March 02, Pages 1-36 by Indo American News

Friday, March 02 2012 | Vol. 31, No. 9

Indo American News

www.indoamerican-news.com Published weekly from Houston, TX

Pakistan Wins First Oscar Pakistani filmmaker and first-time Oscar nominee Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won an Academy Award for her documentary about acid attack victims, a first for a Pakistani. Page 24

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Aliana New Model Home Village to Host Celebratory Opening

Aliana Sports Fan Outdoor Kitchen

Aliana Model Home Village

BY KALYANI GIRI RICHMOND, TX: Realtors and media got a sneak preview of Aliana, the newest 2000 acre masterplanned development in Fort Bend County at an exclusive party/ tour hosted by the developers on February 28. The tour of eleven brand new, fully-furnished, model homes built by a roster of storied builders in the Houston area, revealed finely crafted homes with elegant and innovative floor plans, and themed backyards encouraging outdoor entertaining. The Aliana community will throw open its doors to the public at two consecutive grand opening events over the weekends of March 3 – 4, and March 10 – 11, from 11.00am to 4.00pm. Located west of Houston, on the Grand Parkway (State Highway 99) and nestled between U. S. Highway 59 and Interstate-10, Aliana has access to major thoroughfares,

convenient to the Galleria, via Westpark Tollway, and downtown Houston. For the convenience of guests heading out there for the tour, a bus service will transport guests directly from the parking area on Binion Street in Aliana to the Grand Opening Entry Tent located in the village. A trolley service will also be available to shuttle guests around the Model Home Village. There will be various stations along the route of model homes offering snacks and beverages, plus live music, as well as local radio stations both weekends offering games and prize giveaways. Masala Radio will be on site on both Saturdays, March 3 and March 10, from 11.00pm to 1.00pm. At the Grand Opening Entry Tent, visitors will have an opportunity to enter a drawing to win one gift card valued at $500 that will be given away at the end of

each day of the celebration. Guests will also be able to register for a special “Keep Me” card that entitles them to receive a $5,000 credit toward upgrades for a new home purchased from any builder in Aliana valid from the beginning of the grand opening event through December 31, 2012. After the tour, guests are invited to visit The Club at Aliana, and enjoy complimentary refreshments along with live performances by local artists scheduled to begin at 3.00 p.m. each afternoon. The drawing for the $500 gift card will be held at The Club at 4.00 p.m. each day of the celebration. Aliana offers new homes from the $160s to the $600s. Setting the homes in the village apart from other models in Fort Bend County, and perhaps beyond, is the addition of themed backyard living areas dubbed “Dolce Vita,” “Stir-Fried Asian,” “Sports Bar,”

Aliana Outdoor Living Area

and “Zen Garden,” among others, with outdoor kitchens and grilling spaces. Aliana residents have access to the “The Club at Aliana,” which provides numerous amenities, exercise facilities, tennis and a swim center. It is situated in the Fort Bend Independent School

District and is neighbor to two of the finest golf and country clubs in Houston - Shadow Hawk Golf Club and The Houstonian Golf & Country Club. For more information, visit www.alianahouston.com.

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March 02, 2012

Ground Breaking Ceremony at ASGHfor Expansion of School Building

HOUSTON: On Sunday, February 26, under clear blue skies and in perfect weather, over a hundred people gathered at Arya Samaj of Greater Houston (ASGH) premises to mark the ground breaking for expansion of DAV school building. The ceremony was attended by students, past and present, their parents and Arya Samaj patrons as the $1.1 million project gets under way. The occasion also marked a fundraising appeal to the attendees as the fundraising committee reached out to parents and patrons for donating to this noble cause. The function was attended by Indian ViceConsul S.N.Sharma Andy Hoffman from the Interfaith Ministry, amongst others. Acharya Surya ji aptly captured the essence and rationale behind the establishment of the DAV schools – to instill the right values, sanskars and traditions in our children at a young age, exposing them to their Indian heritage and culture in a formal setting. It is our duty to support and nourish these institutions of learning and create a legacy for the future generations of children to come – so that they can continue to learn about their Indian heritage and culture, and stay connected with their Indian roots. The fundraising committee led by Shekhar Agrawal and Dev Mahajan with able support from stalwarts like DAVMS Director Arti Khanna, Ashutosh Garg and Sanjay Jain has already raised funds of over $470K from about 60 donors so far. The Agrawal brothers, Jai Prakash, Shekhar and Dinesh have led from the front – donating over $100K for this project. Other notable contributions have come from the extended Agrawal family members, ASGH Management Committee members, Arya Samaj patrons and parents of DAV school students. DAV Sanskriti School (DAVSS) initially

whole project is estimated to cost $1.1 million. Construction is expected to start soon and finished in time for 2012-13 school session starting August 2012. Enrolment of children for the next school year with expanded classes in the new building will start soon. Dev Mahajan shared the details of the expansion project with the gathering, which also got a sampling of the quality and depth of cultural and educational exposure which the DAV Montessori School children get. A group song was performed by the DAVMS school children, followed by some excellent stage performance by the kindergartners and first graders of DAVMS. They regaled and DAV School children leading procession for ground breaking - ﬂanked on left by Acharya impressed the audience with their stage presSurya ji, on right by Achraya Pravin ji. Photos: Rajesh Thatte ence and solo enactments of some famous its physical limit of about 100 students, yet figures of past and present – Bhagat Singh, there is demand for more classes, going even George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Kalpana beyond the first grade. To support the com- Chawla, Maria Montessori, Jawaharlal munity and be responsive to their needs, the Nehru, and Maharishi Swami Dayanand ASGH management committee has decided Sarasvati amongst others. DAVSS children to undertake this project to expand the DAV also presented a scintillating dance perforSchools building and provide the physical mance. Mayank, Daksh, Namita, Pratha and infrastructure for future needs. Once com- Karuna – 5 of the 6 first DAVM graduates took the podium and shared their take pleted, the new building and experiences from their days will allow DAVMS to at DAV and how they are now potentially double its stubenefiting from those values dent capacity, if needed. and grounding that the school However, about half of provided them. The function the new building will DAVM alumni at the ground breaking site. culminated with the school provide dedicated space children leading a procesfor DAVSS students started in 1994 with moral education, Hindi sion from the main hall to the and music classes, and few years later in who currently meet in grounds, where Acharya Surya 2000, DAV Montessori School (DAVMS), DAVMS class rooms Nanda ji recited mantras as a probably the only one of its kind in all of that double up as DAVSS time capsule containing Veclass rooms on Sundays. North America, started with just six stuDAVM teachers Chetna ji and The expansion project Madhu ji lend a helping hand. dic literature, history of Arya dents. In 2001, the DAV schools moved Samaj Houston, DAVSS, into their present building. It is a testament will also essentially douDAVMS, and some Indian coins amongst to the dedication of DAVMS teachers and ble the current dining hall attached to the other things was lowered into the ground to main Arya Samaj building and also proved community support that DAVMS has grown by leaps and bounds and has now reached much needed additional parking space. The mark this auspicious occasion.

ASGH Committee mebersplacing Time Capsule. (From left) Shekhar Agrawal, Ashutosh Garg, Dev Mahajan, Arti Khanna, Acharya Pravin and Sanjay Jain.

ASGH patrons performing Havan at ground-breaking function.

DAVM students singing on stage.

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COMMUNITY

March 02, 2012

David Courtney Announces Green Party Candidacy for State Senate

BY KALYANI GIRI HOUSTON: Indian classical musician, author, and entrepreneur David Courtney has always been voluble about his political beliefs and all that ails the US. An avid progressive activist who has famously picketed against social injustices and staunchly stood his ground for reform, but found himself increasingly disillusioned with both the leading parties that dominate the political arena in the country. Last month when Courtney announced his candidacy for the State Senate representing the Green Party, no one acquainted with him was even a bit surprised. The man who hopes to make a difference is standing for the senatorial position for District 17. The boundaries of Senatorial District 17 are still not clear. It is tied up in a federal case which still has not settled. But it appears that this will include the Western part of Houston, West University, Bellaire, most of Sugar Land, the western half of Missouri City, and an area extending southward as far as Freeport. Friends and admirers of Courtney readily concur that he is honest to a fault, loyal, refreshingly down-to-earth, an intellectual, and depending on the company and occasion, a wag with an irreverent and irrepressible sense of humor. Texas-born, Courtney spent several years in India honing his skills on the tabla, and learning Hindustani Classical music from masters in the field. Courtney is married to Chandrakantha, a wellknown Hindustani classical vocalist; they are parents to Shyamsundar and Veena. His opponent, Senator Joan Huffman, the Republican incumbent for District 17, was first elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2010. Indo-American News spoke with Courtney about his campaign and the challenges he anticipates in his run for the senate seat.

nature of the American plutocracy is staggering. It is a staggeringly small percentage of the population which controls the lion’s share of the wealth of this country. The political structure in turn is answerable only to this miniscule percentage of the population. It is time for the people to stand up and say, “Enough is enough!”

David Courtney

Why have you decided to work with the Green Party? Because both of the major parties are playing the same game. They are pandering to money and not responding to the needs of the people. Since they are both playing the same game, the voters could jump back and forth between the Democrats and the Republicans forever and never see the needed reforms. What reforms need to be made? There are larger structural problems and there are smaller partisan ones. What are the larger issues? The fundamental problem is that we have a political system which responds to money and not to people. Therefore we cannot really consider the US to be any form of democracy. It is a plutocracy, that is to say a country which is “ruled by the wealthy.” The

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If elected, do you think that you could change this system. No single individual could do that. But when the “pigs are at the trough,” I can do everything in my power to make it a little less palatable for them. I can be the eyes and ears of the people and make noise when things are not right. Hopefully more of the public will also stand up, and en masse we can make the necessary changes. Reform never comes from the top down, it must always come from the bottom up. What about the smaller issues? There are numerous ones. These include education, infrastructure and all of the usual things that politicians talk about. However there is one thing in particular that should be of concern to the readers of this paper. The mood in Austin, especially under the Republicans is amazingly antiimmigrant. Let us take an example from my Republican opponent Joan Huffman. She was co-sponsor of an amendment to a recent education bill (Senate Bill 1581), which would prohibit any institution of higher education from extending in-state tuition rates to non-US citizen. Think about what this means. We all know people who have been here for 10 years or more under H1 visas and green cards who would have been forced to send their children to college only by paying the outrageous out of state tuition. They would have to do this even though they lived here legally for years and paid into the system with their taxes. This is just one example but it is very typical of the anti-immigrant sentiments of the Republican dominated state Senate in Austin. How do you hope to finance your campaign? Campaign contributions are welcome from individuals. But I will not accept money from anything other than human beings! In other words NO PAC money! I have sev-

eral internet sources for people who would like to make a contribution, the main one is TakingBackDemocracy.com. Tell me a little about your opponent. As already mentioned, Joan Huffman is the incumbent senator. She has a 1.3 million budget. Some of this is in her campaign funds and some of this is in a special PAC. Does she really need all this money to run her campaign? She didn’t have a Democratic opponent in the last election and it doesn’t seem like there is going to be one in this election. It seems like she will be opposed only by myself in the Green party and someone else in the Libertarian Party. All of this money means she is ether very much afraid of me, or the money is actually tied to something else. The readers of this article can draw their own conclusions on this matter. She also has a solid record of anti-immigrant legislation (as previously noted), cutting spending for education, and very poor record on public healthcare. What in your candid opinion would be positive change? The main thing to remember is that reform can never come from one elected official. It takes the efforts of every citizen. I would especially consider it a positive change when a very sizable number of readers of this newspaper are politically involved. For more information, visit http://TakingBackDemocracy.com, https://twitter. com/#!/David4Texas, http://www.facebook.com/david4texas

WRITERS ... TAKE NOTICE Writers are requested to limit their words to 500. The deadline for advertising and articles is 5 pm on Tuesday of each week. For more information, Call 713-789- NEWS (6397) or email us at: indoamericannews@yahoo.com Indo American News (ISSN 887-5936) is published weekly every Friday (for a subscription of $30 per year) by IndoAmerican News Inc., 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036, tel: 713-789-6397, fax:713-789-6399, email: indoamericannews@yahoo.com. Periodical postage paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Indo American News, 7457 Harwin Dr., Suite 262, Houston, TX 77036

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March 02, 2012

Indo-American Helps Create Lantern for Haitian Victims

BY CLARK BOYD LONDON (BBC): Before you read this, close the door, draw the curtains, and turn out the lights. If you are reading on your laptop, momentarily close the lid. Now that you are back, think about how it felt. Chances are it was not too disorientating or frightening. After all, you were in a familiar room with a light switch close by. Now imagine that days earlier there had been a massive earthquake. Thousands are dead. Entire towns have been flattened. Resources are in short supply and something as simple as turning on a light is not an option. Two years ago, that was the situation in Haiti, following a catastrophic quake. The country’s infrastructure, already minimal, was badly affected. But along with the influx of aid agencies, technologists, engineers and designers all offered their help to Haitians to try and rebuild their homes and their nation. One of them was Andrea Sreshta, who was working toward her master’s degree in architecture at Columbia University in New York. She immediately spotted an area where she could help. “Lighting was something that seemed a little bit overlooked,” she said. So for a class project on designing around disaster, Sreshta teamed up with classmate Anna Stork, who had a background in engineering. Together, they decided to create lighting for the thousands of Haitians living in the so-called “tent cities” that sprang up around the country, particularly on the outskirts of the capital, Port-au-Prince. “We read stories about how people felt very unsafe at night, especially women and children,” says Sreshta. Given Haiti’s shaky electricity grid, the two women turned to the idea of solar power. They designed a number of solutions, large and small, but one idea really stuck; a small solar light they called Luminaid. The idea, like the product itself, couldn’t be simpler. Luminaid is an inflatable plastic bag, about the size of a small pillow. In an exterior pocket, Sreshta and Stork fitted a solar cell, a rechargeable lithium-ion bat-

Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010 shattered the country’s infrastructure, but for one designer it proved to be an illuminating moment. tery, and one single LED. It has one switch, which can be set to off, low and high. Depending on the sunlight, the battery can fully charge in two to three hours. On the low setting, Luminaid can give light for about six hours. On the high setting, it lasts around four hours. The Luminaid light is also waterproof, meaning that the unit can float. The plastic itself can be printed on, which means instructions can be written directly on to the product itself. But the Luminaid’s distinguishing feature is the handle. When it is inflated, it can be hung or carried easily. Stork explains: “We heard that in the tent cities people really wanted something they could easily take to the latrine at night, so it was very handy to have a handle to carry it around.” There are, of course, other low-cost solar lighting solutions for disaster situations out there. Glowstar makes a solar lantern, while d.light makes a solar flashlight and Nokero a low-cost solar light bulb. But Sreshta and Stork think that Luminaid has certain advantages. For starters, they say, the uninflated lights can be packed, shipped and deployed to affected areas much more efficiently than lanterns or flashlights. Fewer moving parts mean less breakage during transport. Those factors, say Stork and Sreshta, could make the product attractive to NGOs working in disaster areas. Luminaid has gone through limited field testing. Professors from Columbia took some of the lights to Haiti to get feedback, while Stork and Sreshta themselves went to test the lights in India. “Kids loved it,” says Stork. “We visited a lot of schools and a lot of orphanages. Children were just so excited about the prospect of having their own light to study with.” But the children also provided valuable

Andrea Sreshta (L) and Anna Stork

feedback. They all wanted it to be brighter, Stork says, so she and Sreshta looked at ways to change the positioning of the LED to provide better light without adding an extra bulb. “There’s always a balance between keeping the cost really low, and also making it competitive with some of the similar solar lanterns that are out there in terms of its brightness and performance,” says Stork. For example, the pair originally wanted to use a flexible solar panel, but it drove the cost too high, so for now they are using a rigid panel. Stork and Sreshta estimate that, in volume, they can get the cost of each Luminaid unit to below $6. The d.light, in comparison, is around $10. There are, of course, questions about durability. The lights need to be designed to go into some very difficult situations. Stork and Sreshta say the Luminaid is designed to last, with heavy use, for about two years. And disposal? Well, you would just throw it away. When I asked them if they worried about used Luminaid lights eventually lining roadsides around the globe as litter, they admitted it was a concern and said they were

working on a new design that would incorporate biodegradable plastic. The team are also looking at ways that the Luminaid can be used in situations beyond natural disasters. With more than a quarter of the world’s population without access to electricity, there seems to be plenty of room for a low-cost lighting product like LuminAID. They also don’t see any reason why their product could not be sold in outdoor stores, and used by hikers and campers. Luminaid just completed a funding drive on the crowd funding platform IndieGoGo. The project asked for $10,000, but raised more than $51,000. Taking inspiration from the low-cost computer project One Laptop Per Child’s “give one, get one” campaign, they also ran a “give light, get light” campaign – if you bought a LuminAID light for someone in the developing world, you got one for yourself as well. Individuals in 25 different countries bought lights, and more than 3,000 units were distributed to 10 organisations in Africa and Asia. Not bad for a student project. For more information about LuminAID, visit www.luminaidlab.com

Sri Ramakrishna’s Birthday Celebration at VSGH HOUSTON: On Saturday, March 10, Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH) will celebrate Sri Ramakrishna’s Birthday at its premises on Lindita Drive. Sri Ramakrishna (1836 – 1886), born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay, was a famous mystic in India. He was born at Kamarpukur, a small idyllic village in Bengal of a very orthodox and pious Brahmin family. He was an unusual child to begin with. He had spiritual experiences when he was quite young, had great respect for the traveling mendicants and ascetics and could recite the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the other Puranas from an early age. After the passing of his father he came to Calcutta with his elder brother in search of a livelihood. He was appointed as a priest at the Rani Rasmoni’s Kali temple at Dakshineshwar. Here as he worshipped the Mother Kali, he became more engrossed in his own spiritual practices and had a vision of the deity as the Mother of the Universe. Thus started a long and arduous journey of a spiritual seeker. Next several years he received a number of spiritual teachers, who initiated him in to various branches of Hinduism and Vedanta. Even-

tually he experimented with other religions such as Islam and Christianity and came to the conclusion that all paths lead to the same Truth, only called by different names such as Allah, Jehova or Shiva. He said – Water is called by different names in different languages such as agua, pani , jal, etc. but it still remains the same water and does not change its character. He would say all paths are equally true and reach the same goal “As are many beliefs, so are many paths”. Many notable intellectuals of his time were attracted to his charming personality and his simple teaching methods, which consisted

of interesting stories, parables, folklores and such. Devotees believed he was an Avatara, an Incarnation of God. In 1859 he married Saradamani Mukhopadhay, who would be his first disciple. Sri Ramakrishna worshipped her as the manifestation of universal mother and she had become known as the Holy Mother and the main driving force for the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. After Sri Ramakrishna’s passing, the disciples were organized under the leadership of Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Math (the monastic order of Sri Ramakrishna) was established. The Order believes in harmony of all religions, personal, spiritual development and selfless service irrespective of race, faith, caste or creed. Later the Ramakrishna Mission, consisting of the monks of the Order and the lay people was established mainly to serve the suffering humanity. The motto of the organization is “For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world”. The headquarters of the Math and Mission is at Belur, near Calcutta in West Bengal, India, with branches all over India and the world. In 1893 World’s Parliament of Religion

was held in Chicago. Swami Vivekananda, a young and obscure monk from India spoke on behalf of the ancient religion of Vedanta in an electrifying lecture. After that a group of American students gathered around the Swami wanting to know more of the Vedanta. In 1894 Swami Vivekananda started the Vedanta Society of New York. Swami also established the Vedanta Society in San Francisco. Today there are 12 centers and a number of satellite centers in various states in the USA. Vedanta Society centers are spread in 15 countries all over the world. Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH) is a spiritual non-profit organization founded in 2002. The aim of the society is to conduct spiritual programs that bring a better understanding of the Vedantic concepts. Monthly retreats are conducted by Swamis (monks) visiting from all over America and abroad. The society is spiritually guided by Swami Chidananda, Minister Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago and Swami Brahmarupananda, of Vedanta Center of Washington DC. For more information, visit www. Houstonvedanta.org

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COMMUNITY

March 02, 2012

Go Texan Day Celebrated at U of H Texas traditions have always been a part of what makes the University of Houston great. One of those traditions, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, has directly supported the University of Houston for many years, providing scholarships to as many as 200 deserving students attending UH and other UH System schools each year. In a salute to our rich Texas heritage, University of Houston Chancellor Renu Khator encouraged the campus community to wear their favorite Western attire on Feb. 24 in celebration of “Go Texan Day.”

