hi INDiA | October 20th 2017 | East Coast Edition

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DIWALI SPECIAL ISSUE

WHEN MODI MET SOLDIERS

Dressed like soldiers in military camouflage, Narendra Modi spent nearly two hours with the troops on Diwali in the Gurez valley near the Line of Control (LoC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seen interacting and distributing sweets among soldiers on Diwali in

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Dressed like soldiers in military camoufla with the troops on Diwali in the Gurez

IANS, GUREZ (JAMMU AND KASHMIR)

Diwali greetings fo

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US NEWS X

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US NEWS

US GOES HARD ON PAK

Washington expects Islamabad to take decisive action against terrorism, says US Secretary of State year Washington and New Delhi would convene a new dialogue on terrorist designations. In July, I signed a designation that Hizbul Mujahideen is a foreign terrorist organization because the United States and India stand shoulder-toshoulder against terrorism.

“States that use terror as an instrument of policy will only see their international reputation standing diminished.” he stated,

IANS, WASHINGTON

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head of his India visit, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said this week that the US expects Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups, and warned that countries that use terror as an instrument of policy will only see their international reputation diminished.

Tillerson, who said that he would be visiting New Delhi next week for the first time in his official capacity, also said that US President Donald Trump’s administration was “determined to dramatically deepen” ties with India.

“In the past decade, our counter-terrorism cooperation has expanded significantly,” Tillerson said while delivering an address on ‘Defining Our Relationship with India for the Next Century’ at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a top US thinktank.

Speaking about peace and stability in South Asia and especially in Afghanistan, Tillerson said that apart from India, Pakistan too was

Tillerson said that US President Donald Trump’s administration was “determined to dramatically deepen” ties with India.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. (Photo: IANS)

an important partner of the US in this.

“We expect Pakistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups based within their own borders and threaten their own people and the broader region.

Media ignoring Obama-era Russia u-deal: Trump WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has accused the mainstream media of ignoring fresh details about the controversial 2010 approval of a deal that gave Russia control over a large chunk of US uranium resources.

Trump made his remarks on Twitter after the Hill reported that prior to the deal, approved in the early stages of predecessor Barack Obama’s administration, the FBI had gathered significant evidence that Russian nuclear industry officials were conducting a bribery, kickback, extortion and money laundering scheme aimed at growing Moscow’s atomic energy business inside the US. “Federal agents used a confidential US witness working inside the Russian nuclear industry to gather extensive financial records, make secret recordings and intercept emails as early as 2009 that showed Moscow had compromised a US uranium trucking firm with bribes and kickbacks in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act,” The Hill reported.

That paper said it learned about the evidence the FBI had gathered from government documents and interviews. The Hill furthermore

“In doing so, Pakistan furthers peace and stability for itself and its neighbors and improves its own international standing,” he said.

He said that the US and India were cross-screening known and suspected terrorists and later this

adding that it was the obligation, not choice, of every civilized nation to combat terrorism.

On the growing India-US ties, Tillerson said that President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were committed more than any of the leaders before

New Delhi reiterates concern to Washington over H1-B visa issue IANS, NEW DELHI

In the search for missing girl in Texas

I reported, citing unnamed sources, that federal agents had also “obtained an eyewitness account backed by documents - indicating Russian nuclear officials had routed millions of dollars to the US designed to benefit former President Bill Clinton’s charitable foundation during the time Secretary of State Hillary Clinton served on a government body that provided a favourable decision to Moscow.”

“Uranium deal to Russia, with Clinton help and Obama Administration knowledge, is the biggest story that Fake Media doesn’t want to follow!” Trump tweeted.

them “to building an ambitious partnership that benefits not only our two great democracies but for other sovereign nations working for greater peace and stability”.

“The Trump administration is determined to dramatically deepen ways for the United States and India to further this partnership,” he said. The Secretary of State said that there were over 600 American companies operating and US investment in India has jumped by 500 per cent in the last two years.

He also pointed out that last year bilateral trade attained a record of roughly $115 billion.

He said that 1.2 million Americans visited India last year while 166,000 Indian students were studying in the US. “Nearly four million Indian Americans call the United States home and are contributing as doctors, engineers and innovators and probably serving their country in uniform,” Tillerson said. He also lashed out at China and said that the dragon, while rising alongside India, “has done so less responsibly at times undermining the international rules based order”.

ndia has reiterated its concern to the US over the latest bid to introduce stricter norms for issuance of H1-B visas which are largely availed by Indian IT firms.

The Indian concerns were conveyed during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and a US Congressional delegation from the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

“EAM @SushmaSwaraj flagged the issue of H1B visa as a strong concern and sought bipartisan Congressional support for the same,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted following the meeting between Sushma Swaraj and the nine-member delegation led by the House Committee’s Chairman Lamar Smith.

US President Donald Trump has called for stricter norms for issuance of H1-B visas, largely availed of by Indian IT firms. A private member’s bill was also introduced earlier this year in the US Congress by Democrat Zoe Lofgren which seeks to increase the

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj with Rex Tillerson.

minimum salary of an H1-B visa holder to a whopping $130,000 from the current minimum of $60,000.

Swaraj also raised the issue with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly Session last month.

While Trump has spoken of restricting the H1-B visa system as part of his policy of putting Americans first, so far there have been no changes to it and for this year the same levels of 65,000 for general H1-B visas and 20,000 for

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has voiced “deep concern” over a three-yearold Indian girl in Texas who has been missing since October 7 after her foster father made her stand outside the house as punishment for not drinking milk. She said the Indian Embassy is actively involved in the search.

“We are deeply concerned about the missing child. Indian Embassy in US is actively involved and they keep me informed,” Swaraj tweeted late on October 19.

According to reports, Sherin Mathews had gone missing from her home in Richardson, Texas.

The FBI has joined the probe along with the police.

— IANS

those with advanced US degrees have been kept.

Indians get most of the H1-B visas, although there are no national quotas for the facility nor is it specifically designed for Indians.

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india news

Redeveloping Kedarnath: Modi The Congress party rejected proposal in June 2013 for redevelopment of the Uttarakhand shrine IANS, KEDARNATH

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rime Minister Narendra Modi, on a visit to the revered shrine of Kedarnath, on Friday attacked the Congress party for rejecting his proposal in June 2013 when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat for redevelopment of the Uttarakhand shrine that was badly damaged in the massive flash floods.

Addressing a public meeting after offering prayers at the Kedarnath temple, Modi also said the BJP is trying to develop the Himalayan shrine into an ideal pilgrim center with quality infrastructure.

Referring to the devastating 2013 flash floods in the state, Modi said he as Chief Minister of Gujarat had visited Uttarakhand in its aftermath to offer help. “I came here to do all that I could for the victims... I had

BRIEFS Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar quits NEW DELHI: Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, the government’s second-most senior legal officer, on Friday said he has stepped down because he was not able to attend to his family and personal matters due to work.

“I have resigned due to personal, family issues which I need to attend to and was not able to due to my work,” Ranjit Kumar is learned to have written to his colleagues.

He denied any rift with the government and told NDTV news channel that “the government is good to me”.

Post-Diwali pollution in Delhi ‘severe’ NEW DELHI: A thick haze enveloped Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region on Friday morning after a Diwali night that was less noisy than the previous year though the Supreme Court ban didn’t deter revellers from bursting firecrackers.

The volume of ultra fine particulates PM2.5 and PM10 also witnessed sharp increase after 7 p.m. on Diwali night, online indicators of pollution monitoring stations in Delhi and NCR showed.

According to Central Pollution Control Board data, the air quality index in Delhi and adjoining Gurugram and Noida satellite towns was recorded “very poor” at 15 monitoring stations - where it ranged from 339 to 390. The index value between 300 and 400 is considered “very poor” that can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing a public meeting, at Kedarnath in Uttarakhand on October 20.

met the then Chief Minister (Vijay Bahuguna) and the state government officials and offered that Gujarat would redevelop Kedar-

nath. During the meeting they agreed. And I announced it outside in the media.

“But when the news was flashed

on television, and it reached Delhi, the people there (UPA government) panicked and within hours the state government was pressurised to announce that it will redevelop Kedarnath itself,” Modi alleged.

Modi said after the BJP government came to power in Uttarakhand earlier this year “I understood that the work of Kedaranath redevelopment will be done by us”.

In June 2013, then Chief Minister Bahuguna and the Congress party had rebuffed Modi’s offer for redevelopment of Kedarnath and his Rs 30 million cheque, which was in addition to a Rs 20 million his state had donated for rain disaster relief.

The Congress and other parties had criticized Modi for trying to be the “Rambo” of rescue. The Congress had alleged he was trying to communalize a natural calamity.

Modi, speaking about the work

being done in Kedarnath, said: “Through the work we are doing we want to show what an ideal ‘Tirth Kshetra’ (pilgrim center) should be like, how it should be pilgrim friendly and the wellbeing of the priests should be given importance.

“We are building quality infrastructure in Kedarnath. It will be modern but the traditional ethos will be preserved.

We will ensure the environment is not damaged,” Modi said, adding it would also be developed as a site for adventure sports and to showcase the natural beauty of the area.

He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for a slew of reconstruction projects in Kedarpuri, including renovation of Adi Guru Shankaracharya’s tomb which was damaged in the floods.

BJP questions Vadra’s links with arms dealer IANS, NEW DELHI

Conduct any probe against Vadra, dares Congress

T

he Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday asked the Congress party to explain the alleged links between party President Sonia Gandhi’s son-inlaw Robert Vadra and arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari.

“Why is the senior leadership of the Congress silent on the Vadra matter,” Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked, referring to media reports about the reported financial links between Vadra and the arms dealer, who fled to the UK. Bhandari, who ran a defense consultancy firm called Offset India Solutions, faces an investigation into a defense deal in which he is alleged to have received kickbacks after swinging the jet trainer deal for Swiss company Pilatus.

In the latest media report expos-

Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. (Photo: IANS)

ing the Bhandari-Vadra links, TimesNow TV news channel claimed to have accessed emails to establish that the two were in close touch with each other. The channel claimed that the emails show

BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: After the BJP asked the Congress to explain alleged links of party President Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra with arms dealer Sanjay Bhandari, the Congress on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can get “any investigation” done in the matter.

