement in health care. Obama said he remains ``confident'' that in the end his drive to

group AARP, among others. ``We have broad agreement in Congress on about 80 percent of what we're trying to do,'' he added. While the media has focused in recent weeks on the ``loudest voices'' opposing his reforms, Obama said millions of Americans are quietly struggling every day ``with a system that often works better for the health-insurance companies than it does for them.'' Obama wrote that his reforms

were intended to provide a choice of high-quality, affordable coverage for millions of uninsured Americans; bring skyrocketing health care costs under control; make the government-run Medicare program for seniors more efficient; and provide basic consumer protections to hold insurance companies accountable. ``For all the scare tactics out there, what's truly scary - truly risky - is the prospect of doing nothing,'' Obama wrote. In a debate in which he often sounds professor-like, Obama spoke at the town hall meeting in Grand Junction, Colorado, with a rare bit of emotion that seemed to counter that of vocal health care opponents as he referenced the beloved grandmother who helped raise him and who he called ``Toot.'' She died of cancer at age 86 on Nov. 2, two days before he won election to become the nation's first African-American president. He talked about her death while answering a question about misinformation being spread about Democratic health care efforts during a town hall style gathering in a high school gymnasium. -AP

Survivor writes kids' book to explain cancer DECATUR, Ala.: When Amelia Frahm was first diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy, her daughter Tabitha and son Jordan were only 4 and 2. Frahm desperately searched for a children's book to explain why

Mommy always seemed to be feeling bad or grumpy. She couldn't find one, so she decided to write her own story to read to her children. That was the beginning of ``Tickles Tabitha's Cancertankerous Mommy.'' Frahm learned her prognosis was good, and she did not require chemotherapy or radiation. She eventually began to move on in her day-to-day busy life -including playing her daughter's favorite tickling game, Tickles Tabitha, again. Five years passed and Frahm didn't give much thought to the story she had written. Then her best friend Laura Karlman, another young mom, was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. ``There still wasn't a children's book picturing an irritable, moody -and in Laura's case, bald -mom with cancer,'' Frahm said, so she

decided to publish her story. But she was turned down. ``Companies told me they didn't think there was a market for children's books about moms with cancer,'' she said. ``But that was 15 years ago, and now things have changed.'' Now a 15-year breast cancer survivor, Frahm lives in North Carolina but often spends time in Decatur, where her husband works. She started the Nutcracker Publishing Co., and dedicated it to her friend, who was 39 when she died in 2000. The title comes from the holiday nutcrackers she used to make by stacking and painting clay flower pots. Frahm included one of her nutcrackers with her book when she sent it to ``The Rosie O'Donnell Show.'' The book gained popularity when O'Donnell recommended it to her audience. Frahm, who has a degree in

public relations/journalism from the University of Florida, has turned several other goals into realities in the 15 years since she was thought of as a cantankerous mom with cancer. She did a short stint as an airline flight attendant, and she just finished writing a children's book about nuclear power. Those have been interests since college days, and her first job was handling public relations for a nuclear power plant in Texas, where she also met her husband, Randy. He has worked as construction manager for a 3M contractor in Decatur for two years, and she and their children are regular visitors here. During the school year, they live in Apex, N.C., where Jordan, 17, is starting his senior year. Tabitha, 19, is a student at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. -AP

August 28, 2009

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Siddha Samadhi Yoga group joins health fair India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: As a part of its outreach program to other communities, Siddha Samadhi Yoga (SSY) -SOCAL participated in a Health fair organized by the "Access California Services". The first annual "Access to Health Fair" took place on Friday, August 7 at Islamic Society of Orange County (Masjid Al-Rahman.). For the last 11 years the Access Cal. Services is serving the disadvantaged families and individuals for the Islamic community in Orange County. The main purpose of the event was to ease the socio-economic strain on children and families caused by California's economic problems and proposed budget cuts. The organizers hoped to accomplish * Increased health awareness by providing health screenings, activities, materials, demonstrations, and information; *Motivation in participants to make positive health behavior changes; *Increased awareness of local, state, and national health services and resources; *Providing immunizations for children and adults; *Teaching self-care practices. The fair was free for public and 20 nonprofit organizations participated in this fair, of which SSY-SOCAL was one. Its focus was to make people aware about the Self

500 people visited the fair and more than 100 or so visited the SSY-SOCAL booth. Young students and women were especially interested in understanding about Yoga and meditation Care Practices. More than 500 people visited the fair and more than 100 or so visited the SSYSOCAL booth. Young students and women were especially interested in understanding about Yoga and meditation. There were a few doctors and young professionals who were also keen on learning about meditation and its benefit in diabetes management, memory etc. As a follow up, SSY-SOCAL will be jointly working with Zaki Hmaydani - the outreach coordinator of the Access Cal. -for services on creating some special programs for women of the their group. Dnyanesh Dharmadhikari, Maithilee Purandare, Meera Upasani and Abhinav Mehta and Acharya Vishakha Purandare set up the booth. They said it was an extremely learning experience for them.

India Post

In Brief Arizona sheriff raids firm seeking illegal workers PHOENIX: An Arizona sheriff who has aggressively cracked down on illegal immigration sent deputies into a Phoenix paper plant where they arrested 44 employees suspected of identity theft or immigration violations. Sheriff Joe Arpaio says the raid on the Royal Paper Converting Co. plant is the second in just more than a year at the facility. Deputies sought 102 people in the raid. Of the only 44 who were arrested, 35 were jailed on suspicion of felony identity theft and nine were turned over to federal immigration agents. Arpaio's office has conducted numerous workplace raids in the past two years. Royal Paper's attorney, Julie Pace, says the company uses the e-verify system to check that employees have the right to work in the US and had all required forms on file. -AP

Immigration 40

India Post

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Authorities seeking to deport carjacking suspect DETROIT: Federal immigration officials say they could deport a teen charged with bank robbery and carjacking. Police say he might be connected to the disappearance of a 21-year-old Macomb County man. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Khaalid Walls says Ihab Masalmani will enter into deportation proceedings after criminal issues are dealt with. Walls says local charges supercede the ``immigration detainer'' placed on Masalmani. Masalmani is a Lebanon native who came to the U.S. in 2000. The 17-year-old from Flint is being held without bail. -AP

SEATTLE: Federal officials say guards from the private company that runs the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma used pepper spray to control immigrant detainees who were refusing to follow orders. -AP

Shah Rukh Khan's detention is 'a teaching moment'

Feds, police arrest 9 people in gang investigation GREENVILLE, S.C.: Federal, state and local police have arrested nine people as part of an investigation of gang activity in South Carolina's Upstate. Barbara Gonzalez with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said that eight men and a juvenile with ties to two street gangs are facing deportation. Gonzalez says immigration investigators worked with Greenville and Spartanburg county sheriff's deputies, as well as Greenville and Greer police and the State Law Enforcement Division. -AP

August 28, 2009

Guards use pepper spray on immigrant detainees

ment of Homeland Security for protecting the homeland, USINPAC chairman Sanjay Puri said, "United States has not suffered a single terror attack after 9/ 11, and that is a testament to their efforts. But fair treatment for tourists and visitors based on their race, religion or national origin and protecting our homeland are not mutually exclusive and in fact are part of the ethos of what makes the United States a magnet for people seeking freedom and opportunity. President Obama in

Ahmed, president of Indian Muslim Council-USA. "Profiling, often based on grounds of religion and ethnicity, is ineffective and results in undue detention of innocent people." Speaking from a policy perspective, Priya Murthy said Khan's incident underscores the need for strong anti-profiling policies. Several South Asian organizations across the country, she said, have been working on behalf of ordinary citizens to make sure that incidents such as that hap-

