Friday, July 10 2015 | Vol. 34, No. 28
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July 10, 2015 3 COMMUNITY COMMUNITY India has a Pivotal Role in Global Order: USIBC By Haider Kazim
HOUSTON: India has a pivotal role in U.S. geopolitical strategy for a stable global order to prevent the world from sinking into chaos as seen in the Middle East, said Mukesh Aghi, President of U.S.India Business Council. Tracing back the U.S. geopolitical strategy from the days of the Second World War and the founding of the United Nations, Aghi presented a holistic picture of the U.S.-India relations and emphasized that global order was a fundamental issue in the partnership. He was addressing a luncheon meeting organized by the IndoAmerican Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) as part of their Distinguished Lecture series sponsored by Shell oil company and Houston Business Journal on Tuesday. The global order, Aghi said, was witnessing new challenges from the rise of China which he described as a “hard threat”; Russia was aligning itself with China; and Japan was becoming much more defensive. As a result, the U.S. needed allies for its leadership role in the global order. At some point of time, India would have to decide how much to align with the United States and how to manage China with which it also has a border dispute. He said China would challenge India in every respect and would keep India occupied in areas by funding Pakistan. He cited the recent visit of Chinese submarines to the Arabian Sea port of Karachi and Chinese plans to invest $60 billion in Pakistan. Aghi said that India would have to react to the U.S. partnership with a relationship that defines China. Aghi said that the U.S. and India were aligned on a long-term basis.
USIBC President Mukesh Aghi, third from left, receives a souvenir from IACCGH President Ashok Garg and Consul General P. Harish on Tuesday as IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia looks on. Photo: Bijay Dixit
The Pentagon has set up a rapid reaction team in support of India and the two countries would conduct 54 joint military exercises. The U.S. was transferring technology to India for manufacturing in a more cost-effective way. He said a private company in Bangalore was making drones for use by the U.S. and allies at a cost that was 80 percent cheaper than the U.S. Aghi said India was facing the challenges from a population of 1.2 billion people of which 50 percent were 25 years or lower. They needed education, jobs, healthcare facilities and other necessities. India is also facing a massive migration of nearly 400 million from villages to urban areas in the next 10 years. These will create a $2 trillion economy. He saw a bright future for IndiaU.S. trade which, he said, would
grow to reach $500 billion in the next five years. In answer to a question on nuclear cooperation, Aghi said two U.S. companies were going to set up nuclear plants in India and expected the Westinghouse plant, in cooperation with L&T to be completed by the end of this year. Harris County Judge Ed Emmet emphasized the central location of Houston in U.S. trade with India. Emmett, who has led a Harris County trade mission to India in the past, said he remained committed to promoting the U.S.-India trade IACCGH Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia thanked Dhamo Dhamotharan, Group Chief Executive of AECOM, for helping to bring the USIBC
chief to Houston for addressing the Distinguished Lecture series. He also thanked Judge Emmett for his efforts in promoting the bilateral trade. IACCGH President Ashok Garg said there was a new momentum in U.S.-India ties and the roles of USIBC and IACCGH had become more important at this juncture in promoting and hoped that the overall volume would reach 500 billion in the next five years. Garg said the Chamber had facilitated three trade delegations to India in the past year, including one led by Houston Mayor Annise Parker. He said the Indian Chamber of Commerce is bringing a trade delegation to Houston next week which would present opportunities for Houston businesses. IACCGH was founded in 1999
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to facilitate commerce between the U.S. and India; to facilitate access to the Indo-American market; be the voice of the Indo-American business community; and enable Greater Houston professionals, businesses, and corporations to succeed. The U.S.-India Business Council is the premier business advocacy organization representing more than 300 of the largest global companies investing in India. It was formed in 1975 to enlighten and encourage the private sectors of both countries to enhance investment flows. USIBC’s primary mission is to serve as a direct link between business and government leaders, resulting in increased trade and investment to strengthen ties between the two nations.
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Radha Madhav Dham Youth Reach Out and Connect with Refugee Kids Living in Austin
AUSTIN,TX:On July 2, a group of youth and teens from Radha Madhav Dham headed over to the Capitol Building grounds in Austin, Texas. A little nervous, anxious, but very excited, approximately 50 youth, ranging in age from 7 to 20 years, headed out in anticipation of the community outreach event they had spent four days planning at the 3rd Annual Summer Youth Camp being conducted by Radha Madhav Dham Temple. Little did they know they were about to experience something unforgettable and life changing. This outreach event was organized by the Camp teachers, in collaboration with Interfaith Action Central Texas (IACT), a nonprofit institution that helps assimilate Refugee families and children from war-torn countries, such as Iraq, Burma, Afghanistan, Nepal, Congo and Sudan. IACT brings in volunteer teachers who teach English and vocational trades. In the days leading up to the event, the Camp kids worked with great enthusiasm to make sure they could provide the best experience possible to the Refugee children... One of the leaders of the project, Sudama Francis, said, “As one of the few leaders for the RMD Refugee Program, I was able to see how the children progressed from day one. I can definitely say all our volunteer kids worked extremely hard to make this event possible – raising funds, baking cookies, buying supplies, backpacks, water bottles, scarves to give away; planning and detailing the actual event, packing gifts and so on. They learned organization, team building, and several other leadership skills. However, It was unimaginable, even to us leaders, that they were able to raise $2000 towards this event in merely three days, given their packed schedule of classes and activities.” “The tension, anxiety and stress disappeared once I saw those bright smiles from the Refugee children. I was able to hear some of their stories. My face reminded a four-year-old girl from Iran of her older brother. She embraced me and gave me the
sweetest smile,” said a youth participant. “Despite all the hardship, I was surprised that these kids were so outgoing, friendly and happy. I have never met kids who have gone through so many struggles. They touched my heart deeply. After the event I couldn't control my emotions and started to cry,” said Marissa, a teenager. The kids started by playing soccer, volleyball and parachute. They made up games as they mingled; sometimes dancing together, other times just chasing one another. After the initial burst of activity, they started entertaining the kids with face-painting, henna and glitter tattoos. Then they shared snacks and distributed the gifts they had brought for the Refugee kids. By the end of the day, they were all friends, not wanting to leave or say good- byes. This event was life-changing and emotional for both sides. The Refugee children received a lot of love and support for their new lives in America. And the Camp kids gained new, impacting experiences and leadership qualities, which will inspire them to do more outreach projects in the future. “This event did not just make a huge impact on the Refugee children, it was also life changing for us RMD kids,” said 11-yearold Karun Puri. “I felt good about myself because I knew I had made a difference in the children’s lives, and feel lucky to have been a part of it.” The Radha Madhav Camp this summer was successful on many fronts, including record attendance and participation. In addition to the Refugee Community outreach project, a Blood Donation Camp at the Temple was organized for the first ever time, in collaboration with the American Red Cross. This also was organized by another Austin youth who, through her organization, was able to exceed her personal goal by enlisting 77 people to donate blood to help save lives. This generation of youth is truly amazing. In addition to having caring hearts, they are savvy and capable. All they need is some-
one to nurture, coach and guide them, so they can channel their energies in a positive and effective direction. And that is what the
Youth Camp at RMD is all about. To share your comments, write at info@radhamadhavdham.org.
