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Nepali takes on title of world's smallest person Details on page 6

Indian Democrat loses New York primary

VOL 16, No. 837

September 24, 2010

SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Aiming to tap into the $50 billion potential for investments from individual and small & medium entrepreneurs of Indian origin in the US, a delegation of Indians Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) conducted an investment meet at the Indian Consulate in New York on Sept 13.

Headed by Secretary to the MOIA and Chairman of the Overseas Indian Facilitation Center (OIFC), Dr. A. Didar Singh, the delegation met with the Indian American community at the meet organized in consonance with the Indian Consulate, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Asia Society to apprise them of investment possibilities in specific sectors of the Indian economy such as education/ knowledge, financial services and infrastructure.

Details on page 6

FIRST BITE: Commonwealth Games mascot Shera poses at the canteen during the soft launch of the Commonwealth Games village in New Delhi on September 16. The Indian capital is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Games October 3-14, the biggest sporting event in the city since the 1982 Asian Games.

(Details on page 31)

Indian filmmaker Vijay Kumar leaves US Details on page 8

Israel honors Indian nanny with citizenship Details on page 9

India-US plan ‘innovation projects’

INDIA POST SURVEY survey@indiapost.com This week’s question

Is it opportune time to invest in India?

Last week’s result

Is Obama losing popularity in India?

YES 36%

NO 64%

Periodical Postage

INDIA BID TO TAP INTO NRI FUNDS

Details on page 8

Details on page 46

50¢

Robert Hormats

US keen on investment by Indian firms Details on page 7

India supplies 80% of AIDS medicines Details on page 40

US agreement with India on migration issues Details on page 43

3 Idiots best film, Amitabh best actor for Paa Details on page 25

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 38-39 Classifieds ------------------------- 51

Indo-Canadian arrested in American drug bust India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested a Canadian resident of Indian origin and seized nearly 240 pounds of cocaine worth $3.6 million from him, in what the authorities say is the largest cocaine seizure to date in the Port of Buffalo.

On Sept 8, CBP officers encountered Ravinder Kumar Arora, a 29 year-old citizen of India with Canadian legal

permanent resident status, as he was attempting to leave the US via the Lewiston-Queenston border crossing in Lewiston, New York.

According to a CBP release, Arora, a resident of Brampton, Ontario, was the operator and lone occupant of an empty commercial trailer destined to Canada. During primary questioning, Arora appeared extremely nervous and was subsequently selected for an outbound enforcement examination.

Details on page 7

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

Community Post -------------- 13-23 Date Book -------------------------- 48 Edit Page --------------------------- 53 HealthScience Post --------- 40-42 Horoscope ------------------------- 50 Immigration Post ------------- 43-45 Life Style ----------------------- 24-30 Philosophy ------------------------- 52 Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 35 TechBiz Post ------------------- 46-47 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 31-34

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I

am getting a wee bit tired of hearing the B-word from President Barack Obama - he's used it so often and with such vehemence in so many of his speeches over the past year that it's beginning to sound almost like a bad word.

Oh well, I'm talking about Bangalore, the city that has come to symbolize the booming, shining, fast growing, young, educated, professional, skilled and enterprising country that India is perceived to be today.

But the way President Obama keeps harping on Bangalore he makes it appear to be this awesome ogre out to swallow up American jobs or this mean brain machine that threatens to dethrone American geeks from their position as the best in the world.

Only last week, President Obama, while addressing school kids in Pennsylvania said, "At a time when other countries are competing with us like never before, when students around the world in Beijing, China, or Bangalore, India, are working harder than ever, and doing better than ever, your success in school is not just going to determine your success, it's going to determine America's success in the 21st century."

Indians, Bangloreans particularly, must feel proud, if not amused by the fact that somehow they are keeping Americans on their toes - the grown ups to stay relevant to their jobs, and the kids by realizing that they need to learn math and science after all.

I don't think I am misinterpreting President Obama's tone towards India or 'Bangalore' as he likes to narrow it down to, because after all his administration has made it tough for Indian software engineers aspiring to come here by tightening the screws on the H1B and L1 visa programs and for American companies outsourcing to India by taxing them for it.

Well, tough times call for tough measures, but these are changing times too.

The President gets it only too well, that the First World hares have been sleeping off for far too long and that the tortoises of the developing world are catching up.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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No to 'Holly' deal Aishwarya turned down a million-dollar deal by a Hollywood studio which offered to make a documentary on her life.

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Cover Story: NRI investments Aiming to tap into the $50 billion potential for investments from NRIs, an Indian delegation is in New York.

Community: IADO anniversary

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Over 650 members of Indian community came together to celebrate the Indian American Democratic Organization's 31 years.

Immigration: ICOE MOU The Indian Council of Overseas Employment has signed an MOU with the Migration Policy Institute in Washington.

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Travel: Commonwealth Games Delhi has been transformed to welcome tourists during the 2010 Commonwealth Games from October 3-14.

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India bid to tap into NRI remittances SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Aiming to tap into the $50 billion potential for investments from individual and small & medium entrepreneurs of Indian origin in the US, a delegation of Indians Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) conducted an investment meet at the Indian Consulate in New York on Sept 13.

Headed by Secretary to the MOIA and Chairman of the Overseas Indian Facilitation Center (OIFC), Dr. A. Didar Singh, the delegation met with the Indian American community at the meet organized in consonance with the Indian Consulate, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Asia Society to apprise them of investment possibilities in specific sectors of the Indian economy such as education/ knowledge, financial services and infrastructure.

The meet was targeted at the individual professionals and the small and medium entrepreneurs in the US and not at any big corporation, Singh said. "The big corporations will go to India anyway, and they engage at a different level; it is the professionals and small entrepreneurs that are of interest to us."

Addressing the media prior to the seminar, Dr. Didar Singh told reporters that India today is the world's highest recipient of Diaspora remittances. "NRI remittances have gone up from $32 billion in 2005 to over $54 billion in 2009, and nearly 30% of these remittances come from the US," Singh said. "That shows that

‘The big corporations will go to India anyway, and they engage at a different level; it is the professionals and small entrepreneurs that are of interest to us’ there is surplus available with our Diaspora. However, most of it is used for consumption expenditure and not for capital expenditure.

The current investment levels from NRIs are far below what is available even though the factors for investments are at a peak in India now." Considering the vastness of the remittances, Singh said the investments from NRIs were

miniscule having risen from 0.04 percent in 2005 to 0.79 percent in 2009.

India, Singh pointed out, is the world's second highest investment destination next only to China, having surpassed the United States.

The US Indian population will soon hit 3 million, so the potential for investments from this segment of the Diaspora was huge, Singh said.

Singh said the fact that a huge amount of the remittances from Indian Americans are tied up in NRE or FCNR deposits in Indian banks - which shows the immense trust the NRIs repose in the Indian banking system as well as the fact that Indian banks offer higher interests on savings - which can be channeled for much needed investments in India.

Singh said that although there are a number of overseas Indians who are investing in some sectors of the Indian economy, it is "ironic that they are putting their money into short term investments while non-Indian global investors were investing in India for the long term, for the next 10 to 20 years."

He added that it was for that reason that he was here to invite Indian Americans to re-visit India and reap the benefits of longer term investment in that country.

Noting that a number of overseas Indians were also interested in making philanthropic investments in India, Singh said that the government of India has set up the India Development Fund which assures transparency.

Responding to this correspondent's question on how the Indian government views the

Singh said that although there are a number of overseas Indians who are investing in some sectors of the Indian economy, it is "ironic that they are putting their money into short term investments large number of Indian origin professionals from the US who are returning to India owing to lucrative opportunities there, Singh said, "positively."

Elaborating on that, he said, "As a matter of principle, the government of India does not encourage either emigration or immigration. But as an Indian person you have a right to go to any part of

the world and you have a right to come back to the country. It's very clear, it's not government policy to either send you out or bring you in; but we shall facilitate it and if it is economic engagement we encourage it."

Earlier, giving an overview of the 6-year old MOIA, Singh said India was only the 11th country in the world to have a separate Diaspora ministry in its government, which shows the significance the Indian government attaches to its Diaspora as also the immense influence that the Indian Diaspora has on its home country.

This is was a great time to engage with India, Singh said, keeping in view the country's steady 8% growth despite the economic downturn globally over the last two years.

The ministry's focus, Singh said, was on economic migration from India and keeping the Diaspora engaged culturally, socially and politically. In that context he reminded that the Indian parliament has just passed the Voting Rights Bill which allows NRIs who hold Indian passports to vote in Indian elections.

Singh said that the OIFC has held similar investments meets in Dubai, Qatar, Malasia, London and Hague.

LeT presence expanding in Nepali takes on title of Afghanistan, says General world's smallest person WASHINGTON: Pakistanbased terror outfit Lashkar-eTaiba, known to be mostly Indiacentric, has expanded its operations in Afghanistan, a top security official has said citing that a number of militants killed recently were found to have links to the ISI-backed group.

General Mohammad Zaman Mahmoodzai, head of Afghanistan's border security force, has said there is proof of the nominally Kashmir-oriented group's growing involvement in Afghanistan, confirming fears voiced by American intelligence community.

General Mahmoodzai told Times magazine that of the 40-50 fighters killed in an hours-long gun battle recently in Afghanistan, nearly a quarter were carrying documents implicating them as members of the LeT. "The trend is confirmed by US military officials, who say that well-trained LeT fighters are bringing deadlier tools and tactics

to the war's second-fiercest front," it said.

The magazine said LeT's presence in Afghanistan has coincided with mounting Pakistani concerns that India's influence in Kabul represents an Indian strat-

‘Because of increased Indian influence in the government of post-Taliban Afghanistan, these jihadist desires converge’ egy of encirclement.

"Originally nurtured by Pakistan's spy agency, the InterServices Intelligence (ISI), as a proxy force to drive India out of Kashmir, the LeT has since raised

its profile with spectacular strikes on India's parliament and commercial capital," it said.

Stephen Tankel, a US-based analyst and author of the book 'Storming the World Stage: The Story of Lashkar-e-Taiba,' told Time that Lashkar always had ambitions beyond the region and was never really a Kashmir-centric organization.

He said while some of the fighters of the group are motivated by anti-Indian sentiment, others want to wage war against America.

"Because of increased Indian influence in the government of post-Taliban Afghanistan, these jihadist desires converge. And while India remains its main enemy, anti-Western activity by the LeT is nothing new - as the arrest of operatives as far away as the United States shows," he said.

"What we're seeing now is an acceleration of trends that have been in place... rather than Lashkar trying to go in a new direction," Tankel said. -PTI

NEW YORK:Nepalese teen- the title. Magar has primordial ager is to be declared the world's dwarfism - a condition that typismallest person. cally reduces life expectancy to as Khagendra Thapa Magar, who little as the 20s. at 17 is the size of a baby and has But his translator, Min stopped growing, has been mak- Bahadur Rana, said Magar was in ing his first visit to New York as many ways a normal teenager. part of a publicity trip organised by the museum Ripley's Believe It or Not! Ripley's declares Magar - at 56 centimetres tall and five kilograms Khagendra Thapa Magar, 17, with a New York policeman the world's and Ripleyís Edward Meyer in Times Square smallest person. However, Guinness World Records ''He's very happy. He laughs a gave Colombia's Nino Hernandez lot. He wants a girlfriend,'' Rana the title, saying Magar is not yet said. ''He wants to be a doctor.'' adult.

Magar stopped at Times But next month the Nepali Square for a chat with a New York turns 18 and, at 5.08 centimetres policeman and showed off a dance shorter than his rival, he will take move for the news cameras. -AFP

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Indo-Canadian arrested in US keen on investment

by Indian companies American drug bust India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers arrested a Canadian resident of Indian origin and seized nearly 240 pounds of cocaine worth $3.6 million from him, in what the authorities say is the largest cocaine seizure to date in the Port of Buffalo.

On Sept 8, CBP officers encountered Ravinder Kumar Arora, a 29 year-old citizen of India with Canadian legal permanent resident status, as he was attempting to leave the US via the LewistonQueenston border crossing in Lewiston, New York.

According to a CBP release, Arora, a resident of Brampton, Ontario, was the operator and lone occupant of an empty commercial trailer destined to Canada. During primary questioning, Arora appeared extremely nervous and was subsequently selected for an outbound enforcement examination.

During the course of the inspections, CBP officers noticed that the floor of the container had been

tampered with and replaced with non-factory screws. The floor boards of the container were removed, resulting in the discovery of 97 vacuum-sealed bricks of a

CBP officers noticed that the floor of the container had been tampered with and replaced with nonfactory screws. The floor boards of the container were removed, resulting in the discovery of 97 vacuum-sealed bricks of a white powder substance which later field-tested positive as cocaine white powder substance which later field-tested positive as cocaine.

"This is the largest cocaine sei-

zure to date in the Port of Buffalo and has a street value of approximately $3.6 million," said Buffalo Port Director Joseph J. Wilson.

"This interdiction demonstrates CBP's dedication to securing our borders and safeguarding our country from the dangers of inbound and outbound narcotics smuggling."

Arora was arrested and charged with narcotics possession and turned over to agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York.

US Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of the nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of US laws.

INDO-PAK WINNERS: (L-R) Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi of Pakistan and Rohan Bopanna of India hold their trophy after the menís doubles final against Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan on day twelve of the 2010 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Bryan/ Bryan defeated Bopanna/Qureshi 76(5), 7-6(4) for the championship

GOLDEN BOY: Olympic bronze medalist wrestler Sushil Kumar (R) poses with Indian Sports Minister M. S. Gill (L) in New Delhi on September 14. Sushil defeated Russian Gogaev to win the 66kg freestyle title in Moscow September 12 to become the first Indian to win a world wrestling championship gold medal

KRISHAN SHARMA India Post News Service

pioneer in advancing alternative energy sources, green development and low-carbon growth and expressed the willingness of U.S to work with India in finding a sustainable and a responsible way of fuelling the country's economic growth.

India and US have launched US - India Agriculture Dialogue to bring second Green Revolution in India and address the challenge of hunger and malnutrition, informed Mr. Hormats. He further added that the U.S wants to share its expertise and develop tools and resources that will benefit the "Aam Aadmi".

The U.S recognizes that a new economic geography has emerged in recent years and more nations are playing a more substantial role in the global economy who bring

NEW DELHI: The US is keen on investment of Indian companies as providers of capital, know how, American jobs, dynamic innovation and highly talented people, said Mr. Robert Hormats, Under Secretary for Economics, Energy and Agriculture Affairs, US Department of State now on a visit here.

He was speaking at an interactive session on 'Indo-US bilateral economic relationship in the context of changing Global economic architecture', jointly organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Aspen Institute India.

He also called upon the Government of India to open up FDI limits in India on sectors such as insurance and defense. "The government While welcoming Indian of India can help by reduc- investments in US, Mr. ing investment limits in areas such as infrastruc- Hormats expressed the ture, retail, defense and in- need to restart negotiations surance sectors," he said.

He declared that India on Bilateral Investment is a natural partner to US Treaty (BIT) between the two and the future of the two countries is intertwined. countries. ‘We welcome He underlined the impor- investment of Indian comtance of investment, enpanies in the U.S as providergy, agriculture and global economic cooperation ers of capital, know how, towards deepening the coAmerican jobs, dynamic operation between India innovation and highly and US. While welcoming In- talented people’ dian investments in US, Mr. Hormats expressed the need to restart negotiations new ideas, expertise and approach on Bilateral Investment Treaty to the international system, said (BIT) between the two countries. Mr. Hormats. "Now it is the G-20 "We welcome investment of In- which plays the major role and not dian companies in the U.S as pro- any G-8" or any other elite group, viders of capital, know how, he said.

Mr Hormats agreed that the US American jobs, dynamic innovation and highly talented people" was now in a slow and painful recovery with some moderate said Mr. Hormats.

He also called upon the Gov- progress.

Mr. Tarun Das, President, Asernment of India to open up FDI limits in India on sectors such as pen Institute India and Former insurance and defense. "The gov- Chief Mentor, CII who chaired the ernment of India can help by re- session shared his vision of a USducing investment limits in areas India relationship more significant such as infrastructure, retail, de- than ever in the past. He also talked about the scheduled visit fense and insurance sectors" He further added that in the of US President Barack Obama in coming months and years , the November as a major milestone, governments of India and US will which will take the bilateral relawork even closer to strengthen tionship between the two counthe bilateral economic relation- tries to the next level.

Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Direcship, which includes the re-launch of a high level investment focus tor General, CII reiterated the group under the U.S-India Trade hope of deeper ties between India and US, which will be Policy Forum in September 2010.

Mr. Hormats also talked about strengthened after President's the high potential of India to be a Obama's visit.-With CII inputs

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Indian American loses New York Indian filmmaker Vijay primary to veteran Democrat Kumar leaves US NEW YORK: Indian-American Democrat Reshma Saujani lost New York's Democratic Congressional primary to veteran Carolyn B Maloney after a keenly fought and sometimes vicious contest in which the two candidates took potshots at each other and exchanged a series of verbal

general election in November.

Saujani, a lawyer whose parents fled the oppressive regime of Idi Amin in Uganda to seek asylum in the US, raised more than USD 1.3 million in her bid to represent the 14th Congressional District, and she was Maloney's most serious opposition to date,

Reshma Saujani

punches.

Congress Representative Maloney has taken 81 per cent of the votes against her 34-year-old opponent, a former fundraiser for Hillary Clinton who represents New York in the US Senate.

Saujani might have garnered only 19 per cent of the votes, but many observers have described her as a "tough challenger" to Maloney who has never had serious competition earlier, and is expected to win a 10th term in the

The New York Times said.

"This was interesting, to say the least... I've never lost an election and I don't intend to start now," Maloney said.

Maloney had raised twice the amount, and was supported by the Democratic establishment, President Barack Obama and the state's two United States senators, NYT said.

"You are my luck, and I am nobody's congresswoman but yours," she said speaking to sup-

porters.

"I remain unbought and unbossed. It was an amazing win".

The election campaign was full of punch and saw the two women take potshots at each other.

Saujani reportedly referred to Maloney as a "reliable but mediocre Democrat" and, in a radio debate, also called her a liar.

The long-running political drama between the two rivals grabbed local headlines in the past few months.

"This political attack marks the height of hypocrisy: our opponent, a former hedge fund employee, is being bankrolled by the financial services industry while Maloney has a consistent record standing up to the special interests," Maloney's team had said in June.

Maloney, 64, will now face David R Brumberg, from the Republican side.

Saujani, who had been advised for a lower office, has indicated that she intends to run in the next election cycle.

"I have always said that the problem is that people feel like politicians lose and then they leave," Saujani said.

"I ran because I want to bring about change for my district so if we do not win, if we're not successful, that same commitment to change, creating jobs, fixing our schools, doesn't go away," she was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal. -PTI

HOUSTON: After over three weeks of ordeal, Indian documentary filmmaker Vijay Kumar, who was arrested in the US when brass knuckles and 'jihadi literature' were found in his baggage, has left the country on "voluntary departure".

Sources said Kumar, who is traveling to India via Canada, will soon reach his country.

He left Houston on "voluntary departure" late Monday night, they said.

Without confirming his Canada visit, Kumar's lawyer, Roger Jain told PTI that the filmmaker is out of Houston and the United States for now.

Kumar's departure marks an end to the tumultuous few weeks for him during which he was arrested and jailed for over 20 days.

Pradip Parekh, a spokesman for the Hindu Congress of America,

Kumar was convicted of illegally carrying brass knuckles in his checked-in airport baggage.

He pleaded "no contest" to a misdemeanor weapons charge in exchange for time served and so he could be returned to India soon.

Kumar was sentenced to 20 days in jail and given credit for time served.

The 40-year-old resident of Malad in Mumbai was detained at Houston airport security on August 20 after he was allegedly noticed acting suspiciously and Islamic "fundamentalist" literature was found in his carry-on bag.

He had been invited to Houston to participate in a Hindu organization's conference. The literature was said to be for use to educate the participants on the recruiting techniques of 'Jihadists'.

Vijay Kumar

Pradip Parekh, a spokesman for the Hindu Congress of America, which invited Kumar to the US, said Kumar wanted to go home and out of the country as soon as possible. ‘It's so outrageous, and hard to swallow that Indian government didn't do much to secure his freedom earlier, despite the fact that it promises in the Indian passport that it will take care of its citizens in any country’

EID PRAYERS: Indian Muslims offer Eid al Fitr prayers at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi on September 11. Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al Fitr which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, after the sighting of the new crescent moon

which invited Kumar to the US, said Kumar wanted to go home and out of the country as soon as possible.

"It's so outrageous, and hard to swallow that Indian government didn't do much to secure his freedom earlier, despite the fact that it promises in the Indian passport that it will take care of its citizens in any country," he said.

He hoped that appropriate action would be taken to ensure that such an event did not occur again with innocent Indian citizens in the future in any foreign land.

A search of Kumar's checkedin baggage also found brass knuckles, which are illegal in Texas.

Although the item can be carried in stowed luggage, according to the TSA, but it's against Texas state law to possess them.

That landed Kumar in county jail where his passport was taken from him, and in ICE detention for failure to have a passport.

After he made bail for the state charge on August 23, federal authorities revoked his visa and detained him, without bail. -PTI

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Israel honors Indian nanny with honorary citizenship JERUSALEM: Indian nanny Sandra Samuels, who risked her life to save an Israeli toddler Moshe Holtzberg from the clutches of terrorists during 26/ 11 Mumbai attacks, has been conferred with an honorary citizenship by the Israeli government for her act of bravery.

At an emotional ceremony at the Interior Ministry here, a visibly moved Samuel, who arrived in Israel after the Mumbai attacks to take care of the two year old Moshe Holtzberg whose parents had died in the attack, said, "I hope I will honor the citizenship and love Israel. I would give my life, heart and soul for Israel."

"I've been given love by all of Israel and I hope I will learn to love the country as much as I love Gabi and Rivki," Samuel said using the nicknames for Moshe's parents, Gavriel and Rivka.

Samuel, 45, a widow and a mother of two sons, was working for Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka, since their arrival here in 2003 and took care of Moshe since his birth.

On November 26, 2008, two terrorists entered the narrow

Moshe Holtzberg, an Israeli child whose parents were killed in the Mumbai, India, is held by his Indian nanny Sandra, who has followed him to Israel, during celebrations after Israeli Interior Minister Eli Yishai granted her Israeli citizenship, on September 13, in Jerusalem at the Ministry of Interior

lane where the Jewish centre Chabad House, also known as Nariman House, is situated in Colaba in south Mumbai, and the building turned in into a war-zone for the next three days.

Hearing the cries of baby Moshe, Sandra wrapped him in her arms and rescued him in a dramatic fashion along with handyman-cum-cook Qazi Zakir Hussain alias Jackie.

Obama plan to visit Golden Temple hailed India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of Sikh Council on Religion and Education, has expressed joy at the news about President Obama planning to visit the Golden Temple during his upcoming, November visit to India. The Golden Temple is the holiest and highest shrine and the center of Sikhism in Amritsar, Punjab.

Dr. Rajwant Singh had proposed this visit to the White House in order to send 'a good will gesture to all people of South Asia and also to send a signal of interfaith understanding.' He also had talks with SGPC , the governing body of the Golden Temple regarding this matter.

In a letter to the White House in past July, Dr. Singh had said, "[President Obama's visit] will be a wonderful gesture since it is a symbol of interfaith understanding. The foundation stone of the temple was laid by a Muslim saint and constructed by Hindus and Sikhs and visited by people of all faiths from all over the world.

Punjab shares 370 miles of border with Pakistan and it will be a pow-

Dr. Rajwant Singh with President Obama after the signing of Health Care legislation at the White House

erful message by the President to the entire South Asia."

Dr. Singh added, "President Obama's visit will hopefully begin an era of peace and harmony. It will show that President Obama has deep respect for Eastern faith traditions and their role in bringing people together. This shows America's respect for all faiths and traditions."

"Sikhs are grateful that President Obama has spoken about the

rights of all minorities, including Sikhs throughout his political career. He demonstrated his kindness by hosting an event marking the first ever celebration of the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Founder of Sikhism, at the White House.

We, as Sikhs, extend our help in achieving President Obama's goal of making America strong during this challenging time. We will continue to pray for his success as leader of this great nation."

Israel's Interior Minister Ellie Yishai described the life saving experience a truly "heart wrenching moment which still echoed in our hearts" offering Moshe a gift and candies.

"This is an important and moving moment and we should continue assisting Moishi and the family. Sandra, the nanny has taken Moishi at the hardest of times. It was a true heart-wrenching moment which echoed in our hearts. We want all the best for Moishi after the horrible experience he had," Yishai said.

Moshe's grandfather, Rabbi Shimon Rosenberg described Sandra a "righteous woman among nations", thanking Yishai for granting honorary citizenship to her.

"Sandra Samuel stepped into the fire and abyss and did not think of herself," Rosenberg said adding, "She saved Moishi from the fire and we as Jews must thank and respect her. It is also closure for Rivki and Gabi. I thank Minister Yishai for finding a special time to honor Sandra, a righteous woman among the nations."

Several people in Israel had approached the top political leadership requesting to confer honorary citizenship on Sandra to enable her to live in Israel as a mark of gratitude for her courage in saving a Jewish boy. -PTI

China hopes 'individual incidents' won't affect India ties BEIJING: China has said the India are neighbours and two recent Sino-India tensions over re- emerging powers. Strengthening ports of presence of Chinese cooperation and building mutual troops in PoK and denial of visa trust is beneficial to the two to an Indian General were caused peoples and also conducive for by "misunderstanding or miscom- world peace and development," munication" and hoped that "in- she said. dividual" incidents would not afActually China and India have fect overall bilateral ties. exchanges at all levels and all Both countries have exchanges fields, Jiang said. "Hope indion all levels and all fields, Foreign vidual incidents will not affect the Ministry spokesperson Jiang Yu overall interest of development of told a media briefing, when asked China-India relations," she said. whether the bilateral ties were back on track as two Indian Ministers Actually China and India -- Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal -- had a series of have exchanges at all levels meetings with their Chi- and all fields, Jiang said. nese counterparts and ‘Hope individual incidents will other officials here durnot affect the overall interest of ing the past few days.

