USUS Affairs 10 9 Affairs
Subcontinent Op Ed 1923
$ #& Spiritual Awareness 30 Spiritual Awareness 30
Astrology Lifestyle29 27
$# " "
&
South & Times # ! The Asian The South Asian Times
Excellence ExcellenceInInJournalism Journalism ! # " $ % !" &
NEW YORK EDITION NEW YORK EDITION
/,,%'% /& %#(./,/'8 !.$ )32 '1/63( ).3/ !. .)5%12)38 !##1%$) /,,%'% /& %#(./,/'8 !.!').' 1423%% 1 3!3)/. 6()#( 6),, "% (/./1%$ 40/. Vallone: Khan Indian-American JAINA’s 16th.%73 8%!1 3 %-0(!2)9%$ 3(% /)-"!3/1% Councilman .$)! 6!2 (%,$ !3 6!-).!3(!. 3(% Salman ()%& Risking career brings back largerbroadcaster ďŹ lesfor Convention in Houston )-0/13!.#% /& %#( /1042 (43.%8 !18 1%23!41!.3 ).age 7%#43)5% 1 4$1!-//13(8 : NY constituents of old discrimination suit 1).#)0!, than-life 1 – a huge hero 4.$ 6()#( 6),, (%,0 ). %$4#!3)/. /.-/43( 4.#3)/. %6 %12%8 success /. !341$!8 !8 (% !$(!+1)2(.!. )1%#3/1 /& $%2%15).' 234$%.32 %5%18 National Community, Bollywood, '!3(%1).' 6!2 !33%.$%$ "8 1 !.$!'/0!, : Convention, 8%!1 (% 1423 !,1%!$8 (%,02 JAINA Page 9 Page 16 7 234$%.32 %!#( 8%!1 &/1 3(%)1 !,4-.) &1/- 5!1)/42 &)%,$2 /& )1%#3/1 1 16-18 Pages /,,%'% /& %#(./,/'8 (% !,4-.) !.'!.!3(!. 1%2)$%.3 ,4-.) %$4#!3)/. /-% /& 3(% !,4-.) (/./1%$ "8 #!-% &1/- /23/. )1').)! 22/#)!3)/. 1 !$!1!*!. %..28,5!.)! %6 /1+ !.$ %6 %!$ !3(2 /-043%1 1 !.'!26!-8 6%1% 1 !#+ %12%8 .#,4$%$ 6%1% 3(% /,$%23 00,)#!3)/.2 1 //,! &/1 ()2 $/.!3)/.2 3/ '1!$4!3% 1 (!.-4'!- &1/- !.$!26!-8 %!$ )/-%$)#!, %#( 1 !-0!3( 4-!1 1 !13(4#(!,! //13(8 1 %,5!
"!3#( !.$ 3(% 8/4.'%23 '1!$ .').%%1).' 4!3% &1/- "!3#( (% 2,)$% 2(/6 01%2%.3!3)/. !.$ 1 )*!8 &/1 0,!..).' 3(% (% -%%3).' 6!2 01%2)$%$ "8 ()'(,)'(3%$ 5!1)/42 $%0!13-%.32 ). -%%3).' ). %6 %12%8 (%
)!-/.$
4"),%%
5)2)3).' $)'.)3!1)%2 /&
Vol. 4 |4No. 20 | September - 9, 2011 | 60 Cents Vol. | No.12 | July 9-15,32011 | 60 Cents %,%"1!3)/.2 /& !.!'%-%.3 1 !.'!26!-8
Pakistan turns ‘new front line’ of war on terror
The whole nation celebrated religious festivals this week: on Tuesday, Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, Hindus celebrated Ganesh Jayanti on Thursday and Jain community Kshawantsari (Day of Forgiveness) on Friday. Seen in the photo is a 121 kg Silver Ganesha being worshipped in Hubli, Karnataka. 53 percent of terror plots worldwide since 2004 involved jihadists, like Tehrik-e-Taliban and LeT cadres, trained in Pakistan.
CBI to probe BJP leaders in 2G scam
TheSouthAsianTimes.info TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Brahmrishi DeadlockGuruvanand over to give darshan in separate Telangana, Hicksville 10 protestsSept hot up
Indians picking up Parsi community property in USA: created modern Analyst Khosa Ghosh India: Amitav
Profile, India Newswire, PagePage 18 12
Real Estate, Features, Page Page26 26
2G scam claims another minister: Maran quits $ #&$% # $( * !# $ % ! "& % % # % $ % %
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano accompanied New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to inspect the damage at Long Beach when Hurricane Irene struck. The two leaders took questions later at Long Beach Fire House about dealing with the storm. (Photo: Michael Tamborrino) See more photographs on page 15 of Hon. Mangano who was on his feet through the last few days, preparing for and dealing with the natural disaster, exhibiting leadership qualities and resourcefulness under pressure.. Union Textiles Minister Dayanidhi Maran is second DMK minister to exit Manmohan government in the spectrum scam.
Obama to unveil While the government and the showed complicity in the scam. New Delhi/Chennai: Union Who won? planMinister on jobs, Thursday’s turn of events is Textiles Dayanidhi Ma- Congress party did not comment on #&$% # $( * !# $ % ! "& % ! % & # # ( % ) &% ' ( % # # $ Toronto: Pakistan is now the resistance to the country’s govern-economy ran resigned Thursday following the big political development, an likely to impact both the shape of growth # + # % ' % $% # ! & ( % $%& %$ Anna or government? new front in the war on terror as it ment, the draconian imposition of allegations of involvement in the emboldened opposition described impending cabinet shufe and deliSept 8 has become a new safe haven for al- Sharia law and the waging of war 2G spectrum scam, becoming the it as “too little too lateâ€? and sought cately poised relations between the
told the court that the investigatDelhi: Did Anna Hazare Qaeda, says the Canadian media a against NATO forces in Afghanistan. second DMK minister after A. New resignation of Home Minister P. Congress and the DMK. ing agency “may examineâ€? Jaswant win the battle of Lokpal? Yes, say Washington: President Barack Because of these militant outďŹ ts day after the country blacklisted the Chidambaram, who they alleged 2G scam continued on page 4 Raja to exit the cabinet. Singh, who headed the empowered some. Others feel differently. And Obama will deliver a rare address Pakistani Taliban and started with- Pakistan has become “the main group of ministers (EGOM) when staging area for terrorist plotsto a joint session of Congress next yet others said both the government drawal from Afghanistan Tuesday. Arun Shourie was the communica“The war on terror has shifted, around the world and - despite theweek to introduce his long-awaited and Team Anna had to make comtions minister between 2003-04. and Pakistan is its new front line,â€? United States’ assassination of Osa-plan for jobs and economic growth. promises to finally shake hands. The agency said its probe in- the Veteran journalist S. Nihal Singh ma bin Laden in Abbotabad a new The White House budget office said the daily National Post. alleged lapses for in al-Qaeda.â€? the ministry was on Thursday is expected to provide said Hazare scored only ‘half a vicsafe-haven “These two events (blacklisting broadly in foura parts Quoting studydealing by thewith Newrevised budget forecasts and the tory’. That is because Team Anna of the Pakistani Taliban and the the America tenures of ministers Pramod Foundation, the paperLabor Department on Friday will had to be flexible, added analyst N. start Jaswant of withdrawal from AfghaniSingh was Mahajan (2002-03), Arun shounew August unemployment Bhaskara Rao. Commentator Cho Rafinance minister in aNDA govt. stan) encapsulate shift, not only said 53 percent of terror plotsrelease Anna Hazare broke New Delhi: The billion), believes former chief secrie worldwide (2003-04), since Dayanidhi Maran maswamy, however, mocked Hazare. numbers. The two sets of data will 2004 involved valuables his fast Sunday. for Canada, but for all other naretary of Kerala CP Nair. found in (2004-07) and A. Raja (2007-10). ‘What they were able to achieve New Supreme Obama’s challenge: tionsDelhi: on theThe front lines ofCourt the war jihadists trained in Pakistan, com-highlight As adper a report, Thursday, the the secret cellars of There are varying degrees of alwasonThursday tolda by the Central short-term demands to was to put corruption on the front have been accepted by a governterror. For number of years, pared to six percent in Yemen anddressing Kerala’s famous Sree former bureaucrat claims that the leged wrongdoing in these periods. Bureau Investigation (CBI)shifting that jobs and shore up the burner. It did strike a chord among ment in a parliamentary system. three percent in Iraq. Pakistani ji-increase thoseof lines have been Padmanabhaswamy estimated market value of the trea‘Their original demands were The CBI found little evidence it “may examineâ€? the then finance economy minding long-term the people, especially youth,’ Nisoutheast, from Afghanistan to hadi groups have directed 44 per- Templewhile in Thiru- sures unearthed from the temple impossible. Butcellars they made their of cent lapsesof during Shourie’s tenure hal Singh said. minister Jaswant Singh over albudget deficits. Only ďŹ ve of the six secret of Padmanabthe terror plots since then, v a n a n t h a p u r a m makes it the richest temple in the Pakistan,â€? the paper said. point across the country,’ he yielding said. at the ministry, but there are variahaswamy Temple have been opened, He said the initial demands of leged Itwrongdoings in the comIn seeking a joint session of #&$% # $( * !# $ % ! "& % # & # &#% * # ! $! #&$% said the Tehrik-e-Taliban is according to the paper. could be worth Rs world. Gold idols,Bowing ornaments and other valuables. to nationwide protests & % % ' % tions War in the policycontinued and its impleTeam Hazare was for the accepmunications ministry the BJPto deliver his plan, thetreasure on terror on page 4Congress * ' # $ $ % ! %&# very dangerous as ' $% # itsin “stated goalâ€? is # Kerala continued on page 4 5 lakh crore ($100 in support of Hazare,... led National Democratic Alliance mentation during Mahajan’s tenure president is turning the effort into tance of the Jan Lokpal bill and Who won? and it is being further investigated, a public relations campaign. fixing a deadline for its passage in (NDA) government. Continued on page 4 CBI counsel said. parliament. But this could never CBI senior counsel K.K. Venugopal Obama plan Continued on page 4
Kerala temple treasure could be worth $100 billion
Eid Mubarak, Happy Ganesh Jayanti and Michchami Dukkadam - The South Asian Times
Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info
September 3-9, 2011
Meet on business prospects in India’s infrastructure sector New York: India, in view of its continuing robust growth, is expected to be the world's largest economy by 2050. With GDP estimated at $85.97 trillion on a PPP basis by 2050, from $3.92 trillion in 2010, India is poised to become the world’s largest economy in a span of only four decades. The country, to actualize the envisaged growth of unprecedented rapidity, needs to bolster its infrastructure. The government has made aggressive investments into the sector and the Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh has announced investments of $1 trillion in infrastructure in the country’s next five year plan commencing in 2013. Half of this is expected to be contributed by the private sector which presents a huge opportunity for the sector to play an integral role in leveraging this opportunity. A one-day conference, Infrastructure Today India Opportunity 2011, is being organized by Aspire International Group Inc. –US based infrastructure media group with arms in Middle East and South Asia, and India based business magazine Infrastructure Today, in perspective of the business opportunity the Indian market presents. After a reception on Sept 16, the conference will be held on September 17 at the Consulate General of India, New York.
The conference will have participation from over 100 delegates including ministers, bureaucrats, planners and industrialists from India and the USA, congregate to give expert presentations on policy, finance and technical aspects of infrastructure in India. These presentations will address issues in the sectors of Roads, Airports, Seaports & Logistics, Railways, Finance, Urban Development, Real Estate and Power across sessions. The Conference will be presided over by Senator Larry Pressler. US India Business Council (USIBC) is the supporting organization, and the conference boasts an impressive line-up of illustrated speakers including new Indian Ambassador to the US, Nirupama Rao, and Amb. Prabhu Dayal, Indian Consul General in New York.
Advocacy group seeks separate registration of Sikh marriages Washington: A US-based Sikh community advocacy group has sought UN intervention to persuade India to pass a law for separate registration of Sikh marriages. Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Wednesday submitted a memorandum to UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief Heiner Bielefeldt seeking UN intervention to impress India "to amend article 25 of the Indian Constitution to restore the independent status of Sikhism". Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government has refused to pass an act for registration of Sikh marriages while Muslims, Parsis, Christians and Jews of India already have separate acts for regis-
3
tration of their marriages, SFJ said. The Indian "government's refusal to pass law for separate registration of Sikh marriages is yet another instant of discrimination based on religion towards Sikhs", it said. SFJ legal advisor Gurpatwant Singh Pannun alleged the demand and struggle of Sikhs to have Sikhism recognized as a separate religion has resulted in extreme repression by Indian government. SFJ has also launched a "Proud to be Sikh" campaign to collect signatures, garner support and spread awareness among the world community about the alleged "discrimination meted to Sikhs by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government".
Mangano’s advice on filing claims in Nassau for hurricane property damage Mineola, NY: Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano arranged for the New York State Insurance Department to be available at certain points in the county September 1-2 to offer Nassau County residents advice on filing an insurance claim for property damage from Hurricane Irene. In addition, County Exectuive Mangano suggested the following measures for County residents with property damage: * The first step to getting your home restored is to contact your insurance company and/or agent with your policy number and other relevant information. Be aware that your policy might require that you make this notification within a certain time frame. * Take photographs or video of the damage before clean-up or repairs. After you've documented the damage, make repairs necessary to prevent further damage to your property, such as covering broken windows, leaking roofs and damaged walls. DO NOT have permanent repairs made until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the cost of repairs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage. Save all receipts, including those from the temporary repairs. * If your home is damaged to the extent
that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company or insurance agent if you have coverage for additional living expenses. * Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file the claim. Keep a diary of all conversations you have with the insurance company and your insurance agent, including names, times and dates of the calls or visits and contact details. * If the first offer made by the insurance company does not meet your expectations, be prepared to negotiate. If there is a disagreement about the claim, ask the company for the specific language in the policy in question and determine why you and the company interpret your policy differently. * Consumers should contact their insurance company, agent or broker to get answers to specific questions about their policies. Consumers who need further help should feel free to contact the New York State Insurance Department’s Consumer Services Bureau at 800-342-3736. Disaster related calls only should go to the Department’s disaster hotline at 800-339-1759. The Insurance Department’s online “Homeowner’s Resource Center” offers detailed information and a number of useful tools consumers may find helpful. It can be found on the Department’s website, http://www.ins.state.ny.us/hmonindx.htm.
Fight terror without blame: rights groups on 9/11 anniversary Washington: Ahead of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, more than 70 Muslim, Jewish and South Asian groups have underlined the critical importance of combating terrorism without casting blame or suspicion or alienating any particular community. The community and civil and human rights groups, including South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), Wednesday signed a statement of shared principles in advance of the 9/11 anniversary calling for greater partnerships between communities and law enforcement. Calling for solemn remembrance of the victims of 9/11, the statement sought "respect for diversity, fairness, and tolerance, and our commitment to protect fundamental freedoms and basic human rights as well as our need for safety and security". The statement also seeks a "respectful, evidence-based, public discourse that will foster reasoned and
constructive policymaking; and policies that promote inclusion and respect for basic rights of every person in America". SAALT Executive Director Deepa Iyer spoke of the "current tide of xenophobia and Islamophobia" and "profiling and backlash faced by South Asian Americans". "For South Asian, Sikh, Muslim and Arab American communities, the
grief that we felt on September 11th was quickly compounded with a sense of fear and uncertainty as reports of backlash, hate violence and scapegoating began to emerge," she said. "The ten year anniversary is a time for us to remember, reflect, and renew our country's commitment to fundamental values of inclusion, equality and diversity."
4
4
National Community
Community
August 13-19, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
September 3-9, 2011
Jaipur Foot and Jaipur Knee camp in Jaffna by Prakash Bhandari/SATimes
Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot admiring the artificial limbs that BMVSS will provide at a camp in Jaffna. BMVSS’s founder DR Mehta is on extreme right.
Obama plan Continued from page 1 In an email, Obama said he would deliver details of his jobs plan to Congress. “Whether they will do the job they were elected to do is ultimately up to them,” he wrote. “But both you and I can pressure them to do the right thing.” White House officials say the president in his address is expected to lay out proposals to increase hiring with a blend of tax incentives for business and government spending for public works projects. At the same time, he will offer long-term deficit reductions to make up for any upfront spending.
Who Won? Continued from page 1 Bowing to nationwide protests in support of Hazare, the government convened a special parliament session last weekend and the house embraced Hazare’s three key demands: Lokayuktas in every state, citizen’s charter in each government department and inclusion of lower bureaucracy under Lokpal. The next day, Hazare ended his fast, on its 13th day. N. Bhaskara Rao, founder and chairman of
Jaipur: With a view to appease and help the Sri Lankan Tamils who suffered heavy loss of life and property in the protracted civil war that ended in 2009, the Indian government has time and again aided Sri Lanka’s rehabilitation programs, particularly for the Tamils. Considering that a large number of Tamils who survived have lost their limbs, the Indian foreign ministry has started to provide artificial limbs to the amputees and others in Sri Lanka. On the ministry’s initiative, the Jaipur based Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti (BMVSS) is currently holding a month long camp in Jaffna in which over a thousand people would be provided with artificial limbs. Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot flagged off BMVSS’ 20 member team of technicians for Sri Lanka. He wished them great success and said that the camp would go a long way in generating goodwill between the two countries which are culturally and historically linked with each other for thousands of years. This camp, to last till September 30, is the second such camp in Sri Lanka. Last year a similar camp was organized at Vavuniya in Northern Sri Lanka in which over 1,200 persons were fitted with artificial limbs, enabling them to regain mobility and dignity. The beneficiaries who were able to shed their handicap and lead a normal life, included men, women and children.
Interestingly, some members of the technical team bound for Jaffna are handicapped themselves. They were rehabilitated by the BMVSS and provided with jobs. Today, they are all highly skilled technicians. Gehlot saw the artificial limbs which would be fitted to the limbless during the camp and was impressed with their quality and strength. He evinced particular interest in the Jaipur Knee, an above the limb artificial limb developed by the prestigious Stanford University of US in collaboration with BMVSS. DR Mehta, founder and chief patron of BMVSS, explained that the Jaipur Knee was rated as one of the world’s 50 best innovations by the Time magazine. It costs $20, while a similar limb in US costs $10,000. This limb has been fitted to more than 3,000 handicapped successfully. The BMVSS has also conducted similar camps in countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic, Nigeria, Nepal, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Vietnam, Sudan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Iraq and Fiji. In all about 20,000 persons in these countries were fitted with Jaipur Foot and Jaipur Knee. Over 1.2 million have been provided with artificial limbs and calipers so far by the BMVSS, thus making it the world’s largest organization for the handicapped.
the Centre for Media Studies, credited Team Hazare with flexibility during negotiations to reach a solution in a spirit of give and take with the long-term view of seeing a corruption-free India. ‘The (Jan Lokpal) bill was only symbolic... The entire nation has been awakened. There was natinowide awareness and resolve to fight corruption,’ Rao said. Rao said that the 13-day fast by Hazare and the nationwide solidarity protests involving tens of thousands led to ‘deepening
of democracy’ and showed that parliament and civil society needed to work together while drafting legislative measures. The point was accepted by Law Minister Salman Khurshid Saturday. And shedding the government’s earlier hardline stand, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh heaped praise on the 74-year-old Hazare. Chennai-based political analyst Cho Ramaswamy felt differently. He said it was Team Hazare that made one climbdown after another.
West Coast Correspondent: Pooja Jain, pj@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Printed Every Saturday by Forsythe Media Group, LLC ISSN 1941-9333 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Hicksville, NY 11801 Ph: 516-390-7847 Website: TheSouthAsianTimes.info Updated Daily Chairman and Co-Founder: Kamlesh C. Mehta Co-Founder: Saroosh Gull President: Arjit Mehta Board Advisors (Honorary): Ajay Lodha, MD, Anish Berry
Managing Editor: Parveen Chopra Associate Editors: Hiral Dholakia-Dave, Meenakshi Iyer Contributing Editors: Dr Prem Kumar Sharma, Melvin Durai, Harry Aurora, Ashok Vyas, Dr Akshat Jain, Nupur Joshi Director Ad Sales: Megha Batra Tel. 516-410-7970 mb@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Washington DC Correspondent: Sarbrina Siddiqui, ss@TheSouthAsianTimes.info
New Delhi Bureau: Meenakshi Iyer na@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Photo Journalist: Parveen/Bhanu Seth Jaipur (India) Bureau Prakash Bhandari email: prakashbhandari49@gmail.com Photographs: Gunjesh Desai/ masalajunction.com. Xitij Joshi/xitijphoto.com Chief Cartoonist: Mahendra P. Shah VP Marketing and PR (Washington DC): Chander Gambhir, T: 703-717-1667 Web Development: Naresh Sahu
Art and Design: Vladimir Tomovski Bhagwati Multimedia, Rahul Sahota, Web Editor: B.B.Chopra News Service: HT Media Ltd., India IANS Newswire Services Printing: Five Star Printing, NY Richner Publications Emails: editor@TheSouthAsianTimes.info subscribe@TheSouthAsianTimes.info advertise@TheSouthAsianTimes.info Advertisement: 516-390-7847 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Hicksville, NY 11801 F: 516-390-7847
Notice: The South Asian Times is published weekly by The Forsythe Media Group, LLC. POSTMASTER: Send all address notices, subscription orders/payments and other inquiries to The South Asian Times, 76 N Broadway, Suite 2004, Hicksville, NY 11801, USA. Copyright and all other rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be reprinted without the consent of the publisher. The views expressed on the opinion pages and in the letters to the editor pages are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of The South Asian Times. The editor/publisher does not warrant accuracy and cannot be held responsible for the content of the advertisements placed in the publication and/or inaccurate claims, if any, made by the advertisers. Advertisements of business or facilities included in this publication do not imply connection or endorsement of these businesses.
Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info
5
September 3-9, 2011
Deep Shah fined $34million Mukherjee 'delighted' his book among top 100 best non-fiction for insider trading New York: An Indian-origin former analyst has been accused of providing confidential company information in the Raj Rajaratnamled insider trading scheme, has been fined $34 million for his role in the scheme. Deep Shah, who was with credit ratings agency Moody's, is currently believed to be in India. He has failed to "appear, answer or otherwise defend the Securities and Exchange Commission's action," the Commission said. Judge Jed Rakoff in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered that Shah was liable to pay a $24.6 million fine and $9.9 million in restitution plus interest. The SEC had filed its action against Shah on October 16, 2009, which
alleged that hedge fund company Galleon, its chief Raj Rajaratnam and Deep Shah engaged in a widespread insider trading scheme involving hedge funds, industry professionals and corporate insiders. A resident of New Jersey at the time, Shah was employed at Moody's as a lodging industry analyst. SEC alleged that Shah violated federal securities laws by tipping an individual investor Roomy Khan about material and nonpublic information related to the July 2007 acquisition of Hilton Hotels by the Blackstone Group and the March 2007 acquisition of Kronos by Hellman & Friedman. Khan traded on the basis of this information and also tipped others.
Khan and others paid Shah cash for the inside information he gave them. Shah left Moody's in late 2007 or early 2008 and fled the country to avoid facing the insider trading charges. Khan pleaded guilty in 2009 to criminal conspiracy and securities fraud charges and has been cooperating with the government's investigation. Rajaratnam was convicted in May of insider trading and conspiracy. Prosecutors have recommended a maximum term of 24 and a half years when he is sentenced next month. The probe into the Galleon insider trading case, one of the largest in the country's history, has lead to more than two dozen arrests and 21 guilty pleas.
Amrita Singh among elite designers part of prestigious ‘Tour de Fashion’ New York: Delhi-born Tour de Fashion was and NYC-raised jewelcreated by the Fashion ry and accessories Center Business designer, Amrita Singh, Improvement District is part of an elite group (BID) in an effort to of 30 fashion designers, highlight New York including Diane von City's legendary Furstenberg, Prabal Fashion District as the Gurung, Isaac Mizrahi, birthplace and epicenter Nanette Lopez, Elie of American fashion. Tahari, Rebecca Taylor, "During Fashion Week, and more, invited to all eyes are on New “trick out” their own York City, and there is two-wheeler bicycle for no more appropriate the ‘Tour de Fashion: occasion to highlight Bike-Sharing Program,’ the wealth of talent and running September 8history we have right 15, 2011. The opening here in this neighborevent is on Wednesday, hood," says Barbara September 7 at 10 a.m. Randall, president of on the Broadway the Fashion Center Amrita Singh pedestrian plaza BID. between 39th and 40th Streets. “Being a part The bicycles will be available free of charge, of New York Fashion Week is every designer’s with a valid credit card and driver license, at dream come true,” says Singh. “While I don’t staffed stations on several of the plazas along want to give away too much about how I plan Broadway. Amrita Singh’s staff will be giving to ‘bling’ my bike, I will say that it will be fit away goodie bags filled with jewelry the for a Maharaja or Maharani (Indian prince or entire week of September 8-15 to everyone princess).” who rides her bicycle.
Event in honor of 9/11 victims at Liberty State Park Trenton, NJ: On Saturday, September 10, 2011, Governor Chris Christie, First Lady Mary Pat Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno will join New Jerseyans across the state in
commemorating the tenth anniversary of September 11 and honoring the victims, first responders and their families during a ceremony at Liberty State Park. Governor Christie will join
the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation for the dedication of the Empty Sky Memorial, a structure displaying the names of the 746 New Jerseyans who lost their lives ten years ago.
New York: Indian American Pulitzer Prize winner Siddhartha Mukherjee is "delighted" that his book on cancer has been listed 75th among Time magazine's "All-Time 100 Best Nonfiction Books" with President Barack Obama's autobiography in the third place. The Delhi-born cancer specialist's book "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" that made it to the Time magazine's top 10 non-fiction books of 2010 and The New York Times' top five list, figures fourth in the science section. "I am delighted," Mukherjee, 41, an assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University, who won the Pulizer in April said. Asked what he was writing now he said, "It's still in the works" and "It's too early to tell" what it's about. Mukherjee, who had his schooling at New Delhi's St. Columba's School, where he was five years junior to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, said then he began writing the book to explain what's cancer to a patient who told him she was willing to go on fighting but she needed to know what she was battling. In choosing "the 100 best and most influential written in English since 1923, the beginning of TIME ... magazine," the influential weekly notes Mukherjee's first book "is also one of the best-written, most accessible, most relevant science books ever penned." The science section is topped by "A Brief
Pulitzer Prize winner Siddhartha Mukherjee History of Time" by Stephen Hawking (72nd place). The list is topped by "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas" by Gertrude Stein with Obama's first memoir "Dreams from My Father" placed third. "Even if Obama hadn't ended up in the White House, Dreams from My Father would still be a compelling and beautifully written American story about the son of a black man and a white woman, his search for his African father and how he found a "workable meaning for his life as a black American."
6
Tristate Community
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Caribbean Indian had allegedly framed others too New York: Last December, a Queens woman was released from prison after prosecutors said her former boyfriend, Jerry Ramrattan, had framed her for a series of brazen armed robberies that never took place. Now, according to a New York Times report prosecutors say they are investigating accusations that Ramrattan, who obsessively watched police dramas on television and operated a detective agency, may have set up others for crimes they did not commit. Ramrattan is set to go on trial on Oct. 3 on charges of rape and conspiracy involving his former girlfriend, Seemona Sumasar, a former Morgan Stanley analyst who accused him of rape in 2009. Ramrattan, who is in custody on Rikers Island, has pleaded not guilty on both the conspiracy and rape charges. Sumasar, who had no prior criminal record, spent seven months in prison. She lost her restaurant franchise and was separated from her 12-year-old daughter. The plot
Jerry Ramrattan against her fell apart in October people had come forward and said 2010 — just weeks before she was that they, too, had been set up by set to go on trial — when police Ramrattan for crimes they did not detectives say an informant alerted commit. them that Ramrattan had framed Officials said they were investiher to silence her. gating these new accusations to Law enforcement officials said determine whether they could prothat after The New York Times vide evidence of a pattern that published an article last month could be used at Ramrattan’s trial about Sumasar’s ordeal, several to show that Sumasar was not his
Gayatri Gyan Kendra’s Sunday school invites registration for new academic year Deer Park, New York: Gayatri Gyan Kendra of Long Island (GGKLI), a unique Bal Sanskar Shala (Sunday school) run by Long Island Chapter of Global Gayatri Pariwar is extending the date of the registration of the students from August 31 to September 10, 2011 for the academic year 2011-12, in view of the encouraging response and request from the parents in Long Island. The first day of the school year 2011-12, is Sunday, September 11, 2011. The school year will end in first week of June 2012. The GGKLI is requesting all the parents to get their child/children name registered by the extended date failing which they will have to wait till the next year. GGKLI is modeled on the ancient principles of the “Gurukul” system run by the great Rishis and Sages of the past. GGKLI broad based teaching curriculum includes Development of Sanskars (Character Building), Health (Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation), Jivan Vidya (Jivan Sadhana), Service to Society,
Vendanta Dharma and Divine Rishi Indian Culture. The whole teaching program is framed with a view to teach more spirituality based on science rather than rituals. The students in GGKLI will also learn two Indian languages –Hindi and Gujarati besides the above subjects. The Indian Cultures and scientific Spirituality class is divided at 5 level depending on the school grade level and age of the students. Hindi and Gujarati are also taught at 5 and 3 levels respectively. Students from Pre-KG (4 years) to High School level (15 Years) can register for the program. GGKLI started in 2006 with only 20 students. Today within a short span of 4 years, GGKLI had an enrollment of 125 students for the year 201011 school year. The entire GGKLI is run by the volunteers’ teachers and parents. For more information about the school, interested parents can visit their website www.gayatripariwarli.org
Seemona Sumasar has accused him of rape and conspiracy first victim. They said they suspected that Ramrattan, who ran a detective agency called Most Wanted Inc., used his knowledge of police procedure to set up several people. Investigators said the other alleged victims of Ramrattan’s included a man from Willets Point, Queens, who said he had been arrested in 2009 after
Ramrattan framed him for a robbery that never took place. Ramrattan’s lawyer, Frank Kelly, said he had seen no evidence supporting such an account. Prosecutors said they had been approached by two other people claiming to have been set up by Ramrattan. One, a man named Deochan Singh, a Guyanese native from Merrick, N.Y., told prosecutors that Ramrattan had framed him in 2007 for a hit and run after his wife hired Ramrattan to investigate him. Kelly said that the accusations were unfounded and that Singh was “a disgruntled subject of an investigation of his marital infidelities.” In the third, and perhaps most bizarre, of the cases, Richard Persaud, 40, a businessman from Queens, told prosecutors that in 1993, he spent six months in prison for attempted murder after Ramrattan told the police that Persaud had shot him in the chest with a rifle through the sunroof of his car.
ZEE now airs hour long special episodes on weekends New York, NY: Starting August 27, ZEE TV has been bringing special episodes (maha episodes) every weekend. The schedule began on August 27 at 5:30 ET with a one hour special of Mrs. Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, which was followed by an exclusive Ganesh Chaturthi episode of Pavitra Rishta on August 28 at 5:30 pm ET. ZEE will air maha episodes of Choti Si Zindagi and Bhagonwali on September 3; Ram Milaayi Jodi and Yahan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli on September 10 and Choti Bahu on September 17.
Kareena Kapoor made a special appearance in ZEE’s Pavitra Rishta Ganesh Chaturthi mahaepisode
IAAC brings Rehana Lew Mirza’s play on 9/11aftermath New York: To commemorate the tenth anniversary of the September 11th tragedy, The Indo-American Arts Council will present ‘Barriers’ on September 11th at 7 p.m. at HERE Theatre (145 Sixth Avenue). The play, by Rehana LewMirza (The Good Muslim), is a Desipina production, about a South Asian family’s loss from the 9/11 attacks and the backlash they endure, featuring a cast that includes Pooja Kumar (Miss India USA 1995, “Hiding Divya”) and Sunkrish Bala (ABC-TV’s “Notes from the Underbelly”). The IAAC-sponsored performance will take place on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 with a pre-performance reception and a Q&A with the playwright, director and cast at 4:30 pm, followed by the performance at 7
pm. It is directed by Colette Robert. ‘Barriers’ takes place four months after the 9/11 attacks and focuses on the Chinese/Pakistani Abbas family and the loss of their eldest son Nabhil who had been in the World Trade Center during the attack. When Sunima, the Abbas's only daughter, comes home to announce her pending engagement to a white man – she finds her joyful news lost in a mire of household problems and quickly becomes trapped in the shared family loss that was never dealt with. As this multicultural family begins to fragment, they begin to piece together the past each one hides, and the future they all share.
National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info
7
September 3-9, 2011
4 Indian Americans among Pankit Doshi appointed to State Bar of California top Obama fundraisers Fairness Council
Washington, DC: Four Indian Americans have emerged among key fundraisers for Barack Obama, raising almost a million dollars among themselves for the US President's re-election campaign. According to OpenSecrets.Org, a sum of $35 million of the total $86 million raised by the Obama's campaign so far, has come from 244 individuals. Among them, the four top Indian American 'bundlers' "Azita Raji, Shefali Razdan Duggal, Deven Parekh and Kavita Tankha" alone have raised about a million among themselves. In American political lexicon, 'bundlers' refers to the individuals who help raise money through their friends after they exhaust their limit of personal contribution. As per latest available figures, Californiabased investor Azita Raji has helped contribute at least half a million for Obama's re-election campaign. She is a member of the Democratic National Committee and the National Advisory Board.
Raji is followed by New York's Deven Parekh of the Insight Venture Partners, who helped raised between $200,000 and $500,000. Parekh serves on the Advisory Board of US Export-Import Bank and the Technical Advisory Board of the Federal Communications Commission. Shefali Razdan Duggal and Kavita Tankha - both from California - have each raised between $50,000 to $100,000, latest campaign fund statistics reveal. Shefali Razdan Duggal is a member of President Barack Obama's Presidential Partners, the National Finance Committee (NFC) for President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign and the Northern California Finance Committee for the President's 2012 re-election campaign. Born in India, she has lived in Cincinnati, Chicago, New York and Boston. Tankha is an eminent attorney from Los Altos Hills, California.
OFBJP congratulates people of India, Anna Hazare and Indian Parliament New York: In a press statement Overseas Friends of BJP-USA has conveyed congratulations to the people of India for displaying unprecedented unity in their support to the movement against corruption led by Anna Hazare; and Indian Parliament for passing a resolution that paved the way for Annaji to break his fast. OFBJP hailed the efforts of Anna Hazare in leading the movement to legislate the Jan Lok Pal Bill and in bringing awakening in the Indian society against corruption and fighting for their democratic rights in a peaceful manner. OFBJP also congratulated the principal opposition party, BJP in India for taking an initiative in this respect and forcing the government to get
Annaji’s demands endorsed by the both houses of Parliament. “This is really a historic moment, and it is just the beginning in the fight against corruption” said, Dr. Adapa Prasad – OFBJP President and Chandrakant Patel – OFBJP Organizing Secretary. They said that India is witnessing a non-violent revolution that would change the functioning of the government and bureaucracy in years to come. Over the past 12 days, OFBJP has organized rallies and peaceful marches across the United States in support of Hazare. Some online campaigns were also initiated by OFBJP activists to galvanize Pravasi Bharatiyas who were equally concerned with the recent happenings in India.
New York: Indian-American Pankit Doshi, an Associate in Jackson Lewis' Los Angeles office, has been appointed by the State Bar of California Board of Governors to serve a three-year term (20112014) on the State Bar of California Council on Access and Fairness. The Council advises the State Bar's Board of Governors on diversity strategies and goals. The 25-member Council consists of both lawyers and public members from various constituencies and practice settings who are selected based on their record of leadership and work on matters related to diversity
Pankit Doshi pipeline challenges. This Indian American lawyer completed his graduation from California State University, Los Angeles, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political
Science and a minor in Business Administration. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles in 2003, where he was Vice President of the South Asian Law Student Association and Vice Justice of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Doshi is currently co-chair of the Litigation Committee for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and is Alternate Regional Governor for the California Central District. He is a past president and on the current Advisory Board of the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California.
Video challenge asks Asian Americans “What’s your story?” White House AAPI Initiative calls for 3-minute videos highlighting community’s Change Makers Washington, DC: The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has launched an online video challenge, asking participants to submit personal stories about people who have had an impact on the people around them. The effort, called “What’s your Story?” aims to highlight community service by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders whose dedication to a cause has made a difference in their communities. Participants are asked to submit a video describing unique experiences that have shaped who they are in less than three minutes. White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders director Kiran Ahuja said the video challenge is designed to help understand more about important issues facing the community and to highlight their contributions. “A community’s stories define who they are,” said Ahuja. “This is an opportunity to highlight the work of people making a difference in our communities every-
day. Whether you’re a passionate advocate for nail salon health and safety or working tirelessly to make life a little easier for new Americans, this is your chance to let us know how you’re making a difference.” Entries are accepted in any form, including music video, public service announcement, short film, video blog or in an interview format. Essays will also be accepted in the place of video entries. All entries should showcase someone’s work around a specific issue facing the AAPI community in under three minutes or with fewer than 1,000 words. Entries should be submitted online at http://www.whitehouse.gov/WhatsYourStory by Tuesday, November 1, 2011. A select number of entries will be posted on the White House website and a group of exceptional leaders highlighted will be selected to attend a White House briefing this fall and given the opportunity to share their stories in-person.
3rd annual Indian Film Festival of Houston from Sep 20-24 Houston: The 3rd annual Indian Film Festival of Houston will be held at Studio Movie Grill, 805 Town & Country Lane here from September 20, will go on till Sept 24 and will include film screenings followed by Q &A with directors and a gala awards ceremony. Some of the Films which are scheduled to be shown at the festival this year are: I Am Kalam: It’s a film based on former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and is aimed at inspiring the poor to educate their children. Directed by Nila Madhab Panda Love, Wrinkle-free: Set in the Roman Catholic world of Goa, “Love, Wrinkle-free” takes a light-hearted look at the obsession of today’s society on ‘looks’ and ‘youth’ – a universally recognizable theme that should find resonance across the world. Directed by Sandeep Mohan Delhi in a day: When the money of an idealistic British traveler disappears in a nouveau-riche Delhi home, the staff of the house
A still from ‘Fatakra’ A still from ‘A Decent Arrangement’ are blamed and given twenty-four hours to replace it or face the consequences. Directed by Prashant Nair A Decent Arrangement: A Decent Arrangement is the story of Ashok Khosla, an Indian-American copywriter who journeys to India seeking an arranged marriage. Directed by Sarovar Banka In Search of God: The transformative journey of an American woman who finds deeper meaning in her life after traveling to a
mystical island in India where the inhabitants use artistic expression as a means for communing with God. Directed by Rupam Sarmah Fatakra: Naveen left India to chase his dreams in America. Three years and a recession later, his wife and son finally join him. FATAKRA (“Firecracker”) tells the story of the sparks that fly on their first day together as dreams collide with reality. Directed by Soham Mehta The Magic Man: Hoping to secure fame and fortune, a struggling vaudeville magi-
cian turns to the dark arts. But the power unleashed could cost him the one thing he truly loves. Directed by D.C.Ksundra. It’s Cricket, No?: Follow the Indian National Blind Cricket Team as they chase their dream to be the greatest national side India has ever produced. To play for country, honor, passion. It’s cricket, no? Directed by Gregory French. The Eclipse of Taregna: Mr. Pathak is worn out by life and indifferent to NASA’s announcement that the best place to view the upcoming solar eclipse will be his town Taregna. However, his grandson Roshan’s curiosity for the celestial event of a lifetime is boundless. When Pathak finally notices that Roshan needs a father figure, he can no longer remain a bystander to life. Directed by Rakesh Chaudhary. Khara Karodpati: A call from Who wants to be a Millionaire) changes the ordinary life of a small farmer hailing from a Village in Maharashtra. Directed by Piyush Thakur.
8
National Community
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Third Hinduism Summit concludes in Chicago Persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus figures among top concerns Chicago: On August 27, the third Hinduism Summit (Hindu Dharmajagruti Sabha) in Chicago concluded successfully at the Hindu Temple of Lake County. Over 100 people, including Hindu parents trying to raise their children as Hindus, non-Hindus interested in Hinduism and Hindu activists, attended this public event, with 45 of the attendees online. The presentation of Mrs. Bhavna Shinde Hurley, Spokesperson of FHA, drew attention to various issues facing Hindus in America, such as distortion of Hinduism by American academicians, like the recent news about ‘Prof. Sheldon Pollock broadening access to Sanskrit, the language of the elite’, Hindu youth increasingly converting out of Hinduism, anti-Hindu bias in the media, and the rampant trivialization of Hindu Deities. Mrs. Shinde Hurley explained how Hinduism education emphasizing the unique science of Hinduism and its firsthand experience can help us face these challenges successfully. She gave some examples of the spiritual science of
Conch blowing by Master Afolabi Missa Hinduism, such as the red dot (of pure vermillion powder) on the forehead that helps increase concentration and the Agnihotra sacrificial fire that one can perform to gain protection from nuclear radiation. Mrs. Shinde Hurley appealed to all supporters of Hinduism to come together whenever the Hindu community faces a challenge, to respond to it successfully, taking inspiration from the over 1000 Hindus worldwide who recently got the denigrating ‘Sita Sings the Blues’ New York show cancelled
Speakers (L to R): Maya Jairam, Kristen Mandziuk, Dr. Richard Benkin, Bhavna Shinde Hurley by promptly protesting to the everyone to contact their Senators organizers. to co-sponsor the bill, HR440, Dr. Richard Benkin, a leader in which calls for the appointment of the struggle to stop the ethnic a “Special Envoy to Promote cleansing of Bangladesh’s Hindus, Religious Freedom of Religious in his speech, mentioned a mile- Minorities in the Near East and stone reached in this struggle South Central Asia”, and to specifirecently. On July 28, 2011, a US cally mention the Bangladeshi Congressman Robert Dold recog- Hindus’ persecution. nized the oppression of Kristen Mandziuk of Spiritual Bangladeshi Hindus on the floor of Science Research Foundation the United States Congress. Dr. (SSRF) showed videos of SSRF’s Benkin spoke about the Human research with dowsing and Rights Advisory Council he has biofeedback machines to illustrate been asked to lead. He urged that subtle distressing forces
(aasuri shakti), which obstruct Dharma, are very powerful. Maya Jairam, a native of Colorado, shared her firsthand account of growing up in America. Coming from a non-religious childhood, she was unaware of the spiritual ill effects of the non-vegetarian diet, the benefits of spiritual practice (sadhana), etc. Jairam found Hinduism’s spiritual science, such as the three subtle components (trigunas) to be fascinatingly clarifying of various aspects of life. It inspired her to become vegetarian and follow a Hindu spiritual path. Hinduism supporters’ contributions to make this Hinduism Summit happen were commemorated in a beautiful, informative souvenir that was published at the hands of Mr. Prabhakar Joshi, a long time local Hindu activist. The Hinduism Summit concluded with attendees enthusiastically passing resolutions about urging US policy makers to investigate the Bangladeshi Hindus’ persecution and about not supporting any product, publication or art that denigrates Hinduism.