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COMMUNITY
Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Festival
HOUSTON: Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha hosted its grand annual festival on July 4 & 5 to celebrate the second anniversary of the installation of the Deities of Sri Sri Radha Govindaji, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Sita Rama Laksmana Hanumanji. The celebrations started on July 4th with Mangal Aarti at 5:30 am. This was followed by kirtan, bhajans and Srimad Bhagavat Katha. Their Lordships, dressed in a beautiful pink dress, mesmerized hundreds of devotees who visited the temple throughout the day. The main celebration started at 5 PM with chanting of bhajans and Hare Krishna mahamantra. This was followed by an enlivening discourse by His Holiness BV Dandi Maharaja who explained that the Deity of the Lord is not an inert, non-living statue. The Lord actually resides in His Deity and reciprocates profusely with those devotees who serve Him with love and affection. After this, His Holiness BV Tirtha Maharaja eloquently explained the meaning of Gaudiya as those who follow Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and do not worship Krishna alone but with His eternal pleasure potency, Sri Radha. He further explained that Matha is a place where one has the facility to attend spiritual classes and understand Vedic injunctions under the guidance of bonafide teachers. That’s why our temple is called a Matha. The discourses were followed by a cultural program presented by the Gurukula students and the congregation members. This includes two dramas, devotional songs and dances. A very special Krishna bhajan was sung by the South Indian devotees that included prayers in four different languages. After this, Vishnu das Prabhu presented the Annual Report of the temple wherein he highlighted the progress the temple has made in the last year. He emphasized that the main achievement of the temple was the significant increase in the participation of the congregational members in various services and activities at the temple. He also presented the temple expansion plans which include a new Altar and Srila Gurudeva’s vigraha; adding space for the prasadam hall; a new & larger gift shop; additional class rooms, residential rooms and parking spaces. Several people pledged donations for the various projects. This will enable the temple to start the new construction work soon. (If you would like to make a pledge, please contact Vishnu Prabhu at contact details given below). The program was concluded with ‘Vote of CONTINUED ON PAGE
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COMMUNITY
July 10, 2015
Debojyoti Mishra: The Music Man Wields Magic
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BY SANCHALI BASU HOUSTON: Houstonians will have the pleasure and honor of experiencing music director Debojyoti Mishra's compositions at the upcoming North American Bengali Conference (NABC) to be held at the George Brown Convention center from July 10-12. In the initial planning stages, the cultural and executive committees were overjoyed to know that he had agreed to be the director of not only the opening ceremony, but also the closing ceremony of this annual convention which attracts Bengalis from all over the year for a fun filled weekend of arts, culture and entertainment. The opening ceremony is being co-directed by the everlively, energetic Tanusree Shankar, who he considers to be like his Guru. He added it would not be the same without her. Debojyoti was fortunate to start his career as the legendary music composer Salil Chowdhury's chief assistant for 14 long years, and befittingly, the closing ceremony will pay tribute to him. He also played the violin for Satyajit Ray's movies. He has composed more than 500 ad jingles and many of his songs have become very popular in Bengal for his accurate, controlled use of instruments and the voice. He particularly thanked the role that Rituparno Ghosh and Suman Mukhopadhyay played in his musical journey. This is his first NABC involvement and he is nothing but praise for the Houston team that he is working with. It came as a pleasant surprise to him that this experience has been so fulfilling and has outlived all his expectations. He selected the singers through an audition process and saw them bloom and flourish under his able, disciplined guid-
ance. The choir has been rehearsing over the past few months and he believes that some of the singers could have made it their profession and toured the world and sing at an international level. He showed special appreciation for Shyama Mishra, who was at the helm of the choir during his absence. She took it upon herself to assist him by coordinating, energizing and communicating with the entire group. Shamik Bose and Sudipta Datta were also commended for their excellent rendition of, “Aajaan aamaar.” He quoted, “Never in my life have I seen such a lively, vibrant, enthusiastic professional group of singers who are not actually getting paid at the end of the day.” He was also inspired by the theater group led by Manas Saha and Rahul Chakrabarti and treasured the interactions and synchronicity of mental wavelength. Raja Banga got the ball rolling to get Debojyoti to take charge and there has been no turning back ever since. Tapan Das with his excellent communication skills kept the communication going and the culmination will be a harmonious fruition of drama, song and dance. Debojyoti has worked with the French, Italian and Prague operas, as a music composer, but working with the local Houston team as a unit has been more rewarding, rejuvenating and energizing. He promised that he will always be there for his entire team and he wants to motivate each and everyone on his team to pursue the passion for singing and take leadership roles as professionals. He wants their journey to begin on the brightest note. For further details please visit www. nabc2015.org
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COMMUNITY
July 10, 2015
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Ghost Whisperers in a Paradise Lost in Conflict in The Djinns of Eidgah
TORONTO: The internationally acclaimed play ‘The Djinns of Eidgah’, by Abhishek Majumdar, is making its North American debut at the Hamilton Fringe Festival on July 16-26. Played out previously in India and the UK to great success, it is produced by Torontobased InDev Productions in its maiden foray into theater. The play interweaves true stories and testimonies with Sufi storytelling and is set in the Kashmir Valley, painting a portrait of a beautiful land and an innocent generation lost to conflict. A poetic tale of love and loss, rebels and ghosts, the play is shrouded in mystery and revelatory with light. Bilal and Ashrafi are orphaned siblings, their parents lost in the conflict in Kashmir. Ashrafi has never fully recovered from the trauma. She is sweet and innocent, or does this belie something deeper? Bilal dreams of leaving Kashmir with his sister and staunchly avoids getting involved in the conflict, but destiny has other plans. Dr. Baig, Ashrafi’s therapist, is haunted by his own demons. He dedicates himself to Ashrafi, but who is he really trying to save? Two soldiers of the Indian army guard a graveyard of Kashmiri rebels. They do their jobs with duty, but being under the constant shadow of death will take its toll. All these characters are ultimately forced to face their own demons and desires, by a voice of passion and speaker of truth – the Djinn. (In Arabian and Islamic mythology, Djinn is an intelligent spirit able to appear in human and animal forms, and to possess humans. Eidgah is an open-air mosque to perform prayers on the Muslim festival of Eid.) Kunal Jaggi, the Producer and Founder of InDev, and also one of the actors, stumbled upon this play by accident on the internet. “I knew that the theatre scene in India was thriving, but still had not really heard of any contemporary playwrights except for Mahesh Dattani. I found myself googling writers and stumbled upon Abhishek Ma-
DoE Cast: The cast of ‘The Djinns of Eidgah’, with the producer, director and actor Kunal Jaggi second from left in t-shirt
jumdar and read Djinns,” recalled Jaggi. “The first time I read it, I had to take breaks because it was so raw and so in your face! I immediately knew that I had to do everything possible to put this story up.” Tanisha Taitt, a veteran theatre director in Toronto came on board after reading the script and finding herself drawn to the mysticism and spirituality in which the play is veiled. Ingryd Pleitez, the Assistant Director and Stage Manager, loved the powerful imagery and poetic nature of the text. Rua Wani, the Associate Producer, hails from the Kashmir Valley and was struck by the honesty and insightfulness of the play. Heather Bellingham is the Production Manager and Victoria Wang the Sound Designer. The ensemble cast features a diverse and talented group of Toronto actors: Kevin Kashani as a soldier suffering from PTSD, and the Djinn; Vince Jerad as a soldier and one of the boys on the local football team; Soroush Toloue as a psychiatrist and often the voice of reason in the chaotic world; and Nessya Dayan and Kunal Jaggi as two orphans scraping through life with little to hold on to except each other.
The characters confront and push each other’s buttons unapologetically, revealing their deepest demons, insecurities and passions – all of which are brought to a head in a riveting climax. InDev is running a crowdfunding campaign (https://fwyc.ca/ campaigns/djinns-eidgah-hamilton-fringe-festival-2015), offering
DoE in Rehearsals: Two actors during rehearsals before ‘The Djinns of Eidgah’ opens up in Toronto on July 16.
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Friends Forever: Brought to Houston by College, These Friends Have Stuck Together Ever Since BY JAWAHAR MALHOTRA HOUSTON: It is a tale mostly of two cities – Bombay and Houston - but with a twist of Jaipur, Delhi and Bern, Switzerland added to it. In the fall of 1968, three teenage friends left their comfortable homes in then-Bombay (now-Mumbai) and made their way to the small city of Houston where perhaps 400,000 people lived. The three – Nalin Shah, Shailesh Shah (no relation) and Deepak Patel - had come for a college education and picked this Bayou City because Deepak’s older brother (Ramesh Patel) lived here. It helped that, at that time, Texas was one of the cheapest places for a foreign student to go to college. About the same time, Dilip Sethi also came to Houston at the behest of his older brother Virendra who was a close friend of Ramesh’s, to finish off the mechanical engineering degree he had started in K.J. Somaiya Polytechnic in Bombay, at Texas A&M University. From a different trajectory altogether, this reporter left his German language studies in Bern and applications to universities in West Germany to come to Houston at the urging of his uncle, Shyam Talwar who was also friends with Ramesh and Virendra. He arrived at the only airport then, Hobby Airport via a connecting flight from New York and immediately started to peel off layers of woolen clothes on a warm January 26, 1969. The five young adults, ranging from 16 to 23 became inseparable as they stuck together and took the bus from their Montrose apartments to South Texas Junior College, since acquired by the University of Houston to become its Downtown College. They had many escapades that were normal for newly arrived foreigners trying to get a handle on American culture and lifestyle. Like confusing a 12 noon bus schedule with 12 midnight (am or pm?); visiting Busch Gardens by taxi like rich millionaires; ordering a grilled cheese sandwich but holding the meat; packing in 10 people in one car to go to the drive-in for one ticket; and all chipping in with money so that one could order a cup of coffee in a fancy Indian restaurant. And they were not alone. Others from Bombay, Gujarat and Uganda joined the same college: Piyush Desai and Kaushik, his younger brother; Jayanti Patel and his younger brother Vasudev, Sharad Kothari, Nilesh
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Four of the friends who started their adult life in Houston in 1968. From left, Shailesh Shah, Nalin Shah, Deepak Patel and Jawahar Malhotra in a meeting in Mumbai in March 2015.
The fifth friend, Dilip Sethi on a trip to Australia in January 2014.
Choksey and Ashwini Munjal and they formed a strong bond based on strength in numbers in a foreign land. Born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Dilip was the sixth of eight children of Baboolalji Sethi (who owned a textile mill) and his wife Rajkumari Devi. He went to high school in Bombay, then to St. Xaviers College and Somaiya Polytechnic. Deepak and Nalin had met in 8th grade in Fellowship School in Gowalia Tank, Bombay. Across the maidan was Shailesh’s school, New Era and when they met two years later, Deepak discovered he lived across the street from him. This reporter never studied in India, though he was born in New Delhi, and traveled the world with his parents as his father Jagdish Chander Malhotra (with wife Shakuntla) was a Foreign Service Diplomat. After finishing high school in Teheran, he studied in Switzerland before coming to Houston. As their studies ended, the five friends went their separate ways. Dilip worked for Brown & Root, went back to India to get married and then moved to New York City in 1972 to start Rekha Gem Imports, wholesaling in diamond and precious stones and at 70 is still working everyday. Deepak got his electrical engineering degree and worked for Bechtel till 1982 when he returned to Bombay and take over the business his father Purshottam Mangalbhai Patel (with wife Vimalben) started in 1949, Paper Process Works in Mazagaon, with his expatriate German partner Felix Eric Heinecke. Now 65, Deepak has
sold the business but still dabbles in trading. Nalin went back to join the firm that his grandfather Popatlal Shah joined as a Director and shareholder in 1942, Biddle Sawyer Ltd., which had offices in London, Paris, New York, Osaka and Rio de Janeiro. In 1947 he bought 100 per cent equity and Nalin’s father Pravin Shah joined while his mother Sharda raised three boys. Nalin, now 63, sold the pharmaceutical division of the company to Glaxo Welcome in 1997, but continues to work in financial markets and in specialty chemicals with Japanese and Taiwanese firms. Shailesh received his BA in Finance and managed a Quality Inn franchise in Bordentown, New Jersey before moving to Dubai to manage his family’s firm, Bhaktawar Construction. He moved to Bombay in 1980 and now is a manufacturer of sanitary napkins for Johnson & Johnson for the 17 northern states. Shailesh, 63, is also a Director in Kalpataru, a prominent land development firm in which his father Kanubhai Shah was once a partner. His mother Urvashi was a homemaker who raised three children. This reporter, the youngest of the five, received his Master’s in Biomedical Engineering and apart from being
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COMMUNITY
Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Festival
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Friends Forever: Brought to Houston by College, These Friends Have Stuck Together Ever Since CONTINUED FROM PAGE
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a consulting engineer in Houston found his true calling in the media business, co-founding Indo American News, which has spun into television programming and online media. His father was the paper’s New Delhi correspondent after his retirement and his mother Shakuntla is popular for her weekly Punjabi cuisine recipes. Still, despite the distances that separate them, and also the differences in mother tongues, lifestyles and family dynamics, these five friends still manage to get to-
gether often - and at least once a year - to reconnect. Time seems to have stood still as they reminisce and giggle over each other’s antics when they meet at their favorite restaurants or hangouts in Mumbai. They can complete each other’s sentences, often chiding each other “Tu abhi bhi nahin sudera!” (You still haven’t shaped up!). “Tu pehle bhi chalu tha aur abhi bhi chalu hai!!” (You were a smooth operator before and sure as heck still are!!).