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Think outside the ordinary model home showcase. Spring is in full swing at Aliana, with the grand opening of our brand new Model Home Village, featuring a showcase of new floor plans, finishes and exciting ideas for outdoor living. The area’s top builders have saved their biggest surprises for the backyards, each handcrafted in an elaborate theme – for everything from summer cookouts to alfresco entertaining. Enjoy the free food, giveaways and fun for the whole family. giveaways

For a list of events and prizes, visit

* Photos hotos are representative examples of backyard themes. $5,000 upgrade incentive is good only on new homes in Aliana® placed under contract from 3/3/2012 to 12/31/2012. $500 gift card will be awarded by random drawing. in Aliana® Aliana reserves the right to amend or cancel this promotion or any other program at any time without notice. As Aliana with any financial decision, buyers are encouraged to do their own due diligence when selecting a home builder. with Homes in the Aliana Community are constructed and sold by home building companies (“Builders”) not affiliated Homes with Aliana Development Company, the developer of such community or the developer’s affiliated companies (colwith lectively, “Developer”). Developer does not guarantee or warrant the obligations of, or construction by, such Builders, or the availability or pricing of homes. Prices, specifications and details concerning homes are established by the builders and are subject to change without notice. All drawings are preliminary and subject to change, and are for presentation purposes only. Further, said drawings are scanned images only and are not for computation or construction purposes. These drawings may or may not incorporate information and/or data provided to consultants relative to engineering and drainage, flood plains and environmental issues and should not be relied upon for any purpose. No warranties, expressed or implied, concerning the actual design, location, and character of the facilities shown on any maps are intended. Additionally, no warranty is made to the accuracy of the information contained herein. Copyright 2012 Aliana Development Company. All rights reserved. “ALIANA” and “Handcrafted for Living” are trademarks of Aliana Development Company. Information last updated 2/8/12.

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March 02, 2012

Performances by Popular Houston Artistes for Namadwaar Anniversary

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MANVEL: A Carnatic music concert by Vidushi Rajarajeshwary Bhat and a classical dance performance by Divya Unni’s Sreepadam School of Arts will be the highlights of Houston Namadwaar’s second anniversary celebrations this year. Organized by Global Organization for Divinity (G.O.D.), the performances will be part of the anniversary commemorative program that will be held on Saturday March 10, from 3-7pm at Sugar Land Auditorium, 314 Lakeview Drive (within Lakeview Elementary School campus). The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments, meet and greet, and seating will be between 3 and 4 pm. The evening’s program will begin at 4 pm sharp. Vidushi Rajarajeshwary Bhat, who will be giving a public performance in Houston after almost 2 years, will be accompanied by well-known artiste and Austin resident Vishaal Sapuram on the chitravina, experienced Dallas-area resident and University of North Texas faculty Poovalur Sriji (Srinivasan) on the mridangam, and daughters Keerthana and Kruthi Bhat on the tambura. Divya Unni will be joined by several of her students on the stage. (Brief profiles of the performing artistes are available on http:// www.godivinity.org/wp-content/uploads/ ND-Anniversary/Default.html). Apart from the music and dance performances, the commemorative program will also include a special address by Sri Poornimaji, disciple of HH Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, and charitable giving by G.O.D. to

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Houston area special-needs schools. Andy Hoffman, COO of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston will be the chief guest at the event. The commemorative cultural program is only one part of Houston Namadwaar’s anniversary celebrations, which go on throughout the weekend of March 9-11. There will be a 24-hour Prayer for Peace, with continuous chanting of the Mahamantra—Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare from 9 am on Friday March 9 to 9 am on Saturday March 10. This session with prayers for peace in our community, city, state and country, will be held at Houston Namadwaar prayer house located at 3642 Bailey Ave, Manvel TX in the Pearland area. On Sunday, March 11 morning, G.O.D. members from Houston and across the USA will take part in a city clean-up drive, doing their bit for the city and the environment by cleaning parts of Manvel and Houston cities. Anyone can volunteer to be part of this clean-up drive. Participants will get a free T-shirt and lunch. Interested people can sign up at http://www.godivinity.org/namadwaar-turns-2. Established by Global Organization for Divinity, under the guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, Houston Namadwaar is the first prayer house of its kind in the United States, where the divine names are continuously chanted. It is part of G.O.D.’s worldwide initiative to strive towards universal peace and harmony through individual transformation by chanting the Divine Names of God.

For more information, call 281-402-6585 or 832-515-1251. To send prayer requests or learn more about Houston Namadwaar, visit http:// houston-namadwaar.godivinity.org or email houston.god@godivinity.org.

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

March 02, 2012

Indian Diplomat Sentenced to Pay $1.5 M to Maid Subjected to Ill Treatment in NY

NEW YORK/DELHI (TOI): Holding a senior Indian diplomat guilty of subjecting her maid to slavery, a US court has ruled that the victim be awarded a compensation of $1.5 million. The diplomat, Neena Malhotra, was press counsellor with India’s consulate in New York and is currently working as director with MEA’s southern division in South Block. The judge held that the victim, Shanti Gurung, be awarded the money for having suffered “barbaric treatment” at the hands of her employers, Malhotra and her husband Jogesh. The proposed award includes $500,000 for the “emotional distress” inflicted on Gurung by the couple, The New York Post said. The ruling by Manhattan federal magistrate Judge Frank Maas, though, is subject to approval by another judge who is overseeing the case. Gurung had come to New York City in 2006 to work as a domestic help, according to court documents. After Gurung claimed exploitation, the foreign ministry had said media reports on allegations

Neena Malhotra

against the senior diplomat “did not appear to be

in conformity with facts”. Maas said Gurung, who is now in her early twenties, was a victim of “outrageous and shocking

conduct”. Her “documents were seized, her travel was restricted, and she was not permitted to telephone her family”. “Significantly, Gurung was also deprived of food, which caused her to lose more than sixty pounds in just over three years and was subjected to physical and mental abuse,” Maas said, adding that Gurung’s compensation should also include $500,000 as damages for “emotional distress”. According to the court papers, Gurung came to the US at the “behest” of Neena and Jogesh Malhotra and was promised a monthly salary of approximately $108 in exchange for “light cooking, light cleaning, and staffing the occasional house party”. However, Gurung’s work from the outset was “far more arduous” than the Malhotras had represented it would be. She was made to work 16 hours a day and in addition to her cooking and cleaning duties, was “required to give Neena Malhotra daily massages, a chore that made her extremely uncomfortable”, the court papers said.

TNF R Gets Corporate Donor for Tamil Convention

HOUSTON: The TNF 2012 (Tamil Nadu Foundation) received its first corporate sponsorship from Dr. Manubai Nagamani and Pandian of Clear Lake. The Tamil Nadu Foundation’s 2012 convention is scheduled to be held in Hilton North, Houston, from May 25 to 28. Dr. Nagamani is graciously donating $10,000 to this special event. Rajan Radhakrishnan of Madras Pavilion who is coordinating the corporate donor sponsorship solicitations has initiated this effort. TNF has crossed $200,000 milestone and appeals for continued support to reach the dream goal of $350,000 to make this convention the pride of Tamil community. “ TNF is doing great projects in Tamil Nadu especially in reducing school drop outs rates in TNF adopted rural public schools” said Dr. Nagamani. She and her husband have attended numerous TNF conventions in the past held in different cities. They are thrilled to meet other Tamil doctors from various parts of the US. Dr Nagamani is also the TNF’s Continuing Medical Education’s (CME) speaker scheduled to be held on May 26. She and her husband Pandian have lived in the Houston area for the last thirty five years. Pandian is an Engineer working for KBR. Their only son is an orthopedic surgeon living in Denver. Dr. Nagamani is also a member of American Tamil Medical Association (ATMA). She is a founding and charter member of Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. “We all have attained good education from Tamil Nadu and now it is our payback time. More people have to get involved to support this noble cause. We have to do our part through Government and/or through nonprofit organizations so that our children in public schools in Tamil Nadu would have a better life” said Pandian. Dr. Nagamani is the Medical Director, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Houston Bay Area Family Center in Webster, TX. She has more than 25 years of experience as Director of successful Infertility and IVF program. She is specialized in Treatment of Infertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Frozen Embryo Transfer, Intrauterine Inseminations, Donor egg and Donor Sperm, Sex Selection, Microsurgical Tubal Reanastamosis and Plycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). She can be reached at 832-632-2653

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Worship performed by Swami Prasannatmananda, Assistant Minister, Vedanta Society, Berkeley, CA

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Moderated by Pravrajika Brahmaprana, Resident Minister, Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of North Texas, Irving, TX Speakers Sheikh Omar Inshanally Islam Reverend Betty Adam Christianity Bhai Paras Ji Sikhism Swami Prasannatmananda Vedanta

http://www.houstonvedanta.org/ Email: info@houstonvedanta.org How can Religion be used as an Instrument of Peace?

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

March 02, 2012

Community Members Hold Meeting to Learn about Isha Foundation’s Endeavor to Share the Benefits of Yoga

Pradeep Sulhan, P.C.

Certified Public Accountant 14340 Torrey Chase Blvd. Suite 110 Houston, Texas 77014 (281) 583-2993 (281) 580-8700 Fax(281) 580-7550 www.sulhancpa.com pradeep@sulhancpa.com

Over 25 year experience

HOUSTON: Isha Foundation, a non-religious, non-profit organization, in their effort to raise human consciousness through yoga, held their first meeting with community members at Mayuri Restaurant with enthusiasm to share their message with all including youth, senior citizens, health-care professionals, corporate execs, etc. It was heartwarming for the ISHA volunteers to see a group of committed community leaders listening earnestly and getting a glimpse of the work that has been carried out by the Foundation and its volunteers for the past 30 years with the guidance of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. Over the past few months, volunteers have conducted over 200 free meditation outreach sessions reaching over 1800 people. Isha Foundation volunteers are working tirelessly to share the benefits of yoga and about their upcoming signature event with Sadhguru from May 4-6 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Meetings will continue weekly with community members on Sunday afternoon in Sugar Land. All are welcome to attend. For more information, visit www.BeBreatheBlossom.com/Houston or call 281 221 4026.

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5- Hour Energy Owner Manoj Bhargava is the Richest Indian Businessman in U.S.

BY CLARE O’ CONNOR NEW YORK (Forbes) In one corner of Manoj Bhargava’s office is a cemetery of sorts. It’s a Formica bookcase, its shelves lined with hundreds of garishly colored screw-top plastic bottles not much taller than shot glasses. Front and center is a Cadillac-red bottle of 5-Hour Energy, the two-ounce caffeine and vitamin elixir that purports to keep you alert without crashing. In eight years 5-Hour has gone from nowhere to $1 billion in retail sales. Truckers swear by it. So do the traders in Oliver Stone’s 2010 sequel to Wall Street. So do hungover students. It’s $3 a bottle, and it has made Bhargava a fortune. His company, Living Essentials, is the biggest player by far in the energy-shot market, and not because 5-Hour is so delicious. Chalky cough syrup is more like it. The reason Bhargava has won is that he plays tough. Sitting in that cemetery are a dozen or so neon copycats with names like 6-Hour Power and 8-Hour Energy. Each has been sued, bullied or kicked off the market by Living Essentials’ lawyers. In front of each are little placards with a skull and crossbones drawn in felt-tip pen. Bhargava points at the gravestone of one of his late competitors and says with a chuckle, “Rest in peace.” The privately held Living Essentials doesn’t report revenue or profits, but a source with knowledge of its financials says the company grossed north of $600 million last year on that $1 billion at retail. The source says the company netted about $300 million. Checkout scan data from research firm SymphonyIRI say that 5-Hour has 90% of the energy-shot market. Its closest competitor, NVE Pharmaceuticals’ Stacker brand, has just over 3%. Yet Bhargava, 58, is so under the radar that he barely registers on Web searches. His paper trail is thin, consisting primarily of more than 90 lawsuits. This is his first press interview. “I’m killing it right now,” he says, adjusting a black zip-up cardigan from behind the table of a soulless conference room in a beige low-rise building in a suburban business park in Farmington Hills, Mich. “But you’ll Google me and find, like, some lawyer in Singapore.” Vague and inscrutable is how Bhargava likes things. The names of 5-Hour’s parent company, Living Essentials LLC, and that company’s parent firm, Innovation Ventures, are purposely bland. “They were intended as placeholders, and they stuck,” he says, smiling. Colleagues and acquaintances uniformly describe Bhargava as “humble,” and he seems proud of his frugal lifestyle: his ancient flip phone, his cheap office furniture, the modest two-story home he

Manoj Bhargava

shares with his wife and 20-yearold son. Yet, over vegetarian lasagna at Antonio’s, his favorite strip-mall Italian joint off Detroit’s Twelve-Mile Road, Bhargava says, apropos of nothing: “I’m probably the wealthiest Indian in America.” The rise of 5-Hour began in the spring of 2003, when Bhargava found himself at a natural products trade show in Anaheim, Calif. At one booth the sales reps peddled a 16-ounce concoction claiming to boost productivity for hours. Bhargava took a swig. “For the next six or seven hours I was in great shape,” he says. “I thought, Wow, this is amazing. I can sell this.” Right away, though, he knew 16 ounces wouldn’t sell. He didn’t want to compete with Red Bull, at the time new to the market. Nor did he want to share fridge space with Coke or Pepsi. “I thought, If I’m tired, am I also thirsty? Is that like having a headache and a stomachache? It didn’t make any sense.” He glanced at the ingredients label and made a mental note. Six months later his version was on the shelves, two ounces of caffeine-infused B vitamins such as niacin mixed with acids like taurine. Bhargava’s team still had to convince stores and buyers alike that their product was safe. The initial job of getting 5-Hour Energy on the shelves went to Rise Meguiar, Living Essentials’ vice president of sales and the only woman on a team of 17. Health chain GNC was the first to bite, agreeing to stock 5-Hour in 1,200 of its stores in 2004. Slowly but surely, Walgreens, Rite Aid and regional chains like Sheetz followed. “It was never an easy sell,” says Meguiar, who aimed from the start to get those little red bottles up at the cash register next to the gum and lighters. “Getting it next to the register isn’t hard. Keeping it there? Very hard. Anything that sells, the stores will try. To own that space is really hard.” Meguiar’s greatest coup, one that now accounts for an estimated 15% of 5-Hour’s overall sales: the Wal-Mart checkout aisle. The superstore sells all four 5-Hour flavors in every U.S. store, plus 24-packs at Sam’s Club.

“What we did wasn’t rocket science,” says Bhargava. “It’s not the little bottle. It’s not the placement. It’s the product. You can con people one time, but nobody pays $3 twice.” Bhargava was born in India in the prosperous northern city of Lucknow. His parents were well-off, with a villa surrounded by lush, award-winning gardens. They left for America in 1967, so his academic publisher father could get a Ph.D. at Wharton. The family landed hard in West Philadelphia in a third-floor, $80-amonth walk-up with threadbare carpets on seedy 47th Street. They went from having servants in India to splitting one Coca-Cola four ways as a treat. Teenaged Bhargava excelled at math. “It’s like in Good Will Hunting,” he says, raising a hand to mime Matt Damon’s chalkboard scrawl of algebraic equations in the film. “You see stuff or you don’t. I just see it.” He had no tuition money, but connived his way into interviews at competitive Philadelphia schools, offering to take math tests to prove himself. He won a full scholarship to the Ivy League feeder Hill School before heading to college at Princeton in 1972. He started reading books about a Hindu saint who’d spent his life on a spiritual quest. That, he thought, was something worthwhile. In 1974 he moved to India. Bhargava says he spent his 20s traveling between monasteries owned and tended by an ashram called Hanslok. He still considers himself a member of the Hanslok order and spends an hour a day in his Farmington Hills basement in contemplative silence. Bhargava would return to the U.S. periodically during his ashram years, working odd jobs before returning to India. For a few months he drove a yellow cab in New York. When he moved back from India for good, it was to help with the family plastics business at his parents’ urging. With 5-Hour now growing smoothly, Bhargava is on to the next thing—or three. He’s put most of the $100 million behind Stage 2 Innovations, a Detroit tech venture fund that’s already invested in clean engines, hydroponic farming and water desalination. To run Stage 2 Bhargava hired former Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda, an auto industry veteran as gregarious as the slight, bespectacled Bhargava is reticent. Bhargava wooed LaSorda over a $12 plate of pasta under the dusty grapes hanging from the ceiling at Antonio’s.