"Some of the issues development of China-India you mentioned are due to misunderstanding or relations,’ she said miscommunication," the spokesperson said in response to a question about Road Transport and Highways tensions between the two coun- Minister Kamal Nath, who is here tries over reports of presence of on a visit, met a host of Chinese Chinese troops in Gilgit-Baltistan officials, heads of top investing area of PoK and denial of visa to firms as well as the highway conNorthern Area Commander Lt Gen structing companies canvassing B S Jaswal to take part in talks for active Chinese investment and here. participation in highway projects "From the Chinese point of all over India, including the borview we believe that China and der areas.-PTI

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Indian interns of Mountbatten Institute share experience India Post News Service

NEW YORK: In a uniquely interesting meet, the Indian Consulate in New York organized an interactive meeting with a group of Mountbatten Institute interns of Indian origin in New York, recently.

The Mountbatten Internship Program is unique, one year business management program offering a carefully designed training program that provides an opportunity to learn about American and International business techniques, and to experience the rich cultural diversity of America’s most cosmopolitan city, New York. Successful completion of the Program leads to a professional qualification in International Business Practice.

Since 1984, the Mountbatten Program has provided hundreds of college and university graduates with practical training in the highpowered business environment of New York City and has given them

all a chance to expand their horizons, perspectives, and friendships. The vast majority of interns come from Britain, with some from Europe, and Australia,

The Mountbatten Internship Program is unique, one year business management program offering a carefully designed training program that provides an opportunity to learn about American and International business techniques and a few from other parts of the world. All of the interns are recruited and interviewed either in

the UK, Australia, India or Thailand.

At the Consulate meet, welcoming the Mountbatten Institute officials and interns, Dr. A. M. Gondane, Deputy Consul General, mentioned the strong feelings of Mountbatten family for India. He spoke about the steady progress made since Independence and the strides made in the recent past in fields like IT, telecommunication, etc. He spoke of the focus of the Government on different areas especially infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, etc. and the various steps taken to promote investments and growth in these sectors. He encouraged the interns to share their expectations on India’s progress in the course of the next decade.

Sir Paul Beresford-Hill, Director General of the Mountbatten Institute thanked the Consulate and gave an overview of the origins of the Mountbatten Institute. He spoke about the interest in the pro-

fessional development of young graduates focusing on careers in international business. He said that the Mountbatten Institute provided opportunities for fresh

The vast majority of interns come from Britain, with some from Europe, and Australia, and a few from other parts of the world.

All of the interns are recruited and interviewed either in the UK, Australia, India or Thailand graduated from India, UK and the Commonwealth countries to build cultural and professional bridges

to develop their careers by providing them with international work placements combined with crosscultural training and education.

Tim Schantz, Director Mountbatten Institute – North America gave an overview of the one year work placement opportunities available to the interns with sponsor companies from different fields ranging from Finance to Law. The interns praised the Mountbatten Institute for providing them with an opportunity to work, study and live in New York.

They said that they gained from the valuable exposure to corporate America, the understanding of international business and challenges to develop skills and talents. The interns also shared their thoughts on their aspirations for India such as higher quality of life, better infrastructure, poverty eradication, boost in educational opportunities, lower unemployment, transparency in government operations, etc.

US compliments India on its women empowerment initiatives

Influencers present on Day 1 of Vital Voices of Asia Summit. US Ambassador Timothy Roemer is third from right

NEW DELHI: Complimenting India on its women empowerment initiatives, the US has said holding of some of the top positions including that of the President, Speaker of Lok Sabha and chief of Congress party by the fair sex reflects the importance the country attaches to the issue.

US Ambassador Timothy Roemer, addressing a conference of women delegates from 24 countries here, also hailed achievements of Indian women in diverse fields and said they have demonstrated their courage and skill both within the country and abroad.

"Today the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, the

leader of the Congress party and the leader of BJP in Lok Sabha are all women," he said speaking at Asia Women's Leadership Regional Summit that is being held to examine critical issues in role of women in economy, leadership and their human rights.

"India's women have demonstrated their courage and skill overseas. For example India was the very first country to send an all female police contingent ever to participate in a UN peace keeping mission in India," he said.

The ambassador also hailed Indira Gandhi as one of the first female Prime Ministers in the world who set examples for oth-

Addressing the inaugural session of the four-day Summit through a video conference, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called upon the delegates to strive hard in realizing the goals set at the UN's fourth world conference on women held in Beijing in 1995

ers to follow.

"India is rich and vibrant in talent and tradition for women knocking down barriers and ceasing opportunities to improve dreams for more of its citizens," he added.

Addressing the inaugural session of the four-day Summit through a video conference, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called upon the delegates to strive hard in realizing the goals set at the UN's fourth world conference on women held in Beijing in 1995. "..Join us in fulfilling the commitment we all made in Beijing 15 years ago to create a world in which women have equal opportunities to live and lead to the fullest of their god given potential," she said at the summit moderated

by CNN International anchor Zain

Verjee.

Noting that voices of women continued to be stifled around the world, Clinton asked women delegates to work hard in ensuring equal opportunities and address injustice to the fair sex.

Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao gave a brief account of initiatives being taken by the Government in removing disparities towards women.

The principle of gender equality is enshrined in our Constitution. We are making serious efforts to ensure equal participation of women in all the fields, she said.

"Gender budgeting is another stipulation in budget of all the ministries," Rao said, noting that "we have distances to cover." PTI

Alyse Nelson, President and CEO, Vital Voices Global Partnership with Kiran Bedi, India's first and highest ranking Woman Police Officer

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Photographers from India win UNDP recognition India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Prakash Hatvalne, a professional, freelance photographer from Madhya Pradesh, India has won the first prize in the anti-poverty themed photography contest conducted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Hatvalne's photograph featuring a boy on his way to school in India was selected in the professional category judged by UNDP goodwill ambassador and internationally acclaimed actor Antonio Banderas and four other photo journalists.

A photograph of female and male students in Pakistan working together on a circuit board in their engineering class, and fishermen in Viet Nam bringing in the day's catch were the two other winning photographs chosen in this category.

Hatvalne has been documenting the Bhopal gas tragedy since it happened, mostly for the Associated Press.

"By showing what people around the world are doing to eradicate extreme poverty in their communities, we see that the Millennium Development Goals are not just abstract targets, but are about making a tangible difference in people's lives," said Helen Clark, UNDP Administrator. "It is our hope that through showcasing these real and positive actions, more people will be motivated to contribute to this effort."

The second annual "Picture

Prakash Hatvalne

Hatvalne's photograph featuring a boy on his way to school in India was selected in the professional category judged by UNDP goodwill ambassador and internationally acclaimed actor Antonio Banderas and four other photo journalists This: We Can End Poverty" photo contest was organized earlier this year by the UNDP in partnership with Olympus Corporation and The Agence France-Presse (AFP) Foundation and aimed to profile people in both developing and developed countries contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

in their local communities.

The MDGs are eight internationally-agreed targets, which aim to reduce poverty, hunger, maternal and child deaths, disease, inadequate shelter, gender inequality and environmental degradation by 2015. The contest was designed to motivate people and governments to redouble their efforts in the fight against extreme poverty, in advance of the world leaders' summit to review MDG progress, to take place 20-22 September in New York.

"It is inspiring to see ordinary people doing something positive to achieve these Goals as they go about their daily lives - children and adults studying in complex environments, local organizations advocating for women's rights, powerful campaigns to improve people's health," said Antonio Banderas. "It is my hope that these actions develop into a wave that will influence the heads of state Summit next week in New York, to give us a meaningful outcome."

Nearly 1400 contestants submitted more than 3,000 photos in both the professional and amateur categories, and three top prizes were awarded in each of these categories. Additionally, the public voted online for a People's Choice award.

Piyal Adhikary is the other photographer from India whose photographs were chosen in the professional category. Among the Indian photographers who won in the amateur category are Partha Pratim Saha, Joydeep Mukherjee and Saikat Mukherjee.

College rejects lecturer's plea to take him back in service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ignoring public outcry, the management of a church-run college has rejected the plea of dismissed lecturer T J Joseph, whose hand was chopped off by radical activists, to reinstate him.

In his reply to Joseph's appeal, College Manager Fr Thomas Malekkudy made it clear that the lecturer's explanations were not convincing at all and any relaxation of disciplinary action would be based only on the court decision, church sources said.

The Newman college's tough position came after the Syndicate of Mahatma Gandhi University directed the college to reconsider the decision to sack Joseph as due procedures were not followed by college authorities.

The college held that Joseph, in his reply to letters sent by the college since the controversy broke out after he set a question paper with alleged derogatory reference to Prophet Mohammed, had never admitted he committed a serious mistake.

Instead, the management said, after the question paper sparked controversy and created social unrest, the lecturer had tried to shed personal responsibility and sought to put the blame on the college principal and the management.

"The serious mistake committed by Joseph was acknowledged by the government itself by charging a case against you," the letter to Joseph said.

Reacting to the Syndicate's

stand, the college authorities said they would respond to it after getting the order in writing.

Joseph was suspended from service in March last after the Malayalam question paper sparked an outcry from Muslim outfits.

Joseph was waylaid by a gang while he was returning from church at Muvvattupuzha on July 4 and his right hand chopped off.

Popular Front of India is suspected to be behind the attack on Joseph and several of its activists have been arrested.

The college's decision to sack Joseph had led to public outcry with several intellectuals, writers, activists and others rallying behind him and condemning his dismissal.-PTI

Farooq meets Sonia amid speculation NEW DELHI: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the ruling partners are understood to have discussed the situation arising out of continued unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.

Farooq, also the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, sped past waiting newsmen after the meeting at 10, Janpath.

The huddle came ahead of a meeting of the Congress Core Group, which is expected to take stock of the situation in the Valley.

It also came close on the heels of Rahul Gandhi scotching speculation about a political realignment in Jammu and Kashmir.

At a press conference in Kolkata, Rahul had said, "The government has supported Omar Abdullah. National Conference is the party in power. He is a youngster. Kashmir is a difficult place.

Omar is doing a tough job and he should be given time and support."

Rahul's remarks as well as Farooq's meeting with Gandhi assume significance in the midst of a reported meeting Mufti Mohammed Sayeed had with the Congress chief and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh earlier.

It had led to speculation that the two parties could revive their alliance to form a government in Kashmir. -PTI

India key to tiger conservation, says new study LONDON: India has been identified as the most important country for tiger conservation with 18 sites being identified as containing breeding populations of tigers with the potential to seed the recovery of tigers over a wider area in the future.

According to a study conducted by an international team of researchers, India has 18 of the 42 'source sites' which are the 'last hope' and therefore the main priority for the recovery of the world's largest cat.

T h e study published in journal PLoS Biology says that efforts to protect the wild tiger should be intensively focused on a few key sites such as the ones in India if conservationists are to have any chance of saving the wild cat from extinction.

It says that the cost of doing so would be relatively low, costing an estimated USD 35 million more than the current total being spent on tiger conservation per year.

Much of the rest of the cost is already covered by the provision of governments in the countries where tigers are most common, supplemented by a relatively modest contribution from international donors and non-govern-

mental organizations, the study says.

The researchers have revealed in the paper that most of the world's last remaining tigers are now clustered in just six per cent of their available habitat, which is about 1,00,000 square km.

The study has been conducted by a team of researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society, the University of Cambridge, the International Union for

the Conservation of Nature, Global Environment Facility, Panthera, World Bank, among others.

Co-author John Robinson from the Wildlife Conservation Society and Overseas Fellow at Churchill College, Cambridge, said: "The tiger is facing its last stand as a species. As dire as the situation is for tigers, conservationists know what it will take to save the tiger in the wild, and we are confident that the world community will come together to bring these iconic big cats back from the brink of extinction. -PTI

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Komodo Dragon hatchlings go on exhibit India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: On August 8, the first of 22 Komodos hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo. Over the course of the next 11 days, 21 additional Komodos hatched. Several of the young Komodos that hatched at the Zoo are currently exploring their newly renovated exhibit in the Winnick Family Children's Zoo. "These hatchlings are a landmark event for the L.A. Zoo," said Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians Ian Recchio. "We're excited to be able to display these young dragons and think Angelenos are equally excited to come and see them."

On January 22, 2010, Lima, the Zoo's female Komodo dragon, laid 23 eggs. Twenty-two of the 23 eggs hatched. Less than 10 zoos

in North America have been able to breed Komodos; this marks the L.A. Zoo's first success at breeding them.

Hatchlings are 14 to 20 inches long and weigh about three to four ounces. Komodos, the world's largest lizard, can grow to approximately nine feet, weighing up to 200 pounds or more. Because Komodos are cannibalistic, readily eating the young and eggs of their own species, hatchlings are on their own from the start. In the wild, just after hatching the young scurry up nearby trees to avoid being eaten by the adults. They remain in the trees, feeding on insects and small lizards, until they are too heavy to forage successfully up above.

Native to only a few islands in Indonesia, this dragon has the

Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) Trustee Betty White and Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians Ian Recchio pose with a Komodo dragon hatchling at the Los Angeles Zoo on September 14, prior to releasing the hatchlings into their newly renovated exhibit located in the Winnick Family Children's Zoo. Pic Tad Motoyama/Los Angeles Zoo

Ohio outsourcing ban won't impact Indo-US business ties: Envoy NEW DELHI: The US has sought to downplay the ban on outsourcing clamped by the government of its Ohio state, saying similar actions in the past have not affected Indo-US ties which have grown to a far greater level.

US ambassador to India Timothy Roemer said Ohio banning outsourcing of IT related work would not have any bearing on Indo-US business ties and asserted that the partnership between the countries was "indispensable".

"I would refer you to statements by Infosys and other Indian companies which recently had said about Ohio action ...that they had very little, if any, impact on US-Indian business," he told reporters here when asked to comment on the ban.

The ambassador said Indo-US relations have reached to a new

stage which now includes counter terrorism, green partnership, apart from trade and commerce.

"We are talking today about the indispensable partnership be-

We are making considerable progress. India has moved from 21st largest trading partner to the 14th largest trading partner (of US) over the last five or six years tween the United States and India. We are talking about global cooperation between the United States and India on terrorism, counter terrorism, on economics and commerce, on job creation in

both places, on green partnership and next green revolution.

"We are making considerable progress. India has moved from 21st largest trading partner to the 14th largest trading partner (of US) over the last five or six years. That is the real progress in this relationship," the envoy said.

Roemer said some similar actions from certain other states in the US -- passing resolutions banning outsourcing in 2005 -- also did not affect Indo-US relations.

Last month, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland of Democratic Party banned outsourcing arguing that this undermines economic development and has unacceptable business consequences for his state.

The move follows a controversial legislation that increased H-1B and L1 visa fees, hitting India's over USD 50 billion IT industry. -PTI

Obama looking forward to his India trip: US WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama is looking forward to his maiden trip to India in November, a senior administration official has said, describing the relationship between the two countries as "vitally important".

"The President looks forward to his trip to India," State Department spokesman, P J Crowley, told foreign journalists at the Washington Foreign Press Center.

"As we've said many times, it is a vitally important relationship to the region and to the world,"

Crowley said in response to a question.

"The world's oldest democracy and largest democracy should have constructive relations, and we do.

India, as an emerging global player, will be essential to solving challenges in the region, Afghanistan being one, and challenges globally, climate change, you know, being one," he said when asked about the agenda during the Obama trip to India.

A day earlier, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said

that US is laying the foundation for an indispensable partnership with India, and this effort would be bolstered by Obama's November visit.

"India, the world's largest democracy, has a very large convergence of fundamental values and a broad range of both national and regional interests, and we are laying the foundation for an indispensable partnership," Clinton said in her major foreign policy speech at the Council on Foreign Relations, a Washington-based think-tank.-PTI

smallest range of any of the world's large carnivores. The Komodo dragon is the major predator found on the islands and uses its excellent sense of smell to find prey. An opportunistic scavenger and predator, Komodos feed on snakes, lizards, eggs, carrion, and large mammals such as deer, wild pigs, horses and water buffalo.

Contrary to popular belief, Komodos don't produce toxic saliva. Their saliva picks up pathogenic bacteria (most commonly E. coli.) through their scavenging habits and re-infestation from carrion. They are rarely affected by these pathogens themselves because chemicals and proteins in their blood act as natural antibiotics. Komodos in zoos are fed cleaner food, which virtually eliminates these infectious pathogens.

'Otter days' at aquarium on Sept 25, 26 India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: California's iconic southern sea otters are among the most charismatic creatures in the wild. On September 25 and 26, the Monterey Bay Aquarium celebrates these engaging animals during "Otter Days," a weekend full of special events and activities that promises to be fun and educational for the whole family.

Visitors to "Otter Days" can

research and rescue equipment, and an opportunity to see where our staff cares for rescued otters.

In addition to these fun activities, visitors will learn about efforts to save California's threatened southern sea otter population by talking with staff from the aquarium's Sea Otter Research and Conservation program (SORAC) and members of the nonprofit organization, Defenders of Wildlife.

California sea otters easily cap-

connect with the aquarium's resident sea otters, play an animal training game, participate in an otter-themed game show, or volunteer to be "transformed" into a sea otter and learn everything an otter needs to survive in the ocean. With sustainable seafood cooking demonstrations, a family craft room, and live otter tracking on the aquarium's Great Tide Pool Deck, the weekend's activities appeal to otter fans of all ages.

New this year, and only for "Otter Days," is a special behindthe-scenes tour that's all about otters, including an exclusive visit to the aquarium's Animal Health Lab, hands-on experience with

ture human hearts with their cute countenance and energetic, entertaining behavior. But it's their threatened status in the wild and uncertain future that makes the story of sea otters' survival even more compelling. According to the U.S. Geological Survey the current 3-year running average for the population is approximately 2,711 animals; a loss of 3.6 percent since last year, and less than 20 percent of the historical estimate of 16,000 to 20,000 animals.

"Otter Days" is an opportunity to get closer to these incredible animals and learn what people can do to help them thrive in the wild.

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Don't push us too far on Kashmir, it's ours: Pak told US WASHINGTON: US had asked Pakistan in 2002 to end infiltration across the Line of Control in J and K but was instead told not to "push it too far" on the issue with an assertion that "Kashmir should have been ours", according to declassified documents.

This communication forms part of a meeting Richard Haass, the then Director of Policy Planning Staff at the US State Department, had with an unnamed Pakistani military official on October 31, 2002 to discuss US-Pak cooperation a year after the deadly 9/11 attacks in the US. "On Kashmir, Hass stressed the importance of ending infiltration, but the Pak official warned

the US not to push Pakistan too far on Kashmir," classified documents released here said.

According to the document, Hass told the top official that he was pleased about the (Indian) announcement of troop pullback from the border as de-escalation would free resources to be devoted to sealing the Afghan border and counter-terrorism.

"It appeared that India wanted to renew contacts but continued infiltration was a barrier to progress," Hass said.

"The US believed that infiltration was continuing.

Stopping it would help Pakistan's cause with the US and India.

Infiltration hurts Pakistan's friends efforts to help it," he said, according to the documents.

The Pak official agreed that

‘It appeared that India wanted to renew contacts but continued infiltration was a barrier to progress,’ Hass said Kashmir was the issue "bedeviling our relations". But Pakistan's Kashmir position was "based on justice", he argued.

Post 9/11: Pakistan wanted America to talk to Taliban

WASHINGTON: As the US prepared to invade Afghanistan in 2001 after 9/11 attacks, Pakistan's powerful ISI wanted America to enter into a dialogue with the Taliban, but the then Bush Administration "bluntly" told President Pervez Musharraf that it had no inclination to do so.

According to classified documents released by the National Security Archive of the George Washington University, two days after Al-Qaeda unleashed terror on the US, its envoy to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin "bluntly" told Musharraf on September 13, 2001 that there was "absolutely no inclination in Washington to enter into a dialogue with the Taliban, which controlled Afghanistan at that time.

"The time for dialogue was finished as of September 11," he told Musharraf, the documents said. However, Pakistan, as the Taliban's primary sponsor, disagreed.

The documents also say Musharraf, who was facing the

US heat because of his support to the Taliban regime, accepted "unconditionally" in 24 hours all seven demands made by the US

The then ISI chief Mahmoud Ahmad also told the then US Ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin ‘not to act in anger.’ ‘Real victory will come in negotiations...If the Taliban are eliminated...Afghanistan will revert to warlordism,’ the documents quoted Ahmad as saying like stopping the Al-Qaeda at the border, provide the US with blanket landing rights to conduct operations and territorial and naval access and help in "destroying Osama Bin Laden".

However, events thereafter, showed that such an acceptance was just a "tactical move" by Musharraf for all practical purposes there was not much change in the polices of his government, the documents say.

The then ISI chief Mahmoud Ahmad also told the then US Ambassador to Pakistan Wendy Chamberlin "not to act in anger."

"Real victory will come in negotiations...If the Taliban are eliminated...Afghanistan will revert to warlordism," the documents quoted Ahmad as saying.

The then ISI chief wanted the US to give Pakistan some time as he was headed for another trip to Afghanistan on September 25, 2001 to meet the top Taliban leadership in this regard, said the classified cable dated September 23, 2001.

ISI chief Ahmad returned to Afghanistan to make a lastminute plea to the Taliban.

General Ahmad told Wendy Chamberlin "his mission was taking place in parallel with US Pakistani military planning" and that in his estimation, "a negotiated solution would be preferable to military action."

"I implore you," Ahmad told the Ambassador, "not to act in anger. Real victory will come in negotiations..." "(Taliban leader Mullah) Omar himself," he said, "is frightened.

That much was clear in his last meeting."

The ISI chief told the Ambassador that America's strategic objectives of getting Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda would best be accomplished by coercing the Taliban to do it themselves. -PTI

"Kashmir should have been ours. The Pakistani people would not agree to make the LOC (Line of Control) the international border. Kashmir had cost Musharraf a lot, as had his decision to help the CT coalition.

"Musharraf's detractors had hit him on both Kashmir and Afghanistan. India had tried to exploit the political atmosphere after 9/11," the Pak official said.

"Hass relied that he perceived an opportunity to improve the situation in and surrounding Kashmir. India seemed to realize that lack of political and economic opportunity and abuse of human rights created support for insurgency and a better context for di-

plomacy was now being created.

"Haas said that both improved governance and diplomacy were key to moving forward on Kashmir," the documents said.

At the same meeting, Pakistan pleaded with the US to provide it with an aerial surveillance capability.

Pakistan would have no objection to the same capability being provided to India, the Pakistani official said and proposed that it might be an excellent confidence building measure, as if the two sides could see what happening across the border to reduce the possibility of misconstruing what the other side was doing, the documents said. -PTI

'US should invest to create jobs, not take regressive steps' BANGALORE: Describing US "protectionist" moves as a "disturbing trend", apex IT industry body NASSCOM has said it hoped that America will make more investments to create jobs, instead of taking such "regressive" actions.

"I hope the US makes more positive investments to create jobs and to become competitive, rather than taking any regressive action which seems negative and will lead to protectionist measures around the world," NASSCOM Chairman Som Mittal said.

The state of Ohio in the US recently banned outsourcing by government departments to offshore locations like India.

The move came shortly after the US enacted a controversial legislation that proposed to strengthen security along its border with Mexico by increasing H-

1B and L1 visa fees, which are highly sought after by Indian IT professionals.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the NASSCOM Infrastructure Management Services Summit 2010 here, Mittal said the industry expects to hear more noise on the issue in view of the forthcoming elections to the US Senate and House of Representatives, but "we do not know in what form or shape it would be".

It was also not necessary that it would all be targeted at India, he added.

On the issue of flexible work permits and single visas for European Union countries, which the Indian IT industry has been clamoring for, he said NASSCOM had been working with the EU for last two years. It has produced a white paper, which has been accepted, he said. -PTI

'Work harder to beat the Bangalore challenge' WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has exhorted American students to toil harder at school, saying their success would determine the country's leadership in a world where children in Bangalore and Beijing were raring to race ahead.

Obama has repeatedly said that American schools would have to ensure that they continue producing leagues of top professionals, so that the American hegemony in human resource continues in this century.

"At a time when other countries are competing with us like never before, when students around the

world in Beijing, China, or Bangalore, India, are working harder than ever, and doing better than ever, your success in school is not just going to determine your success, it's going to determine America's success in the 21st century," Obama said.

"The farther you go in school, the farther you're going to go in life," he told students at a school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Last year, while announcing an end of tax incentives to US companies which created jobs overseas, Obama had launched the 'Say no to Bangalore and yes to Buffalo,' slogan. -PTI

Desi News Town Hall meet marks Sikh Awareness month India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Members and volunteers of the Sikh advocacy group United Sikhs in North Carolina recently started a community partnership and Sikh Awareness campaign to form meaningful alliances with local NGOs and government institutions with an aim to increase awareness about Sikhs in general.

Details on page 15

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

13 India Post

www.indiapost.com

Vibrant Gujarat team honored in Beverly Hills

September 24, 2010

Details on page 20

IADO annual meet a big success even without Pelosi ASIAN MEDIA USA

TANA gives backpaks to school children in Dallas India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: "Give back to the community we live in by serving the needy" was the theme of the multiple annual backpack giveaway events organized at the Central Jr. High School, Euless TX and at the Medrano Elementary School, Dallas recently by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA).

This program was co-sponsored by the Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX).

At these backpack distribution centers several needy students lined up to collect their high quality backpacks.

Details on page 16

Interfaith prayer for world peace in Nevada India Post News Service

NEVADA: Various religious leaders prayed for world peace as the sun was rising behind hills at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary in Reno (Nevada, USA) on September 12 morning.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited hymns from ancient Hindu scriptures Rig-Veda, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita at this peace service, urging the almighty to "lead us from darkness to light", suggesting attendees to "act selflessly" and stressing "unity and concord".

Details on page 19

CHICAGO: Over 650 members of Indian community, prominent mainstream Democrats, invited guests and associates came together to celebrate the Indian American Democratic Organization's (IADO) 31 years of political advocacy and empower-

The politically star studded evening began with Northwestern University's highly acclaimed cappella group - Brown Sugar singing the Indian and American national anthems ment. This annual event took place at the exquisite Holiday Inn in Skokie, a north side Chicago suburb.

The politically star studded evening began with Northwestern

Re. Danny Davis presented with recognition plaque by Ranjit Ganguly. Looking on is IADO President Dr. Ram Gajjela

University's highly acclaimed cappella group - Brown Sugar singing the Indian and American national anthems.

IADO President Ram Gajjela

welcomed everyone and thanked guests for their immense support over the years. Dr. Gajjela has been involved with IADO for over a decade and has served as presi-

dent of the prestigious organization for six years.