Cairo talked about a new beginning with Muslims around the world. One of the quickest paths towards that goal is fair treatment for visitors to the United States of different religious faiths." The Indian-American Muslim community said in a statement that

pened against Shah Rukh Khan and that have been happening to regular citizens of South Asian origin don't happen in the future. Murthy said that a Department of Justice guideline that was issued in 2003 regarding profiling has a broad national security loophole which ends up ensnaring many South Asians, Arabs, Muslims and Sikh individuals. "Many of these organizations are working to strengthen that particular policy so that the loophole does not affect our communities," she said. Another piece of legislation that requires cushioning is the End Racial Profiling Act introduced time and again in the House by Congressman John Conyers of Michigan since 2004. This piece of legislation would strengthen anti-profiling policies from a Congressional perspective and make sure that they apply to situations where South Asians are caught up in profiling.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON: Despite being detained for questioning by immigration authorities at Newark Airport for over an hour, Shah Rukh Khan made it to an exclusive dinner meet to entertain fans at Atlantic City on Aug 14

SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Indian American political and social activists have called for stronger anti-profiling policies and racial sensitivity in view of the recent detention of Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan at Newark Airport in New Jersey where he was questioned for over an hour by immigration officials. Khan arrived at Newark Airport on Aug 14 - since he was to make an appearance at an event at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City that evening - when immigration officials pulled him aside reportedly because his name popped up on their system. Despite his informing them that he was an actor, the officers questioned him for nearly two hours and allowed him to go only after the intervention of the Indian Consulate in New York. Upon arriving late at the event in Atlantic City, Khan vented out his frustrations for the delay, even as he took the stage. The news spread fast in India and blown up by the media, the issue made international headlines. "The incident is gaining a lot of attention because of Shah Rukh Khan's celebrity status," said Priya Murthy, Policy Director with South Asian Americans Leading

Together (SAALT) an advocacy group. "Sadly his experience is something many American Sikhs, Arabs and Muslims have to encounter routinely at airports. It's one example of many, where South Asians are being subject to extra questioning based on factors that are unrelated to national security, but based on their religious background or skin color or nationality," she said. "These kinds of incidents heighten the need for racial sensitivity," said Manish Thakur, National Security Coordinator for US-India Political Action Commit-

Murthy said that a Department of Justice guideline that was issued in 2003 regarding profiling has a broad national security loophole which ends up ensnaring many South Asians, Arabs, Muslims and Sikh individuals tee (USINPAC). "The reaction in India should be seen in the same light as the outcry in this country after the arrest of prominent African American Harvard scholar, Henry Louis Gates at his home. President Obama called that a teaching moment for the country on race relations and maybe this can turn into a teaching moment as it relates to fair treatment of visitors to the United States." While commending the Depart-

Khan's detention at the Newark airport demonstrates the deficiencies and arbitrariness of racial profiling in the US. "Frisking of India's former President APJ Abdul Kalam that happened in the recent past highlights the arbitrariness in profiling as it even failed to consider the importance of the office of Presidency. Detention of Shah Rukh Khan, an icon of Bollywood, is just another example of failure of the system," said Rasheed

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 42

Immigration Post

August 28, 2009

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Immigrants flee as economy falters & pressure mounts rent' signs,'' she said. ``People just left town.'' Sandra Machado, 48, co-owner of Graphica, a Danbury design and printing shop, has seen a 50 percent decrease in sales because people are leaving Danbury. The Brazilian-born Machado, who resides in Bethel, said she estimates 85 percent of her customers are immigrants.

‘They know that it is not right, but what else can they do?’ said Lopes, who is originally from Brazil Cristiana Lopes, a travel agent for BACC Travel in Danbury, said in the last 10 months she has sold around 500 tickets to immigrants wanting to leave the city and return to their homelands, most of them to stay indefinitely. Lopes, 27, said many find the process to become a naturalized citizen too demanding and costly. She also

said that many illegal immigrants just want to make a better living for themselves and their families and do not have criminal intent. ``They know that it is not right, but what else can they do?'' said Lopes, who is originally from Brazil. Jose Contreras, 41, owner of Sabrosura, an El Salvadorian restaurant in Danbury, said the majority of city immigrants feel the effects of the bad deeds of a few. ``Some people are afraid,'' said Contreras, an El Salvador native who has been in the U.S. for 21 years. ``But for the people that come here to do other things, they make it harder for the rest of us.'' Boughton said he doesn't see a correlation between the program and an immigrant exodus. ``We haven't noticed that much,'' he said. ``If people are leaving, it's mostly due to the economy.'' He said Danbury has for a long time been an attractive place for immigrants to settle because of housing availability and the city's close proximity to other equally diverse populations in Fairfield County. -AP

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DANBURY, Conn.: Scores of immigrants are fleeing this western Connecticut city, residents say, as the economy falters and the police department begins a partnership with federal immigration officials that puts more pressure on illegal immigrants. The partnership announced by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency will train Danbury police officers to identify criminals who have broken immigration laws. Danbury is one of dozens of communities across the country participating in the program, but it's particularly controversial in this city of 75,000, which has as many as 10,000 illegal immigrants. Three years ago, undercover Danbury police officers promised jobs to nine day laborers in a sting operation, then turned them over to federal agents for deportation. The controversial sting led to a civil rights lawsuit, with the plaintiffs alleging that police had no probable cause to target them. Plaintiffs also alleged they were denied access to phones to call families and attorneys while being sent to detention centers as far away as Texas. Hundreds of residents protested at City Hall earlier this year when Danbury's City Council voted 19-2 to apply for the federal program. Danbury officials have promised that the training won't be used as an excuse to round up illegal immigrants. ``I think there is a general understanding that if you are not breaking the law, then you shouldn't have an issue,'' Mayor Mark Boughton said. ``Of course, there are going to be some misconceptions, but I can assure you cops will not be stopping people on the streets at random demanding proper identification.'' Immigrants aren't so sure. Barbara Levitt, 58, owner of the Upscale Downtown consignment shop, said immigrant-owned stores began disappearing after the City Council applied to the immigration program. ``You could drive down this street, and you could see, all of a sudden, there were all these 'for

India Post

Immigration Post

August 28, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Shah Rukh Khan's detention is 'a teaching moment' Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Murthy points out that there isn't a policy whereby the government agencies are required to track the backgrounds of individuals that are apprehended at borders or airports for extra questioning. "It's hard to get concrete numbers," informs Murthy. "While there are no government numbers that we can use because they are not required to collect this information about how this affects our communities, South Asian organizations have been collecting their own anecdotal evidence on how profiling is affecting members of our community." The Asian Law Caucus has done a report on individuals that return from their trips abroad back

into the US and are subjected to unnecessary and intrusive questioning, which has affected many

South Asian individuals. Another organization called Muslim Advocates has also done a similar report specifically focusing on in-

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trusive laptop searches of individuals returning from trips abroad; and the Sikh Coalition has looked at profiling from the context of the Transportation Security administration (TSA) and they have issued quarterly report cards of audit that they have done at airports to see how many times Sikh passengers are subjected to extra screening when they go through security. Rather than look at individual cases like that of Shah Rukh Khan, Murthy says organizations such as SAALT are more focused on

Murthy says organizations such as SAALT are more focused on the impact of such profiling on the communities here in the US the impact of such profiling on the communities here in the US. "We know that community members are encountering profiling routinely and so it's important that the government here looks to what is the detrimental effect it has on civil rights and civil liberties of members here. We think that that should be first and foremost the concern in terms of moving our communities forward towards being equal with all other Americans living in this country." And towards that end, Murthy says advocacy groups are hoping that from a policy perspective, the issue of profiling would be taken up and addressed within the Obama presidential term - sooner rather than later.