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

COMMUNITY

March 02, 2012

Mahasivaratri Glows at Chinmaya Prabha Celebration

BY PADMASHREE RAO HOUSTON: Mahasivaratri, the auspicious night dedicated to Lord Siva, was celebrated with profound prayer at Chinmaya Prabha, Houston, as a two-day event on February 19 and 20. Beginning with the Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa on the bright Sunday morning of February 19, and culminating in the midnight Arati on the meditative Monday night of February 20, the celebrations inspired and transported thousands of devotees to a realm of divine bliss. The Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa, a hallowed ritual for world prosperity, personal wellbeing and spiritual evolution, turned the Smrti Hall in Chinmaya Prabha into a place of powerful vibrations. Hundreds of families chanted the Maha Mrtyunjaya Mantra in perfect unison for a 108 times, and the air resounded with the collective purity of this great prayer. With the mantra echoing in each heart, the stage was set to invoke the supreme Lord Siva on the eve of the holy Mahasivaratri. The cool, crisp morning of February 20 was surrounded by sanctity as the Mahanyasa purvaka Rudrabhiseka began in the serene beauty of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya. The priest, Sri Ganeshji, performed the abhiseka of the glowing Sivalinga in complete harmony with his chanting of the Rudram. As he bathed the lingam with water, milk, yogurt, honey, ghee and fruits, the devotees’ hearts melted in devotion. Then, as the Sivalinga was worshiped with turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood and lastly the ashes, vibhuti, the favorite of Lord Siva, all the senses seemed to surrender to Lord Siva. The atmosphere in the temple on the

Maha Mrtyunjaya Homas (ﬁre ceremony) were offered two times in which the holy tryambaka mantra were repeated 108 times for good health. Photo: Jayesh Mistri

morning of Mahasivaratri was fragrant with devotion. The smile on Lord Siva’s face captivated the souls of the devotees who felt lifted from this earthly realm. Even the breeze that gently wafted into the altar carried to all the devotees, a great spiritual promise. That meditative spirit was unbroken throughout the day as devotees came in numbers over 4000. There was such rejoicing, but there was also an overpowering sense of peace that made every devotee linger in the beautiful temple courtyard and at the shining altar before the adorable Lord.

The evening of Mahasivaratri was filled with more festivities. As the hundreds of devotees entered the Saumyakasi Sivalaya, they were treated to an aesthetic display of lamps and flowers which embellished the crystalline glory of the Sivalaya. The chanting of Om Namah Sivaya attuned the devotees’ minds to the resplendent Lord Siva. As Sri Ganeshji performed the Laghunyasa purvaka Ekadasa Rudrabhiseka that entranced the crowds, families felt blessed to offer the Ksirabhiseka to the Utsava Murti of Lord Siva. From babies to teens to the elders, people of all ages and backgrounds

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were moved by the pious beauty of the surroundings. A well-coordinated army of volunteers gently guided devotees and tended to their needs with a sense of devoted service. While the parking team caringly guided the devotees upon driving into Chinmaya Prabha, the welcome team ushered in the devotees with love. The decorations and flower team recreated the aura of Mount Kailasa for the devotees of Lord Siva; The KYG (Karma Yoga Group) team blended the spirit of karma and bhakti in their seva with a smile. The kitchen team offered the bhoga Prasada to all who came, and the audiovisual team balanced melody with silence to harmonize the celebrations. The young energy of the CHYKs sustained the spirit of Sivaratri truly into midnight and the temple volunteer team dedicated their soul and spirit to make it a truly special day of prayer. The various facets of this celebration merged into a grand offering with the guidance of Acarya Gaurangbhai Nanavaty and Acarya Darshanaben Nanavaty who uphold, in the Houston area, the Chinmaya tradition of tireless spiritual progress. The Maha-Mrtyunjaya Homa and Mahashivratri celebrations of 2012 hold many memorable moments to the devotees and the blessings of that day will truly make the rest of the year auspicious. For more information on Chinmaya Mission Houston, Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya and its activities, visit www.chinmayahouston. org, www.saumyakasi.org or call temple at 281-568-1690 or Jay Deshmukh at 832541- 0059 or Bharati Sutaria at 281-9330233

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

14 March 02, 2012

COMMUNITY

Indian-Origin Store Owner Shot Dead NEW YORK (MSN) An Indian-origin grocery store owner was shot dead in the US city of Atlanta in what appeared to be a robbery attempt, leaving his neighbours aghast. Suhrid Das, 48, who was popular in the neighbourhood, was shot on Wednesday night after being confronted by the assailant when he was closing down his store. A break-in and robbery at another house in the same building just eight hours later led to suspicions that a robbery might be a cause of the killing, WSB Atlanta TV reported. Banna Grocery was one of four businesses in the two-story brick building in the Atlanta neighbourhood, and the people residing in the building described Das as a goodnatured man. When police officials rushed to the site responding to a call, they found the store owner down from a gunshot wound to the abdomen, Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones was quoted as saying by other media reports. Das was taken to a hospital but he later succumbed to his injury. “Witnesses stated that the victim was closing up the store when he was confronted by an unknown assailant and shot one time,” Jones said. Investigators said Das was shot in an apparent robbery attempt. Taria Camerino, a co-owner of a candy store at the same building said a robber also targeted her store. She described Das a “very nice” man. “We would chat sometimes... He always seemed really sweet,” Camerino said. .

Obama Ropes in Three Indian-Americans for His Democratic Re-Election Campaign WASHINGTON (TOI): President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign has roped in three well-known Indian-origin Americans -- actor Kalpen Modi, California Attorney General, Kamla Harris and Sai Iyer, who served as a White House intern in 2011. The three figure among 35 Obama Campaign national co-chairs, who will act as key surrogates and ambassadors in the run up to the November presidential elections. “The president’s national co-chairs will be tremendous assets on the ground as we build the biggest grassroots campaign in history,” Obama’s campaign manager, Jim Messina said in a statement on Thursday. “They each share the president’s vision for a future where every American can have a fair shot at success, where hard work pays off and responsibility is rewarded,” Messina said. An eminent Hollywood actor, Kalpen Modi, is the former White House Associate Director for the Office of Public Engagement. Kamala Harris is the powerful Attorney General of California and Sai Iyer is a student at the Virginia Commonwealth University and OFA (Obama For America) volunteer leader from Virginia. Some of the eminent co-chairs include former Republican senator Lincoln Chafee, now an independent serving as Rhode Island governor, former Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, former White House chiefs of staff Rahm Emanuel and Bill Daley and Caroline Kennedy, business executive Penny Pritzker, Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese and actress Eva Longoria.

ICC Participates in Lunar Festival Celebration

HOUSTON: India Culture Center Houston (ICC) was invited for the Asian Lunar Festival being celebrated annually by the Houston Independent School District (HISD) in Downtown Houston on Thursday, February 23. ICC President Rajiv Bhavsar led a team of three volunteers in the task of interacting with the South East Asian and Mainstream Community about the Indian customs and dress code. At the venue the organizers had provided a large area space to ICC for displaying art pictures, ladies bangles, bindis,

jewelry and saris. Anju and Gunjen Mittal assisted more than 50 kids and ladies in demonstrating the draping of saris. The gathered attendees were very excited about the concept and readily participated to experience it. Even a few men sported the kurtas and clicked pictures with their companions. ICC has been leading several efforts for cultural outreach and mainstream awareness for Indian culture. For more information and upcoming event, visit www.icchouston.org

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COMMUNITY

March 02, 2012

Local UT Researcher Implicated in Research Fraud

HOUSTON (IE): A prominent IndianAmerican researcher at University of Texas is under scanner for alleged falsification and fabrication in various publications regarding cancer fighting properties of plants. According to the University’s M D Anderson Cancer Center, officials, Dr Bharat B Aggarwal’s studies are being reviewed following federal notification alleging fraud by academic whistle-blowers in what has grown to 65 published papers, one of which has been retracted by the journal that published it. Dr Ray DuBois, provost at M D Anderson said federal guidelines preclude the centre from providing details about the review, now several weeks old. He said he hoped it can be finished in a few weeks. Aggarwal’s highly influential research into the supposed anti-cancer mechanisms of plant-derived chemicals -- particularly curcumin -- has laid the groundwork for ongoing clinical trials. One concerning curcumin’s anti-cancer properties has been cited by academic researchers in 700 subsequent journal articles, according to Retraction Watch, which has blogged about the matter. The US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Research Integrity (ORI), the government watchdog organisation for federally funded research, would not confirm whether it is overseeing the matter. DuBois confirmed it was the ORI that notified the Centre about the fraud allegations. Aggarwal was not available for comment. However, when contacted by Retraction Watch by phone at his office, Aggarwal said M D Anderson has been looking into it and they will tell everybody what it is all about.

I think that somebody out there is putting this whole thing together and their mind is made up, he was quoted as saying. H o w e v e r, Aggarwal, Bharat Aggarwal chief of the center’s cytokine research section, denied that any retractions of his papers were forthcoming. He refused to comment on whether officials had confiscated his computer, as a commenter to a blog claimed. In his career, Aggarwal has published more than 500 papers in peer-reviewed academic journals. The journal Cancer Letters this month retracted one of the articles, published in December. The journal’s notice said, “This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.” The article concerns anti-cancer properties of an ingredient in the ginger family. The whistle-blowers have not yet sent materials to most of the other journals. According to Retraction Watch, Aggarwal is the inventor or coinventor on more than 33 patents and has been listed as one of the Institute for Scientific Information’s most highly cited scientists since 2001. His 1985 paper in Science on a protein that causes tumor cells to self-destruct, not alleged to contain falsification, has been cited 1,700 times.

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Stand-up comedian and breast cancer advocate: Michelle Thomas Chief Guest: Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D (MD Anderson Cancer Center) Keynote Speaker: Judge Ravi K Sandill (127th District Court in Harris County) Gala Co-Chairs: Sanjay Rao and Savita Rao RSVP by Friday, March 9, 2012 to iacannetwork@gmail.com / 713. 370. 3489 Formal or ethnic attire is appreciated. Individual tickets are $100 and table is $1000. More details on www.iacannetwork.com. Make checks payable to IACAN. INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

16 March 02, 2012

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

INDIA

March 02, 2012 With Neck-to-Neck Race in Elections in Five Indian States

BY RAJ KANWAR IAN INDIA CORRESPONDENT The protracted suspense that characterizes the ongoing general elections to five states in India has exhausted the patience even of the most patient. The electoral process formally began on 12 January with its notification. Polling had taken place in Manipur on 28 January and in the Punjab and Uttarakhand on 30 January. In Uttar Pradesh, polling spread over seven phases will end on 4 March. Goa will also go to polls on the same day. The ongoing elections will finally consummate on 6 March with the eventual counting of votes and declaration of the results. Waiting is certainly very suspenseful, depending on for what or for whom one waits. This inordinate and protracted wait for the elections results is tortuous in many ways. It is not so only for 6850 candidates who are in the electoral battle in the five states but also for the millions of voters who had braved harsh winter cold to be able to cast their respective vote. This must even be heartbreaking for two or three of the front-runners in each of the constituency and their hard-core supporters. In an earlier column, I had upbraided the chief election commission for drawing up such a lengthy and dreary election process which could have been considerably shortened if this aspect had been taken into consideration. The elections in three of the major states viz Uttar Pradesh, the Punjab and Uttarakhand have been very fierce and bitterly contested. Most analysts predict a close fight, with a great degree of uncertainty looming large. Both in the Punjab and Uttarakhand, political pundits predict a neck-to-neck race between the two main political parties or alliances. Horse-trading is the new buzz word. BJP, which is currently in power in Uttarakhand, has reportedly loosened its purse strings in order to entice likely winners from amongst the unattached and / or rebel candidates or those representing smaller parties in case it just falls short of the magic half-way mark. According to some unconfirmed yet widely circulated reports such candidates with winning potential have been offered amounts equivalent to half a million to a million dollars just to ensure their support. The Congress too is not leaving much to chance and its managers are also busy identifying and approach-

Priyanka Gandhi

Bidding on for Unattached Winners to Cobble a Majority

ing such candidates who are likely to win and who could be bought for a price. The candidates who had been denied nomination by their respective parties and had rebelled and contested as independents are the first targets. It looks like as if the “purchase” of likely-to-win candidates is going to start an open bidding, a la auction of classic paintings and jewelry at Sotheby’s or Phillips de Pury & Company. Some of these winners even may demand a ministerial portfolio which could in reality fetch much more than what they are being offered at this point of time. It is really a matter of shame that such speculation, even it be exaggerated, is easily believed by everybody. Both the Congress and BJP in Uttarakhand are also facing the problem of choosing the chief minister to be. Congress has many claimants who include three of the five parliamentarians and four of the top leaders in the assembly election fray. BJP too is acutely riven with his problem with the ousted chief minister Nishank reclaiming his lost position should the BJP get an absolute or near majority. On the other hand the incumbent chief minister, the retired army general Khanduri too is adamant. In fact, BJP is notorious in changing chief ministers in midstream. The situation in the Punjab is slightly different in the sense that chief ministers to be of both the parties are identified. The contest is primarily between the ruling Akali Dal-BJP coalition and the Congress led by Capt. Amarinder Singh, a former chief minister. It has been a tradition there that the ruling party is not given a renewed mandate. Whether it is anti-incumbency factor or political fatigue, the Punjabi voter has always opted for a change. Thus it is largely

expected that the Congress party will win the elections even if the victory comes with a tiny majority. There too both the parties are prepared to purchase the unattached winners or entice them with other temptations if there is a stalemate of sorts. However, Uttar Pradesh presents an altogether different scenario. Here, the political soothsayers predict a fragmented verdict. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is currently ruling the state on its own strength; it had won the 2007 election by a clear majority, thanks to the concept of “social engineering” then cleverly conceptualized and adroitly executed by Mayawati. This concept meant bringing together different communities and castes on a single platform. However, this experiment will not work in the ongoing elections and Mayawati might solely have to depend on its trusted vote bank of ‘dalits’ which too comes to about 20% of the voters. This percentage is high enough to give her a favorable base, and any voters from other sections would be like icing on the cake for Mayawati’s BSP. The Samajwadi Party (SP) of Mulayam Singh is expected to become the largest single party, yet much short of a majority. In this four-horse race the other two ‘horses’ are the Congress and BJP. SP seems to have not only consolidated its original base but has also attracted new adherents, thanks to an aggressive and well planned campaign Akhilesh Singh, Mulayam’s son and heir apparent has launched. The UP battle seems to be a fight between heirs apparent of Mulayam Singh and Gandhi family. It must be said to the credit of both Rahul Gandhi and Sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra who have both been campaigning indefatigably, intensively and extensively, drawing large and appreciative audiences. Priyanka in particular is a big draw primarily because of her inbred charm, a winning smile and an informal demeanor. It is believed that the main fight in UP will be between SP and BSP with the latter likely to stay at No. 2, far below its previous numbers. The fight for the third podium seat is between the Congress and BJP, and it is anybody’s guess which of the two will come third, though some opinion polls favor Congress for the podium position.

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EDITORIAL

18 March 02, 2012

Nuclear Face-off

Suppose you lived in a neighborhood which you thought was unsafe. In order to protect your home you bought a gun. On seeing you acquire a gun your neighbor decided that he too better get one, in case he needed to protect himself from you. Using the same reasoning, everyone in your neighborhood would have - or want to have - a gun. Instead of making your neighbourhood safer, all those guns would make it much more potentially dangerous. For guns, substitute weapons of mass destruction and you get to the root of the current nuclear face-off between the western powers and Israel on the one hand and Iran on the other. Despite Tehran's protestations that its ongoing nuclear program is for purely peaceful purposes, the western bloc and Tel Aviv are convinced that Iran is building a nuclear bomb, which it is likely to use against Israel, and are determined to stop it, at any cost. Israel - itself a deemed nuclear power which Tehran has threatened to 'wipe off the face of the earth' - has been openly talking about pre-emptive air strikes. India is caught in the middle. Washington wants New Delhi to toe the western line of imposing crippling economic sanctions against Iran unless it opens up its nuclear installations to international inspection, which Tehran refuses to do. Pleading its dependency on Iranian oil (not to mention the possibility of an Iranian natural gas pipeline, via Pakistan, to India), New Delhi has refused to fall in line with Washington's demands, incurring Uncle Sam's ire. The West blames Tehran for the present crisis. Iran can't have the bomb, says the Washington chorus, because even if it doesn't use it against its avowed enemy, Israel, an Iranian bomb will lead to a nuclear arms race in the region. Iran's so-called 'Shiite bomb' could well provoke Saudi Arabia or any other Arab nation to develop a counterbalancing 'Sunni bomb', probably with Pakistan's help. So far, so bad. But even as Washington points an accusatory finger at Iran for being so criminally irresponsible as to want to have an N-bomb, it shouldn't forget that it was the US that first produced - and has so far been the only nation to actually use - an atomic weapon. Hiroshima and Nagasaki should have made the b-word forever taboo in the vocabulary of humankind; instead, that obscene demonstration of megadeath made the bomb the most sought after national status symbol, and set off the global nuclear arms race. More than Hollywood, Coke or McDonald's Golden Arches, the nuclear mushroom cloud is the most magnetic of US inventions. On the principle of 'If they can have it, why can't we?' every country worth its atomic reactor feels morally and strategically justified in acquiring an N-bomb. What makes the situation even more dangerous is the possibility of 'non-state entities' - a euphemism for terrorist groups - getting hold of a nuclear device, a 'suitcase bomb' capable of destroying a neighbourhood the size of Mumbai's Bandra, or Delhi's Greater Kailash. So what's the solution? The most obvious is universal nuclear disarmament, with the US leading the way, as it did in introducing such weapons into the world. An absurd suggestion, impossible to implement, of course. And as more and more nuclear weapons are acquired, the more impossible it'll become. Hey, did you see thatJug Suraiya, Times of Ind guy across the road just got himself a gun? Maybe we should go get one for ourselves. Nuclear High Noon is here and now. Jug Suraiya, Times of India

BY V. GANGADHAR At a special meeting of the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Ass-ociation (IMPPA) after the 2012Academy Awards were announced, the morale was low. Drinks were left untouched, cigarettes were unlit, as industry stalwarts moved around listlessly. Finally, the president of IMPPA got up to speak. “It is a humiliation for our industry. We’ve b e e n around for nearly 100 years and we make more than

Losing Face

documentary! I think the standards have gone down. But I’m thinking of going for Krrish IV in which the hero will only drink acid”. The IMPPA chief was not convinced. Karan Johar raised his hand: “A girl rejects advances from a man. He follows her, threatening to throw acid on her. She travels from country to country to avoid him — Spain, France, Norway, Rio de Janeiro, Finland. The man follows her everywhere with a bottle of acid.Finally,there is a confrontation in Iceland where he throws acid at her. But due to extreme cold, the acid freezes. The man has a change of heart and apologises to the girl, who accepts him. I could call the ﬁlm,

Pakistani film “Saving Face”, by Daniel Junge and Sharmeen ObaidChinoy, won the Documentary (Short Subject) Academy Award this year.The film follows British plastic surgeon Dr Mohammad Jawad, who returns to his homeland to help victims of acid burns. It is the story of one woman as she fights to see that the perpetrators of the crime are imprisoned for life.