Thanks’ delivered by the temple president, Tarun Krishna Prabhu. He thanked numerous devotees and members who have been serving the temple selflessly. He also specifically recognized certain individuals who have rendered exceptional services. This was followed by an ecstatic aarti and a delicious vegetarian feast. The program continued the next day morning with a Vaishnava Maha-Yajna that was officiated by His Holiness Tirtha Maharaja. Over 150 devotees took part in the two-and-half hour long Yajna and offered oblations to the fire with chanting of ‘Svaha’. Throughout the Yajna, Maharaja described the meaning of various mantras and rituals. He explained that the purpose of the Yajna was to please the Lordships and pray for Their causeless mercy and devotion as well as removal of all bad effects and obstacles in our lives. He also prayed for everlasting peace and happiness for everyone – those who were present as well as those who were not present. The Yajna was followed by Bhoga Aarti and another elaborate vegetarian feast. Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha temple is located at 16628 Kieth Harrow Blvd, Houston, TX 77084. Every Sunday bhajans and kirtan start at 5 PM; Spiritual Discourse (English) at 6 PM; Aarti at 7 PM followed by delicious healthy prasadam. Gurukula for children in grades K-12 is at 5:45 PM. Hindi classes (levels 1 and 2) are at 5 PM. For more information, please visit our website: www.sggm.org or call (832) 4644686.
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COMMUNITY
Intensive Facebook Campaign Helps SEWA International’s ASPIRE Tutorials Win a Grant of $25,000
BY UMANG THANKI & JACKSON COURTER
HOUSTON: State Farm’s recent competition known as Neighborhood Assist provided a significant opportunity for Sewa as it challenged community members to vouch for a cause and earn $25,000 that can be used to promote it. The general procedure involved selecting an area to support and providing a grant statement that explained the organization’s purpose for applying. Determined with its ongoing ASPIRE program, Sewa’s position advocated for education. After submitting the application, Sewa was placed in the top 400 of the approximately 4000 that had applied across the different categories. At that point, an exclusive Facebook voting system was instilled in the sense that the number of “likes” on an organization’s page would determine their chances of winning – which means being in the top 40 in the leaderboard during the end of the voting period. After Sewa was selected in the first phase, the Facebook voting process set off as organizations members spread the information of their cause to the greater community. And with the immense
Sewa Aspire Campaign picture
support of friends and family from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, and India, Sewa secured a healthy rank of 19 when the polls closed. It was also the only charity from Texas to have made it to the top 40. The additional money gained
from this grant is extremely important as it will allow Sewa to buttress the infrastructure of the tutoring program as a whole as well as to have a continuous volunteering pool throughout the year. In other words, the money will ensure a smooth and productive continua-
tion of the ASPIRE program and hence the betterment of the lives of refugee children in the years ahead. Integral to the mission of the Houston chapter of Sewa International is its partnership with the AmeriCorps VISTA program,
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
which for 50 years has been sending volunteers, known as VISTAs, to work in nonprofit organizations around the country. Their goal is to build the capacity of the organizations they work for. Being a VISTA is more than a job, it is a lifestyle. VISTAs live among the populations they serve, and are paid a poverty-level living allowance. The growth of the ASPIRE program is a direct result of the Sewa VISTAs’ dedication to understanding the plight of the refugees in Houston and implementation of methods to give them the tools to bring themselves out of poverty. Such growth would be impossible without the VISTAs’ ground-level perspective on poverty that leads them to make community service a way of life. The future of Sewa is very promising as it already has established centers all around the world and is growing significantly as new challenges to humanity arise. Although societal idealism cannot be practically realized, Sewa’s efforts are definitely approaching the end goal of a happy world, one step at a time. To know more about Aspire tutorials please email Kavita Tewary @ educationhouston@ sewausa.org
STORY OF MAHATMA GANDHI
July 10, 2015
17
First Victory for the Satyagraha Experiment
Great Summer Project For children! Enter Mahatma Gandhi Week 2015 Essay, I-Tribute, Poster and Speech contests. Visit gandhilibrary.org for registration and more information. All school going children can participate! These contests are being organized to create higher awareness of the inspiring life and work of Mahatma Gandhi to promote universal values of Truth, Non-Violence, Love and Service. The story thus far… a recent court decision in South Africa held that the law did not recognize Indian marriages. The women were suitably offended by this and found it an attack on their basic family values. They openly broke the law and were imprisoned in large numbers. In the coal-mines at Newcastle, in Natal, Indian workers went on strike protesting against the repression. The arrests, the deportation of passive resisters, and the untold sufferings of Indian families angered the people of India. A large amount of money was collected for the relief of the victims. Many protesters were beaten and flogged, and some were beaten to death. Gandhi, who felt intensely the humiliation his people suffered, took a triple vow of self-suffering. He changed his mode of dressing, opting for the look of a poor laborer, walked barefoot, and decided to have only one meal a day, till the poll-tax and other injustices were abolished. But Gandhi found the Government to be a relentless and merciless opponent. There seemed no solution in sight. He had to take further drastic measures. In October 1913, Gandhi organized a march of over 6,000 Indian workers from the Natal mining area into the Transvaal, although the law did not allow non-whites the freedom of crossing into the Transvaal without a permit.Gandhi advised his followers, “We are going to march peacefully together across the border into the Transvaal. TheGovernment will arrest us and put us in prison. We are to remain peaceful. This is the nonviolent way of protesting against the poll-tax, against the Government’s decision not to recognize our marriages, and against all the laws that are made against us. We are fighting for just causes, we will not harm anyone.” He then asked the people, “Are you ready to face arrest and harsh treatment, remaining always nonviolent Roars of assent assured him of everyone’s support. They were ready to follow Gandhi anywhere. And so the march into the Transvaal began. Late in the evening Gandhi was roused from sleep by several uniformed men, who arrested him. Gandhi and many other Indians were jailed. The mines were cordoned off by barbed wire and converted into temporary jails. The satyagrahis or protesters were beaten to force them to go back to work, but without suc-
Gandhi as a Satyagrahi in South Africa ... he gave up his law practice, and vowed to dress like a poor laborer, to walk barefoot, and to have only one meal a day, till the injustices were abolished. cess. The authorities could not make them return to work. Gandhi had inspired in them the spirit of quiet, dignified resistance. The movement of passive resistance, or satyagraha, spread all through Natal and the Transvaal like wildfire. The Government had no idea how to handle this phenomenon unlike any they had ever encountered before, because none yielded to their cruel treatment. The prisons were overflowing. At last General Smuts was obliged to act. He appointed a Commission to study the situation. In December 1913 Gandhi was released, but he would not give up the struggle. Gandhi threatened Smuts that he would start another march if his demands were not met. That march, however, never took place. The European employees of the railways in the Union went on strike, and this made the Government’s position extremely difficult. Gandhi decided to drop the idea of the march at such a crucial time as he did not wish to embarrass the Government further. Gandhi ordered every Indian to go back to work, at least for the time being. His decision created a good impression on the Government and even General Smuts recognized this courtesy. The Inquiry Commission reported in favor of all the essential reforms demanded by the Indian leaders. The Indians’ Relief Bill was at last passed and signed by the Governor. It abolished the poll-tax on indentured workers, declared absolutely legal all Indian marriages, and removed penalties for crossing from one State to another. It was a huge victory for Gandhi and the satyagraha movement. Gandhi had been active in South Africa for 21 years and had contributed so much to the welfare of the Indians in South Africa. Gandhi now felt that his mission in South Africa was over and he wanted to return to India. At that time Gokhale was in England. He wanted Gandhi to meet him in London before returning to India. Gandhi promised to do so. Gandhi announced his decision to Kasturbai. “You are going to London with me,” he said. “From England we will go back to India.”Gandhi, with Kasturbai and Hermann Kallenbach, a whiteSouth African farmer sailed for England on July 18, 1914. OnAugust 4, two days before he reached London, the 1st World War was declared.Upon arrival in Lon-
don, Gandhi heard that Gokhale had gone to Paris for reasons of health. Communications were cut off between London and Paris because of the war. Gandhi was disappointed. He did not want to return to India without seeing Gokhale, so he stayed on in London. Gandhi had no idea what to do during the war. At the suggestion of some Indian friends, a meeting was called of the Indians in England. Gandhi expressed the view that Indians residing in England ought to do their bit in the war. English students had volunteered to serve in the army and Indians should do no less. This brought forth many objections from many Indians who were of the opinion that the war provided an opportunity to get freedom for India and that Indians should assert themselves and claim their rights. Gandhi felt that England’s difficulty should not be turned into India’s opportunity. He insisted on rendering all possible help to England. He organized an ambulance corps which, in spite of many difficulties, helped the British in their time of need After some time Gokhale returned to England. Gandhi and Kallenbach went to see him often and they talked together about the war and other matters. Then Gandhi had an attack of pleurisy and Gokhale and his friends were worried. Dr. Jivraj Mehta treated Gandhi but there was little relief. Gandhi was still ill when Gokhale returned to India. As the pleurisy still persisted, Gandhi was advised to go back to India as soon as possible. He accepted the advice and returned to his homeland. After 12 long and eventful years, Gandhi was back in India. He was welcomed with a great reception in Bombay. Gandhi was overwhelmed by the great love and wealth of kindness shown to him by the people. Gokhale was in Poona and was in poor health, so Gandhi went to see him.Gandhi told Gokhale that his plan was to have an ashram where he could settle down with his Phoenix family. They had followed him to India and already were settled at Santiniketan. Gokhale approved of the idea and promised whatever help he could.Meanwhile Gandhi went to Rajkot and Porbandar to meet his relatives and then went on to Santiniketan. There Gandhi met poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore for the first time, as well as C. F. Andrews who was also present. During his short stay at Santiniketan Gandhi heard the sad news that Gokhale had passed away. He immediately left for Poona, with C. F. Andrews accompanying him up to Burdwan a triple vow of self-suffering. He decided to dress like a poor laborer, to walk barefoot, and to have only one meal a day, till the poll-tax and other injustices were abolished. But Gandhi found the Government relentless. There was no solution in sight. He knew he had to take further drastic measures for any chance of change benefitting the Indians and people of color in South Africa. -To be Continued