August 28, 2009

Immigration Post

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Ethiopian in immigration custody dies in hospital MIAMI: Federal immigration authorities All died in ICE custody between 2004 have identified an Ethiopian man who died and 2007. Neither the circumstances nor the in their custody in Florida last week and 10 locations of their deaths were immediately other detainees who had been left off the available. agency's list of deaths. ICE Director John Morton has ordered a Including Huluf Guangle Negusse, 104 review of all ICE documents and databases detainees have died in the custody of Immi- on detainee deaths. gration and Customs Enforcement since ``This is a serious matter that we uncovOctober 2003. ered and it requires an immediate response. Negusse died at a Tallahassee hospital. Appropriate tracking and accounting of the The 24-year-old had atdeaths of individuals in ICE tempted suicide, but no custody is imperative,'' ICE Director John other details about his deMorton said. ``This hightention or death were avail- Morton has orlights why I am passionate able, ICE spokeswoman about the need for more didered a review of rect federal oversight of Gillian Brigham said. The other 10 deaths all ICE documents ICE's detention system and were identified during a rethe critical importance of view of ICE records and databases on the detention reforms I anprompted by a Freedom of nounced two weeks ago.'' detainee deaths Information Act request Earlier this month, last month, officials said. Morton announced that They are: Elias Lopez Ruelas of Mexico; ICE would re-evaluate the 33,400-bed naFelix Franklin Rodriguez-Torres of Ecuador; tionwide system that holds immigrants and eight Cuban nationals, Argelio Leyva- awaiting court hearings or deportation. Arjona, Jose Alvarez Arias, Antonio AyalaThough the agency would seek to treat Garcia, Jose Rosell Sierra, Conrado nonviolent people who aren't flight risks difCorreoso-Jay, Silvio Lazo Reinoso, Angel ferently from those with felony convictions Polanco-Molina and Jorge Lazano-Blanco. facing mandatory detention and deportation,

Washington company hired undocumented workers SEATTLE: Federal prosecutors filed criminal charges against a Washington state manufacturing company where 28 people were arrested during a February immigration raid. Bellingham-based Yamato Engines Specialists was charged with conspiring to encourage undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States between 2006 and 2009. Prosecutors also charged two employees with allowing undocumented workers to file false employment forms with the government. The raid at Yamato was the first since President Barack Obama took office and

attracted national attention. Obama had signaled a desire to stop arresting workers in mass immigration raids and instead focus on prosecuting the companies that hired them. The employees were expected to plead guilty. Of the 28 people arrested in February, 27 were given temporary permission to work in the United States while they help with the investigation. One worker agreed to leave the country, said Lorie Dankers, spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Seattle. -AP

an overhaul would not mean more releases, even with electronic ankle monitors, he said. Two advocacy groups reported in March that immigration authorities routinely delay, deny or botch medical care for detainees, which may have contributed to some deaths in ICE custody or soon after their release.

Human Rights Watch and the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center blamed the problems on unskilled or indifferent staff, overcrowding, bureaucratic red tape, language barriers, limited services and the detention of people who are elderly, have health issues or lack criminal records. -AP

Tech News Microsoft to integrate Outlook in Office for Mac

TechBiz

icrosoft Corporation has an nounced a new version of Office Desktop Suite for the Apple's Mac based systems. According to the computer firm the new version would be launched during time for the holidays in 2010. Microsoft says the next version of its Office for Mac will have integrated Outlook, the standard program for sending email and organizing appointments and contacts with the Microsoft's Windows computers. Presently, Microsoft includes Entourage, program performing same functions with the Mac version of Office. For the easy syndication with Microsoft's Outlook, Mac unit is building the software from scratch. Snow Leopard, the next version of Apple's Mac operating system would contain support for Microsoft Exchange Server software that enables the working of Microsoft Outlook. In another event a US federal court has ordered Microsoft to cease selling operations of the Word software in the United States in two months. This comes as a ruling in favor of a small Canadian firm, i4i that accused the software giant of violating its patents of XML, or extensible markup language. Agencies

TV9 Network now owns Kolkata TV

ssociated Broadcasting Company Ltd (ABCL) has acquired around 86% stake in the Bengali language news channel, Kolkata TV. The stake purchase has been completed for approximately Rs 25 crore with which the channel has been brought under the umbrella of TV9 network of channels. The sale procedure was required as Kolkata TV was passing through a tough phase. With the new amount of investment coming in the channel, it would revive the channel operations. Kolkata TV, in 2007, was planning an alliance with Kolkata-based Jain Group of Industries, which has a presence in realty, infrastructure, steel and energy sectors. But the alliance didn't materialize. ABCL is one of the fastest growing media companies in India. It initiated its operations with the launch of a 24-hour news channel, TV9 in Andhra Pradesh in 2004, and quickly became a ratings leader there with our unique brand of bold and fearless journalism. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 46

44 India Post

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August 28, 2009

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Consul General rings NASDAQ Closing Bell to mark I-Day SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: For the second consecutive year, India's Independence Day was recognized by the NASDAQ exchange in New York with a Closing Bell ceremony presided over by the Consul General

A visibly beaming Amb. Dayal said the event underlines the growing importance of India for NASDAQ which lists seven Indian companies with a combined market capitalization of over $35 billion of India in New York, held on the eve of the occasion. Consul General Ambassador Prabhu Dayal, accompanied by Brad Vopni, Head of Global Software Development at NASDAQ, other consulate officers and leading Indian American businessmen

Consul General Prabhu Dayal poses in front of the Nasdaq tower which flashed the Indian tri-color along with a message welcoming him.

and professionals, rang the closing bell on Aug 14, even as the ceremony was flashed live over the giant screen of the NASDAQ tower in the heart of Times Square in midtown Manhattan. NASDAQ lists 7 companies with a strong presence in India and a combined market cap of $35.5 billion.

In his brief remarks, a visibly beaming Amb. Dayal said the event underlines the growing importance of India for NASDAQ which lists seven Indian companies with a combined market capitalization of over $35 billion. He further noted that his presence at NASDAQ on this day emphasized the strong part-

nership between India and the United States. Amb. Dayal drew attention to the recent successful visit of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to India and the upcoming State visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington D.C. Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 45

Nissan unveils 'Leaf' - World's first electric car India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has recently unveiled the Nissan Leaf, the world's first affordable, zero-emission car. Designed specifically for a lithiumion battery-powered chassis, Nissan Leaf is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160km (100 miles) to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. Slated for launch in late 2010 in Japan, the United States, and Europe, Nissan Leaf ushers in a new era of mobility - the zero-emission era. The car is the embodiment of Nissan's radical, transformative vision for the future and the culmination of decades of investment and research. "Nissan Leaf is a tremendous

Nissan Motor Co. President and CEO Carlos Ghosn poses with the new Nissan Motor Co.'s zero-emission electronic vehicle (EV) 'Leaf' during the opening ceremony of new Nissan Global Headquaters in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

accomplishment - one in which all Nissan employees can take great pride," said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. "We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality - the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero - not simply reduced - emissions. It's the first step in what is sure to be

an exciting journey - for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry." The Leaf boasts of a distinctive design with a real-world range autonomy of 100 miles (160km) and an advanced intelligent transportation system The "Leaf" name is a significant

statement about the car itself. Just as leaves purify the air in nature, so Nissan Leaf purifies mobility by taking emissions out of the driving experience, according to a company release. Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales in late 2010; however, the company expects the car to be competitively priced in the range of a wellequipped C-segment vehicle. Additionally, Nissan Leaf is expected to qualify for an array of significant local, regional and national tax breaks and incentives in markets around the world. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional gasoline-powered car, Nissan Leaf is designed to be friendly to the wallet as well as to the environment, the release stated.