“Modiji has been in power for 41 months. They (BJP) have governments in Haryana and Rajasthan,

that Bhandari bought Vadra air tickets worth Rs 800,000 for an Emirates flight in August 2012.

The Congress did not reacted to

and can conduct any investigation into allegations against Vadra to come to a conclusion through a free and fair process of law of any wrongdoing,” said Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala at a news conference here.

“What prevents them from initiating an inquiry against Vadra if they have proof of any wrongdoing,” Surjewala questioned.

—IANS

the TimesNow report immediately.

“Is the Congress leadership, by being silent, implying they knew of it?,” Sitharaman asked.

‘CM Adityanath’s Taj visit will help in damage control’ BRIJ KHANDELWAL, AGRA

T

ourism industry leaders in Agra have welcomed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s decision to visit the Taj Mahal, which is seen as a damage control exercise after a series of controversial statements by politicians on the 17th century marble wonder.

Adityanath’s visit to Agra on October 26 will help soothe frayed tempers in the city, said tourism industry players.

BJP MLA Sangeet Som had stirred controversy last week when

he called the Taj Mahal a blot on Indian culture, while some other right-wing politicians have said the

Unesco World Heritage Site visited by millions was not representative of the Indian socio-cultural ethos.

Bodies representing guides, travel agencies, hotels, have threatened agitation at the “continued downgrading” and “motivated insults” targeting Agra.

Mughal historian Prof R. Nath has in a series of letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Adityanath asked politicians not to distort history and base judgments on “gossips”.

Agra Tourism Welfare Chamber president Prahlad Agarwal said “a campaign to deny Agra its rightful share and recognition as the country’s chief destination has hit the tourism sector badly”.

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india feature india feature x

BJP again turns to Ram in UP

To boost BJP’s fortune in the state, CM Yogi Adityanath turns to build 100-metre tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of Saryu AMULYA GANGULI, NEW DELHI

T

he reason why the UP election results in May were a showpiece for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was that they represented, in the party’s opinion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continuing forward march.

Yet, the overblown nature of this self-congratulatory assessment will be evident if the outcome of the five elections which took place are taken into consideration.

A more realistic picture will be available if all the results are taken together, for it will show that the original verdict was 3-2 in the Congress’s favor with an outright win in Punjab and emerging as the largest party in Goa and Manipur.

It is another matter that what the Congress won in the swings, it lost in the roundabouts because a nimble-footed BJP managed to lure away a sufficient number of MLAs to its side to rob the Congress of its

No.1 position in the Goa and Manipur assemblies.

But if the BJP had been humble enough to look at the results in their entirety, then it might not have gloated over its success in UP. That election was one which the BJP could not win because its principal

“development for all” rhetoric.

But, since law and order in UP has always been dismal, it will be unfair to blame the present government for its failures on this count.

What has attracted countrywide attention are the deaths of scores of children in the state’s hospitals.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appears to be consolidating the Hindu vote to make up for his inability to provide good governance opponent, the Samajwadi Party (SP), had shot itself in the foot via its internal factional battles.

It was the belief, however, that the BJP had decimated the opposition in the country’s largest state which apparently made the party commit what may turn out to be a fateful mistake by choosing one of the most hawkish of the hardliners to be the Chief Minister. True, Yogi Adityanath has toned down some of his utterances in deference to Modi’s

Considering that UP once witnessed a Rs 90 billion scam in connection with a rural health programme when two Chief Medical Officers were killed and their deputy died in custody, the latest tragedy may appear to be a part of a dreadful pattern. But its hurtful impact on the Chief Minister and his party cannot be denied.

To make matters worse, the upsurge of student demonstrations in Banaras Hindu University

Yogi Adityanath has toned down some of his utterances in deference to Modi’s “development for all” rhetoric.

(BHU) over what the Vice Chancellor initially dismissed as an incident of eve-teasing has been seen as yet another evidence of dissatisfaction with the ruling dispensation.

The unrest in BHU has followed the defeat of the BJP’s affiliate, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), in student union elections in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Hyderabad University and Gauhati University.

There is little doubt, however, that episodes such as these have deprived the BJP of much of the sheen of its victory in less than six months.

It is expected, therefore, for Yogi Adityanath to turn to building a 100-meter tall statue of Lord Ram on the banks of the Saryu river to boost the BJP’s fortunes. Since he appears incapable of providing efficient governance, consolidating the Hindu vote is the only way out.

Gurdaspur byelection: Where sleaze dominated Charges of rape, cheating, extortion and other immoral acts, including sex videos and photographs, flew thick and fast among candidates and the leaders supporting them JAIDEEP SARIN, GURDASPUR (PUNJAB)

P

olitical and development issues were overshadowed in the campaign for the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha by-election dominated by personal attacks and sleaze — leaving voters to decide who is cleaner in an otherwise dirty mess.

Charges of rape, cheating, extortion and other immoral acts, including sex videos and photographs, were flying thick and fast among candidates and the leaders supporting them.

The fight for the seat was supposed to be a direct one between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is supported by alliance partner Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and the Congress party.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is the main opposition party in the Punjab assembly, too was trying hard to sustain itself politically in this byelection.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh with Punjab Congress Chief Sunil Jakhar who won Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in the recently concluded by-elections.

The BJP was seeking to retain the seat, which fell vacant in April after the demise of actor-politician Vinod Khanna due to cancer, while the Congress, which came to power in Punjab in March after a thumping victory in the assembly

polls, was trying to wrest the seat.

While the BJP has fielded controversial Mumbai-based millionaire businessman Swarn Salaria, the Congress opted for state Congress president Sunil Jakhar, who is an “outsider” here. The AAP had field-

ed a former Army officer, Major General Suresh Khajuria (retired).

The political sleaze started when senior SAD leader and former minister Sucha Singh Langah was booked by Punjab Police on charges of rape and cheating. The allegations were levelled by a 39-year-old woman, who works with Punjab Police, and said Langah had been raping her since 2009 under the threat of death.

The BJP and SAD, despite initially defending Langah, had to quickly get into damage-control mode as he was the district president of the constituency.

Langah, who is now in police custody, was forced to resign from all party posts and was expelled by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal. The Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikh religion, immediately called a meeting of five Sikh high priests and excommunicated Langah.

The Congress seized the opportunity to take the lead over the

BJP-SAD combine.

But once the Langah affair was behind them, the BJP-SAD leadership went on the political offensive.

Salaria questioned the credentials of Jakhar, terming him an “outsider” who lost his assembly seat in the state elections earlier this year at a time when the Congress had swept to power, winning 77 of the 117 seats in the assembly.

He questioned Jakhar on the suicide of his brother and levelled allegations regarding a woman.

But Salaria, who has a controversial rags-to-riches story, is now himself facing heat with photographs and videos allegedly involving him doing the rounds of social media.

The Congress had even raked up the issue of Salaria not declaring in his nomination papers that he was facing a case, filed by a woman, in a Mumbai court.

Among all the mess, the voters of Gurdaspur have fended for themselves — with issues of development being pushed back.

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special report feature story x

2 Kashmiri women combat menstrual taboo

Mir and Mubeena, who grew up in an orphanage, began their entrepreneurial journey of manufacturing and selling sanitary napkins to help poor women two years ago SARWAR KASHANI, KUPWARA, (JAMMU AND KASHMIR)

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rowing up in a society that stigmatizes menstruation, two women social entrepreneurs in this border village of Jammu and Kashmir are battling the taboos attached to what is a routine biological process. They are not only creating awareness but also manufacturing and selling sanitary napkins to help poorer women who cannot afford branded products.

Mir Musharraf, 18, and Mubeena Khan, 25, who grew up in an orphanage here, began their entrepreneurial journey two years ago, knowing well the arduous task they had chosen for themselves.

“We have experienced what women in Kashmir, particularly in the border and rural areas, go through during their periods. It’s not only about the stigma, it is also about hygiene during periods,” Mir told IANS. Khan added: “It was never going to be easy. We knew that. Talking about menstruating is not easy even with women in Kashmir. But we wanted to defeat the stigma.”

After her husband’s death, Mir’s mother had no other means of income to sustain the family. She got her daughter admitted to

Kashmiri entrepreneurs Mir Musharraf and Mubeena Khan, who grew up in an orphanage, at their sanitary napkin manufacturing unit in border district of Kupwara. (Photo: IANS)

Basaira-a-Tabasum, an orphanage in Kupwara town run by Borderless World Foundation, a Pune-based non-governmental organization that helps with the socio-economic development of people in border areas. At the orphanage, Mir became friends with a “like-minded” Khan, who had also lost her father when she was just two-and-a-half.

Remembering their days in the orphanage, both Mir and Khan recalled how they used to talk for hours daily, planning what they

wanted to do in their lives.

Khan had always felt perplexed about the treatment women got during their menstrual cycles. They are not allowed inside kitchens, they are not allowed to pray, they become untouchables during their periods.

And equally important was making women aware about hygiene and other health issues associated with periods. Hundreds of studies have conclusively revealed that the practice of using cloth during periods is associated with very high risk

of cervical cancers. The two girls have conducted hundreds of awareness camps in schools, colleges and community centres talking about the issue. Eventually, they spoke with the Borderless World Foundation and shared the idea of setting up a cost-effective sanitary napkin manufacturing unit in Kupwara.

The real challenge was to raise the money needed for investment and also working capital. Iqra Javed, project officer with the Borderless World Foundation in Srinagar, said

the foundation itself invested nearly Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million) to set up and run the unit.

Apart from this, the foundation helped them win Rs 300,000 as investment at a 2016 start-up competition by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Chinar Internationals, a Srinagar-based NGO helping start-ups.

And finally came the time to make a “Happy Choice” -- the name they gave to their business unit.

Machines and raw material were brought and the unit was set up at the Borderless World Foundationrun women development and social-entrepreneurship centre, Rahe-Niswan, in a shanty structure in Solkute, 6 kms from Kupwara town.

The plan was to start production at the Solkute centre and establish a supply chain to distribute the product to other villages of the district.

The production rate was 250 packs of six pieces each a day. Each pack was sold at Rs 26 -- against an average market price of Rs 35. A profit margin of Rs 16 was still significant. To improve, they needed a packaging machine and a machine that would make and attach wings to the pads. But it would mean another investment of about Rs 900,000.

Starved of funds, the two had to temporarily close their unit and have set out on an investment hunt.