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18 July 10, 2015 What to Do About India’s Poor
EDITORIAL/COMMENTARY How to Tackle China in Asia
BY SEEMA SIROHI
Just how many people in India are poor? The answer to that question is critical for a middle-income country like India, which holds the contrarian distinction of being a rising economic titan as well as being home to the largest number of the world’s poor. Until the results of the comprehensive socio-economic caste census (SECC) 2011 for rural India were released last week, economists had to solely depend on the ‘poverty line’. As opposed to the erstwhile Planning Commission’s consumption and calorie intake-based poverty line estimates, the SECC analysis uses an ‘exclusion-inclusion’ method. For instance, a family that owns a landline phone or a three-room house with concrete walls and roof were automatically excluded from the list of the poor. Likewise, there were five automatic inclusion parameters such as a household without shelter or from a primitive tribal group, to count a family as poor. These conceptual issues aside, India can ignore the big conclusions of the study only at its own peril. It would be foolhardy to ignore the fact that the primary breadwinner in three out of four households in rural India earns less than Rs 5,000 a month. Similarly, it would be reckless to disregard the reality that in more than half of the cases (51.8% of the total number of rural families), the main income earners barely manage to keep their kitchen fires burning by working as manual or casual labourers. The SECC data analysis will help the government to prioritise schemes meant for the most deprived. The central question facing India is how to spin jobs and multiply income. Productive jobs are vital for growth. And a good job is the best form of inclusion. Of India’s 1.2-billion population, 60% are of the working age. And of the 15 million who join the queue of job seekers every year, only 3% undergo vocational training. India’s challenge is to create the conditions for faster growth of productive jobs outside the agrarian sector. There are abundant examples that show how economies that showed potential eventually fell off because of the absence of bipartisan support to critically important policies. The approach to inclusion, therefore, must shift from handouts to more rapid growth of productive enterprises and jobs. Hindustan Times
India’s surroundings have steadily got hotter partly because of the climate changing actions of China over the past decade. Now Chinese submarines are marking presence in the neighbourhood while its navy looks for support facilities in the Indian Ocean. When India looks East, China looms large again, growing its naval muscle rapidly, literally creating islands it can use to legitimise its geographic stretch. Up North and West, it plans to build an economic corridor to Pakistan through territory claimed by India. But it is China’s deepwater dive into the Indian Ocean that has lately attracted the most concern. The Chinese message: it is not India’s “backyard.” But what about the South China Sea, where foreign naval presence is frowned upon by China? Most Asian countries are worried as is the United States, which took serious note of China’s naval expansion in its latest strategy document. A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower talks of China using “force” and “intimidation” to assert territorial claims and the potential for tension and instability. The document deliberately chose to include the Indian Ocean in the sweep of things, calling the stretch in its ken as the “Indo-Asia-Pacific” region where maritime access and free navigation are under threat. Nomenclature is the first step but the US navy is trying to figure out what the “red lines” should be and how they should be enforced having accepted China’s rise as inevitable. Under defence secretary Ashton Carter the US response has begun to crystallise much to the comfort of ASEAN countries and India. As a result, a clearer framework might be emerging although the US remains distracted by the Middle East. The recent trilateral meeting of India, the United States and Japan in Hawaii was focused on clarifying a plan of action for the three democracies to keep the Indo-Pacific free from domination of any country. It was the seventh such meeting. Progress has been slow in hammer-
The recent trilateral meeting of India, the United States and Japan in Hawaii was focused on clarifying a plan of action for the three democracies to keep the Indo-Pacific free from domination of any country.
ing out a joint template. The key question: how can the three get the 10 members of ASEAN to take a stand on the Chinese spread. No easy task this – smaller ASEAN countries (Cambodia and Laos) are completely under Chinese sway while the bigger swing between accommodation and distaste for Beijing’s belligerence. ASEAN has let it be known it finds the US engagement sporadic, and not one that will restrain China. They want a consistent, persistent and clear US strategy. They have wanted it since 2010 when Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi let the cat out of the bag in a moment of pique at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Hanoi. “China is a big country and other countries are small countries, and that’s just a fact,” said he to a shocked audience. He even mocked his Vietnamese hosts. The outburst came after Hillary Clinton had declared freedom of navigation in the South China Sea – which China claims in near entirety – to be in the US “national interest.” No one disputes China’s “bigness,” it’s just that the small-ness of others shouldn’t be a reason for coercion. But ASEAN, too, has to get its act together. For years it hasn’t been able to finalise a “code of conduct.” True, the Chinese have actively tried to sabotage the effort but surely some-
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thing resembling a basic rule book of what constitutes bad behaviour in a region riddled with watery disputes could have been written by now. This may be a crucial year for ASEAN to send a message. Since Malaysia is the chair, it may even be possible. The theme, appropriately enough, is “Our People, Our Community, Our Vision” – wide enough to talk real politics starting with the East Asia Summit and build a narrative. The Chinese like to restrict EAS to purely economic discussions but the US, India and Japan agree that it should be broadened. It is too important a forum not to discuss political and security issues. Will Malaysia take the advice and lead the way? It may depend on whether the trilateral grouping of US-India-Japan has some concrete and alternate strategies on how to make it worth ASEAN’s while. The Modi government is pushing the India-Myanmar-Thailand road project as part of its Act East policy. The project has some gaps near the Thai border where the US and Japan can help. It could further be linked to East-West highways in Cambodia and Laos. Creative diplomacy would be key in the political messaging that freedom of navigation must be respected, even by newly-arrived “big” countries. Times of India
COMMUNITY Houston Chariot Festival
July 10, 2015
19
(Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra – 2015)
HOUSTON: The famous chariot festival of Lord Jagannath in puri will be celebrated on 18 July. Orissa Culture Center (OCC) in collaboration with Sri Sitaram Foundation is all geared for celebrating the eighth chariot festival in Houston on 18 July, at VPSS Haveli, 11715 Bellfort Village Drive, Houston, TX, 77031. All preparations are underway for this yearly festival in Houston that has attracted people from Houston and surrounding cities. This is the time of the year when Houstonians come together to celebrate the Chariot Festival or the Car Festival popularly known as the "Rath
Yatra.” The festival is rooted in the ancient tradition of chariot pulling by thousands of devotees of the Lord Jagannath in the ancient city of Puri in the state of Odisha, India. Lord Jagannath symbolizes religious and cultural harmony and the ancient Vedic Philosophy of universal brotherhood (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) and religious tolerance. The day’s events are planned to include aspects relating to Shree Jagannatha and Vedic Philosophy. The event will be started with a “Maha Yagna” or the fire worship in the morning followed by different rituals of the three
deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhdra. The day’s programs include free health fair, devotional singing and chanting by the assembled devotees, vocal presentation by renowned artists, carrying the Lords to the chariot, brooming by the King in front of the chariot, chariot pulling, and finally the mahaarati of the Lords on the chariot . All assembled devotees will be served with dinner Maha Prasadam following the Maha Arati. This year we are pleased to present a vocal concert by Padma Bibhusana Sangeet Martand Pt. Jasraj Ji between 4:00 – 6:30pm. Pt Jasraj Ji
will be accompanied on stage by Pt. Shantilal Shah on Tabla, Pta. Tripti Mukherjee, Pt. Suman Ghosh and Pt. Ratan Mohana Sharma on Harmonium and vocal support. He will also be accompanied by Shri Jay Gandhi on flute. Tickets to the event can be obtained from Maharani Music (713-782-6553), Vishala Grocers, Katy (281-492-2020). Tickets can also be purchased online. For details, visit www. houstonrathyatra.org, or call 832-225-2376 . You may connect on https://www.facebook. com/HoustonRathYatra
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
20 July 10, 2015
COMMUNITY
“Hollywood’s Favorite Bollywood Choreographer” who Made Michelle Obama Dance to His Beats, will Now Judge DID North America 2015 Choreographer of America’s popular TV show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ to Judge DID North America 2015 to be shot in Mumbai in July
NEW YOURK: ZEE TV America is all set to open doors for DID North America 2015 and Nakul Dev Mahajan, “Hollywood’s Favorite Bollywood Choreographer” who made Michelle Obama and Nina Davuluri dance to his beats will now Judge DID North America 2015. Nakul Dev Mahajan, an America Bollywood choreographer and dancer, has been choreographing and dancing for more than 25 years. He has choreographed for all major TV networks and is best known for his work on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Michelle Obama tries out traditional dance moves, led by Nakul Dev Mahajan, a choreographer of the TV show So You Think You Can Dance.
