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NEW YORK EDITION Vol.4 No.27 October 22-28, 2011 60 Cents

HAPPY DIWALI

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US Affairs 12

Op Ed 51

Astrology 59

Spiritual Awareness 60

NEW YORK EDITION Vol.4 No.27 October 22-28, 2011 60 Cents Gurinder Chadha on multiculturism as new paradigm

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Solid Indian heritage at unique Kolhapur museum

India beat England by five wickets, clinch ODI series Community, Page 6

Art & Culture, Page 16, 49

You can't keep snakes in backyard, Hillary tells Pak Islamabad: A tough-talking US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Friday told Pakistan it could not "keep snakes" in its backyard and said the country must act against terror and "squeeze the Haqqani network".

Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Clinton said here that the US has reasserted its commitment to eliminating safe havens of terror.

"You can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect it to only bite neighbours," a grim Clinton said with Khar by her side.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in Islamabad "We are specifically for cooperation from the Pakistani side to squeeze the Haqqani network,"

India’s Human Development Index rises 21% New Delhi: The Human Development Index (HDI) in India rose by 21 per cent, says a report while cautioning that health, nutrition and sanitation remained key challenges for India.

India Human Development Report 2011, prepared by the government's Institute of Applied Manpower Research, placed Kerala on top of the index for achieving highest literacy rate, quality health services and consumption expenditure of people.

Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Goa were placed second, third and fourth respectively.

The report was released today by Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia in presence of Rural Development Minister Jairam

Ramesh.

It said, as on today, two-thirds of the households in the country reside in pucca (cemented) houses and three-fourth of families have access to electricity for domestic use.

According to the report, India's HDI has registered impressive gains in the last decade as the index increased by 21 per cent to 0.467 in 2007-08, from 0.387 in 1999-2000.

However, it noted that Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Assam are those states which continue to lag behind in HDI and remain below the national average of 0.467.

At the same time, the quantum of Continued on page 6...

Clinton, who arrived in Pakistan Thursday on a two-day visit, said.

Continued on page 6...

Our own Christmas & New Year put together 32-page Diwali Pullout, Pages 17-48

RANA to honor Mangano, 3 others at Diwali Gala

New York: Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) is holding its 12th Diwali Gala 2011 on October 23 at Long Island Marriott Hotel in Uniondale, NY. The honorees include Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, who will be bestowed Lifetime Achievement Award. Mangano has endeared himself to the Indian Americans and the citizenry at large for creating jobs and keeping taxes in check.

Other three being honored for their outstanding dedication, commitment and service to the community are: Naveen Shah – Wellknown CPA and President & CEO of Navika Group of Companies, Dr. Subhash Jain – Renowned

RANA President Haridas Kotahwala (left) and Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano physician, expert in management of chronic and cancer pain, and Hemchand Bardia – A reputed jeweler, senior member of the Indian Diamond & Color Stone Association, and philanthropist.

Continued on page 6...

India deserves an F1 circuit: Schumacher New Delhi: Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and a legend in the motor racing circuit, is looking forward to the inaugural Formula One race in India and says the country certainly deserves it.

"I have always been in favor of new countries being involved in the sport, as I believe a World Championship should be fought out all over the world. India certainly deserves a F1 circuit," Schumacher said from Germany.

Schumacher, who made a surprise return to F1 by signing a three-year contract with the Mercedes GP team in 2010, feels India is a valuable addition on the race calendar.

The track at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida is ready for the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix

The F1 track in Greater Noida will host inaugural Indian Grand Prix Oct 30, and (inset) the legendary Michael Schumacher km, which comes after turn three, Oct 30.

The 5.14-km track was unveiled where the cars can zip up to speeds to the media last week. of 320 km/hr. The undulations on The track has been divided into the track will spice up the race with four zones -- north, west, east and the first blind corner coming secsouth and the longest stretch is 1.4 onds after the starting grid.

Tristate Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

October 22-28, 2011

Headley desperately wanted FBI to make more arrests Washington: As admitted Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley confessed to his role in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, he was desperate to see some arrests made lest he be left as the lone conspirator on the hook. 'I don't want to keep on and I mean I know you have plenty of evidence against me but really I'm just providing you more and more evidence against me and you aren't making any arrests,' he is heard telling FBI in just released clips of his interrogation.

US federal prosecutors Wednesday released two short clips of his lengthy 14 day interrogation that the FBI did with Headley on Chicago Judge Harry Leinenweber's order after a not for profit investigative journalism group, Pro-Publica, filed a court motion along with the PBS show Frontline.

Headley, son of a Pakistani diplomat and an American mother, who changed his given name of Daood Gilani to scout targets in Mumbai without arousing suspicion, is heard speaking publicly for the first time about his association with Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Taiba, held responsible for the attack, and Pakistani spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence. In one of the tapes Headley makes an allusion to an attempt they had made with FBI directly directing him to communicate with Sajid Mir, the LeT mastermind of the Mumbai attacks and who was his close handler.

Some attempt to communicate

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with Mir to lure him so that he could be arrested didn't work. He makes reference to that and gestures animatedly.

'I want some, I mean would like, I know it doesn't matter what I want, but I'd like, from my eyes, I want some kind of bust to happen,' Headley is heard on the FBI tape as saying. 'Because if nothing works out then all this stuff is gonna be sitting there (gesticulates animatedly) ... further... and I will be the only person you have got. You know, what I mean.'

Interrogator: 'We understand you fully' Headley: Yeah. That's what I was thinking. Maybe it's part of strategy, you know investigators may be working. Not nab them. Still working...

Interrogator: Something we can't share with you as well Headley: No I understand that (gesticulates animatedly with both hands). I am not saying what line. I mean, are we working on it?

Interrogator: We are always working Headley: (Shakes his head) Ok, good. (Rocks chair gently). Because you know probably gonna be plus for me also and for you.

Interrogator: As we make of this (unclear) from rather useful information so far (silence) ... you cooperated.

Headley gestures a high five from his right hand towards his interrogators.

Boney to lift entertainment value of Sahara One

New York: Boney Kapoor, director of Sahara One Media and Entertainment, announced his plans to lift the entertainment quotient of Sahara One and Filmy channels. He was joined by Sudhir Vaishnav, Presdiednt & CEO, and Adris Chakraborty, Director, of Globosat Entertainment, distributor of Sahara channels, at a press meet in a Manhattan restaurant Oct 14.

Veteren film producer Boney Kapoor was tapped a couple of months ago by Sahara group to revive their flagging broadcasting and movie businesses.

Kapoor said that Sahara One is in the process of soon bringing many family based serials like ‘Yeh Tera Ghar Ye Mera Ghar’ and ‘Ghar Aya Pardesi’, and reality shows such as the one which will bring together singing talent from India and

Boney Kapoor flanked by Adris Chakraborty and Sudhir Vaishnav, both of GloboSat Entertainment, distributor of Sahara One Pakistan. No special programs are acquired, so that Filmy channel may planned for the specific NRI mar- have one TV premiere a week by 2012 end. ket, he said.

Kapoor will also coproduce with Sudhir Vaishnav and Adris Sahara a number of films. On the Chakraborty gave details of their anvil is a film featuring Boney's star partner broadcasting platforms like wife Sridevi who makes a come- DISH and DirecTV for Sahara One back with English Vinglish. Rights and Filmy, and plans to expand the to many films are also being reach.

Amjad Ali Khan to teach at Stanford Chicago: Amjad Ali Khan, the sarod maestro, will be teaching for two and half months at Stanford University, according to an announcement from the university. Khan will be in residence at Stanford from the beginning of April 2012 to the middle of June to teach a course titled 'Indian classical music: a way of life'. In this course, he will teach student musicians to perform and appreciate North Indian classical music, and will share with them his own experience as a classical musician raised in the traditional system of music discipline.

"The students and faculty of the university are thrilled to have this opportunity to interact with the world's premiere sarod artiste, " said Dr Anna Schultz, assistant professor of ethnomusicology at Stanford.

Amjad Ali Khan gave a performance at the prestigious

Amjad Ali Khan gave a performance Oct 19 at the Metropolitian Museum of Art, NY with his sons Amaan and Ayaan.

Metropolitian Museum of Art in New York on October 19 with his sons Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan.

Xavier University School of Medicine holds first CME

Program Director Dayan Naik, M.D., FACC, FCCP makes his opening address to all attendees and guests.

New York: There is a saying, “Medicine is the only profession that continuously strives to end the reason for its being.” Medicine is ever evolving and adapting to new discoveries. A doctor’s education becomes obsolete in a few years.

To this end, doctors must stay edu-

(From left) Frank Croes (Trustee of Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba), Dr. Kul Chadda, Dr. Dayan Naik (Trustee, XUSOM), Ed Casey (Chairman, XUSOM; Ravishankar Bhooplapur (President Xusom) at the school’s first Continuing Medical Education event. cated.

Xavier University School of Medicine, Aruba (XUSOM) in conjunction with the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) held its first Continuing Medical Education event at the Aruba Marriot &

Stellaris Casino in Palm Beach Aruba. “Current Concepts in Cardiology”, held October 6-8, 2011, featured such prominent physicians as Dayan Naik, MD, FACC of the New York College of Medicine, T.K.S. Rao, MD, FACP of S.U.N.Y. Downstate Medical

Center, Kul Chadda, M.D. of S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook and renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, Nirav C. Patel, MD, FRCS of Lenox Hill Hospital.

The conference was designed to update the approximately 150 attendees on the most recent

advances in the field of cardiology. “Current Concepts in Cardiology” was designated for a maximum of 20 American Medical Association Category 1 credits. The beautiful island of Aruba seems like a very nice atmosphere to study medicine.

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National Community

October 22-28, 2011

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India beat England by five wickets, clinch ODI series In the end, India needed seven off the last six balls. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni wrapped it up with two consecutive boundaries.

Mohali: India beat England by five wickets with four balls remaining in the third ODI match on Thursday to take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five match series.

Replying to England’s 298 for four over 50 overs (J. Trott not out at 98 and S. Patel not out at 70), India scored 300 for five in 49.2 overs (A. Rahane 91, and Gautam Gambhir 58.)

The win will come as a moralebooster for Dhoni’s boys who suffered a drubbing at the hands of England in England earlier this year.

India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Mrs. Preneet Kaur, on a visit to New York, met a group of Punjabi NRIs at a reception hosted by Phuman Singh (left), President of Punjab Chapter of the Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC) and organized under the leadership of Shudh Parkash Singh (second from left), National Vice President of INOC, USA.

Hillary tells Pak Story Continued from front page She said eliminating the terror group from "one side is not going to work".

Clinton added that the two countries were "working to establish concrete steps".

"Militants should be targeted on both sides of the border," she said bluntly.

Clinton said Pakistan was critical for regional security.

She added that Washington respected the country's sovereignty, an apparent attempt to assuage Pakistanis who have come out strongly against US drone attacks in the tribal regions and are jittery over the massing of heavily-armed US and NATO troops at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Pakistan Army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani had earlier this week warned the US to think "10 times" before it launches a uni-

lateral ground offensive in the country's tribal regions.

Foreign Minister Khar said Pakistan and the US discussed issues of mutual interest.

She said Pakistan supported an Afghan led reconciliation process.

The peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, deadlocked after the assassination last month of Afghan peace envoy Burhanuddin Rabbani, came up for discussion. Afghanistan had suspended the peace process with Pakistan and also trilateral efforts involving Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US. "We take the terror threat seriously. We have acted against the threat. There is no question of any Pakistani institution's (involvement)...let me be completely clear on that," she said.

"Do safe havens exist? Yes, they do exist on both sides. Do we need to cooperate?

Yes. We can cooperate more and achieve better results," she added.

Rana to honor ManganoStory Continued from front page Those expected to grace the RANA gala include Consul General Prabhu Dayal and NYC Comptroller Joh Liu. RANA President Haridas Kotahwala said that his community’s dream of getting their own Rajasthan Bhawan will be realized soon—that is their focus. He quotes Swami Vivekananda’s words in support, ‘When an idea exclusively occupies the mind, it is transformed into an actual physical state’.

RANA was established in 1999 and has lived up to its mission and organized several functions to promote Rajasthani culture, values and heritage, not only in USA but also the world over. They held three international Rajasthan conventions in New York where West Coast Correspondent: Pooja Jain, pj@TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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funds were raised for RANA’s charity projects such as Rainwater Harvesting, Women’s Education, Mid-Day Meals for children (Akshay Patra).

India’s Index Story Continued from front page improvement in HDI in some of the poor states was higher than the national average, the report said, citing the cases of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Assam.

The overall improvement in the index was largely attributed to the 28.5 per cent increase in education index across the country. It ranges from 0.92 for Kerala to 0.41 in Bihar.

The improvement in education index was 'greatest' in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to name a few, the report said.

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October 22-28, 2011

Sikhs taking pride in their culture and history The Sikh Art and Film Foundation organized the first-ever leadership summit besides the annual film festival and gala last weekend.

By Jinal Shah/SAtimes New York: The eighth annual Sikh International Film Festival organized by the Sikh Art and Film Foundation (SAFF) was preceded by the first ever Sikh Leadership Summit and followed by the Heritage Gala (at Cipriani’s on Wall Street) over three days last weekend. The film festival kept to its mission of creating pride in the diversity, culture and history of the Sikhs and to expose audiences to lesser-known facets of Sikh culture through film.

‘Canadian Soldier Sikhs’ and ‘The Ulysses’ shared the award for best documentary, while Jagjeet won the award for best short film at the Saturday evening’s closing gala ceremony. The foundation also gave the Sikh Heritage Award to Gurinder Chadha, renowned UK filmmaker, for her outstanding contribution in the field of arts; to Jaspal Bindra, Asian chief of Standard Chartered Bank, for leadership, and Navtej Sarna, author and diplomat, for vision.

Many dignitaries present included Preneet Kaur, Indian minister of state for external affairs, Prabhu Dayal, Consul General of India, Tarlochan Singh, former MP and chairman Minorities Commission India and New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Speaking to the SATimes, Preneet Kaur said, “I congratulate the organizers for their commendable work and bringing across Indian arts and films to the people here.” On the racial assaults faced

by Sikhs outside India, she added, “It is sad that people wearing turbans are misconstrued as some other people. But such efforts (film festival) will go a long way in getting rid of the misconceptions. The government of India is thankful to them.”

The inaugural Sikh Leadership Summit at Asia Society Oct 14 attracted over 200 attendees. The panelists included Gurinder Chadha, Mohanbir Sawhney, professor at Kellogg School of Management, and Gurvendra Suri, founder and CEO of Optimal Solutions Integration.

Sukhbir performing at the closing gala night.

Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, Harinder Bindra and Teji Bindra, President Sikh Art and Film Foundation, which organized the annual Heritage Gala at Cipriani Wall Street.

The film festival showcased a diverse mix of 12 films - documentaries, shorts and feature films over a period of two days. “The idea is to celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and culture of Sikhs and the immigrant experience through films,” said Dr Paul Johar, organizer of the film festival.

Dr Johar added, “The response was phenomenal this year. Of the 30 entries, we narrowed it to 12.

And of the 12, six were screened in children’s festival. Films poured in from as far as New Zealand.

Interestingly, of the 12 films screened, 10 were directed by nonIndians or non-Punjabis.”

Friday saw the premieres of Harpreet Kaur’s feature-length documentary A Little Revolution, a story of hope, empowerment, and dreams in rural Punjab centered on orphaned children of farmers who committed suicide, and The Ulysses by Alberto Garcia Ortiz and Agatha Maciaszek.

“About 2,57,000 farmers have committed suicide in India due to agrarian crisis and now their children want to be heard,” said Harpreet Kaur. When asked about choosing Punjab to tell her story, Kaur said, “The government focus is on Vidharbha. Punjab is the bread basket of India, why downplay it. There are about 1,500 farmer suicides alone in Punjab, children are left orphaned and government is doing nothing about it.”

‘Ulysses’ is a story of 57 Punjabi immigrants stranded in densely forested hills above Ceuta in Spain, fearing deportation while awaiting residency papers for three years.

‘Jagjeet’ by Kavanjit Singh is a 21 minute film set in the ’84 riots and revolving around two best friends living as neighbors in New Delhi. Directed by David Gray, ‘Canadian Soldier Sikhs’ follows 10 Sikhs through their enlistment in the Canadian army, training and transport to France, moving on to their return to civilian life, their descendants, and a visit to the two

graves of the soldiers.

Apart from movies two books were released. ‘Guru Nanak: The First Sikh Guru’ by Rina Singh is on the first guru born in 1469 a time of tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India. The book looks at how Sikhism emerged as a religion.

The second release was ‘Zafarnama by Guru Gobind

Navtej Sarna, author and diplomat, receiving Vision award from Indian minister of state for external affairs Preneet Kaur.

Jaspal Bindra, CEO of Standard Chartered Asia received Heritage Award for leadership.

Singh’ by Navtej Sarna, India’s ambassador to Israel. The book is a translation of Zafarnama (Epistle of Victory) written in exquisite Persian verse.

The Zafarnama is a defiant message composed by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh guru and addressed to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, following fierce battles between the imperial forces and Sikh warriors.

Tejinder Bindra, President of SAFF, told SATimes, “Our man-

date is to create awareness of Sikhs and develop and foster good rapport with other communities. It’s to make others aware that we are as much American as we are Indians wearing turbans and beard as articles of faith."At the gala, singer and composer Sukhbir Singh enthralled the audience with his scintillating performance. Dressed in black jacket and donning his trademark black shades, his numbers had audience break into spontaneous dance.

Leadership skills and success secrets jampacked audience, their barrage of questions, and three illustrious speakers and their interesting stories of journey to success – a perfect setting for the first Sikh Leadership Summit held Oct. 13 at Asia society. The summit organized by the Sikh Art and Film Foundation not only discussed some pressing issues faced by the community outside India but also served as a platform for encouragement to the fledgling leaders of the Sikh community. The panelists included Gurinder Chadha, entrepreneur Gurvendra Suri and Prof.

Mohanbir Sawhney.

The summit aimed to understand the nexus between mentorship, community service, and leadership development in one’s career. “The objective of the summit was to inspire youth as well as develop the next generation of leaders by facilitating interactions and dialogues with a diverse range of leaders from arts to academia to business,” said Ravindra Aurora, chair leadership summit.

The speakers delved into the problems they initially faced and how persistence and conviction sailed them through. “When I moved to the US in 1998, I confined myself in a shell. Often people said that Suri sits in cube. But I did not let that affect me and continued with my plan,” said Suri.

Today he is a founder and CEO of Optimal Solutions Integration.

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In the Sikh Leadership Summit, participants included (from right) Gurinder Chadha, Dr. Mohanbir S. Sawhney and Gurvendra S. Suri with moderator Matthew Breitfelder (chief talent officer, BlackRock).

For Sawhney, it ended even before he could start when his career as a professor hit a dead end. Signals of his gut not just helped him survive but also excel.

His advice, “One should stumble but in the right direction. And once you figure out what you want, stand up for it and drown out the noise coming from the society.” Sawhney invoked Steve Jobs. “Once he wanted the wires inside the Mac to be rainbow colored. The supply chain insisted that no one is going to look inside.

That’s the kind of attention to detail Jobs had, his vision and singularity of purpose made him a leader.” The audience instantly burst into applause. His vision and singularity of purpose made him a leader.” When queried, Suri said conviction is the key to success whereas Sawhney chose “integri-

ty, humility and passion.”

The panelists also dwelled on confused identity - a problem many Indians living abroad face.

Gurinder Chadha underlined how she used cultural complexities as her strength in movies she made.

“My movies often have different point of views through various generations like in ‘Bend it like Beckham’. Multicultural and bilingual allows me to present a new cultural paradigm.”

Luckily, the new generation Sikhs seem to be clearer about identity.

“We often hear about identity crisis our parents and people from their generation faced when they moved to the US, but thankfully we overcame that faster and are balancing it well both at home and in school,” said Harmahar Kaur, 13, at the summit.

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National Community

October 22-28, 2011

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Gurinder Chadha : Presenting multicultural as a new cultural paradigm

By Jinal Shah/SATimes s a kid the very first job I wanted to do was to be a long distance lorry driver even as kids my age dreamt of being a teacher or a nurse. So why a lorry driver? We had family friends living 100 miles away and we often visited them in Birmingham. Out in the open I was free of setting my own definitions. I felt power in these huge vehicles and that the drivers could control and stop at service stations and buy chocolates when they wanted to fascinated me. The point is, I have always been the person that refuses to do what’s expected of me and that comes from having a privilege of being culturally diverse.

You are always able to see situations from a different point of view,” narrated Gurinder Chadha to an applauding audience at SAFF’s first leadership summit in New York.

The internationally acclaimed film maker shared many such anecdotes from her life with

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The acclaimed filmmaker Gurinder Chadha (left) was honored at the Sikh Art and Film Foundation’s Heritage Gala by the Indian minister Preneet Kaur. She was also a star speaker at the inaugural Sikh Leadership Summit.

US Telangana activists hold rally in Washington DC Washington, DC: Several hundred US based Indians from the Telangana region of the Indian subcontinent gathered in Washington DC to stage a solidarity demonstration with the “Sakala Janula Samme” – a civil disobedience movement that has swept all of Telangana over the last 32 days. Like the forty million people of Telangana who have undertaken the all peoples’ civil disobedience, the Telangana NRIs demanded, in a strong voice, that the Indian government immediately initiate the process of creating the Telangana state. Speaking at the demonstration Ravi Mayreddy, a spokesperson for the mobilization said “we demand that Indian government to respect and abide by its own declaration of December 9th 2009 and form

Telangana supporters at the rally the new Telangana state.” The right of the citizenry to form a separate state is granted under Articles 2 and 3 of the Indian constitution.

budding film makers, journalists and to people of her Sikh community about the complex cultural situations she faced living in Britain.

She continued, “Different point of views is what I portrayed in my films through various generations. Being multicultural and bilingual allows me to present a new cultural paradigm to the world because prior to this everything was always seen as a cultural clash or a problem.” Chadha told the SATimes about her forthcoming film. A move away from comedy and big fat Indian weddings for her, it is an epic drama on Indian Independence and the Partition, set to release in 2012. “Based on the top secret document recently released, it will be first post-colonial British Punjabi film.”

Her other projects include Dreamworks Animation project, India’s first ever musical set with composer A.R. Rahman and lyricist Stephen Schwarts. “This film is set in an elephant sanctuary and has an ecological message. I realized children are growing up too fast

and they have to deal with issues too soon. I wanted to make a proper innocent adventure movie that deals with children I used to see when I was young," she said at the SAFF gala Saturday. On receiving the Sikh Heritage Award, she said, “I am absolutely honored and delighted. It is wonderful to be acknowledged by your own community.” When asked about the secret of success of Sikhs she replied, “The secret is the real sense of community. Everyone is proud of each other’s achievements. People in this community are warrior like and stand up for justice.” On Sikhs mistaken to be Muslims, she feels it is due to ignorance and it is up to the community to educate outsiders.

She was amazed by the young filmmakers at the film festival. Praising the 18-year-old director of ‘(Ex)Changed’ (shown at the film festival), Chadha said, “Such events (Sikh film festival) are important for me as I can meet young people like Anghad and be a role model and inspire the new generation.”

SAB TV breaks into the ‘Free-to-Air’ market

New York: Sony Entertainment Network has announced the launch of the first free-to-air 24/7 South Asian television channel in the United States. SAB TV, India’s premier family comedy channel is available on channel 23.4 in USA’s largest Designated Market Area (DMA) of the New York metro area and channel 44.4 in USA’s fifth largest DMA of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, with a combined reach of over 10 million households.

This initiative makes SAB TV the first free-toair South Asian channel with the largest reach in North America.

To access this free-toair channel, viewers in

(l-r) Neeraj Arora, Executive VP, Head of International Business, SONY Entertainment Network; Deepak Viswanath, Managing Director, Edison Broadcasting; Dr. Banad Viswanath, Edison Broadcasting; John Perez, VP Sales, MEXICANAL; Jaideep Janakiram, SVP International Business-Head of North America, SONY Entertainment Network with others from MEXICANAL

the coverage area will need a low-cost UHF antenna hooked to their television sets that are

DTV-capable.

UHF antennae are available at most electronic retail stores.