TechBiz Post

August 28, 2009

India Post 45

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Consul General rings NASDAQ Closing Bell to mark I-Day Cont’d from page 44

As the largest source of foreign direct and portfolio investments United States is an indispensable partner in India's development. The huge Indian market also offers enormous opportunities for US investors. Speaking to India Post exclusively, Anu Sharma, Managing Director, Market & Intelligence Desk, NASDAQ said recognizing India's Independence Day was important for the exchange because of its strong ties with Indian business. "It's really all about India's relations with the United

trillion dollars; so $35 billion in the grand scheme of things over a global market is a small amount but its significant compared to where we were 10 years ago. It will start to grow as you get more Indian companies going public." India and China, Sharma said, would be driving NASDAQ's international business in the coming years since both countries have strong GDPs. "Right now China seems to be peaking a little bit, but India is still growing," he

numbers that we saw a year or year-and-half ago. But right now it's most important for India to maintain a GDP level that's going to be at 7 percent or higher. I don't think all that talk against outsourcing etc. is going to impact India as much because it really comes down to providing localized and good services and India provides that. So I think that's going to really play out well for them." Among those present at the closing bell ceremony was Fran-

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international business in the coming years have strong GDPs States, especially the NASDAQ stock market. It's been a dramatic growth in India for the past couple of years and we are glad to be a part of that," he said. Asked to comment on the fact that only seven Indian companies have been listed on NASDAQ so far since Infosys Technologies became the first Indian company to be listed on NASDAQ in 1999, Sharma said, "That's going to be a trend that's changing. Early on there were a lot of developmental companies that were in the growth stages and now because of the way the economy is growing in India we are starting to see more and more companies growing at a much faster pace and are at a point where they qualify to list on NASDAQ. “They have a strong customer base and good revenue growth and they have the ability to raise the capital they need. It wasn't quite the case maybe five to 10 years ago but that's changed quite a bit since the economy has become so global. India is one of the top growing economies in the world right now so we are going to see more companies going public coming out of India." At $35.5 billion, the combined market capitalization of the seven Indian companies on NASDAQ, Sharma said was a "good amount". "When you look at the overall market capital of the exchange, you are looking at upwards of almost 3

Consul General Prabhu Dayal rang the closing bell at the Nasdaq on Aug 14, the eve of India's Independence Day. He is accompanied by several prominent members of the community.

said. "There's more of a growth factor in India than we see in China because a lot of that has already been played out in the last two years, whereas India is really starting to move now." Owing to the economic recession, NASDAQ this year had less than 10 IPOs. The exchange's Mumbai office, which was opened to much fanfare could not drum up any new business over the past year, Sharma admitted, "It's hard to get new business right now. The Mumbai office's focus was to bring in new business and new companies but business has been slow this year and that office has

The ceremony was telecast live on CNBC, Bloomberg News, Fox Business News and webcast on the Internet at the NASDAQ Marketsite webpage not been as busy as we had hoped it would be in terms of new business." Over the next five years, NASDAQ hopes to see India increasing its GDP and Sharma says it might move quicker than most people expect it to. "You could see India post those double-digit GDP

cisco D'Souza, President and CEO of Cognizant Technology solutions, a NASDAQ listed company. Outside the exchange, in the heart of Times Square, an electronic board displayed the Indian flag with a caption welcoming the Consul General. NASDAQ is the largest electronic equity securities trading group in the USA. It has more trading volume per hour than any other market in the world. The NASDAQ OMX group attaches high importance to India. The seven Indian companies listed on NASDAQ include Cognizant Technology Solutions, Infosys Technologies and Millennium India Acquisition Company, Inc., ExlService, Rediff.com, Sify Technologies and Syntel Inc. Infosys and Cognizant are both members of the NASDAQ 100 Index which is one of the most prestigious and widely followed indices of the world. Additionally, the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) - India's first power exchange for trading of electricity, regulated by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) - uses NASDAQ OMX as one of the primary contractors for the exchange's energy trading solution. The ceremony was telecast live on CNBC, Bloomberg News, Fox Business News and webcast on the Internet at the NASDAQ Marketsite webpage.

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Airtel connects 50 nations with Global Chandrayaan II design completed by ISRO Wholesale Service Portfolio

ndia’s leading telecommunica tion firm, by customer base, Bharti Airtel has notified that the company has made an investment of over $500 million spread over two years. The announcement came in conjunction with the disclosure of Bharti Airtel’s new Global Wholesale Service Portfolio. In a statement, Bharti Airtel said, “Bharti Airtel’s wholesale portfolio will offer MPLS, ethernet, IP and International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) services to global carriers through its global network reaching 50 countries. The connectivity has come on the back of investments of over $500 million.” This outflow was focused on enhancing the connectivity and in

building cable capacity, network, infrastructure and international points of presence.

The new services portfolio by Airtel comprises solutions for voice and data connectivity, collaboration services, co-location, carrier outsourcing and content distribution The new services portfolio by Airtel is comprised of solutions for voice and data connectivity, col-

TV9 Network now owns Kolkata TV Cont’d from page 44

Today it comprises of a bouquet of channels with wide reach in different parts of the country. Some of the existing channels comprises TV9 Karnataka (Kannada), TV9 Gujarat (Gujarati), Indiavision (Malayalam), TV1

(Spiritual & entertainment new), News9 (English) and TV9 Mumbai (Hindi). It further plans to launch TV9 New Delhi (Hindi) and TV9 Chennai (Tamil). ABCL is promoted by iLabs Capital, a $350 million India-focused venture capital fund. -Agencies

laboration services, co-location, carrier outsourcing and content distribution through its high speed submarine network. The Global Wholesale Service Portfolio network will reach 50 countries across the continents of Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and Australia. David Nishball President for the Enterprise Services Bharti Airtel said, “The launch is another step in our journey of becoming a global network solutions provider. From being a regional partner for foreign carriers, Bharti is now uniquely poised to serve global carriers to and from any part of the globe.” Airtel’s global network consists of SMW4, i2i- which is fully owned, APCN2, c2c, JUCN, TGN, TAT14, Apollo, Hibernia. This has been coupled with investments in new cable systems including AAG, Unity North, EIG, IMEWE, EASSy and a couple more in the fray. This move ensures at least three cables on all major routes thereby providing flexibility and readily available restoration. -Agencies

fter its success with its first unmanned lunar or biter, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has begun preparation for the ambitious Chandrayaan-II, a joint venture with Russia that will have a moon rover supplied by the latter. ISRO Chairman G Madhavan Nair said that the design of the mission was complete and the space organization would be building the orbital flight vehicle while the 'Lunar Craft' would be supplied by Russia. ISRO would be building the entire spacecraft that would also have other scientific payloads acquired internationally. ''The landing of the rover would be decided after we analyze the data sent by Chandrayaan-I spacecraft. Now we are set to build a prototype of Chandrayaan-II and this would happen next year. We will build upon our success with Chandrayaan-I,'' he said. ISRO had gained lot of positives from the first lunar mission and received valuable inputs on heat radiation on moon's surface. Accordingly the thermal design of future aircraft would be made, Nair said. The high solar radiation had

caused malfunction of 'Star Sensor' on Chandrayaan-I in April this year, after the spacecraft had completed six months in lunar orbit and sent back useful data. This necessitated the space scientists to take the space craft up to 200 km radius from 100 km, effectively reducing its functioning. The ISRO Chief said 95 per cent of the scientific objective of