He expressed huge satisfaction that the political officials in attendance included Governor Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Congressman Danny Davis, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, Alderman Ed Smith, Alderman Bernard Stone, State Representative Robyn Gabel and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Du Page Robert Pickett. The only fly in the ointment was the absence of Speaker Nancy Pelosi who could not make it to the event because of other engagements.

Cont’d on page 14

Gov Pat Quinn addressing IADO Meet

Cong Woman Jan Schaokwaski addressing IADO gathering

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Community Across America

India Post

September 24, 2010

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Trivedi Effect -Blend of science & faith AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: "Faith Healing" is an age-old practice in human history since the days of Jesus Christ.

Mahendra Trivedi, called "Guruji" by his followers, has blended 'faith healing' with a scientific approach and developed it as "Trivedi effect" - the ability to transform both

concept behind "Trivedi Effect" before a large gathering comprising Chicago Indian community and whites from mainstream American society. The event was packed to capacity and many distinguished community members were among the guests. Wellknown physician Dr Mehboob Kapadia coordinated with Northbrook based Trivedi Foun-

‘Through energy transmissions, I am able to alter the information in the atom," said Trivedi. "I transmit unique energy into both living organism and non-living materials at the atomic level’ living organism and non-living materials for beneficial uses for the mankind.

The application is nicknamed as "blessing" for welfare purposes. In a live presentation at Holiday Inn Skokie, Guruji Mahendra Trivedi explained the

dation to host the event. Dr Kapadia introduced the mystic Guruji and said that he sent some of his chronic patients to try the Trivedi Effect and they were benefited.

Mahendra Trivedi has the ability to use 'thoughts' to bring about

Guruji Mahendra Trivedi with Dr. Mahaboob Kapadia

change in all biological systems: from plants to seeds to genes to human organs. "Through energy transmissions, I am able to alter the information in the atom," said Trivedi. "I transmit unique energy into both living organism and non-living materials at the atomic level". The Trivedi Effect is a phenomenon of unique energy trans-

mission that, according to more than 4,000 well-documented scientific studies, has the ability to profoundly affect matter - and unlimited potential to impact human wellness.

For more than a decade now, Trivedi - a mechanical engineer by profession -has devoted his life to harnessing the powers of this gift

and using it in a wide range of beneficial ways. His scientific way of transferring 'thoughts' as energy aims for human wellness, his "blessing" has benefited many in same way as faith healing would does. However, Trivedi has the scientific approach for delivering his mystic ability to public. Members from the audience were invited to avail the "blessing' of Trivedi effect. For delivering his mystic Trivedi effect, he acts as a conduit between the Divine Energy he transmits to the person seeking his blessing. He calls his own role in a scientific terminology as "jumper cable' connecting the Divine Energy to blessed person.

Mahendra Trivedi has established Trivedi Foundation at 4158 Cardinal Court Northbrook, Illinois. He is working with scientific community at major universities and research centers throughout the world for further evolution of Trivedi Effects.

IADO annual meet a big success even without Pelosi Cont’d from page 13

The Masters of Ceremonies for the night were Vice President Dr. Ashish Sen and Deepthi Gajjela, a seventh grade student at Lakeview Junior High in Darian, IL. Keynote speaker, Gov Quinn commended IADO for their political activism in the community. He touched upon issues of investing in education, supporting immigration, the preposterousness of privatizing social security and the vital necessity of healthcare reform. He talked about the importance of remembering the events of 9/11 and how "demonizing a religion is un-American". In respects to the upcoming elections in November, he mentioned that, "the highest act of a citizen in de-

Illinoisans want to keep the Democrats in power.

Congresswoman Schakowsky, in a vibrant blue Indian suit, talked about how getting individuals to the polls is "nitty and gritty and far from glamorous". She added, "It is a grassroots movement that requires going door-to-door, talking to neighbors, phoning community members and more".

Rep. Danny Davis reflected on the humble beginnings of IADO and its great sense of hope and enthusiasm. He said, "It has been great to watch its growth and how the group's influence grows with the passing of each day".

Ald Stone encouraged individuals to vote and have others vote by "getting out and working, working, and working if they

IADO President being greeted by Gov Pat Quinn. Ms Hema Gajjela is on left

present at the dinner including Greg Brownfield of the 55th District, Michelle Mussman of the 56th District, Corrine Pierog of the 28th District, Comptroller Candi-

Dupage County attending the banquet. Former Deputy Treasurer Raja Krishnamoorthi was also present and gave an ener-

getic speech.

IADO awarded appreciation plaques to the outstanding individuals that contributed to the organization's mission and the community's well being. This included founding member Ranjit Ganguly, Hina Trivedi, Philip Kalayil and Dr Bapu Arekapudi.

Senate Candidate Alexi Giannoulias was given Honorary Membership of the organization.

An extraordinary performance

by UIC's Bhangra group, consisting of Aveg Gupta, Nakul Gulati, Amrita Randhawa and Harleen Saini captivated the audience.

Organizers and especially, IADO Chief Dr. Ram Gajjela, were very happy with the turnout and the immense success of the evening.

CRY Walk for children's rights An extraordinary performance by UIC's Bhangra group, consisting of Aveg Gupta, Nakul Gulati, Amrita Randhawa and Harleen Saini captivated the audience IADO guests and members sing National Anthems. (Pics Asian Media USA)

mocracy is voting". He was loudly cheered when he said, "democracy is not a spectator sport but is a contact sport". He urged guests not to agonize but to organize if

truly want a democracy." Elected officials, speakers, IADO members and candidates stressed this notion throughout the night.

There were many candidates

date David Miller, U.S. and many more. Senate Candidate Alexi Giannoulias could not make it and he apologized for that. There were especially many candidates of the

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Hundreds of people are expected to participate in CRY Walk 2010 and walk in support of children's rights, in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia on Sept 18 and 19. CRYWalk for Child Rights is an initiative organized annually by the non-profit Child Rights and You America Inc. (CRYAmerica) as a means to raise awareness and funds in support of underprivileged children, especially in India.

CRY Walk for Child Rights, in its seventh year is being organized by 20 Volunteer Chapters of CRY America. The event was launched on June 5 at Hartford, CT and will cover a total of 20 cities this year.

The CRY Walk in New York is

being organized on Sept 18 at the Riverside Park in Manhattan. The Philadelphia CRY Walk is also on Sept 18 at the Philadelphia Zoo (Peacock Pavilion). The Chicago CRY Walk is on Sept 19 at the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve in Naperville.

The CRY Walk event includes a 5k competitive Run in New York for sports enthusiasts; a non competitive 5k walk for families in all three cities; and snacks and drinks for all participants. All participants will also receive a CRY T-shirt and certificate. Participants are encouraged to register in teams of 10 and each team's logo will be printed on the CRY Walk T-shirts.

Sponsors for CRY Walk 2010 include Zee TV, Moneygram, OfficeMax, CyberKorp.

September 24, 2010

Community Across America

India Post 15

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Town Hall meetings mark Sikh Awareness month India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Members and volunteers of the Sikh advocacy group United Sikhs in North Carolina recently started a community partnership and Sikh Awareness campaign to form meaningful alliances with local NGOs and government institutions with an aim to increase awareness about Sikhs in general, who are often targets of school bullying, racial profiling, employment discrimination and hate crimes because of their distinct external identity.

As part of the campaign, representatives from North Carolina and South Carolina, comprising Amandeep Singh, Amardeep Singh and Pawanjit Singh, met with Dr. Peter Gorman, Superintendent of Charlotte Mecklenburg School (CMS). The discussion during the meeting focused on several opportunities of collaboration with CMS including ways to increase awareness about Sikhs, diversity training for teachers, and effectively manage school

bullying, amongst other aspects.

Dr. Gorman encouraged subsequent follow-up meetings and has also offered to include resources geared toward diversity education.

Excited about the prospect of

The discussion during the meeting focused on several opportunities of collaboration with CMS including ways to increase awareness about Sikhs, diversity training for teachers, and effectively manage school bullying future opportunities to collaborate, Amardeep Singh says, "Both the Sheriff and the CMS supervisor were welcoming, and invited us for follow-up conversations on issues that Sikh community faces.

They were willing to partner with community on educating about Sikh identity in schools and communities here in CharlotteMecklenburg area."

Members also met with Mecklenburg County Sheriff, Chipp Bailey to discuss concerns of the Sikh community in relation to law enforcement. Specific instances were highlighted where Sikhs were not allowed inside courtrooms because of their turbans, and these included a case in Mecklenburg County.

Sheriff Bailey was excited about conducting community outreach projects and diversity trainings for local law enforcement officers.

Earlier this month, the organization's representatives Pushpinder Singh and Pawanjit Singh also met with Nancy Carter, City Council member; Alina MacNichol, Executive Director of Charlotte International Cabinet and Eric Law of International House. These discussions centered on ways to collaborate for several community resources.

Dussehra festivities kicked off at Consulate

Children perform the Ramlila at the Dussehra kick off event at the Consulate in New York India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The 12th annual grand Dussehra festival celebrations were kicked off at an event organized in association with the Indian Consulate this year.

The Indo-American Festivals, organizer of the annual Dussehra Mela and Ramlila in Edison, New Jersey, marked the beginning of the festivities at the Consulate in New York on Sept 7.

The function began with the lighting of the lamp by Consul General Prabhu Dayal and other representatives of the Indian community. Ambassador Dayal high-

lighted the importance of this festival and lauded the efforts of the Indo-American Festival, Inc. in organizing the Dussehra Mela and Ramlila for several years. He also quoted verses of Ramayan and their continued relevance to modern world.

Mangal Gupta, Founder and Chairman of the Indo-American Festivals, Inc. talked about the successful celebrations of Dussehra in previous years and said that they were making sincere efforts to get a ground allocated for the Ramlila in the city of Edison.

The Mayor of Edison, Antonia

Ricigliano, who graced the event emphasized that the concept "Victory of Good over Evil" underlying this festival is ever relevant for all the nations of the world.

The Dussehra festival celebrations were launched by Mangal Gupta 12 years ago and the event has since grown in scale, the burning of 25-ft effigies of Ravan, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran becoming the highlight of the event at Lake Pappiani Park in Edison, NJ. The celebrations also include fireworks, fair, food, kids games, cultural programs and free health check ups.

Eid Milan party brings all faiths together

Eid Milan party in Chicago. L to R Iftekhar Shareef, Ald Bernie Stone and Syed Minhaj

AQ SIDDIQUI India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Sunday evening at Northshore Banquet on Devon attracted large number of diverse ethnic community members to celebrate the Eid festival.

The event was organized just a day after Eid was celebrated in Chicago on Friday.

The alderman of 50th ward Bernie Stone was invited as the chief guest and this enhanced the spirit of celebration. Iftekhar Shareef, Tariq Siddiqui and Syed Minhaj organized the event. Modern melody nightingale Vijaya Lakshmi was invited from Hyderabad for the event. She sang popular Bollywood numbers for the audience. Spicy treats were served courtesy Data Darbar, Sesh Mahal Dhaba and Parwaz restaurant.

Bernie Stone congratulated all and said Eid Mubarak. He reminded that it was a significant year as the Eid coincided with Jewish New Year celebration. Alderman also condemned the pastor who claimed to be a 'man of God' and announced to burn the book of God. Alderman said that the incident has been condemned by and large by all Americans. The City of Chicago Council also met

and condemned it by passing a resolution with zero opposition.

"We do not preach hatred in United States", he said and the audience applauded him.

Iftekhar Shareef thanked all for joining the Eid celebrations. In his brief address, Shareef said Muslims all over the world have shown great restraint against the unfortunate attempt for Quran burning. But why the national media has created publicity hype for an irresponsible person. He observed that Quran is a word of God and God himself has declared that he will safeguard it forever. If someone burns 300 copies, 30,000 copies are distributed.

Moreover, he reminded Quran is memorized by heart by thousands of Muslims all over the world. And that is the way Quran is protected forever by God. FIA president Sunny Ghabawala, vice president Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, Trustee Babu Patel and Usha Kamaria were among the guests.

Madhu Reddy, President Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago and former president of American Telugu Association (ATA) was also invited as the guest of honor for the event. He congratulated all for Eid celebrations and wished peace for all. Keerthi Kumar was invited as a Christian representative.

Community Across America TANA gives backpaks to Gayatri Mahayagya at St Thomas school children in Dallas Virgin Island

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September 24, 2010

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SURESH SHAH

CHICAGO: A group of Gayatri devotees led by Kusum Patel paid a visit to St. Thomas Virgin Island during the three days Labor Day weekend and chanted Gayatri

TANA officials with school children who got backpacks from the organization India Post News Service

DALLAS, TX: "Give back to the community we live in by serving the needy" was the theme of the multiple annual backpack giveaway events organized at the Central Jr. High School, Euless TX and at the Medrano Elementary School, Dallas recently by the Telugu Association of North America (TANA).

The second phase of the backpack distribution took place at the Medrano Elementary School where members of the TANA and TANTEX assembled along with over 200 needy children who are in need of the supplies in time for the new school year This program was co-sponsored by the Telugu Association of North Texas (TANTEX).

At these backpack distribution centers several needy students lined up to collect their high quality backpacks. The students and parents thanked TANA and TANTEX for their generous charitable contribution.

Prasad Thotakura, Executive Vice President of TANA explained the organization's history in serving various communities across the North America in general and DFW area in particular and reiterated TANA's commitment to serve the community with result oriented programs. Chandra Kanneganti, President of TANTEX encouraged all members of the organization to come forward and take part in this great.

Dr. Gene Buinger, HEB School District Superintendent said "TANA and TANTEX backpack program made this new school year easier for over 200 kids and we thank them for their generosity year after year."

The second phase of the backpack distribution took place at the Medrano Elementary School where members of the TANA and TANTEX assembled along with over 200 needy children who are in need of the supplies in time for the new school year. This program was presided over by Pauline Medrano, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem of City of Dallas. Medrano, the school principal and staff of the school thanked both TANA and TANTEX for giving back to the community and hoped that many organizations would take part in the future as the need is growing.

TANA officials Prasad Thotakura, Ram Yalamanchili, Rajesh Veerapaneni, Manjula Kanneganti and TANTEX officials Chandra Kanneganti, Narasimha Reddy Urimindi, Subbu Jonnalagadda, HEB officials Dr. Buinger, Melody and Joyce participated in the event.

In 1997 there was no Matajee satsang at St Thomas but lately there has been regular Matajee satsangs every Tuesday at Shobha Khemani's residence which happens to be the office of Global Gayatri Pariwar, St. Thomas. Mata Durga's murti is installed there Mantra with local groups besides conducting Satsang (religious meets). This was at the invitation of local Gayatri center St. Thomas Gayatri Pariwar to organize Gayatri Mahayagya at its Culture center.

The local group led by Bharati

Gayatri Mahayagya being performed at St Thomas

Shah, Vipin Shah, Aparna Nagpal, Jai and Romu Totwani arranged Kusum Patel program at different places yagya and Dev Sthapna.

On September 4, she performed Gayatri yagya at Plantation Manor. On September 5 at 7am there was a continuous chanting Gayatri and Mahamrutyunjay mantra at Culture center. From 7pm to 10pm there was a Gayatri Mahayagya. More than 200 devotees got chance to offer aahuti in Gayati yagya. Aparna Nagpal and Jai Totwani family were main yajmans for the Gayatri

Mahayagya. They took a vow to perform monthly Gayatri satsang.

Many worked hard to make this program success.

In 1997 there was no Matajee satsang at St Thomas but lately there has been regular Matajee satsangs every Tuesday at Shobha Khemani's residence which happens to be the office of Global Gayatri Pariwar, St. Thomas. Mata Durga's murti is installed there. Devotees also chant Gayatri mantra regularly. Many have turned vegetarians besides getting rid of alcohol.

Annual Health Fair at Midwest Temple ARVIND THAKKAR

volunteer doctors and 70 health care professionals will provide their volunteer services for the event. Patients requiring blood testing are required to be fasting for 12 hours before the test.

Any medical problems de-

The fair is open to all in need of medical checkup and no pre-registration is required. RegistraFile picture from previous Health fair

ITASCA: A free Health Fair has been arranged at Midwest Swaminarayan Temple on Sunday, September 26 between 8:15 am and 1 pm. This is one of the temple's regular annual programs. Along with Midwest Swaminarayan Temple, other institutions including Lohana Association of Greater Chicago, Gujarati Samaj of Chicago and Kadva Patidar Samaj of Chicago are also sponsoring this event.

The fair is open to all in need of medical checkup and no pre-registration is required. Registration will start at the temple at 8 am and close at 11 am.

The check up will include testing of Blood Pressure, Blood Testing, Blood Sugar, EKG, Urinalysis, Eye Screening, Bone Density, ENT exam, Chiropractic Consultation, Physical Therapy, Dental Examination Hearing Test and Physical Examination. Approximately 30

tion will start at the temple at 8 am and close at 11 am tected during the Health Fair can be further treated at the monthly clinic at the temple once a month.

This is again a free service provided by the temple management and includes doctors' check up, laboratory testing and medicines on a regular basis.

September 24, 2010

Community Across America

India Post 17

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Future of Sikh-Dalit relations discussed THAKAR BASATI

CHICAGO: With co-operation and support from Asian American Seniors Association (ASSA) and Akal Foundation, Institute for Conflict and Peace Studies (IFCAP) organized a very well attended function in Palatine village library. The function was dedicated to the sacred memory of Giani Ditt Singh.

Subject of discussion and reflection was - Future of Sikh-Dalit Relationship. The discussion lasted for almost four hours. During the discussion Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev, Sh. Ram Lal, Dr. Baldev Singh, Dr. Swaranjeet Singh and Prof. Kulwant Singh Hundal expressed their views on the subject.

President of IFCAPS S. Sadhu Singh Rikhiraj welcomed the chief guest and inaugurated the discussion. He said Giani Dit Singh was great social reformer with keen intellect who used his mighty pen to re-establish and highlight the unique heritage of Sikhism. Today, once again we eagerly await those mighty minds that dedicated themselves to the Panth rather than to narrow selfish business interests and pursuits.

Executive Director of IFCAPS Dr. Swaranjeet Singh said, "the holy hymn of Guru Nanak that states - neechaa andar neech jaat neechee hoo at neech. naanak tin kai sang saath vadi-aa si-o ki-aa rees. jithai neech samaalee-an tithai nadar tayree baksheesh - is a testimony that faithful

Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev

Dr. Swaranjeet Singh

Prof. Kulwant Singh Hundal

Sikhs consider themselves lowly of the low.

Dr. Ambedkar was a man of very keen intellect and wisdom. If only he had paid no heed to the disappointing responses and comments of the so-called Sikh leaders of the times and had claimed the unique uplifting and emancipating heritage of Sikhism, the Dalits would not be as miserable as they are. The crying need is that the Dalits should make an all out democratic effort to bring about a constructive democratic political alternative and also claim their spiritual heritage following in the footsteps of Giani Dit Singh" In his long discourse on Dalit-Sikh relations Prof. Jaginder Singh Ramdev, pointed

out the glorious contribution of the Dalits in Sikh struggles for social justice, equality and religious freedom. He lamented that today Sikhism has lost its spiritual strength and glory for want of sincere will and faithful devotion in day to day life. This could have serious repercussions in the days ahead. He emphasized wisdom, tolerance and civilized dialogue should have precedence over prejudice and raw emotions.

Executive secretary of IFCAPS Prof.

Kulwant Singh pointed out that current misunderstanding and friction amongst the Sikhs and the Dalits does not bode well for both. Unfriendly forces are out there to add fuel to the fire. Both must be aware of this

danger.

Those who passionately participated in this spirited discussion included S. Gaurav Singh, Harvind Kaur Singh, S. Harmmet Singh, Bibi Ginni Kaur, Bhai Mohinder Singh, S. Surinderpal Singh Kalra, S. Thakur Singh Basati, Inderjit Singh Mukker and Shri Ram Lal. Shri Ram Lal appreciated IFCAPS initiative in highlighting the painful problem and seeking its solution through dialogue and discussion. He lamented that SGPC has no program to uplift the Dalits and assimilate them into the benevolent embrace of Sikhism. This is what leads Dalits to the deras for fulfillment of their material and spiritual needs.

Bank of India celebrates Foundation Day

Do You Ride AC Transit?

Paper Tickets Are Going Away.

Clipper Is Now the Way to Pay. For a limited time, get a free* Clipper card!

Officials of Bank of India at the bank's Foundation Day celebrations at the Indian Consulate in NY India Post News Service

The exhibition featured works by Manav Gupta, a prominent painter, poet and perNEW YORK: Bank of India, one of India's formance artist from India - named one of premier nationalized banks, commemorated the ten leading contemporary artists of Inthe 105th anniversary of the bank's founda- dia by the Financial Times - whose signature creations includes a 5000-square feet mural for the 6-storeyed Airtel building in India by involving Airtel employees.

On the occasion, Narendra Prasad, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of India in New York highlighted the importance of the day for the Bank and gave a brief outline of the Bank's growth trajectory in India and abroad.

Dr. A.M. Gondane, Deputy Consul General felicitated the Bank on achieving this significant milestone and expressed satisfaction at the growth of Artist Manav Gupta with one of his exhibits at the Indian banks and their performance BOI Foundation Day event. in the international market.

The event was attended by employees tion day with a traveling exhibition of paintings at the Indian Consulate in New York of Bank of India and prominent members of the community. on Sept 9.

Local Adult 10-Ride and 31-Day tickets will be eliminated.

You’ll need to use a Clipper card, or pay cash, to board.

10-Ride Youth/Senior/Disabled paper tickets will be eliminated.

You’ll need to pay with either a free Clipper Youth card or a Clipper-enabled Regional Transit Connection (RTC) card* for Senior and Disabled passengers.

Or pay with cash.

October 31: Last day to buy these tickets.

December 31: Last day they will be accepted on the bus.

Clipper is the region’s all-in-one reloadable transit card that manages your passes, cash fares and transfers so you don’t have to. It automatically deducts the right fare.

Starting in October, you can exchange unused paper tickets for the same value on a Clipper card.

For details about this change, and to learn how to get a Clipper card and load value on it, visit www.actransit.org or call 511 and say, “AC Transit” (English only). Or call 510-891-7293 to request a brochure in English, Spanish, and Chinese. *RTC cards are $3. Clipper is the new name for TransLink.

18

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September 24, 2010

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Rubin Museum will transform into 'peace lab' on Oct 2

Konkani Christians celebrate Monthi fest STANY G D'SOUZA

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The New York based Rubin Museum of Art (RMA) will transform into a "peace lab" on Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on October 2 to commemorate International Day of Non-Violence.

According to RMA, a "peace lab" is a place that offers opportunities for observation, practice, and experimentation with actions

Rubin Museum of Art New York

and ideas of peace. RMA's peace lab will feature art, crafts, tours, live music, and more ways to experiment with the ways our bodies see, feel, smell, hear, and taste peace in the world around us.

According to Indian Americans, Mahatma Gandhi is being rediscovered in the world and many people globally revere him as one of the greatest moral, political, and peace leaders of the

20th century. Although Mahatma never set foot on America, yet he was on Time magazine covers in 1930, 1931, and 1947; Time Person of the Year in 1930; and was runner-up for Time Person of the Century.

RMA has urged the public to help celebrate the International Day of Non-Violence by creating a personal "Peace Flag" representing "satyagraha" (non-violent resistance), which will be joined with others from around the globe and hung at the Museum on October two. Use words or pictures and medium you like (ink, paint, thread, etc.) on a 1' x 1' square of fabric (or paper) to create this Flag, it points out.

Applauding RMA for celebrating Gandhi and his ideals, Rajan Zed, Chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, in a statement in Nevada (USA), urged major art museums of the world, including Musee du Louvre and Musee d'Orsay of Paris, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Los Angeles Getty Center, Uffizi Gallery of Florence (Italy), Art Institute of Chicago, Tate Modern of London, Prado Museum of Madrid, National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, etc., to frequently organize exhibitions focusing on Mahatma Gandhi and his works, thus sharing his ideals with the rest of the world.

More or less same sentiment is being shared by prominent Indian Americans here including Madhu Patel, Nand Kapur, Sohan

Joshi, Iftekhar Shareef and Harendra Mangrola who would very much want even Chicago Museum of Science and Industry or Field Museum pick up a similar theme and conduct exhibitions.

Prof Ghanshyam Pandey, a Trustee and former chairman of Associations of Indians in America, said that his organization has been celebrating Gandhi

RMA is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions.

It has over 2,000 works of art including Himalayan paintings, sculpture Jayanti every year and that this year it would to so in a unique way organizing Youth Talent competition.

RMA is home to a comprehensive collection of art from the Himalayas and surrounding regions. It has over 2,000 works of art including Himalayan paintings, sculpture, textiles, ritual objects, and prints, starting from second century, and draws over 100,000 visitors a year. Donald Rubin is the CEO.

Konkani Christians celebrating Monthi fest in Chicago

CHICAGO: The Mangalorean Konkan Christians Association (MKCA) celebrated the feast of Monthi Fest (Nativity of Mother Mary) with devotion and pomp.

This event signifies the pure and simple love and devotion of Mother Mary in accepting the heavenly call and sharing her life towards betterment of human race. It was well attended by Indian Christians around Illinois and surrounding States and visitors from India.

The program began with a procession of celebrants, especially children carrying flowers to express their love, respect and devotion to the birth of Mother Mary, and culminated in front of the Infant Mary's statue. With the singing of hymns children were rejoicing with admiration, joy and respect and offered flowers to Infant Mary.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Henry Sequeira.

In his Homily he praised the untainted love and devotion that Mother Mary offered in raising In-

Ganesh Charutrthi in St Louis

Ganesh chathurthi was celebrated at Hindu temple of St. Louis on Saturday, Sept 11. Two poojas were organized to help devotees to choose the one they liked. Over 1000 devotees attended the day long festivities and pooja. Prasadam was served to devotees at the end of the pooja. The Temple will be holding its fundraising event on Sept 25 at Hindu Temple, St Louis. -Ashwin Patel

fant Jesus by leaving the glorious and royal family, which she belonged to. He also gave affinity of this feast with other celebrations from various religions of the world.

The MKCA Choir members gave a special touch by singing hymns exclusively in Konkani. Fr. Henry blessed the new crop (Novem), which was brought especially for this program by Norbert D'Souza who was present at this program.

All the audience savored the taste of "Novem in Roce".

As a mark of respect to the tragic event of 9/11 at World Trade Center nine years ago this day, Compere Dr. Austin D'Souza Prabhu asked the audience to rise and have a "Pledge of Allegiance."