Emmy Winner Archie Panjabi Sonal Bhuchar runs for State ambassador to Pratham Rep House District 26 New York: Pratham Currently starring as USA announced that Kalinda Sharma on Emmy-award winning CBS's critically actress Archie Panjabi acclaimed hit drama, The will serve as an Good Wife, Archie's big Ambassador to the organscreen credits include ization, offering her domestic and internationvoice and celebrity to its al hits Bend It Like cause of educating India's Beckham, Yasmin, The underprivileged children. Constant Gardner, A It will be at Pratham Gala Good Year and A Mighty in New York that Archie Heart. will make her first formal As an Ambassador, appearance as Pratham Archie will help create Ambassador. The event awareness in the United will be at the Pierre Hotel States and abroad about on 5 October 2011. the 100 million underedArchie will host this ucated youth in India Archie Panjabi year's event that typically today. "The best way to will raise upwards of $1.5 million and attracts shine the light on education in India is to cona sold out crowd of prominent philanthropists tinue to bring this incredibly important conand business people from the Tri-State area. versation to the global stage. These children Pratham, which means "first" in Sanskrit, are our future and in turn, we are theirs," was founded in the slums of Mumbai in 1994 Panjabi said. with UNICEF support. Today, Pratham's Archie is looking forward to participating in direct urban programs, including pre-schools, Pratham programs in India this November and community libraries and remedial learning spending time with the Pratham staff, volunprograms reach hundreds of thousands of chil- teers, and of course the children served by the dren every year organization.
Sugarland, Tx: On touch politicians who August 18, Sonal Bhuchar, have been in Austin too Fort Bend ISD Board long. The two issues that I Trustee and small business believe will define our owner of a private physifuture are cultivating an cal therapy company, offieducated workforce and cially declared her candireigning in this out of condacy for the Republican trol state spending. From nomination for State 2001 to 2010, state debt Representative District 26. grew from $13.4 billion to The district is in the heart $37.8 billion, an increase of Fort Bend and includes of 281 percent. At the the cities of Sugar Land, same time, we are seeing Stafford, Richmond and schools across the state Missouri City among othfail our families. I will not ers. Fort Bend ISD stand by and watch our Sonal Bhuchar Position 2, which Trustee economy and the future of Bhuchar has represented since 2006, covers our children suffer because of the misguidmany of the same geographic areas as ed policies being implemented in Austin.” House District 26. said Bhuchar. “I am running for state representative Sonal Bhuchar, a long time resident of because I believe the strength of our Texas Sugar Land, is a physical therapist in priEconomy is being put in jeopardy by out of vate practice in Sugar Land.
Talk on Jainism as part of seminar series at Harvard Sept 8 Cambridge, MA: " P e a c e , H a r m o n y, a n d Development - AAA Doctrine of Jainism" the kick-off to ‘South Asia without Borders’ Seminar Series, chaired by Prof. Parimal G. Patil will be held Sept 8 at Harvard University here.
The Seminar is hosted by the South Asian Initiative at the Harvard University. The lecture will be led by Prof. Shugan Jain, who will illustrate how Jain rulers, Tirthankars (religious leaders who establish a ford), and the
common man practiced the principles of non violence, multiplicity of viewpoints or manysided truth and limiting possessions to become prosperous and live in peace and harmony with others as well as amongst themselves.
National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info
9
September 3-9, 2011
Vallone: Diving into dangerous political waters for his constituents Earlier this year, Vallone fought a fierce battle to prevent the city council from renaming the Queensboro Bridge after former Mayor Koch, which pitted him against Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, and an overwhelming majority of his fellow city council members. By Robert Golomb began a recent telephone interview with Queens District 22 Democrat Council Member Peter F. Vallone by asking him this admittedly oddly formulated question: Did he find the fierce eventually losing battle he had led earlier this year to prevent the city council from renaming the Queensboro Bridge after former Mayor Koch, which pitted him against Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, an overwhelming majority of his fellow city council members (who in the end voted to rename the Bridge the Ed Koch Queensbororo Bridge by a 38 to 12 vote), and (although publicly claiming neutrality) the former mayor himself, to be as dangerous to his political survival as scuba diving dozens of treacherous feet below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean is to his personal survival? The analogy presented in this question was not intended to surprise or confuse Vallone, who I had learned while researching this piece, is an avid and highly trained scuba diver. And it didn’t, as Vallone quickly responded with a discernible trace of the sound of laughter in his voice, “Actually, your analogy, while imperfect, is not so off base. Scuba Diving contains obvious dangers, but having the right training and using the proper equipment minimizes those risks…As for renaming the Queensboro Bridge, within my own council district [which covers Astoria, Long Island City, and portions of Jackson Heights, Rikers, Randalls and Wards Island] and in fact throughout the entire borough [of Queens] my efforts to stop it had, based upon my own polling and my conversations with hundreds of residents, overwhelming public support… If what you refer to as danger, or what some have called ‘punishment’ came, it came from other places.” The source of the punishment, the other places, of which Vallone was referring, I immediately guessed, was in the formidable person of Speaker Quinn, a major proponent of the renaming of the bridge who, it had been widely reported at the time, viewed Vallone’s opposition as a direct attack against both her and Mayor Bloomberg. What had further intensified her anger with Vallone, many City Hall observers speculated at the time, was that she viewed this (as well as any other) alliance with Mayor Bloomberg as a major step towards securing Bloomberg’s support for what is all but her certain candidacy for mayor in 2013. Virtually all of these same observers have expressed little doubt that when Speaker Quinn slashed the discretionary funding to Vallone’s district from more 1.4 million in 2010 to under $850,000 in the city’s 2011 budget that was implemented last month, it was a simple matter of punishing him for his opposition to the renaming of the bridge. As one City Hall source told a reporter from another newspaper in what spiraled into a frequently reported quote, “ They were sending a very clear message. You can be anti-establishment, you can go against me [Quinn], against
I
the mayor, but there’s a price to pay.” Based upon this history I pointedly asked Vallone if he believed (what I had concluded he had just implied) that Quinn had withheld funding from his district as a political payback against him. “No I never accused her of that”, he quickly responded, and then added, “I have always been an optimist about people and about the officials in government who were elected to serve them, so I cannot believe that a public official would take any action that would punish the people of Queens because I represented their will.” I attempted to further question Vallone on this controversy, but he politely shifted the direction of my questions, stating, “There are many vital issues that affect the everyday lives of people of NYC that I have placed my attention upon and have become the focus of the legislation that I have sponsored and fought to have passed in the City Council… And while these legislative initiatives have clearly received far less media coverage [than did his battle over the bridge’s renaming] they touch upon issues that directly impact upon the lives of New Yorkers.” It was these legislative initiatives that we discussed as the interview proceeded. We discussed his work to provide safety for both public and non public school children. As his legislative record indicates, for Vallone the responsibility to assure safety for New York City children includes both while students are inside and while they are in transit to and from school. To address the former, Vallone wrote a law that provides for the placement of security cameras in all public schools and adds funds to pay for increased security measures for non public schools. To address the latter, Vallone included in the same bill a provision that allows children to carry cellular phones on their way to and their way home from school, thus enabling them to call the police in the event they encounter a threat to their safety. A father of two daughters who attend public school, Vallone emphasized that he has a personal understanding of the “fundamental responsibility of every school to provide a safe learning environment for every child… How can parents go to sleep at night without knowing with certainty that their child will be safe in school the next day?” As for the critics who complain that Vallone’s legislation takes public money to provide funds to supplement security measures for non public schools, he counters, “They [parents of non public school students] are taxpayers themselves… Their children like all children are entitled to be provided with a safe learning environment”. We moved on to discuss Vallone’s work as the Chair of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, a role seemingly well suited for Vallone, a graduate of Fordham Law School, who had served six years as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in Manhattan. I informed him that preparing for this interview I had studied his record as Public Safety Chair and learned that he had introduced legislation to eliminate the statute of limitations for cases of rape and child abuse, strengthen anti-graffi-
ti laws and tighten gun control enforcement; I had also learned that he had led the fight to hire more police and secure funds from the state and federal governments to protect New Yorkers from another terrorist attack. Vallone explained that these became priority issues for him because “in my job as an ADA I witnessed the physical and psychological damage that violent domestic criminals had perpetrated against their victims...And on 9/11 I witnessed the murder and destruction that foreign born terrorists perpetrated against America … It is my core conviction that government’s primary responsibility is to provide for the safety of its citizens”. I noted to Vallone, who has made no secret that he is seriously considering a run for Borough President of Queens as his third, and due to terms limits, final city council term ends in 2013, that the aforementioned relatively conservative positions he has taken on - the statute of limitations, graffiti and public funding for private education- might galvanize the disproportionately powerful leftist activists of his own party to attempt to destroy his candidacy. I added that some Queens political
Councilman Peter Vallone from Queens District 22 observers have conjectured that if his opponents on the left form an alliance with the enemies he had made over the bridge controversy, his political future could be in serious jeopardy. Vallone made it clear to me that such potential dire political scenarios do not concern him, saying, “I have always and will continue to take positions based on what is in the best interests of the people I represent and not worry about how it might affect me politically.” Whether or not these words will come back to haunt him in two years, they were spoken, I was convinced after this lengthy interview, by an elected public official of whom it could be both literally and figuratively said -is unafraid to dive into dangerous waters. Robert Golomb is currently an adjunct professor of graduate writing, education and school administration. His published articles have covered a range of educational, political, entertainment and cultural topics. He can be contacted via email: Mr.Bob347@aol.com
10
US Affairs
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Obama avoids showdown on speech to Congress
Wilbur's Point in Fairhaven, Mass.
Hurricane Irene may be America's costliest catastrophe
Washington: President Barack Obama has agreed to move his much awaited speech on fixing the economy by a day to avoid a political showdown with a Republican presidential debate. But neither the White House nor the Republican speaker John Boehner made a reference to the opposition party debate in moving Obama's address to a joint session of Congress from Sep 7 to Sep 8. 'Today, the president asked to address the Congress about the need for urgent action on the economic situation facing the American people as soon as Congress returned from recess,' the White House said Wednesday night. But the Speaker determined 'Thursday (Sep 8) would work better'. 'The president is focused on the urgent need to create jobs and grow our economy, so he welcomes the
President Obama and Speaker Boehner remain at odds opportunity to address a Joint Session of Congress on Thursday, September 8th and challenge our nation's leaders to start focusing 100 percent of their attention on doing
"Never-Wrong" Pundit predicts 2012 win for Obama
A woman has to abandon her van and her belongings after she ventured to check out the storm-damaged pier in Frisco, NC. New York: As the US East Coast struggled to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, rising floodwaters forced thousands of evacuations in New Jersey and Connecticut with 13 flooded Vermont towns already cut off. Irene will most likely prove to be one of the 10 costliest catastrophes in American history, the New York Times said, citing industry estimates putting the cost of the storm at $7 billion to $10 billion, largely because the hurricane pummelled an unusually wide area of the East Coast. The death toll stemming from Irene continued to rise Tuesday. At least 43 deaths were linked to the storm, from Florida to North Carolina to New England, CNN reported. An estimated 2.85 million customers remained without power Tuesday afternoon, the US Department of Energy said. That included more than half a million each in Connecticut and New York, more than 400,000 in Virginia, more than 300,000 in New Jersey and more than 250,000 in Maryland. Nearly 6.7 million customers initially were left without power by the storm, the department said. "This storm covered a tremen-
Allan Lichtman, an American University professor has gone 7for-7 at predicting presidential elections since he developed his candidate-picking system roughly two decades ago. Lichtman says that based on the 13 criteria he has used to correctly forecast every presidential election since Ronald Reagan’s re-election victory in 1984, Team Obama can rest easy. "Even if I am being conservative, I don’t see how Obama
can lose," Lichtman told US News. The college professor developed his system back in 1981 and published the rather basic formula in his book, The Keys to the White House. Basically, the "keys" test the recent performance of the party that is currently in the White House; if six or more of them go against the party in power, then the opposing party can start picking out the bands they want at the inaugural ball.
whatever they can to help the American people.' A political showdown had erupted earlier Wednesday over Obama's sudden request to address a joint session Wednesday. Boehner, in a letter to Obama, said the 8 p.m. speech would come less than two hours after the House is scheduled to complete legislative business, and the speaker recommended moving it back a day. Boehner's letter noted that security sweeps of the chamber usually take more than three hours. 'There are considerations about the congressional calendar that must be made prior to scheduling such an extraordinary event,' Boehner wrote. Obama's requested date conflicted with a Republican presidential debate to be held at the Reagan Library in California..
Cheney’s memoir kicks up controversies
Route 12 is broken in 5 places on Hatteras Island, North Carolina. About 2,500 dous amount of territory," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told reporters in Virginia. She said most states are now in recovery, though a few states-like Vermont and New Jersey-are still in response mode. In New York City, which was largely spared by the storm, the authorities had cleared threequarters of the nearly 2,000 trees knocked down by the storm. Transportation also remained limited, with large swaths of train tracks submerged. Amtrak said it was hoping to restore most service between Washington and New York Wednesday.
Washington: Dick Cheney, the He accuses former Secretary of controversial politician and Vice State Rice of being naive for trying President during Bush years who to negotiate a nuclear weapons consistently defended the invasion agreement with North Korea. of Iraq, has promised his new The vice president is highly critmemoir, “In My Time” would ical of those who stood in the way have "heads exploding". He has of his vision on the Iraq War, used the book, described by New which he still asserts was the right York Times as "often pugnacious decision. He attacks former in tone", to defend "tough interroSecretary of State Powell for trygations". Asked by NBC News if ing to undermine Bush. Cheney the US should still be waterboardwrote that Powell expressed ing terror suspects, Cheney was doubts about the Iraq War to those typically unapologetic. "I would outside of government, which the strongly support using it again if Vice President saw as improper. circumstances arose where we had Cheney recalls with anger a a high-value detainee and that was moment in late 2007 when the only way we could get him to Defense Secretary Robert M. talk," he said. Gates, during a trip to Saudia The memoir also reveals that Arabia, told King Abdullah that Dick Cheney, Vice President during President Bush was not considerCheney urged President George Bush years. Bush to bomb Syria as early as ing attacking Iran because “the 2007, upon learning it could pospresident would be impeached if sess a nuclear reactor. Cheney was thwarted due to a he took military action against Iran.” Cheney wrote that lack of support among other advisers. President Bush had not decided at that time what to do Cheney has also revealed internal battles within the about Iran’s nuclear program, and it was “inappropriate” Bush administration and criticizes onetime colleagues for officials like Secretary Gates to “suggest either pubColin Powell and Condoleezza Rice — even while licly or with important allies that his options were limitpraising President Bush as “an outstanding leader.” ed.”
Anna's Lokpal Battle TheSouthAsianTimes.info
11
September 3-9, 2011
A fitting finale at India Gate New Delhi: Dramatic twists in the 13-day-long fast undertaken by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare for the passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill that grabbed the imagination of the country culminated in a fitting finale at India Gate. Thousands turned up in an overwhelming show of support to celebrate the Government's acceptance of Hazare's conditions and the subsequent breaking of his fast at Ramlila Maidan earlier in the day. Scores of fluttering tricolors, several groups of people jubilantly breaking into impromptu jigs to the catchy beat of the drums, fireworks lighting up the sky alongside kites flying high with Hazare's name splashed in the tricolor and passionate slogans filling the air with gusto and merriment, were some of the scenes being played out at India Gate on Sunday evening. It brought back memories of the country's cricket
Supporters of Anna Hazare gather in thousands to celebrate near the India Gate memorial in New Delhi. world cup victory scenes at the wanted to be left behind to claim same venue a few months ago. his/her own piece of history to Be it families, youngsters, "remember the moment" by taking infants, differently-abled, senior photographs and recording videos citizens or foreign tourists, no one with friends or families against the
Win-Win situation for Team Anna, UPA
Union Science and Technology Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh handing over PM letter to Anna Hazare.
New Delhi: It’s a historic occasion because it is a win-win situation for Indian democracy and for all stakeholders,” party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said about Team Anna withdrawing fast. On Parliament bowing down to Anna Hazare, he added that “we have to move away from binary win-loss equations. We should applaud the fact that all participants rose to the occasion to engage in constructive and concrete nittygritty of law making first before the standing committee and then again before parliament”. “We are thankful to our Prime minister because he took the initiative and wrote to Anna, agreeing to our demands. We are thankful to the parliament.
This is a historic moment,” Kejriwal said, as thousands of people assembled at the Ramlila Maidan cheered the end of fast. “I am very happy that a movement of this enormity was nonviolent. You have set an example to the whole world,” Hazare told the wildly cheering crowd after accepting the coconut water-honey mixture from two young girls – a Dalit and a Christian. Civil society should play an important role in country’s politics and political system. “This movement was an example of this,” Law Minister Salman Khurshid said. “I have just suspended the fast.. did not end it. The fight will go on till Parliament passes the Lokpal bill.”said Anna.
backdrop of the India Gate with the national flag in hand. A few others decided to head there just to follow the crowd and enjoy the weekend outing replete with singing and dancing while soaking in the patriotic atmosphere amid the huge media presence and police deployment. For Spanish mother-daughter duo Milagros Nogeles (60) and Ainhara Del (19), their one-month long visit to India couldn't have ended on a more exciting note. "We have been in India for a month now and are leaving on Monday. We feel really lucky to be in Delhi to witness the culmination of this historic anti-corruption protest at India Gate. Back home too similar protests are taking place against the Government and their economic policies, so we relate to the angst the people here are feeling and support Mr.
Hazare." For those who sold popular tricolored wrist bands, "I am Anna" caps, national flags and others who painted faces with the tricolor, Sunday was the last day to wrap up the business on a high note. Charging Rs.10 per face paint, 25-year-old Bina Ras said: "I stay in Madanpur Khadar and have been coming to India Gate for the past 15 days just to earn money by painting the tricolor on people's faces. I must have painted about 2,000 faces till now, and Sunday is the last day of my business, after which I return to being a housewife again. The maximum demand for face paint was on Sunday, when I managed to paint about 200 faces in all." Team Anna member Manish Sisodia also made an appearance at India Gate, congratulating the crowds and singing the national anthem along with them.
Why celebs supported Anna? New Delhi/Mumbai: They say there is always another side to every story. As we see the 'face of the nation', Anna Hazare getting open support from various Bollywood celebs, it makes us wonder what brought them to the center stage of this political uprising. B-Town bigwigs Aamir Khan, Raju Hirani and Om Puri were present at the Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, while others like John Abraham, Vidya Balalan, Sonu Nigam, Kailash Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Celina Jaitley, Udita Goswami et al, were supporting Anna's fight against corruption directly or indirectly in various cities. So, what's the agenda behind the celeb support for Anna? Are these stars cutting a piece of cake for themselves? Says Kailash, "When you see these stars, it's visible that they are fake, that they are fooling people and are doing it for the sake of free publicity. I have never seen people changing colors like that." But then he diplomatically adds, "In India the system breaks you and your spirit. And this makes people think why should I initiate a process. With Anna taking such a strong stand, it has given people hope to fight for a cause, something to fall back on when they want to take a stand against something." There also surfaces a subtle divide within the hitherto united 'big family' - the Hindi film industry. Even as Anupam Kher, (who played the ideologically upright headmaster in Saaransh) came out
Actor Aamir Khan at Ramlila Maidan. to support Anna, the man who made the movie and his former mentor, filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt opposed Anna's stance. On one hand, we had Aamir making his positive presence felt, and Salman's bodyguards beat up Anna supporters on the other. While Amitabh Bachchan and Shekhar Kapur openly supported Anna on microblogging sites, Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar were skeptical and Ram Gopal Varma even pretended ignorance about Anna! And then there were some who suddenly resurfaced from almost anonymity (like Raja Bundela, Sambhavna Seth, Raghubir Yadav) to ensure that they championed the most talked about cause of the moment. With their movies up for release, you could see some star casts in the
front row of the protest rallies. There was John Abraham breaking "dahi handis of corruption" as he put it during Janmashtami celebrations, Vishal Dadlani and Raghu Ram bragging about their 'participation in the Mumbai rally to support Anna' on social networking sites, and Vidya Balan, Shreyas, Bipasha, Udita and Celina in their Anna topis, Rakhi Sawant berating Team Anna, Jacquiline Fernandez refusing to support Anna - every celeb wanted a piece of Anna. With the impact of Anna being all-permeating at the moment, for many celebrities, it was also a chance to be in the arclight once again, so they seized the day to get every Anna's worth of publicity that can only help them professionally in the long run.
Anna’s Lokpal Battle TheSouthAsianTimes.info
13
September 3-9, 2011
Hundreds step forward to pay Anna's bills Anna discharged from hospital New Delhi: Hundreds of Anna Hazare supporters have stepped forward to pay the activist's hospital bill if the 74year-old is charged. The help poured in a day after the ambiguity over the veteran activist's medical bills for treatment at a Gurgaon-based hospital. The virtual world was abuzz with messages such as "I want to pay for Annaji" on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and news sites. "The people of India are with you, Annaji. We will pay for whatever expenses borne by you. Please give us the account number of India Against Corruption (IAC)," posted Keerat Prakash on news website Yahoo. While help poured in from all corners, it was not clear if Hazare would be charged for his stay at Medanta Medicity in Gurgaon. Hazare was admitted to the hospital soon after he ended his 12-day fast for a stronger Lokpal Bill.