ISRO would be building the entire spacecraft that would also have other scientific payloads acquired internationally Chandrayaan-I mission had been achieved and the remaining five per cent of what was left out would be taken up during the next season starting this October. The redundancy factor would be the utmost on the minds of the scientists working on Chandrayaan-2 after their good experience with the first mission, Nair added. -Agencies

Google commands brand loyalty: comScore

hen it comes to internet search market, Google, obviously rules as the winner. But with so much happening around the search market the question arises will Google lose its leadership especially when Microsoft and Yahoo! have tied up to challenge Google's dominance in the internet age? The answer according to comScore's latest finding is a clear no-no. comScore, Inc. a leader in measuring the digital world conducted an analysis of the U.S. search market landscape post the announcement of the search deal between Yahoo! and Microsoft. The new data by comScore reveals that while the Yahoo! and Microsoft's share in the search market is still far behind Google, but their combined share is not very wide which accounts to be 73.3% against Google's 84%. According to comScore data, in June 2009, Google Sites had a 65.0% share of searches in the U.S. core search market, against 28.0% for Yahoo Sites (19.6%) and Microsoft Sites (8.4%) combined. With this the finding also reveals that searchers using Google conduct more searches on an average basis in a month which comes out to be 54.5%. At the same time searchers using Yahoo! and Microsoft, combined, conduct a mere 26.9% search on average in a month. In accordance with this research, comScore conducted another set of analysis which testifies the search loyalty among

users of the top three engines. This study according to comScore was carried in order to ascertain the challenges that Yahoo!Microsoft partnership would encounter in the coming time. The analysis brought the conclusion that Google searchers work with the highest loyalty rate, making nearly 68.9% of their searches on Google sites. While, those making use of Yahoo! and Microsoft sites, their

The finding also reveals that searchers using Google conduct more searches on an average basis in a month which comes out to be 54.5%. At the same time searchers using Yahoo! and Microsoft, combined, conduct a mere 26.9% search on average in a month combined search was about 32.6 % of the time and also conduct about 60.7% of their search on Google. Over the findings, Eli Goodman, comScore Search Analyst remarked, "The challenge (for Microsoft +Yahoo!) will be to create a search experience compelling enough to convert lighter searchers into regular searchers which is generally easier than converting new users."-Agencies

Datebook

August 28, 2009

India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK Upcoming

WASHINGTON DC Upcoming

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming

Fri Aug 28

Thurs Aug 27

Sat Aug 29

Fri Aug 28

• Indian Wear & Jewelry Exhibition Cum Sale

• Spin In Midtown w/ music by Bikram Keith

• Bollywood Blowout 2009

• Anup Jalota Live in Concert

Venue: Taste Of India, Northtown Plaza, 3093 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, New York Time: 12pm to 8pm Contact: 917-561 6743

Venue: Midtown, 1219 Connecticut Avenue, Washington Contact: (202) 466-7529

Venue: Fire N Ice, 85 Lafayette Rd, Fords, New Jersey Time: 10pm Contact: 732-522-1755 Highlights: Bollywood Blowout 2009 Opens at 10 pm Party Till 3 am Celebrity DJ: DJ AKBAR SAMI DJ Ripz DJ Blaze DJ Lil Jay DJ Dee Bottle Specials.

Venue: Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA Time: 8pm Contact: 732-993-3579

Sun Aug 30 • Music & Dance Festival

Sat Aug 29

Sat Aug 29 • "Celebrations" - Kala Vandana Dance Company

Sun Aug 30

Venue: Prem PrakashTemple, 180 Burgher Ave, Staten Island, New York Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Contact: 718-351-0483

Venue: 6905 Cipriano Road, Lanham, Maryland, WDC Time: 9am to 8pm Highlights: Over 50 artists, singers and dancers, will be performing in the Swathi Thirunal Music & Dance Festival. One of the highlights of the event will be Mohini Attam by Radha Dutta.

Thurs Sept 3

Fri Sept 4

• DJ Rekha Presents Basement Bhangra at SOBs NYC

• Celebrity Fiesta

Sat Sept 12

• Beginner Tabla Class

• Sangeet Sandhya

Venue: Shruthi Swara Laya, School for Indian Music and Dance, 3392 Seldon Court, Fremont, California Time: 7pm Contact: 510-486-8266 Highlights: Tabla class for beginners taught by Jerry Barr. Ages 7 and up only please. Learn how to play tabla for Indian Classical Music, Light Classical Music, Bhajans, Folk, and Garba.

• Chand Ji Raat

Veena Vandana Venue: The Nicholas Music Center, Rutgers University, 85 George Street, New Brunswick Time: 3:30pm to 6pm Contact: 201-248-3765

Venue: SOBs, 200 Varick Street, New York Time: 7pm to 3am Contact: 212-252-2392

Venue: El San Juan Hotel & Casino, San Juan, District of Columbia Time: 5am to 10pm Contact: 202-905-4153

Sat Sept 5

• Indo American Fair 2009

• Labor Day Weekend Retreat

Indo American Fair 2009

Venue: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 11am to 7pm Contact: 609-275-1334

Venue: Camp Friendship, 573 Friendship Rd, Palmyra, Virginia, WDC Contact: (434) 589-8950

Venue: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 11am to 7pm Contact: 609-275-1334

Venue: South Brunswick High School, 750 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction, New Jersey Time: 5:30pm to 11pm Contact: 848-391-0499

VEDIC DHARMA SAMAJ

3676 Delaware Drive, Fremont, CA, 94538

BHAJAN GROUP (11 AM - 11:45 AM)

(510) 659-0655

PRAVACHAN (12 PM - 1PM)

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming • Durga Mata Ka Jagaran Venue: 2335 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, DBC Center, Diamond Bar, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 909-519-1579, 626-810-2345

Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8)

Weekly Services Open M-F 8:30 AM-1PM, 4 PM-8 PM, Sat & Sun 8:30 AM to 8 PM DAILY AARATI 9 AM MORNINGS AND 7:30 PM EVENINGS. Sunday Services: 11am to 1pm, Aarti at 1:15pm followed by Prasad & Pritibhoj EARLY MORNING Bhajans by Khanna, Surendra @ 10 AM DATE

Thurs Sept 3

Every 4th Sat every Month

HINDU TEMPLE & CULTURAL CENTER www.fremonttemple.org Tel:

Venue: Mayer Theater, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara California Time: 6:30pm Contact: 408-238-8321

PRITIBHOJ (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)

• Gurukul Classes for Children Venue: Sindhu Center, South California Time: 2pm to 4pm Contact: 818-541-1754 & 909-576-1114 Highlights: Children between the ages of 5 and 18. Children will be taught the Fundamentals of Hinduism, Prayers, Shlokas, Bhajans and Values of our culture.