Frank Pallone endorses Councilman Prasad for re-election

By Ashok Ojha

A protest demonstration was successfully organized by Indian Americans under the banner of Indian American Intellectuals Forum, Save India from Corruptions and several other associations in New York on Sunday, October 16, to express their angst against the unwarranted harassment of Dr. Subramanian Swamy, President, Janata Party. The protesters, many of whom flew from Chicago and drove 250-300 miles from neighboring states carried banners saying “Sonia Gandhi – Shame, Shame”, “Down with Sonia Gandhi”, and Save Dr. Swamy – Save Indian Democracy.”

A copy of the Memorandum submitted to the Consulate General of India, New York was distributed to the media.

Edison, NJ: Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., a seasoned Democrat and senior member of India Caucus at the Capitol Hill, supported the re-election bid of Dr. Sudhanshu Prasad, a sitting member of the Edison Township Council in New Jersey. “Sudhanshu is one of the few practicing physicians who strongly advocate for universal healthcare”, declared Pallone at a campaign event organized at Edison Hotel in Edison, NJ. Prasad was elected four years ago as a member of the Edison Council.

The forthcoming elections in New

Jersey, scheduled to be held on November 8 will be a test of strength for both Democrats and Republicans. All five seats of Edison Township Council are being contested by Democrats and Republicans.

Both parties have taken care to include at least one candidate representing the Indian American community.

Prasad, who has experience of working as a Councilman, represents the Indian American community in Democratic party while the Republicans have chosen Sam Khan, a newcomer to politics, who is extensively using social networking sites, such as, Face book to win voters, for a council seat.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

October 22-28, 2011

Congressman Crowley recognizes Diwali with House Resolution

Washington, D.C: Rep. Joe Crowley (Dcommunities throughout the United States: Queens, the Bronx), Co-Chair of the Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Congressional Caucus on India and IndianHouse of Representatives-Americans, introduced H.R. 439, a resolu(1) recognizes the historical and religious tion to recognize Diwali, which marks the significance of Diwali; (2) in observance of beginning of the Hindu New Year. This resDiwali, the festival of lights, expresses its olution underscores the respect Congress deepest respect for Indian Americans and holds for the Indian-American community, the Indian Diaspora throughout the world on as well as celebrates the strong and growing this significant occasion. (3) recognizes and partnership between India and the U.S. appreciates the religious diversity in both “I am proud to introduce a resolution in India and the United States and throughout celebration of Diwali, a holiday of great the world; and (4) acknowledges and supJoe Crowley, Co-Chair, significance to millions of Indianports the relationship of collaboration and Congressional Caucus on Americans and Indians around the respect between the United States and India and Indian-Americans world,” said Rep. Crowley. “As the repIndia.Congressman Crowley is a sevenresentative of one of the largest Indian-American com- term representative from the 7th Congressional District munities in the U.S., it is an honor to celebrate Diwali of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the with my constituents, as well as those of Indian descent Bronx. He is a member of the Ways and Means around the world.”The resolution read: Whereas Diwali Committee and is a chief deputy whip in the Democratic is a celebration of great importance in Indian-American leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives.

South Brunswick schools closed next week for Diwali

New Jersey: According to 2011-2012 school calendar, South Brunswick District schools will stay closed on October 26 for Diwali/Deepavali.

Only other religious closing days mentioned on 2011-12 calendar are Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah (September 29 & 30). About 9,100

SAT T NOV V 05 SUN SAT T NOV NOV V 06 05 SAT NOV SUN NOV 12 06 SAT NOV 05

students are enrolled in 12 schools of the District, located between New York City and Philadelphia, which was ranked by New Jersey Education Department as "High Performing School District”. It claims to be "one of the finest public school systems in New Jersey." Dr. Stephen F. Parker is

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President of the District Board, while Dr. Gary P. McCartney is Superintendent of District, whose tagline is “Building Tomorrow, Today.” About 11 percent population of South Brunswick is of Indiadescent. New Jersey is most densely populated and second wealthiest state in the country and Indian languages Gujarati, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, etc., are spoken in its various parts.

NIFT to collaborate with US fashion technology institute The two institutes will collaborate in the areas of fashion design, textile design and fashion communication.

New York: The Indian governmentrun National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) said Tuesday it has signed an agreement with New York-based Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to run dual-degree programs.

Now the selected meritorious students from NIFT would avail the unique opportunity to obtain a joint degree awarded both by NIFT and FIT. "The association of two premier fashion institutes would reap benefits which would be multifold in nature, an official statement said.

However, the institute did not give the timeline regarding the implementation of the agreement.

This agreement will be implement-

ed at the earliest for the benefit of NIFT students.It will usher in new paradigmatic changes in the vision and activities of NIFT, Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Anand Sharma said in a statement.

In fact, NIFT was established in 1986 in collaboration with the FIT with assistance from United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The New Delhi-based institute runs under the textiles ministry. A delegation from NIFT recently visited the FIT to explore the possible areas of collaboration.According to the statement, the two institutes have agreed to collaborate in the areas of fashion design, textile design and fashion communication.

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National Community

October 22-28, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Star India Plus celebrates Diwali for a week with Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas

New York: Star India Plus ushers in the festival season this October with a weeklong celebration in honor of Diwali. Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas will celebrate the biggest festival of the year with spectacular acts and performances from popular television stars. The extravaganza will air all week long on Star India Plus, from October 17th to October 21st at 6:30p.m. EST. The show will begin with a magnificent Lakshmi Pooja, where Sanjeeda Sheikh, Shayantani Ghosh and Daljeet Kaur will per-

form as incarnations of the Goddess Lakshmi. Diwali Rishton Ki Mithas will also incorporate the festival between brother and sister, BhaiDuuj. This lively and vivid show will also feature romantic performances by Akshara and Naitik, aerial stunts by Shakti, Mukti and Akshat, and an act of Krishna Raas Leela.

The high point of this celebration on Star India Plus will be a special thrilling presentation by Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, performing their latest hit from Ra.One.

Bone Marrow drives for 8-year-old Sameer Reddy California: Several bone marrow drives are being organized to save the life of 8-year old Sameer Reddy who is suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Sameer is a child of Indian origin from the Fiji Islands now living in Fremont, CA. He was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 2½ and spent 4 years fighting the deadly disease.

While expectations for survival were grim, Sameer shocked the medical community by defeating the ruthless cancer and the complications that arose from it.

On Oct. 3, Sameer relapsed. He

California: SocialTwist has appointed former Google head of product marketing Sanjeev Agrawal as president of the company, a new position. SocialTwist, founded in 2008, provides marketers with social shopping options including the Tell-A-Friend platform. SocialTwist has also announced that 100,000 brands and websites are using the service, and 4.8 million shoppers have used Tell-a-Friend. The platform is

New York: Nitin Shah has joined the advisoHotel Reservations Network (HRN).

He was a founder of and has served as ry board of Kennesaw State University’s chairman of the Asian American Hotel Asian Studies. He is also a member of the College of Business at Georgia College adviOwners Association (AAHOA), one of the world’s most influential and respected hossory board.

Shah serves as president of Imperial pitality groups which has 10,000 members who together own more than 20,000 hotels Investments Group Inc., a Georgia-based with a combined market value of almost hospitality company he founded in 1984 which currently has assets approaching $100 $130 billion. Shah continues to be actively involved in a leadership role with AAHOA, million, including 15 hotels plus a variety of commercial real estate projects. He is also serving for the past four years as co-chair of the Governance and Strategic Planning chairman and CEO of Embassy National Nitin Shah Committee. Other civic service activities Bank, an Atlanta-based community bank he helped establish in 2007 which has grown to $70 million for Mr. Shah include the Rotary Club of Emory-Druid in assets and is a leading lender to small businesses in Hills, where he is president-elect, and the Global the southeastern United States.

Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), Shah dramatically demonstrated his ability as an where he is a member of the advisory board. entrepreneur who can translate a good idea into a great Born in Mumbai, Shah earned his undergraduate bottom line when in 1999 he collaborated with a col- degree in mechanical engineering at the University of league to develop the URL “www.hotels.com” into a Bombay and his master’s degree in business administrasolid business venture which was eventually sold to the tion at Georgia College and State University.

Teen raises money for children’s cancer hospital Junior Commission on the Status of Women.

Verma’s friends – including Miss Teen California Bianca Vierra – modeled for the show, which also featured dinner by the Afghani restaurant, Salang Pass.

Officials from the hospital praised Verma’s work. The teenager also received a Public Services Education Award leadership award from Alameda County Board of Education. Verma also received

is now at the Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, in Palo Alto, Calif., where he will undergo

Sanjeev Agrawal joins SocialTwist as President

Nitin Shah joins Kennesaw’s Asian Studies Advisory Board

Fremont, CA: A high school sophomore raised more than $9,000 on her 16th birthday Aug. 28 to benefit the oncology clinic at the Children’s Hospital and Research Center in Oakland, Calif.

Neha Verma, who attends Mission San Jose High School in Fremont, coordinated a fashion show featuring clothes she had designed herself.

The event was held at Century House and Garden in Fremont and co-hosted by the Alameda County

Sameer Reddy

rounds of chemotherapy for the next 45 days.

Sameer’s chances of finding a match are one in 20,000 since less than one percent of the 10 million registrants in the National Bone Marrow Registry are of South Asian origin. A donor must match at least nine out of 10 genetic markers before a match can be made, thus ethnicity is extremely important.Sameer’s commitment to live and willingness to keep fighting has made him a superhero in the community. Drive schedule is available at www.savesameer.com

matching grants from Google and Motorola.

Verma's passion for fashion didn't just begin with this project. As a little girl, she learned how to design and make clothes from her mother and grandmother. In recent years, Verma has been spending a great deal of time on Polyvore, a website where she can design outfits and meet other young designers.

Verma’s designs can be viewed online at www.luvneha.com.

available across Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and other sites. Clients include P&G and Barnes & Noble.

Sanjeev Agrawal believes in creating brand advocates for companies such as Barnes & Noble, ConAgra Foods, Gap, Procter & Gamble, Sara Lee, and Intel, rather than sharing ads, coupons and discounts on social sites.

Agrawal says such a strategy taps social and analytics to find key influencers.

Sanjeev Agrawal

Missouri Prof awarded funding to continue Physics research New York: Dr. H i m a d r i Chakraborty, assistant professor of chemistry and physics at N o r t h w e s t Missouri State University, recently was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation that Dr. Himadri Chakraborty to receive will provide $57000 for three years $57,000 in each of the next three years toward his interest."

The grant award also includes research of the response of singleand multi-walled fullerenes and partial funding for a post-doctoral endohedral fullerenes to photons fellowship.

Born in India, Chakraborty and charged particles.

In his research, Chakraborty is joined the Northwest faculty in the examining the behavior of atoms or fall of 2006 and is helping the uniatomic nanoclusters when they are versity establish its nanoscience enclosed in the soccer-ball-like program based at the campus's molecules known as fullerenes. Center for Innovation and The research also is probing sub- Entrepreneurship, a recently comtleties of quantum effects in the pleted 46,679-sq. ft. facility that houses start-up businesses and acananometric region.

"These endo-fullerenes hold the demic research facilities and propromise of exciting applications in vides entrepreneurial support.

Recently, the Indian American quantum computations, superconductivity, biomedical fields, drug was profiled as one of "50 delivery research, magnetic reso- Missourians You Should Know" in nance imaging, and organic photo- Ingram's, a magazine covering voltaic devices," Chakraborty said Kansas City's business community, as part of a feature focusing on in a press release.

"Understanding the influence of people who have made significant the confining cage on the spec- accomplishments in business, acatroscopy of the confined species demia, the arts or non-profit and vice versa, are matters of great sectors.

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US Affairs

October 22-28, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Perry-Romney warned: personal attacks could cost GOP the election Las Vegas: The bitter personal clashes between Rick Perry and Mitt Romney at the GOP debate in Nevada were "horrific", according to influential Republican pollster Frank Luntz, who predicted that such divisive behavior could cost the party the White House race in 2012.

His warning was reinforced by one of the candidates, the former House speaker Newt Gingrich.

The nastiness of the exchanges between Perry and Romney suggests that the battle for the Republican nomination is shaping up as one of the most dirty and brutal since George Bush destroyed John McCain in 2000.

Luntz was speaking immediately after Perry Wednesday at a conference of Republicans from the western states being held in Las Vegas.

Perry provoked a row with Romney during CNN debate, accusing him of having hired illegal immigrants to cut his lawn. Personal jibes between the two dominated the two-hour debate. It made for riveting televi-

Mitt Romney and Rick Perry sparred during the GOP debate Tuesday in Las Vegas. sion but it will be a few days before polls make it clear whether the Texas governor will benefit from going negative in such a personal way.Luntz told hundreds of Republicans gathered for the fourday conference that if candidates insisted on turning on one another, they would have no-one to blame but themselves when they lost the White House.Luntz said, "Do not

think you are helping your cause by destroying one another."

Gingrich added, "The bickering hurts the Republican party."

Perry, in his speech to the conference, attempted to build on the momentum he generated in the debate. He began to flesh out his economic policy beyond opening up America's oil, gas and coal resources and promising tax reform.

Accused by SEC of deception, Citi agrees to pay $285M Washington: Citigroup has agreed to pay $285 million to settle a civil fraud complaint that it misled investors in a $1 billion derivatives deal tied to the US housing market, then bet against the investors as the housing market began to show signs of distress, the Securities and Exchange Commission said Wednesday.

The securities fraud complaint was similar to one the S.E.C. brought against Goldman Sachs last year, with one significant difference.

Goldman Sachs was accused of misleading investors about who was picking the investments in a mortgage-related derivative.

In the Citigroup case, however, it was the bank itself that chose assets for the portfolio that it then bet against. Investors were not told of

its role or that Citigroup had an interest that was adverse to the interests of investors.

“The securities laws demand that investors receive more care and candor than Citigroup provided to these C.D.O. investors,” said Robert Khuzami, director of the S.E.C.’s division of enforcement. “Investors were not informed that Citigroup had decided to bet against them and had helped choose the assets that would determine who won or lost.”

The S.E.C. said the $285 million would be returned to investors in the deal, a collateralized debt obligation known as Class V Funding III. The commission said Citigroup exercised significant influence over the selection of $500 million of assets in the deal’s portfolio.

In a statement, Citigroup said:

“We are pleased to put this matter behind us and are focused on contributing to the economic recovery, serving our clients and growing responsibly.

Since the crisis, we have bolstered our financial strength, overhauled the risk management function, significantly reduced risk on the balance sheet, and returned to the basics of banking.”

The S.E.C. action named Brian Stoker, 40, a Citigroup employee who was primarily responsible for putting together the deal, and Samir H. Bhatt, 37, a Credit Suisse portfolio manager who was primarily responsible for the transaction.

Credit Suisse served as the collateral manager for the C.D.O. transaction.

Martin Luther King memorial dedicated Washington: "An earthquake and hurricane may have delayed this day," said President Obama at the dedication of a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr here, "but it was a day not to be denied."

Obama said Dr. King has returned to the National Mall in Washington- a symbol of the change he galvanized - at a ceremony attended by thousands Sunday.

The president said that King "stirred our conscience" and made the The memorial in Washington’s National Union "more perfect."

Crowds began at dawn to Mall was dedicated by President Obama crowd onto the memorial site, just and its parks, and the first monuto the southeast of the steps where ment to a non-president on the King delivered his historic "I Have Mall.

Obama, was six when King was a Dream" speech. Designed as what King described as a stone of assassinated, credits him with helphope hewn from a mountain of ing to pave his way to the White despair, the memorial is the first to House as the nation's first black a black man on the National Mall president.

Lady with the Torch turns 125

The Statue of Liberty, a gift of friendship from the people of France to America, was dedicated on Oct. 28, 1886 in New York. To commemorate its 125th anniversary, a special ceremony will be held on Oct. 28, 2011.

Wall Street action part of global ‘Arab Spring’?

London: After the "Arab Spring" and unrest in Europe, New York's "Occupy Wall Street" movement may be the latest sign of a global, popular backlash against elites with increasingly shared rhetoric and tactics, Reuters has said in an analysis.

On almost every continent, 2011 has seen an almost unprecedented rise in both peaceful and sometimes violent unrest and dissent.

Protesters in a lengthening list of countries including Israel, India, Chile, China, Britain, Spain and now the US all increasingly link their actions explicitly to the popular revolutions that have shaken up the Middle East.

The slogans on the streets of Manhattan and other US cities also show a host of other intermingling influences, from the British student protests last year to the "indignados" (indignant) anti-austerity demonstrations in

Author Naomi Wolf was arrested Tuesday in New York at an Occupy Wall Street protest.

Greece and Spain. What they all share in common is a feeling that the youth and middle class are paying a high price for mismanagement and malfeasance by an out-of-touch

corporate, financial and political elite.

When hundreds of protesters blocked London's Westminster Bridge on Sunday in anger at upcoming changes to Britain's National Health Service, they took on slogans from US protesters who describe themselves as the "99 percent" paying the price for mistakes by a tiny minority.

With the economic outlook darkening just as the growth of social media helps disparate groups around the world knit together a global narrative of anger, there may be more to come.

"This is most definitely going to be a multi-year trend, perhaps even a decade," says Tina Fordham, chief political analyst for US bank Citi. "What's interesting is the way you're increasingly seeing these ... strands come together. So far the policy impact has

been minimal, but that could change. An extended period of low or no (economic) growth could galvanize these emerging movements into political forces."

While those largely leaderless groups taking to the streets might be getting better at articulating what they are against, they still struggle to define what they actually want.

But they are still gaining traction.

Already, the tactic of occupying a location -- be it a park, the central square in an Arab city or a university common room -- appears to be becoming commonplace, allowing debate and providing a focal point from which to engage the media and authority. So too are "days of rage," a term first used during the Middle East risings, not to mention the use of social media and messaging systems to stay one step ahead of authorities.

India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

October 22-28, 2011

Gaddafi antagonized India with Kashmir remarks

New Delhi: India has been scaling up its relations with Libya over the years, largely driven by energy interests, but its long-standing ruler Muammar Gaddafi, who was killed Thursday, was no great friend of New Delhi.

In fact, under his regime India and Libya have been at best distant neighbors. Gaddafi was perceived here to be a friend of Pakistan who benefited from the A.Q Khan illicit nuclear smuggling network and one who raked up the Kashmir issue in the UN General Assembly two years ago.

Much to the outrage of New Delhi, Gaddafi supported the idea of an "independent state" for Kashmir and said that it should be a "Baathist state" between India and Pakistan.

"Kashmir should be an independent state, not Indian, not Pakistani.

We should end this conflict. It should be a Ba'athist state between India and Pakistan," Gaddafi said.

In his much-reported colorful speech at the UN General Assembly in 2009, he mentioned India as among the countries that will be competing for a permanent seat in the Security Council and added that since India and Pakistan

"Kashmir should be an independent state, not Indian, not Pakistani.

We should end this conflict. It should be a Ba'athist state between India and Pakistan," Gaddafi had said. were both nuclear powers, if India had a seat then Pakistan would want a seat as well.

Calling for equality among member states, Gaddafi said said the induction of big powers would "add more poverty, more injustice, more tension at the world level".

He antagonized India again when, on the eve of the UN Security Council debate and vote against Libya in February, he compared his crackdown against the Libyan opposition to India's

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actions in Kashmir.

When the Western powers mounted pressure on him, he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and also sought Indian investments in Libya's oil and gas industry at the height of the civil war. Indira Gandhi was the last Indian prime minister to visit Libya in 1984. The visit by India's then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee was the first high-level visit from the Indian side after decades and underlined a new pragmatism by New Delhi to guard its energy interests amid attempts by the West to woo the Libyan leader.

In March, India abstained from voting on a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution approving "all necessary measures," including imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya.

India supported sanctions against the Gaddafi regime but maintained the need for dialogue to resolve the Libyan impasse.

With Qaddafi's death, India, which has been cautiously watching developments in Libya, will have to craft a new policy of engagement with the new dispensation that emerges in Tripoli.

Krishna’s peace formula for US, Pak

New Delhi: At a time when USPakistan relations have hit an all time low, foreign minister S.M. Krishna came up with his own advice to diffuse the situation.

Describing the US and Pakistan as friendly powers, Krishna said they should sit across the table and sort out their differences to prevent any devastating consequences for other countries, particularly India.

Krishna's description of US and Pakistan as friendly powers comes at a time when government officials and experts believe that US for the first time seems keen on calling Islamabad's bluff in not reining in the Haqqani network. As US increases troop presence at the AfPak border near Waziristan, Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Perzez Kayani is reported to have warned Washington that Pakistan cannot be treated like Afghanistan and Iran because it is a nuclear power.

"This question concerns the relationship between two friendly powers, the US and Pakistan. It is India's desire that all outstanding issues between them are settled across the table and thereby a situation created in the region which will be conducive for development," said Krishna, while addressing the media

Foreign Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna in the presence of his French counterpart Alain Juppe. He was asked about the ongoing flare-up in USPakistan relations.

"Anything which upsets the region will have devastating consequences for the developmental agenda of other countries, particularly India.

So we sincerely hope they will be able to sort out their differences," he went on to add.

In fact, keeping up the pressure on Pakistan, US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said that she will deliver a clear message to Islamabad during her visit to Pakistan that there cannot be a safe haven for terrorists anywhere. Juppe too expressed concern over the situation in Pakistan saying that France was developing a dialogue with Pakistan to seek a solution for Afghanistan.

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India Newswire

October 22-28, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Advani for Telangana Bill in next session Hyderabad: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani said if Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi take a decision, carving out a separate Telangana state out of Andhra Pradesh could become a reality by the New Year.

Addressing a public meeting here as part of his 'Jana Chetna Yatra', he said if the UPA government brought a bill in the winter session of parliament for the creation of Telangana state, the BJP would support it.

If the prime minister and Gandhi decide to create the Telangana state, the BJP, which has 116 members in the Lok Sabha and 50 in the Rajya Sabha, will support them.

Veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani addresses a public meeting during his 'Jan Chetna Yatra' in Andhra Pradesh.

More might leave Anna core group New Delhi: Two resignations and one more in the offing?

The core group behind India Against Corruption (IAC) led

by Anna Hazare is likely to be whittled down further with Delhi Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao distancing himself from the movement, sources said.

Recently, Magsaysay Award winner Rajendra Singh and Gandhian activist P.V. Rajagopal quit the original 26-member panel citing the political activism of Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders of IAC after the campaign against the Congress in the Hissar parliamentary by-poll.

Others might follow soon, it is learnt.

Anna Hazare is likely to intervene to The archbishop, who heads stop the exodus. the Catholic diocese here, had joined IAC to oppose corrupthey had a good equation with tion, a leader in the community Hazare but had differences with told IANS on the condition of Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and others. anonymity. "As he is the leader of Hazare may intervene to stop a community that has its members the exodus. in various parties, he may not join The founding leaders' list the propaganda for or against any includes social activist Swami political party."

Agnivesh, who dissociated himThe archbishop is amongst the self a while ago. The 20 "eminent 24 core committee members left personalities" who started the in the IAC. He is also one of the movement lists two more Hindu 20 founding leaders of the IAC. religious leaders - Baba Ramdev Other leaders such as Maulana and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Shamoom Qasmi, who is both a After the resignation of founding leader and a core com- Rajendra Singh and Rajagopal, mittee member, also have reserva- the core committee has been left tions about the way the movement with 24 members. Justice N. is going. Muslim religious leaders Santhosh Hegde, a key member, Mahmood Madani, Syed Rizvi has of late not been attending and Syed Shah Fazlur Rahman meetings, an IAC official said.

Waizi, founding committee memBesides Bedi and Kejriwal, the bers, also might part ways, the other high profile faces are former sources said. law minister Shanti Bhushan, his "Some of them may resign, son and lawyer Prashant Bhushan some of them may distance them- and environmentalist Medha selves," a source said, adding that Patkar.

"Then there is no reason why Telangana state can't be a reality on Jan 1, 2012," he said.

He said there was no need for a resolution to be passed by the Andhra Pradesh assembly for carving out a separate Telangana state.

Under Article 3 of the constitution, a new state can be formed with a simple majority in parliament (supporting the bill), he said.

Blaming the Congress-led UPA government for uncertainty over the Telangana issue, the former deputy prime minister said the demand for Telangana state was "justified".

The BJP leader criticized the UPA government for going back on its promise on Telangana state.

"Within 15 days of promising

that they would be forming the state of Telangana, they went back upon the promise, with the result that this region today is in a condition that has not been witnessed in any other state for 60 years," he earlier told reporters at Nizamabad.

Advani, whose yatra entered Telangana from Maharashtra recently, addressed road shows in Nizamabad, Medak and Ranga Reddy districts before reaching Hyderabad.

