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NEW YORK EDITION Vol.4 No.4

May 14-20, 2011 60 Cents

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Bin Laden eyed new targets, big body count: Diary

Rabindranath Tagore: The Man for All Seasons

Mamata is clear winner in Bengal: Exit Polls

Goddess Lakshmi on swimwear: Oz firm sorry

Osama Aftermath, Page 10

Tribute, Page 18-19

India, Page 21

Diaspora, page 22

India conducts war game on Pak border

By Prakash Bhandari/ SATimes Jaipur: More than 50,000 troops of the Indian army underwent one of the biggest and massive desert war game along the border with Pakistan, which is still smarting from the US operation that killed Osama bin Laden.

The exercise’s epicenter was in Bikaner sector in north Rajasthan about 450 km from Jaipur. The sixday exercise codenamed ‘Vijayee Bhava’ (Be Victorious) used 250 tanks and 1000 artillery guns and helicopters. It was aimed to train the troops in the actual desert conditions and test

Indian Army and Air Force practiced enemy annihilation in north Rajasthan in a week-long exercise. their warfare synergy.

The chief of the Indian army General V.K. Singh visited the desert area to review the training program and he was briefed by Lt

General Anil Chait, general officer commanding of 2 Corps.

The Indian army, the world’s fourth largest in Continued on page 2...

LATEST ASSEMBLY ELECTION RESULTS

Mamata takes Bengal, Jaya returns, Gogoi stays put, fight on in Kerala

Rajaratnam found guilty of insider trading New York: Sri Lankan American hedge fund tycoon Raj Rajaratnam has been found guilty of making tens of millions of dollars from insider trading with tips from corporate spies, including two Indian Americans. Rajaratnam, who was convicted on all 14 counts by a federal grand jury here Wednesday, could face as much as 19and-a-half-years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines. He will be sentenced on July 29.

The unanimous verdict brings to an end a nineweek trial which is part of what has been described as the largest hedge fund

Galleon Group hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam after the guilty verdict. insider trading case in US history.

Central to the prosecution’s evidence were tapped phone calls between Rajaratnam and corporate

insiders, including two Indian Americans, Intel treasury official Rajiv Goel and former McKinsey & Co partner Continued on page 2...

Analysis

When Main Street knocked out Wall Street The usual arrogance of many Wall Streeters, the privileged bunch playing "fast ay 11, 2011 will be remembered and loose" with other people's hard earned money, took a hit in the head as the day when much like Bin Laden did on Main Street knocked the criminal arrogance out of Law Day, May 1, 2011. Today is a new dawn for Wall Street Wall Street, thanks to USA Bharara and his elite navyFools.

What struck me from Day 1 seal-like prosecutors. of this case was the continued Preet Bharara, like Thomas More of centuries past, is a arrogance by Rajaratnam. Once man for all seasons. He has his lawyers lost their motion to convicted a corrupt political suppress the wiretaps, as they should have, Raj Rajaratnam donor, the would-be Times was "toast." He should have Square Bomber, the African who aided in bombing of our Preet Bharara, US been advised to cut the best posEmbassies in Africa, and now attorney for Manhattan, sible deal with the prosecutors, Bharara has won a grand slam whose prosecutors for his 5th Amendment right, 14 out of 14 "Guilty" verdicts in brought case against usually a bedrock defense right, Rajaratnam the Raj Rajaratnam case.

Continued on page 2...

By Ravi Batra

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Rajaratnam verdict analysis by Ravi Batra

When Main Street knocked out Wall Street Continued from page 1 was as strong as "Swiss cheese" given the "real time" bad acts recorded by the wiretaps.

So, not only did Rajaratnam suffer from hubris, but his defense also suffered from the same ailment. His counsel's spin-comments after the guilty verdicts continue on the same sorry path.

I look forward to the appeal, for every person who made his or her money illegally should spend it on their favorite lawyer chasing every avenue money can afford. In that fashion, the public benefits for generations to come, with new case decisions that otherwise would never have been issued as guidance to society. So, I'm delighted that there will be an appeal. I have no doubt that the jury verdict will not be disturbed and that the guilty verdicts will stand, for Rajaratnam received, courtesy of his defense expenditures, more than a fair trial. Judge Howell, in addition, gave him a most just trial.

For all Americans, including immigrants, it is time to pay homage to the real American

India conducts war game on Pak border Continued from page 1 terms of personnel, has conducted 10 major military exercises along Pakistan’s border in the past six years. Pakistan is currently under pressure to explain how Bin Laden had managed to live in the country undetected for years.India has already given its verdict, denouncing its neighbor as a terrorist “sanctuary”.

The Indian army has three Strike Corps and in the maneuver the Ambala based 2 Strike Corps under the Western Command and supported by the air force were involved in a massive desert exercise and were specially trained to penetrate deep into the Pakistani territory.

“New concepts have emerged in the modern day warfare and the new age technologies particularly in the fields of precision munitions, advance surveillance system and networking

Eminent attorney Ravi Batra with New York state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and legendary DA Bob Morgenthau, whom Batra calls his mentor.

Dream: work hard honestly, play by the rules, and win real big and get to keep it.

America is a nation of laws, not dummies.

America expects all to act like boy scouts or girl scouts, and when you don't your neighbors get to sit in judgment on your fate and get to decide if you are guilty. This nation was founded by everyone signing the Declaration of Independence pledging their have to be evaluated in these exercises. The exercise is being conducted to harness the skills of the troops to harness the technological advancement in military warfare,” said Col SD Goswami, defense spoksesman.

Col Goswami said infantry combat vehicles (ICV) 250 tanks including T90 main battle tanks (MBT) Chetak and MI-17 helicopters were deployed for this massive exercise.

Military platforms developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) for the army such as BAGH were being put through evaluation tests during the exercise. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also keenly watched the efficacy and robustness of the satellite downlinks for the field force. “Merely equipping the forces with hi-tech weaponry and combat support systems for enhancing the fire power of troops is not enough. It is essential to train and prepare them for its actual use during war.

During the exercise, combat decisions taken at various levels of command will be analyzed by the experts for their ability to synregise the application of the state-of-the art weapon platforms to achieve optimum results,” Col Goswami said.

‘Vijayee Bhava’ (Be Victorious) exercise employed 250 tanks and 1,000 artillery guns and helicopters.

"sacred honor." Acting like a greedy criminal isn't honorable or sacred, and ultimately, very un-American.

I expect that the day of reckoning on "sentencing day" is going to set a standard for punishment. The arrogance of criminal greed that stands convicted today is, after the meltdown of the global economy caused by out of control Wall Streeters in 2008, arrogantly

engaging in an orgy of greed that crippled Main Street and robbed every American's home equity and retirement fund balance, and devastated every state's and every city's budget. Seniors were forced to go back to work.

For the Asian-American community, the result is poles apart. If you side with law enforcement and do the right thing, then we won! If you side with "get rich quick" schemes and are socially impressed with folks just because they have a lot of money, no matter how they made it, well it’s "time to wake up" and change your thinking, for you could be starring in the next wiretap played in a courtroom near you!

For America, it means that no one is above the law, and Wall Street exists for the benefit of Main Street, and not the other way around.

Wall Street better honor its fiduciary obligations rather than ripping off its ward. This neutron bomb claimed many guilty pleas along the way, and bagged the arrogant fool who dared to question the common sense of everyday New Yorkers sitting on the jury. It's not too late to cut a deal, for Rajaratnam could offer up some more "billion dollar heads."

Ravi Batra likes to introduce himself as “Father, American, Lawyer and Democrat, in that order. Like Thomas Becket, I too pick law over politics.”

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was honored by Dr Krishan Kumar, President of AAPI-QLI, at an event attended by 200 doctors at Akbar restaurant on May 11. As the two shook hands, executive committee members of the physicians’ body joined in for a group photograph.

(Photo: Mike Tamborrino).

Rajaratnam Story Continued from page 1 Anil Kumar, both of whom testified against him.

Prosecutors argued Rajratnam made as much as $63.8 million in illegal profits from 2003 to March 2009 by trading on tips from a network of highly-placed corporate insiders.

The companies traded included Google, Intel and Hilton Hotels, the prosecution said.

The wiretaps were particularly damning for the defense as Rajaratnam is heard discussing inside information he received from Goldman Sachs Indian American director, Rajat Gupta, about a potential acquisition the firm was expected to make. Gupta was not charged in the case.

Gupta’s alleged involvement in the case

brought Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein to the courtroom as witness for the prosecution.

In his testimony in March, Blankfein told jurors that Gupta violated Goldman’s confidentiality when he shared confidential information about the firm with Rajaratnam.

Rajaratnam, dressed in a black suit and a khaki tie, had no expression as the verdict was read in the overflowing courtroom.

His lawyer, John Dowd, said he would appeal.

Preet Bharara, US attorney for Manhattan of Indian descent, whose prosecutors brought the case against Rajaratnam, said: “The message today is clear - there are rules and there are laws, and they apply to everyone, no matter who you are or how much money you have.”

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Rajaratnam caught in a web of friends, many South Asian New York: As Raj Rajaratnam and Anil Kumar, a McKinsey consultant, walked out of a fund-raiser in Manhattan, Rajaratnam pulled his friend aside and made him an offer: would Kumar provide him with insights for $500,000 a year? Weeks later, he accepted.

That deal was one of the many connections Rajaratnam made over the years, giving him access to the inner secrets of dozens of companies, reported the New York Times.

In many respects, he was no different from Wall Street stock pickers who diligently network with corporate executives and industry experts. But Rajaratnam sought out information that was confidential, beyond the reach of research, and illegally traded on it, the jury that convicted him on Wednesday on all 14 counts of securities fraud and conspiracy found.

His colleagues marveled at the deep set of contacts he had cultivated in Silicon Valley and on Wall Street trading floors.

Many of Rajaratnam’s tipsters came from the South Asian community, a relatively small group of Indians, Pakistanis and Sri Lankans who over the past several decades have made their mark in finance and technology. He met several important sources of illegal information through the South Asian club at the Wharton business school at the University of Pennsylvania. He connected

Raj Rajaratnam (right) is seen during the reading of his guilty verdict in a sketch made in Manhattan Federal Court May 11. with another primary informant through his philanthropic support of the Indian School of Business, a prestigious graduate school in Hyderabad, India.

Twenty-six people have been charged in the government’s case against Mr. Rajaratnam; 21 have pleaded guilty. Some of those accused as co-conspirators were direct contacts,

Galleon case: Probe started before the crime New York: Investigation follows a crime. Normally, yes, even in insider trading cases. But the case against Raj Rajaratnam, the billionaire hedge fund manager convicted by a federal court jury on Wednesday, stemmed from an investigation that began well before the crimes were committed, reports the New York Times.

This is how it played out. Rajaratnam’s firm made dozens, if not hundreds, of trades every day. It had a bevy of analysts and access to all the research by Wall Street firms. If a trade were somehow questioned, they could come up with any number of reasonable-sounding explanations, as Rajaratnam’s lawyer, John M. Dowd, did in the case unsuccessfully. Those explanations sounded lame when stacked up against the audio tape recordings of conversations in which corporate insiders gave confidential information to Rajaratnam.

Those tapes exist only because the Justice Department got involved in

the investigation at the beginning.

Presumably, it had reason to believe that insider trading was happening, and that persuaded a federal judge to approve wiretaps.

As a result, the FBI could listen in as the information was provided just before trades were made. And they could hear Rajaratnam discuss ways to throw off a normal insider trading investigation. He suggested sending choreographed e-mails with fake reasons for a trade. He recommended trading in and out of a stock that was being accumulated because of inside information.It seems likely that Mr. Rajaratnam had used just such tactics in the past to explain away trades that had aroused suspicion. But hearing him describe them turned a defense into a virtual confession.

Those tapes “showed that the defendant knew what he was doing was not only wrong, but illegal,” said a prosecutor, Reed M. Brodsky, in closing arguments to the jury.

including Galleon employees and board members at publicly traded companies. He dealt with others through intermediaries: in one case, a fellow trader gave him corporate secrets provided to her by a Moody’s credit analyst.

Among those in Rajaratnam’s circle, Anil.

Kumar was one of the more prominent. They

first met in the early 1980s while at the Wharton School.

Others included another Wharton classmate, Rajiv Goel, a hapless executive at Intel; Adam Smith, a hardworking Harvard graduate at Galleon; and Danielle Chiesi, a hedge fund trader with deep connections inside publicly traded technology companies.

All three pleaded guilty to swapping illegal stock tips with Rajaratnam.

Rajaratnam’s conversations with his network were secretly recorded by federal agents beginning in 2008. The portrait that emerges from those tapes is of a man who bolstered his talents as a money manager by tapping the insecurities and desires of those within his circle for lucrative — and illicit — stock tips.

Rajaratnam altered his approach, depending on the person or the situation. He could be direct at times, demanding information from his sources. He could also be solicitous, such as calling to check in with an informant after she underwent an operation.

Above all, he was a good listener, saying little as those on the other end of the phone kept talking. “Getting information that others didn’t have was very valuable,” said a prosecutor during the trial. “It meant the defendant knew tomorrow’s news today, and it meant big money.”

Bharara: True to his job New York: Ironical as it may seem but the major crackdown on the biggest insider trading case in the US involving several South Asians has been led by a hot shot Indian American, Preet Bharara.

Bharara was appointed the US attorney and New York’s top federal prosecutor for the Southern District in August 2009. The Southern District’s nominal jurisdiction includes Manhattan and the Bronx. Since taking charge, his office has charged 46 people with insider trading; 29 of them have pleaded guilty.

In 2010, Bharara's office prosecuted Faisal Shahzad for the failed Times Square car bombing. Shahzad pleaded guilty on all counts and was later sentenced to life in prison.

He oversees more than 200 lawyers who handle some of the country's most prominent cases, like the prosecution of Bernard L. Madoff for his multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme.

Before assuming the Prosecutor No 1 position, in 2005 Bharara became chief counsel to Senator

US Attorney for Manhattan Preet Bharara Charles E. Schumer of New York. He drew bipartisan praise for his role in the Senate Judiciary Committee's investigation into the 2006 firings of US attorneys around the country. It led to the resignation of US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Before that, Bharara was an assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan for five years, where he brought criminal cases against Italian-American mobsters and Asian gangs in New York City.

Born in Ferozepur, India, he was an infant when his parents immigrated to the US in 1970. He is a naturalized

citizen. He grew up in Monmouth County, N.J., and graduated from Harvard in 1990 and Columbia Law School in 1993.

Bharara has been target of vicious attacks from a Pakistani newspaper which accused him of carrying out a witch-hunt against Pakistanis in the US because of his "ideological beliefs" going back to the sub-continent's partition days.

The Nation newspaper also alleged that Bharara appointed a "like-minded controversial Indian who is also known for his hatred and venomous propaganda against Pakistan, Anjan Sahni, as Chief of the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit soon after he assumed the charge of US Federal Attorney of New York."

Bharara's father is a Sikh and his mother is Hindu and they moved from what became Pakistan to the Indian side during partition. But his father-in-law is a Muslim who moved in the other direction and his motherin-law is from Palestine and is of Jewish origin.

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Cooperation between ISI-CIA broken down: Gilani Karachi: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, in an interview with Time magazine, on Thursday revealed that cooperation between the CIA and its Pakistani counterpart, the ISI (Inter Services Intelligence), has broken down.Gilani said that, continuing to work with the US could imperil his government, unless Washington takes drastic steps to restore trust and win over 180 million Pakistanis.

He warned that his government was accountable to an electorate

increasingly hostile to the US. He said he has not met or spoken to US officials since Osama bin

Laden’s killing. “Whatever information we are receiving is from the media. Today, we have said that we

70 killed in twin suicide blasts in Pakistan Islamabad: Seventy people were killed on Friday when a suicide and bomb attack ripped through a group of Pakistani paramilitary police as they were about to be bussed home on leave from a training center.It was the deadliest attack in the Pakistan this year and came when the country’s military and civilian leadership have been plunged into crisis over the killing of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden by US commandos.

"I Lavina Varindani w/o Deepak Prakash Mulani resident of 5-3-73/B Vidhyanagar Kamareddy AP503111 India / 10440 Queens Blvd.

Apt10K Forest Hills NY-11375 have changed my name to Dia Deepak Mulani.

All concerned please note."

The explosions detonated as newly trained cadets were getting into buses and coaches for a 10day leave after their course, and they were wearing civilian clothes, police said.

The attacks took place in the Shabqadar area, about 30 km north of Peshawar. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the Pakistani Taliban last week threatened to attack security forces to avenge bin Laden's killing.

want them to talk to us directly,” Gilani further added.

Gilani acknowledges his abiding “difference of opinion” with Washington on how best to fight militancy. “From day one, my policy has been the three Ds: dialogue, development and deterrence.”

“Military solutions cannot be permanent solutions. There has to be a political solution, some kind of exit strategy.”

He said he didn’t believe Washington was really going to cut aid. If it did, he said, “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Gilani does, however, fear that a deteriorating relationship with Washington could hurt Pakistan’s fight against domestic militancy.

“When there’s a trust deficit,” he said, “there will be problems in intelligence sharing.”

Asked about the reason for this trust deficit, Gilani replied tersely, “It’s not from our side. Ask them.”

“Traditionally, the ISI worked with the CIA,” he said. Now, “what we’re seeing is that there’s no level of trust.”

Relations have deteriorated sharply since last November when the local CIA station chief was outed, allegedly by the ISI — a charge the agency denies. They hit a low point amid the standoff over Raymond Davis, a CIA contractor who killed two Pakistani men in a January incident and then claimed diplomatic immunity.

‘ISI behind bid to kill Indian consul general’ Kabul: Pakistan’s spy agency, Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) was behind an attempt to kill the Indian consul general in Jalalabad, an Afghan intelligence spokesperson said Thursday.“Two Afghans from Kunar province who were hired by ISI to assassinate the consul general were arrested,” said Luftullah Mashal, spokesperson of National Directorate of Security, here.

The two Afghans claimed they were paid Rs.1.2 crore to target the senior Indian diplomat.

Mashal added that the Peshawar head of the ISI was behind the attacks. “They have named a senior person who is a senior ISI official.”

Asked about the arrests at a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, visiting Indian

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “If it was true, then it would indeed be worrisome.”

The prime minister, who arrived here on a two-day visit, said the men were paid by a “foreign intelligence service” to attack the consulate and given a vehicle, weapons and money. “Peace and security in the region requires all countries of the region to think afresh the futility of having recourse to terrorism as an instrument of state policy,” he said.

Singh and Karzai discussed the security situation in the region following the killing of Osama bin Laden May 2. There have been previous attacks on Indian embassies and installations which the Afghan security forces have blamed on Pakistani intelligence agencies.

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India lists 50 most wanted terrorists hiding in Pak New Delhi: India has made public its list of 50 “most wanted fugitives” allegedly hiding in Pakistan. This comes a week after Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed in that country despite Islamabad's persistent denials that the world's most dreaded terrorist was there.

The Indian list, which officials said was handed over to Pakistani Interior Secretary Qamar Zaman Choudhary during his talks with Home Secretary G.K. Pillai in Delhi March 28, includes runaway don Dawood Ibrahim, Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and the masterminds of November 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

Dawood Ibrahim, behind the ‘93 serial blasts in Mumbai, is living in Karachi, alleged Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

and has been shown on TV conducting anti-India jihadi rallies.

The list also names Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar, the main accused for planning the 2001 attack on the Indian parliament. Azhar was released in exchange for the release of an Indian Airlines aircraft that had been hijacked to Kandahar in 1999.

The list includes the LeT handlers of the 10 Pakistani terrorists who slaughtered 166 people in Mumbai during the Nov 26-29 2008 terror attack. They are Sajid Mir, Abu Qahfa, Mazhar Iqbal and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.

It also has the names of army officers like Major Iqbal and Major

Sameer Ali who were allegedly involved in the 2008 attack.

Ilyas Kashmiri, chief of Al Qaeda's 313 Brigade and accused of conspiring various terrorist acts in India, also figures in the list, which also names close aides of Dawood Ibrahim including Tiger Memon, Chhota Shakeel, Anis Ibrahim Kaskar and Mohammed Dosa.

The Kashmiri terrorists in the list are Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salauddin and JKLF founder Amanullah Khan. Punjab terrorists Lakhbir Singh, Paramjit Singh Panjwar, Ranjit Singh and Wadhawa Singh are also named as most wanted fugitives.