Fri Aug 28 • Desi Night Venue: Tanzore Restaurant & Lounge, 50 N. La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, California Time: 10pm Contact: 818-272-7755

Sat Sept 5 • Cultural Program 2009

08/30/09

NEHAL RAWEL & BHARTI JOSHI

SWAMI SHASHWATI NAND GIRIJI

MAHESH, RAJU & FAMILY

09/06/09

MOHANT JI

SWAMI KAMAL DASS VEDANTI JI

DHANIJA & ARORA FAMILY

09/13/09

BHARTI JOSHI

SHATRI JI

UPCOMING TEMPLE EVENTS YOGA CLASS: MON.-FRI. 7 TO 8 AM SAT. 8 TO 9 AM GEETA CLASS: SAT. 11:00 AM TO 1:00 PM Gayatri Mantra Saturday - 11 AM - To 12 PM by Gayatri Pariwar Contact: Naresh Sethi (For Jagrata). TEL: 510-825-1927, 510-487-2544

Sundar Kand Ka Paath on 3rd Saturday of everymonth from 10:30 am to 12: 00 pm Mata Ka Jaagran 8/22/09, 7:00 pm - 10 pm SUNDAY, 1:15 PM FREE CONSULTATION WITH DR. PAWAN CHADHA

MANOJ PANDA ABHISHEKA: MON: 6:30 PM SHIVJI, FRI: 6:30 PM LAKSHAMIJI, SAT: 10 AM BALAJI, SUN: 6:30 PM GANESHJI & NAVAGRAHA

TO PARTICIPATE IN TEMPLE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES CONTACT:

510-659-0655

Venue: CSUN PerPerforming Arts Center, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, California Time: 5pm Contact: 805-579-6003

Sat Oct 24 to Sun Oct 25 & Sat Oct 31 to Sun Nov 1 • Fun at "Boo at the Zoo" Venue: Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027 Time: 10am to 4pm Contact: (323) 644-4200 Admission: $13 for adults and $8 for children ages 2 to 12. This event is free with paid Zoo admission.

Fri Sept 11 • Comedy Sportz: Ohlone College Smith Center Presents Venue: Ohlone College Smith Center, 43600 Mission Blvd. in Fremont Time: 8pm Contact: 510-659-6031 & 510-979-7941 Ticket: $12-$20 Highlights: Comedy Sportz is an improvisational, spontaneous, and interactive comedy show, geared for the whole family! Two teams compete for laughs and points as they make up scenes, songs, and spoofs right on the spot. The audience votes for the winners while a referee calls the fouls.

AND DR. MRS. NOOTAN CHADHA

IN THE NEW YEAR BECOME: TEMPLE TRUSTEE - $1501, LIFE MEMBER - $ 501, YEARLY MEMBER - $ 101

REGULAR PROGRAMS & POOJAS & RITUALS: FOR ALL INFO CALL TEMPLE ADMINISTRATOR AT: (510) 659-0655. SASHTRIJI: (510) 490-8979, BHUSHAN KUMAR JI - 510-862-5834 GOVIND SRINIVASAN: (510) 226-6479 WEDNESDAYS: RAMAYAN KATHA (KISHIKINDHA KAND) BY SHASTRIJI. SUNDAYS AFTER AARTI FREE CONSULTATION WITH DR. PAWAN CHADHA SUNDER KAND KA PATH EVERY 3RD SATURDAY AT 10 AM TO 12 NOON. CALL TEMPLE (510)569-0655 (HANUMAN CHALISA) EVERY TUESDAY 7:30 PM AARATI FOLLOWED BY PRASAD AND PRITIBHOJ. SENIOR CITIZENS MEET WEDNESDAYS 10AM TO 1PM BHAJANS & DISCOURSES. For sponsoring Pritibhoj Anita Kapoor, Contact: 510-659-0655 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.FREMONTTEMPLE.ORG AND VISIT GALLERY

PHILADELPHIA Upcoming Sat Sept 5 • Indo American Fair 2009 Venue: Mercer County Park, West Windsor, New Jersey Time: 11am to 7pm Contact: 609-275-1334

HOUSTON Upcoming Sat Aug 29 Vibha Vibe Venue: Stafford Civic Center, Houston, Texas Time: 5pm

48 India Post

www.indiapost.com

August 28, 2009

Horoscope

August 28, 2009

India Post

www.indiapost.com

ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 Life will become more exciting as you will get quick results for all efforts you make. Soon you will be free of all stress of the past few years. Some of you will be moving to better place soon. Positive change in working conditions also on the horizon. If appearing in any competitive exam, the outcome will be in your favor only.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 Things definitely look bright on money side. Mercury in second will give you several chances to make money quickly. Efforts made in the past will reap a rich reward now. You will regain self confidence and will be in demand at the party. You may finally decide to stop working with people giving headache in the past and find new partners.

SAGITTARIUS

August 28 to September 3

Nov 23-Dec 22 Have patience with spouse who is feeling slightly frustrated because of stagnant life. Money will come but may not be enough and as a result you will have to use your reserves. New boss will assign more work. You may not get the rewards right away but they will surely come later. You will make big changes in your diet.

India conscious of Chinese presence in Indian Ocean region NEW DELHI: India is conscious of the Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean region and is taking "adequate measures" to make sure that its neighborhood is not threatened, Minister of State for Defense M M Pallam Raju has said. "China being a regional power will make its moves and if we sense a threat to our internal security we will do some counter measures," he told reporters here on the sidelines of homeland security seminar. However, "we need to give China the benefit of doubt that they are also in their quest to safeguard their sea lanes of communication because they have their energy resources passing through this (Indian Ocean). "They are taking some steps. We have to make sure that that it is not intrusive and they will not come into our space. Towards that end we are conscious of what China is doing and we are making adequate measures to make sure that our neighborhood is not threatened," Raju said.

On Beijing acquiring anti-satellite capabilities for space-age warfare, he said India was against militarization of space. But space assets would have to be utilized in warfare in the years to come and India was also preparing itself for taking adequate counter measures to this Chinese capability, he said. . "The frontier of space, which includes utilization of satellites, will continue to be a growing area of warfare. India has stated in the past that it is against militarization of space. But space assets have to be utilized in warfare in the years to come and we are also preparing for it to take adequate counter measures," Raju said. He also pointed out to the growing trade between the two Asian giants and said China would not be a problem because of economic factors. "The emphasis and focus is on (bilateral) trade, which is increasing at a rapid rate. Although we share a large border, we have not had any skirmishes. -PTI

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Something major is brewing up in career. Think positive and stick to your demands. Soon you will be awarded the position. You will take care of all bills in full and still have some left in the bank. You may develop taste for hot and spicy food also. You may have to travel in East to attend an important meeting. Results will be positive.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 Hard work and patience maintained in the past is about to bring rich rewards. You will receive the green signal and the project will be awarded soon ending all speculations and bring financial freedom for long time to come. You will be getting ready to devote more time and full focus on career. There is a long distance trip in the air.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 Emotionally it will be a roller coaster ride again. Patience and self control will lead you out of permanent damage. You will be offered the break you had been looking for. People in business will see competition reducing. You will also recover from minor illness quickly. You will travel to nearby town to attend an event.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 You will be preparing for a big and upcoming move. Everybody in the family will be excited. Money wise you will continue to do well and have more than enough from now and on. You may be in touch with a government agency to enquire about a pending appeal. You will make very useful friends at the party. You will replace an old vehicle.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 You may not have too many choices but to move to a different location. Financially you will stay comfortable for the time being. You may plan a small get together with colleagues from work. You will spend lots of money on children and their needs. All trips taken will be beneficial in some way. Relationship becomes strong.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 Some one will promise things which are next to impossible. Listen to your own intuition and act accordingly. Some of you will be preparing for an upcoming move. You may call overseas more frequently. People involved in research and development work will see sudden success. A co worker may invite you to a small party.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 You may hit some kind of financial jackpot. Gains will be for long term. Any change in career at this point will prove to be an lucky affair. You will have more than one chance to spend quality time with old friends. Mind will be relaxed but set on goals. Try not to disclose all to people who are least concerned with the developments.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 Some one will quit making room for you at work. Justice will be served and legal victory also possible in ongoing legal cases. You will comfortably meet your financial commitment but will not have much leftover. Any partnership at this point will go a long way and will be beneficial. You will also visit a holy place.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 Running around will increase and the results will be good. You may hear some encouraging news from people overseas. Property related papers will need to be signed again. You may travel to a warmer place for some social event. Money wise you will stay comfortable and make final payment on old bills. New colleague will join you.