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DID NorthAmerica gets even more grand this season, 20 finalists have been selected from over 18,000 entries received. These 20 finalists will fly to Mumbai and compete for the title of DID North America 2015. Sameer Targe, General Manager of ZEE TV Americas says, “This is the 4th season of Dance India Dance North America and every year we strive to take it a notch higher. This is not just a show for us – this is a platform where we try to give back to our community and take people closer to their dreams and passion! I truly feel that there could be no one better choice than Nakul Dev Mahajan– to judge our very talented South Asian Gen Y” Nakul Dev Mahajan says, ”Dance India Dance is a household name and the North America chapter is such a huge platform for the 2nd generation
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of aspiring dancers to showcase their talents. Not only am I honored to be a part of the judging panel, but also excited to see these kids rock that stage." ZEE Americas A pioneer in South Asian entertainment, ZEE TV has become synonymous with unparalleled quality in broadcasting for more than 20 years. As a global brand, ZEE is committed to delivering top-notch international content. ZEE in the Americas has established itself as a mainstay in American households, reaching more than 2 million viewers. As a market leader in the South Asian entertainment space since its entry into America in 1998, ZEE is continuously evolving its content to meet the changing needs of the market across genres and languages. As the exclusive distributor of the ZEE channels in the Americas, Asia TV USA Ltd. caters to a wide audience with a growing number of
channels, including ZEE TV, ZEE Cinema, ZEE Khana Khazana, Zing, ZEE Business, ZEE Smile, TEN Cricket, ZEE Aflam, ZEE Alwan, ZEE Russia, ZEE Marathi, ZEE Kannada, ZEE Telugu, ZEE Tamizh, Alpha ETC Punjabi, ZEE Bangla, ZEE Salaam, ZEE 24 Taas, ZEE 24 Ghanta and ZEE 24 Ghantalu About Nakul Dev Mahajan Nakul Dev Mahajan is known as "Hollywood's Favorite Bollywood Choreographer." He opened the first Bollywood Dance Company and School in the United States, NDM Bollywood Dance Productions and Studios Inc. Since its opening, NDM Bollywood Dance has been the "Leading Authority on the Art of Bollywood Dancing." Nakul is best credited for his work on "So You Think You Dance," A.R. Rahman Jai Ho World Tour, Miss America (Nina Davuluri) talent segment and bringing Bollywood to the White House with Michelle Obama.
News Edit Internship
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS EDITING INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to currently-enrolled college students in their junior or senior year who are pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an onsite educational experience that complements their academic studies by using a “real world” hands-on environment. News Editing Interns will have an opportunity to observe, participate, and contribute in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As a News/Technical Intern you will primarily assist in editing for air-being creative and precise, while also learning the ins and outs of working behind the scenes for live newscasts. Interns will work under the direct supervision of the Digital Media Coordinator and other staff members. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least two days per week between the hours of 2PM and 10PM. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req 285791BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No Telephone Calls KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability
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July 10, 2015
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COMMUNITY
West Bengal Burning BY FRIENDS OF TUKTUKI
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KOLKATA: The recent spate of arsoning, looting of properties and rapes of women including minor girls directed at the Hindu community in West Bengal has created ripple effects. Not only those residing in West Bengal but also the Non-Resident Indian community in United States has expressed serious concern over the handling of the law and order situation by the Mamata Banerjee government in the state. The recent kidnapping incident of a 14 yr old minor girl, Tuktuki Mondal, daughter of a daily wage laborer residing in Khapur village under Magrahat PS in South 24 Parganas district has further raised their concerns. Magrahat is located not far from the India-Bangladesh International Border. Islamic fundamentalists run the administration locally. She was once kidnapped while on her way to the bank by one local predator, Babusona Ghazi and his friends. She was raped in their custody but was finally released under the condition that there would be no medical examination of her, no police complain and that she should be married off early, underaged. Agreeing to these conditions at gun-point, Tuktuki’s dad Subhas Mondal was able to secure her release from these local goons. Tuktuki is an extremely bright student, studying in class 10. She was preparing for her pre-final examinations when on the fateful night of May 4th, her house was attacked again. The goons violently ransacked their small house as a warning. Tuktuki and her family tried in vain to resist, she screamed for help, but was dragged away. Subhas did not see her daughter again. At that point, out of the deep love for her daughter, Subhas decided to risk all that he had, come down to Kolkata and seek help from an NGO, Hindu Samhati to recover his daughter. Hindu Samhati initially took up the case but today many human rights activists globally has taken up her case as well. Hindu Samhati founder Tapan Ghosh has been helping the family morally and financially. Many other organizations have also voiced their concern. The Hindu American Foundation, Viswa Hindu Parishad America, members of ISKCON and other groups have expressed deep concern. They have reached out to the Prime Minister of India, the National Commission for Backward Classes, State Women's Commission and to International Human Rights organi-
zation like Amnesty International. The police has so far refused to co-operate and has sided with the abductors. Her vulnerable family is facing regular threats and vile abuses from the elder brother of Babusona Ghazi. Many forces are pressurising Tuktuki's father Subhas Mandal to withdraw his case. He has refused all along to back down and has displayed tremendous courage. Recently a stray phone call came to him promising the release of his daughter. He had gone there with several of his brothers and well-wishers, but was severely beaten up instead. Yet he has remained steadfast in his desire to get back his little daughter. Under the present administration, the security situation in Bengal has aggravated in recent times. Hindu Samhati which is working on ground across most districts in West Bengal and having a significant grassroot presence in the state is closely monitoring the situation. According to the Hindu Samhati founder and President, Tapan Ghosh "Out of 650 blocks in the state, there are about 100 where Hindus have become less than 50%. This decline is a matter of serious concern" Since 2010, starting with violence at Deganga, Hindus in West Bengal has been at the receiving end. In 2013, there was large scale violence against the Hindu community in Canning. Recently in January, shops belonging to Hindus were looted and burnt in Usthi, South 24 Parganas district. Apart from these in places like Naihati and Naliakhali, Hindus have come under attack. At least four large scale attacks has been reported from Burdwan, Samudragarh, Panchagram and Baduria in the last 15 days. Last year villagers of Rampur Halder Gheri were attacked for celebrating the swearing in of Prime Minister Modi. At least 26 people were injured in the incident. Tuktuki’s incident is part of a pattern developing in recent times, where girls from the Hindu community are being picked up, raped and
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trafficked. In most cases the motive is to strike fear among Hindus and throw them out of their ancestral land through large scale organized mob violence. In the case of the kidnapped girls, many of them are brought initially to Sonagachi, Asia’s largest redlight zone in the state capital city of Kolkata to be sent to different places including the Middle East. About 100 girls arrive there daily. Hindu Samhati continuously monitors these cases and have helped to rescue many such kidnapped girls. Feeling for this poor girl, who everyone agrees should be rescued from being pushed into sex-trade under any circumstances and out of respect for the courage displayed by Subhas Mondal, the Non-Resident community in America has decided to hold solidarity rallies on the 11th of July. Demonstrations are supposed to be held in New York, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, London, Bangkok, different places in Canada and in many cities across the globe. Three major twitter hastags, #SaveTuktuki4mGhazi, #Save WestBengalDaughters and #SaveTukTukiMondal are trending already. A hangout session with Subhas Mondal drew major interest among the Non-Resident Indian community. According to community organizer Satya Narayan Dosapati, “The story of Tuktuki has struck a chord among the entire NRI community. Through the social media she has become a household name among NRIs in US, who see her as their own daughter today and the community is determined to recover her whatever it takes” In India, Hindu Samhati will be organizing a major demonstration at Hazra More in Kolkata on July 10th. More demonstrations are scheduled in other places. Other Hindu organizations in West Bengal has also expressed concern over the rising incidents of violence against the Hindu community. Viswa Hindu Parishad spokesperson Vinod Bansal said his organisation is aware of the situation and is in constant touch with the government. "These have communal connotations which can create unrest if the Mamata Banerjee government fails to act in time. However, the state government does not appear to be sensitive to it," he said. Meanwhile West Bengal continues to burn with no respite for the law abiding citizens in sight and with no end to the plight of Tuktuki and other helpless daughters in West Bengal.