Many supporters posted their phone numbers for further assistance on any financial help. "He is a decent man. I have immense respect for what he is doing. Let us first see the bills, only then something can be said," heart specialist Naresh Trehan said. Hazare has been under the medical supervision of Trehan and has not been charged till now.
India Against Corruption (IAC) member Aswathi Muralidharan said: "Till now, he (Hazare) has not been charged. We can only say who will pay the bill if we get the bill." "Even when Trehan had seen him earlier, he was not charged," she added. But there is no shortage of volunteers in case of any eventuality. "I am an engineering student at IIT. I request hospital authorities and Team Anna to share the details of amount that is needed. Pocket money or parttime job, our classmates will give in all help," said S. Guru Prakash from Bangalore. Krishan Patel, from Ahmedabad, posted on micro-blogging site Twitter: " Anna is our nation (sic) hero. I am ready to contribute my one month full salary to meet his medical expenditure." Many supporters posted their phone numbers for further assistance on any financial help.
Hazare issue not handled well: Congress New Delhi: Congress MP Praveen Singh Aron said the situation arising out of Anna Hazare's fast for a strong Lokpal bill had not been handled well by the party in the absence of party chief Sonia Gandhi. "The persons responsible to decide matters could not see the widespread public support and socio-political aspects of Hazare's movement," he said in a letter to party general secretary Rahul Gandhi.Aron contended the issue was dealt with "inappropriately" and sought a "thor-
ough inquiry" within the party to ascertain whether it was done deliberately or was a mistake. He said the mishandling could have been a "deliberate attempt" to prevent Rahul Gandhi from becoming the prime minister or "damage visionary and unquestionably honest Prime Minister Manmohan Singh". "The issue was handled with a techno-legal approach and not political far-sightedness", the Lok Sabha member from Bareilly claimed in his letter.
Anna Hazare reached his home village Ralegan Siddhi after he was attended by Dr Naresh Trehan-led team of Medanta Medcity. New Delhi: Social activist Anna Hazare left for his village Ralegan Siddhi in Maharashtra after he was discharged from a hospital in Gurgaon following improvement in his condition, an aide said. Hazare was admitted to the Medanta Medicity Hospital in suburban Gurgaon Sunday after he ended his 288-hour fast from Aug 16. "He would reach Pune and from there he will go to his village," a member of Team Anna said. Hazare was discharged Wednesday evening after his vital parameters were found to be stable.According to Yatin Mehta, one of the doctors monitoring Hazare at the hospital, the 74-year-old was in "good condition" and "fit".
Earlier in the day, Hazare had taken soft solid foods like rice, dal and idli. "After breaking his 12day fast, Hazare's health showed lot of improvement. His blood pressure is 141/90 which is normal," Mehta said. Hazare broke his fast against corruption Sunday morning after parliament Saturday evening agreed in principle to accept his three demands for a stronger Lokpal bill. He was admitted to the hospital the same day. "He has not started the complete diet, but he is having some soft food like rice, which is a good sign," Mehta added. Hazare, doctors said, had started meeting some of his close associates for a few hours.
14
Anna's Lokpal Battle
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Puri, Bedi face privilege motions New Delhi: Anna Hazare's close aide Kiran Bedi and actor Om Puri face privilege motions for mocking at and passing caustic comments against lawmakers. The notices were filed in both Houses of Parliament even as Om Puri apologised for calling MPs "anpadh" (uneducated) and "nalayak" (incompetent) at the Ramlila Maidan during Hazare's fast. Bedi expressed no regrets for poking fun at politicians who she alleged don "several masks" to deceive people. MPs in both Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha have given notices against the two for the "derogatory and defamatory" comments. Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said she was considering a privilege motion against Om Puri and Bedi. "The matter is under my consideration. I have received notices on the question of privilege," she said in the Lok Sabha after she received the
Actor Om Puri and Kiran Bedi addressing the crowd at Ramlila Maidan. Puri used "derogatory and defamacomplaints. Congress MPs Praveen Singh tory words against members of parAron, Jagdambika Pal, Vinay liament and also casting reflections Pandey, Harsh Vardhan, P.L. Punia on the house". and Kamal Kishor, as also Mirza The Samajwadi Party's (SP) Mehboob Beg (National Premdas Katheria and Shailendra Conference) and Ramashankar Kumar have also given similar Rajbhar (Bahujan Samaj Party) have notices. Similar notices were also given the notices alleging that Om given in the Rajya Sabha where
Anna used as prop: Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy New Delhi: The Jan Lokpal bill is a "regressive piece of legislation" and Anna Hazare has been "used as a prop by foreign-funded NGOs" to lead the anti-corruption movement, writer and activist Arundhati Roy has said. In an interview to CNN IBN, Roy said she is glad that the civil society's Jan Lokpal bill did not go through in parliament. "I am extremely glad that the Jan Lokpal bill did not go through parliament in its current form," Roy said. "I think the legislation is a dangerous piece of work. You used the real and legitimate anger of the people against corruption to push through this specific piece of legislation, which is very regressive according to me," she added. Alleging that activist Anna Hazare, who spearheaded the anticorruption movement, was used just as a prop, Roy said: "It was an NGO-driven movement by Kiran Bedi, (Arvind) Kejriwal and (Manish) Sisodia. Three of them run NGOs." "I wanted to indicate why these
NGOs are participating to mediate in what the public policy should be. World Bank and Ford Foundation fund the anti-corruption campaigns. Anna Hazare was picked up and propped up as the saint for the masses. He was not the brain behind the movement," she added. Talking about the Jan Lokpal bill, Roy said that it attempts to create a form of "parallel oligarchy". "The Jan Lokpal team, including the chairman, is to be selected by a pool of elite people and they are a pool of elite people. You have a bureaucracy which will have the policing power, the power to tap phones, prosecute, charge and judge from the prime minister to the bottom," she said. Roy also questioned the media for its 24X7 coverage of Hazare's 12day fast. "For a nation of one billion people, the media did not find anything else to report," she said, adding that "certain major TV channels campaigned for" the movement. "That's a kind of corruption for me at first place".
Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan said he would convey the sense of the house on the issue to Chairman Hamid Ansari. If the notices are admitted, the privilege committee will quiz the accused and recommend action against them. Ramgopal Yadav of the SP said Om Puri had used "unparliamentary words" and the telecast of his speech at Ramlila Maidan by a news channel was "a breach of privilege of parliament and its members". He said the notices should be sent to the privilege committee. Yadav said that some of the famous people and leaders like Mughal emperor Akbar never went to a proper school but still did a lot for the nation. He also mentioned about Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, a college dropout. He said industrialist late Dhirubhai Ambani was a petrol pump employee who never went to a college but built an empire.
Mohammed Adeeb, an independent MP from Uttar Pradesh, said Bedi had mocked at parliamentarians by wrapping a scarf around her head and face. Bedi had wrapped a scarf around her face and alleged that MPs wore different masks to hide their real faces. "They say one thing inside the house and one thing outside. You remove one mask, then you find another one, and then another," she said, at the protest rally of Hazare last week. Om Puri also launched a blistering attack on politicians from the stage at Ramlila Maidan. He told the thousands gathered that he feels "ashamed when an IAS or IPS officer salutes a ganwar (illiterate) who is a neta (political leader). "Yeh anpadh hain, inka kya background hai? Aadhe se zyaada MP ganwaar hain," Om Puri, known for his character roles, told the cheering crowd.
Bhushan-Amar CD not doctored: Police New Delhi: A controversial CD purportedly containing a conversation between Team Anna's senior member Shanti Bhushan, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and former SP leader Amar Singh is original and not doctored, Delhi Police said. Delhi Police have stated this in their closure report on the complaint filed by Shanti Bhushan's son and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who alleged that the CD was doctored. In the conversation, Shanti Bhushan allegedly promises Mulayam Singh that Prashant Bhushan will 'fix' a judge for a price. "There is no tampering of the CD and we have filed a closure report," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said. "Since the opinions given by the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory (CFSL), Delhi, and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) are similar, and the CERT-In, having expertise in information technology, confirms the opinion of CFSL Delhi, there is no reason to disbelieve these two reports," Delhi Police said in a report placed before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Vinod Yadav. Reacting to the police investigation report, Prashant Bhushan told reporters: "It's a conspiracy by Delhi Police, government and a section of CFSL officials to
Shanti Bhushan with Anna Hazare. defame us." The CD was circulated to all media offices in April after anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare ended his fast undertaken to press his demand for a strong Lokpal. Shanti Bhushan, a former law minister, was named cochair of the joint committee to draft the Lokpal bill. Shanti Bhushan had termed the CD a forgery and an attempt to malign him and lodged a complaint with Delhi Police under Indian Penal Code's (IPC) Section 469 (forgery to hurt one's reputation).
Manmohan sends flowers to Anna New Delhi: In a warm gesture, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh sent flowers and a "get well soon" message to Anna Hazare, who is recuperating at a hospital in Gurgaon in the wake of the 12-day fast he undertook on the issue of a stronger Lokpal bill. A team of doctors is keeping a close watch over Anna Hazare's health parameters at the Medanta Medicity Hospital in Gurgaon. The 74-year Hazare broke his 12day fast Sunday after parliament agreed in principle to accept his three demands for a stronger Lokpal bill, and was admitted to the hospi-
Manmohan Singh sent his good wishes to Anna Hazare. tal the same day. Since then, his health has shown consistent
improvement although he still looks very weak, doctors say.
Leadership TheSouthAsianTimes.info
15
September 3-9, 2011
Mangano led from the front when Irene struck Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was on his feet during the critical days when the hurricane hit Long Island last weekend. People in the county and elsewhere as well as the media have admired his timely and proactive preparations fully galvanizing his administration, as well as his leadership qualities and resourcefulness in dealing with the aftermath. Photos: Michael Tamborrino
A
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano accompanied New York Governor Andrew Cuomo assessing the damage at Long Beach hit by the hurricane.
s Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano continued to assess the damage in the wake of Hurricane Irene, he stopped to thank County employees who helped out during the weekend crisis; and he warned all residents that over 100 still nonfunctioning traffic lights make travel along busy roadways and intersections dangerous. In an email addressed to “Colleagues,” Mangano commended those that “dedicated their time and professionalism to secure the safety of our residents in preparation of Hurricane Irene.” Last Wednesday – upon receiving notice from national weather experts that Nassau County was in the direct path of the hurricane – Mangano immediately enacted a Coastal Storm Plan. As the storm path continued to threaten Nassau residents, he ordered a State of Emergency followed by a mandatory evacuation of the storm surge areas. Those orders allowed the County’s trained emergency management professionals, accompanied by volunteers, to relocate its most vulnerable residents. Specifically, sick, disabled and elderly residents residing in hospitals and nursing homes were relocated to low-lying areas to higher ground. In addition, many residents removed themselves from harms’ way. “Our Emergency Management Plan proved effective, insuring public safety, effective communication and order,” County Executive Mangano told colleagues in the email. “This was accomplished through your training, dedication and bravery. I couldn’t be more proud to serve as your County Executive.” Yesterday, the administration began its
“Assessment and Recovery Plan” to address the damage left in the wake of Hurricane Irene, Mangano said. “While there is some work left to do, I know we will complete the job in a timely and orderly fashion.” Meanwhile, the public shelter at Nassau Community College remains open for any resident who is unable to reoccupy their home and unable to find a friend or family member who resides locally. 100 of the more than 1,800 people who sought shelter remain in a public shelter. County, Red Cross and CERT (Community Emergency and Response Team) officials opened 20 shelters countywide. Several county buildings, and more than 100,000 residents, remain without electricity by Thursday as LIPA continued in its efforts to restore the power. Employees from those affected buildings have been re-deployed to other County buildings with power and most County services continue. However, several County parks are still without electricity, including Wantagh, Christopher Morley, Battle Row, Cedar Creek, Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Mitchel Field athletic complex. Other County buildings that remain without power include 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Uniondale, which houses the Department of Social Services and 200 County Seat Drive in Mineola, which houses the Department of Consumer Affairs. The County’s Housing and Social Service Departments are working to find locations for residents whose homes were rendered uninhabitable. And the Department of Public Works is working with the National Guard to remove downed trees and power lines.
A reporter from News 12 Long Island TV channel interviewing County Executive Mangano.
Mangano and Supervisor Kate Murray of the Town of Hempstead on a round visiting the storm affected area.
Mangano and Chief Deputy Executive Rob Walker (to his left) with their top team managing the crisis.
County Executive Ed Mangano and Governor Cuomo addressing questions at Long Beach Fire House about dealing with the storm.
16
Ultimate Bollywood
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
'Bol' - speak up for this little akistan, in contrast to India, which is one the largest film producing nation in the world, barely makes a handful of films every year. To see a Pakistani film that is better than most commercial Indian films, is embarrassing. "Bol", despite its few flaws, becomes that minor masterpiece that eclipses Bollywood. A woman sentenced to death recounts her story of growing up in the shadow of an oppressive father, who denies his girls their fundamental rights. At the face of it, the film seems apolitical. However, one of the feminist movement's clarion reasoning for action against oppression has been that the personal story is political. And it is this politics in the personal story of this family that writerdirector Shoaib Mansoor of "Khuda Ke Liye" fame handles with elan. Mansoor manages a very difficult task of taking up many issues without losing focus on any. You, thus, have issues of women's emancipation, trans-sexualism, right to education and religiosity handled with care enough for the audience to feel for each. The layers in the script itself make it a worthwhile watch. And that the film opens up gradually like an engaging
P
A poster of the film Bol. mystery, keeps the viewers engrossed. To carry so much load on its shoulders, the film needed some superlative performances. It has this in Humaima Malick who portrays the angst of a girl who itches to do the right thing and Manzar Sehbai who is stellar in his performance as a hypocriti-
Vidya Balan goes ooh la la! orget the bespectacled Radhika of the "Hum Paanch" series, the demure Lalita of "Parineeta" or even the rustic Krishna of "Ishqiya"! An evolved Vidya Balan paints "The Dirty Picture" red with her killer pout, sultry dance, deep cleavage and her bold stance, leaving you sighing and singing "Ooh la la! Ooh la la". When producer Ekta Kapoor said, "I would be surprised if I don't get unbelievable critical acclaim for 'Dirty Picture' and a national award for my actress, Vidya Balan", she sure didn't mean it for nothing. The story of southern sex siren Silk Smitha -- her rise as a glamour girl thanks to her bold and seminude roles in movies, and her gradual fall owing to new entrants in the market, her financial crisis and personal problems -- "The Dirty Picture" is set to have Vidya at her glamorous, boldest and sultry best. If the first poster of the film, with Vidya showing off her cleavage in an itsy bitsy red blouse, didn't spell fire, the one minute 30-second trailer sure makes you go "Ooh la la" - in tune with disco king Bappi Lahiri's spicy rendition of a song which says "Tu hai meri fantasy...". The Munnis and the Sheilas of Bollywood can take a backseat for a while because the 33-year-old Vidya, even with her not so wash-
F
cal man. The songs are catchy, especially 'Kaho' the least one can expect from a Pakistani film, considering their strong musical scene. The only problem, however, is its melodrama that sometimes does get overbearing. But it is a small flaw amidst its
many skills. At first look, it is easy to denounce it as a statement against the oppression of women under Islam. That is indeed true, considering that women's emancipation has yet failed to touch Muslims to a significant extent. Yet, to call the film just that would be an insult to its intelligence. For what it does in the chauvinist, hypocritical and obnoxiously religious character of the father, is to create a template for closed-minded men everywhere. His stubbornness and manhood are a metaphor for 'the' manhood that causes war and destruction everywhere. Replace the Muslim Hakim, with a staunch Hindu man, and set the film in India, and it would be true frame by frame. If you look at the treatment of women in India, it is often worse with literally hundreds of thousands of women being killed before birth or during it annually in India. Asia's most revolutionary poet, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, in one of his most rousing poems, had written, 'Bol ke lab azad hai tere..' (Speak that thy lips are free). In this, and in the film "Bol", lies a message for us all, to speak out against oppression, be it in the political sphere or the personal.
'Agneepath' a tribute to Big B: Karan ore than a remake, the new "Agneepath" is a tribute, says filmmaker Karan Johar, whose late father Yash Johar had made the original 1990 movie. "'Agneepath' is not a remake because it is a tribute," Johar told reporters at the launch of the new version's trailer. Actors Hrithik Roshan, Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Rishi Kapoor, who play key roles in the movie, were present at the launch. For Karan, remaking "Agneepath" was an emotional decision as he wanted it to be a commercial hit. His father's version of the film had failed to click at the box office even though it
M
Karan Johar had won a national award for
Amitabh Bachchan for his performance in the role of the angry young man, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan. The 39-year-old filmmaker says in his version of "Agneepath", which has been directed by first-timer Karan Malhotra, he has added a lot more to the script. "The basic plot of 'Agneepath' is the same, and the character sketch of the protagonist, Vijay (Hrithik) and antagonist Kaancha Cheena (Sanjay) is the same, but we have built new angles to it, and have added new characters to the script as well," he said. The actionpacked movie will release on Jan 13, 2012.
A poster of ‘The Dirty Picture.’
No fallout with Bhatts: Bipasha
board abs, might just become every man's fantasy with her titillating moves, curvaceous frame, playfulness, and sensuous ways in her scenes with Naseeruddin Shah, Tusshar Kapoor and Bollywood's very own serial kisser Emraan Hashmi. With its into-the-face dialogues, the trailer itself might leave many gasping like Tusshar when Vidya says: "Mujhe jo chahiye uska mazza raat ko hee aata hai" and many ogling like Naseer does when she decks up for a film shoot. Perhaps what the trailer misses is the dark side of Silk Smitha's story, which the film is expected to highlight. But it does its job and it does it well.
ipasha Basu denied she had any fallout with the Bhatts and said that they were waiting to give her a strong role, which they finally have done in "Raaz 3". "I don't know what is this whole discussion about the patch up because I love the Bhatts. Bhatt Saab (Mahesh Bhatt) is very dear to me, Mukesh ji (Mukesh Bhatt) is also very dear to me. I always say that Vishesh Films is like my own production company. So there was no fall out with them. "It was just that we were waiting for the right kind of role and they did not want to disappoint me with something that was feeble. They wanted to give me a strong role.
B
Bipasha Basu.
We got that in 'Raaz 3' and we are excited that we are all going to be working together," Bipasha told reporters here on the sidelines of an event organized by shampoo brand Pantene. Bipasha, who was catapulted to success with two films from the Bhatt camp, namely "Raaz" and "Jism", was not seen in any of their films after that. There were also reports that she was offered "Murder 2", which she refused to do. However, the actress maintains that there was no rift. "Raaz 3" that will be helmed by Vikram Bhatt and is slated for a July 6, 2012 release is the third part of the "Raaz" franchise and will also star Jacqueline Fernandez and Emraan Hashmi.
Ultimate Bollywood Thesouthasiantimes.info
17
September 3-9, 2011
Salman brings back larger-than-life hero of old By Parveen Chopra ritics and cineastes may cringe, but the average Indian filmgoer is hardly expected to mind the return of the larger-than-life hero of the last decades of the last century. In ‘Bodyguard’, and before that in ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Wanted’, Salman Khan has successfully resurrected the hero who is comfortable romancing (to the heroine playing second fiddle) and in dishumdishum scenes. After a long period of ‘realistic’ films which did away with fight scenes altogether, interrupting Big B’s career, we have come full circle. ‘Bodyguard’, a masala entertainer (no-brainer to some), opened to full houses on Eid, August 31, across 2,250 screens in 70 Indian cities and with 482 prints across the overseas territory. Salman expectedly remains the mainstay of the film. Since his early career image of romantic hero, he has bulked up. His pulsating biceps and shaved broad chest get full display, a staple of his films now. In the fight scenes he does
C
with aplomb stunts usually reserved for superheros. Kareena Kapoor is fairly good too as his much younger leading lady. The story at places does not keep you tied to your seats. The songs hardly further the storyline as it used to be in the golden years of Indian cinema. Attempts at comedy with a humongous side-kick of the hero (Rajat Rawail as appropriately named Tsunami Singh) and a dwarf co-student of Kareena are pathetic. Katrina Kaif, the on-off real life girlfriend of Salman, appears in an item number (‘Aa gaya hai Bodyguard') but does not quite bring down the house. The story does not make your grey cells work. Lovely Singh (Salman Khan) is the bodyguard of Sartaj Rana's (Raj Babbar) daughter Divya Rana (Kareena Kapoor). He is very devoted to his duties but irritates her all the time by following her everywhere. Consequently, Divya and her friend (Hazel Keech) call Lovely and start a prank love affair. Lovely starts loving the mystery person but doesn't realize that it is Divya (who also falls in love with him) who was behind all this.
Sartaj Rana suspects him and Divya to be in love and sends his goons to kill him in case his lover turns out to be Divya. Sensing this, Divya sends her friend to Lovely to tell him her true identity. In a twist, it is revealed that the friend is also in love with Lovely. She falsely accepts that she is her strange lover. They marry and have a child. She dies early and reveals to her son about her fraud and asks him to unite Lovely and Divya. It is the third remake of director Siddique's own 2010 Malayalam film, Bodyguard. Incidentally, Salman’s other recent hits too have been remakes of Southern successful films, which he attributes to the fact that down south they still make “heroic’ films, abandoned by Bollywood. That is, till Salman noticed the phenomenon and started cashing in on it. Salman Khan is on a roll and true to his promise, in Bodyguard he brings back the action hero of old Hindi films, one who could barehanded fight to pulp a score goons.
