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VOL 21, No. 1135
July 1, 2016
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Periodical Postage
PM CONFIDENT ON NSG DESPITE CHINA
Remote venue robs Yoga Day of charm
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145 ultra light howitzers from US soon
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Pak looks for lobbyist in US after setbacks
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CONTENTS
Details on page 8
This week’s question
Do you approve of Modi’s robust foreign policy? Last week’s result
Was Rajan a hurdle to BJP’s economic plans? YES 53%
NO 47%
Sampat Shivangi is delegate to GOP convention
India to get access to 99% of US defense tech
IIFA Awards: Bajrangi, Bajirao both bag it big
survey@indiapost.com
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INDIA POST SURVEY
India joins MTCR as full member
Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29
MTCR WON; NSG NEXT: Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar shakes hands with Luxembourgs Charge d Affaires, Laure Huberty
Classifieds ------------------------- 48
after receiving Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) membership papers from France Ambassador-designate, Alexandre Ziegler, Netherlands Ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga, in New Delhi on June 27. (Details on page 6)
Community Post -------------- 16-25
NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding China objecting to India's entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence that the country will get membership of the bloc and the process for it has begun on a "positive note". Modi said India has a number of problems with China and efforts are on to resolve them one-by-one through talks. Asked during an interview whether he was disappointed as China blocked India's bid for membership of
the NSG and how close it was to getting it, Modi only said things will move forward as per rules. The Prime Minister said successive governments have made consistent efforts for getting membership of the UN Security Council, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and NSG "First thing is that India has taken up such efforts consistently whichever government was in power - be it membership of UN Security Council, SCO or MTCR or NSG. All of us made efforts. Details on page 5
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lright, for anyone out there listening to the Brexit postmortem reports and all those having a cow and a frothing fit over the not-really-over whelming vote last week by the British to leave the European Union, I have a suggestion: Just chill. Watching the wild reactions of the world markets and currencies and the endless critical analyses, almost all of them proclaiming doom and decline of the United Kingdom, one would think the world was coming to an end with just about one country's exit from a bloc that is primarily linked by economics. Stock markets, currencies, banks, investors, traders and corporate entities are all seemingly spiraling out of control. If the cacophony on television - and that includes the news casters as much as the late night comedians - is to be taken seriously, I would believe that the isolated, tiny island of Britain will soon be gobbled up by the earth and the economic Empire as we knew it will be extinct. One gets a sense of an almost perverse hope on part of these media guys to witness something as drastic as that if nothing just for the drama of it. Well, that's what the problem with today's globalized and mediated world is - instant gratification, whatever be the experience, everything has to be immediate. The world has become one giant gambling den; whether it's a natural calamity, a political upheaval, war or a sport, everything has to have an economic impact, thanks to the bookie houses masquerading as stock markets. The British who voted to leave the EU have since been called racist, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, senile, illiterate and stupid. Now that's a little more than half of the UK population they are talking about. Politicians may have played up their fears, but to my mind not all of those fears are unfounded. There are those that fear the big corporations, faceless authorities and the loss of an old idyllic life of self sufficiency. 51.9 to 48.1 is hardly a decisive vote to not merit a re-referendum. Otherwise, regret or not, the world will survive when it stops trading on peoples' lives on stock markets.
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Cover Story: Confidence on NSG Notwithstanding China objecting to India's entry, PM Modi exuded confidence that the country will get membership of NSG
Community: Yoga Day The Yoga Day organized by the Indian Consulate in Chicago would have been a big flop but for some redeeming features
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Immigration: Obama plan blocked The Supreme Court deadlocked on Obama's immigration plan that sought to shield millions living in the US illegally
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PM confident on NSG despite China NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding China objecting to India's entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group, Prime Minister Narendra Modi exuded confidence that the country will get membership of the bloc
of problems with China and efforts are on to resolve them oneby-one through talks. Asked during an interview whether he was disappointed as China blocked India's bid for mem-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being interviewd by Arnab Goswami of Times Now
and the process for it has begun on a "positive note". Modi said India has a number
bership of the NSG and how close it was to getting it, Modi only said things will move forward as per
'Will engage with Pak but forces free to reply' NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asserted that India's efforts for engagement with Pakistan is on with peace as supreme objective but the forces have "full freedom to answer back" in whatever manner they have to. He also said there are different types of forces operating in Pakistan but India engages only with a democratically-elected system. To a question about his "uncompromising approach" towards Pakistan in May 2014 and about the killing of eight CRPF soldiers near Srinagar recently, Modi said India has always wanted friendly ties with its neighbors over which there can be no debate. "Those who have to work from
the table, will work from the table and those who have to work at the border, will work at border with full strength. "Each one will fulfill the responsibility entrusted to them. And our jawans are fulfilling their responsibilities. It's true that pressure on terrorists has increased, their schemes are proving unsuccessful. "The intent with which they move forward are foiled and they have to face major challenges. It is because of this disappointment that such incidents are taking place and our jawans are risking their lives and protecting the country. We are very proud of our jawans," he said.-PTI
PM ticks off Swamy, praises Rajan NEW DELHI: Ticking off Subramanian Swamy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi disapproved of his attacks on Raghuram Rajan calling them "inappropriate" and asserted the RBI Governor was "no less patriotic than us". In a veiled message to the newly-nominated BJP MP, he said the nation will not benefit from "such craving for publicity" and added "if anybody considers him-
self above the system then it is wrong". In an interview to Times Now, Modi also spoke about relations with Pakistan in the wake of the terror attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir and said while engagement for peace was on, forces have been given "full freedom to answer back" in any manner they have to. Cont’d on page 6
rules. The Prime Minister said successive governments have made consistent efforts for getting membership of the UN Security Council, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and NSG "First thing is that India has taken up such efforts consistently whichever government was in power - be it membership of UN Security Council, SCO or MTCR or NSG. All of us made efforts. "It is not only this government which has done this. This is in continuity. It is true that in our tenure, SCO has been achieved, MTCR membership has been achieved. I am fully confident that we have begun efforts in the direction of the NSG (membership), formally. "The process has begun on a positive note. Everything is governed by its own rules. Things will move forward as per rules," he told Times Now channel. Asked about China scuttling India's NSG bid and its efforts to get Masood Azhar banned by the UN despite Modi's frequent inter-
actions with Chinese President Xi Jingping, the Prime Minister said efforts are on to resolve issues with that country through talks. "We have an ongoing dialogue with China and it should continue. In foreign policy, it is not necessary to have similar views to have a dialogue. Even when there are contradictions, talks are the only
lutions. "But there are some issues in which we differ from them and they differ from us. But the most important thing is that we are now talking to China eye-to-eye and raising the issues of Indian interests boldly. Three days back I met the Chinese President and put forward issues relating to India's in-
Asked about China scuttling India's NSG bid and its efforts to get Masood Azhar banned by the UN despite Modi's frequent interactions with Chinese President Xi Jingping, the Prime Minister said efforts are on to resolve issues with that country through talks way forward and problem should be resolved through dialogue. "We do not have one problem with China, we have a whole lot of problems pending with China. There are so many issues. Slowly and steadily efforts are on to find solutions to them one-by-one," said Modi. He said China has also been cooperative towards finding so-
terests strongly," he said. Modi said had his successful US trip was not being hyped so much, there would not have been so much criticism on the NSG issue. "Government is being criticized not for any mishandling of the NSG issue but because we were so successful over there (in the US)," he said. -PTI
India will have to be alert with Pak: PM NEW DELHI: Having taken risky initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India will have to be "alert and conscious" all the time but wondered with whom in Pakistan one could conduct talks - with the elected government or "other actors". He also said that India would have to drive home the advantage on the fact that the world is now convinced of its views on terrorism from across the border by continuing to put forth its views on this matter. "The first thing is that with whom in Pakistan you will decide about Laxman Rekha - with an elected government or with
other actors. So India will have to be alert and conscious all the time. There should not be any laxity and negligence," he told Times Now channel. Modi was asked what is the 'Lakshman Rekha' for holding talks Pakistan because in 2014 it was said it will be only talks between the two countries and not with Hurriyat, the second was 26/ 11 and now Pathankot. He said because of his consistent efforts like the visit to Lahore or inviting the Pakistan Prime Minister here that he no longer has to convince the world about India's stand on terrorism. "The world in one voice is
praising India's role. Pakistan is finding it difficult to answer. The world is watching. If we remain an obstacle then we will have to convince the world that we are not like this. "Earlier the world would not buy India's theory on terrorism and sometime it would even treat it as a law and order problem. Now the whole world is accepting what India says on terrorism. It is accepting the loss caused to India by terrorism, the loss caused to humanity by terrorism. I believe India will have to continue putting forth its view on this matter," the Prime Minister said. -PTI
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India joins MTCR as full member NEW DELHI: India has joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) as a full member and said its entry would be mutually beneficial to enhance global non-proliferation norms. Marking India's first entry into any multilateral export control regime, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar signed the instrument of accession to MTCR in the pres-
in the furtherance of international non-proliferation objectives," External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "India would like to thank each of the thirty-four MTCR Partners for their support for India's membership. We would also like to thank Ambassador Pieter de Klerk of The Netherlands and Mr Robert Steinmetz of Luxembourg, co-
Since its civil nuclear deal with the US, India has been trying to get into export control regimes like NSG, MTCR, the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement that regulate the conventional, nuclear, biological and chemicals weapons and technologies ence of France's Ambassadordesignate Alexandre Ziegler, The Netherlands' Ambassador Alphonsus Stoelinga and Luxembourg's Charg d'Affaires Laure Huberty. "India has joined the MTCR this morning...India's entry into the regime as its thirty-fifth member would be mutually beneficial
Chairs of the MTCR," the statement said. The MTCR Point of Contact in Paris has conveyed the decision regarding India's accession to the regime through the French Embassy in New Delhi as well as the Embassies of The Netherlands and Luxembourg, it said. India's entry into MTCR comes
India deserves to be in NSG: Richard Verma NEW DELHI: The US is "disappointed" that India was not admitted to NSG during its recent plenary in Seoul, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said here
been pending for 10 years, and we were pleased to see it move even closer to fruition." Addressing the Atlantic Council US-India Trade Initiative workshop, Verma talked about the US' strong support for India's role in global institutions, like having a seat on a reformed UN Security Council. "We continued to welcome India's interest in APEC, and we strongly affirmed our support for India's accession into the multiUS Ambassador to India Richard Verma lateral export control regimes," he added. but asserted that it will continue "With regard to the Nuclear to work with all the members of Suppliers Group (NSG), six years 48-nation grouping on India's ac- ago, President (Barack) Obama cession in the months ahead. first expressed his support for Referring to Indo-US civil India's membership in the NSG. nuclear cooperation, he said the Since that time, we have worked two sides have moved forward on closely with our Indian countera 15-year project to build six parts and NSG members to help Westinghouse reactors produc- advance India's case for membering power for some 60 million ship. Cont’d on page 9 people. "This is a deal that had
days after it failed to get NSG membership due to stiff opposition from China and a few other countries. Significantly, China, which stonewalled India's entry into the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at the just-concluded Seoul plenary, is not a member of MTCR. Since its civil nuclear deal with the US, India has been trying to get into export control regimes like NSG, MTCR, the Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement that regulate the conventional, nuclear, biological and chemicals weapons and technologies. MTCR membership will now enable India to buy high-end missile technology and also enhance its joint ventures with Russia. The aim of the MTCR is to restrict the proliferation of missiles, complete rocket systems, unmanned air vehicles and related technology for those systems capable of carrying a 500 kilogram payload for at least 300 kilometers, as well as systems intended for the delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). -PTI
US welcomes India's accession to MTCR WASHINGTON: India becoming a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) would strengthen international non-proliferation, the US has said asserting that New Delhi has demonstrated a "sustained commitment to nonproliferation". "India demonstrated to all MTCR partners a sustained commitment to non-proliferation, and has a legally based, effective export control system that puts into effect the MTCR guidelines and procedures, and administers and enforces such controls effectively," State Department spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said. "All 34 current members, including the United States, agreed India met the standard, and that India's membership would strengthen international nonproliferation," Trudeau told reporters at her daily news conference. Cont’d on page 9
PM ticks off Swamy, praises Rajan Cont’d from page 5
would affect the image of Indian economy abroad, Modi said if one recalled the media reports for three months after he took over in 2014 there were a number of articles written and TV shows in which questions were raised whether Rajan would be allowed to continue in the post to which he was appointed by the UPA government. "They said I would not allow him to continue (as RBI Governor). So it was proved wrong. It is wrong to say that Rajan is less patriotic than us. It will also be unfair to say that he will not work for India's interests. I am sure wherever he works or whichever post he holds, Rajan will continue
He also sought to play down the scuttling of India's bid for NSG membership by China in Seoul last week and exuded confidence that the country will succeed in the effort saying the process has begun on a "positive note". The Prime Minister's comments assume significance in the context of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and the BJP distancing themselves from Swamy's recent attacks on Rajan, CEA Arvind Subramananian and Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das. Swamy also had made some carping comments about Jaitley without taking his name. "Whether it is in my party or not, still I think such things are inappropriate. This fondness for publicity is never going to do any good to the nation. People should conduct themselves with utmost responsibility. If anybody considers himself above the system, it is wrong," the Prime Minister told Times Now. Without taking the name of Swamy, Modi was asked about the comments of "your Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Rajya Sabha MP" in Raghuram Rajan the context of Raghuram Rajan and queried to serve India," the prime minister said. whether it was appropriate. Modi ruled out political witch Even after that there have been criticisms made against very se- hunt in the probe into the nior government officials, the AgustaWestland chopper deal, questioner said recalling Modi's saying investigating agencies will recent counsel to party leaders in do a professional job and whatAllahabad to maintain balance ever names come up, "let's see". However, he maintained that a and restraint in their speech and "sin" has been committed and conduct. "My message is very clear. I those behind them have had a "big have no confusion about it," Modi protective cover". "The case about Agusta helisaid when he was asked whether his message on the issue is clear. copters. I can't deny it and I beModi then went on to praise lieve that we have the right to Rajan, who has said no to a sec- doubt that people behind this are ond term in RBI, saying his pa- very experienced. "They have perfectly practiced triotism was no less and was sure that he would continue to serve the art of doing wrong deeds. India irrespective of whether he They are very experienced and knowledgeable. And one can also was in some position or not. "My experience with him has smell the fact that such a thing been good and I appreciate the wouldn't have been done without work that he has done. He is no a big protective shield. Now, agenless patriotic. He loves India. cies are probing. Let's see how far Wherever he will work, he will the probe goes," he told Times work for India and he is patriotic," Now. He was asked in an interview he said in an apparent riposte to Swamy's attack that Rajan not about a feeling that there is some kind of a political witch hunt while mentally fully Indian. Asked about reports and ap- it could not also have been done prehensions that Rajan's exit without political patronage.-PTI
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'West has spoiled India, making it smug' BEIJING: Defending China's opposition to India's entry into the NSG as "morally legitimate", a state- run daily hit out at India saying the West has "spoiled" the country making it a "bit smug" in international affairs. In a hard hitting editorial, Global Times said it was rules not China that prevented India's entry into the 48-nation elite nuclear trading body. It said at least 10 countries, including China, have opposed the accession of non-signatories of
the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) into the NSG. "India is not a signatory to the NPT, but is the most active applicant to join the NSG. Before the Seoul meeting, the Indian media played up the prospects of its bid. Some even claim that among the 48 members of the NSG, 47 have given it a green light, except China," said the editorial titled 'Delhi's NSG bid upset by rules, not Beijing'. "...India wants to be the first exception to join the NSG without
Many countries opposed India on NSG: China BEIJING: Days after India blamed "one country" for blocking its entry into NSG, China has said "many countries" had expressed their views on the accession of non-NPT countries into the nuclear trading club as it harped on the need for forging consensus over the issue. "As we have learnt, the plenary meeting issued a news release that the meeting held discussions on
technical legal and political issues regarding the accession of nonNPT members and agreed to continue with such discussions," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a media briefing. Asked about India blaming "one country" of blocking the entry of new members into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) by raising procedural objections, Cont’d on page 9
signing the NPT. It is morally legitimate for China and other members to upset India's proposal in defense of principles," said the
Recent years have seen the Western world giving too many thumbs up to India, but thumbs down to China
tabloid, part of the ruling Communist Party of China's publications. The daily known for its nationalistic postures said India is emerging as the "golden boy" of the West. "Recent years have seen the Western world giving too many thumbs up to India, but thumbs down to China. India is spoiled. Although the South Asian country's GDP accounts for only 20 per cent of that of China, it is
still a golden boy in the eyes of the West, having a competitive edge and more potential compared to China. The international 'adulation' of India makes the country a bit smug in international affairs," it said. Criticizing Indian media and public reaction on India's failed NSG bid, it, however, said the Indian government has behaved "decently". Cont’d on page 9
France actively backed India on MTCR NEW DELHI: France, a strong backer of India's membership to the multi-lateral export control regimes including NSG, has welcomed India's accession to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). "France welcomes India's commitment to combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. As of 27 June, India is participating in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). "France has actively supported its adherence, towards
which we have worked jointly. India's adherence will contribute to better regulating the proliferation of equipment that could be used in missiles or drones capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction," French Foreign Ministry said in a statement here. France had also supported India's case in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and had asked its members to "positively" decide on its membership application. Earlier, granting membership to
India, Netherlands, the current Chair of MTCR, said the MTCR welcomes India into the Regime, convinced that its membership will strengthen the international efforts to prevent proliferation of delivery systems (ballistic missiles or unmanned aircraft) capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction. "The MTCR looks forward to India's full participation in the Regime, including the upcoming annual plenary meeting of the MTCR in the Republic of Korea in October 2016," it added. -PTI
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Pak looks for lobbyist in US after setbacks ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is scouting for a new lobbyist in the US after suffering two diplomatic setbacks when America refused to subsidies an F-16 deal and openly campaigned to induct India into the NSG, a media report said here. The ties between the two countries have plummeted over differences about how to deal with the Taliban in Afghanistan and allegation by the US that Pakistan failed to root out militants groups.