He would soon be leaving for Arunachal Pradesh.

Advani, who started his yatra on October 11, will cover 23 states and four union territories in 40 days before the winter session of parliament, usually held November-December.

Expert group on Kudankulam N-plant set up New Delhi: To assuage the fears of the locals and the Tamil Nadu Government, the Centre announced setting up of a 15-member group of experts over the Kudankulam nuclear plant project.

“We have set up a 15-member group of experts,” officials said here.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that the committee promised by him to convince stakeholders in the Kudankulam nuclear power project would be set up on October 20.

The group of experts from various disciplines such as radiation safety, reactor safety, oncology, fisheries and nuclear waste management will interact with the local population in and around Kudankulam where two 1,000 MW nuclear power plants built with Russian collaboration are in advanced stages of completion.

The project has run into a rash of protests as it approaches final stages of commissioning with concerns being raised over environmental impact and fears of radiation fears

College students stage a protest against the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant at Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. in the wake of the Fukushima accident in Japan.

Dr Singh had regretted that his letter to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms J. Jayalalithaa, on the subject had not reached her, an issue on which she had criticized him.

“Well, I am sorry. I have seen that comment,” he had said when point-

ed out that Ms Jayalalithaa had stated that she had not received any letter from the Prime Minister about which she had read in newspapers.

At the same time, he had said, “I do feel that we can give reasonable satisfaction to all the stakeholders who are worried about the safety of the atomic energy plant at Kudankulam.”

Pull up your socks: Mayawati to officials Lucknow: With the 2012 state assembly elections looming, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati convened a meeting of all district magistrates, district police chiefs and other top officials of the state and asked them to ensure effective administration or face action.In the day-long meeting, she talked about almost every aspect of governance, but emphasized essentially on the delivery systems, focusing on ensuring proper implementation of the citizens' charter introduced by her government, an official spokesperson said.

The chief minister said officials responsible for delivering the services within the stipulated time should face monetary punishment in case of default and special care needs to be taken on complaints relating to corruption in various government departments. Another key concern shown by Mayawati was about the unabated deaths of children on account of the killer Japanese Encephalitis virus that had already taken nearly 450 lives in the affected the eastern

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has her eyes set on the 2012 state assembly elections. parts of the state.

She said district magistrates must ensure not only availability of proper treatment facilities and medicines in all government hospitals but must also personally ensure spraying of disinfectants and improve the overall sanitation.

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Art & Culture TheSouthAsianTimes.info

October 22-28, 2011

A visual treat of Indian heritage

For more visit www.siddhagirimuseum.org

Astronomer Varah Mihir Maharishi Kapil

Siddhagiri Museum, a few miles away from Kolhapur in the state of Maharashtra houses some of the most eloquent displays of Indian culture and heritage.

One of world’s first nuclear scientists Maharishi Kanad, considered pioneer of Quantum Mechanics

Agriculture and weather expert – Maharishi Parashar

Compiler of Yog Sutras – Maharishi Patanjali

This unique project is a dream village of Mahatma Gandhi, visually and symbolically created through the vision and efforts of present 27th Mathadhipati H.H. Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji of the 800-year-old pilgrimage center - Shri Kshetra Siddhagiri Math. Built at the cost of $200,000 at the end of four and half months of effort in July 2007, the artistic tableaux refresh the history of self sufficient village life before the invasion of Mughals in Maharashtra apartfrom highlighting India’s major contribution to the world in the fields of mathematics, medicine, astronomy, to name just a few. Though at first sight the tableaux may seem inspired by the wax works at the likes of Madame Tussauds, these artistic creations made out of much harder bricks, stones and wet cement mirror the effort of about 70 artists, 80 masons and 60 volunteer devotees from various nearby villages who came daily to put in their best.

The first phase of the museum spans over 7 acres with almost 80 main scenes and around 300 statues. Several subtle village lifestyles are taken into consideration. There is a unique combination of expression, accuracy and liveliness in the whole village. Each sculpture has a multi dimensional effect and lifestyle theme to make a proper visual story.

Maharishi Kashyap who was a child specialist

‘Panchatantra’ fame Pandit Vishnu Sharma

October 22-28, 2011

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A grand festival for all

In India or abroad, rich or poor, of any faith, we can all celebrate Diwali. Festivals evoke joy and fraternal feeling.

The festival of lights is also symbolic of inner light or enlightenment, central to all religions.

This year the D-Day is October 26, Wednesday.

G

rowing up in India the two festivals kids enjoy the most are Diwali and Holi. Holi for boisterously dousing others with colored waterand getting drenched in turn. Diwali for endless firecracker bursting and lighting of candles. Both festivals are favorites of children because they involve frantic activity, not just sitting around doing puja.

But while growing up, we gradually learn the religious and social significance of Diwali—learning the story of Lord Rama, invoking Goddess Lakshmi at puja for ushering in prosperity in the family, exchange of gifts and sweets and so on.

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Moving to America, our children and we too miss the festive atmosphere, the decorated markets, lit up skyline, greeting friends and extended family, around special days like Diwali. Of all festival, Diwali of back home is missed the most, because for Hindus and most Indians, it is their Christmas and Eid and New Year rolled into one. Fact of the matter is, not January 1, but Diwali day as per the Hindu calendar starts the New Year for many, particularly traders, who start their new accounts books for the year. Diwali also marks the culmination of a month of festivities including Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra and Karva Chauth.

The good news from the Indian American community is that now we have more reasons to feel festive here too with multiplying Diwali melas, numerous temples to do puja at, more outlets for favorite shopping and a huge fraternity to mingle with. Diwali, as we all know, falls on the no moon night of Kartika month as per Hindu calendar, sometime in late October of early November. This time the D-Day is October 26, Wednesday.

Diwali literally means “rows of lighted lamps” and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. During this time, homes are thoroughly cleaned and

: Symbolic of inner light :

ver wondered what is the secret behind the Buddha’s peaceful visage in meditation, the compassionate eyes of Mother Teresa, the expression of rapturous bliss on the face of Chaitanya Prabhu, the glorious persona of a Mahavira meditating in solitary splendor, the light of forgiveness on the face of Jesus hanging on the cross, or the beatific smile of Krishna playing the flute?

What is the special ingredient in their personalities that gives them an extraordinary halo and the glow of divinity that sets them apart from ordinary mortals?

That special illumination that transformed them as well as the lives of millions whom they touched?

It is the light of the universal consciousness that shines through these enlightened souls that is immediately apparent even to the naked eye. It is the benevolent, omnipresent treasure trove of inner light that is within all of us, but accessed by only a few through immense sadhana over innumerable lifetimes.

The light of spirituality that envelops their body, mind and spirit, extends to their immediate environment, and then to the entire universe. The very word ‘enlightened’ implies that one has the light, and it is within. The Bible says, “Take heed that the light in you should not become darkness.” “Lead me from Darkness to Light…” goes an immortal

prayer from the Upanishads. “In the beginning, God said let there be light…” says the first passage of Genesis.

Light has always been associated with things positive, a dispeller of internal and external darkness. Diwali, the popular Indian festival of lights, is marked by lighting innumerable lamps in every household – symbolic of banishing the demons of darkness from within and without. While the external source of light dispels physical darkness, it’s the inner light that dispels the darkness of ignorance (avidya) and illusion (maya).

The light within thus lights the flame of enlightenment in mortals, the ultimate goal of a soul incarnated on earth.

windows are opened to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. Candles and lamps are lit as a greeting to her. Gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared.

Because there are many regions in India, there are many manifestations of the Diwali festival. The subsequent pages dwell into various aspects of the festival. In north India, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s homecoming after his exile of 14 years, a triumphant return to Ayodhya with Sita after the defeat of Ravana and his coronation as king. Diwali usually falls 18 days after Dussehra, commemorating Rama vanquishing Ravana. Which reminds us that as children we loved to go to Ramlila in the run up to Dusshera, no matter that the performances in dusty maidans were by far from sophisticated actors picked from streets, often men playing female parts.

Ramlila is the re-enactment of Rama’s story as told in Ramayana.

The living tradition of Ramlila and its popularity signifies how far the Ramayan has embedded in the Indian psyche. Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Bharat are role models for son, husband, wife, brother.

Diwali is celebrated wherever Indian diaspora is, which is most everywhere in the world today. Besides America and Britain, it is celebrated even in small countries like Kenya, Thailand, Trinidad, Siam and Malaya, though in their own ways. More significantly the story of Rama is told in song and dance in places as far as Bali in Indonesia.

October 22-28, 2011

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Lakshmi puja and tips and remedies for prosperity

By Tania Gupta he festival of Diwali is also called Maha Lakshmi Pujan festival and is celebrated in Pradosh Kaal, the auspicious period. People worship Mata Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, for auspicious omens in family and life as this puja is considered auspicious.

Diwali year will be celebrated on 26th October, Wednesday.

Diwali falling on certain days is considered especially auspicious for certain purposes. This time it is auspicious for businessmen as well as people who trade or make deals.

shipped with flowers, incense sticks, and essence lamps and Navedya. Chant the following mantra as you worship.

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Narak Chaturdashi Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated one day prior to Diwali. This day is also known as Narak Chaudas because it is believed that Lord Krishna killed Narakasur on this day. Prayers are offered in the evening and lamps are lit.

Muhurat On 26th October, Wednesday, the sunset would be at 05.42 PM (17:42 hrs). From this time to the next 2 hours and 24 minutes will be the Pradosh Kaal. Pradosh Kaal period is considered the right and auspicious moment for worshipping (pujan) of Maha Lakshmi. It is better if one can perform pujan at the fixed Lagna time which is expected to be from 06:46 PM to 08:41 PM and in between the SHUB CHAUGHADIA MUHURAT starts at 07:20 PM and is fixed to 08:58. Pujan between this muhurats is considered very much auspicious.

The Maha Nishit Kaal on 26th October will be from the moment when the clock strikes 10:54 PM and will remain till 01:30 AM. This time is considered one of the best times for performing worship or Pujan of Diwali according to the scriptures. After the Diwali Pujan is over, a lamp with four wicks is kept lighted throughout the night in the house and this is the symbol of Lakshmi which increases luck.

HOW TO PERFORM DIWALI PUJAN? Materials for diwali pujan Place the idol of Maha Lakshmi and idol of Lord Ganesha (in sitting positions).

Then, you need keser, rice, roli, bettle-nut, fruits, sweets, milk, flowers, kheer, sindoor (Vermilion), batashe, coins,

Brief explanation of Kuber Puja It is important to note that Nishit Kaal and Pradosh Kaal are used for Kuber Pooja. For performing the pujan you need to draw Swastika on the locker or the box that you use to store money. Then you call LORD KUBER upon it chanting the mantra as follows honey and cloves. Dry fruits, Ganga Jal, curd, incense sticks, cotton, coconut, kalava (red thread) 11 lamps, and copper urn.

Performing Diwali puja The first requirement is to draw the Navgreh or establish the Navgreh yantra on clean ground, or plate. Place the selected Puja items like copper urn filled with Ganga Jal, honey, curd, bettle-nut, cloves, coin etc before the idols and cover them with red cloth. Take the dry coconut and encircle it with the kalawa and then place it on the urn.

The Idols of the Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Brama or their pictures can be used to decorate the Pooja place where the navgreh yantra is made. If you have Idol of Maha Lakshmi made of metal bathe it with milk and curd and then with Ganga jal. After that decorate it with flowers, garlands and add Sindoor. Light the Panchmukhi lamp on the right side with pure Ghee or Sesame Oil. Method Take akshat, flower and water in your hands. It is also good to keep some money in front.

Then you resolve that as you a certain person on a particular place will do the pooja of certain Goddess and God and that you will get the best of results. First, one should worship Lord Ganesha and then Maa Gauri.

Take some water in your hand and chant the lines “Om Deepavlya namah” And offer the puja material before taking AKSHAT in your hand and chant the navgreh stotra.

After that Lakshmi is worshipped whole heartedly and the worship is concluded.

Bahi-khata puja For performing this pooja of

Bahi-Khata you need to draw the Swastika using Kesar and sandalwood on the books of Bahi and Khata during the Muhurat time of the puja. Then you write “Shree Ganeshaye namah” on the books, and keep in a bag akshat, grass, coriander, lotus bundle, 5 pieces of turmeric, and donation. After that you put the swastika symbol on it and offer the belongings to Mata Saraswati. You need to chant the following mantra 108 times after offering the belongings to Goddess Saraswati.

Once you chanted the mantra you worship Saraswati praising her, “The one who holds the shed of lotus, pestle, Hal, shell, Shul, Chakra, bow and arrow. She has the graceful sparkle as of moon.

The one who slaughtered devils like Shumba and others and the one who is from is the seed of voice and who is complete with Sachidanandmay Vigrah. I worship that Bhagwati Saraswati."

After that Bahi Khata is wor-

The author is a Delhi-based astrologer who can be contacted at www.horoscopenzodiac.com or by email: astrotaniagupta@gmail.com.

You need to chant this mantra “Om Kuberaiye Namah” 108 times and worship the Locker with flowers, incense sticks and others.

Once the pooja is over you keep the bag containing coriander, turmeric, grass, money etc in the locker.

Here are few remedies for Diwali

If you are not getting enough income for the hard work that you do you have to drop a dry coconut on flowing water from the day of Diwali regularly for the next 44 days and write the Beej Mantra on the coconut before dropping it.

For financial problems due to vastu defects you need to flow a square piece of copper for 40 days in running water from the day of Diwali.

If you are suffering losses in business and cannot make constant profits, place seven beetle-nuts coverd with silver foil in the place of Worship of Lakshmi on the day of Diwali. For the next seven Mondays wrap them again with silver foil and on the eighth Monday collect all the beetle-nuts from the place of worship and offer them at the temple of Lord Vishnu.

If you are in a business where you offer credit to people and suffer huge losses, on the first Saturday of any month bury black surma or eye powder at any deserted place.

If money is not coming your way even after working hard you should perform this: On the first Saturday of Shukla Paksha distribute Prasad of Sabji Puri to people and repeat for next 11 Saturdays.

For increasing income in your business you should take an

empty pitcher and flow it on running water on a Wednesday and do the same for the next 6 Wednesdays.

If your business is not establishing, fill a pot of iron with water and keep it at the head side of your bed at night.

Throw away the water in the morning from your house.

Feed rotis to cows of wheat flour every Sunday if your business is facing threats from government orders.

If you are dissatisfied with your work eat a little bit of gur (jaggery) before leaving home every day.

If you find that your income is unstable and savings are minimum and the paternal property is perishing you must keep some object of iron under your bed and on Saturdays fill an iron pot with water and put under your bed. When you wake up next morning put the pot under a Bodhi Tree. Try this for next 40 Saturdays.

Here is one more surefire remedy to please Goddess Lakshmi. But you have to do it with discipline for the next three months and you will surely get unexpected results. From the day of Diwali or from the first Friday of Shukla Paksha vist the nearest temple of Laskhmi, Seetaji and Durga Mata or any Goddess barefooted. Light the lamp with pure ghee and offer garlands to all of them and sweet Prasad.

Important tips to please Maha Laskhmi * Having Indian Gooseberry (Amla) daily pleases Mata Lakshmi. Whited colored clothes are very dear to Lakshmi and one should wear them to please her because Mata resides in a house of sheel and lotus flowers. * To please Goddess Lakshmi one should take an early bath and wear clean clothes. * It is also recommended that one worships Lord Shiva regularly and should have faith in God. One can observe fasts for Vishnu on Ekadashi and offer Amla to Lord Vishnu. * Women and girls must be respected because Lakshmi stays in a place where women and girls get respect. * We should keep our senses in control and should follow the moral values of life to let Lakshmi enter our house. * One needs to be compassionate towards birds and animals. * Religious practices should be followed in a disciplined and systematic manner.

October 22-28, 2011

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DAY 1

DAY 2

DAY 3

Kali Chaudas is the day allotted to the worship of Maha-Kali or Shakti People buy various kinds of utensils on Dhanteras. and it is believed that Goddess Kali It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of killed the wicked Raktavija on this day. precious metal is a sign of good luck.

Lakshmi Pooja is the main event on Diwali in every household in India. Apart from Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati are also worshipped on this day.

DAY 4

DAY 5

The day after Diwali is celebrated as Govardhan Puja or Annakut. Devotees prepare 56 different types of food items (bhog), which are offered to Lord Krishna.

This ceremony is called Annakut, which means ‘a mountain of food.’

The festival of Diwali is incomplete without Bhai Duj, celebrated to strengthen the love between brothers and sisters.

Five Days of Festivities

Dhanteras

Narak Chaturdashi or Chhoti Diwali or Kali Chaudas

Lakshmi Puja

Govardhan-Puja or Bali Pratipada or Nava Diwas

Bhai Duj

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

DAY

Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day-long Diwali Festival. On Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being.

It is considered auspicious to buy gold and silver on this day. Many people opt for buying new utensils on this day.

There is a peculiar custom in Maharashtra to lightly pound dry coriander seeds with jaggery and offer as Naivedya. In rural areas, cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income.

In south India, cows are offered special veneration as they are supposed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and therefore they are adorned and worshiped on this day.

The second day of the festival is ‘Narak Chaturdashi’ or ‘Chhoti Diwali’ or Kali Chaudas. According to mythology, the demon Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna and he returned home in the very early morning of the day that is celebrated as Narak Chaturdashi.

On the other hand, Bengalis believe that Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija on this day. In South India, people prepare a paste mixing Kumkum in the oil and bite a bitter fruit and then apply the paste on their forehead. Then they have an oil bath using sandalwood paste. The rituals of Kali Chaudas are strongly suggestive of the origin of Deepavali as a harvest festival.

On this day delicacies are prepared from pounded semi-cooked rice (called Poha or Pova). This rice is taken from the fresh harvest available at that time. This custom is prevalent both in rural and urban areas, especially in Western India.

The third day is the main day of Diwali called ‘Badi Diwali’.

It is the day when Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped and offered “Naivedya”. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya from exile after defeating the demon king Ravana.

On the eve of Diwali, every corner of the house is illuminated with earthen diyas, lamps and candles. People perform Lakshmi and Ganesh puja in the evening.

A custom that is followed unanimously on this day is bursting of crackers and fireworks.

In North India, this day is celebrated as Govardhan Puja, also called Annakut, as the day when Lord Krishna defeated Indra by lifting Govardhan hill to save his kinsmen and cattle from rain and floods. Usually 56 different food items are prepared and offered to Lord Krishna on this day.

In Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it is celebrated as Bali-Pratipada or Bali Padyami, the day to commemorate the victory of Vishnu in his dwarf form Vamana over the demonking Bali. This day also marks the beginning of the Hindu and Gujarati New Year. The day is celebrated as Padava or Nava Diwas or Bestu Varush (Hindu New Year), the first day of the Vikram Samvat calender. Also known as Varsha Pratipada, it marks the coronation of the legendary King Vikramaditya.

The fifth or the last day of Diwali is called ‘Bhai Duj’. In the Vedic era, Lord Yama (Yamaraj, the Lord of Death) visited his sister Yamuna (Yami) who marked the auspicious Tilak (sacred mark) on his forehead.

Yamaraj declared that anyone who receives the Tilak from his sister on this day is truly blessed.

Since that time the custom has been for brothers to visit their sisters to celebrate Bhai Duj and exchange gifts.

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October 22-28, 2011

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Shri Rama: Idol of all ideals and virtues ord Rama, the perfect avatar of the Supreme Protector Vishnu, is an all-time favorite among Hindu deities. The most popular symbol of chivalry and virtue, Rama - in the words of Swami Vivekananda - is "the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king."

The seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Rama is said to have taken birth on earth to annihilate the evil forces of the age. He is widely believed to be an actual historical figure - a "tribal hero of ancient India" - whose exploits form the great Hindu epic of Ramayana or The Romance of Rama, written by the ancient Sanskrit poet Valmiki.

Hindus believe that Rama lived in the Treta Yug. But according to historians, Rama was not particularly deified until the 11th century AD. Tulsidas' outstanding retelling of the Sanskrit epic into the vernaculars as the 'Ramcharitmanas', greatly enhanced the popularity of Rama as a Hindu god, and gave rise to various devotional groups.

To many, Rama is hardly different in looks from Lord Vishnu or Krishna. He is most often represented as a standing figure, with an arrow in his right hand, a bow in his left and a quiver on his back. A Rama statue is also usually accom-

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Rama is usually depicted accompanied by his consort Sita, brother Lakshmana, and his ultimate devotee Hanuman.

panied by those of his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, and the legendary monkey attendant Hanuman. He is depicted in prince-

ly adornments with a 'tilak' or mark on the forehead, and as having a dark, almost bluish complexion, which shows his affinity with

Vishnu and Krishna.

Although Rama and Krishna, both incarnations of Vishnu, are almost equally popular among Hindu devotees, Rama is seen as an archetype of righteousness and the most sought-after virtues in life, in contrast to Krishna's dalliances and shenanigans.

The prefix "Shri" to Rama indicates that Rama is always associated with "Shri" - the essence of four Vedas. Uttering his name ("Ram! Ram!") while greeting a friend, and invoking Rama at the time of death by chanting "Ram Naam Satya Hai!", show his popularity and admiration over Krishna. However, the shrines of Krishna in India slightly outnumber the temples of Rama and his monkey devotee Hanuman.

Born as the eldest son of Kausalya and Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya, Rama is referred in Hinduism as Maryada Purushottama, literally the Perfect Man or Lord of Self-Control or Lord of Virtue. Rama is the husband of Sita, whom Hindus consider to be an Avatar of Lakshmi and the embodiment of perfect womanhood.

Rama's life and journey is one of perfect adherence to dharma despite harsh tests of life and time.

For the sake of his father's honor,

Rama abandons his claim to Kosala's throne to serve an exile of 14 years in the forest. His wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, unable to live without Rama, decide to join him, and all three spend the 14 years in exile together. While in exile, Sita is kidnapped by Ravana, the Rakshasa (Asura) monarch of Lanka. After a long and arduous search that tests his personal strength and virtue, Rama fights a colossal war against Ravana's armies. Rama eventually slays Ravana in battle and liberates his wife. Having completed his exile, Rama returns to be crowned king in Ayodhya –the occasion celebrated with lights, the tradition continues till today. Rama’s rule was known for peace, prosperity and justice—a period known as Rama Rajya.

Rama's courage in searching for Sita and fighting a terrible war to rescue his wife and their honour is complemented by Sita's absolute devotion to her husband's love, and perfect chastity despite being Ravana's captive. Rama's younger brothers, namely Lakshmana, Shatrughna and Bharata strongly complement his piety, virtue and strength. The legend of Rama is deeply influential and popular in the societies of the Indian subcontinent and across South East Asia.

Hanuman: Servant of the Lord greater than the Lord himself he servant of the Lord is greater than the Lord Himself.” This profound statement by Saint Tulsidas applies quite aptly to none other than Sri Hanuman.

He can be considered as the brightest jewel, a veritable diamond in the necklace of the characters in Ramayana. Perhaps he is the only character in the marvellous gallery of portraits of Valmiki who has received so much adoration and affection from the Hindus as Sri Rama Himself.

Hanuman’s physical strength and prowess were proverbial. There was no task that he could not accomplish. His mastery over the scriptures was unmatched. His intelligence and shrewdness were extraordinary. His commonsense was uncanny. He was the paragon of every virtue. Above all, his devotion to Rama was supreme, towering above all other qualities.

Hanuman was the son of Anjanadevi and Vayudeva (also known as Marut). Hence he is Anjaneya and Maruti. He is called Hanuman because of hanu or a prominent jaw. He was educated by the Sun-god and was an accomplished yogi.

The attraction of Hanuman for Rama and Rama’s special affection for him that sprouted on that first meeting in Kishkinda grew to paramount proportions, is now a legend. As soon as Hanuman saw Rama, he remembered his forgotten strength. He felt himself drawn irresistibly to him and instantaneously Rama became his spiritual

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ideal and he resolved to dedicate himself completely to him.

He had an unflinching loyalty at the cost of his personal comfort and even at the cost of his life. Though he was bestowed with many wonderful yogic powers and strength, he believed they were not his, but the power of Rama’s name, which was his strongest secret weapon to conquer anything in the world.

Hanuman found Sita in Asoka Vatika. His intelligence and expertise in psychology are clearly demonstrated here as on several other occasions. When he came to Asoka Vatika he quietly climbed a tree and hiding himself, surveyed the surrounding areas.