Classifieds

India Post

August 28, 2009

www.indiapost.com

MATRIMONIALS

For Classifieds Ads Call

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Classifieds

August 28, 2009

India Post 51

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Experienced book keeper needed

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Classifieds

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August 28, 2009

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Executive Chef San Francisco based restaurant looking for a EXECUTIVE CHEF/culinary graduate. Must have 10 YEARS of experience.

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Philosophy

August 28, 2009

India Post

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis

(Cont'd from last week) ormally aspiration or ambition is not consistent with our thinking of Dharma. We are taught that ambition or competition is unhealthy for spiritual growth. However, I see it differently. Aspiration to me is an indicator of health of a society. What does an individual in society want to become? What are his aspirations? This applies to a society and a nation as well. The bigger the country's problems, the bigger it is bound to grow. This needs to be understood deeply. What do you want your son to be depends on the society you live in. A young man growing up in Pakistan may want to be a suicide bomber. That may be his life time goal. A young girl Sania in Hyderabad may want to dream of becoming a tennis champion. She may even come close to it. It is ok to dream. A society

hiva and Pârvatî used to play with two sons, Ganesh and Kârtikeya. The gods had given them a marvelous fruit. Each boy wanted to get it for him alone. Their parents explained them that the nectar of the Supreme Knowledge and of Immortality was hidden in that fruit. To get the fruit, both had to compete. The winner

which has dharma in abundance may provide different dreams to its citizens compared to those where Dharma is not respected at all. The dreams differ vastly between the two situations. Abhimanyu was brought up in a happy and harmonious situation. Pandavas were not rich at the time. They did not have the kingdom on their side. They were spending their time in jungles. But, there was general happiness and harmony in his growing up. Arjun was a great father and uncle Yudhisthir was called Dharmaraj. Contrast that with the Kaurava camp. Things were always

the world. I was once driving in the countryside of the state of Michigan. I saw a small restaurant. There was a sign on the restaurant which said, "The best chicken dish served in the world." The owner has not compared all the chicken dishes in the world, yet he is brave enough to dream and show his dream on the sign board. Atjun wanted to be the best. It was not easy to be the best in his times. Bhishma and Drona were his teachers. Karna was one of the best of his times. The war of Mahabharata was real. The war was a matter of life and death. The question was survival of the fittest. Arjun had a dream. He repre-

Aspiration is an indicator of health of society DR KRISHNA BHATTA

It is ok to dream. A society which has dharma in abundance may provide different dreams to its citizens compared to those where Dharma is not respected at all. The dreams differ vastly between the two situations

in doldrums. Suspicion and distrust abounded in that camp. I live in USA and every one dreams of a house, car and a happy family. Bill Gates started his computer business from his garage and became one of the richest men in the world. A dream to become big has made the whole country a superpower in

sented the dream of all the Pandavas. He lived his dreams. He worked for his dreams and made many of them come true. Now comes the time when he has to learn to transcend his dreams. The ultimate that can be reached with aspiration, ambition and dreams has come to a head. Arjun did not know it. Krishna

structure and the system of existence needed an overhaul at the time and Arjun was to be the chief instrument in the process. Arjun had to work for the system; he had to work for Parmatma; he had to work for Dharma; Arjun did not need to work for Arjun any more. (To be continued)

But his wisdom suggested him the right solution. He went round his parents, Shiva and Pârvatî, showing a deep devotion. When they asked him why he did not start his journey around the world, he replied: "My parents Shiva and Shakti are the Whole Universe. In Them is located the World. He does not need to go farther".

The Sage Vyâsa, the author of this epic, was meditating on Brahmâ. The god told him to request Ganesh to be the scribe for the dictation of this epic in verses. Ganesh appeared immediately in the presence of Brahmâ and gave his agreement. However, he demanded that Vyâsa should talk without any stop. Vyâsa dictated his own request:

mentally compose the following verses... and to tell them when Ganesh was ready. Ganesh and Lord Shiva One legend says that neither peace nor war action, nor daily business can succeed unless Ganesh has previously been worshipped. This is not only true for human beings, but also for celestial creatures. When Ganesh appeared, as the son born from Shiva's mind, the latter decided that Ganesh should be worshipped by anybody wishing to get success. Even worshipping other gods would not work if prior worship to Ganesh had not been achieved. Thus, when Shiva left to fight the demons of the Tripura city, he forgot his own rule and rushed to the battle. When he embarked on his carriage, the wheel peg broke and the car was stopped. Abashed that such an accident could happen to him, Shiva realized that he had forgotten to pray to Ganesh before his departure, and this was the cause of the obstacle... Thus, he worshipped his son's name and could proceed to the Tripurâtanka battle which he won successfully.

Ganesh -symbol of wisdom against force or speed Every time Vyâsa observed that Ganesh had finished to write a verse (he used his broken tusk as a pen), he dictated another verse, as much complicated as possible should run three times around the world and come back first. Kârtikeya left at once. Riding his peacock, he flew in the sky, stopping at every sacred place on his way, praying and worshipping the gods. Ganesh was fully aware of his stout body; it slackened off him badly. The rat, his vehicle, was rather slow and would not be able to beat Kârtikeya.

could see it through Arjun. Arjun is in the battlefield and he gets caught in emotions. He goes numb because of his attachments. Krishna does not tell him to forget his relations or friendship. Krishna takes Arjun on a different path, a path where Arjun has to drop all his desires, aspirations and ambitions. Then and then only can he be free of his emotional attachments; these have become a bondage for him in his progress further. It is not actually a progress for Arjun but a cause for entire existence. Arjun's presence in the war was needed by existence, the infra-

Of course, he won the contest, ... and the fruit. This legend emphasizes the importance of cleverness; Ganesh is a strong symbol of this quality which is always the best against force, speed or physical strength. Ganesh, the scribe A very interesting story about Ganesh is the belief according to which he has been the writer of the Mahâbhârata.

before starting to write, Ganesh had to understand each word, each thought, with all the significations they had. Every time Vyâsa observed that Ganesh had finished to write a verse (he used his broken tusk as a pen), he dictated another verse, as much complicated as possible. So, Ganesh was obliged to stop to write. That short period was enough to make Vyâsa able to

The sense objects are the food of the sense. The sense objects turn away from one who has withdrawn his senses from objects. But still one may hold the relish for them. Relish means hankering. This means that the hankering of the sense objects does not go away by abstinence alone. -Ramanujacharya Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it. What is wrong is seeking it outside when it is inside. - Ramana Maharshi A devotee who can call on God while living a householder's life is a hero indeed. - Ramakrishna Paramhansa Loud speech, profusion of words, and possessing skillfulness in expounding scriptures are merely for the enjoyment of the learned. They do not lead to liberation. -Adi Shankara Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage. -Sri Aurobindo One cannot comprehend Him through reason, even if one reasoned for ages. -Guru Nanak If you wish to see the truth, then hold no opinion for or against. -Osho