Festive cheer

eludes realty sector VINOD BEHL, NEW DELHI

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uch against the expectations of the real estate sector, this year’s festive season is turning out to be somewhat disappointing for property developers as aspiring home buyers are extra cautious about investments in the backdrop of the slowing economy and unstable realty sector, hit by the short-term impact of the Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA) and the Goods & Services Tax (GST).

Capital-starved property developers, sitting on huge unsold inventories of residential real estate, had been banking heavily

on this year’s festive season to push sales and cut down their inventories.

Their optimism stemmed from the fact that property rates have bottomed out and the home loan interest rate has touched a six-year low of 8.35 per cent and that the enactment of RERA, which empowers and protects consumers, would boost the sentiments of home buyers.

Buoyed by all this, developers had lined up the best of bargains, with attractive deals and discounts that include free modular kitchens, free club membership, free car parking, no GST and no maintenance charges, no EMI till posses-

This year’s festive season is turning out to be somewhat disappointing for property developers.

sion and waiver of stamp duty & registration fee. So much so that developers were quoting all-inclusive pricing and giving their track record of delivery to win the confidence of buyers.

But, unlike in the past, when

prospective property buyers eagerly waited for the festive sales, this year, the charm of the season has somewhat diminished as months before its onset, developers and real estate marketing companies had been holding property festi-

vals/shows and offering handsome bargains to liquidate their unsold inventories.

This, according to the latest industry statistics,stands close to four years, with the NCR topping with an inventory of 58 months.

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Loan waiver as ‘Diwali gift’ Maharashtra farmers to get a ‘Diwali gift’ in the form of loan waivers from October 18, says Chief Minister IANS, MUMBAI

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fter an anxious wait of over five months, Maharashtra farmers will get a “Diwali gift” in the form of loan waivers from October 18, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced here this week.

“We shall start disbursal to farmers under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana across all the districts in the state.

The money would be deposited directly into their bank accounts,” Fadnavis told media persons while hosting the customary Diwali-eve lunch at his official residence, Varsha. Admitting that it would entail a huge burden on the state exchequer, he made it clear that “providing

Note ban was wrong move: Hassan CHENNAI: Apologizing for supporting demonetization, actor Kamal Hassan said he will again salute Prime Minister Narendra Modi if Kamal Hassan he also accepts that the note ban was a mistake.

In an article in the Tamil magazine Anandavikatan, the actor said accepting and correcting mistakes is a marker for great leaders which Mahatma Gandhi was able to do.

Hassan said Modi should not be stubborn in arguing that the rabbit he had caught has three legs.

On his initial support for the demonetization of 1,000 and 500 rupee notes, Hassan said he had welcomed the move and tweeted that it should be supported regardless of party affiliation.

“I thought people should bear with minor irritants in the goal to eradicate black money,” he wrote.

The actor said his friends and those who know economics had called him and criticized his support for demonetization.

Hassan said he later thought that demonetization was good but the manner in which it was implemented was wrong.

He said now there were voices saying demonetization was a deception and the weak response from the government raises serious doubts about the scheme.

relief to the farmers is the top priority” of the state government.

“Within the next 25-30 days, we shall clear around 80 per cent of the loan waiver disbursals. We have a software in place which has been tested and has a data base of around

tled for the disbursal.

Earlier, welcoming the announcement, the ruling party ally Shiv Sena claimed credit for the farm loans waiver and hoped that the entire exercise would be completed by October-end.

The ruling party ally Shiv Sena claimed credit for the farm loans waiver and hoped that the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. (File Photo: IANS) entire exercise would be completed by had announced a massive Rs mostly small and medium farmers, October-end. six million applicant-farmers,” Fadnavis added.

On reports of many “farmers” from Mumbai applying for the debt waiver scheme, he said a probe was underway and only those found genuine and eligible would be enti-

“It is because of the crusade we had launched that the state government had announced the loans waiver scheme for farmers,” said Shiv Sena Spokesperson and MP Sanjay Raut.

On June 24, the state government

34,022-crore relief package for the farmers, days after an unprecedented 11-day strike by the farming community in the state.

Under the scheme, the total number of beneficiaries were estimated to be around 8.90 million, but it is expected that over four million,

shall become completely debt-free, enabling them to avail fresh bank loans.

As per the available figures, around 3.61 million farmers shall be eligible for financial assistance of up to Rs 1.50 lakh each to clear their pending loans.

No pre-poll pact with Congress: Kerala CM V.S. CHANDRASEKAR, NEW DELHI

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pre-poll alliance with the Congress is ruled out, says Kerala Chief Minister and CPI-M leader Pinarayi Vijayan, who appears not to completely rule out a tactical tie-up with it after the 2019 general elections to check the BJP. The Marxist leader also favors his party taking the initiative in mobilizing secular parties, especially the regional ones, against the Bharatiya Janata Party in various states.

“Generally speaking, there is no question of any truck or alliance with the Congress. The Congress is not a party with which we can have an alliance. Other things are hypothetical,” Vijayan told IANS in an interview here.

The Chief Minister also talked about the “flop show” of the BJPRSS against the Left in Kerala and controversies like beef ban and the atmosphere of intolerance in the country. Having come under pressure from the BJP and the RSS-led Sangh Parivar, which has launched an aggressive campaign ‘Janraksha Yatra’ (Protect People March) in his state, the veteran leader vowed to fight the BJP and the Sangh Parivar “tooth and nail”, saying they want to “destroy” Kerala, which the people won’t support.

The BJP had become “a national enemy with its policies” and the country was in deep economic trouble due to demonetisation and the

Kerala Chief Minister and CPI-M leader Pinarayi Vijayan. (Photo: IANS)

GST (Goods and Services Tax), he said. He also accused the BJP of towing the RSS line completely and spreading intolerance in the society by forcing people’s eating habits and violence against intellectuals.

The CPI-M leader’s stand on prepoll alliance assumes significance in the context of the just-concluded three-day meeting of the party Central Committee, which discussed the issue amid speculation that a section of the party, led by General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and including V.S. Achutanandan, favored a tie-up with the Congress to take on the BJP.

Media reports say the Central Committee was divided 32-31 against a tie-up with the Congress.

The section led by former General Secretary Prakash Karat was said to be strongly opposed to doing business with the Congress.

Asked if the party would reconsider the strategy of not tying up with the Congress to keep the BJP at bay, Vijayan said: “Things about elections the party will decide at that time. We can talk about it only at that time. We cannot take a total stand right now.”

To a question whether tactical

seat adjustments with the Congress was possible, he said: “In this current atmosphere, this is our stand.

Rest of the things we will think at the time of the election.”

Vijayan said for the first time in the history of the country the entire power of the Center was used in a state against a political rival.

“Central ministers, Chief Ministers of different states and MPs all had come to Kerala for the march.

Even though it is said to be BJP’s march, actually the RSS is behind it.

The RSS chief in his Vijayadasami speech had attacked Kerala and the march followed the speech.”

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the result in the Assembly by-election in Vengara, where the BJP was pushed to the fourth position in the midst of attempts by the RSS to pitchfork the party to the front.

Though the LDF lost the elections, it raised its vote share by getting 40,000 plus votes in the area, which is dominated by Indian Union Muslim League.

Referring to killing of intellectuals by suspected rightwing forces, he said: “Your opinion may not match mine and I can oppose it openly and that’s the tradition which was being followed in our country. But now people who speak up are being killed. Thinkers Pansare, Kalburgi, Dabholkar were killed. Then Gauri Lankesh and Santanu. All this shows a high level of intolerance”.

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India crush Malaysia to sit on top of 2nd round in Asia Cup India were already 5-0 up when Razie Rahim and Ramadan Rosli struck for Malaysia, who in their previous match had stunned Pakistan 3-2 IANS, DHAKA

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ndia thrashed Malaysia 6-2 in a second-round clash to take a big step towards qualification for the final of the Asia Cup hockey championship here on Thursday.

Akashdeep Singh (15th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (19th), S.K. Uthappa (24th), Gurjant Singh (33rd), S.V. Sunil (40th) and Sardar Singh (60th) scored the goals for a ruthless India.

India were already 5-0 up when Razie Rahim and Ramadan Rosli struck for Malaysia, who in their previous match had stunned Pakistan 3-2.

With this win, India now have four points from two matches, while second-placed Malaysia have three points.

South Korea, who drew 1-1 with Pakistan earlier in the day, hold the third spot.

Top two teams will qualify for the final, while the teams finishing third and fourth will vie for the bronze medal.

On Saturday, India will meet

BRIEFS: Denmark Open: Prannoy in quarters ODENSE (DENMARK): Indian shuttler H.S. Prannoy stormed into the men’s singles quarter-finals of the Denmark Open World Superseries Premier here on Thursday.

The Indian stunned Malaysian veteran Lee Chong Wei with a 2117, 11-21, 21-19 triumph in an hour and three minutes.

However, star shuttler P.V. Sindhu lost her opening round match to Chen Yufei of China.

India lose top ODI spot to South Africa DUBAI: India lost their top OneDay International spot to South Africa in the latest team rankings released by International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Proteas returned to top spot with 6,244 points from 52 matches on Wednesday, following their 104-run victory over Bangladesh in the second ODI. India has moved down to the second spot with 5,993 points from 50 matches. India defeated Australia 4-1 to clinch the top spot in ODI rankings earlier.

—IANS

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With this win, India now have four points from two matches, while second-placed Malaysia have three points. (Photo: Hockey India)

Pakistan needing at least a draw to seal their place in the final on October 22.

Malaysia will face South Korea on Friday also searching for a point to reach the final.

But the Malaysians need to put up a better performance that they did against India.

Having won all their matches thus far in the tournament, Malaysia raced out of the blocks at a frenetic pace, attacking India constantly.

They made two strong circle entries at the start of the game but an alert Indian defense kept them out of scoring.

India’s first break-through came in the 14th minute when Manpreet assisted Akashdeep inside the circle with a fiercely-struck long pass. The Indian forward was impeccable in his attempt to improvise the pass to beat the Malaysian goalkeeper Kumar Subramiam to take a 1-0 lead in the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera make brilliant saves that had the Dhaka audience in raptures. His first big save came only two minutes into the second quarter when Malaysia won a penalty corner. Karkera was resolute to pad it away.