friend of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. The embassy was paying USD 75,000 per month to this group, which is the lobbying arm of the law firm Locke Lord, but it failed to improve Pakistan's image. Pakistan's main expectation from the firm was to promote its interests on Capitol Hill, where it often has to face angry lawmakers every time an issue related to the country is discussed. But the
The embassy was paying USD 75,000 per month to this group, which is the lobbying arm of the law firm Locke Lord, but it failed to improve Pakistan's image. Pakistan's main expectation from the firm was to promote its interests on Capitol Hill Nadeem Hotiana, Pakistan Embassy spokesman in Washington, confirmed the country was now looking for a paid lobbyist "but has not yet taken any decision", the Dawn reported. Earlier, Locke Lord Strategies was hired in 2008 to lobby for Pakistan but Islamabad failed to renew its contract with the firm in July 2013. The group was hired by government of Pakistan People's Party mainly because one of its partners, Mark Siegel, was a personal
firm had little influence on the Hill. It proved equally ineffective in lobbying the US media for Pakistan. There were occasions when the embassy's press section managed to gather more senior journalists than did the firm for official briefings and for group or individual meetings with visiting Pakistani leaders. To be fair to Locke Lord, some of the issues it had to deal with during this period (2008-13) were beyond its control. Even the most influential lobbyists would have
found it impossible to plead Pakistan's case on the Hill, in media or in Washington s power corridors after Osama bin Laden s discovery in Abbottabad, the paper said. Yet, there were other issues on which the firm could do better but it did not. This bitter experience and financial problems forced Pakistan to let its contract with Locke Lord expire. Instead of hiring a new lobbyist, the PML-N government decided to use Pakistani diplomats for the job, it said. Pakistani diplomats did a decent job initially but then ties between the two countries began to deteriorate. The Obama administration, which was close to completing its final term, wanted some arrangement in Kabul that would allow it to say that it successfully ended America's longest, and the costliest, foreign war. By the time Pakistani officials started publicly acknowledging that they can try but cannot force the Taliban to join the reconciliation process, it was already too late. Diplomatic observers in Washington say that in these circumstances, even the best lobbyist could only try to improve Pakistan's image, particularly on the Hill, but cannot promise to deliver. "So Pakistan must think carefully before hiring a new lobbyist, as it costs money and a lot of it," said one observer. -PTI
India to be made defense export hub: Parrikar BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister Manohar Parrikar has said the Centre has decided to double the production capacity of two defense establishments in Odisha and concrete steps are being taken to make India an export hub in defense and make it self-reliant. "The government has taken steps in defense sector by increasing FDI. This has been done in order to make India an export hub over the years," he said while addressing a meeting with the ex-servicemen here. Rejecting apprehension that local manufacturers would be affected after allowing FDI in the sector, the Defense Minister said
when the NDA government came to power, rate of import of defense material by India was 70 per cent. "Now, import of defense items
Union Minister Manohar Parrikar
has come down to below 60 per cent. I can assure that by the time the government ends its first term, we will be able to bring down our imports to 40 per cent,"
Parrikar said. Talking about the 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP) issue, he said its implementation has got delayed as the ex-servicemen have not been able to furnish the required documents on time. After meeting the representatives of employees union of defense establishments in the state, Parrikar said the production capacity of HAL, Sunabeda will be doubled in 3-4 years. The expansion work will start at Sunabeda in 6 to 7 months, he said. He added that the local BJP leaders have urged him to take steps for enhancing the production capacity of the ordnance factory in Badmal. He also took out time to meet Prasant Kumar Patnaik, his former teacher at IIT, Bombay. -PTI
Sampat Shivangi is delegate to GOP convention WASHINGTON: An IndianAmerican has been elected as a Republican delegate for a record fourth consecutive term to the party's July convention in Cleveland which would formally nomi-
vention in New York City in 2004, to nominate President George W Bush. Thereafter, he was elected as the national delegate in 2008 at Minneapolis to nominate John
Sampat Shivangi
nate real-estate tycoon Donald Trump as its presidential candidate. Sampat Shivangi, the national president of Indian-American Forum for Political Education and a long-time Republican leader, was recently elected as national delegate for the fourth consecutive term - a record for the community. The Republican convention in Cleveland is scheduled to be held from July 17 to July 22. Shivangi was first elected as a delegate at the Republican con-
McCain and in 2012 at Tampa, to nominate Mitt Romney. "I feel this will be a great political spectacle of our times and I am fortunate enough to witness and participate," he said in a statement. The Indian-American Forum, along with Ohio Community leaders and with FIA, AAPI will be hosting a reception on the sidelines of the Convention to honor the Indian ambassador to the US Arun Kumar Singh on July 19, a media release said. -PTI
Pak won't back down from stand on Kashmir ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will not back down from its "principled stand" on the Kashmir issue which would be on top of the agenda whenever the bilateral dialogue is held with India, the country's top diplomat has said. Advisor to prime minister on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz was briefing journalists here on foreign policy and Pakistan's strategy to address emerging challenges in the region. "Pakistan wants to have peaceful relations with India but will not back down from its principled stand over Kashmir," he said. Aziz said Kashmir will be "on top of the agenda" whenever the dialogue is held with India. He said India was trying to dic-
tate Pakistan on Kashmir which was not acceptable but he added that Islamabad was against any tension on the Line of Control (LoC).
Sartaj Aziz
The India-Pakistan bilateral dialogue ground to a halt after January's terror attack on the Pathankot airbase that was carried out by militants from the Pakistanbased Jaish-e-Muhammad. -PTI
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Cameron hails 'partner' India LONDON: Outgoing UK Prime since confirmed that a leadership Minister David Cameron hailed contest will open with a new leader "important partner" India in his in place latest by early Septemfirst Parliament statement since ber. the country voted to leave the EU In contrast to his emotional and said Britain must not turn its resignation speech at the Downback on Europe or the rest of the ing Street doorstep, the outgoing world. premier adopted a light-hearted In his official statement on the tone throughout the Parliament "Outcome of the EU Referendum" speech, starting with a jibe at Opin the House of Commons, Cameron laid out the future course to be undertaken under a new Prime Minister after the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU). "The nature of the relationship we secure with the EU will be determined by the next government but I think everyone is agreed that we all want the strongest UK Prime Minister David Cameron possible economic link with our European neighbors position Labor's leader Jeremy as well as with our close friends Corbyn's ongoing crisis of havin North America, the Common- ing to replace the rapidly resignwealth and important partners like ing members of his shadow cabiIndia and China," Cameron, 49, net. said to cheers from MPs. Cameron triggered laughter "Britain is leaving the EU but throughout the Commons as he we must not turn our backs on began by congratulating new LaEurope or the rest of the world," bor MP Rosena Allin-Khan, who he said. replaces London mayor Sadiq Cameron said he will go to Khan as MP for Tooting in east Brussels for a summit with EU London, by suggesting she leaders but will not invoke article should keep her mobile phone on 50 immediately. as she "might be in the shadow He had announced his resig- cabinet by the end of the day". nation in his first speech followHe admitted before MPs that a ing the results of last week's ref- Brexit result was not what he had erendum. wanted "but there can be no doubt The Conservative party has about the result".-PTI
Hindus in Pak protest grab of religious sites PESHAWAR: Minority Hindus in Pakistan have demanded that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government hand over their places of worship to them following allegations of land grab and illegal occupation of the community's sacred sites. The All Pakistan Hindu Rights Movement (APHRM) staged a protest here, demanding an immediate end of the illegal occupation and the alleged selling and leasing out of the religious places by Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). Speaking at the protest, APHRM chairman Haroon Sarbdiyal said that the board had unjustly sold or rented out religious places of the minority community to businessmen. He said the provincial government should cancel the leases and take their possession and hand them over to the minorities. "We are opposed to the sale of the attached properties because the worship places are extremely vulnerable and it is duty of Auqaf and archaeology departments to share details of properties and worship places with Hindus and Sikhs and hand over the properties to the minority groups," he said. Sarbdiyal said the federal government had formed a 22-member committee to protect the rights of minorities but ironically, minorities had no representation in it. He warned the sale of attached properties was not acceptable to Hindus. "Hindus have no objection to the shifting of Kashmiri families anywhere or giving them any lucrative place but the sale of entire attached properties should be stopped immediately," Sarbdiyal said.-PTI
Many countries opposed India on NSG: China Cont’d from page 7
Hong said at the plenary meeting in Seoul "many countries had expressed their views on the accession of non-NPT countries into the group." "We believe that they should forge a consensus and then make a decision based on consultations and thorough discussions regarding the entry of the specific country," he said, without directly referring to India. Responding to reports about the appointment of Argentine Ambassador Rafael Grossi as the "facilitator" for informal consultations on India's admission into
NSG, Hong said, "We have never heard of any follow up steps." Hong also did not respond to a question on reports that NSG is expected to meet again later this year after Mexico's initiative to discuss the entry of non-NPT members into the grouping. "This is what we know about this plenary meeting. I also want to point out that for quite a long time, including in plenary in Seoul, China has been prompting the NSG to have thorough discussions on accession of non-NPT countries," Hong said. India and Pakistan, who applied for membership of the 48-
member NSG, have not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which China insists is a must for joining the grouping. China was unrelenting in thwarting India's NSG bid last week despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Tashkent on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit to support India's case on its merits. An upset India later accused "one country", a clear reference to China, of persistently creating procedural hurdles during the discussions on its application. -PTI
India deserves to be in NSG: Richard Verma Cont’d from page 6
India has a strong record, and deserves to be included in the NSG. "That is why the Administration, including senior White House and State Department officials, made a concerted effort to secure India's membership in the recent NSG plenary session held in Seoul. We were disappointed India was not admitted during this recent session, but we will continue to work constructively with India and all the NSG members on India's accession in the months ahead," the top US envoy said. India faced stiff opposition from China and a few other countries and the fact that it is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was used for foiling India's bid at the Seoul meeting despite the US' strong backing. Verma also said that the US' designation of India as a Major
Defense Partner will bring the militaries, industries, and defense ministries of the two countries even closer in the years ahead. In climate and clean energy, US has launched several new clean energy financing programs to support India's 175 GW target for renewable power, he said noting that both Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were committed to full implementation of the historic Paris climate agreement. "We are in this with India for the long-term in bringing clean reliable power to the 300 million Indians who lack it and simultaneously battling to keep the earth's temperatures from rising to dangerous levels," he added. Referring to the recent meetings between Obama and Modi, who was in the US earlier this month, he said they helped to institutionalize the bilateral cooperation and put it on a long-term footing for close collaboration in several key areas.-PTI
'West has spoiled India, making it smug' Cont’d from page 7
"Some Indians are too self-centered and self-righteous. On the contrary, the Indian government behaves decently and is willing to communicate. Throwing a tantrum won't be an option for New Delhi," it said. "India's nationalists should learn how to behave themselves. Now that they wish their country could be a major power, they should know how major powers play their games," the
daily said. Taking exception to the US' support to India for NSG entry, the editorial said, "US backing adds the biggest impetus to India's ambition. By cozying up to India, Washington's India policy actually serves the purpose of containing China." "The US is not the whole world. Its endorsement does not mean India has won the backing of the world. This basic fact, however, has been ignored by India," it said. -PTI
US welcomes India's accession to MTCR Cont’d from page 6
In a separate statement issued by the State Department, the US welcomed India's accession as the newest MTCR member. The MTCR is an informal and voluntary association of countries that seek to reduce the global missile proliferation threat, primarily by controlling exports of rocket and unmanned aerial vehicle systems capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction
(WMDs) and related equipment and technology. "India possesses substantial missile-relevant technology and has excellent non-proliferation and export control credentials. Its accession bolsters substantially the regime's effectiveness and objectives," the State Department said. "India is a valued non-proliferation partner. We look forward to working with India in the MTCR in support of our shared nonproliferation goals," it said. -PTI
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Sri Sri given Honorary Fellowship in UK Three Indian LONDON: Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been bestowed with an Honorary Fellowship by an Indian students' body in the UK for his contributions to world peace and culture. National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) have awarded Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with an Honorary Fellowship. "With NISAU striving for the betterment of the society and working towards development and change, the organization is proud to honor Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his immense contribution to
furthering world peace & working towards a violence-free society, for his social and cultural contributions to India and for fur-
thering Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Studies in a global context," NISAU said in a statement. "At NISAU one of our key aims is to further amongst Indian youth resident in the UK the feelings of compassion, Vasudheva Kutumbakam (The World is a Family) and Satyamev Jayate (Truth Alone Prevails). We recognize Sri Sri's outstanding global contributions based on these very principles and hope to further these amongst the youth under his guidance," Sanam Arora, President of NISAU said. -PTI
Navy ships reach Russia NEW DELHI: Three Indian naval ships have reached Russia as part of efforts to enhance maritime cooperation between the navies of both countries. INS Sahyadri, Shakti and Kirch, under the Command of the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, Rear Admiral S V Bhokare, reached Vladivostok on a four day visit as
part of deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. During the visit, the ships will have professional interactions with the Russian Navy aimed at enhancing co-operation between the two forces. The visiting Indian ships are also likely to conduct exercises with the Russian Navy, aimed at enhancing interoperability in communication as well as search and rescue procedures, post departure from Vladivostok. The current visit seeks to enhance maritime cooperation between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy. It will further bolster the strong bonds of friendship between India and Russia and contribute to security and stability in this vital part of the world, a statement by the Navy said. -PTI
Aus firm to build hospitality project in Mumbai MELBOURNE: An Australia-based construction giant has cracked a deal worth USD 169.5 million with an Indian company to build a retail and hospitality development project in Mumbai. CIMIC Group Company Leighton Asia, through its subsidiary Leighton India Contractors, has entered into an alliance agreement to deliver phases two and three of the Maker Maxity project in Mumbai. According to company's statement, the agreement to deliver phases two and three of Maker Maxity project is expected to generate revenue of over USD 169.5 million for Leighton Asia. The Maker Maxity project is a premium mixed use development located in the Bandra Kurla Complex and the phases two and three comprise a premium retail and hospitality development. Leighton Asia Managing Director Manuel Alvarez Munoz said: "We are delighted to have secured our first major project with the Maker Group, one of India's most prestigious developers. Leighton Asia will bring its international experience, wealth of local knowledge and commitment to safety and quality to facilitate the timely completion of this major project." -PTI
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Lulu Group opens hypermarket in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: NRIowned Lulu Group, one of the largest retail chains in the Middle East, has opened its first hypermarket in Malaysia as part of its plan to invest USD 300 million in the Southeast Asian country. The 250,000 square feet hypermarket was inaugurated by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in the presence of his deputy Ahmed Zahid Hamidi, Ambassador of the UAE and High Commissioner of India T S Tirumurti and other dignitaries, the company said.
The new hypermarket is expected to attract large segment of population from all walks of life. It is spread in three levels and combines grocery and supermarkets products to fashion, household and latest electronics and gadgets. The group had recently announced its plans to invest USD 300 million as part of its expansion and intends to set up 10 hypermarkets in the next five years in the country. "We are very pleased to welcome LULU brand to Malaysia as
Al-Qaeda wanted to swap PM son for Zawahiri women ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's former Premier Yusuf Raza Gilani's son Ali Haider Gilani, who was recently rescued by the American forces in Afghanistan, has said that he was kidnapped by alQaeda to force government to free some women family members of the terror group's chief Ayman alZawahiri. Ali, who was kidnapped by six militants from Multan after an election rally in May 9, 2013, said he was first taken to the industrial town of Faisalabad where kidnappers kept him for two months before shifting him to North Waziristan. "I was chained for two years," he said. "I was kept in a small room, not allowed to see the sky for one year and two months. I forgot how the sun felt on my skin." He was shifted to Afghanistan earlier this year when Pakistan army launched operation in border area of Shawal in North Waziristan. He was recovered last month by US forces by sheer chance when his two captors were killed in a raid in Afghanistan s Paktika province. "They wanted the government to release some women from family of al-Zawahiri and also demanded hefty ransom," Ali, who was in custody of al-Qaeda for three years, told BBC Urdu. Ali said he was not physically tortured but forced to live mental agony. "They'd tell me 'you're not a Muslim, your father is not a Muslim, you'll go to hell, your fam-
ily aren't doing anything to help you'," he said. He said that the militants were angry with his father for operations against them. "My father was prime minister when their leader Osama Bin Laden was killed. He also started an operation in South Waziristan. They told me they wanted to take revenge," he said. Ali said he had a diary where he tried to keep track of time and jot down day-to-day thoughts: "It kept me sane." "I prayed a lot. I used to think of my son and say I have to survive for him." He said he witnessed attacks by drones, tanks and mortar fire
Ali Haider Gilani
and jet strikes. "Drones have a horrible sound, it's like a huge bee constantly hovering over you. It wasn't just one drone, there were three, four or five at one time roaming day and night," he said. He said Taliban loved cricket and he was also given a radio for running commentary of World Cup match between Pakistan and South Africa. Talking about future, Ali said that he was writing a book and would return to politics. -PTI
this will pave way for more international brands to come and invest in Malaysia. I am also hopeful that Lulu will surely open many more hypermarkets and malls not only in Kuala Lumpur but also in other parts of Malaysia," Razak said.
"With an initial investment of USD 300 million in the first phase, we plan to open 10 hypermarkets by end-2021 and a central logistics and warehousing facility in Malaysia. These projects are likely to generate more than 5,000 job opportunities for Malay-
sians," Chairman of Lulu Group Yusuff Ali MA, an Indian businessman from Kerala, said. "We also plan to set up contract farming to ensure continuous supply of high quality products and to support the Malaysian agriculture sector," Ali said. Apart from the 10 hypermarkets which are already planned, Ali has also announced the group's plan to invest another USD 500 million in setting up the largest shopping mall in Malaysia. The Lulu Group, one of the largest retail chains in the Middle East, currently operates 126 stores across the Gulf Cooperation Council -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, -- Egypt, India, Indonesia. Ranked by Deloitte as one of the top 10 fastest growing retailers in the world, it employs more than 38,000 people. -PTI
Tech News Scotland plans EU future after Brexit LONDON: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to protect Scotland against the "devastating" fallout of Brexit, as new polls found over half of Scots now want independence, which she may put to a second referendum. Scotland had rejected independence in a 2014 referendum but Sturgeon said the landscape had changed since then due to the seismic national vote to leave the European Union. The United Kingdom - as it was when Scotland voted to stay in it "does not exist any more", she said. Britain as a whole voted by 52 percent to 48 percent to leave the EU but Scotland voted strongly for Britain to remain - by 62 percent to 38 percent. After the result became clear, Sturgeon said that a new independence vote within two years was now "highly likely" and that Scotland was seeking "immediate discussions" with European leaders.PTI
NGOs to give annual income details to Lokpal NEW DELHI: All foreign and domestic-funded Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) will be under Lokpal, which will initiate an enquiry against them in the event of their involvement in corruption. Besides, both the NGOs and their top executives will have to file details of income and assets before the proposed anti-corruption body. As per the rules notified recently by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), NGOs receiving more than Rs one crore as government grant and donations above Rs 10 lakh from abroad will be under the ambit of the Lokpal. Under the new rules, office bearers of such NGOs will be treated as "public servants" and charged under the anti-corruption law in case of financial irregularities. These rules will apply to the NGOs, Limited Liability Partnership firms (LLPs)--which can be a law or real estate firm--or any such group partly or wholly financed by the central government. However, big corporates will be out of the ambit of Lokpal. Anti-corruption activists have expressed concern over the government's move to allegedly ignore private sector bribery by exempting such companies from the Lokpal's jurisdiction.-PTI
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Oman Air to increase flights to India NEW DELHI: In its bid to compete with other Gulf carriers, Oman's flag carrier Oman Air plans to increase its flight services in India to 175 weekly by 2018 besides seeking an enhanced weekly seat entitlement. The Muscat-headquartered carrier currently operates 126 weekly flights across 11 destinations here. "We are in the first phase trying to look in increasing our frequencies to the existing destinations where we have today 126 weekly frequencies to 175 per week by 2018," Oman Air chief executive officer Paul Gregorowitsch told PTI.
India to get access to 99% of US defense technologies WASHINGTON: India will be the only country outside US' formal treaty allies that will gain access to almost 99 per cent of latest America's defense technologies after being recognized as a 'Major Defense Partner', a senior Obama administration official has said. "India (now) enjoys access to (defense) technologies that is on par with our treaty allies. That is a very unique status. India is the only other country that enjoys that status outside our formal treaty allies," the official told PTI explaining what 'Major Defense Partner' status means for India. Early this month, after a meeting between US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, the US, in a joint statement, recognized India as a 'Major Defense Partner'. "We were looking for something unique. This language you would not find in any arms transfer legislation or any of our existing policies. This is new guidance
and new language that is intended to reflect the unique things that we have done with India under our defense partnership," the senior administration official said. "This is intended to solidify the
(Ashton) Carter...and our export control system have implemented in the last eight years," the official said. Under this recognition India would receive license-free access
US Defence Secretary Ash Carter (left) talks with India's Minister of Defense Manohar Parrikar
India-specific forward leaning policies for approval that the (US) President and (Defense) Secretary
to a wide range of dual-use technologies in conjunction with steps that New Delhi has committed to
take to advance its export control objectives. Acknowledging that the impression in New Delhi is that India is not getting access to the kind of technology it needs from the US, the official said it is a constant source of discussion. "(In reality), less than one per cent of all exports (requests) are denied (to India). They are not denied because of India. They are denied because of global US licensing policies. We do not share certain technologies with anybody in the world," the official asserted. The perception in India that the denial of such technologies is reflective of India-US relationship is far from the truth, the official said. According to the official, India being recognized as a "major defense partner puts it on par with our treaty allies". Inside the American bureaucratic system, such a recognition removes a number of major export control hurdles for India. -PTI
145 ultra light howitzers from US soon NEW DELHI: The Defense Ministry has approved the much delayed purchase of 145 Ultra Light Howitzers, worth about Rs 5,000 crore, from the US and also the bulk production of 18 Dhanush artillery guns, the first acquisition of such weapon systems by the Army in three decades since the Bofors scandal. Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar, took up 18 proposals including new schemes worth Rs 28,000 crore for discussion. Another key project that got an Acceptance of Necessity (AON), which will now allow the Navy to issue tenders, was the proposal to build six next generation missile vessels under 'Buy Indian' category for Rs 13,600 crore. "DAC has approved progressing of ongoing case of procurement of 145 Ultra Light Howitzers
through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route from US. DAC directed independent progressing of offset. The delivery of these guns will be in India which will help in substantial saving of transporta-
a strike range of 25 kms, sources said though the exact period could not be known. The officer said that India had sent a letter of request to the US government showing interest in
Ultra Light Howitzers
tion cost," a senior Defense Ministry official said. The DAC has also shortened the supply period of the guns, with
buying the guns which will be deployed in high altitude areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, bordering China.
The US had responded with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and DAC as looked into the terms and conditions and approved it. This letter will now be sent back to the US and the process for the payment of first installment will begin. The offsets, under which BAE Systems, manufacturer of the gun, will invest about USD 200 million, will be pursued independently. While 25 guns will come to India in a fly away condition, the rest will be assembled at the proposed Assembly Integration and Test facility for the weapon system in India in partnership with Mahindra. The howitzers that can be helilifted were first proposed to be bought from BAE about 10 years back. "We are pleased that the Indian government is progressing the Foreign Military Sale of M777. -PTI
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Su-30 flies with BrahMos integrated missile NEW DELHI: In a boost to India's air strike capability, frontline fighter aircraft Su-30 MKI flew with an integrated BrahMos supersonic cruise missile that has a range of over 290 kms, making IAF the only air force in the world in possession of such a system. With this successful flight, the BrahMos air version program now inches closer towards actual test firing when a 2,500 kg BrahMos air-to-ground missile will be fired from Sukhoi-30 in coming months. Integration of BrahMos with Su-30 MKI will render the weapon
a multi-platform capability while making the IAF the only Air Force in the world in possession of a supersonic cruise missile system. The Indian Air Force is elated about the enhancement of the firepower and the range this deadly combination of Su-30 with Brahmos will provide to them, an official statement said. The powerful missile will enable the IAF penetrate deep inside enemy territories to deliver a deadly blow to their vital installations from stand-off ranges. The integration brings a para-
Last chance to declare undisclosed income: PM NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked people to declare their undisclosed income by September 30, making it clear that this is the last chance to avoid problems that will follow after the window of opportunity closes. He said no questions would be asked about the source of the undisclosed income or assets if the declaration is made voluntarily by September 30. "For those having undisclosed income, the government has provided a special chance to declare it by September 30," Modi said in his monthly radio program 'Mann Ki Baat'. He said by paying a penalty, those having undisclosed money can free themselves from various kinds of burden. "I have promised that there will be no inquiry into the source of the undisclosed income and assets if the declaration is made voluntarily. That is why I am saying it is a good chance for becoming a part of transparent system," he said. "Let me tell the countrymen that this chance is till September 30. Consider this as the last chance," the Prime Minister asserted during the program.
difficulties that you can face after September 30," he said. Modi said there was a time when taxation rules were such that people would tend to avoiding paying taxes. "But gradually, times changed. Now, for a taxpayer, it is not much
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
difficult to abide by the government rules. Still, old habits die hard," he said, adding there are still people who feel that it is better to avoid paying taxes. "My plea is that by running away from rules, we lose our peace. Any small person can harass us. Why should we let it happen? Why not ourselves give cor-
He was told that out of 1.25 crore citizens of the country, only 1.5 lakh people have taxable income of over Rs 50 lakh. "This cannot be digested by anybody. One can see lakhs of people with taxable income of over Rs 50 lakh in big cities He said he has told BJP MPs that if anybody faces any problem after September 30 for not abiding by the rules, no help should be provided to them. "It will be better that you take advantage of the window provided and save yourself from the
Customs and Excise here, the Prime Minister said he had told them that they should not consider the countrymen "thieves" but should repose faith in them and "hand-hold" them to encourage them to become law-abiding citizens. He said he told them to change
rect information to the government about our income, about our wealth? For once, dispose off the baggage of the past. I appeal to my countrymen to get free from this," he said. Referring to his recent interaction with officials of Income Tax,
their approach as it was important to create an atmosphere of trust. However at the meeting, he said, he was told that out of 1.25 crore citizens of the country, only 1.5 lakh people have taxable income of over Rs 50 lakh. "This cannot be digested by anybody. One can see lakhs of people with taxable income of over Rs 50 lakh in big cities. "Before taking any tough step, the government wants to give the people a chance. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, there is a golden chance to declare your undisclosed income. In other words, it is a way out of difficulties that will come after September 30....I don't want that you should feel any difficulty after September 30," Modi emphasized. During the 30-minute program, he also talked about Emergency which was imposed on this day in 1975 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and asserted that democracy is the country's strength and
it will have to be strengthened. The Prime Minister said sometimes some people mock at his 'Mann Ki Baat' program and even criticize it. This, he said, is possible because "we are committed to democracy". He said that the democracy, which empowers every citizen, had been suppressed on this day in 1975. "The morning of June 26, 1975, was such a black night when Emergency was imposed on the country. All rights of the citizens were taken away. The country was turned into a prison. Along with Jaiprakash Narain, lakhs of people and thousands of politicians were sent to jails," he recalled.-PTI
digm shift in the capability of the IAF vis-a-vis its adversaries. The Su-30-Brahmos combination will carry out air combat operations within and beyond visibility range and will provide the IAF with the capability of attacking targets protected by powerful air defense assets. The flight trial has been keenly observed by several other countries in possession of the Su-30 strike fighter which are looking to acquiring a lethal weapon system for the Russian-made warplanes. "It is a perfect example of Make in India and an engineering marvel in aviation history of India. It proves that when all agencies come together with one mission, there is nothing like impossible", said T Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL who was present on the occasion. He pointed out that this program was taken up by HAL as an indigenous challenge at its Nashik Division and the required data was generated without the assistance of OEM for the modification. Sudhir Kumar Mishra, CEO and MD, BraMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd (BAPL) said it is the first time in the world that such a heavyweight supersonic cruise missile has been integrated on fighter aircraft. "The world did not believe that we could do it and thanks to the vision of late President A P J Abdul Kalam, we could achieve this today and history is made", he added. -PTI
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'Congress delayed reforms by two decades' NEW DELHI: On the 41st anniversary of imposition of Emergency, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley took swipes at Congress and blamed it for delaying economic reforms by two decades, transforming India into a 'dynastic democracy' and bringing in corruption.
"If one looks back at the history of the Congress Party after independence, the blots on it are economic reforms being delayed by over two decades, transformation of India in to a dynastic democracy, the imposition of Emergency in 1975, Operation Blue Star and corruption.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
Besides Emergency, operation Blue Star at the Golden Temple was another blot on its record, he said, throwing a challenge at the present Congress leadership and asking if it had any views on these issues.
"I wonder whether the current leadership of the Congress Party has a view on this subject. Will the Congress Party have an internal debate on these issues?" the minister said in his Facebook post - 'Constitutional dictatorship im-
posed by Mrs Indira Gandhi fortyone years ago'. On June 26, 1975, Indira Gandhi imposed an internal emergency in the country, he said, adding "the phoney reason she gave was that there was a breakdown of public order in as much as Jai Prakash Narain had asked the police and the army not to follow illegal orders." The actual reason, however, was that her continuation as the Prime Minister was threatened since the Allahabad High Court had unseated her as Member of Parliament for adopting corrupt practices during her election, he said. "The impact of the Emergency was to inflict a dictatorship on the country. All political opponents were detained. The authority of the Courts to hear a challenge against the detentions was suspended. The Supreme Court caved in before the dictator. "The Press was subjected to pre-censorship. The Press became a spokesperson of the dictator. No public protest was allowed. "The Parliament was without an opposition. By projecting her son Sanjay as her successor, the dictator converted India into a dynastic regime. Inner party democracy was throttled," Jaitley said. -PTI
New visa to attract foreigners, boost trade NEW DELHI: India may soon roll out a long-term multiple-entry comprehensive visa by merging tourist, business, medical and conference visas into one to attract more visitors and boost trade. Tourists, businessmen or people coming for treatment or to attend conferences or even for film shoots can be covered under the proposed new category, which was first mooted by the Commerce Ministry following a suggestion by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to boost services trade. The long-term, multiple-entry visa is likely to be given up to 10 years but under this category the visitor will not be allowed to work or stay permanently, a government official, who is part of the deliberations, said. As per the proposal, if a for-
eigner is granted long-term, multiple-entry non-working or nonpermanent stay visa and his or her stay is restricted to 60 days on a visit, the government may waive the visa fee as well.
However, the visitors have to give biometric details and fulfill certain security obligations, the official said. The Home Ministry is working on the proposal and, hopefully, it will be implemented soon, the of-
ficial said. The plan is part of the Commerce Ministry's initiatives to boost India's services trade. India is said to be missing out on a huge opportunity worth about USD 80 billion annually in terms of attracting foreigners and foreign exchange. Medical tourism in India alone is estimated at USD 3 billion and projected to grow to USD 7-8 billion by 2020. Foreign patients travelling to India for medical treatment in 2012, 2013 and 2014 stood at 1,71,021, 2,36,898, and 1,84,298 respectively. Small countries like Thailand attract millions of people whereas tourists flow in India is far less. India will not ask for reciprocal visa liberalization as it is an old concept now.-PTI
China-Pakistan corridor on track: Envoy BEIJING: The USD 46 billion and industrial cooperation at the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor current stage, has formed the which passes through PoK has "1+4" layout, and will seek to exmade progress and benefited lo- pand cooperation to such sectors cal people, the Chinese envoy to as finance, science and technolPakistan has said amid reports that ogy, education, poverty alleviation opposition to the ambitious project and urban planning. is intensifying both at home and "The CPEC is a mutually-benabroad. eficial and win-win cooperation, The China-Pakistan Economic which will contribute to the prosCorridor (CPEC), a major pilot perity and development of China, project under Silk Road Initiative, Pakistan and the region and the is going well and the completed building of a community of shared part is bringing tangible benefits destiny between the two counto local people, China's ambassa- tries," Sun said. dor to Pakistan Sun Weidong told "We will fully implement the state-run Xinhua news agency. important consensus reached by Sun's comments came after the leaders of China and Pakistan, commentaries in Chinese official and push forward the construcmedia recently that opposition is intensifying to the project. Pakistan's Sindh Province "Pakistan's Sindh Province saw a bomb saw a bomb attack against attack against Chinese Chinese engineers and engineers and smallscale protests against small-scale protests against the CPEC recently," an article in the state-run the CPEC recently," Global Times said. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government claimed that tion of CPEC to benefit the Chianti-CPEC activities by foreign nese and Pakistani peoples," Sun forces have been busted in Baluch added. Province, where the project links The 3000 km long CEPC, which up with Baluchistan port, it said. is part of China's Silk Road project, "CPEC is seeing intensifying officially called Belt and Road is opposition from both home and aimed at connecting the two counabroad, which, on the other hand, tries with rail, road, pipelines and shows that its construction has optical cable fiber network. achieved major progress that gets It connects China's Xinjiang on the nerves of opposition province with Pakistan's Gwadar groups," it said. port, providing access to China to Sun, who is China's senior dip- Arabian Sea facing India's west lomat in South Asian affairs, said coast. the Pakistan government, the parThe project when it is comliament, military, media and think pleted would enable China to tanks were all paying "close atten- pump its oil supplies from the tion" to the progress of CPEC and Middle East through the pipelines "offering their full support". to Xinjiang cutting considerable The CPEC, which highlights distance for Chinese ships to energy, transport, the Gwadar port travel to China.-PTI
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India needs $1.5 trillion for infrastructure: Jaitley BEIJING: India needs over USD 1.5 trillion in investment in the next 10 years to bridge infrastructure gap as the government intends to connect seven hundred thousand villages with roads by 2019 as part of a massive modernization plan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said here. "We have been able to sustain growth in the phase of global slowdown essentially on the strength of the infrastructure creation in India where the gap is huge," Jaitley, who is in China to
thousand villages in India. We intend to connect each of them by 2019," he said while addressing a seminar on "Infrastructure and Global Economic Growth" organized by China sponsored Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) along with Finance Ministers of many countries. He also spoke of massive rural sanitation program as part of India's current infrastructure program. "In terms of highway construction this year alone our target is
"We have been able to sustain growth in the phase of global slowdown essentially on the strength of the infrastructure creation in India where the gap is huge," Jaitley, who is in China to attend the Board of Governors of AIIB, said attend the Board of Governors of AIIB, said. "Over the next decade, we require over USD 1.5 trillion in India alone to fill up the infrastructure gap. We also use the additional resource which is available with us as a result of falling prices because that regime helps us. "In investing large public finance into infrastructure, for instance, we have seven hundred
10,000 kms. Our railway system is over 100 years old. We are going in for a massive modernization," he said. Jaitley said the government is seeking private sector participation in converting railway stations into commercial hubs. The government plans to build more airports, sea ports and generate more power, particularly renewable energy which is ecologi-
cally also better from all points view, he said. "These are all the emphasis areas we have undertaken," he said. About arranging funding for the massive development, he said "we realize that starting point is public finances. It is only when the public finances are put into it, you start attracting and the activity begins a lot of private funds". At the same time there are large number of developmental institutions like World Bank, ADB which put in lot of money because infrastructure funding also brings in long time returns on a sustainable basis, Jaitley said. The government has set up India infrastructure investment fund where the government holds minority stake, Jaitley said. "This a new experiment we have undertaken which we hope will be a success," Jaitley said, adding that the emphasis of the India in the next decade to fill up the infrastructure gap which will also generate growth, employment, pull up number people out of poverty. "In our bid as emerging economy graduating into developed economy category, we feel that this is extremely vital for a country with a large population like India," the Finance Minister said.-PTI
UK businesses told not to panic LONDON: Britain's economic fundamentals are strong enough to weather any short-term market volatility, Business Secretary Sajid Javid has said as he appealed to UK businesses not to be "panicky" after the shock Brexit vote. "Now it's a time for reassurance for business, and my message to them is there's no need to be panicking at all," Javid said as investors braced for another day of heavy selling. The 46-year-old Pakistani-origin Conservative Party politician sought to sooth business leaders' concerns in his first public appearance since the result of the June 24 referendum. "We have to have a calm approach, which is what we've seen since then," said Javid, who backed a Remain vote. Javid said he will hold a meeting with business leaders following the UK's vote to leave the European Union, the country's No.1 trade partner. Javid said his message to businesses was "there's no need to be panicking".
The UK's economic fundamentals are strong enough to weather any short-term market volatility, he said. He added that the UK should not rush into talks with the EU about its withdrawal from the 28nation bloc. Pushed on when the UK
for the country," he said. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said it would be "catastrophic" if the UK lost its access to Europe's single market. Hammond said there would have to be a "trade-off" between migration and access to the single market.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said it would be "catastrophic" if the UK lost its access to Europe's single market. Hammond said there would have to be a "trade-off" between migration and access to the single market should start the process of leaving the EU, Javid said the UK does not need to immediately trigger Article 50, which sets a two-year deadline for a deal. Javid was also pushed on his predictions during the referendum campaign that half a million jobs would be lost due to a Leave vote. "I lost the argument, but we all come together to make this work
It is essential the UK protects its access to the single market, and to lose it would be "catastrophic", the foreign secretary told ITV. London's big finance firms are looking at plans to move thousands of staff abroad if Britain leaves the single market. The single market allows many businesses to trade without tariffs in the EU.-PTI
Jaitley offers to set up AIIB branch in India BEIJING: India is preparing a basket of projects worth USD 23 billion for funding by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in several areas like urban development and energy and is ready to set up an office of the China-backed bank in New Delhi. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made the offer to set up AIIB branch in India while addressing the Board of Governors Session of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bank headquartered here. "India has a huge unmet demand for investment in infrastructure and is preparing basket of projects worth USD 2-3 billion for AIIB funding in the areas of urban development (including smart cities), energy, urban transport, railways, inland waterways and water supply," Jaitley said. In his address, Jaitley said the
AIIB has come up amidst huge expectations in a difficult time for the global economy. "The overall recovery of the global economy remains very modest and global growth rate projections have been revised downwards, even though the Asia-Pacific region remains the growth engine for the world," he said. Notwithstanding the global headwinds, however, India continues to maintain a high growth rate at 7.6 per cent in 2015-16 compared to 7.2 per cent in the previous year. "AIIB presents a muchneeded additional financing window dedicated to infrastructure projects and meeting the financing gap that may be beyond the capacity of the individual countries and the existing MDBs (Multilateral Development Banks)," Jaitley said of AIIB's role.-PTI
India could benefit from Brexit: Rana SINGAPORE: India could benefit from Brexit and delay in hike in the US interest rate over the next six months, YES Bank Chief Executive Officer Rana Kapoor has said. "In the next 1-6 months, India could very well be a significant beneficiary of this extraordinary event, given Eurozone pain points, delayed hike in US interest rates and with India increasingly standing out as the must invest destination for strategic and financial investors. Therefore this is good news in the bad news, for India," Kapoor said here. With Britain opting to repudiate its European Union membership, global markets are facing extreme volatility, noted Kapoor. "In the very near term, there could be some adverse spillover on India through financial linkages with rest of the world. However, I expect the dust to settle down soon as our policymakers have enough ammunition to ward off unwarranted volatility," he said, echoing views of the Indian business community. Despite regular bouts of economic, financial, and political crises globally over the last two years, India has proved its economic mettle by boosting struc-
tural and institutional factors of growth while adequately ring fencing its vulnerabilities, observed Kapoor. "The Government s persistence with Foreign Direct Investment liberalization, passage of critical re-
Rana Kapoor
forms like the Bankruptcy Bill along with the anticipated Goods Services Tax Bill will help India," said Kapoor, largely reflecting the Indian financial sector s growing confidence in the government and its reforms. Kapoor is leading YES Bank's USD 1 billion fund raising on the global market and is confident of winning new stakeholders for the bank and investors for India.-PTI
Desi News FOG reaching new heights with Times Now tie up India Post News Service
SAN FRANCISCO: Festival of Globe - Silicon Valley & San Francisco Global Movie Fest has been an enriching experience for the team of The Social Street. The Festival last year had participation from over 15 countries and celebrities from across the globe making it a truly international event. This year, exceeding expectations from past years, the FOG Extravaganza 2016 will be held from August 5 to August 16. The San Francisco Global Movie Fest last year spanned across 10 days and featured nearly 75 films, various workshops and panels, a series of social-dos featuring celebs, investors and filmmakers, and concluded with a Hollywood and Bollywood Premier Night / Grand Closing Showcase, Grand Awards Night and the legendary India Day Parade of The Bay Area. Details on page 18
Sikhs hold candlelight vigil for Orlando victims HARISH RAO
CHICAGO : The Sikh Religious Society in Palatine, Illinois organized a prayer service and candlelight vigil in remembrance of the forty nine victims and 53 injured in one of the worst recent mass shootings in American history at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando Florida, on June 12, Despite a rainy forecast, over 200 attendees gathered, comprising members of the local Sikh community, neighbors and interfaith groups. Details on page 22
Siva among top 12 Congressional Debaters India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Rising Freshman from Saratoga High School Siva Sambasivam was recognized as one of the top 12 Congressional Debaters in the country at the 2016 Middle School National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah. Siva participated in Congressional Debate and competed against 84 other students from across the nation. The competition was a simulation of "The United States Congress" and students debated a wide range of foreign and domestic policy initiatives.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
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West Bengal ignoring rising ISIS activity
July 1, 2016
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Details on page 22
Remote venue robs Yoga Day charm; VIP attendance saves the day RAMESH SOPARAWALA & JAYANTI OZA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: The 2nd International Yoga Day organized by the Indian Consulate on June 25 this year in Chicagoland, would have been a big flop but for some redeeming features The failure that it nearly met was a sort of writing on the wall the day the Consulate announced it was holding it at a relatively remote village in Sandwich - some100 plus miles away from Chicago downtown. Many were askance how many would go that far to attend the Yoga day program - not only the number of visitors but even the participating organizations. And their worst fears came true. The number of visitors coming to Timber Creek Inn , the event venue, at best could not exceed 1000 mark , much less than half the figure notched last year which itself was a low mark considering close to 37 million people across USA are actively pursuing this age old science of mental and physical health . The number of participating organizations setting up booths or conducting Yoga-Meditation classes were also on a lower side and many booths were poorly manned. Those who were at the booths kept wondering if it was worthwhile to come to such an event when hardly a few would come to inquire about their ser-
Lamp lighting
vices or products. Many wondered if the Consulate had orga-
Sayeed, however, was nonplussed at the relative poor atten-
Yoga session
nized the event just because it had to. Consul General Dr Ausaf
dance saying that the objective was to take Yoga to interior and distant villages. It is a moot point
Details on page 23 Souvenir launch
if the success is measured by numbers or the yardstick should be getting Yoga popular far and wide. "Yoga somewhere near Devon Ave or similar sites in Chicago suburbs might attract thousands but can that be a measuring rod for success? Taking celebrations in places like Sandwich should be deemed a trend setter," he said This day long program would have turned out to be a virtual flop but for a few redeeming features. It had a fairly large sized presence of local and state level officials with the Mayor of Sandwich Rick Olson stealing the limelight with his active involvement and inspiring presence. Cont’d on page 19
July 1, 2016
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500 Dallas residents attend Yoga Day function IRVING CITY: Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas (MGMNT) in association with Art of Living (AOL) organized the first "International Day of Yoga" at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Park, in Irving City. The 90 degrees temperature did not stop more than 500 Dallas resi-
cance as Mahatma Gandhi practiced Yoga & Meditation for inner strength and became World iconic figure for peace and harmony. Mr. Kalvala mentioned that Yoga is gaining popularity rapidly. Today 350 million people actively practice Yoga world-wide and 35 million in USA. Mr. Kalvala appreciated the leadership and contributions of Dr.
dents and Yoga enthusiasts to attend the event. Mrs Shabnam Modgil, Board of Director MGMNT, introduced Mr. Rao Kalvala, Secretary, MGMNT who in his welcome address stated that celebrating the event at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial has great signifi-
Prasad Thotakura, the Initiator & Chairman of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial of North Texas. Now, this Gandhi Memorial Plaza has become the largest Gandhi Memorial in the USA and a central point of attraction to all local Indian American related activities.
India Post News Service
Yoga is gaining popularity rapidly. Today 350 million people actively practice Yoga world-wide
establishing the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member countries. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations (UN) proclaimed 21 June as International Day of Yoga. Mrs. Shabnam Modgil, the Board of Director of MGMNT, introduced the Art of Living Team including Mr.
Meditation for over an hour. MGMNT Board of member recognized community volunteer Mr. Nagesh Dindikurthi for his dedication and support for over 200 events, also the board talked about MGMNT supported student scholarships at University of Texas at Dallas. Mrs. Indu Mandadi, Co-Chair of MGMNT in her closing remarks
Mr. Taiyab Kundawala, the Board of Director of MGMNTintroduced Mr. R.D. Joshi, Consul representing Dr. Anupam Ray, Consul General of India, Houston, Texas. Mr. Joshi addressed the gathering and mentioned that the draft resolution
Shreedar Thuljaram, Dr. Nick Shroff, Mr. Sapanand and other volunteers. Mrs. Modgil mentioned the importance of Yoga in a daily life. Art of Living team explained the different formats of yoga and gave a lecture demonstration followed by Pranayama, Yogasanas and
thanked the City of Irving, the electronic media, print media, Suraj Arts, Dallas Residents, ISHA and the Art of Living for their unconditional support. Mrs. Mandadi requested all to support and participates at the upcoming Gandhi Peace-Walk in October.
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International Yoga Day at MIT campus GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: The International Day of Yoga Celebration Organizing Committee (IDYCOC) conducted the 2nd International Yoga Day at Kresge Lawn, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA on Sunday, 19 June, from 9 to 11:30am under the joint auspices of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Sewa International, Art of Living, Samskrita Bharati and ISCON. Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker recognized June 19 as 'Yoga Day' in Massachusetts and urged all citizens to participate in the observance of Yoga Day and learn more about it and master the techniques to acquire its full benefits. More than 300 yoga enthusiasts and practitioners attended the celebration. "We are witnessing an increasing participation in International Yoga Day celebrations
Yoga participants
year after year. This indicates the growing popularity of Yoga among people especially among youths. By incorporating yoga as a regular practice into our daily lives, we pledge for not just a healthy lifestyle and complete well-being,
but also for a better tomorrow," said Ashwini Garg, Organizer, IDYCOC. Yoga is a spiritual, mental and a physical practice via breathing techniques, postures, and meditation. International Yoga Day is
MIT Governor Baker
observed each year to create awareness about yoga as it helps to attain peace and harmony in our mind, body and soul. Various yogic exercises, relaxation techniques and meditation were explained and demonstrated by yoga teachers and volunteers. Cont’d on page 20
FOG reaching new heights with Times Now tie up SAN FRANCISCO: Festival of Globe - Silicon Valley & San Francisco Global Movie Fest has been an enriching experience for the team of The Social Street. The Festival last year had participation from over 15 countries and celebrities from across the globe making it a truly international event. This year, exceeding expectations from past years, the FOG Extravaganza 2016 will be held from August 5 to August 16. The San Francisco Global Movie Fest last year spanned across 10 days and featured nearly
we'll be able to reach out to millions of people across USA, Canada, UK, Middle East & India through this association and take Festival of Globe to new heights." Naveen Chandra, Head of International business of Times Network says, "Our leading channels Times Now and Zoom are now in over 80 countries on 4 continents. We are happy to power 'The Festival of Globe' and broadcast the Awards & India Day Parade in San Francisco and add them to our repertoire of great international events which we are a proud part of". We are proud to be on the panel of the Advisory board of FOGsv
75 films, various workshops and panels, a series of social-dos featuring celebs, investors and filmmakers, and concluded with a Hollywood and Bollywood Premier Night / Grand Closing Showcase, Grand Awards Night and the legendary India Day Parade of The Bay Area. Dr Romesh Japra, Founder & Convener of FOG Silicon Valley, says "Association of The Times Of India group and Festival Of Globe was long overdue. Now
led by Pamita Seth - Managing Partner Entertainment & Branded Content. Pratap Bose Founding Partner & Chairman of TSS adds "In our endeavor to work towards being a global entity our association with FOGsv is highly valued. Our relationship with Festival of Globe and Dr Japra is stepping into year two starting with facilitating a truly international tie-up between Times Global Broadcasting Company & FOGsv".
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July 1, 2016
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Remote venue robs Yoga Day charm; VIP attendance saves the day Cont’d from page 16
Also, the start was awesome with the Military band marching outside the venue that was also adorned with Indian flags. The marchers also carried American, Indian and Military flags inside the inn followed by the playing of national anthems of both the countries. Another plus point was the participating by 140 plus - many non Indians- in the yoga session. Dr Ausaf did a good job in this regard. Yoga school teachers from nearby areas came and attended the event enriching their knowledge with the Yoga practices and techniques. A good number of Seniors too came and partly the credit should go to Ms Santosh Kumar who runs MAFS facilities in Chicagoland Besides, the Sandwich Mayor Olson, an Indian businessman Dr Deepkant Vyas also needs to be singled out for his huge contribution. He gave his Timber Creek Inn venue cost free besides hosting a few private receptions honoring a 90 year-old Military veteran Reverend Deli and inducing Aldermen and Mayors from nearby villages to grace the event. He also announced scholarship for students attending Webster University in St Louis and setting up a ward for disabled at a Hyderabad based medical facility The program proceeded with a welcome speech by Indian CG Dr Ausuf Sayeed, traditional Lamp lighting ceremony; launch of the Souvenir a spiritually enlightening speech by Swami IshtamandaJi, the yoga session, and meditation lessons. Con-
Yoga attendees
Rauner Proclaimed June 25 2016 as Yoga Day in Illinois Jayanti Oza adds: On June 25th, Consulate General of India Chicago organized 2nd International Day of Yoga at
St Louis businessman Dr Deepkant Vyas
Timber Creek Inn, Sandwich IL. More than 500 participants got together. The program began at 10 am with National Anthem of Republic of India & United States of America
all guests and participants. Lamp lighting was done by Richard Olson (Mayor of Sandwich) Swami Ishatmananda (president of Vivekanandan Vedanta Society of Chicago) and other invited guests. CG read International yoga Day messages from Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, Attorney General Lisa Madigan's Greetings, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Proclamation, On this occasion a special souvenir on 2nd International Yoga Day was released by dignitaries. Deepak Kant Vyas, Chairman of St Louis based Redberri Corporation, made the concluding remarks. After this, different Yoga activities took place with Common Asanas demonstrated by Art of Living Foundation, Surya Namaskar (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh), Meditation & Guided Meditation self-Realization Exercise by Sahaja Yoga Meditation, Introduction to Raj Yoga and Meditation Workshop by Brahma Kumaris, Stop Diabetic Movement by SEWA International. After the break the program centered around Surat Shad Yoga, An Ageless Technique by Science of Spirituality, Sound of Isha Mu-
Governor's Proclamation June 25 as Yoga Day in Illinois
Yoga booths
gratulatory messages from Chicago Mayor Rham Emanuel, Oakbrook Mayor Gopal Lal Malani, Sandwich Mayor Olson and Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Illinois Governor Bruce
followed by special video messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. Consul General of India, Chicago, Dr Ausaf Sayeed, welcomed
sic Program and Yoga for beginners by Isha Institute of Inner Science. Talks were given on the science of Kriya Yoga and meditation by Temple of Harmony, Guided relaxation and Meditation by Soul,
Love, Fest (Heartfulness), a documentary screening by Sahaja Yoga meditation, photo and books exhibition on Yoga by the Consulate of Chicago, Chair Yoga and low back pain by Sri Venkatesware
Swami of Balaji Temple. The vote of thanks was proposed by the Consul OP Meena. He expressed gratefulness to all who helped the Consulate for staging the International Yoga Day. The dignitaries who attended the event were Sen. Tim Bivins, Rep. Tom Demmer, Economic Development Director Jim Teckenbrock & Guest, Mayor of Sandwich Rick Olson, Mayor Robert Housler (Plano), Chief Jim Bianchi, Alderman David Fraser, Alderman Fran Moran, Alderman Cara Killey, Alderman Doug Scheidecker, Alderman Pete Dell, Alderman Rich Robinson, Alderman Bill McMahon, Alderman Les Redden, Engineer Tom Horak, Reverend Robert Dell, Jerry Lundeen, Hardik Bhatt, Chief Information Officer, Office of Governor Bruce Rauner and Swami Ishtamananda Ji.
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'Modi has achieved US bipartisan consensus on India' India Post News Service
SUNNYVALE, CA: The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS USA) hosted a World Affairs Talk and
Office. He has been an Ambassador to Myanmar, and High commissioner to Pakistan and Australia. He is an author and a columnist in various international media on foreign af-
ter Modi's Silicon Valley and Mexico visits successful. In his talk, G. Parthasarathy, was at his eloquent best in dissecting the complex tapestry of geopolitics in the Indian subcontinent.
The call to the Indian American community is to continue to build a grass root of understanding between the two countries that neither Democratic or Republican party can ignore. Mr Parthasarathy credited PM Modi's government for getting the nuclear deal in action and increasing support for India's membership to NSG. Director of FIIDS, Khanderao Kand was instrumental in inviting Mr Parthasarathy to the event. Summarizing the relevance of the work being done
by FIIDS, he responded, "In the evolving new world order, IndoUS relation is rapidly transcending from tactical to strategic alliance on wider issues like terrorism, sea piracy, international waters globally. India's prime minister shaped this new doctrine for a strong Indo-US relations that would be a foundation for future." FIIDS is an Indo American Intellectual Institute providing Indian perspective on policy matters, issues and events related to India and Indian Diaspora.
International Yoga Day at MIT campus Cont’d from page 18
File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) waving goodbye after addressing a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol June 8 in Washington, DC
Dinner on "Indo US relations and its role in the world" in Sunnyvale on the 21st of May. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the joint session of the US Congress. In his two years in office, a new thrust has been given to India's global relations in general and Indo-US relations specifically. The purpose of this event was to explore the impact to international trade and security from MidEast, South Asia to the Indian Ocean Rim. The keynote for the evening was presented by G. Parthasarathy, a well recognized expert on India's foreign relations, which he actively helped shape. He has been a spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister's
fairs. Currently, he is on an invitation by various Washington DC based think tanks for panel discussions about Indo-US relations and their global role. The event also felicitated
Addressing a packed crowd, he covered broad and specific implications of India's regional foreign policy. He noted that Mr Modi has made 'Look East' into an 'Act East' policy because the fastest grow-
Jay Gupta led the Sukshma (subtle or gentle) Yoga session where she showed the audience the proper breathing techniques. This session was followed by other yoga exercises by Suryanamaskar, by volunteers of HSS and the Art of Living Foun-
ated participants' enthusiasm in practicing Yoga and recognized the Yoga studios which are spreading awareness about yoga in the community. L.T. Ngaihte, the head of Chancery, Consulate General of India (CGI), New York represented CGI at the event and congratulated the people of Boston for organizing
In his talk, G. Parthasarathy, was at his eloquent best in dissecting the complex tapestry of geopolitics in the Indian subcontinent. Addressing a packed crowd, he covered broad and specific implications of India's regional foreign policy India's Deputy Consul General, Dr. Srinivasa, for his successful stay at India's mission in San Francisco during which time he significantly contributed to make Prime Minis-
ing economies of the world are to the east of India. He said, "Mr. Modi has sought to progressively integrate the Indian economy with those of India's eastern neighbors", adding that India has significant investment in Afghanistan and there is more trust among Afghanistan people towards India than towards Pakistan. In this context, Mr. Parthasarathy emphasized that though the US wants India to be more active in the east, India has capability and interest to play a strong role in Afghanistan and Mideast, as well as to the east. With respect to the USA, Mr Parthasarathy observed that under the stewardship of Prime Minister Modi, India's foreign policy has maintained a broad continuity. However, the renewed thrust has allowed a much broader consensus in the US in dealing with India. Guided by a strong Indian American community, there is bipartisanship visible in approach to India.
Yoga Day student speakers
dation. Natya Yoga is a dance yoga practiced in Classical Indian musical theatres which was first practiced by Narada, a divine sage from the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. Ranjani Saigal demonstrated this Natya Yoga very interestingly to the audience. Samita Apte of Sewa International guided the audience on how to perform Avartan Dhyan or Cyclic Meditation to obtain its full benefits and the Art of Living volunteer Dhanashree Ramachandran also conducted a meditation session where our physiology undergoes a change and every cell in the body is filled with more Prana (energy) that gives joy and enthusiasm to the body, mind and soul. State Representative Smt. Latha Mangipudi, the Chief Guest of the event, spoke about the significance of Yoga. She also appreci-
the event and presented a gift as a token of appreciation to the IDY organizing committee. All the partner organizations, namely, MIT Hindu Students Council, ISKCON Boston, India New England, Gunjan Radio Program, Art of Living Foundation, MIT Samskritam, Savsani, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (USA), India Association of Greater Boston, YogaCaps, Inc., Nataraja Yoga Center, Samskrita Bharati, SATSANG Center (Woburn), Sewa International USA, Ekal Vidyalaya, International Association For Human values, Vedanta Society (Boston), and Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America worked hard with their dedicated volunteers to make this event a grand success. Huda Shalhoub, Sonal Chatter and Sindhu Bannerjee gave a wonderful performance as Masters of Ceremony.
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July 1, 2016
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NRI talent to be utilized for development: Indian MP RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: A front ranking Member of Parliament from Gujarat, Sri Dipsinh Rathod, on a private visit to this country, said here that he would surely consider leading a delegation of MPs to USA in order to channelize NRI talents and investment for the development of India. In talk to this paper, Rathod said that he
Sri Dipsinh with Mafat Patel and Prakash Patel
first hand feel of the system, culture and the government responsiveness was quite revealing, he said. During his visit he traveled to Boston, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. In Chicago, he met a number of Indian Americans and also had a chance to meet the Cook County Forest Preserve president and Republican Party state secretary Tim Snyder. His talked centered around environmental issues and how forest planning can help in
Sri Dipsinh with Badri Ali and Prakash Patel, two community businessmen
reducing carbon level from atmosphere and help to balance soil minerals. Touching upon PM Modi's three innovative programs - Swachhata Abhiyan, Make in India and Rural development - he observed that Swachhata Abhiyan is making headway and it has created awareness about cleanliness and hygiene in interiors of the country. Modi Ji's campaign for encouraging a greater use of Make in India products is also gaining momentum but much needs to be done about it as its success will help generating huge local employment. For rural development, the government is considering setting out Rs one lakh for each village to undertake development projects. He conceded that corruption is one of the biggest problems facing the country and it will need an all round collective effort to eliminate it. The Modi government's record in this regard is far better than the previous government which was beset with one scandal after the other. In this context Dipsinh also touted yet another movement gaining widespread attention in India- Go Organic. He mentioned that the Sikkim government has already taken steps to ensure that Sri Dipsinh Rathod with Tim Snyder and community the State is rid of use of chemiactivists Nimesh Jani and Nirav Patel cals in cultivation. "In Gujarat, we are spearheading a movement to be properly addressed and attended to. A encourage Organic farming and we are getvisit by a group of Indian MPs will go a ting huge response. Currently, I would say long way in this direction and I will try to about 25 per cent of farming in Gujarat has become organic and this trend will continue work in this direction." Sri Dipsinh, MP from Sabarkantha, now that there is an all-round community Gujarat, came to USA for a short ten-day response," he said visit at the invitation of his well wishers and Cont’d on page 22 friends here. It was his first visit and his was hugely impressed with the hard work put in by the people of Indian origin and the remarkable advancements that they have made in all spheres of life here. "This made me think if Indians in India pick up these traits; the country would notch huge advances in all walks of life. In order to see that the NRI talents are equally utilized for the country of their origin, it is important that their concerns and complaints need to
India Post 21
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July 1, 2016
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Sikhs hold candlelight vigil for Orlando victims HARISH RAO
CHICAGO : The Sikh Religious Society in Palatine, Illinois organized a prayer service and candlelight vigil in remembrance of the forty nine victims and 53 injured in one of the worst recent mass shootings in American history at the Pulse Night Club in Orlando Florida, on June 12, Despite a rainy forecast, over 200 attendees gathered, comprising members of the local Sikh community, neighbors and interfaith groups. The event started with Kirtan (singing of Sikh hymns) in the congregation hall of the Palatine Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship). One hymn translated for the attendees on projection screen,
health care, and gun violence prevention communities addressed the standing room only gathering. Dr. Balwant Singh Hansra welcomed the guests and urged the attendees to donate to known charities or groups supporting the families and friends of the victims. "This gathering is against hate and violence and for respect to all human life", said Rajinder Singh Mago, who outlined the purpose of the gathering and introduced Gaurav Singh who emceed the program. Surinder Kaur Nand M.D., a psychiatrist, Nancy Mullen-Executive Director Youth Outlook, Marcus Hamilton a counselor at Youth Outlook, Satnaam Singh
Sikh group at the candlelight vigil and interfaith prayers
Rajinder Mago addressing Candle light vigil
read, "We are all born with the same divine light, then who is good and who is bad?" Eight speakers, representing the Sikh, LGBTQ, Muslim, mental
Mago a Sikh Youth Outreach volunteer, Azam Nizamuddin interfaith representative from Villa Park mosque, Parminder Singh Mann, a Sikh youth activist,
Maria Pike of Every Town Moms against Guns, Mohammad Sarwar Nasir president of Muslim Community Center (MCC) Chicago, shared their perspectives and emphasized cohesiveness and strength in respecting and accepting diversity. "God dwells in every heart," said Mohammad Sarwar Nasir, while reciting a couplet in the Punjabi language. The Sikh community has fresh memories of deadly hate and violence. In 2012, a man with connections to white supremacists, shot and killed six worshippers at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which several speakers referred to during the evening. Maria Pike, a Chicago woman representing gun control advocacy group, "Every Town For Gun Sense and Moms Demand Action," said the day her son was killed outside his apartment in Logan Square Chicago in 2012 was the day she became an activist. Standing in solidarity against hatred and violence, a moment of silence was observed to honor
the dead. After the candlelight vigil, which included a reading of the names of the 49 victims by Jasvir Kaur and Jagjinder Singh, everyone sat down on the ground as a
Sarwan Singh Raju, thanked all the guests, participants and the organizers. The event was coordinated by Rajinder Singh Mago, Sarwan Singh Raju, Jasvir Kaur Singh,
The Sikh community has fresh memories of deadly hate and violence. In 2012, a man with connections to white supremacists, shot and killed six worshippers at a Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, which several speakers referred to during the evening sign of support to lawmakers in Washington DC, who staged a sitin on the House floor on the same day, June 22.
Parminder Singh Mann, Satnaam Singh Mago, Gaurav Singh, and Balwant Singh Hansra for the Sikh Religious Society, Palatine Illinois.
NRI talent to be utilized for development: Indian MP Cont’d from page 21
Tim Snyder indicated that the Cook County Forest department can arrange a forest preserve team visiting India for understanding their forest system. The Indian forest department can also pay a similar visit to Illinois for sharing knowledge. Snyder was very happy to meet Sri Dipsinh and exuded cordiality. He was inclined for cooperative efforts to share knowledge between the two countries and make strong relationship
for a caring environment. Nimish Jani (Schaumburg township trustee) assured the Indian MP that he would make a voluntary lead on this project. In Chicagoland, Dipsinh met among others Mafat Patel, often described as the Uncrowned King of mini India Town, Shamkant Seth, Shailesh Rajput and Nirav Patel. In Michigan City he met a front ranking hotelier Prakash Patel and in Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook he had a brief session with a leading Bohra community figure, Badri Ali.
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50 ft Hanuman statue for Greater Toronto India Post News Service
TORONTO: The Vishnu Mandir, a Hindu temple in Richmond Hill in Greater Toronto area established in 1979, is installing a 50 feet Lord Hanuman statue on July 2. This temple, whose tagline is "Institution that nurtures families from Cradle to Golden years", is also organizing 108 recitations of Hanuman Chalisa and three sessions of Ramayana Yagna in July. Morari Bapu, well known Hindu spiritual Kaathakar from India, will lead the installation ceremonies. Vishnu Mandir, which opens daily, also runs Canadian Museum of Indian Civilization showcasing Hinduism, Anand Bhavan Seniors' Home, Academy of Learning & Montessori School for 2.5 to 6 year-olds, Global Care Outreach Program in Guyana, Bal-Vihaar program for 5-16 year-olds, toddler's program, Sangeet Academy for promoting India's music and dance, and Lakshmi Sabha Women's Club for enrichment of women. Its other special projects include Wall of Peace and Peace Park. It organizes summer camp;
Hanuman statue in Toronto
offers lessons in Kathak dancing, harmonium, tabla, vocal music, and violin; and conducts yoga classes. Dr. Budhendranauth Doobay is the Chairman of the Executive Board & Religious Advisor of Vishnu Mandir while S. Krishna Misir and Dr. Kuvear Balbahadur are President and General Secretary respectively. Bhoj Sharma is the Chief Priest. Lord Hanuman is greatly revered and worshipped in Hinduism and is known for incredible strength and was a perfect grammarian. Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents. Incorporated in 1872, multicultural Richmond Hill, whose tagline is "where people come together to build our community" and where "96% of Residents Satisfied with Life", is home to the world-renowned David Dunlap Observatory telescope. Prominent people associated with Richmond Hill include actor Dylan Neal, figure skater Elvis Stojko and novelist Farley Mowat. Dave Barrow, Vito Spatafora and Neil Garbe are Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer respectively.
Siva among top 12 Congressional Debaters India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Rising Freshman from Saratoga High School Siva Sambasivam was recognized as one of the top 12 Congressional Debaters in the country at the 2016 Middle School National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah. Siva participated in Congressional Debate and competed against 84 other students from across the nation. The competition was a simulation of "The United States Congress" and students debated a wide range of foreign and domestic policy initiatives. Participants were provided over 40 topics to discuss during the three day tournament and topics included "Taking Action Against North Korea", "Increasing military and economic aid to Jordan", "Banning the Use of Cellular Devices while Driving", and "Mandating Compulsory Voting in the United States".
Siva was selected by judge panels to advance to the semi-finals and then the finals round of the competition. Speech and Debate not only provides Siva an avenue to advocate ideas, but also gives him a
better understanding of United States initiatives and issues. He is excited about continuing to debate in high school and is looking forward to becoming involved in policy initiatives in his local government as well.
Siva Sambasivam
Author unveils rich Sikh legacy in Pakistan GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: Singapore-based author and photographer Amardeep Singh presented a talk on Sikh legacy in Pakistan based on his book and visits to different places in this region at the South Asian Center, Cambridge, MA on Saturday June 18. His book titled, 'Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan' provides insight into the relinquished heritage spanning 15th and 21st centuries across many locations in Pakistan. The author organized his data in this book into 60 chapters with 507 photographs of historic monuments, residential establishments and places of worship. The author proudly expressed that this illustrative exploration of arts, architecture, culture and history summarizes that secularism was practiced in the region. Many Sikhs came out on such a beautiful day to listen to
at partition, the drawing of borders left a rich part of the Sikh heritage in what became Pakistan and some of which still survive but in a crumbling state. The author visited some of these places with a unique goal of collecting the remnants of the community's lost heritage. Amardeep also said that there is lot of rich hidden heritage of Indians in this region. So, researchers and academicians should study about Hindu and Jain heritages, history and their significant contribution to the various aspects of civilization. Some of the Gurdwaras and libraries have been renovated by the government of Pakistan in the recent times but it is going on a slow and low priority basis. People's demands create supply of services. Amardeep therefore urged his Sikh community brothers to think beyond religious domain
Amardeep Singh with his book 'Lost Heritage'
this exciting talk hosted by the South Asian Center, Boston. He is on his book tour to many countries around the world including North America. Prof. Jaspal Ji introduced Amardeep to the audience. The author said that his strong desire to see his ancestors' native place in Pakistan made him plan a journey to West Punjab, North-West Frontier and Pakistan Administered Kashmir and explore into the remnants of a community that was compelled to move eastwards owing to the partition of the Indian sub-continent. The author expressed that it is an inspirational work that will revive interest in the readers in rich history of the Sikhs that evolved across the lands that are now Pakistan. Attractive pictures depict the unique contribution of the Sikhs to the spiritual, social, cultural and architectural history of present-day Pakistan and convey living memories to readers. The author stated that
and visit Pakistan not only as Yatris of Gurdwaras but also as travelers to visit other places and libraries to know more about your own heritage and culture. His book is written in a lucid style and intermixed with very nice pictures gives an idea for the travelers to plan their trip. The Sikhs' great contribution to Khalsa schools was greatly appreciated as well by the audience while shown those old Khalsa school pictures. Amardeep Singh's interesting talk was followed by fascinating discussions with many touching questions and answers especially issues related to travelling to these remote areas. Networking session gave an opportunity to the audience to have their personal discussion with the author and share their ideas and feelings. At the end, Amardeep sigh thanked the audience for coming out to listen to his talk and supporting him immensely in his mission.
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West Bengal ignoring rising ISIS activity DR RICHARD L. BENKIN
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he recent attack in Orlando brought home the reality of the Islamist threat in America. Experts and popular pundits attempt to explain the threat, however, they ignore an inescapable reality that I encountered first-hand: that the Islamic State or ISIS and other radical Islamists have established a base in an area where one in every five human beings live: South Asia. South Asia, not the Middle East, represents the real, critical front in the war on radical Islam. In November 2015, my associates in Bangladesh identified a house in the capital of Dhaka as a
center of nascent ISIS activity. After confirming the allegations, I took the information to several people here and in India, who all had the same basic response: 'Don't be an alarmist.' Since then, the ISIS presence in Bangladesh has become well established with the radical organization involved in the murder of police, religious leaders, secular bloggers, and others. ISIS and those they inspire have been equal opportunity murderers, sparing no religious group, killing Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists in Bangladesh. To make matters worse, the Bangladeshi
government continues to turn a blind eye toward Islamist actions, especially the ethnic cleansing of Hindus and other minorities. My associates on the ground continue to confirm the massive anti-Hindu activity that has made Hinduism an endangered species in Bangladesh, reducing the Hindu population from almost a fifth to less than one in eleven. Do not be fooled by the recent mass arrests in Bangladesh. Only a few of those arrested have militant ties, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League continue to blame their political rivals rather than admit
Bangladesh has become the new playground for ISIS, Al Qaeda, and other Islamic terrorists; who see more potential recruits there than in the Middle East. The Economist also makes the point that the arrests are a source of income for
West Bengal. That policy has continued under West Bengal strongwoman Mamata Banerjee, who recently appeared publicly with the radical import from Bangladesh, Jamaat, which now operates openly in
ISIS facility in Kolkata
police, who get bribes averaging 8,000 to 20,000 taka for springing the prisoners. That's a lucrative business in this poverty-afflicted nation. Looking at the evidence rather than dismissing it as "alarmist" might have helped prevent this latest groundswell of Islamist activity. Unfortunately, the region's intelligence and political leaders have a personal interest in suppressing the facts; as does our own State Department and others who are invested in maintaining the myth of Bangladesh as a "moderate Muslim nation." We dare not make the same mistake again. New evidence that I have verified first hand and on the ground has ratcheted up the stakes and seriously increased the danger for all of us: a growing Islamist presence in India; specifically, an ISIS cell operating in Kolkata. Locals will tell you that the unassuming office pictured here houses an advanced guard of ISIS partisans. Most are illegal migrants from Bangladesh; others are home grown. I investigated the building and found former entrances and exits blocked off and new security personnel controlling who comes and goes through the two that remain. Those familiar with West Bengal, the Indian state with Kolkata as its capital, are not surprised. During the 34-year rule of the communist left front, the Chinese consulate in Kolkata was almost an arm of the state government and supported an open borders policy that set the groundwork for the radical activity we see today in
Kolkata. At the time, Mamata's party secretary even told the press that making the Islamist party part of their ruling coalition "can be a possibility." The threat to us is real, however long term. The threat to Bengalis is immediate. In village after village where I have visited, residents tell the same story about
increasing radical activity, attacks on Hindus, and police inaction or even support for the radicals. There was the young woman I met in Diamond Harbor who stopped an Islamist attempt to abduct her after she and her disabled brother refused Islamist demands that they leave their land. West Bengal police responded by arresting her. There was the young mother in Norit who tearfully told me how her daughter was taken by the radicals, and West Bengal police refused to do anything about it; told her she just would have to accept never seeing her daughter again. Cont’d on page 25
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July 1, 2016
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PCS celebrates graduation & scholarship awards nite RAJINDER SINGH MAGO
CHICAGO: The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago (PCS) celebrated its sixteenth annual "Punjabi Youth Graduation and Scholarships Awards Night" on
where 50 people were gunned down and another 53 injured, some critically. PCS President Gurmit Singh Dhillon welcomed the guests. The
PCS leaders and guests with graduating students
Sunday, June 12 at Viceroy of India Banquets, Lombard, a suburb of Chicago. More than 250 community members attended. The program started with a moment of silence to remember the victims of the worst mass shooting in US history that happened in a night club in Orlando Florida
function was organized, run and emceed by PCS officials and volunteers. Dr. Vinay Kumar, Professor and Chairman Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, gave a short and sweet Keynote address to the graduates and others in attendance who were visibly im-
pressed. "Four years will have a profound impact on your future so how you spend and utilize them is very important," said Dr Vinay Kumar addressing the graduates." Freshman year is the most important year of your college. Don't limit yourself, broaden your horizons. Don't be in competition with someone else but yourself in becoming better every day. Keep your eyes on the prize. Remove the word impossible from your dictionary, because that is only a limitation of your imagination. I urge you to believe that nothing is impossible." Jasleen Kaur Saini, graduate of Wheeling High School won the PCS Scholarship this year. The scholarship and the event was
sponsored by Mohina Ahluwalia in the memory of Diljit Singh Ahluwalia; by Dr. Diljeet Kaur Singh, Karamjeet Kaur Singh, Ranjeet Kaur Singh in the fond memory of their father Dr. Pritam Singh; by Dr. Surjit Singh Patheja; by Harinder Singh M.I.T.S.; Harkewal Singh Lally; Dr. Amarjit Singh for Sikh Outreach Society; Jasbir Singh Bhalla; Bikram Singh Sohi, Surinder Kumar Jain Viceroy of India Banquets. All the Punjabi class of 2016 graduates were honored and presented with certificates of accomplishment by Dr. Amarjit Singh. A cake cutting ceremony by the graduates was held to honor and celebrate their graduation. Indian cuisine appetizers and sumptuous dinner was served. All the participants, young and old relished the food and danced to the Bhangra DJ music as a typical Punjabi family. The participants of
"Rangla Punjab 2016," a PCS Annual Vaisakhi cultural program that took place on April 23, 2016 received their appreciation awards. The next PCS event is Basketball Tournament at "PCS Sports
PCS Graduation Awards Nite
Festival 2016" in July, followed by "PCS Bhangra and Gidha Competition" and "Thanksgiving Day Parade" in November. The Punjabi Cultural Society of Chicago is an all volunteer, notfor-profit community service organization devoted to promoting Punjabi culture, language, performing arts, healthy life style and sports, education, and good citizenship in the metropolitan Chicago area and beyond.
Musical tribute to Mohd Rafi & Kishore Kumar GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: A melodious musical tribute to Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar was presented by Masala Art on Friday June 24 at Scottish Rite Masonic Museum in Lexington, MA under the theme, "Yadoon Ki Baraat." The event was hosted Praveen Misra, Ruchi
green songs of these two singers and made the event a memorable one for the audience Syed Ali Rizvi, Ajay Jain, and Harish Dang moderated the event very gracefully and shared many life stories and facts about Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar with the
nouncer Ameen Sayani about these to singers. He had presented these stories on his Binaca Geetmala program aired by Radio Ceylon. Chhabra Bridal of Cambridge, Kay Pee Jewelers of Burlington, Tanna Insurance, Sanjay Thakkar
Cake cutting ceremony participated wholeheartedly by students
West Bengal ignoring rising ISIS activity Cont’d from page 24
Local artists regaling the audience with Mohd Rafi and Kishore Kumar songs
Misra and Reeta Valentino. Hundreds of music lovers enjoyed the night by listening to the classic and heart touching songs of these legends of Bollywood industry. Very talented local singers namely Valentino Almeida, Sankar Gangaikondan, Swati Sharma, and Shua Khan Arshad sang the ever-
audience. On the big background screen, they showed movie names, and other information about the songs while playing a few before the song scenes from the movie for every song. The audience also got a chance to listen to some stories narrated by a popular radio an-
from New York Life Insurance Company sponsored the event. During interval, very delicious food was served by Masala Arts with hot and crispy Jilebees. Praveen Misra thanked volunteers along with the audience and sponsors of the event for their support.
And there were the few remaining Hindus in a tiny Hooghly area village. Most of the Hindus fled following successive attacks supported by deliberate police inaction. We walked around the burned out homes and heard tales of abused women. Those who greeted us stay only to care for the ancient Mandir. Multiple ISIS documents captured over the past year make it clear that the organization views India as its next big target. Several officials formally dismiss them
noting India's size, strength, and diversity. That very head-in-the-sand thinking has allowed ISIS to develop in South Asia and create a soft underbelly on India's eastern flank where ethnic cleansing of Hindus has begun to spread from Bangladesh and where the radicals' victims and allies are mounting. Dr. Richard L. Benkin is an independent human rights activist who has been fighting for justice in South Asia for the past decade. He is the author or A Quiet Case of Ethnic Cleansing: the Murder of Bangladesh's Hindus
July 1, 2016
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Horoscope
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July 1st - July 7th 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com
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rofessional matters you feel down lack of charm at work. Wear blue and white colors to help.Those who are appearing in selections may get good results.The new professional opportunities should be put on hold. The week brings some good news for the family. The child may also bring some happy news. Some sudden unfavourable developments are likely. Work with patience. Avoid conflicts.
rofessional matters face conflicts. Some sudden stress is likely.Some sudden health concern is likely for parents.The incidence of difficulties is indicated for those who are in foreign lands. Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Work with patience. Take care of your relationship matters. Some immune disorder is likely. As Jupiter, mars and venus are weak health issues arise.
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s Mars is weak, Focus on yourself, relationship and business partners. Take care of father and spiritual guru. Obstructions to father and properity. Setback and delay in income. Be vigilant with older siblings and high placed friends. Problem in martial happiness and problems in foreign lands. If you have diabetes and liver problems take care of health.
rofessional matters face obstructions and delays. Mental peace is disturbed. Conjunction to Rahu by Jupiter causes trouble and setback to father, and creates problem to martial relationship. Trouble on account of male progeny, losses and expenses. Trouble to with diabetes and problems living in foreign land. Problems to parents, losses and expenses at home even real estate.
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rofessional matters looks better, take leadership may get promotion/recognition. Unhappiness on account of male progeny, liver problems people with diabetes and loss of mental peace. Trouble to father, short temper avoid conflicts and disputes with younger siblings. Moody behavior can cause separation in relationship. Stay positive and focus on relationship.
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he professional matters face sudden problems and obstructions. Stay away from manipulations, people trying to cheat you. Take care of your health and exercise patience, This is due to weak mars. Avoid aggressive behaviour and haste up to September, 2016.Silence is golden for you. Better to avoid driving and conflicts. Relationship issue arise as conflicts, separations are there.
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rofessional matters looks good, get recognition/promotion. Relationship or marrage is troubled avoid disputes, debts and stop creating extra expenses. Trouble in foreign land. Sleep and desire problems are seen. Enjoy time with children can invest in markets. As rahu and Jupiter are conjunct expect sudden setbacks, obstructions, accidents, death like experience. Losses thru disputes and cheating.
ough week, profes sional matters face problems, obstructions could lose status, creating stress at home, lack of energy. Short Temper, loss of executivie power. Mars weak causing lack of energy , weak health it rules blood can see doctor.People with Diabetes and liver problems focus on health. Trouble to male child and loss of respect. Loss of comforts and domestic peace.
ocus on father and spiritual guru, or religious leader avoid long distance travel. Take care of parents, real estate, cars, and fixed assets and home life, mental peace is disturbed as Jupiter is close to Rahu. Loss of inheritance, sudden setbacks, obstructions, relationship issues. Unhappy due to younger brother(s). short temper stay calm avoid risky ventures and places.
he professional matters may face some rough weather. Take care.Avoid disputes and conflicts at work.The new professional opportunities should be put on hold.Take care of your health. As Venus ,Mars and Jupiter are weak. Some sudden stress is likely.The child may need special attention upto September, 2016. Avoid speculation, investing in stocks. Patience is key.
he professional matters may face some rough weather. Avoid disputes and conflicts with coworkers, status can be affected.Take care by silence and patience. Some health concerns are likely relating to diabetes,liver and kidney problems.Handle obstructions with patience in new business initiatives. Moody behavior is likely during the week. Relationship wise stress is indicated play cool.
he professional matters continue to face sudden concerns and obstructions, as Rahu moon and Jupiter are close. Some sudden health concerns are likely. Relating to diabetes, liver and kidneys patents. Better to avoid risky, unnecessary driving, being at wrong place can lead to accidents. Anxiety and moody behavior especially with partner. Those in foreign land may face trouble.