Thereafter, all sang "God Bless

As a mark of respect to the tragic event of 9/11 at World Trade Center nine years ago this day, Compere Dr. Austin D'Souza Prabhu asked the audience to rise and have a ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ America". The MKCA president, Queenie Mendonca welcomed the audience present and thanked them for their great support and fellowship.

There was wonderful bonanza of vegetarian dishes along with "Sannam" (idli) and "Dalichem Vorn" for the dinner to relish on.

All this prepared by MKCA family members. As a mark of respect to motherland India, all sang "Jana Gana Mana". The cultural program culminated with the singing of "Loudathe Dominum".

The D.J. Darrel Mascarenhas and others entertained the audience with their Baila and other live songs in Konkani, English, Hindi, Tulu and Spanish. This program was a great success under the able leadership of the event chairman Godwin Rego.

September 24, 2010

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Interfaith prayer for world peace in Nevada India Post News Service

NEVADA: Various religious leaders prayed for world peace as the sun was rising behind hills at Red Rock Consecrated Sanctuary in Reno (Nevada, USA) on September 12 morning.

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited hymns from ancient Hindu scriptures Rig-Veda, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita at this peace service, urging the almighty to "lead us from darkness to light", suggesting attendees to "act selflessly" and stressing "unity and concord".

Other religious leaders who participated in this Interfaith Sunrise Prayer Service included: Gene Savoy Junior, Head Bishop of International Community of Christ;

William Bartlett, Buddhist priest; Roya Galata, Baha'i elder; Sean Savoy, Chancellor of the Jamilian University of the Ordained; Yuki

Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, recited hymns from ancient Hindu scriptures RigVeda, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita at this peace service Matsushita, Bishop of Church of the Second Advent in Japan; etc.

Rajan Zed said that all religions should work together for a just and peaceful world. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment.

Religious leaders who participated in the Interfaith Sunrise Prayer Service for World Peace in Nevada. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed is in orange robe.

Sikh Coalition meets US Attorney General India Post News Service

WASHINGTON, DC: The Sikh Coalition's Director of Law and Policy, along with two dozen interfaith representatives, met with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recently to discuss strategies to minimize the threat of hate crimes against Arabs, Muslims, Sikhs, and South Asians.

The meeting was organized in response to increasing hate crimes and bias toward Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim.

Community representatives asked the Attorney General to make a public statement underscoring the federal government's commitment to religious freedom, public safety, and vigorous prosecution of hate

Kamal Nath asked to appear in NY court

crimes. Such a statement could deter individuals from committing acts of violence against Arabs, Muslims, Sikhs, and South Asians.

The Sikh Coalition delivered three messages to the Attorney General: (1) that the overwhelming majority of Americans who wear turbans are Sikhs; (2) that ignorance and bigotry make Sikhs vulnerable to hate crimes; and (3) that it is imperative for Attorney General Holder to publicly remind the nation that bigotry and violence against any community will not be tolerated.

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NEW YORK: On September 7, Judge Robert Sweet of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York issued an order in the case against Kamal Nath, Indian Minister for Roadways, asking the parties to appear in the court on September 22 for a pre-trial conference to discuss "settlement, exploring contemplated motions, stipulating facts, arranging a plan and schedule for all discovery and setting a time for trial".

The case against Kamal Nath was filed in April by plaintiffs Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a U.S.based non-profit human rights advocacy group and victims Jasbir Singh and Mohinder Singh.

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Vibrant Gujarat team honored in Beverly Hills

Mayor of Beverly Hills Jimmy Delshad (R) honors Gujarat Govt delagation leader Srivastava, host Rajendra Vora (left) India Post News Service

BEVERLY HILLS, CA: Gujarat, a growth engine of India, recently sent a delegation comprising high business leaders along with high ranking Government official to

Host Rajendra Vora President of Jain Social Group Beverly Hills, Honoree Srivastava & Mayor Jimmy Delshad

than 100 elite Gujaratis were invited from all over California.

Mayor of Beverly Hills Jimmy Delshad, after seeing an excellent presentation by the delegation said he thought he was a Gujarati.

He was fascinated with the

Mayor of Beverly Hills Jimmy Delshad, after seeing an excellent presentation by the delegation said he thought he was a Gujarati. He was fascinated with the growth of Vibrant Gujarat promote Vibrant Gujarat on the occasion of golden jubilee of the state.

Rajendra Vora, President of Jain Social Group hosted a dinner reception at Gaylord where more

growth of Vibrant Gujarat which brought in more than $385 billions. On behalf of the City of Beverly Hills, the Mayor honored the leader of delegation M.M. Srivastava, Finance Secretary of

Gujarat Delegation welcomed in Beverly Hills

Govt. of Gujarat by presenting a proclamation. Also on behalf of City of Los Angeles Council President Eric Garcetti and

Rajendra Vora presented a proclamation to Mr. Srivastava.

Mr. Srivastava in turn presented them a souvenir of Gujarat

and invited them for Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Jan 2011.

Cont’d on page 23

Pleasant 'Dil Khush Khana' at Pleasanton India Post News Service

PLEASANTON, CA: Indian American Women Empowered held its annual signature Cook-Off Event "Dil Khush Khana" on Sunday, September 12.

The event began with a welcome address from Anima Desai.

The MC for the evening was Seema Sahni. The evening dinner was provided by Sandhya Desai of Haveli Cuisine in Pleasanton.

The event was attended by more than 60 guests. Guests were encouraged to relax and mingle, ravishing the dishes (19 healthy starters) prepared by the contestants along with red wine, white wine and soft drinks.

All the items were garnished exquisitely and prepared following the Cook-Off rules emphasizing healthy

ingredients. It was a beautiful warm day, just perfect for an outdoor event.

There were seven judges, each examining the presentation and then savoring and marking the dish for taste and the ingredients on the score card.

The names of the Judges for the event were Dr. Romesh Japra, President of Cardiology Associates, Yuliana Candra, Founder of catering service "Wag the Tail", Nimisha Gandhi, Founder of "Club Dine In", Sukhinder Singh, Founder of Sukhi's Gourmet Indian Food, Sanjai Mathur, Ayurveda chef and teacher of Ayurvedic cooking and dietetics at Vedika Gurukula, Papiha Nandy, Founder/President of Voice of India, Radio Broadcasting Company.

Cont’d on page 21

September 24, 2010

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Pleasant 'Dil Khush Khana' at Pleasanton

Cont’d from page 20

Executive Director- Bal Bharti

Pleasanton.

There were 19 contestants. The winners of the event were:

Muslims mark end of Ramadan with prayers

Doshi- Curried, Carrot and ginger soup; 3rd prize- Sandhya DesaiLilotri Wrap, Chandra Shah-Hari Muslim men pack into the prayer room for Eid ul-Fitr prayers at the Islamic Center of Irvine for the end of Ramadan Friday.

India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES, CA: On Friday September 10, the Muslim community in America celebrated the end of the month-long fast of Ramadan with communal prayers around the country. (Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar

Indo-American Cultural Academy, Executive Producer of SalaamNamaste Television and Sunil Desai of Haveli Cuisine in

1st prize - Panna Mistry- Turkey Meatballs; 2nd prize- Yogini

visits and seek to strengthen bonds of brotherhood in the community.

During this holiday, Muslims greet each other by saying "Eid mubarak", meaning "blessed Eid," and "taqabbalallah ta'atakum," or "may God accept your deeds." Communities in

Bhari Potli.

Special Prizes for originality -

One-year-old Zohra Sarpas shows off a doll she got in celebration of the end of Ramadan Friday

calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.)

The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr, or "feast of fast breaking" holiday, in which Muslims exchange social 1st Prize- Shaila NayakCrunchy chicken & soy topped lettuce bites; Rajesh Garg- Vegetable Cutlets and Rina Roy- Fish chops.

2 special Awards for Young Adult category went to Shibir Desai-Tofu Bruschetta, Neil DesaiArroz Con Pollo.

Some of the efficient team of volunteers were Hansa, Shakun, Jayshree, Gita, Swati. Anjali, Divya, Nila, Rita, Bhairavi, Beena, Ravi, Hasmukh, Dinesh, Himanshu and Shibir.

Southern California also held chaand raat melas, bazaars and Eid carnivals following the prayers.

Eid ul-Fitr is the first of the two major Muslim holidays. The second holiday, Eid ul-Adha, comes at the end of the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.

Families pose for pictures and wait for their cars along a fence near the Islamic Center of Irvine where the end of Ramadan was celebrated along with Eid ul-Fitr prayers.

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Growing more food without harming environment DR. VANDANA SHIVA

Dr. Vandana Shiva

N

avdanya's work over the past twenty years has shown that we can grow more food and provide higher incomes to farmers without destroying the environment and killing our peasants.

Biodiverse organic farming creates a debt free, suicide free, productive alternative to industrialized corporate agriculture. It • Leads to increase in farm productivity and farm incomes, while lowering costs of production • Fair and just trade with lowers costs to consumers • Pesticides and chemical free production and processing brings safe and healthy food to consumers We must protect the environment, farmers' livelihoods and public heath and people's right to food.

Sir Altbert Howard, in whose memory we hold the Howard Lecture every 2nd of October, recognized in mixtures and biodiversity the secret of sustainability and stability of Indian farming. As he wrote in the Agricultural Testament:

"Mixed crops are the rule…crops like millets, wheat, barley, and maize are mixed with an appropriate subsidiary pulse, sometimes a species that ripens much later than the cereal. The pigeon pea, perhaps the most important leguminous crop of the Gangetic alluvium, is grown either with millets or with maize. The mixing of cereals and pulses appears to help both crops. When the two grow together, the character of the growth improves."

This year's Howard Lecture will be delivered by Prince Charles who is a passionate organic farmer. At Navdanya we have built on this ancient time test farming in nature's ways based on biodiversity. Not only do we protect biodiversity, we are increasing food production, farmers' incomes and resilience to climate change.

On our farm, we have fields of seven (Saptarishi), nine crops (Navdanya), twelve crops (Baranaja). Navdanya in fact means nine seeds or nine crops.

Biodiverse fields always perform better than monocultures. They survive frost and draught, early rain and late rain, too much rain and too little rain.

The Baranaja system is an ancient farming system in our region of Garhwal in Uttarakhand.

In traditional fields, the baranaja (twelve grain) system of farming is practiced. The twelve crops are: Phapra (Fagopyrum tataricum), Mandua (Eleusine Coracana), Marsha (Amaranthus frumentaceous), Bhat (Glycine soja), Lobia (Vigna Catiang), Moong (Phaseolus Mungo), Gahath (Dolichos biflorus), Rajma (Phaseolus vulgaris), Jakhia (Cleome viscose), Navrangi (Vigna umbrellata), Jowar (Sorghum vulgare), and Urad (Phaseolus mungo).

The baranaja or Navdanya system of farming is a guarantee against hunger and an insurance against crop failure due to variability of climate.

In diverse parts of the country, biodiverse agricultural systems outperform monocultures.

The relationship between different plants leads to symbiosis which contributes to overall increase in productivity of the

A recent study conducted by Navdanya in four districts of West Bengal shows that biodiversity in the same soil and climatic regimes prove economically more efficient than modern intensive chemical farming systems involving monocultures.

The net value of the annual production of an average biodiverse farm is uniformly more than that of an average monoculture farm.

with greater diversity of crops.

Thus conservation of native seeds and biodiverse ecological farming has led to incomes which are 2-3 times higher than monoculture, and 8-9 times higher than industrial systems using genetically engineered seeds.

More biodiversity on farms also translates into better nutrition. It is in fact the disappearance of nutritious crops from our

This year's Howard Lecture will be delivered by Prince Charles who is a passionate organic farmer. At Navdanya we have built on this ancient time test farming in nature's ways based on biodiversity Mean annual farm profit against crop diversity (Source Debal Deb, Dr. Navdanya, West Bengal)

crops. In Sikkim, the dominant land use is the Alnus Cardamom agro-forestry system.

This land use system has been practiced in the state of Sikkim that is reaping benefits and that has shown to be sustainable. In Rajasthan too, in the arid tract of Jodhpur and parts of western Rajasthan it is observed that Neem based agro-forestry and khejri (Prosopis cineraria) wherein crops like bajra, sorghum mung, moth, maize are grown together and have fulfilled the nutritional requirement of the communities. (Biodiversity Based Organic Farming, Navdanya, 2006, pg 27)

The cost of all inputs (water for irrigation, seeds, agrochemicals, labor and energy) were calculated to compare the relative gain in output value of the modern monoculture farms with that of the biodiverse farms. Furthermore, monoculture farms of East Medinipur appear to be less productive in spite of three rice crops than those of Bankura with two rice crops. Farmers explain this to reflect the "farm fatigue" from monoculture and intensive use of agrochemicals - an essential feature of modern agriculture.

A remarkable finding is that the relative value of the farm produce seems to increase significantly

fields that has led to crisis of malnutrition in India. India today is the capital of hunger.

Biodiversity conservation is not a luxury we cannot afford.

Biodiversity destruction is a luxury we cannot afford.

Dr. Vandana Shiva is a physicist, ecologist, activist, editor, author. She founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (1982) in Dehra Dun dedicated to high quality and independent research and Navdanya (1991), a national seed movement to protect the diversity and integrity of living resources, promote organic farming and fair trade.

Proud AAPIs accept prestigious awards RIA PATEL

O

n September 10, the 2010 best com panies for Asian American and Pa cific Islanders (AAPIs) were recognized and enjoyed a beautiful evening hosted by Asian Enterprise with Wells Fargo Foundation and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Asian Enterprise stands as the largest Asian American Small Business Magazine in the Nation, as they have set out to be the "voice of Asian Pacific Americans" in business and entrepreneurship.

The evening took place at the historically grand Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, where nine different companies or persons were selected for various award categories.

Prior to the main events of the evening, a small reception was held and provided delegates from several prestigious companies the opportunity to network and socialize amongst themselves. Cocktails and appetizers, including spinach dumplings and delectable coconut shrimp, circulated the room and excited guests for the main dinner course to come.

Guests were soon ushered to the main ballroom, where representatives from Northrop Grumman, Wells Fargo, PepsiCo, Morgan Stanley, and more were scattered throughout. Steaming hot dinner courses of chicken and short ribs were served promptly, and was followed by the commencement of the award cer-

emony.

Some of the winners included United Healthcare (Corporate Advocate), Brad Blackwell of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage (Small Business Advocate), Honorable Senator Barbara Boxer (Public Servant Advocate), and Sri Rajagoplan and Kuntesh Chokshi of PepsiCo (Special Advocates). As awardees took stage to accept their honor, each spoke a few words of appreciation and how maintaining diversity in their company has been the driving force behind their success.

Many expressed that being able to serve the larger community was a result of keeping diversity within their own firm.

Founder and CEO of Sunrider Inter-

national, Tei Fu Chen, was selected as the overall winner, earning himself the title of Asian Entrepreneur of the year.

Other large companies including Harrah's Entertainment, IBM, Kaiser Permanente, Denny's, and Sodexo were also recognized as Top Best Companies for Asian Pacific Americans.

"Asian Enterprise is the only national competition based awards program that seeks to recognize exemplary Asian Pacific Americans entrepreneurs across the nation," according to the event program.

However, the evening brought more than awards to these prominent firms; it also succeeded in bringing unity and pride among AAPI's worldwide.

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A perfect Ganesh Chaturthi for Riverside Temple VICTORIA TRUVER

RIVERSIDE: The perfect beginning of the Riverside's Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir's Ganesh Chaturthi function heralded a perfect event. Everyone and everything was in place on time as the program began with sankalpa.

Pandit Sesha Samudrala read out the names of the sponsors, which revealed a record number of grand sponsors. Under the instructions of all three Mandir Priests, including Head Priest Dr. Shukavak Dasa, Pandit Vipul Jani and Pandit Seshacharya Samudrala, the sponsors participated in Ganesh Puja followed by abhishekam. Once the sponsors had completed their abhishekam all 400 bhaktas attending were given the opportunity to pour one of the many-colored juices or other offerings in the kalasham on Ganesh.

While Ganesh was being dressed Sanjeev and Geeta Munshi Family sang Ganesh bhajans. Pandit Shukavak banged a gong to announce the procession. Mandir children carried colorful pennants and devotees held Ganesh high on their shoulders.

The procession wound its way around the crowded Mandir until it reached Ganesh's altar. Mantras were recited during the archana stotram.

The Munshi Family sang the Ganesh aarti, which concluded the program. Mandir President Bhoodev Tiwari especially

Once the sponsors had completed their abhishekam all 400 bhaktas attending were given the opportunity to pour one of the many-colored juices or other offerings in the kalasham on Ganesh thanked Meena and Raj Sindher for organizing the program every year and gave each a beautiful Ganesh murti to every sponsor.

Everyone enjoyed the delicious Maha Prasad which was cooked on site by the caterers.

Buena Park Council Members endorse Harry Sidhu India Post News Service

ANAHEIM, CA: Buena Park City Council Members Jim Dow

Harry Sidhu

"Harry shares my commitment to helping the people of North Orange County.

He's a businessman who will bring needed jobs to our communities," stated Mayor Brown and Patsy Marshall have announced their endorsement of Businessman and Anaheim Mayor

Pro Tem Harry Sidhu in the runoff election for Orange County Supervisor in the 4th District.

"I support Harry Sidhu's election to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The citizens of Buena Park can count on Harry to fight for our concerns," declared Council Member Patsy Marshall, who served two terms as Buena Park Mayor.

"Harry Sidhu will be a strong voice for Buena Park residents," said Council Member Jim Dow, who served as Buena Park Mayor in 2008. "He's an effective leader who will reform county government and strengthen our local economy."

Also joining in support of Harry Sidhu's candidacy is Buena Park Mayor Art Brown, who received nearly 10,000 votes (16.2%) for County Supervisor in the June Primary Election. "Harry shares my commitment to helping the people of North Orange County. He's a businessman who will bring needed jobs to our communities," stated Mayor Brown.

"I am honored to earn the endorsement of these respected Buena Park community leaders," said Sidhu. "My campaign is building strong support at the grassroots level across the 4th District."

Vibrant Gujarat team honored in Beverly Hills Cont’d from page 20

He emphasized that Gujaratis are entrepreneurs and with the vision of the Govt. of Gujarat , had made the State a power house which he witnessed and was lucky to be part of it.

Chandu Patel of NFIA welcomed the delegation and appealed to every one to take advantage of such opportunities. On behalf of the host, Govind Vaghasia thanked every one and the delegates of Gujarat for their well planned upcoming summit.

Vibrant Gujarat is a biennial Summit held by the Government of Gujarat in Gujarat, India. The event is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy

and opinion makers. The summit serves as a perfect platform to

Vibrant Gujarat is a biennial Summit held by the Government of Gujarat in Gujarat, India. The event is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers understand and explore business opportunities in the State. The Summit has had resounding suc-

cesses in the past attracting several companies from Asia and Europe to establish their presence in Gujarat.

The last four summits, being conducted biennially since 2003, have been a major success and have attracted investment proposals of over US$ 385 billion. On January 12-13, 2011 the immensely popular Vibrant Gujarat Summit is scheduled to take place at the Mahatma Mandir, in the State capital at Gandhinagar.

Vibrant Gujarat 2011- the 5th Summit aims to facilitate investment alliances for the participating countries. The biennial Summit will be the ideal platform to discuss and deliberate business opportunities in the new age world.

Ahmadiyyas observe end of Ramadan Festival India Post News Service

CHINO: An estimated 1,000 Southern California members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community attended a special prayer service and sermon, known as Eid-ul Fitr, at the Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino to mark the completion of Ramadan, the month of fasting in Islam.

The Eid service was on September 10. Islam uses the lunar calendar to keep track of religious observances such as Ramadan, the Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca) and the holy festivals that Muslims celebrate at the end of these two events, so each year the dates for these events move back 10 days. Next year, Ramadan will occupy nearly the entire month of August, whereas this year, it began on August 11.

Imam Shamshad A. Nasir pre-

The Imam also spoke on the subject of those with wealth, comparing them to great mountains and how they can be arrogant and consumed with worldly matters sided over the Eid Prayer and Sermon, which started at 10:30am. The Imam delivered a sermon in English on the importance of Muslims living a life of simplicity, humility and thankfulness to God. Imam Shamshad also emphasized that Muslims who have observed Ramadan with full sincerity and

dedication, and who have sought to increase their love for God and for their fellow human beings, should strive to maintain that higher level of spirituality, love for God and service to humanity.

The Imam reminded the congregation that the Holy Prophet Muhammad told all Muslims 1400 years ago that, during the month of fasting in Ramadan, one's inner Satan is put in chains. Imam Shamshad added that it is up to each Muslim to keep their Satan in chains after Ramadan is over.

The Imam also spoke on the subject of those with wealth, comparing them to great mountains and how they can be arrogant and consumed with worldly matters

and turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to matters of faith, morality, spirituality and doing good for others.

Imam Shamshad reminded the members that the Holy Quran talks about how God will cause the mountains to be broken into pieces and scattered into dust, and that this terminology can be taken literally and also metaphorically to represent the rich and powerful people in the world and how God will humble them in this life and in the next.

After the sermon, members embraced and greeted each other with the words "Eid Mubarak!" blessings of Eid. Refreshments were served outside in the parking lot of the five-acre Islamic mosque.

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OAKLAND: Bollywood music maestro and Academy Award winner AR Rahman enthralled the crowds performing live at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on Sunday September 12. Billed the "Biggest Musical show of the Decade", the event was organized by Singh Entertainment of Paul Singh of Modesto. (See more pics on Page 30)

Amjad concert on eve of 9/11

M

aestro Amjad Ali Khan, along with his sons Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan performed at a concert "Ode to Peace" at the United Nations in New York on the eve of 9/11, to honor those who have fallen victim to terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center nine years ago. -Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndiaP

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Suhaag to partner Chivas Regal for Lifestyle show

India Post News Service

TORONTO: Suhaag has announced a multi-show partnership with premium Scotch brand Chivas Regal as the co-presenting sponsor of the Suhaag Wedding, Fashion & Lifestyle Show.

"Chivas and Corby Distilleries Limited are proud to be part of this prestigious event, especially since South Asians have a tradition of appreciating a premium Scotch brand like Chivas", said Patrick Carroll, Brand Director of Brown Spirits at Corby." The first of two Scotiabank Suhaag shows in association with Chivas Regal will be held Sunday, October 3, 2010 at the Toronto Congress Centre (650 Dixon Rd).

This year's event has tons in store for not only brides and grooms-to-be, but also for their friends, family and the general public. The Suhaag team is excited to announce 2 grand fashion shows and great giveaways that include a free honeymoon to Bahamas, complimentary hotel stays, cash prizes, and much, much more. And for the first time ever, come visit the Chivas Regal Lounge.

Chivas Regal is a brand that supports the spirit of chivalry and stands for everything noble in man. At the Suhaag Wedding, Fashion & Lifestyle Show, Chivas will welcome bridegrooms, friends and family who believe in loyalty, living joyfully and acting honorably. As a brand steeped in tradition, Chivas understands the importance of honoring tradition while embracing the new values that are shared with the South Asian community in Canada.

Suhaag, which means "wedding" in Hindi, was created in 1997 and is the longest-running and one of the largest events of its kind in North America catering to

the growing South Asian community. The South Asian community is the largest visible minority group in Canada and the South Asian bridal market is a lucrative and distinctive marketing niche.

The Suhaag Group Inc., which was acquired by Star Media Group in 2008, operates two major bridal shows each year in the Greater Toronto Area. It also publishes an annual bridal magazine that is distributed nationally as well as producing a regular radio program and other wedding- and fashion-related products for the South Asian community.

3 Idiots best film, Amitabh best actor NEW DELHI: Aamir Khanstarrer 3 Idiots was chosen as The Best Popular Film, as Amitabh Bachchan won The Best Actor award for his role in Paa and Malayalam film Kutti Srank won the award in the Best Feature Film category as 57th National Film Awards were announced here.

The awards, announced at the Shastri Bhawan in the national capital, among other categories included Best National Integration film which went to Delhi 6, Best Debut Director for Sanjay Puran Singh for his film Lahore while the Best Director award went to Rituparno Ghosh for his Bengali film Abhomaan.

Ananya Chatterjee was chosen as the Best Actress for her role in Abhomaan, Well Done Abba was chosen as the Best Social film, Farooq Sheikh was chosen the Best Supporting Actor for his role in Lahore, Best Supporting Actress went to Arundhati Naag for role in Paa. The best song was 3 Idiots' Behti Hawa Sa Tha Wo and Amit Trivedi was awarded Best Music award for Dev D. Malayalam director Shaji N Karun, whose film Kutty Srank won the national award for the best film, said that the film has become a part of history with the honour.

Karun said he never expected an award, but was happy that it received national recognition, even though the film was totally

A scene from 3 Idiots

rejected at the state level when state film awards were announced.

"I am glad my film received the National award. I succeeded in tak-

Benegal's Well Done Abba has won the National Award in the Film with a Social Message category ing the film to the desired level. I am very happy that Kutty Srank became part of history like my first film Piravi', he said.

Karun said the award was also

an honour to the Malayalam film industry.

Filmmakers like Shyam Benegal, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, R Balki and first-timer Sanjay Puran Singh are a happy lot as each of their films clinched coveted honours at the 57th National film awards announced here today.

Benegal's Well Done Abba has won the National Award in the Film with a Social Message category and even though the veteran filmmaker has won about 17 National awards earlier, he said that recognition can't be "measured" and its always good to have another one.

Cont’d on page 30

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Sikh Film Festival to be held in NY possible,' 'Cancer Express', 'Riding the Tiger' and 'Why? We are killing our daughters.'

Present among the panel of distinguished judges will be personalities such as Dr. Narinder S. Kapany (Indian born American physicist, widely acknowledged as the father of optical fiber), Robert Lupone (renowned American actor and artistic director both on stage, film and television) and Vicki Mabrey (correspondent for ABC News' "Nightline").

Winners of the films will receive cash prizes totaling $15,000

The festival will bring the immigrant experience of the Sikhs to the forefront with a diverse mix of short films. The glamour of the event will be heightened with glitterati walking the red carpet, a champagne reception and an informational Q&A

evening will celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and culture of the Sikhs with a star studded evening of live performances, dance, art exhibition and auction. Live performance by none other than the bhangra sensation Sukhbir

by venerated Raj Babbar at the Heritage Gala.

Concluding the Film Festival will be a glittering Sikh Heritage Gala at the prestigious The New York Public Library at Bryant Park at 7.00 p.m on October 23rd. The

and Oscar performing choreographer Rujata along with DJ music will ensure the black tie event is fun packed and brimming with excitement.

Awards will be presented to individuals who have contributed towards this experience during the Heritage Gala.

The honorees for 2010 Heritage Awards are Raj Babbar (for Vision), Padmashree Vikramjit S. Sahney (for Leadership), Arpana Caur (for Art).

India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Sikh Art and Film Foundation will be holding its Seventh Annual Film Festival in New York City on October 22 showcasing exemplary masterpieces in film making, art and direction. The two-day event will offer a range of 12 films, dealing with heartrending Sikh stories across the globe, from both established and emerging filmmakers.

The festival will bring the immigrant experience of the Sikhs to the forefront with a diverse mix of short films. The glamour of the event will be heightened with glitterati walking the red carpet, a champagne reception and an informational Q&A. It will also provide an excellent forum to network with dignitaries, ambassadors, celebrities and corporate leaders. The exclusive films that will be unveiled at this event were selected to elevate ones experience of Sikhism; to teach and to inspire. The event will conclude with the Foundations annual Heritage Gala where awards will be presented to winners of the films.

Announcing the 2010 Festival and Gala, Tejinder S. Bindra, President of the Sikh Art and Film Foundation, said, "I am humbled with the encouragement and overwhelming response we are getting for our festival year after year. At only the seventh year of its inception the Sikh Film Festival has grown phenomenally. I feel much pride in witnessing the interest of young Sikhs in our culture and their enthusiasm in participating in this event. I hope they are inspired by our tradition and culture, and continue to make us proud Sikhs in society."

Movie lineup Vikas Khanna's, 'Holy Kitchens: A True Business', directed by Dalit Singh, produced by Andrew Blackmore and Dobbyn Webberz, is about the religious tenet of providing free food ('Langar') through its kitchen temples, to all regardless of their belief. The film provides a historical perspective of the origin of Sikhism.

'Harvest Of Grief,' directed by Anwar Jamal and produced by Rasil Singh Basu, is a documentary that deals with a farmer's suicide in Sangrur in south Punjab. The alarming agricultural scenario in Punjab has been caused by a chain of disruptive historical events and myopic government policies.

'The Rebel Queen,' directed by Michael Singh deals with how the daughter of an Indian dog kennel owner - Maharani Jindan - almost brought the British Empire to its knees, and the ensuing ruthless propaganda to fight her.

Among the movies that will be showcased on the second day are heart rending stories such as 'Nothing is Im-

Paresh Rawal rocks with new comedy Sunday, September 19 at the prestigious San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.

Paresh Rawal has been in the Bollywood big screen and stage since 1980s, with hundreds of hit movies and scores of awards under his belt. Some of his well known movies are Hera Pheri, Phir Hera Pheri, Golmaal, Chup Chup Ke, Bhool Bhulaiya, Paa, 36 China Town, Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge among others.

He is ready to recreate the magic of ‘Shaadi @ Barvaadi’ and is preparing to rock the North American audience with his new hilarious Indian/Hindi play, ‘Krishan Vs Kanhaiya’ directed by Umesh Shukla

India Post News Service

SAN JOSE: Paresh Rawal returns to the United States with his hilarious new Hindi play "Krishan vs Kanhaiya" after his tremendously successful "Shaadi @ Barvaadi.com".

SB Entertainment is presenting one of Bollywood's best actors and top comedians both on the big screen and on stage in the San Francisco Bay Area. The event will be hosted on

He is ready to recreate the magic of "Shaadi @ Barvaadi" and is preparing to rock the North American audience with his new hilarious Indian/Hindi play, "Krishan Vs Kanhaiya" directed by Umesh Shukla. Along with the ever-versatile Rawal is his team of talented TV and stage artists including Dharmender Gohil, Sirdhar Vatsar, Vaibhav Biniwala, Khusboo Brhmbhatt, Chirag Vora, Ankit and others.

This Hindi play is based on the super-hit Gujarati comedy "Kanji Virrudh Kanji" currently rocking the Mumbai theatres.

28 India Post

September 24, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Indian art auction to fight poverty India Post News Service

NEW YORK: As the largest gathering of world leaders in a decade to review progress towards ending poverty takes place in New York this month at the United Nations, in association with the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals, Lend-A-Hand India, Women's Education Project (WEP), Art Intaglio, Slums of Hope and Results have come together to host an auction of contemporary South Asian art, curated by Art Intaglio, to fight poverty.

The proceeds from the auction, to be

held on Sept 16 at Culturefix in New York City, will go toward efforts by Lend-AHand India and Women's Education Project to eradicate poverty through education and development projects.

"I am proud to be a part of such a broad-based effort on behalf of such an important cause," said Nina Agrawal, Founder of Slums of Hope. "It is important to us to stand together and work together towards ending extreme poverty in the world."

"Lend-A-Hand India's programs, which provide vocational training, career development, employment, and en-

‘I am proud to be a part of such a broad-based effort on behalf of such an important cause,’ said Nina Agrawal, Founder of Slums of Hope. ‘It is important to us to stand together and work together’

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"We believe that empowering young boys and girls with tools to better their lives is an important step in eradicating poverty."

Zoe Timms, the Founding Director of WEP, couldn't agree more. "WEP provides college preparatory and personal development programs for young women who otherwise would not be able to attend college due to their limited circumstances," Timms further explains.

"Many of the women come from overcrowded homes where debt, malnourishment, illness, and pollution are the norm. Without the right support, these women end up with limited options after graduating high school. We try to provide support and education to help these amazing young women became more aware of their own potential, achieve their educational goals, and break the cycle of poverty."

The contemporary South Asian art to be auctioned is being provided and curated by Art Intaglio, one of India's largest online art portals. The auction features original works and limited edition prints from a diverse group of artists, such as M.F.Husain, S.H.Raza, Yogesh Rawal and Dileep Sharma.

"Art Intaglio's mission is to promote contemporary Indian art and artists to a wider audience," states Kunal Ghevaria, director of Art Intaglio. "That's why we focus on limited edition prints, because their price points are more accessible than canvas works, and we sell them online to make the process of owning art more democratic. For the New York auction, however, we're also showcasing several original works by leading artists from India."

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MUMBAI: Bollywood actors Kajol and Ajay Devgn have became proud parents of a baby boy.

The actress delivered her second child on September 13 at the Lilavati Hospital here. Sources close to the couple said the mother and the baby were doing fine.

Nysa, the couple's elder child is seven years old. Good wishes poured in from B-town for the star couple on the arrival of their second child.

Director Madhur Bhandarkar who is directing Ajay in the "Dil To Baccha Hai Ji" tweeted, "Congratulations Ajay & Kajol on the birth of your baby boy. Ganpati baapa moraya..."

Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol's good friend and costar in many hit movies, wrote, "Bringing life on earth is the most beautiful gift of God. Allah bless Ajay & Kajol with happiness & health...Son of a Devgn... Wow masha allah."

Priyanka Chopra too congratulated the couple.

"It's amazing when a new life comes into the world.

"Congrats Ajay and Kajol on the birth of ur baby boy," she tweeted.

Riteish Deshmukh said, "Congratulations Ajay & Kajol - a baby boy arrives."

Year 2010 has been professionally heartening for the Devgn couple. Kajol's film " My Name is Khan" earlier this year did well at the box office and her latest " We are Family" brought her accolades, while Ajay is basking in the success of his latest film "Once upon a time in Mumbaai".

September 24, 2010

India Post www.indiapost.com

I'm really, really sorry: Salman Khan 'Any attack or terrorist attack in the world is unpardonable. A terrorist has no nationality, no religion and no guts. I have complete faith in our intelligence agencies. I've always had faith in our police and armed forces.

'I did not want to hurt anybody's sentiments and if I have hurt anybody's sentiments then I am really, really sorry,' he added.

Salman invited flak with his comments to a Pakistani TV channel: 'Too much hype has

'The interview has been twisted. I saw it myself, the way it is coming across on TV, it is sounding insensitive. I was just saying life is equal for both rich and poor’ MUMBAI: Actor Salman Khan has apologized for his remarks on the 26/11 attack and insists that they were 'twisted' and he did not mean to 'hurt anybody's sentiments'.

'The interview has been twisted. I saw it myself, the way it is coming across on TV, it is sounding insensitive. I was just saying life is equal for both rich and poor, some attacks get more media coverage and some don't. Why is that? Every human life is important,' Salman, 44, told Aaj Tak news channel.

been created around the 26/11 attacks because elite people were targeted. Attacks have happened in trains and small towns too, but no one talked about it so much.'

He also said: 'Everybody knows that the Pakistani government was not behind it and it was a terrorist attack. Our security had failed. We have had lot of attacks earlier, and all of them were not from Pakistan. They were from within.'

He later tweeted that henceforth he would record all his interviews to prevent such controversies. He also denounced all terror attacks.

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India Post

September 24, 2010 www.indiapost.com

Rahman enthralls Oakland

3 Idiots best film, Amitabh best actor Cont’d from page 25

"I am very pleased with the award since it is a recognition for the film. National awards are always special and welcome," the 75-year-old director said.

The film is a political satire with Boman Irani, Minnisha Lamba and Rajit Kapur playing pivotal roles.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's second directorial Delhi 6 bagged the Nargis Dutt award for Best Film on National Integration.

It is his second National honour after Rang De Basanti bagged one in 2006.

"It feels good when one's work has been awarded. It is especially a great honour since it is the National award when the country is honouring, not some commercially-motivated prize," said Mehra.

Delhi 6, which starred Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Om Puri and Waheeda Rehman, is based in Chandni Chowk of old Delhi and deals with issues like caste discrimination, communal divide and other social stigma.

Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, who won the Best Debutante Director award for his sports-based film 'Lahore', said the honour came to him as a surprise. ‘This is a very special moment for me and ultimate encouragement as a filmmaker’ "I am most happy since this was a socially oriented film showing the religious and cast divide in India. A film like this which goes against the current trend takes time to get its recognition. I hope this award gives birth to 10 more films like Delhi 6," said Mehra.

Amitabh Bachchan starrer Paa won the Best Hindi Film award, and its director R Balki called the recognition an added "bonus".

"For me the most important thing is to make a film and people should love it. I just wanted to make a good film in the form of Paa. Awards are a bonus and yes, they do call for a celebration," said Balki.

Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, who won the Best Debutante Director award for his sports-based film 'Lahore', said the honour came to him as a surprise.

"This is a very special moment for me and ultimate encouragement as a filmmaker. I was sure that Farooq Sheikh would receive an award but my winning the National award came as a surprise," said Chauhan.

Sheikh won the Best Supporting Actor award for the film, which carries the message of unity and sportsman spirit between India and Pakistan with the backdrop of a the sport of kick boxing.

31 India Post

www.indiapost.com

NEW DELHI: This capital city of India has been transformed to welcome tourists during the 2010 Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held from October 3-14.

According to recent studies, along with tourism; hospitality, aviation and hotel industries will benefit immensely during this

September 24, 2010

Jawaharlal Nehru stadium

Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport

New Delhi is already a well-planned modern city with several international features. However to cater to a huge gathering of international tourists, several steps have been taken to make Delhi city perfect for the event Qutub Minar

bonanza period.

Delhi will provide tourists dual enjoyment - amazing tourism as well watching different sport activities. The Government of India is working rapidly to prepare perfect infrastructure for the Games. Delhi and its suburbs are going to set world class facilities to provide tourists coming from all over the world during this period.

New Delhi is already a well-planned

modern city with several international features. However to cater to a huge gathering of international tourists, several steps have been taken to make Delhi city perfect for the event.

To make transportation system smooth running, the government has launches several new AC buses. The metro train networks have been extended to Delhi NCR. World class stadiums are ready and improved to cater perfectly for the sports activities.

Cont’d on page 34

Red Fort

Humayun ka Maqbara

India Gate

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India Post

Travel & Hospitality Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Delhi hop-on hop-off bus service ready NEW DELHI: The much-awaited hop-on hop-off bus service, modeled on best of such facilities in European countries, will finally be launched in the national capital on September 27 - six days ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

To be known as 'Ho Ho', the service will offer visitors to the mega sporting event a "hasslefree" ride as well as a perfect introduction to the city, said Reena Roy, Managing Director of Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.

The hop-on hop-off bus service will ferry the visitors to not only the historical monuments, museums and other popular tourist destinations but also to authentic Indian restaurants and popular markets.

Roy said monuments, museums, art galleries, gardens, shopping centers and tourist destinations will be on the route of Ho Ho and visitors can hop on and hop

off at their pace.

"We are making elaborate arrangements to make Ho Ho service a great success," Roy said, adding the bus service will also take the visitors to popular eating joints.

The tourists will be able to spend as much time they want to spend at any particular place and go to the next destination as per their wish as buses will ply through the route continuously at an inter-

val of 30 minutes.

The tours will be conducted in specially designed low-floor airconditioned buses which will have trained guides besides other onboard facilities like digital video screen and GPS systems.

"The service is designed to provide a complete experience of the city to a tourist," she said.

The Tourism Department already has trained guides who will

Metro trains at 2.5 min frequency

NEW DELHI: During the Commonwealth Games, Delhi Metro will run 181 trains at an average frequency of 2.5 minutes and deploy engineers from Germany and South Korea to ensure that operations are not disturbed due to technical glitches.

Unveiling the Delhi Metro's ''action plan'' for the October Games, DMRC Managing Director E Sreedharan said the new age transport system was taking "very, very special steps" to facilitate the movement of people through Metro trains during the Games, which is a "matter of national pride".

"We are fully geared up to meet the requirements during the Games period.

We want to see that every visitor who comes to Delhi and happens to take a ride on Metro goes back with a very pleasant memory," he told a press conference after launching a new Delhi Metro website.

"Our expectation is that there will be heavy pressure on Delhi Metro during the Games as it is

the most important public transport system in the capital.

Almost all the 181 trains of the Metro fleet will be put on the rails during the period," Sreedharan, also known as ''Metro Man'' said.

He said the 181 trains - 133 broad gauge and 48 standard gauge - will run at an average fre-

“We want to see that every visitor who comes to Delhi and happens to take a ride on Metro goes back with a very pleasant memory," Sreedharan told a press conference after launching a new Delhi Metro website quency of 2.5 minutes. Metro connectivity is crucial for the Games and almost all the 11 stadias are connected with the Metro.

While trains will run at a frequency of 3.40 minutes on Line 1

(Rithala-Rohini), Line 2 Central Secretariat to Gurgaon (2.30 min), Line 3 Dwaraka Sec 9-Noida City Centre (2.44 min), Line 6 Central Secretariat-Badarpur (2.25 min) and Line 5 Mundka-Indelok (5.11 min). Currently, the frequency is 3.5 minutes to 4 minutes.

Line 6 will have the highest frequency as it connects the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the venue of the opening and closing ceremonies of CWG. Unwilling to take chances with technical glitches becoming a regular feature, Sreedharan said engineers from Germany and South Korea will be in the capital during the Games to ensure that there are no problems. "The problems occur either on Over Head Electrification (OHE), or on trains or due to signalling problems.

We will have special technicians from Germany and Korea during the Games. They will be stationed at various vantage points," he said.

He also brushed aside suggestions that technical glitches occur only on Bombardier trains. "No. We had problems on Rotem trains also.

The trains have to be integrated into the system." The 78-year-old Metro chief also said the two remaining lines of the network - Central Secretariat-Badarpur and Airport Express Line - will be thrown open to the public by September 30, before the Commonwealth Games.

He said all stations will have ''Information Desks'' to help commuters and give information they seek on Metro and related to the Games. -PTI

be deployed at historical monuments to offer the tourists relevant information.

The department is also offering a host of services on its website www.delhitourism.gov.in. Even before tourists set out for Delhi, they can download thematic city maps, information brochures and informative videos to plan their trip better.

Information such as type of

hotel, booking services, Bed and Breakfast establishments, guest houses, transport and flight services, currency converter and weather updates besides detailed information on city's heritage, must-see attractions and eateries are being made available at the click of a mouse. Delhi is expected to receive over one lakh tourists during the Games to be held from October 3 to 14. -PTI

Special trips of Fairy Queen train NEW DELHI: Gearing up for the Commonwealth Games, Railways are planning special trips of the Fairy Queen, the tourist train run by the oldest working engine in the world, during the mega event in October.

"We are planning special trips of Fairy Queen on October 9 and

Games period.

Foreign tourists can also obtain Indrail Pass apart from reserved tickets in Indian rupees against encashment certificate and can travel whenever and in whichever train he or she likes within the validity period of the pass.

Two more counters will be

10," a senior Northern Railway official said.

Besides Fairy Queen, Railways are also planning to run special chartered trains to Agra and Jaipur for tourists during the Games.

Fairy Queen, the prestigious tourist train hauled by the 150-year old steam engine, meanwhile, is scheduled to recommence its journey from October 23.

In order to facilitate foreign tourists, the International Tourist Bureau located at New Delhi Railway Station is being renovated to give it a new look and provide better aesthetics and facilities for tourists.

The foreign tourist quota has been increased and is being provided in all classes and in some of the important trains during the

added at the ITB and working hours will also be extended with the deployment of more staff during the Games, said the official.

Apart from running special tour-

Besides Fairy Queen, Railways are also planning to run special chartered trains to Agra and Jaipur for tourists during the Games ist trains, Indian Railway, the lead partner of Commonwealth Games, has undertaken a massive exercise of renovating New Delhi station, Nizamuddin station and Old Delhi station.

Travel & Hospitality Post

September 24, 2010

India Post

33

www.indiapost.com

Minister discounts dengue fears NEW DELHI: The Government is playing down fears among the nations participating in the Commonwealth Games over the dengue threat in Delhi, saying there is no need to get alarmed.

"I can tell you with full confidence that this (dengue) is not such a thing that everybody should get alarmed.

Everything is under control. We need not have any fear on that account," Tourism Minister Kumari Selja said while inaugurating a camping site near Gurgaon.

Hoping that tourists will come in good number, she said people, particularly youth, are quite enthusiastic over the Commonwealth Games in the country.

Asked how many tourists are expected during the Games, she said it is being estimated that about one lakh tourists, including domestic travelers, will come here.

Kumari Selja

The Haryana government has developed camping sites at Surajkund near Faridabad and Dundahera near Gurgaon, where guest players, sports lovers and tourists can stay during the forthcoming Games.

There will be about 100 double-bed airconditioned tents with attached bathrooms available for accommodation at both the camping sites during the Games. There is provision for room service and indoor and outdoor games also.

Both the camping sites are being developed with Central assistance.

While Rs 3.5 crore central assistance was given for Surajkund camping site, Dundahera site near Gurgaon has got Rs 3.3 crore.

Selja commended the efforts of Haryana Government for developing the camping

sites and said that the state is giving full cooperation for Games.

She said that after the Commonwealth Games, tourists from other parts of the country and other countries will also visit these camping sites.

"The Central government will extend full cooperation for making Haryana a tourist destination," she said.

Hot air ballooning facility as an adventure activity is being provided at Dundahera site. Besides, cultural programs will also be organized at the sites, so that the guests may get a feel of living in the lap of nature, while living away from the crowded metropolitan cities.

The Surajkund site, named 'Jungle Fowl', was inaugurated by the Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. PTI

Facelift for Barah Khamba ahead of Commonwealth Games NEW DELHI: In an effort to revive the lost glory of the Lodi-period Barah Khamba monument in Nizamuddin, for the first time, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has carried out chemical treatment on the structure. Officials from ASI's chemical department have been working to erase all graffiti marks and paan stains on the surface of the building.

According to officials, the monument was freed from unauthorized occupation several years ago but still bore ugly marks on the main structure made by the

The monument has three arched openings on each side, corresponding to which are openings in the verandah occupants. These are slowly being removed by chemical treatment to bring back the original look. Senior officials said Barah Khamba is one of the 46 monuments selected by ASI for a facelift before the Commonwealth Games.

There are also plans to redevelop the garden around the main monument. These are all long-term plans for the monument's overall conservation policy. The monument is graded A in terms of heritage value

by INTACH Delhi Chapter. "Chemi-

cal treatment has been done in other structures also but this is the first time we are doing it for Barah Khamba,'' said a senior official from ASI. The monument, said experts, could be an excellent tourist attraction during the Commonwealth Games. After the chemical treatment, officials have started structural conservation work on the monument. Located across Subz

Burj and behind the ruins of Lal Mahal, Barah Khamba is a prominent landmark in Nizamuddin.

The monument has three arched openings on each side, corresponding to which are openings in the verandah which has four domed apartments at each corner. ASI also has plans to illuminate the monument due to its strategic location.

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Travel & Hospitality Post

India Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Flats for CWG

Tourist hotspots already booked

Tourism minister Kumari Selja inspects the interior of a DDA flat in Vasant Kunj. The flats are meant to buffer the shortage of accommodation for tourists that the city may face during the Games.

Budget hotels in New Delhi NEW DELHI: Delhi offers a large number of hotels for accommodating the innumerable visitors coming to this city. Along with the star hotels and luxury hotels, Delhi also possesses a number of budget or economy hotels.

Most of the budget hotels are well equipped with all the necessary facilities required by the discerning travelers. Some of the amenities offered in the budget hotels of Delhi include a/c, elegantly furnished rooms, room service, laundry, travel desk, television, telephone, moneychanger, and car parking and the list goes on.

Most of the budget hotels in Delhi also have multi cuisine restaurants and coffee shops to fulfill you food and beverage needs.

The cuisines offered include Indian, Chinese, Continental and others. The delicious taste of the north Indian food along with other

recipes truly amuses the taste buds of the guests.

Some of them even have their own bars. These bars are perfect

Some of the amenities offered in the budget hotels of Delhi include a/c, elegantly furnished rooms, room service, laundry, travel desk, television, telephone, moneychanger, and car parking places to sit and relax in the evening with friends. The lovely music in the background creates a great environment.

NEW DELHI: Tourist hot-spots of North India are booked for the first half of October, according to the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

People of Delhi and the National Capital Region, where holidays have been announced for schools, colleges and even in some corporate offices during the upcoming Games, will be headed towards neighbouring Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and parts of Jammu and Punjab for "leisure tourism".

The ASSOCHAM said increase in tourists to these places would help growth of medical tourism, contributing a good deal of revenue to respective States.

ASSOCHAM secretary-general D. S. Rawat said luxury and starrated hotels in places like Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Kasauli, Nainital,

Kashipur, Jim Corbett National Park, Mussoorie, Dehra Dun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Auli, Jaipur,

Luxury and star-rated hotels in places like Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Kasauli, Nainital, Kashipur, Jim Corbett National Park, Mussoorie, Dehra Dun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Auli, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Pushkar, Jaisalmer are "already booked" Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Pushkar, Jaisalmer are "already booked" and there was "hardly any space" left for those planning to go out

during the Commonwealth Games.

The source of this information for ASSOCHAM, according to Mr. Rawat, is leading tour-operators in around and Delhi who have offered lucrative tour-packages and taken good advantage of the situation. Information was also received from Indian Association of Tour Operators and Hotel Association of India who shared details of hotel bookings during the period.

According to ASSOCHAM, Delhiites chose to visit these places in the first-half of October because of the shorter distance from the city and pleasant weather conditions prevalent in North India during this period. Another reason, said Mr. Rawat, was the good law and order situation in these States that are largely tourist-friendly and free from any sense of violence.

Eco-friendly buses to ferry Games athletes NEW DELHI: Taking inspiration from the Beijing Olympics held last year, the Delhi government, too, is keen to display its commitment towards the conservation of environment to the world. It plans to introduce 'hybrid' electric buses during the Commonwealth Games.

These hybrid buses will run on CNG and electric energy, and the government plans to station them at all 11 Games venues to transport athletes and spectators. It may also possibly give joyrides to inquisitive visitors.

‘Hybrid buses were a part of the system during Beijing Olympics. Delhi, too, has a green city agenda and the event (Commonwealth Games) could be used to extend our commitment to the cause’ While Delhi already has a huge base for a CNG-propelled public

transport system and it has recently introduced subsidies on the cost of battery-operated cars and two-wheelers, Delhi Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta said these hybrid buses would be in addition to the eco-friendly transportation structure to be provided during the Games.

"Hybrid buses were a part of the system during Beijing Olympics. Delhi, too, has a green city agenda and the event (Commonwealth Games) could be used to extend our commitment to the cause," he said.

Delhi ready to welcome visitors for Commonwealth Games

Jawaharlal Nehru stadium

Cultural event

Cont’d from page 31

Airports of major cities of India like Delhi, Nagpur, Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Cochin, etc have been modernized.

Experts from tourism, hospitality and aviations industries say they expect the event will increase tourism in nearby famous places like Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Bharatpur, Ranthambhore, etc. Delhi tourism is also ready

Lotus Temple

Akshardham Temple

to give delightful experience of travel and tourism in India.

Tour operators and travel agencies are planning and preparing tour packages for India travel during the event.

They are especially focusing on Agra - famous for world heritage Taj Mahal, the star attractions of India, Jaipur - the Pink City of India, Ranthambhore the land of tigers, and Corbett National Park.

The beautiful hill stations like

Shimla, Manali, Kashmir, Mussoorie, etc are also going to witness large gathering of international tourists.

The Games are going to create several jobs among local people. Private sectors like hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, airports, etc are going to require extra staff to handle large flux of tourists.

Thus the 2010 Games are going to set tremendous boom in tourism in India.

Realty Tidbits

HUDA allows twin basement in industrial plots CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has decided to allow twinlevel basement in industrial plots of general category.

While disclosing this here, a spokesman of HUDA said that twin level basement might be used for parking and air conditioning plant, but it should not be used for electric sub-stations, including transformer.

Such permissions could be granted at the level of administrator and this policy would be applicable on those plots also, which have already been allotted.

However, while granting such permissions, the prescribed safety norms of National Building Code2005 should be strictly adhered to, he added.-PTI

DLF's 354 luxury apartments in Chennai

D

LF has launched a residen tial project with 354 luxury apartments, making it the largest supply, in this segment, to hit the market at one go in the heart of Chennai. The project Commander's Court - coming up in Egmore on Commander-in-Chief Road, will have apartments of 1,600-2,600 sq ft and duplex units of 3,950 sq ft, priced at Rs 1.6-5.2 crore. These will be fully-fitted units which buyers will be able to move into, with their furniture, and settle down within a day, said K K Raman, executive vice-president and zonal head, DLF.

Real Estate 35 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 24, 2010

H

otels group Zuri has recast its six properties into three niche brands and says it plans to add 10-15 hotels globally, either as new hotels or through management contracts in the next five years. Zuri Group Global, which started building its own luxury brand two years ago, would invest an estimated Rs 500 crore on two or three new hotels planned in the country. It was discussing with many players in different places, including in Bangalore, for taking up existing properties on management basis and rebranding them as Zuri, its managing directors, Bobby Kamani and Abhishek Kamani, told a news conference.

Commercial real estate witnesses rise in demand

C

ommercial real estate projects, including office and retail space, have started seeing increased demand after suffering poor sales during the economic slowdown, as firms and retailers revive expansion plans. In eight cities, including Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) and Mumbai, firms leased out or sold 9.2 million sq. ft of commercial space in the three months ended 30 June, up 58% from 5.8 million sq. ft in April-June 2009, said Ravi Ahuja, executive director for development services at consultants Cushman and Wakefield India.

Some 16.4 million sq. ft of retail space is expected to be available in 2010, against 6.3 million sq. ft last year. Consultant Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. has predicted 8.9 million sq. ft will be absorbed this year, compared with 4 million sq. ft in 2009. "The commercial real estate space is again active with inquiries and transactions," said Supreet Suri, director, The Three C Universal Developers Pvt. Ltd. The company is planning to launch a 12.5-acre commercial project in Noida, on the outskirts of New Delhi, by October. "We are

getting inquiries for our Noida project, which is still in the planning stage," Suri said.

Developers such as BPTP India Ltd, Assotech Ltd, Anant Raj Industries Ltd and Wave Inc. have also reported improving property demand. Metros have witnessed a large number of investment deals in office space development at in-

formation technology (IT) and corporate parks during April-June, according to a report by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

"While improved corporate profits seem to be the demand driver for office property, retail property has also seen an upswing, as a result of improved economic climate

Omaxe housing project in Jammu & Kashmir

T

R

ealty firm Omaxe Ltd said its subsidiary has won a contract of Rs 128 crore from the Defense Ministry to develop a housing project in Jammu & Kashmir.

Omaxe Infrastructure & Construction Ltd (OICL), a wholly- owned subsidiary of Omaxe, has been awarded the contract from DGMAP, Ministry of Defense to construct a residential complex at Nagrota in J&K, the company said in a statement.

"The project is valued at Rs 127.93 crore," it said, adding that work order involves development and construction of the residential accommodation for the defense officers.

OICL would construct a total of 800 dwelling units for JCOs and

within the country, making it an attractive market for global retailers as well," says the report.

Leasing and sale of office space in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR rose 69% and 18%, respectively, according to another

capital and rental values will remain stable in the near term as new projects inundate the market in the next few quarters. "Rental and capital values will remain stable as the markets will witness huge supply in coming months," said Priyankar Bhikshu, head of research for India at DTZ International

consultancy, DTZ International Property Advisors. The report says 70% of transactions in Delhi-NCR have been recorded in Gurgaon, Noida and Delhi's south business district. In Mumbai, most commercial realty projects are coming up in peripheral areas. Noida has attracted large multinational corporations from IT and the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sectors who want to set up back offices, says an office market report from BNP Paribas Real Estate.

Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex adjoining Santacruz, Andheri, Powai, Vikhroli and Vile Parle has also attracted buyers, says the BNP report. Consultancies say

Property Advisors. "Increased absorption and reduced vacancy are likely to take place in most Indian cities by the end of this year. However, a complete revival of the rental market is unlikely until mid2011," Bhikshu added.

But deal sizes are getting smaller. "Multinational firms are looking for central locations in big metro cities. Since rental cost in these areas is still higher, the space occupied is smaller in comparison to the ones that were occupied during 2008," said Rajesh Goyal, chairman and managing director of the Delhi-based developer RG Group. "In doing so, the occupiers have the dual advantages of cost saving and central location."

Multinational firms are looking for central locations in big metro cities. Since rental cost in these areas is still higher, the space occupied is smaller in comparison

700 acre township project in Chennai he Hyderabad-based IVRCL Assets & Holdings Ltd has launched a 700-acre township with an 18-hole championship golf course near Chennai. Announcing the plans at a press conference, Sunil Reddy, group vice-chairman, IVRCL, said that the township Aavisa - is to come up at Sriperumbudur, off the NH-4 to the west of Chennai. While the modern golf course is a unique part of the project, the residential portion targets a wide spectrum of the market, with independent houses priced between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 2.5 crore.

Aavisa is promoted through a special purpose vehicle, IVRCL Resorts & Hotels. Kotal Realty Fund has a stake in the project.

Zuri Group to launch more hotels

ORs. The project will be completed in 27 months. "Our wide experience and expertise in construction of residential campuses will help us to construct the project in sync to the requirements of defense personnel," Omaxe Chairman and Managing Director Rohtas Goel said.

OICL currently has an order book of about Rs 978 crore. It had recently bagged a contract from Air Force Naval Housing Board to build a housing colony at Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. In real estate, Omaxe is developing 53 projects. Among these, there are 21 integrated townships, including a Hi-Tech city, 21 group housing projects, 9 shopping malls and commercial complexes, and 2 hotels.

36

September 24, 2010

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Pee Loon: Once Upon A Time in Mumbai

38

India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 24, 2010

4

Hairat: Anjaana Anjaani

5 Mera Jeena Hai Kya: Aashayein 6 Tujhe Bhula Diya: Anjaana Anjaani 7 Chori Kiya Re Jiya: Dabangg 8 Man Lafanga: Lafangey Parindey 9 Naav: Udaan (New) 10 Desh Mera: Peepli Live

A

ctress Kim Sharma has been missing from the scene for quite sometime now and not without reason. With her acting career not going great guns, the actress seems to be concentrating on settling her personal front.

First, there was a buzz that Kim was all set to wed her Spanish boyfriend Carlos Marin and would move to Madrid after marriage. But then the engagement was called off and now the latest one is that she has tied the knot with a Kenya-based rich business tycoon called Ali Punjani in a secret ceremony which took place in Mombasa, Kenya.

The marriage was the culmination of a supposed love affair which lasted for a short period and then headed for a marriage attended by close relatives and friends of Kim and Ali. The only one conspicuous by her absence was Kim's best Preeti Jhangiani.

Well, everyone falls into love and heads on for a marriage. But why this hush-hush secret wedding ceremony?

Sexy

SONG

M

allika Sherawat is trying everything under the sun to make her much awaited film 'Hisss' a big news. First, she shifted to Los Angeles, then she posted her topless pics on Twitter and went on to walk the Cannes Red Carpet in a snake inspired outfit. Now, this is the next one from the sexy bombshell. She has just recorded two songs for the film before she left for Mumbai to start her shooting schedule for 'Double Dhamaal'. The songs have been sung by her in the sexy style of French actress Brigitte Bardot's legendary collaborations with musician Serge Gainsbourg.

Out of the two songs, the first is composed and arranged by Julian Lennon, son of John Lennon from the iconic rock band The Beatles. The second track recorded is arranged by German composer Alexander Von Bubenheim, who provided the background score for 'Hisss'.

With Mallika revealing something more than her skin, get ready to tune in to this new 'singing sensation' sex kitten!!

A

ishwarya Rai Bachchan may be a global icon but she values her family and privacy more than any thing else. Aishwarya respects her privacy so much that she reportedly turned down a million-dollar deal by a Hollywood studio which offered to make a documentary on her life. They wanted to have a foreign crew follow her around for a week to get a glimpse of her personal life.

The said Hollywood studio tried to persuade Aishwarya a lot but she kept firm on her decision. She denied the offer politely saying that she would never want anyone to shoot at her home disturbing the privacy of the family.

Before this, a documentary has already been made on superstar Shahrukh Khan's life. The documentary on Ash was to be made on the same lines but being truly a part of the Bachchan clan, she preferred to keep their family and personal life private. Recently, Amitabh Bachchan had also expressed publicly about his concern over privacy through his blog over the upcoming Mumbai Metro line.

Bollywood

September 24, 2010

India Post

www.indiapost.com

N

andita Das is savoring every moment of the joy of motherhood -- and no interruptions are allowed. The actress has switched off from the world to concentrate on her son Vihaan, so much so that friends like Rituparno Ghosh, Shabana Azmi and Deepa Mehta are wondering how to connect with the excited mom.

Nandita says with a laugh: 'I am enjoying this experience of having the little one around, whose cries and smiles mean the world to me. Though much of my time is going in feeding, nappy changing and trying to get some sleep. It is wonderful to keep the phone on eternal silence and emails on auto-reply! I have never been so grounded.'

Nandita says she is in her happiest space possible as she and her husband Subodh Maskara are just busy watching their little bundle of joy.

'I have never been so grounded. Somehow I am missing nothing else. Subodh and I are spending a lot of time just watching our son! We have named him Vihaan. It is the Sanskrit word for 'a new beginning' or 'the morning rays of the sun'. It sure is a new beginning for us.'

K

atrina Kaif is already the heartthrob of millions. She has gone a step further to ensure that there is not one man left who doesn't skip his beat as she gyrates on the modern version of the 1991 hit song "Jumma Chumma De De' that was originally picturized on Big B and Kimi Katkar.

Katrina is doing this item number 'Sheela Ki Jawani' for Farah Khan's 'Tees Maar Khan' and as she plays an item girl in the film. Speaking about this special song, Farah says, "Sheela Ki Jawani is a special item number with a never before seen feel to it. There are six different set-ups and Katrina will be seen in six different looks. In the last sequence of the song, I wanted a rustic bar setting where you'll see Katrina surrounded by men holding beer-mugs and splashing water on her something similar to the famous 'Jumma Chumma' song in Hum. Another part of the song is a tribute to the musical Chicago. The song itself is a mix of Bhojpuri meets Bob Fosse if you can imagine what I am saying."

E

mraan Hashmi is known for his lip locks more than this acting skills and though he did not go for his trademark kissing scenes in the last flick 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbai', he is back to what he is best at in his forthcoming film, 'Crook- Its Good to be Bad', this time with a step further.

After giving a taste of his passionate kisses to desi babes like Mallika Sherawat, Udita Goswami, Kangana Ranaut and Sonal Chauhan, Hashmi locks lips with a foreign babe this time while courting Neha Sharma in this flick directed by Mohit Suri. The movie also features actor Arjan Bajwa of "Fashion" fame.

It is a story about racial attacks on Indian students in Australia. Emraan Hashmi, crafty, Machiavellian and mutinous, is involved in the illegal task of piracy in Australia.

And while living there he is wooing two ladies at the same time. Speaking about the pre-requisite of kissing sequence he says, "So some amount of intimacy is justified. I've done it in my usual uninhibited, unapologetic way. I guess, because of my liberal, somewhat westernized upbringing, I've never been leery about kissing".

Lip service

Dino the writer

Raunchy Sheila

D

espite being half Italian, Dino Morea is a Pucca Bangalorean Boy. While he returned from his recent visit to the city, he got nostalgic about his hometown.

"I grew up in Bangalore and I have an Italian Mom who has lived all her life in Bangalore till this date. Of course, I have visited the city quite often to see my parents and spend Christmas and New Year with them.

Bangalore has really grown and become more beautiful and prosperous since those bygone days of mine.

"May it really prosper & grow more. A couple of years down the line I will go back to Bangalore, settle down there, and make a film about Bangalore, which will be my first ever directorial effort. Not only these, right now I am writing a book on Bangalore, projecting all its past glory, history, mystery, myths & romance of my times.

Lastly my parting shot for my entire fellow Bangaloreans would be 'We are all very cool, let's just stay that way.

39

Health

Line

Lecture on Fibromyalgia on Sept 30

Health Science

India Post News Service

SAN FRANCISCO: The Health Science Forum is a platform dedicated to providing the latest educational information to physicians and health care professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area. The HSF has been organizing dinner meetings for the past eight years.

As part of our ongoing monthly lectures, the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Raja Sweets & Indian Cuisine in Union City, CA. Dr. Vicky Economou, Neurologist, Bay Valley Medical Group, Hayward, CA will be speaking on "Fibromyalgia: Disease Overview, Diagnosis, and Management".

This event will be sponsored

by Pfizer Pharmaceutical and hosted by R.J. Media. For more information and R.S.V.P please call Sonia at 510 938 8668.

US to resume funding stem cell research for now WASHINGTON: The US government says it is back in the business of funding embryonic stem cell research at least for now after an appeals court temporarily lifted a judge's ban.

The National Institutes of Health said in a statement that it again will evaluate applications from scientists who are seeking money for the experiments and is resuming its own research.

A federal judge last month barred use of taxpayer money for the stem cell research. That led the NIH to suspend its work to fund new projects and to warn that 22 projects due to get yearly checks in September would have to find other money to continue. -AP

Family of girl in vaccine case gets settlement ATLANTA: The family of a Georgia girl whose autism-like symptoms had been blamed on a combination of vaccines has been awarded some $1.5 million from a federal vaccine injury fund.

Federal health officials concluded in 2008 that childhood vaccines contributed to the development of autism symptoms of Hannah Poling, of Athens.

They only recently announced the settlement amount.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports Poling's family will get the $1.5 million to cover care during the first year after the judgments, lost future earnings and pain and suffering. -AP

40

India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 24, 2010

C. Ind. high school faces chickenpox outbreak ZIONSVILLE, Ind.: The state health commissioner has ordered that students not fully vaccinated against the chickenpox can't attend a central Indiana high school where more than a dozen cases of the disease have been reported.-AP

India supplies 80% of AIDS medicines to developing countries Study reveals India's trade pacts will affect supply of generic drugs SRIREKHA CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: A new study published Sept 14 reveals that Indian generic manufacturers have supplied more than 80% of donorfunded AIDS medicines to developing countries in the last seven years.

However, the study warns that upcoming trade agreements India is currently negotiating may close the tap on affordable medicines for AIDS patients. The news coincides with a global funding crisis in the area of AIDS while at the same time new clinical evidence demonstrates that greater investments are needed to address the disease.

'A lifeline to treatment: the role of Indian generic manufacturers in supplying antiretroviral medicines to developing countries' is coauthored by Brenda Waning, Coordinator of Market Dynamics, UNITAID; Ellen Diedrichsen, Boston University School of Medicine; and Suerie Moon, Sustainability Science Program, Center for International Development, Harvard Kennedy School of Government

UNITAID is an organization established to support existing efforts of the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

"The findings of this study raise grave concerns for us because UNITAID relies heavily on Indian generic manufacturers to supply quality-assured, patient-

Anti-AIDS medicine

friendly, low cost AIDS medicines in over 50 countries," said Jorge Bermudez, UNITAID Executive Secretary. "What we need today is a more flexible approach to scale up treatment and not the opposite."

The study published by the Journal of the International AIDS

Society, explains that a global trade agreement - known as Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) - which has bound India to apply product patents since 2005 - has already begun to curtail the country's ability to produce low-cost generic versions of

'If Indian manufacturers cannot meet these demands, a lot of the progress we have made in the last seven years will be reversed,' added Jorge Bermudez newer medicines. New trade agreements being currently discussed may further reduce India's vital role as provider of life-saving treatments.

The study comes at a time when the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced new recommendations for people living with HIV/AIDS to begin treat-

ment earlier and to switch to newer medicines that are more robust and less toxic but also much more expensive. This means that more people than foreseen will need treatment today and in the next years and that the cost of treatment could skyrocket if the new products cannot be made available at the more affordable generic prices.

"If Indian manufacturers cannot meet these demands, a lot of the progress we have made in the last seven years will be reversed," added Jorge Bermudez.

AIDS treatment has experienced startling progress over recent years, with about four million people starting treatment between 2003 and 2008, largely due to India's ability to produce low-cost quality medicines and to healthy competition among India's producers. For instance, the Indian generic version of the most commonly used first-line adult regimen (lamivudine/nevirapine/ stavudine) dropped from $414/ person/year in 2003 to $74/person/ year in 2008.

Cont’d on page 41

Self-discipline as key to diabetes fight ready know how to prevent ourselves from diabetes especially through better nutrition, exercise and so on. The problem is how about those who are starting to have

JITTIMA JANTANAMALAKA

A

ccording to the Interna tional Diabetes Federa tion (IDF), the number of people in Thailand living with diabetes, in the age group 20-79 years, has risen from 3,162,400 in 2007 to 3,538,000 in 2010.

Thus, during the past three years 375,600 more Thais have joined the band wagon of this non communicable disease, increasing the national incidence of diabetes from 7.2% in 2007 to 7.7% in 2010. This is more than the current prevalence in India (7.1%) and China (4.5%) in the age group of 20-79 years. Thailand urgently needs to increase efforts to raise awareness of diabetes among its population in

'Once you know someone is at risk then you have to prevent the complication by keeping the sugar level of blood' order to stem the potential of a burden epidemic.

"I don't want to call 'diabetes' as a disease actually it is Hyperglycemia, or it is the level of the high blood sugar that becomes the problem all over the world at this moment. So I think this is the big problem. We al-

risk of Hyperglycemia, what should they do? One thing that needs to be done is blood testing. Since diabetes now affects all ages, at some point when a person reaches age 30 they certainly need to check their blood and continue controlling the glucose level yearly" said Dr Samlee

Plianbangchang, Regional Director of World Health Organization South-East Asia Region Office (WHO-SEARO) in an exclusive interview with CNS. "Once you know someone is at risk then you have to prevent the complication by keeping the sugar level of blood. In many cases we may have to give them insulin, and try our best to prevent them from the other diseases as much as we can.

"If we can control the blood sugar in the person well enough and prevent them from the complication diseases, they would be just fine with their life, just only in one condition, don't let there come the complication," added Dr Samlee Plianbangchang.

Cont’d on page 42

September 24, 2010

Health Science Post

India Post

41

www.indiapost.com

Kidney transplant program seeks to find matches NORFOLK, Va.: In the world of organ transplants, there's a term for people like Christy McGinnity: Good Samaritan donors.

They offer a kidney not to a brother, a mother, a friend or spouse, but to someone they don't even know.

McGinnity, a 39-year-old Norfolk woman, first considered the idea more than a year ago after reading a newspaper article. She made good on the offer a few weeks ago at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where she donated her kidney to Regina Davis, a 49-year-old woman from Maryland's Eastern Shore.

In turn, Davis' daughter donated one of her kidneys to a stranger in St. Louis, whom she's a better match for than she would have been for her mother.

They're each hopeful the chain of donations will continue to unfold to others in need of kidneys. ``God is written all over this thing,'' Davis said.

These types of organ operations are sometimes known as ``paired kidney exchanges'' or ``kidney chains.'' There have been cases in which more than 20 people have received new kidneys as a result.

It works like this: Donors and recipients who are poor matches

with their own relative or loved ones agree to swap organs with another pair to create more compatible matches. Johns Hopkins did the first paired exchange transplant in the United States in 2001. More than 900 people across the country have received kidneys through such arrangements since then.

Sometimes the surgeries are done simultaneously, to keep donors from backing out of the agreement, but in cases where someone is willing to give a kidney to a stranger, it can be done in a chain of transplants.

That idea has given rise to more donors like McGinnity also called anonymous or altruistic donors, many of whom were inspired by others who donated their organs without knowing the recipient.

In 1999, there were five such donors, a number that grew to 141 last year, according to a federal organ network.

So far this year, about 70 people with big hearts and kidneys to spare have stepped forward.

McGinnity is one of them.

Her story began in June of 2009, when she read an article in The Virginian-Pilot about Lauraleigh Devey.

Devey grew up in Norfolk, and had moved to Maryland. She had

developed a rare kidney disease and needed a new kidney to live.

She made a plea to the public for one, explaining that the surgery is done laproscopically in which instruments are inserted in four small incisions and that the person's medical bills are usually paid for by the recipient's insurance. The donor stays in the hospital a couple of days.

Devey, 52, was so appreciative of McGinnity donating a kidney that Devey told her she'd make the two-hour drive from her home to Johns Hopkins on the day of the surgery ``I've just got to believe there is somebody out there who'd love the idea of giving someone a second chance at life,'' she was quoted as saying.

There was. ``I didn't even finish the article,'' McGinnity said. ``I picked up the phone and called Johns Hopkins.

I got caught up in the moment. I

didn't look at it as a big deal. It's a kidney. God gives you two kidneys, and you can live with one.''

She had blood work done locally during the next few weeks.

About a month later, she was told she wasn't a match for Devey. She was disappointed, but the donor coordinator asked if she wanted to stay on the list.

She did. ``It bothers me that I went 39 years without doing it. I could have helped someone years ago.''

McGinnity, a single mother of two, had worked as a medical assistant in the past and was taking classes at a local medical careers school to become a registered nurse. At the time, she was working as a private investigator.

Months passed. In mid-July, her phone rang.

They found a match for her. ``I felt like I won the lottery,'' McGinnity said.

The hospital's policy required she not know anything about the recipient until after the surgery, and then only if the recipient agreed to meet.

As time went on, McGinnity grew nervous, but her resolve never faltered. She had a battery of medical tests, and provided blood and tissue samples at dif-

ferent points leading up to the August surgery. She decided to get in touch with the woman who inspired her to donate.

Through Facebook, she hooked up with Devey, and found out she had received a kidney in September of 2009 from a woman in Annapolis, who, like McGinnity, was an anonymous donor giving because she knew there was a need. A friend of Devey's, in turn, donated one of her kidneys to someone in Canada.

Devey, 52, was so appreciative of McGinnity donating a kidney that Devey told her she'd make the twohour drive from her home to Johns Hopkins on the day of the surgery.

Meanwhile, Regina Davis and her family were hoping and praying that the donor, whom they knew nothing about, would stick with her plan. Davis, who has heart disease and diabetes, had been on blood-cleansing dialysis since 2008, when her kidneys failed.

Every day, seven days a week, she hooked herself up to a machine for 10 hours.

She has two daughters, one a 30-year-old mother who is stationed with the Army in Iraq.

Davis had been caring for her children, ages 6, 8 and 10, since June. -AP

42

Health Science Post

India Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Similarities between simple Self-discipline as key to diabetes fight organisms, human heart ROCK HILL, SC: They're not much to look at squishy little blobs, five or six inches long and transparent, lying inert at the bottom of an aquarium in a research lab.

But for Winthrop University biology professor Heather EvansAnderson, these simple organisms are the subject of some pretty complex study research that just earned her more than $419,000 in funding from the National Institutes of Health.

They're called sea squirts or Ciona intestinalis and what makes these sea-dwelling invertebrates interesting is their ability to repair damaged muscle cells in their hearts through the regeneration of cardiac myocytes, or heart muscle cells.

This is the process EvansAnderson and her assistants will continue to study with funding from the NIH grant, which will pay researchers and a lab technician while covering costs of supplies and facility and equipment rental for the next three years. ``We're trying to understand the basic questions about the biology of how the genes work using a simple model,'' EvansAnderson said.

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in humans, according to the American Heart Association. Cardiovascular disease is another threat, Evans-Anderson added.

Research like Evans-Anderson's

is important because it could lead to changes in our understanding of the human heart and years from now provide the foundation for medical advancements.

Sea squirts get their names from how they behave in the wild, attaching themselves to things like wharfs, boats and reefs, where they live out their lives sucking in water, filtering out the microalgae to eat and squirting water back out.

Sea squirts are hermaphrodites, meaning their reproductive organ

Sea squirts get their names from how they behave in the wild, attaching themselves to things like wharfs, boats and reefs produces both sperm and eggs.

They reproduce by squirting out eggs and sperm in the water to mix with that of other sea squirts.

Other than that, their lives seem mundane. But what goes on inside their hearts is extraordinary.

During development, EvansAnderson said, when a sea squirt's heart is forming, the cells are proliferating "growing to build the heart.''

The same process is going on in a human heart as the embryo develops.

Three-legged pug warms hearts at Wisconsin nursing home EAU CLAIRE, Wis.: A pug, Forrest, shows nursing home residents that life really is like a box of chocolates.

Forrest Gump recently hopped into Syverson Lutheran Home, sharing kisses and inspiration with residents.

It was the first time the fawncolored pug, owned by Karen Park, Syverson's activity director, had visited the home since losing one of his hind legs earlier this summer. ``Residents who had recent losses, such as an amputation or a stroke, especially related to him as we talked about how Forrest adjusted to his loss and ... how they too will adjust to their losses and limitations,'' Park said.

In one elderly gentleman who had suffered a stroke, she saw both hope and acceptance after he met Forrest. ``That was neat,'' said Park, who knows firsthand the unconditional

love and acceptance animals give.

In addition to Forrest, she has a 3pound Yorkie mix named Ben and two birds.

Park adopted Forrest four years ago from the Eau Claire County Humane Association, where the 3month-old pug had been surrendered by his former owner. Park fell in love with the puppy after driving him back to the shelter following a visit to Syverson, and he became part of her family after another person interested in the little dog pulled out. ``He was so little and cute,'' Park recalled. ``I knew I just had to have him.''

But she struggled with trying to find the right name for him, until she and friend Debbie Hong visited the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant in New Orleans, where they were helping with the cleanup in 2006, a year after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city. -AP

But unlike the sea squirt, whose cells continue to multiply throughout life, allowing damaged heart tissue to heal itself, the cells of a human heart all no longer proliferate, or regenerate, in a meaningful way after birth. ``If we can see why regeneration happens'' in a sea squirt's heart, she said, ``we can then see what's different'' in human heart development.

The answers lie in genetic research.

Evans-Anderson and research assistants James Tucker and John Samies, both senior biology majors, are studying the development of sea squirt hearts from fertilization to adulthood by studying the genes that direct heart development and the processes that repair cells.

Running tests, looking through microscopes, and playing with petri dishes might seem a little slow, but Tucker and Samies are energized by it.

Samies plans to study orthopedics in medical school, but since he started working in research, he might see a different track ahead. ``I'm starting to get pulled toward research,'' he said. ``Going through tissue samples, extracting RNA and making DNA from it that's fascinating.''

Tucker already knows he wants to be a research scientist, maybe focusing on microbiology. ``A lot of the things we learn in here we haven't learned in class,'' he said.

And, as Evans-Anderson pointed out, turning down the grinding rock coming from her computer, ``We are also big fans of Rage Against the Machine.''

Over the next three years, their work will involve isolating the sea squirts' heart-development genes, removing them and then watching how the organism develops without the gene. That will tell them something about how the missing gene functions and how it interacts with other genes.

It's like working on a car, Tucker said. Take something out, disconnect a wire, remove a part and watch to see what no longer happens. Except with a sea squirt, it's a gene they're taking out.

It's a complicated process made easier by the fact that the sea squirt's genome is so much more simple than a human's. Unlike the human genome, which has multiple copies of certain genes, the sea squirt's genome doesn't have as many copies to sort through, making it easier to identify genes, isolate them, and see how they function together. -AP

Cont’d from page 40

He said that diabetes is a condition requiring lifelong treatment, care and management which currently affects a lot of people around the world.

"Diabetes is alarming; it's happening all around the world. For developing countries, there is a need to access medication but people don't even know that they have diabetes, and the access to treatment is limited. So we have to make them aware of their condition and make it possible to access medication. Primary prevention is a very important issue as well," said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang.

He added that Thailand has had so many campaigns during the past few years such as 'Kon Thai Rai Pung' but campaigning is just only a part of it. Success or failure is up to the discipline of individual persons, he said.

"To exercise you need to have discipline, most people don't have discipline. If you're not disciplined then the campaign will not be successful. To make the campaign work out, we have to campaign for people to have discipline. I think this is very big issue" said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang.

Dr Samlee Plianbangchang stressed the need for people to take care of their health in the lead

up to the World Diabetes Day, 14 November, and beyond.

"We have to take care of our health, the most important thing that we have to be concerned with is food and nutrition. Along with good exercise and enough rest, these will certainly help to prevent diabetes and other diseases. It is simple saying it but hard in terms

The most important thing that we have to be concerned with is food and nutrition.

Along with good exercise and enough rest, these will certainly help to prevent diabetes and other diseases of doing, because whoever has no discipline will not be able to work it out, to have discipline in taking care of your health is a very big issue, anyone who has not enough discipline they can never be able to do this" said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang.

The slogan of World Diabetes Day this year is 'Let's take Control of Diabetes Now,' perhaps the best way for us to start with is to have self-discipline. -CNS

India supplies 80% of AIDS medicines to developing countries Cont’d from page 40

Since 2006, Indian-produced generic antiretrovirals (ARVs) have accounted for more than 80% of the donor-funded developing country market, and comprised 87% of ARV purchase volumes in 2008. The proportion of ARVs produced by Indian manufacturers is even higher within certain market niches. In 2008, Indian-produced generics accounted for 91% of paediatric ARV volume.

By 2008, Indian generic ARVs accounted for 65% of the total value (US $463 million) of ARV purchases reported, while non-Indian generic and innovator ARVs accounted for 13% and 22% of market value, respectively. The number of Indian generic manufacturers supplying ARVs to low- and middle-income countries increased from four to 10 from 2003 to 2008, while the number of Indian-produced generic ARV products increased from 14 to 53 over the same time period.

The report concludes that "Free Trade Agreements that may cre-

ate new intellectual property obligations for India can increase ARV prices, impede the development of acceptable dosage forms, and delay access to newer and better ARVs. Such measures can undermine the international goal to achieve universal access to HIV/ AIDS interventions and the 2001 WTO Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health. Rather than agreeing to inappropriate IP obligations, India and its trade partners - along with international organizations, donors, national governments, civil society, and pharmaceutical manufacturers - should ensure that there is sufficient policy space for the Indian generic industry to continue its central role in supplying developing countries with low-cost, quality-assured generic medicines."

UNITAID's funds are disbursed to international partners working in global health and health commodities procurement, such as the William J. Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative and UNICEF.

In Brief Neb. lawyers at odds on Pa. immigration ruling OMAHA, Neb.: Attorneys involved in the legal fight over a Nebraska city's ban on hiring and renting to illegal immigrants disagreed on what type of affect a federal appeals court's decision overturning a similar law in Pennsylvania would have on the city's ban.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said that a law in Hazleton, Pa., had usurped the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration. The northeastern Pennsylvania city of more than 30,000 had sought to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs. A companion measure required prospective tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit. -AP

More time given for response to immigrant's suit JACKSON, Miss.: A judge has given Singing River Hospital more time to respond to a lawsuit accusing hospital workers of conspiring with the Mississippi Department of Human Services to take a Mexican immigrant's child.

US Magistrate Linda Anderson has extended the deadline until October 26.

Defendants contended it would be difficult to answer the suit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center on behalf of Cirila Cruz because details involving Youth Court proceedings remain under seal.

The suit also names MDHS; social worker Vicki Hayes and her supervisor, Ralph Mathews, as defendants. -AP

Immigration, layoffs highlight Colo. gov. debate GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.: Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper says he would lead an effort to craft an immigration compromise among the nation's governors rather than support an Arizona-style immigration law.

Hickenlooper's Republican opponent, Dan Maes, repeated a promise that he would happily sign into law an immigration crackdown. Maes made the comment during a debate with Hickenlooper in Grand Junction.

A third-party candidate in the race, conservative Tom Tancredo, is an outspoken opponent of illegal immigration. -AP

Immigration India Post

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www.indiapost.com

September 24, 2010

Feds oppose Pearce's bid to join appeal of new law PHOENIX: The U.S. Justice Department doesn't want the author of Arizona's new immigration law to be a party in the state's appeal of a ruling that put parts of the law on hold. -AP

US think tank ties up with Indian ministry on migration issues India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Indian Council of Overseas Employment (lCOE) on Sept 14, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), an independent think tank in Washington, D.C. for cooperation on international migration issues.

ICOE is an autonomous institution established by the Government of India's Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) to lead empirical, analytical and policy related research on international migration. The MPI carries out research and policy development on international migration worldwide.

The memorandum establishes a basis for cooperation between the two institutions on topics ranging from international migration issues and migration policy to the impact of labor migration on economic development in source

Signing of MOU by Dr. A. Didar Singh, Chairman, The Indian Council of Overseas Employment (lCOE) and Dr. Demetrios G. Papademetriou, President of Migration Policy Institute (MPI) at the Embassy of India in Washington, DC on September 14

‘India is a major force in international migration dynamics and represents one of the largest and most successful immigrant communities in the United States. MPI looks forward to a vigorous program of joint research’ and destination countries. Both institutions have an interest in promoting multilateral debate on

international migration issues.

Signing the memorandum of understanding for ICOE, its chair-

man, Dr. A. Didar Singh, said, "India's 5,000-year history of migration has led us to a deep appreciation of the importance of migration to India's development as a modem economy and to its relations with countries around the globe. ICOE's collaboration with MPI will help us to enlarge our exploration of the ways in which India can benefit from globalization."

Dr. Demetrios G. Papademetriou, MPI's president, added, "India is a major force in international migration dynamics and represents one of the largest and most successful immigrant communities in the United States. MPI looks forward to a vigorous program of joint research and policy exploration of global trends in migration."

The memorandum of understanding has a term of three years and can be renewed on the agreement of both parties.

Mosque controversy & other immigration excesses GARY ENDELMAN & CYRUS D. MEHTA

(Continued from last week)

I

n light of this disturbing trend, noted columnist Tom Friedman in a recent New York Times OpEd best explains why it is important from a US immigration policy perspective to support the building of the Islamic Center, which will essentially be a 13 story building taken up by an auditorium, pool, gymnasium, offices and an exhibition space: That resistance to diversity, though, is not something we want to emulate, which is why I'm glad the mosque was approved on Tuesday. Countries that choke themselves off from exposure to different cultures, faiths and ideas will never invent the next Google or a cancer cure, let alone export a musical or body of literature that would bring enjoyment to children everywhere.

When we tell the world, "Yes, we are a country that will even tolerate a mosque near the site of 9/11," we send such a powerful message of inclusion and openness. It is shock-

ing to other nations. But you never know who out there is hearing that message and saying: "What a remarkable country!

I want to live in that melting pot, even if I have to build a boat from milk cartons to get there." As long as that happens, Silicon Valley will be Silicon Valley, Hollywood will be Hollywood, Broadway will be Broadway,

though President Obama admirably defended the right of Muslims to build the center, the next day he somewhat retreated by indicating that he was not commenting about the wisdom of building the mosque near Ground Zero.

The following extract from Bloomberg's no-compromise ad-

When we tell the world, ‘Yes, we are a country that will even tolerate a mosque near the site of 9/ 11,’ we send such a powerful message of inclusion and openness. It is shocking to other nations and America, if we ever get our politics and schools fixed, will be O.K. We also admire Mayor Bloomberg for standing firm to his convictions and not retreating like other politicians have. How far will such a "no-mosque" zone stretch from the WTC site? Mosques that are being proposed in Staten Island, NY, and even as far in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, have met with virulent resistance. Even

dress at Gracie Mansion on August 24 is worth noting: Nonetheless, it was not so long ago that Jews and Catholics had to overcome stereotypes and build bridges to those who viewed them with suspicion and less than fully American. In 1960, many Americans feared that John F. Kennedy would impose papal law on America. But through his example, he taught us that piety to a minor-

ity religion is no obstacle to patriotism. It is a lesson that needs updating today, and it is our responsibility to accept the challenge.”

The ill-conceived sacrifice of religious toleration will neither ensure our safety nor promote our security. As Benjamin Franklin reminded the Pennsylvania Assembly in February 1775, those "who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Memoirs of the life and writings of Benjamin Franklin (1818).

Think of this when former House Speaker Newt Gingrich pollutes the national discourse by comparing those who advocate the Muslim cultural center with Nazis. Remember well when Senator Schumer slanders major Indian IT giants like Infosys or Wipro and compares them to criminals who steal cars and chop them up for parts, http:// cyrusmehta.blogspot.com/2010/08/ world-according-to-senatorschumer-if.html.

Cont’d on page 44

44

Immigration Post

India Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Mosque controversy & other immigration excesses Cont’d from page 43

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how-much-will-arizonas-immigration-bill-sb1070-cost. "Gov. Brewer should keep in mind that, if significant numbers of immigrants and Latinos are actually persuaded to leave the state because of this new law, they will take their tax dollars, businesses, and purchasing power with them."

The demonstrable willingness of our political leadership to demagogue against immigration contributes to a willingness in the

The Immigration Policy Center reports that over 35,000 businesses in Arizona are Latino-owned and had sales and receipts of $44 billion in 2004 body politic at large to equate all immigrants with a malignant terrorism against which our heralded commitment to diversity must and will give way.

It is not that far a walk from portraying immigrants as the source of our economic malaise to depicting all Muslims as silent accomplices in 9/11. Nor is this the first time in our history when such a sad state of affairs has come to pass. As Abraham Lincoln wrote to his great good friend Joshua Speed on August 24, 1855:

Our progress in degeneracy appears to me to be pretty rapid.

As a nation, we began by declaring that "all men are created equal." We now practically read it, "All men are created equal except negroes."

When the Know-nothings get control, it will read, "All men are created equal except negroes and foreigners and Catholics."

When it comes to this, I shall prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty--to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.

Yet, all is not lost for we have emerged from other times of torment and returned to what Lincoln's First Inaugural so rightly and famously called "the better angels of our nature."

In time, the fever will break and America will regain its moral balance. The crusade against Islamophobia and all forms of nativist excess can only be won if America once again believes in itself. F. Scott Fitzgerald had it right: France was a land, England was a people, but America, having about it still that quality of the idea, was harder to utter…. It was a willingness of the heart. The Crack-Up (1936).

* Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

Quiet SC town refuses to ban illegal immigrants American Sona Mortgage

Call: NEERAJ

Indeed, the very use of the term "job shop" suggests illegitimacy and even the concept of an "H-1B dependent" employer, not to mention the refusal of Congress to expand manifestly inadequate immigrant visa quotas, derives in no small measure from an unspoken but powerful bias against the "threat" of Indian migration.

Popular frustration over federal inaction metastasizes into statesanctioned bigotry like that directed against illegal immigrants through SB 1070 in Arizona. http:/ /cyrusmehta.blogspot.com/2010/ 07/no-room-at-inn-sb-1070and.html.

Nativist excess has a price tag.

Here is a great example.http:// www.azcentral.com/community/ chandler/articles/2010/06/24/ 20100624chandler-arizona-immigration-california.html. An Arizona construction company lost out on a major construction contract to expand LA international airport precisely because the LA City Council boycotted Arizona in the wake of their state immigration law.

Moreover, the Immigration Policy Center reports that over 35,000 businesses in Arizona are Latino-owned and had sales and receipts of $44 billion in 2004, which employed over 39,363 people in 2002, the last year in which such data was available, http://www.americanimmigrationc ouncil.org/newsroom/release/

SUMMERVILLE, S.C.: The town council in this quiet South Carolina bedroom community refused to pass a proposed ordinance banning illegal immigrants from residing in their town.

The 4-3 vote by Summerville Town Council to table the proposal came after some council members warned approving the measure could result in court challenges that could cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

The measure, which could up again at a later date, would have required renters to prove they are

U.S. citizens or are living in the country legally. It would have required a verification form be filed with the town. ``In an effort to stick a finger in federal government's eye, I am not willing to spend tax dollars,'' councilman Mike Dawson said. ``I cannot in good conscience risk spending millions.''

While the council tabled that housing measure, meaning it could be brought up later for consideration, it did approve another section of the ordinance mirroring South

Carolina law and requiring that most employers in town check the immigration status of their workers.

The housing ordinance was proposed by councilman Walter Bailey who said that the federal government is not doing its job in controlling illegal immigration. He urged the council to give the measure final approval.

"If we think this is the right thing to do, then let's do it,'' he said. ``When the council makes a decision out of fear of a lawsuit, you are not making policy.'' -AP

Immigration Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Appeals court blocks Pa. town's immigration law ALLENTOWN, Pa.: A federal appeals court has ruled that Hazleton, Pa., may not enforce its crackdown on illegal immigrants, dealing another blow to 4-year-old regulations that inspired similar measures around the country.

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia said that Hazleton's Illegal Immigration Relief Act usurped the federal government's exclusive power to regulate immigration. ``It is ... not our job to sit in judgment of whether state and local frustration about federal immigration policy is warranted. We are, however, required to intervene when states and localities directly undermine the federal objectives embodied in statutes enacted by Congress,'' wrote Chief Judge Theodore McKee. Appeals courts are split on whether states and municipalities have the right to enforce laws dealing with immigration. The US Supreme Court will hear arguments over a 2007 Arizona law that prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

Hazleton, a northeastern Pennsylvania city of more than 30,000, had sought to fine landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs. A companion measure required prospective tenants to register with City Hall and pay for a rental permit.

Mayor Lou Barletta had pushed the measures in 2006 after two illegal immigrants were charged in a fatal shooting. The Republican mayor, now mounting his third try for Congress, argued

that illegal immigrants brought drugs, crime and gangs to the city of more than 30,000 and overwhelmed police, schools and hospitals.

Hispanic groups and illegal immigrants sued to overturn the measures, and a federal judge struck them down following a trial in 2007. The laws have never been enforced. ``This is a major defeat for the misguided, divisive and expensive anti-immigrant strategy that

Hazleton's act was copied by dozens of municipalities around the nation that believe the federal government hasn't done enough to stop illegal immigration Hazleton has tried to export to the rest of the country,'' ACLU attorney Omar Jadwat said in a statement.

Hazleton's act was copied by dozens of municipalities around the nation that believe the federal government hasn't done enough to stop illegal immigration.

The crux of the debate has now shifted to Arizona and its strict new law, passed this year, that's also being challenged in court; among other things, it requires police to question the immigration status of people they suspect are in the country illegally.

In the Hazleton case, the appeals court said the city's ordinances conflict with federal immigration law and thus are preempted. The employment provision could lead to discrimination against ``those perceived as foreign,'' the court said, while the effort to prevent illegal immigrants from living in Hazleton ignores that it is the federal governments' prerogative to decide who stays and who goes.

The city's law, for example, could force out a college student the federal government has declined to remove, or a battered spouse who could be eligible to stay in the United States under protections afforded by Congress, according to the unanimous decision.

Kris Kobach, a law professor and political candidate in Kansas who worked with Hazleton on its ordinance and represented the city at trial, said that the 3rd Circuit ignored Supreme Court precedent regarding pre-emption. ``It's going to be difficult for this opinion to stand. The court really had to stretch to find a way to agree with the ACLU,'' said Kobach, who also helped draft Arizona's immigration law.

Hispanic immigrants began settling in large numbers in Hazleton several years ago, lured from New York, Philadelphia and other cities by cheap housing, low crime and jobs in nearby factories and farms. The city, 80 miles northwest of Philadelphia, estimates its population increased by more than 10,000 between 2000 and 2006. -AP

India Post

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Tech News MCC Group eyes $ 100 mn from mobile sales CHANDIGARH: Delhi-based MCC Group, a new entrant in the burgeoning domestic mobile handset market, has said it is eyeing sales of USD 100 million from GSM mobile phones within next two years.

"We are aiming to clock sales of USD 100 million within next two years from mobile handset business," Company's MD Ajay Mehta told reporters here.

Besides, the company targets to sell 2 million units in 2011-12 financial year. "We have kept prices of our handsets between Rs 1,300 and Rs 3,000 targeting the mass market," he said.

MCC Group, which is also engaged into imaging and electronics, would be sourcing the handsets from China, Taiwan and Korea. "We have tied up with best mobile makers which also supply to other big brands for our mobile handset venture," he said.

He added that MCC Group would be spending USD 5 million over brand promotion in next 15 months. -PTI

Vedanta not to pull out of Orissa BHUBANESWAR: Vedanta Group, which was denied mining rights in Orissa's Niyamgiri hills, has said it will not pull out of the state.

"There is no possibility of pulling out of Orissa," chief operating officer (COO) of Vedanta Group's refinery at Lanjigarh Mukesh Kumar told reporters after meeting state steel and mines secretary here. The fate of the Lanjigarh refinery unit also hangs in balance in view of a show cause notice from union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF).

Kumar said Orissa has 54.89 per cent of the country's total bauxite reserve and "one has to remain in Orissa in order to flourish in the aluminum sector."

"There is also no question of shifting to any other state in the country," he said in reply to a question.

Asked to comment on MoEF questioning Vedanta as to why permission to its refinery unit should not be withdrawn for violating environmental laws, he said the company had not indulged in any illegal act.

"We have already replied to the show case notice of the ministry.

The company had submitted documentary proof to answer each question raised by the ministry," he said. -PTI

TechBiz 46 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 24, 2010

SRS group to add 23 more screens PATIALA: SRS Multiplex, a division of SRS group, would invest Rs 50 crore to add 23 more screens, taking its strength to 50 by the end of this year, SRS Group CMD Anil Jindal said.

Jindal, who was here to inaugurate the company’s new multiplex, said that with the opening up of the new multiplex, SRS now has 27 screens with a capacity of 6,919 seats in 6 locations.

The company has its screens in cities like Gurgaon, Faridabad and Gorakhpur. “Besides Patiala, we would further expand our presence in the tier two and three cities like Varanasi, Indore Agra, Ludhiana,” said Group President Tinku Singh. -PTI

India-US to jointly identify 'innovation projects' India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: A high level US Innovation Delegation is in India to identify concrete projects for immediate investment and market delivery to address specific needs with goal of President Obama and Prime Minister Singh announcing collaborative activities during Obama's early November visit.

An Indian delegation to the US is planned during December to finalize the projects. The focus areas of collaboration are Energy: Power Saving Conventional Systems and cooperation in green buildings; Education: Technology for Education and Infrastructure: (a) E-Governance & Innovative Civic Administration (b) Green Manufacturing (c) Low cost mobile technology.

An "Innovation Roundtable" jointly organized by the Department of Science & Technology, Confederation of Indian Industry and US Embassy in India to kick-start the initiative, was the first step in the India - US Innovation Forum.

While addressing the Roundtable, Mr. Sam Pitroda, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Public

Information Infrastructure & Innovations said "Democratize information using modern techniques".

He felt Right to Information Act, Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Knowledge Commission, National Knowledge Network, etc were some significant innovative initiatives by the Indian Government. "As a next step we

Forum jointly organized by the Department of Science & Technology, CII and US Embassy in India.

Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology, Government of India while addressing the Roundtable mentioned that "India's Minds-on and US Hands-on: a winning combination to provide innovative so-

He felt Right to Information Act, Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Knowledge Commission, National Knowledge Network, etc were some significant innovative initiatives by the Indian Government are creating a Public Information Infrastructure that will provide multiple platforms for innovation which include Broadband, Unique Identification Development Authority (UID), Geographical Information System (GIS), Security Applications and Payments.

We need to re-think strategies, and create multiple platforms and essentially start the process of democratizing information", he said at the opening session of the India-US Innovation Exchange

lution to the World". Dr. Ramasami highlighted the 'GLUE' component in the India and US relationship which is based upon the Goodwill, Leadership support, Understanding and Engaging partnerships.

He mentioned that this partnership has come at the right time as 201020 has been declared as the 'Decade of Innovation' by the Indian Government. He said, "It is important to recognize the process and purpose of innovation and both the countries have a respon-

sibility of making innovation accessible and affordable to the masses".

A strategic dialogue which is globally engaging and helping rural and urban areas is what the US is looking for said, Mr. Aneesh Chopra, Chief Technology Officer, The White House, Washington DC. He further added that brainstorming could come up with creative ideas which can leverage each others' strengths. He stressed upon the importance of Green technology and Education to incorporate technology for global engagement.

Mr. Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry emphasized that global collaborations in both public and private sector would be the key to sustenance and growth in future. He mentioned that CII has taken several initiatives to boost Industry investment in R&D. CII in partnership with the Department of Science & Technology has been implementing Government's bilateral / multilateral industrial R&D programs under GITA- Global Innovation & Technology Alliance an initiative, led by Dr. Ramasami.

NPCIL to begin talks with US N-suppliers MUMBAI: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation will begin negotiations with American nuclear energy majors following clearance of the Nuclear Liability Bill, a top NPCIL official said. .

"We are all set to begin talks with American companies, Westinghouse Electric Company and General Electric, and discuss how the business can happen and conclude the talks as early as possible," Chairman and Managing Director of NPCIL S K Jain told PTI. "Since the 'Arrangements and Procedures' are in place, we have to find ways and means to implement it and move forward in having collaboration with American companies in building civilian nuclear power plants during the

next two decades," Jain said.

The representatives of American nuclear industries also con-

On August 30, Parliament had adopted nuclear liability bill with the government insisting that the

US said there are "couple of issues" raised by American companies about the new law and it would be "wise" for India to ensure consistency S K Jain

firmed that they have been invited

by DAE and NPCIL to discuss business plans inspite of the new law.

compensation package for victims matches that of the US and it was still open to accommodate some suggestions.

Reacting to the legislation the US said there are "couple of issues" raised by American companies about the new law and it would be "wise" for India to ensure consistency between its regulations and that of other countries.

After the passing of the legislation both DAE and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board have begun framing rules for the nuclear liability law, DAE officials said.

Regarding power plants, coming up in collaboration with Russia at Kudankulam Atomic Power Project (KAPP) in Tamil Nadu, Jain said first two units of 1000 MW each are nearing completion and fuel loading for Unit 1 is expected to take place in December and will be commissioned in January next.

Cont’d on page 47

TechBiz Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Loans may get costlier, deposits attractive as RBI hikes rates NEW DELHI: Home, auto and corporate loans are likely to become expensive, with the RBI raising key short-term lending and borrowing rates by 0.25 and 0.50 percentage points, respectively, to combat inflation.

In its maiden mid-quarterly monetary policy review, the central bank upped repo, under which it lends short-term funds to banks, to six per cent and reverse repo, the short-term borrowing mechanism, to five per cent.

The hike in the policy rates, the fifth this year, to cool inflation that is hovering at 8.5 per cent may lead to an increase in commercial lending and deposit rates.

"In early October, interest rates could be revised and chances are there it could be revised upwards," state-run Bank of Baroda's Executive Director R K Bakshi said.

Bankers said they will hold on to the rates till September 30, which is the half yearly closing of the banks.

High interest rates could temper demand for loans and thus curtail consumption, while on the other hand fixed deposits could earn better returns.

The government expects inflation to cool to six per cent by December.

"Rate of interest may have to go up. Pressure is there to increase rates in the near term," Bank of Maharashtra CMD Allen Pereira said.

Short-term funds would get

He said a further increase in rate in the second quarter review in November could lead to higher rates.

Following an identical hike in repo and reverse repo rates in July, 40 banks raised deposit rates and 29 lending rates little costlier and there is possibility that the short-term (deposit) rates could also go up in the future, bankers said.

Central Bank of India CMD S Sridhar said, "Bankers will adopt a calibrated approach. The examination of interest rates is on cards as cost of funds for banks is increasing."

However, a few bankers ruled

out increase from October 1 as they will wait for further policy action of RBI. "EMIs are not going to go up from October 1. The quarter percentage increase in policy rates were expected. Further rate hikes by bank will depend on the next policy review," HDFC Chief Executive Keki Mistry said.

He said a further increase in rate in the second quarter review in November could lead to higher rates. Following an identical hike in repo and reverse repo rates in July, 40 banks raised deposit rates and 29 lending rates.

The RBI too wants deposit rates to go up as there is a need to make the real interest rates, the difference between inflation and deposit rate, positive. "...real interest rates need to move in the direction of encouraging bank deposits", the central bank said.

Industry chamber Ficci also expressed the fear that rising interest rates would hit business.

"Increasing repo rate is another signal of rising the cost of borrowing...hopefully it is the last such...restrictive action towards growth. We hope to see this restrictive policy eased in the next round", said Ficci secretary general Amit Mitra. -PTI

'Environment in India not an issue of lifestyle but livelihood' NEW DELHI: Suggesting that there's no stopping for his green crusade, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said here unlike in many countries, environment in India is not a lifestyle issue but a source of livelihood for crores of people who are dependent on forests and rivers.

"We are not doing any obligation on anyone when we try to save our mountains, forests and rivers. It is the issue of daily liveli-

hood of crores of people who are directly or indirectly associated with the natural resources," he said at a function here to mark the Ozone Day. Ramesh also emphasized the need to protect the country's fragile eco-system which, he said, is not a lifestyle issue but is the base of the society which is culturally and historically associated with it.

Ramesh's emphasis on protection of eco-system comes in a bid

to justify his actions to hold up various projects over green norms, the recent one being Navi Mumbai airport and Vedanta's mining project for which he has been drawing flak from some of his cabinet colleagues and corporate houses.

He said that development and environment conservation were the two faces of the same coin and there is a need to do a balancing act to achieve both. -PTI

Domestic air passenger traffic up by 19 pc NEW DELHI: Continuing its upward trend, domestic air passenger traffic in India rose by over 19 per cent between January and August compared to the same period last year.

Passengers carried by domestic airlines in this period was 339.09 lakh compared with 284.24 lakh in the same period in 2009, registering a growth of 19.3 per cent, official figures released showed.

However, the monthly traffic figure for August, a lean travel period, experienced a decline against that witnessed in July. The total domes-

tic passengers carried by the scheduled Indian airlines in August was 39.89 lakh as against 40.84 lakh in the previous month.

Jet Airways and its low-cost arm JetLite together led the number of passengers carried by flying 10.78 lakh, followed by Kingfisher and Kingfisher Red with 7.97 lakh and Air India (Domestic) with 7.3 lakh. Among the no-frill airlines, IndiGo led the way by flying 6.56 lakh, followed by SpiceJet with 5.02 lakh and GoAir with 2.26 lakh.

The percentage share of the carriers in August was Jet-JetLite

with 27 per cent, Kingfisher 20, Air India (Domestic) 18.3, IndiGo 16.4, SpiceJet 12.6 and GoAir 5.7, the figures issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation showed.

On the negative side, a total of 1078 passenger-related complaints were received by the scheduled domestic airlines.

The number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried for the month of August was 2.8, with most of them being registered by Jet. The DGCA also issued figures relating to cases of denied boarding, flight cancellations and delays. -PTI

India Post

47

NPCIL to begin talks with US N-suppliers Cont’d from page 46

The KAPP Unit 2 will be commissioned around May or June next year, he added.

About progress of KAPP Units 3 and 4, Jain said technical and commercial negotiations with Russians have been finalised and details have been worked out on indigenisation in these two units, which will be upto 60-65 per cent unlike the Units 1 and 2 where 100 per cent equipment supply was from Russia.

When asked about negotiations on price, NPCIL CMD said, "few rounds of talks have taken place and few more rounds will be held to finalise it."

Levelling of ground for KAPP Units 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been completed, and tenders have been floated for excavation work for power plant Units 3 and 4, Jain said.

"We are expecting first pour of concrete for Units 3 and 4 by June next year. Construction of peripheral infrastructure are being carried out on a war footing.

The fuel supply for KAPP has also been received which will last for five years from the day of commencement of plant operation, Jain said.

On imported uranium supply for Indian plants which are under international safeguards, he said besides France, Russia and Kazakhstan (who are already supplying uranium), NPCIL is also negotiating with few more potential suppliers.

"We are also in process of keeping the units of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat under India specific IAEA safeguards by end of this year (in-

stead of 2012 as per separation plan of the Indo-US deal) so that two more Indian plants can start using imported fuel and run the plants at 100 per cent rated capacity."

"We have already intimated to IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) in this regard and surveillance instrumentation and other required arrangements for placing KAPS under IAEA safeguards are going on, and will be completed by October," Jain said.

Jain said the imported fuel helps NPCIL in augmenting its power

On imported uranium supply for Indian plants which are under international safeguards, he said besides France, Russia and Kazakhstan (who are already supplying uranium), NPCIL is also negotiating with few more potential suppliers producing capacity and five units of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station (RAPS) are running at full rated capacity and increased power production by more than 25 per cent in 2009.

On the status of indigenous fuel supply, Jain said Uranium Corporation of India has increased its production capacity to 60-70 per cent compared to last year.

Hence, the plants outside the international safeguards are running at 70-75 per cent capacity. -PTI

48

Datebook

India Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

NEW YORK/ Upcoming Thurs Sept 23 • Professional South Asian Muslim Matchmaking Venue: Katra Lounge, 217 Bowery Street, NY Time: 7pm to 9:45pm Contact: 776-677-1757

Sun Sept 26 • Over 28 All Indian Wine & Chocolate Mixer Venue: Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar, 11 West 31st Street (Between 5th Ave & Broadway), NY Time: 5pm to 8pm Contact: 776-677-1757

Mon Sept 27 • Paresh Rawal in Krishan VS Kanhaiya Venue: The EGG, at Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York Time: 7:30pm Contact: 518-852-4142

Sat Oct 2

ILLINOIS

Sat Oct 2

Upcoming

• Gandhi Jayanti

• The Infamous NYC Padlock Party Venue: 49 Grove, 49 Grove Street, New York, 10014, NY Time: 7pm to 10:30pm Contact: 776-677-1757

Thurs Oct 7 • D'Arranged Marriage Venue: Triad NYC, 158 West 72nd Street, 1st Floor, NY Time: 9pm Contact: 212-362-2590

Sat Oct 9 • Navratri Night - Dandiya Raas by Mera Heritage Venue: Jewish Temple at Union Turnpike, 26222 Union Turnpike, Floral Park, New York Time: 8pm Contact: 917-535-9903

Thurs Sept 24 • Vachikam Presents Salaam India Venue: The North Share Center, for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois Time: 8pm Contact: 630-964-6061

Sun Sept 26 • Family Fun 5k Run/Walk Venue: Deer Grove East Forest Preserve, PALATINE, IL, Illinois Time: 8:30am Contact: 812-603-4210

Fri Oct 1 • The Merchants of Bollywood Chicago - North American Premier Venue: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, Illinois Time: 8pm to 11pm Contact: 317-222-1325

WASHINGTON DC

Upcoming Thurs Sept 23 • Sri Sri Yoga Course Venue: The Herndon Art of Living center, Herndon, Virginia Time: 7pm to 9pm Contact: 703-723-8181

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming

Venue: Gandhi Memorial Center, 4748 Western Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland Time: 4pm to 5:30pm Contact: 301-320-6871

Sat Sept 25 • Maharajapuram Ramachandran - Vocal Venue: Center for Employment Training, 701 Vine Street, San Jose, California Time: 3:30pm Contact: 408-252-5231

NEW JERSEY

Upcoming Every Sunday

Sat Sept 25

• Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan host Satsang, Bhajan & Meditation Program Venue: Woodbridge township ambulance and Rescue squad, 77 Queen Road, 3rd Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830 Time: 10:30am to 1pm Contact: (732) 485-0647 Highlights: Lecture by close disciple of Shree Ashutosh Ji Maharaj, Bhajans, free meditation and Mahaprasad.

Venue: High Point High School Auditorium, 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland Time: 8pm to 11pm Contact: 703-449-0772

Venue: 650, East EI Camino, Sunnyvale, 94087 Time: 9:30am to 2pm Contact: 1-800-841-6585 Highlights: New Biometric Fingerprinting & DNA Identification kit

Fri Oct 1

Thurs Sept 23 • Sannvi Presents Rahman Live In Concert Venue: Prudential Center, 165 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey Time: 8:30pm Contact: 732-372-3021

• The Chitresh Das Dance Company & Chhandam School Celebrate their 30th Aniversary Venue: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, California Contact: 415-333-9000

Fri Sept 24 • Varsha's GAO DIL SE Karaoke Club

Sat Oct 2

Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave, Edison, NJ Time: 7pm to 11pm Contact: 908-217-5838

Venue: Centerville Junior High School, 37720 Fremont Boulevard, Fremont, California Time: 7pm Contact: 408-505-3732

Fri Sept 24 • Hindi Play *ing Paresh Rawal in KRISHAN VS KANHAIYA

• The DNA Lifeprint Child Safety Event Endorsed by john Walsh

• Vibha Dandia 2010 - Oct 2nd

Sat Oct 2 • AgrawalSamajUSA presents Agrasen Jayanti Celebration

Sun Oct 3

Venue: Linwood Middle School (Cafeteria), 25 Linwood Place, North Brunswick, New Jersey Time: 4pm to 8pm Contact: 609-634-5029

Venue: India Community Center, 525 Los Coches St, Milpitas, California Time: 3:30pm Contact: 408-252-5231

Sat Sept 25

• Ranjani & Gayatri - Vocal

Sun Oct 10

• Singing and Dancing with the Stars - Bollywood Karaoke Night

Fri Oct 8

Venue: Indian Experience, 1706 L Street NW, Washington, DC Time: 7pm Contact: 202-347-7923

Venue: Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive, Somerset, New Jersey Time: 9pm Contact: 732-283-1234

Ekal Walk/Run 2010

• Swarnim Navaratri 2010

Venue: Shoreline Park, 3070 North Shoreline Boulevard, Mountain View, California Time: 7:30am to 1am Contact: 510-676-73576

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Upcoming Every Sat (start from Sat Aug 8) • 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.

Thur Sept 23 • An Evening at the White House Venue: White House Event Center (West Wing), 1238 South Beach Boulevard, Anaheim, California Time: 6:30pm 10:30pm Contact: 509-487-3040

Sat Oct 30 & Sun Oct 31 • 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 Highlights: The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways.

Sat Oct 16 • The Special Event Soiree' Venue: Agua Caliente' Casino Resort & Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, California Time: 4pm to 9pm Contact: 509-487-3040

Sun Oct 17 • Diwali Expo 2010 Venue: Hilton Hotel Fremont/ Newark, 39900, Balentine Dr Newark, CA, Newark, California Time: 11am to 5pm Contact: 510-894-3047

September 24, 2010

India Post www.indiapost.com

49

Horoscope

50 India Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Sep 24th - Sept 30th

our guess work and calculations will be up to the mark. It will be a very good week for people in retail business. New relationship will be exciting. You will buy some beautiful items for the house. It will be better to do thorough investigation before you make the financial commitment. Health will improve with changes in diet.

Y

Y

D

D

o not ignore the signs and keep an eye on blood pressure. People around will try to irritate you so stay calm. Little exercises or walking will be helpful. It looks a very promising week for people looking for a job or change. You will be working on a future trip also. A close friend will give some useful advice.

ou will spend lots of money on children. Initially there will be some conflict in mind but you will ultimately make the right decision involving career. People prone to litigation should not let their guards down for a minute this week. You will be invited to a social event.

Property deal will bring in much needed cash.

o not loose confidence and continue working on your plans. Better week for people dealing in hardware or auto related business. New relationship will keep you busy. You will plan a short trip to a nice place.

You will study some very useful material to update your knowledge. Children will do better now.

T

N

Y

D

Y

W

hings will start straight ening out at work and you will be promised a nice assignment. Mind will be slightly uneasy as you will be concerned about a family members health. You will write and mail out many important letters. You may be seriously exploring an opportunity to start a new venture with an old friend.

o not fall for the bait and do further investigations before you commit.

Spouse will be helpful in planning. You may be spending more time with a child. Boss will give you the hint about an interesting assignment and ask few questions. You may be calling a government agency to enquire about an appeal.

ew friend ship or partnership will pay off better than anticipated. Some of you may replace an old vehicle with a new and luxurious model. Mind will become very fertile and your ideas will be appreciated by people close. You will gain wisdom may spend little more time for prayers. Some one traveling from overseas will visit you.

ou will not have much time to make up your mind, but the deal will be good in long term. Spouse may feel exhausted and need little rest. People in business will succeed in recovering almost dead money. Money wise you will continue to do well and make money through stocks too. You will visit a holy place.

by Pandit Parashar

our actions will reflect courage and dedication.

Goal is just inches away.

New clients will place big orders. Soon some of you will be travelling to another state to attend an important meeting for few days. You may invite few friends at your place for dinner this week.

Making few phone calls will help save some money.

eek favorable for all career related matters.

Dream job or assignment within your reach. A child may not keep well and need to rest for a day. You will be successful in cutting corners and bring expenses down. Another favorable week for people connected with finance Industry.

You may invite few old friends for dinner.

I

t will be another expensive week. You will have to look for better deals in order to save some money.

Issues will take longer than usual time to get resolved. Some of you will be getting ready to relocate in near future. You may think of getting out of an overseas project not working out so well lately.

K

eep an eye on people trying to create problem in your personal life. You will have a very good opportunity to spend time with successful people and learn something new. Some one you know for long may give a business proposal. Money wise looks like a promising week. Stocks can get you little extra cash.

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The requirements for these positions underline that you are computer literate, have two to three hours of access to the internet weekly, If you are interested or just need more information.

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URGENTLY – MANAGER HOTEL/MOTEL NEEDED Immediately Require a Manager for a Franchised Motel in Columbus, OH. Preferably having a good Communication and Computer skills, with Experience in running a franchised motel operation.

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India Post 51

52

Philosophy

India Post

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

Page Sponsored by Sahanis SWAMI RAMAKRISHNANANDA PURI

A

t the age of 22, I was working in a bank in Southern Kerala and was not particularly interested in spirituality.

I had grown up in a traditional Brahmin family but had never given religion or spirituality much thought.

One day a client at the bank came in and started talking to me about a young holy woman known as "Amma" who lived in a fishing village not far away. One night after work, on a whim, I decided to go and see her.

I wanted to be transferred to a bank in my hometown, and I thought that if, indeed, she was a saint, her blessing could help me reach my goal.

Amma was sitting inside a tiny temple. To my amazement, I saw that her manner of blessing people was to give them each a hug, one by one.

When my turn came, I did the same as everyone else: I knelt in front of her and lay my head in her lap.

And then, as she embraced me, I spontaneously began to weep profusely. I had not cried since I was a schoolboy, yet in Amma's arms, my cheeks were streaked with tears.

I had no idea what was happening to me. I thought, "There's nothing wrong in my life; I'm not sad at all; so why am I crying?"

I felt as though my heart had completely opened -I felt totally vulnerable and yet, at the same time, utterly

RHONDA ROUMANI

K

abir Helminski, a sheikh of the Mevlevi order, talks about Rumi, Sufism, and their roots in Islam. The 893rd birth anniversary of Rumi falls on September 30 RR: What is it about Rumi's poetry that has made him so popular in the United States?

KH: The United States is an openly religious country, unlike Europe, where there is a lot more cynicism toward not only religion but even toward spiritual matters.

Americans are a naturally openhearted and spiritual people. Our spiritual history--the Euro-Christian legacy--has been a legacy in which the direction of our humanness and the direction of religion seem to be pointing in opposite directions.

And Rumi brings it back together by showing us that the way to God is through our humanness, through our brokenness. And only God dissolves our shame and helps us to know that we, God's creation, are profoundly loved.

Islam makes every aspect of human life sacred. Whereas there are other kinds of religious understanding which suggest that the way to God is through the denial of our humanness and the over-

safe; I experienced a wonderful lightness of being. Though I had wanted to ask Amma for a blessing, I found that I could not say a word.

Something else happened that night that made an even deeper impression on me. The darshan was coming to an end, and the last person was called in.

A leper named Dattan entered the temple and went up to Amma. He had a particular kind of leprosy that made

hesitation and with an expression of glowing compassion on her face, Amma made Dattan, who was kneeling in front of her, place his head in her lap, and she began to examine his wounds.

To my astonishment, Amma then sucked the pus from some of the wounds and spat it out into a bowl. Other wounds she licked and added her saliva. Seeing this, my head began to spin, and I

I instinctively felt that the leper was safer with Amma than anywhere in the entire world. At that moment I decided that, come what may, I would always be with Amma; I would never leave her.

The next time I went to seeAmma, she told me to sit close to her and meditate. I told her that I had never meditated in my entire life. She just smiled and said, "No problem. Just sit here and close your eyes." I sim-

How Amma cured the leper's wounds I had no idea what was happening to me. I thought, ‘There's nothing wrong in my life; Mata Amritanandmayi

I'm not sad at all; so why am I crying?’

his body rupture in many places, with pus and blood oozing from the sores.

A strong stench was emanating from his wounds. Almost everyone in the temple looked horrified and totally disgusted. People held their noses with the edges of their clothes. Some of them, afraid that Dattan's illness might be contagious, ran out of the temple.

I was considering doing the same, but something made me stay.

What I witnessed then was beyond anything I could have imagined.

Without showing the slightest

thought I would faint.

A few others who were standing nearby closed their eyes, unable to take in the sight. Amma took almost 10 minutes to finish this task. She then applied some sacred ash on his body.

I thought, "Am I dreaming or is this really happening?" Here, I felt, was someone who surpassed even God in her love and compassion. A mother would hesitate to do such a thing for her own child, but here was one who did this to a leprous beggar!

ply did what she told me to do. I closed my eyes and soon experienced a profound ineffable peace.

After what I thought was a few minutes I opened my eyes and discovered I had been sitting there for three hours! I thought something must be wrong with my watch and asked another person what the time was.

It was true that three hours had passed. Even afterward, I felt a sense of deep joy and contentment.

The 53rd birth anniversary of Mata Amritanandmayi will be celebrated on September 24

coming of our humanness. The Islamic way is much more that we have an inherently good nature.

We're not born with original sin.

Muhammad showed a way to incorporate the highest spiritual attainment into a very human life.

And this is frankly a pretty radical and new concept within the Euro-Christian tradition, where people have denied themselves

to talk about his own pain, for instance--the pain of loving God, the pain of being human. He is honest. He touches our wound. He demonstrates how a human being can be the intimate friend of God. Rumi was a Sufi. What is Sufism, and how is it connected to Islam?

Sufism is made up of several branches. We have no serious doctrinal differences between

ferent levels. One level is the common practice of religion that they are typically born into. Within a religious tradition, there is also "the path" or "the way." The word for this in Islam is "tariqa."

Tariqa is a conscious choice that a person makes to go beyond belief to "experience." It is different than nominally belonging to a religion. In Islam, there are many tariqas. Someone who

Rumi convinces us we are loved by God Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi

and gone to monasteries and lived with the burden of sin.

Rumi speaks to this sense that we have of our own human limitations, our own human unworthiness, and he convinces us that we are loved by God. Through the embrace of our pain, a spiritual door opens if we embrace that pain in the remembrance of God. So, Rumi is the voice of this unconditional love. He is willing

Rumi speaks to this sense that we have of our own human limitations, our own human unworthiness, and he convinces us that we are loved by God these branches, nor is one branch in competition with another.

Sufism comes from tassawuf, which means purification of the human heart without which we cannot know God. As the Qur'an says, "Indeed in the remembrance of God hearts find peace." The end of the training process of Sufism is the spiritually mature human being.

But we should understand that in every religious tradition, there are dif-

walks the path of tariqa is a Sufi.

In Islam, there is the level of Shari'ah, or religious law. The Shari'ah governs our outer actions and behaviors. Sufism has more to do with the inner understanding of those outer practices and the quality of consciousness that we bring to those practices through the development of our inner spiritual capacity, particularly through consciousness and love.

And the servants of Allah... are those who walked on the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them, they say 'Peace' -Quran There is a path of joy and there is the path of pleasure. Pondering on them, the wise (one) chooses the path of joy; the fool takes the path of pleasure.

-Katha Upanishad One who meditates, all his knots of his heart, the bondages are opened; all the doubts are eliminated and one becomes gradually free from the fetters of action with ego.

-Mundaka Upanishad There is a light that shines beyond all things on Earth, beyond us all, beyond the heaven, beyond the highest, the very highest heavens.

This is the light that shines in our heart -Chandogya Upanishad Be a lamp to yourself, Be your own confidence.

Hold to the truth within yourself, As to the only truth.

-The Buddha No longer shall you need the sun, For light by day, Nor the shining of the moon, For radiance by night; For the Lord shall be your light everlasting -Judaism

You Insure all your Valuables, all are replaceable except YOU! So Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs

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September 24, 2010

India Post

53

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New Delhi's Nero policy towards Kashmir D SUBA CHANDRAN

H

ow does one explain New Delhi's approach towards the ongoing violence in Kashmir valley? Though the PM and his Home Minister have been looking for a consensus and an elusive starting point, there have been clear formulations from the mainstream in J&K, on where New Delhi could begin to arrest the current round of violence.

Omar Abdullah has demanded the removal of AFSPA, if not from the entire Kashmir valley, at least from select urban towns. Even many retired police officials agree to the same. Intellectuals from J&K have been asking for a debate on autonomy; Manmohan Singh himself has constituted a working

few years has become seasonal and cyclical in Kashmir valley.

Amarnath land crisis, Shopian rape case, and other such events have increased the public anger in the valley, only to subside subsequently.

So, the calculation perhaps today in New Delhi is that this round of violence will also subside. So sit tight. Do Nothing. Violence will come down automatically.

Perhaps, it will. Perhaps this round of violence will continue till the end of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Perhaps even extend till Obama's visit in November. After that it may subside. So, why pursue any strategy, that will result in being seen as a compro-

Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh chairing an All Party Meeting on Jammu & Kashmir, in New Delhi on September 15

group on this issue, which has given its recommendations.

What is New Delhi waiting for?

There was an expectation, that there would be a special Eid package for J&K. Unfortunately, all that New Delhi could do was to convene the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which could not reach an understanding, even on the AFSPA. Now, there has been an All Parties Meeting. If the government could not reach a consensus within the CCS, how could it generate one at the All Parties meeting? Or is that a strategy, towards shifting the blame?

New Delhi may not be playing the lyre and enjoying the situation, as the legendary Nero did, but is sitting tight and doing nothing.

While many criticize New Delhi, that the central government does not have a long-term policy vis-Ă vis J&K, they ignore, that not to have a policy, in itself, is a policy.

So, don't blame Manmohan Singh and P Chidmabaram, for not unveiling a policy towards Kashmir.

That precisely, is their policy - not to have one.

Such a policy, though it seems bizarre, is not totally irrational, from New Delhi's perspective.

Many inside the government and even in the security establishment believe, that the violence in Kashmir valley will subside subsequently. True, violence in the last

mise or worse, leading to further violence?

Sounds irrationally rational.

But does this augur well, in how New Delhi is viewed by the others? Forget about those who are throwing stones; how do the others in J&K and those outside see this? What kind of a message is being projected?

Unfortunately, New Delhi seems to believe that with the 2008 elections, problems in Kashmir Valley have been resolved; whatever happened or is happening after that, are perhaps seen as aberrations and temporary setbacks Don't people in Kashmir valley and outside see this as an abdication of responsibility, to ensure order and governance? Don't the security forces, especially the local police and the CRPF see this, as shifting the responsibility to them, while the political leadership remains frozen?

Perhaps, there is a conspiracy by the Hurriyat either on its own

or with some tacit understanding with the PDP, as New Delhi may want to believe. The Hurriyat has been looking for an opportunity to revive its fortune. And Mehbooba Mufti cannot wait till the next elections to overthrow Omar Abdullah's government.

Hence, the present violence perhaps is the conspiracy of two opportunists.

Agreed. What should New Delhi do then, other than considering this as a conspiracy and cyclical problem? If indeed, it is both, then what measures could New Delhi pursue to prevent them from being cyclical? If in 2008, there was an overwhelming response to the elections in Kashmir valley, what measures could New Delhi adopt to convert the same into a permanent peace?

Unfortunately, New Delhi seems to believe that with the 2008 elections, problems in Kashmir Valley have been resolved; whatever happened or is happening after that, (Amarnath land crisis, Shopian rape, Muzaffarabad Chalo movement, and now the mass protests) are perhaps seen as aberrations and temporary setbacks.

Demands to initiate a debate on autonomy, AFSPA and demilitarization and working group reports were thrown in the dustbin.

The only positive outcome in the recent CCS meeting was the statement, that there is a governance deficit in J&K. True, but why blame only Omar? What has been the role of New Delhi in imposing accountability in J&K? Why is that the developmental funds, sanctioned by New Delhi never moved beyond Srinagar and Jammu? Why did the district administration and the Panchayati Raj institutions fail to deliver? New Delhi has to take the blame, in failing to impose accountability, therefore ensure good governance.

Blaming Omar for the governance deficit is being hypocritical.

All is not lost. Even now, a beginning could be made with restarting the debate on the working group reports, autonomy and accountability. A "sit tight-do nothing-problem will subside on its own" approach does not augur well for a country, which is staking its claim at the international level.

People will respect those States, which take initiative, share responsibility and are willing to fail. Fear of failure, should not prevent a State from taking decisions.

At least those States which want to become a part of the UNSC. The writer is Deputy Director, IPCS

India Post Talking to Kashmiris

T

here is no guarantee that the withdrawal of or a dilution of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu & Kashmir will bring the situation under control. The Army is implacably opposed to operating in insurgency-hit areas without the legal protection that AFSPA provides. It speaks from experience. Earlier too, it complains, the gains it made in battles with Pakistan were squandered away by concessions granted by the political leadership. And in times of comparative peace no attempts were made to address the grievances of the Kashmiri people.

A political and economic package is the solution that the Omar Abdullah government is promising but is heavily dependent on New Delhi to provide that package. The Central government believes there is a "trust deficit and governance deficit" in J&K for which it blames the young chief minister. Meanwhile the separatists are fully exploiting the situation inciting the mobs and not showing any concern about the young people who lose their lives in this unnecessary confrontation.

Even as the cabinet committee and all-party meetings go on, there will be a temptation to opt for short-term solutions. The olive branch that Sonia Gandhi has offered to PDP leaders Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and his daughter Mehbooba Mufti looks like offering the J&K veteran the Srinagar 'gaddi.' While this may satisfy the valley to some extent but the experience of the Mufti's previous stints in power shows he tends to look after the valley interests only and other parts of Kashmir like Jammu and Ladakh are neglected. The positives of this option are that the Mufti is able to talk to the people of Kashmir. He is able to maintain a stance of distance from New Delhi. He seeks to protect that image even as he came for the all-party meeting in New Delhi.

The dithering and the dilemma of New Delhi in Kashmir is because it is a complex issue. However, the failures in both Kashmir as well as the Northeast where the AFSPA is in force, have been political. The central issues are governance, empowerment and a negotiated consensus on a political solution. As pointed out by VR Raghavan, a former Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), AFSPA is not a solution to the causes that have led to India's internal conflicts. Nor is it a cause of such conflicts. It is not more than "one instrument the Indian state can employ to bring militancy under control." When defeated by the power of the state the militants often demand withdrawal of military, release of prisoners and unconditional talks as a tactic to gain time and regroup their forces.

What Kashmiris need today is a feeling that they are masters of their own destiny. It is time the Indian government boldly talked to them and explained to them why a plebiscite is no longer possible.

Under the conditions agreed for a UN organized plebiscite, it has to be simultaneously held in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir where demographic changes have been made in violation of this agreement. Meanwhile, many a poll and surveys have shown that they no longer favor joining Pakistan. Thus their destiny is with India and they should be made to see how to make best use of it.

The Central government has spent a disproportionate amount on the state of Jammu & Kashmir and still it is not certain whether the benefits have reached the people of the state. The politicians have behaved like middlemen who eat away a big slice before it reaches the beneficiaries. It is the old story of corruption in India and it could be one big cause of the alienation of its people.

54 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 24, 2010

September 24, 2010

www.indiapost.com

India Post 55

56 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 24, 2010