The New Jersey State Assembly honored Asian-American media in Trenton on May 9. Dr Sudhir Parikh (holding citation), Padma Shri awardee and publisher of Desi Talk, and a couple of other Indian American journalists were among those honoured as part of the celebrations observing the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Assembly Deputy Speaker Upendra Chivukula is on extreme right.

Dr Samin K. Sharma, leading cardiologist working with Mount Sinai in New York, received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor 2011 on May 7.

Pakistan has been denying that Dawood, involved in the 1993 serial bombings in Mumbai, is living there. Indian agencies say the don has five addresses in Pakistan, including an ISI-provided safe house near Islamabad.

The list, made available to the media, comes amidst an embarrassment for Pakisan, which has been battling charges of hosting Osama, who was killed in a clandestine operation by US special forces in Abbottabad, not far from Islamabad.

Saeed, involved in 26/11 and various other terror attacks in India, tops the list. He has been roaming free in Pakistani cities

Osama widows 'hostile' to Americans in interviews Washington: Three of Osama bin Laden's widows were "hostile" towards the Americans when they were interviewed by US intelligence officers under the supervision of Pakistani's intelligence service, US media reports said citing sources.

The women were all interviewed together this week with members of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) present in the room along with the US intelligence officers, CNN said citing a senior Pakistani government official and two senior US officials.

The Americans had wanted to question the women separately to figure out inconsistencies in their stories, but the eldest of the three widows spoke for the group.

All three officials cited by CNN said that the interview didn't yield much new information, while adding that it was early in the investigative process.

The youngest of the three widows, 29-year-old Amal Ahmed Abdulfattah of Yemen, was shot in the leg May 2 by a small team of US Navy commandos.

A US official has identified the other two as Khairiah Sabar, also known as "Umm Hamza", and Siham Sabar, or "Umm Khalid".

While the US forces flew off with Osama's body, they left behind the three widows as well as severalchildren - some of them fathered by the Al Qaeda leader - at his hideout in Abbottabad, about 50 km north of Islamabad.

Interviews with Osama's widows aren't the only things that the US is hoping to get from Pakistan, as it continues its investigation of Al Qaeda. White House spokesman Jay Carney said Tuesday that the Obama administration also wants "the materials that were collected by the Pakistanis after the US commandos" left his hideout.

MetroCard to be replaced New York: The MetroCard's days are numbered. In a couple of years, subway riders could be able to open turnstiles with the tap of a credit card - or with a new pass they're calling the MTA Card. Straphangers also will be able to establish travel accounts and transfer money via home computers or the nearest automatic

bank machine.

Those are some of the features the MTA envisions for the fare system that officials say will replace the MetroCard - and could save the agency millions considering it caters to 7.4 million daily subway and bus riders. "It's E-ZPass for transit," said MTA Chief Financial Officer Charles

Monheim. Bus riders will still be able to plunk coins into fareboxes, but little else will remain the same.

Riders will no longer swipe a MetroCard's magnetic strip through a turnstile reader or dip it into a bus farebox. Instead, they will place or tap their "contactless" credit or debit card in front of a sensor.

Mangano announces major development and job creation plan Referendum to build Ballpark and a new state-of-the-art arena to retain New York Islanders.

Uniondale, NY: Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano was joined Wednesday by New York Islanders owner Charles Wang, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, and other business, community and labor leaders in announcing a major Economic Development and Job Creation Plan.

This includes building a worldclass sports-entertainment destination center in the heart of Nassau County including a new sports arena and a minor league ballpark.

Mangano also announced that he, along with New York State Senators Dean Skelos and Jack Martins, will pursue the construction of an Indian gaming casino at

Islanders Owner Charles Wang, County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray.

Belmont Park.

“Redeveloping the Hub is critical to creating jobs in our county and stimulating the local economy,” said the County Executive.

“With the support of business and community leaders, I am advancing a County-wide public referendum on building a sports-entertainment destination at the site of Nassau Coliseum that retains our Islanders, construct a minor league ballpark and create thousands of jobs.”

Kate Murray seconded the proposals. The referendum begins on August 1, 2011.

Mangano argued, “Without a new arena, we will lose the Is-

landers, shutter the aging Coliseum and besides losing present jobs, will lose the currently substantial economic benefits including all the existing arena and secondary jobs.”

Charles Wang, owner of the NY Islanders stated, “Building a new home for our NY Islanders is critical to the future of Long Island and its only professional sports team. Long Island needs an iconic structure and destination and the new arena will be just that. I am happy to partner with County Executive Mangano and contribute a significant portion of our revenue streams to the County for the construction of the arena.”

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‘Sthaniya Sambaad’ wins best film award at New York Film Fest

Best Director winner Aparna Sen (Iti Mrinalini) at the Closing Night red carpet premiere of the 11th Annual New York Indian Film. Credit: MichaelToolan.com

New York, NY: Capping off five days of Indian cinematic excellence, the 11th Annual New York Indian Film Festival came to a close in grand fashion on May 8 with the spectacular Closing Night red carpet premiere of Rituparno Ghosh's powerful film Noukadubi which was attended by Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh Kapoor, Salman Rushdie, Mira Nair, Aparna Sen, Madhur Jaffrey, Ambassador Prakash Shah, Consul General Prabhu Dayal, and many other notable celebrities. Following the premiere at Asia Society in

Manhattan was the festival's annual awards ceremony. The winners are listed below. Best Feature Film Sthaniya Sambaad (Spring in the Colony), directed by Arjun Gourisaria & Moinak Biswas; Best Director - Aparna Sen, Iti Mrinalini; Best Actor - Rishi Kapoor, Do Dooni Chaar; Best Actress - Konkona Sen Sharma, Iti Mrinalini; Best Screenplay Mohan Raghavan, T.D. Dasan Std. VI B; Best Documentary - Bhopali (Max Carlson); Best Short Film Just That Sort Of A Day (Abhay Kumar)

Geeta Menon appointed Dean of Undergraduate Stern School New York: Professor Geeta Menon has been appointed dean of the Undergraduate College at the Leonard N. Stern School of Business of New York University.

NYU President John Sexton and Provost David McLaughlin announced Menon's appointment May 4. Menon is the Abraham Krasnoff Professor of Global Business and Professor of Marketing at Stern. She has been a faculty member at Stern since 1990, and takes over her new position starting July 15. The Stern undergraduate college has more than 2,300 students.

Her research interests include the study of consumer memory, information processing and emotions in

Geeta Menon, the contexts of survey methodology, advertising of health information and risk perception.

Born in Cochi, Menon graduated

in economics from Stella Maris College in Chennai, has a master's in economics from Madras Christian College and a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign.

Before joining Stern, Menon was a research executive at the Indian Market Research Bureau in Delhi.

She has also been a visiting scholar at the Indian Institute of Management, the Stanford Business School, and a visiting professor at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad and the Laura and John J. Pomerantz Professor of Marketing at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School.

Backing in US for Ramdev’s anti-graft campaign New York: The Indian American Intellectuals Forum has hailed Baba Ramdev’s move to organize and mobilize millions of people all over India to end the menace of corruption, punish the guilty and restore dignity to Bharat. By organizing mass fasting in Delhi, the Baba wants to compel the Government to enact laws to declare 400 lakh crore rupess ($9.04 trillion) stashed in foreign banks to be declared as national wealth, said Narain Kataria, President of the Forum.

If all the money is brought back to India, each district there will get Rs. 60,000 crore and each village will get Rs. 100 crores. As a result, 840 million people living in poverty will get a reasonably good living

standard. Baba Ramdev, like Hindu Rishis of yore, is striving to revive the Hindu values of selfrespect, truthfulness, sacrifice, pride, character, honesty, sincerity of purpose, patriotism, fight against injustice and chivalry –the hallmark of Hindu Dharma Dharma - which have been relegated to the background and forgotten. Baba has chosen the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap Singh (June 4, 2011), a Rajput warrior king, to bring one hundred thousand people to New Delhi. These volunteers will go on fast to pressurize the Government to bring back all the monies in foreign banks/countries and punish the guilty.

Simultaneously, rallies will be organized in all the Indian states Kataria has appealed to all Indians, in India or abroad, to join Baba Ramdev’s mission.

On Tagore's 150th birthday celebration in Times Square, Guest of Honor Aparna Sen received "The Key to Manhattan "by Boro President Scott Stringer on Saturday May 7th, 2011.

Upset homeowner puts up “Bomb” sign near driveway leading to mosque Amherst, NY: Michael Heick, who lives along a heavily traveled road in Amhert put up a sign on his front lawn reading “Bomb Making Next Driveway” to let the town officials know about his frustration with the too closely built property of Jaffarya Center. Indeed the Muslim leaders are upset as there a newly opened mosque in that property but Heick told local media that he was compelled to put up the sign since neither the mosque nor the town officials paid heed to his complaints that the mosque was built too close to his property

and that its bright lights violate town code.

"The place is too close. I don't care what people think. It doesn't matter what people think," he told the Buffalo News. "This is a way to get answers now. I get none from the town. The intent was to catch the eye of the people who I have a problem with."

While Heick isn’t responding to the request of Mosque officials for a meeting, Mubarak Abidi, mosque president, said he called Amherst police over the weekend about the sign and was told its posting wasn't illegal.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

May 14-20, 2011

Desi director trains camera on family ties in US New Delhi: Coming from India with its tradition of extended families and close linkages, Anand Alagappan found himself intrigued with relationships in the US and decided to delve deeper into the issue in his directorial debut ‘Anything For You’ releasing Friday.

The Indian American director, who travelled to the US from Chennai more than a decade ago to do masters in computer science from the University of Texas at Arlington, says he decided to explore what brings the two cultures together.

‘For a writer-director most of the stories come from personal experience. I observe things and come up with stories. For someone coming from India, I was

Anand Alagappan intrigued by the family culture and relationships in the US,’ says

Alagappan.

‘Though the people in US have freedom and are highly individualistic, the family system is always broken. It gave me an opportunity to weave a story around relationships and bring two cultures of India and the US together.

At the end of the day we are all looking for happiness,’ added the director.

His film tells the story of an Indian-American doctor’s entangled feelings – he is stuck between his wife and and an American girl, who wants him back at any cost.

How the doctor gets out of this turmoil forms the main plot of the film that features Juliana Fine, Pooja Kumar and Sam Ghosh.

CNN, FT remove image linking Sikhs to Osama Washington, DC: On Friday, May 6th, two major news outlets, CNN and Financial Times (FT), published online articles about Osama bin Laden using images of a Sikh to supplement the news stories. Both images were featured on the outlets’ homepages and were likely viewed by millions of readers.

Within minutes of the images being published, SALDEF contacted editors at both outlets and alerted them to the inappropriate use of the image. CNN removed the image from its homepage within thirty minutes and FT removed the image within three hours.

FT acknowledged the error and provided a written apology. SALDEF is currently pursu-

7

ing an apology from CNN and seeking an opportunity to conduct a presentation for the CNN staff, as this is the third instance within the last two years that they have inappropriately used images of Sikhs.

In letters to the media outlets, Jasjit Singh, SALDEF Associate Executive Director, stated, “Normally, we would be pleased that [CNN / FT] is using the image of a Sikh to show how the general public is reacting to a story. In this case however, the image negatively impacts the Sikh American community and increases the likelihood of bias against community members by conflating our identity with that of Osama bin Laden.”

Four Andhra students killed in road accident Hyderabad: Four students from Andhra Pradesh were killed and one was injured in a car crash in the US, according to information reaching their families here Monday.

The students, doing their postgraduation in engineering, were returning from Illinois to St Louis Saturday night.

The accident occurred when a car collided with their vehicle on the highway near St. Louis in Missouri.

The dead have been identified as Velumula Srujan Reddy of Karimnagar, Chitturi Sriharsha of Visakhapatnam, and Ravi Srikanth and G. Dheeraj of Hyderabad.

All were students of Rolla University in Missouri.

Another student, B. Murali of

Chittoor, who was driving the car, was critically injured.

A pall of gloom descended on the houses of the deceased. Their parents and other family members were shocked when they received the information Monday.

‘He was a brilliant student and had gone to US for higher studies with the dream of a bright career,’ said a relative of Srujan Reddy.

The families appealed to the government to make arrangements for bringing the bodies back home at the earliest.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed shock over the mishap and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. He directed the officials to contact the Indian embassy in the US for making arrangements to bring the bodies home.

Ranchi boy dies in US, parents suspect murder Ranchi: A Ranchi boy studying in Nebraska was found dead on a rail track in Chicago on April 4. His family here says they learnt of his death after more than a month and suspect he was murdered.

Pratyush Kumar was studying in the University of Nebraska. His parents say they came to know about the death through a website.

The Ranchi passport

office confirmed the death Saturday evening.

A pall of gloom has descended on the family that suspects Pratyush was murdered and his body dumped on the railway track. The US authorities have termed the death an accident.

'It seems he was murdered. The bag which he used to keep with him is missing,' said Pratyush's father B.K. Karn, retired

principal of the well-known Netarhat school.

The family members are unhappy with the Indian embassy and claim it did not bother to take up the issue with the US authorities. The family members are also upset that they came to know of the death through a website.

Karn's eldest son who works in London will go to the US to bring back the body.

'Men in Black' director partners with Indian-American firm Washington, DC: Liquid Comics, a digital entertainment company founded by three Indian Americans, has entered a publishing and producing partnership with 'Men In Black' director Barry Sonnenfeld and producer Arnold Rifkin.

Sonnenfeld, who also directed 'Get Shorty', 'Addams Family', 'Addams Family Values' and 'Pushing Daisies', for which he received an Emmy, will simultaneously develop a graphic novel and film property called, 'Dominion: Dinosaurs Versus Aliens'. Superstar comic book writer, Grant Morrison of 'Batman', 'The Invisibles' and '18 Days' fame, will write both the graphic novel and the screenplay.

Sonnenfeld, Rifkin, producer of 'Hostage', '16 Blocks', 'Live Free or Die Hard', and Liquid's CEO & co-founder, Sharad Devarajan shall be producers on the film, with tal-

ent agency WME packaging the project. Morrison and Liquid's Co-founder, Gotham Chopra shall also be attached as executive producers. 'Growing up my fascination was all things dinosaur, and as an adult, I've had some success making films about aliens, so this is a dream come true,' said Sonnenfeld. The story for 'Dominion: Dinosaurs Versus Aliens' is based on a secret world war battle that was never recorded in our history books. When an alien invasion attacks Earth in the age of the dinosaurs, the planet's only saviors are the savage prehistoric beasts which are much more intelligent than humanity has ever imagined.

Liquid will launch the first graphic novel story for the franchise later this year in print and digital formats for the iPad, iPhone and other mobile devices.

Artist's illustration of new graphic novel and film , "Dominion: Dinosaurs Versus Aliens"

8

National Community

May 14-20, 2011

Pak aims to block lawsuit against ISI chief in US court

Islamabad: Pakistan is Mumbai attacks under the preparing to block a lawsuit in direction of an ISI case offia US court that alleges comcer, whom he identified only plicity of its spy chief Lt Gen as "Major Iqbal".

Ahmed Shuja Pasha in the The lawsuit is based in audacious 2008 Mumbai ter"large part on evidence develror attacks, on the grounds oped by the FBI linking the that it will pour "gasoline on ISI to the operatives of the the fire" of Indo-Pak relations.

LeT terror group who are The country's military-run charged with conducting the ISI has roped in American operation", the report said. lawyers, who are moving to According to a brief filed quash the lawsuit in a Chief of ISI, Lt Gen Ahmed last week by lawyers Kevin Shuja Pasha Brooklyn court by arguing Walsh and Allen C that if the case proceeds, it "will fuel violence Wasserman on behalf of the ISI, the Pakistan and extremism" that will threaten Pakistan government "regards any assertion of jurisdicgovernment and pour "gasoline on the fire" of tion over its high officials" by a US court "as relations between Pakistan and India, NBC an intrusion on its sovereignty, in violation of News reported. international law".

The lawsuit, filed last year by relatives of The brief argues that Pakistan is a "wartime two Jewish victims of the Mumbai attacks, ally of the United States" in the fight against alleges that Pasha and his predecessor al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and Nadeem Taj helped the LeT conduct the 2008 that the lawsuit will damage that alliance.

Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, The two American lawyers are with the including six Americans.

Dallas-based firm of Locke Lord Bissell & It charges that the ISI provided "critical Liddell, whose lobbying arm, Locke Lord planning, material support, control and coor- Strategies, represents the Pakistan government dination" of the Mumbai attacks under the in Washington. The firm reportedly was paid leadership of Pasha and Taj. over two million dollars in fees since it signed This allegedly included providing funding a contract with the Pakistan government in to David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani- 2008. The chief of the firm's Pakistan lobbyAmerican who has pleaded guilty in a US fed- ing account is Mark Siegel, a close aide of eral court to conducting surveillance for the slain former premier Benazir Bhutto.

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

US chargesheet against 4 Pakistanis in 2008 Mumbai attacks New Delhi: A suspected serving Pakistani Major, believed to be working with the ISI, is among four nationals of that country charged by the US with being alleged conspirators behind the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes.

The accused identified as 'Major Iqbal', was named along with Sajid Mir, Mazhar Iqbal and Abu Qahafa in a second superseding indictment filed by the federal prosecutors before a court in Chicago on April 25 last. Besides, the indictment mentioned an unnamed individual as "Lashkar Member D." Indian investigators had named Major Iqbal along with another Pakistani Army officer Major Sameer Ali as the brain behind the Mumbai terror strikes and on the request of New Delhi, Interpol has issued a Red Corner Notice against them.

The dossier was handed over during the Indo-Pak foreign secretary-level talks on February 25, 2010 in New Delhi.

The role of 'Major Iqbal' emerged in the interrogation by the FBI of US terror suspect David Headley, arrested in Chicago in October, 2009 in connection with the Mumbai attack.

The four men identified were previously mentioned but not named in the indictments that charged Pakistani-American David Headley and Pakistani-Canadian Tahawwur Rana in connection with the Mumbai attacks which killed 166 people, including six Americans.

An individual known as 'Major Iqbal' participated in planning and funding attacks carried out by LeT in Mumbai, federal prosecutors said. According to the Indian dossier, Maj Iqbal was posted in Lahore from 2007 to 2008 and was handling Headley. He also handled all the surveillance videos sent by Headley.

Sajid Mir was associated with LeT and supervised others linked with the outfit. He served as a "handler" for Headley, who has confessed to his involvement in Mumbai attacks, and others who were directed to carry out actions relating to planning, preparing for and carrying out the terrorist strikes on behalf of LeT. Abu Qahafa was an associate with LeT who trained others in combat techniques for use in terrorist attacks, while Mazhar Iqbal and 'Lashkar Member D' were LeT commanders.

BAPS Charities extends help to tornado affected Edison, NJ: The volunteers of BAPS Charities provided help to the victims of the powerful and deadly tornadoes that hit the Southeastern United States on April 27, 2011. Many lives were lost and hundreds of families were affected in the Alabaman cities of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham.

Since electrical grids were damaged and potable water was difficult to find, relief efforts were hampered.

Based on the relief and rehabilitation experience of previous disasters, Hurricane Ike (2008), Hurricane Katrina (2005), South Asian Tsunami (2004-5) and the Gujarat, India earthquake (2001), volunteers from Birmingham, Atlanta and surrounding centers marshaled into action to provide food, fresh drinking water and shelter to the affected people.

BAPS Charities served freshly prepared meals from Monday, May 2 through

Volunteers preparing the meals. BAPS Charities reached out to 1500 people with freshly prepared meals.

Friday, May 6, 2011. In this Walt Maddox, commented, “I time frame of 5 days, BAPS would like to acknowledge Charities’ was able to reach BAPS Charities for their out and serve over 1,500 peo- remarkable efforts here in ple. Meals were being served Tuscaloosa, Alabama. at 4 relief centers around the They have given so much City of Tuscaloosa. time and energy to the comIn recognition and appreci- munities in need in the afteration of the effort, hard work, math of the tornadoes of kindness, and compassion April 27, 2011. I cannot shown by the volunteers of thank this organization BAPS Charities, the Mayor enough for its support and of the city of Tuscaloosa, Mr. generosity.”

Sri Venkateswara Temple comes up in Colorado Colorado: Sri Venkateswara Temple of Colorado (SVTC) in Castle Rock is holding its inauguration events on May 6-7-8.

These will include muhoortham, prayers, homams, utsavams, etc. Spread over eight acres, its mission includes: "Provide Hindu religious services as per Vedic traditions."