Later in the 23rd minute, another penalty corner was averted when Karkera saved a fiercely struck dragflick from Rahim to keep Malaysia from converting.

Earlier, Harmanpreet Singh was at his best when he found the center of the goal to take India’s lead to 20 in the 19th minute. A good assist

by Sunil saw Uthappa score India’s third goal in the 24th minute.

Post the 10-minute half-time break, India scored two more goals to stamp their supremacy over Malaysia. It was Gurjant in the 33rd minute followed by a splendid goal by Sunil brilliantly-assisted by Gurjant Singh who worked in tandem to score India’s fifth goal.

India extended their lead in the 60th minute when veteran Sardar employed a reverse-hand strike.

Coach expects big from junior team NEW DELHI: India junior hockey team coach Jude Felix has said his wards will showcase “top-quality hockey” at the 7th Sultan of Johor Cup which begins on October 22 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

The Indian team, captained by Vivek Sagar Prasad with Pratap Lakra his deputy, will go into the tournament aiming to gain exposure and experience against players from the top international teams at the junior level.

Japan, Australia, Great Britain, the United States and Malaysia are the other five participating teams in the tournament. India will play a match each with them through the round-robin format.

The 18-member squad had been going through the grind at the national camp at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Lucknow.

“We have done our preparations at the national camp keeping in mind the teams we will be up against at the Sultan of Johor Cup. It is important for this young bunch to get accustomed to performing against the top teams and players from across the world. I am confident that we will showcase topquality hockey in Malaysia,” Felix said.

The Indian team finished runners-up the last time they took part in the 5th Sultan of Johor Cup in 2015.

—IANS

FIFA U-17 World Cup: England pip Japan DEBAYAN MUKHERJEE, KOLKATA

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ngland Under-17 boys did what their senior team footballers could not for many years by keeping their nerves during tie-breakers to edge past Japan 5-3 and advance to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here on Tuesday.

For England, Rhian Brewster, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Phil Foden, goalkeeper Curtis Anderson and Nya Kirby were on target during penalty shootout after both teams were locked goalless at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan.

Japan’s Hinata Kida’s effort from the spot was saved by Anderson, with Yukinari Sugawara, Taisei Miyashiro and Soichiro Kozuki converting their penalties.

This is the third time England have advanced to the quarter-finals, the other two times being in 2007, 2011.

England will now take on the United States in Goa on October 21. This is the first time since European championships in 1996 that

‘U-17 World Cup a great opportunity’ KOLKATA: Despite his friends in India telling him football will never topple cricket and become the country’s top sport, Alan Shearer, the alltime leading goal-scorer in the English Premier League (EPL), believes “these are exciting times” for the sport here with the FIFA Under-17 World Cup going on in full steam.

“My friends here tell me that football is never going to be the number one sport in India and cricket will always have that title,” the Newcastle United legend, who has 260 goals to his name, told IANS in an email interaction.

“But that does not mean stopping efforts to make Indian football bigger

England claimed shootout success.

Both England and Japan made wholesale changes to their first XI for their last group engagements.

While England strolled to a 4-0 win despite the eight alterations to their starting line-up against Iraq, Japan

Players in action during a Round of 16 match of FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 between England and Japan in Kolkata. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)

and better. I have seen first hand the enthusiasm for football in India and the Premier League’s support will only help drive interest and encourage more people to play. This is a really exciting time for football in India and the U-17 World Cup is a great opportunity for India.”

India is hosting the U-17 World Cup for the first time.

were surprisingly held 1-1 by minnows New Caledonia as they made nine changes to the team that lost 12 to France.

For this clash, Japan made two changes from the France game, with skipper Shimpei Fukuoaka, and

Toichi Suzuki in for Kohei Okuno and Seiya Baba.

The Asian powerhouses warmed English keeper Curtis Anderson’s gloves early on with a low drive which the Manchester City custodian dived low to his left to save.

England took time to get into gear with their 14th minute break forcing Japan’s Yuki Kobayashi to wrestle Rhian Brewster down after the Liverpool striker was set up by a combination of Phil Foden and skipper Angel Gomes. Kobayashi will miss the next game.

Brewster tested Japan keeper Kosei Tani soon after from a Gomes pass, while at the other end Takefusa Kubo skied an effort from 25 yards.

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CELEBRATING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Ayodhya hosts grand ‘Deepotsav’ Along with Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Governor Ram Naik and senior ministers were also in attendance for the grand ‘Deepotsav’ celebration IANS, AYODHYA

Tonnes of flower petals were showered as the actors portraying the characters from the Ramayana arrived at the venue of the Ram Lila. The event was hosted by the Tourism Department of the UP government

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hants of Jai Shri Ram echoed on the banks of the Saryu river as actors portraying the roles of Lord Rama and Sita arrived on a chopper decked up to resemble the mythological Pushpak Viman — in a recreation of Lord Rama’s return from 14 years of exile to Ayodhya — as part of a grand ‘Deepotsav’ celebration, attended by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and senior ministers were also in attendance for the event in the flower-bedecked and gaily lighted temple town this week.

Tonnes of flower petals were showered as the actors portraying the characters from the Ramayana arrived at the venue of the Ram Lila. As part of the Deepotsav, a record 1.73 lakh diyas or earthern lamps will be lighted on the banks of the Saryu.

The event was hosted by the Tourism Department of the Uttar Pradesh government.

The state government placed

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomes Ram, Lakshman and Sita on their arrival at ‘Deepotsav’ celebration hosted by the Tourism Department of the Uttar Pradesh government in Ayodhya. (Photo: IANS)

full-page advertisements in newspapers and the entire government machinery has been pressed into service to make the event a grand success.

The Chief Minister has said the efforts by his government to “recre-

ate the treta yug Diwali” was aimed to promote Ayodhya as a tourist draw, but opposition parties have alleged the BJP is trying to drum up support for its communal politics.

“This is all being done with an

eye on the Gujarat elections and the BJP leaders are trying to deflect the attention from its failure in UP,” a senior BSP leader said.

Talking to IANS, a Samajwadi Party leader said the past governments have been promoting Ayod-

hya as a tourist destination and the Adityanath government’s mega event was “merely to whitewash its failures”.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya has trashed the opposition charges as baseless.

Senior Congress leader Alok Sharma said the event was being held with an eye on the Gujarat elections.

“I hope the BJP also finds equal focus for the innocent infants who died in Gorakhpur due to shortage of oxygen,” he said.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Deepotsav, that will commence after dusk.

Festive rush in Bengal as Kali Puja-Diwali coincide KOLKATA: West Bengal plunged into religious fervor this week with simultaneous Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations.

A light spell of rain failed to dampen the spirits as devotees geared up for double celebrations this year, with Diwali and Kali Puja falling on the same day.

Durga Puja hangover had barely subsided when preparations for the “twin dhamaka” began.

Over the years, Kali Puja celebrations have been scaled up to match the lingering festive atmosphere post Durga Puja, the biggest festival in West Bengal.

Fresh marquees (pandals) across the city have sprung up while several community pujas refrained from dismantling the Durga Puja pandals, decking them up again to serve Goddess Kali.

People across the state exchanged

sweets and savories with friends, neighbors and relatives. The festival saw the mingling of a sizeable population of non-Bengali communities (Marwari, Gujarati, Bihari) and Bengalis across the state to celebrate Diwali.

designs of the north Indians stole many hearts.

Ululations (high pitched vocal sounds) and peals of bells resonated across temples and residences observing Kali Puja, adding to the

Thousands visited Kalighat and Dakshineswar Kali temples since morning.

Long queues were seen at Tarapith temple near Rampurhat in Birbhum district Thousands visited Kalighat and Dakshineswar Kali temples since morning. Long queues were seen at Tarapith temple near Rampurhat in Birbhum district, where lakhs converged to pray to Goddess.

South Indian community’s “kolam” (rangoli with interconnecting dots and flowery patterns), “alpana” (traditional patterns) of the Bengalis and the multi-hued powdered “rangoli”

festive spirit.

People hit the streets in their best ethnic wears, making way through various marquees and stopping for a bite. In Howrah district’s Kantapukur marquee, organizers showcased women’s oppression despite claims of gender equity. They urged women to stand up and triumph over discrimination. An array of crackers — torches, sparklers, flowerpots, rockets —

A goddess Kali idol at Beniapukur Jubak Samiti puja pandal. (Photo: IANS)

spread cheer among revellers as they burst into colorful sparks against the night sky. Authorities have banned sale and use of crackers emitting over 90 decibel of sound to control noise pollution. The state government has also barred bursting of fireworks

in the vicinity of Salt Lake stadium during the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which ends on October 28, to prevent deterioration of the quality of air.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee greeted people on Kali Puja and Diwali.

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CELEBRATING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Firecrackers ban hits traders Shopkeepers, hoping to restart Diwali sales, were furious and disappointed by the setback they have been facing in business IANS, NEW DELHI

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s the Supreme Court refused to modify its earlier order banning the sale of firecrackers in Delhi and the NCR, traders, who were hoping to of restart the business, were furious and also disappointed by the setback they have been facing in business.

All the fireworks shops near the Jama Masjid area were shut with a few owners having waited till the afternoon for the court order, which they expected to be in their favor.

However, it transpired that they had to keep their outlets closed with the previous stock still inside.

Those who used to open temporary stalls during the Diwali season, said they had returned the previous stock to the factories but those in the sole business of crackers and other festive products expressed extreme anger and dejection.

The ban will be in effect till further orders till November 1, with the apex court, pointing to the adverse impact of bursting of the fire crackers witnessed year after year, said that the November 11, 2016 order suspending the licenses “should be given one chance to test itself” to see if there would be a positive effect of this, particularly during Diwali.

But traders said they could not

All the fireworks shops near the Jama Masjid area were shut with a few owners having waited till the afternoon for the court order. (Photo: IANS)

comprehend this kind of reasoning given to bar them from doing business with many feeling that just one day of bursting of crackers couldn’t have that adverse an effect on the environment.

“The government spends crores on killing mosquitoes. Bursting of crackers on Diwali is a boon as it helps dealing with diseases like dengue and malaria. There isn’t a

lot of pollution generated in just one day anyway,” said Jai Kishan Das, 72, who otherwise sells soft drinks and temporarily does the business of crackers in the Diwali season.

“Why aren’t they taking any steps to control pollution on other days as well? No orders for stubble burning and other activities?” he asked.