500 ﬁlms every year and send our nominations to the Oscars. But Pakistan, which doesn’t have a ﬁlm industry to speak of, beats us to an Oscar!” “But they have won it for a documentary,” said producer Rakesh Roshan. “Acid throwing, reconstructive surgery etc. What themes for a

Kuch Nahin Hota Hai. The theme is so unusual it could get us an Oscar.” “Not a bad idea,” agreed the IMPPA boss. “But we must beat, if not equal the Pakistani achievement.” Aamir Khan, who seldom attends such meetings, spoke next. “The focus should be on reconstructive surgery on acid victims. That is a positive

theme. I may do a sequel to Three Idiots where Fangchuk Wangdoo trains his son to be the best reconstruction surgeon in the world. Then, a secret criminal gang kidnaps him, but gets into a fight with a rival gang and both groups use acid freely. Our hero is the only doctor capable of undoing the damage and his captors free him after he reconstructs their faces.” “Shah Rukh, what do you have to say,” asked the IMPPA president. Shah Rukh got up and showed two bottles. “Even before the film starts, I have ideas on promoting it as in the case of Ra One. It will be an acidic romance. One bottle contains HCL (hydrochloric acid), the other H2SO4 (sulphuric acid). Two tycoons, who are bitter rivals, make their fortune by selling these acids. I play HCL’s son and a newcomer will be H2SO4’s daughter. We fall in love, the parents will have none of it, they threaten each other with an acid war. How I win them over will be the theme of the film.” “We must highlight the dangers of acid,” butted in Ram Gopal Varma. “My film will show horrific torture scenes with people thrown into acid tubs. Since it’s a horror film, a huge monster dragon, attracted by the smell of acid, will arrive on the scene and drink up all the acid and then swallow the villain. This will be the most unusual role for Amitabh sir.” “Can I project the woman’s point of view?” said Vidya Balan. “After the stupendous success of The Dirty Picture, I feel I can do anything. Why not make a movie where the villain produces an acid waterfall, an acidfall, and having failed to rape the heroine, your’s truly, ties her under it. The heroine is a scientist, she had invented an acid-proof material with which she covered herself and comes out unaffected from her ordeal before throwing the villain to the acidfall. Can you imagine the wild, audience reaction and the great box office potential?” “I am thrilled” admitted the IMPPA boss. “With so many acid films, we can win every single Oscar, not just for an insignificant documentary.” - Hindustan Times V Gangadhar is a Mumbai-based writer.

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March 02, 2012

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COMMUNITY MOTIVATION

20 March 02, 2012

Life Lessons in a Tea Bag

LEARN TO DRIVE TODAY!

The tea masters know that to make a great drink, they need to focus on the tea. Not on the label and the string. BY PRAKASH IYER (Careers 360) Did you know how the tea bag was born? The story goes that Thomas Sullivan, a tea merchant in New York created the tea bag – almost by accident. He put some samples of his tea

is determined by the tea inside the bag – not by the label or the string. What’s true for tea bags is true for all of us too. The titles, the clothes we wear and the cars we drive are like the label and the string. They may

into exquisite silk bags and sent them to friends. One friend didn’t bother to pull out the tea from the bag and just dunked it into hot water. He loved the tea. And an idea was born! It’s probably true of a lot of great ideas around us. They were created by accident, not design. They came to life because someone dared to do something different. As you sip your next cup of tea, here are some lessons to take away from the humble tea bag. Lessons to help make your life the perfect brew! 1. What counts is what’s inside the tea bag. You will notice that some tea bags have very nice-looking labels, while others have very ordinary looking ones. Some have delicate silk tassels while others have ordinary strings. But here’s the thing to remember: The quality of the beverage

make you look nice. But what really matters is the kind of person you are, deep down within. Your beliefs and your attitude – that’s what deﬁnes the person you are. The tea masters know that to make a great drink, they need to focus on the tea. Not on the label and the string. Focus on being a good human being. Fix your attitude. Get your values right. And don’t fret about the small stuff. 2. A tea bag must be porous. Imagine you have the best tea leaves in the world. And you put it into a bag that’s impermeable. It won’t work. You just won’t be able to make a cup of tea. For the tea bag to work, it needs to be porous. You need the tea leaves and the water to come in contact. In our lives too,T:6” we cannot survive and thrive in isolation. Be careful

not to build a wall around yourself that prevents people from reaching out to you. You need to be able to touch other people too. Else, all that’s inside of you will remain wasted – untouched by all the good around you, and unable to impact all that’s around you. The tea was meant to mingle with the water. Just as all of us were designed to work with other people, with teams, with society at large. 3. The real ﬂavour comes through only when the tea bag gets into hot water. If you take a cup of lukewarm water and put a tea bag in it – you won’t know how strong the tea is. To get the best ﬂavor, you need to put the tea bag into hot water. And then the real strength will show! Likewise, the true character of a person actually shines through in adversity. How does a person behave under pressure, when he is in ‘hot water’? The hot water test is a good one – to judge the quality of the tea. And the true character of human beings. 4. Good tea bags look forward to hot water. They know it will give them a chance to show their true worth. So next time you see a challenge, a tough situation, think like a tea bag and dive headlong into it. It may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to show what you are capable of. Some of us are so scared of the hot water that we stay away from it. Too scared of getting scalded. Afraid of failure. Don’t let that happen to you! Give yourself a chance to show the world what you are really all about! Next time you pick up a cup of tea, enjoy the moment. And think of the lessons too!

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T:4”

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INDIA

March 02, 2012

Five Most Inﬂuential Indian Women in U.S.

Indra Nooyi

Nikki Haley

BANGALORE (SI): The achievements and outstanding performance made by Indians residing abroad make us proud of our rich Indian heritage and culture, which also encourages the younger generation to achieve greater heights in their life. Below enlisted are some of the leading Indian women personalities who have made it big in the U.S Indra Nooyi Indra Nooyi, an Indian-origin American executive who hails from Chennai is the current Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo. Nooyi’s name appeared in the list of 50 women to watch in 2007 and 2008, according to a survey conducted by Wall Street Journal. She was one among Time’s list of 100 most inﬂuential people in the world and she also bagged the top position of most powerful woman in business, by a ranking done by Forbes (2009 and 2010). According to Nooyi, ‘’Just because you are CEO, don’t think you have landed. You must continually increase your learning, the way you think, and the way you approach the organization. I’ve never forgotten that.’’ Nooyi joined the company PepsiCo in the year 1994 and was appointed to the post of CFO in 2001.She rose to the position of CEO in 2007 and has been contributing a major share in the development of the company for more than a decade. Nooyi completed graduation from Madras Christian College and post graduation in Management from Indian Institute of Management in Calcutta. She began her career as a product manager at Johnson & Johnson. Nikki Haley Nikki Haley is the current Governor of South Carolina, who is real inspiration and matter of pride to all IndianAmericans. She is the ﬁrst woman to hold this prestigious position and the second Indian origin Governor in South Carolina. Moreover, this 40 year old lady is the youngest present Governor in U.S. Haley has also been honored with many prestigious awards which include the Palmetto Leadership Award and India Abroad Person of the Year 2010. She was a prestigious member among the Board of Directors

of Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce and Lexington Chamber of Commerce. She served as the treasurer and later on as the president of National Association of Women Business Owners. Born to Sikh immigrants from Amritsar, Haley completed her graduation from Orangeburg Preparatory Schools and B.S. in accounting from Clemson University. She joined her mother’s business Exotica International, a clothing ﬁrm, after the completion of degree. Haley is proud to be an Indian-origin who respects and adores her heritage and ancestry. She is a true motivation to the young Indians in U.S. to become a part of political mainstream. Sheffali Duggal Indian American ‘Shefali Duggal’ has been chosen as the most powerful woman in California, by National Diversity Council. The 40 year old Shefali is a top fund-raiser at President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, who was successful in raising fund between $ 50,000 and $ 100,000. Shefali is a member of prestigious committees like the Democratic National Committee Asian American Leadership Council, DNC National Steering Committee, Human Rights Watch and California Committee North. She is also a member of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chairman’s Council and is on the board of Director’s of the Forgotten International. She has actively supported the Presidential Campaign of Senator Hillary Clinton, where she was a member of the campaign’s Northern California Steering Committee and the women for Hillary committee. She was a board member of the Indian American Leadership Initiative, which is an organization working on the promotion of South Asian Political participation. This Indian-origin woman was raised in Chicago who completed her graduation in political communication from New York University and BS in Mass Communication from Miami University. Renu Khator Renu Khator is the Chancellor and

Sheffali Duggal

President of University of Houston, who holds the prestige of being the first foreign-born President of the University. She is also the first Indianorigin woman heading a prominent research university in U.S. Renu is an active member for numerous boards and organizations such as Moffit Cancer Hospital Board of Directors, the Hillsborough Education Foundation Board and the National Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Management. She is also the author of many books and articles on issues related to global public administration and environmental policies. Born in Uttar Pradesh, Renu received bachelor’s degree from the University of Kanpur, from Purdue University she completed MA in political science. She has also received doctorates in public administration and political science. Renu began her career at University of South Florida, where she was in charge of various positions. She took her current position as the President and Chancellor of Houston University in the year 2008. Padma Lakshmi Padma Lakshmi is a well-known internationally accepted personality who has proved her talent in diverse fields, being an actress, model, Television host and author of cookbooks. Padma struggled with endometriosis (a female health disorder) for decades and took her own problems before the public with courage, in order to support other people and serve as an inspiration for increased disease research, education and awareness. This made her achieve the ‘healthy give and take award’ for the year 2011. ‘Easy Exotic’, her first cookbook was named as the Best First Book in the year 1999 at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards conducted at Versailles. She was also nominated for Emmy Award as “Outstanding Host on a RealityCompetition”, in 2006. Padma basically belongs to an Iyengar Brahmin family based in Chennai, she did her schooling and higher education in U.S and completed graduation in Theatre Arts from Clark University in Massachusetts.

Renu Khator

Padma Lakshmi

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HOLY DAYS THAT AMERICA’S HINDUS CELEBRATE

22 March 02, 2012

RELIGION

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HOLY DAYS THAT AMERICA’S HINDUS CELEBRATE

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HOLY DAYS THAT AMERICA’S HINDUS CELEBRATE

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Splashed with Colors of Friendship Splashedwith with Colors of Friendship Splashed Colors of Friendship

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Splashed with Colors of Friendship Making Safe, riendship F f o s r lo o C h Natural Colors Splashed wit w w w. d i n o d i a . c o m

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squirted on family, friends and strangers alike. pistols are lled with colored water and oli is wild and raucous, a frolic of friendly playfulness. During Dye powders andand water balloons are a big part squirted on family, friends strangers alike. oli is wild by and raucous, a frolic of friendly playfulness. During pistols are  lled with colored water and anything Holi, India’s streets are overtaken crowds awash with colored Dyethe powders water balloons are part inandanticipation ofa big the mess! Virtually of play. The wise wear old clothes, usually Holi, India’s streets are overtaken by crowds awash with colored squirted on family, friends of the play. The wise wear old clothes, usually and strangers alike. oli is wild and raucous, a frolic of and friendly playfulness. powder. Not only clothes, but faces, arms hair are smeared white, in anticipation of the mess! Virtually powder. Not only clothes, but faces, arms and hair are During smeared goes, including ribald humor,arepractical white, inDye anticipation of the and mess! Virtually powders water balloons a big partjokes Holi is wild and raucous, a frolic of friendly playfulness. During Holi, India’s streets are overtaken anything goes, goes, including ribald humor, practiHoli, India’s streets are overtaken by awash with and sprayed with every color of thecrowds rainbow. People sing, dance,colored play, anything including ribald d sprayed with every of the rainbow. People sing, dance, play, of the play. The wise wear oldhumor, clothes,practiusually teasing—all cal jokes andand sexualsexual teasing—all excused with excused with the sayby crowdspowder. awashcolor with colored powder. Not only clothes, but faces, arms and hair are smeared hug each other and smile with such child-like joy that it makes one Not only clothes, but faces, armsitand hair one are smeared cal jokes andin sexual teasing—all excused with white, anticipation ofBura the mess! Virtually the saying, “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!” (Hindi: g each other and smile with such child-like joy that makes wonder where so much happiness comes from! No religious festival in ing, “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!” (Hindi: Bura na na mano, Holi hai.) Men aremind, atincluding the playful anything goes, ribald (Hindi: humor, practiand sprayed with with every color ofcolor the rainbow. People sing,ofdance, play, hugdance, each other and smile the saying, “Don’t it’s Holi!” Bura and sprayed every of the rainbow. People sing, play, the world comparesfrom! to Holi inNo terms engaging young and old aredance lled with water and mercy ofpistols women, who with themcolored and nder where so much happiness comes religious festival inalike. It cal jokes and sexual teasing—all excused with mano, Holi hai.) Men are at the playful mercy na mano, Holi hai.) Men are at the playful hug each other and smile with such child-like joy that it makes one even dress them in drag. North with sucholi child-like joy that it makes of one wonder soand much comes from! No squirted onEspecially family,in friends and strangers alike. is a raucous, celebration forgiveness, hope just happiness plain fun. During is Holi wild and a love, frolic of where friendly playfulness. the saying, “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!” (Hindi: Bura e world compares to terms of engaging young No and old alike. It India, people celebrate with abandon, even balloons ofof women, who dance with them and Dye powders and are a big partdress women, who dance with them and even and terwater wonder where soin much happiness comes religious festival in It mercy wa d ore col religious festival in the world compares to Holi in terms of engaging young and old alike. is a Holi, India’s streets are overtaken byfrom! crowds awash with colored h splashing color onplay. theirHoli homes as a prelude toare wit na mano, Men the e. atclothes, of the The wise wear old usually are lled alik tolseven ers ang dress them in hai.) drag. inplayful North str and a celebration love, forgiveness, hope and plain fun. sdrag. What is Holi? When does the color fun begin? the more sober custom of renewing theEspecially paint frie ily, them inanticipation Especially North India, theof world compares to Holi in terms of engaging young and old alike.pis Itirte powder. Not only clothes, butjust faces, arms and hair are smeared fam mercy ofnd women, who dance with them andpeople white, in of the mess! Virtually d on partin a big

Dyes made of toxic chemicals are too often used during Holi. The food-based t is Holi? ov wonder where so much happiness comes from! No religious ea festival in thing goena are sm luding ts inc are s, ee ir mano, Holi hai.) Men are at the playful str h recipes below, along with edible food ha s wit d ia’ d color, camaraderie and shared retelling of the love epic of Radha anpeople sdoes Ind any with shell-based excuse arm all Holi, es, g— is a community’s exuberant expression Onbu the day of Holi, celebrate by white. Deities and images t fac What Holi? Dyes made ofand toxic chemicals are too When the color begin? more sober custom of renewing theshell-based paint tea y, ual What Holi? custom of renewing paint with theisis world compares to in terms of engaging and oldplayalike. cal It jokes andthe sex thes, e, pla mercy ofsin women, with them ra clo Bonds arewho renewed, abandon. begins on Purnima, and Krishna. Bu lyItHoli i:the g, dancfun nddance t on (Hi sinyoung No le of Holi!” op er. Pe it’s often used during Holi. The food-based . , wd nd coloring, offer Safe, safe alternatives for all po ow mi nb n’t Holi is a community’s exuberant expression On the day Holi, people celebrate by playwith shell-based white. Deities and images y to welcome the warmth of spring. In a streets. Water ing, dancing and running in the of ancestors are hand-painted and placed in rai e “Do even dress them in drag. Especially in North , particularly among in-laws and the full moon day, in the Hindu Making isisa acelebration of love, forgiveness, just plain fun. yful s one lor of th ofhope and the saying pla co at the ery it make Holi community’s exuberant expression white. Deities and images ofand ancestors handrecipes below,are along with edible food ev n are Mefamily. with .)beautiful joy that hai Etiquette on Holi month of of Phalguni (February/ li extended -like India, people celebrate with even of joyan todwelcome warmth spring. In Water dancing and running in the of ancestors are hand-painted placed sprayedthe and abandon, Making Safe, ction of nature’s abundance, mano, Ho altars. Dramatic events cha childing, in streets.na su al colors. h them coloring, offer in safe alternatives for all th tiv wit wi ce fes s ile dan ou o sm igi wh requires that one accept all overMarch) and lasts for as long as 16 d n, an mepainted color on as aaltars. prelude to Natural Colors other rth joy toection welcome the warmth of spring. In a refl s from! No rel and placed in beautiful Dramatic re ofch nature’s abundance, beautiful Dramatic events Nohomes mercy of wosplashing inaltars. colors. g ea allytheir hubursts eci us celebrate with of feature devotional songs and the ke. It alibegin? tures anEsp open heart, burying days. drag. inwith happiness come When d old m Natural Colors What is celebrate Holi? whwith does the color fun the more sober custom ofnrenewing the paint RED: Soak red pomegranate rind in g an much g youn even dress the ere so on, eve Hindus bursts of devotional songs and the nd RED: Soak red pomegranate rind in gagin er h aba nd grievances to feature begin relationships of enOn wo ate wit ms ection of nature’s abundance, Hindus celebrate events feature devotional songs and the retelling camaraderie and shared retelling of the love epic of Radha ebr ter cel in Holi is a community’s exuberant expression the day of Holi, people celebrate by playwith shell-based white. Deities and images ple li to e peo Ho n. ia, lud to fu s does the festival start? Ind water of overnight. A pinch of edible in are as a pre pla es t mp How afresh. People of all walks of life Dyes made of toxic chemicals are too color, camaraderie and shared retelling of the love epic Radha co jus hom d ir water overnight. Achemicals pinch of edible rld an the wo pe on orancestors of on joyth toewelcome the warmth for spring. In, aho Water ing, dancing and running in the streets. spl of are hand-painted and placed ess Making Safe, renewed, don. It begins Purnima, and Krishna. paintare en Dyes made of toxic are too ashing col gypsum mixedin with turmeric powder the givshared ing create a cenmingle andlove greet, vermile, ofand ew with bursts of color, camaraderie ofcusthe epic ofBonds Radha Krishna. Bonds lovcommunities renapplying of ofMany Bondsand are renewed, abandon. It on Purnima, and Krishna. tom often used during Holi. The food-based rat ion reection ofbegins nature’s abundance, beautiful altars. events leb in waterand gives athe bright red. Soak red is a ce , im the more sober tral bonre on the night before ion onparticularly each other’s foreheads inage ans Dramatic gypsum mixed with turmeric powder fe often used during Holi. The food-based and among in-laws moon day, infull the Hindu s Sa itie Natural Colors g De ite. particularly ak in? d wh among in-laws and the moon day, in on the Hindu M Hindus celebrate with bursts of feature songs and thein hibiscus in-laws owers in water in among abandon. It begins Purnima, fullwith moon day,andin When does the color fun begebr are renewed, particularly andovernight. recipes below,along along with edible food Holi, starting kindling uninhibited exchange ofdevotional goodwill. with shell-base placed recipes with edible food ted and d-pain extended family. Etiquette on Holi h of Phalguni (February/ rs below, ate by playlo han color, camaraderie shared retelling of the love epic ofTurmeric Radha gives a bright red. Soak redall l Co extended family. Etiquette on Holi month of Phalguniand (February/ logs and adding organic debris nts ra YELLOW: powder makes ain water people cel eve tu of ancestors are atic Na am coloring, offer safe alternatives for Dyes made of toxic chemicals are too DrKrishna. the day of Holi, rs. . Water ets coloring, offer safe alternatives for all On alta the Hindu month of Phalguni (February/ March) the extended family. Etiquette on Holi requires li? stre ful Ho uti the n is Bonds are renewed, abandon. It begins on Purnima, and in bea sio at as they clean up their property. What are the delicacies g yellow. terri c requires that one accept all overh) and lasts for as long as 16 Wh and lasts for as long the accept all overrunnin requires that March) asant 16expres andone too ber often used Holi. The food-based exu s are onal songs hibiscus flduring owers in water overnight. nity’s otiparticularly mical ing, dancing and mu colors. e dev ic che colors. comin a tur The re symbolizes of this festival? among in-laws and full moon day, the Hindu is a fea of . Intorchde ha Holifor mathe BROWN: Soak betel nut intox water Rad es d of Dy th of springthe c overtures tures with an open heart, burying tures an open heart, burying days. rm epi d-base and lasts as 16wa days. that one accept all with an open heart, ewith recipes below, along with edible food lov the The foo li. of the lcomeas Special and savory treats ing of negative or troublesome welong ellingsweet ing Ho extended family. Etiquette on Holi month of to Phalguni (February/ ret dur d and dilute as necessary. Or Soak overnight of joy ed, use ew e, en YELLOW: Turmeric powder makes ren d oft RED: red pomegranate rind in allin a anc foo RED: Soak red pomegranate rind nd are coloring, offer safe alternatives for ds to ble to one begin relationships ’s abu Bonpuran ureas a.grievances begin relationships including mathri, poli and experiences nat shn of Krigrievances requires that accept all March) and for long as of 16and memories. ionlasts and boil tea orovercoffee in water. ow, along with edi for all the How does the festival start? burying grievances to begin relationships afresh. reect ipes bel s and rec law sts incolors. bur s water overnight. AA pinch of edible ong with vadai are made. Many communiAn ef gy of Holika, a demoy am rnative ate withstart? water overnight. pinch of edible How does festival afresh. People of all walks of life larl alte eiron ticuafresh. celebr saf tures an open heart, burying days.Hin terrifi c yellow. par er does the festival start? People of all walks of life dusthe li off PURPLE: Boil blueberries in an Ho ng, on ori tte col red quecooling sha ties make personifying negativity, andness ily. gypsum mixed with turmeric powder fam RED: Soak red pomegranate rind inpowder Many communities create aanim central bonfi re ison People ofintoxicating, allEti walks of life and greet, ap- gypsum ed an araderie end Many communities create cenmingle and greet, applying vermilgrievances to begin relationships ext vessel and let stand overnight. mixed with turmeric or, cam r- mingle col . ove ors a,to the ames, and all y communities create a cengreet, applying vermilcol ept drink,mingle called made of puconsigned acc Pur onstart? oneand BROWN: nut in water water Abetel pinch ofSoak edible d inSoak thatthandai, begins rin es in water gives a bright red. red red It the teovernight. uir How does the festival afresh. People of all walks of life ana req nd egr g foreheads bon reon. on night before tral ion on each other’s in aba MAGENTA: Slice oran grate one beet root. yinother’s pom bur red ri ed water, sugar, seeds of waterfreshly harvested barley and rt, k in water gives a bright red. Soak du the night before Holi, starting with kindling and plying vermilion on each foreheads in an hea Soa : n Hin RED ope onre on the night before ion on each other’s foreheads in an the an ble gypsum mixed with turmeric powder in h mingle and greet, day, kindling es wit Manystarting communities create a cenvermiltur owers in water overnight. Or in water. Dilute as ch of edi Leave pin l moonwith ful . A hibiscus ips applying melon, muskmelon and lotus, are offered. The embers Holi, and uninhibited exchange of overnight goodwill. nsh and dilute as necessary. rnight / tioalong ary ove bru ter in rela wadifferent begon der i (Feoats hibiscus owers in water overnight. to inovernight water a bright red. Soak red pow algun ncescardamom, Ph bon re of on the night before tral ion each other’s foreheads in an shades. mericgives evanuts, starting with kindling and uninhibited exchange of goodwill. needed for gri tur nth h logs and organic debris they uninhibited exchange goodwill. with fennel, are collected lightclean sacred up moadding life ofof 16to g asas logs and adding organic debris walkswhite Turmeric powder makes a lon gypsum mixed witYELLOW: of all for as red ple hibiscus  owers in water overnight. tskindling k las Peo . Soa . Holi, starting with and uninhibited exchange of goodwill. and esh ) red boil tea or coffee in water. afr pepper, saffron and rose petals.  res, and the ashes are used to rch ght lGREEN: Purée spinach, coriander or Ma mi and addingtheir organic debris es a briYELLOW: g ver Turmeric powder makes a giv lyin ter app wa et, in . as they clean up their property. What are the delicacies yellow. terri c gre ght Theorganic fi re symbolizes theastorching What are the delicacies of this festival? rni logsproperty. and adding debris ngle and mark the forehead a blessing. powder makes a in water. Strain and use. mi s. water oveTurmeric inYELLOW: day ads in an mint leaves ehe for ey clean up The their property. are delicacies er’sthe hibiscus owers terri yellow. PURPLE: in an iron oth re symbolizes the torchthis festival? each of as they clean up their property. What are the delicacies onWhat abetelblueberries yellow. terri cc ion kes Boil ma ill. BROWN: Soak nut in water dw der When does the color fun begin? goo pow of rt? of negative or troublesome experiences and Special sweet and savory treats including mathri, ric ge sta me han festival? tival exc fes edSpecial ibitthis YELLOW: Tur re symbolizes torchfestival? The Ho re symbolizes the torchof this sweet and savory treats ing the of negative or troublesome does the uninhof w BROWN: betel nut in water BROWN: Soak betel nut in waterOr and dilute as necessary. vessel Soak and let stand overnight. overnight create a cennities ric yellow. mu tercommuniSpecial sweet savory treats ing ofMa negative ormemories. troublesome On the day of Holi, people celebrate by playing, puran com ny An effi gy ofnig Holika, a demoness poli and vadai areand made. Many including puran poli and and Special sweet savory treats f negative memories. orexperiences troublesome as as necessary. Or overnight terand sand waor boil tea coffee in water. in icaciemathri, ht before anddilute dilute necessary. nut del the the on are including mathri, puran poli and experiences and memories. re at  MAGENTA: or grate one beetOr root. WN: Soak betel overnight Wh l bon BRO OrSlice tra . boil tea or coffee in water. ary vadai are made. Many communiAn ef gy of Holika, a demoTidbits About Holi ess and g nec including mathri, puran poli and riences and memories. as dlin dancing and running in the streets. Water pistols ofties kin al? intoxicating, dilute personifying is consigned to the fl make an cooling drink, called and s festiv vadai are made. Many communiAn ef gyli,of Holika, boil tea or coffee in water. PURPLE: Boil blueberries in an iron rting witahdemoght thi stanegativity, rni ove Ho ats tre ris ory PURPLE: Boil blueberries in an iron ties make an intoxicating, cooling ness personifying negativity, is deb ter. sav c wa ani Leave overnight in water. Dilute as and in org eet fee vadai arehas made. communigy of Holika, a personifying demoing l sw ties make an Many intoxicating, cooling ness negativity, is is the meaning behind the or cof cia Spe vessel and let overnight. boil tea logs and addharvested and ied fi lled with colored water andfrolicking squirted What re? Love, positive did the withon color originate? Legend  How ames, andfreshly barley and oats are arebonfi thandai, made purifi water, sugar, seeds of theebe vessel and letnstand stand overnight. an pol perty. iro pur PURPLE: blueberries in an iron pro anBoil drink, called thandai, made of puconsigned to the ames, and thri, of their ma up rries in ing make drink, called thandai, made ofand puconsigned the  ames, and y cle includ ties cooling personifying negativity, isan FACT: Hindus worship celebrate as theto : Boil blu values it that Krishna noticed one day how much lighter Radha’s com- an PLE munineeded for different shades. PUR com ch-goodness are celebrated on Holi. Their triumphs over nyintoxicating, torand . let MAGENTA: Slice or one Ma the ght MAGENTA: Slice or grate grate one beet beet root. root. de. izescollected ri ed water, sugar, seeds of waterfreshly harvested barley and overniand vessel stand overnight. are ma ri ed water, sugar, seeds of waterfreshly harvested barley and nd ai family, friends and strangers alike. Dye powsymbol sta re vad  offered. The embers are to light sacred let watermelon, muskmelon and lotus, along divisiveness and negative forces have been reinforced in legends, plexion was than His own. His mother playfully suggested that e Divine with unparalleled variety and fervor. g Th and lin sel , coo ves me ing drink, called thandai, made of pugned to theoats ames, and eso cat ubl oxi t. int tro roo overnight in water. Dilute as Leave or t an e kelike GREEN: or one beePurée spinach, coriander melon, muskmelon and lotus, along are offered. The embers such as that of Holika and her brother Prahlad. The famous king He smear Radha’s cheeks with color to make Herma look Him, te ties of negativ Dance, song, prayer, meditation, processions, gra ing puor e of de Slic ma s. i,sugar, MAGENTA: Slice or grate one beet root. riemark GENTA:safnda ders and water balloons are a big part of the mo MA needed for different shades. tha me as fi are res, and the ashes are used to the forehead with nuts, cardamom, fennel, white pepper, ri ed water, seeds of waterly harvested barley and led and ute cal with nuts, cardamom, fennel, white are collected to light sacred Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon which Krishna did. The strong, es needed for different shades. Dil nk enc ter. dri pilgrimage, painting, symbols andwa with ar, nuts, cardamom, fennel, white collected experi to light sacred water- bathing, of ds o- him virtually indestructible. see ve overnight in dem mint leaves in water. Strain and use. athat Lea , sug lika,used made willed Radhari gleefully retaliated, overnight in water. Dilute as Leave ter Hoare pepper, saffron and rose petals. res,embers and the ashes to . wa GREEN: Purée spinach, coriander or of des ed gy rituals are all valid ways of connecting with sha melon, muskmelon and lotus, along are offered.asThe ef ng ent An alo play. The wise wear old clothes, usually white, pepper, and rose petals. ares, and the ashes ing are used Purée spinach, coriander or blessing. and rose petals. ity, and lotus, n saffron ativto needed for differ GREEN: Blinded by is this power, he thought he and a merry fron chaos ensued. An-elo mark the forehead blessing. , muskm mint leaves and use. orwater. Strain Divinity. This melon derin s personifyas aneg needed for different shades. ite is living testimony to the existence celebration of love, forgiveness, hope and justexpression plain fun. Holi is a community’s exuberant

squ On the day of Holi, people celebrate by play-

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and wa anything goes, including ribald humor, practiderseven g ally rin and sprayed with every color the rainbow. People sing, dance, play, them in drag. in North s, usu Du Dye pow the is a celebration ofoflove, forgiveness, and just plain fun. ss. clo lne joy to welcome the of warmth ofhope spring. a Water ing, dancing and running in the streets. of ancestors are dress hand-painted and placed in Especially celebrate with abandon, even splashing color old yfu aron Safe, pla e weand e wis enIndly color their homes as aMaking prelude to cal jokes sexual teasing—all excused with play. Th lly abandon, lic of fri tua India, people celebrate with even lored one of thesplashing ss! Vir re ection of nature’s abundance, beautiful altars. Dramatic events hug each otherldand smile with such child-like joy that itco makes , a fro me us th co the wi of rau n d ash atio an aw icip s Natural Colors the saying, “Don’t mind, it’s Holi!” (Hindi: Bura ctiin ant crowd onsober their homes as prelude the more pra oli is wi When does color fun begin? red the more custom ofr,athe renewing the paint white, Hindus celebrate with bursts of by the feature devotional and humo aken aldsongs splashing color on their homes astoa prelude tosober ert rib

h, cor nuts, nac om, fennel, wh fennel, white mint leaves in water. Strain and use. ée spiall other legend has h itwith that s, Krishna damcardamom, Purfaith, car of many paths within GRE this EN: ancient wit nutwith and use. als. pet ter. StrainPurée waGREEN: celebrated this festival His inown and rose and veshis nsaffron pepper, rose petals. spinach, coriander or , saffro mint lea per leading to God. Each person ﬁnds path pep friends and the gopis. They danced among the many laid out by gurus and sages. mint leaves in water. Strain and use. and frolicked, lling the air with To the Hindu, spiritual life is meant to be lived color in a joyous welcome of joyously, as Holi demonstrates. spring.