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August 28, 2009

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Taliban wounded but still firmly entrenched CHIRANJIB HALDAR

akistan President Asif Ali Zardari's announcements on the nation's 63rd Independence Day were undoubtedly path-breaking and if implemented could march the country into the modern comity of nations. Political, judicial and administrative reforms for the tribal areas, allowing political activities in Federally administered Territories, setting up

of political administration and local law enforcement, and there are other areas in the NWFP especially the districts that run parallel to the FATA that also need to be brought back under government control. In Waziristan and the rest of the Federally Administered Territories, Mehsud's death has wounded the Taliban but they are firmly en-

Taliban fighters in Swat region of Pakistan

an appellate tribunal, curtailing arbitrary powers of political agents, giving people the right to appeal and bail, excluding women and children from the territorial responsibility clause and envisaging audit of accounts by the auditor general are some of the positive steps proposed by Islamabad. The two most turbulent areas in Pakistan today, Swat and FATA, merit special focus. The rejuvenation of much of Swat has allowed for the return of some 765,000 displaced residents and the elimination of Taliban supreme commander Baitullah Mehsud and has given Pakistan an important edge in its struggle against the Taliban. There are however, important considerations that have to be kept in mind in order to ensure continued progress. Though the Swat Taliban have been dealt a blow, they have not been entirely defeated. This will not happen until their leadership is captured or killed or until they cannot recruit new fighters from their madrasas. As displaced residents return to the region, a massive amount of reconstruction and development work is necessary to prevent unrest that the Taliban could exploit. Restoring the writ of the state entails the re-establishment

trenched in the region, along with their Al Qaeda and other transnational allies. Any counterinsurgency campaign in the tribal areas is going to be exponentially more difficult than the offensive in Swat. This is why the military is now aligning itself with

Though the Swat Taliban have been dealt a blow, they have not been entirely defeated. This will not happen until their leadership is captured or killed or until they cannot recruit new fighters from their madrasas pro-Pakistani tribal and militant forces to try and root out those waging war against the state. Being able to distinguish between those militants hostile to Pakistan and those focused on Afghanistan is going to be hard not only because of the fluidity of the Taliban phenomenon but also because it complicates US-Paki-

stani relations. Then there is the matter of how Islamabad balances its efforts to re-assert state control over areas on its side of the border with an international move to talk to the Taliban in Afghanistan. The challenge for Pakistan is to regain influence with its western neighbor by reviving its contacts and thus influence with the Afghan Taliban while rolling back Talibanization in its own Pashtun areas. Efforts to neutralize FATAbased domestic rebels impacts Taliban groups focused on Afghanistan, whose support Pakistan needs to crush the domestic insurgency and re-establish its influence in Afghanistan. While Pakistan's Pashtun areas are most affected by Talibanization, the phenomenon has made considerable inroads into Pakistan's hinterland, where the Taliban, like the LeT/JuD, manifest themselves more as a social movement. This is why, in addition to the counterin-surgency and counter terrorism campaign, Pakistan has also begun focusing on anti-extremism and deradicalization efforts - the ideological battle - which is designed to address the circumstances within which the jihadists are able to grow and operate. While Pakistani public opinion has turned against the Taliban in a meaningful manner, there are still significant pockets of social support and a large number of people who remain ambivalent about the need for a comprehensive campaign against the jihadists. Pakistan's ability to successfully press ahead with this multidimensional effort depends on its ability to contain political instability within tolerable limits and improve economic conditions. While the judicial crisis ended with the reinstatement of the chief justice fired by former President Pervez Musharraf, political stability remains elusive because of the country's fragmented political landscape and the weakness of its civilian institutions. And while a loan from the International Monetary Fund has helped Pakistan avoid bankruptcy, it will be some time before the economic conditions begin to improve to the point where Islamabad is able to meet its routine financial obligations and pay the multi billion-dollar cost of fighting the Taliban. Courtesy IPCS

India Post Reopening debate

t is amazing how great leaders have been taking momentous decisions in the name of the poor. Pakistan was created to give 'space' and "voice" to the poor Muslims allegedly being dominated in a Hindu majority India. Today's Pakistan not only denies space and voice to its own poor, it teaches them to take their own lives and that of others in the name of religion. Having put them on their way to "heaven," this absolves the present leaders from doing anything to ameliorate their lot. Pakistan's ideologue Mohammad Iqbal was a great poet who once wrote songs in praise of India like "sare jahan se achcha Hindustan hamara." He later changed his mind and influenced Mohammad Ali Jinnah to "solve the problem of Muslim poverty" by demanding Muslim majority Pakistan. He felt that poverty could be removed by applying Islamic Shariat laws. Jinnah did obtain his Pakistan but he remained dissatisfied calling the portion he got as "moth eaten." Jinnah by all accounts was a self-made modern man not given to religious leanings. He is not accorded due respect even in his own creation of Pakistan. How contradictory then that a BJP leader has written a book in praise of the founder of Pakistan? The BJP may have expelled Jaswant Singh but he has ignited a debate in India and Pakistan to reassess the leaders whose actions and reactions led to break up of a country and massacre of millions. Just like Manmohan Singh, Jaswant Singh is not a party creature. Having held important portfolios like Defense, External Affairs and Finance in the Atal Behari Vajpayee led NDA governments, the royal Rajasthani comes across as aloof and even arrogant. He distinguishes himself with a scholarship and ideological insight into international affairs which even former US diplomat Strobe Talbott has acknowledged. During his research, Jaswant was fascinated by the modern, secular outlook and determination of Jinnah whom he found to be a great votary of Hindu-Muslim unity. The controversial premise of the book is that, "Jinnah did not win Pakistan, as the Congress leaders -- Nehru and Patel finally conceded Pakistan to Jinnah, with the British acting as an ever helpful midwife." Jaswant Singh's bold reinterpretation of Jinnah is creating more controversy in India than in Pakistan. Hameed Haroon, chief of The Dawn, the newspaper that Jinnah founded, says the young generation of Pakistan does not know the real Jinnah who often spoke in favor of religious freedom. Islamic zealot President of Paksitan, Zia-ul Haq indulged in character assassination of Jinnah and criticized him for drinking and for not being Islamic enough. Haroon said, "Jinnah was a great Indian who was 'Pakistani' only for one year and a month till he died on September 11, 1948." Sixty two years after Independence, hindsight enables us to reassess what people on both sides of the border have been led to believe. Partition was the greatest slap on the face of India's famous votary of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi. He was leading the nation but the nation left him behind, resorting to an unprecedented scale of violence. Jawaharlal Nehru's atheistic socialism was aimed at improving the lot of the poor. It ended up enriching the middlemen, empowering the corrupt bureaucracy and isolating India in the international field. Strategic affairs expert C Raja Mohan has resurrected Jinnah's frequent invocation of the US 'Monroe Doctrine' which would seek to prevent European powers from interfering in India-Pakistan context. He wanted Pakistan and India to collaborate in a friendly way to jointly defend their frontiers both on land and sea against any aggression. Imagine the global weight of India and Pakistan if they stopped fighting and instead embarked on political cooperation!

August 28, 2009

www.indiapost.com

India Post 55

56 India Post

August 28, 2009

www.indiapost.com

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