His grandson, said: “We will cel-

ebrate October 19 as black Diwali and would start selling crackers after the ban is lifted on November 1. There will be a Diwali celebration with crackers on November 6 here.”

Amit, 42, from Ajit Fireworks, said their family business of crackers has been running for past 50 years and “people’s livelihoods will have a tragic impact” from the

court’s “experimental” order.

“The court must have taken the decision due to reasons it found relevant. For us, there is no relevance of it at all. There have been a solid instigation that has led to such a wrong decision. One day control cannot change the overall situation of the environment.

“We get very little business opportunities on other days and during other festivals. Diwali is major for us. Does the court have any answer to our problems?” he asked.

What will he do about the previous stock?

“Our kids will burst these crackers. We will celebrate Diwali like we do every year. No change to it.”

Satya Prakash, 54, runs a general store in the same bazaar and does additional business of crackers this time every year. “There won’t be any noise or dirt this Diwali because of the ban but the lives of people only selling crackers will be affected tremendously.

“So many people come from villages specially for this trade. Millions are associated with it. They have been left helpless. Hence, it is a very insensitive order,” he said.

One of his Muslim customers, Mohammad Farhan, who although doesn’t celebrate the festival, also expressed his disagreement with the order.

Working professionals welcome ban on firecracker NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court ban on sale of firecrackers in DelhiNCR continues to draw mixed reactions from the general public, though a majority of working professionals in the region have supported it, a survey report released said.

“While there is no doubt about construction activities, road dust, vehicular pollution, waste burning, and other such factors being majorly responsible for deteriorating air quality in and around the city, majority of people in Delhi-National Capital Region feel that no source of pollution is too small to be ignored when it comes to public health concerns,” the survey conducted by industry body Associat-

ed Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said.

Assocham’s Social Development Foundation (ASDF) randomly interacted with about 2,000 people in general at entry and exit points of Delhi metro stations across the city over the last weekend to ascertain views on the Supreme Court’s October 9 order suspending the sale of firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, the industry body said in a statement.

“Banning the sale of firecrackers is a very welcome move as smoke from fireworks is a common trigger for many individuals with asthma; many people experience respiratory distress, bronchitis, persistent cough,

burning eyes, itchy throat, and other related problems,” Assocham President Sandeep Jajodia said while releasing the survey findings.

“Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is not just devastating the environment but it might also hurt ‘brand India’ thereby severely hitting sectors like tourism and outdoor recreation as people tend to stay away from polluted areas to avoid dense and toxic air,” he said.

Sunshine and good air have become luxury for Delhiities, who have been dealing with anxieties over pollution, traffic and related stress, the Assocham President added.

According to the survey findings, over half of the total respondents (55

Firecracker traders sit idle outside their shops near a Jama Masjid market in Delhi. (Photo: IANS)

per cent) said the ban in Delhi-NCR must be welcomed, considering the need to avoid a spike in pollution to hazardous levels even though many of these opined that effectiveness of the ban remains to be seen.

Of those supporting the ban, some also said that it is high time that

authorities also take equally stringent steps to curb other factors contributing to air pollution.

Overall, majority of respondents said they are geared up for Diwali as they have already purchased facemasks to protect themselves from toxic air pollution.

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BY ZOFEEN MAQSOOD

Alamelu Vairavan, is a successful TV show host, author of many popular cookbooks and a culinary instructor. The South India native who has lived most her life in the U.S. discovered her love for Indian cooking as a new bride in America. She took her passion to perfection and with her efforts has been busting many myths about Indian food and educating Americans about the health value of Indian meals. Vairavan has her own television series titled ‘Healthful Indian Flavors with Alamelu,’ on PBS TV. A recipient of the ‘outstanding contribution,’ award from the James Beard Foundation she has also been regularly invited as the chef-author at major culinary events across the country.

BRINGING INDIAN FLAVORS TO AMERICA When Vairavan is not busy with her show or taking enthusiastic Americans on a walking tour through the streets of Devon in Chicago, teaching them the right usage of Indian spices; she is experimenting with newer flavors in her kitchen.

Hi India catches up with Alamelu Vairavan to talk about Indian food and why it is one of the best cuisines in the world.

When Alamelu Vairavan, got an offer to do a cookery show on PBS TV, she didn’t know that the show which was initially aired in Wisconsin will be so well-received by the American viewers. The immense popularity of the show led it to its airing across the country on PBS Create. However Alamelu credits this success to the benefits of Indian cooking. She says, “People assume that Indian cooking is very time consuming and full of spices but once they understand the basic principles behind its methods they would know that we rely as much on fresh ingredients and regional cooking as any other evolved cuisine around the world.”

Interestingly, Vairavan who is widely known as one of the few home chefs in the United States promoting regional Indian cooking did not grow up cooking.

In fact she first wielded the kitchen spatula only when she came to the US after her marriage. She recalls, “In India it is pretty common to have specialized cooks

in the household and my house was no different.”

Vairavan, who hails from Chettinad region in South India, says she grew up eating a variety of dishes that were magically put up on their dining table by cooks at home. She says, “We ate everything from Brussels sprouts to broccoli --vegetables regarded as ‘Western.’ So, I was quite surprised to see when I came to the U.S. that a lot of Indians too did not know how to prepare desi dishes using the ingredients available locally.”

She says, “I grew up in Chennai and we were exposed to a large number of ancient cooking techniques which were very advanced however I only enjoyed these delicacies without ever attempting to learn how to cook it.” She also recalls, “There was so much emphasis on the variety of dishes the we consumed at home that we often made trips to Cochin and Kodaikanal near Chennai to source veggies that were grown in the cooler climes. Our cooks would harvest these vegetables at the prime time and then would freeze them carefully so that we could enjoy their delicacies for a long time.”

LIFE IN THE U.S. Alamelu recalls that when she first came

to the states with her husband after their marriage she assumed that there would be a cook to take care of their needs. However she was in for a shock to discover that cooks in household are a rarity in America. Alamelu who was all of 18, did not even know how to make tea or coffee.

It was around this time that she went over to one of her relatives’ place in New York. Her aunt and uncle in New York had a specialized South Indian cook at home and this is where Alamelu’s early lessons in cooking began. Her aunt assured her husband to leave Alamelu under the cook’s tutelage for a few days and she would learn the basics of cooking. So while her journey towards the world of cooking may have begun then it was only much later in life

that she took cooking professionally.

Since Alamelu was a young bride in the U.S. still getting used to the change in culture and ambience she decided to enroll herself in the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She raised a family and alongside completed a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management.

It was after she began her professional life in health sector, that Alamelu realized how important it was to educate everyone on the benefits of fresh cooking. A principle followed in almost all households back in India. While working as a consultant for various healthcare facilities in Wisconsin, Alamelu, realized that she needs to impart the knowledge of healthy, fresh cooked meals. She recalls, “While working with a

ALAMELU WHO LOVES COMING TO CHICAGO SAYS THAT SHE LOVES THE VIBE OF THE CITY AND ESPECIALLY OF THE DEVON STREET AREA IN THE CITY. AS IT IS BUSTLING WITH THE RICH FLAVORS AND SPICES THAT ARE SO ESSENTIAL TO INDIAN COOKING

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 FRIDAY, 13 20 OCTOBER, 2017

AS A CULINARY INSTRUCTOR, ALAMELU ALSO CONDUCTS A DAY TRIP TO DEVON STREET IN CHICAGO, WHERE SHE TAKES A GROUP OF PEOPLE INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE ABOUT INDIAN CUISINE AND TEACHES THEM ABOUT SPICES, LENTILS AND LEGUMES THAT ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF DESI COOKING private facility, my heart broke to see how the residents were served pre-packaged food.

When there was an abundance of food in America, I could not understand the reason why one would rely on packaged food. I felt they were not properly fed and it bothered

me. When I discussed it with my husband he asked me to quit my job and follow my passion.”

Since embarking on a culinary journey, Alamelu has written various cookbooks such as: ‘India Inspired Gluten-Free Cooking,’ ‘Chettinad Kitchen: Food and Flavors from South India.’ She has also co-authored ‘Healthy South Indian Cooking’ and ‘Art of South Indian Cooking.’ She has also made contributions to many books and has been featured in magazines and newspapers across the globe including USA Today, Los Angeles Times, New York Post and many more.

COOKING CULTURE IN MIDWEST Alamelu who lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin says that the culinary culture of mid west America is extremely fascinating.

She says, “While in Wisconsin everything is made in cheese, butter as it is the dairy state of America, nearby Chicago which she frequents very often is a melting point of cuisines.”

Alamelu who loves coming to Chicago says that she loves the vibe of the city and especially of the Devon Street area in the city. As it is bustling with the rich flavors and spices that are so essential to Indian cooking.

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ALAMELU’S LOVE FOR CHICAGO DOES NOT END HERE. AMONGST THE MANY CHIC EATERIES IN THE CITY WHICH SHE LIKES GOING TO, HER FAVORITE IS VERMILION – WHICH SERVES AN EXCELLENT FUSION OF INDIAN AND LATIN DINING Alamelu Vairavan shares with us her recipe for a festive breakfast Cream of Wheat Uppuma As a culinary instructor, Alamelu also conducts a day trip to Devon Street in Chicago, where she takes a group of people

her grocery from ‘Sri Gayathri Foods’ and ‘Indian Groceries and Spices.’ She insists that the secret to good cooking is stocking up on

interested in knowing more about Indian cuisine and teaches them about spices, lentils and legumes that are an important part of desi cooking. She says, “When these people understand the concept behind adding these spices and the medicinal benefits associated with them they are impressed. Many have even undertaken trips to India after these sessions as they want to know more.”

But Alamelu’s love for Chicago does not end here. Amongst the many chic eateries in the city which she likes going to, her favorite is Vermilion – which serves an excellent fusion of Indian and Latin dining.

She also loves stocking her kitchen with ingredients from the ‘Patel Brothers’ in Devon. While in Milwaukee she buys

quality ingredients and that’s why she relies on these stores.

Alamelu’s zestful cooking has won her recipes rave reviews in some of the most reputed publications. She has also been featured as the chef-author many times at the annual Kohler Food and Wine Experience. She has also presented workshops at the prestigious James Beard Foundation, a culinary institution in Manhattan, New York. Her appearances on various TV channels such as Discovery, Fox, NBS and many more has helped her build a consistent fan following.