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nesforehead as a blessing. ollected to light and marksacred the es,God, was the only being worthy of signed to the am worship. His young son Prahlad was ley and bar and the ashes are con used to freshly harvested devoted tos Lord Vishnu and refused ber em e Th d. the forehead as a oat blessing. s are offere to obey his father. Infuriated, the king red

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Tidbits About Holi

Fact & Fiction

light sac are collected to devised the cruelest punishments. In es are used toPrahlad’s evil aunt Holika, res, and the ash oneaattempt, blessing. ad as ehe who possessed the power to withstand FICTION: Hinduism is rich with stories of mark the for a romantic  Is this behind the bonfi re? Love, positive with color originate? Legend re, tricked him into climbing a burn What is the meaning  How did the frolicking the Gods has and their wives. Yet, on a deeper, occasion? The festive dancing FACT: Hindus pyre with her. Prahlad’s for true values and goodness areing celebrated on Holi. love Their triumphs over it that Krishna noticed one how much lighter com- level, it is widely philosophical regarded as a worship and celebrate the andday camaraderie create the perfect Radha’s Divinity protected him from the  ames. What isand thenegative meaning behind bonfi re? Love, positive How did theHis frolicking with color originate? Legend has   divisiveness forces havethe been reinforced in legends, plexion was than own. His mother playfully suggested that Divine with unparalleled variety and fervor. fiction that the Gods are married. The Supreme environment for matrimonial celebrate the and haslikecomip Holika burned while PrahladTheir lived. The rsh end wo Leg s ? such asand thatgoodness of Holikaare and her brother Prahlad. The famous king He smear Radha’s cheeks with color to make Her look Him, FACT: Hindus worship and celebrate the du values celebrated on Holi. triumphs over it that Krishna noticed one day how much lighter Radha’s ate Dance, song, prayer, meditation, processions, Hin alliances. Young people  nd mates, : Being and the Gods are neither male nor female gin CT FA or ori col h iety and fervor. wit var bon re of Holi is symbolic of this vicing led com lick s fro His own. ha’did. parallewith unparalleled Hiranyakashipu earned a boon been reinforced in legends, which The strongandHis families seal marital the Rad h un ter and are therefore pilgrimage, bathing, painting, symbols and witmarried. divisiveness and had negative forces plexion was than mother playfully suggested that Divine variety and fervor. lighKrishna How did sions, chformally Divine not  , proces tory of goodhave over evil. how mu on day itive ati t dit pos tha one e, d me ted , ice agreements during these days. Lov that made him virtually indestructible. willed Radha gleefully retaliated, ges yer not re? afrolicking sug Her look pra nfi llymake shnRadha’s rituals are all prayer, valid ways of connecting with Kri tsmear the bo What is thesuch meaning behind the bonfi Love, positive did the with color originate? Legend hasDance, song, Dance, playfu as that of Holika and her brother Prahlad. The famous kingHow cheeks with to Him, tha rcolor it He ls and the hind song, processions, mo bere? , like Aning n. His ng, symbomeditation, an Him ow nti methought like pai His Blinded by this power, he he on Holi. Their triumphs over and a merry chaos ensued. k n the g, loo is tha r hin s at He bat wa , Wh ke Divinity. This isworship living testimony to the existence ma lighter h d plexion noticed one witand atetriumphs Hiranyakashipu had earned boon which Krishna did. Thecomstrong-pilgrimage FACT: color to Hindus celebrate the s, Krishna ebr tingpainting, s and goodness are  celebrated on Holi. Their over that much end withhow nec pilgrimage, bathing, symbols and area cel in legit stro of con eRadha’s was God, the being worthy ofposter other legend has itngthat Krishna dness s cheeksofday Th ha’Foundation forced id wayspaths and goo a did. in n rein This educational is part of Hindu Festival Outreach, a collaboration between Sanatana Dharma Texas and HINDUISM TODAY magazine Hawaii. Additional resources may be found at www.hinduismtoday.com/festivals. valmany ear Rad shn uesonly all of e bee val Kri within ancient faith, all nce He sm ste whichwilled ces hav exiof forwas , retaliated, made him virtually indestructible. Radha gleefully king author the this ative ous y to ways aliated on ret fam worship. His young sonneg Prahlad celebrated this festival with iveness and that negative forces have been reinforced in legends, plexion was than His own. HisMoon, mother playfully suggested thatHisrituals are tim lly Divine unparalleled variety and fervor. and rituals are all valid connecting with tes d. Th Soumya Sitaraman and e Usha Kris, respectively and photographer of Follow the Hindu generously contributed text and graphics (hindumoon.com). ngwith eness hla ha gleefu livi isiv Pra is r div Rad s the Thi led leading to God. Each person fi nds his own path bro y. wil init her all - TheyAnDiv and . An t faith, Blinded by this tha power, he thought he and a merry chaos ensued. lika devoted to her Lord Vishnu and refused friends the gopis. danced ued ien ens t of Ho s anc os thi as that of Holika and Prahlad. The He smear Radha’s cheeks with color Her look like Him, Divinity. This is living to the existence rry chaand such as brother withinsong, memake Dance, prayer, meditation, processions, hs boon famous king the many laid testimony out byhgurus and sages. and a to a nedof a Krishna earthe shn to obey his father. Infuriated, king and frolicked, lling the air withof many pat among tKri pu had nds his own pat tha was God, the only being worthy other legend has it that fi shi it son aka has per any end h le. Hir leg tib Eac er d. many ruc oth color of paths within this faith, all nyakashipu had earned a boon which Krishna did. The strongestIn To the Hindu, spiritual life is meant to be lived es. sagancient h His pilgrimage, bathing, symbols and tually indwas devised the punishments. in a joyous welcome of His leading to Go virPrahlad l wit gurus andpainting, de him worship. Histcruelest young son this festival with ma t by tha ated this festiva ny laid ou ught he celebrcelebrated ma ced joyously, HoliEach demonstrates. he tho leading toas God. nds his own with path ey dan made him virtually indestructible. willed Radha gop gleefully retaliated, one attempt, eviler, aunt Holika, spring. be live Thgopis. among therituals is. toperson by this pow ed Vishnu meant ways are all ofdfi connecting is valid ndPrahlad’s devoted to and refused friends the They danced BliLord s and theand life al of nd y ritu frie rth spi , wo h du ng wit bei Hin air who possessed the power only to withstand s FICTION: Hinduism rich stories of To the among the many laidisout bywith gurus and sages. the llingathe  ded by this power, he thought he and merry chaos ensued. Aned, s God, Is this romantic lickfrolicked, ates.living wa  str d wa on to obey his father. Infuriated, king and  lling andafro hla Divinity. This testimony the existence Pra li dem Ho of the air withjoyously, as re, tricked him climbing a burnng sonthe you lcome the Gods and is their wives. on a to deeper, weThe His ip.into ous festive dancing occasion? of Yet, a joyin To the Hindu, spiritual is meant to be lived worsh in God, the only being worthy of other legend has it that Krishna used color color ref h storieslife devised cruelest punishments. Intrue a joyous welcome of u andfor rich wit is ing pyrethe with her. Prahlad’s Vishnlove d ism du Lor of many paths within this ancient faith, to Hin philosophical level, it is widely regarded as all a d N: ote and camaraderie create the perfect dev . king FICTIO spring a deeper, d, joyously, as Yet Holi demonstrates. ateHolika, , on urithe hip. His young son Prahlad was celebrated this festival with His Infaunt one attempt, Prahlad’s spring. Divinity protected himevil from the ames. es. their wiv fiction that the Gods are Thehis Supreme environment for matrimonial to obey his father. as a finds nts. In leading to God. Each person own path ed married. the Gods and meThe romantic ard a ish s reg thi pun ely Is st Holika burned while Prahlad lived. ele wid is cru who possessed the power to withstand it  ted to Lord Vishnu and refused friends and the gopis. They danced FICTION: is rich with stories offemale d the cing  level,and Hinduism alliances. Young people nd mates, al Being the GodsThe are neither nor dan devise e male tive rem t Holika, this a romantic e fes  philosophic l aun on?IsTh bon re of Holi ismp symbolic of evi this vicasi rried.laid Sup hlad’s among many out by gurus and sages. occfrolicked, ma t marital t, Pra are fecwith dsthe  re, tricked him into climbing a burnatte and families formally seal the one the andGo are therefore not married. ate festive ey his father. Infuriated, the king and cre lling theper air Gods and their wives. Yet, on a deeper, ale r fem The dancing occasion? er to withstand fiction that the araderie tory of good o over evil. r male nolife and cam the sed the pow nei al are posses agreements during these days. oni ds To the Hindu, spiritual is meant to bealived nwh ing pyre with her. Prahlad’s love for true Go trim bur the ma a g ent for welcome level, it is widely regarded as ed the cruelest punishments. In color in a joyous nm Being and philosophical and camaraderie createof the perfect enviro him into climbin married. re, trickedhim ple nd mates, ore not as e for true Divinity protected from the ames. ref d’slov joyously, Holi demonstrates. es. Young peofor . Prahla and are the anc her alli fi ction that the Gods are married. The Supreme h environment matrimonial ttempt, Prahlad’s evil aunt Holika, spring. l wit rita e ma pyr l es. ing while Prahlad lived. am lly sea m the s forma froFestival Holika burned TheOutreach, ilie This educational poster istec part ofhim Hindu a collaboration between Sanatana Dharma Foundation of Texas H INDUISM TODAY magazine in Hawaii. Additional resources may be found at www.hinduismtoday.com/festivals. fam ted and and ty pro alliances. Young Being and Hinduism the Gods are male nor female days. nd mates, possessed the power Div to ini withstand thesepeople d. The FICTION: isneither rich with stories of ingcontributed d live dur sa hlavicent Pra Soumya Sitaraman and Usha Kris, respectively author and photographer of Follow the Hindu Moon, generously text and graphics (hindumoon.com). bonre of Ho Holi isbur symbolic of this Is this romantic eem while agr  ned om/festivals. lika ay.cmarried. and families formally seal marital vic s uismtod and are therefore not thi of ricked him into climbing a burnw.hindtheir ic d at ww symbol the Gods and wives. Yet, on a deeper, is foun li be tory of good over evil. Ho may of es The festive dancing occasion? re  urc bon itional reso agreements during these days. aii. Add in Haw r evil. yre with her. Prahlad’s for true d ove Y magazine y of goo torlove dumoon.com). philosophical level, it is widely regarded as a INDUISM TODA

Tidbits About Holi re of Holi is symbolic of this victory of good over evil.

•What is the meaning behind the bonfi re? Love, positive values and goodness are celebrated on Holi. Their triumphs over divisiveness and negative forces have been reinforced in legends, such as that of Holika and her brother Prahlad. The famous king Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible. Blinded by this power, he thought he was God, the only being worthy of worship. His young son Prahlad was devoted to Lord Vishnu and refused to obey his father. Infuriated, the king devised the cruelest punishments. In one attempt, Prahlad’s evil aunt Holika, who possessed the power to withstand fi re, tricked him into climbing a burning pyre with her. Prahlad’s love for true Divinity protected him from the fl ames. Holika burned while Prahlad lived. The bonfi www .dino dia.c om

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lifrolicking with color originate? Legend has it that Krishna Hdidothe How Tidbits its Abou•tHoli TidbAbout noticed one day how much lighter Radha’s complexion was than His

own. His mother playfully suggested that He smear Radha’s cheeks with color to make Her look like Him, which Krishna did. The strongwilled Radha gleefully retaliated, and a merry chaos ensued. Another legend has it that Krishna celebrated this festival with His friends and the gopis. They danced and frolicked, ﬁ lling the air with color in a joyous welcome of spring. • Is this a romantic occasion? The festive dancing and camaraderie create the perfect environment for matrimonial alliances. Young people ﬁ nd mates, and families formally seal marital agreements during these days.

FACT: Hindus worship and celebrate the Divine with unparalleled variety and fervor. Dance, song, prayer, meditation, processions, pilgrimage, bathing, painting, symbols and rituals are all valid ways of connecting with Divinity. This is living testimony to the existence of many paths within this ancient faith, all leading to God. Each person ﬁ nds his own path among the many laid out by gurus and sages. To the Hindu, spiritual life is meant to be lived joyously, as Holi demonstrates. FICTION: Hinduism is rich with stories of the Gods and their wives. Yet, on a deeper, philosophical level, it is widely regarded as a ﬁ ction that the Gods are married. The Supreme Being and the Gods are neither male nor female and are therefore not married.

H and create the perfect hics (hin as andcamaraderie grap tion of Tex tributed text and Dharma Founda nity protected him from the ames. generously con een SanatanaMARCH Moon, betw duenvironment ﬁction that the Gods are married. The Supreme for matrimonial the Hin aboration• INDO AMERICAN NEWS FRIDAY, , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM Follow 02 h, a coll of reac er Out aph ival togr pho This educational part of Festival Outreach, a collaboration Sanatana Dharma Foundation of Texas and HINDUISM TODAY magazine in Hawaii. Additional resources may be found at www.hinduismtoday.com/festivals. ka burned while Prahlad poster lived.is The Hindu Fest author and is part of velybetween terHindu alliances. Young people nd mates, Being and the Gods are neither male nor female Usha Kris, respecti s educational pos an andKris, ramUsha Soumya Sitaraman and respectively author and photographer of Follow the Hindu Moon, generously contributed text and graphics (hindumoon.com). Soumya Sita re of Holi is symbolicThi of this vicand families formally seal marital and are therefore not married. of good over evil. agreements during these days.

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Holi Holi Holi

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HOLY DAYS THAT AMERICA’S HINDUS LEBRATE CELEBRATE HINDUS CE ’S A IC R E M THAT A HOLY DAYS

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COMMUNITY

March 02, 2012

Houston’s 5th Annual Holi Features New Rain Dance Party

HOUSTON: The buzz this year for the 5th Annual Festival of Colors (Ancient Indian Color-PowderThrowing Festival) is all about the new Rain Dance Party planned at the end of the event. Even though Houston has had record rainfall, all weather channels predict this coming Sunda, March 4, will be 100% sunny. So the organizers of HOLI 2012 Masala Radio, in association with Gujarati Samaj of Houston, Hindus of Greater Houston, and Tara Energy - will be turning on the Fommy.com Rain Machine throughout the Color Zone for a 1-hour Dance Party in the Rain with DJ Zee! It will be a ﬁrst for Holi revellers in 25 years. HOLI 2012 will take place at Seabourne Creek Nature Park in Rosenberg (opposite the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds on HWY36 @ HWY59). Last year the event attracted nearly 12,000 guests including more nonIndians than ever. Everyone is encouraged to come to HOLI wearing old white T-shirts and old jeans or shorts, and towels, as you are sure to be zapped with lots of color by revellers shouting “Bura na mano, Holi Hai!” (Don’t take offense, its Holi!). Momentum BMW Southwest will be providing plastic seat protectors as guests leave, in addition to sporting their new 3 series cars. The Hindu Festival of Holi originates around the ancient story of

King Hiranyakashap who demanded that everyone bow to him instead of Lord Vishnu (one of the Hindu Trinity). Only his son Prahlad refused to bow to him, and openly worshipped Lord Vishnu. Prahlad’s evil sister Holika had a boon of withstanding fire, so the King ordered her to carry Prahlad into a huge bonfire, but the boon failed her. She (Evil) was destroyed and Prahlad (Good) walked out unharmed, hence the triumph of Good over Evil. The Gujarati Samaj of Houston will organize the Holi Bonfire at 3:30 pm and will be selling colored powder as well as the ritual coconuts and supplies at their booth. Indian TV Channel AAPKA COLORS will be televising a 30-minute episode of the HOLI 2012: Festival of Colors covering the exciting stage entertainment, colourful vendor

booths, delicious Indian food court, thrilling kids rides, Holi Pragatya (bonﬁre) and of course thousands of Holi revellers who will spray each other with colored powder and colored water. Sunil T of Masala Radio will emcee the Main Stage this year featuring a few surprise acts. Alings Hakka – the newest Indo-Chinese restaurant in Sugarland, is presenting the Bollywood Dragon Dance to represent the popular Indo-Chinese Hakka Style of Cuisine. This year’s annual dance competition Chikna Chamela will feature the city’s top guy dancers performing to the latest “Item Girl” dances. Limited seats will ﬁll up quickly, so everyone is encouraged to arrive by noon before the entertainment begins at 12:30 with vibrant dance performances, some with as many as 45 participants at once. In celebration of Zee TV’s

new all Bollywood Channel “ZING” (Dish Channel 674), they will be giving away hundreds of logo items, as will most sponsor booths, such as an iPad2 from fommy.com, and 2 VIP tickets to the Spotlight Asia grand opening event for the Asia Society Center. Masala Radio has been encouraging guests to come starving to take maximum advantage of the mouthwatering Indian cuisine served throughout the food court. HOLI 2012 will feature South Indian onthe-spot dosas (crepes) by Madras Pavilion and Udipi Cafe Hilcroft, ﬁne North Indian by Masala Indian Cuisine & Bombay chaat (street snacks) by Alpahar Foods, Mirch Masala, Sankalp and Neeta’s Indian Cuisine, and refreshing cool drinks, fresh-

squeezed sugar cane and exotic ice creams from Baloch Ice Cream and Juices & Natura Ice Cream. Three Peppers Pizza will be offering fresh cheese, vegetarian, and chutney pizzas. Kids are geared up for free rides, including the 3 new Zorb balls where a pair get tied inside a giant clear plastic ball, and race downhill. Other rides include rock-climbing wall, giant Obstacle course, and a brand new Castle Slide. At random spots, impromptu dhol players (Indian drummers) will incense Spring Fever. For entertainment schedule, directions, layout map, and event parking, visit www.masalaradio.com and click on the HOLI 2012 banner, or contact 281-277-MUSIC (6874).

The festival of Holi is known for its colors as well as scrumptious recipes. Several recipes like Dahi Bhalle, Bhaang Pakode, Thandai, Papadi and Gujia are the special dishes for the festival. Gujiya is a scrumptious sweet dish prepared using maida and khoya. It is a must to make Holi dish in most of the Indian homes. Though the preparation of Gujiya requires a little time and efforts, the taste of this delicious recipe is worth it. The best thing about Gujiya is that it can be used as a sweet dish, dessert as well as snacks. It can also be preserved for along time without any effort. If you are also interested in making Gujiya this Holi, here is the recipe Ingredients 500 gm Maida (flour) 1 kg Khoya 3 tbsp Kishmish (raisins) 200 gm Almonds (cut into thin strips) 6 tbsp Cooking Oi. ( keep some more aside for deep frying) 200 ml Water 500 gm Sugar

Method Mix the six tablespoons of oil with the maida. Now add some water as required and knead into soft dough. Set aside and cover with a damp cloth. Fry khoya in a deep-frying pan to a light brown color. Add sugar, almonds and kismis into the khoya and mix well. Remove from the ﬁre and let it cool. Roll out the kneaded dough into a small and thick chapatti. Fill half the chapati with the khoya mixture and seal the round, twisting the edges inwards. Deep-fry these gujhias to a deep golden brown color on slow ﬂame. Take them out with a sieve type ladle and drain the oil completely. Makes about 40 gujhias.

Ingredients

Method

For Bhallas 1 Cup Urad daal Salt to taste Oil to fry

For Bhallas Clean, wash and soak the daal overnight. Grind it into smooth paste. Add salt to taste. Heat oil in a pan and drop a spoonfuls of batter and fry till golden brown. Take the hot Bhallas and put in cold water for 2-3 minutes. Now Take them out of water and squeeze the water and keep aside.

For Dahi 1 kg Dahi (yogurt) 1/2 tsp Ginger, grated Coriander Leaves, ﬁnely chopped 1-2 Green Chilies, chopped Salt to taste 2 tsp Cumin (jeera) Powder, roasted

Dahi Bhalla

Gujia

For Dahi Blend the curd (yogurt) and little water until it is smooth. Keep in refrigerator for an hour to get chilled. Add salt, red chili powder and cumin powder.