He found Sita seated on the ground under a tree, looking thin and pale, surrounded by the wicked rakshasis. Seeing her thus, Hanuman’s heart melted with pity. When the rakshasis’ attention was diverted, Hanuman quietly came down from the tree and told Sita that he was the messenger of Rama. He had to use all his wisdom and tact to establish his identity and develop a personal rapport and generate full trust in her. He gave her Rama’s signet ring and message. Seeing the ring Sita was very happy and was relieved.

In Lanka, during the war Hanuman’s many heroic exploits were remarkable. As a result of fierce battle between Rama’s vanara army and Ravana’s rakshasa army, many vanaras were wounded and dying.

Hanuman was told that he was the only one who could save all the vanaras by bringing the precious herbs from the peak in the Himalayas.

Immediately he flew faster than the wind to reach the place. When he couldn’t find the herbs, he tore the entire Sanjivini peak and flew back to Lanka so fast as only he could fly and saved all the vanaras. Again when Lakshmana was felled unconscious

by Ravana’s missile and Rama was in grief, Hanuman flew with the speed of the wind to fetch the herb from the Himalayas,

which brought Lakshmana back to life to the delight of all and Rama was supremely happy.

After Rama’s coronation ceremony of Rama, Sita gave Hanuman a precious necklace of rare pearls. Hanuman received it respectfully and started to break the pearls one by one with his teeth. Surprised by this strange act, Sita asked him why he was breaking the pearls. Hanuman said, “Mother, I want to find out whether any of the pearls contain my Rama. I do not keep anything devoid of him. I do not find him in any of the pearls.” Sita asked, “Then, tell me whether you keep Rama within you.”

Hanuman immediately opened his heart and showed Rama with Sita in his heart.

What more evidence is needed when the devotee tears open the heart to reveal his Lord!

Hanuman had unswerving and singleminded love and devotion to only one ideal – Sri Rama. He went to Dwaraka to see Rama and Sita. Krishna said to Rukmini, “Hurry, you better assume the form of Sita.

Otherwise, there will be no escape from the hands of Hanuman.” He would not see any other form except Rama with Sita, his chosen ideal.

Sita said to Hanuman, “My child, in one form I’m Sita, in another form I’m Rama.”

Whatever names and forms you see is nothing but the manifestation of the power of Chitshakti.”

October 22-28, 2011

26

My Best Diwali

We asked some Indians Americans, including those from the South Asian Times family, to talk about their best Diwali. Their narratives are tinged with sadness that the festive fervor back home in India is hard to create here.

Interfaith revelry and missing India G

etting up early in the morning to mantra chants, having a ceremonial bath, dressing up in traditional Indian attire, preparing sweets, visiting temples, making rangoli, bursting crackers, lighting diyas – this could be a scene straight out of a devout Indian family’s Diwali day. But this is the Diwali routine followed by Tania Srinivasan (41), British American, for over four years now.

Married to a South Indian, Tania, a New York resident and mother of two, celebrates Diwali every year. “We usually make sweets like gulab jamun, payasam and Mysore pak at home and invite friends and family members,” said Tania who wears a bindi and mangalsutra. “It’s like how we celebrate Christmas.”

Tania Srinivasan, seen with her South Indian husband and kids, celebrates Diwali every year.

Bhairavi and Neeraj Shah; and (right) last year they did Laxmi puja themselves with the help of a CD. When asked about her best Diwali so far, she said, “It was last year in Jackson Heights. There were so many Indians on streets loaded with firecrackers, houses were lit up and festive mood enveloped almost everyone. I have never been to India at Diwali time but I could feel the same fervor on the streets here,” said Tania who will try her hand at gambling this Diwali.

Tania believes it’s necessary for her kids to be exposed to both religions “Me and my husband started celebrating Diwali only after we had kids. It is important to teach them both our cultures. It is ultimately up to them to decide which one to follow,” she said.

Just a few blocks away from Tania lives another woman who too believes in interfaith revelry. Married for 13 years, Saira

Singh (name changed) has been celebrating Diwali ever since. “My first Diwali coincided with buying our new house. We lit candles in an unfurnished house,” said the mother of two. Saira knows a little about the legend behind Diwali celerbations, but she sums up the festival in a few words: “I guess Diwali is the beginning of New Year, hope and prosperity.”

She celebrates Diwali with as much enthusiasm as she celebrates Eid. “Our best Diwali was five years back when my parents-in-law joined us with a few other -American and Canadian friends at our Diwali party. My mother-in-law gave a speech on the relevance of Diwali. My kids learnt a lot about the festival,” she said adding, “Every year my daughter wears a sari and my son wears a kurta. We also have

an interesting mix of Indian sweets with Turkish delights like Lokum and apricots.”

Many other Indians too have their fond memories of celebrating Diwali away from their home country. For Kartik Mehta, 23, who lives in Newport, the Diwali of 2009 was his best. “I went with my friends to this ISKCON temple nearby to relish on some authentic Indian food since we could not afford an Indian restaurant. Diwali is the time when we miss Indian food the most,” he recalled.

For three years, Bhairavi Shah, 28, a professional living in Edison, missed the Diwali celebration she would have back home in India. So she would seek consolation in dressing up, decorating her modest house with diyas and rangoli, treating herself with delicacies and inviting her friends and distant family members for dinner.

However, last year she took one step closer to what she did in India during these festive days. She got a pre recorded CD couriered from India to assist her in doing Laxmi puja. “As kids, we grew up in a joint family and Diwali was like coming together with friends and family members. Elders performed the puja and hence we never got a chance to learn. For the first time I performed the Puja and it was really amazing,” said Bhairavi in the midst of assembling Diwali gifts for her friends in the US. --reported by Jinal Shah

Diwali at 3.7ºC in DC “Generally it gets very cold in October here in Washington DC. But rain or shine, Diwali is Diwali. This family picture is from Diwali on October 17, 2009, which we celebrated with jackets and umbrella with the firecracker saved from 4th July,” writes Naresh Sahu, SATimes’ Web Development manager.

By Chander Gambhir

Doing fun things I wrote about

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etrothal has its own perks! And whoever said i t ’s a g o l d e n p e r i o d before marriage, is absolutely right. Moreover, if Diwali falls in this ‘golden period’, well, you are surely showered with love, gifts and warmth both by

your family and his. So my best Diwali so far is undoubtedly the Diwali of 2010 in India.

Ever since childhood, me and my sisters anxiously waited for Diwali as it guaranteed some extra cash gifts from grandparents, new clothes and some of

my favorite delicacies. So what was special about 2010? Well everything got doubled. My collections just got a little bigger! Not just the chance of earning that extra buck, that Diwali had a lot of things in store for me.

Having worked overtime on Diwali stories as a journalist, I d i d n ’t r e a l i z e h o w m u c h I missed until last year when I could do things I often only reported. Even if that meant cleaning the house in the absence of bai (maid), making a

disastrous rangoli, gorging food (only to wake up with a bad tummy ache next day), meeting innumerable relatives and playing cards all night. Sometimes it’s fun being unproductive and Diwali got me just that!

-Jinal Shah

October 22-28, 2011

27

Down Diwali Lane

My Best Diwali emories of Deepawali or for that matter, special memories related to any festival takes us back to the childhood days. The pure joy and excitement created by the arrival of any festival starts slipping away with age. Yet, Diwali in India managed to retain a special mood of hope and enthusiasm for me, even after I moved from Jaipur to Jodhpur to work for All India Radio in 1982. The passion of shopping before this wonderful festival continued to be with me.

One reaching the market, you found all the shops seemed to be having a party--malls and selfserve was non-existent then. Each customer demanded personal attention from the shopkeeper, be it to buy shoes, clothes, sweets or firecrackers, it took some doing to draw the shopkeeper’s attention.

Deepavali became even more special when I became respectable by having the formal presence of Grihalaxmiji at home. First Deepavali after marriage was also considered special in Jodhpur. The entrants in the 'Grihasth Ashram' were given many blessings, gifts, corrective instructions and lots of love.

I specially loved the visual delight offered by 'the row of lights' on Deepavali.

It was an enjoyable task to place diyas on the boundry wall of our house, at equal distance to one another.

Later on, we started alternating between diyas and candles. I used to think that the row of electric bulbs takes away the 'earthy' connection and traditional flavor of Diwali. When the day would dissolve giving way to the beginning of Diwali's zero moon night, one could feel a fresh fragrance with

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new clothes, and ornaments bedecking the ladies. Kitchen would be filled with the special activity of festive cooking. Dining table became a special place.

Laxmi Pujan was a family affair; it was compulsory for everyone to be present during 'Laxmiji ki aarti'.

We used to wash all silver coins with milk and apply kumkum on them. My mother would make a 'swastik' on the 'aarti thal'.

Sugarcane was place on both sides of the picture of Laxmiji. After the aarti it was customary to light at least one sparkler.

We grew up touching the feet of the elders at home and this was also a part of the festival to seek blessings from all elders. We used to buy lots of firecrackers, which were evenly distributed among all brothers. Launching rockets and watching them go up in the sky was an exhilarating experience, particularly the ones that went up with a swirling motion and made a

whistle-like sound.

The most thrilling item was ‘ladi’, a series of small firecrackers linked to each other with a strip—which when set on fire at one end would fire up all one by, making a continuous 'phot' 'phot' 'phat' 'phata' 'phot' sound. There were creative kids like us who would place this 'bhadabhad' (yes, this was the name given to the serially connected pack of bombs) in an old mud pitcher to magnify the sound manifold.

Initially, I was not aware that in some families people use Diwali as an excuse for gambling.

What I loved most about Diwali and continue to love till date, is the delight offered to the eyes by the systematically placed row of lights. They say, the tradition has something to do with the arrival of Ram back in Ayodhya after killing Ravana and completing the period of exile. Diwali became a metaphor to 're-invent' oneself

New beginnings It's here Fire crackers shooting in the air Families are together Diyas lit everywhere It's here Worshiping our gods Welcoming Lakshmi to our home As we pray for one another It's here Uncles are playing cards Aunties are talking Children are running around everywhere It's here The lights are bright But the spirits are brighter Everyone is lighting a diya Because Diwali is here

Our festival of lights Our happiness and joy Spreading the love Because it comes once a year.

It's a time for a new beginning To create new memories To hope for a prosperous new year because it's here.

Diwali is here.

Happy Diwali --Christine Jessica Talwar, majoring in English at SUNY College at Old Westbury.

with a touch of newness and enthusiasm.

There was a lot of exchange of gifts among business people.

Salaried people were confined to exchange of sweets. There is something in Bharat that even before Deepavali the spirit of this 'festival of light' is palpably felt on the street. Many people used to paint their homes before Diwali.

The elders used to say, “Laxmiji loves cleanliness, if you don't keep your house tidy, there will be no prosperity”.

As a human being, each moment is precious for us; memories of Diwali also connect 'joyous dots' in the memory lane. As a priest in New York, I have performed Laxmi pujan at homes, offices and shops during Deepavali. As program director with ITV, conveying 'Diwali Greetings' to viewers and presenting shows, with special reference to Diwali, also kindled memories of good old days of celebrating Deepavali in India.

As an immigrant, when we try to 'recreate' the 'impressions' of 'festival celebrations' from past in New York, something 'comes alive' and we realize a 'sense of totality' within. Laxmiji is in each of us, it is not just the external manifestation of wealth, but the 'inner wealth' of 'grace and poise', which provides creative insight to design the path of prosperity with 'out of the box' approach.

'Happy Deepavali' to all the readers and the family of 'The South Asian Times'.

May Goddess Laxmi guide us to make enriching relations, live harmoniously and embrace 'prosperity with dignity' at each and every step.

My 'best Diwali' is yet to come, I guess, because past will not supply

the reference point for my 'best Diwali'. Each year it gets better, so the 'best' Diwali probably would be my last one on this earth. This reference reminds me that, 'Narak Chaturdashi' is observed before Deepavali. The legend is that Parthsaarthi Krishna took care of the reins of the chariot of Satyabhamaji and she killed the demon Narakasur on this day.

The four day festival of Deepavali concludes with Bhai Duj, when sisters apply tilak on their brothers praying for their health and wealth. Legend has it that Yamraj, the God of Death, visited his sister Yamuna on the 'Shukla Paksha Dwitiya' day in the Hindi month of 'Kartik'. He was given a hearty welcome by his sister who performed aarti, applied tilak on his forehead and adorned his neck with a beautiful garland.

She cooked delicious dishes and prepared sweets for him. Yamraj was pleased and showered blessings on her. He gave her a boon that every time a brother visits his sister on this day, he would prosper with health and wealth. Bhai Duj is also observed with the belief that it prevents untimely death of brother.

Well, India is a land of 'multidimensional' richness. Diwali has been my favorite festival for making and sending cards. In one of them, I wrote: Prem Deep Le Dwar Dwar Ham jaate Hain Deep parva par madhur bhav pahunchate Hain We go from door to door with the light of love, and convey our best wishes for beautiful harmony on this auspicious festival of light.

--Ashok Vyas, Program Director, ITV.

Eclectic Diwali Mix am fortunate to have had some very interesting Diwalis; in formal settings in full-dress functions at Indian Army Officers Institutes; under war-like situations in the Indian state of Mizoram; with people from over 20 countries some of whom my family hosted in India; at dance parties and jam sessions where really really really odd bets were the rule; trying my hand at DJ'ing at Diwali parties; jamming on guitars, flute, drums and a Didgeridoo, with some buddies at the Hong Kong University campus; and making chick-peas for a Diwali potluck in New Jersey

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where it turned out to be the hit dish.

During the past few years though, my Diwalis have been low-key affairs of celebrating the festive spirit of Diwali; enjoying a game of squash late into the

night; going over works by Emerson or J. Krishnamurti or some mystic text; and attending Sufi and Tari Mushairas. During my 2008 Diwali stay in Mt. Poconos, I was bestowed with the most beautiful and precious blessing of my life.

And now as 2011 Diwali is here, my experiences thus far augur more occasions when I will not be able to help but count my blessings and cherish living this beautiful life.

--Bhrigu Pankaj Prashar, Communications & Operations, The South Asian Times

October 22-28, 2011

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A festival now rooted in America n any community with an Indian or Hindu population, families will be celebrating Diwali in their homes, no matter where they are. In America with their formidable presence now, the Festival of Lights is attaining pre-eminence and much visibility. President Obama graced a Diwali celebration in White House. The annual Diwali Mela held in New York every year by the Association of Indians in America draws thousands, Indian Americans and locals alike. The

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fireworks show there, sponsored

by Air India, is a tourist draw.

Some cities with large South Asian and Indian populations sponsor Diwali events.

Cupertino, California, sets aside a day for the Festival of Lights, with music, entertainment, cultural programs and vendors.

Hindu organizations and temples in cities as diverse as Chicago, New York, Phoenix and Minneapolis have honored the day. Some people combine a trip to the Winter Festival of Lights

In recent years, President of the United States issues a Diwali greeting for People of Indian Origin in the US and elsewhere. A Diwali event is also organized at the White House now. This picture has President Obama lighting the ceremonial lamp to mark Diwali in 2009.

The biggest Diwali Mela in the country is held every year in Manhattan organized by Association of Indians in America (AIA), NY chapter, at South Street Seaport. A highlight of the Oct 2 mela this time was the dance drama on Ramayan. (Photo: Jay Mandal).

in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, with Diwali because they often fall on the same dates.

Niagara's Festival of Lights is a spectacular display of lights, fireworks and entertainment through November and December every year.

In America families and communities celebrate Diwali a lot differently than in India. The programs (Diwali melas and so on) may not happen on the D-Day or nearabouts, but strictly on weekends, before or after.

Temples—which are increasing fast in number here—and individuals, however, do make an exception, conducting the rituals on the day of the festival.

But one thing which every

Indian misses here the most on Diwali are the fire-crackers. US laws do not permit bursting of fire crackers by people. Only professionals are allowed to put up fire shows while the rest can sit and watch.

In smaller cities like Grand Forks or Fargo in North Dakota—having an Indian American population of couple of hundreds—people go outside the city limits to burst crackers and on Diwali day they complete the ritual by token bursting of crackers. But, even something like this isnot possible in cities like Houston, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, New Jersey or New York. Old timers say, before 9 /11 they could take the risk of

bursting of fire crackers—albeit at a very small scale—in temple premises or backyards, but that is not possible now.

Now some marketers are trying to cash in on the popularity of this festival. Looks like Loouis Vuitton saw the light, when he decided to dedicate his fall windows to Diwali. Teaming up with renowned Indian designer & architect Rajeev Sethi, the proposed art installation for the LV stores are set to debut globally this November. The installation will include hand-painted LV trunks by Sethi and will be lit from inside to create an artistic glow. In addition, there will be limited edition dress pieces created from couture vintage sarees.

Tristate fervor before and during Diwali

By Ashok Ojha/SATimes Edison, NJ: We’ll always miss Diwali back home, but with each passing year, the festivities leading to Diwali and during the festival of lights are taking hold here too.

Diwali means a lot of fireworks, spring cleaning, and eating sweets.

Exchange of gifts is of course akin to Christmas time in Western culture. To some, Diwali means an opportunity to send messages to friends that you care or to to please your boss with expensive gifts.

Relatives too visit each other to reestablish weakening bonds.

In the onset of Diwali season, youngsters celebrate Navaratri festival in especially designated auditoriums where they dance until the wee hours of morning. During Navratri, many women fast and even men take a break from drinking and eating non-vegetarian food. And suddenly it is time to think about Diwali. Everyone loves to celebrate, participate in festivities, and pile on delicacies.

During Navratri garba nights are growing in popularity with the youths in New Jersey, the state which has a high concentration of immigrants from Gujarat, the land of garba.

At many public places in New Jersey, the effigy of Ravan is burnt during Dussehra festival. This year in Edison it happened near the Municipal offices in the parking lot of a park where fire trucks were parked on the ready for any eventuality. As soon as the effigies were

put to flame, security cordons came forward. Emergency vehicles were standing by at strategic location near the crowd when a 30 minute show of fireworks began.

Immediately after, fire fighters extinguished the flames to ensure public safety.

At a different level, Diwali brings bargaining opportunities in stores. Grocery and apparel stores put on sale a variety of items of daily use. Some of the musicians who visited New Jersey especially to perform at Garba programs extended their stay to visit Diwali events which offer great opportunities to display apparel and artificial jewelry.

A number of community associations and organizations hold Diwali melas which are attended by thousands. More and more towns now encourage such events because it helps the local economy.

In parks and parking lots, makeshift bazaars are set up that remind us of small fairs in Indian towns. Fun and games for children are also made available. The best thing is Indian cuisine and street food like chhole bhature, corn on the cob, etc.

A lot of attention is given to India and its people on Diwali. The State Assembly of New Jersey and Municipal Council of New York

City honors Indian Americans for their outstanding achievements to commemorate Diwali. In recent years the President of the United States sends Diwali greetings to the people of Indian origin.

According to one estimated more than two million people celebrate Diwali in the US. In this era of Internet and iPads, young people search web sites to get educated about Laxmi puja, an integral part of Diwali celebrations. We all know the significance of Diwali.

Isn’t technology good to promote celebrations, rituals and puja? In fact, festivals that were in danger of getting extinct have been revived by technology. Think about Karva Chauth!

Just like USA, Canada has also been deeply influenced by the Indian way of life. Diwali brings happiness in the lives of Indian immigrants and serves as a bridge with their roots on one hand and to connect with the mainstream on the other.

October 22-28, 2011

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Changing Diwali shopping trends in Tristate ith Diwali approaching, Indian handicrafts and sweet shops in New York and New Jersey are gearing up for the big boost to their sales.

And with eco-friendly diyas and idols to personalized gift items to offer, shop owners are trying every bit to woo patrons.

Diwali market has evolved from its traditional appeal to the art of giving. Conventional gifts that usually ranged from giving toran (door hangings), Ganesh and Lakshmi idols, silver coins to earthen diyas, shubh labh stickers, and incense, are now remodeled with innovative ideas and sold with a fancy packaging. Reason increasing competition from online stores coupled with customer demands.

“The ‘eco-friendly’ trend is fast picking up. A lot of conscious shoppers are demanding ecofriendly diyas and idols this Diwali. Also packaging these items has suddenly become more important. Hence we got innovative packaging materials imported from India,” said Anila Shrestha of Butala Emporium in Manhattan.

They have branches in New Jersey and Queens also.

However, there are many like Martha Dasani who are still loyal to the old traditional articles. “I like to decorate my house with traditional Indian earthen ware items.

I usually buy a lot of incense and diyas,” said Dasani, an American married to an Indian native for six

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years.

Not just decorative articles, another interesting concept fast picking up is that of personalized gifts. Many stores, both brick-andmortar and online, provide a variety of corporate Diwali gift ideas, which you can order comfortably.

Take Shefalee Patel, owner and founder of Sweet Silk online store. Calling her sweets confections and not ‘mithai’, she promises a unique range of sweets for this Diwali.

“Inspiration behind Sweet Silk can be traced back to the essence of classic Indian mithai or burfi.

We sought to reinvent the distinguished taste, while maintaining the traditional characteristics of burfi. We fashion a distinctive brand of confections with a western touch,” said Patel. “In past few weeks a lot of corporate houses have ordered sweets for their Indian employees. Also a lot of Americans who are aware of this festival gift it to their Indian friends and colleagues.”

However, despite the innovations, recession has not spared Diwali either. The zeal and fervor with which people shopped has dropped considerably.

Many blame it even on people not buying their own houses and staying in rented accommodation.

So, they refrain from decorating as they don’t want any unnecessary liability. “Except for the diyas, incense, toran and other small items, not much is being picked

up. This could be due to the effect of economic slowdown.

Compared to last year’s sales, this year it has gone down and we are not anticipating any rise in coming days. And since the demand has dropped, we have not added any new stuff like the silver coated rupee notes. It was a huge hit last year,” said Raj Thakkar, who owns House of Dipali in Bellerose, Queens.

But Shaswat Bhutala, owner of Butala Emporium, will like to differ. “Economic slowdown may have affected people in the sense that they avoid celebrations on a large scale at restaurants or party halls. But it has definitely not affected small celebrations at home as Diwali has sentimental values attached to it,” he said.

Anticipating rush till Diwali day on Wednesday, Butala will open all his four stores an hour early and close it till costumers stop coming.

One business that recession cannot hit are the sweet shops. Across the city, sweet shops are doing brisk business during this festive season; their sales from this month usually are as much if not more compared to what they sell in an entire year.

“We have many special offers for this Diwali like buy 10 pounds of sweets and get a silver puja coin free and some innovative mithais like Kalakand, Anarkali, Champakali and Kadamkheer apart from the usual ones. We also have traditional tokris and thals.

Online store Sweet Silk's Diwali Limited Edition collection comes with the modern rangoli inspired card.

Anila Shrestha arranging Diwali items at Butala Emporium in Manhattan.

Typically, the trend is that individuals rush to buy sweets starting Dhanteras and pre-Diwali we cater

to a lot of corporate,” said Geeta Kumar, Bengali Sweet Shop in Hicksville, Long Island.

Nassau County’s maiden Diwali celebration E ven as Diwali melas organized by the Indian American community are multiplying, more and more official celebrations also take place now, emulating the annual event in the White House, a tradition started a few years ago.

Last year, Nassau County in Long Island held its maiden official Diwali celebration. It was presided over by County Executive Edward P Mangano and arranged by Kamlesh Mehta, Director of the county’s Office of Business & Economic Development. Well attended, it was held in the Legislative Chambers of the county on November 9.

Two prominent Long Island based Indian Americans were honored at the event with Lifetime Achievement Award by the County Executive-- Peter Bheddah, a businessman and philanthropist who holds food drives for Interfaith Nutrition Network, and Tulasi Devi Polavarappu, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist who has been instrumental in developing a cancer hospital in Hyderabad.

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano presided over the county’s first official Diwali celebration in November last year, which was organized by Kamlesh Mehta, Director of the county’s Office of Business & Economic Development. Peter Bheddah and Tulasi Devi Polavarappu were honored on the occasion.

October 22-28, 2011

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Way of the Maharajas The Rajasthan royals who once celebrated Diwali with magnificent fireworks and other rites have become low-key lately. But foreign tourists still throng Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer to see the havelis and bazaars festooned with lights.

By Prakash Bhandari/SATimes iwali in Rajasthan is celebrated with great gusto.

Every city, town and village is a blaze of splendor during the five days of festivities. The potters’ wheels revolve for weeks solely to manufacture diyas. The royal palaces are also lit up with a zillion earthen lamps.