Despite her many cooking commitments she still enjoys stirring a healthy meal at home for her husband and two adult kids.

SHE ALSO LOVES STOCKING HER KITCHEN WITH INGREDIENTS FROM THE ‘PATEL BROTHERS’ IN DEVON. SHE INSISTS THAT THE SECRET TO GOOD COOKING IS STOCKING UP ON QUALITY INGREDIENTS.

2 tablespoons oil 1 whole dried red chili pepper 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds 1 teaspoon urad dal 1⁄4 cup finely chopped onions 1⁄4 cup finely chopped tomatoes 1 cup uncooked quick or regular cream of wheat* 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1 fresh green chili pepper finely chopped 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 2 cups warm water 1⁄4 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves 1 teaspoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoons roasted cashew halves *cream of wheat can be replaced with cracked wheat (crushed or cut raw wheat kernels, o en available with specialty flours) or quinoa.

1 Place oil in a skillet over medium heat.

When oil is hot, but not smoking, add red chili pepper, mustard seeds, and urad dal and cook for a few seconds until urad dal turns golden.

2 Add onions and tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Add cream of wheat and stir for 1 minute. Add salt, chili pepper, and ginger.

Stir for 1 minute.

3 Gradually add 2 cups of warm water to cream of wheat while stirring. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes.

4 add cilantro and butter. Stir well. Add cashews, if desired, and mix well.

A festive dessert recipe perfect for Diwali Sweet Black Rice with Cardamom and Coconut 1 cup black rice 1-cup sugar 1.2-teaspoon cardamom 2 tablespoons ghee 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut (or sweetened coconut) 1 Bring 3 cups of water to a boil and then add rice. Cook rice about 25 minutes or until soft. (A rice cooker or pressure cooker can be used to cook rice) 2. Place cooked rice in bowl and add sugar, cardamom, melted butter. And coconut. Mix well.

3. Serve at room temperature or cold and garnish with fruit as desired.

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CELEBRATING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

CORPORATE INDIA SAYS NO TO GIFTS The gift reduction is more for outside connects than employees receiving annual gesture from employers IANS, NEW DELHI

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oncerned about slowdown and pressure on balance sheets, corporate India is going slow on Diwali gifts to its associates, networked partners and others, slashing the budget by at least 35-40 per cent, an Assocham survey said this week.

The reduction in gifts is more for outside connects than employees who are more or less receiving their annual gesture from their employers, the survey said.

However, it added that there has been certainly a downward impact on the bonus payments, with several corporates reeling under debt and cutting costs in their overall operations.

Besides, jerks arising out of demonetization and the roll out issues of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) too have affected the overall sentiment.

“Consequent to slowdown in the Diwali gift sale, the FMCG companies which generally bet high on festive sales in the business

of chocolates, cookies, sweets are reporting less than normal sales,” said D.S. Rawat, Secretary General, Assocham.

“Similar is the case with consumer durable firms engaged in washing machines, refrigerators, cooking ovens, electric stoves and other such items. Even the festive sale of high-end smartphones seems to have taken a hit,” Rawat added.

“The survey endorses the general low-key mood of the industry and trade with the con-

siderable trimming of the festive budget,” he said.

The chamber had conducted a telephonic survey of 758 companies across tier I, II and III cities - Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow and

Mumbai in the run-up to Diwali.

Online shopping vouchers, cash rewards, gift cards, dry fruits, chocolate/bakery (cake and biscuits) items, wearable devices like fitness tracker and others were top choices as Diwali gifts for both employees and clients, said most of the company representatives.

GST dampens kitchenware sales by 30-40% “While GST on appliances like pressure cookers and others has reduced from 18 percent to 12 percent, the factories have not passed on the benefits to local traders. The prices of appliances are higher as compared to last year,” Yadav noted.

VINAMRA GUPTA, NEW DELHI

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hanteras this year failed to usher in good luck for kitchenware sellers who witnessed 30-40 percent drop in sales in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) due to the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) roll out, traders said this week.

“GST is the major factor that has dampened the spirit of the market this Dhanteras. There is at least 3040 percent drop in sales of kitchen appliances. Earlier, we used to receive stocks from factories without proper bills. But this year, we have received the stocks with GST bills, which resulted in tax burden and also higher prices,” Praveen Yadav, a wholesale trader in New Ashok Nagar, in east Delhi told IANS. He complained that some facto-

rect tax system. I believe it has worked as a sentiment dampener among retailers,” Danveer Rana, a wholesale trader in Sector 5, Noida, told IANS. Many retailers have even slashed the stocks they order during Diwali.

“Earlier, we used to receive stocks from factories without proper bills. But this year, we have received the stocks with GST bills, which resulted in tax burden and also higher prices” Dhanteras is significant to the kitchenware traders as it helps them clear a major chunk of their annual stocks. (Photo: IANS)

ries have not been passing on the benefits of GST to local traders since the change in the indirect tax regime came this July.

Dhanteras is significant to the kitchenware traders as it helps them clear a major chunk of their annual stocks.

Some traders believe the confusion about the GST still continues.

“The sales are quite less as compared to last year’s Dhanteras. The demand from retailers has reduced.

There is still a lot of confusion among traders about the new indi-

“Sales are 40 percent less this festive season. So, we have reduced our stock. We had bought the stock at 18 percent tax. Post-GST, we have no option but to sell it to the customers on reduced maximum retail price,” Jeet Bisht, a retailer said.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017

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Make right start for your online dream this Diwali Are you planning to start your new online store this festive season? Follow these five steps to hit your target audience right and stand out from the crowd ANURAG AVULA, NEW DELHI

KEY TAKEAWAYS

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iwali is a great time to start your new online business or to take your existing business online.

So what is your next step? You’ve created your online store, taken some amazing photos of your products and activated an appropriate payment platform. Congratulations! You are up and running.

Now you just need to sit back and wait for the customers to come pouring in, right?

Well, yes, in an ideal world — but with the explosion of growth in e-commerce, you still need to make your store stand out from the crowd, grab your customers’ attention, hold it and keep them returning for more. Here are five golden rules to start a successful business this Diwali.

Make your site clear and simple to use: When a customer reaches your site it should be obvious what you sell. Use a clean and professional template design that is simple in its message. Don’t allow the customer to be distracted by countless and un-needed information. Show your most popular and best-selling products first as a way to draw people in to start exploring your site.

1. Show your most popular and best-selling products as a way to draw people in to start exploring your site.

2. Make use of incentives to attract users and encourage loyalty.

3. Let testimonials and reviews show your worth.

4. Sell limited quantity of products for sometime and generate new interests to increase your client base later.

5. Talk to your customers as you would to a friend and engage them.

One must use a clean and professional template design for website that is simple in its message.

Consider using a “carousel” picture collage so that they can easily scroll through the images and see what’s on offer.

It’s the little extras that make a big difference: Free shipping, great returns policy (or free returns over a certain purchase value), a toll free number — making use of incentives to attract users is a great way to encourage loyalty. If you are able

to offer these great advantages, make sure you shout about them loud and clear on your homepage.

Testimonials and reviews: Take one of your glowing references and put it somewhere obvious on your homepage. If you can accompany this with a picture, it reinforces the fact that real people trust and use your products and services. Customer reviews are trusted 12 times

more than marketing by a company Daily deals and other discounts: Daily deals are another hugely popular idea. By selling a limited quantity of products for a short amount of time you can generate new interest and increase your client base. Once you have drawn them in — invite them to preview your other products.

Make a connection: Try to re-think

Enjoy Diwali sans guilt NEW DELHI: Saying no to sweets becomes near impossible around Diwali, making many conscious of their weight, calories and sugar level going up.

Be active and restrict to two drinks to enjoy festivities with full fervor.

Nutritionist Nmami Agarwal and Preeti Kakkar, nutritional expert at Credihealth, have listed what people can do to celebrate guilt-free Diwali: Plan your day: If one meal goes for a toss, make sure the rest of the meals are on track. For instance, if you’ve reserved a table for dinner,

then make sure your breakfast, lunch and snacks are balanced and healthier.

Festival and alcohol: Just restrict to two drinks. Alcohol dehydrates your body. Avoid taking cocktails and aerated drinks too as they give you just extra calories.

Be active: Physical activity will keep your metabolism active too. No matter what, engage in at least 20 minutes of physical activity every day. It can be in the form of dance, walk, jogging or yoga. You may find it hard to believe, but Surya Namaskar is the best way to fight exhaustion.

Don’t give up on sweets: It would be a crime to cut out the sweets entirely during this festival season.

So, better choose the healthier options and watch your portion size in detail. Go for dry fruits, phirni, kheer, dark chocolate and date mithai instead of other sugar-loaded sweets.

Hydrate yourself well: Don’t wait for the thirst to strike you at will.

Keep hydrating yourself at short intervals during the day. Moreover, it will also keep you stay full and energized in the rush of all Diwali preparation.

— IANS

your site as a content site that happens to sell products. Talk to your customers as you would to a friend and engage them so that they keep coming back for more. If you can demonstrate that you are passionate about your products and give tips and ideas on ways to use them, such as a demonstration video or a pinboard using your products, it adds more value to your site.

(Anurag Avula is the CEO of goshopmatic.com. The views expressed are personal.

He can be contacted at anurag@goshopmatic.com)

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CELEBRATING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Girls, get ready for that Diwali Diva look From embroidered anarkalis to lehengas, experts come up with the best style tips to make festivities even brighter for women IANS, NEW DELHI

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estival time not only means fun and food but looking stylish in the best traditional outfits seems to be in the wishlist for every girl. Going for a double layered look to creating unique styles with mix and match can do wonders to your festive fashion, say experts.

From embroidered anarkalis to flowy shararas, Meena Bindra, Chairperson of brand BIBA and Siddharth Bindra, Managing Director of Rangriti present some of the best style tips to make your festivities even brighter.

Statement bottom wears: Experimenting with bottom wears have become one of the most popular trend in the fashion circuit. Opt for a printed or a flowy bottom wear like nizami shararas, on rich fabrics such as chanderis, brocades to give an extra dimension to your regular outfit. Team it up with statement rings and bracelets to get the desired impression. The look reminisces the styles of the royal Nizams of Hyderabads Creating unique styles with mix and match: Adding layers to regular attire can also work wonders. Wear your regular skirt or lehenga with heavily embellished pathani jackets or exquisite benarasi dupattas to create traditional yet the bohemian look for the festive.