For Serving In a deep dish arrange bhallas and pour dahi over them. Now add imli (tamarind) chutney and green chutney. Garnish with coriander. Serve chilled. INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT

24 March 02, 2012

Pakistani Filmmaker Wins Oscar for Documentary on Acid Attacks

Indo-American News

LOS ANGELES (Pakistan Tribune) : Pakistani filmmaker and first-time Oscar nominee Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy won an Academy Award on Monday for her documentary about acid attack victims, a first for a Pakistani. In her acceptance speech, Chinoy dedicated the award to the women of Pakistan. “All the women in Pakistan working for change, don’t give up on your dreams, this is for you,” she said. Directed by Daniel Junge and produced by Sharmeen Chinoy, the film follows British plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammad Jawad, who returns to his homeland to help victims of acid burns. More than 100 people, mainly women and girls, are disfigured in acid attacks every year in Pakistan, although groups helping survivors say many more cases go unreported. “The women who decided to be a part of the documentary did so because they wanted to make their voices heard and wanted to bring attention to this form of assault,” Chinoy said in an interview conducted before she won the Oscar. “The main reason that they are in ‘Saving Face’ is to make their stories heard and have an impact.” Many victims are women attacked by their husbands, and others assaulted for turning down a proposal of marriage. One girl in the documen-

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tary, Pakistan’s Taliban Generation, won an International Emmy Award. The documentary competed against “God Is the Bigger Elvis,” a Rebecca Cammisa and Julie Anderson film about a mid-century starlet who chose the church over Hollywood; “The Barber of Birmingham,” a Gail Dolgin and Robin Fryday film that follows the life of 85-year-old barber James Armstrong and the legacy of the civil rights movement; James Spione’s war film “Incident in New Baghdad”; and “The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom,” a film by Lucy Walker and Kira Carstensen that follows survivors of Japan’s 2011 earthquake and their struggle to recover from the wave that crushed their homes and lives.

tary describes how she was burned after rejecting the advances of her teacher. She was 13 at the time. Another woman featured in the film is 25-year-old Rukhsana, whose husband threw acid on her and her sister-in-law doused her in gasoline before her mother-in-law lit a match and set her on fire. Chinoy said she hopes the cases in her film will resonate for others in Pakistan. “It is a story of hope with a powerful message for the Pakistani audience. I felt this would be a great way to show how Pakistanis can help other Pakistanis overcome their problems,” she said. Chinoy’s films have won international acclaim. Her 2010 documen-

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HOROSCOPE

(Sun Sign)

www.GaneshaSpeaks.com Visit us Online www.indoamerican-news.com ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 20: Mercury, the guidance. Although it may planet of communication, is powerful during mean more travel, time and this phase. Success shall defiexpenses, you shall be fine nitely be yours. You will meet with it. Monetary issues may new people for work purposes, come to the fore, while excommunicate and keep busy. panding your business. You Your innovative ideas and ef- will be concerned about matters related to loans, ficient ways will please your funds, and legacies. You make time to be with superiors at work. It’s also a time to rejoice, as your beloved, and enjoy passionate moments your wish to be at the top of corporate hierarchy with him/her. may soon come true. Promotion is on the cards. SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22: In a peaceful Family will occupy a top slot in your priority state of mind, you will look for ways to improve the quality of your life, as the list. Keeping your will-power about you. week unfolds. Concentrating TAURUSApr 21 - May 21 Asmooth sailing on the finer aspects of life, is expected this week. You will strike a healthy you will want to give a luxuribalance between your personal ous touch to your home. You and professional life. You plan are certainly not one of those your schedule in a way that you who will regret on something will be able to devote time to you have lost. Instead, you will be optimistic your work and enjoy the small and focus on the gains. You may also reconnect pleasures of life. You pursue your hobbies. On the work front, you travel to with old pals and relatives. You may even bump into that ‘special someone’. You will travel to new places, and meet people to develop your faraway places for leisure or work. You feel business. You may bump into old associates.All like God’s chosen one, everything works in in all, it’s a fruitful week, indeed! your favour! GEMINI May 22 - Jun 21: Financially, you SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22: A lot are on stable ground. You may be determined of things will be on your mind at this point to expand your business, and in time, prioritize. Creative leave no stone unturned to thinking and innovative ideas strike profitable deals. Travwill work wonders for you, elling, meeting new people at work. The week may be and working on new projects full of new experiences. But, may keep you busy. You also every experience will give manage to unwind, and let go of your professional responsibilities when you you a lesson, so learn it and move ahead in life. are at home. Exercising, going for long walks, Welcome new people in your life, they are here gardening or playing with pets may help you for a sole purpose of helping you. You may be to relax. You enjoy a good reputation in the overwhelmed by their gesture. You will not society. You find joy helping the needy or poor. mind expressing yourself freely, and letting Practice spirituality to attain peace of mind people know how you feel during this period. CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 23: The week is This will be an eventful week for you likely to be average for Cancerians. Prioritize CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20: Your past the things on your mind by experiences will come in handy, and inspire preparing a list. You may want you to execute new ideas at to splurge on luxurious items. work. New partnerships and Although, financially you may projects will be a success. You be on a stable ground, avoid unwill perform exceptionally necessary expenses. At work, well, and come out with flya new project may be in the pipeline. You may ing colours. This is a favourface hurdles before you go ahead with it. Don’t able phase for journalists and get disappointed, if things don’t work out ac- admen. Your creativity will be at its peak, and cording your plans. Soon the situation will be you will make the most of it at home as well. in your favour. Be determined to accomplish Helping your kids with their projects and deyour goals, and you will do fine. signing your home are some of the activities that LEO July 24 - Aug 23: The Lions are will keep you busy. Creativity and confidence likely to enjoy a pleasant week ahead. Personal will be the key words, this week requirements and relationships AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19: Your talent will come to the fore. The home and skills will be your greatest strength this front will be harmonious with week. And giving you that exyour parents and elders in the tra push to move towards your family. You may be busy netdesired goals will be your high working and meeting people energy levels. Although work from different walks of life. Those of you who pressure may mount, you will are single, new relationship is likely to blossom. not let it affect your relationRomance and committed relationships are in ships. Maintaining cordial restore for Leo natives. Your lucky stars are shin- lations with one and all will give you a reason ing bright, make the most of it! to rejoice. Besides work and family, monetary VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23: Everything will matters too are likely to demand your attention. go as per your plans. You slowly reach towards Those of you who are businessmen, will be busy your goals and your business managing financial matters to give a boost to may flourish. Your personal your business. There will be profitable deals and life is harmonious, unless you new ventures. Cash it on this lucky period! choose to disturb it. Keep a PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20: Making the most check on your mood swings. of your skills and talent, you will carve a niche Your partner’s habits are likely for yourself during this phase. to irritate and annoy you. Keep quiet during Your rapid progress will be arguments. Don’t test your relationship. Be the result of your sustained patient and calm. Those of you who are single, efforts. Also, you don’t mind wait to commit to a relationship. Take some taking up a vocational course time out for yourself, relax and maintain mental on learning new techniques to equilibrium for a peaceful state of mind. update your knowledge. This is the phase when LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23: The week may you will let your work do the talking. Your forbegin on a bright note for you. Brimming tune will help you to reap rich rewards. Hence, with ideas, you may be ready to form new without any reluctance you will to try your luck, associations to take your work/business to the take risks and start a new business. You will next level. You may want to rope in people manage to take a break, relax and rejuvenate in who are best in their field, and take their expert spite of your busy schedule.

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INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

26 March 02, 2012

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02 , 2012 • ONLINE EDITION: WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

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March 02, 2012

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Three Indian Entities Among World’s Top 100 Military Arms Manufacturers NEW DELHI (TOI): Two Indian down from the 29th it was in 2009. Only three companies in the top companies - Hindustan Aeronautics Its total sales in 2010 were $2.6 ten of the SIPRI Yearbook 2012 Limited (HAL) and Bharat billion, with arms accounting for are not from the US - Britain’s Electronics (BEL) - and one entity $2.4 billion. BAE Systems (second with sales India might be sourcing 70 of $32.9 billion), Europe’s EADS - the Ordinance Factories Board (OFB) - ﬁgure in the top 100 list of arms manufacturers released by disarmament watchdog S I P R I (Swedish International P e a c e Research Institute) for 2010. H A L (aircraft and missiles) is placed 34 with total sales of $2.7 billion. Of this, arms sales accounted for Dhruv, an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) serves in the Indian Navy. Hindustan 90 percent at Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics and the Ordinance Factories Board are in the $2.4 billion. top 100 arms manufacturers for many nations seeking to boost defence. HAL, in fact, climbed four places from 38 in percent of its military hardware (seventh with sales of $16.4 billion) 2009, when it posted total sales of from Russia but the highest-ranked and Italy’s Finmeccanica (eighth Russian company in the list is with sales of $14.4 billion). $2.1 billion. The OFB (artillery, small arms missile manufacturer Almaz-Antei “The total arms sales (including and ammunition) was ranked 46, at 20. Its total sales were $4.4 sales of military services) of the up from 55 in 2009. Its total sales billion, with arms accounting for SIPRI Top 100 maintained their were at $2.4 billion, with arms $3.9 billion. upward trend in 2010, although at The only other Russian company 1 percent in real terms, the increase sales bringing in $1.9 billion or 80 in the top 25 is United Aircraft was much slower than in 2009,” a percent of its revenues. BEL (electronics) fell to 71 Corporation at 21, with total sales SIPRI press release said. from 67, with total sales of $1.2 of $4.2 billion and arms sales of “The data for 2010 demonstrates, billion, of which arms accounted $3.4 billion. once again, the major players’ RIA Novosti adds: US military ability to continue selling arms for $970 million or 80 percent of hardware major Lockheed Martin and military services despite the its revenues. Interestingly, HAL is one was the biggest arms vendor in ﬁnancial crises currently affecting notch above the highest-ranked 2010 with sales of $35.7 billion, other industries,” SIPRI arms Israeli company - Elbit Systems 78 percent of its total sales of $45.8 industry expert Susan Jackson (electronics) - which is at 35, billion. said.

India Ports to Have $60B Equity Base for Growth KOCHI (The Hindu): India Ports Limited, being constituted to invest in ports and marine facilities abroad, will have an initial equity base of Rs.3,000 crore, raised from cash-rich public sector major ports and private ﬁnancial institutions. The new investment arm will be promoted on a 50:50 basis by the public and private sector partners, said Union Shipping Secretary K. Mohandas here on Saturday last. He said he expected the proposal for forming the new entity would come up before the Cabinet in two months. Countries all over the world are open to the idea of developing port facilities with foreign collaborations and India can make investments that are commercially and strategically important. Besides, India has a long maritime history and a large pool of personnel capable of undertaking operation of maritime entities. Mohandas said that major ports in the country would have a new

land use policy by the end of March which would help them utilise the land in the best way. The Union Government was close to finalising a program of cargo support for Indian flag vessels, he added. Cargo support is not an original idea. Though it is not fashionable, it is a practical one being considered to help the Indian shipping industry, which faces rough weather on account of the global slump in shipping business. The Shipping Secretary said that only about 8 per cent of the Indian cargo was carried in Indian bottoms. This figure was around 30 per cent in the 1980s. Indian flag vessels accounted for just about one per cent of the global maritime cargo movement. The Shipping Ministry was now consulting ministries such as petroleum, fertilizer and steel that could provide cargo support to Indian flag vessels, he said.

Union Shipping Secretary K Mohandas is excited that the ports are going to be updated by investments and expects these ports to bring in returns by increased trade opportunities for India globally by doing brisk maritime trade.

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INDIA

March 02, 2012

Indian Railways May Charge Modernization ‘Tax’

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The Sam Pitroda committee has recommended to add a surcharge to passengers based on a per kilometer basis which would help Indian Railways to recoup their modernization charges that will beneﬁt travelers all over India. Possibility of privatization has been ruled out for now. NEW DELHI (IE): Seeking Trivedi last September to suggest only.” The committee has recommended to raise an investment of close m o d e r n i z a t i o n , h a s a s k e d to Rs 6 lakh crore for railway the Railways to mobilize total for exploring new revenue models modernization, a high-level investment requirements of Rs including commercialization of rail committee today suggested levying 5,60,396 crore for the proposed land and stations to generate funds for modernisation of railway’s core a surcharge in this regard from modernization initiatives. At the same time the committee assets. passengers and disinvestment of Giving major stress on pubicrailway PSUs among other options has also sought a gross budgetary support (GBS) of Rs 2.5 lakh private participation (PPP) model, to generate funds. The Sam Pitroda-led committee crore for the next ﬁve years and the committee has suggested raising has recommended that the raising Rs 2.01 lakh crore through close to Rs 2.30 lakh crore through modernisation surcharge from internal generation for funding PPP projects. While it has sought dividend passengers be based on per the modernisation initiatives that passenger km basis which would include complete overhaul of rebate of Rs 24,000 crore which railways owes to the government help Railways generating the railway infrastructure. Trivedi who received the report on account of GBS and has pegged required fund. It further suggested setting of a railway tariff regulatory today, however, ruled out any Rs 1.01 lakh crore which Railways possibility of railway privatization could generate through leasing and authority. The committee appointed saying “Railways will remain borrowings. Subscribe 713-789-NEWS by Railway Minister Dinesh 200 per cent with the government

Millions of Union Workers Strike Across India

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NEW DELHI (TOI): Millions of workers of all political hues went on strike across the country on Tuesday to express their anger at soaring prices and to back demands for improved rights for employees, trade unions and political activists said. The strike, included workers from state-run phone companies, bus drivers and postal workers, is a new headache for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government as it grapples with weakening economic growth and faces elections in several states. Workers linked to the ruling Congress party joined the protest and have promised further action if their demands are not met. The protests are not expected to signiﬁcantly affect banks and ﬁnancial markets in Asia’s thirdlargest economy, but traders said there could be some volatility in the bond market if volumes are lower than normal. “Volumes could be lower, but settlement should happen,” said a senior dealer at a state-run bank. The strikers had a long list of demands. Among them, they want the government to take measures to

contain inﬂation, provide universal social security cover for workers in the vast unorganised labor sector, and to stop selling stakes in staterun companies. “We will have to think about our future course of action if the government does not come forward with proposals on how it will react to our demands,” G. Sanjeeva Reddy, president of the Indian National Trade Union Congress, the ruling party’s trade union, Singh had appealed to Reddy to call off the strike, but was ignored, according to a report in the Hindu newspaper. Hit by high interest rates, stubborn inﬂation and a stuttering reform

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

agenda, the economy is expected to grow by about 7 percent in the fiscal year ending March, compared with earlier expectations of about 9 percent growth. Singh’s government, which is also beset by multi-billion dollar corruption scandals, has faced a slew of protests since winning a second term in 2009, denting the Congress party’s image as a defender of the poor. The party is currently fighting five state elections, including one in Uttar Pradesh, the country’s most populous state. Tuesday’s strike was the 14th general strike since India opened up its economy with major reforms in 1991.

March 02, 2012

Thousands Participate in AntiAmerica Protests in Sri Lanka COLOMBO (TOI): Several thousands of government supporters chanting “hands off Lanka” today took to the streets across the country against the USsponsored resolution that censured Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes during the battle against LTTE.

A group of lawyers representing the ruling party also handed over a communique to UN Colombo ofﬁces. “We pointed out that US action was a violation of Sri Lanka’s sovereignty,” PD Mendis, a spokesman for the group said.

Demonstrations were held in more than 150 locations around the country, including former Tamil rebel-held areas in the north and east now under the control of the military, these organized by the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance. Protests were held throughout the island slamming the US move at the UN Human Rights Council as interference in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs. A large gathering walked to the US embassy to handover a communique amidst chants of “hands off Lanka”. “US don’t support terrorism,” read a placard carried by a protester. Activists also carried photographs of President Mahinda Rajapakse and his defence secretary brother, Gotabhaya Rajapakse, who spearheaded the military campaign that crushed Tamil rebels in May 2009 after nearly 37 years of ﬁghting.

Traffic was halted as large numbers of government protesters carrying national flags thronged the main business centre of Fort to condemn the US and the West for acting to undermine Sri Lanka. The US-sponsored resolution is to urge Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission ( LLRC). Sri Lanka has dubbed the resolution as unwarranted in the light of action already taken to implement the recommendations. The country’s rights’ record during the final battle with the LTTE was called into question by an expert panel of UN chief Ban Ki Moon.

Bomb at Nepal Oil Importer Office Kills 3 Nepal Oil Corporation has the Minority ethnic groups want the KATMANDU (TOI): A bomb exploded in front of the headquarters monopoly to import and distribute document to give more automony of Nepal’s monopoly oil importer oil products in Nepal. Fuel shortages to local regions. Last year, police Monday, killing three people and have been regular for the past few accused minority groups in injuring five in the capital’s first months. People have been forced to southern Nepal of detonating bombs major attack in four years, police said. The government increased security in response. Home minister Bijaya Gachchedar said a little-known group calling itself United Ethnic Liberation Front took responsibility for the bombing. Several ethnic groups from southern Nepal have called for more automony in their regions, and some claim to be armed and threaten violence. An emergency meeting of the security forces was called and security has been heightened, Gachchedar said. The Babarmahal district in central Katmandu has a number of government offices and is generally guarded by both police and soldiers and crowded with government workers and visitors. Home Minister Bijaya Gachchedar said a little-known group It is also near the fortified calling itself United Ethnic Liberation Front took responsibility Singhadurbar complex housing for the bombing. Several ethnic groups from southern Nepal have the prime minister’s office and called for more automony in their regions, and some claim to be key ministries. armed and threaten violence. The blast damaged motorcycles and the front gate for the Nepal wait for hours for rationed gasoline while demanding an autonomous Oil Corporation, which has been and diesel for vehicles and or to buy region. The government has held talks criticized recently for increasing cooking gas in the black market. Nepal has been trying since with these groups and promised to prices of gasoline, diesel and 2008 to draft a constitution, but consider their demands. However, cooking gas. Two people died at the scene and the effort has been stymied by several groups claim to fight for one succumbed to injuries at the political differences and debate the rights of ethnic populations in hospital, police officer Devendra over how much power the federal southern Nepal. government should have. Subedi said.

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Nepalese police officers inspect the site of a bomb explosion outside the headquarters of Nepal Oil Corporation in Katmandu, Nepal, Monday, Feb. 27, 2012. A bomb exploded in front of the headquarters of the country’s monopoly oil importer Monday, killing three people and injuring five in the capital’s first major attack in four years, police said. The government heightened security in response. (Photo/ Niranjan Shrestha)

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

INDIA

March 02, 2012

Special Team Mumbai Police in Chennai to Investigate Bank Dacoity

CHENNAI (The Hindu): A special team of the Mumbai police landed here on Monday evening to investigate the profile of the five suspected robbers gunned down in an encounter by the Chennai Police on February 23, police sources said. Though the involvement of the prime suspect Sujay Kumar Rai alias Vinod Kumar of Patna in Bihar was confirmed in three bank

dacoity cases in Mumbai reported in 2010, the team would check the identity and antecedents of the other four suspects to see if they were wanted by the Maharashtra police in connection with other cases, the sources said. Teams of the Chennai police camping in Patna, Mumbai and Kolkata are coordinating with the local police there to check the identity of two others in the case.

Of the ﬁve suspects, investigators have so far established the identity of three persons, including that of Rajeev Kumar of Nalanda in Bihar, who allegedly murdered a mutt head there in September 2009 and absconded. One of the ﬁve pistols seized from the hideout of the suspects was suspected to be an imported one as it had the words ‘Made in USA’ printed on it. The pistol, alleged

to have been used by Sujay, was a sophisticated one. Investigation revealed that the suspects used a fake driving licence in Chennai. The driving licence with reference number ‘WB-11-1990’ seized from their premises was purportedly issued by the licensing authority, Howrah, in the name of Abhay Kumar. However, the date of issue and expiry in the card was mentioned as ‘00/00/00’.

The Crime Branch CID on Monday took over investigation of the sensational police encounter case. Additional Director-General of Police N.P. Singh told The Hindu that Deputy Superintendent of Police Venkataraman was designated as the Chief Investigation Ofﬁcer of the case. He would be assisted by several other teams, he said. Call 713-789-NEWS to place your classiﬁeds weekly!

An inside view of the house, where ﬁve suspects in recent two bank robberies in Chennai were killed in a police encounter, February 23, 2012 photo. Photo: S.S. Kumar

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Salim Sulaiman to Perform in Houston on March 9 Brothers, Salim-Sulaiman, Bollywood’s most sought after music composer duo have changed the face of background music in Bollywood. They first got noticed with the film Hamesha (1997). Their biggest triumph came with the background score for Bhoot directed by Ram Gopal Varma. After the success of Bhoot, it was all about looking forward for the talented brothers as they went on to compose background music for films like Darna Mana Hai, Ab Tak Chappan, Teen Deewarein and Dhoom. Salim - Sulaiman’s first big break as independent film music composers came when Karan Johar asked them to compose the music for his movie, Kaal. They accord the success of the song ‘Tauba Tauba’ to the wonderful visuals and to Karan Johar’s visualisation of the song. Having worked on a whole range of genres, Salim - Sulaiman have developed a deep understanding of cinema and a keen sense of knowing when to score and when not to depending on performances. Kailash Kher, K K, Sukhwinder Singh, Marianne D’Cruz, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Kunal Ganjawala, Clinton Cerejo, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shweta Pandit are the big names in film playback singing they have worked with. Salim has also contributed to the playback vocals of the duo’s compositions. Salim - Sulaiman has composed for several Indi-pop sensations including Viva, Asmaan, Shweta Shetty, Jasmine and Style Bhai among others. They have also composed and produced hundreds of TV commercials and collaborated with many an artiste of the likes of Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ustad Sultan Khan.

The duo will be performing their hit songs such as Shukran Allah, Ainvayi, Ainvayi, Chak De, Dance Pe Chance among others in Houston on March 9 at 9pm at Verizon Wireless Theatre. They will also be accompanied by Benny Dayal, Shraddha Pandit and Shadab Faridi. Ramji Entertainment LLC are the national promoters for the concert. Awards • 2009 - Best Music - Fashion - Syracuse International Film Festival of New York • 2009 - Best Dressed Music Directors, FHM Magazine • 2007 - Best Background Score - Filmfare Award - Krrish • 2007 - Best Background Score - IIFAAward - Mujhse Shadi Karogi • 2007 - Best Background Music - Zee Cine Awards - Ab Tak Chappan • 2004 - Best Background Music - Star Screen Award - Dhoom • 2003 - Best Background Music - Star Screen Award - Bhoot Trivia • They were nominated for the prestigious Day Time Emmy Awards in the category of Outstanding Original Song – Children & Animation for the Song ‘We like being small’ for the series Wonder Pets on Nickelodeon channel. • Salim has learned music from the Trinity School of Music in London while Sulaiman has learnt to play the drums and piano from different teachers.

March 02, 2012

Needing an Artist, and Calling on India BY BEN SISARIO BANGALORE (NYT): Drew Smith found himself in the same position as many independent musicians trying to make a living in the struggling music business. He had no record label to underwrite his career, no publicity machine to get his music into listeners’ hands and not nearly enough money to make a music video. So he followed the route of big business and outsourced the video to India. Last October, Smith contracted a dance school in Bangalore, India, to make a video for his song “Smoke and Mirrors” featuring original Bollywood-style choreography and Indian actors dressed as Hindu demigods and tossing colored festival powders. The production values may be a little amateurish by MTV standards, but for $2,000 it cost a small fraction of the typical budget for a professional film. And Smith has attracted some of music’s most important currency: attention. Since being posted to YouTube on Feb. 2 “Smoke and Mirrors” has been watched more than 179,000 times, and a recent post about it by Smith’s brother became one of the top articles on Reddit, the social link aggregator. The video is one example of the breadth of outsourcing, which has come to include the kind of highly specialized skills — like microchip design, which I.B.M. contracted to an Indian company in 2005 — that were once considered unexportable. Companies in the West often claim that while they outsource factory jobs, the creative and innovative work is still done at home. “You hear so much about big corporations outsourcing,” Smith said by phone on a break from his day job teaching English to immigrants in Hamilton, Ontario. “I was just trying to think of a unique way to release the album and promote it.” While outsourcing was once viewed strictly as a cost-cutting privilege of giant corporations, it is increasingly available to smaller companies and even individuals. “Multinational corporations are now more willing to experiment and take risks with outsourcing to India, and, as a result, there is a lot of sophisticated work being done there,” said Shehzad Nadeem, an assistant professor of sociology at Lehman College, and the author of “Dead Ringers: How Outsourcing is Changing the Way Indians Understand Themselves.” “But by sheer numbers it is dwarfed by the more rote and routine work the companies export.” Entertainmentbusinessesoutsource some work, like nonunion orchestras in Eastern Europe recording film scores, but the bulk of creative work is done close to home and in the hubs of New York, Los Angeles and Nashville. Smith’s video shows the production technologies available to even the lowest-profile musicians, who now routinely stitch together recordings shuttled across the Internet from home studios around the planet.

Drew Smith cut costs on a music video by outsourcing to India. “This is where it’s going,” said Adam Dorn, a producer and musician who records under the name Mocean Worker. “People are always going to go where they need to go, and as the major labels crumble and budgets go away, you just have to roll up your sleeves and get things done.” Dorn chose to use a Polish student to do the 1930s-style animation for his video “Shake Ya Boogie” five years ago, after American filmmakers quoted him prices up to $40,000. The student charged him $2,500. Smith, a soft-spoken 31-year-old who has released two albums of mellow, moody songs vaguely reminiscent of Coldplay, said “the absurdity” of outsourcing his music video appealed to him, in addition to the reduced costs. He did a quick Web search for virtual assistants — business intermediaries, often from English-speaking countries like India or the Philippines, who will perform almost any task for a price — and was connected to Asha Sarella, a young assistant for hire who also teaches at a dance school in Bangalore. Sensing a good opportunity, Sarella gathered a few friends and quoted Smith a price that would cover her basic expenses; part of the deal was that Smith would credit Sarella and help promote her work. After paying her half upfront, Smith sent the recording and his lyrics, and gave her

carte blanche. “The only thing I requested was Bollywood dancing,” Smith said. “Everything else was up to her.” Sarella, who in 2005 achieved a modicum of outsourcing fame when she was one of the virtual assistants featured in an Esquire magazine article about exported work, said she welcomed the opportunity to do something more creative than the data-entry work or chores for distant executives that she has typically done as a virtual assistant. “This is not something easy, not like a database job where they just explain on the phone and the assistant can do it,” said Sarella in a telephone interview from India, where she said inquiries about videos from other Western musicians were keeping her up late. The “Smoke and Mirrors” video was shot in three days, Sarella said, and the completed film was in Smith’s inbox within three weeks. As the play count on the video started to climb, the promotional effect on Smith’s music was immediate. Within two days the song, which he was giving away, had been downloaded 1,000 times. Smith said he knew that as a white Westerner paying a cheap price for a Bollywood-style film, he might be accused of exploitation or cultural imperialism. He denied both, saying that his interest was genuine and that his teaching job had opened his eyes to other cultures. “I live multiculturalism every day,” Smith said. “A lot of times what is considered hip and cool is only defined by borders. But I found that this translated well.” Sarella said the project had already benefited her. The influx of potential new clients for her choreography allowed her to quit her job as a virtual assistant. “I just made a career change,” she said.

Drew Smith, a musician, used a dance school in Bangalore, India, to make a video for his song “Smoke and Mirrors.” Photo: Karthik Veera

The video will be available on our website www.indoamericannews.com

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OPINION INDIA

March 02, 2012

Football Legend Manna Passes Away

KOLKOTTA (The Hindu): When the late Princess Margaret, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II of England, asked a soft-spoken Indian footballer how he could defend so well against the tough Europeans while playing bare feet, Sailendranath (Sailen) Manna replied that the strength lay in the mind. Manna, who marshalled the defence as the centre-back, had to tackle the question from the young royalty during a reception at the Buckingham Palace, after India had its first international outing at the London Olympics in 1948. The man, who typified the resurgence of India as a footballing nation after independence, lost his battle against a host of age-related ailments at a city nursing home in the early hours of Monday. At 87 (born September 1, 1924), Manna’s stature as a footballer remained undiminished drawing awe and reverence from generations of Indian footballers, most of whom knew him from the records and stories about him being the most complete footballer the country has ever seen. No wonder the whole football fraternity came together in an unusual show of spontaneity to pay homage to the legend, who served as an emissary to the best of Indian football. A natural leader, Manna became the face of the Indian football that sought to emerge from the shadow of the Imperial dominance after independence. India’s performance in the 1948 London Olympics was a favourite topic for Manna and he would fondly recount it on occasions to highlight the golden time of Indian football. Though India lost in the first round match 1-2 against France, Manna drew lot of appreciation from the European press for the way he held up against a “fully geared” European giant. The meeting with the English royalty happened just after that. India tasted its first big success under his captaincy, winning the Asian Games gold in 1951.

Having taken Indian football to the peak of its excellence, Manna’s reign at the helm of Indian national team prompted the England Football Association to rate him among the 10 Salien Manna best skippers in its yearbook of 1953. His leadership inspired more wins. India won four successive titles in the South East Asian quadrangular meet (featuring India, Pakistan, Burma and Sri Lanka) between 1952 and 1955. The talent of the Indian footballers received worldwide acclaim after this sequence of success. True to his nature, Manna showed unflinching loyalty to his club – Mohun Bagan. Making only one change in his club career, Manna joined Mohun Bagan from a second division side, Howrah Union, at the age of 18 in 1942 and stayed back with the renowned club till his retirement in 1960. He captained Mohun Bagan for six years from 1950 to 1955 but never took money as a player saying he was happy with the salary he got from his employer, the Geological Survey of India. Manna was drafted in as a coach immediately after retirement and then joined Mohun Bagan’s administration, where he rose to the position of an assistant secretary. Manna disassociated himself from the sport in 1990 on completing 50 years of association with football. He received the Padma Shree in 1970 and was named the Best footballer of the Millennium by the All India Football Federation in 2000. He was also conferred the Mohun Bagan ‘Ratna’ (jewel) in 2001 and continued to receive laurels in some form or other till his last day.

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SPORTS

March 02, 2012

Dazzling Kohli Ton Keeps India Alive in Commonwealth Series

BY SIDDHARTHA TALYA HOBART (Cricinfo): Turnarounds don’t come any better. Fortunes don’t change more dramatically. And emotions don’t bear a starker contrast. At the halfway stage, Sri Lanka would have felt they had one foot in the final, having left the India bowlers deflated after a dominating performance with the bat. And they would have been right to think that way, the Indian batting having shown little promise in the series and the team on the brink of elimination. But Virat Kohli put on an imperious display of strokemaking, his malleable wrists powering an Indian fightback conspicuous by its absence on what had been, until now, two forgettable overseas trips. Kohli’s innings made a mockery of an imposing score, kept India’s finals hopes alive and left Sri Lanka having to beat Australia for a third time in the tournament to knock India out. Given India’s poor outings with the bat in their recent games, one would have expected them to struggle to chase a target of 321 in 50 overs. They achieved it in 36.4 - needing to chase it in 40 to stay alive in the series - and did so with Kohli finishing things off in a blaze of glory. Kohli was in the zone; he dismissed anything that came his way with clinical precision, found the boundary at will whether the field was in or pushed back, ran swiftly between the wickets to catch the fielders off guard and middled the ball with scarcely believable consistency. While Kohli was the protagonist in India’s successful chase, the other characters played their due part. Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar would have wanted to do more but gave India the explosive start they desperately needed to stage a counterattack; Gautam Gambhir continued to be fluent, just four boundaries in a knock of 63 off 64 balls showing the toil behind the runs; and Suresh Raina, under pressure to perform, kept Kohli valuable company in a matchwinning stand. If India were insipid with their bowling, Sri Lanka were far worse, as wides flowed, gift balls were doled out with regularity and the fielding buckled under the pressure of an unexpected fightback. Both innings were replete with fumbles, misfields, wayward throws - one of them, had it

Virat Kohli was “in the zone” during his 133 not out off 86 balls.

been on target, could have run Kohli out - making batting even more profitable on the easiest track in the series thus far. The brisk start to the chase and the subsequent consolidation by Gambhir and Kohli meant India were in with a fighting chance with two Powerplays still remaining, and both proved highly lucrative. Kohli made both his own, first targetting Nuwan Kulasekara in the 31st over, which began with India needing 91 in 10 overs for a bonus point. He carted three consecutive fours as attempted yorkers failed to meet their desired lengths and served as tempting length balls. Two were whipped - in trademark Kohli fashion, a momentary turn of the wrists

imparting tremendous force to the ball - and the other sliced over point in an act of improvisation. The Sri Lanka fast bowlers misfired badly but even when they got it right, like an accurate yorker from Malinga, Kohli was able to shuffle across and expertly work it past the short fine fielder. He took 24 from Malinga in the 35th over, flicking him for six, sending one through the covers for four and then picking up three more fours past short fine, and finished the game with two thunderous drives through the off side. A pump of the fists was followed by a roar of elation and relief as MS Dhoni calmly trudged on to the field to join in the celebrations.

A win this dominating seemed a distant possibility when Kohli joined Gambhir at the fall of Tendulkar’s wicket. Tendulkar had walked across too far to be caught plumb by Malinga, ending an innings in which Tendulkar seemed devoid of pressure and completely uninhibited in his approach. Sehwag and Tendulkar batted with freedom, the former smashing Malinga into the grassbanks behind deep midwicket in a fiery opening stand of 54, and Tendulkar going over the top on the off side, and displaying an adeptness in picking Malinga’s variations. But at 2 for 86 in the 10th over, with India’s two most experienced batsmen back in the pavilion and the required-rate still very high, Kohli and Gambhir faced a daunting task. That both took little time to get going was crucial in maintaining the tempo that had been set. Gambhir steered Kulasekara for four off his third delivery before punching one past midwicket, and Kohli warmed up with one of several whips off Malinga off his second ball. The pair didn’t get bogged down despite a 35-ball boundary drought, running swiftly between the wickets, converting ones into twos by putting the outfielders under pressure and making the fielders inside the circle appear redundant by stealing quick ones. Kohli broke that drought with a drive off Thisara Perara past extra cover and later clobbered An-

gelo Mathews over the wide long-off boundary. At the halfway stage in the chase, the pair had notched up half-centuries, laying a solid foundation for the onslaught to follow with ten Powerplay overs still remaining. After Gambhir fell to an accurate throw while trying to steal a second, Raina infused the innings with greater urgency, providing a quicker partner at the other end to Kohli and indulging in some power play of his own to help hasten the finish. The Kohli show overshadowed an assured and commanding performance by Sri Lanka with the bat, and centuries from Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara, who capitalised on a palpably below-par show from India’s bowlers. Dilshan shrugged off his initial unease against the swinging ball to gradually open up and march towards his 11th ODI century and Sangakkara played an innings as attractive as several of his abruptly terminated cameos this tournament, only longer in duration this time, full of confidence and more pleasing on the eye. The determination and focus of trying to bat India out of the game was unwavering in their innings, and the smiles on their faces and the India players’ drooping shoulders suggested a onesided game. But body-language is not always a reliable indicator, for it had taken an about turn in three hours’ time.

Preeja Hopeful of Making the Olympics Cut

Preeja Sreedharan

INDO AMERICAN NEWS • FRIDAY, MARCH 02, 2012 • WWW.INDOAMERICAN-NEWS.COM

CHENNAI (The Hindu): The doughty 2010 Asian Games gold medallist is now looking forward to the London Olympics, hopeful of making the cut within the next two months. Preeja, who had been away through the last 75 days at Eldoret in Kenya, training alongside Kavita Raut, O.P. Jaisha and Sudha Singh, is now back in her hometown Palakkad on a short break. “The stint in Kenya was particularly good, and of immense help for my Olympic preparations. ” Preeja said, hopeful to make it to the Olympics.

March 02, 2012

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