SRK wishes speedy recovery for Salman n the backdrop of actor Salman Khan undergoing a surgery in the US for a painful nerve condition, superstar Shahrukh Khan seems to have buried the hatchets with the fellow actor by wishing him "good health". Salman, who is suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia, a nerve disorder that causes intense pain in the face, left for the US last night along with some family members for nerve surgery. "If anybody is unwell we all feel...are obviously not happy about i....we all feel sad about it. I wish him (Salman) a speedy recovery and all the best in life. Because everyone misses him...it is very sad when you get injured," Shahrukh told reporters. Salman and Shahrukh are not on talking terms since 2008 when a star-studded birthday party of actress Katrina Kaif turned into a spoiler in relations between the two Khans. The acrimony between the two has often found spilled into open. "SRK and I can never be friends," Salman had said earlier to which Shahrukh had replied saying "Salman and I don't talk which is absolutely right". In the context of Salman leaving for the US for the much-talked about surgery, Shahrukh said "I have undergone several surgeries and I think it is very
I
Govinda.
he film fraternity makes it a point to wish their fans on every occasion. For Eid, they have asked fans to enjoy the festivity by gorging on 'sevaiyan', 'maalpua' and spicy biryani. Javed Akhtar: "Eid mubaarak to all my Indian sisters and brothers. some times I feel that all these festivals are glittering ornaments on the body of time." Preity Zinta tweeted: "Eid Mubarak and Happy Ganesh Chaturthi to all my friends in India and all over the world. Lotza love always". Aamir Khan celebrating Eid. Sophie Choudry: "Eid Mubarak! May Allah bless u scious celebs are planning to treat n ur loved ones with happiness, themselves with 'kheer' and prosperity & health always! Aaj 'biryani'. khoob saari sevvaiyan Pooja Bedi: "Eid Mubarak to all khaana!Yummy!Much love." of you! Revel in the festivities Rajat Barmecha: "Eid Mubarak spread happiness amongst loved to one and all...Be it Eid or Diwali ones And eat lots of Kheer." for me it's celebration time Arjun Rampal posted: "Eid always...Love every festival and Mubarak, lots of love, duas, enjoy them equally." biryani and savainya... hope I Kailash Kher: "Eid ki bahut Spelt it right. Love u all. Enjoy." bahut Mubarakbaad, Kushiyon ka Divya Dutta: "Eid mubarak! I rang ek hai, Chahe koi bhi tyohaar am all set for biryani at my dear ho, Har Chehre par Muskaan Hoti frnds tonite! Dieting ki holiday! hai, festivals r necessary." Neil Nitin Mukesh: "I love A festival can never be complete maalpua. Tasty hot maalpua with without the mouth watering deli- maava on top. Yesterday a friend cacies and even the health con- mustafa sent them for me."
T Shah Rukh Khan with Salman Khan. important when our bodies get injured or hurt..that they get repaired it very fast...cured very fast. I feel the injuries because I have been injured few times. It is not nice when you lead an actor's life. It is not like I wish for a healthy life not on this auspicious day of Eid but everyday. I want people should not have difficulties in life". Besides wishing health to the Dabangg actor, Shahrukh said he also prayed for Salman's family.
Govinda sued by film producer non-cognizable offence has been registered against Bollywood actor Govinda for allegedly abusing and threatening to kill a film producer during a meeting of the Indian Motion Pictures' Producers Association in the suburban Khar, police said. The film producer Praveen Khanna complained to police in writing that the actor had on August 24 abused and threatened to kill him after a heated argument during the IMPPA meeting in Palinaka, said Mangesh Pote, sen-
A
Bollywood wishes fans on Eid
ior inspector at Khar police station. After the written complaint, an NC was registered against the former Congress MP, Pote said. The actor had not yet been called to the police station for the purpose of investigation, he said, adding the argument between the two appeared to have taken place on an issue related to a film. Meanwhile, sources in police said the actor had signed a movie but was not giving dates to the producer and this issue may have led to the heated exchange.
18
Profile
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Guru who promises to end your suffering A saint of our times, Brahmrishi Guruvanand Swamji is revered by his numerous followers who report miraculous experiences after following his simple teachings. He has a sprawling ashram in Tirupati, is currently traveling in the US and scheduled to give a discourse at Asa Mai Hindu Temple, Hicksville on Long Island. n enlightenment, Lord Buddha discovered the Four Noble Truths. We are all familiar with and live with the first—Life is suffering. But the all-compassionate Buddha also promised that there is a way out of suffering - the Fourth Noble Truth. Innumerable saints and mystics, before and after him, too promise to lead us out of our misery. Those who are enmeshed deeper in the darkness are more prone to seek out a guru, literally
O
Shree Brahmrishi Ashram, founded by Swamyji is in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, in India.
the one who dispels darkness. Brahmrishi Guruvanand Swamyji considers service to humanity as the greatest religion and work of life. His rigorous meditation over many years has given him the divine powers and energy to give solutions to the problems of all who come to him. Popularly known as “Guruji”, his guidance and teachings have touched the lives of tens of thousands across the globe. According to his bio-data made
The influential Swamy sharing the stage with Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.
A charismatic personality with brilliance and knowledge in diverse fields, Guruji is inspiring lakhs of people across the globe.
Swamyji teaches and believes in the preaching of Vivekananda and Lord Mahavir.
available by his devotees, he was born in Delhi in 1941 and has an atypical educational background for a guru—that includes a B.Tech Electronics degree from IIT, Kharagpur, an M.A. in Sanskrit, and a PhD in Astrology. He has served as Principal and Professor at various universities and colleges including the prestigious BHU. His spiritual mentor was the famous Shri Devaraha Baba. He teaches the preachings of Lord Mahavir. His ideal is Swami Vivekananda, whose philosophies and ideologies have greatly influenced him. Besides Hinduism and Jainism, he also has a deep understanding of the scriptures of Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism. But he distils his knowledge in pithy sayings— “Without Faith, Nothing is Possible. With it, nothing is impossible”. Or “We cannot change the truth, But the truth can change us.” He has traveled all over the world to spread his message of awareness, tolerance, and service to humanity. Guru Ji has participated in several international religious conferences, including the “All Religion World Conference” where he has been honored with “The Best Personality” gold medal numerous times. Shree Brahmrishi Ashram, founded by him in Tirupati near the famous Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh, is committed to helping the populace. It has various programs on a continuous basis serving the troubled, poor and needy. The focus of the Ashram is to remove ills in the society by way of constructive developments. The Ashram is being developed and shall have among other facilities a Yoga Kendra, Meditation centre, Naturopathy centre, Super Speciality Heart hospital for the poor and needy, Orphanage, Mahila Ashram, Old Age home and a school for the poor. For more information about the ashram or Guruji, visit http://guruvanand.com. For Brhamrishi Guruvananda’s discourse in Hicksville, contact US Coordinator Prabha Bhandari at (347) 276-2393.
Devotee Experiences We have implemented Guruji’s simple yet powerful teachings in our work and life, which has transformed our state of mind to a very superior level of thinking. --Rahul & Nitu Sankhla, From India Gurudev both saved and changed my life. A few years ago, I became very ill and the doctors couldn't exactly figure out what was wrong with me. By grace of some supreme power my parents came across Gurudev. With his blessings I became better very soon. Since then my family and I have been his disciples. Just being in his presence makes me feel like I can get through any obstacle that comes my way. He guides us towards a more balanced and aware lifestyle. His aura has the power to make everything around us happy and positive. --Apra Bhandari, Los Angeles Being an Engineering PhD, I was always skeptical about any phenomena that “science” could not explain. Therefore, I did not believe in Gurus and their powers. Then a few years ago I was given the gift of two books— “Living with Himalayan Masters” by Swami Rama and “A Search in Secret India” by Paul Brunton. After reading those, I realized the importance of having a Guru to guide us through a spiritual path. But I wondered how I can find a guru sitting here in the US. Then, on my sister Prabha’s request Shri Guruvanand “Guru ji” visited the US. I was in the
gathering at her place. When Guru ji came to me he said something that gave me an uplifting feeling. Since then we have a spiritual bond that is hard to describe. Today Guru Ji is guiding me through a spiritual path I never thought would be possible for me. --Chandra Bhansali, Long Island I have met Guruji—he is every bit as advertised and more. I felt a very special connection with him especially as a healer! His overall countenance and spiritual energy were magnificent! I am an avid student of OSHO! I also believe strongly that I was a healer in India many lives ago. I love Vedic Tradition and spirituality very much! --Shanti After meeting Guruji I was touched by him and my meditation the next morning was different. I worked through some old unrest and fears (childhood ones that have a way of unconsciously robbing some of my power to be in the present at rest) during the meditation. Guruji is a powerful figure for good in the world. -- Diane Guru Ji has a unique way of making the simple profound and the profound simple; of showing how all things are circular and related; and of demonstrating how one can live a better and happier life. --David
India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info
September 3-9, 2011
RTI activist's murder: BJP MP to be probed
Madhya Pradesh-based RTI activist Shehla Masood. New Delhi/Bhopal: The probe into Yadav told reporters that a police team the murder of Madhya Pradesh based would go to New Delhi to question RTI activist Shehla Masood took a Tarun Vijay. Masood, an anti-corruption crusader political turn with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tarun Vijay's name and Right to Information activist, was linked to the case and the Congress shot in the neck outside her home in demanding a CBI investigation. the Koh-e-Fiza area on the morning of According to Madhya Pradesh Aug 16. Masood headed the Madhya Police, phone records of Masood Pradesh chapter of India Against show she spoke to Rajya Sabha MP Corruption group. In April, she led Tarun Vijay Aug 15 and 16, the night protests when Gandhian Anna Hazare before and the day she was shot dead fasted in New Delhi for the first time. outside her residence in Bhopal. The day before her murder, Masood Inspector General of Police Vijay had pledged to expose widespread
corruption and that she had several vital documents to back her claims. Demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe, Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijay Singh said the circumstances in which Masood was murdered were suspicious. Tarun Vijay should himself demand an enquiry in the issue, he said. "Now that Tarun Vijay's name has come up in this case, I think Tarun Vijay and the chief minister (BJP's Shivraj Singh Chouhan) both should hand over the case to CBI," Digvijay Singh told reporters here. "It is a brutal murder. The way Shehla Masood was murdered, it is in fact very sad. And it is very surprising that this killing took place during the daytime around 11 a.m. in a locality where VIPs stay. A thorough investigation should be done into the case. We have demanded a CBI inquiry into it," he said. "In BJP ruled states, RTI activists are being attacked. This is really sad. CBI should probe the case. Everything needs to be clarified," added his colleague and Congress general secretary B.K. Hariprasad. Tarun Vijay could not be contacted for comment.
Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations begin
People worshipping Ganesha idols in Mumbai. Mumbai: The sounds of the first 'aarti' and 'sthapan puja' welcoming the elephant-headed Lord Ganesh resounded through this Maharashtra capital Thursday as the 10-day Ganpati festival began amid tight security. Millions of Mumbaikars - ranging from slumdwellers to billionaires - remained awake throughout Wednesday night, making last minute preparations for the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Gigantic, medium and small idols of Lord Ganesh were installed in different public venues, housing complexes and individual homes. Since last week, nearly 250,000 idols have arrived from artisans' studios. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mumbai, the entire coastal Konkan region and Pune. Over 12,500 registered associations, apart
19
from the 40,000 private housing complexes, have been preparing for the most popular festival of the state, which attracts domestic and foreign tourists, said Mumbai Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samavaya Samiti (BSGSS) president Naresh Dahibhavkar. A majority of the gigantic idols were installed last week in different marquees before being unveiled Thursday. Small idols started arriving Wednesday evening. Some associations have thematic presentations in the background of the idols. The presentations range from the July 13 Mumbai terror attacks to the Ajanta-Ellora Caves, besides paintings, tableaux, decorations, and artistic impressions from other facets of Indian life. Last year, many chose to go with the swine flu theme that had plagued the state then and the Mumbai terror attacks of Nov 26, 2008.
ED files FEMA case against Ramdev
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a foreign exchange violation case against yoga guru Baba Ramdev, officials said. According to sources, the ED has found evidence of Ramdev and his trusts receiving unauthorized financial assistance from the US, New Zealand and Britain. However, Ved Pratap Vaidik, a close associate of Ramdev, said the case has been filed because of "vendetta and revenge". "The timing of the case is suspect. If the government had all this information, why did they not file a case
earlier," Vaidik told reporters. The case has been registered under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), official sources added. They said the ED has evidence of a Rs.7 crore remittance from Britain recently. Ramdev's castle in the Little Cumbrae island in Scotland is also being investigated, it is learnt. The castle in Largs town is used by Ramdev as his base outside India.According to sources, the ED has evidence of foreign remittances to Ramdev and his trusts, including the Patanjali Yogpeeth and Divya Yoga Mandir Trust.
'26/11 might have led to Indo-Pak war' Washington: The 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack by the banned Pakistani militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) almost started a war between India and Pakistan that might have resulted in some kind of nuclear conflict, former US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer has said. Roemer, who served as the 22nd US ambassador to India from July 2009 to June 2011, however did not divulge any further details of his conclusion that 26/11 could have led to a nuclear war between the two South Asian neighbors. "Those attacks killed 177 people in Mumbai two years ago. Six Americans were killed. And they almost started a war between Pakistan and India that might have resulted in some kind of a nuclear war. So this self-radicalization issue is a critically important one," Roemer said on Wednesday at a discussion on Status of National Security and the Implementation of the 9/11 C o m m i s s i o n ' s
Former US Ambassador to India Timothy Roemer. Recommendations. The former US envoy, a member of the 9/11 National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States set up in 2002, said he feared a scenario in which a terrorist group gets hold of nuclear weapon and an undetected self-radicalized or a cell in the United States. "We're often asked a question, I think every one of us: What keeps you awake at night? And I would answer the question, two things: a terrorist group getting a nuclear weapon
and a self-radicalized or a cell in the United States that is undetected and can pull off a catastrophic event here," Roemer said. "Now, several months ago we had something that almost combined both. There was a person by the name of David Headley who was a terrorist living in Chicago who could travel between India, Pakistan and the United States seamlessly. And he was the guy that planned -- helped plan the attacks on Mumbai," he said in response to a question.
20
India Newswire
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Hanging of Rajiv Gandhi's killers stayed Chennai: The hanging of the three men sentenced to death for conspiring to assassinate former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was stayed for eight weeks by the Madras High Court, coinciding with the Tamil Nadu assembly passing a resolution asking President Pratibha Patil to review their mercy petitions. Hearing the petitions filed by Murugan alias Sriharan, T. Suthendraraja alias Santhan and A.G. Perarivalan alias Arivu that their death sentence be commuted, Justices C. Nagappan and M. Satyanarayanan ordered an interim stay on the hanging pending disposal of the case. The court has ordered notice to the state and the central governments returnable in eight weeks. On August 11, President Pratibha Patil rejected the mercy petitions of the three, all of whom are linked to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and sentenced to death for their involvement in Gandhi's May 1991 assassination. Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister 1984-89, was killed by suicide bomber Dhanu at an election rally in Sriperumbudur near Chennai on May 21. Fourteen other peo-
This photograph taken on May 24, 1991 shows the funeral procession for former PM Rajiv Gandhi in New Delhi. ple also lost their lives in the blast. death sentence to life imprisonment. Citing the concern of the people of Tamil The Tamil Nadu assembly also Tuesday moved a resolution asking the president to Nadu and the appeals by various political review her decision rejecting their three con- parties, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa said the demned men's mercy plea and commute the resolution was moved on behalf of the state
government. The clemency petition was rejected by the Indian president after 11 years and the delay is prima facie wrong, senior counsel Ram Jethmalani said while arguing for Perarivalan at the Madras High Court. He said a notice seeking explanation for the delay should be sent. Urging speedy disposal of mercy petitions, Jethmalani had said earlier that if there was a delay of two years, then the death sentence would be commuted to life imprisonment. "Perhaps the delay in deciding on the mercy petition made the high court grant the stay. The Rajiv Gandhi assassination case is one of the rarest of rare cases where death sentence is warranted," political commentator Cho Ramaswamy said. "Apart from Rajiv Gandhi, several others got killed in the blast," he added. According to him, the "save the three" chorus sung by almost all parties was politically motivated. The Communist Party of India (CPI) welcomed the high court's interim stay and the assembly resolution and canceled the statewide fasting protest from September 3.
BJP slams Omar Kashmir legislator seeks clemency for Afzal for Afzal tweet New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his tweet linking the Tamil Nadu assembly resolution on the three men on the death row for the Rajiv Gandhi killing to parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. The Congress declined to comment on Omar's remarks while the Communist Party of IndiaMarxist (CPI-M) hoped that the judicial verdict on the convicts will settle such controversies. BJP spokesman Shanawaz Hussain said Omar Abdullah's remarks on Twitter were unfortunate. "Had some Hurriyat leaders made such comment, it would have been understandable. A responsible CM should not have made such comments," Hussain said. BJP member Balbir Punj dubbed Omar's remarks "shocking, irresponsible and unfortunate". BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said the death sentence given to the three men in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi should be carried out. "If in the process of law, the Supreme Court confirms capital punishment...and the clemency petition is rejected, that capital punishment must be executed," Prasad said. Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi declined to comment on the issue. "We have clarified a number of times that the cases of death penalty involve a constitutional
Omar Abdullah. process, a legal process and an administrative process," Singhvi said. "It has been going on and will go on. There is no question of commenting," Singhvi added. The party would not comment on another leader's remarks, he stressed. CPI-M leader Sitraram Yechury said the Tamil Nadu assembly resolution "reflected general opinion among people" but hoped that the court order will end the controversy. "What Jammu and Kashmir chief minister has said is also an issue. But the matter (of convicts) anyway is before judiciary. Hope the adjudication will be such that it will settle all such problems," he said. Omar Abdullah, in a comment on microblogging site Twitter, said: "If J&K assembly had passed a resolution similar to the Tamil Nadu one for Afzal Guru would the reaction have been as muted? I think not."
Srinagar : Sep 1 (IANS) Independent legislator Engineer Rashid said he has submitted a resolution to Jammu and Kashmir assembly speaker seeking clemency for parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. Rashid, who won the 2008 legislative assembly polls from north Kashmir's Langate constituency, said: "The session of the state legislative assembly is scheduled for Sep 26. I have already submitted a resolution to the honourable speaker of the assembly, seeking clemency for Afzal Guru." Asked whether his decision was influenced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's tweet on the subject, Rashid said: "Omar Abdullah has already said in one of his tweets that my resolution had been submitted prior to his tweet on the subject. "I think he has already clarified the position in this regard and I need not make any further comment on it," he added. In a post on micro blogging site Twitter Wednesday, Omar Abdullah wondered whether a resolution in the state assembly on Afzal Guru, on the lines of the one passed by Tamil Nadu assembly seeking clemency for three convicts in the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, would have attracted a similar muted response. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized Omar Abdullah, saying he is trying to appease separatists
Indian Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. through his comment. Once the resolution submitted by the independent legislator comes up for vote, it would be very difficult for the ruling National Conference (NC), which has 28 members in the 87-member assembly, to stay away from voting on the controversial subject. Many NC leaders have said that if Afzal Guru is hanged, it would adversely impact the fragile peace prevailing in the Valley.
Delhi HC rejects petition on Lokpal bill New Delhi: The Delhi High Court dismissed a petition seeking to declare the central government's act of introducing the Lokpal bill last month as unconstitutional on grounds that parliamentary procedures were not followed. Dismissing the public interest litigation, a division bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice Sanjiv Khanna said: "In our considered opinion, the writ petition
has been preferred without any legal foundation and hence it cannot be made a subject matter under article 226." "We decline to entertain the writ petition and dismiss the same," said Chief Justice Misra. "The government's action in introducing all Lokpal bills (government as well as private ones) is unconstitutional and be declared so," advocate Manohar Lal Sharma
had said in his petition filed Aug 29. He added that the government had followed "unprecedented" unconstitutional procedure to draft the bill by a drafting committee, which also comprised civil society members, in addition to government representatives. The petition also alleged that the government was buckling under the pressure of civil society members and various political parties.
Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info
21
September 3-9, 2011
Anna wins but worrying signs remain
By Amulya Ganguli
ll's well that ends well. Parliament's acceptance of Anna Hazare's three major demands - bringing the lower bureaucracy under the Lokpal, setting up Lokayuktas in the states and introducing the concept of citizen's charters to deal with public grievances - has led to the septuagenarian crusader to call off his 12-day fast even as he was entering the "danger zone" in medical terms. The historic nature of the day cannot be overemphasized. That the parliament of the world's "largest functioning democracy", in finance minister Pranab Mukherjee's words, bowed to what has been widely regarded as the wishes of the people could not but enhance its prestige. In addition, the high quality of the debate did the same, especially the speeches of some of the young MPs. They underlined a level of awareness and sensitiveness which bodes well for the country. The manner in which the two main parties, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), came together to ensure the unanimous acceptance of the resolution incorporating the three points mentioned by Anna demonstrated how they could rise above partisan considerations when the need arose. However, a few worrying signs remain because, even in their moment of victory, the conduct of the civil activists left a great deal to be desired. For a start, the fact that the res-
A
olution was accepted with the thumping of desks by the MPs and not through a voice vote, as was earlier expected, persuaded Medha Patkar, a prominent community worker, to describe what took place in parliament as "part betrayal". Her grouse was that the assurance given to her and her colleagues about a voice vote was not kept. What this attitude underlined yet again was the combative insistence on having their own way which has guided Anna Hazare's foot soldiers. Although they finally agreed to only the passage of a resolution, and not the introduction of their Jan Lokpal bill, the basic intransigence of their attitude was again evident when they raised objections to the "tainted" union minister Vilasrao Deshmukh carrying the resolution to the Ramlila grounds in view of his suspected involvement in the Adarsh housing society scandal in Mumbai. Their earlier preference for a vote was also apparently motivated not so much by respect for democratic procedures as by a canny desire to find out the dissenters so that they could later be subjected to harassment and intimidation. It is this kind of in-your-face bellicosity which has led to a split in the Anna camp itself with Swami Agnivesh alleging that the Gandhian satyagrahi was being badly advised while Justice Santosh Hegde had said that the fast should have been called off earlier when the government accepted that the prime minister would be brought under the Lokpal's ambit. This divi-
Anna Hazare breaking his 13-day long fast at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. sion in the civil society ranks seems to have persuaded the government to approach Anna directly after the passage of the resolution, bypassing some of his obdurate aides. The portents of this stubbornness are disconcerting. It means that the activists will continue to stir up trouble as parliament considers the bill and perhaps reject some of their favorite points. That the bill has many loopholes is undeniable. The most worrisome is the inclusion of virtually the entire gargantuan bureaucracy in the states and at the center, which can make the ombudsman sink under the weight of complaints. Hence, the suggestion that it should deal only with the top-level politicians and the higher bureaucracy. The size of the Lokpal itself and its extraordinary powers, which have the potential to make it prosecutor, judge and executioner, is another bothersome factor. Then, there is the question: Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who will guard the guards? If the all-powerful Lokpal shows dictatorial tendencies, who will call it to account? It is when misgivings
like these are voiced in parliament that the activists are likely to foment trouble by accusing the politicians - who were mocked by Kiran Bedi, one of the leading lights of the movement, in the Ramlila grounds - of betrayal yet again. Their only disadvantage is that they cannot persuade Anna to go on another fast - even if he is willing - because such a self-serving move can only invite ridicule. There are several lessons, therefore, which the government and the campaigners can draw from the events of the recent past. The government has to appreciate that it cannot allow itself to be mired in charges of corruption without undermining its credibility to such an extent that it has to surrender to what has been called mobocracy. On their part, the activists have to learn that, however just their cause, their conduct can bring disrepute to the movement. (Amulya Ganguli a political analyst. He can be reached at amulyaganguli@gmail.com)
Anna horribilis
The Anna Gang isn't undertaking a Tahrir Square-type uprising bent on bringing down the government, demolishing Parliament and destroying the nation in that order. By Indrajit Hazra rankly, whatever be your opinion on the Jan Lokpal Bill and on the radical tactics used by Anna Hazare, the sheer popular support for the agitation against the government's attempt to introduce a diluted anti-corruption law is astounding. That by itself has left cynical smarty-pants like myself, never mind arrogant dumby-
F
pants in the ruling party, dumbstruck. The power of the mob - an abbreviation of the Latin 'mobile vulgus' or 'excitable crowd' - has also made many of us squirm with different levels of disapproval. For those who conflate the idea of a nation with the State, Hazare's mega agitprop is an act that smacks of antinationalism, even if it leaves these fuming folks confused, considering
the protests are impeccably patriotic in tone and content. For many others, the aesthetics is all wrong: a hyperactive fool with narcissistic qualities is leading a hyperbolic cause that may be just but is overwhelmingly ridiculous and pigheaded (and is causing traffic disruptions). And smart folks hate self-righteous fools even if the latter seem to be getting the results that the former never managed to get however much they wanted them. ...The Anna Gang isn't undertaking a Tahrir Square-type uprising bent on bringing down the government, demolishing Parliament and destroying the nation in that order. It just wants the government to stop treating its citizens like a bunch of retards by forcing them to bring about a stringent law when actually it's just making a show of it. These so-called 'anarchists' don't want to destroy laws or remove lawmakers. They just want Parliament to bring about a strong, specific law. Silly,
self-righteous but effective Anna isn't storming the Bastille. He just walked out of Tihar.By Indrajit Hazra Frankly, whatever be your opinion on the Jan Lokpal Bill and on the radical tactics used by Anna Hazare, the sheer popular support for the agitation against the government's attempt to introduce a diluted anti-corruption law is astounding. That by itself has left cynical smarty-pants like myself, never mind arrogant dumby-pants in the ruling party, dumbstruck. The power of the mob - an abbreviation of the Latin 'mobile vulgus' or 'excitable crowd' - has also made many of us squirm with different levels of disapproval. For those who conflate the idea of a nation with the State, Hazare's mega agitprop is an act that smacks of antinationalism, even if it leaves these fuming folks confused, considering the protests are impeccably patriotic in tone and content. For many others, the aesthetics is
The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.
all wrong: a hyperactive fool with narcissistic qualities is leading a hyperbolic cause that may be just but is overwhelmingly ridiculous and pigheaded (and is causing traffic disruptions). And smart folks hate self-righteous fools even if the latter seem to be getting the results that the former never managed to get however much they wanted them. ...The Anna Gang isn't undertaking a Tahrir Square-type uprising bent on bringing down the government, demolishing Parliament and destroying the nation in that order. It just wants the government to stop treating its citizens like a bunch of retards by forcing them to bring about a stringent law when actually it's just making a show of it. These so-called 'anarchists' don't want to destroy laws or remove lawmakers. They just want Parliament to bring about a strong, specific law. Silly, self-righteous but effective Anna isn't storming the Bastille. He just walked out of Tihar.
22
Diaspora
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Underground river named after Indian-origin scientist Brasilia: Brazilian scientists has discovered the existence of an underground river some 6,000 km long running beneath the Amazon River. The river has been named after an Indian-origin scientist, a media report said Thursday. Researchers decided to name the underground river the Hamza, in tribute to the scientist of Indian origin Valiya Mannathal Hamza, who has been studying the region for more than four decades. The discovery was made possible thanks to research work performed at 241 wells that the Petrobras oil company drilled in the Amazon region in the 1970s while prospecting for crude, according to the study published by the Sao Paulo daily O Estado which was carried out by the National Geophysical Observatory. The subterranean river runs at a depth of about 4,000 meters along a
Valiya Mannathal Hamza who has been bestowed the honor of an underground river flowing under the Amazon being named after him. course similar to that of the Amazon, and it has a flow rate calculated at about 3,000 cubic meters per second. The flow is just 3 percent of that of the Amazon River itself, which has its headwaters in the Peruvian jungle, empties into the Atlantic in northern Brazil and at 6,800 kilometers is considered to be the world's longest river.
Hove: Authorities in England's Hove city dedicated a portion of the Sussex Cricket Museum in the memory of late cricketer, K. S. Ranjit Singh Ji, after whom the premier Indian domestic cricket championship, Ranji Trophy is named. This section of the museum was inaugurated by acting Indian High Commissioner to U.K., Rajesh Prasad, Ranjit Singh was an Indian prince and a test cricketer who played for the English cricket team and county cricket for Sussex. He has been credited for bringing an unconventional technique of batting backed with fast reactions; he brought a new style to batting that revolutionized the game. Talking to mediapersons, Rob Broddie, a librarian at the museum said Ranjit Singh Ji was closely associated with Sussex for several years. "He was revered, if you read out
New Chair in Indian studies at Edinburgh London: A new Chair in Contemporary Indian Studies is to be created at the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural relations, an official release said today. Chairs focussed on Indian studies have been established at some universities in England but this is the first such Chair in Scotland. The agreement to set up the Chair has been signed by University of Edinburgh Vice Principal International Stephen Hillier and ICCR Director General Suresh K Goel. The Chair will see an Indian academic join the university as a professor, the release added. The two organizations hope that this initiative will lead to the creation of a Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies at Edinburgh. As part of the university's long-standing ties with India, it also signed a Memorandum of
It will be first such chair in Scotland Understanding earlier this year with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). The university has also opened a liaison office in Mumbai, which will simplify communication and collaboration between the university and partners in Indian education, business and government. University Principal Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea said: "I am delighted that we are to establish a new Chair thanks to the support of the Indian
Council for Cultural Relations. Our efforts show that the University of Edinburgh is committed to working with Indian partners and institutions." Former Edinburgh scholars with Indian links include William Robertson, who wrote one of the earliest European texts on Indian commerce and culture, and Victor Kiernan, known for his translations of the poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Mohammed Iqbal.
K S Ranjit Singh Ji history books, he was a very special player, he was infact the greatest player, both himself, his nephew Dalip, Maurice Tate, Arthur Gilligan. We have had some really special players here. If you go back you had the revered David Shepherd, Tony Greg, Nawab Ali Pataudi, the names go on. The club
has very rich history but also this very close collection with the Indians, which I have tried here to show, and it's been rather difficult because I had eight weeks to put it together. This is just a part of it, there is many other archive which I haven't been able to access," said Rob. Praising the late cricketer, Broddie said he was a great benefactor of the club and often invited English players to his palace in India. "He was so generous to the club, a great benefactor and he was always inviting English players to his palace in India and the players would go out there and he would treat them royally," added Broddie. The Sussex Cricket Museum has been allocated more space to facilitate the display of rare memorabilia of Ranjit Singh Ji and other revered Indian cricketers who have visited and played at the Sussex cricket grounds.
Indian killed in Libya, evacuation operation on New Delhi: With fighting intensifying in Libya, the government Friday said it was trying to get back the body of an Indian national killed in the besieged north African country and offered to assist those who wished to return home. Imtiaz Alam, a resident of Lucknow, was killed in a bombing attack in Tripoli last week. He was working at the residence of a Libyan official
in the capital. “Efforts are under way to get his mortal remains back to India. His family in Lucknow has been intimated by his Indian colleague,” the external affairs ministry said in a statement here. The ministry said the International Organization of Migration (IOM) was making arrangements to evacuate stranded foreign nationals in
Libya by two ships that leaves the country Friday and Saturday. “Indian nationals still in Libya have been informed about the initiative,” the ministry said. “Those who have expressed a desire to return are being assisted, to the extent possible, despite the very difficult ground situation and extremely limited resources with our Mission at Tripoli.” India is also preparing to send a ship under the aegis of the IOM to assist Indians.
Over 1,500 delegates to attend Indian diaspora conclave in 2012 New Delhi: Over 1,500 delegates from across the globe are likely to participate in India's annual diaspora conclave to be held in Jaipur Jan 7-9, 2012, Vayalar Ravi, minister of overseas Indian affairs and civil aviation, said Friday.Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar will be the chief guest at the 10th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). The theme of PBD 2012 will be 'Global Indian-Inclusive Growth.' 'We are expecting more number of participants in the PBD 2012. Over 1,500 delegates are likely to participate,' Ravi said at a press conference here. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to inaugurate the event Jan 8, 2012 and President Pratibha Devisingh Patil will deliver the valedictory address and confer Pravasi Bhartiya Samman
awards Jan 9. Ravi said the event would provide an excellent opportunity to connect with 27-million strong Indian diaspora spread over 150 countries across the world. The Indian diaspora is the second largest expatriate community in the world after the Chinese. 'The expatriate community plays an important role in the growth and development of the country. Our aim is to encourage them to play an even greater role,' the minister said. The PBD 2012 will be organised by the ministry of overseas Indian affairs in partnership with government of Rajasthan. The Confederation of Indian Industry is the institutional partner of the event. The three-day event will be held at Marriott hotel in Rajasthan's capital Jaipur, popularly called pink city.
Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info
23
September 3-9, 2011
JNU scholar is Nepal's new PM Kathmandu: A village boy from western Nepal's Gorkha district, that was once also the bastion of Nepal's Shah kings, Baburam Bhattarai, who was elected Sunday as the Himalayan republic's fourth prime minister in three years, established himself as a star even before joining leftist politics. The student from Amar Jyoti Janata Secondary School topped the tough School-Leaving Certificate examination in 1970, following it up two years later with the same performance in the intermediate examination as a science student from Kathmandu's Amrit Science Campus. The performance won him a scholarship under the Colombo Plan which established strong academic ties between him and India. Bhattarai graduated in architecture from the Chandigarh College of Architecture and followed it up with a Masters degree from Delhi
School of Planning and Architecture, where he came close to Hisila Yami, his future wife, as well as Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy. In 1986, he completed his PhD from New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University, which, he says, also taught him his first lessons in communism. In 1996, Bhattarai went underground as the Maoists launched their "People's War", seeking the abolition of monarchy and a constitution to be written by elected people's representatives. In the course of the 10-year war, which killed over 17,000 people, Bhattarai lived in hiding in Indian cities off and on, remaining in touch with Indian communist leaders. Around 2004-2005, his relations with Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda soured, leading to his being suspended from the party along with his wife, Hisila, and
Zardari celebrates Eid in Xinjiang
being kept virtually under house arrest in a remote village in Nepal. However, the differences were patched up keeping in view then king Gyanendra's bid to seize absolute power. Indian leaders are believed to have played a role in the reconciliation. In 2006, after signing an agreement with Nepal's major parties, the Maoists led public protests in Nepal for 19 days, reminiscent of Anna Hazare's peaceful protests, which forced the king to step down. Two years later, the Maoists emerged as the largest party following a historical election and Bhattarai won the highest number of votes, contesting from Gorkha. He was finance minister during the short-lived Prachanda government with his policies seeing an unprecedented rise in state revenues. Bhattarai, the moderate face of the Maoist party, had advocated taking the peace process forward
Nepal’s new PM Baburam Bhattarai with Prachanda. instead of launching an armed movement against Nepal's southern neighbor India. It caused him to be branded an Indian stooge by the hawks in the party.
Anti-terror ops with Pak not smooth: US Washington: Acknowledging that Washington's counter-terrorism cooperation with Islamabad has "not always been smooth," the United States has said it would continue to work with Pakistan to rid the region of Al Qaeda. "Beyond saying that our work, our counterterrorism work with Pakistan, continues, that these issues have not always been smooth," State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland told reporters Monday in response to a question
"Sometimes our work together is complex, but we share an interest with Pakistan in ridding the region of Al Qaeda. And that work will continue," she said when asked what action Pakistan was taking against terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) blamed for 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Asked if Pakistan had taken any concrete steps to fight terrorists, Nuland repeated: "Well, I'm not going to get into the details of our very sensitive counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan.
India with Colombo on lifting emergency Pak President Asif Ali Zardari with Hu Zintao. Beijing: Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari celebrated Eid at Urumqi in China's Muslim majority Xinjiang province as part of Islamabad's efforts to placate Beijing that had accused its "all-weather friend" of fomenting unrest in the region. Hours later, Chinese media said attacks by suspected Uighur militants in Xinjiang have been thwarted. Zardari visited a mosque in Urumqi along with his son Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari and daughter Asifa Bhutto Zardari. The president's delegation also included five ministers , Gilgit-Baltistan chief minister Syed Mehdi Shah and PoK prime minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed. Pakistan recently accorded provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan that was a part of pre-1947 Jammu & Kashmir. A 1994 unanimous Parliamentary resolution declared
PoK including Gilgit-Baltistan as India's integral part. "Zardari is trying to reassure China that he really wants to curb the cross-border flow of terrorism," said Jawaharlal Nehru University Chinese studies professor Srikanth Kondapalli. He added that China has shown that it recognizes J&K's disputed part under Pakistan as Islambad's territory while it would not recognize the Indian part by giving visa to the PoK leader. This is for the first time Beijing has allowed PoK PM to visit China. Zardari's visit is seen as a bid to restore Islamabad's image among local Muslims after Xinjiang government blamed Pakistan as the source of arms and training for separatists . Pakistan has since been trying to reassure China that reports about ISI-trained Uighur militants are untrue.
He will now have to persuade the hawks in the party to go with him and maintain a fine balance between India and China, Nepal's northern neighbor.
New Delhi: Welcoming Colombo's decision to withdraw the emergency from the island nation, India Friday said it would want Sri Lanka to investigate human rights violations in a "transparent" manner and pushed for a genuine national reconciliation that ensures the rights of the Tamils in that country. "We have also noted the president of Sri Lanka's decision announced yesterday (Thursday) to withdraw the state of emergency when it lapses at the end of this month. This, in our view, is a welcome step," External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said while replying to a short duration discussion in the Lok Sabha on the steps taken by the government on relief and resettlement of Sri Lankan Tamils. "We hope that this will be followed by effective steps leading to genuine national reconciliation in the country." A day after the Indian opposition parties accused Sri Lanka of illtreating Tamils even after crushing the Tamil Tigers and voiced concern at human rights violations during the armed conflict with LTTE, Krishna said New Delhi would like
External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna. Sri Lanka to make "transparent" investigations into such allegations and that the probe should not be a "make believe" one. "I wish to emphatically state that during the conflict, particularly in its last phase, government of India repeatedly called upon the government of Sri Lanka to be mindful of the welfare and safety of civilians caught in the crossfire and consistently emphasized that the rights and the welfare of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka should not get enmeshed in the ongoing hostilities."
10 die in Pak suicide bombing Islamabad: At least 10 people were killed and 25 wounded in a massive suicide bombing at a parking lot of a mosque in Quetta city on Wednesday, a day when the country celebrated Eid. A suicide bomber driving an explosivesladen car blew himself up, reported Xinhua citing a TV channel. At least 14 cars were destroyed following the huge blast and nearby buildings were partially damaged. Most of the people killed or injured in the blast were those who came to the mosque to offer Eid prayers, said police sources.
24
International & Business
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Qadhafi, family flee to Algeria
Leaked cables identify Qaeda recruits Washington: Whistleblowing site Wikileaks has released a secret US diplomatic cable which has named six women living in Australia as potential targets of an al-Qaeda plot to recruit women for terror attacks. The women — four Australians, a Briton and a Filipino — are among 23 people based in Australia, alleged by Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the US State Department to be connected to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). The latest batch of confidential and secret cable, written by the US embassy in Canberra in January last year, was sent to US intelligence agencies and 15 US diplomatic stations around the world. “Recent threat information suggests (al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) is looking to identify a female for a future attack,” the cable states referring
to the organisation’s most internationally active branch, local media reported on Wednesday. The document claims al-Qaeda has been looking to recruit women for future terrorist attacks. Australia has flayed whistleblowing site, calling it “incredibly irresponsible” for publishing the cable detailing Australians with suspected links to Yemeni terrorism.
US slaps more sanctions on Syria Qadhafi’s whereabouts were still unknown and rebels are worried that if he remains in Libya, it will stoke more violence. Tripoli: Muammar Qadhafi’s wife and three of his children fled Libya to neighbouring Algeria, firm evidence that the long time leader has lost his grip on the country. Qadhafi’s whereabouts were still unknown and rebels are worried that if he remains in Libya, it will stoke more violence. In Washington, the Obama administration said it has no indication Qadhafi has left the country. Rebels also said one of Qadhafi’s sons, elite military commander Khamis, was probably killed in battle. The Algerian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Qadhafi’s wife Safia, his sons Hannibal and Mohammed, and his daughter Aisha entered the country across the land border. It said Algerian authorities have informed the United Nations Secretary General, the President of the U.N. Security Council, and the head of the Libyan rebels transition-
al leadership council. Ahmed Jibril, an aide to rebel National Transitional Council head Mustafa Abdul-Jalil, said officials would “demand that Algerian authorities hand them over to Libya to be tried before Libyan courts.” Qadhafi’s children played important roles in Libya’s military and economic life. Mr. Hannibal headed the maritime transport company; Mr. Mohammed the national Olympic committee. Ms. Aisha, a lawyer, helped in the defense of toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in the trial that led to his hanging. Ahmed Bani, military spokesman of the council, said he was not surprised to hear Algeria had welcomed Mr. Qadhafi’s family. Throughout the six-month Libyan uprising, rebels have accused Algeria of providing Mr. Qadhafi with mercenaries to repress the revolt.
The Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid Al-Moallem. Washington: US has tightened the noose against the Syrian regime by slapping sanctions against three of its top officials including the country's Foreign Minister. Besides the Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Walid AlMoallem, other two are Syria's Presidential Political and Media
US to block AT&T's acquisition of T-Mobile Washington: The US justice department has filed an antitrust lawsuit to block AT&T's acquisition of TMobile, an official said. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon account for more than 90 percent of the mobile wireless connections in the US, so "preserving competition among them is crucial", Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole said at a press conference. A merger of AT&T and TMobile, however, would combine two of the four largest competitors in the marketplace, and would eliminate T-Mobile, an aggressive competitor, from the market, Xinhua quoted him as saying. The combination of the two companies would also result in tens of millions of con-
sumers facing higher prices, fewer choices and lower quality products for their mobile wireless services, he added. "We are seeking to block this deal in order to maintain a vibrant and competitive marketplace that allows everyone to benefit from lower prices and better quality and innovative products."
AT&T is the second largest mobile phone service provider in the US and TMobile is ranked the fourth largest. Since AT&T announced its $39-billion acquisition plan of T-Mobile in March, the deal has proved controversial, with increasing opposition from rivals, consumer advocates and groups.
Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban and Syria's Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Abdul Karim Ali. "Building on our sanctions targeting the entire Government of Syria, we are bringing additional pressure to bear today directly on three senior Asad regime officials who are principal defenders of the regime's activi-
ties," said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen. "This is part of our ongoing effort to lead the international community in tightening both the political and economic noose on the Asad regime. We believe that other countries should follow suit on the sanctions that we have already put forward, including the economic sanctions. This is a guy who is part of the campaign of violence. We sanctioned his boss, Asad, and now we are sanctioning him," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters at her daily news conference. Nuland said the US had particular concerns about the role these individual plays in the Syrian regime's reign of terror. "We have particular concerns about the treatment of Syrians in Lebanon and the fact that so many of them have disappeared," she said.