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Style up your festive wardrobe with colors NEW DELHI: Some women go shopping, while others start rummaging through their wardrobe in search of the perfect outfit to make a statement during the festive season.

Ladies, it’s time to update the fashion quotient with fringes and ruffles — and a splash of bright and pastel hues, say experts.

According to designer Archana Kochhar, this festive season is all about colors, fringes and ruffles.

“This season, the 1970s’ bohochic look has made a comeback.

Fringes fused on Indian silhouettes and contemporary outfits make every look trendy and versatile.

The beauty of this trend lies in its softness,” Kochhar told IANS. Kochhar says “from tassels, ear-

statement clutch and a beautifully designed mangtika can create a style statement this festive.

Sync with double-layered looks: Another trend which is picking up like rage is the double-layered looks available in different lengths helping to create one’s own artistic reflection.

Dramatically designed layered kurtis or anarkalis can be teamed with simple churidars bringing back the easy going styles of Peshwa dynasty.

Resemble of the glorious past While everyone loves to create one splendid Nawabi look

rings, bags, neck pieces and clothes, fringes can be found everywhere”.

“Ruffles are the biggest trend this festive season. From ruffle lehenga skirts, ruffle asymmetric sleeves, ruffle dupattas and ruffle statement shoulder blouses; this trend is everywhere and definitely a musthave. Bright pastels and pop colors are the right way to go.

during festivals, intricately designed anarkalis available in wide range of color palette will be a perfect piece to celebrate the grandeur of Indian cultures and traditions. Trendy designs in form of zari, gotta patti works have breathed in a lease of new life to the age old designs recapturing the splendor of the Mughal era.

Bejewelled looks: While traditional jhumkis and chandelier earrings accentuate the aura of our traditional ethnic outfits, we will recommend wearing sleek modern stone jeweleries this festive season as it will provide multiple choices in terms of color palette to choose from.

Trendy mangtikas, haath phools, statement bracelets, rings have also found immense popularity amongst modern women.

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CELEBRATING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Try homemade date sweets this year

Diwali is the time when the sweet-tooth is in overdrive so why not try dates this time as they are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. So this time, relish your sweet tooth in a healthy and guilt-free way with some homemade date mithais. Dates are also a popular choice of dessert among those who wish to limit overall sugar intake from their diet. Go for some of the delectable homemade recipes.

Oatmeal, khajoor and assorted nuts’ bars

Recipe by Namita Tiwari, a contributor at BetterButter

Recipe by Donna George, contributor at BetterButter

Time: 30 Mins; Serving: 10 people

Time: 40 Mins; Serving: 4 people

Method: Take peanuts in a thick bottom wok; Roast on low flame till the nuts begin to crackle and the color changes to golden brown; You can also toast the nuts in your oven.

Set temperature to 150 degrees C and set the timer to 10 minutes; Leave the nuts to cool; Wash the dates and chop them into small pieces; Remove the skin of the nuts;

Ingredients: 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1 packed cup pitted dates; 1/4 cup good quality honey (or agave syrup) ; 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond/ cashew butter); 1 cup raw or toasted mixed nuts (I used almonds, pistachios and pecans) Methid: Chop the assorted nuts and keep aside; Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (this may take about 1 minute or so); It should form a “dough” like consistency and will roll into a ball; Dry roast or toast the rolled oats in a non-stick pan for a few minutes until the color has change to a light brown; Take care not to burn the oats.Place the oats, chopped nuts and dates in a bowl and set aside.

In a small saucepan, warm honey and peanut butter over low heat; Stir and pour over the oats mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates till well combined; Once

Khajoor and peanut laddu (sugar-free)

Grind the nuts to a fine powder in your grinder; Transfer the dates to the wok. Add

ghee. Cook on low flame.

Soon the dates will begin to soften.

Mash the dates with the back of the ladle; Add peanut powder. mix well.

Turn off the heat; When the mixture is warm enough to handle, mix with your hands and mash to get a mixture with dough like consistency; Make walnut size laddu; Store cold laddu in an airtight container.

Enjoy the Khajoor and peanut laddus anytime.

Khajoor roll (sugar-free) thoroughly mixed, transfer to a dish/ pan lined with aluminium foil/ parchment paper so they lift out easily. Press down until uniformly flattened; Cover with aluminium foil/ parchment paper or plastic wrap, and let it set in the refrigerator or freezer for 25 to 30 minutes to harden; Remove the set bar from the dish and chop into even bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

These stay well.

Recipe by Purba Kalita, Co-Founder, SaleBhai Time: 30 minutes; Serving: 1820 pieces Ingredients : Dates (de-seeded) 250g; Cashews (chopped) - ¼ cup; Almonds (chopped) - ¼ cup; Pistachio (chopped) - ¼ cup; Condensed milk or honey 2 tablespoon, Ghee - 1-2 tablespoon

Method: Heat a nonstick pan over medium flame; Dry roast chopped nuts for 1-2 minutes till they get a little color; Turn off the heat and let it cool; Chop the

dates and blend in a mixer once; Heat some ghee in a pan over low flame, and add in the dates; Sauté for a couple of minutes till it turns into a soft mixture; Add the roasted nuts and mix well; Add condensed milk or honey so everything comes together to form a single lump; Allow the mixture to cool before dividing it into parts and shaping them into small cylindrical rolls.

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CELEBRATING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Dhanteras glitters with gold Overcoming the ghost of note ban and ignoring GST’s impact, people across India shopped gold in large numbers on Dhanteras — a day devoted to wealth in the Hindu tradition

BY APARAJITA GUPTA, NEW DELHI/MUMBAI/ KOLKATA/CHENNAI

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ome Dhanteras, and the hunger for gold, so visible among Indians, has helped them tide over the impact of demonetization and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), as customers thronged jewellery stores this festive week.

“We have witnessed very good footfall. Demand for jewellery is definitely higher this year than investment demand,” Balram Garg, Managing Director, P.C. Jewellers, told IANS in Delhi, adding “We expect sales to go up by 30 per cent on pent up demand due to various regulatory issues”.

Price of 24 carat gold in the national capital was hovering around Rs 30,000 per 10 grams earlier this week.

‘Dhan’ in Hindi means wealth, and ‘Terah’ means number 13.

Dhanteras, accordingly, means, the 13th Day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin in Indian Lunar Calendar, which in Hindu tradition is devoted to wealth.

Many seek to buy gold, silver and utensils and invoke the gods to bring in prosperity. In several parts of the country, people also worship the Goddess of Wealth — Lakshmi.

Echoing similar upbeat sentiments as Delhi, Jayantilal Chal-

lani, President o f Madras Jewellers and Diamond Merchants Association and a partner in Challani Jewellery Mart, told IANS: “The demand for gold and silver is good. First Dhanteras post-GST regime and also demonetization and income disclosure scheme issues has settled down. The footfalls in the stores are good.”

“During the last six-to-eight months, sales were a bit dull. But

for the past few days, the demand is good. Challani added.

The Centre’s recent decision to not make mandatory furnishing of PAN or Aadhaar card details for buying jewellery in cash up to Rs 200,000 had also ushered in a positive sentiment among buyers. The earlier limit was Rs 50,000 as part of the anti-money laundering (AML) guidelines.

“Gold price remains stable and range-bound in the run-up-to the festivals at around Rs 3,000 per gram, which is a positive factor.

Footfalls in retail stores have been good since morning. However, compared to last year, sales growth would be tepid,” Pankaj Parekh, Chairman of India Bullion and

Jewellers Association, Regional (East), told IANS in Kolkata.

Gold is at the centre of festivities and gifting traditions in India, particularly during Dhanteras, Diwali and the wedding season.

“Currently, gold demand seems to be recovering after withdrawal of the AML guidelines. Policy reforms in quick succession in recent years have targeted transparency and the industry is transitioning under GST to a more organized structure, with long-term benefits,” said Somasundaram P.R., Managing Director, India, at World Gold Council.

“It appears that demand for gold jewellery and branded coins seems to be better than the past quarter,

particularly in relation to organized players. A good monsoon and stable gold prices are definitely encouraging consumers to make token purchases for the auspicious festivals.

The ensuing wedding season, however, holds the key for the quarterly demand performance,” he added.

In Mumbai, All India Gems & Jewellery Federation Chairman Nitin Khandelwal said that with AML issues having been amicably resolved, buyers’ sentiments have been boosted.

“Though the footballs are increasing, we do not expect any growth over last year’s sales. We shall be happy even if last year’s sales/quantity figures are achieved, coming after demonetization, GST and RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority),” Khandelwal told IANS. However, the demand for gold jewellery for the Diwali festival in Bengaluru remained subdued because of negative sentiment and regulatory issues. Continuous rains for several days may also have done their bit to dampen enthusiasm for buying gold.

“Though GST is not an issue as the rate is only three percent on gold and jewellery, customers are wary of buying, as PAN card is mandatory if the bill is more than Rs 200,000,” Bengaluru Jewellers’ Association President Y.S. Ravikumar told IANS. “Owing to less purchasing power among the upper and middle classes, demand for gold or jewellery has not picked up since demonetization on November 8 last year,” he added.

In Frames

People busy buying jewelry on Dhanteras in Patna.

‘Dhanteras’ fervor seen in New Delhi.

A lady during jewelry shopping on the festive occasion in Amritsar.

(Photos: IANS)

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CELEBRATING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

B-Town’s date with Diwali In their own styles, actors celebrated the festival of lights with great passion and excitement.

The Hindi film industry also conveyed love and prosperity to its fans

Kalki, Richa suggest firecrackers’ alternative

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things that people can ‘burst’ instead of crackers on Diwali.

The quirky rap song delivers a strong message of animal welfare.

It introduces the concept of bursting numerous things like a bal-

Salman’s Diwali gift to fans: First look of ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ MUMBAI: Salman Khan’s piercing eyes catch the eye from the first look of his next movie Tiger Zinda Hai. The superstar, who was praised for his action avatar in the 2012 film Ek Tha Tiger, flaunts a revengeful demeanor in the first look of upcoming spy thriller film Tiger Zinda Hai. The look was revealed by Salman this week.