July 10, 2015
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24 July 10, 2015
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Mama’s Punjabi Recipes
Paneer Te Katti Sabziyan (Cheese & Mixed Vegetables) All over India, and certainly in New Delhi, paneer (fresh milk soft cheese) is used in so many dishes served at restaurants that sometimes it’s frustrating making a decision on what other vegetarian item to order other than daal (lentils) or chole (chickpeas)! This just shows how much demand there is for the milk product: it is even available on some pizzas as a topping! The nationwide consumption of paneer has only grown rapidly over the past dozen years and before then it was considered a specialty item used in select dishes like palak paneer (spinach and cheese). But with commercial farming has come the abundance of milk, leading to wholesale production of paneer, which has a higher profit margin. In the West Delhi district of Tilak Nagar, there are rows of shops that have machines to churn out the fat from milk and then make huge bricks of paneer which are kept in large vats, ready for sale. One of the consequences of this overuse of paneer is that people are getting fatter and heavier, especially since many paneer dishes are also cooked with cream. And then there are appetizers like paneer pakoras, paneer samosas, paneer paranthas to tempt you! Most recipes for paneer have some turri (curry sauce) in them and are time consuming to make. But there are a few paneer dishes, like this one, which you can make quickly and without much preparation yet have lots of flavor. This recipe also allows you to use leftovers in your refrigerator, like the small bits of vegetables and the milk that is about to go bad to make paneer (though If you prefer, you can use store-bought paneer). It’s a quick and simple dish that most enjoy! Ingredients for making paneer: 1 liter doodh (whole milk) ½ cup sirka (white vinegar) Ingredients for dish:
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1) Amar Patil 2) Hari Desai 3) Aarthi Nagpal
1 tbsp tael (olive oil or vegetable oil) 100 gm paneer (fresh milk soft cheese) Left over vegetables: piyaaz (onions); tamater (tomato); mutter (peas); gobi (cauliflower); Shimla mirch (bell peppers) Spices: 2 tsp dhania (coriander powder), ½ tsp garam masala, 1
tsp lal mirch (red pepper) and salt to taste.
Directions: 1. Pour the milk into a pot and let it come to boil over medium heat. When it begins to boil, add the vinegar and the milk will begin to separate into whey. 2. Pour the liquid through a strainer lined with a soft cloth to capture the whey. Tighten the cloth into a ball and tie it off in a knot and let the water drip from the ball for an hour. 3. Peel and chop the vegetables and keep aside. 4. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat then pour the vegetables in. Stir to coat and cook for 10 minutes till they are slightly brown and tender. Add the lal mirch and salt and stir. 5. Now add the paneer to the onions, crumbling it in your hands
as you drop it in. Mix it lightly but thoroughly. Cover the skillet to let the flavor of the paneer mix in and cook for 5 minutes. 6. Add the garam masala and dhania and stir in. Cover the skillet and turn the heat off and let it sit for 5 minutes. This dish tastes best with warm paranthas or roti. Shakuntla Malhotra is a skilled cook of Punjabi dishes made in the old-fashioned style that she learnt as a young woman in her ancestral home in Lyallpur, India before it became part of Pakistan after the Partition in 1947. People have often admired her cooking for its simplicity and taste that comes with each mouthful. Even in her mid-eighties, she continues to cook daily and agreed to share some of her delectable Punjabi recipes.
MAMA’S TIP OF THE WEEK HOW TO MAKE RAITA WHICH HAS GONE SOUR SWEET AGAIN Making raita or the yogurt-based side dish that is customary to find in an Indian meal, especially one that serves rice, is an art by itself. All too many restaurants cut the yogurt with too much water and milk that it comes out thin and watery, almost like a sauce. In fact, many places that serve kababs give you a cup of this “sauce” to add when eating the meat! Many Indian meals of rice, palau or paranthas can be eaten simply with some yogurt or raita, so it is important to have a firm texture. Just as important is that the raita, if made earlier, has not gone a bit bitter or sour. If it has, you can make it sweeter again by adding some fresh whole milk, but be careful about proportions so as not to thin it out too much.
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July 10, 2015
ENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
Movie Review: Guddu Rangeela
BY MEENA IYER Two dirty rotten scoundrels, Guddu and Rangeela, run an orchestra fulltime and scams part-time. When they cross swords with the Khaps, these small-time thugs court big-time
trouble. Writerfilmmaker Subhash Kapoor is one of the soundest story-tellers in Bollywood. He won notices for Phas Gaya Re Obama and Jolly LLB. G u d d u Rangeela, a Haryanabased crime drama with a Sholay-like twist, helps establish his credentials further. Kapoor's G u d d u (Amit Sadh) and Rangeela (Arshad Warsi), both actors in fine fettle, are wanting a quick buck. But they're chickenhearted and won't get their hands soiled in anything grimy. They're happy working as tip-off agents, giving banditry clues to local gangstas. Pray, what do they want the ill-earned
money for? Well. Rangeela has a back story. He is fighting a court case against an age-old caste system that took his love. Of course, all avariciousness leads to trouble. With the Mirpur cops on their tail, our heroes scout another escape route. Only this time, their ticket to freedom is provided by another goon, Bengali (Dibyendu Bhattacharya) who suggests a kidnapping. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, the crooks pick up the girl, Baby (Aditi). And even as they try to appease their own guilt, they realize she's the one who has actually 'had' them. The kidnappers and their prey bond when they find they have a common enemy in Khap chieftain, Biloo (Ronit Roy), who throws in a superlative performance. The khaps draw swords and the politicians draw lines. And, right in the midst of this mayhem, Guddu and Rangeela, have their own lovestories unfolding with guns, roses, PJs and silly poses. Kapoor uses his guile in tackling the regressive Khap issue without getting preachy; he shows us that even in Namo's Swach Bharat, we still practice barbarianism. The film works, albeit on some level, because of its gritty writing. What could have genuinely raised the bar though, is a slicker pace, additional gloss and superstar charisma. -TimesofIndia
Nothing Definite About Fate of Comedy Nights With Kapil: ‘Bua’ Upasana Singh
MUMBAI: There is no decision yet about “Comedy Nights with Kapil” going of the air and all such talk is a “lot of rumours”, says Upasana Singh who plays the character of “Buaji” in the popular TV programme. “There is nothing fixed yet,” she said at the ‘Iftar” party of upcoming movie “Chalk N Duster”. Upasana however confirmed Kapil has health issues. “Yes, Kapil is not feeling good, he has hurt his back badly, so it is possible that he might take a break for little while,” she said. Kapil announced on Twitter that he was taking a break on Twitter and ever since gossip is buzzing that the
Last week’s edition can be found online. Issue dated June 27,2014. inyour Small Continuing, freeSpecializing radicals are made in body as byproducts of natural processes, called Business Commercial Loans oxidative processes. In the same way that car exhaust is created when you run an engine to power the car, free radicals are formed by the oxidative processes to power your body. Although these processes are very efficient, free radical formation is inevitable in small amounts—even the most efficient engine will produce exhaust. There are many healthy roles for free radicals, though. For instance, nitric oxide is a free radical that is used by cells to communicate with other cells. In fact it is necessary for proper nervous system function and blood pressure control. Of course, this type of process is very tightly controlled. But nitric oxide is not what has made free radi-
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programme might go off-air. “We have dates for the whole month’s shooting, so I really don’t think it will go off air and above all it’s such a hit show, it won’t go off air. We will know more details in threefour days but the show going offair hasn’t been discussed yet,” said Upasana, who is currently working in Juhi Chawla and Shabana Azmi starrer “Chalk N Duster” directed by Jayant Gilatar. The film highlights the hardships of the teachers, not only in their day to day lives, but also in the system and society. -IndianExpress
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Friday, June 10, 5 2011 m 0, 201 ws.co July 1 y a id an-ne Fr c i r e m indoa www.
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Indian Economy Sprouts Green Shoots
A close scrutiny reveals that several sectors of the economy are witnessing a nascent pick up as the incremental reforms are slowly beginning to pay dividends BY ANIL PADMANABHAN Last week, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan claimed the economy was recovering and there were signs of capital investment picking up. Coming from an otherwise circumspect person, it should address fears that the Indian economy was a long way from recovery. Actually, finance minister Arun Jaitley claimed last month that a turnaround was already underway, based on the spurt in indirect tax collections (customs and excise receipts normally reflect higher imports and factory sales, respectively). The following day, chief economic adviser (CEA) Arvind Subramanian sought a huddle with journalists outside North Block and reiterated the same claim. At that time, most believed that both were merely talking up the economy. Similarly, analysts, who otherwise have been very disappointed with the Narendra Modi-led government for not pushing so-called big-ticket reforms, have quietly undertaken a rethink. Last Tuesday, I met up with one of these previously hawkish analysts visiting from overseas and was taken aback by his excited opening remarks: “Things are beginning to move on the ground. Finally.” In fact, over the last few weeks, several analysts have positively revised their assessments of the In-
dian economy. To be sure, nobody is claiming that the economy is firing on all cylinders. Far from it. It is just that several things are beginning to come together—and, as is always the case, some are accidental and others planned. A close scrutiny would reveal that several sectors of the economy are witnessing a nascent pick up as the incremental reforms (most of which were structural in nature and hence not quick fixes) are slowly beginning to pay dividends. It is also apparent that the macroeconomic fault lines are less ominous—the RBI governor implicitly says so. At the same time, the tailwinds from the moves undertaken to revive stalled projects, beginning towards the end of the United Progressive Alliance regime and carried forward by the current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, have begun to gain momentum. Anecdotally, we have known so, but now there is actual data backing this claim. According to an HSBC Global Research study released on Friday, stalled projects both in value and as a proportion of overall projects have fallen for the fifth consecutive quarter. And more importantly, capital goods production is showing an uptick. All credit to the NDA for focusing enhanced government spending on road and rail projects—both of which have a tremendous multiplier effect on the economy.
A Credit Suisse analyst report points out that India built 36,883km of all-weather rural roads connecting 10,990 habitations in 2014-15. This was the highest since 2010-11 and almost twice the target for the year, bringing the cumulative total of rural roads built to 437,000km, connecting 109,000 habitations. Part of the reason the NDAhas been able to do so is the expenditure rejig it undertook by opting for targeting of subsidies—beginning with LPG, or cooking gas. By seeding them with Aadhaar and the bank account, the government has been able to weed out illegal LPG connections. According to the CEA, the savings in the last fiscal year would be Rs.12,700 crore—about a third of the allocation for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guaran-
tee Scheme in 2015-16. Money saved is money earned. But even better is the news that targeting of subsidies can generate desired results and is not just a pie in the sky. Particularly relevant since the NDA announced on Friday that it was going to take targeting to the next level—its use in poverty alleviation programmes. It has chosen to bite the bullet, especially with respect to the country’s mindset of believing entitlement spending to be open-ended and perennial. Using the Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC), the government has evolved a deprivation matrix (another matter that this was conducted by the UPA, but kept on the back burner as it implied taking politically uncomfortable calls on entitlement spending).