Melbourne world's most liveable city Melbourne: Melbourne has pipped 139 other cities to be judged the best city in the world to live in, while India's commercial hub Mumbai was way below at 116th, according to a latest survey. The Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Survey gave Melbourne a score of 97.5 percent. Austria's Vienna was second while Canada's Vancouver was third. Other Australian cities in the top 10 include Sydney, ranked sixth, while Perth and Adelaide were joint eighth, The Age reported. Among other top cities, Toronto was ranked fourth, Helsinki seventh, Paris 16th and Tokyo 18th. The cities were scored on political and social stability, crime rates and access to
quality health care. The survey also measured the diversity and standard of cultural events and the natural environment, education (school and university) and the standard of infrastructure, including public transport. Greek capital Athens dropped to 67th, while Libyan capital Tripoli dived to 135th. Hong Kong was ranked
31st, San Francisco came in at 51st, as did Singapore, with both narrowly pipping London at 53rd and New York at 56th. The giant Chinese cities of Beijing and Shanghai came in at 72nd and 79th. The worst places to live among the 140 locations were Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh's Dhaka and Zimbabwe's Harare.
Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info
25
September 3-9, 2011
Kolkata welcomes cheerful Messi Kolkata: Over 2,000 delirious soccer lovers gave sleep the miss as they danced, cried and shouted slogans near the airport eulogizing football magician Lionel Messi, who spent his first day here obliging adoring fans and doing a light tune-up at the Salt Lake stadium. Long hours of sleep to shake off jet lag, visit to the coffee shop at the team hotel for a small bite of chicken grilled sandwich, marked the Argentine soccer great's day after he arrived in this footballloving city in the early hours. Soon after his flight touched down at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Messi was virtually mobbed as everybody from the immigration officials to the security personnel started posing with the 24-year-old striker for a photo of a lifetime.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi snapped on his arrival in Kolkata. "As soon as he came into the airport, many almost fell over him.
He was made to stand at the immigration for a long time as all offi-
cials wanted to spend time with him," said an official of the Celebrity Management Group, promoters of Friday's FIFA official international Argentina-Venezuela friendly match which has brought Messi to the city. At the hotel, Messi was given a traditional Indian welcome with a marigold garland and a tikka. He later said he liked the color of the garland. The hotel chef had prepared delicacies which Messi is fond of, but the star went to sleep after munching only some sausages and sandwiches. Fresh from his sleep in the afternoon, Messi was all smiles as he gladly obliged a young girl who wanted to click a photo with him and then jumped into the swimming pool with other members of the team.In the evening, Messi was
the star attraction at Argentina's maiden practice session at the match venue. He did some running and jogging to warm up, and played one touch with teammates. In a light mood, the reigning world footballer of the year cracked jokes, as coach Alejandro Sabella divided the practicing players into two sections - defense and attack. Messi, who is set to debut as regular Argentine captain in Friday's match, mesmerized as he foxed goalkeeper Esteban Andrade with a signature-tune feint to score. "We will stay here the whole night. For the next few days we will only relish every minute of the historic occasion," said Manas Dutta of the Nabin Sangha Fans Club, wearing Messi's number 10 jersey.
US Open: Sania loses India lose T20 match in England
New York: Sania Mirza lost a thrilling women's singles first round match while compatriots Leander Peas and Mahesh Bhupathi along with Rohan Bopanna and his Pakistan partner Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi entered the second round of the men's doubles in the US Open Tennis Championships. Playing in a packed court 17, Sania and her former doubles partner Shahar Peer engaged themselves in a fierce baseline exchange before the 23rd-seeded Israeli prevailed in the latter stages of the match to win 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-1 after more than a two-hour see-saw battle. It was Peer's second win over Sania in their six meetings. The Israeli was quick to take a 3-1 lead in the first set but Sania, with her blistering returns of serve, broke back to enforce a tie-breaker. The 64th-ranked Indian again trailed in the tie-breaker but soon levelled the scores at 5-5 with a down-the-line-forehand shot. Two points later, a forehand error from Peer gave Sania the opening set.
Sania Mirza. In the men's doubles, fourth-seeded Paes and Bhupathi saw off a stiff fight from Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine and Albert Ramos of Spain to prevail 7-6(8), 6-4 in the first round. They now await the winner of the match between Florian Mayer of Germany and Rogier Wassen of the Netherlands and Frenchmen Marc Gicquel and Gael Monfils. The fifth-seeded and last year's finalists Bopanna and Qureshi, too, survived a few anxious moments before pulling off a 6-1, 2-6, 6-2 victory over Americans Robby Ginepri and Rhyne Williams in the opening round. They now play the winner of the match between Americans Travis Parrott and Bobby Reynolds and James Cerretani of the US and Philipp Marx of Germany.
Manchester: A win eluded India once again as they lost the lone Twenty20 international against England by six wickets at the Old Trafford.Sterling displays from Eoin Morgan (49) and Jade Dernbach (4/22) helped England scamper home to a six-wicket win in a tense Twenty20. Opting to bat first on a sluggish track, India made a competitive 165 all out in 19.4 over after valuable contributions by debutants Ajinkya Rahane (61) and Rahul Dravid (31).Rahane's eye-catching 49-ball innings was studded with eight fours and Dravid playing in his first and last Twenty20 international smacked three consecutive sixes off Samit Patel to score a 31 from 21. Suresh Raina, who had a miserable Test series, also scored a useful 33 from 19. India, however, were largely done in by Dernbach's
array of slower balls and yorkers as he returned with his career-best figures of four for 22 from 3.4 overs. England made a slow start, losing debutant Alex Hales to a second-ball duck off Praveen Kumar and were 17 for one after three of their Powerplay overs. Kevin Pietersen scored 23-ball 33 but it was Morgan's 27-ball 49 that kept England in the match. England needed 10 runs off the last over, and Samit Patel (25) and Ravi Bopara (31) held their nerves to take the team safely with three balls to spare. In the last over, umpire Rob Bailey erroneously called wide when Vinay Kumar pitched his first delivery just inside the tramlines and then Patel came up with two streaky fours and a slap over extra cover to pull England over the line.
Maken snubs BCCI for resisting RTI Act New Delhi: Sports Minister Ajay the day, their team represents the country," said the minister. Maken criticized the Indian cricket board for refusing to come under the "Let them spell out three or four clauses which they are not happy Right to Information (RTI) Act and with. I would drop them. But their said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) enjoys several financial dealings must come under RTI Act," the minister said. exemptions at the expense of tax payers' money. "What do they mean by Maken said the sports ministry was Sports Minister Ajay Maken. not asking National Sports they don't get government funds so shouldn't come under RTI? They are indirectly getting Federations (NSF), including the BCCI, to reveal anygovernment funds. How about the tax exemptions? How thing to the government, rather he wanted them to be about the land they get? How much did they pay for the accountable to the people. Ferozeshah Kotla?" said Maken, a day after the union The bill was discussed in the union cabinet Tuesday. cabinet rejected the National Sport Development Bill. According to reports, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "BCCI does not have to pay entertainment tax; they and Home Minister P.Chidambaram supported the bill don't pay for the security provided during the matches but Sharad Pawar, who is the president of the by the government. Even the lands for the stadiums they International Cricket Council (ICC), Kapil Sibal, Praful use are generally given to them free of cost. So people Patel, who also heads the All India Football Federation have the right to know what is happening in the BCCI. (AIFF), Kamal Nath and Farooq Abdullah were People should know certain things because, at the end of opposed to it.
26
Real Estate
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Indian buyers see value in US realty Flush with cash and keen to diversify their portfolio, Indians are snapping up properties in the US. Florida based Atlantic Realty is witnessing a flurry of activity after it conducted a familiarization seminar in Mumbai tlantic Realty, a Florida based real estate company is upbeat with the kind of interest it is generating amongst Indian consumers for real estate in the United States. Speaking on behalf of Atlantic Realty, Mr. Oneil Khosa, International Business Development Head who has been instrumental in setting up the office for Atlantic Realty in India, stated that the process of closing various land deals in south of Florida is underway with Indian buyers. The company is witnessing a flurry of activity from Indian buyers after it conducted a familiarization seminar in Mumbai. Atlantic Realty has the expertise to facilitate real estate transactions for Indian citizens – a complete network of agents, brokers, lawyers and title companies to address any kind of requirement the clients might have. The company is planning to beef up its presence in India as well as the USA to provide better service to its Indian clients. Flush with cash and keen to diversify their portfolio, Indians are snapping up property in the US. Buyers include rich families whose children are either working or studying in the US, and rich individuals looking for good returns. As per Khosa, the Reserve Bank of India relaxed the foreign exchange rules in 2007 and Indians can now remit up to $200,000 a year, up from $100,000 earlier for investments abroad. That means a group of five has the opportunity to invest $1 million in a year. Indians are aware that there has been a sharp drop in home prices in the USA but may not know a way to acquire these properties, which companies like Atlantic Realty are facilitating. Today, prices of homes in US cities, for example, New York, are relatively cheaper compared with Delhi and Mumbai. The average price for a house in New York is about $1,300 a sq ft while apartments in Mumbai’s Cuff Parade could come for a steep $2000 a sq ft. Khosa refers to the statistics released by the US National Association of Realtors (NAR), a leading trade association, which clearly prove that Indians are taking a liking to the real estate in the US. As per NAR, Indians contributed 7% of total international home sales of $82 billion in the US during the year ended March 2011, only behind the Canadians (23%) and the Chinese (9%). The year saw the highest home sales in America after the meltdown and the largest purchase in value terms by the Indian community in three
A
years. In an interview, Mr. Khosa, who himself has lived around the world, says that Destination USA offers lot of value for Indian buyers who essentially want to benefit from the cyclical real estate industry. Q: Can an Indian buy real estate in the USA? Oneil Khosa: Yes, an Indian can buy real estate in the USA. We set up a holding company so you can legally own any type of real estate in the USA. When you invest in USA real estate, you will need a US Tax ID number. This is similar to a PAN card number in India. We handle all the requirements and keep you in compliance with all the legal and accounting aspects. Certain types of investments require a US mailing address and phone number, which Atlantic Realty provides for you. Q: Why should an Indian invest in the US and not Australia, Dubai or the UK? Khosa: The US is very welcoming to foreign investors. The political and legal system is probably the most transparent and efficient in the world. Real estate laws in the USA protect owners in terms of ownership and rental evictions for
non-payment. It is a country favored by Indians and other foreigners for business, vacations, and trade. Under certain conditions, it is also possible to apply for a green card (permanent residency) with $1 million in investments. Property ownership in the USA is absolute, unlike countries like the UK being leasehold with the land belonging to the government. Even the government of India supports overseas investments, now allowing citizens to invest up to $200,000 annually without RBI permission. With limited affordable real estate in India and laws that can be nebulous, the steep drop in prices with rising rent makes American property very attractive. Q: How safe are the properties as far as any liens etc. are concerned? Khosa: All property is purchased with “Title Insurance.” Title insurance in the United States is indemnity insurance against financial loss from defects in title to real property and from the invalidity or unenforceability of mortgage liens. It is meant to protect an owner’s or a lender’s financial interest in real property against loss due to title defects, liens or other matters. The company underwriting the policy
does all the necessary searches of real estate records before it insures the property being purchased. Q: If I am not located in India…. Khosa: That is not a problem at all. While our goal is to assist Indians, we are pleased to help anyone invest from anywhere in the world and it will be handled confidentially. Q: How is it from the perspective of an Indian living in the US? Khosa: No matter whether you are an Indian living in the US or a US resident, it is a great opportunity for investment at the bottom of the real estate cycle. If a US resident wants to retire in the Sunshine State (Florida), he has land ready to be built upon or he can sell after say 5 years to benefit from price appreciation. For an Indian, if he wants to have a second holiday home, or has kids studying or intending to study in US, it makes lot of sense to have this property. Prices are at the levels of 1980 for the lots we are selling. Lots have very low maintenance, almost zero, low taxes and land appreciates faster than houses once the cycle turns. Q: Can properties be acquired
Oneil Khosa, International Business Development Head, Atlantic Realty by groups of investors? Khosa: Yes. Q: What about the taxes? Khosa: Atlantic Realty will complete and pay all the necessary onetime and quarterly tax filings and business reports for you or your company. These include state franchise tax, employment taxes (if applicable), title transfer taxes, property taxes, etc. Q: How does one go about it? Khosa: Please contact Atlantic Realty at +1 561 596 0563 / +91 9820601226 or email your query to Deepak@atlanticnow.com to allow us to understand your requirements and suggest investments in the real estate sector in the US. Pur websites: www.americanpropertiesnow.com and www.atlanticnow.com . US office is in Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410, and India office in Pitampura, New Delhi.
US real estate market for International Buyers– Strategic Analysis by Oneil Khosa, Atlantic Realty Back in June 2006, when the housing market peaked, the prospect of a five-year national housing bust seemed unimaginable to most people. And yet here we are, with the latest Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller index showing that prices hit new bear-market lows, falling back to 2002 levels nationally and to 1990s levels in some battered regions.
However, there are growing indications that it is a good time to buy. Mortgage rates are near 50-year lows, homes have become more affordable than they have been in years and for the foreigners, dollar is cheaper relative to most currencies. According to Moody’s Analytics, the ratio of home prices to income is now 20.9% lower than the 15-year average through 2010. There were about 15 million vacant homes in the country last year, according to John Burns Real Estate Consulting Inc.—3 million more than normal. Such conditions might not last long. Eventually number of distressed sales will begin to fall and while we might not see rapid growth in the next couple of years, there are many positive signs that could lead to a rebound. The graph below gives an overview of affordability of homes.
From an investment perspective, we are not far from a situation where owning a home and leasing it out makes a good business proposition. Housing affordability, as measured by the ratio of median home prices to median household incomes, has fallen below pre-housing bubble levels in just over two-thirds of the country, according to an analysis of over 380 metro areas by Moody’s Analytics. Housing affordability, as measured by the ratio of median home prices to median household incomes, has fallen below pre-housing bubble levels in just over two-thirds of the country, according to an analysis of more than 380 metro areas by Moody’s Analytics. An Indian buyer who did not wish to be identified recently bought 2 two-bedroom condominiums in a nice neighborhood in Palm Beach Gardens in Florida for an en-bloc price of $205,000. At the peak of the housing boom, these properties were selling at $275,000 apiece. Given the neighborhood, both the apartments found the tenants and the owner is getting a 6-7% yield. Similarly, foreigners also smell opportunity in the commercial real estate market. A February report by the Miami Downtown Development Authority found that 85% of new condo units, those built since 2003, were occupied, up from 74% in 2010 and 62% in 2009.
Religion TheSouthAsianTimes.info
27
September 3-9, 2011
Paryushan: Spiritual cleansing for Jains he Paryushan Mahaparva is the most important festival among the Jain festivals that falls in August or September. This is the 8-day period during which many Jains fast and carry out religious activities. During the rainy season in India Jain monks stop walking from one town to another and settle at one place to reduce injury to living things now springing to life. Often a township invites respected monks to stay in its vicinity during monsoon and they are received with great pomp and rituals. A course of lectures or sermons by a monk or other respected person is a regular feature of the Paryusana Parva. ‘Paryusana’ is derived from two words meaning ‘a year’ and ‘a coming back’. It is a period of repentance for the acts of the previous year and of austerities to help shed the accumulated karmas. It should be remembered that the austerity is not just to shed off the karmas, but to control the desire from the sensual pleasures as a part of the spiritual training to prevent the accumulation
T
On the final day of Paryushan festival, Jains ask for forgiveness to the family, friends and foes alike for any acts they might have committed towards them in the previous year.
In Jain temples, Kalpa Sutra, an account of Lord Mahavir's life, is read to the congregation during Paryushan. of new karmas. Some people fast for all eight days, some for fewer days (scriptures suggest a minimum of three days), but it is considered obligatory to fast on the last day of the Paryusana Parva. Fasting usually involves complete abstinence from any sort of food or drink, but some people do take boiled water during
the daytime. During these 8 days, the entire Jain society becomes immersed in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and felicity. All Jains, young and old, perform Atthai Tap (fasting). Some men and women, even children, take the vow of Paushadh Vrat also for eight days. During these days, the spiritual preceptors read out and explain in detail the Kalpasutra, the most sacred scripture of the Jains. All members of the congregation listen to that explanation, overwhelmed with the emotion of devotion. Seven days are of attainment and the eighth day is one of fulfillment. In this manner, the Samvatsari Mahaparva is celebrated. Listening to the spiritual preceptors when they explain the 1250 fundamental Sutras; performing the Samvatsarik Pratikraman (the annual atonement)
for seeking the forgiveness of those people whom one hates or against whom one nurses a grudge--these constitute the Samvatsarik aradhana. There are regular ceremonies in the temples and discourses of Kalpa Sutra (one of the sacred books) in the Upashraya during this period. Kalpa Sutra, detailed account of Lord Mahavir's life, is read to the congregation. Listening to the Kalpa Sutra, taking active steps to prevent animal killing, asking and offering forgiveness to all living beings, visiting the neighborhood temples, etc. are some of the important activities during this time. The final day of Paryusana is the most important. On this day those who have observed the fasts are specially honored. This is also the day when Jains ask for forgiveness to the family, friends and foes alike for
any acts they might have committed towards them in the previous year. Shortly after Paryusana it is the custom to organize a Swami Vastyalaya dinner when all the Jains get together and renew their friendship with each other regardless of their socio-economical status. The Das Lakshan Parva is celebrated for self-purification and uplift, and is meant to adhere to the 10 universal virtues in life; and leads us on the right path, far from the mad strife for material prosperity, which ultimately leads us to our destination i.e. salvation . This is the festival through which an attempt is made to put an end to all vices, passions and lustful desires in thought, speech and action. This is the festival in which ten universal virtues like forgiveness, contentment and self-restraint, are venerated and worshipped for self-purification. This is the festival in which one mediates upon the inherent virtues of the soul in thought, speech and action; or one attains peace of soul i.e. celestial peace.
Who Is My Brother? Or: What I Learned from the Jains When Jain leaders join us Sept 6 for the Launch of Claremont Lincoln University, it will be the first concrete step in actualizing our dream: that Claremont will ultimately include not only the Abrahamic faiths but also other religious traditions, writes the author who is Provost, Claremont Lincoln University, Claremont, CA. By Philip Clayton ncountering difference is not just a one-time experience. It’s one thing to merely tolerate individuals who are not like you or who believe different things from you. It’s something else to genuinely appreciate others — to celebrate difference even while recognizing it as real difference. At Claremont Lincoln University we have lived in the world of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian dialogue for quite some time. Our community includes faculty members from all three traditions, and we partner with organizations from all three. Over time we’ve learned that amazing lesson that so many others have also experienced: religious difference does not diminish your own religious identity but, paradoxically, strengthens it. When I listen to a Jewish or Muslim colleague pray, I don’t become Jewish or Muslim. But it does help me learn — here’s that paradox again — what it means for me as a Jesus-follower to pray. When I listen to my Jewish and
E
Muslim co-workers struggling with what holiness means, or what is implied by being in the world yet not of it, or how to be true to ancient teachings in a rapidly changing world, it moves me forward in my own understanding as a Christian… even though that’s not the topic they’re addressing. Don’t get me wrong: our life together also unearths genuine differences. Sometimes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of another world, looking in to a realm of belief and practice that you will never fully grasp. To deny genuine difference is to engage in what scholars call Orientalism: romanticizing the Other, or “othering” the Other, as a function of one’s own attraction or repulsion. Orientalism is precisely not engaging with the Other as Other; it’s projecting yourself onto the space where in fact another person stands. Still, there is a fascinating way in which members of the Abrahamic faiths are gradually learning to be family members together. (Remember that families contain
genuine Others as well.) It is a beautiful thing when Jews, Muslims, and Christians become comfortable with each other in this family sort of way, yet without ceasing to be who they are. After all, there is a lot that we share together in common. Then came the Jains. These last weeks and months we have been working intensely with Dr. Sulekh Jain, with the leader of the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) in India, and with representatives of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA). When Dr. Jain and his colleagues join us on stage on September 6 for the Launch of Claremont Lincoln University, it will be the first concrete step in actualizing our dream: that Claremont Lincoln will ultimately include not only the Abrahamic faiths but also religious traditions from around the entire world. These new friendships have stretched us in new directions. Suddenly, the casual familiarity of Abrahamic connections disappears, and newness reigns. In Jainism you
immediately see much that you find beautiful and attractive, many values that you want to endorse. Here is one of the four great religious traditions of India, one that places overwhelming emphasis on non-violence (ahimsa). Jainism recognizes that our world is teeming with independent life forms. Each one strives to exist on its own, and each one is its own locus of value. Unlike us, though, Jains make this realization into the center of their religious practice. A devout Jain in traditional India would sweep the path in front of himself with a broom as he walks in order to avoid unnecessarily killing insects and other living beings. I am both fascinated and stretched by this encounter. I realize that I am facing a world of religious practice vastly different from my own. The culture and languages in which it is embedded are not the familiar Western ones; the scriptures, though no less sacred, are new to us; their history overlaps much less with our own. We know Jainism through its influence on great 20th-century
leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. But we don’t know it on its own terms. We have to listen much more intensely to understand. Who are my brothers? After he posed this question, Jesus “looked around at those who sat about him and said, ‘Here are my mother and my brother ’” (Mark 3:31-35). Before my new Jain friendships this summer, I assumed that my brothers and sisters were those with whom I am most familiar. I now see it differently. My brothers and sisters are those from whom I am learning most intensely, the ones with the most to teach me. In Jesus’ teaching these were primarily the poor, whom Jesus singled out as particularly important to us and to God (Luke 6:20). But Jesus’ same topsy-turvy set of values applies to religious difference as well. Brotherhood and sisterhood, I now realize, applies in inverse proportion to familiarity. This summer I had the most to learn from the Jains. For that reason, they became most truly my brothers and sisters.