On Diwali day, the erstwhile rulers would clean their treasure trove and pray to the almighty to fill it to the brim. They would offer ‘diwali inaam’ to their retinue of servants and officials as well as food and drinks.

For the ruling family of Jaipur, Diwali is especially big because they trace their lineage to Lord Rama. Unfortunately, they will not be celebrating this time because of the death earlier of Brig. Bhawani Singh, the last ruler after Independence. The City Palace

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would not be lit up, the last time it was so in 1970 when Maharaja Man Singh had died. Nor would nobles and old faithfuls and personal staff of the royal family allowed to greet the new Maharaja Padmanabh Singh, a teenager.

“Everything will be low-key,” said Yunus Khimani, a City Palace official. Only pujas will be held and the religious rituals and traditions followed: Dhanteras, on to Laxmi Pujan and Goverdhan Puja.

However, in good old days, the Jaipur royals were so particular about the fireworks that they invited shorgars (fireworks) manufacturers from various parts of the country to set up base in Pink City. Said Karim Shorgar, “We’ve been patronized by the maharajas. People spent on fireworks to light up the sky. We would make firecrackers through the year and sell all on Diwali.”

On Diwali day, the Maharaja held

a magnificent fireworks display from the courtyard of Shobha Niwas. Another show took place at Jai Niwas Bagh opposite the city palace. People would go to their rooftops to see the illuminated skyline. “Traditionally, on Diwali day the ruler and family members of the Jaipur royalty would offer puja wearing black clothes—because it’s a Maha amavasya (no moon night).

Then, changing their clothes, they would dine to celebrate the big festival,” said Deepak Sharma, one of the royal priests. The Maharaja offered prayers at the Govind Devji’s temple.

Before Diwali, the Maharaja would invite a select nobles and senior officials for a session of gambling. Recalls Rajveer Singh Dundlod, a former noble, “The maharaja would hold darbars and the his personal staff and nobles would come in all their finery and present nazars and nichaawars

(cash or gifts) to the maharaja.

Darbars were much awaited where meritorious subjects were recognized and honored for their services.” In Udaipur the maharaja would honor his prime minister and other ministers and hold a dinner for them. On Diwali day, the ruler would offer prayers at the Laxmi temple, the day being consecrated for the goddess of wealth.

Amar Singh Mehta, a long time resident of Udaipur, reminisces, “In olden time on Diwali day the chief officer, who used to be from the Jain community, would pour oil into a terracotta lamp, a ritual followed by other ministers. It was also incumbent upon every Lakshmi devotee to throw dice.

From their success rate, the ruler, the prime minister and the artisans

foretold the state of the coffers for the new year.

The scion of the Udaipur royal family, Shriji Aravind Singh is no more the great host he used to be on Diwali because his mother died a few years ago on Dhanteras, a day before Diwali. Otherwise, the festival saw a big celebration in the Lake City with all the palaces lit up, particularly the City Palace. The Lake Palace looked like a heavenly body floating amid the shimmer of the lights reflected in the blue water of Lake Pichola.

These days, Jaipur, Udaipur , Jodhpur and Jaisalmer still attract a large number of foreign tourists on Diwali who descend to see the legendary cities celebrating the festival with havelis and bazaars festooned with lights.

October 22-28, 2011

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It's... lull before the storm before he period before Diwali is generally a lull phase for Bollywood. But this lull in cinemas is only till the day of Diwali as Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Ra.One’ hits the theaters soon, the week after. As reported by a daily, Komal Nahta attributes multi-releases this weekend to absence of star value in the movies.

"These films don`t want to oppose big films featuring big stars. So they think it`s better to release at this time," he said, however pointing out that this strategy isn`t working for the makers of such economically budgeted movies.

Besides, families are busy making preparations for Diwali, asserts Nahta.

"People are getting their homes done up, shopping and making other preparations for the festival. So they`re too preoccupied to see films 1015 days before Diwali," he explains.

In the same vein, Amod Mehra, another trade analyst, observes that producers know they don`t stand much of a chance at the Box Office.

"Yet they release their films in this time, despite the preDiwali period considered to

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Diwali!

SRK in Ra.One. be the worst time of the year for movies," he states, quickly adding that they do so out of no choice.

"They can`t compete with big films, so they compete with each other, and end up hurting themselves. Because they don`t get more than three shows," he shrugs.

While Mehra is awaiting `RA.One`, Nahta feels that only `Mujhse Fraaaandship Karoge` has potential. "Its opening ranges from 15 to 25 per cent occupancy across India. So I expect it to pick up," he states.

Conceding that the last couple of weeks have been crowded with releases, Ashish Saksena, COO, Big Cinemas, attributes it to a week`s deferment of `Mausam`. "Since `Mausam

`got pushed by a week, that week got wasted. If a couple of producers had rescheduled, then some films would have released next Friday," he observes.

Remind him of the popular belief that films released during pre-Diwali weeks don`t fare well and Saksena argues that there`s another way of looking at the situation. "`Jab We Met` came at a time not considered favorable for releases. `Deewangee` has also worked at a time considered dangerous for a release.

Titanic came out at a time that was considered one of the worst times to release a movie," he points out, asserting that a good film promoted well is sure to work.

"Crowding releases is not required," he concludes.

Watch out star wars this Diwali t is Bollywood versus Kollywood this Diwali.

It is the battle between ‘Ra.One’ and ‘7 Aum Arivu’. So who will emerge winner?

Shahrukh is riding high on the SFX, while Suriya is flaunting the AR Murugadoss brand. SRK has got Akon to sing for him, while ‘7 Aum Arivu’ is believed to have tracks in the exotic Mandarin language. But yet, with all the Shah Rukh is riding high on the SFX in Ra. One while Suriya is flaunting the AR Murugadoss brand in ‘7 Aum Arivu’. hard work, hype and hoopla, And there are those it is the junta’s vote that mat- stuff. I am not going to miss this one,” says designer, Bengalurians who don’t ters the most.

“I will obviously watch Michelle Salins, a self-con- mind even missing Ra.One. “SRK is definitely cute but Ra.One for SRK and his fessed SRK fan.

But yet, the promotions Suriya is a better performer robotic style. It is something very different from a usual are not an insurance for pub- when it comes to acting, Bollywood flick. It looks lic vote. Bengaluru fans are action sequences and dance. more like a Hollywood divided over SRK and I am looking forward to 7 Aum Arivu and not really movie. And it is just not Suriya.

“I don’t understand Tamil Ra.One. Both films are supShahrukh, I want to see Rajni Sir. I am excited about but I definitely want to posedly about a protagonist him as well,” says DJ watch Suriya in 7 Aum and any day Suriya is a betArivu. I am fond of Suriya’s ter bet compared to SRK. I Hussain.

The chammak challo acting. I have seen glimpses am not a first-day-first-show effect, the fantastic promos of his powerful performance person, but would definitely and the SRK magic seem to in other films. He sure is a want to watch 7am Arivu in be a sure shot formula to promising actor and Tamil the first week,” says RJ films have a lot more than Rakesh. pull the crowds.

It is going to be a stiff “I am waiting for Ra.One. just the hype and promos. So I have seen the trailers and thumbs up to 7 Aum Arivu, competition and only the they look superb. The SFX it’s a definite watch,” says box office collections will and the costumes look so Neil Chauhan, marketing prove who is a bigger star in Bengaluru! different from the usual manager, Radio One.

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Bollywood celebs excited about Diwali

Amitabh Bachchan

Priyanka Chopra

Kangna Ranaut

Dia Mirza

Karan Johar

ere is what some B-Town residents have to say about their Diwali plans: Amitabh Bachchan: "My father's marked verse on the Ramayana shall be read, a gentle prayer shall go up for all, from all; sweets and bonuses shall be disbursed to staff by members of the family. There are now preparations on for Diwali, the lights for the house are being put up. The simple single toned white-yellow lights will be put all over the boundary and ceiling of the house and once up, they will be

switched on when we shall finish our Diwali puja and light the first lamp."

Ajay Devgn: "I celebrate Diwali in a very simple way with family.

We do puja at home. The whole family comes together."

Karan Johar: "I will celebrate Diwali with my mother."

Priyanka Chopra: "I'll go to London. I have a family there and it may just be a fun holiday."

Dia Mirza: "I'll be with my family and then Shilpa (Shetty) and Raj (Kundra) have called me to their

place in Mumbai, so I'll go there to celebrate the festival."

Kangana Ranaut: "Like everyone else, even I'll celebrate Diwali with my family."

Kunal Khemu: "I love the festival of Diwali. I will celebrate it with family and friends. I also hope that everyone celebrates a safe Diwali and be careful."

Fardeen Khan: "I will meet friends and be with my family."

Ranvir Shorey: "This Diwali, let's put give a warm welcome for the leader of the 'free' world. And

show that we don't blow ourselves up, even if it's Diwali."

Prachi Desai: "I have no specific Diwali plans. I'm going to miss my sister this Diwali because she is studying in Australia but I will spend it with my friends. In fact, this will be the first time that I won't be shooting on Diwali day so I'll have a good holiday this year during the festive season."While majority of the tinsel town news makers have chosen to spend time with their family and friends, there are those who will be busy with work.

Hrithik Roshan: I have no idea, I am too busy with work.

Bipasha Basu: I did go shopping for candles and diyas for my house and for John (Abraham). But I am upset that I won't be in India on the festival. I will be in Brisbane for the initial rehearsals of Singularity (her first international project). I am a very occasion-oriented girl and I like being home during festivals.

Neetu Chandra: I won't be celebrating Diwali as I lost my father this year. But I wish everyone a prosperous new year ahead.

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October 22-28, 2011

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Diwali tradition of Rangolis gets a new age twist hile growing up in India Manisha Karani and Priya G eagerly awaited the festival of Diwali each year. Creating beautiful, decorative new rangoli everyday during the Diwali festivities was something the sisters cherished doing. But things changed when Manisha moved to New York.

“One of us would draw the design and another would fill it up with powdered colors. Here in USA, we cannot do that easily and freely, neither do our apartment buildings allow us to do it on our hard wood or carpeted floors. Plus these days who even has the time these days to spend hours and hours in making the traditional Rangoli,” says Manisha.

But the love for tradition and heritage got the duo thinking and they came up with the idea of making Rangolis in the form of floor art which can be laid out anytime of the year and be even used for home decoration. Through their venture

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‘Nirman Creations’, the duo makes diyas - tealight candle holders, aggarbatti – incense stands, torans – door hangings, that have been uniquely handcrafted, colorful designs inspired by Indian culture, motifs, fabrics, henna, embroidery and Bollywood. These can be used for any kind of decorations within the house, for eg. pooja (worship) room, table décor, or can even be framed to make a wall art. “These will stay with you for years to come as the memories of the fun times spent with the family during the festivals. These designs come as separate pieces, and can be set up within minutes and are safe with kids around no mess no cleaning,” says Manisha. The idea sure has struck a chord with the Indian American population as the encouraging response to their creations got them set up an online store on etsy.com and they now even make custom orders for special functions such as weddings and bridal parties.

Usher prosperity with new purchases this Diwali

Diwali celebration isn't complete without shopping iwali is that time of the year when splurging on clothes, gadgets and sweets won’t raise your guilt quotient. Be it hurrying to the shops in ‘Little India's’ of Edison, Chicago or Bay Area or ordering a host of gift items online, there can be no joy greater than clinching a great bargain.

With all the importance associated with auguring prosperity by buying new assets during Diwali days, the slow economy may well get a boost with the wealthy community loosening their purse strings.

It is believe that on Diwali Lakshmi goddess of wealth comes to home in form of money, gold, gift etc. Therefore shopping for Diwali

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festival is inevitable.

Iphones, laptops, Macbooks, Ipads, DSLRs, designer wear, designer jewelery, highend kitchenware – top the list of Diwali shopping apart from of course the traditional clothes, home appliances, property, gold and silver. The skyrocketing gold prices though may prove a damper. Gifting is another aspect important to Diwali and Indians in the US have no problem in sending gifts to their near and dear ones. Beautiful collection of Diwali gifts like nicely packed dry fruits, sweets, pooja thalis, decoratives, diyas and candle sets, apparels, electronic gadgets, gift vouches, greetings etc. can be sent online.

Colorful tealight candle holders

The designs come as separate pieces

October 22-28, 2011

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Diwali sweets DIY This festive season, presenting some recipes for making some sweets at home rather than buy them from the market and nurse doubts about the quality of ingredients used.

MOONG DAL BARFI

Ingredients 1 cup Moong yellow dal [soaked overnight] 1 cup milk powder 3/4 cup desi ghee 1 cup sugar ¼ tsp green cardamom seeds powder 1 tabs slivered almonds Method Grind the moong dal in a blender Heat the desi ghee in a heavy bottom pan.

When it is melted, add the dal mixture. Cook on slow fire with constant stirring to avoid the sticking of dal to the bottom of the pan. When the dal is golden brown, add the sugar, cardamom powder and 2 cups of water and cook till all the water evaporates then add milk powder. Stir to mix well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and mix in the slivered almonds.

Grease a tray with at least one inch depth.

Pour the cooked burfi on the tray and spread to make a uniform thickness. When it cools down cut it into diamond shape.

KAJU KATLI

Ingredients 1-1/2 cups cashew nuts 1 cup sugar 1 tabs desi ghee ½ tsp green cardamom powder 2 tabs milk Silver foil for garnishing Method Soak the cashew nuts over night. Next day, drain the excess water and grind them to a thin paste. Add a little water if needed.

Place a heavy bottom pan on the stove. Place the desi ghee and melt it. Add the cashew nut paste and sugar. Stir well. Then reduce heat.

Cook the mixture with continuous stirring to avoid sticking of the mixture for 6-8 minutes.

When the mixture has thickened, add the cardamom powder.

On the rolling board place a butter paper and pour the mixture on it. Now place another butter paper, sandwiching the mixture between the two papers. Roll it with a rolling pin.

Remove the butter paper from top and place silver foil.

Cut into diamond or square shape pieces.

RASMALAI Ingredients 8 cups milk 2 tabs lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar for syrup 1/2 cup sugar for milk ¼ tsp saffron strands ¼ tsp green cardamom powder ¼ cup finely grated mixed nuts (cashew, almond and pistachio nuts) Method Boil 4 cups of milk in a pan. When milk comes to boil, slow the heat and pour in the lemon juice. Remove from the stove and keep aside till water and paneer separate completely. Drain the excess water. Remove this paneer and place in a mixing bowl. Knead gently to form soft dough.

Divide the dough into 12 to 15 equal parts and make a ball of each part. Gently pat each ball with the palm to flatten the ball to a patty shape.

Boil 1 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar together.

Place the patties in the syrup for about 12 minutes.

Boil the 4 cups of milk in another pan and

cook till it reduces to about half of its original volume. Add ½ cup of sugar, the grated nuts, saffron strands and cardamom powder. Cook for 2 minute. Remove from heat. Add the patties to the milk. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

BADAM HALWA

Ingredients 3 cups almonds 2 cups sugar 1 cup desi ghee ½ tsp cardamom powder Silver foil or grated pistachio nuts for garnishing Method Soak the almonds overnight. Drain water and remove the skin. Grind the almonds in a food processor to make smooth batter adding water if needed. Place a heavy bottom pan on the stove.

Place the desi ghee and melt it. Add the almond batter. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat. Cook the mixture with continuous stirring to avoid sticking of the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes. When the mixture has thickened to a thick batter consistency, add the cardamom powder and sugar.

Serve hot and garnish with silver foil or grated pistachio nuts.

October 22-28, 2011

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Gold, gadgets top Diwali shoppers' list Mumbai: Diwali purchases are picking up at a brisk pace, with gold and electronics topping the list of favorites as always. Astute buyers have begun browsing the designs at jewelry stores in order to reserve the best pieces before they are sold out. They pay an advance sum and take delivery on the auspicious day of Dhanteras, which falls on October 24 this year.

"Ornaments prepared from 22or 23-carat gold that weigh 1, 2 or 5 gm are in demand," says Sanjay Limaye, store manager at Waman Hari Pethe Saraf in Dadar. "Those who opt for gold as investment are buying coins weighing 1, 2, 5, 10

and 50 gm. Gold coins are sold by banks as well but they are always cheaper at the neighborhood jeweler's."

Garments and apparel top the list of mandatory purchases at any festival and this year traditional handloom saris are in demand at stores like Kala Niketan.

"Kanjivaram and Benaras silk are evergreen items at Diwali, especially because there is such a vast range of products and budgets to cater to all requirements . We have products costing anywhere from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh," says the store's owner Navneet Parekh.

Although the specter of an economic slowdown hovers over the

festival, Parekh points out that the wedding season is coming up as well. "Women who have family functions or marriages on the anvil are making purchases, albeit their budget has been impacted," he says.

Electronics are another big draw at Diwali, and this year, home theatre systems imported from the US, Japan and Canada are doing brisk business. "The cost ranges anywhere from Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000. Most customers are so clued in they even name the brand they want. However, Indian manufacturers are not in demand," says Jignesh Patel, owner of The Shop at DN Nagar, Andheri.

Delhi govt’s Diwali on Facebook!

New Delhi: In order to keep pollution level low this Diwali, the Delhi government has decided to use social networking site Facebook to reach out to people. The environment department of the government has come up with a page on Facebook —‘Dil Se Diwali’ — asking people to say no to crackers.

To spread the message across the city, the government has also tied up with a company, whose staff — around 500 people — will make rounds of schools in Delhi to create awareness among students.

“They will make rounds of all the government and private schools. Apart from creating awareness, they will also ask students to take a pledge to say ‘no to crackers’ and the students who will pledge, will be given a wristband,” said Keshav Chandra, environment secretary, Delhi government.

The department has also designed special flyers and pamphlets asking Delhiites to refrain from bursting crackers, which will be distributed by volunteers across the city. In addition to this, 50-odd persons will also make rounds of Metro stations and create awareness among people. “A Metro station is one of the most frequented places in the city, which is why we have chosen them as one of the places,” said a senior Delhi

The state government has also designed special flyers and pamphlets asking Delhiites to refrain from bursting crackers.

government official. The Delhi government has been trying to keep the pollution level low this Diwali by banning bursting of firecrackers after 10 pm.

Gold as usual is in heavy demand this Diwali.

Kids show way to a quieter Diwali Mumbai: It is the children who enjoy the most during Diwali by bursting firecrackers. But for these 20-odd kids of Pali Hill area, this Diwali will be different—there will be no sound, only a light show. They have resolved not to burst loud crackers this year.

“Every Diwali, the trend would be that by now children would have started off with crackers and every evening it would be difficult for us to sit and hear people,” said Madhu Poplai, a resident of Cozi Hom in Pali Hill area.

“We want no noise pollution in our area. Our teachers told us not to burst loud crackers, so we will not be doing so,” said six-yearold Nikita Bajpai who has resolved not to burst anything other than sparklers, pots and chakri.

She will be joined by other children who have resolved the same for different reasons. “Besides pollution, there are pets that get scared and do not come out of the homes,” says 12-year-old Anokhi Bhardwaj. “My friend’s brother has couple of pets, so we will ensure that they are not harmed or scared in any way,” said Priyanka Punjabi, 10, a resident of the area.

While schools have done their bit, instructions from them were not the only clincher. Parents are also doing their bit to ensure a noiseless Diwali. For these 20odd kids, most of them girls, their parents have organized rangoli and mehendi completions. “It is best thing that we can give to children rather than bursting and wasting our money,” said Meena Bharadwaj, mother of one of the kids.

Karva Chauth - a fast catching trend

New Delhi: For some women it's like reliving a Bollywood fantasy, for others it's all about decking up as a bride, and for some it is just a fad. From a sacred fast to pray for the husband's long life, Karva Chauth today has evolved into a modern-day festival with all the trappings of a consumerist culture.

On the festival, celebrated last

Saturday, many married women in northern India observed fast. But over the years, a lot of young, single women also have started keeping fast in the hope of finding a good husband.'Ever since I was a kid, I was fascinated with Karva Chauth because I have seen my mother and aunt keeping this fast, getting ready like a bride in the evening and look-

ing beautiful. It was so magical and a reason to celebrate love,' mediaperson Shikha Arora, who is celebrating her first Karva Chauth this year, said.

'Ever since I got married, I knew I wanted to do this fast because it is such a beautiful custom. No matter how modern you are, your roots always remain the same,' she said.

Actors like Tisca Chopra and Divya Dutta feel the festival goes beyond just fasting for the husband's long life.

'Happy fasting girls! All you husbands/boyfriends, try understanding the women in your life. No matter how impunctual, illogical and over emotional we may be, we do love you,' Tisca, who is married to a pilot, posted on Twitter. Divya, who is single, tweeted: 'Karva Chauth for me is very romantic! My married

friends don't agree much! Guess I've lived on the filmi Karwa Chauths like in DDLJ ('Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge') hmmmm.' Even celebrity wife Sussanne Roshan, who is a successful interior designer in her own right, is observing the fast.

'Today is Karva Chauth...happy fasting to all you beautiful women...have a super day and may all your wishes for ur loved ones be blessed,' Sussanne, married to Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, wrote on Twitter.

Even though many feel the festival is sacred and important, a lot of working women also feel ladies observe the fast just because everyone else does, and add to the commercialization that has cropped up around the festival over the years.

'It's more like a fad where most women keep the fast because of the

trend. And this can be seen from the fact that how marketeers and brands today have taken out Karva Chauth special deals. Also why can't a girl live her long life too...why only the guy or the husband?' asks Divya Manhas, a 24-year-old ad sales executive.

Henna is a big thing on Karva Chauth. Women cue up in markets at least two days before the festival, and for mehndiwallas, it is a time to cheer because they can easily charge more than triple their regular rate. But women don't mind shelling out as much. 'You're are in a festive mood, you know it is one rare day when they make money, and you know it's one day when you are pampered by your husband...so why not make things special and romantic,' IT professional Arti Chawla Kansal said.

October 22-28, 2011

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The gift of giving Empowering with education ratham is the largest non governmental organization working to provide quality education to the underprivileged children of India. Pratham was established in 1994 to provide education to the children in the slums of Mumbai city.

Since then, the organization has grown both in scope and geographical coverage. In 2010–2011, while placing its focus on key blocks and districts across the country, Pratham reached 2.4 million children, over 65,000 village volunteers, approximately 62,000 government teachers, and over 45,000 villages across 19 states in India through its flagship Read India program. This year, creating strong demonstration, “100 village Block Excellence Program (BEP)” units throughout India was a key part of Pratham’s strategy, in order to illustrate to key players in education that rapid and cost-effective improvements in learning are possible using Pratham methodology and materials.

The Education for Education (EFE) program was added last year to Read India II as a support component, which led to approximately 14,000 of Pratham’s hard working and dedicated young volunteers receiving an Intel-Pratham certification for successfully completing a digital literacy course.

Government partnerships at the state, district, block, and village levels continued to

On this Diwali we take a look at some non-profits who are indeed doing what the festivities stand for – lighting up people’s lives

Dandiya for a cause

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play a catalytic role in facilitating Pratham’s work, with statewide government partnerships in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and partnerships in selected districts and schools in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.

Pratham reached almost 1.4 million children and trained almost 62,000 Government teachers through the five Government partnerships mentioned above. Infusing Pratham materials, methods, goals, and assessment into the public school system has allowed Pratham to have an impact on classroom practices, rote learning mindsets, and on the development of young minds to think independently, talk confidently, and be avid learners. Given that formal, state-wide partnerships are challenging to create and sustain, special focus was also placed on efforts to engage and involve the community in children’s education with the aim of bringing about a learning achievement orientation in communities and building a bottom-up demand for superior learning outcomes.

Lend-A-Hand India is a non-profit venture launched in 2003 by young professionals.

It is based in New York City and focuses on issues related to youth. Its programs provide vocational training, career development, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities to young boys and girls in rural and urban communities in India.

Recently it participated at "Good to Green Carnival," an initiative by Godrej CSR Group in Mumbai. 8 students and two instructors from two schools (Village Asde and Vit) participated. They exhibited some of the skills they have learned as part of the LAHI program. Highlight of the event was the paddle powered mobile charger which attracted huge crowd. Students also presented how to make trophies out of recycled material, making writing pad and threading a pipe for plumbing needs. Seen here: Visitors at the carnival fascinated by the mobile charger

SEF Dandia event at Santa Clara Convention Center (Photo: Shubham Garg)

or seven years in a row the Sankara Eye Foundation (SEF) has been organizing ‘Dandiya Nights’ for the benefit of thousands who benefit from the services offered at its several charity eye hospitals in India. This year too the Santa Clara Convention Center and Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California saw hundreds groove to dandiya beats while their contributions will open up the world to hundreds who suffer blindness for lack of proper eye care treatments.