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While the erstwhile Planning Commission counted the poor by estimating the level of poverty—about 22% at present—the identity of the poor has always been a source of dispute and misuse. SECC does precisely that. It identifies the poor and lists out their causes of deprivation—such as education, skills, housing, employment, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, social and gender mobilization and entitlement. Accordingly, the policy response can now be tailored to address the specific deprivation of an individual, rather than the conventional approach of one-size-fits-all. It is like all of us cannot be sick for the same cause and consequently the care and medication would be different for everybody. By linking this to the Jan-Dhan Yojana and Aadhaar, the government is creating an audit trail. This can not only prevent misuse, but also help track the impact of the social spending programme. This is something that will go down well with an aspirational society, especially one long used to being denied its privileges. How does this fit in with green shoots? Perfectly actually. After all, fixing the leaking exchequer is critical in ensuring that the broken fiscal plumbing network is restored. More bang for the buck as they say and better chances for the shoots to take root. -Livemint.com
28 July 10, 2015 Dhoni vs. Kohli: A Clash of Ideologies? BY SIDHARTH MONGA
a new place with new ideas. If you spend time out of it, it can be even more disorienting. You MUMBAI (ESPN Cricinfo): come back in, lead in a differWhen MS Dhoni shocked everyent format while trying to rebody on December 30 last year discover your own batting, lose by announcing his Test retirea series to Bangladesh, and go ment mid-series in Australia to against your own nature and concentrate on his limited-overs first criticise a trusted, consiscricket and on taking the onetent and selfless batsman who is day team forward, he sent India batting at an unfamiliar station, into an uncharted era. To be peand then give the out-and-out dantic, India split the captaincy fast bowlers a tongue-lashing for a while earlier too, but Dhoni in public. played only 11 Tests under Anil It is possible Dhoni came to Kumble before assuming full Bangladesh and felt the team leadership, and both captains in had moved on. Maybe that that case were of largely similar leaves him vulnerable. We temperament and philosophy. don’t know what he feels - he Also, Dhoni tasted immediate will never let us know - but this success in limited-overs cricket, and his Test captaincy was a As ODI captain, MS Dhoni, the senior player of the two, effectively has the is a risk that comes with a split captaincy. He is edgier than natural progression. smaller gig to Virat Kohli’s Test do. ever, has got frustrated easily, This now is new. Dhoni is and has expressed that frustralooking to extend his one-day pull a rabbit out of the hat with spinners to go after wickets. He has career; he is going to play on at not much to lose because he was said more than once that he is will- tion easily. What Dhoni said about the fast least until the World T20 in 2016. supposed to have just one test as ing to risk a loss for a win. Even in More importantly in the current captain back then. Bangladesh he picked three of the bowlers - unprovoked - in the fiscenario, the senior, more estabDhoni is more pragmatic. He has fastest men available to him in the nal post-match presentation in lished captain has the lesser job reason to be so. India’s fast bowl- squad. At times Dhoni was happy Bangladesh does not necessarand will be spending significantly ers and spinners are not accurate with just Bhuvneshwar Kumar ily mean that he and Kohli are at each other’s throats, or that Kohli less time with the team than Virat away from home. They don’t of- bowling off a long run. Kohli. Captains the world over fer him the luxury to attack. Dhoni There is no guarantee Kohli’s can’t wait to assume absolute conrelinquish the reins of ODI sides doesn’t rage against the machine. methods will succeed. They will trol of the team, but it puts out in first. Misbah-ul-Haq plays Tests He began to gradually ask less of depend on the execution. And, the open a clash of ideologies and and Azhar Ali leads Pakistan in the them. Long before the BCCI sent don’t worry, his bowlers will test philosophies. There is an obvious one-dayers. Ditto Alastair Cook that press release on December 30, his patience, but something about mutual respect there: Dhoni the and Eoin Morgan. Not with Dhoni 2014, Dhoni had already resigned him suggests that when the bowl- captain backed Kohli when evand Kohli. Getting the ODI cap- as a bowlers’ captain in Tests away ers revert to bowling one bad ball erybody wanted him dropped in taincy first gives you a soft launch from home. The Lord’s Test, when per over, he won’t just shrug his Australia in 2011-12, and Kohli and you naturally progress to Tests, he asked Ishant Sharma to bowl shoulders and have fielders fol- the batsman has won Dhoni many which are full of possibilities and bouncers in the fourth innings, lowing the ball. He will demand an ODI off his own bat. Yet they thus demand more of a captain. was one last flicker. In the next more. That’s what he said in Aus- could be pulling the team in differEven more importantly in In- Test, hampered by Ishant’s injury, tralia. “You need composure and ent directions. Kohli himself is yet to win a Test. dia’s case, the personnel for the Dhoni was back to getting Ravin- character to go out there and say, teams are similar but the personal- dra Jadeja to bowl 12 overs into ‘I’m tired, but I need to take two His ODI form hasn’t been great. ity and philosophies of the leaders the pads of left-hand batsmen with wickets for my team, so I need The selectors probably don’t feel could not be more different. In his a 6-3 leg-side field in the second to bowl at the same pace as my comfortable enough to hand the first Test as captain - as a stand- session of the first day. As if with first spell.’ That’s where charac- team over entirely to him. This is a delicate time for Indian in at that - and in the frying pan Ishant injured, Dhoni was back to ter counts. When you’re tired and cricket, and decisions to be made that is playing in Australia, Kohli being jaded with the bowling. you’re down and your team exopted for pace, pace, pace, and a Kohli is young, he is fresh. He pects you to step up. That’s some- now are as important - if not more rookie legspinner ahead of a left- has not led India to away white- thing we’ve not been able to do in - as when the four big batsmen had to be phased out. The members of arm spinner many believe to be washes. He is not scarred. Some- the last couple of years.” limited and an offspinner who thing about him says he will refuse The success or failure of the new the team, some by making plain had been tried without rewards in to settle for less from his bowlers. methods only time will tell, but their intentions to play on until a overseas Tests. The thinking was: He wants his fast bowlers fast. Not Kohli does seem to have brought certain time, some by not performfingerspinners don’t get wickets in just in the first four balls of the in a new philosophy and has jolted ing well in the series in Bangladesh, have not made it any easier Australia, and Kohli didn’t want over, not just in the first two ses- the team out of its comfort zone his spinner to do a mere holding sions of the day, not just in the first Personally, too, there is scope for for the selection committee. Sidharth Monga is an assistant job. Another possible explanation innings of the Test, not just in the unease for the captains. To Dhoni, was lack of patience, or trying to first Test of the series. He wants his suddenly the team could feel like editor at ESPNcricinfo
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
SPORTS Younis Khan’s 171no
Gives Pak Series Win Younis Khan’s epic, unbeaten 171 led Pakistan to their highest successful chase, the second highest in Asia for any side, and the sixth highest in all Test cricket. It also gave them their first series win in Sri Lanka since 2006, and catapulted them to third in the ICC Test rankings. The feat required the highest fourth-innings partnership for Pakistan, 242 between Younis and Shan Masood, who fell on the fifth morning for 125. Misbah-ul-Haq arrived with 122 needed, saw off Sri Lanka’s quicks till lunch, and opened up after that to reel off an unbeaten 59, finishing the match with a six. Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers put in a spirited effort, especially with the second new ball, but could not break down Younis and Misbah. Pakistan needed 147 more at the start of the day, and Masood and Younis’ record partnership grew by 25 before the former fell to his nerves. Masood had been tied down by Sri Lanka’s accuracy, and was itching to break free. No release was provided by Angelo Mathews and the specialist seamers. When the offspinner Tharindu Kaushal was introduced in the 11th over of the morning, Masood, eyeing some runs, jumped out, but was beaten by the turn to be stumped. Sri Lanka’s specialist spinner had begun promisingly after a wayward return of 0 for 92 in 20 overs on day four, but again, he failed to sustain the pressure. He did shift his line wider outside off and spun it in sharply with men waiting in the leg trap, but was too inconsistent with his lengths. Misbah and Younis used the sweep frequently, and put away the regular full tosses with ease. It was a different story against the quicks. The first boundary of the day came only in the tenth over, when Younis forced an edge through the vacant slip region off Nuwan Pradeep. The winning runs came again from Misbah’s bat, as they had come during their Sharjah chase of 302 against Sri Lanka in 2014. Younis ended with the fifth-highest score in a chase.