According to reports, this Temple strictly adheres to the principles of Agama Sastras

as described in Vedas under the directives of experts from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams of India. It also runs a SVTC School of Fine Arts "to teach the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism through Music, Dance, Drama & Yoga" which includes classes in Carnatic Music, Sanskrit, Tamil, Vedas, Yoga, Dance, Mridangam, Tabla, and Telugu.

National Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

May 14-20, 2011

Vinod Khosla pledges $700 mn to charity California: Indian-American Silicon Valley venture capitalist Vinod Khosla and his wife Neeru are among the latest billionaires to have pledged half of their vast fortunes to charity either during their lifetime or after death.

Ten more families, including the Khoslas, signed the pledge on April 28, bringing the total number of signatories to 69.

Several of Silicon Valley's leading entrepreneurs, including venture capitalist John Doerr, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, hedge fund manager Tom Steyer and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg have previously signed on to the pledge.

"I am delighted that so many wealthy Americans are taking a public pledge that supports philanthropy,"

Vinod Khosla Warren Buffett, pledge cofounder and the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, said in an April 28 statement.

56-year-old Khosla is Silicon Valley's most prominent "green" venture capitalist and a dominant personality in the cleantech community. A co-founder of Sun

Microsystems, Khosla was a general partner at VC firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers before striking out on his own with Khosla Ventures in 2004. The Sand Hill Road firm focuses on cleantech and information technology startups, with a portfolio that includes carbon sequestration and storage, solar, batteries, biofuels, building materials, energy efficiency and nextgeneration lighting and appliance companies.

Khosla is keenly interested in funding technologies that can be widely adopted in fastgrowing India and China, what he regularly refers to as the "Chindia test."

As of March, Khosla's net worth was USD 1.4 billion, according to a calculation by Forbes.

Jain leader at royal wedding r. Natubhai Shah, a well-known Jain leader and CEO of Jain Network, was invited by Her Majesty the Queen to attend the wedding of Prince William of Wales with Miss Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey in London on April 29.

Dr. Shah was the only Jain and one of the only three Indians in England who were invited to this historic event.

Dr Shah says: “It was for the first time that leaders of nine major faiths, namely Christian, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Islam, Jain, Jewish, Sikh and Zoroastrian were invited by to this wedding service along with the royal families, senior ministers, celebrities, etc.”The invitation has brought Jain awareness to the wider world, he added.

D

Dr. Natubhai Shah

U.S. Congressional recognition to B K Varughese Foundation New York: The United States Congress honored and recognized the service and objectives of Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation during its 112th session held in the Capitol Hill, Washington DC. This rare congressional recognition was initiated by US Congressman Hon. Gary Ackerman who represent Congressional district 5 in New York.

Congressman Ackerman is the Ranking Member and the most recent Democrat to Chair the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. The recognition is now published in the Congressional Record, a publication that brings out the proceedings and debates of the US Congress.

The Congressional recognition of a charitable foundation is very rarely approved by the US Congress. The Bevin Kalathil Varughese Memorial Foundation (BKV Foundation) is chosen to be recognized because of its unique aims and objectives leading for the care and cure for Leukemia around the world.

Congressman Gary Ackerman, who persuaded the US congress for the recognition were well acquainted with the service public received

9

from the BKV Foundation in the past.

BKV Foundation is initiated and managed by a group of young professionals along with few family members of Bevin. Born in Manhasset, New York, Bevin Kalathil Varughese was an affectionate individual and a cherished son, brother, nephew, cousin and uncle. An extraordinarily motivated young man, Bevin graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bevin’s drive and good-nature were unwavering- even when he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in January 2004 at the age of 24. Although Bevin fluctuated between relapse and remission for 4 years, he refused to let the disease dampen his spirits or weaken his will; Ackerman stated in his statement to the US congress. Instead, Bevin focused his energy on researching the disease and the resources available to those it afflicts.

By working with his family and friends, he created the South Asian Cancer Foundation (SACF) which advocates for leukemia awareness, particularly within the South Asian –American community.

A ceramic artist turns Tandoor Mogul New York: Ron Levy would have never imagined that his piece of art would lead him to become one of the most sought after suppliers of traditional Indian tandoors to some of the best desi restaurants across North America and as far as Mexico, Belize and Fiji.

He had in fact never heard of tandoors until 1986 when a New York gallery exhibited six-foot pots he had made, inspired by amphorae on Crete. A man with an Indian accent called, wondering whether Mr. Levy, a ceramic artist, could make a large pot with a tapered mouth, no bottom and no glaze: a tandoor, according to a New York Times report.

After it was installed at a Columbus Avenue restaurant called Indian Oven, word spread through the Indian community, and orders began to pile up. “It came to the point where I had to stop doing my ceramic artwork, and focus on tandoors full time,” Levy, 63, recalled talking to the New York Times.

Ron Levy He soon converted his studio on Mulberry Street in Little Italy into a tandoor factory.

Over the past three decades, he has built more than 2,000 for restaurants across North America, including the Bombay Club in Washington and Bukhara Grill and Dawat in Manhattan, and as far away as Mexico, Belize and Fiji.

Levy’s first innovation was to fashion the body from a blend of earthenware and stoneware, the former chosen for its modeling and expansion properties, the latter for

its ability to withstand high heat without cracking. For porosity (an essential quality so that flatbreads can cling to the oven’s inner walls), he added finely ground fired clay, known as grog. For insulation and extra strength, he developed a clay and vermiculite mixture that could be baked onto the exterior of the pot. Finally, he devised a sturdy stainless steel housing, so the tandoor could be sold and installed as a movable, freestanding unit.

As demand and production picked up, Mr. Levy bought an enormous Hobart mixer, which he was told came from an old Navy ship, to blend the clay. He built plaster molds to shape the ovens.

After the pots are formed, each one is turned by hand on a giant wheel to smooth the interior. The tandoors are dried, then baked at 2,000 degrees in a gas-fired kiln for seven hours, transforming the soft clay into hard, heatresistant ceramic. The entire manufacturing process takes about two weeks.

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Osama Kill--the Aftermath

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

'Laden death photos gruesome' Washington: A US lawmaker, who was given the rare opportunity by the CIA to view the death photos of Osama bin Laden, has said the pictures were "pretty gruesome" and there was no doubt that the al-Qaeda chief was dead.

Senator James Inhoffe, a Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said he was shown 15 photographs taken of bin Laden after the al-Qaeda leader was killed by US special forces in a raid on May 2 in Abbottabad in Pakistan.

"They're gruesome, of course, because it was taken right after the incident," Inhoffe, the first Congressman to view the death photos of bin Laden, told the Fox News in an interview.

Nine of the photographs were taken at the Abbottabad compound.

Three were taken on a naval vessel from which bin Laden was buried at sea after the commando raid, Inhoffe said.

"By viewing these photos, I can help dispel conspiracy theorists who doubt that bin Laden is in fact dead," he said.

In another interview with CNN, Inhoffe said: "One of the shots went through an ear and out through the

I've seen them, it's him: said Republican Senator James Inhofe after viewing photographs of Osama Bin Laden's bloodied corpse. eye socket. Or it went in through the eye socket and out -- then exploded," he said. "That caused the brains to hang out of the eye socket, so that was pretty gruesome."

They show bin Laden's body being washed and prepared for burial and then lowered into the sea, he said.

"They had taken enough blood and material off his face so it was easier to identify who it was," Inhoffe said.

"Absolutely, no question about it.

I've seen them. That was him. He's gone. He's history," he added.

Osama diary 'planned attacks': US Washington: Osama Bin Laden calculated how many Americans would have to be killed to force the US from the Middle East, US officials say, citing his seized journal and other files.

The al-Qaeda leader reportedly wrote that smaller attacks since 9/11 were not having the desired impact.

Bin Laden also urged his followers to strike smaller cities and hit trains.

The documents were seized during last week's US raid on Bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan in which he was killed.

The US officials, who spoke to the Associated Press news agency on condition of anonymity, say Bin Laden's personal, handwritten diary and computer files reveal his hand in every recent major alQaeda threat.

Separately, members of US Congress are being shown photos of Bin Laden taken immediately after he was shot dead.

The al-Qaeda threats included plots in Europe last year that saw travelers and embassies on alert, according to the two officials.

Al Qaeda may not choose a successor Baghdad: A week after the death of Osama bin Laden, his longtime deputy is considered the front-runner to succeed the iconic al Qaeda founder. But uprisings in the Middle East and changing dynamics within the group could point to another scenario: a decision not to appoint anyone at all to replace the world's mostwanted terrorist.

Replacing bin Laden, who founded al Qaeda more than two decades ago and masterminded 9/11, may be no easy task. Analysts say the choice will likely depend on how the terror organization views its goals and priorities in the post-bin Laden age.

“You almost have to start with the question of ‘Can he be replaced?’ said Lt Col Reid Sawyer, the director of Countering Te r r o r i s m Center.

Whether al Qaeda “even need name an ‘official’ new leader is uncertain,” wrote Rita Katz and Josh Devon in

Whether al Qaeda even need name an official new leader is uncertain, say experts.

a report by Site Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist web traffic.

If al Qaeda does pick a s u c c e s s o r, a n a l y s t s s a i d Ayman al-Zawahri, 59, is the most likely choice because he was bin Laden’s longtime deputy and has far more experience than younger

candidates.

Others in the fray include A b u Ya h i a a l - L i b i , a l Qaeda’s Afghanistan commander, Saif al-Adel and A f g h a n Ta l i b a n l e a d e r Mullah Mohammed Omar.

Yemen-based cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, is considered a long-shot at best.

Osama Bin Laden reportedly believed that only a body count of thousands would shift US policies.

Bin Laden envisaged attacks being staged on significant dates, such as America's 4 July Independence Day and the 10th anniversary of the attacks of 11 September 2001.

He wrote that other American cities such as Los Angeles should be considered for targeting, not just New York.

In his writings, US officials say that Bin Laden wondered how many American deaths it would take to lead Washington to reconsider its policies on the Middle East.

The al-Qaeda leader is said to have concluded that only a body count of thousands, like that of the 9/11 attacks, would be enough.

Osama's son threatens to sue US Washington: Osama Bin Laden's son Omar has condemned the killing of his father and threatened to take legal action against the US, a media report said on May 11.

Omar, who is Osama's fourth eldest son, claimed he and the al Qaeda chief's other children are reserving the right to take legal action in the US to "determine the true fate of our vanished father", according to a statement apparently made by Omar bin Laden posted on an Islamist website.

Laden was killed by US special forces in He also branded his a raid on May 2 in this compound in father's burial at sea as a Abbottabad, Pakistan. "humiliation" for his family, Daily Mail reported citing lawmakers to view the controverthe SITE Intelligence Group, an sial pictures of Osama Bin Laden's corpse. online monitoring service.

The CIA will allow the group to There was no independent confirmation of the authenticity of the see the photos only if they travel to letter. It was published on the web- the agency's headquarters.

The move came as the White site of Islamist ideologue Abu Walid al-Masri. Several specialists House faced renewed pressure to on militant propaganda said the release the grisly images, following text appeared genuine, the Mail a series of requests filed under the said. The news came as it emerged Freedom of Information Act, that the CIA will allow a select few according to the Mail.

Osama Kill--the Aftermath TheSouthAsianTimes.info

11

May 14-20, 2011

Osama fiasco deepens Pak army-govt rift Islamabad: Despite claims by Pakistan's civilian and military leadership that they are on the same page in facing the crisis gripping the country since US Navy Seals killed the world's top fugitive Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, the statements emanating from the two sides reveal embarrassing discord.

The latest in a series of contradictory remarks came from interior minister Rehman Malik, who said the US will be given access to bin Laden's two widows, in custody of intelligence authorities. This was after the agencies had said that the US could question the widows and children only after obtaining permission of authorities in their countries of origin, namely, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Then, after Malik's remarks, the foreign office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua said the US had not made any such request.

The ''spats'' began when PM Yousaf Raza Gilani on a visit to Paris said failure to find bin Laden was not Pakistan's alone; it was a failure of all intelligence agencies, including those of the US. But his statement went

Inconsistent statements from Pakistan's government and army reveal that the two are not on the same page post Osama bin Laden's death.

MQM for ‘referendum’ after Osama killing Karachi: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is seeking the opinion of Pakistanis regarding the country's sovereign status following the killing of Osama bin Laden.

MQM leader Anis Qaimkhani said Pakistan faced a critical situation and questions had been raised about the country's security and sovereignty due to the unilateral US assault May 2 on Osama's hideout in Abbottabad.

"There never was as much the need for national solidarity as it is today," Dawn quoted Qaimkhani as saying.

He said MQM chief Altaf Hussain, who is based in London, announced a public "referendum" so as to steer the country out of the present crisis.

MQM chief Altaf Hussain.

He said a 17-point questionnaire dum" began Wednesday and would had been prepared. The "referen- continue for a week.

After Laden, beware of 'lone wolves': US advisory Washington: Lone individuals are the most likely to launch attacks in the US following the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a US raid on his hideout deep inside Pakistan, according to a US advisory. Lone offenders who share Al Qaeda's ideology are the greatest nearterm threat because they are "unburdened by organizational constraints that can slow operational decisions by established terrorist groups", says a joint Department of Homeland Security/FBI bulletin sent to state and local law enforcement.

Individuals could try to attack low-security targets using simple improvised explosive devices or

small arms, the message cited by CNN said.

However, the May 9 advisory notes that federal law enforcement officials have "no credible information to suggest that a specifically targeted plot is underway", the news channel said.

The document cited the vow in the Al Qaeda statement confirming the death of Osama which said "the soldiers of Islam" would continue to plan attacks.

The advisory also says that over the past year, Inspire magazine published in English by Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula - and various jihadi spokesmen have said attacks by individuals "can have a significant impact".

A supporter of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden shouts antiAmerican slogans, after hearing the news of his death, during a rally in Quetta.

unsupported by the military two days later when General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said Pakistan's intelligence had failed and ordered an investigation into the lapse to be headed by an adjutant general. ''Public despondency got aggravated due to insufficient formal response, misreporting and lack of technical details,'' Kayani told military officers. It was clear from his statement that the military was unhappy with the response mechanism of the top civilian leadership.

In fact, such is the confusion that even the military is speaking in different voices. For instance, first, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officials said the PAF surveillance system was jammed by the US. Then they said that their radars were switched off. A few days later, another PAF spokesman said their surveillance system was working and it's possible that the stealth helicopters evaded them. ''May 2 incident happening in Pakistan has put country's army in trouble, reflected in their inconsistent statements,'' said Amir Mateen, Pakistan's analyst.

Bin Laden raid 'not assassination': US

A signed message from US President Barack Obama is seen on a pamphlet during his meeting with 9/11 family members near Ground Zero in New York on May 5.

London : The US commando raid that killed Osama bin Laden was "not an assassination", US Attorney General Eric Holder said on May 12 after the Al-Qaeda leader's sons denounced the operation.

Holder told the BBC the raid on bin Laden's hideout in Pakistan on May 2 was a "kill or capture mission" and that his surrender would have been accepted if offered, but that the safety of US Navy commandos was paramount.

"What happened to bin Laden was not an assassination," Holder said. "I think the action that we took against him can be seen as an act of national self-defense. You have to remember it is lawful to target

an enemy commander," he said.

The top US legal official said there was no indication that bin Laden was going to surrender and it was believed he could be wearing a suicide vest.

"It was a kill or capture mission. If there was a possibility of a feasible surrender that would have occurred, but their protection, that is the protection of the force that went into the compound, was uppermost in their minds," said Holder.

"This is a man who swore he would never be taken alive.

There were some indications that perhaps he wore a suicide vest, there's indications that perhaps there were weapons in the room."

12

Osama Kill--the Aftermath

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Rogue elements may have helped Laden: Musharraf Washington: : Calling Pakistani intelli-

gence's failure to detect Osama bin Laden's presence in Abbottabad a "massive slip-up," ex-President Pervez Musharraf has admitted that "rogue" members of ISI and military may have helped the al-Qaeda chief hide in plain sight in the garrison city.

Musharraf, who lives in Britain in selfexile, said the "rogue" lower-level members of the powerful ISI and military might have known about bin Laden's location during the last year of his presidency six years ago.

"It's really appalling that he was there and nobody knew. I'm certainly appalled that I didn't know and that intelligence

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.

people from that time onward didn't know for six years that he was inside.

"And there is no excuse for this great, massive slip-up. And an investigation is in order and people must be punished for this big lapse," Musharraf told ABC News.

As a policy, the army and ISI are fighting terrorism and extremism, including al-Qaida and Taliban, he said. "But rogue element within is a possibility," he said.

According to the former president, there were three attachment commanders in Abbottabad in the past six years and he could not imagine all three knowing and harboring bin Laden.

"The possibility as I said, at the lower

Kerry to visit Pak to mend fences post-Osama Washington: Influential American Senator John Kerry will visit Pakistan to mend fences with a resentful Islamabad in the aftermath of the killing of al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden and seek answers on how the most wanted terrorist came to be there.

While the US has been raising questions on the support system that bin Laden enjoyed in garrison town of Abbottabad near Pakistani capital, Islamabad has been accusing Washington of violating its air space and attack on its sovereignty.

"A number of people suggested it would be good to get a dialogue going about the aftermath and how we get on the right track," Kerry, who heads the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters.

“There are some serious ques-

American Senator John Kerry. tions, obviously, there are some serious issues that we've just got to find a way to resolve together," he

Afghanistan to provide more protection to Indian sites: Karzai Kabul: Describing attacks on Indians and Indian projects in Afghanistan as “tragic, unfortunate and criminal”, Afghan President Hamid Karzai Thursday promised to provide more protection to them.

“With regard to the very tragic attacks on the Indian embassy and Indian doctors and personnel who are in Afghanistan and are helping the Afghan people in various areas of construction and assistance, this was really tragic, unfortunate and criminal,” Karzai said at a joint press conference with visiting Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“Afghanistan is trying to provide better and more protection to these sites,” he added.

“We have to fight and fight

effectively and it is the responsibility of countries in this region to fight it together. I don’t think at the end of the day anyone can benefit from this violence.

“That is only violence and will not get any objective. We have all learnt and I hope, we have all grown wiser to put our hands together and to campaign more effectively towards a more civilised environment,” he added. Manmohan Singh is visiting Afghanistan after a gap of six years. Indians have been the target of violence, and the most audacious attack was in 2008 when the Indian embassy in Kabul was attacked, killing 40 people, including a defence attache of the rank of brigadier and an Indian Foreign Service officer.

said.

Kerry, a close foreign policy aide of US President Barack Obama, would meet the top Pakistani leadership including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yosuf Raza Gilani, besides Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and the opposition leaders.

While the Administration is describing the visit by Kerry as an independent initiative, both the White House and the State Department has been in constant touch with his office on this issue."We work very closely with Senator Kerry, but as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he's also independent of us. And we encourage the trip he's making," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters.

level, somebody following a policy of his own and violating the policy from above, is a possibility," he was quoted as saying.

Regardless of who knew what, according to Musharraf, was the fact that the US raid was a possible violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and that there was never a deal struck during his tenure to allow the US to make a unilateral attack on Pakistan's soil if bin Laden was found.

While calling the al-Qaida chief's sixyear residence in Abbottabad a "big blunder" on the part of Pakistani intelligence, Musharraf warned the United States that if it continues to alienate Pakistan as it did in the bin Laden raid, the US will be the "loser."

Not interested in Osama chopper: China Beijing: China has dismissed as "absurd" reports that it had sought access from its all-weather friend Pakistan to the wreckage of the US' secret stealth-modified helicopter, which had crashed during the unilateral American raid that killed Osama bin Laden in his Abbottabad hideout.

Asked about reports that China had either sought access or already seen the wreckage to study the design of the chopper which was for the first time used by the US military, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Jiang Yu, told reporters that it was "absurd," declining to say anything further.

US television network ABC News had reported that Pakistani officials were interested in studying the remains of the helicopter and suggested that the Chinese were interested as well.

American officials apprehended that China, which specialized in reverse-engineering technology, may try to recreate the technology of the destroyed helicopter.

Key US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher also demanded immediate return of the chopper debris for fear of American military secrets being compromised.

During the May 2 raid in Abbottabad, a specially-configured stealth US Special Forces helicopter crashed and even though US soldiers attempted to destroy it, the tail was left intact and was recovered by the Pakistanis. The US has already asked the Pakistanis for the helicopter wreckage and the ABC quoted a Pakistani official as saying that Chinese were also "very interested" in seeing the remains.

Another official said, "We might let them (the Chinese) take a look."

Osama aftermath: Antony reviews security

New Delhi: Ten days after US special forces killed Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, India carried out a comprehensive review of its security architecture on May 11, Defense Ministry officials said here.

Defense Minister A.K. Antony chaired a meeting that assessed the security implications of the May 2 US strike at Abbottabad killing Osama and Pakistan’s angry reactions to the covert operation, particularly its warning of a catastrophic response to any ‘misadventure’ by its neighbors.

With US and Pakistan blowing hot and cold over the SEALs operation, India is keenly watching the spat and its impact on its own security and that of Afghanistan, where a war on terror is led by the Americans, apart from putting pressure on its western neighbor to act against the terror accused on its most-wanted

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony. list. The meeting, officials suggested, also took stock of the recent assessment of an Indian security think-tank that China could take over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by 2020 and Beijing’s infrastructure build-up on the Sino-Indian border.

The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon, Indian Air Force chief Air Cheif Marshal P.V. Naik, Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma, Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh and Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar.

Op Ed TheSouthAsianTimes.info

13

May 14-20, 2011

The terrifying truth about Pak

By Bruce Riedel akistan is the most dangerous country in the world, but also one of the most complicated. There are basically two possible explanations for the relationship between al Qaeda and the Pakistani army: the army manipulates the jihadis or the jihadis manipulate the army. Both are terrifying.

The first is awful, the second is much more frightening. Both are true.

Osama Bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, in some ways the Pakistani equivalent of West Point. He started his career as a fund raiser for the Pakistani army's only military success in its 60plus years—the war against the USSR in Afghanistan. He worked side by side with the ISI, the Pakistani intelligence agency, then.

He helped create the army's jihadist Frankenstein masterpiece: Lashkar-eTaibba—the army of the pure—which attacked Mumbai and which has mourned him more than any one else.

Lashkar leader Hafez Saed has openly eulogized bin Laden, but Saed is also a regular feature at rallies attended by senior army officers.

And yet al Qaeda's other ally in Pakistan, the Pakistani Taliban, was with the

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The Pakistani army, the fifth largest in the world, is a maze of contradictions and complexities.

army. Together al Qaeda and the Taliban have killed hundreds of Pakistani soldiers, even attacking into their headquarters and cantonments.

They have killed senior officers and declared their intention to kill chief of army staff General Kayani. Al Qaeda's new boss, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has written a book on why Pakistan needs an Is-

lamic revolution. Its most effective operator, Muhammad Ilyas Kashmiri, was trained by the ISI but now regularly hunts it. He has killed several senior commanders, and has even tried to eliminate former dictator Pervez Musharraf.

So how is the army both at war with al Qaeda and in bed with it? The answer is the army is riddled with jihadist sympa-

thizers. For decades, the officer corps has been told India is the enemy, America is unreliable and rapacious, and that Islam is the answer. Even those officers who appreciate American support (the country has received billions in aid since 9/11) resent it too. Like all Pakistanis they also believe America is closer in values and interests to India. They are right.

The Pakistani army, the fifth largest in the world, is a maze of contradictions and complexities. Meanwhile it steadily builds more nuclear weapons faster than any other country in the world today.

The syndicate of terror in Pakistan is not a monolith. It has no single leader. Its fluidity is a strength, because it is so complex and multi-layered. Now it is clear it has put its agents deep in the Pakistani military. Obama was right not to trust it on Osama.

It is easy to be confused and angry about Pakistan. But that is not a strategy.

The right course calls for engagement, with tough redlines, backed by unilateral operations when needed.

(Bruce Riedel, a former long-time CIA officer, is a senior fellow in the Saban Center at the Brookings Institution.)

India acts maturely vis-à-vis rattled Pak

By Amulya Ganguli ndia's readiness to continue talking with Pakistan despite the "sensational" event of Osama bin Laden's death is open to several interpretations. One is that since the Al Qaeda leader's presence in Pakistan has put a final seal on its longstanding reputation as an "epicenter of terror", India probably feels that its own case has been bolstered so much that it can afford to be forgiving about its neighbor's criminal transgressions.

If the center had followed the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) advice not to talk to a country that now answers to the description of Terroristan, the international community might have seen the refusal as sheer cussedness, for it would have seemed like hitting Pakistan when it is really and truly down. As the government sources have asked, "what next" after "bringing Pakistan to its knees?"

Since it is not India which has been directly targeted as during the Mumbai massacres of November 2008 or the attack on the parliament building in 2001, India's case for suspending talks would have looked too much like a knee-jerk reaction.

Instead, New Delhi apparently feels that since much of the world is likely to agree with Salman Rushdie's call for declaring Pakistan a terrorist state, India has won its argument for the dismantling of Pakistan's terrorist infrastructure.

So, India now expects the West, and especially America, to put genuine pressure on

I

Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind. India now expects the West, and especially America, to put genuine pressure on Pakistan - by way of cutting off aid, for instance - to go after the terrorists in real earnest and not faking it any longer as till now.

Pakistan - by way of cutting off aid, for instance - to go after the terrorists in real earnest and not faking it any longer as till now.

Whether Pakistan will do so after so many years of cohabitation with the fanatics is not

known. But its plummeting prestige may make it more amenable towards addressing India's concerns instead of dismissing the charges against Hafiz Saeed, for instance, as "literature", as Pakistan's foreign secretary, Salman Bashir, had once done.

Although Bashir has tried to retain the earlier flippant tone about the presence of terrorists on Pakistani soil by describing as "outdated" India's demand for punishing the culprits responsible for the Mumbai outrage, New Delhi has displayed a sign of maturity by saying that Bashir could not have been "serious".

How the atmospherics have changed between India and Pakistan can be seen from this particular exchange. While the utterances of a rattled and shaken Islamabad are not making much sense, such as Bashir's curious observation that since "bin Laden is history, we don't want to keep ourselves mired in the past", New Delhi's emphasis is on engaging Pakistan with "head, heart and courage".

Against the background of these muddled statements, India's expectation probably is that the reputation of the Pakistan Army and its notorious adjunct, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is currently so low because of the location of Osama's house within earshot of an army camp that they will desist from any major terrorist operation in the near future.

As a result, India can use this brief window of opportunity to persuade Pakistan's ha-

rassed civilian leaders to reassert themselves. The hope may not be fulfilled. But it is something worth trying.

It is that at least a section of the Pakistan Army was aware of Operation Geronimo, which was why power supply was switched off in Abbottabad as the American helicopters arrived and that Osama's house was cordoned off by the Pakistani security forces.

According to a former Indian diplomat, the helicopters took off from a Pakistani base and not from Afghanistan. Moreover, the Pakistani forces subsequently seized all the memory chips from the video cameras of those onlookers in Abbottabad who had climbed to their roofs to take pictures of the operation.

No one except the Chinese news agency Xinhua, which had put out these reports, can vouch safe for their authenticity. But, if true, it can mean two things. Either a split has appeared in the Pakistan Army between those who believe that America can no longer be opposed, especially since it has found out about Osama's "secret" location, and those who think that the army cannot afford to sever its links with the terrorists, who are its "strategic assets" against India.

Or that the army as a whole has decided to forsake its earlier policy of harboring terrorists and help the Americans to establish a permanent military presence in the region, but with their faces turned towards West Asia. In a situation as uncertain as this, India cannot but tread cautiously.

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

14

US Affairs

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Obama’s next mission: Immigration reform El Paso, TX: Forced to keep immigration reform on the backburner for long by pressing problems like the sluggish economy, President Barack Obama has finally decided to do something about. Speaking Tuesday in El Paso, Texas, he cited America's legacy as a nation of immigrants and said that finding a solution for millions of undocumented workers is critical to the country's common future.

Obama said America welcomes those willing to embrace this nation’s precepts. The president's speech was part of his administration's attempt to regain the initiative on a hot-button issue that has largely become the domain of state government leaders in recent months. His move comes against a backdrop of intense political maneuvering by both Democrats and Republicans seeking to snatch advantage in the 2012 election campaign.

President Obama shakes hands with people in the crowd following remarks on immigration reform in El Paso, Texas, May 10.

The president also used the occasion to criticize GOP leaders for setting impossible standards for border enforcement before being willing to cut a deal with their Democratic counterparts.

He said people who have already entered the country illegally have to admit they broke the law, pay taxes and a fine, learn English and be willing to undergo background checks before starting the legaliza-

Splitsville for Schwarzenegger-Shriver after 25 years Los Angeles: The unlikely couple of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian body builder who rose to become an A list Hollywood star and then California governor on Republican ticket, and Maria Shriver, the journalist and member of the Kennedy dynasty, have separated after being married for 25 years.

The couple said in a statement Monday night that they were “amicably separating.” The separation came five months after Schwarzenegger finished his second term as governor and his return to the movie business.

Shriver, who was forced to give up her career as an NBC television correspondent after her husband became governor, is expected to return to media business.

Shriver, as a symbol of Democratic tradition and politics, gave Schwarzenegger a political legitimacy that proved critical in a recall election in which he ousted a Democratic governor, Gray Davis. She also

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver supported him in the final days of his campaign for governor after LA Times published a series of stories painting him as womanizer and groper.

Gingrich joins limited republican presidential field Washington: Former US House speaker Newt Gingrich is formally entering the 2012 presidential race this week. He is expected to announce his plans through Facebook and Twitter as the competition for the Republican Party's presidential nomination begins to heat up.

Gingrich came to national prominence in the 1990s when he led a Republican resurgence in Congress that resulted in Republicans winning control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in 1994 for the first time in 40 years.

Gingrich became Speaker of the House and became the main Republican counterpoint to President Bill Clinton, though at times the two found enough common ground to work together on issues like welfare reform.

Gingrich resigned from Congress in 1999 and ever since has focused

Former speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich, with his wife and source of strength Callista Bisek. on writing books and staking out conservative policy positions, especially on foreign policy issues.

Public-opinion polls suggest

Gingrich remains a polarizing political figure, much as he was during the 1990s. Gingrich is usually rated in the top four or five Republican presidential contenders, but the public as a whole is split. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found he was viewed favorably by 35 percent of those surveyed, while 38 percent viewed him unfavorably.

Gingrich is popular with conservatives for his combative nature and his foreign policy views. But social conservative activists have long had reservations about his acknowledgement of marital infidelity and two failed marriages.

Political analysts say there is no clear-cut frontrunner for the Republican nomination, though former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney continues to hold modest leads in most early publicopinion polls.

tion process.

Some reform advocates were, however, left unimpressed with the president's remarks.

"We have heard a lot of these words before," said Ivan Ceja, a student at the University of Fullerton in California. "He has the power to stop deportations. He needs to take action."

Obama's speech came in the wake of a series of recent meetings with key Latino officials and reform advocates. Latinos voted for him in droves in 2008 and have been disappointed seeing no movement on immigration reform.

On the recent increase in deportations, Obama said: “We are not doing this haphazardly. We are focusing our limited resources on violent offenders and people convicted of crimes -- not families, not folks who are just looking to scrape together an income."

National Republican leaders are unwilling to consider broader changes -- including a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants -- until the Mexican border is brought under tighter control.

Progressive reform advocates, meanwhile, have been frustrated by Congress's inability to pass the DREAM Act, which would offer legal standing to immigrants who entered the US illegally as children under the age of 16 and have lived in the country for at least five years.

The bill would require, among other things, a high school or General Educational Development diploma, two years of college or military service, and criminal background checks.

The DREAM Act was defeated by a Republican filibuster in the Senate last December after winning passage in the House of Representatives.

Mississippi flooding endangers Mid-West, South Memphis, TN: A slow-moving wall of water on the swollen Mississippi River may end up flooding communities from Illinois to Louisiana, officials say.

The flooding is The low lying areas in Memphis were flooded as the Mississippi crested Tuesday sparing the city. worse than anything seen in the Levees along the Mississippi region since the great flood of were holding up, the corps said, but 1927, forecasters said. the Wolf and Loosahatchie tributarDespite the US Army Corps of ies were the main concern, backing Engineers detonating levees and up and inundating parts of Shelby opening spillways in an attempt to County in Tennessee. control it, the swell has been comSince most of Memphis sits on a pared by Mississippi Gov. Haley bluff, only low-lying areas had susBarbour to a pig moving through a tained flooding, ABC News reportpython, NPR reported. ed. Already flooded were the lowThe river has flooded 5,000 est parts of the city's historic Beale homes, the corps said, as well as Street. Four hundred people were huge tracts of land. forced from their homes Monday Meanwhile, the surge is also and another 1,300 remained in lowthreatening the South's energy pro- lying areas. duction and transport, The Wall U.S. President Barack Obama Street Journal reported. signed disaster declarations for The newspaper said oil refineries Tennessee and Missouri Monday. may be looking at shutdowns and In Louisiana, 21 parishes issued disruptions of fuel shipments ahead emergency declarations in advance of the flood now moving toward of the river's cresting, expected to the Louisiana refining corridor. begin next week, Gov. Bobby The Journal said gasoline and Jindal said. The Corps of Engineers diesel are distributed through opened a spillway north of New pipelines, rail links and tankers, but Orleans Monday to try to counter the floods could force a halt to the rising Mississippi River, CNN pipeline flows or lead to railroad reported. congestion. With continuing In Missouri and southern Illinois, declines in U.S stockpiles, the flooding still was reported even flooding could help push average though crests of the Mississippi and US gasoline prices higher, the Ohio rivers diminished.

Journal said.

The corps last week deliberately The Mississippi crested in breached a levee in Missouri to Memphis Tuesday morning, spar- reduce the pressure on other levees, ing the city the worst of the flood- flooding 130,000 acres of ing it had feared. farmland.

Community TheSouthAsianTimes.info

15

May 14-20, 2011

PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore celebrates diamond jubilee in New Jersey he Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India was held at Chutney Mary restaurant in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey on Saturday May 7, 2011. The gathering was attended by 50 alumni from various fields of PSG College of Technology. The alumni came from Boston, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey. Included were, the oldest graduate Mr. Shanmugam from 1959 batch and the youngest graduate from 2010 batch.

The meeting was presided by

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visiting dignitaries of PSG Management Mr. G. RangaswamyManaging Trustee, Mr. C.R. Swaminathan - the Chief Executive, Dr. R. Rudramoorthy – Principal PSGCT, Dr P. Radhakrishnan - Director, PSGIAS, Dr. R. Nandagopal – Director, PGSIM, Dr. G. Ranganathan - President, Alumni Association, Dr R. Nadarajan, Head/Maths & Computer Applications, PSGCT, Dr A. Kandaswamy, Head/Biomedical Engineering, PSGCT. The slide show presentation highlighted various departments in

PSG College of Technology and its growth into an University accreditation which will be honored upon PSG next year. It emphasized the importance of PSG Tech Corpus Fund, which will help in education of 200 deserving students every year. The PSG Trust already helps 250 students each year for their education.

Some of the alumni honored by Mr. Rangaswamy were - Mr. Jack Poola for his donations to PSG Tech, Mr. SampathKumar, Mr. Marthuchala Moorthy, Mr. Selvam and Mr. Vijay for planning the meeting in New Jersey.

Mg Trustee Mr Rangaswamy presenting a plaque to Sampath Kumar, organizer of the event

Mg. Trustee Mr. Rangaswamy presenting a plaque to Selvam, master of ceremony

The college's Managing Trustee Mr Rangswamy presenting a plaque to Jack Poola (left) in recognition of his donation to PSG Tech.

Mr C R Swaminathan Chief Executieve (in white) and Dr Radhakrishnan Past Principal (in blue) with students

Dr Rudramurthy, Principal, speaking. Mg Trustee and Selvam are also seen in the picture.

The alumni at the event

16

Ultimate Bollywood

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Haunted 3D: Not scary at all! ikram Bhatt might have succeeded in adding the illusion of depth in every frame of Haunted with the modern 3D technology but his story remains hollow.

He might have to his credit India's first stereoscopic film but unfortunately he can't evade stereotypes in his storytelling.

The plot is set on the ancient premise of a haunted mansion in a secluded hill-station, which realestate broker Rehan (Mahaakshay Chakroborty a.k.a Mimoh) has come to sell off. Caretaker Ramu kaka is substituted by a ragpicker replacement, whose first words on seeing Rehan is 'Tune bahut der kar di aane mein beta '.

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A still from 'Haunted.'

From flickering lights, creaking doors, falling chandelier, old photo-frame, rustic piano, hanging cadaver, shrill screams to an inviting song number as the clock

strikes 3, the ghost tries every trick in the trade to make its presence felt. Sadly its attempt lacks new 'spirit'. An 80-year old letter, still in crisp condition, unveils a quick

SRK to lock lips with Bebo hah Rukh Khan will leave no stone unturned to achieve all he can for his film ‘Ra.One’. Shah Rukh who is known and hailed for his one woman man image will be seen kissing Kareena Kapoor in 'Ra One'.

Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

The scene apparently is being '3 Idiots'. When asked Kareena said included in a song. Insiders said she has kissed on screen before and that the kiss is nothing explicit, but that it is no big deal. She also something that can be termed as added that all the four Khans– 'simple and sweet'.

Aamir, Salman, Shah Rukh, Saif – It can be remembered that Aamir are so amazing that she always Khan and Kareena Kapoor, too, looked forward to doing movies indulged in a romantic lip-to-lip in with them.

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some such era to rekindle redundant romance.

Also the director takes the timetravel theme a little too literally and brings back prehistoric horror elements when ghosts were either half-burnt rubber-masked zombies or 'blue-eyed boys' of Ramsay films.

To be fair, Bhatt sets up an ominous mood and uses special effects impressively. There are some particularly well-executed scenes in which a dead caretaker character (played by Achint Kaur) wreaks much havoc like leaping out of a forest to attack the protagonists, and walking sideways down a tree to scare the living daylights out of them.

Akshay to sing for 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 4' fter singing for the big screen in films like "Singh Is Kinng" and "Khatta Meetha", Bollywood hero Akshay Kumar is going to lend his voice for the title song of his upcoming action-adventure reality show "Khatron Ke Khiladi 4".

"Akshay is singing a couple of opening lines," said a source from Colors channel.

The title song will be turned into a music video featuring all the contestants for the fourth season of the show, which has been shot in Cape Town, South Africa.

For this season, the channel has chosen 13 female celebrity participants -- each teamed up with a male partner.

The celebrity participants include former Indian women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra, models Diandra Soares, Alesia Raut and Poonam Pandey, actresses Aarti Chhabria, Smita Bansal and Aashka Goradia, item girls Sambhavna Seth and Kashmera Shah, two VJs - Bani and Mia Uyeda, singer Mauli Dave and Dina Singh who is actor Vindu Dara Singh's wife.

"Khatron Ke Khiladi" is the Indian version of the

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Laurels for Rishi Kapoor eteran actor Rishi Kapoor picked up the best actor award at the 2011 New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF).

The Film Festival which was being held at the Jumeirah Essex House concluded on May 8. Kapoor was bestowed with the award for his performance in Habib Faizal's film, Do Dooni Chaar.

The actor proudly said, "I am thankful and honored to be selected among the usual festival luminaries per se. A commercial actor is seldom recognized for his skills.

My award is for the whole Do Dooni Char family."

Kapoor also revealed the plans for a sequel to the critically acclaimed film.

"Yes, the producers Disney

flashback. Turns out that Meera (Tia Bajpai) was brutally raped by the spirit of her piano teacher (Arif Zakaria). Ever since, she is confined within the haunted house.

Despite having no personal connect with her, Rehan is still inspired enough with the mere century-old correspondence, to help Meera.

To add some variety to the 'lifeless' story, Bhatt brings time-travel into picture as Rehan goes back in time and the entire flashback repeats itself. With that, memories of the recent actual horrific film Action Replayy strikes your mind, though mercifully Bhatt doesn't mess up things as badly. So Vikram takes you back to 1920 or

Akshay Kumar. internationally hit show "Fear Factor", and involves dangerous tasks involving height and even creepy crawlies. It is expected to go on air in June.

Ash ready to be a Heroine

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t’s official: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will play the leading lady in Madhur Bhandarkar’s ambitious venture, Heroine.

The much-anticipated film, that was waiting for a leading lady, has ultimately fallen into Aishwarya’s kitty.

“Yes, it’s on. But we will talk about it at Cannes,” says Aishwarya, who will be walking the red carpet at the French film festival on May 13.

Bhandarkar, too, confirms Ash’s claims. “I am really happy that finally everything is set.

I have structured the script keeping Ash in mind. It is one film that every actor would want to do, and I am glad Ash agreed to do it.

And we will start shooting next month,” says the 42-year-old filmmaker.

He clears the air about not casting Kareena Kapoor in the film, even though it was reported so initially. “I feel it is jinxed for me to think of Kareena doing any of my films, as due to some or the other reason, it never materializes. She was my first choice for Page 3 and Fashion, but even that never happened.”

Heroine will go on floors next month and is expected to hit theaters next year.

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Director Habib Faisal and actor-couple Neetu Singh Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor at NYIFF 2011.

International have asked After receiving his award, Habib to make Do Dooni Rishi accompanied by his Char 2. They have realized wife Neetu Singh left for a that the film suffered main- vacation in sin city, Las ly due to a bad release.

Vegas.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Ultimate Bollywood Thesouthasiantimes.info

May 14-20, 2011 heir pairing is the talk of the town even before the film called 'Ek Tha Tiger' flags off in midJuly. Prod him on his costar with whom he had earlier done Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya (2004), Partner (2006), Yuvvraaj (2008) and Tees Maar Khan (2010), special appearance in a song and Salman Khan says, “Katrina and I get along well. She’s a lovely girl and one of my closest friends. There’s nothing better than working with someone who is part of

T Katrina is family: Salman Salman Khan with Katrina Kaif.

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my family.”

And with the film, Salman also enters the production home of another major film family — this will mark his debut with Yashraj Films.Producer Aditya Chopra had earlier approached Salman with two scripts, including Chak De! India, but he’d had to refuse for lack of dates.

“This time it happened.

I’m glad, Yashji (Yash Chopra) and my dad (Salim Khan) did some really good films together, including Deewar

(1975),” says Salman.

Director Kabir Khan insists that while the script was being developed, he was under no pressure to bring about the “impossible” (Salman, Katrina) casting coup.

“But once we’d locked it, I knew that no other girl could carry off this character.

Fortunately, Katrina loved this script too,” says Kabir, who had earlier worked with her in the commercially successful New York (2009).

Hrithik is SRK's lucky mascot

Anil Kapoor: The Dollar man ctor Anil Kapoor has got another Hollywood project in his kitty, 'Cities' co-starring Clive Owen. He has also under his belt a part in MI-4, a part of which was shot in Mumbai. And his participation in the international tele-series '24 Hours' and Danny Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire' are laurels of the recent past.

Anil Kapoor is enjoying his Hollywood stints. He's also one of the very few Indian actors officially earning in dollars just on the basis of pure acting.

"No matter how small the roles, landing so many projects is an achievement in itself. And Anil is learning from every experience.

People are now seeking him."

Anil Kapoor has survived and survived well.

His daughter Sonam says, "He

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ollywood hunk Hrithik Roshan proved a lucky mascot for Shahrukh Khan and his IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. Hrithik, who generally keeps away from stadiums, flew to Kolkata to cheer for Shahrukh’s team. His presence proved lucky for King Khan as his team won that particular match opposite Chennai Super Kings.

Despite hectic schedule, Hrithik Roshan went to watch the match.

He shot till 4 am for his film ‘Agneepath’ and without taking rest headed for the stadium.

"It was my first-ever experience of watching a live match in India.

The excitement was palpable. I was here to cheer for Gauri, so I was under tremendous pressure as I promised her we would win if I

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Anil Kapoor. has more energy than me and my sister put together. He looks so young without any external help.

He's a rockstar dad. I don't know how he does it."

I am single: Bipasha t’s official. Bipasha Basu has successfully moved on from her relationship of nine years with actor John Abraham and is enjoying the change.

Shutting off all rumors over the new man in her life, she says, “I’ve been in relationships since I was 15. Though I’ve only dated three men in that time,” she admits, adding, “I’m now single for the first time in 17 years.”

But Bipasha, who was dating Dino Morea before John, refuses to commit to how long that status quo will remain.

“I don’t plan. It all depends on whether I find a suitable guy,” she says.

The actor was recently linked to Dum Maaro Dum co-star Rana Daggubatti and Josh Hartnett, who plays her on-screen lover in Singularity.

She admits she didn’t think of settling down even when she was with a man, and has no intention to do so now.

“While I was in a relationship, it was great. Some day, I will settle down with a husband and kids. But I’m not interested right now,” says Bipasha, who is currently shooting for Players in Russia in sub zero temperatures with Abhishek Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor, Bobby Deol and Neil Nitin Mukesh on the Abbas-Mustan remake of The Italian Job (2003).

I

Bipasha Basu.

Hrithik Roshan. came. I am glad that it turned out a happy day," said the 37-year-old actor.

Hrithik added that he was happy to become the lucky mascot for Shahrukh and Gauri that evening.

When Aamir called Ekta kta Kapoor has always considered Aamir Khan to be her idol. So, when her cell phone rang flashing his name she was mighty surprised.

Aamir made a courtesy call to Ekta requesting her to attach the first theatrical of his production Delhi Belly with Ragini MMS that releases this week.

The usually reticent actor took out time to dial the Balaji head honcho and put in a word for his film.

This must be quite an honor for Ekta, considering that Aamir is extremely choosy about the marketing techniques used for his films.

A source revealed, "Ekta was pleasantly surprised when she got Aamir's call. She's a huge fan of his work and has always looked up to him. They spoke at length and discussed films. Aamir was very keen on attaching Delhi Belly promo with Ragini MMS because he felt that both the films represent the new

E

Aamir Khan. age cinema genre. Even though the subject matter of the films is different, they both agreed that the films would bridge a common audience."

When contacted Ekta confirmed, "Aamir is my idol. Yes, I have agreed to attach the Delhi Belly promo with Ragini MMS."

18

Tribute

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

A tribute to Rabindranath Tagore, India’s own renaissance man and the only Nobel Prize winner for Literature from the subcontinent who authored the national anthems of both India (Jana-Gana-Mana) and Bangaladesh (Amar Shonar Bangla). His 150th birth anniversary was celebrated May 9 in India and in many other countries.

The Man for All Seasons

Kolkata: Poet-philosopher Rabindranath Tagore, who churned out a huge body of songs, stories, plays, paintings and more, still inspires millions of Bengalis, who feel his presence in the smallest things of life.

Be it Hindu-Muslim relations, women's emancipation, exploitation of nature, development of the village, or his contribution to modern art, Bengal's thinkers and commoners alike marvel at how the man remains relevant even today as his 150th birth anniversary was celebrated May 9.

"We listen to Rabindra Sangeet throughout the day. His poems are recited. Dramas written by him are played regularly.

Rabindranath is still very much alive in the minds of people," renowned Bengali writer and poet Sunil Gangopadhyay said.

"The paintings, which Rabindranath created in his old age, reveal his modern mind.

Many poems created by him are included in the syllabi of schools and colleges. Many of his dramas are still very relevant," said the Sahitya Akademi president.

Tagore was born in 1861 and lived till the

Tagore: Polymath, Renaissance Man age of 80. He wrote nearly 3,000 songs, set up an experimental school at Santiniketan,

and went on to win the Nobel prize for Literature in 1913 for his compilation Gitanjali.

A huge influence on generations of Bengalis, they reverentially call him "Gurudev" even today.

Eminent exponent of Tagore songs Dwijen Mukhopadhyay said, "Rabindranath will remain relevant after another hundred years. The whole world thinks about his great creations regularly," said the singer, who was awarded the Padma Bhushan this year. Famous painter Jogen Chowdhury called Tagore India's first modern painter.

"Many of us do not have the capacity to comprehend Tagore and his creations. He spoke about all spheres of our life. He also spoke about the development of the village, emancipation of women, education structure and Hindu-Muslim relations."

He said as a painter, Tagore made a definite contribution to modern art. "Tagore was India's first modern painter," he said.

"We still find moral support from

Tagore's creations in our moments of crisis.

We still draw support from his works. Even now I can relate to his dramas. When I read Sobbhyotar Sankat (Crisis of Civilisation), I wonder why we do not think on these lines," said popular singer Shrikanta Acharya.

He said Tagore created his own musical language. "He incorporated Indian classical and folk into his songs. There is classicism and universality in his songs...those are not time-bound.

Social worker Basudev Bhui said the world should follow Tagore's ideals on education.

"Every moment Rabindranath is a source of inspiration to us... he is like a lighthouse.

We adored writer Rabindranath, poet Rabindranath and even painter Rabindranath, but we have not yet accepted his thoughts on education.

"That the process of education imparted to the children should not be divorced from nature is very much relevant today," said Bhui.

Visva Bharati to be crown jewel in Indian academic world: PM New Delhi: Visva Bharati, the university set up by Rabindranath Tagore in Shantiniketan, will be made one of the crown jewels of Indian academic world, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Saturday.

Singh opened the 150th birth anniversary of the poet, which is being celebrated jointly by India and Bangladesh.

“Visva Bharati should rightfully be one of the crown jewels of our academic world. But a lot of work needs to be done to restore this institution to its former glory and for it to live

up to the true ideals of its founder,” Singh told the opening ceremony of the anniversary commemorations at the Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi.

The prime minister, who is the chancellor of the university, has taken up a special project with a Rs.95 crore funding to restore Visva Bharati to its former glory and conserve Tagore’s legacy of “books, paintings and manuscripts”.

He said the government was working with the Archaeological Survey of India to preserve Shantiniketan, where 27 heritage buildings have been restored.

Eminent Alumni of Visva Bharati * Indira Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India * Amartya Sen, Celebrated Economist and Nobel laureate * Mahasweta Devi, Author Satyajit Ray, *

Filmmaker and writer * K.G. Subramanyan, Eminent Artist, Writer, ex-Dean M S University, Baroda and Professor Emeritus Visva Bharati University * Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh, Professor of Art, Baroda University * Shivani, Author

Singh also said a special international prize has been instituted in the name of Rabindranath Tagore “to recognise every distinguished contribution towards the promotion of international brotherhood and fraternity”.

It will be awarded at the end of the commemoration year in 2012.

The prime minister said: “The commemoration events planned over the next year are intended to rekindle interest in Tagore’s thoughts and teachings as much as in his verses, his paintings and his music”.

The commemoration was attended by a 19-member delegation from Bangladesh led by Planning Minister A.K. Khandkar.

United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi was the guest of honour at the ceremony. The prime minister said the ministry of culture has introduced a new Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research.

“Under the scheme, renowned scholars have been invited to take up research projects on unknown or lesser known cultural resources that

Tagore style open air classroom in the lap of nature at Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan lie within our institutions. I invite existing Rabindra Bhavans and culdistinguished scholars from India tural centers set up during the centeand the world over to avail of the nary celebrations of Tagore in 1961″. prestigious fellowship,” he said.

The government would fund 60 Several commemorative souvenirs, percent of the project cost, he said. including a compilation of the digital Describing the poet as Bengal’s prints of Tagore’s paintings, a DVD Shakespeare, Sonia Gandhi said pack of his restored movies, com- Tagore’s legacy “is part of our commemorative stamps and special edi- mon heritage.”

She recalled her family’s associations of the ministry of external affairs publications dedicated to tion with the Nobel laureate.

Tagore were released to mark the The foundation for the joint celeoccasion. Union minister Pranab brations was laid by the prime minisMukherjee said: “A new Tagore ters of India and Bangladesh in 2010.

Cultural Complex Scheme would The opening was marked by a encourage the establishment of new series of cultural showcases in the cultural complexes in big and small national capital spread over the towns and the upgradation of the week.

Tribute TheSouthAsianTimes.info

19

May 14-20, 2011

Bengal celebrates Tagore's 150th birth anniversary Santiniketan/Kolkata: West Bengal Monday woke up to the strains of the sweet and deep melodies created by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, whose 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated in the state with songs, dances and poems of the bard.

From Kolkata's Jorasanko, where the poet-philosopher was born, to Santiniketan in Birbhum district, where he created the knowledge town of his dreams, people thronged in hundreds to pay their homage to the genius, whose appeal has remained largely undiminished even after 70 years of his death.

At Shantiniketan, where Tagore founded the Visva Bharati university in 1921, the festivities

began early morning with a 'prabhat pheri' (morning choir) that went around the sprawling campus.

The teachers, employees, youths, children were all part of the choir as the knowledge- town wore a festive look.

With Rabindra Sangeet filling the air, the people then assembled at Chatimtala, the spot under a Chatim tree where the poet's father Debendranath had established an ashram way back in 1863, and took part in 'Upasana' a non-denominational and nonreligious prayer.

Born on this day Vaisakha 25 according to Bengali calendar (May 7, 1861, according to the Roman calendar), Tagore in 1913

became the first Asian Nobel laureate and the first non-European to win the prize for literature.

He also holds the distinction of having authored the national anthems of two sovereign nations - India and Bangladesh.

The bard's rich, diverse and vast literary oeuvre is virtually unmatched in the world. He was also a painter and a composer par excellence.

Sangeet Bhavan, the music faculty of the university, organized a program where the works of the great poet were recited and sung by children.

People from all walks of life queued at Jorasanko Thakurbari in north Kolkata, Tagore's sprawling ancestral home, since

A self-portrait, and (right) one of Tagore’s paintings. dawn to pay homage and respects to the bard and watch a cultural program, where famed singers, elocutionists and dancers participated.

The Rabindra Bharati Museum saw an unusually long line of vis-

itors. The museum contains more than 700 photographs and paintings of Tagore.

The union ministry of culture has organized an IndoBangladesh joint celebration in a city auditorium.

Tagore's monumental English translations of Tagore’s works to go up on works a mouse click away the internet New Delhi: The works of Rabindranath Tagore will soon be uploaded on the internet in an online electronic variorum by a group of scholars from Kolkata's Jadavpur University.

The digital library project led by former Jadavpur University professors of translation studies and literature, Swapan Majumdar and Sukanta Chaudhuri, is overseen by noted scholar and writer Sankha Ghosh.

Work has begun on Tagore's collection of poems 'Manasi', his first anthology of poetry and essays published in 1890.

It marks the beginning of his journey into literary maturity.

'Manasi' contains some of his best poems, including many in verse forms new to Bengali literature, as well as some innovative satires.

The manuscripts, mostly in Bengali, will first be digitised and then uploaded on the internet in a special archive with the help of a new software.

'The project is being implemented by the School of Cultural Texts, which comprises a group of scholars, noted Bengali writers and students of the university from the humanities, science and engineering departments of Jadavpur University.

'The students of the engineering department have devised the software to upload the manuscripts,' Swapna Mazumdar, former professor of Jadavpur University, one of the founders of the Tagore project, told IANS. 'We have just started work on

New Delhi: A special collection of English translations of novels, poetry, essays and short stories written

by Rabindranath Tagore and his biographies is on sale online as part of the Penguin Tagore Bookshelf presented by Penguin-Books India as part of his 150th birth anniversary commemoration.

According to a spokesperson for the publishing house, the Tagore Bookshelf aims to rekindle interest about the Nobel laureate’s literary works among Gen-Next readers and English-speaking students.

Tagore’s works include nearly 60 collections of verse, nearly a hundred short stories, several novels, plays, dance dramas, essays on religion, society and literature and over 2,500 songs.

Tagore re-invented the novel with the ‘Farewell Song’, which has been translated by Radha Chakravarty.

The writer has also translated

A Tagore story ‘Tota Kahini’ (Tale of Parrots) about children in scholastic jails comes alive in digital print on archival paper.

Tagore's 'Manasi'. The texts will be uploaded in Bengali. We will subsequently digitise 'Gitanjali' late next year,' Mazumdar said.

'The digital archive is primarily for scholarly and referral use,' he added.

Tagore received the Nobel Prize for literature for Gitanjali in 1913.

Ghosh is personally working on a new collection of the complete works of Tagore for Visva Bharati University by incorporating several works which did not feature in its earlier anthologies.

The English translation of Gitanjali with an introduction by the poet WB Yeats earned Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

‘Gora’, one of Tagore’s most ambitious novels about India’s nationalist awakening. The two books are the highlights of Penguin’s Tagore Bookshelf, a statement issued by the publisher said.

Other Tagore titles in the collection include ‘A Grain of Sand: Choker Bali’ translated by Sreejeeta

Guha, ‘Home and the World (‘Ghare Baire’)’ and ‘Classic Rabindranath Tagore’, a complete and unabridged collection of Tagore’s most popular novels in translations.

An English version of ‘Gitanjali’ and a volume of ‘Selected Poems’ featuring some of the best poems by Tagore translated by William Radice are among the collectors’ items on the shelf.

The selection of short stories comprises ‘The Postmaster: Selected Stories’ and ‘Kabuliwallah’ translated by Radice and ‘He’ (‘Shey’), which Tagore wrote to satisfy the demands for stories by his nineyear-old granddaughter.

Penguin India is also partnering with the British Council to promote Tagore works. The promotion includes a display of the complete Penguin Tagore Bookshelf across all British Council Libraries in nine cities in India.

Landmarks in Tagore’s life 1861, May 7: Born to Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi at Jorasanko House.

1877: On Jan 1, writes and recites poem on Delhi Durbar arranged by Lord Lytton to proclaim Queen Victoria. Writes his first long story 'Bhikharini' (Beggar Maid), first unfinished novel 'Karuna' and long poem 'Kabikahini'.

1879: Moves to London and joins University College.

1881: Composes his first set of devotional songs. His first musical play 'Valmiki Pratibha' is staged at .

1883: Marries Mrinalini Devi.

1886: Tagore is caught in controversies over social and socio-religious subjects. Composes and sings the inaugural song for the second session of the

Tagore met Albert Einstein in Europe in 1930.

Indian National Congress.

1891: Writes first six short stories, the popular 'Post Master'.

1898: Becomes the editor of Bharati magazine, opposes British policies.

1899: Assists Sister Nivedita to organise relief for plague victims in Kolkata; delivers his first sermon in the temple at Santiniketan on its anniversary.

1901: On Dec 22, Tagore sets up Santiniketan on the model of ancient forest schools (tapovana) of India and himself teaches there.

1911: Composes 'Jana Gana Mana', which is sung on the 26th session of the Indian National Congress. It goes on to become India's national anthem later.

1912: 'Gitanjali-Song Offerings' is published. It wins the Nobel Prize for Literature a year later.

1913: Delivers lectures in Chicago on the 'Ideals of Ancient Civilsation' and 'The Problem of Evil'; Calcutta University confers a D.Litt degree on him.

1917-1925: Tours the world, takes to painting.

1941, Aug 7: Tagore dies.

20

India Newswire

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Rahul Gandhi arrested in U.P.

Greater Noida/Lucknow: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi was arrested in a dramatic late night swoop on May 11 while he was on a sit-in at Bhatta Parsaul village in Uttar Pradesh to support agitating farmers demanding more money for their land being acquired for a highway project. He was released after being held for about three hours and later returned to New Delhi.

There was high drama at the Kasna police station in Greater Noida where Gandhi and other Congress leaders, who were held with him, were taken after the arrest at around 11.00 p.m.

Gandhi was asked to sign a bond after which police said he would be permitted to leave. He, however, flatly refused to do so saying he had gone to the village with a purpose and would return there if he was released, Congress sources said.

The police later released Gandhi on its own volition at around 2.00

Rahul Gandhi talking to villagers during his visit to Parsaul village on May 11. a.m. early May 12 and he was driven back to New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh Congress Chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi told reporters.

Gandhi was picked up from the sit-in site along with Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh and MP

Raj Babbar, Gautam Budh Nagar acting district magistrate Sheetal Verma said.

"Rahul Gandhi has been arrested for violating the prohibitory orders enforced under section 144 of Cr.P.C (Criminal Procedure Code).

State president Rita Bahuguna

Gandhi was released on bail about two-and-a-half hours after his arrest.

Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Digvijay Singh and Raj Babbar were also arrested.

Joshi, Digvijay Singh and Raj Babbar were also arrested along with Rahul Gandhi," she said earlier. Gandhi was in the village supporting farmers who are agitating for higher compensation for land acquired for the 156-km Yamuna Expressway, linking New Delhi

with Agra.

The Congress scion sneaked into the village, which was barred to politicians and outsiders, early Wednesday on a motor-bike despite heavy police presence. He spent nearly 18 hours with the villagers before his arrest.

SC lifts gag order on 'Bhopal plea 14 years too late' Amar Singh tapes New Delhi: The Supreme Court on May 11 lifted a 2006 gag order restraining the media from publishing transcripts of phone conversations of former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh.

An apex court bench of Justice G.S. Singhvi and Justice A.K. Ganguly vacated the interim order while dismissing the petition by Amar Singh.

The court said that it is not called upon to decided the case on merit as "no case of tapping of telephone has been made out against the statutory authorities..."

The judgment also noted Amar Singh's submission that he was satisfied with the investigation into the matter.

The court said it was not making any observation on the merit of the case and left it to Amar Singh if he wanted to initiate proceedings against the service provider in accordance with law.

Speaking for the bench, Justice Ganguly said that the truth constituted an integral part of the justice-delivery system which has now been overtaken by materialism and quest for personal gains.

"However, this court is constrained to observe that those principles (of truth) are honored more in breach than in their observance," the judgment said.

he Supreme Court on May 11 refused to alter its 1996 judgment diluting the charges against the Indian accused in the Bhopal gas leak case.

That ruling led to the seven men behind the world’s worst industrial disaster getting off with a two-year jail sentence, handed down to them by a Bhopal chief judicial magistrate in June last year.

Dismissing the CBI’s curative petition against the 1996 verdict, a five-judge SC bench headed by Chief Justice of India SH Kapadia, however, opened a window of hope for the victims by saying the mistake of the magistrate could be corrected by a sessions court hearing the CBI and Madhya Pradesh government's revision petitions.

On September 13, 1996, Supreme Court brought down the charge against the accused from culpable homicide not amounting to murder - punishable with a maximum 10 years in jail — to death by negligence.

In its plea, the CBI contended the court committed a serious error by quashing the stringent charge. Due to that judgment, the magistrate did not appreciate the evidence placed by the CBI to show the accused had committed an offense under the stringent charge, it said. The top court lambasted the CBI for basing its petition on this "fallacious plea".

Pointing out that the 1996 verdict was based on material placed before the court by the CBI “till that

T

Amar Singh.

The court said that the fundamental principles of jurisprudence say that litigants must observe total clarity and candor in their pleadings, especially when it contains a plea for injunction.

Assailing Amar Singh, the court said: "Following these principles, this court has no hesitation in holding that the instant writ petition is an attempt by the petitioner to mislead the court on the basis of frivolous allegations and by suppression of material facts."

Amar Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP, had filed the petition in 2006 after some of his telephonic conversations were illegally tapped and were in circulation. The leader had moved the apex court and got a restraint order against their publication in media.

Bhopal Gas tragedy: Judged, not cured. stage”, the bench said: “No decision by any court can be read in a manner as to nullify the express provisions of an Act or the Code and the 1996 judgment never intended to do so.”

Women take top ranks in UPSC exam NEW DELHI: History has been made in this year's civil services' results. In a rare first, the top two candidates are women.

Topper S Divyadharshini is an alumnus of Dr Ambedkar Law University in Chennai. Sweta Mohanty, who did her B Tech in computer science from Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering and Technology (GRIET), Hyderabad, has come second. The merit list boasts of five women candidates in the top 25.

R V Varun Kumar, a student of Chennai's Ragas Dental College, has topped among the male candidates. Overall, he came third.

Of the 547,698 candidates who appeared for the preliminary exam held in May 2010; 920 — 717 men and 203 women — made the grade.

Now, they will be inducted in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) along with other Central services.

Candidates from engineering background seemed to enjoy a distinct edge in the Civil Services Examination, 2010, whose results were declared on May 11. Of the top 25, 15 had an engineering background, followed by medicine (five). Eight made the cut in their first attempt. Four, including topper Divyadharshini, made the cut in the second attempt. Nine, including the second and third in the merit list, got through in their third attempts.

India Newswire TheSouthAsianTimes.info

21

May 14-20, 2011

WB: Exit polls show Mamata as winner

Kolkata: Barring West Bengal, where Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress is predicted as the clear winner, the exit polls do not draw a conclusive picture of the election results in other places.

While, two exit polls show that the AIADMK-led alliance would emerge as the winner in Tamil Nadu, another exit poll has given the DMK an edge over the Opposition in the election.

Similarly, two exit polls on Kerala show different positions: CNNIBN predicts a hung house for the first time in Kerala, whereas CB News-Cvoter has found the UDF sweeping the elections.

The counting for the election results of the four states (West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and Union Territory Pondicherry is expected started on Friday, May 13.

In West Bengal all the exit-polls

A life-size cut-out of Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee erected for the West Bengal assembly election campaign in Siliguri. have declared Trinamool Congress as the winner. For the 294Assembly seats, television channel CNN-IBN’s exit-poll has given

Young AIADMK supporters await their party's supremo Jayalalithaa at an election campaign rally at Srirangam in Tiruchirapalli.

Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress 222-234 seats and the Left 65-70 seats. The Star-Nielsen survey is projecting that TC may get 221 seats and Headlines Today has pegged TC at 210-220. The CVB News-Cvoter has placed TC

at 227-235 seats and Left at 48-56.

Interestingly, in Kerala, which has always shown the incumbent the door, CNN-IBN has projected a hung house.

According to its exit-poll the Left Democratic Front is placed at

69-77 seats and the United Democratic Front is kept at 63-71 seats.

However, CVB News Cvoter feels the trend of reversing the governments would continue in Kerala with the LDF getting 49-57 and the UDF at 83-91.

In Tamil Nadu, CNN-IBN’s exit poll has given the AIADMK alliance 120-132 seats and the DMK alliance at 102-114 seats whereas the Headlines Today’s exit poll has kept DMK alliance at 115-130 and AIADMK at 105-120.

In the 126-Assembly seat Assam, according to CNN-IBN’s exit poll, the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government is expected to come back to power and get 64-72 seats.

Meanwhile, CVB News-Cvoter projects a hung-house with the Congress getting 41-45 seats and the Assam United Development Front at 11-15 seats.

Image makeover Turnout makes WB Elections 2011 historic for UPA after elections

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee being felicitated by party workers in Guwahati amidst the Assam assembly elections.

New Delhi: Election results will unveil a new-look Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Regardless of the outcome in the assembly elections in five states and the Union Territory of Puducherry, the Congress has decided to become more aggressive and not give in to ‘opposition bullying’.

With the party expecting the assembly elections to strengthen the UPA, the ‘people’s court argument’ will be heard frequently.

After facing an unremitting attack on corruption and government mismanagement for almost six months, the party brass has decided to hit back.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee maintains that the current series of assembly election will be seen by the party as a

review of the performance of the UPA at the Centre, and not a touchstone of corruption.

“There is no common issue in the five states where elections are being held. But as a student of politics, I would like to see the elections in the light of the performance of the UPA,” Mukherjee had told Business Standard during his campaign in South India recently.

Party general secretary B K Hariprasad said: “The election is an acid test for us (UPA) at the Centre because it will show how far the opposition campaign against us has worked. If we win, it will be a victory in the people’s court. If the results are not in our favour, then we have to revisit our strategies for the next round of assembly elections in 2012.”

Kolkata: The confidence-building measures and unprecedented security steps taken by the Election Commission (EC) have yielded results. The voter turnout in the recently concluded West Bengal elections, the 15th in the state, was a record all-time high. An average 84% votes were cast in the six-phase polls, which began on April 18 and concluded on May 10. The highest voter turnout last recorded was in 2006. It was nearly 82%.

And the pat on the back came from none other than chief election commissioner SY Quraishi, who called up the state's chief electoral officer (CEO), Sunil Gupta, on Tuesday to congratulate him.

"It was at a personal level. He called me up to congratulate the voters of West Bengal, the political parties and all the officials for the high

People wait outside a polling station to cast their vote during West Bengal state assembly elections in Kolkata. voters' turnout and the manner in which the polling was conducted," Gupta said. From 75% in 2001, the turnout had increased to 78% in the

Lok Sabha polls in 2004 and, subsequently, to close to 82% in 2006.

The lowest percentage was recorded in 1962. It was 55.55%.

No party bias during elections: EC Chennai:The Election Commission, which had come under repeated attacks from DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, had "no party bias" and it only followed rules and regulations, a top state electoral official said recently.

"Only rules and regulations are being implemented. There is no party bias," state Chief Electoral officer Praveen Kumar told reporters.

Kumar said the EC did not show any bias towards or against a particular party and it was only going by the book as regards conduct of elections.

The DMK president had accused the officials of EC, which had taken tough measures to prevent money-flow and other malpractices, of behaving like in emergency times and had suggested clipping its powers.

Karunanidhi had charged the EC with transferring top police officials including DGP Letika Saran and ADGP (Intelligence) M S Jaffer Sait, just because opposition AIADMK had complained against them.

Asked about his experience in conducting elections

M.S. Shanmugam, Thanjavur District Collector, explaining the counting process in the Electronic Voting Machine to the counting officers in Thanjavur. in the state, Kumar said it was a "satisfying process," and he did his job "with advise from people, media and politicians."

22

Diaspora

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Goddess Lakshmi on swimwear: Hindus outraged, Co. cancels production, PIL in Indian court Melbourne: Australian swimsuit label Lisa Blue has cancelled production of swimwear depicting images of the Goddess, which caused uproar among Hindu community here.

The Swimwear company triggered a controversy by depicting images of Goddess on a bikini bottom and front of a model who walked the ramp at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney from May 2-6.

The company has already apologized to the Hindu community for hurting their sentiments. "We would like to offer an apology to anyone we may have offended and advice that the image of Goddess Lakshmi will not appear on any piece of Lisa Blue swimwear for the new season, with a halt put on all production of the new range and pieces shown on the runway removed," it said in a statement posted on its website.

"This range will never be available for sale in any stockists or

retail outlets anywhere in the world. We apologize to the Hindu community and take this matter very seriously," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs will be taking up the matter with the Australian High Commission in New Delhi.

The Allahabad High Court has already incorporated a suo motu PIL on the matter.

Community in Australia fights for Hindi inclusion Melbourne: Australian Hindi speaking community is up in arms about Hindi language not being included by ACARA (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority) in its draft shape paper for developing national language curriculum having included languages such as Chinese, Italian, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Arabic, Modern Greek and Vietnamese which have been considered in its four-stage development of the national language curriculum plan.

There is no mention of Hindi anywhere which as a language is making a strong presence in Australia with 2006 Census data that there are 70,000 Hindispeakers in Australia. 2011 Census in August this year may even double or triple the speakers of Hindi.

To submit a comprehensive submission report by April 7 an Australian Hindi Committee-

Malayalam IPTV channel launched for expatriates Kochi: BVJS Communications Wednesday announced the launch of Malayalam IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) for non-resident Keralites (NRKs). The new IPTV will distribute most of the Malayalam channels from Kerala through the largest and fastest growing platform for media delivery, company officials said. BVJS Communications is the first distributor to offer high-quality

streaming via IPTV and all Kerala channels under one online platform. Currently, it will deliver the content in North America and then expand to Europe, Australia, Germany and other parts of the world. 'Malayalam IPTV will enrich the state's culture and spread its virtues across the world,' said Varkey Abraham, chairman of BVJS Communications. Baby Uralil, chief executive officer of

BVJS Communications, said: 'Malayalam IPTV offers highest quality Roku-HD Set-Box free to consumers. BVJS has over 11 channels on its platform and will add more later.' The newlylaunched BVJS Communications aims to connect Malayalam and Kerala to the world and bring young generations closer to Kerala culture and traditions through the medium of television.

Indian women allege being duped by Albanian firm Thiruvananthapuram: Twenty Indian women working in Albania have sought help from the government, alleging that they were duped by their employer and dumped in a dark room without food and water after they asked for their promised salaries.

Santhosh Jose, husband of P.R. Raji, one of the women in distress, has approached Kerala's opposition leader Oommen Chandy to help get union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi and Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed intervene in the issue. Speaking over phone from Berat in Albania, a weeping Raji, 28, pleaded for the intervention of the Indian authorities for their safe return.

'At the interview we were promised a minimum salary of $200 plus overtime (for making bags). After reaching

here we found out that we have been cheated,' she alleged. Raji, hailing from Alappuzha district, added: 'We have nine-hour shifts and except for a short lunch break, the rest of the time we stand and work. We will get our promised salary only if we achieve the target of 7,100 bags a day.

'All we can make is only 2,500 bags for which they pay just $2 a day. This works out to just around Rs.2,400 a month. We have been cheated by the agent.'

She said they were selected by an agent from Goa on a contract with Centre Shqiptare Company, a bag manufacturing firm in Berat, Albania.

They reached Albania April 19. The group of 20 workers includes eight from Goa, five from Kerala and the rest from Mumbai and Chennai.

Sammithi (AHC) was formed in March that included United Indian Association, Hindu Council of Australia, Hindi Samaj Sydney, Australian Hindi Indian Association, Indo-Aus Bal Bharati School Thornleigh in NSW; Federation of Indian Association, Australian India Society and Hindi Niketan in Victoria; Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland and Hindustani Language School, QLD; South Australia and Tasmania, WA. Individual community members also sent their signed petitions from all the states as Facebook became another medium to spread the word.

Members of the AHC felt that this oversight was unfair and that ACARA had not considered the growing global importance of Hindi being the second most spoken language of the world at 550 million people, growing trade between India and Australia and had overlooked a whole lot of

activity in local universities with programs on India such as India Forum running at Sydney Uni and UTS and a chair on Indian Studies at Macquarie with the Department of Education NSW having introduced ‘India Calling’ program to promote Hindi, Culture Studies on India through seven NSW schools. Neither had ACARA looked at the figures from Census that Hindi was now in the top 10 languages spoken in Australia with skilled migration providing workers from India as the second highest after Britain.

Indians are up in arms with Australia-wide movement among all actively seeking Hindi to be included in the national curriculum. There are enough qualified teachers, Hindi curricula set by Hindi teams of teachers in Victoria and NSW, Hindi examiners and exam setters and aids and resources that are already in use in various Hindi schools where close to 1000 students are learning Hindi.

Racial abuse: Indian-origin policewoman resigns in Britain London: An Indian-origin woman police officer in London has resigned after she took over 800 days off, claiming she became unwell due to constant racial abuse from her colleagues.

Hinah Parekh, 43, claimed that racial abuse from fellow police officers made her unwell. She said she was also suffering from depression and stress.

This made her take 848 days off in five years, the Daily Mail reported.

Parekh managed an average of only five shifts a month at her job at the Belgravia police station in Central London.

She, however, did not report her case to an employment tribunal, leading senior officers to launch disciplinary proceedings against her constant absence from duty.

Officials found Parekh had worked only 327 days out of 1,175 since 2006.

Parekh resigned before she could

be sacked.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman on Thursday confirmed that Parekh left the police after she learned she faced disciplinary proceedings for unsatisfactory attendance.

Two years ago, Parekh reportedly wept at a tribunal claim of another Asian officer who also claimed he was subjected to racial abuse at the police station.

"I had experienced bullying from colleagues involving calling me names, ignoring me, pushing me to go drinking, publicly humiliating me and being completely insensitive to my religious and cultural beliefs and my obligation as a single parent," she had said.

She said her supervisor "said people from my culture do get bullied and this was not the kind of role they would stay in".

The Metropolitan Police has denied the allegations of racism and bullying.

International TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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May 14-20, 2011

Mubarak's detention extended Cairo : Egypt's state prosecutor on May 10 renewed the detention of ousted president Hosni Mubarak amid a probe into corruption and the killing of protesters, as the former tourism minister was jailed for fraud.

Abdel Maguid Mahmud "has ordered the preventive detention of former president Hosni Mubarak for 15 days that will begin when his current detention ends" on May 12, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

The decision came after a team of investigators questioned Mubarak again in a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, where he is being held.

It is the second time Mubarak's detention has been extended.

The decision comes three months after Mubarak was over-

Hosni Mubarak. thrown in a popular uprising that saw power handed over to a military council.

The trial of former regime members, including Mubarak, was a key demand of the protesters.

Sources at the public prosecu-

Egypt's former tourism minister Zuheir Garranah, right, has been jailed for five years over corruption. tor's office said that a decision on charges of corruption. whether or not to put Mubarak on Garranah, who was sentenced trial would be announced in the along with two businessmen, was charged with misuse of public coming days.

Meanwhile, former tourism min- funds totaling 51 million dollars, ister Zuheir Garranah was sen- after authorizing the sale of statetenced to five years in prison on owned land for well below the

Japan PM to give up salary Tokyo: Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan said on May 10 he will not accept his wages as premier until the crisis at the tsunami-hit Fukushima nuclear plant is over, although he will take his lawmaker's salary.

"Along with the plant operator, Tepco (Tokyo Electric Power Company), the government bears a great responsibility for the nuclear accident as it has pursued a nuclear

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan.

energy policy," the center-left leader said.

"As the one in charge of this policy, I wish to offer my apologies to the people," he told a press conference.

"In view of this position, I have decided to give up my annual allowance as prime minister from June, until we can see the prospect of a solution to the nuclear accident."

market price. He is the second Mubarak-era minister to be jailed for corruption, as part of a sweeping probe into corruption by the country's new military rulers.

Garranah was convicted of ordering the sale of 305 million square meters of land -- some of it oil-bearing -- to businessmen Hisham al-Hazeq and Hussein Segwani for one dollar per square meter for tourism projects.

He was detained on February 17, less than a week after a popular uprising forced Mubarak to step down and hand power to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

Mubarak is currently under arrest in a hospital in Sharm elSheikh, while the military mulls moving him to a prison hospital in Cairo.

France captures seven 'Islamist militants'

Pope reshuffles Vatican govt

Vaican City: Pope Benedict XVI on May 10 reshuffled his Vatican administration, appointing a new interior minister and a new head of the influential Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

The new interior minister is Giovanni Angelo Becciu and the head of the congregation, also known by its Latin name of Propaganda Fide, will be Fernando Filoni, a 65-year-old known for his wide diplomatic experience.

Filoni has worked in Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Filoni has also had a leading role in trying to reconcile the state-sanctioned Catholic Church in China and the underground church.

TRIPOLI : A NATO bombing blitz, which the alliance insisted was not aimed at Muammar Gaddafi, rocked Tripoli on May 10, as rebels in besieged Misrata claimed to be pushing back the Libyan strongman's forces.

The United Nations, meanwhile, said the offensive launched by Gaddafi's forces was paralyzing the oil-rich nation and causing the population to suffer widespread shortages of essential goods.

Jets screamed in low over the capital in the early hours, carrying out an unusually heavy bombardment that lasted roughly three hours.

The blasts came after NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen

French soldiers patrol at the Eiffel Tower, in Paris.

Pope Benedict XVI.

Paris: Six men suspected of planning to go to Pakistan to train with Islamic militants have been arrested in or near Paris, the French interior minister said on May 10.

But the minister, Claude Guéant, played down fears of domestic terrorism, saying that “nothing indicates that those people were planning an attack in France.”

Five of the men, some of them French citizens, were arrested on May 9 and during police raids in

NATO bombs rock Tripoli

Three fuel tanks were engulfed in flames on May 10 after the attack in Misurata. said time was running out for no future for him or his regime."

Witnesses said the latest bomGaddafi.

He said Gaddafi "should realize bardment hit targets near sooner rather than later that there's Gaddafi's compound, but the mis-

Muammar Gaddafi. sion's chief operations officer, Brigadier General Claudio Gabellini, denied that aim had been to take out the Libyan leader.

Paris and in two of its heavily immigrant suburbs.

The sixth suspect was arrested on May 10 at Charles de Gaulle Airport, as he arrived on a flight from Algeria. Mr. Guéant described him as the group’s leader and said he had “a high level of technical training.”

News agencies reported that he was a native of India and an engineer. None of the suspects were identified.

"All NATO targets are military targets, which means that the targets we've been hitting, and it happened also last night in Tripoli, are command and control bunkers," Gabellini told reporters.

"NATO is not targeting individuals," he said via videolink from his headquarters in Naples, Italy.

Asked whether Gaddafi was still alive, the Italian general said: "We don't have any evidence. We don't know what Gaddafi is doing right now."

He added later: "To tell you the truth, we are not really interested in what he's doing. Our mandate is to protect civilians from attacks or from the threats of attacks, so we are not looking after individuals."

24

Business

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Microsoft to buy Skype for $8.5 bn New York: Microsoft has announced that it would buy Skype Global for $8.5 billion in cash, in its largest acquisition ever.

In Skype, Microsoft is buying the leader in Internet voice and video communications, with 107 million users per month connected for more than 100 minutes a month on average. That large and active user base represents a major asset, Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft's chief executive, said in an interview. "It's an amazing customer imprint," Ballmer said.

"And Skype is a verb, as they say."

Ballmer never mentioned Google, Microsoft's archrival whose name is used as a verb in Internet search -- a market where Microsoft is spending heavily to try to catch Google, making some recent progress, but at great financial cost.

Buying Skype, analysts say, gives Microsoft the upper hand in the fast-growing market for Internet communications, both for consumers and businesses.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer with Skype CEO Tony Bates.

"Google is way behind Skype, and getting ahead of Google in this market was certainly an incentive for Microsoft," said Leif-Olf Wallin, an analyst for Gartner in Sweden.

Mr. Ballmer emphasized that Microsoft plans to expand Skype's business and inject its voice-andvideo technology across the spectrum of Microsoft products, from consumer offerings like Xbox to its Office productivity software.

"There are a lot of great opportunities to optimize Skype services

'India-US trade at $100 bn soon'

New Delhi: Trade between India and the US is expected to grow to $100 billion within two to three years while Indian companies are strengthening their presence in the US across various sectors, a senior Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) official said.

"I expect the trade between both the sides to reach around $100 billion within two-three years time," IACC president Gautam Mahajan said, adding that the trade volumes would increase due to the growth of several sectors like food processing, education and infrastructure.

According to Mahajan, corporate India, which is strengthening its presence in the US, is also expected to invest around $10 billion in the next five years to start greenfield projects in sectors such as manufacturing and services.

"Apart from trade, the other rising sector in the bilateral business is that of Indian investments going to the US, which could be around $8 bil-

lion to $10 billion in the next five years. This is a new trend altogether because earlier Indian corporates used to buy established companies and now they are going for greenfield projects," he added.

Mahajan was also upbeat about the IACC's upcoming chapter in New York, set to be inaugurated on May 25. "This new chapter will add impetus to business and trade between both sides," he said.

The start of the new chapter will be followed by a seminar which would focus on emerging sectors like education, infrastructure and small and medium enterprises (SME). "Around 75 representatives of various companies across sectors would participate in the Summit for US-India Trade and Economics (SUITE) 2011 from the Indian side," he said.

IACC was established in 1968 and currently has 11 chapters across India with 2,600 Indian and American companies as members.

in Microsoft products," Mr. Ballmer said.

Despite its popularity, the service has struggled to maintain profitability. Since most of its services are free, Skype makes much of its income from a small group of users who pay for long distance calls to telephone numbers. In 2010, Skype recorded $859.8 million in revenue but reported a net loss of $7 million, according to a filing.

Marc Andreessen -- the cofounder of the venture capital firm

Andreessen Horowitz, an investor in Skype -- is optimistic about the company's prospects under Microsoft, given the behemoth's extensive lineup of products and various market opportunities.

"Microsoft has extremely broad reach, they have a whole product portfolio that Skype can be attached to," said Mr. Andreesen, whose firm bought a $50 million stake in Skype in 2009. "There's all kinds of ways Skype can make money."

But Microsoft's deal-making history is mixed. The company has often been a smart acquirer of start-ups and smaller companies, analysts say, picking off technical teams that are then folded into products likes Windows, Office and Internet Explorer. But during Mr. Ballmer's tenure as chief executive, beginning in 2000, the company has also made far larger, riskier bids, most of which have been viewed as unsuccessful.

In 2004, Microsoft entered into talks to buy the big business software company SAP, for about $50 billion, according to testimony

that came out in a court case. In 2007, Microsoft acquired aQuantive, an online advertising company, for about $6 billion, a sizable premium, and some suggested it overpaid.

Nearly three years ago, the company made a surprise $48 billion offer for Yahoo. Talks then broke off, and Microsoft withdrew its bid, but later reached a partnership to take over Yahoo's search business.

The Microsoft acquisition is the second time a technology giant has acquired Skype.

In 2005, eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion with hopes of tightly integrating the service as a sales tool. But the deal never lived up to its promise and eBay took a $1.4 billion write-down on its investment.

The Microsoft deal ends the speculation about the future of Skype. The company had been planning an initial public offering but delayed its debut last year, prompting talk that it would be sold to a company like Facebook, Google or Cisco Systems.

Nooyi, Jha among highest paid CEOs in US Washington: Five Indian Americans, including PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi and Motorola Mobility's Sanjay Jha, are among the highest paid CEOs in the US, according to a new survey of the 350 biggest US companies.

Besides Indian-born Nooyi and Jha, the three other Indian origin CEOs on the list are OfficeMax CEO Rav i Saligram, Quest Diagnostics' Surya Mohapatra and Citigroup's Vikram Pandit.

The median value of salaries, bonuses and long-term incentive awards for CEOs of 350 major companies surged 11 percent to $9.3 million, according to a study of proxy statements conducted for The Wall Street Journal by management consultancy Hay Group.

Viacom Inc. CEO Philippe P. Dauman topped the list. He received compensation valued at $84.3 million, more than double his 2009 pay, thanks largely to equity awards in a renewed contract.

Nooyi's total direct compensation in 2010 was $13.78 million, which included her salary of $1.3 million dollars, annual incentives of $3 million, stock option grants of

PepsiCo chief Indra Nooyi and Motorola Mobility's Sanjay Jha. $3.23 million and performance awards totalling $6.25 million.

Nooyi's compensation, however, declined 0.2 percent from 2009.

Saligram earned a total compensation of $12.03 million in 2010 that included a salary of $121,000, stock option grants of $9.21 million and restricted stock grants of $2.26 million.

Jha's total direct compensation was $11.92 million. His 2010 salary was $900,000 dollars and he earned annual incentives of $1 million and about $10 million in stock options and restricted stock grants.

Mohapatra, whose company is

the leading provider of diagnostic testing and services, earned $10.39 million in total compensation that included a salary of $1.23 million and annual incentives of $1.2 million.

His stock options, restricted stock grants and performance awards totaled about $8 million.

Mohapatra's total compensation declined 3.7 percent from 2009.

Pandit comes in last in the list as he earned no compensation in 2010, following his decision to take a $1 annual salary and no other compensation until Citi returns to "sustained profitability".

Citigroup becomes a $40 stock New York : Citigroup Inc. became a $40 stock for the first time since late 2007, as its share price appeared to rise more than 850% from Friday's close. One catch: Investors didn't earn a dime on this week.

Citigroup, the heaviest-traded U.S. stock that accounted for 6.8% of total U.S. stock trading vol-

ume last year, drastically shrunk its share count.

The move instantly erased its single-digit stock price, which has been a persistent reminder of the trauma the bank suffered during the financial crisis.

Through a reverse split, Citigroup was able to ax a huge number of shares outstanding by turning every 10 ...

Sports TheSouthAsianTimes.info

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May 14-20, 2011

IPL4: Kings XI crush Mumbai Indians Mohali: Table-toppers Mumbai Indians suffered a humiliating 76run defeat after they were shot out for just 87 runs by Kings XI Punjab in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium here on May 10.

Chasing a target of 164, Mumbai Indians were bowled out for their second lowest total this season in just 12.5 overs.

Despite the loss, Mumbai Indians stayed on top of the points table with 16 from 11 matches while Kings XI are ninth with eight points from 10 matches The famed Mumbai Indians' batting struggled against the spin of 21-year-old left-arm spinner Bharghav Bhatt, who finished

with figures of four for 22 and was also adjudged the Man of the Match.

Only four Mumbai Indians batsmen - Kieron Pollard (17), Aiden Blizzard (15), Ambati Rayudu (13) and Harbhajan Singh (12) could get to double digits.

Bhargav Bhatt cashed in with four lower order wickets to ensure Punjab got to a 76-run win.

Team Mumbai Indians Royal Challengers Bangalore Chennai Super Kings Kolkata Knight Riders Rajasthan Royals Kochi Tuskers Kerala Pune Warriors Delhi Daredevils Kings XI Punjab Deccan Chargers

Mat 11 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 10 11

Medium-pacer Praveen Kumar struck in his successive overs to get rid of Sachin Tendulkar (6) and Blizzard, while a freak run out of Andrew Symonds (8) triggered a collapse that saw Mumbai Indians losing seven wickets for just 43 runs.

Won Lost Tie Pts 8 3 0 16 7 3 1 15 7 4 0 14 7 4 0 14 5 6 1 11 5 6 0 10 4 7 0 8 4 7 0 8 4 6 0 8 3 8 0 6

NRR +0.31 +0.86 +0.51 +0.46 -0.59 -0.62 +0.00 -0.31 -0.43 -0.18

Cricketers 'crass, loose': Dada impresses as Warriors beat Chargers Hyderabad: Sourav Ganguly made an impressive conCheerleader tribution in Pune Warriors' six wicket victory over Deccan Chargers in a clash of the bottom-placed teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on May 10.

The Warriors restricted the Chargers to 136 for eight and with the help of their top three batsmen - Jesse Ryder (35), Manish Pandey (49) and Ganguly (32) chased down the target in 18.2 overs. Australian Mitchell Marsh (4-25) was the most effective in the bowling department.

It was Pune Warriors' second successive win. They are now at seventh place in the table with eight points from 11 matches while Deccan Chargers are ninth with six points in as many games.

The two teams were already out of contention for a place in the play-off and in fact, it was Ganguly's return that added interest in the dead rubber. The former India captain was roped in by Pune Warriors last week as a late replacement for Ashish Nehra.

Mary Kom wins Asian Cup Cheergirls perform during an IPL cricket match.

New Delhi: Cricketer MS Dhoni has been very polite, Sachin Tendulkar is rarely present while Graeme Smith will flirt with anything, IPL cheerleader Gabriella Pasqualotto who secretly blogged about flirtatious behavior of players at post-match parties, claimed in her posts.

The South African cheerleader was sacked for blogging about flirtatious behavior of players at IPL post-match parties and said on May 11 on Twitter what she wrote was taken too seriously.

Pasqualotto, 22, has become an overnight star back home at Pietermaritzburg.

The content of the post on AlternativeCricket.com is a hit on the Internet but its veracity could not be established.

In her first blog, Pasqualotto gives an insight into what it’s like to be cheering in front of thousands in the searing heat.

But things get spicier in her next post where she describes the

atmosphere inside the VIP room and how cheerleaders are perceived "practically like walking porn!"

"MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have been very polite and keep to themselves in the dark corners.

Hotshots like Tendulkar with families at home are never present. The likes of Jonty Rhodes and Albie Morkel are notorious for having a good time with friends! 'Ol Graeme Smith will flirt with anything while his girlfriend lurks behind him," she wrote.

"The Aussies are fun but naughty, such as Aiden Blizzard and Dan Christian. By the end of a crazy evening, a certain someone had played kissing catchers with three girls known to me only, although he has his own girlfriend back home.� Pasqualotto, who clearly did not foresee the termination of her contract, wrote "I still have a long while here, so I shall keep my tip list in mind. Tip number 1: Beware of the cricketers!"

MC Mary Kom. New Delhi: India's MC Mary Kom defeated Asian champion Kim Myong Sim 4-3 to win the gold in the 48 kg category at the ASBC Women's Boxing Asian Cup in Haikou, China.

Mary Kom had to work hard as her North Korean opponent put up a stiff challenge in the final. In the end though, it was the skill and experience of the five-time World champion that came through as she went on to clinch the issue.

It was Mary Kom's first victory of the year since the bronze medal winning performance at the Asian Games in Guangzhou last year. The Manipuri boxer got the better of Filipino Kate Appari in the semifinals.

Ganguly remained unbeaten on 32 to seal Pune's second successive win.

Saina loses Malaysian Open final New Delhi: India's Saina Nehwal went down to China's Xin Wang 21-13, 8-21, 14-21 in the women's singles final of the Malaysian Open Grand Prix Gold at Alor Setar on May 8.

Top seeded and World No.4 Saina gave a tough challenge to second seeded and World No. 3 Xin but lost in 48 minutes.

It was the third time that Xin, the Guangzhou Asian Games gold medal winner, got the better of the Indian and all her three wins came in Malaysia.

Saina, who had a disappointing first round exit in the India Open Super Series last week, gave a strong performance and beat World Champion Lin Wang in the quarterfinal.

Saina opened a 7-3 lead in the first game and pressed home the

Saina Nehwal. advantage.

Xin came back strongly in the second game and reeled off seven points from 9-7 to take it beyond Saina.

The decider was fiercely contested with both players breathing down on each other's necks. Xin had the initial advantage when she led 5-2 and then consolidated it to 12-8, but Saina crawled back in the match. The Indian drew level at 13-13, before Xin stepped up and logged seven straight points from 14-14 to win the title.

26

Features

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Tourist Bazar emerges as the biggest travel mart of South Asia

By Prakash Bhandari/SATimes Jaipur: India can no longer attract tourists only on a cultural and traditional base. For years, now the country has been marketing the same products that now call for a fresher perspective. Indian tourism pundits opine that product development is challenging, but the product offering has to change if India wants to continue to attract foreign tourists. Travelers are looking at positive engagements in tourism that are more meaningful. Wild life tourism is growing and tented accommodation, which requires almost negligible investment, is finding takers.

Yet, if the overwhelming response to the Foreign Tour Operators (FTOs) was any indication, India seems to have wiped out the negative impression created by the global media coverage of health and safety concerns. The country’s tourist season ahead would see a larger number of foreigners descend here.

The three-day Great Indian Tourist Bazar organized by FICCI in association with Rajasthan Tourism and the Union Tourism Ministry has emerged as the biggest travel mart of South Asia. It saw as many as 230

overseas travel industry professionals engaged in B2B meetings with 220 sellers of the Indian tourism product negotiating business in the Free Independent Traveler (FIT) group and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) segments of the travel trade.

GITB 2011 witnessed foreign buyers from 55 countries doing business at 7000 pre-fixed meetings. This marks a huge increase compared with 2010 event which saw the participation of FTOs from 49 countries, 176 Indian sellers and 5000 B2B

meetings. GITB, a FICCI initiative, aims at establishing an international platform to stimulate and promote inbound tourism to India. “The objective of the travel bazaar is to raise inbound tourists arrival from the present level of five million to 10 million in the next five years, said Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson, The Lalit Group & FICCI Tourism Committee.

Amongst the 230 FTOs at GITB 2011, USA had the largest contingent of 20 FTOs, followed by the UK (14 FTOs), Canada and Poland (12 each) and Italy (11), France and the Netherlands (9 each).

In 2009, India was the 'best country brand for value for money', according to the Country Brand Index (CBI) survey done by FutureBrand, an international brand consultancy. India figured in the top five list in authenticity, history, and art and culture besides making it to the list of "rising stars" — or, countries that are likely to become major tourist destinations in the next five years — which was led by the UAE, China, and Vietnam.

“All the meetings resulted in business buoyancy among the buyers and sellers of the tourism products at the 4th edition of the international travel mart. A number of

Call to release ageing Pak virologist from Ajmer jail

By Prakash Bhandari/SATimes Jaipur: Dr Syed Muhammed Khalil Chisti, an eighty-year-old Pakistani virologist, who has spent 19 years in Ajmer facing trial for the murder of one of his relations in a brawl over disputed property, hopes to return home soon.

Human rights and peace activists from both India and Pakistan are actively campaigning for the release of Dr Chisti on humanitarian ground. The joint committee of Indo-Pakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners has issued a statement for the release of Dr Chisti, who is now in Ajmer Central jail after being convicted for life imprisonment on a murder charge. His bail plea was rejected by the Rajasthan High Court.

Pakistani and Indian peace activists have urged IndiaPakistan Judicial Committee on Prisoners to recommend to both the governments to immediately release all Pakistani and Indian prisoners who are languishing in jails of the two countries. The peace activists and members of civil society organizations in the two neighboring countries welcomed the convening of a meeting after a gap of more than two and a half years.

Dr Syed Muhammed Khalil Chisti “We sincerely thank both the governments for releasing a number of prisoners from each other’s prisons,” said the letter signed from Pakistani side by Syed Iqbal Haider, former law minister, Attorney General of Pakistan and others.

From Indian side the letter was signed by Mahesh Bhatt, film maker; Kamla Bhasin, social activist, Shahid Siddiqui, former MP; Jatin Desai, Lawyer and Activist of South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR); and Mazher Hussain, Executive Director, COVA. The letter requested the Joint Judicial Committee to make

efforts for the release of all prisoners beyond the age of 70 years, particularly the most deserving case of Dr Chisti.

“My father has a PhD in Virology from Edinburgh University, UK. He has had an illustrious career as a professor of virology and when he retired in the late 80’s his last post was Director of Public Health at the King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This whole ordeal leading to my father being charged happened simply because he was present at the wrong place at the wrong time and we firmly believe that the FIR against him contained misleading facts,” said his daughter Amna Chisti who lives in Canada.

“Nineteen long years after he allegedly committed the crime, Dr. Chisti is a sick old man unable to walk and has to be supported even for going to toilet in Ajmer central jail,” said Kavita Shrivastav, general secretary of Rajasthan PUCL. Kavita met Dr Chisti at the Ajmer jail and PUCL sent a petition to President Pratibha Patil and the governor of Rajasthan, Shivraj Patil. The signatories include journalist Kuldip Nayar, former Navy Chief Admiral L. Ramdas, journalist Jatin Desai and film maker Mahesh Bhatt.

unscheduled meetings also took place, whereas the sellers of tourism products reported a number of new buyers who have networked with them,” said Rajasthan’s tourism commissioner Usha Sharma.

Product Manager, South Asia & Pacific, ITB Berlin, Rika Jean Francois said that she has been coming to GITB for the past three years and was impressed with the professional manner in which the fair was growing. Comparing with ITB Berlin, Rika said that GITB was B2B and inbound focused while ITB Berlin was also B2C on the weekends and also focused on outbound along with inbound tourism.

Rajasthan Head, FICCI, Gyan Prakash said that the out and out focus on ensuring strict B2B meetings has resulted in almost 100 percent such structured interactions.

General Secretary of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), Randhir Singh Mandawa said that the heritage properties of Rajasthan as well as the country found in GITB an ideal platform for selling their properties. Meanwhile, the State stalls of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, etc. were seen thronged with executives networking for generating business.

US teenager creates ripples in Indian judiciary

By Prakash Bhandari/SATimes Jodhpur: A US teenager, who was sentenced to three years remand in a juvenile home for killing his mother last August, has created ripples in Indian the judiciary. He is the first foreign national who was punished as a juvenile under the Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act.A juvenile board that heard his case found him guilty of murdering his businesswoman mother Cindy Iannereli of South Fayette, Pennsylvania. The two-member juvenile board conducted the inquiry and the board members Mukesh Kumar and Dr Surendra Bhandari found that there was enough evidence against the boy for murdering his mother in a resort at Osian, 65 km from Jodhpur on August 12 last year.According to the police in India, the motive of her killing stems from her divorce from the boy's father, Richard Patton, and her refusal to reunite with the family.

The teenager whose name cannot be disclosed under the Juvenile Justice Act, will have to pass the next three years in the juvenile home were he was lodged after his arrest last year. A juvenile board headed by a chief judicial magistrate was set up for "hearing" the matter after a Jodhpur court rejected his bail application in

September last year. The boy was nabbed by the police at Jodhpur when he was trying to board an aircraft for Delhi, a day after he butchered his mother with a knife in Reggie’s Camel resort about 65 km from Jodhpur in village Osian.

According to the charge sheet against him, after killing his mother, he stashed their blood-stained clothes in a bathroom. He then wrapped the body in a bed sheet and threw it on sand dunes near the resort. After his arrest, he acknowledged that he got into a fight with his mother, but denied killing her.

His Facebook page has postings to prove that he was not on best of terms with his mother.

The juvenile home where the boy was sent has given an excellent report about his conduct to the juvenile court. Meanwhile, dozens of the boy’s more than 500 Facebook friends have expressed their belief that he is innocent and hope that he returned home soon.

His Facebook page reveals a young man who loved long-distance running and the friends he made on the South Fayette crosscountry team. He was a member of the homecoming court, an honors student and a fervent supporter of all the South Fayette sports teams.

On Sept. 17, 2009, as he began his freshman year at South Fayette, he wrote: "I am going to kill my mom," without any further explanation.

Media Partner

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Humor

May 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Humor with Melvin Durai

sama blacked out and found himself at the bottom of a deep shaft, with a single tunnel leading out of it. He crawled through the tunnel and was pleased to see that it got wider and wider until he was able to walk upright.

He walked for a mile or two and came to a large iron door. He knocked on the door. No answer.

“Hello!” he called out. “Is this where I get my 72 virgins?”

The door opened slightly and a gust of heat shot through it, scorching Osama’s eyebrows. He fell back against the wall of the tunnel. A redfaced creature with two horns peered through the gap, smoke spiraling from his ears. He pointed at Osama and laughed hysterically, his forked tongue swishing over his lips. “72 virgins? Ha ha ha! That’s a good one!”

He turned away from Osama and yelled into the fiery abyss behind him. “Is anyone a virgin in here?”

A wave of laughter, more powerful than the heat, rumbled through the door, causing the tunnel to shake.

“Sorry, buddy,” the creature said.

“You’re out of luck! No virgins here. But we do have a guy named Virgil.”

“But I was promised 72 virgins in

" Knocking on hell’s door"

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heaven.”

The creature laughed hysterically again. “Heaven? Sorry, buddy, you’ve come to the wrong place.

Did you use Google Maps or Yahoo?”

“I didn’t have time to use either.

What place is this anyway?”

“Well, it used to be called hell.

But we sold the naming rights a year ago. It’s now called the Enron Corporation Hot House.”

“But there must be a mistake. I was supposed to go to heaven.”

The creature laughed. “That’s what they all say. Even Adolf believes that he belongs in heaven.”

“But I killed more than 3,000 infidels.”

“Yes, I know. That’s why you

were fast-tracked here. You were sent straight to hell. I mean, straight to Enron Hot House. Just like Saddam.”

“My friend is here? Can I see him?”

“He’s busy getting a root canal.

After that, he has an appointment with the proctologist.”

“What about his sons? Can I see them?”

“They’re busy getting their taxes done. Every day is tax day here.”

“Is there anyone else I can see?”

“In a few hours, perhaps. I can’t let you in just yet.”

“You think maybe I don’t belong here?”

“Oh, you belong here all right.

We’ve been waiting a long time for you. But we need to make sure you’re really dead.”

“What do you mean? I felt those bullets go through me. I’ve got to be dead.”

“Yes, I know. But the photos of your dead body haven’t been released – and someone spotted you at a restaurant in Japan, eating sushi with Elvis.”

“But if I’m here, aren’t I dead?”

“Not necessarily. Sometimes people come for a few minutes and then they leave. It happens every 10 years or so.”

“You think that might happen with me?”

“Well, you have a snowball’s chance in Enron Hot House. But I just want to be certain. You know what would happen if I let you in and you don’t stay? All Enron Hot House would break loose.”

“So you want me to wait out here alone?”

“Not alone. I’ll be sending out the vermin to keep you company.

They’ve been waiting anxiously to welcome you.”

“Vermin?”

“Yes, 72 of them.”

Laughter is the Best Medicine

by Mahendra Shah Mahendra Shah is an architect by education, entrepreneur by profession, artist and humorist, cartoonist and writer by hobby. He has been recording the plight of the immigrant Indians for the past many years in his cartoons.

Hailing from Gujarat, he lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tech Life

Now, kill Osama bin Laden virtually LONDON: Just a week after the US assassinated Osama Bin Laden, gamers will now be able to virtually experience the raid and pull the trigger on the 9/11 mastermind.

In KumaWar Episode 107: Osama 2011, gamers can lead the team of US Navy SEALs who raided the Al Qaida leader's compound in Abbottabad, and end the terrorist's life themselves. The new game, which was launched last weekend, is the latest mission in a seven-year series of free online video games based on the war against terror.

Laden proves highly elusive in the game, never in the same part of the Abbottabad compound and surrounded

by defenders of varying numbers and resistance.

"Since we have to reproduce events in 3D, we care deeply about esoteric details like distances, heights, vegetation, furniture and the like that have to be re-created in the game," the Daily Mail quoted Keith Halper, Kuma's CEO as saying. He said many Americans would see it as a form of closure to the 10-year, multi-billiondollar manhunt. However, unlike the real life mission, the SEALs in the game can also encounter heavy casualties, as Al Qaida gang men will have weapons stashed throughout the playing field.

USB stick to recover deleted data LONDON: Do you suspect that your partner is unfaithful? Don't worry - here's a new gadget that is designed to recover information that has been wiped from an Apple iPhone.

Manufactured by Paraben, the USB stick - called the iRecovery Stick - can also retrieve deleted contact details and even mapping solutions, which show the destinations that the phone user has visited.

Unsurprisingly, it's proving very popular with those who suspect their other half has something to hide.

"This gadget is good for everyone from suspicious wives and husbands to girlfriends and boyfriends," the Daily Mail quoted Ray Couch, spokesman for the manufacturer, as saying.

"It's also aimed at the employer who suspects foul play from a member of staff and even the police," he said.

The USB stick gadget works by connecting to a computer, which is, in turn, connected to the iPhone.

Once the two devices are connected, the built-in software on the iRecovery Stick retrieves the deleted data on the phone.

The gadget, which costs 199 pounds, has sparked the interest of detectives, who can use the technology to retrieve evidence that may have been deleted from a suspect's phone.

It can also be used in more mundane circumstances, such as retrieving data has been accidentally deleted, including songs on iTunes.

Astrology TheSouthAsianTimes.info

May 14-20, 2011

By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

Chandigarh, India: +91-172- 256 2832, 257 2874; Delhi, India: +91-11- 2644 9898, 2648 9899; psharma@premastrologer.com; www.premastrologer.com

Stars Foretell: May 14-20, 2011 Aries: People whom you expect to provide help will let you down. You will feel annoyed and irritated. Stick to a simple and easy schedule, which includes sports and entertainment, as it will certainly make you feel better. If you feel like avoiding social gatherings, then do not think that you have surrendered yourself from public life.

This is just a small phase, which will help you to energize your lost energy. Yoga and meditation should also be practiced for physical and spiritual gains. Travelling will be beneficial.

Taurus: A stable period of growth and prosperity sees you shine with new confidence and enthusiasm. Use the resources that are available with you & you'll find new ways to complete difficult tasks. You'll also realize that all work & no play will leave you feeling dull. Take a break from what you've been doing and go out with your friends. Now is also the perfect time for completing creative hobbies or take a short pleasure trip that you have been contemplating for a long time.

Gemini: This week people will seek your advice. At home this is a good time to sort out unresolved issues or discuss issues that have been bothering your mind. Your financial situation will be more or less stable. Growth opportunities will develop through interaction with influential people. Period is not good for making investment in real estate. You will make new friends if you get involved in evening parties and other social gettogether. Blessing of a holy man provides mental peace.

Cancer: This week you are likely to be dominated by somebody who does not care much for your feelings. You will feel as if you are being misused because of your generous nature.

Otherwise you will have an exciting week ahead.

Gains from investment cannot be ruled out. Travel will be helpful in building new friendships and seeking important information. You'll take great pride in your ideas and will try to impress those around you with your work.

Leo: This week you need to spend some extra time in dealing with domestic issues.

Prepare yourself to experience the good as well as the bad when you touch personal issues. A positive approach will be very helpful. Your business sense will be upbeat and new ideas will bring you fresh gains. Residential moves will be beneficial, but it will not be an easy task to convince everyone that this is the right decision. Avoid speculation on all fronts.

Virgo: This week you need to act in a very responsible manner to benefit from given opportunities. Your mind will be capable of taking quick decisions, but financial risk should not be taken without a second opinion. By focusing on your goals you will send a signal of your commitment and dedication. You will set an impression on others that will be long lasting and will enhance your popularity amongst your peers. Romantic encounters will be exciting, but short-lived.

Entertainment should include sports and cultural events.

Libra: This week relationship with others will be in the foreground. There will be a situation where lots of talking will be done but little action. Ultimately the outcome of the talks will depend entirely on how you handle the situation.

Use your high energy and dynamic approach to win

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favors during this period. Expanding your knowledge and signing for new courses will be beneficial.

Someone you work with will try to distract you from your future plans. Selective speculation will bring favorable results.

Scorpio: This week jealous people will try to obstruct your plans or discourage you from going ahead with your work. Highly influential people will provide support and boost your morale. You will be able to share your workload and responsibilities with others. Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Religious feelings will arise making you spend more time on religious and spiritual activities. Romance will flourish during this period adding spice in your life.

Sagittarius: Opportunities for romance will develop through clubs and social events, however it may not last very long, especially if you associate with those already married. Your quest for knowledge and learning will awaken your desire to read and attend seminars/exhibitions.

Visitors will drop by unexpectedly, resulting in tension with your spouse. Minor health ailments due to untimely food habits will disturb your schedule.

Capricorn: This week you should take advantage of your high spirits and meet new people and see new places. Opportunities for growth will develop through your contacts. Be prepared to come in front and face challenges if you want others to recognize you from far. Artists, writers, scholars and those in the field of advertising can look forward to rewards for their efforts. A new romantic alliance might develop for some of you.

Aquarius: Reorganizing and completing your pending jobs should be the focus of attention this week. You also need to concentrate on many domestic issues. Simply don’t assume that everyone will understand what you have to say.

Financial gains are certain, but avoid speculation or risky financial schemes. Friends are likely to disappoint you if you expect too much from them.

Property related disputes will settle amicably. You will tend to overspend if you go shopping this weekend.

Pisces: Your creative mind will be at its best, so make the most of it. Venture out and expose yourself to new culture, people and places.

Your personality and sense of humor will attract a large crowd. Financial gains are evident through investment.

Do not let your family members distract you from your professional responsibilities. Regular morning walks and a controlled diet will keep you in perfect shape. Children are likely to be an important source of happiness in your life.

Before you consult... i) Accurate Data: Please make sure Date, Time and Place of birth is accurate. ii) Careful: Did you check background of the astrologer before disclosing your secrets. iii) Fee: Discuss the charges before, don’t feel shy. It’s his business. iv) Expectation: Expect the best, if the outcome is not as desired, never give up. v) Consult: Take second opinion before spending thousands on cure/remedies.

Annual Predictions: For those born in this week May: 14 You re governed by the number 5 and the planet Mercury. You are also dominated by the Moon. You are blessed with intelligence and shrewdness.

Those of you in business, will attain success in your new projects and plans, which you undertake, in the year ahead of you. You will be firm in your word and deeds. You will find the cooperation of your colleagues and loved ones. On your part, you will be honest and sincere to your loved ones and will go out of your way to see that they are happy.

You will donate generously towards charity, in the year ahead of you. This will give you a sense of satisfaction. Your charming personality, will draw many friends towards you. You will be the centre of attraction at many social gatherings. In matters of love, you will have to be careful that you choose the right life partner. The months of July, September, November and March will be highly important.

May: 15 You are governed by the planet Venus and dominated by the Moon. You are also influenced by the number 6. You are blessed with art and music. Anything, which is beautiful, is a passion for you. Your intelligence and sharp memory, will bring you success in your professional pursuits, in the year ahead of you. You will gain high positions and earn lots of money too. But you sometimes, tend to become proud and boastful. This could lead to friends, drifting away from you. You will also have to control your urge to take hasty decisions. Your family will be of utmost importance to you, in the coming year. You can expect to receive love and affection from them at all times. On your part, you will do your best, to give them the luxuries of life. Your communication skills will be an asset for you, in the coming year. July, September and November will be highly eventful.

May: 16 You are governed by the number 7 and dominated by the planet Neptune. Moon also has an influence on you. You are cautious and alert in taking decisions. In the coming year, you will be able to take wise decisions, both in your professional as well as your domestic front. Your children will be a source of joy for you. They will live up to your expectations and bring you happiness. Your good-humored nature, will draw many friends towards you, and you will have a good social life in the year ahead of you. Your generous nature, will draw you towards those who are needy and oppressed. You tend to get depressed, when you get too engrossed in one subject. So, try to keep yourself busy, with various activities, instead of concentrating on one subject or work. June, September, December and March will be highly important.

May: 17 You are governed by the number 8 and by the planet Saturn. You are also influenced by the Moon.

You are blessed with wisdom and intelligence.

Coupled with your organizing capacity, you will be able to achieve success in your professional field, in the year ahead of you. Your inborn urge for knowledge, will allow you to go deep into the study of different subjects. Research and studies, will occupy a lot of your time, in the coming year.

Your personality will draw people towards you.

But, sometimes, you tend to get dominating. This

may lead to your friends drifting away from you.

You will put tremendous efforts in fulfilling whatever you strive to undertake, in the year ahead of you. You will leave no stone unturned to achieve success in whatever project you undertake. August, December and February may prove to be highly significant.

May: 18 You are governed by the number 9 and dominated by the planet Mars. You are also influenced by the Moon. You are fearless and courageous by nature.

In the coming year, you are likely to inherit property from ancestors, especially from your father’s side. Hard work and the ability to take right decisions, will bring success to you in the year ahead of you. For those of you in business, it will be a good year. You can expect to sign and negotiate big deals.

You like to help others and those in need, will look to you for advice and solace. But, sometimes, you tend to get dominating. You try to impose your ideas on others. You will have to learn to control this trait in your character. October, December and February will prove to be very significant.

May: 19 You are dominated by the number 1 and the Sun. The planet Moon, also has a strong influence on you. Happiness, prosperity and fame, is what most of you can expect in the coming year. Your methodical approach to work, coupled with your sincerity, will take you to newer heights in your professional career. You will be able to go to the depth of any project that you undertake. Your quest for knowledge and research, will help you immensely in your field of work. But, sometimes you tend to get a little restless and this results in your taking hasty decisions. Weigh the pros and cons, before taking any important decision. Hasty actions, will not only result in wrong decisions, but will also lead to unpleasantness with colleagues and friends. Your warmth nature, will make friends around you, confide in you, and look towards you for help, when they are in distress. July, September and January will be significant.

May: 20 You are dominated by the planet Moon. You are also governed by the number 2. Your warm nature and your helpful attitude, draws people towards you.

You will have a large circle of friends around you, in the coming year. For those of you, who are going to be married, can expect to achieve success and prosperity in their married life. Those of you, who are in the field of journalism or teaching, can expect to reach newer heights of excellence, in the year ahead of you. For most of you, proximity to a water body, will bring you prosperity. You should, therefore opt for a posting near a river or a seaside. Most of you will be associated with charitable institutions, and you will be spending a lot of your spare time, in doing social work. July, November and February will prove highly significant.

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For appointment, please call 516 390 7847 or email consult.gems@gmail.com

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Spiritual Awareness

March 14-20, 2011

TheSouthAsianTimes.info

Freedom from Strife This article has been selected and reprinted from Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj’s book, Spiritual Pearls for Enlightened Living (Radiance Publishers), an inspirational collection of stories from the world’s great wisdom traditions.

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj ife and strife seem to go hand in hand. We have all experienced this. Any happiness that we receive is often shortlived, for at any moment we may suddenly find ourselves in states of sorrow. Disturbances occur at each and every stage of our life.

Although existence in this world is turbulent, life should be more than a pendulum in which we swing

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back and forth between moments of joy and moments of sorrow.

The dictionary defines peace as “freedom from strife,” a state of serenity, calmness, and stillness.

Despite the obstacles, we can attain true peace in this lifetime, but to do so, we need to undergo a shift in our way of thinking. Our angle of vision needs to change.

We tend to look for peace in the outer world. We hope to find it in our possessions, positions, and relationships, but the loss of any of these causes us to become agitated and distraught. Our peace of mind is disturbed.

Everything in this world is subject to change and eventual decay.

So long as we look to the transitory world for happiness, we will be disappointed. We need to change the way we look at this problem. An anecdote from the life of the Moghul Emperor Akbar can help us in this regard.

Akbar is considered to be one of the most enlightened emperors of India. He had a number of advisors to help run his kingdom. Among

these great minds was Birbal, the wisest of them all. He was quite clever and could figure out solutions to difficult problems by looking at them from a totally different perspective.

One day Akbar wanted to test his advisors, so he presented them with a puzzle. He took a stick and drew a line in the sand. He asked the advisors to try to shorten the line without erasing any part of it. Each counselor took a turn, but all were stumped. They could not figure out how to make it shorter.

Finally, Birbal came forward, took the stick, and carefully drew a line next to the one the emperor had drawn, but Birbal made his line longer. By drawing the second line longer, it made the original one look shorter.

The solution to finding peace requires us to look at the problem from a new perspective. We cannot change the nature of the world or its problems, but we can add a new dimension to life that will give us peace. Lasting peace can be found within us. Enlightened luminaries

throughout history have had mystical experiences which verified for them the existence of an inner spiritual reality.

The way to reach the spiritual realms is to invert through a process known as meditation.

Through meditation we can separate our soul from the body and voyage into the regions within.

We have within us an opening or door by which our attention can enter the higher regions. This entryway is located between and behind the two eyebrows. It is known as the seat of the soul in the body and has been referred to in many ways by various religions and philosophies. It has been called the single eye or third eye, the shiv netra, divya chakshu, daswan dwar, or tenth door. If we can withdraw our attention from the outer world and focus it at this point we will see the Light of the higher regions reflected therein. As our soul collects at this point, it rises into the beyond.

We may spend our time seeking worldly enjoyments, but they last for only short periods of time. So

Through meditation we can separate our soul from the body and voyage into the regions within long as our attention is identified with the world outside, we are faced with the problems and miseries that are inherent in physical existence. By inverting our attention and rising above the physical body through a process of meditation on the inner Light, we will find regions within which give us lasting peace.

Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj, an international spiritual leader and Master of meditation, affirms the transcendent oneness at the heart of all religions, emphasizing prayer and meditation as building blocks for achieving peace.www.jyotimeditation.org

Unity through Spirituality

By Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj

e all know about Isaac Newton and that many scientific developments are based on his insight.

Once, when someone talked to him about his knowledge which was helping many people all over the globe, he said that his knowledge was just like a pebble on the shore of an ocean.

Whatever heights we might attain in the physical, mental, or emotional arena, we have no real knowledge of the truth, and unless we are enlightened spiritually, there will be no unity between humans in the true sense.

What we first need to understand is that we, ourselves, are love. We are love because we are each a part of God, who is an ocean of all love. The second thing that we need is to accept that love in others. They might look different from us, belong to different faiths or speak different languages, but if we would learn the language of love then we would be able to communicate with others.

If we love someone, we will care for them.

We will never do anything to hurt them. So when we truly, truly love anyone, then we will take care of them, share in their problems and make sure that the quality of their life is better. As we help each other, unity will definitely be a part of our existence.

As we look at our life, how do we really live? Most of us spend time during the day in pursuit of this materialistic world. We search for happiness, we search for truth, and we

Great saints and mystics have always talked about being able to focus our attention within ourselves because this is where the treasure house of divinity resides.

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search to have unity, but the object of our search is on the outside. As long as the object of our search remains on the outside, we will never find eternal truth and unity, because everything of this world is perishable.

The only thing that is permanent is the divine treasures, God the Creator, and what has been called the Holy Word, Naam, Shabd, Kalma, Jyoti and Sruti, Sonorous Light, Celestial Music, or Harmony of all harmonies. These are different names given in different languages to talk about the creative force that emanated from the Lord and created regions after regions of existence.

When humans set foot on the moon and looked at the earth, it seemed like a small, insignificant speck in the universe. As science has developed, we know there are many, many other galaxies in the physical region. Likewise, the great saints and mystics tell us that there are many, many other

regions beyond the physical: regions that are more conscious and more spiritual than this physical region of ours.

The great saints and mystics have always talked about being able to focus our attention within ourselves because this is where the treasure house of divinity resides. As we connect with the divine power, we will be transported to regions of love, peace, and bliss.

Generally what happens is that as a human being, we feel that we are not capable of making a difference. Many of you might remember that it was Benjamin Franklin who put the first street lamppost in front of his house. When he did so, everyone said, “He is crazy. Why is he putting light in the area?” But he lit it up night after night. Soon everyone in the neighborhood started putting up street lamps and there was light for everyone to see where they were going.

Similarly, if we were to connect to the Light within ourselves, we might think that it won’t make a difference, but if we recognize the divine Light within ourselves, that Light is going to remove the darkness in our own surroundings, in our families, and in our work environments. Soon, those with whom we come in contact will also follow our examples. As the great mystic poet, Sant Darshan Singh Ji Maharaj, has said: I started alone on the journey of love filled with faith and zeal.

At every step, travelers joined me, and soon we were a caravan.

As we become peaceful within ourselves, let that peace radiate from us to everyone with whom we come in contact so that we will be living in an age of peace, of love and of harmony as we spend our time on this earth.

For more visit www.sos.org