In the image, Salman can be seen with a bruised forehead, while he holds up a gun and stares into the viewers’ eyes.

loon, bubble, stereotype or a longhauled myth.

Sofia said: “I’ve fostered a lot of animals in the past and the poor creatures always get traumatized when they hear loud fireworks.”

“No one hunts like a wounded tiger,” reads the poster.

Salman tweeted: “Diwali gift.... pasand aaya? Ab Christmas pe milna... ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’.”

unable to take leave or celebrate festivals with family members because of work.

To that, Amitabh replied: “I try to keep myself free during festivals so that I can celebrate them with my family, but sometimes if I am out of India for shoots, I can’t be with my family.” When the Piku star asked the soldiers to share their wishes to the country for Diwali, one of them said: “We want our country to be happy always and request the citizens to have faith in us.”

inger-composer Shankar Mahadevan has collaborated for the first time with both his sons Siddharth and Shivam for a new song ‘Dilwali Diwali’.

Composed by Siddharth and Soumil and written by Amitabh Bhattacharya, the song is being launched on FM station Radio City on the occasion of Diwali.

It is fun and festive, and will be played across 33 cities that the station is present in.

Adding to the festivities, Shankar and his team have also composed a special new station jingle for Radio City — a mash-up of the ‘Dilwali Diwali’ song with the station’s ‘Rag Rag Mein Daude

City’ anthem. Mahadevan said: “Music connects all of us universally! For us, everything we do is ‘Dil se’ and we wanted to help everyone celebrate this Diwali from the heart, filled with lots of love, ‘ladoos’, laughter and joy all rolled into one; bringing my two amazing kids Siddharth and Shivam and me together for first time ever with our song ‘Dilwali Diwali’.”

‘Feed poor, celebrate in unity’ IANS, MUMBAI

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‘Keep myself free during festivals’ MUMBAI: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says during festivals, he always tries to keep himself free to spend time with his family.

Amitabh, who hosts popular game show “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC), greeted soldiers at the Wagah Border in an episode of the show.

A soldier named Pushpika Sahu asked Amitabh whether he is also

IANS, MUMBAI

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IANS MUMBAI

ctresses Kalki Koechlin and Richa Chadha have turned rappers to suggest alternatives to firecrackers through a new track on Diwali.

Sofia Ashraf, who is known for her series ‘Sista from the South’ and the two actresses who will soon be seen in the film Jia Aur Jia, released the video on Culture Machine’s YouTube channel Blush.

Titled ‘Burstin’ On Diwali’, part of “Sista from the South” series with Sofia featuring Kalki and Richa, the track is in support of animals, read a statement.

The song raps about other

Mahadevan unites with sons for a song

opular Bollywood celebrities like Lata Mangeshkar, Shatrughan Sinha, Asha Parekh and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have wished “Happy Diwali” to their fans and urged them to feed poor and celebrate the festival of lights in unity.

Here’s what these celebs have said: Lata Mangeshkar: This Diwali, I wish people would not spend money on firecrackers and lavish Shraddha Kapoor parties and instead give money to those who cannot afford a proper a tolerant more accommodating Diwali. and inclusive India this Diwali. I Shatrughan Sinha: To pray for every Indian’s right to see every political party think and say what he wants without fear or get together for one I pray for a agenda, one goal, inhibition. Personally, tolerant more I’ve lost someone close namely the accommodating to me. So, I am not celempowerment of and inclusive ebrating Diwali.” the poor -- this is India this Diwali. my Diwali wish. I Prasoon Joshi: Diwali —Bhansali also want Bihar gives us an opportunity Chief Minister Nitish to catch up with relationKumarji to join hands ships which might not with Prime Minister Narendra have got their fair share of light in Modi for some serious progress the whole year so it’s time to light and development in Bihar. up those less visited corners of your Sanjay Leela Bhansali: I pray for heart and life.

B-Town sends love on Diwali MUMBAI: On the occasion of Diwali, Bollywood celebrities like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan wished their fans love, happiness and prosperity and urged them to celebrate the festival of lights without crackers.

While some stars shared photographs with their family over social media, others greeted “Happy Diwali” to their fans.

Here’s what they tweeted: Dilip Kumar: May this beautiful festival fill your lives with joy, happiness, prosperity and peace.

God bless.

Amitabh Bachchan: To all...for all…Happy Diwali.

Hrithik Roshan: Happy Diwali beautiful people . You are beautiful ‘cause you are human. Celebrate your weakness and your strength. Sending you all my love.

Sridevi: Wishing all of you a very Happy Diwali. May this day bring prosperity, good health and peace to all.

—IANS

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community news/EAST COAST 2

FRIDAY, 20 OCTOBER, 2017

AIA Diwali Dhamaka draws a huge crowd

BY A STAFF WRITER AN JOSE, CA – A huge crowd, m o s t l y In d i a n A m e r i c a n s , thoroughly enjoyed the Dussehra and Diwali Dhamaka event held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds here on October 7.

Presented by Association of Indo Americans (AIA) and Bolly 92.3, the annual outdoor event was supported by over 30 Indian organizations based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The day-long event featured multiple activities like diya making, rangoli, flash mobs, musical and dance performances, Ravan Dahan, and fireworks.

While the Bollywood dances and classical dance performances entertained the audiences on the main stage, a separate staging area on the opposite end of the expo hall featured a couple of live bands.

The dignitaries present included Deputy Consul General Rohit Rathish; the Andhra Pradesh government’s special representative for North America, Jayaram Komati; Indian Supreme Court Judge Jasti Chalameswar; California state Assemblymen Kansen Chu

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State Assemblyman Ash Kalra seen in front of the rath

and Ash Kalra; County Supervisor Dave Cortese; San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo; Cupertino Mayor Savita Vaidhyanathan; South San Francisco Mayor Pradeep Gupta; Lily Mei, mayor of Fremont; Raj Salwan, Fremont city councilmember.

Also present were representatives

from the offices of Congressman Ro Khanna; Fiona Ma, member of the Board of Equalization; and state Assemblyman Evan Low. The dignitaries presented a certificate of recognition to the AIA. Over 60 vendors displayed their booths

Man leaves woman to die in burning car

BY A STAFF WRITER EW YORK, NY -- A woman of Indian descent was left to die in a car by the driver who left her behind after the vehicle caught fire in New York.

Firefighters found the charred body of 25-year-old Harleen Grewal early on the morning of October 13.

The driver of the car, Saeed Ahmad, 23, flagged down a taxi near the scene of the incident to go to a hospital.

Media reports said Ahmad stopped the taxi, saying, “Can I get a ride?” while his vehicle was in flames.

The police caught him at the hospital, where he was being treated for burns to his arms and legs, and charged him with homicide and several other offences relating to the incident.

His driving licence had been suspended prior to the accident making it illegal for him to drive.

featuring clothing, jewelry, mehndi, real estate, after schools, IT training, and health services.

The ‘Desi Food Festival’ presented various delicacies from Swagat Indian Cuisine, Shalimar Restaurant, Chaat Bhavan, Nawabi Hyderabad House, Peacock Indian Cuisine-Dublin, KostaSouth Indian Food Corner, and Eat Up, while Akshaya Indian Cuisine catered food for the event.

The patrons were thrilled by the expo center, fashion shows, high-energy Bollywood dances by NKD Arts, melodious songs presented by the singers from AIA/BATA karaoke group, the spiritual Maha Mangal Aarti, vendor booths, rides and other forms of outdoor entertainment.

The grand sponsor for the event was Dr. Prakash Advani of Family Dentistry, while the platinum sponsors included InsuKare.com Insurance and Neeraaji from Sampurna Vastu.

Other sponsors included &TV, Farmers Insurance, Mantri Developers, Fly Air Travels and Swadesh India Bazaar.

HIV smokers at greater risk for lung cancer

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(L-R) Saeed Ahmad & Harleen Grewal

The police said Ahmad had a few drinks before the crash but a blood test showed he was not legally drunk.

He was seen weaving in and out of traffic before his 2007 Infiniti G35 car hit the road divider and caught fire, according

to witnesses.

Ahmad also told the police he was dating Grewal, the daughter of Punjabi immigrants.

Ahmad’s brother, Waheed, claimed that the former had tried to rescue Grewal.

11-yr-old composer awarded first prize

BY A STAFF WRITER ULUTH, GA -- Krupa Patel, a pre-teen composer from Geet Rung school of Music Suwanee, presented her winning composition, “A Gleaming Waterfall” at the Georgia Federated Music Clubs state conference at Piano Works of Duluth.

Krupa, who represented the state of Georgia in the 2017 division II composition competition, was awarded the first 1st prize.

Because of her accomplishment in creativity, she was invited to present her original work for piano and cello at the conference with music teachers from all over Georgia.

President Debra Hughes recognized Krupa for her accomplishment at the conference.

She also shared the stage with other state winners and professional educators from around the nation. The 11-year-old composer’s piece was performed by artistes from the University of North Georgia, Nicholas Henderson and Tamara Stroup.

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Krupa Patel

Krupa studies piano and music composition with Dr David Peoples, GeetRung. She is also learning to perform on the violin. “It is an honor to have young

artistes representing their community and share their talent with professional musicians throughout our state,” said her teacher, Dr Peoples.

Researcher Dr. Krishna Reddy

BY A STAFF WRITER EW YORK, NY -- A study led by an Indian American researcher has revealed that people living with HIV who adhere to antiretroviral therapy but smoke tobacco cigarettes are more likely to die from lung cancer than from AIDS. The findings showed that overall people with HIV who take antiviral medicines but who also smoke are six to 13 times more likely to die from lung cancer than from HIV/AIDS. “Smoking and HIV are a particularly bad combination when it comes to lung cancer,” said lead author Krishna Reddy, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital.

“Lung cancer is now one of the leading killers of people with HIV, but most of these deaths can be prevented,” added Rochelle Walensky, professor at Harvard Medical School.

Among men who continue to be heavy smokers, an estimated 29 percent will die of lung cancer by 80, as will 23 percent of moderate smokers and 19 percent of light smokers.

For women who continue to be heavy smokers, an estimated 29 percent will die of lung cancer by age 80, as will 21 percent of moderate smokers and 17 percent of light smokers.

However, among those who managed to quit smoking by age 40, only about six percent die of lung cancer.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017

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