July 10, 2015
Met Dawood Ibrahim in London, He Had Offered to Return: Indian lawyer
A senior lawyer of India's Supreme Court Ram Jethmalani has claimed to have met Dawood Ibrahim in London, where the fugitive underworld don offered to surrender himself and his close associate Chota Shakeel before Indian authorities. In an interview to the ANI news agency published on Zee News channel's website, the senior lawyer said the proposal was rejected by the Sharad Pawar-led Maharashtra state government. He added that it was not the chief minister's decision alone, but the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was also a part of it. Giving details of his meeting with Dawood Ibrahim, Jethmalani said that the underworld don had denied involvement in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts and wanted assurance from Indian authorities that upon his return he will not be subjected to third-degree torture by the police while in detention. The former law minister also said that the underworld don was ready to return to India and be placed under house arrest during the trial, as he feared he would be assassinated in jail. In a Press Trust on Indian interview published on the NDTV website, Saharad Pawar, who was the chief minister of Maharashtra state in 1990s when the offer was made, said that, "It is true that Ram Jethmalani had given a proposal about Dawood's
willingness to return. But there was a condition that Dawood should not be kept in jail. Rather he should be allowed to remain in a house. This was not acceptable. We said he had to face the law." India has routinely accused Pakistan of providing shelter to one of India’s most wanted fugitive. Pakistan denies Indian charges that it shelters Dawood Ibrahim — one of India's most wanted men — ever since the don became a fugitive for his alleged role in the serial bomb blasts that hit Mumbai in 1993 in apparent retaliation for the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992. Over 250 people were killed in the attacks. Ibrahim stands convicted in absentia in India for the blasts, together with several Mumbai accomplices. In a reply submitted to the Indian Parliament recently in May, India's Home Ministry had said that the government had no clue about the whereabouts of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Pakistan’s High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit had termed the admission as vindication of Pakistan's stance over the issue. A few days later Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said in the Lok Sabha that India had evidence of Dawood Ibrahim’s presence in Pakistan, and would bring him back “no matter what”. -Dawn.com
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Not Eligible to be Sweeper, But I’m IAS Officer: UPSC Topper Ira BY PRASAD NICHENAMETLA HYDERABAD: Four years after the government cancelled her candidature for the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) because of her disability, Ira Singhal has emerged triumphant by becoming the first physically challenged candidate to top the prestigious civil services examination. “Irony is that on medical and physical grounds, I am not eligible to be an IRS, a clerk or even a sweeper, but the rules do allow me to become an IAS (officer),” Singhal said shortly after securing the first rank in the test conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). “I still haven’t checked the rank myself. Hope my friends and you guys saw it properly and confirmed it’s in fact me,” she joked. Singhal’s phone has been ringing since the news broke and as HT was speaking to her, she received a call from a top official of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), informing her the minister wants to meet her on Monday. This is the same DoPT that had rejected her for the IRS even after her selection for the service in 2010. The reason: Singhal, 31, has been affected by scoliosis or curvature of the spine from birth and is physically challenged.
One of the reasons cited was Singhal’s 62% disability that affected both arms and would not allow her to pull, push and lift heavy packets — an ability the government felt was necessary for her to be in the IRS (Customs and Central Excise). But Singhal’s success is built on a foundation of intense struggle and she has never allowed her disability to stand in her way. She surely wasn’t going to let a silly rule put her down. She took her fight to the Central Administrative Tribunal and got a favourable ruling in February 2014, with the panel wondering if an IRS officer really needs to lift heavy packets during a raid. A medical examination showed Singhal could lift packets weighing up to 10 kg. Singhal, currently in the Dr MCR HRD Institute in Hyderabad as part of her training, went on with the target of getting into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
She said her struggle to get into the IRS taught her the best lessons of her life. “Actually, every struggle teaches you something. There is a possibility of defeat but in life you have to fight on.” Singhal, an engineer and an MBA, was born in Meerut. Her parents, who are into the business of financial and insurance consultancy, live in New Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave. “They never treated me like I was physically handicapped. From childhood they taught me to take things like a normal person does. My struggle in this world was not because I am physically challenged but as a woman...like any other woman subjected to discrimination or some backward thinking,” she said. One of her endeavours as an IAS officer will be to work for women, children and the physically challenged. “I want to say to everyone, let your daughters study and work. Let them go out in the world and make something of their lives,” said Singhal. Singhal, who topped in the general category despite her medical condition, has a lot of hobbies – dance, drama, and travel among them. Her friend and fellow IRS officer Manudev Jain says Singhal is a ‘shararati’ person. “She plans the pranks, we execute them together.” -HIndustanTimes
Now, CM Arvind Kejriwal Asks for Referendum on Statehood for Delhi BY NEELAM PANDEY NEW DELHI: Referendum seems to be the flavour of the season — from Greece to Delhi. The Kejriwal government wants Delhiites to decide if the Capital should be granted status of a state, a contentious move that could further strain its bitter ties with the Centre. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has asked the urban development department to come up with a feasibility report specifying a timeline, sources said. “Do a referendum in Delhi. Draft a law and create machinery for refer-
endum,” says the CM note – HT has a copy of it – addressed to the urban department and circulated among other sections. The CM has also asked the urban and legal departments to speed up work on a Delhi statehood bill that will be sent to the Centre for its consent. “The government is keen on having the election commission conduct the referendum as it will carry more weight. The law department has also been asked to discuss the legal issues,” an official said. “In case that option is not available, the government is ready to conduct it on its own.”
Delhi has a unique status in the Indian union. It is a union territory with a legislative assembly that limits the power of the Delhi government. Law and order, including police, land and civic bodies are controlled by the Union government, which has led to a raging turf war with the Kejriwal government. Sources said the referendum plan was discussed by Kejriwal in a recent meeting with his ministers. The urban department was asked to give various options available to the government for conducting the referendum. -HIndustanTimes
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
30 July 10, 2015 Job Posting:
Community Affairs Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid COMMUNITY AFFAIRS INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to currently enrolled undergraduate college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As an intern you will attend help in the production of community affairs shows, including scheduling of guests, help gathering and editing video, assist with community drives, forums and outreach. Each area requires significant planning, scheduling and execution. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and may include some weekend and early morning and evening hours. All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req #285792BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities.
No Telephone Calls KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability
Job Posting:
News Producer Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a paid NEWS PRODUCER INTERNSHIP for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The internship program is designed to provide students with an on-site educational experience that complements their academic studies. Interns will have an opportunity to observe and participate in the daily work and operations of a major market, television station. As an intern you will gain valuable experience in all areas related to producing a television newscast – including the important relationship between our broadcast and digital platforms. Interested candidates should have a strong desire to pursue a career as a producer and willing to receive continual feedback. Will have an opportunity to attend production meetings, research news topics, and learn how to prioritize assignments. Applicants must be currently enrolled in college and supply written verification of eligibility to receive academic credit for the internship at the start of the internship. Additionally, applicants must be able to work at least one day per week and the hours may vary depending on scheduling and will include some weekend and early morning and evening hours. All interested applicants must apply online at www.disneycareers.com, Job Req 285790BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No Telephone Calls KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability
Job Posting:
News Anchor/ Reporter
KTRK-TV, the ABC/Disney owned station in Houston, TX is looking for an outstanding News Anchor/Reporter. The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years experience as a News Anchor and 5 years experience as a General Assignment Reporter. Must display excellent, dynamic, creative live reporting skills. Must be able to develop contacts, enterprise good, hard news stories and respond well to spot news. This position requires outstanding writing skills for both broadcast and digital platforms. Needs to be very active on social media. Must be willing to work weekends. This is an excellent opportunity to join a first-class station and live in a fun and affordable city. To be considered candidates must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file. Reference Job ID: 277449BR on all materials submitted. Email a sample of your most recent work to ktrk.hr@abc.com or send a non-returnable sample to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet; Houston, TX 77005.
No Telephone Calls KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability
Job Posting:
Assignment Desk Intern
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned station located in Houston, TX is accepting applications for a assignment desk interns for the upcoming semester. Internships are available to undergrads currently enrolled college students in their junior or senior year pursuing careers in the television/media field and must receive college credit for the internship. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the assignment desk, which includes but is not limited to making beat-checks, answering phones, monitoring police and fire radios, getting information and developing stories. The candidate should be detail-oriented and able to handle many different responsibilities at the same time. The ideal intern knows how to multi-task and set priorities. Good news judgment and strong communication skills are essential, along with strong writing skills. The candidate should have a good working knowledge with the use of social media for news gathering. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Job Req #286505BR. Please upload a cover letter, your resume outlining other internships, degrees earned, work experience, related clubs and organizations, current major course of study, expected graduation date and extracurricular activities. No Telephone Calls KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability
Job Posting:
Reporter
KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned Television station in Houston, TX is looking for a full time General Assignments News Reporter. Candidates should have at least 5 years’ experience in major market TV. We are searching for a great story teller who brings energy and creativity to every report and live shot. Must have the ability to consistently land exclusive stories. Must be comfortable digging through data. Must be able to report on all platforms. Must be highly engaged in social media. If you are able to shoot your own material that is a plus. Must be willing to work any shift. To be considered interested applicants apply on-line at www. disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. Please reference Job Requisition # 285466BR. No Telephone Calls KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability
Job Posting:
TV NEWS PRODUCER
Would you like to work in one of the best news markets in the nation? And for one of the strongest broadcast companies? If you have a great, positive attitude and love spending all day crafting a quality newscast, but are willing to drop it and start from scratch for breaking news, then we want to hear from you. KTRK-TV, the ABC Owned Station in Houston, TX is looking for an experienced, aggressive, passionate producer who excels at showcasing and creativity. We want someone who looks for innovative ways to tell stories and utilize video, graphics, live shots, reporters, anchors, meteorologists and traffic presenters. You must have superior writing skills and at least three years of line-producing experience. You need to be a quick thinker, calm under daily deadlines and show command of the control room especially during breaking news. Knowledge of ENPS and desktop editing a plus. Candidates need complete understanding of social media and digital content, how to use it within newscasts and how to use it to reach viewers. Must be willing to work overnights, weekends and holidays. To be considered applicants MUST apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. If you are truly ready for big market TV, please send writing samples and a copy of your latest newscast including one that demonstrates your ability to handle breaking news to: Human Resources, KTRK-TV, 3310 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005. Please Reference Job ID: 284296BR on all materials submitted. No Telephone Calls. KTRK-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female/Minority/Veteran/Disability
INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM
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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2015 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM