Voice of Asia E paper september 18 2015

VOICE OF ASIA 1

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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Vol. 28 No. 38 Friday, September 18, 2015 • Published Weekly from Houston • 713-774-5140 20 Pages ( 2 sections) 50 cents E-mail: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

Hindus of Greater Houston’s 26th Janmashtami ISKCON and over 45 organizations participate

ISKCON devotees Ambarish Ford and wife Sharmila Ford were in Houston observing the 50 years since Swami Prabhupada, (ISKCON) arrived in United States. They were a major part of the Janmashtami celebrations as well.

Pholon ki Barsat (showering of flowers) was one of the highlights of the Janmashtami celebartions at the GRB Center on, Saturday, September 12, 2015. Photo credit: Bijay Dixit.

Unprecedented in the history of Houston’s Indian American community!

Largest amalgamation of over 45 organizations join the celebrations!

Read complete report on Page 8

IACF 2015 Gala Honors Local Leaders and Charities - Inspires ‘Gen-Next’

by Shobana Muratee

IACF.

G

uests at the elegant Indo-American Charity Foundation’s (IACF) 28th Annual gala on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Sugar Land Marriot Town Square would long cherish an evening of celebrating the joy of giving.

Sticking to its motto, of ‘We live here, we give here’, the IACF had a tall list of honorees, a total of 18, who were recognized for their continued service to the community and also for their support to

IACF was stared in 1988 to provide service to local community and was nurtured for 28 years by strong leadership.

IACF has since, kept pace with the demands of the community and increased its scope to include areas of Education, Family, General, and Health care to the under privileged in greater Houston.

Dr. Kamala Raghavan, President, IACF welcomed the gathering aptly quoting Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose self in the service of others� to describe the sentiments of those that helped build IACF. She paraphrased President John Kennedy, “Ask not what your community can do for you, but ask what you can do for your community,� to resonate what continues to be the driving force of the people behind the organization that completes 28 glorious years.

Speaking of IACF, Dr. Raghavan explained in a nutshell: “We distributed about $100,000 to charities doing work in the four areas and provided scholarships to 23 college bound

seniors in FBISD. With our emphasis on STEM education, you will be happy to know that 60% of the students plan to be physicians, 30% plan to be engineers, and 10% are going into public service and criminal justice.� To help promote education, IACF partners with PEACE, charity working with parents Continued on page 6 IACF President Dr. Kamala Raghavan and Dr. Bhuchar honoring Mr. Koshy

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OP-ED/COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS

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VOICE OF ASIA Publisher:

Associate Publisher: Editor-in-Chief:

Austin Correspondent: Print & Media Marketing: Marketing:

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Koshy Thomas Sherly Philip Shobana Muratee Sherine Thomas Jacob David Susan Pothanikat AR Vadlamani Priyan Mathew

Columnists: Legal: Richard M. Alderman Legal: Sharlene Sharmila Richards Research: Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee Health Insurance: Sudhir Mathuria Astrology: Hardik Vyas

VoiceofAsiaOnline.com Editor Online:

Shobana Muratee

All rights reserved. No material herein or portions thereof may be published without the consent of the publisher.

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by Ghazala Scheik Akbar

A

UGUST, the month just past was a period of remembrance in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

And in the Asian sub-continent, the consequences of the past are all too present. Revered for the Independence and the creation of the two states of India and Pakistan, August recollects, all too sadly, the horrors unleashed as millions were violently uprooted in a desperate scramble to be on the other side of the ill-conceived and hastily drawn ‘international border’.

Nobody is sure how many perished but the bitterness that the killing produced has soured India-Pakistan relations for more than six decades now. Periodically it has turned to war.

And if jingoistic media are to be believed it is threatening to flare up once again as hawkish elements on both sides up the ante on the LoC amplifying the chest-thumping rhetoric on the 50th anniversary of the IndoPak War, 1965.

Memories of other August events fade but their consequences remain. A year before Partition, on August 16, 1946, ‘Direct Action Day’, a peaceful protest declared by the Muslim League leadership, was considered a provocation by its rivals.

With hot heads on both sides determined to show who was ‘boss’ in the city of Calcutta, this degenerated quickly into the the ‘Great Calcutta Killing,’ a four day orgy of murder, rape, arson and loot between Hindus and Muslims. Estimates range between five and a thousand dead.

Most importantly, it put the final

It is the policy of Voice of Asia to publish letters to the editor which evidence a variety of viewpoints. The opinions expressed in any particular letter to the editor are not necessarily those of the management. Voice of Asia welcomes letters in reply to issues raised in letters to editor. In as much letters to the editor are not articles written or researched by members of Voice of Asia, it is not the policy of the Voice of Asia to perform any investigation or confirmation of any facts or allegations contained in letters to the editor. Moreover, Voice of Asia reserves the right to edit letters to the editor as necessary to correct errors of fact, punctuation, spelling and to comply with space constraints.

Although paid advertisements may appear in Voice of Asia Group Publications in print, online, or in other electronic formats, the Voice of Asia Group does not endorse the advertised product, service, or company, nor any of the claims made by the advertisement.

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

A remembrance of things past and present nail in the coffin for preserving the territorial unity of Bengal setting the seal of Partition on religious lines a year later. East Bengal became East Pakistan and then Bangladesh.

There is another grisly August episode. It concerns Bangladesh.

On the night of August 15, 1975 a group of army officers in the new nation of Bangladesh took it upon themselves to murder not just the founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, but also his wife Begum Fazilutunnesa, his sons Kamal and Jamal, their wives and his youngest son Russell aged 10. In all, 20 members of his immediate and extended family were gunned down at four different locations in a planned and systematic manner. This was an act of cold-blooded savagery matched only perhaps by the killing of the Tsar’s family in post-revolution Russia or in more recent memory by the fratricide of the entire Royal family of Nepal by its Crown Prince.

In a stunning reversal of fortune, Sheikh Hasina is now the reigning Prime Minister of Bangladesh into her third stint of office. But it hasn’t been plain sailing for Hasina. She has shown determination and courage. There have been several attempts on her life, the most dastardly one on August 21, 2004 when a grenade attack at a public meeting nearly

killed her. Scores were injured and maimed. She did not give up.

And what of the 1975 killers? Where are they now?

How did they escape justice?

Why weren’t they court-martialled? In arguably the most shameful legal licenses ever given in sub-continental history, these self-confessed killers who expressed no remorse or regret were given a blanket ‘immunity’ from prosecution by the then acting President Khondokar Mushtaque Ahmed.

Adding insult to injury, some were promoted in rank and rewarded with plum diplomatic assignments. Their indemnity remained unchallenged by successive regimes that benefited from their actions giving rise to a culture of impunity for a class of people who were simply above the law. Colonel Farooq Rahman audaciously stood as a candidate for president in 1986!

The sheer brazenness of this extraordinary exemption and the freedom with which they were allowed to travel overseas has caused much speculation as to the real motives in removing Sheikh Mujib. The murders, as initially projected, were not impromptu acts of irate army officers settling personal scores.

Nor were they patriotic soldiers saving the country from corruption, mismanagement and oneparty rule. It was murder most foul, a brutal regime change

executed at the behest of vested interests.

In 2006, as a ‘goodwill gesture’ the Pakistan government returned the body of Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman to Bangladesh where he was buried with full military honours as a hero. It was a symbolic gesture but deeply significant.

Matiur Rahman was the Flight Instructor who had attempted to hijack an aircraft, fly to India and join in his country’s war. He was thwarted by his trainee pilot Rashid Minhas. In the ensuing struggle, the plane crashed and both died. The two men were awarded the highest military awards in their countries: Nishan-e-Haider and Bir Sreshtho. Both were heroes.

Uncannily this episode occurred on August 20, 1971.

A similar gesture is needed

by Pakistan again. These are self-confessed murderers who did not spare even pregnant women and children. They have been found guilty and sentenced. Let the Bangladeshis deal with them. Whatever the country’s misgivings about the events of 1971 or its selective remembrance of things past, Pakistan cannot sweep this under the carpet. It must recognise the sensitivities of Bangladesh on this issue. It must feel their pain. Most importantly it cannot and must not be a sanctuary or apologist for self-proclaimed child killers. Find them, return them.

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STORY OF MAHATMA GANDHI

Wheels of independence are set in motion Part XIX The war in Europe was having an impact in India. The Congress Working Committee found itself unable to accept in its entirety Gandhi’s attitude to the war. In particular, they would not accept his view that the defence of India should not depend on the armed forces.

Congress leaders met several times in Gandhi’s room at Sevagram and talked of their desire to start some action. Finally a proposal was put forward that all provincial governments should join with the British authorities in the defence of India, but the British rejected the offer. Now read on.

I

n September 1940, a meeting of the All-India Congress Committee was held in Bombay.

There, as a protest against England’s utter indifference to India’s hopes, it was decided to launch individual civil disobedience against the authorities. It was also decided to hold meetings to protest against British imperialism. At that time such meetings were forbidden. Vinoba Bhave was the first to inaugurate individual satyagraha. He was arrested and so were hundreds of others who followed him. Nehru also was arrested. Within a few months over 30,000 Congressmen were put in jail.

Only Gandhi was not imprisoned. He devoted his time to spreading the gospel of truth and nonviolence. In December 1941 the government released all the satyagrahis. Then, in 1942, as the Japanese swept across the Pacific and went through Malaya and Burma, the British began to think of a settlement with India. Japan, it was feared, might even invade India. Even Gandhi began to feel that his pacifism might stand in the way of India’s future. So he made the proposal of a provisional government so that all the resources of India could be added to the government’s side in the struggle against the aggressors. But this

earlier, but now it was rejected.

The Congress leaders did not want any compromise based on promises.

Mahatma Gandhi Week in Houston from Sept.

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In March 1942 Churchill announced that the war cabinet had agreed on a plan for India and that Sir Stafford Cripps had agreed to go to India to find out whether the Indian leaders would accept the plan, and whether they would devote all their thought and energy to the defence of India against Japan. Cripps arrived in Delhi on March 22. He met Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and other important leaders.

Cripps promised greater freedom than what had been offered before. He also offered complete freedom after the war, if India wanted it. The leaders would perhaps have accepted this offer if it had come a year

The British did not trust the people of India sufficiently to give them any real power, and so the Indian leaders felt that they could not trust the British to hand over power after the war. In August 1942 the AllIndia Congress Committee met in Bombay, and was presided over by Maulana Azad. Again the demand to set up a provisional government was made.

“We can no longer hold back our people from exercising their will,” Gandhi said. “Nor can we go on eternally submitting to the imperialist policies.

The time has come for the English to go. Civil servants, army officers, government officers all of them should quit India.”

The “Quit India” resolution was drawn up and passed by the meeting for presentation to the government.

Nehru moved the resolution and Sardar Patel seconded it.

The resolution also announced the starting of a mass struggle on the widest possible scale.

Winding up the meeting, Gandhi said, “I have pledged to the Congress, and the Congress has pledged herself that she will do or die.” The government did not wait for the mass movement to begin. Overnight Gandhi was arrested, as were many other leaders in various parts of India. Gandhi was interned in the Aga Khan’s palace in Poona.

Mahadev Desai, Kasturba, Sarojini Naidu and Mirabehn were also taken there. But with the leaders in jail, India did not remain idle. ‘Do or die’ was taken up by the people. There were mass movements everywhere. And there was a great outburst of violence throughout the country. People started destroying government buildings and whatever else they considered to be symbols of British imperialism. Shortly after his detention in the Aga Khan’s palace Gandhi suffered a griev-

Great Summer Project For children! Enter Mahatma Gandhi Week 2015 Essay, ITribute, Poster and Speech contests. Visit gandhilibrary.org for registration and more information. All school going children can participate! These contests are being organized to create higher awareness of the inspiring life and work of Mahatma Gandhi to promote universal values of Truth, Non-Violence, Love and Service. ous bereavement. Mahadev Desai, his faithful and able secretary, died of a heart attack.

“Mahadev has lived up to the ‘do or die’ mantra,” Gandhi said. “This sacrifice will only hasten the day of India’s deliverance.” All over India there were strikes and disorder.

Lord Linlithgow, the Viceroy, blamed Gandhi for all the turmoil. Gandhi had invited violence, he claimed. In a long series of letters to Lord Linlithgow, Gandhi tried to persuade him to retract this charge against him. Failing in this, Gandhi decided to undertake a fast as “an appeal to the Highest Tribunal” against the unjust charges. Gandhi fasted for 21 days in February, 1943. It was a great ordeal, but he survived the fast. Kasturbai nursed him back to health, but her own health was failing. She suffered two heart attacks. Gandhi tried his best to save her, but Kastur-

bai grew worse. One day she died quietly in Gandhi’s arms.

A few weeks later Gandhi was taken seriously ill with malaria. The Indian people demanded his immediate release and the authorities, believing that he was nearing death, released him. Gandhi was slowly restored to health.

The demand for Indian independence had now acquired worldwide interest. Apart from India’s own attitude, America and other countries started pressing Britain to grant freedom to India. But Prime Minister Winston Churchill did not yield to any of these approaches. India had always been the jewel in the British crown, crucial to the Britain’s prosperity.

Churchill was the last man to think of giving up India. Two months after Germany’s surrender in May 1945, the Labour Party came into power in Britain and Clement Attlee became

the Prime Minister.

After the defeat of Japan in August that year, the British government announced that they expected to grant self-rule to India as soon as her internal problems could be solved. This was indeed a victory for India and a victory for the principle of nonviolence. Britain agreed to a planned withdrawal from India in friendship and with no bitterness. All through his life Gandhi had worked for unity between Hindus and Muslims, without much success. There was a large section of nationalist Muslim in the Congress but leaders of the Muslim League were drifting further and further away. Gandhi was not the man to give up hope, however, and he pursued his efforts to bring about a settlement. On the other hand, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the Muslim League, was hostile to the idea of unity. — To be continued

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VOICE OF ASIA 3

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Second Front Page

Friday, September 18, 2015 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 3 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

Thousands Celebrate Janmashtami at Radha Madhav Dham Temple in Austin TX

A

USTIN - Over 4,000 devotees, from newborns to seniors, gathered at Radha Madhav Dham Temple in Austin to celebrate Shree Krishna Janmashtami.

The excitement was palpable days in advance when volunteers began preparing for the grand celebrations and decorating one of the largest temples in the U.S. for the occasion.

Krishna’s Divine actions) depicting Baby Krishna’s appearance and His arrival in Gokul was presented. Everyone rose to their feet and to the sounds of conches, drums, and cymbals burst into joyous outcry of “Nand ke anand bhayo….

Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki” which continued for over an hour past midnight until 1:00am.

Overjoyed with the exciting devotional atmosphere of Radha Madhav Dham and family centric activities of the day, steeped in tradition, culture and devotion, people couldn’t stop talking about their experience and several visitors unanimously commented “this was definitely one of the best Janmashtami celebrations we have ever attended”.

In anticipation of the festivities, hundreds arrived a day in advance and stayed overnight at Radha Madhav Dham’s beautiful facilities which overflowed in attempt to accommodate over 300 guests. As the evening approached, the crowds surged into thousands, backing up the main road leading up to the temple for more than a mile.

Devotees were welcomed with dinner prasad as they arrived and food stalls selling samosa, dosa, lassi, etc. were set up for those wanting a quick

A dramatic depiction of the flooded Yamuna river that Vasu deva is seen crossing with baby Krishna.

A Jhula (decorative swing) was set up for baby Krishna

Gopis dance in ecstasy celebrating Lord Krishna’s birthday. snack or a light meal. The temple program started with singing of beautiful kirtans revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj in praise of Lord Krishna. A jhula (decorative swing) was set up for baby Krishna and Radha Krishna deities presiding in the temple were decorated in a spectacular sixteen fold shringar. The line of devotees eager to have darshan (vision) of Radha Krishna and an opportunity to swing baby Krishna kept getting longer and longer as the evening progressed into the night and continued from 6 pm till midnight. Sushree Diwakari Devi spoke about the spiritual significance of Janmashtami.

ably dressed as Krishna or Radha, walked alongside their parents or were cradled by their parents, as they participated in the costume contest.

Children competed in four different age groups and charmed the audience in an overcrowded temple hall. After that Kathak maestro and disciple of legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj, Shree Murari Sharan Gupta enthralled everyone with a rich blend of dances presented in a pure Kathak style and vividly bringing to life the Divine pastimes and glories of Lord Krishna.

Music of “Govinda ala re ala…” (Krishna is coming…) resonated the hall and peeked the curiosity of the crowd, as a team of butter thieves led by a

The cultural program started with hundreds of children, as young as few months old ador-

If you missed this magically devotional experience, check out the photos on our faebook page or in the photo gallery of our website www.radhamadhavdham.org

young Krishna, approached a butter pot hanging high in air.

Aided by loud cheers from the large hall that was packed with people from wall to wall, the team formed a three story human pyramid and after a couple of failed attempts finally helped Krishna break the pot.

The energy and excitement kept growing as the dahi haandi (curd pot) breaking led right into raas garba. People danced in joy to the live chanting of Shree Radha Krishna’s name and enlivened by a devotional band.

With only an hour to go until midnight, enchanting kirtans of Lord Krishna immersed the audience in devotion. Shortly before midnight, the sound of thunder and lightning filled the air and a leela (enactment of

Hundreds of devotees and guests participated in the Janmashtami celebrations held at the Radha Madhav Dham’s beautiful facilities in Austin, TX.

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Power of attorney is a one-way street Q. If my mother gives me a power of attorney, do I become liable for her debts?

A. A power of attorney gives rights but does not impose liability. A power of attorney gives a person the right to act on behalf of another. For example, if your mother gives you a power of attorney, you will have the right to act on her behalf. You can basically do whatever she has the right to do with her property. The power of attorney, however, does not make the person to whom it is given responsible for the other party’s debts. You would have no liability for your mother’s debts, unless you separately agreed to pay them.

Q. I rent a house. I have two large dead trees in my yard. I have spoken with the landlord but he refuses to cut the trees. I am afraid the trees will blow down in a storm and hurt someone.

Can I withhold rent until he cuts the trees? What can I do to force him to cut them down?

A. First, do not withhold rent. This could get you evicted. To determine your legal rights, read your lease to see if it deals with the question of who is responsible for maintaining the trees. Assuming it does not make you responsible, in my opinion the landlord has an obligation to prune or cut the trees. If he does not, he could be liable for any damages that result from his negligence.

I suggest you contact the landlord in writing and explain the situation. Let him know you believe it is dangerous to your health and safety. Explain that if the dead tree falls in a storm is it likely someone will get hurt, or your property will be damaged. Tell him you expect him to promptly take steps to eliminate the problem, and that if he does not he could be liable for any damage caused by one of the trees falling. Hopefully, once he knows you know the law he will cut down the trees.

Q. My employer deducted money from my paycheck for not following company rules. I didn’t even know about the rule. I also cannot afford to lose money this way. What are my rights?

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is ordered to do so by a court;

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has written authorization from the employee.

For example, an employer may deduct for child support or income tax withholding. Any other type of deduction must be authorized in writing by the employee. There is no law authorizing him to withhold money simply because of a rule violation. I suggest you ask your employer where he has the authority to withhold for a rule violation, and where you agreed to it in writing. I also should point out that in most cases an employer may not deduct if the deduction reduces your wages below the minimum wage. For more information, visit the Texas Workforce Commission web site, www.twc.state.tx.us/.

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A. This is an interesting question because it raises the issue of how insurance affects liability. The mechanic’s insurance has nothing to do with his liability to you. Insurance only pays money for obligations of the insured person. It does not create or preclude liability. In your case, the mechanic is liable if his negligence caused the theft. For example, if the garage was not properly locked or the keys were left in the ignition, the mechanic could be found to have been negligent, and responsible. If the mechanic is responsible, you have a claim against him regardless of whether he has insurance.

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n September 9th, 2015, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of State announced a change in the procedure that will now allow individuals caught in the immigrant visa backlogs to file their applications for adjustment of status or for immigrant visas before their priority dates become current.

Starting with the October Visa 2015 Visa Bulletin, it will be published in a different form.

It will have two charts listing separate dates for each preference category and country of chargeability. The two charts are the ‘’Application Final Action Date” (Final Action Date) chart and “Dates of Filing Applications” (Date of Filing) chart.

This new proposed change will provide the much needed relief for individuals and families caught in the immigrant visa backlogs to file their applications for adjustment of status or their applications for immigrant visa earlier than before their priority date becomes current. This can save months or in some cases, several years of waiting before one could file for permanent residence.

October 2015 Visa Bulletin The Two Charts The Visa Bulletin, which is published monthly by the Department of State will now contain two separate charts for each of the Family and Employment based preference categories. The “Final Action Date” chart details the earliest possible dates for which the immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications can be approved. The “Dates for Filing” chart details the dates on which such applications can be filed. Once such applications are filed, they will effectively remain pending until the “Final Action Date” is reached.

The previous Visa Bulletins only had one chart each – the

date for which the applicants’ priority date became current and which meant that applicants could only file their immigrant visa or adjustment of status applications at that time and for the adjudication of the applications to take place at the same time.

These changes will affect immigrant visa and adjustment of status applicants as follow: Immigrant Visa Applicants (Consular Processing) Individuals with priority dates earlier than the date listed on the “Dates of Filing” chart for their preference category and country of chargeability will be notified by the National Visa Center that they may prepare and file their supporting documentation and begin the Immigrant Visa application process. A final decision on the immigrant visa application cannot however be given until the priority date becomes current i.e. earlier than the “Final Action Date”.

Adjustment of Status Applicants (US) Individuals who are in the United States and are eligible to adjust status to permanent residents must use the “Final Action Date” chart to determine when they may submit their applications for adjustment of status unless the Visa Bulletin indicates that they may instead use the “Date of Filing” chart. The early “Date of Filing” chart may only be used if USCIS indicates that there are sufficient immigrant visas available to support the filing of additional adjustment applications beyond that which would be received under the “Final Action Date” chart. For the month of October 2015, USCIS has agreed to permit immigrants to use the “Dates of Filing” chart to file their adjustment applications. Thus, individuals who have a priority date earlier than the “Filing Date” cut-off for the month of October may submit an adjustment application in October 2015.

Benefits of this proposed change

At first glance, the benefits of this proposed change can be seen in the following areas: Adjustment of status applicants can file for employment authorization together with their adjustment application (I-485) and receive their EAD (Employment Authorization Document) within the 90 day timeframe. In addition, they can also file for advance parole to enable them to travel outside the US and return back without the need of securing a new visa for entry. Applicants will also be able to take advantage of the AC21 portability rule sooner rather than later. The AC21 portability rule allows adjustment applicants to change of jobs in the same or similar occupational classification for which the labor certification was certified for if the application for adjustment of status has been filed and remain pending for 180 days or more. This may also reduce the number of H-1B and L-1 extension filings and save employers thousands of dollars in filing fees each year.

Lastly, but not least, in conjunction with the application of the Child Status Protection Act, it may also have a positive impact on reducing the number of derivative beneficiaries aging out (turning 21).

Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is general in nature and not intended to constitute legal advice for any specific case. Please consult with an immigration lawyer about the specific circumstances of your case.

Sharlene Sharmila Richards is a licensed Immigration Lawyer practicing in Houston, Texas.

She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2000 and is a member of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and a member of the US Supreme Court. She can be contacted by phone 713623-8088 or by email at srichardslaw@aol.com to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 5

Saadhana Pariwar celebrates Gurupurnima 2015 HOUSTON - On 29 August 2015, Saadhana Pariwar, the renowned Hindustani Classical Music Gurukul, celebrated Gurupurnima at the Stafford Civic Center. The event was organized by the Center for Indian Classical Music of Houston (CICMH).

As has become characteristic of all CICMH events, besides soulful music, the event was filled with enthusiasm, grace and spirituality.

Gurupurnima is traditionally celebrated on the full moon day of the Ashadha month by the Shak Samvat calendar. This is a day dedicated to Gurus – ‘Guru’ meaning the remover of darkness. In CICMH, Pandit Suman Ghosh (Guruji) and Smt. Shashikala Ghosh (Guruma) are venerated largely through musical performances by the disciples, while Panditji and Smt Ghosh shower their blessings in the form of a ceremonial lesson or taalim. Over the years, CICMH’s celebration of Gurupurnima has grown in stature and importance into a gorgeous day-long event at prestigious venues.

The stage was decorated tastefully and befittingly to invoke musical spirituality and mysticism. The celebrations began with musical offerings by different groups of disciples. This year’s performances showcased a wide spectrum of Hindustani vocal music, as students expressed their gratitude towards their Guruji – among the presentations were compositions in Raags Yaman, Ramkali, Des, Marwa, Bihag and Chandrakauns. In between, there were soulful renditions of Bhajans and Haveli Sangeet which is a hallmark of the Mewati Gharana that Panditji is a torch bearing scion of.

Dr. Subodh Bhuchar, eminent Houston physician, was among the music connoisseurs present.

In his brief but eloquent speech, he spoke of the sheer chance that brought Panditji to Houston and the profound impact his very presence has had, and continues to have, on Houstonians - made apparent by the way the listenership of Dr. Bhuchar’s radio show shoots up on the occasions that Pandit Ghosh was featured. He also talked about the difference between a teacher and a guru and the sanctity of Gurupurnima

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Rev. Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj, Gen. Secy. of Ramakrishna Math and Mission to visit VSGH

by Sanchali Basu

Saadhana Pariwar Guruji Pandit Suman Ghosh, founder of CICMH in Taalim session with his students.

Students of CICMH celebrate Gurupurnima 2015 celebrations. Addressing the students in the audience, he spoke about how fortunate they all were to be part of such a musical and spiritual family.

At the outset of the second session, Panditji shared his own life experiences – first as a shishya (disciple) and then as a guru and what teaching meant to him. He talked about the depth and breadth of the guru-shishya parampara, its deep roots and impact on our lives. Smt. Ghosh talked about the journey that members of the

Saadhana Pariwar go through, how the music and values taught here bring them together as a family. This was echoed in large part by Smt. Archna Tripathi, one of the senior most members of CICMH and a student of Panditji for over 10 years.

The Taalim session was a musical treat as Panditji taught one of his own compositions in sublime Raag Jogeshwari, followed by a piece in Raag Brindavani Saarang by one of his earlier Gurus, Padma Bhushan Pandit Jnan

Prakash Ghoshji.

At the end of the taalim, Guruji and Guruma were felicitated by the student representatives. They then met with and individually blessed each disciple present.

With the soul so richly fed, the proceedings moved to the back of the auditorium where a sumptuous dinner served by Madras Pavilion was laid out, as a continuation of the delicious snacks served during the intermission.

It was truly a holistic experience for one and all present.

The long awaited expectation is about to come true.

The sincere, hard efforts of the devotees of the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH) are finally about to pay off. Months and years of anticipation, persistence and perseverance have finally convinced the General Secretary of the parent institution, Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Belur, that the Houston center deserves his visit. As part of the US tour which includes his attendance at the Parliament of World’s Religions to be held in Salt lake City, Utah from Oct 15-19, Revered Sw. Suhitanandaji will be arriving in Houston on Sept. 24, 2015, a very auspicious day for VSGH, the 4th anniversary of its new building consecration.

Revered Swami Suhitanandaji Maharaj joined the Ramakrishna Order in 1958. He received his Mantra Diksha from Swami Vishuddhanadaji, the 8th president and his monastic vows from Swami Vireswaranandaji in 1970. He served as a sewak to Swami Premeshanadaji Maharaj, a direct disciple of Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi. He was the principal of the Higher Secondary Schools at Rahara and the Narendrapur Centers, and served as the Secretary at the Deogarh Vidyapith.

In 1995, he was elected as a trustee of the Ramakrishna Math and a member of the Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission. He was the Assistant Secretary from May 1997 to May 2012. He is the General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission since May 2012.

It is a huge honor and privilege that the respected Swami has chosen to visit the Houston center from September

24-25 to bless its devotees and reinforce their faith in the belief that Ramakrishna Math & Mission of Belur will be assigning a resident priest to the center in the very near future. That he is coming to the VSGH even with his delicate health and extremely compact schedule, is truly a veritable blessing of the Holy Trio.

VSGH is a spiritual nonprofit organization founded in 2003. The aim of the society is to conduct spiritual programs that bring a better understanding of the Vedantic concepts.

Weekly programs and classes are conducted with this aim.

Frequent retreats are conducted by Swamis (monks) of the Ramakrishna Order, visiting from all over America and abroad.

On September 24, there will be a reception for the Swami at 5:30 PM at the VSGH Center, 14809 Lindita Drive, Houston TX 77803. It will be attended by several local dignitaries. After the evening vespers, the Swami will be lecturing on, “Holy Mother: A Universal Epitome of Motherhood.”

A special Youth Forum highlighting, “The Different Facets of Swami Vivekananda,” has been arranged for the evening of Sept 25 at 6 PM following the evening vespers. Dinner will be served on both the days at 8:30 PM. All are hereby encouraged to mark these dates and attend this very special event.

It is only through solidarity, support and patience, will the dreams of the Houston devotees of getting a Resident Swami at VSGH will come true.

For further information, please visit: www.houstonvedanta.org

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COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 6

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

IACF 2015 Gala Honors Local Leaders and Charities ....

IACF President Dr. Kamala Raghavan addressing the gathering. Photos: Murli Santana

The formal segment incorporated the Award Ceremony where 18 community stalwarts who have been leading proponents of charitable causes in Houston and supported IACF efforts were honored with IACF “Friends of Charities 2015” award. Those honored were:

Mahatma Gandhi Library ,

1. Abhijit Gadgi, Chemical Engineer Executive, Oil Industry,

7. Dr. SG Appan, Research Scientists and farmer, Aqua Dome Herbs,

2. Asif Dakri, Vice Chairman of the Board and CEO, Wallis State Bank,

8. Juhi Ahuja, Founder & CEO, Wise Men,

3. Atul Kotari, CPA & peace activist,

8. Dr. Kamlesh Lulla, Chief Scientists, NASA Johnson Space Center,

4. & 5. Chandrakanta and David Courtney, Performing Arists, North Indian Classical Music, 6. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, author, poet, teacher, activist, Prof. University of Houston,

IACF President Elect Nanda Vura

Continued from page 1 to help children’s education. Turning Point is another of IACF’s partner in providing Family and General needs that include caring for abused women and children, and senior care. Both organizations made video presentations of their work. Isha Dessell, founder of Turning Point and representatives of PEACE Jaishri Kothandaraman and Venkat Dikonda were honored on the occasion.

IACF also honored four other charities: Indian Doctors Clinic, Literacy Advance, Friends helping Friends and Casa Esperanza with grants on the occasion.

IACF partnered with Friends Helping Friends and conducted vaccination camp at Turning Point and Indian Doctors Charity Clinic in January and will be having another event in October, 2015. “We have achieved the gold standard of non-profit efficiency metrics by reducing our operating expenses so that 91% of the funds go to charities,” Dr. Raghavan said.

Dr. Ramesh Cherivirala, past President with Juhi Ahuja and Dr. Raghavan.

9. Dr. Karun Sreerama, Professional Engineer & Managing Principal, TAMC, Mr. Mehta from IDC with DA, John Hailey, Dr. Raghavan and Dr. Bhuchar.

10. Koshy Thomas, Publisher, Voice of Asia, 11. Dr. Nat Bala, Gastroenterologist, 12. George R Willy, Founder and Principal George Willy, Nanayakkara, Rivera & Goins., 13. Dr. Nik Nikam, Cardiologist, 14. Dr. Padmini R Nathan, Pediatrician, 15. Ravi K Sandill, State District Judge, 127, District Court, 16. Sockalingam ‘Sam’ Kannappan, PE, Professional Engineer, TBPE Director, Rtd. 17. Stuti Trehan Patel, Assoc. District Judge, 204 & 400th District Court,

IACF gave grants to its partnering Charities at the gala

18. Randy Briones, CEO, Kindred Town and Country Hospital

IACF President Elect Nanda Vura congratulated the honorees proposed a Vote of Thanks to sponsors and supporters for making the event a grand success. A special mention was made to Isha of Turning point and Parthasarathy of PEACE for their time to present their inspiring work. Vura extended his thanks to Reliant Energy and NRG company, Wallis State Bank for joining the list of major corporate donors.

IACF Directors and all those who worked for the gala were recognized on the occasion.

A fashion show and a solo performance was presented by Jasmeeta Singh of Jaz creations and Bollywood Music with Malika Ghei with Anand Chauhan enriched the mood. Live Auction was conducted by Dr. Nik Nigan and Emcee Neeta did a superb job in conducting the program. Dinner was catered by the famous Madras Pavilion’s Dawat and DJ ZEE pumped up the energy for dancing the rest of night.

L A A 2 G 0 F 1 C 5 A I

Congratulations and Thank You! Hosted by Indo-American Charity Foundation at Sugarland Marriott, TX on Sep 12, 2015

A W A R D R E C I P I E N T S Photo Credit: Murali Santhana

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 7

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

IITAGH Hosts a Delightful Evening with Ajit Wadekar There are few people in this world who have achieved so much and yet approach life without any ego. Mr. Wadekar

is truly one of those individuals. In closing he said, “Houston is known for its hospitals, but now I also know Houston

for its hospitality. Thank you!”

The humble and humorous hero received a standing ovation.

Bill to lift the ban on exporting oil

From Left to Right, Pradeep Anand, Ajit Wadekar, Manohar Hiremagalore, Sundy Srinivas, Pratish Kanani.

S

UGAR LAND - Mr. Ajit Wadekar, former international cricketer who played for India between 1966 and 1974, was clearly on his game, as he spent an evening with more than 100 people, who gathered for dinner and an opportunity to listen to him speak, at an IIT Alumni of Greater Houston (IITAGH) hosted event at Madras Pavilion on September 9th.

India had played Cricket Test matches since 1932 and had not won a single Test Series overseas against cricket powerhouses such as England, Australia and West Indies, until 1971. Mr. Wadekar was the Captain of that historic Indian Cricket Team, which won two Test series overseas - in West Indies and in England.

The evening was kicked off

by Pratish Kanani, the President of IITAGH, followed by Pradeep Anand who talked about growing up in Mumbai seeing Mr. Wadekar playing for neighborhood, city, state and then the national teams.

Pradeep recalled being impressed by the integrity of Mr. Wadekar who once walked off the field when the wicket keeper caught the ball, even though the umpire did not call him out. Mr. Wadekar knew he had nicked the ball. Pradeep also talked about the discipline Mr. Wadekar brought to the team and the turnaround he affected on the team.

Sugar Land’s Halloween Town Set for Sugar Land Town Square

S

ugar Land, TX - Get ready for another fright-tastic adventure as Halloween Town returns to Sugar Land Town Square on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 4-8 p.m.

All little witches, superheroes, princesses and other creative characters are invited to bring their families and pets for this evening of friendly surprises.

Festive Halloween characters will roam Town Square inviting children to participate in several activity stations and attractions provided by local organizations and businesses. Come enjoy our giant inflatable Halloween Maze or decorate a pumpkin at the Munchkin Pumpkin Patch!

There is something for everyone at Halloween Town!

Admission is free to the community. Just remember, no blood or gruesome horror elements, as Halloween Town is for friendly ghosts, goblins and ghouls. Children and pets in their Halloween best are invited to enter Halloween Town’s costume contest.

For details visit us at www. sugarlandtx.gov/halloweentown to view the sponsorship package!

For more community events visit www.voiceofasiaonline. com

Mr. Wadekar shared his memories of the cricket greats in a casual, down-to-earth, and humorous manner that had the room in awe and laughing all at the same time. He shared stories about how Gary Sobers visited his home to give him a new pair of shoes, and how his mother demanded that he wear those new shoes in the next match, where he got out for a “duck” (zero). As Gary gave him a hard time for that no-score, he gave Gary a hard time for throwing him off his game with the new shoes. He casually recalled Pradeep’s story differently, saying, “I had already scored over 100 runs so I figured I would head back in.”

He laughed and the audience laughed with him. His shared real stories about the games he played, the colleagues he coached and played with, the team he turned around, the rivals he stood up to, and the games they all won together.

At the end of the evening speech and a Q&A session enthusiastically moderated by Sundy Srinivasan, a signed autographed bat was auctioned to raise funds for the All India Cricket Association for the Physically Challenged (AICAPC), an organization founded in 1982 by Mr. Wadekar. That bat raised $2500 for AICAPC!

U.S. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy with Sam Kannappan

U

.S. Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy spoke at Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) on Tuesday September 15th 2015. He announced that on Thursday, September 17th he will support a bill to lift the ban on exporting oil from USA.

During the question and answer period, Sam Kannappan P.E., GHP Energy Advisory Committee member, asked the Majority leader if the federal government would provide tax relief for oil drilling companies if the oil prices go down to $20 a barrel projected by Goldman Sachs. The Congressman from Bakersfield, CA replied that oilman T. Boone Pickens projects $70 a barrel price.

Majority Leader requested the GHP Energy Advisory Committee members to ask their House of representatives to support the bill.

COMMUNITY

VOICE OF ASIA 8

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Hindus of Greater Houston celebrates 26th Janmashtami ....

Continued from Page 1

H

OUSTON - Hindus of Greater Houston celebrated the grand annual Janmashtami for the 26th time with great pomp and fervor on Sept. 12, 2015.

People poured into the George R Brown convention center despite the many conflicting events on the same day and the road closures due to construction around the center.

When more than 45 organizations who vowed their support to this event, a big support from ISKCON, great personalities like Ambarish Ford and Ajit Wadekar, the first Indian cricket captain to win a test series outside India, and several specials planned, all free of charge to the community, it

Children took the center stage at the celebrations with their costume competition. Photos: Bijay Dixit.

This Janmashtami gathering reminds me of how we used to stay until 1 a.m and clean up the hall when we started celebrating Janmashtami 25 years ago. I am honored to be recognized for this award by Hindus of Greater Houston. I am very happy to see the progress our Hindus of Greater Houston have made, and how we continue to expand in the Houston area. This is because of the efforts of the leaders like Mr. Raj Syal, Sen Pathak , Sharad Amin, Vijay Pallod, and many others, said Durga Agrawal

Chief Guest Consul General P. Harih, Guests of Honor Ambarish Ford and wife Sharmila Ford with Lifetime Achievement honoree Dr. Durga Agrawal, khil Chopra “Unsung Heroes” Awardees Mark Burson and Anish Pillai with members.

of Janmashtami. They were very excited to be a part of this huge celebration,” said Indrani Parthasarathy “I am fortunate to volunteer for 25 years. I have learned a lot from various temples and organizations. My children used to participate in costume contests and now they volunteer and contribute financially,” said Vijay Pallod.

Nilamadhava Das (Anish) of ISKCON of Houston leading the kirtan.

kindled people’s interest and nearly 5,500 people turned out.

Coinciding with 50 years since Swami Prabhupada arrived in United States, a large contingent of Hare Krishna devotees from other parts of USA, also attended the event.

An unusually large number of youngsters helped with the celebrations this year, an accomplishment of Vivek Sharda and Ronak Maheshwari who having attended Janmashtami for the first time last year, were so inspired that they took a lead role in bringing over 50 volunteers from the University of Houston.

Welcomed by youngsters at the entrance, one would walk straight into a 20 feet in diameter Rangoli with a peacock theme that was designed and created single handedly in 6 hours by Sangita Bhutada, a Limca Book record holder.

After a traditional procession, around 110 children including a toddler came dressed as Krishna or Radha for a costume contest setting a new record of participation. This was followed by a very interesting cultural program with the theme “Krishna Jawan Ho Gaya.” It showcased Krishna and his friends touring India and witnessing the way people celebrated Lord Krishna. Apt with the felicitations of Iskcon50, a Kirtan by members of ISKCON lifted the devotional mood and got the gathering involved with many singing and swaying rhythmically to the chanting.

Amongst the many decorated temples and booths was a very informative and eye-catching exhibition by ISKCON about the important milestones of Swami Prabhupada with an audio visual presentation.

“One who had used his fame and wealth to spread the glories of Krishna” was the introduction given for the Chief Guest of the evening - Ambarish Das or Alfred Ford, the great grandson of Henry Ford.

In his address, Ambarish reflected on his search for the meaning of life and experimenting with the intoxicating ideas of freedom in the 60’s.

In a life defining moment, he stumbled on a Radhe Krishna album by George Harrison at his campus record store which had “two little beautiful people on it.” It was a purchase that changed his life and according to Ambarish, he “started crying when he heard the record.”

He embraced the Hare Krishna lifestyle fervently and helped devotees in Hawaii purchase a temple. After his initiation in Hawaii, he travelled all over the world with his wife, also a devotee, to spread Krishna consciousness because “it is a spiritual science not just for Indians but for everybody around the world.”

Ambarish Das, now 65, also spoke about the Mayapur temple in West Bengal which he helped build by donating $25 million – admitting that he was “nervous as that was the time when the Ford company was about to go bankrupt due to the economic downturn of 2006-07” but was glad that the “transcendental project worked out beautifully and would help Westerners, Europeans and Americans come to Mayapur and chant Hare Krishna.”

Consul General of India P. Harish also addressed the gathering stating that India’s greatness and diversity lies in the fact that every state celebrates Janmashtami in their own unique way. He commended the Hindus of Greater Houston for enabling all the city’s temples to come together under one roof and herald the birth of Lord Krishna together.

A special flavor and a pleasant surprise to the evening was the appearance of Ajit Wadekar, who led the Indian cricket team to fame by winning the first ever win outside India. He continues to contribute to humanity by coaching cricket to physically chal-

lenged people.

The Lifetime Achievement Service Award was presented to Dr. Durga Agrawal, an industrialist and philanthropist, for his sustained community service. The Janmashtami celebrations owes its beginnings to Dr. Agrawals’s efforts.

The Akhil Chopra “Unsung Heroes” Awards given in memory of Akhil Chopra, a 28 year old active member of the community who was shot dead while meditating in a park about 10 years ago were presented to Mark Burson for spreading the message of the Brahma Kumaris and Anish Pillai for his work with ISKCON. Hindus of Greater Houston also recognized their own Padmakant Khambati, a founding member of Hindus of Greater Houston who passed away in 2015, with a memorial award.

Immediately following the Arati, youngsters took to the floor for the dandiya with live music by Kashmira Nayak and Darshak on the drums.

The outstanding feature in the evening’s celebrations was clearly the Phoolon ki Holi – Holi with Flowers, where baskets of rose petals were placed at several locations for revelers to pelt each other with handfuls of petals and play this version of Holi.

It appears as if this year’s Janmashtami was divine run as several pleasant surprises came our way to make this event a memorable one – commencing with ISKCON50 agreeing to jointly celebrate, Ambarish Ford specially flying in to be a Guest of Honor for the event, Ajit Wadekar making a surprise visit. All these instilled confidence in the team says Partha Krishnaswamy, the event chairman from Hindus of Greater Houston.

Reactions: “The students and their gurus where happy to be a part

Shital Rathi, Costume contest coordinator, said “It gives me a lot of satisfaction that this year we were able to get record participation of 110 + kids in total participation in the costume contest.. I would like to encourage more and more kids to participate in upcoming years.”

ISKCON of Houston’s Outreach Director Dr. Hansa Medley commented, “ISKCON and Hindus of Greater Houston have been collaborating at the annual HGH Janmastami celebration since its inception, yet as with any relationship, it has taken work and patience to build trust and respect between the two organizations. Since ISKCON members are not nec-

essarily traditional Indians born into the Hindu religion, initially some Hindus may have been uncertain of our status or even questioned how ISKCON could be considered within the fold of Hinduism.

However, ISKCON established the first Indian temple in Houston and was the first to hold public Janmastami celebrations in the city, which many Hindus appreciated. As time went on, a growing number of Indian-born devotees joined ISKCON themselves, and we are a truly international movement which we believe shows the universality of Hinduism. HGH is to be commended for bringing all Hindu organizations together, and by honoring ISKCON’s 50th anniversary at this year’s Janmastami event, the HGH leadership demonstrated a willingness to accept ISKCON, Swami Prabhupada and his followers as genuine proponents of sanatana dharma. I’m also grateful to our team for their wonderful service & Vaisnava qualities through which we could contribute value to HGH, thus helping to make this Janmastami a memorable event. It was a great pleasure & privilege to serve together, and we hope to continue to strengthen the relationship.

VOICE OF ASIA 9

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Shobana’s Krishna - A brilliant capsule of a long and epic saga

The famous dance drama by Shobana and her team will be performing in town on Oct. 2, 2015 at the Stafford Civic Center (old).

Shobana’s in one of the scenes of the bullet ‘Shobana’s Krishna.

by Vinod Narayan

S

hobana the film actress has always been one of my favorite since my college days, having seen more than once many of her memorable performances. I always knew that acting and films was one side of Shobana and dance is what she has dedicated her life to. But with some people they excel in all the field they embark on.

While her acting and national level awards for films might make you think she is first an actor, till you wait and read out the accolades she has for her contribution to the art of dance.

So when Krishna, the famous dance drama by Shobana and her team was performing in town, I had to be there. And I was there along with a jam packed crowd. Krishna in my opinion connected two of her fields dance and films.

With narration by Indian actors and actresses and songs

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Seating is limited.

from Bollywood; Shobana and her team moved their feet and body to unraveling the story of Krishna. It is not an easy task to capsulize such a long and colorful saga, the life and feats of Krishna which is considered one of the most significant stories in India that links various epics and sub stories within ancient India. Krishna, in spite of having the religious and spiritual angle people see, the character is also considered a cultural symbol in many parts of the country. From stories

ranging from people who have considered Krishna as their brother, lover, friend, protector and just as an alter ego of them selves.

Beyond the religious commercialization aspect that is prevalent with any ancient story Krishna’s story is filled with both a human simplicity and epic grandiosity that cannot be confined within the boundaries of religious rituals. it the tales of the little Krishna or the valor stories of a monster fighting, Villain Killing teen or the lady charmer antics of a young Krishna or the philosophical

angle of his relevance in the Mahabharata epic, the saga encompasses a wide range of entertainment that in my opinion have been borrowed over and over into the stories in the Indian film industry for a long time and even now does. so when this show was in town as a musical dance drama by one of my favorite actresses, there was no second thought.

I was also fortunate to capture some snaps, thanks to the organizers Dias Damodaran of Freedia Entertainment and Praveen K. Suggala of AAA Entertainment. Above all I was

happy to see my wife on stage emceeing the event, another personal highlight for me.

In the 2 hour show Shobana and her team were able to bring all aspects of the saga, as the little Krishna, the teen Krishna, the lover and as the philosopher of ethics; the stage and auditorium was a splendor beyond words. How does someone do that.

It does not just take talent, but also a passion that precedes existence. What I mean by that is that someone’s existence is in debt to their passion. Not

many people have that. You can feel that reverberating on stage. Not just for shobana but also the team she has trained to perform.

Shobana’s daughter Narayini did the role of little Krishna and had the audience enthralled.

Even my 8 year old who was watching the show let out a huge cheer of entertained euphoria when she came on stage after the show, not something I have seen him do watching dance. www.penpositive.com www.vinodnarayan.com

VOICE OF ASIA 10

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

WORLD/US

VOICE OF ASIA 11

Trump targeted, Fiorina shines in US Republican debate

by Veronique DUPONT / with Michael Mathes in Washington

S

IMI VALLEY, United States | AFP | 9/16/2015 - Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump stepped into a hornet’s nest in Wednesday’s debate as rivals turned their sights on the billionaire, while Carly Fiorina showed she had earned her place on the main stage.

Ten challengers flanked Trump on stage at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, seeking an opening against the man who has defied all political odds to lead the race for the party’s nomination ahead of the November 2016 election. “Mr. Trump, we don’t need an apprentice in the White House, we have one right now,� Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker told Trump -- a snarky reference to the title of the real estate mogul’s reality television show.

Trump swiftly returned fire, living up to his billing as the campaign bulldog by attacking his rivals, further imposing himself on the race to determine who will battle the Democratic nominee, likely Hillary Clinton, for the White House. “In Wisconsin I went to number one, and you went down the tubes,� Trump retorted, highlighting Walker’s slumping poll numbers.

The remarks near the top of the marathon three-hour debate kicked off several minutes of Trump-related thrusts and parries that have so far defined much of the 2016 presidential race.

Many, like early presumptive frontrunner Jeb Bush, were under intense pressure to deliver a breakout performance -- or risk a campaign meltdown that could see them shunted aside as the first state nomination votes in February draw nearer.

- Fiorina confident Fiorina, the sole woman in the Republican race and the only candidate to rise from last month’s “undercard� debate to Wednesday’s main stage, delivered by many accounts a command performance.

The former chief executive of Hewlett-Packard offered passionate calls for defunding women’s health care provider Planned Parenthood, a publicly funded organization that offers abortions.

She also delivered a withering response to Trump’s insulting comments about her looks that he made in a recent magazine interview. “I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said,� she said, offering him a cold stare and earning loud applause.

Trump, in a rare concession, replied: “I think she’s got a beautiful face, and I think she’s a beautiful woman.�

But Fiorina was not done.

She dominated the middle portion of the debate, showing command of military figures, slamming Clinton for what she called a lack of accomplishments, delivering an emotional call for increased drug treatment as she recalled losing a child to addiction and hitting Trump over his business practices.

ing “cartoon character� Trump, while former New York governor George Pataki declared Trump “unfit to be president of the United States.�

was president on September 11, 2001 and launched divisive wars in Afghanistan and Iraq after the terror attacks on American soil.

The main event’s 11 candidates clashed extensively on issues including immigration, how to handle a looming government shutdown, and dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“There is one thing I know for sure -- he kept us safe,�

Bush said.

Bush, perhaps the campaign’s ultimate establishment Republican, has seen his political fortunes tumble in the months since Trump entered the race, and he sought to claw back some of his lost ground by projecting himself as an even-keeled conservative who can lead from day one.

The former Florida governor tangled with Trump over speaking Spanish in the United States, and provided a witty retort to Trump’s accusation that he is a “low-energy� candidate.

Asked what he would want his Secret Service handle to be if he were elected, Bush said “Ever-ready. It’s very highenergy, Donald.�

But Bush was forced into an awkward defense of his brother George W. Bush, who

“I don’t know, do you feel safe right now?� Trump replied. “I don’t feel so safe.�

- Anti-establishment rise As more conventional candidates like Ohio Governor John Kasich and Senator Marco Rubio struggle to gain precious air time with the media, another outsider, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, has quietly gained ground and now sits second in the polls.

While it is unclear whether Carson poses an immediate threat to Trump’s dominance, the rise of the doctor -- who like Trump has never held public office -- is more evidence of an anti-establishment wave washing over the nomination race. “When I entered this race, all the political pundits said it was impossible,� Carson said. “We now have over 500,000 donations and the money is coming in.�

“You ran up mountains of debt, as well as losses, using other people’s money,� Fiorina said. “Why should we trust you to manage the finances of this nation?�

- ‘High-energy’ Bush Earlier, a foursome of lowpolling candidates took their shots at Trump in the “undercard� debate.

A fiery Senator Lindsey Graham warned against nominat-

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Netanyahu to visit White House for ‘make up’ summit

by Andrew BEATTY Washington, United States | AFP | Thursday 9/17/2015 - US President Barack Obama will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on November 9 -their first meeting after a deep row over the Iranian nuclear deal.

The fence-mending meeting, announced by the White House on Wednesday, comes as US-Israeli relations are at their lowest point in decades.

Obama and Netanyahu -- after years of frosty personal relations --- clashed over the agreement that would give Iran sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear program.

The Israeli leader publicly and stridently opposed a deal, championed strongly by Obama as the best way of preventing Tehran from getting a nuclear weapon.The US administration indicated that the meeting could move beyond tensions caused

by Netanyahu’s strident opposition to the deal and focus on getting Israel’s support for its implementation. “Prime minister Netanyahu’s visit is a demonstration of the deep and enduring bonds between the United States and Israel,� White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

“The president looks forward to discussing with the prime minister regional security issues, including implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,� said Earnest, using the Iran accord’s formal title.

Israel could be a help or hindrance to Obama in keeping the deal on track, ratcheting up domestic pressure on the White House should Iran stall or falter on implementation. “You are not going to see a transformation in the relationship, but you are going to see an improvement, because there is no reason to fight,� said Aaron David Miller, a former advisor to Republican and Democratic presidents.

They will “try to change the channel from this incredibly dysfunctional soap opera-like relation to something much cooler and calmer,� Miller said.

Israel, he said, has an interest in being in the loop on Iran’s nuclear program, while Obama can neutralize a line of attack

by Republican foes ahead of next year’s election.

- ‘Stunning, historic mistake’ Netanyahu had described the accord, an important piece of Obama’s foreign policy legacy, as a “stunning, historic mistake.�

VOICE OF ASIA 12

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Lifestyle VOICE OF ASIA

VOICE OF ASIA 13

ONLINE .COM voiceofasiaonline.com

Vol. 28 No. 38 Friday, September 18, 2015 Section 2 Page 13

Nepal earthquake moves Gurung to beauty on NY catwalk

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com Tel: 713-774-5140

Ghungat Brings Glamorous Fashions to Houston

Models walk the runway during the Prabal Gurung presentation at New York Fashion Week, on September 13, 2015 (AFP Photo/Trevor Collens)

by Jennie MATTHEW

N

epalese-American designer to the A-list Prabal Gurung poured his heart onto the runway with a deeply personal New York show paying tribute to his homeland following the devastating earthquake.

His spring/summer 2016 edition, one of the top highlights on day four of fashion week, opened with meditative chants from 30 barefoot monks dressed in red robes and pressing their hands together in prayer.

It closed with a raw cover version of “Be My Baby” -- a song that Gurung said he had loved since watching hit movie “Dirty Dancing.”

In between was a stunning show in classic Gurung style: timeless yet effortlessly modern clothes drawn from a palette of saffron, vermilion, oranges, blush, black and white in beautifully cut, floaty fabrics.

“Everything I did today was very, very personal, I kind of laid my heart out there, so we’ll see,” he told AFP backstage after the show.

Watching it all was Oscarwinning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson, stunning in a black dress, reality star Kylie Jenner, and the Bush twins -Jenna and Barbara -- daughters of former president George W. Bush.

There was a mesmerizing or-

Ghungat owner Shaveta models a sari for a customer. Photo by: Jacob David

by Susan Pothanikat

Singer Jennifer Hudson and designer Prabal Gurung pose backstage at Gurung’s Spring/Summer 2016 collcection show. (AFP). ange sequined dress, delicate form-fitting knits in orange and yellow stripes and plenty of fringing -- a key look on the New York catwalks this season.

To finish, he showed beautiful sequined evening dresses and billowing orange and yellow evening gowns with full skirts falling in soft folds.

The Nepal-raised designer, who dresses the likes of First Lady Michelle Obama and Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge, was almost in tears backstage as he recalled the devastating loss in the April 25 quake.

The 7.8-magnitude disaster killed nearly 8,900 people and reduced some 600,000 houses

to rubble across the impoverished Himalayan nation.

He remembers his utter panic, desperately trying to reach his family -- all of whom live in Nepal. It was an agonizing wait before his sister was finally able to text.

“The minute it happened, I reached out to my friends and I was like I needed to do something. I was going insane because I felt so helpless, just to see my own identity kind of crumbling,” Gurung said.

He instantly set up a relief fund, thinking he would maybe raise $5,000 to $10,000, but donations have climbed to more than $1 million.

H

OUSTON, TX - On Wednesday, September 9th, Ghungat, a fashion clothing store, held their grand opening in the Olympic Center in Hillcroft, welcoming customers in the Houston area. “I picked Hillcroft because it is a central location for everyone. It is close to many restaurants and a shopping hub with a lot of selections,” said owner Anuj Choudhary.

Ghungat means “veil” in the traditional meaning of the word and its authenticity prompted the owner, Shaveta, to choose that name for her fashion line.

Ghungat specializes in designer bridal wear, lehngas, sarees, suits and gowns. Owners Shaveta and Anuj Choudhary have a passion for fashion. “I love seeing a client with a smile on their face after trying on a piece that makes them feel confident,” says Shaveta. Shaveta also incorporates her own designs into the pieces and makes sure every item is a unique piece. “No one wants to pay $200 for an outfit and run into someone else wearing the same thing,” says Shaveta. Gunghat’s variety of clothes from casual fashion party wear to bridal gowns are stunning in their array.

Ghungat has their first location in Dubai and Houston is their first location in the USA. They want to make it simple for clients to get the latest fashions without traveling to India. New items are being added every two weeks. There is certainly something for everyone at Ghungat, with price points starting at $37 to over $400. They have a variety of items from party wear to bridal wear, unstitched suits and ready made suits.

“We are very focused on our selection, we do not plan to branch out into accessories or a men’s line. We are strictly focused on providing designer fashions for women,” says owner Anuj Choudhary. “Our end goal at Ghungat is to make our customers feel special.”

For more details, please visit Ghungat USA on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GhungatUSA.

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VOICE OF ASIA 14

Schwarzenegger to replace Trump on ‘Celebrity Apprentice’

N

EW YORK -Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will replace Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump as host of “The Celebrity Apprentice,” broadcaster NBC said Monday.

The network severed its ties with Trump in late June, declining to broadcast the Miss USA and Miss Universe beauty pageants which he and NBC co-owned, due to his controversial comments on Mexican immigrants.

However, Trump had already said he would be leaving “The Celebrity Apprentice” to pursue his political career several weeks prior.

The program is a variation of its predecessor “The Apprentice,” and places well-known figures in competitions that test their business acumen and entrepreneurship, all the while helping raise money for charity.

“Congrats to my friend @ Schwarzenegger who is doing next season’s Celebrity Ap-

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Agatha Christie fans flock to honour queen of crime fiction

prentice. He’ll be great & will raise lots of $ for charity,” Trump posted on Twitter, following NBC’s announcement.

“Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves,” said Paul Telegdy, president of NBC’s alternative and late-night programming.

On Friday, Trump announced he had bought NBC’s share in the Miss Universe pageant, becoming the sole owner.

Donald Trump becomes sole owner of Miss Universe

N

EW YORK - Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump announced he has purchased NBC’s half of Miss Universe Friday, taking sole ownership after the station refused to broadcast the pageant in July.

grants, leading to a breakdown in their relationship.

he had been a star attraction.

“Just purchased NBC’s half of The Miss Universe Organization and settled all lawsuits against them. Now own 100% -- stay tuned!” Trump tweeted.

A CNN/ORC poll found Trump surging to 32 percent support nationally, becoming the first in the broad Republican field to top 30 percent in the race for the White House.

NBC and Spanish-language Univision both declined to air the show following the business mogul’s controversial comments on Mexican immi-

NBC had produced and transmitted the pageant since June 2002. Trump is also no longer appearing in the NBC reality show “The Apprentice,” where

Trump’s campaign has been infused with controversy stemming from his disparaging remarks about Mexicans, women and fellow Republican rivals.

Anish Kapoor’s sculpture in Versailles vandalised again

Picture taken in March 1946 shows British author Agatha Christie at her home, Greenway House, in Devon, southwest England (AFP Photo/).

L

ONDON (AFP) - Agatha Christie fans have descended on her hometown of Torquay on the English Riviera for the 125th anniversary of the murder master’s birth on Tuesday as the crime novel enjoys a global revival.

Simplicity is the key to her enduring popularity, said Christie’s only grandson Mathew Prichard, who has been the chief custodian of her work since the queen of crime fiction died in 1976.

“My grandmother wrote books to entertain people,” he said. “She liked the thought of them enjoying them if maybe they’re in hospital or on a long train journey. I think this was the beginning of it all.”

A century on the novels continue to sell by the millions and Torquay, a genteel Devon seaside resort, is hoping to harness their universal popularity -- even though the novels have little in common with today’s thrillers.

“Dirty Corner”, a 2011 Cor-Ten steel, earth and mixed media monumental artwork by Anish Kapoor, displayed in the gardens of the Chateau de Versailles, on June 5, 2015 (AFP Photo/Stephane de Sakutin).

Paris, France | AFP | Thursday 9/10/2015 - 17:10 GMT | 352 words A controversial sculpture

by British artist Anish Kapoor on display in the gardens of France’s Palace of Versailles has been vandalised for a third time, with graffiti saying “respect art” scrawled on it, the royal chateau said Thursday.

Officially known as “Dirty Corner,” the 60-metre (200foot) long, 10-metre high steeland-rock abstract sculpture has become popularly known as the “queen’s vagina”.

It is set up in the garden of the chateau, which attracts five million tourists a year.

The phrase “Respect Art as U trust God” was scrawled over the artwork in large letters with pink paint, the management of the palace said, adding that security at the site would be stepped up with nighttime police patrols and new surveillance cameras.

But it did not attempt to explain the meaning of the graffiti, which could be interpreted as criticism or support for the artist When it was first unveiled in June the piece was sprayed with yellow paint.

On Sunday, it was vandalised for a second time when it was covered in anti-Semitic graffiti in white paint.

Phrases such as “Queen sacrificed, twice insulted” and “the second rape of the nation by deviant Jewish activism” covered the work.

Following that incident, the 61-year-old British-Indian artist said he wanted the graffiti to remain to bear witness to hatred.

France’s culture ministry agreed, and said panels next to the work would explain what happened.

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Kapoor has previously described the piece as “the vagina of a queen who is taking power” but later appeared to step back from this description.

It is one of several by the artist on exhibition in the gardens and inside one room of the palace until November.

Kapoor’s exhibition is one of the most controversial at Versailles since the authorities in 2008 opened the palace and its grounds to contemporary artists.

His work is not the first to raise anger in France.

Christie’s works hark back to a bygone era in the first half of the 20th century when murder most foul was often committed with old-fashioned poisons.

John Curran, an expert on the novels and author of “Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks”,

Delegates engrossed themselves in Christie’s intimate world, exchanging views over tea, dinners with white tablecloths and butlers, or in flower gardens that could have come straight from her stories.

All that was missing was the customary corpse.

- Picture-postcard nostalgia Around 100 events have been organised and thousands of people from the world over are attending, said Pam Beddard, head of communications for the festival.

At one event, expert Kathryn Harkup will describe the poisons used by Christie, and why it was the author’s favourite method of killing off her characters.

“Because of her background as trainee at a dispensery she knew a lot about lots and lots of different potions,” said Harkup, a chemist and author of “A is for Arsenic”, a study

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Curran will explain how home-schooled Christie’s storytelling evolved over the course of five decades.

“This woman who never went to school is the biggest selling and most translated writer of all time,” said Curran.

Christie wrote no fewer than 80 books, which are continually adapted for the cinema and television.

“In the UK, every night there is an Agatha Christie somewhere on some channel. That of course is a factor in her continuing popularity,” he added.

TV dramas featuring the moustachioed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot or the wise spinster Miss Marple have brought Christie to a new generation.

With their dinner parties, operas, and trips on the Orient Express, the adaptations offer a glimpse of a picture-postcard world of English high society, a world that continues to delight Christie fans worldwide

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McCarthy then decided to take down the work, which had both outraged and amused Parisians.

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A learned mix of amateurs and specialists attended a series of lectures and conferences in Torquay aiming at dissecting the novelist’s work and life.

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VOICE OF ASIA 15

Friday, September 18, 2015

Section 2

Page 15

Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Tel: 713-774-5140

Art school colors slum in Indian capital characters.

New Delhiby Trudy HARRIS

But trendy teenagers are also hunched over canvases, hopeful of learning enough to pass tough entrance exams to Delhi’s art schools at universities and colleges.

O

n the edge of a slum in India’s capital, past rubbish and an open sewer, a dozen children are diligently drawing everything from Mahatma Gandhi to popular cartoon character Chota Bheem.

“I learnt sculpting here which they didn’t teach me at school and I needed that to get through my exam,” said 28-year-old Deepak Vishwakarma who graduated a few years ago from the College of Art in Delhi.

Watching over them is Rangamma Kaul, a 51-yearold teacher determined to bring art to the ramshackle colony in New Delhi’s west whose families scratch a living labouring on construction sites and selling street food.

More than 20 years ago when she started her school in Nangloi, Kaul went door to door asking parents for the chance to teach their children for a few hours a day.

Vishwakarma, who regularly returns to lend a hand, said the children are often called upon to paint murals and other pieces during religious festivals in the colony and they sometimes enter art competitions.

Indian students draw at an art school in Nangloi, a colony in west New Delhi (AFP Photo/Roberto Schmidt)

“The parents used to tell me, you’re wasting your time, colouring on paper doesn’t put food on the table,” Kaul said, seated on a plastic stool in the courtyard of her school.

W

ASHINGTON: A 15-year-old IndianAmerican girl has been honoured by the White House with the prestigious “Champions of Change” award for empowering the community by imparting Internet coding through her non-profit organisation.

“Many still think art is meaningless,” said Kaul, who has a university degree in fine arts.

“But it’s a chance to let the kids know that there is scope in their lives for other things,” she said.

Indian students sit and draw alongside a wall covered with paintings at an art school in Nangloi, a colony in west New Delhi (AFP Photo/Roberto Schmidt)

Asia Society US elementary school does away with gendered bathrooms Texas Student Programs

SCHOOL TOURS School tours, facilitated by the education department staff and volunteers, provide educationally rich interactive opportunities for students to learn about Asian art, culture, and traditions.

These free tours are open to all public, private, charter, alternative, and home schools.

Visits take place on weekdays, Tuesday through Friday, for one to two hours.

This School Is Switching to Gender-Neutral Bathrooms for All Students

by Jocelyne ZABLIT

L

os Angeles - A California elementary school has become one of the first in the country to phase out gendered bathrooms, a move in line with a national trend to recognize the needs of transgender people.

The principal at Miraloma Elementary School in San Francisco said the decision to do away with separate bathrooms for boys and girls was in part to acknowledge about eight gender non-conforming students.

“Not only do we want all of our students to feel safe... we want them to understand systematic equality for everyone,” Sam Bass said in a statement.

“We are teaching them a valuable lesson.”

The move comes as schools and universities across the country grapple with how to deal with transgender students, an issue recently cast into the spotlight by Caitlyn Jenner, the Olympian and reality TV star formerly known as Bruce Jenner.

Though many schools in the United States have made gender-neutral bathrooms available, few have done away with separate facilities for boys and girls and the subject remains controversial.

About 150 students walked out of class in a small Missouri town this week to protest a transgender teen using the girls’

Sitting on a concrete slab, Ashish Gupta sketches a picture of independence hero Gandhi, oblivious to the student chatter around him.

The 12-year-old said his mother likes his drawings, although his father, who sells cooked corn cobs on the street to support his family of seven, does not.

Housewife Sunita Nigam, whose husband earns 6,000 to 7,000 rupees ($110) a month at a slipper factory, said she wants her son Shlok, seven, to keep taking the classes.

The more skills, Nigam reasons, the better his chances of fighting his way out of poverty. “I want my son to paint, to draw like others. I want my child to do everything, to grow up and become a doctor.”

Indian-American teen presented with Champions of Change Award

Now up to 60 students pass through the gates for tuition in drawing, painting and clay modelling, although she says many parents remain sceptical of the value of such skills.

Some of the students, dressed in heavily patched clothes and broken shoes, are there simply for the chance to draw and colour their favourite cartoon

Every child has the right to a free education in India up to the age of 14. But many government schools, housing the bulk of India’s millions of poor children, are overcrowded and badly resourced.

Kaul charges two rupees ($0.03) a year per student and funding from locals NGOs is scarce. The roof leaks during the monsoon.

restrooms and locker rooms.

Several members of the school board in Hillsboro, where the school is located, also resigned after the controversy erupted, with one citing philosophical differences.

Bass, the principal at Miraloma, said his school opted for gender-neutral bathrooms rather than separate facilities because it was the right thing to do.

“Some elementary schools in the district have created one space for a student on the gender spectrum to use,” he said. “We are the first elementary school in the district to say that’s not good enough.

“All of our students should have full, equal, safe, comfortable access to facilities.”

The measure concerns kindergarten and first-grade classes this year while restrooms for older children will be phased in over the next few years.

Alison Gill, senior legislative counsel for the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for LGBT rights, welcomed the decision.

“Gender-neutral bathrooms make a lot of sense because instead of having people wait in line, everyone feels comfortable using the bathroom,” Gill told AFP. “It’s increased privacy for everyone.”

The mother of a first grader at Miraloma told local media that gender-neutral bathrooms would relieve anxiety for some students.

“I think most people don’t think about how difficult it can be, going to the bathroom for someone like my son,” a woman named Jae told the San Francisco Chronicle. She gave only her first name for her son’s safety.

While her son identifies as a boy, Jae said, he likes to look like a girl and had struggled with the bathroom issue.

Now, “he can just use the restroom without thinking about it,” she told the Chronicle.

California is one of the most liberal states in America regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights.

It is just one of 14 states with legislation that bans discrimination against students based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to Human Rights Campaign.

A state law that took effect last year guarantees students can use school bathrooms and take part in sex-segregated activities that correspond with their expressed gender.

Some schools also allow students who object to using bathrooms or locker rooms with transgender classmates the option of using staff restrooms.

All school tours and subsequent interactive projects are tethered to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and district curriculum standards. They may include: Docent-led tour of exhibitions in the Louisa Stude Sarofim Gallery “Introduction to Asia” PowerPoint Presentation highlighting essential information about Asian art, culture, geography, and politics Guided tour of the Texas Center and discussion of its unique architecture Interactive projects based on the current exhibition (see attachment below for current options) Application and School Tour Project Options At least two weeks’ notice is required for school tours and additional advance notice is required for groups larger than 25. Please complete the school tour application. Schools may select one interactive project from the menu below for students to complete during their visit to Asia Society Texas Center.

EXPLOREASIA: CULTURE CAMPS FOR KIDS Asia Society Texas Center’s ExploreAsia summer camps return for its fourth year in 2016.

The camps invite young Houstonians to engage with Asian culture, food, games, languages, and performing and visual arts. More information will be released in fall 2015 and spring 2016, but for now, remember to save the dates!

Session 1: June 6-10, 2016 Session 2: June 20-24, 2016 Session 3: July 11-15, 2016

A junior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Swetha Prabakaran was among the eleven young women selected by the White House as “Champions of Change” who are empowering their communities.

“When I took my first Computer Science class in high school, I didn’t think that one day I’d be the one teaching kids to code. I really wanted other girls to have strong mentors and exposure to tech the way I did,” Swetha told PTI after receiving the award.

Swetha is the Founder and CEO of Everybody Code Now!, a non-profit working to empower the next generation of youth to become engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

“Under Swetha’s direction, Everybody Code Now! has taught hundreds of students how to code and has raised thousands of dollars for STEM activities in schools,” the White House said.

“Through Everybody Code Now!, I’ve been able to teach hundreds of kids to code and helped bring more science and engineering activities to schools,” she said.

“I’ve seen elementary school girls who had never heard of programming blossom into confident students building websites about their favorite sports or animals and watched the quietest students become the classroom leaders,” said Swetha, whose parents immigrated to the US from Tamil Nadu in 1998.

Swetha said she would never have entered computer science if she hadn’t seen powerful women in this field from an early age, such as her mother and her freshman Computer Science teacher.

“Being able to see women I admired and looked up to in this space gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my love for computer science,” she said.

“By 2020, we’ll have more than 1.4 million tech jobs in the US, but girls still hesitate to enter engineering and technology due to stereotypes,” she noted.

“Without encouraging more young women to enter programming, we will never be able to fill those positions. It was in that moment that my non-profit, Everybody Code Now!, was born,” Swetha said.

Obama invites arrested Muslim schoolboy to White House

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ASHINGTON, AFP | Wednesday 9/16/2015 - US President Barack Obama on Wednesday invited a Muslim schoolboy to the White House after he was arrested and dragged off in handcuffs for bringing a homemade clock to class.

Obama congratulated 14year-old Ahmed Mohamed on his skills and issued a presidential invitation, in what amounts to a pointed rebuke to school and police officials who precipitated his arrest.

accusations of Islamophobia and an online backlash.

A photo of Ahmed standing in handcuffs while wearing a tshirt with the US space agency NASA’s logo was retweeted thousands of times in a matter of hours and “#IStandWithAhmed” was the top trending hashtag on Twitter.

Among those voicing support for the boy was Hillary Clinton, who tweeted: “Assumptions and fear don’t keep us safe they hold us back. Ahmed, stay curious and keep building.”

“Cool clock, Ahmed. Want to bring it to the White House?

We should inspire more kids like you to like science. It’s what makes America great,” the president tweeted.

“My hobby is to invent stuff,” the boy told The Dallas Morning News in a video posted on the paper’s website that was filmed in his electronics-filled bedroom.

The teen was led out of his Texas school after a teacher mistook his homemade digital clock for a bomb, prompting

“I made a clock. It was really easy. I wanted to show something small at first... they took it wrong so I was arrested for a hoax bomb.”

Visit us on www.VoiceofAsiaOnline.com

HEALTH, SC & TECH

VOICE OF ASIA 16

Cinnamon or Dalchini: widely used favoring agent and one of the healthiest spice - Part I Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee Rice University,Houston TX

by Prof. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee

T

he English name of Dalchini is Cinnamon, which came through a Greek word. This herb is native to South East Asia and belongs to the Lauraceae family. It was so highly prized among ancient nations that it was regarded as a gift of God. The flavor of dalchini is due to an aromatic essential oil that makes up 0.5% to 1% of its composition. Its bark is widely used as a spice.

It is also useful in the preparation of chocolate in Mexico.

Who doesn’t love a sprinkling of cinnamon on fresh apple pie or atop a chai latte? It’s just one of those spices that taste fantastic. Indians love to add it to desserts, biriyanis and many Mughlai gravies. However, not too many people know the wonderful health benefits it has.

Helps keep diabetes under check: According to a study published in the Diabetes Care Journal, cinnamon was a highly effective remedy against diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. The study stated that the spice has the ability to improve one’s glucose levels and lipid levels by activating the insulin receptors. It also reduces the total serum glucose, triglycerides and the total cholesterol of a person since it stimulates the enzyme systems that regulate one’s carbohydrate metabolism. Cinnamon also has amazing vasodilatory properties that help beat the risk of cardiovascular diseases, a common condition seen in diabetics.

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Wearable tech market bursting at the seams: survey

Tip: Cinnamon tea is one of the most beneficial methods to beat diabetes. To make the tea, boil cinnamon in water for 15 minutes. The water will turn brown in color, strain the liquid and drink. To add flavor you could add a few leaves of tulsi while boiling and add a spoon of honey for sweetness. Keep sipping on

Even though dalchini is good for diabetes, if it is not taken in properly it can also be toxic. It may work well to help some people with urinary infections and on the other hand it also may shut down the kidney functions in some cases for people who already have kidney problems. If someone is suffering from blood thinner problem, it might be dangerous for them to take cinnamon as a regime. this tea throughout the day.

Can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s: A study conducted at the Tel Aviv University found that the extract of cinnamon, when administered on a daily basis to patients with Alzheimer’s improved their longevity and bettered the locomotor defects they experience once afflicted with the disease.

Cinnamon extract also known as CEppt, inhibits tau aggregation (tau is a type of protein that aggregates around that part of the nerves that is responsible for transmitting impulses of the brain) and filament formation (a process that is thought to be due to the accumulation of tau protein) which in turn protects the brain from the onset of Al-

by Marlowe HOOD

P

ARIS | AFP | 9/16/2015 -In a survey covering five west European countries published Wednesday, two out of three respondents said women don’t have what it takes to become top-tier scientists.

By 2019, worldwide shipments will reach 173.4 million units, IDC

W

Cinnamon zheimer’s and can also help in slowing down the progression of the disease.

cells untouched unlike conventional therapies like chemotherapy, etc.

Tip: To help protect you from disease, have a teaspoon of freshly ground cinnamon with a little bit of honey. Have this every day on an empty stomach.

If you find this mixture too pungent, try having it as tea.

Tip: Add cinnamon to your daily diet either by sprinkling it on your food or with honey.

Helps in cancer treatment: In a study done by the USDA (United States Agricultural Department), it was found that cinnamon extract was a potent weapon against leukemia and lymphomas. The study found that the extract worked by blocking the path of certain components that were important for the regeneration of the cell, inhabited the further multiplication of cancerous cells, and slowly reduced their spread. It also found that the higher the amount of extract the better the results. Remarkably, the extract only inhibited the growth of unhealthy cells and left the healthy

Relieves arthritic pain: Cinnamon is packed with a compound known as cinnamomum, which has very strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

That makes it a great home remedy for arthritic pain. Its natural heating mechanism provides added relief to aching joints.

ASHINGTON The market for wearable tech, led

by Apple Watch and a range of connected fitness gadgets, is exploding, a survey showed Monday.

quickly move from a smartphone accessory primarily focused on notifications to a more advanced wearable computer capable of doing more processing on its own,” he said in a statement.

The report by research firm IDC said global wearable device shipments will reach 76.1 million units in 2015, up 163.6 percent from 2014.

IDC said it sees Apple Watch and the watchOS operating system capturing some 58 percent of the market this year, projecting sales for 13.9 million units. Apple has not released any sales figures so far.

By 2019, worldwide shipments will reach 173.4 million units, a growth rate of nearly 23 percent over the next five years.

The biggest growth segment in this category is “smart wearables,” which includes watches and devices with more capabilities than “basic” wearables such as fitness bands.

Tip: Grind cinnamon into a fine paste with water and apply on the aching joints. You can place a soft muslin cloth on the paste to keep the paste wet for longer.

“Smart wearables only account for about a third of the total market today while basic wearables, led by fitness trackers, account for the rest,” said IDC analyst Jitesh Ubrani.

It is important to remember that these are only home remedies for ailments. Please be sure to visit your doctor if you have a serious ailment or the symptoms persist.

But Urbani said smart wearables are on track to surpass the less functional basic wearable category in 2018.

“Smart

wearables

Women seen to lack the right stuff for science: survey

When asked to choose one or more abilities women lack that would prevent them from “becoming a highlevel scientist,” 67 percent of those surveyed ticked off at least one.

“We are at a stage now where more vendors are getting into this segment, setting the stage for more selection and ultimately more volumes,” said IDC’s Ramon Llamas.

of women’s professional capacities.

Next was Italy at 70 percent, followed by France and Britain (64 percent), and then Spain (63 percent).

Strikingly, women were as likely to cast doubt on their own qualifications, and gave an even lower mark than men for female “self-confidence” in the workplace.

“They (men) are more scientific and women are more literary, that’s my impression,” said one.

Only 33 percent of respondents said women had all the requisite qualities to join the ranks of the world’s research-grade physicists, chemists and biologists.

“Three things happen when they are in the lab: you fall in love with them, they fall in love with you, and when

This includes the Apple Watch, Motorola’s Moto 360, Samsung’s Gear S-series, and Pebble’s Time.

Given an opportunity to elaborate, some women in the survey pointed to what they saw as deep-seated differences impeding equality in science.

In descending order, other abilities found wanting were ambition, an interest in the subject, perseverance, and a “rational mindset.”

“Let me tell you about my trouble with girls,” the 72-year-old Hunt was reported as saying at a World Conference of Science Journalists in South Korea, in what he later described as an apparent attempt to be forthright and entertaining.

Smart wristwear, including watches and bands that are capable of running third-party applications, is a key growth driver, according to IDC.

“Often women don’t dare apply for desired academic positions,” Blackburn said. “You have to encourage them to do so.”

A quarter opined that women didn’t have enough self-confidence, while 20 percent said they lacked “a professional network” or “competitiveness.”

The issue of women in science jumped into the headlines earlier this year when British Nobel laureate Tim Hunt was forced to resign from an honorary university position after remarks he made about collaborating with women.

will

Android and Android Wear, the operating system from Google, is expected to grab a 17.4 percent market share with 4.1 million units selling this year, according to IDC.

“Boys are perhaps more ambitious for success, they like to be in competition, while we’re less so...”, said another.

A European survey shows many people believe women don’t have what it takes to become scientists. AFP/AFP/File. you criticise them they cry.”

would eventually lead to her Nobel.

Elizabeth Blackburn, an American of Australian origin who shared a Nobel in medicine in 2009 for work on chromosomes, told AFP that women are frequently confronted with sexism in the laboratory.

“’Oh, she’s going about that in all the wrong way’,” she recalled him saying.

She recalled from her own experience an “arrogant” comment by a senior colleagues in 1984 just after she had presented to peers research that

“I remember thinking, ‘How does he know?’. I don’t think he would have said that if I had been a man. It made me more determined than ever.”

“But it was the beginning of my ca-

reer,” she added. “It could have discouraged me.”

To date, only three percent of Nobels have been awarded to women in the 115 year history of the prize, which covers -- in science -- medicine, physics and chemistry.

The survey results were similar across all five countries, but Germans, at 71 percent, were the most sceptical

One man pointed to cultural inertia.

“Women have been in science for 100 years but men have done it for hundreds of years, so naturally they’ve had more time to make more progress,” he said.

At the same time, more than 60 percent of respondents, who were evenly divided between men and women, said it would be a good thing if there were as many women as men Nobel laureates.

The online “Women in Science” survey of 5,032 people, conducted from June 10 to 15, was done by the French firm Opinionway for the Foundation L’Oreal.

VOICE OF ASIA 17

Bollywood Masala

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Friday, September 18, 2015

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Star singer Chauhan joins NY anti-poverty concert

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EW YORK - Sunidhi Chauhan, a leading singer in Indian cinema, was announced Wednesday as a new performer for next week’s major antipoverty concert in New York.

The Global Citizen Festival, which hopes to spur activism to fight extreme poverty, has already announced Western superstars Beyonce, Pearl Jam, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran as headlining acts.

Revealing further acts for the September 26 show in Central Park, the festival announced an appearance by 32-year-old Chauhan, consid-

ered one of her generation’s leading playback singers, who record songs for Indian films as actors lip-sync.

Other newly announced performers include Common, the popular rapper and actor who co-wrote the Oscar-winning song “Glory” from the civil rights drama “Selma.”

The singer Usher, the Indian actress Freida Pinto and US film and television stars Katie Holmes and Laverne Cox were separately announced as part of a host committee that will mobilize fans in Central Park as well as social media users.

Stephen Colbert, who recently

started as host of CBS television’s premier “Late Night” show, was previously announced as the event’s host.

Launched in 2012, the Global Citizen Festival coincides with the annual UN summit and gives out tickets to fans who commit to take actions against poverty.

The festival is broadcasting internationally for the first time this year, hoping to build pressure as the United Nations announces new targets at the end of its 15-year push known as the Millennium Development Goals.

Manoj Bajpayee’s Special Apprearance at Asia Society FREE Night Market in Houston 18 September 2015 6:00pm - 9:00pm 1370 Southmore Blvd Houston, TX 77004 713.496.9901

H

OUSTON, Texas - Celebrate the opening of Asia Society Texas Center’s new exhibition Drawn from Nature with this FREE Night Market & Exhibition Opening featuring food trucks, family activities, local vendors, and more!

Guests will enjoy live music entertainment throughout the evening and a special appearance by Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee from 6:15 - 7:00 pm.

Confirmed food trucks include It’s A Wrap, Foreign Policy, Muiishi Makirritos, Wokker TX Ranger, Casian King, Churrasco, Tila’s Tacos, and Pho-jita Fusion. Orchid Obsession, Saint Cloud Boutique, Big Creek Farms, PopCart Ice Pops, Imagiread, Pat Greer’s Kitchen, South China Seas, The Community Cloth, and Ten Thousand Villages will also be in attendance. Activities include an animal visit by Houston Zoo, henna by Shehzlan Sheran, Khmer and Korean language sessions by MasterWord Services, and an Ikebana demonstration by Ikebana International. We will also be selling Asian beers, mochi ice cream, and gently used books.

Drawn from Nature brings together a group of contemporary artists for whom nature plays a pivotal role in the inspiration for, and execution of, their artworks. Sopheap Pich, Mineko Grimmer, Palden Weinreb, and Seon Ghi Bahk, artists featured in Asia Society Texas Center’s first-ever exhibition dedicated to nature, allow visitors to see its continuing impact in a contemporary context.

Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan, pictured on May 19, 2015, will perform in teh Global Citizen Festival in New York (AFP Photo/)

Ranveer Singh in Bajirao Mastani Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee About the Exhibition Artists have been deeply influenced by nature for centuries, and perhaps nowhere more so than in Asia. Drawn from Nature brings together a group of contemporary artists for whom nature plays a pivotal role in the inspiration for, and execution of, their artworks.

Sopheap Pich forms sculptures out of organic materials such as rattan, beeswax, bamboo, and burlap.

The sculptures echo vegetal, geometric, and corporal forms while referencing his themes of time, memory, and the body. Mineko Grimmer’s sculptural sound installations position pebbles frozen with water into forms above wire and wood sculptures. As time passes in the gallery, the frozen mass slowly melts and the small stones fall upon the sculptures below, creating a visceral connection with the

sounds of nature. Palden Weinreb uses his deep study of the geometry inherent in nature and its relationship to Tibetan Buddhist philosophy to render ephemeral drawings and sculpture which give viewers a heightened sense of spatial awareness, and their relative position in the larger environment.

The large-scale charcoal sculptures of Seon Ghi Bahk challenge viewers to consider the cyclical nature of the physical world. These artists will be featured in Asia Society Texas Center’s first-ever exhibition dedicated to nature, allowing visitors to see its continuing impact as a source of artistic inspiration in the contemporary context.

Pease check: www.AsiaSociety.org/ Texas/NightMarket2015 for the lastest updates.

Kangana Ranaut Took Digs At Katrina Kaif, Shah Rukh Khan In Paris?

P

ARIS - Kangana Ranaut, who was recently in Paris for the premiere of her film Queen, took digs at stars who endorse fairness creams and said that she is ashamed of such celebs, who market such products.

Elaborating on the same, Kangana said that she feels quite sad about the fact that such commercials portray darker-skinned people as unsuccessful in life, who then succeed in their goals after applying fairness creams. Kangana added that she opposes such endorsements as they strip darkerskinned people off their confidence and self-worth.

Kangana Ranaut with Raf Simons at Christian Dior in Paris

Ranveer Singh as the Maratha Peshwa

M

UMBAI - The first look of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming historical drama Bajirao Mastani was unveiled on Wednesday morning in an exclusive

by Bombay Times.

Bhansali’s upcoming film, which he is producing as well as directing, stars Ranveer Singh as the Maratha Peshwa (Prime Minister) Bajirao I, Priyanka Chopra as his first wife Kashibai; and Deepika Padukone as his second wife

Mastani.

The film is said to be a magnum opus with a budget higher than Rs 100 crore.

In the first look of the film, which was also tweeted out by Eros Now, Singh (sporting a shaven head) looks appropriately regal as the Maratha general who is credited with expanding their empire in the 18th century.

(HuffPost).

Kangana will be next seen opposite Imran Khan in Nikhil Advani’s Katti Batti, which is slated to release on September 18.

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VOICE OF ASIA 18

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

VOICE OF ASIA

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Coffee at night disrupts body’s internal clock: study

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IAMI, AFP 9/16/2015 - Drinking coffee before bedtime disrupts the body’s internal clock, making it harder to get to sleep on time and more challenging to wake up in the morning, US researchers said Wednesday.

The findings in the journal Science Translational Medicine not only explain why evening caffeine-drinkers may stay up -- and wake up -- late, but could also offer travelers a way to time their caffeine use in order to limit the effects of jet lag, researchers said.

The study involved five volunteers who were randomly assigned to consume as much caffeine as contained in a double espresso three hours before bed, or who were exposed to bright lights, or were given a placebo.

Over the course of 49 days, the volunteers were studied under various conditions, and

2016 Medicare Part D Late-Enrollment Premium Penalties will increase by 3%

their saliva was regularly tested for levels of the hormone melatonin, which naturally regulates sleep and waking cycles.

They found that those who took caffeine in low-light conditions experienced about a “40-minute phase delay of the circadian melatonin rhythm,” said the study.

Those who were exposed to bright overhead lights three hours before bed saw their circadian clocks bumped back by 85 minutes.

Those who took both the caffeine and sat under bright lights were disrupted by 105 minutes.

“This is the first study to show that caffeine, the mostly widely used psychoactive drug in the world, has an influence on the human circadian clock,” said professor Kenneth Wright of the University of Colorado, Boulder.

“It also provides new and exciting insights into the effects

Drinking coffee before bedtime disrupts the body’s internal clock, making it harder to get to sleep on time(AFP photo). of caffeine on human physiology.”

While the findings reinforce the common advice to avoid caffeine before bed, the study said it also raises the “intriguing” possibility that proper use of caffeine could help reset the body’s clock in order to avoid jet lag.

However, more research is needed to determine how travelers crossing time zones should best use caffeine to stay alert.

“It will be important to monitor for caffeine-induced sleep disruption under such conditions, which could worsen jet lag,” said the study.

Delhi hospitals struggle with dengue overload

by Bhuvan BAGGA New Delhi, India | AFP | 9/16/2015 - Hospitals in the Indian capital struggled Wednesday to cope with a flood of patients suffering from dengue fever as the Delhi government warned against turning away anyone seeking treatment.

Patients told of sleeping on pavements outside emergency rooms and doctors said services were stretched to breaking point following the worst outbreak in New Delhi in five years.

Dengue fever, a mosquitoborn disease with no known cure or vaccine, strikes fear into citizens of northern India when it arrives with the monsoon rains.

The Press Trust of India says that at least 11 people have already died from it this year.

With more than 1,800 confirmed dengue cases, the number has already surpassed the record-breaking year of 2010, with weeks left in the annual season.

Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain held a crisis meeting on Tuesday night, warning hospitals that they face stiff penalties including licence cancellations if they are found rejecting patients.

“While (there are) over 1,800 dengue cases so far... it can’t be called an epidemic,” Jain told reporters on Wednesday.

“Yes, people are in a panic right now (and) it is the government’s responsibility to act.”

“We will add at least 1,000 to 1,500 beds for patients,” Jain said.

Authorities have been spurred into action after two children,

Indian patient, Shifa, aged seven, lies on a bed in the dengue ward of a government hospital in New Delhi (AFP Photo/Chandan Khanna) aged seven and six, died separately from the disease after their parents were allegedly turned away from several hospitals, sparking a public outcry.

The grief-stricken parents of one of the boys committed suicide by jumping off the roof of a four-storey building.

- No admissions At the government-run Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital on Wednesday, two patients -- some hooked up to drips -were squeezed into some single beds.

After travelling from the nearby tourist city of Agra with his sick brother-in-law, Subodh Trivedi was told to go elsewhere. But Subodh eventually found an empty gurney and wheeled his ailing relative inside, demanding treatment.

“With his critical condition we couldn’t take him anywhere else at the time. And inside the crammed emergency ward, there were no beds or even space on the floor,” Subodh told AFP. An exhausted doctor said staff were handling double the number of patients than normal in Delhi, which is always the worst-hit city.

“We have around 120 patients in the ward against 50 or 60 that we usually handle,” the on-duty doctor told AFP. “These dengue patient numbers have obviously affected the time and attention we can give to other serious cases also admitted in the section,” he added.

Pradeep Singh Rawat, 17, spent one night waiting for treatment, including sleeping

Tel: 713-774-5140

on the pavement with his father Virender last week.

“I came here after a test at a private lab showed my son had dengue. We were told there were no admission slots, so we spent the night outside till one opened for him,” Virender said.

Delhi authorities, under fire for initially failing to act swiftly on the outbreak, have blamed prolonged humidity for this year’s rise in infections.

The virus affects two million people across the globe annually, with the number of cases up 30 times in the last 50 years, according to the World Health Organisation.

Transmitted to humans by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito, it causes high fever, headaches, itching and joint pains that last about a week

What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?

The late enrollment penalty is an amount that is added to a person’s Part D premium. A person enrolled in a Medicare drug plan may owe a late enrollment penalty if one of the following is true: • He or she didn’t join a Medicare drug plan when first eligible for Medicare Part A and/or Part B, and he or she didn’t have other creditable prescription drug coverage that met Medicare’s minimum standards.

• He or she had a break in Medicare prescription drug coverage or other creditable coverage of at least 63 days in a row.

The late enrollment penalty (also called the “LEP” or “penalty”) is added to the person’s monthly Part D premium for as long as he or she has Medicare prescription drug coverage. This penalty is required by law and is designed to encourage people to join a Medicare drug plan when they’re first eligible or to keep other creditable prescription drug coverage. The late enrollment penalty amount changes every year. The person will have to pay it each month as long as he or she has Medicare prescription drug coverage, even if the person changes his or her Medicare drug plan.

In 2016, the average monthly Medicare Part D base premium used to calculate the late-enrollment penalty will be $34.10, a 3% increase over the 2015 base premium of $33.13.

What is creditable prescription drug coverage?

Creditable prescription drug coverage (also called “creditable coverage”) is coverage that meets Medicare’s minimum standards since it’s expected to pay, on average, at least as much as Medicare’s standard prescription drug coverage. Most plans that offer prescription drug coverage, like plans from employers or unions, must send their members an annual notice explaining how their prescription drug coverage compares to Medicare prescription drug coverage and if it’s creditable coverage. If a person with Medicare doesn’t get a separate written notice, the person’s plan may provide this information in its benefits handbook. If the person doesn’t know if the prescription drug coverage he or she has is creditable, the person should contact the plan.

How is the late-enrollment penalty calculated?

The late-enrollment premium penalty is an additional monthly cost paid by Medicare Part D beneficiaries who did not enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan when they were first eligible or who were without creditable prescription drug coverage for more than 63 days.

If you are subject to a lateenrollment penalty, you will pay your plan’s monthly Medicare Part D premium along with an additional penalty calculated as one percent (1%) of the national base Medicare Part D monthly premium for each month you were without creditable prescription drug coverage.

An example of how to estimate your 2016 Medicare Part D late-

Sudhir Mathuria Contact: Sudhir Mathuria Licensed Professional Health Life 360 6650 Southwest Freeway Houston TX 77074 713-771-2900 www.MyMedicarePlanning.com enrollment penalty If you were previously without creditable prescription drug coverage for five years (60 months), you would pay, in addition to your monthly Medicare plan premium, a monthly penalty of $20.50 (60 months without drug coverage * 1% of $34.10) or an additional $246 per year.

As reference, here are the average Medicare Part D base premium values from past years that are used to calculate the late-enrollment penalties: • 2016: $34.10 • 2015: $33.13 • 2014: $32.42 • 2013: $31.17 • 2012: $31.08 • 2011: $32.34 • 2010: $31.94 • 2009: $30.36 • 2008: $27.93 • 2007: $27.35 • 2006: $32.20 How high of a late-enrollment penalty could someone pay in 2016?

About $471 per year. It is possible that you could have a penalty that reaches as high as an additional $39 per month that must be paid in addition to your 2016 Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan premium. So, if you: • were eligible for Medicare back before January 2006 and • never joined a Medicare Part D plan until 2016 and • are not eligible for the Extra Help program and • have been without any other creditable prescription drug coverage since the start of the Medicare Part D program (115 months), you would now have a monthly lateenrollment penalty for of around $39 in 2016 – paid in addition to your monthly Medicare Part D plan premium.

We calculated the maximum penalty as 115 months without drug coverage * 1% of $34.10 = $39 rounded to nearest 1$). In other words, you will now pay an additional $471 penalty per year for your Medicare Part D coverage.

To select right Part D drug plan, Medicare Advantage Plan with OR without drug plan OR Supplemental (Medigap) plan contact Sudhir Mathuria 713-771-2900.

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Asia’s millionaires to become Hewlett-Packard sees up ‘world’s richest group’ to 30,000 job losses in split to be slowing down anytime soon,” said Barend Janssens, Asia head at RBC Wealth Management.

He added that “despite some recent economic issues, the region’s wealth is expected to lead global growth”.

S

AN FRANCISCO Hewlett-Packard said Tuesday an upcoming corporate split would lead to job losses of 25,000 to 30,000, on top of tens of thousands of cuts in recent months.

HP, a major player in the in-

India’s capital rejects new Uber licence bid Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing is Asia’s richest person with a net worth of $33 billion, according to Forbes (AFP Photo/ Philippe Lopez)

S

INGAPORE (AFP) - Asia Pacific millionaires are set to become the world’s richest this year, a report said Wednesday, driven largely by wealthy individuals in India and China.

The combined wealth of Asia Pacific’s super rich will surpass its 2014 total of $15.8 trillion and overtake that of their North American counterparts -- currently the world’s richest group with a shared wealth of $16.2 trillion last year, the study said.

The research by computer services consultancy Capgemini and RBC Wealth Management said the Asia Pacific region already had the largest number of high net worth individuals (HNWIs), with 4.69 million in 2014 against 4.68 million in North America.

HNWIs are those with investible money of at least $1.0 million apart from the value of their homes and other collectibles.

“Looking further ahead, HNWI wealth is expected to expand more in Asia Pacific than in any other region of the world

with much of the new wealth expected to come from the emerging economies of China, India, Indonesia and Thailand,” the firms’ Asia-Pacific Wealth Report 2015 said.

N

EW DELHI (AFP) - New Delhi authorities have rejected for a second time Uber’s request to operate in India’s capital, the latest blow for the taxi firm seeking to expand in India, an official said Wednesday.

“China and India, in particular, have propelled Asia Pacific HNWI wealth growth in recent years and are expected to continue to act as key drivers both in the region and globally.”

The US-based ride-hailing company and its Indian rival Ola cabs were banned from operating in December after one of the American company’s drivers was charged with raping a passenger.

The report said China and India represent nearly 10 percent of global HNWI wealth, and accounted for 17 percent of the worldwide increase in new wealth since 2006.

Uber, which connects passengers to drivers through smartphone apps, subsequently applied for a formal licence to operate as a radio taxi company with offices and call centres.

China had 890,000 millionaires with a total wealth of $4.5 trillion in 2014, up 17.5 percent and 19.3 percent, respectively, from a year earlier.

But Delhi’s deputy commissioner of transport, S. Roy Biswas, said Uber failed to comply with requirements for a licence, including a GPS system to track its taxis and police verified badges for its drivers.

Globally, India recorded the fastest pace of growth in the number of millionaires -- 26.3 percent to 198,000 -- while total wealth surged 28.2 percent to $785 billion, the report added.

The “Asia Pacific continues its tremendous run in wealth creation and doesn’t appear

Uber was also flouting the ban, with its cabs still plying the city while awaiting licence approval, Biswas told AFP. “We asked Uber representatives to appear before us twice but they did not turn up,” he said. “We have listed down all

the reasons why we have refused them a licence.”

Authorities in June rejected Uber’s previous application, partly for failing to halt its operations in the city.

Uber set up its India operation in September 2013, and now operates in nearly a dozen Indian cities.

Following the rape scandal, the company was accused of failing to conduct adequate background checks, after it emerged that the driver had previously been accused of assaulting women.

The Uber driver has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, kidnap and criminal intimidation and is currently on trial.

The California-based startup’s rapid international growth has sparked tensions with rival taxi companies, which protest that Uber cars are not subject to the same regulations.

An Uber representative in India said on Wednesday the company has not received any notification from the government.

“Uber remains committed to serving the Delhi community and we continue to work closely with the Delhi authorities to address any concerns they have,” the company said in a statement.

Uber said in July that it plans to invest $1 billion in India over the next nine months.

dustry, has been undergoing a massive reorganization to cope with the move away from traditional personal computers to mobile devices.

structure for the new Hewlett Packard Enterprise,” said Meg Whitman, the HP chairman and chief executive who will head the unit after the split.

The move by Hewlett-Packard, the world’s second-largest PC maker and one of the biggest US tech firms, is the latest in the sector based on the belief that tightly focused firms perform better.

“Hewlett Packard Enterprise will be smaller and more focused than HP is today, and we will have a broad and deep portfolio of businesses that will help enterprises transition to the new style of business,” said Whitman.

The losses will come as the US tech giant splits into two separate units: one with a focus on personal computers and printers, and the other on software and enterprise services.

“As a separate company, we are better positioned than ever to meet the evolving needs of our customers around the world.”

The new enterprise unit is seeking some $2 billion (1.78 billion euros) in annual cost reductions, according to the outlook provided to analysts, plus $700 million in savings related to the spinoff.

The new company will focus on cloud computing, servers, storage, networking and other technology services, with the other unit HP Inc. keeping the personal computer and printer operations.

No timetable for the layoffs was given.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise will have more than $50 billion in annual revenue and “will be focused on delivering unrivaled integrated technology solutions” to companies, according to a company statement.

In its last annual report, HP said it had some 302,000 employees at the end of 2014.

Since 2012 the company been a cost-cutting drive. Since then it has limited five percent more than the goal of 55,000 jobs it set then through October of this year, CFO Cathie Lesjak said last month.

HP said Tuesday the new cuts will be the last ones.

“These restructuring activities will enable a more competitive, sustainable cost

The split, set to be completed by the end of the fiscal year in late October, will take place as a tax-free distribution of shares to HP’s stockholders.

It breaks up a company formed in the 1930s by Stanford University graduates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard to make electric equipment, and whose Palo Alto garage has been dubbed “the birthplace of Silicon Valley.”

Rate hike would give boost to large US banks

N

EW YORK, AFP - A Federal Reserve decision to boost interest rates would give a lift to large US banks and offset the drag on earnings from legal settlements and toughened regulations.

If the Fed gives the green light to a rate hike Thursday, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and other large banks would charge more on loans to businesses and individuals, affecting myriad transactions, from car purchases to mortgages, to business capital investment.

“Lending money is going to be profitable again,” said Gregori Volokhine, president of Meeschaert Capital Markets.

Banks would also view a Fed rate hike as a boost to the economic outlook and a “green light” to increase overall lending levels, he said.

After a two-day meeting, the Fed on Thursday at 1800 GMT will release a monetary policy statement, followed by a news conference with chair Janet Yellen.

Fed officials have signalled plans to lift rates in 2015, but some analysts think a move Thursday has become less likely due to turbulence in global markets. If the Fed does lift rates, it would be the first increase since 2006.

sphilip@llppc-law.com

An increase in their loan rates of one percentage point would translate into $2.70 billion in additional profits for JPMorgan, $3.85 billion for Bank of America and about $2 billion for Citigroup, according to calculations included in the banks’ securities filings.

But if the Fed does move

on rates this week, the hike is likely to be just 0.25 percent, which on its own would not significantly boost bank profits.

“If they only increased it 25 basis points, I think the banks will welcome the signal, but you are not going to see massive earnings improvement on something like that,” said Justin Fuller, a senior director at Fitch.

“In order for them to benefit

from increased interest rates, they need a series of rate increases over time.”

Analysts say banks could receive an additional benefit from an interest rate hike this week if businesses hasten efforts to secure debt financing in advance of subsequent increases.

“You will see some kind of more rapid borrowing to get in before rates go up further,” Fuller said.

VOICE OF ASIA 20

C OMMUNITY VOICE OF ASIA

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Dallas Page

Friday, September 18, 2015 • www.voiceofasiaonline.com • Page 20 • Email: editor@voiceofasiaonline.com • Tel: 713-774-5140

Overseas Friends of BJP, Dallas Hosts Meet and Greet Luncheon with Dr. Subramanian Swamy

by Kaushik Mirani

which he points out the timeline and references related to Valmiki’s Ramayana and legal ways of building the Rama Temple in Ayodhya.

A

DDISON, TX (August 27, 2015) - Indian Politician, Dr. Subramanian Swamy was hosted by Overseas Friends of BJP - Dallas Chapter for a luncheon at Saffron House, Addison, TX. There were around 100 members that attended the lunch meeting in which Dr. Swamy discussed and spoke on various current issues in Indian Politics. There was a representation of many leaders of local (DFW) South Asian organizations in this event.

Dr. Subramanian Swamy is an Indian politician from the state of Tamil Nadu . He is also an economist, detective and a former cabinet minister. He was the President of the Janata Party. He merged his party on 11 August 2013 with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He had served as a member of the Planning Commission of India and Cabinet Minister of India. He has written on foreign affairs of India dealing largely with China, Pakistan and Israel. He is also a published author. He attended Hindu College, University of Delhi, from where he earned his Bachelor Honors degree in Mathematics. He studied for his Master’s degree in Statistics at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. He then went to study at Harvard University, where he received a PhD in Economics in 1965.

The event agenda was to have a meet and greet with Dr. Swamy followed by a short speech. Then there was Q & A session followed by lunch.

Dr. Swamy started his speech by describing the major factors that helped BJP win the Indian General Elections – 2014. He highlighted the popularity of Narendra Modi, dissatisfaction from the existing UPA gov-

Dr. Swamy also talked about the issue of Black Money which is a current burning issue in Indian people’s mind. He pointed out that there are millions of dollars of black money deposited under Indian Nationals’ accounts in Swiss Banks and the government is committed to bring it back.

Dr. Subramanian Swamy being received in Dallas by members of the Indian American community.

Dr. Swamy shared his disappointment with the Parliament fiasco that happened during monsoon session 2015 where no bills could be passed because of opposition parties creating unnecessary protest which stopped the proceedings.

Ruling party BJP was intending to discuss Goods and Services Tax (GST) bill, land acquisi-

tion bill and a revision of labor laws at the three-week long meeting, commonly referred to as the monsoon session since it coincides with the start of annual rainfalls.

In closing, Dr. Swamy focused mainly on India’s current education system and the content which is being written in text books. He challenged this education system which was designed by British and probably now we need to change it. The content taught in current text books lacks the great accomplishments and achievements of the great Indian people and rather focuses more on the British era. He ended his speech by thanking the hosts “Overseas Friends of BJP, Dallas Chapter”. After Q&A session, everyone had lunch and immediately after, Dr. Swamy left from the restaurant.

Dr. Subramanian Swamy addressing the gathering. ernment and common Hindu values as the three top winning factors. Dr. Swamy spoke about current ongoing issues in Indian politics and the items promised by BJP during 2014 elections manifesto. He talked about issues and legal options for building Ayodhya Rama Mandir (temple) which is listed

in BJP manifesto. He mentioned that the Rama Mandir can be legally built in Ayodhya and he has filed a petition in Supreme Court with supporting documents. Dr. Swamy also has written a book about this issue named “Building the SRI RAMA TEMPLE in Ayodhya

by Subramanian Swamy” in

Dr.Subramanian Swamy (center) with local community leaders

Email your community stories to voiceasia@aol.com

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Dallas honors Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s Legacy and Transcendence

O

n Saturday August 29th, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Dallas, TX honored the legacy of the late former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam with the launch of his final book and gift to mankind, Transcendence. Transcendence documents a 14-year journey between Dr. Kalam and His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, who carries forward a legacy of enlightened gurus that goes back to the early nineteenth century.

The event was a tribute to Dr. Kalam’s lifetime of dedicated public service and varied contributions to India’s development as a country. After graduating from the Madras Institute of Technology, Dr. Kalam joined the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). While serving as a project director at ISRO, he helped launch into orbit the Rohini satellite, India’s first satellite vehicle. In 1997 he received the Bharat Ratna award, which serves as the highest civilian honor. Widespread recognition coupled with his extensive national service positioned Dr. Kalam as a natural choice for high office. In 2002 he became the eleventh president of India, having formerly served the nation as a world-renowned missile scientist. In his tenure, and long after leaving office, he was affectionately known as the ‘people’s president’ due to his ability to bridge the gap between India’s people and their government.

Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Kalam wrote over 30 books and is considered to be one of India’s most widely read and best-selling authors.

In Transcendence, Dr. Kalam’s writings focus on the philosophical and spiritual guidance from Pramukh Swami Maharaj that shaped his purpose and direction in serving India.

lenges. The resulting bond, built on selfless service and sustained through common interest, was life changing for Dr. Kalam and is thoughtfully articulated in his writing. Commenting on Dr. Kalam’s life work, special guest Raji Kumar, regional CEO of Dallas Medical Center said, Dr. Kalam was such an inspiring leader. He dedicated his life to the youth and children of India, and encouraged others to do the same. He was truly a people’s President till his last breath.”

Seen in picture is one of the members with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s copy of Transcendence My Spiritual Experiences with Pramukh Swamiji getting the blessing of Swamiji at the event.

Most astonishing about their profound friendship is that Dr. Kalam was not conversant in

Gujarati, Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s native language, and Pramukh Swami does not speak

Dr. Kalam’s Transcendence explores one man’s journey to discover universal truths, unlock the science behind progress, and understand the critical role of spirituality in leading India forward. He narrates his visits to historic sites worldwide, religious and secular, while reflecting on the various moments of divinity he experiences along the way. But, as he

to engage in dialogue is inbuilt in our civilizational heritage.

He firmly believes in the potential of the Indian people to co-build a harmonious world where there is permanent peace, shared prosperity, cooperation and a ‘win-win’ with all other countries.”

Commemorating the unique friendship and mentorship between Dr. Kalam and Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the event highlighted Dr. Kalam’s final contribution to his country: His vision for a brighter India through Transcendence.

About BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of

English. Despite the language barrier, they were able to transcend communication chal-

Another view of a section of the audience.

An impressive gathering at the event. A view of a section of the audience.

writes, it is in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj that his spirituality truly flourishes.

Dr. Kalam describes Pramukh Swami Maharaj as “my ultimate teacher”. He wrote, “Pramukh Swamiji shared with me many times his wish for peace, development, security and prosperity in the world. He feels that Indian people’s kindness, openness, tolerance and willingness

the United Nations, is dedicated to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots - their rich Hindu culture.

VOICE OF ASIA 21

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

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HOROSCOPE

VOICE OF ASIA 22

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

Your Horoscope for the Week of September 18, 2015 READ YOUR COMPLETE HOROSCOPE

by Hardik Vyas, Astrologer Cell : 832-298-9950

ONLINE WWW.VOICEOFASIAONLINE.COM

Libra (R,T) 23 Sept to 22 Oct

Aries (A,L,E) 21 March to 20 April Say the right thing at the right time. Your night vision is unusually sharp and your personal magic will spread outward into exciting directions. Find a kindred spirit with whom you can share yourself. In your gentleness you can be so overpowering that you need to find your own niche. Try not to make promises of your time. Turn your imagination outward instead of allowing it to tie you in knots. There’s still time to regroup and start over again. You’ll feel more at ease if you adopt a more sensible approach.

Resolve differences without giving in too much. Aggressors leave you alone or actually break down and confide in you. You’ll have obvious choices and need to make sound decisions. Everyone else wants what you want, a successful project. People in charge don’t like to hear that they’ve made the wrong decision. If it’s your job to break the news, think carefully, before you let out secret information. One slip could undo a great deal of preparation.

Scorpio (N,Y) 23 Oct to 21 Nov

Taurus (B,V,U) 21 April to 20 May Set down roots and enjoy your blessings. You can look forward to a holiday of enlightenment. Everyone wants to draw from a well that never runs dry. During this time of giving, you’ve already started receiving your share of joy. You’ve received many different greetings from your past. Feelings of belonging will be sparked in a real special way. You’ll feel an excitement that’ll help you to gain more confidence. Nobody will be able to bring you down. Your good mood will be very contagious.

Balance your time and energy. Different approaches will make for a better overall strategy. The terms normal or average are only tools used by statisticians, not in real life. Your mission is to inspire friends about all that they can be. Your motivation will come from deep inside of you. You energy level may indeed wear others out. Work and play will merge into a powerful existence. You know that others don’t always see things the way you do. You need to recognize that someone else’s way isn’t always wrong.

Sagittarius (BH,F,DH,TH) 22 Nov to 21 Dec

Gemini (K,CHH,GH) 21 May to 20 June Multi task your responsibilities. Bargains and inspirations will be yours for the taking.

Just make sure you have the patience to wait your turn. Many may have difficulty dealing with the schedule you have, this week. However, a friend will make a tempting offer that will help you bear your heavy load. Your ability to make others feel secure will enable you to gain more confidence in yourself. Friendship is something that you offer freely and this week you’ll be able to feel the warmth of its strength.

Try your ability to be direct, charming and enlightening. Stand firm in your beliefs.

Satisfy your appetites. Whether you are the host or the guest, you’ll be right in the holiday spirit. Your charisma will make others feel special around you. Once you open the doors, there’s no telling who will join the party. You’ll be lucky at games and in romance. However, you could be the object of envy for those less fortunate. Share your blessings and your efforts will be appreciated by those who matter.

Capricorn (KH,J) 22 Dec to 20 Jan

Cancer (D,H) 21 June to 22 July Admit when you’re wrong and to forgive others for their misgivings. It’s a tall gesture but you’ll realize that you need to look at things from a different perspective. Domestic issues have been driving everybody crazy lately. You know, if you concede a few things, you’ll win in the end. Others are stubborn, so you need to act first. The reaction you receive will more than make up for the childish games that you have been playing. An emotional change will attract a more logical response. What you do now will prepare you for what’s to come.

You will be influenced from someone who refuses to listen to reason. Events could move faster than you would have preferred, you might as well lie back and enjoy the attention you receive. Try not to let underlying discord ruin your mood any more than necessary. Let the facts speak for themselves. The master plan will become apparent to others as well. Sometimes you don’t fully understand your reasons for doing things until you explain them to somebody else. Consider calling a powerful friend with a good ear.

Aquarius (G,S,SH) 21 Jan to 19 Feb

Leo (M) 23 July to 22 August Deal with the stress in your life. Love is the strongest emotion of all. You have to remember that loved ones want you to share in their happiness, not feel confined or held back. Sometimes the world gets so busy that you feel like you can’t hear yourself thinking. You need to take a walk to meditate with your thoughts and feelings. Once you feel more relaxed, you’ll be able to get on with your plans. Express your ideas and take a stand on your plans for the new year.

Use your ability to cocoon yourself, effectively at the right time. You may not be very persuasive at the moment. Allow someone else make the moves and see where they lead to. You can learn some amazing things and have fun while learning. Dynamic changes may be better left for others right now. You can’t afford to ask any favors or to refuse favors asked of you. Opponents stand ready to pounce at the first sign of weakness. It would be in your best interest to keep as low to the ground as possible.

Virgo (P) 23 August to 22 September

Pisces (D,CH,Z) 20 Feb to 20 March

A good time to get out & feel alive. Recent moodiness may have made you feel a Be patient with those who move too slowly for your liking. You have to start to look little sad, but this week you’ll feel glad to be alive. Your ability to be unique in all you at it a little more from their perspective. No need for pity, however communication is do will result in your meeting the right people at the right time. Let your hair down and important. Think your way through the obstacle. The facts will speak for themselves. By dress casually to go out socially. It’s probably for the best that you’re feeling a little avoiding issues now, you only set up bigger confrontations later. You can be agreeable extra rambunctious. Humor may be the best way to cope with a grim situation, that’s without agreeing to everything requested. You want people to believe you as well as understand you.got everyone down. Laugh at the impossible and you’ll be able to begin to make a list of the practical Let the tone of voice and your facial expressions take the place of a complex vocabulary. solutions.

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CLASSIFIEDS

VICE PRESIDENT CREATIVE SERVICES KTRK-TV the ABC owned station located in Houston, TX is seeking a strategic Director of Creative Services who has experience with and understands how a media brand interacts with audiences on multiple platforms. This role is responsible for managing the station’s branding, promotions and graphics on all platforms and for producing appropriate original content relevant to each platform. This position requires knowledge of data-focused, audiencebased brand development and design, content creation and social media marketing, and experience with sales promotions, community outreach programs and influencer marketing. Must be a team player, motivator and well versed in digital promotions/marketing in a fast paced, ever-changing environment. Responsibilities of the position include: • Managing the ABC13 brand on all platforms through the development and execution of innovative creative and marketing campaigns. • Leveraging research and real time data analytics to launch timely social media campaigns that grow audience engagement and emotional connection to the ABC13 brand, content and talent. • Manage department staff, budget and media buying on and for all platforms. • Growing the brand identity by developing and creating original and emotionally-impactful content. The idea candidate should have a track record of managing not only staff but also the creative expression of a media brand on and off-air including experience with brand management across digital platforms, including social media. Additionally, a strong understanding of how to use research and data analytics tools to drive audience engagement on all platforms is necessary. Demonstrated experience overseeing the production of original compelling content that integrates sponsors and advertisers is important for success. To be considered all interested applicants must apply on-line at www.disneycareers.com by uploading a resume file, cover letter and list of references. Please Reference Job ID: 299586BR. Female/ Minority/ Veteran/ Disability/ Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity. No Telephone Calls Please.

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Amazing facts ow ou from all over the WORLD! now!

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FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY FROM HBR.ORG Make Sure Your Team’s Work Styles Are Balanced As a leader, it’s important to understand your work style and the styles of your employees: Prioritizers focus on goals, deadlines, and facts. Planners ask how the project will be delivered and completed. Arrangers want to know who the stakeholders are and who else should be involved. Visualizers consider why the project matters and what the end of the project will look like. All four types of people bring a valuable perspective to the table, and companies need all four types to remain competitive. Realistically, your team probably won’t have a balance of all four styles, but you can bring on new members or call in outside experts to bridge the gaps.

And if your team is heavily weighted toward one or two styles, recognize the value in balancing it. Work style diversity ensures you’ll have people focusing on both the big picture and the details.

Adapted from “Your Team May Have Too Many Prioritizers and Planners,”

by Carson TateA

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Restaurants For Sale • Indian Restaurant in Katy:

Established Indian Restaurant since 2005 in Katy with great clientele and good business opportunity. Owner retiring after many years in the restaurant business. Has liquor license too. Catering and partyorders throughout the year.

• Halal Gyro/Sandwich Shop in Mall Food Court

Running business for owner operator. Easy operation, No cooking and Mall hours.

Contact: Ron Aga 832-423-6973

Name Change Ravinder Kaur D/0 Mengha Singh and my passport no. V122343 RESTAURANT FOR SALE RESTAURANT FOR SALE

CALL 713-504-4669 OPEN AND RUNNING SINCE 1995.

Seeking Groom Muslim parents invites correspondence, boy from USA: Daughter, age 24, Fair, ht 5’3” Strong family values.

Working in Dubai. Graduate: Osmania University, HYD.

Education: St .Georges girls grammar school Diploma: business management

aisha.hussain790@gmail.com The value of money is taught early!

Earn Smart! Spend Wisely!

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VOICE OF ASIA 24

FRIDAY, September 18, 2015

A time to Celebrate and say Thank you!

VOICE OF ASIA the number one South Asian newsweekly in Texas is

releasing a Commemorative Issue

The Gandhi Legacy on October 2, 2015

celebrating the 146th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Apostle of Peace and the installation of the Gandhi monument in Mahatma Gandhi District, Houston, Texas

Voice of Asia will dedicate this issue to recognize: • City of Houston, The Southwest Management District.

• Business owners and Organizations.

• Individuals and Donors who have contributed to the planning, development, and installation of the monument.

• Well wishers and Government Officials.

Be a part of History Join our special issue October 2, 2015 Send your Advertisements and Articles Get Recognized!

Please contact us today 713-774-5140 or email us at: ads@voiceofasiagroup.com

www.voiceofasiaonline.com Deadline for this special issue: September 25, 2015