28
Humor
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
Humor with Melvin Durai
Gandhi still leads the way n the excellent PBS documentary "The New Americans," an Indian computer programmer named Anjan Bacchu seems to be enjoying the benefits of a higher salary in America, taking his wife on a shopping spree and stepping into a more materialistic lifestyle. But while other shoppers are asking themselves questions such as "Is this laptop light enough?" and "Does this dress make me look fat?" Bacchu is troubled by an even weightier question: What would Gandhi do? The question is similar to what many Christians ask themselves -What would Jesus do? -- as well as what many British people ask themselves -- What would Beckham do? I couldn't help sympathizing with Bacchu, imagining his doubts about every purchase: Would Gandhi drive a Toyota or a Cadillac? Would Gandhi watch movies on a DVD player or a VCR? Would Gandhi wear boxers or briefs? (Gandhi was a lawyer -- he probably preferred briefs.) It isn't easy living up to the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, a man renowned for pacifism and self-sac-
I
rifice, but people like Bacchu are giving it their best shot, even in America. They'll probably never go on a fast, but they'll at least try fast food. They'll probably never use a spinning wheel,but they'll at least try to spin their wheels. They'll probably never attempt celibacy, but they'll at least try celery. Yes, it's hard to even come close to some icons. But thankfully, there are a few areas of life in which emulating Gandhi may be simple, as the African National Congress, South Africa's ruling party, wants people to realize. Hoping to win the general election, the ANC has distributed posters carrying a picture of the Mahatma and the all-important question: "Who would Gandhi have voted for?" It's probably not a question many South Africans have contemplated,
but Gandhi's granddaughter Ela Gandhi is confident that the Mahatma, who spent more than two decades in South Africa, would have supported the ANC, seeking the best interests of the poor. That may be true, but it seems unfair to other parties that the ANC has managed such a coup -- getting an endorsement from the dead. Shouldn't they at least be required to organize a sĂŠance? I mean, what's to stop the Democratic Party from enlisting Gandhi's help in disparaging President Bush, posing questions such as "How many millionaires would Gandhi have helped?" and "Which country would Gandhi have invaded?" Before long, Gandhi would be appearing on millions of signs and posters, lending his support to all sorts of causes. At an animal activists rally: "What would Gandhi eat?" At a marriage counselor's office: "Who would Gandhi divorce?" At a Las Vegas casino: "How much would Gandhi bet?" At a boxing arena: "Who would Gandhi knock out?" At a telemarketers convention: "Whose dinner would
Gandhi disturb?" Various advertisers would doubtless get in the act. SouthWest Airlines: "How would Gandhi fly?" MasterCard: "How would Gandhi buy?" Crisco oil: "How would Gandhi fry?" Kroger: "Where would Gandhi get
his food?" Wal-Mart: "Where would Gandhi get his clothes?" ESPN: "Where would Gandhi get his scores?" It's a good thing Gandhi was cremated, or else he'd surely be rolling in his grave. (From the archives)
Laughter is the Best Medicine
by Mahendra Shah Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons. Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Tech Life
Now read on e-books with sound effects, songs
London: E-books are now being given background noises and music in the hope to spark young people's interest in literature. The concept is already in use in the US, where the classics of Charlotte Bronte, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and William Shakespeare come with added sound effects. In one example, a description of rain lashing against a window in a Sherlock Holmes story will be 'enhanced' with matching noises. The Booktrack releases are available to iPad users, with other tablet computer versions to follow. A story by Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie will be released later in the year with a specially crafted orchestral score. The concept has been developed by Booktrack which synchronizes music to each novel. It is funded by Peter
Thiel, a co-founder of PayPal. It works by timing the speed of each reader and the software measures the 'turning' of a page and moves the music or sounds along accordingly. "It's always exciting to witness the creation of a new form of media. The technology promises to captivate readers in a way that will seem intuitive in hindsight," the Daily Mail quoted Thiel as saying. However they have been greeted with horror by traditionalists, who say that the technology takes away the pleasure of having one's imagination stimulated by a story. They also raise the prospect of having to ask an overly eager reader to turn their book down. David Nicholls, whose bestseller One Day was recently turned into a film starring Anne Hathaway, said: "This sounds like the opposite of reading. It would be a distraction."
Book clubs go virtual New York: The traditional book club has gone virtual, thanks to technology that spans geographic boundaries and can bring authors into readers' living rooms. Nine book clubs across the United States took part in an hour-long discussion earlier this month with Meg Wolitzer, the best-selling author of the "The Ten-Year Nap," in what is thought to be the first coast-to-coast virtual book club with multiple participants. "I got a kick out of seeing these women sitting there, in their homes around the country," said Wolitzer who talked about her latest novel, "The Uncoupling." She admitted that she wasn't sure what to expect during the chat with members of clubs ranging from Austin, Texas to Indian Harbour Beach in Florida and Lorton,
Virginia, and felt a bit like the late chess master Bobby Fischer playing nine games of chess at once. "It was clear that all of these women were passionate and attentive readers," Wolitzer said in an interview. "It was a pretty thoughtful exchange." Using group video-calling from Skype, the club members and moderator Lesley Jane Seymour, editor-inchief of More magazine, chatted with Wolitzer about the book. The magazine teamed up with Skype to sponsor event. The book clubs were selected after entering a competition. Wolitzer and Seymour sat before a huge monitor that transmitted a live feed from all the book clubs. Instead of just discussing the book, the club members were able to put questions directly to the author,
who then responded. Wolitzer said she found the virtual book club was not all that different from a traditional one, and much less formal than a reading, which she said tend to be "fairly formal events." "I was pleased, and to some extent surprised, by (the women's) openness and honesty," Wolitzer said. "They let me know what they liked, what occasionally made them uncomfortable ... I really appreciated that they didn't feel shy, and I didn't feel put on the spot."
Astrology TheSouthAsianTimes.info
September 3-9, 2011
By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma
Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com
Stars Foretell: September 3-9, 2011 Aries: Money gains through investments are certain this week. Students should seek advice from successful people on career related issues. Budding romance for those unattached would bring new excitement and happiness in life. Your mental state seems fine as you go out and spend good moments with close friends. Arguments and confrontations should be strictly avoided, as emotional outburst will cause disharmony at home. Taurus: Focus and concentrate on your goals, but you should try not to get yourself so wrapped up in work, that you neglect your household duties. Few important purchases are likely to be made for the house towards the weekend. A Sudden romantic development with someone you have known for long, might come as a surprise. Do not let children take advantage of your generous behaviour. Health needs extra attention, therefore exercise on a regular basis and be careful of what you consume. Gemini: This week you would take a more active role in social groups and liven up the atmosphere around you. Your wit and intelligence would make you new friends. Although new money making ventures and investment opportunities will keep you occupied, instant gains do not seem likely. End of the week sees you take blessing from a spiritual person. Children will seek your advice and guidance. Cancer: Do not loose your temper if things don’t work your way. Relationship with some relative might suffer due to minor misunderstanding, but things would get sorted out much earlier than you imagine, bringing a sense of relief to your mind. Mid-week would be highly crucial for amateur sportsmen, budding theatre artists, and freelance writers. Spouse will be highly supportive and shower you with love and affection. Leo: This week your cash liquidity improves as you benefit from past investments and recover pending payments, but outstanding bills and old debts would make it impossible for you to save. Distant journey for spiritual gains seems likely for some. Job opportunities for those unemployed would also arise around the weekend. Health of your spouse will be a matter of concern but children will be supportive and bring you happiness. Virgo: This week do not get carried away with the investment schemes that are presented to you. Take a good look at your personal financial situation before making any promises. Emotional frustration will make it difficult for you to concentrate on productive issues. Your relationship with your partner may get tensed or your colleagues might say something disappointing, which might leave you highly demoralized. A small vacation would be good to brighten your spirits. Libra: This week, be careful of what you say and do, as somebody important would be watching you from much closer than you might imagine. Keep your emotions under control and behave in a more responsible manner. You should do some self-introspection, list your priorities, and try to work towards your career
29
goals. At work you are likely to face some criticism for your actions. Certain changes to improve your physical appearance will be highly appreciated by your beloved and friends. Scorpio: This is a good week to plan out a budget and take care of your bills and debts. Professional advancements for some. In the latter half of the week you will build up new associations and important contacts, which will be long lasting and highly fruitful. Don’t get into debates that will damage your reputation. You need to do things that you enjoy if you want to feel satisfied and happy. Spiritual gains are certain for some. Sagittarius: This week someone you work with will be unhappy with your performance, which will make you feel highly frustrated. Health needs special care as you try to cope up with this stressful and tensed period. An increase in income through part-time jobs or assignment for some. Family members might demand some extra time and attention. Be very cautious of casual acquaintances that demand temporary financial assistance. Capricorn: This week you should make plans that include sufficient time for entertainment along with usual business meetings. Home environment will be peaceful and pleasant, and family members will extend full support. Your reputation may be at stake if you promise more than what you can deliver. Avoid depending on subordinates for important information. You should follow your instincts when it comes to business decisions. Aquarius: This week although your confidence and imagination runs high, but taking important decisions would not be too easy for you. Older members of the family will pose some problems and financial position will not be very comfortable. Travel undertaken for work purpose will bring moderate returns. If you listen to those with experience you will learn vital information. Drive carefully, especially during the night. Pisces: This week you are likely to be involved in some work, which is of highly creative nature. Although your financial position will improve, but the outflow of funds will leave you with little money to save. Relationship with your spouse will be cordial and healthy. Health will show sign of improvement despite a busy and hectic week. A distant trip is on the cards for some of you. Your ability to help others will be appreciated by people around you.
Before you consult... i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date, Time and Place of birth is accurate. ii) Careful: Did you check background of the astrologer before disclosing your secrets. iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, don’t feel shy. It’s his business. iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the outcome is not as desired, never give up. v) Consult: Take second opinion before spending thousands on cure/remedies.
Annual Predictions: For those born in this week Sep 03: Governed by number 3 and the planet Jupiter, you are energetic, honourable, ambitious, dignified and intelligent. You are hard working and always appreciated for your commitment and efforts, but your tendencies towards extravagance and jealousy need to be checked at times. This coming year brings enormous prosperity for those inclined to learn and improve their skill levels. Success would be yours provided you work towards given opportunities. Businessmen are likely to venture into new and more profitable avenues. Important decisions and contacts that you establish during this phase would bring long lasting benefits to your career. Health will show improvement in spite of the hectic schedule that you might have to follow. Investments will yield favourable returns. Foreign education or travel for some. Some misunderstanding with your in-laws might create some tense atmosphere at home. Being patient and calm would be important to ease out the tension. New romance for some, so make the best of it. The month of August, November, January and May will be significant. Sep 04: Influenced by number 4 and the planet Uranus. You are active, energetic, reliable, systematic and methodical. You are fond of art and soft music. You can really do wonders in your career but you need to check your tendency to behave introvert, stubborn, and jealous at times. This year your stars promise you plenty of fame and fortune. Your sincerity towards your work and your office would ultimately bring you enormous benefits in the long run. New sources of income will improve your financial position. Journeys undertaken will bring you in close contacts with important and influential people. Acquisition of some real estate later in the year cannot be ruled out. Health wise this year would not be satisfying as minor ailments would keep on bothering you now and them. It would be wise not to avoid preventive medication and seek a doctor’s advice whenever necessary. Matrimonial alliances for those eligible as other would find romance to get them going. Lending and borrowing money should be avoided to the casual acquaintances. The months of October, December and February will be significant and result oriented. Sep 05: Ruled by number 5 and the planet Mercury. You are an imaginative, practical, honest, brilliant and simple. You’re co-operative and helpful person and enjoy enormous respect in your friend’s circle, but you need to check your tendency to behave jealous and stubborn at times. New proposals and assignments would improve your income and prosperity. Although there would be a rise in expenses but increase in earnings would take care of your needs. Your strong willpower and determination would see you emerge victorious in whatever task you undertake. Travel would be undertaken quite frequently and would be important in establishing new and important ties. Difference of opinion with your family members would bring some stressful moments at home. Certain losses due to overconfidence in others and speculation cannot be ruled out. Children will win laurels in their respective fields and would be supportive and understanding towards you. The months of October, February and Sep would be highly significant. Sep 06: Ruled by number 6 and the planet Venus. You are kind hearted, generous, simple, accommodating, love peace and harmony. You have a strong memory and an ability to impress others with your intelligent and witty conversation. but you need to control your tendency to be extravagant, reckless and moody at times. This year plenty of important function and religious ceremonies would be performed in the family. Social gathering and activities would be beneficial in establishing new and long lasting ties. Property matters will materialize. Financially this year might not bring results that you have been dreaming for long. Opportunities for a new job and as-
signments would be plenty but job satisfaction seems unlikely. A sudden influence of a person from the opposite sex will give a new and interesting twist to your life. Travelling will be pleasurable and highly exciting. Friends would be helpful and supportive to your concerns. Some gains through inheritance also seem high on your cards. Pilgrimage or a distant journey with the family for some. The months of August, September and March will prove to be highly result oriented. Sep 07: Ruled by number 7 and the planet Neptune. You are intelligent, sensitive, adaptable, charming, independent and kind hearted. You enjoy a good position and respect at your work place, but you need to control your tendency towards extravagance, recklessness and to dominate others. This year you are going to do major changes in your style of working. You are also going to be more particular about your health and looks. Gains from investment and speculation will improve your financial positions. Long pending legal matters will be sorted out to your satisfaction. Promotions or increments are likely to take place later in the year for some of you. Your rapport with the important govt. authorities in various departments will improve. Children may cause some dissatisfaction, but your spouse will provide you with lots of love and affection. The months of October, January, March and Sep will prove to be highly eventful. Sep 08: Influenced by number 8 and the planet Saturn. You are authoritative, practical, systematic, friendly and sober. You are smart and capable of handling many important activities at one time, but you need to check your tendency to behave, impatient, spendthrift and jealous at times. This year the extra effort that you might have to put in your work would have tremendous positive effect on your career and occupation. New source of income is likely to enhance your prosperity. You should invest in real estate and fixed deposits for long term gains. Frequent and fruitful journeys are likely to keep you on the move. Children would do well in studies and make you feel proud. Later in the year influence of a spiritual person would be a source of inspiration in your life. Health would definitely need more attention, especially for those suffering from asthma, bronchitis and high blood pressure. The months of September, December and April will prove to be significant. Sep 09: Ruled by number 9 and the planet Mars. You are energetic, dashing, courageous, enthusiastic and remarkably brilliant. You are highly cultured and have strong likes and dislikes. You are fond of cleanliness and like to devote special time to improve the surrounding where you reside, but you need to control your tendency to behave dictatorial, aggressive and moody at times. Major changes in your career or occupation seem evident. New money making opportunities would be highly alluring. Though sudden gains and losses are foreseen. Your monetary position would improve in the long run. Health, subordinates and legal matters might trouble you off and on, but improved living standard and new and important relationships that you build during this period would be on the brighter side. Children expected to bring in some thrilling news later in the year. Distant journeys, maybe overseas for some would be highly pleasurable and rewarding. The months of October, November, February and Sep seem to be highly beneficial.
Free Consultation Learn about the fair value of diamonds & precious stones. To the readers of The South Asian Times by an expert gems dealer. For appointment, please call 516 390 7847 or email consult.gems@gmail.com
30
Spiritual Awareness
September 3-9, 2011
TheSouthAsianTimes.info
No end to desires This article has been selected and reprinted from Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj’s book, Spiritual Pearls for Enlightened Living (Radiance Publishers), an inspirational collection of stories from the world’s great wisdom traditions.
By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj nce upon a time there was a carpenter who worked out of his home. Every day he took joy in building some furniture or tools to sell to others. He merrily sang and hummed as he worked, content with life. One day, his rich neighbor grew fed up with the noise the carpenter made as he hammered the wood. The neighbor had reached a point in which he could not take the noise anymore. The neighbor finally had a plan to quiet the carpenter. He took several hundred dollars from his money and left it in an envelope in the carpenter’s
O
workshop. The neighbor thought that if he gave the carpenter money he would not have to work and he would stop his incessant hammering. The carpenter entered his workshop and found the envelope lying there. Instead of using it to take a vacation or a break, the carpenter thought, “Someone left me several hundred dollars. What good fortune! I will take some of the money and invest in new tools so I can build bigger and better furniture and make more money.” Thus, the money flamed the carpenter’s desire to earn more money. He began working even harder, hoping to increase the newly found hundreds into thousands. As he began to make more money, he was still not content. He decided he wanted to turn the thousands into tens of thousands and thus he worked still harder. The rich neighbor was annoyed that his plan had failed and instead of silencing the carpenter, it merely increased the noise because now the man worked longer hours. When the carpenter had earned tens of thousands he wanted to make a hundred thousand. He put pressure upon himself to work
day and night and even on weekends. Soon, he stopped his humming and singing. He no longer took joy in his work but felt strangled by the pressure he had put upon himself. On many nights, he was so stressed out he could not even sleep. The inner contentment and peace he had when he was just a poor carpenter were gone in the pursuit of trying to make more and more money. Consider our own lives. Do we find ourselves spending all of our time working to make money so we can retire? Do we work overtime to make more money? Do we work all weekend long to increase our profits? Do we find that we cannot even take a day or even several hours off work without thinking about work? If this is what is happening to us are we becoming like the carpenter? If we make all the money in the world but cannot enjoy personal peace and joy in our work, is it worth it? If we find that we are devoting too much of our time to making money and not enough to our family, our hobbies, our spiritual pursuits and those things we love then we need to analyze whether we are making the right choices.
It is good to save for the future, but is it worth using up our entire life in trying to have more than what we need? Who knows what the future will bring? When we become old, will we have the health to do what we waited our whole life to do? If we leave our spiritual pursuits until we have reached our senior years, who knows how much time we will have left or whether we will be able to devote time to spirituality at that stage. If we ignore our family until they are already grown and have children of their own, we miss an important part of their lives that can never be recovered. Let us consider how we spend our time. If we have decided that certain goals are important then we should try to find time for them throughout our life and not put them all on the back burner in the pursuit of amassing more money than we need. We should weigh our time and make sure that we do not lose our peace and contentment over the stress of being engaged in a mad pursuit for money and possessions. Being conscious of how we spend our time and our life is important. If we listen to our soul, we will find that inner peace and contentment are more valuable
If we find that we are devoting too much of our time to making money and not enough to our family, our hobbies, our spiritual pursuits and those things we love then we need to analyze whether we are making the right choices. It is good to save for the future, but is it worth using up our entire life in trying to have more than what we need? than all the riches in the world. Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, an international spiritual leader and Master of meditation, affirms the transcendent oneness at the heart of all religions, emphasizing prayer and meditation as building blocks for achieving peace.www.jyotimeditation.org
Whatever you give me tastes sweet By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj n our daily life we face many difficulties, hardships and disappointments. Things do not always go our way. If we listen to the discussions of others and review our own words and thoughts, we find that many of them deal with complaints about how life is treating us. Life seems to be bitter at times and in turn makes us bitter. Have we ever thought about life from a different perspective? Think about how fortunate we really are. After all, we are human beings. How many species of life are there that walk the earth? There are mammals, reptiles, and insects. There are creatures of the air and creatures of the sea. Fortunately for us, we have been born as human beings. How many of us have ever thanked God for the life we have been given? We complain to God when things go wrong but what about the hundreds of things that God has given us? God has provided us enough food to keep us alive this long. We have had protection from the elements in the form of clothes and some sort of shelter. Most of us have families who love us. We have received some kind of education and have some kind of work. If we take all that comes to us as a gift
I
from God then we can accept the good and the tribulations equally under God’s will. In this respect, there is a story about King Mahmud of Ghazni. One day, while he was sitting with his most devoted servant, Ayaz, he shared half of his cucumber with him. When he had finished, the king then took a bite of his own half. “Yuk!” he cried, as he made a disgusted face and spit out the cucumber. “This is so bitter! How could you have eaten your piece if it tasted like bitter poison?” Ayaz replied, “My dear king, I have enjoyed so many favors and blessings from you all these years. Whatever you give me tastes sweet!” Ayaz’s attitude demonstrates the frame of
mind of a true lover of God. Such a lover is so much enamored of God and so grateful to God, that he or she takes everything, good or bitter, as a gift of the Beloved. Ayaz had received so many blessings from the king that he felt it was not his place to complain if one of these gifts were bitter. After all, if the king gave him so much good, he must love him. If therefore, once in a blue moon, he had handed him something bitter, Ayaz knew he had no evil intention. He accepted all the king gave him with love and gratitude. If we could accept the rainy days with the same gratitude as we do the sunny days, we would find our lives would be more full of love, peace, and happiness. If we could appreciate the weeds as well as the roses, we would enrich our daily lives. If we could appreciate our enemies as well as our friends, we would not have to waste precious breaths in complaints and bitterness. If we could accept days when we are ill and under the weather as well as those in which we are well and healthy, we would reduce our stress and worry and maybe even heal faster. Life is precious. Do we want to live our lives to their fullest? The pain and disappointments will not go away by complaining about them. We must pass through those times. Let us try to do so in a state of calm
Life is precious. Do we want to live our lives to their fullest? The pain and disappointments will not go away by complaining about them. We must pass through those times. Let us try to do so in a state of calm acceptance and conserve the energy that we normally use for complaining. Instead we can think of God in love and gratitude. We will find that we pass through the times of tribulations more easily. acceptance and conserve the energy that we normally use for complaining. Instead we can think of God in love and gratitude. We will find that we pass through the times of tribulations more easily. Like Ayaz, let us take everything coming from God as tasting sweet. Then, we will sweeten our whole lives and the lives of those around us. For more visit www.sos.org