Recently SEF also raised $3.3 m for eye hospital in Ludhiana. More than 250 people gathered at the Santa Clara Marriott to support the last phase of construction for the Sankara Eye Foundation's hospital in Ludhiana, where surgeons will perform 12,000 free eye surgeries per year.

Construction on the 125-bed Ludhiana hospital is expected to be completed this December and the hospital -which sits on two acres of land donated by Indian American Jessie Singh of San Jose -will accept its first patients in early March 2012.

Forty women from nearby villages have already begun a two-year paramedical degree program to staff the new hospital, which will also employ six full-time doctors. SEF has raised $3.3 million for con-

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struction and medical equipment. The organization is now attempting to collect a final $750,000 to complete the project and support patients until the hospital achieves self-sufficiency in 2017.

The Wall of Founders gala July 2 netted an estimated $145,000 for the Ludhiana hospital. A similar event was held July 9 in Long Island, New York and in Malibu, California.

The Ludhiana hospital is expected to reach self-sustainability in five years, using the model implemented by SEF's nine other hospitals in India: eighty percent of the surgeries will be performed free, while 20 percent of patients will pay for their operations.

India has the largest number of sight-challenged people in the world. Forty-five million people in India are visually disabled, while another 12 million are totally blind.

About 85 percent of eye issues can be corrected or prevented by surgery. The SEF eye clinics have a 99 percent success rate, primarily due to good follow-up care.

SEF will be opening an eye-care hospital in Rishikesh this year and will next focus on Kanpur, in Uttar Pradesh.

SEF's Vision 20/20 project aims to offer one million free eye surgeries annually by the year 2020, throughout all of

India.

October 22-28, 2011

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Travel and social dos mark Diwali holidays in India ypassing traditional Diwali celebrations, Indians in India are heading for family vacations to places such as Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Maldives or exploring the vastness of the country from Kerala in the South to Kullu Manali in the North. With Diwali vacations making it a convenient time to take some time off with loved ones, the tour operators are leaving no stones unturned to package loads of fun in scheduled itineraries which range from 4-5 days to elaborate 12-13 days tours.

“We have celebrated Diwali at home traditionally for many, many years. For a change we decided to book a trip to Rajasthan as the Diwali celebrations there, especially in Jaipur are renowned. It would be great to see how people revel in the festivities in that part of the country,” says Rupashree Ganguly, an IT professional and mother of two from Kolkatta.

Interestingly, the inflation in India has many avid travelers choosing to explore destinations abroad instead. “If I wish to opt for decent hotels and air travel, I’ll end up paying as much for a 3-4 days vacation in India as would it cost a trip to say Dubai or Singapore. So might as well be to a different country, understand its systems, way of life,” says Ritwij Joshi, a sales professional from Bangalore.

Vinay Kumar has been to Maldives, Burma and Sri Lanka over last few Diwalis with his family of four. While this year he hopes to cover Malaysia-ThailandSingapore, the depreciating rupee has put a spanner in his works. “I had paid Rs. 75000 per person but now the tour company is asking for Rs. 10,000 per person more due to increase in cost. We have already paid the initial booking amount and cancellation will cost even more so we are in catch 22 situation,” he says.

Srividya Rao had chosen to visit Kerala this Diwali but the booking was done 3 months ahead. For trains, air lines, hotels, this is the “season.” “The rush is so much that bookings are not available till as far as end of November first week,” says Kunal Desai, a travel agent who specializes in South of India tours. “If one wishes to trav-

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el during Diwali it makes more sense to join group tours than traveling individually as the operator will be able to pass on the benefits of block bookings to the customers. And reservations are done well before two months,” he adds.

For among those who don’t venture out, the option of having Diwali parties at home is catching up. “Earlier the days used to pass off hosting guests day long but now we have a proper Diwali party where we invite our close friends and family members, work out a menu, give the order to caterers and enjoy the evening chatting, playing cards, having loads of great food, bursting crackers together and dancing away to DJ music,” says Animesh Diwan, a finance professional. His wife, Riti is quick to add, “So now even we get to enjoy instead of toiling away in the kitchen preparing Diwali feast.”

Diwali parties have found favor with people living in residential communities too. Kaustubh Sathe and his neighbors in Hyderabad have organized a Diwali get together at the club house of their residential complex. “In our fast paced lives, we often end up not seeing even our neighbor next door for weeks together. This is a good occasion to meet and share some good times with them,” says Sathe. “Our event will be a day after Diwali so that family and relatives get a priority on the day of Diwali. No harm extending the festivities, isn’t it?”

Dubai is quite an attraction for avid Indian travelers and shoppers

Kerala is a huge draw for Indians as well as foreigners

Markets lit up in Jaipur. Rajasthan's exotic charm lures people from all over

Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is high on tourist circuit of Indians traveling abroad for vacation.

The tropical paradise of Maldives is a favorite too

October 22-28, 2011

By Anil Mulchandani ashik is said to be the place where Lord Rama, Sita and Laxman spent a significant portion of their 14-year exile period. The city gets its name, Nasika or nose-less, from the episode in the Ramayana in which Laxman cuts the nose of a demoness, "Shurpanakha."

Over the last few decades, Nashik has grown from being a temple town to a major commercial hub – surrounded by some of India’s most productive agricultural areas, industrial estates housing manufacturing facilities of auto, pharmaceutical and engineering majors, Nashik bustles with wholesale markets and warehouses for the onions, tomatoes, grapes, pomegranate, food grains and other produce of the region, sugar mills, and an increasing number of malls, shopping areas, markets, colleges and schools that are coming up to cater to the growing population that is seeing much migration because of the industrialization around the city.

Beyond the typical commercially-affluent mid-sized city appearance of Nashik, howeve r, t h e r e a r e m a n y t o u r i s t attractions – Buddhist caves hewn into rocks between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD, old quarters called Wadas with ornate houses, historical temples, holy places, modern attractions like parks, gardens and memorials, natural heritage sites like the Nandur Madhmeshwar Bird Sanctuary and Ozhar Bird Area and wineries that welcome tourists.

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We visited the Ram Kund, which is an uninspiring sight by itself but is a focal point of pilgrimage – Rama and Sita are said to have bathed here during their exile period.

Nearby is the Kala Rama Temple with a tall shikara tower over its shrine. Named for the black stone used in its construction, this 18th century temple is believed to mark the site where Ravana abducted Sita.

The other religious site in Nashik is the Shiva temple of Trimbakeshwar, built over one of the 12 jyotirlingas, shrines that are specially important to Shiva devotees as `self-emerging’ lingams.

The temple, built in the 18th century on a paved platform, has carved walls and an ornate shikhara (temple tower over the sanctum). Inside, the lingam which is the main draw is said to symbolize the Hindu trio of deities on three sides and is crowned by a gold crown which devotees believe to date to the Mahabharata.

From Nashik we traveled to Nagpur and the next morning we headed to Ramtek, where Lord Rama is believed to have spent some time during his exile. The road to the hill went past the Ambala Tank after which we ascended to the cluster of temples that commemorate the site’s association with the life of Lord Rama. Some of these temples date to the 5th century AD while others are relatively more recent. The temple cluster on this wooded hill was fortified by Raghoji-1 of the Bhonsla dynasty of Nagpur in the mid-1700s. Ramtek is also associated with Kalidas, who wrote his epic, Meghdoot, at this site.

In the footsteps of Lord Rama in Maharashtra

The holy hill of Ram Tek has a group of temples dedicated to Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Lakshman.

The sacred Godavari river near Nashik where Rama is believed to have bathed

Rama Temple in Nashik, where Rama and Sita are believed to have spent many years of exile

Ram Tek and nearby Rama Giri Hill are where Agastya Muni received Rama, Sita and Lakshman

October 22-28, 2011

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Inside view of the Rameswaram temple

Floating stones at Hanuman temple

Leap of faith:

Rameshwaram

By Anil Mulchandani or a Rama devotee, the pilgrimage is incomplete till a visit to Rameshwaram, a town on Padam Island in the Gulf of Mannar between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

This is one of the key Hindu pilgrimages both for Vaishnavas, as one of the four dhamas with Dwarka, Puri and Badrinath, and for Shaivites because it houses one of the 12 jyotirlingams.

Rameshwaram is sacred as the place from where Lord Rama built a bridge across the sea to Sri Lanka in order to rescue his consort Sita from her abductor, the demon king Ravana.

This sacred island town in the natural shape of a conch is dominated by the Ramanathaswamy Temple.

This temple is worshipped by devotees of Lord Rama and Lord Shiva because it houses the lingam that Lord Rama installed and worshipped after returning from his victory against Ravana. This massive temple founded by the Cholas and expanded by the Nayakas in the 16th – 18h centuries, is set in high walls with five gatehouses.

The temple’s remarkable feature is

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the Sokattan Mandapa, extremely elaborate with 1212 columns. The temple has 22 tanks, including the Agni Tirtha in the forecourt where devotees take a dip believing the sacred waters will cleanse them of their sins.

The next point of focus for pilgrimage is the Gandamadana Hill where a mandapa is said to protect Lord Rama’s footprint. Climb to the mandapa for splendid views of the sea.

At the southern tip of Rameshvaram island, Dhanushkodi has a beautiful beach and has a view of limestone shoals, reefs and sandy banks which forms Ram Sethu, the bridge said to have been used by Lord Rama to crossover to Lanka.

Hanuman is believed to have used the boulders called Adam’s Bridge, here, for his crossing to Lanka where he found Sita. The temple called Kodandarama is where Rama met Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother.

While visiting Rameshvaram for its religious and architectural importance, do not miss spending some time enjoying its natural beauty, watching the flocks of shore birds that gather at its mud banks and beaches and the marine life in the tidal zone.

The main tower of the Rameswaram temple in Tamil Nadu, India

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October 22-28, 2011

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Pampa sarovar-place where Shabari is believed to have met Ram who was enroute to Lanka

Rama temple in Hampi

The majestic ruins of Hanuman’s Hampi

By Anil Mulchandani ampi is one of India’s greatest architectural sites with magnificent monuments with a superb setting on the Tungabhadra river with rocky ridges and granite boulders on all sides. This is where legends say Hanuman met Lord Rama for the first time, on the orders of monkey king Sugreeva. Lord Rama is said to have spent the monsoon season in these hills and this is where Hanuman is believed to have returned with news of Sita’s presence in Lanka to meet Lord Rama.

At Hampi, we started the morning by driving past Kamalapuram and parking at the 16th century Malyavanta Raghunath Temple before clambering up the rocks to enjoy a sunrise view from a mandapa, one of the many viewing platforms of Hampi. There were scores of monkeys around us and we had to be careful of our belongings while witnessing the sun rising like a golden ball from the boulder-spiked landscape of Hampi.

It were these rocky outcrops that provided the Vijayanagara dynasty a protective barrier within which one of the most remarkable capital cities of its time in the

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world was built. It was said to be greater than Rome in its time and rich in markets full of jewels, golden palaces and a trade center for exports of spices in the 15th century. Once spanning 26 sq km along the Tungabhadra River, today the main sightseeing is focused in three zones – the Sacred Centre of temples, the Royal Enclosure of palaces, baths and tanks, and the earlier citadel of Annegondi across the river. We started out by parking at the Vittala Temple which has some of the finest sculpture of the 16th century Vijayanagra period seen on a beautiful stone chariot in the forecourt and along the hall in front. The monolithic granite columns are said to produce musical svaras when tapped but touching them is now prohibited.

From here, we walked along the path to the river passing the King’s Balance where rulers were weighed against grains or metals for donation to the poor. There is a scenic rocky path from here along the Tungabhadra taking in the King’s Balance, temples, Sule Bazaar and other sights before ending at the Hampi Bazaar. This old bazaar has been revived with handicraft shops. We tucked into porridge, banana-and-coconut pancakes,

The magnificent rocks

fruit lassi and English tea for breakfast at one of the eateries before entering the massive towering gateway of the Virupaksha Temple, with fine carvings on the Gopuram (entrance gatehouse) and musical instruments inside.

As it was getting warm by now, we headed back to the hotel for a drink and lunched at an Udupi restaurant on a typical regional thali before heading for the Royal Enclosure. This has the Rama temple, the Lotus Mahal which is rated among the best examples of Vijayanagara royal architecture, the elephant stables and a splendidly carved pavilion from where the rulers watched festivities. The rather plain-looking Queen’s Bath building encloses a stepped basin with beautiful balconies over the water!

In the morning, we drove to Hanumanhalli with rocks where Hanuman is said to have met Lord Rama and then came to the Hanuman Temple rising above a hill. Anjaneya Hill in this area is revered as the birthplace of Hanuman.

We continued to Pampasarovar, one of the most important pilgrimages in the area just off the road to our right. The

lotus-covered lake is one of the five, together with Mansarovar in Tibet, Narayansarovar in Gujarat, Pushkar lake in Rajasthan and Bhubaneshwar lake in Orissa that are especially important for Hindus to bathe in. In the Ramayana, Pampa Sarovar is mentioned as the place where Shabari, a disciple of the Rishi Matunga, met Lord Rama as he journeyed southwards on his quest to redeem Sita. According to the story, Shabari, a pious devotee of Rama, prayed faithfully everyday to see Rama. She lived in the ashram of her guru, Matunga in Hampi.

She proceeded to feed Rama and his brother Laxman. Shabari suggested that they seek help from Sugriva of the monkey kingdom who lived in the hills near the Pampa lake.

This led to Rama’s meeting with first Hanuman and then Sugriva. Pampa sarovar is also where Srimad Vallabhacahrya had performed Srimad Bhagwad in the 16th century.

After Pampasarovar, we drove to Annegondi, the older quarters of Hampi with many monuments like the queen’s palace which is now an administrative building and a view across the river to Hampi’s sacred center.

The stone chariot at Vittala temple ( Photos: Dinesh Shukla )

Art & Culture TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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October 22-28, 2011

Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

51

October 22-28, 2011

Advani's last throw of the dice

By Amulya Ganguli

or a believer in astrology, L.K. Advani cannot be too pleased with the way he set off on his latest rath yatra.

First, he had to shift the starting point from Gujarat to Bihar after Narendra Modi suddenly demonstrated his intention to play a larger role by a volte face which sought to replace his earlier sectarian image by a socially inclusive one.

Since this transformation was interpreted as a move to join the prime ministerial race, Advani had no option but to turn away from Gujarat since his own yatra has also been seen as a prime ministerial ploy. Obviously, it would have been odd if Gujarat became the base of two contenders for the top slot.

The disingenuous element in this affair is, of course, patent enough. Neither the Gujarat chief minister nor the leader of the BJP's parliamentary party has openly declared his candidature. The ostensible reason for Modi's call for "social harmony" and for Advani's yatra against corruption is to spread the message of brotherhood and arouse public consciousness against sleaze.

But no one in the BJP and outside is

F

By Vijay Badhwar

fooled. The fact that it is on the basis of such deception that the two leaders have embarked on their campaign is a sad commentary on the state of Indian politics. But, to return to Advani's yatra, the unfavorable omens continued not only with the shifting of the starting point but also the sudden illness which afflicted Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley - the two BJP leaders who are also said to harbor prime ministerial ambitions. But Advani would not be Advani if he was daunted by these setbacks. Instead, he ascribed them to the Congress' machinations and exulted in the public acclaim which he claimed to have received so far. According to him, the adulation was greater than what he experienced in 1990...

However, the new venue, the sudden indisposition of two senior companions and the mishap on the bridge were not the only disconcerting portents. No less significant is the fact that Bihar too, like Gujarat, can now be said to have two prime ministerial aspirants in Advani and, perhaps the real frontrunner, Nitish Kumar. The BJP leader's decision, therefore, to switch from one state to another hasn't served the purpose for which the step was taken. To the astrologi-

cally-inclined, this similarity of situation may seem like an instance of fate pursuing a person.

All these premonitory indications can be unnerving for Advani if only because his latest venture is evidently the last throw of the dice where fulfilling his latent ambition is concerned. He had missed his first chance in the wake of his first yatra - when he had surged ahead of Atal Bihari Vajpayee within the BJP for a while - after he became embroiled in a hawala scandal.

If provincialism trumped Hindutva solidarity at the time, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what twists of fortune will confront Advani this time. But there is little doubt that his hindrances are formidable. First, his party is against him and has been ever since the aftermath of its defeat in 2009 when it kicked him upstairs - to use an infelicitous phrase - by nominating him chairman of the parliamentary party.

The post was created to accommodate him after Advani had declared, suo motu, that he would continue to be leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha till 2014. Since this would automatically make him the prime ministerial candidate in that year, the BJP

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what twists of fortune will confront L.K. Advani this time. decided, post-haste, to give him a new designation.

The second, and possibly even greater, obstacle in Advani's path is the disinclination of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to let him realize his ambition.

There is no news like Anna news

s we go through the festive season, the daily routines are shunted to the sidelines - work, studies, entertainment, even the usual politics, all take second fiddle to attending Durga pujas, Dandia Raas, Dussehra festivities, Ram Katha (a very popular event this year) and Diwali get togethers.

In India, there are unbelievable scenes as there is noticeably more religious fervour these days than a decade ago. One festival finishes and the next takes over. There is a constant buzz of festivities declared over the loudspeakers in competing intensities, a free-forall bout for all faiths, such is the freedom. The queues outside temples snake around so much that you wait for hours before the blessed glimpse of the deity.

If there is one dominating political news, that’s of Anna Hazare.

He is everywhere, embedded in every news, the pathfinder among scams that are propping up like weeds. Even the gentle and well-

A

The Anna movement is sweeping India and Indians at grassroots level who feel frustrated by endemic corruption in the society. regarded Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lost his appeal, people disenchanted with him that he is a mere puppet, sorely lacking the authority India needs today.

The absence of Sonia Gandhi from the scene due to sickness for a while hasn’t helped either as she

appears now and then but without any purpose.

The Anna movement is sweeping India and Indians at grassroots level who feel frustrated by endemic corruption in the society.

It is a burning issue that has united all Indians who are willing to desert major political parties and

well-known candidates as they demand their basic right for a better life without the evil of corruption.

Not a day goes by without Anna being the highlight. He is compared to Mahatma Gandhi, which he humbly refutes, thus adding more charm and charisma among the masses. Media banners provide twisted context that his follower Arvind Kejriwal puts Anna above parliament (Kejriwal’s actual quote puts all citizens above parliament).

There is a lot of political activity as small time political hopefuls gravitate under the umbrella of Team Anna and its movement against corruption. Kiran Bedi recently denied any political ambitions for Anna Hazare. In an address at a conference on women’s health, organized by the Pune and Maharashtra chapters of the Indian Medical Association, Kiran Bedi said, “Anna does not have any political inclination, but we will oppose all those political parties that oppose the Jan Lokpal Bill.”

The views expressed in Op Eds are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times.

Interestingly, Laloo Prasad challenged Anna Hazare to float a political party to contest elections to prove his worth.

Lokpal Team India Against Corruption conducted a sample survey where 90 per cent of people opposed the RJD leader in his own Saran constituency.

It was a slap on the face for Laloo who is notorious for his loose comments.

Having found a common cause and a burning issue with Anna’s fight against corruption, people crowd to rallies when Anna team comes to town.

On October 10, Anna Hazare associate Anand Kejriwal, in his home town Hisar, along with Manish Sisodia, embarked on a campaign, ‘India Against Corruption’, to ask people to vote against the ruling party, saying, ‘Give Congress a historic defeat’.

Congress came third in this Hisar by-poll.

(On an India visit, the author is Principal Editor of The Indian Down Under, Sydney.)

52

RANA Diwali TheSouthAsianTimes.info

October 22-28, 2011

RANA’s Diwali Gala: President’s Message Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) is holding its 12th Diwali Gala 2011 on October 23 at Long Island Marriott Hotel, in Uniondale, NY. Their honorees include Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano. RANA is currently focused on having its own Rajasthan Bhavan in New York, says its President Haridas Kotahwala in his message below. culture, values and heritage, not only in USA but also the world over.

We have also organized three successful international Rajasthan conventions in New York. They were inaugurated by the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan: Shri AshokGehlot in 2003 & 2010, and Smt. Vasundhara Raje Scindia in 2006.

Moreover, many Rajasthan ministers and bureaucrats had also attended. Over 1500 delegates from all over the world came.

RANA President Haridas Kotahwala honoring Consul General Prabhu Dayal at the association’s Holi function earlier this year.

F

irst of all, I wish you and your family a very happy Deepavali and a prosperous new year.

RANA was established in 1999 by six dedicated and loving members - Naveen Shah, KK Mehta, Arvind Bhandari, Kamlesh Mehta, Sunil Shah and Rajesh Shah. I congratulate them for their vision. RANA has lived up to its mission and organized several functions to promote Rajasthani

O

n January 1, 2010 Edward P. Mangano was sworn into office as Nassau County Executive. That same day, he kept his pledge to tax payers by repealing Nassau County’s Home Energy Tax – the equivalent of a 5% property tax reduction for home owners. He is the first County Executive to place tax dollars back in the pockets of our residents.

The conventions were also effective in raising funds for RANA’s charity projects such as Rainwater Harvesting (Akash Ganga), Women’s Education (Janani Vikas), Mid-Day Meals for children (Akshay Patra) and many others.

Earlier this year in April, we had a wonderful Holi & Hasya Kavi Sammelan with renowned poets - Surendra Sharma and Arun Gemini. They kept the audience in splits with their humor.

In tune with RANA’s tradition of honoring outstanding individuals, this year we have 4 honorees who have not only excelled in their respective fields but also for their outstanding dedication, commitment and service to the community.

(From right) Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot with Haridas Kotahwala and Dr Samin Sharma at RANA’s biennial convention in New York in 2010.

1

The honorees are:

Hon Edward P. Mangano,

Executive, Nassau County - Lifetime Achievement Award

2

Dr. Subhash Jain,

Renowned physician, expert in management of chronic and cancer pain.

3

Naveen Shah,

Well-known CPA and President & CEO of Navika Group of Companies.

4

Hemchand Bardia,

A reputed jeweler, Senior member of the Indian Diamond & Color Stone Association, and philanthropist.

Edward P. Mangano: Lifetime Achievement Award-Governance Creating Jobs, Controlling Taxes Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot being greeted by Sharda Kotahwala and others at RANA Convention 2010 in New York.

Since then, Hon. Mangano has focused on rebuilding Nassau County’s economy by creating jobs and putting people back to work. As a former small business owner, Ed Mangano knows first hand the challenges New York businesses face.

To improve the business climate, he assembled a team of economic development professionals and business resource partners who are ready to assist employers who are looking to relocate or expand their business in Nassau County.

The County Executive has worked tirelessly to attract homeland security jobs, along with film and TV industry jobs to the former Grumman-Navy property on the eastern end of Nassau County. In doing so, the County has experienced growth in jobs and increased revenue from these industries. He has also made it his mission to attract green jobs and clean energy producing facilities to Nassau County.

Hon. Mangano is ably governing Nassau County and has held the tax line for the county resident. The other there I have known for many years. They are unassuming, humble and ever ready to devote their time and expertise to social and humanitarian causes. RANA has laid a strong foundation in the US and now it is time to do somethingconcrete to cement our ties to our mother state of Rajasthan right here. Building a Rajasthan Bhavan in the US has always been the dream of the Rajasthani community. Our Senior Past Presidents and Members are taking the first step in this direction by planning to buy a building to make this dream a reality. Swami Vivekananda’s words well describe my belief – ‘When an idea exclusively occupies the mind, it is transformed into an actual physical state’.

At the Rajasthan Bhavan our community would be able to meet and enjoy under one roof. I am confident that our coming functions will be held at our own Bhavan.

Since any such venture requires a good investment -- in terms of to time, finance, or service -- I request all people from Rajasthan to contribute in any way you can.

I am grateful to our Grand Sponsors for the Diwali event– Dr Samin Sharma and Attorney Howard .

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano with wife Linda and sons Salvatore and Alexander.

Mangano story Continues on page 53

Lastly, my personal invitation to all RANA members to attend the 2012 Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, which is being held at Jaipur January 7-9, 2012. We should ensure to send a strong RANA delegation to this PBD.

Happy Diwali.

- Haridas Kotahwala

RANA Diwali TheSouthAsianTimes.info

53

October 22-28, 2011

RANA’s Diwali Gala Honorees

Hemchand Bardia

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Well-known Jeweler & Philanthropist

orn and raised in Ahmedabad to loving parents late Shri Mulchand Bardia and late Kanchand Devi, Hemchand Bardia did his BS in chemical engineering from St Xavier’s College and moved to the United State for higher education at the young age of 20. After earning his degree in chemical engineering from Tri State College in Angola, Indiana, he worked at CPC International Corp in the Pharma Division to help engineer and make Tylenol’s main ingredient.

In 1973 he went into the loose gemstone business where he pioneered in loose

Continuation from page 52 He is also seeking privately funded proposals to create a state-of-the-artsports-entertainment destination center at Nassau Coliseum.

He has also developed a plan to establish an Indian gaming casino at Belmont Park.

Mangano has focused on reducing the size of government, consolidating operations and reining in spending. Facing the largest deficit in Nassau’s history in 2011, Mangano developed a budget that cut over $171 million in wasteful spending, reduced the County workforce to the lowest level since the 1950’s, consolidated functions and protected home owners and employers by eliminating a 16.5 percent property tax increase planned by the prior administration.

The County Executive faces the challenging task of fixing Nassau County’s broken property tax assessment system.

This system costs the average home owner 10 percent more annually on their county property tax bill and has resulted in $1.6 billion in debt and outstanding liabilities owed by Nassau County tax payers.

calibrated emeralds and built a large business until he retired. A resident of Park Avenue in New York, he remained active in the community and became a director of IDCA (Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association).

All along he supported not only his whole family in India and the US, but also became a philanthropist to many good causes—doing it without self-glorification. He has helped build or expand many schools in rural areas. He supports a trust which donates land to save and give shelter to over 800 abused and sick animals in Odhav, Ahmedabad.

He regularly provides grain to 500 plus families to sustain them, a charity started by his father Mulchand Bardia. Through a small dispensary, medical help is provided at a nominal charge or free under certified medical doctors twice a week. Hemchand Bardia also supports other associations within and outside his community. He has two children: daughter Summer Bardia, a physician’s assistant, and son Aashish Bardia who has followed him in the business.

The County Executive also initiated reforms that will ensure the County begins correcting assessment errors before demanding payment. Furthermore, Mangano signed an Executive Order providing certainty to home owners and businesses by moving Nassau County from an annual to a four-year cyclical assessment system.

This new system will allow the County to begin reducing the $100+ million in annual errors that waste tax dollars.

Throughouthis term, Mangano has focused on rebuilding Nassau County.

Significant improvements have begun to improve County parks, roadways, Nassau Community College and other aging facilities. Earlier as County Legislator he served the 17th Legislative District for seven terms. Raised in Bethpage, New York, Mangano began his career as ajanitor while putting himself through college. A graduate of Hofstra University and Hofstra School of Law, Ed Manganowas admitted to the New York State Bar in 1988. He went on to have a successful career in printing and publishingnewspapers, as well as serving as counsel to Rivkin Radler, LLP for nine years.Ed also has been active in many charitable and fraternal organizations.

During his first year in office, Mangano garnered support from the Legislature to pass reforms that ended the “County GuarCounty Executive Ed Mangano lives in antee” which created over $1.2 billion in Bethpage with his wife, Linda, and two debt for Nassau tax payers. sons, Salvatore and Alexander.

Naveen C. Shah

Lifetime Achievement - Professional & Business Entrepreneurship

N

aveen C Shah, a prominent CPA with an exuberant personality, is the President & CEO of Navika Group of Companies, a premier Commercial Real Estate & Hospitality Enterprise in the US, Partner of RSSM CPA’s, NY and a true Indian and Rajasthani in heart and soul.

After obtaining both Chartered Accountant (CA) & Company Secretary (CS) qualifications with Honors from India, Shah migrated to the US in 1982 and became a CPA in 1984.

Within a short time, he distinguished himself as an astute accountant and excellent mentor to South Asian business and professional communities and became a partner with Rosen, Seymour, Shapss, Martin & Co., one of the Top 25 CPA Firms in the New York City Metro area.

An entrepreneur at heart, he founded Navika Capital Group LLC in 2005 with an objective to invest capital in Commercial Real Estate & Branded Hotels in the USA. Under his stellar leadership, the Navika Group has excelled in its performance and currently has a substantial real estate & hospitality asset base under its ownership. The Company has an ownership stake in over 30 Prime Real Estate properties including 22 Branded Hotels in high value markets.

In acknowledgement of Mr. Shah’s business acumen, it continues to grow even in today’s unsettled economy.

Shah remains inspired by progressive thinkers, unafraid to push forward new ideas and fresh perspectives, believes in conventional wisdom and forward thinking to transform ideas into action. He has served on the Board of Directors of many Professional Institutions in the Banking & Financial sectors and has been on the “Business Banking Advisory Board” of Wells Fargo & “South Asian Business Advisory Board” of Merrill Lynch amongst others. He has been proposed to be the member of “Advisory Board” of National Law University in India.

Naveen Shah is an active philanthropist and has voluntarily devoted his time & services to various religious, charitable & social organizations. He is a Founding Member and Past President of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA) and has been felicitated by social organizations such as India Association of Long Island (IALI), Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation etc. In reverence to his Indian and religious roots, Shah has also organized religious ceremonies like “Sarasvati Pujan” and “Padmavati Pujan” to promote religious harmony and awareness, which have been attended by thousands of people from United States and India.

His wife Rajshree has stood by him through all his trials and tribulations. They live in Muttontown, Long Island and have three children-Anjali who is studying Medicine, Arpit who is a Business & Finance graduate, and Aashna a student at Jericho High School.

Subhash Jain, MD

Renowned expert in pain management of chronic & cancer pain

T

hroughout his life, Dr Subhash Jain has been an integral part of Indian community, international medical community, and most impressively a champion for healthcare causes particularly in rural Rajasthan.

Born to Sri Champalalji Jain and Smt. Kesar Jain, he is a native of Jodhpur and a graduate of Jaipur’s SMS Medical College.

Dr. Jain immigrated to the United States in the 1970s to pursue advanced clinical training in surgery and anesthesiology. He quickly established himself as an international leader in the field of pain management, having directed the clinical pain management program at the renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

At Sloan Kettering, he pioneered various methods for alleviating intractable pain in cancer patients. He eventually became the Chief of the Pain Management Service and Director of the Pain Management Fellowship Program.

Furthermore, Dr Jain was appointed Associate Clinical Professor and Attending Physician at New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center. Subsequently, he was recruited to become the Chairman of Department of Pain and Palliative Care at Hackensack University Medical Center.

At present, Dr. Jain is the Medical Director of the Institute of Pain and Palliative Care in New York City. Since 1994, he has been annually listed in New York Magazine’s Best Doctors guide and, also in the guidebook, Best Doctors in America. He has trained over 100 pain management physicians through a fellowship he established; has lectured internationally; and authored over 100 original articles and book chapters.

Dr. Jain established the International Human Benefit Services Trust (IHBS) to raise awareness for health care and educational services in rural Rajasthan. Through his efforts, in collaboration with his sister, Kanti, IHBS has launched and maintained a major rural hospital and primary school in Phalodi Tehsil, Rajasthan.

Dr. Jain’s leadership was recognized by SMS Medical College with a Distinguished Alumni Award and by the Indian Pain Society, who honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. In 2011, he received the prestigious Richard Weiner Award from the American Academy of Pain Management.

Dr. Jain has also served as founding President of the International Jain Sangh and also President of the Rajasthan Medical Alumni Association (RAJMAII).

Dr. Jain has been married to Sarla for 45 years and they have three successful children: Narpat, a dentist; Roopam, a businessman, and Sachin, a physician. He is a loving father-in-law to his daughters-in-law Archana and Sapna, and a doting grandfather to five grandsons, Sidharth, Rishab, Sambhav, Aadesh, and Parshav.

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Diaspora

October 22-28, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Rohinton Mistry wins 2012 Neustadt International Prize for Literature

Norman, Okla: An international jury representing nine countries selected critically acclaimed IndianCanadian writer Rohinton Mistry as the 2012 laureate of the $50,000 Neustadt International Prize for Literature, sponsored by the University of Oklahoma, the Neustadt family and the international magazine World Literature Today.

The choice was made during deliberations Sept. 29 on the OU Norman campus.

WLT Executive Director Robert Con Davis-Undiano commented that “the world will quickly discover the excellence of Rohinton Mistry’s luminous fiction that the Neustadt jury acknowledged with this choice.

Giving the award to Mistry is inspired.”

Mistry was born in 1952 in Bombay (now Mumbai). He gradu-

Indian-Canadian writer Rohinton Mistry ated with a degree in mathematics from the University of Bombay in 1974 and immigrated to Canada with his wife the following year, settling in Toronto.

In his nominating statement, juror Samrat Upadhyay wrote that “Mistry writes with great passion, and his body of work shows the

most compassionate and astute observations of the human condition, making him one of the most exciting and important contemporary novelists writing in the English language.”

The Neustadt Prize, awarded every two years, is the only international literary award for which poets, playwrights and novelists are given equal consideration. It is widely considered to be the most prestigious international prize after the Nobel Prize in Literature and, in fact, is often referred to as the “American Nobel” because of its record of 28 laureates, candidates or jurors who in the past 41 years have been awarded Nobel Prizes following their involvement with the Neustadt Prize. The 22nd Neustadt laureate to win the prize, Mistry will accept the award at OU in fall 2012.

Grocer Abdul Arain loses Cambridge chancellor race

London: Abdul Arain, an Indian-origin grocer who fought the elections to become the 108th chancellor of the University of Cambridge, lost on Sunday to the official candidate Lord Sainsbury. NRI Arain polled the least number of votes.

According to university sources, out of the 5,558 votes cast, Lord Sainsbury polled 2,893 votes, while actor Brain Blessed got 1,389, barrister Michael Mansfield 964 and Abdul Arain 312.

Owner of Sainsbury’s, a major retail chain, Lord Sainsbury, will

Abdul Arain be the 802-year-old university’s 108th chancellor.

Indian-origin Arain opposed plans to open a Sainsbury’s superstore near his grocery in the election campaign. The election to the chancellorship was necessitated after Prince Philip retired in June.

Indian to be admin head of largest Australian TV network’s new show Caribbean bank to search for a Bollywood Star Port-of-Spain: An Indian will head the administration of the largest Caribbean bank. Minish Parikh, a former banking executive of the State Bank of India, joins the CIBC FirstCaribbean as chief administrative officer next month. The Board of Directors has announced his appointment along with three others to high-profile positions. Executive chairman Michael Mansoor and CEO Rik Parkhill made the announcement this week.

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank is the largest, regionally-listed bank in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean,

serving over 500,000 accounts in 17 markets through 3,400 staff across 100 branches and offices. The bank offers a full range of market-leading financial services in corporate banking, investment banking, treasury sales and trading, retail banking, wealth management, and credit cards.

Parikh has over 24 years of global commercial banking experience, including 14 years in senior executive positions with high performing teams in emerging market across different geographies.

Parikh will be based at the bank's head office in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Melbourne: Inspired by the huge success and influence of Bollywood movies, Australian television and radio network SBS –Special Broadcasting Service is bringing a taste of Bollywood to Australia with a brand new commission, Bollywood Star.

This four-part series, made for SBS by WTFN Entertainment (Bondi Vet, Keeping up with the Joneses), follows the search for an Australian Bollywood star: an unknown who will go on to win the prize of a lifetime – a part in a Bollywood movie.

Renowned Bollywood producer and director Mahesh Bhatt is offering a coveted place in his

New BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir opens in Leicester

London: The new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Gipsy Lane in Leicester opened its doors to the public on October 9, 2011. The long awaited inauguration of the Hindu temple came after nearly three years of tireless efforts by hundreds of dedicated volunteers and devotees.

The two-day ‘Festival of Inspirations’ marking the opening of the Mandir commenced on the morning of Saturday 8 October 2011 with a Vedic ceremony. Devotees and wellwishers offered their prayers for peace and well-being to

A two day fest marked opening of the Mandir prevail throughout the local community and country.

In the afternoon, the murtis (sacred images) to be consecrated in the Mandir traveled through the heart of the city in a colorful Nagar Yatra (literally, ‘City Procession’) to bless

the city and inhabitants of the Mandir’s new home.

Thousands came out on to the streets to enjoy the procession of beautifully decorated floats, traditional dances and the sounds of joyous music.

On the morning of Sunday 9 October, the sacred images were infused with the divine presence of the Deities in a Vedic ceremony called the Murti-Pratishtha Vidhi. It was performed by senior sadhu Ishwarcharan Swami who had arrived from India at the behest of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj.

next movie to one Australian to become the next Bollywood Star.

Applicants from any cultural background audition have been welcomed.

Michael Ebeid, SBS Managing Director, said: “The series will follow the hundreds of hopefuls who will audition for a part in a Bollywood movie as they’re whittled down to six finalists who will travel to Mumbai to immerse themselves in Indian culture and experience the glitz and glamour of the Bollywood movie scene.

The final winner will be selected by Bhatt himself and take away the prize of a role in his next feature film.

NRI entrepreneur lauded for winning Queen’s award

London: Dr. Rami Ranger, London-based non-resident Indian entrepreneur has been lauded for winning Queen’s award for Enterprise for the third year in succession.

Dr Ranger, founder chairman of the Sun Mark Limited, was described as a role model for winning the Queen’s award for enterprise for 2009, 2010 and 2011, at a function held at the Grosvenor Hotel.

Dominique Grieve, Attorney General of the British Government congratulated Ranger for his out-

Dr. Rami Ranger with Queen Elizabeth standing achievement, particularly in these “difficult times.”

Acting High Commissioner of India to the UK, Rajesh Prasad told the 800-strong gathering including Lords, Baronesses and 40 MPs that

Ranger has done NRIs “proud” by winning the award for the third year in succession.

Indian-origin MP Keith Vaz said that Ranger helped in building “international links, not only with India but also with several Asian countries.”

On the other hand, Lord Dollar Poppat said Dr Ranger is a “shining example and role model” to youngsters.

Ranger said he felt “humbled by the kind words and sentiments expressed by people of such high caliber and standing.”

International & Subcontinent TheSouthAsianTimes.info

55

October 22-28, 2011

‘Gaddafi's death warning to iron-fist rulers’

Washington: US President Barack Obama hailed Muammar Gaddafi's death on Thursday as a warning to authoritarian leaders across the Middle East that iron-fisted rule "inevitably comes to an end," and as vindication for his cautious strategy toward Libya.

Obama joined US politicians and ordinary Americans in welcoming the demise of Gaddafi, who was for decades regarded as a nemesis of American presidents, and also claimed some of the credit for the Libyan strongman's downfall.

But he also appeared to distance Washington from deeper entanglement in the North African oil-producing nation at a time of economic woes at home, placing responsibility for Libya's future squarely on the shoulders of the fractious inter-

The body of Muammar Gaddafi is seen at a house in Misrata. im leadership in Tripoli.

"This marks the end of a long and painful chapter for the people of

Libya who now have the opportunity to determine their own destiny in a new and democratic Libya,"

Pak offers to hold talks with militants Quetta: Pakistan is willing to hold peace talks with Islamist militants if they surrender their weapons first, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said.

"We have received messages from banned outfits and militant organisations for reconciliation and we have conveyed these messages to our leadership," Malik told reporters in Quetta, the capital of troubled Baluchistan province.

Pakistan plays host to myriad Islamist militant groups, principally a Taliban-led insurgency in its northwest on the border with Afghanistan, but also a regional insurgency with separatist aspirations in Baluchistan.

Malik refused to disclose which militants he was talking about. Asked whether these reconciliation messages were coming from the Taliban or Baluch rebels, he replied: "It is purely confidential."

"The prime minister has also clearly stated that reconciliation is possible only with those who lay down their arms," he added.

"Reconciliation and talks are not possible when there is Kalashnikov in one hand. There is clear government policy that talks or dialogue would be held only with those who surrender their weapons," Malik said.

Pakistan is under mounting US pressure to eliminate Taliban and Al-Qaeda-linked safe havens, in particular to launch an

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik. offensive against the Haqqani Network considered the primary US foe in eastern Afghanistan.

Closing ranks against the US pressure at a conference uniting political and military leaders on September 29, Pakistan called for a new emphasis on reconciliation, saying "'give peace a chance' must be the guiding principle".

Washington says eliminating militant sanctuaries in Pakistan's tribal belt are vital to ending the 10-year war in Afghanistan and defeating Al-Qaeda.

Pakistan has launched numerous offensives against homegrown militants in the lawless tribal areas, but despite repeated claims of success Taliban insurgents have continued to pose a major security threat.

Obama said in the White House Rose Garden.

Obama made clear he considered Gaddafi's death a validation of his "leading from behind" strategy that had drawn criticism at home for casting the United States in a support role in the NATO air assault in Libya. Some of his Republican foes see it as an "Obama doctrine" that abdicates US global leadership.

He also issued a veiled warning to Syrian President Bashar alAssad and other long-entrenched Middle Eastern leaders resisting home-grown democracy movements to take heed of Gaddafi's fate.

"Our leadership at NATO has helped guide our coalition. Without putting a single US service mem-

ber on the ground, we achieved our objectives, and our NATO mission will soon come to an end," Obama said in a televised statement to a US public already weary of long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A NATO official said an unmanned US aircraft took part in strikes in Libya, but it was unclear whether US or French airpower struck Gaddafi's convoy believed to have been carrying him near his hometown of Sirte.

Gaddafi's death is unlikely to give Obama any lasting help in a 2012 presidential election expected to be decided by the state of the stumbling economy and stagnant job market. The raid he ordered in May that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden gave him only a short-lived boost in the polls.

Respect our accord with Vietnam: China Beijing: China has called on other countries to respect its agreement with Vietnam on maritime issues.

"The fact that China and Vietnam have agreed to settle maritime disputes through negotiations has nothing to do with a third party.

We expect the third party to respect the efforts by the countries concerned to resolve the disputes through negotiations," foreign ministry spokesperson Liu Weimin said at a press briefing.

Liu's comments came after it was reported that the Philippines had opposed the latest ChinaVietnam joint statement and called for a multilateral approach, rather than a bilateral agreement, to resolve disputes concerning the South China Sea. "China-Philippines maritime disputes can only be resolved through direct

China and Vietnam reaffirmed their political will and determination to settle maritime issues.

negotiations between China and the Philippines, a stance the Philippines is quite clear about," Xinhua quoted Liu as saying.

China and Vietnam reaffirmed their political will and determination to settle maritime issues through negotiations and friendly consultations and to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, according to a China-Vietnam joint state-

ment.

The two countries will step up negotiations on maritime issues, seek basic and long-term approaches that will be acceptable for both sides, explore interim and temporary solutions, including research and negotiations on the joint development of the sea, without impacting each side's stance and position, the statement added.

Suspend Sri Lanka, Commonwealth urged

Melbourne: Amid reports that Australian police are examining if a war crimes probe can be initiated against Sri Lanka''s envoy to Canberra, the Commonwealth is receiving calls seeking suspension of Colombo from the 54-member body, whose top leaders are set to meet in Perth later this month.

"If the Commonwealth is to mean anything at all on issues like human rights, it has to look to the actions of its members. This is one of its members (Sri Lanka)

which is the putative next host in 2013," John Dowd, President of the Australian chapter of the International Commission of Jurists, was quoted as saying by ABC. Dowd, former New South Wales attorney-general, said that it was a matter of human rights.

In a statement, the Australian Federal Police confirmed that it had received a submission compiled by the International Commission of Jurists, a legal

rights lobby group composed of eminent legal figures.

The legal rights body has leveled allegations against Sri lankan envoy to Australia Thisara Samarasinghe, a former admiral, saying that he was in charge of navy ships that fired on unarmed civilians as they fled the fighting in the final stages of the civil war in Sri Lanka.

Dowd said Sri Lanka should be suspended from the meeting.

"Well they should, I think, sus-

pend it from the Councils of the Commonwealth until Sri Lanka does something about a war crimes tribunal and the other recommendations of the expert panel committee," he said, ahead of the October 28-30 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

"And if it (Sri Lanka) does continue to do nothing it (Commonwealth) has to look at suspending Sri Lanka ... because they''ve done it to other countries

for offences less than war crimes."

Last month, the Swiss AttorneyGeneral announced plans to investigate allegations that Sri Lanka''s second most senior diplomat to Switzerland and Germany, Jagath Dias, was involved in war crimes. Dias was accused of ordering his troops to fire on civilians and hospital targets during the final offensive against the Tamil Tigers. The general was recalled to Colombo.

56

Sports & Business

October 22-28, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

India-Africa summit focuses on economic crisis Pretoria: India, Brazil and South Africa sought credible action from Western countries for a way out of the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and the overall global downturn and said emerging economies can no longer remain mute spectators on such subjects.

The leadership of the three countries, which met here for the trilateral IBSA Dialogue Forum, also decided to coordinate their efforts ahead of the crucial G20 meeting at Cannes, to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

"We hope early steps will be taken by Europe and other advanced economies to calm the capital and financial markets, and prevent the global economy from slipping into a double-dip recession," Prime Minister Manmohan

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and summit host South African President Jacob Zuma.

India’s first F1 Circuit unveiled

A Red Bull car is driven in the track during the unveiling of the Buddh International Circuit, the venue for India's first Formula One Grand Prix in Noida.

Greater Noida: The track at the Buddh International Circuit is ready and work is on at a frenetic pace to give the finishing touches to the venue of the inaugural Formula One Indian Grand Prix on October 30.

The 5.14-km track was unveiled to the media even as it gets dressed up, and the organizers Jaypee Sports International (JPSI) are confident everything will be spic and span in the next one week.

As of now, construction site rubble is still there and the site itself needs dusting. The open spaces and construction work in areas around the circuit are making it difficult to for the organizers to keep the dust at bay.

Sameer Gaur, MD and CEO of JPSI, allayed any apprehensions, saying everything will be in order well before the pit lane opens for lap formation and there is nothing to worry about.

"We are cleaning the track twice a day but since the work on the stands is still taking place, the dust gets on to the track. Once the work on the stands is over, the circuit can be taken care of," Gaur said.

The track has been divided into

four zones -- north, west, east and south and the longest stretch is 1.4 km, which comes after turn three, where the cars can zip up to speeds of 320 km/hr. The undulations on the track will spice up the race with the first blind corner coming seconds after the starting grid.

Safety of the drivers is paramount for the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and this becomes evident on visiting the medical center at the BIC. The drivers can be treated in the state-of the-art medical facility within minutes of an accident. The center has an operation theatre, Xray room and specially made burn and doping area. Ten medical booths will be placed around the circuit and if needed drivers will be airlifted to the hospital from the helipad at the venue.

Adjacent to the medical center is the pit building where the team's will work on their cars. And if they want to unwind, a swanky team building has been built behind the pits. A total of 24 pit garages and 12 team buildings will be at the disposal of the teams and delegates.

Singh told the opening plenary.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and summit host South African President Jacob Zuma also called on world leaders to take immediate steps since it was having a knock-down effect on emerging economies. Their positions were also reflected in a joint declaration.

"We need a credible agreement to prevent the crisis from getting out of control," said Rousseff, who later gave a statement before the media jointly with Manmohan Singh and Zuma, who also sought to link the crisis with the overall threat to food and energy security.

"The economic crisis is accompanied by a crisis in our mode of consumption and use of energy resources as well as food short-

ages. We face increasing incidents of poverty and inequality in the world, while some parts of the globe face hunger and disasters," Zuma said.

According to Manmohan Singh, the debt crisis and the slowdown were also sending negative signals to the global markets, which were exhibiting acute signs of distress and that developing countries like India, Brazil and South Africa could not remain immune and untouched. "We should coordinate our positions in the run up to the G20 Summit in France to ensure that the priorities of the developing economies are adequately reflected in the deliberations of G20," the prime minister said, adding India will be happy to host the next IBSA Summit.

Apple's iPhone 4S sales top 4 mn Washington: Though Apple iPhone 4S failed to wow pundits when it was unveiled, the company sold more than 4 million units over the weekend, making it the fastest-selling iPhone ever.

More than 25 million people have also downloaded iOS 5 to their iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches in the five days since the operating system's release, the technology giant announced.

And more than 20 million people have signed up for iCloud, Apple's free service that syncs data such as calendars, contacts and photos wirelessly across a user's computer and portable Apple gadgets, the company said.

The service was also launched five days ago. iPhone 4S sales were "more than double the iPhone 4 launch during its first three days", Philip

More than one million iPhone 4S handsets were pre-ordered in the first 24 hours after the new product was revealed.

Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of worldwide product marketing, said in the company announcement.

More than 1 million iPhone 4S

handsets were pre-ordered in the first 24 hours after the new product was revealed on October 4, the day before Apple co-founder and technology icon Steve Jobs died.

ODI series: India take 2-0 lead

England can still finish in the pre-series fourth position, provided they win the remaining three matches in the series.

New Delhi: World champions India have leapfrogged England to fourth place in the One-day International (ODI) rankings.

England, who is trailing 0-2 in the five-match ODI series against

India, had started the series in fourth position on 113 ratings points. It has now slipped to 110 ratings points to fifth place whereas India has jumped from 112 to 115 ratings points.

However, England can still finish in the pre-series fourth position, provided they win the remaining three matches in the series. In contrast, India just needs to win one more match to not only secure the series but also the number four position.

India also have chance of climbing to third position if it win the series against England 5-0 series and South Africa loses its opening two matches against Australia, and just one rating point behind second-placed Sri Lanka.

In the rankings for the ODI batsmen, India's Virat Kohli has climbed five places to fourth position after scores of 37 and 112 not out in Hyderabad and New Delhi.

South Africa captain Hashim Amla holds the top spot the while an injured AB de Villiers is second and Australia's Shane Watson is third.

Ultimate Bollywood Thesouthasiantimes.info

57

October 22-28, 2011

'Azaan' takes action to a new level

"Azaan" is not a film which wastes time in self-congratulation after staging one more terrorist explosion. It moves on relentlessly. s we see rescue operations post a bombing attack being carried out in slow

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motion, the soundtrack goes almost inert in a show of frozen protest…And you know there and

then that "Azaan" has something out-of-the-ordinary to offer to the action genre.

Tackling global terrorism and Islamic isolation as seen through the eyes of a tormented Muslim secret agent, "Azaan" heads towards its flaming phases of flash-points with the least amount of fuss or ostentation. The narrative knows all the sign posts.

Explosive as the theme is, no one is here to have a blast. The most remarkable aspect of the action in "Azaan" is the lack of flamboyance. The hero (debutant Sachiin Joshi, decent and modest) is a one-man army but no superhero. There is a touching but dis-

Bigg Boss: Shakti's true colors exposed

hakti Kapoor made headlines after the infamous sting operation and got termed as the real bad man of Bollywood.

Now, the actor is currently seen with 10 female contestants in Bigg Boss 5 and it seems that with almost two weeks in the house, Shakti is all set to be himself and show his true colors. The camera’s caught Shakti slapping Miss Afghanistan Vida Samadzai’s butt. Probably, Kapoor has forgotten that there are 55 cameras placed to capture each and every moment of the celebs under

S

The actor is currently seen with 10 female contestants in Bigg Boss 5.

house arrest.

Shakti was standing near the kitchen area where Vida was busy doing some daily chores. The original brat of Bollywood, Shakti Kapoor couldn’t resist the temptation to keep his hands off the lady. In a gesture to tell her that she has lost weight, Shakti slowly puts his hand near her waist and in order to emphasize about her weight loss, he slaps her butt.

The model took the gesture as an honest opinion, since both of them share a good rapport right from Day 1.

Review tant story about two brothers ideologically separated by extremism in Taliban-torn Afghanistan who come together towards the end in a show of strength where the script emerges the real hero.

Post-interval the clenched tactile plot (no comic relief here) introduces a brief romance between the hero and Caucasian woman, who we are told, practices a very unusual vocation. Afreen (Candice Boucher, eye-catching) is a sand designer (not to be confused with a sound designer who does a fine job on this film).

Afreen's little daughter could

possibly save the world from a deadly viral terrorism. Don't ask how. The action moves with quiet dexterity from Morocco to Agra.

The Taj Mahal is under threat.

Luckily the action genre is safe.

"Azaan" takes the action genre in this country to a new level of finesse and restraint. The script is layered, though not quite free of inconsistencies and of questionable moral and political tenets as it would like us to believe.

Debutant Sachiin Joshi knows his limitations as an actor and works way around them by playing a character who would rather be closer to realism than larger than life.

Vidya refused films for ‘Dirty Picture’

ay back in January, Vidya Balan hit the silver screens with ‘No One Killed Jessica’. And although her next film, ‘The Dirty Picture’ would open only in December, she has been in no hurry to start fresh films.

Unlike a bevy of actors, Vidya — during the shooting of ‘The Dirty Picture’ — made sure she focused on one film instead of multiple projects. Also, since she had put on weight for her role, she apparently couldn’t take up other films.

Says ‘The Dirty Picture’ director Milan Luthria: “Yes, Vidya had put on several kilos to portray the required look of a full-figured person. She left no stone unturned in giving her best,” he says.

Luthria is also all praises for the actor’s exceptional show of professionalism. “She made sure that she doesn’t take up or start

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Vidya Balan made sure she focused on one film instead of multiple projects. other movies during the shooting of The Dirty Picture.” Before the shoot started, the actor also actively participated in the preproduction work which included 40-50 look tests, workshops and innumerable meetings.

Casting couch casts shadow on Ghai ina Golan, an Israeli national has accused Bollywood filmmakers Subhash Ghai and Anees Bazmee of casting couch in her book ‘Dear Mister Bollywood’.

The author is busy promoting her controversial book at the ongoing MAMI Festival but has admitted that she is scared of the people she has named in her book.

The 119-page book is actually Shah Rukh Khan’s biography and it also has information about veteran Bollywood personalities asking her for sexual favors. Talking to a tabloid, Golan said, “My book is about Shah Rukh Khan. I needed to

R

The Israeli national says her book ‘Dear Mister Bollywood’ is not about casting couch alone.

reach out to him. I fell in love with India, Bollywood and SRK,” said Rina, adding, “Yes, I have had some good and some bad experiences in the industry. But that is life. None of this has changed my feelings about the country. I still love India, Bollywood and Shah Rukh Khan.”

She also clarified that her book is not about casting couch alone but also talks about courage, honesty and integrity.Dr. Ali Irani and singer Anoop Jalota are the other two people who have been accused of making indecent proposals to Golan.

In her book Golan quotes veteran director Subhash Ghai taking her to a

bedroom and telling her to surrender herself completely to him. “I want you to trust me and surrender to me completely. I will take you around with me everywhere and you will see how your life will change,” Rina quoted Ghai in her book. However, Ghai chose to keep calm and did not react much when quizzed about Golan’s statement. Ghai said, “I am not aware of any book like this and can’t recall this name. If you say that derogatory things have been said by her about me, it’s her choice. In our profession we do get bouquets and bricks all the time from known and unknown both. We can’t even react.”

58

Humor

October 22-28, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

Three steps to get rid of bed bugs

ed bugs are showing up everywhere –- in homes, hotels and even planes –and if you don’t watch out, you may find yourself as angry as the single middle-aged Toronto woman who thought she was hearing good news when a fortune teller told her, “You’ll never be alone in bed again.”

The bed bug population in North America is rising as fast as the unemployment rate, which means that if you don’t have a job, you can’t just lie in bed. And if you think bed bugs are a pain, wait until you meet sofa bugs.

Wherever you encounter them, they’re likely to give you itchy restless nights.

“I woke up to find a dozen bite marks on my back,” said a 20year-old New York woman. “My doctor says it’s either bed bugs or Marv Albert.”

“They’re all over my bed!” said a college student in Pennsylvania. “I wish I hadn’t gotten a tattoo that says, ‘Bite me.’”

“I hate all the bed bugs in hotel rooms!” tweeted a professional basketball player. “How’s a guy supposed to have an affair?”

“Too much scratching going on,” he later tweeted. “Not the

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bed bugs –- my wife just scratched out my eyes.”

Once you have bed bugs, it can be really tough to get rid of them.

The first step, of course, is to make sure you have bed bugs and not some other critters. Just examine the bite marks on your body. Bed bugs like to leave small red dots close to each other and if you connect the dots, you will see a picture of Muammar Gaddafi. (If you see a picture of Barack Obama, you do not have bed bugs. You have democ rats.)

The next step is a drastic one.

Take all your furniture outdoors, spread it around and put up a large sign that says “Yard Sale.”

Make sure you warn potential buyers about the bed bug infestation by displaying messages such as “All sales final” and “All items sold as is.”

If you don’t attract enough buy-

ers, you might want to put up a more enticing sign: “Moving Sale.” (Just don’t tell them who’s moving.)

The final step is to deal with any bed bugs that are still hiding in your house. The best way to do this, most experts agree, is to blast them ruthlessly with one or two Justin Bieber songs. The bed bugs will rush out of their hiding places –- and so will any teenaged girls. Smack them with an old magazine (the bugs, not the girls). If you’re unable to get rid of all your bed bugs, try to look on the bright side. Strangers will be reluctant to enter your home, so you won’t have to worry about crime. Just ask the 40-year-old accountant in Seattle. “I got rid of my lazy, good-for-nothing dog,” he said. “Instead, I put up a sign that says ‘Beware of the Bed Bugs.’ Everyone has been staying away, even my mother-in-law.”

In some cases, bed bugs can even invigorate your love life.

Just ask the 80-year-old man in the Atlanta retirement home.

“Nothing was happening between my wife, Mildred, and I until last Saturday,” he said. “Then, in the middle of the night, I heard her say, ‘Oh Harold, it’s been so long since you nibbled my ear.’”

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

Software to tell who wrote Bible London: For centuries, it has been debated on who exactly wrote the Bible. Now, scientists have developed a computer program which they claim sheds much more light on the sources of the various religious texts within it.

Israeli scientists and experts of the holy book have written an algorithm that analyzes the writing styles found within various sections.

While the program can't pinpoint an individual author, the researchers said, it can determine

when a passage has been written by more than one person and can detect the point at which a new author has taken over.

For instance, many believe that the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, was written by one person -- Moses. But, many experts insist there were multiple sources.

The new computer program, according to the researchers, will be able to help with these kinds of debates by processing how functional words and synonyms are used within various passages,

which can reveal whether different people were involved in producing the material, the Daily Mail reported. The researchers, led by Prof Nachum Dershowitz of Tel Aviv University's Blavatnik School of Computer Science, tested their software by feeding it mixed up passages from two Hebrew books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel -- and asking the computer to re-sort them.

It did so with 99 per cent accuracy, by looking at how various words were distributed, the researchers said.

Astrology TheSouthAsianTimes.info

October 22-28, 2011

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma Stars Foretell: October 22-28, 2011 Aries: This week brings happiness and prosperity. Your creative ability would flourish and your willpower and determination would defeat all opponents. Real estate investment would bring excellent rewards in the long run. Lovebirds will have a fabulous time together and chances of a matrimonial alliance will be strong. Overall a good week but make sure you do not neglect your health.

Taurus: This week, people would surround you and find you very charming and witty.

You would also be putting in a lot of hours at work or on projects that are important for your career. You would acquire a lot of knowledge if you observe others.

A wonderful week to look into courses and hobbies that interest you. A small vacation or a pleasure jaunt will help you keep relaxed.

Gemini: This coming week you would get opportunity to lead others. You should watch their moves and appreciate their efforts and guide them if necessary, but do not be too critical of them.

Businessmen would explore new and more profitable avenues. New partnerships and contacts would also prove to be beneficial. Health needs proper care and you should avoid consuming extra sweets and junk food.

Cancer: This week people gather around you and expect you to do miracles for them. Try not to be so generous and flexible to their demands that you neglect your own responsibilities.

Your confidence would grow and advancement is certain in your career. Financial gains seem imminent for businessmen, but they need to be careful while extending credit. Highly beneficial time for working women and those involved in overseas projects.

Leo: This week you would please your seniors and win their appreciation, but any immediate monetary gains seem unlikely. New romance would flourish for some, but any intimate relationship with a co-worker would lead to gossip and would seriously damage your reputation.

New ventures would be alluring but you need to consult your experts to make sure you are making no mistake. Not a beneficial period for speculation.

Virgo: This week you can expect some problems with partners. You would lack confidence and ongoing problems would severely disturb your peace of mind.

Positive thinking and working towards your long-term goals will be important. Stress related ailments like backache, headache, sleeplessness cannot be ruled out, but after some rest and relaxation, you will feel much better.

Financial gains seem certain towards the end of the week.

Libra: This week people would not be very pleased with your way of doing things. You need not to rush over your plans but seek advice from others if needed. Love and romance alone

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would not succeed in cheering you up, rather you would look for some commitment from your beloved. Try an outing or a short trip to cheer yourself up and lift your spirits. Religious activities will bring comfort to your mind.

Scorpio: This week your talents would shine at work, but above all you would be appreciated for being a major support to a colleague or a friend. You would enjoy the time that you spend with others and your confidence would also rise. This period is also good for socializing, but if you are travelling you need to be extra careful of your belongings. Some losses due to hasty decisions cannot be ruled out.

Sagittarius: Professionally and financially things look brighter and you would work overtime to complete important projects in hand, but whatever you do, don’t run away from your responsibilities towards your home. An old friend would make an unscheduled but pleasant visit, sharing with you lots of delightful and memorable moments. New romance is certainly yours if you go out and do things in a large group.

Capricorn: This week you should implement new ideas into your projects for instant gains. Colleagues and seniors would be helpful. Plan your days carefully as efforts put during this period would have long lasting rewards. Money gains are certain but losses due to speculation are also foreseen. You would gain valuable information if you listen to those who are older and experienced.

Aquarius: This week new ventures and partnerships seem likely. It would be important for you to invest, but it would be equally important to consult financial experts and books on investments. Stay away from an investment that seems doubtful and risky. Pleasure trip that you undertake this week would be very exciting and educating.

Your creativity would make you earn some extra money.

Pisces: This week do not get depressed, but put your time and efforts on important projects. Although finances would not be managed easily, but you would receive immense recognition and appreciation for your efforts. Your analytical skills would help you get everything done on time and eventually success would be yours.

Opportunities to expand your circle of friends would result in new romance.

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.

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week October 22: Dominated by number 4 and the planet Uranus, you are simple, energetic, authoritative, jovial, reliable and highly systematic person. You possess a persuasive and magnetic personality. You have a great potential to handle complicated tasks and you seldom complain, but you need to check your tendency to behave vindictive, timid and spendthrift at times. This year brings in appreciation and rewards that you deserve. Investments in real estate during this year will prove highly rewarding. However indulging in speculation will be detrimental and should be avoided. Legal disputes, which have been bothering your mind, will settle amicably to your satisfaction. Children will be a major source of happiness and spouse will keep you happy. Health of your parents will suffer due to stress, and rise in family medical expenses will bother your mind. The months of September, November, April and May will be highly important and eventful.

October 23: Ruled by number 5 and the planet Mercury. You are practical, sensitive, friendly, diplomatic and an optimistic person. You possess a sharp memory, excellent health, and a powerful character. You are highly respected in your group and people look up to you for inspiration and support, but you need to check your tendency to behave restless, nervous and timid at times. This year brilliant opportunities will come your way but you need to grab them before others.

Financial gains will accrue from past investments.

A wonderful period to do things that you enjoy and make you feel good. A distant journey for pleasure or pilgrimage seems likely later in the year. Your health will remain good but health of an aged family member will become a matter of concern. New friendship and contacts developed during this period will be highly worthwhile. The months of August, October, February and April will be eventful.

October 24: Influenced by number 6 and the planet Venus. You are highly energetic, independent, ambitious and charming person. You are fond of socializing with people, who are well educated, intelligent and hold important positions in the society. You can easily make friends, but you need to check your tendency to behave moody, stubborn and lazy at times. The year promises to bring you physical as well as financial benefits. Your energy will be high and will bring you immense gains. Speculation in real estate will yield handsome returns. Distant travel will be undertaken for business purpose as well as pleasure.

Children need to concentrate more on their career.

Health despite some initial hiccups will be more or less fine. You need to spend time on meditation and yoga for remarkable gains. The months of October, January and July will be highly significant and result oriented.

October 25: Governed by number 7 and the planet Neptune. You are independent, brilliant, quick, confident and friendly person. You are very cheerful and pleasant person and posses as excellent sense of humor. You dislike office politics, arguments and confrontation, but you need to check your tendency to behave jealous, introvert and selfish at times. The coming year promises new hope and possibilities. Your gains will commensurate according to your efforts, but luck will definitely be on our side. Your imagination and skills will do wonders for you and your creativity will be at all time high. Your best opportunities will

develop through your association with people who hold position of authority. Sudden gains and losses are foreseen, therefore do not indulge into hasty speculation. Children will bring happy news later in the year. The month of September, November, October and April will be eventful months.

October 26: Ruled by number 8 and the planet Saturn. You are assertive, cheerful, confident, authoritative and enthusiastic person. You are gifted with strong intuition, a lot of talent and a remarkable imagination.

You are simple and honest, but you need to control your tendency to behave erratic, hypocrite and ungrateful at times. This year investments will bring you fresh gains and you will spend more on luxuries and other comforts. Romantic entanglement will be pleasant and chances to enter into a matrimonial alliance will be very strong. Religious feelings will arise making you embark on a pilgrimage later in the year. Expect gifts and goodies both in cash and kind, but some unexpected expenses will take you by surprise. The months of October, December, January and April will especially be significant.

October 27: Influenced by number 9 and the planet Mars, you are dynamic, courageous, energetic, warm hearted and a religious person. You are a great admirer of music and literature. You are research oriented and have a strong determination, but you need to check your tendency to behave jealous, lazy and erratic at times. This year you should plan things well in advance to reap benefits.

Efforts that you put during this period will bring desired results in the long run. Favourable period for property investment. Romance will be on top of your list. There seem to be chances too of a new arrival as well. Your financial condition will improve as you pickup job involving higher responsibility and position. Some exhilarating news from distant relations will boost up the spirits of the entire family. Travel and journey will be pleasurable. The months of August, November and June will be significant for you.

October 28: Governed by number 1, and the Sun, you are original, active, responsible, trustworthy and a very simple person. You are highly talented and fond of accepting challenges, but you need to control your tendency to dominate, overspend and behave destructive at times. This year long awaited promotions and monetary benefits will finally be yours. Financially you will face some problems initially, but things will become better later in the year.

This is an excellent period to develop new contacts and revive old ones. Travelling will be undertaken for attending auspicious events. Avoid entering into any financial joint ventures and stay away from speculation. Wedding bells will ring for those eligible towards the end of the year. The months of October, December, February and June will be highly important.

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60

Spiritual Awareness

October 22-28, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Sharing the Divine Honey

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj here is a story of a beautiful queen who loved to sit under the trees and enjoy the beauty of nature. One day, as she looked up, she noticed a bee flying around a honeycomb. As she sat there, some liquid dripped onto her face. When some dripped onto her lips, she accidentally licked them and was surprised by its sweetness.

She thought, “This liquid dripping out is sweet. This would be great to add to tea and give it a sweeter flavor.”

She asked her attendants to collect some of this liquid and bring it to the palace. She took this sweet substance and experimented by flavoring different foods with it. She had discovered honey for the first time and learned how the bees made it.

She continued to experiment with it to learn how it could improve the taste of food and beverages.

Over time, she taught the people in her kingdom how to cook with honey. This new type of flavoring became popular throughout her kingdom. No other country had ever seen it or heard of it before. Over the years, word spread about this special flavoring that was being made in her kingdom. The queen told the people of her kingdom to keep the information on how honey was made a secret. Although people heard of the honey, no one from her kingdom would divulge the method of how it was made.

Years later, the queen’s daughter, the princess, was invited to visit another country to visit the emperor. It was traditional to bring a gift when visiting the emperor of another country. She thought deeply about what would be special to bring to him.

She asked her father, the king, what to bring. Whenever one had a problem, one would ask the wise men for a solution. The

king sent for the wisest men in the land to find out what would be the most special gift that the princess could bring with her for the emperor.

The princess asked, “What do you think would be the most valuable gift that I could bring the emperor?”

The wise men thought about it for a while and told her, “The secret of making honey is the most valuable gift you could bring him.”

The princess did not know what to do. It was forbidden to share the secret of making honey with anyone outside of her king-

gift she had brought. She then taught the emperor the secret of how bees make honey.

The emperor took care of the bees which laid more eggs. Over time they multiplied. They continued to thrive in his country.

Soon there were thousands of bees. The honey they produced was used by the people of his land. Unlike the queen who discovered the honey, the emperor did not keep the information on how honey was made a secret.

As a result, not only people of his country, but people throughout the world were taught the secret of honey. Before long,

reunite with God. We are kept in ignorance of the most valuable gift of all, experiencing our soul and God. We are in the dark about the fact that there is God, the soul is a part of God, and we can reunite the soul with God. The honeyed divine nectar that connects us with God is called the holy Naam, Shabd, or the Light and Sound of God. We have forgotten who we are as soul and are ignorant of reuniting our soul with the Creator.

The Masters are like the princess who was able to bring the honey out of the kingdom to impart it to the whole world. Just

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Just as the princess brought the most valuable gift her kingdom had to offer, which was the secret of making honey, the Masters bring from God to humanity the most valuable gift, the secret of contacting the inner nectar of the Light and Sound within us. dom. How could she bring the gift without her mother, the queen, finding out?

She decided the best way to bring this gift was to bring to the emperor some of the bees that made the honey. The princess asked one of her attendants to put her hair up into an elaborate hair style. She hid the eggs of the bees in the folds of her hair.

Then she set off for the other country. Since no one could see the eggs in her hair she was able to transport them from her kingdom.

When she reached the distant kingdom, she took care of the eggs until they hatched. She then let them grow into bees that produced the honey. She presented the honey to the emperor. He greatly appreciated the valuable

everyone around the world knew the secret of honey.

This imaginary tale is a beautiful analogy to describe the role of the Masters and saints. The secret they share with the whole world is not physical honey but the sweet nectar of the Divine.

They share with suffering humanity the secret of how to find the sweet nectar of the Divine that leads the soul back to God. Throughout the ages, saints and Masters have blessed this earth with their spiritual teachings. Through their grace, suffering souls are able to find a way to reunite with God. Just like the queen who wanted to keep knowledge of honey a secret, so does Kal, the sustaining power, want to keep it secret that God exists and that we can

as the princess was able to find a way to bring the honey out of her country even though the queen tried to keep it there, so do Masters find a way to bring us knowledge of the divine honey.

They are able to put people in touch with the divine nectar that reconnects our soul with God. How do they do it? They teach people through the process of initiation how to find the spiritual honey within. At the time of holy initiation, they open our third or single eye so we can contact the holy Naam within.

They open our inner eye to see the Light of God, and they open our inner ear to hear the Celestial Music, or Sound of God. They teach us a method of meditation by which we can become absorbed into the inner Light and

inner Sound within. Once we connect with the inner Light, we see inner vistas unfold for us. We think that honey is delicious. But tastier than outer honey is the honey within. This inner nectar also radiates with divine Light and sings with divine Music. We see Light of various colors and radiant inner stars, moon, and sun. We come to the most beautiful manifestation of all, the ethereal or radiant form of the Master. This form serves as our inner guide on the further journey within.

The Master takes us to even more beautiful realms, from the astral to the causal and supracausal realms until we reach the soul’s eternal Home, Sach Khand. There, our soul merges back in God. There is no more valuable gift that can be brought to humanity than contact with the inner Light and Sound. Just as the princess brought the most valuable gift her kingdom had to offer, which was the secret of making honey, the Masters bring from God to humanity the most valuable gift, the secret of contacting the inner nectar of the Light and Sound within us.

The Masters are selfless and sharing. Unlike the queen who wanted to keep the secret for herself, the Masters want to share their gift with all humanity.

They are generous and want to make sure the whole world avails itself of this blessing.

They make their gift known to all sincere seekers after truth.

They bring this gift to people of all countries. They share the gift with people of all religions. They share it with people of all walks of life, from the rich to the poor, from those who are highly literate to those who are illiterate.

They share it with people of all cultures.

Just as the princess gave the honey to the emperor freely, and he, in turn, freely shared the knowledge of it with the rest of the world, so do the Masters share the gift of Naam with the world. They do not hold back the secret from anyone.

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj is an internationally recognized spiritual leader and Master of Jyoti Meditation who affirms the transcendent oneness at the heart of all religions and mystic traditions, emphasizing ethical living and meditation as building blocks for achieving inner and outer peace. www.sos.org.

(To be continued next week)