This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.
JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR • JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM • 630-675-7148
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Chitta Ve : Udta Punjab 2 Sab Tera: Baaghi 3 Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai: Sultan 28 India Post
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4 Ud-Daa Punjab: Udta Punjab 5 Salamat: Sarbjit 6 Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan 7 Bol Do Na Zara: Azhar 8 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 9 Cham Cham : Baaghi 10 Ikk Kudi : Udta Punjab
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fter being lauded for her intense performance in Ram Madhvani's 'Neerja', the actress wants to dabble in comedy. "I might not take up another drama as my next film, it might be a comedy," she's reported to have said. "I am here to become better at my craft. Sometimes you need to work with different people to do that. In 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' (2013), even though it was a 20-minute role, it made me realize that it was something different. My work should make me better on a personal level, professional success will follow," she revealed. Sonam, however, is more keen to evolve as a person than just be focused on her career. "Movies and acting is just a job. It's a passion, but I can't let it rule me. That will be unhealthy," she said. And what is she keeping herself busy with nowadays? "I like travelling. I am getting into fitness. I am working on myself and my body.�
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rithik Roshan has a packed schedule and he seems to be enjoying the workload. Apart from shooting for Sanjay Gupta's next, he has also been busy with the post-production work and promotional strategies of his upcoming movie 'Mohenjo Daro' directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Reports suggest Hrithik hasn't had the time to rest, but is satisfied because he likes to give his 100% to his commitments. Apparently, Hrithik is working hard to prepare for his characters in his upcoming films. In a recent interview to a daily Hrithik said "I stretch myself because it is fun. I enjoy my work - the problems, pains, highs and lows. “
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earing up for back-to-back releases, Nargis Fakhri wishes to pursue a career in Hollywood, too. The actress who hails from New York and was seen in filmmaker Paul Feig's movie, 'Spy,' says she wants to audition for international projects, too. Nargis says that both Bollywood ('Rockstar') and Hollywood happened accidentally. Elaborating more on 'Spy', in an interview to a daily, she said that even though she had a small part to play, she wouldn't deny working with someone like Feig and wants to pursue it further. She said that because of her Bollywood commitments, she couldn't go for any Hollywood auditions. She added she doesn't want to completely give up on Bollywood and would like to juggle between the two.
July 1, 2016
Bollywood
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"The shooting for the martial arts training will start next month. The sequence demands that Sushant looks muscular and shows combat skills�
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ushant Singh Rajput, who returned from Budapest to Mumbai recently after shooting major portions of his new film, 'Raabta', costarring Kriti Sanon, has now gone to Bangkok to train in martial arts. According to a source, "The shooting for the martial arts training will start next month. The sequence demands that Sushant looks muscular and shows combat skills. So he will undergo extensive training in hand-to-hand combat and weapon combat skills. The actor will also follow a different diet and workout routine." In an interview to a leading daily, Sushant confirmed the news and said that director Dinesh Vijan was clear about what he wanted. The former TV actor said he was excited about his sessions and hopes to learn some mean moves over the next few weeks.
"Getting a part in 'Raman Raghav 2.0' was an unbelievable moment. I couldn't believe that it was happening to me. I thought Anurag sir would be strict and I had certain kind of perception about him, but he was warm and interactive."
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eepika Padukone recently took to her Twitter account to encourage students to look beyond their mark sheets and explains what is important in life. After the results for the final exams are out, students panic about the impending cut off's for college admissions. The situation turns all the more difficult with parents expecting a bit too much from their kids. DP shared an incident in a series of tweets of how she once met a boy in the lift whose mother was upset with him for not scoring high marks in his exam. To this, the diva replied that she had scored only 65 per cent in her exams. The 'Bajirao Mastani' actress also lent a piece of advice to students asking them to follow their heart, do what they're passionate about and live, love a n d laugh.
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n her first audition itself, Sobhita Dhulipala managed to impress Anurag Kashyap and the debutant says that the director has this unique ability of nurturing his actors to perfection. The Miss Earth title winner, who makes her foray into films with Kashyap's directorial venture 'Raman Raghav 2.0', says that working on the dark thriller was like self-discovery. "Getting a part in 'Raman Raghav 2.0' was an unbelievable moment. I couldn't believe that it was happening to me. I thought Anurag sir would be strict and I had certain kind of perception about him, but he was warm and interactive." "He nurtures his actors to perfection. He has taught me a lot. Anurag sir is someone every actor would want to work with. I feel really fortunate to have this opportunity so early," Sobhita told PTI. The newbie is playing the role of Simmy in the film and she describes her character as a "domesticated wolf".
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SATYAGRAH SOULS Indian Americans Making A Difference
July 1, 2016
www.indiapost.com
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ATYAGRAH SOULS is a monthly political series presented by Bay Area's community leader Rishi KUmar in highlighting the community involvement and success of role-model Indian Americans. This series seeks to inspire each of us in giving back to our local community. Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution while getting entrenched in a new world, exerting zealous work ethics, supporting the American economy as entrepreneurs, high tech geeks, doctors, lawyers and more. We are definitely imposing the posi-
tive intentions and good citizen values upon this fantastic country. But can our involvement run a bit deeper with issues near and dear to our hearts, within our local city with the local public school that our children attend? Do we sometimes hear your conscience imploring us, "Am I doing enough?". Yes we can get involved just a bit more, push our comfort zone and enhance the learning and involvement. Our involvement can simply start with developing a healthy curiosity in our local community, instead of being 'busy' bystanders. Once we get involved, we will quickly discover,
'Get involved politically at every level' Y
will make long lasting impacts. When I moved to the United States in 1986, I quickly got involved in various non profits in my local neighborhood in Fremont. Over time I served on a few non profits and our local Indian organizations but wanted to make a Serving my community has been very larger contribution to Fremont. I was then honored to be appointed Comimportant to me. My parents were always involved in our local community back home missioner by the Fremont Mayor and City in New Delhi, India. They gave selflessly to Council. I went on to serve two terms. Serving on the commission was a gratithe non profits and our local temple. And they instilled in us the value of giving back fying experience. Attending public hearings and selflessly working on initiatives that and allowing the citizens of Fremont to make their viewpoints heard on issues that were on the agenda was a humbling experience. While we accomplished much on the Commission during my tenure, such as critical massive projects across Fremont and drafting of Fremont's General Plan, our Downtown revitalization project, our Innovation District where Tesla is now located; there was much we had to do to balance the differing viewpoints and perspectives of the citizens of Fremont. It meant ensuring that we upheld our local ordinances but still balanced against the need of the community and neighborhoods. What I have learnt is the need to listen, be open to multiple perYogi Chugh meeting Prime Minister Modi at the Community spectives and be balReception at the SAP Center in San Jose, CA last year anced and fair. ogi, you were on the Fremont Planning Commission for two terms, 8 long years. Why did you become a Commissioner and what has been the learning?
how easy it is for us to make change happen and how receptive everyone around is to leverage our skills for the betterment. There are leaders waiting to be discovered, why not take that first step? More importantly, how freeing and energizing the experience is; personally rewarding and transformative at the same time. There are many who have made their mark in doing just that. With this monthly series, we want to highlight these SatyAgrah souls who are showing us the path. Here is a SatyaGrah soul, who has found the calling:
A MONTHLY POLITICAL SERIES - BY RISHI KUMAR
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ogi Chugh is Managing Director for S5 Advisory Inc. a Corporate Real Estate Advisory and Brokerage firm. Yogi leads S5 Advisory's National and International practice. He is responsible for developing new clients and velopment Commission. He has served directing the right resources to remedy as a City of Fremont Planning Commiscomplex real estate challenges locally, sioner, Past National President of the nationally, and inIndian American ternationally. He Forum for Political brings to S5's team Education, Board extensive experimember for Drivers ence gained over for Survivors and 25 years in various Fremont Education executive roles for Foundation, two loFortune 500 comcal Silicon Valley panies such as non profits. He also Sony, BCG and served as the Chair JCP. of the Tri City DemoIn his career cratic Party and as Yogi has also been member of the involved with variAlameda County ous roles in local Democratic Central and quasi legislaCommittee. He is tive governmental the co-host of an Yogi Chugh boards and comaward winning missions. Yogi has weekly radio talk been involved in local community is- show Voice of Indo-Americans, Jai Ho! sues. He currently serves as Commis- where they tackle some of the most sioner on the Fremont Economic De- grappling issues of the day.
What I have learnt is that people may not agree with your vote or decision but they will appreciate forthrightness, honesty and your willingness to listen. It's a life lesson that I have tried to emulate in my daily life as well. I see a string of recognitions that have come your way recently. Small Business Award by State of California Assembly and Senate recommended by Assemblyman Kansen Chu; Assemblymember Kansen Chu's Annual Community Hero; Appointed as Commissioner on Fremont Economic Development Advisory Commission. When you think back to your journey involving decades of pushing for political empowerment, are you happy with where we are heading? It was humbling to receive some of the awards and accolades. This has only been possible due to the support of many leaders and folks in our community who always responded to our call to action whenever we needed to mobilize around a cause or an issue.
When I was honored as Community Hero for Assembly District 25 by Assembly Member Chu, what I appreciated the most was seeing the number of awardees from the South Asian community who were honored as well. When I was getting started in my foray into community service and politics, it was just a handful of us. Overtime the number of people getting involved began to increase but not nearly enough. In the last 5-10 years I am proud to see that the community is beginning to recognize the need to engage in our communities and get politically involved. When I look back, during the 80's and 90's our immigrant journey was begging to mature but we still lacked either the interest or motivation to get involved in politics or our local communities. As our community has begun to mature there is a greater impetus to engage deeply with our communities. Equally heartening is seeing the 2nd generation of Indian Americans to whom political engagement comes naturally. Cont’ d on page 31
July 1, 2016
SATYAGRAH SOULS Indian Americans Making A Difference
India Post
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www.indiapost.com Cont’ d from page 30
When I was the National President of the Indian American Forum for Political Education, we travelled the country encouraging Indian Americans to register to vote, develop Political Internship Programs for high school and college going students hoping that we could inspire a new generation of Indian Americans who would get politically involved either as staffers in legislative offices or run for elected office. The work of IAFPE and countless other National and local South Asian organizations such as IALI, IACI, NFIA, FIA, GOPIO, AAPI, AAHOA has paid off and we are seeing a greater level of engagement including people running and winning elected offices. I believe that the pinnacle of success for our community has just begin, in other words we are just getting started.
marginalized and the only way is to ensure we are involved in the decision making. It is important that we have the opportunity to provide our input on various issues. While we must strive for consensus and be open to differing viewpoints, it is important that we participate in formulation of policy and issues that impact us.
in this country? Political empowerment is vital and necessary. We can become quickly marginalized if we do not get politically involved. But no one will empower us, and we have to do it ourselves. That's why it is important that we participate at every level possible. While it is important to support candidates finan-
possible, explore a myriad of opportunities till you find something that makes you proud of being a part of. The opportunities are endless, in your cities, your schools, your local elected officials' offices, local non profits, etc. Serving on local commissions and non profits is always the easiest and schools provide a list of organizations that you can
'Get involved politically at every level' I have always felt that we need to be involved in our local communities, serve on School PTAs, Chamber of Commerce, Community Task Force and Advisory boards and Commissions. If possible, individuals
You have been hosting Voice of Indo Americans, Jai Ho today 3-4pm on KLOK 1170AM. It is a strong testament to your commitment. How did the idea come about and how do you see this impacting our Bay Area community? Yogi Chugh, Vinod Dham, Dr Romesh Japra and Rajesh Verma at the dinner event hosting Chief Minister of Haryana Community engagement and activism has been very important to me. We launched our ra- should also consider running for elected dio program Voice of Indo Americans, Jai office. I have felt that communities are enHo! to elevate the level of dialogue and de- riched when we serve in elected offices and bate in our local communities. My co-host partake in issues and topics that have vast and I feel that an engaged community is implications in our daily life. Simple things vital in ensuring that we are never taken for as what our children learn in our schools, granted. We need to respect differing view- what we pay for our healthcare, public points but our contrarian viewpoints on the safety, cost of our utilities, etc are political radio program will often challenge the caller decisions. or guest on the program. Holding elected officials accountable is By speaking on burning issues of the only possible when the community is watchday, highlighting human interest stories, ing, engaged and willing to participate in talking about community events that are meetings to question the decision making. doing great work and interviewing different In its simplest form, the most effective individuals who have a story to tell, we are method of getting a seat at the table is to able to cover a wide variety of topics to vote on election day and become the markeep the listeners engaged. Our hope is the gin of victory for either a candidate's victopic, or listener or comment on the pro- tory or loss. It's amazing how elected offigram will spark a conversation amongst the cials start taking you more seriously when listeners in their homes, their works or dur- they know that the community turns out ing their commute. and votes in droves. I was reminded by the statement that "Democracy is not a spectaA seat on the table - why is it important for tor sport". It's most effective when the citius as an Indian American community to zenry is paying attention. aspire for that seat? A seat at the table is very important for Is political empowerment important for the an immigrant community. We cannot be future of our Indian American community
Yogi introducing the IAFPE National Leadership team of past Presudents when he assumed the national Presidency of IAFPE
cially for their elections and continue to write checks and host fundraiser if we are capable of doing so financially but we need to walk neighborhoods, make phone calls on behalf of the candidates that we support. And then we have to ensure that we can get our friends and others to vote on election day. Communities that are able to turn out the vote are always taken more seriously. I was reminded by a Congressman when he keynoted our IAFPE Convention in Boston, that he could always ignore and offend a political donor who was irritating or demanding favors but he could never afford to do that to a voter in his district. In other words while money is important for a candidate, it's the voters that define the outcome. However having said that I don't want to discount the need for fundraising dollars in any election. Till campaign finance reform truly occurs, Money is and will remain the mother's milk of politics. So we need to
volunteer at. And if the organization motivates you, increase your level of commitment and time. Eventually serve on the board of the organization. If you find a deficiency in your community and there is an unmet need, launch your own non-profit or organization with a very specific goal and inspire others to be a part of your activism. But the key is to be involved even if for only a few hours a month. It will be a rewarding experience. Yogi thank you! We wish you success with all future endeavours. ******
Dear Readers Do you have a story to share? We invite you to introduce us to folks in your community who are making a difference - we would love to profile them. Are there similar stories you are familiar with locally. The ones who helped address a simple issue in the community to make life a bit better. Perhaps someone you know decided to make a run for school board, was appointed to the planning commission. Provide us your insights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who are making things happen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to hopeFrom L-R, Monika Chugh, Yogi Chugh, San Jose City fully ignite a desire in all of us Council Member Ash Kalra, Saratoga Council member Rishi to represent our local commuKumar, Kansen Chu, Dausy Chu, Seema Kumar attending Saratoga Dandia and Ras Garba event nities as doers, leaders, establish and entrench ourselves in register to vote, mobilize, organize and turn this glorious country of America and help out in massive numbers on election day. make it a better place
****** Yogi's name is often mentioned as one of the dynamic leaders from Bay Area to run for office. What are your plans? I have always been involved in our local community and am a firm believer that we need to get involved politically at every level of government and our legislative branches. I have never ruled out anything in my life and in due course will decide on what the future will hold for me politically and whether I will run for elected office. I always explore various options and timing is everything so stay tuned. For now the focus continues to be on work and family! What advise do you have for young Indians who are excited with community service. Where and how should they get started? To believe in the potential of community service, nothing is more endearing to know you have made a difference or you have made an impact. Make it your calling. Focus on schooling, get the best education
ABOUT RISHI: Rishi is Silicon Valley's community worker seeking to make a difference in his local community. As an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA and politically active in the state of California, he continues to follow his passion for community service, seeking to provide services to his citizens cheaper, faster and better. Rishi has community outreach and engagement a key focus for his political leadership. As Saratoga's community organizer, Rishi is host of many community events in Saratoga, many of which are free and always inclusive usually addressing a need or a cause. Rishi's day job is as a Silicon Valley hi-tech executive but his zeal for community service effervescent. Rishi is also the President of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club (www.baiadc.org) whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethical standards in the political system. You can reach him via his website www.RishiKumar.com.
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2 hospitals to sue state over Medicaid PASGACOULA, Miss.: Two health care systems plan to sue the Mississippi Division of Medicaid over what they describe as a flaw in the state's funding formula for Medicaid. In a news release, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport and Singing River Health System assert the payment formula used to reimburse community hospitals for care provided to the uninsured and Medicaid beneficiaries failed to pay them more than $20 million in 2016. ``In their current form, Medicaid payments as well as prior formulas for indigent care have created a scenario of winners and losers with funds unevenly distributed among providers,'' Kevin Holland, CEO of Singing River Health System, said. ``While our coast hospitals are losing tens of millions in funding for low income patients, other providers in the state have actually enjoyed a windfall that exceeds their costs of care, which is unfair.'' Memorial and SRHS is seeking to recover underpaid Medicaid funds and to correct the funding formula going forward to assure fair and equitable distributions to health care providers across the state. -AP
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Smoking may harm sperm quality
WASHINGTON: Men, take note! Cigarette smoking may significantly damage the DNA of your sperm and affect fertility as compared to non-smokers, a new study has warned. Researchers also assessed 422 proteins in participants' sperm. One protein was absent, 27 proteins were under-represented, and 6 proteins were over-represented in smokers. Analyses of these proteins suggest that cigarette smoking may promote an inflammatory response in the male reproductive tract. The study published in the journal BJU International included 20 non-smoking men and 20 men who smoked. "More and more studies are demonstrating a harmful effect of smoking on male fertility," said Dr Ricardo Pimenta Bertolla, senior author of the study. "Our results point in the direction of important semen alterations: semen of smokers presents an inflammatory nature, associated with decreased capacity of sperm to achieve fertilization and generate a healthy pregnancy," said Mr Bertolla. -PTI
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Antibodies found which 'neutralize' Zika Details on Page 35
House Republicans offer proposals for health care changes WASHINGTON: House Republicans unveiled new proposals to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's health care law, as Speaker Paul Ryan seeks to showcase a GOP governing agenda amid the tumult of the presidential campaign. ``Obamacare is fundamentally flawed,'' Ryan told reporters at an event rolling out the GOP plan. ``We're saying, don't force people to buy insurance. Make insurance companies compete for our business.'' The plan relies on individual tax credits to allow people to buy coverage from private insurers, and includes other largely familiar GOP ideas such as medical liability reform and expanding access to health savings accounts. It proposes putting $25 billion behind high-risk pools for people with pre-existing conditions and for others, and transforming the federal-state Medicaid program for the poor by turning it into state block grants or individual percapita allotments to hold down
spending. But the 37-page white paper falls far short of a full-scale replacement proposal for
many people would be covered. Republican aides said it's intended as an overall roadmap showing how the GOP would ap-
House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. speaks at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) in Washington on new proposals to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's health care law.
``Obamacare'' and leaves key questions unanswered, including the size of the tax credits, the overall price tag of the plan, and how
proach undoing and replacing Obama's health law with a Republican in the White House, and specific legislative details would be
answered as the actual bills are written next year. A White House statement denounced Ryan's proposal as ``nothing more than vague and recycled ideas to take health insurance away from millions and increase costs for seniors and hardworking families.'' The report is an aspirational document like the rest of Ryan's ``Better Way'' agenda, a six-topic blueprint that the speaker has been rolling out this month at carefully choreographed events that have been getting largely overshadowed by the latest Donald Trump campaign controversy. Ryan was to present his health care proposals alongside several House committee chairmen at the American Enterprise Institute, and a tax plan was also coming. ``Obamacare set America on a path that leads to a larger government having a greater role in how health care decisions are made. Today we are proposing a new approach,'' the report's authors wrote. Cont'd on Page 34
UN honors Indian for corporate sustainability UNITED NATIONS: An Indian social entrepreneur has been named among 10 "champions and pioneers" by UN Chief Ban Ki-moon under the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative that calls on companies to align with universal principles of human rights, environment and anti-corruption. Zubaida Bai, the founder of 'ayzh', a for-profit social venture providing health and livelihood solutions to impoverished women worldwide, was named among the 10 '2016 Global Compact SDG Pioneers', an initiative launched by UN to search for "entrepreneurs" who can play a pivotal role. The UN Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, supports companies to do business responsibly by aligning their strategies and operations with ten
principles of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption; and to take strategic actions to advance broader societal goals, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on collaboration and innovation. Ban announced the 10 pioneers at the Global Compact Leaders Summit in the city last week. Congratulating the honorees, Ban said that he counts on their "strong commitment and engagement" to help businesses seize the opportunities of the SDG era. "All of you are leaders in the campaign for a world without poverty, a thriving planet, a vibrant and inclusive global economy and a life of dignity for all. "This is the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals,
agreed upon by the Member States of the UN in September last year," he said at the summit. The Leaders Summit aims to jump-start business action every-
Zubaida Bai
where on the SDGs. To that end, the Global Com-
pact unveiled a multi-year strategy to drive business awareness and activity that supports the achievement of the goals by 2030. Noting that trillions of dollars will be invested in infrastructure in the coming years, he said that the Paris Agreement and the SDGs give the private sector an unprecedented opportunity to create clean-energy, climate- resilient, sustainable economies. "We are at a decisive moment in the shift to sustainable and inclusive markets," continued the Secretary-General, noting that the first step in this regard would be to mobilize the global business community as never before. "All businesses, everywhere, can and should play a role in improving our world. That starts with integrity - doing business right," he said.-PTI
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'Yoga can control non-communicable diseases' NEW DELHI: With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) claiming nearly five million lives in India every year, the Centre has said yoga can help control these dis-
Health Minister JP Nadda
eases and that the ancient Indian practice is being encouraged as an integral part of
their prevention and management. Launching a campaign on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) to generate awareness among the people and an M-Diabetes initiative where people can get information on prevention and management of diabetes through a missed call, Health Minister JP Nadda said prevention of diseases, whether non-communicable or communicable, will remain at the forefront of his government. "Yoga and knowledge in AYUSH system of medicine can be of great help in not only preventing but also controlling noncommunicable diseases. Traditional system of medicines can complement modern medicine. "Yoga is not only physical activity but also a complete science of living. Yoga as an intervention is being encouraged as an integral part of NCD pre-
'India remains polio free, no need to fear' HYDERABAD: India remains polio free and there is no need to panic about the Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV) detected here earlier last month, Union Health Minister J P Nadda has said. "I would like to tell people that this Vaccine Derived Polio Virus is not a case of wild polio virus. No incidence of polio virus has been reported for the past five years. The WHO has certified that India is polio free...India remains polio virus free. That should be very clear. "This Vaccine Derived Polio Virus is found in testing from time to time. Such virus will be reported somewhere. There is no need to panic," he told reporters here. Nadda was speaking after reviewing the special immunization drive undertaken in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts in the wake of VDPV being found here, with state Health Minister C Laxma Reddy and officials. The strain of the polio virus was detected in laboratory tests of samples collected from a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) at Amberpet here. The virus was found in the checks conducted as part of the monitoring system that was put in place after polio was eradicated from India in 2011.
"International protocols designed by WHO to detect polio virus have been followed. The detection of the virus proves that our surveillance system is robust. Whatever has to be done (after detection) has been done in coordination with WHO and UNICEF," Nadda said. Nadda said 2,10,626 children have been vaccinated (in the past four days). "This is more than the expected number," he said. The Union Minister said one lakh additional vaccines have been provided to Telangana. Appreciating the efforts put in by the state government in undertaking the drive, he said the Centre was ready to provide
whatever support was needed by Telangana. "We are in close touch with the state government," he said. Admitting that there was shortage of health workers here, the minister said more workers have been pooled in from neighboring districts. -PTI
vention and management," Mr Nadda said at a national conference on 'Prevention and Control of Major NCD in India'. Mr Nadda also launched the second round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS-2) for systematically monitoring adult tobacco use and tracking key tobacco control indicators. "Prevention of disease will always remain in the foref r o n t , whether for communicable or NCD and awareness regarding a bala n c e d lifestyle and healthy living is a crucial pillar in combating NCDs," Mr Nadda said. Mr Nadda said as most of major NCDs, generally labeled as 'lifestyle diseases', are acquired, there is an urgent need for paying attention to their preventive aspects
and social behavior change plays a major role in preventing NCDs. Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik said there is a need for a holistic approach for maintaining good health and to integrate traditional medicinal prac-
tices and healthy lifestyle for leading a healthy life. According to the World Health Organization, every year, roughly 5.8 million Indians die from heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes. -PTI
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Counting bites can help manage weight WASHINGTON: Wearable technologies that allow users to keep track of the number of bites they take during a meal may help them lose weight by reducing overall food intake. Researchers at Clemson University in the US wanted to analyze how providing bite count feedback might influence eaters in different situations and determine its efficacy in the presence of en-
duced their intake regardless of plate size, although, those given larger plates still consumed more than those given smaller plates. Larger plate sizes have been linked to overconsumption. While providing bite count feedback helped mitigate the known influence of plate size, it was not enough to overcome it completely. "It was found that the presence of bite count feedback led
Researchers found that people who received bite count feedback ate less and reduced their overall intake during a meal
vironmental cues linked to overeating. They found that people who received bite count feedback ate less and reduced their overall intake during a meal. Researchers recruited young adults to consume a meal in their laboratory. Some were outfitted with bite count feedback devices and given either a small or large plate. The group that received bite count feedback significantly re-
to a reduction in overall consumption. This finding is consistent with current literature that shows feedback on consumption leads people to consume less," said Phillip W Jasper, PhD candidate at the Clemson University. "It was found that this type of feedback does not eliminate the effect of environment cues such as plate size," said Jasper. "Individuals may eat less when they receive bite count feedback, but
feedback alone may not be sufficient in terms of helping them to take an 'appropriate' or 'normal' number of bites, particularly in the presence of large plates," he said. In the second round, subjects were given either a low-bite goal (12 bites) or a high-bite goal (22 bites) for their meal. Interestingly, both groups met their goals, but the low-bite group took bigger bites, which resulted in both groups having comparable levels of consumption. This showed a complex relationship between bite count goals and energy intake. "It is possible that this compensatory behavior is intentional, a reaction to a perceived limitation such that participants believed 12 bites to be too restricting of a goal," said Jasper. "In other words, in an effort to reach satiety while not surpassing the given goal, participants felt as though they needed to take larger bites than they typically would," he said. Bite count feedback is an excellent weapon against the socalled "mindless margin," or the amount people eat without really thinking about it. By providing live insight into the number of bites, people will be more likely to stop eating when appropriately full and be more aware of what they are eating, researchers said. The findings were published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. -PTI
Eating broccoli can fight diseases WASHINGTON: Eating broccoli three or four times a week may be associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, asthma and several types of cancer, a new study has claimed. Researchers identified candidate genes controlling the accumulation of phenolic compounds in broccoli. Consumption of phenolic compounds, including certain flavonoids, is linked with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and several types of cancer. "Phenolic compounds have good antioxidant activity, and there is increasing evidence that this antioxidant activity affects biochemical pathways affiliated with inflammation in mammals," said Jack Juvik from University of Illinois in the US. "We need inflammation be-
cause it is a response to disease or damage, but it is also associated with initiation of a number of degenerative diseases. People whose diets consist of a certain level of these compounds will have a lesser risk of contracting these diseases," said Juvik. Researchers crossed two broccoli lines and tested their progeny in terms of total phenolic content and their ability to neutralize oxygen radicals in cellular assays. They then used a genetic technique called quantitative trait locus analysis to search for the genes involved in generating phenolics in the most promising progeny. By identifying the genes involved in accumulating these compounds, researchers say they are one step closer to breeding broccoli and related Brassica vegetables like kale and cabbage with mega-
doses of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are flavorless and stable, meaning the vegetables can be cooked without losing health-promoting qualities, researchers said. Once these vegetables are consumed, the phenolic compounds are absorbed and targeted to certain areas of the body or concentrated in the liver, they said. Flavonoids spread through the bloodstream, reducing inflammation through their antioxidant activity. "These are things we cannot make ourselves, so we have to get them from our diets," said Juvik. "The compounds do not stick around forever, so we need to eat broccoli or some other Brassica vegetable every three or four days to lower the risk of cancers and other degenerative diseases," he added. -PTI
Use in dark may cause 'smartphone blindness' LONDON: Using your device just before sleep may lead to a condition called transient smartphone blindness, say doctors who reported a case of two women in the UK suffering from temporary vision impairment in one eye after looking at a bright cellphone screen in a dark room. In the first case, a 22-year-old woman had trouble seeing with her right eye at night while in bed. This happened multiple times a week for a year. However, her vision was fine in her left eye, and in both eyes the following day. In another case, a 40-year-old woman reported not being able to see with one eye when she woke up before sunrise. The vision problem lasted about 15 minutes, and happened on and off for six months, doctors said. In both cases, doctors later found that the vision problems occurred only after the women had viewed their smartphone for several minutes, while lying on their side in bed, the 'Live Science' reported. These problems happened because the patients were looking at their phone with just one eye, with the other eye blocked by a pillow when they were lying
down, the doctors said. In this situation, the eye blocked by the pillow becomes adapted to the dark, while the other eye looking at the smartphone is adapted to the light, the doctors said. When the smartphone is turned off, the light-adapted eye is perceived to be "blind," until it also adjusts to the dark. "As they can see well with the dark-adapted eye, it seems to them that they have lost vision in the eye which - a moment ago - was
viewing the smartphone normally," researchers wrote in a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In an experiment, the patients were asked look at their phone with both eyes, and also with each eye individually. The patients said they did not experience symptoms when looking at their phone with both eyes, and if they looked at their phone with one eye, the symptoms were always in the eye that had been viewing the smartphone, the researchers said. -PTI
House Republicans offer proposals for health care changes Cont'd from Page 32
``This report is the beginning of the conversation, not the end.'' The House GOP health care plan comes six years after the Affordable Care Act became law, requiring nearly all Americans to carry health insurance and employers to offer it. The law's mandates and tax increases have stoked endless controversy and opposition from the GOP, yet the number of uninsured people has dropped by about 20 million people to historic lows. The numerous changes instituted by the law would be difficult to unwind, and the political consensus necessary for accomplishing it difficult to achieve. And despite near-universal agreement among Republicans on the need to undo the law and
replace it with something better, the GOP has never united behind, much less passed, a legislative proposal to do so. The proposal represents one of the most comprehensive efforts to date. Details also include various ideas aimed at shoring up the Medicare health insurance program for seniors, including gradually increasing the retirement age and ultimately giving beneficiaries a choice of private plans to choose from in competition with the existing fee-for-service model. Ryan agonized over endorsing Trump for weeks, finally doing so this month because he said Trump would be more likely to agree with the GOP agenda than Democrat Hillary Clinton. But at least publicly Trump has yet to sign onto Ryan's agenda. -AP
July 1, 2016
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Antibodies found which 'neutralize' Zika PARIS: European scientists have announced they had discovered antibodies which attack Zika, a step they hope will pave the way for a protective vaccine against the brain-damaging virus. The antibodies - frontline soldiers in the immune system - "efficiently neutralize" Zika in human cells in lab dishes, and are also effective against its cousin virus dengue, the team reported. The discovery "could lead to the development of a universal vaccine" against both diseases, they hoped. The Zika-zapping molecules were obtained from people who had previously been infected with dengue and whose immune systems had produced antibodies to fight that disease. "The antibodies could be used, for example, to protect pregnant women at risk of contracting the Zika virus," said Felix Rey, a virology expert at France's Institut Pasteur who co-authored twin studies in Nature and Nature Immunology. "We never expected to discover that the
dengue virus and the Zika virus are so close called microcephaly, in babies, and to rare that some antibodies produced against the adult-onset neurological problems such as dengue virus could also neutralize the Zika Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which can result virus so potently," he added. in paralysis and death. But Rey cautioned that a working vaccine is likely far off. "There is a lot still to be done, notably to conduct a clinical trial. This may take some time." Benign in most people, Zika has been linked to a form of seFIGHTING ZIKA. US Pathologist of the Center for Disease Control and Prevenvere brain tion Brigid Bollweg (C) works at a laboratory of the National Institute of Health in Bogota, Colombia damage,
High education ups brain tumor risk LONDON: A university degree may be linked to an increased risk of developing a brain tumor, according to a new study which found that gliomas were more common among people who had studied at college for at least three years. Researchers from University College London in the UK and Karolinska Institutet in Sweden based their findings on more than 4.3 million Swedes,
all of whom were born between 1911 and 1961 and living in Sweden in 1991. They were monitored between 1993 and 2010 to see if they developed a primary brain tumor and information on educational attainment, disposable income, marital status and occupation was obtained. During the monitoring period, 1.1 million people died and more than 48,000 emigrated. 5,735 of the men and 7,101 of the women developed a brain tumor, researchers said. Men with university level education, lasting at least three years, were 19 per cent more likely to develop a glioma - a type of cancerous tumor arising in glial cells that
surround and support neurons in the brain - than men whose educational attainment did not extend beyond the period of compulsory schooling (9 years), they said. Among women, the magnitude of risk was 23 per cent higher for glioma, and 16 per cent higher for meningioma - a type of mostly non-cancerous brain tumor arising in the layers of tissue (meninges) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord - than it was for women who did not go on to higher education, researchers said. High levels of disposable income were associated with a 14 per cent heightened risk of glioma among men, but had no bearing on the risk of either meningioma or acoustic neuroma - a type of non-cancerous brain tumor that grows on the nerve used for hearing and balance, they said. Disposable income was also not associated with heightened risk of any type of brain tumor among the women. Occupation seemed to influence risk for men and women. Compared with men in manual roles, professional and managerial roles (intermediate and high non-manual jobs) were associated with a 20 per cent heightened risk of glioma and a 50 per cent heightened risk of acoustic neuroma, researchers said. The risk of glioma was also 26 per cent higher among women in professional and managerial roles than it was for women in manual roles, while the risk of meningioma was 14 per cent higher, they said. -PTI
In an outbreak that started last year, about 1.5 million people have been infected with Zika in Brazil, out of a global total of some two million, and more than 1,600 babies born with abnormally small heads and brains.
Zika and dengue are both transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, and are members of the same family of Flaviviridae viruses. While there is no drug for Zika, a vaccine does exist for dengue which causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and skin rashes similar to measles. In one per cent of cases it cases a deadly haemorrhagic fever which kills about 22,000 people a year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dengue is endemic in Brazil. Worryingly, the same researchers found in lab experiments that apart from the two Zika-killing antibodies, the majority of other molecules active against dengue may actually increase Zika's potency. This suggested that previous exposure to dengue virus "may enhance Zika infection," said Gavin Screaton of Imperial College London, another of the study authors. "This may be why the current outbreak has been so severe, and why it has been in areas where dengue is prevalent." This finding highlighted the importance of using the correct antibodies in a Zika vaccine, said Rey. Antibodies are proteins produced by the body to identify and latch onto invader viruses, making them easy for the immune system to identify and destroy. -AFP
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etti is a small village in the Nilgiri Mountains in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Situated at a height of 7,000 feet, Ketti is on the road to Coonoor from Ooty. Best time to visit: Ketti has a beautiful climate and the place is suitable for visit in all seasons except monsoons. During summers, the temperature is rarely higher than 25°C or lower than 10°C. Winters are distinctly cooler with a high of 21°C and a low of 5°C. History: There is not much of known history about Ketti. It is a relatively new destination and better known for its tribes and tea
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plantation. Tea plantation was introduced for the first time in the Ketti valley in 1835. This was perhaps the first time when tea plantation was started in south India and commercial plantation in south India also started from Ketti. After the successful trial of com-
mercial tea plantation here, the process was introduced in the other parts of the Nilgiris. Tourist attractions: Ketti is a picturesque village nestled in the Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu near Ootacamund or Ooty. Cont’d on page 38
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Better rail connectivity to Dudhsagar sought PANAJI: Goa tourism department has urged the Railway Ministry to improve connectivity to the famous Dudhsagar Falls, which is a major tourist attraction in the state during monsoon. The waterfall on Goa-Karnataka border which has featured in several films, including Rohit Shetty's Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Chennai Express", has been inaccessible by train after the Railways imposed several restrictions at the station near it (waterfall). In a communication to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, Goa Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar requested him to intervene and request Indian Railways to operate trains from Vasco to Dudhsagar on a daily basis without "unreasonable restrictions", to enable tourists to visit and witness the glorious Dudhsagar Falls.
Parulekar said the Goa Tourism Department will coordinate and cooperate with local district administration to ensure that all safety measures are in place and that lives of tourists are not endangered in any way.
"It may be recalled that Dudhsagar waterfall was well connected by the South Central Railway. However, last year, the railway authorities banned passengers from alighting at Dudhsagar falls citing safety reasons," the
minister said. Parulekar has pointed out that with the onset of the monsoons, tourists have been expressing disappointment at not being able to visit and view the waterfall. "Goa is promoting monsoon
tourism in a big way and tourists opting for monsoon holidays in Goa wish to add Dudhsagar waterfall to the itinerary," he said. Parulekar further pointed out that the magnificent waterfall, which cascades through the Western Ghats, is very popular and has become a must visit after the success of the Bollywood film "Chennai Express". "It is observed that after the success of this movie, hordes of foreign and domestic tourists are desirous of visiting this place, which is indeed a site to behold, especially during the monsoon season," he said. The minister said the state-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation can also enter into a tieup with the South Central Railway to charter a bogie at reasonable cost. -PTI
Dubai eases liquor rules for Ramzan DUBAI: Dubai, the Mideast's desert party town, has just gotten even wetter. The city-state is breaking new ground with its decision to loosen rules prohibiting day-time alcohol sales during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, a move that reflects how much Dubai's rulers value the revenue both tourists and alcohol tax bring into this emirate. In years past, those wanting a beer or a glass of wine needed to wait until sundown, when Muslims break the daylong Ramzan fast with their first sips of water and their evening meal called Iftar. Bars in this city of skyscrapers would also play quiet music and make sure to hide those imbibing behind closed doors and tinted glass during the holy month. Just before this Ramzan, however, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing issued a seemingly benign notice to hotel managers across the emirate. Bars and nightclubs in Dubai are almost entirely limited to operating inside of or connected to hotels - even drink receipts at the Dubai International Airport show up as coming from a hotel attached to the airport. That May 31 notice, obtained by The Associated Press, informed hotels that during the dates encompassing Ramzan, alcohol sales would be governed by normal rules, as opposed to limiting their hours. Asked by the AP about the rule change, Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said that "ensuring a superlative
visitor experience consistently is at the center of our destination proposition and remains in line with Dubai's significance as a world-class tourism destination." RESPECT RAMZAN RULES The tourism department did appeal on tourists to respect
to make itself a tourism hub. It has the world's tallest building - the Burj Khalifa - as well as man-made islands, an indoor ski slope and miles of air-conditioned walkways in its high-end malls. Under-construction amusement parks and other attractions are planned ahead of it hosting the 2020 World
Waiters fill in the glasses with beers during lunch time at a restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is breaking new ground again by deciding to loosen its rules prohibiting day-time alcohol sales during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Ramzan rules. "With nearly 1 million tourists expected to visit and enjoy all aspects of our city over Ramzan, we expect all operators and travelers to be respectful of the Holy Month and be mindful of cultural sensitivities," the department said in a statement. It declined to say why officials decided to change the long-standing rules on alcohol this year. Dubai, home of the long-haul airline Emirates, long has sought
Expo, a world's fair held every five years. Part of Dubai's year-round tourism draw is also its alcohol sales, as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran ban the purchase of liquor and beer. Even neighboring Sharjah, another of the United Arab Emirates' seven sheikhdoms, bans it. LUCRATIVE BUSINESS Beyond tourism, there's another lucrative reason for Dubai's rulers to sell alcohol.
Every beer poured and mixed drink decanted in a bar is subject to a 30-percent municipality tax. There's also a 50-percent import tax for alcohol, so drinking can be expensive, though tourists and residents can buy from duty-free stores at Dubai's airports or from bootleggers. The taxes haven't slowed down drinkers. In 2014, the United Arab Emirates saw 67.2 million liters (17.8 million gallons) of beer and 20 million liters (5 million gallons) of spirits sold. That's according to research firm Euromonitor International, which also forecast that by 2019, a total of 91.2 million liters (24 million gallons) of beer and 27 million liters (7 million gallons) of spirits will be sold in the UAE. "Strong population growth driven by political unrest in neighboring Arab countries and economic hardships in Europe ... is likely to drive the sales of alcoholic drinks over the forecast," Euromonitor said in an October
2015 report. "Strong investments in the real estate and hospitality industries in preparation for Expo 2020 will also push tourism higher, which will have a positive effect on alcoholic drinks." Despite Dubai's flushed embrace of alcohol, the city-state's laws are incredibly strict. In theory, anyone transporting or consuming liquor, beer or wine at home must carry a government-issued liquor license, obtainable only after gaining their employer's permission. Anyone driving with any trace of alcohol in their system is subject to immediate arrest and charges. Being drunk in public also is a criminal offense. "Independently of any other crime, you certainly can get reported just for that," said Radha Stirling, a lawyer based in Britain who runs the advocacy group Detained in Dubai. "Anything else that you do while in the UAE, add alcohol to it and you'll certainly get a conviction for it.-AP
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Once in the village, one soon adapts to the 'early to bed, early to rise' mode. Even before the sun has risen, the village wakes up. Cowbells resonate musically across the valley while smoke spi-
rals skywards from the tiled houses below. A walk around the village can be an invigorating afternoon occupation for the tourists, winding up above stately buildings such as the Sunny Bank within the boundary of Ooty town. When night falls, one will delight in the unbelievable clusters of stars that seem just an arm's length away. The idyllic mountain village of Ketti is home to tribes such as the Todas and the Badagas, who even
now continue with their traditional tribal way of life. Ketti represents a rural lifestyle that revolves around caring for livestock, and cultivation of vegetables. The scenery is idyllic in the Ketti valley and the weather salubrious. Also at hand for the visitor to
Ketti is a wealth of natural beauty in the Wenlock Downs, the Municipal Gardens and the Dodabetta Peak at 2, 623 m, the highest in the Nilgiri Mountains. Places around Called the 'Queen of Hill Stations' and better known as Ooty, the picturesque green Udhagamandalam or Ootacamund is the most popular hill station in south India. Located in the West-
ern Ghats at a height of 2,240 m, Udhagamandalam is the headquarters of the Nilgiri district where the two Ghats (western and eastern) meet. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 ft and near Ketti is Coonoor, a small town with an equable climate that has made it a popular hill resort in its own right. The main attraction is the Sim's Park, a small well-maintained botanical garden that has several rare varieties of plants that are not found in the other hill stations. View points and picnic spots around Coonoor include Lambs Rock, Lady Canning's Seat, and Dolphin's Nose. How to reach Air: The airport nearest to Ketti is at Coimbatore around 100 km away. There are direct bus services from Ketti and Ootacamund to Coimbatore. Rail: Ketti is a part of the now famous Nilgiri Railway with its locomotive trains. Railways link Ketti with nearby places like Coonoor and Ootacamund. Road: Ketti is easily reached by good, all-weather roads from Ootacamund and Coimbatore within Tamil Nadu in the south and
with Bangalore via the Madhumalai-Bandipur Game Sanc-
tuary and Mysore in Karnataka to the north
Airlines are not 'demons: Minister Raju NEW DELHI: Airlines might not be "angels, but definitely they are not demons", Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said amid concerns over arbitrary hike in air fares. Making it clear that there will not be a "simplistic solution" to deal with exorbitant rise in air fares, he reiterated that capping would not be the answer as that would also push up the floor prices. Against the backdrop of persisting concerns that airlines have been charging higher fares, especially during emergencies, Raju asserted that airlines have been responsive during crises. To buttress his point against capping, the minister cited an analysis done last year which showed that only around 1.7 per cent of the tickets sold were in the higher fare bucket. "Caps and floors are very interesting... but we should not
land in a situation that pushes up the price of over 90 per cent of passengers to benefit around 1.7 per cent of the passengers," Raju said in response to a query on whether the government would look at capping air fares. Stressing that the overall objective is to ensure reasonable pricing of air tickets, the minister said airlines have been responsible in keeping fares reasonable during Chennai and Srinagar floods. "They (airlines) might not be angels, but they definitely are not demons... We need to work with them and find a solution (for higher air fares). These are problems which do not lend themselves to simplistic solutions," Raju said. Earlier this month, he had ruled out the possibility of capping air fares against the backdrop of passenger complaints of arbitrary tariff hikes, saying competition among the airlines will take care of the problem. -PTI
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Harry Potter's a must on London trip ROSS D. FRANKLIN
LONDON: Every summer, our family vacations somewhere different. We've done theme parks, a classic road trip and the Caribbean. This year, with our son hitting his teens, we went international with 10 days in London. The planning was a team effort: My wife was in charge of the budget and activities schedule. I was in charge of airfare and hotel. Our son played consultant, voting yes or no. We saved $1,000 on airfare by taking connecting flights rather than flying direct. Then, using Booking.com, we spent hours researching hotels. The map icon interface was great: Pick a neighborhood, zoom in, click on the hotel. We wanted a Tube station within walking distance, but saved money by picking a one-bedroom with pullout couch over a two-room suite. With flights and lodging booked, we moved on to the itinerary. Our son had two must-sees: the Imperial War Museum and Harry Potter studio tour. We bought advance tickets for Potter, two theater shows, a bike tour, the London Eye, several walking tours and a hop-on, hop-off bus. With rain jackets and electric converters packed, we were ready. So how did it all work out? Our flights involved a series of unfortunate events, including plane trouble in Chicago, lost luggage on the way home and overhead drop-down screens on our transAtlantic leg instead of individual entertainment screens. We had to keep reminding ourselves, ``but we saved $1,000!'' An expensive cab ride from airport to hotel marred our arrival in London. Next time we'll take the train from the airport. But our hotel, Citadines South Kensington, did not disappoint. The location was ideal, four blocks from the Gloucester Road Tube station, with plenty of restaurants nearby. An Italian eatery, Da Mario, became a favorite. We even knew somebody dining there our first night - the airport cabbie who'd charged a fortune. We took the double-decker sightseeing bus on our first morning as a no-stress introduction to the city. Our bus passes included the Tower of London tour and a Thames River cruise. Big Ben, Parliament,
10 Downing Street and Westminster Abbey were a few minutes' walk apart. Cross the river and we were at the London Eye, getting a bird's-eye view of all we'd just seen. With a teen who grew up reading Harry Potter, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter was essential. We
at the Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospital on Westminster Bridge: Florence Nightingale set up a nursing school there, and it was bombed by the Germans during World War II. So the emergency room visit was not a total loss. Fortunately our other travels were mostly by Tube, using the convenient London Underground Oyster Cards. After two days, we delegated figuring out routes and platforms to our son. We also did several walking tours: one on ``Dr. Who'' locations; a Jack the Ripper tour at dusk - not for Tourists stroll along the Diagon Alley movie set at The Making of Harry Potter the squeaWarner Bros. Studios experience in London.
saw props, costumes and sets, including Platform 9 3/4, the Night Bus, Harry's cubbyhole at Number 4 Privet Drive and a miniature Hogwarts campus. You can get filmed riding your very own Nimbus 2000, or pile the family into the Weasley invisible car for a group photo. At the massive gift shop you can easily drop a few hundred quid. But skip the butter beer at the food court - oh, it's horrible. For a real-life adventure, try biking through London. Besides navigating throngs of wandering tourists, we dodged buses, cabs, motorcycles and delivery lorries while trying not to lose our guide, who biked ahead of the straggling group on our three-hour tour. The only leisurely part was a pedal through St. James's Park, Green Park and Hyde Park. We hadn't planned a firsthand look at the UK National Health Service, but I added to the bike adventure with an ambulance ride after hitting the pavement head first and suffering a concussion. Our son was enthralled by the history lesson
Railways deny changes in ticketing rules NEW DELHI: Railways have said no changes are being made to rules regarding booking and cancellation of wait-listed and Tatkal tickets from July 1 as has been reported on some social media platforms. It had been noticed that a news item was in circulation on various social media platforms, WhatsApp groups and some websites mentioning that several changes and new facilities were being introduced with effect from July 1, the Railways said. "This news is totally incorrect and baseless. A section of media has also published the news without verifying it from authorized sources of the Indian Railway sys-
tem and it has created confusion among the minds of the people," it said in a release. There is no proposal to discontinue paper tickets for Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains and for that matter in any class of train. However, for passengers booking tickets online, the tickets received by SMS is a valid authority for travel along with permissible proof of identity, it said. There was no change in the refund rules notified in November, 2015, the release added. Railways will introduce its new time table in the month of October. -PTI
mish - in the modern-day Whitechapel neighborhood; and a Beatles tour with a stop at Abbey Road. Kids who know the Beatles might like it. If not, be prepared for eye rolls. Our son calls us the ``history geek'' family, so we enjoyed our day at the Imperial War Museum. And since no London trip would be complete without a little royal pomp, we watched the ``Changing the Guard'' ceremony at Buckingham Palace. We also enjoyed London at night, walking around Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and the West End theater district, where we took in ``The Audience'' and ``The Curious Incident of the Dog In the NightTime.'' All in all, we loved our trip. Involving our son in planning and research was key, and can be an effective way to engage teenagers who might otherwise never look up from their screens. One additional word to the wise: If you go biking in London - or anywhere else wear a helmet. -AP
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Realty Tidbits
Aadhar Housing Finance expects 70 pc growth KOLKATA: Aadhar Housing Finance is expecting over 70 per cent surge in home loan disbursements this year in West Bengal following implementation of the Housing for All by 2022 and Smart City projects. The company CEO Deo Shankar Tripathi said the eastern region has witnessed a healthy rise in demand for affordable housing in the last few years. "We expect this trend to continue on account of the sharp economic development in the eastern states with the implementation of the Housing for All by 2022 and the Smart City projects," he said. "Eastern India particularly West Bengal is one of the most critical markets for the company. Since we first started our operations in 2012, our company has helped over 6,000 families build their homes in the eastern region with an average home loan size of Rs 6 lakh," he said. Speaking about the company's performance in the region, Tripathi said that they have registered an impressive growth rate of over 45 per cent in loan disbursement in the Eastern states of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar. The company has already provided loans to over 30,000 customers wherein over 6,000 are from this region. It has also disbursed Rs 360 crore till date which contributed 19 per cent to the company's total loan book size which stood at Rs 1,810 crore as on March 31, 2016. -PTI
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MUMBAI: JSW Ventures, the venture capital arm of the JSW Group, has said it has received clearance from markets regulator Sebi to begin investing in the country. JSW Ventures would focus on providing early-stage funding to technology-enabled startups operating in the education, healthcare, financial services, SaaS (software as a service) and enterprise software space. The fund will have an initial corpus of Rs 100 crore which it will invest over a three-year period. -PTI
15 Indian developers showcase varied options at property show India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: The New Indian Express' 2-day Indian Property Show, in its 9th edition, was held in Marriott, Fremont on June 25, 26 from 10.30 am to 8 pm. Organized by Priya Publications, the prestigious property show, in its 9th edition in USA, brought 15 Indian developers from various Indian cities to showcase their varied options. There were
bargain offers, special schemes and competitive home loan lending rates for NRIs to choose their dream homes. The property show was held at a time when the Indian government has relaxed foreign direct investment norms to encourage FDI investment in real estate and the budget has given fiscal sops for affordable housing. Moreover, NRI/PIO norms have also been considerably eased and they are
put on par with resident Indians while investing in real estate back home. A lecture on NRI investment in real estate and tax advisory services was conducted by Mr. Ajay Rotti of Dhruva Advisors to guide the buyers on overview of the current market scenario, emerging trends, tax planning and legal issues over government investment in real estate. With the passing of
„ San Francisco area home sales down SAN FRANCISCO: A research firm says home sales in the San Francisco Bay Area tumbled for a second month even as the median sales price in May hit an all-time high of $700,000. Research firm CoreLogic Inc. reports that nearly 7,900 homes and condos closed in May, down 4.2 percent from May 2015. April also showed a decline in annual sales. CoreLogic analyst Andrew LePage says tight inventory continues to restrict sales in the ninecounty Bay Area while low mortgage rates and high job growth continue to fuel demand. Statewide, the median price for a California home climbed for the 51st consecutive month, hitting $427,000 in May. Home sales hit nearly 42,800, up 2.7 percent from May 2015. The previous sales price peak in the Bay Area was $690,000 in April. -AP
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JSWs capital fund gets Sebi nod
Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016, real estate sector is poised for a major turnaround towards transparency and ethical practices. The show had builders from Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin and other parts of India. TVS group, Malabar developers, Brigade group, Lansun, Devinarayan, SMC realty showcased their properties.
Indiabulls to raise Rs1,000 cr from NRIs BENGALURU: IndiabullsAlternative Investments Ltd plans to raise as much as Rs.1,000 crore for a new fund from non-resident Indian (NRI) investors based in West Asia, Asia-Pacific and Europe. India Opportunities Fund, a real estate-focused, alternative investment fund (AIF), allows NRI investors, along with persons of Indian origin (PIOs) and other foreign investors, to participate in domestic real estate investments. It plans to initially raise Rs.500 crore and raise an additional Rs.500 crore in case of higherthan-expected demand. The fund has a tenure of four years, extendable by a year. Indiabulls Alternative Investments is both sponsor and man-
ager of the fund. A November Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notification eased norms pertaining to foreign investments in domestic funds es-
ments in AIFs, real estate investment trusts (REIT) and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs) registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)
tablished as trusts. Subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, foreign invest-
would be permitted under the automatic route without subjecting the investment vehicles to restric-
tions under the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, the notification said. "India Opportunities Fund allows NRIs and other foreign investors to participate in domestic real estate investments managed by professional fund managers, thereby avoiding the risks, pitfalls and paperwork that comes along with direct real estate investments. The fund also targets significantly higher risk-adjusted returns, as compared with most investment products in the country of residence for these investors," said Akshay Gupta, group executive head and chief executive officer, Indiabulls Asset Management. Details on Page 43
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US homes sell at strongest pace WASHINGTON: Americans snapped up houses in May almost as soon as properties were listed, fueling the strongest sales rate in nearly a decade. Sales of existing homes rose 1.8 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.53 million, the highest level since February 2007, the National Association of Realtors said. People remain intent on buying homes, despite the low inventory of properties on the market that has caused prices to rise. The elevated demand likely stems from low mortgage rates and a relatively healthy jobs picture with unemployment at 4.7 percent, even with a recent slowdown in hiring. ``May's existing home sales numbers suggest that healthy demand continues to support a recovering housing market, but that inventory woes are preventing a
full recovery to pre-recession levels,'' said Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at online real estate firm Trulia.
the market on average for 40 days a year ago. Sales rose in the Northeast, South and West last month but fell
Homes sold in May after just 32 days on the market, the fastest pace ever measured by the Realtors since they began tracking the figure in 2011. Homes stayed on
in the Midwest where real estate is generally considered more affordable. The median home sales price was $239,700 in April, a 4.7 percent
'Kochi SmartCity to be ready in 3 yrs' KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan says that all the phases of SmartCity would be completed within three years. After a meeting with SmartCity officials held in Thiruvananthapuram, the chief minister said that the company officials also gave assurance that 67 lakh sq ft of the total 88 lakh sq ft promised by the promoters of the project would be earmarked for IT purpose. Meanwhile, confusion prevails over the exact area which the promoters have to earmark for the IT purpose. As per the agreement entered between the state government and Tecom, the promoters of the project, 70% of the total built up area should be earmarked for IT purposes. As per the original plan, Tecom would construct a built up area of 88 lakh sq ft. Later, the promoters decided to increase the built up area to 1.2 crore sq ft. Still, the promoters plan to earmark only 67 lakh sq ft which is 70% of the 88 lakh sq ft. At a meeting, the promoters promised to complete construction of the entire IT space as per the original agreement, which is
67 lakh sq ft, within three years. As of now, construction of only 6.5 lakh sq ft of built up area has been completed. Around 21 lakh sq ft will be used for providing various facilities for IT professionals. The next director board meeting of the IT project will be held in Kochi on August 6. Chief Minister also con-
firmed that the SmartCity would generate employment for 90,000 IT professionals. On February 20, the then chief minister Oommen Chandy had inaugurated the first IT building. The construction of the second phase of the project which envisages completing a built up area of 60 lakh sq ft was also inaugurated then. The construction of three towers in the second phase of the SmartCity has already been started.
REIT rule relaxations to boost realty sector: CBRE NEW DELHI: Reforms in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy and relaxation of norms in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) will benefit the realty sector, especially the commercial segment, property consultant CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) group has said. Earlier, the government had unleashed a second wave of FDI reforms, allowing 100% inflows in civil aviation and food processing sectors while easing norms in defense and pharmaceuticals. "The measures announced by the government regarding FDI as well as REITs will facilitate investments into the country," CBRE South Asia Chairman and Managing Director Anshuman Magazine said in a statement. The reforms in FDI, he said, will lead to greater inflow of foreign investments and encourage domestic players in sectors such as manufacturing with cutting-edge technology, defense, aviation, food processing and retail. "The growth of these sectors will directly benefit the real estate market in India, especially office, retail, logistics and warehousing segments, among others," he said. On REITs, Magazine said, "The changes proposed by markets regulator Sebi are clearly indicative of the eagerness to allow investments in REITs on a priority basis." -PTI
increase over the past 12 months. The sales gains have failed to convince more current homeowners to list their properties. Many are still recovering equity lost during the crash. For some of them, a sale would fail to generate enough of a profit to cover the expense of buying a new home. The number of listings has fallen 5.7 percent from a year ago, meaning homebuyers have fewer and fewer options. Home ownership rates have yet to improve despite the sales growth since the housing bust triggered a recession in late 2007. The national rate is close to a 48year low of 63.5 percent. But Americans still want to own homes if they can afford it, according to a separate report released by the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies. The pressures of student debt, rising rents and the leftover wreckage from the housing bust
have restrained people's ability to buy, even though the dream remains alive. Sales have been strong enough so far this year that the Realtors expect total sales to rise 3 percent from 2015, revising an initial forecast of nearly flat sales in 2016. First-time buyers accounted for 30 percent of sales last month, well below the historic average of 40 percent. Builders have increased construction, yet by focusing on higher-end properties they've done little to relieve the supply pressures. Single-family house starts have climbed 14.5 percent this year, according to the Commerce Department. Low mortgage rates have helped boost demand. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to 3.54 percent last week from 4 percent a year ago. -AP
Indiabulls to raise Rs1,000 cr from NRIs Cont’d from page 42
The investment theme of the new fund will be the same as the other real estate funds managed by Indiabulls, which is primarily debt and structured debt investments in under-construction residential projects across top property markets. "There is a large base of foreign investors, both NRI and institutional, who are keen to invest in Indian real estate but would prefer to invest indirectly using a professional fund manager, thereby avoiding the exposure, risk, paperwork and asset management issues. Also, from a market cycle perspective, given the recent developments in demand and supply, it is an opportune time to enter or invest in residential real estate, where prices are expected to appreciate over the next three-to-five years," said Ambar Maheshwari, chief executive-private equity, Indiabulls Asset Management. Indiabulls Asset Management Co. Ltd, a unit of Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd, is currently raising its second fund-Indiabulls High Yield Fund-that aims to raise up to Rs.1,000 crore from domestic investors to invest in residential projects in key property markets. Indiabulls ventured into the real estate private equity business in February 2015, when it launched
its Indiabulls Real Estate Fund, a Rs.500-crore pure-debt fund, with a Rs.100 crore greenshoe option. Other private equity firms, including IDFC Alternatives Ltd, are also trying to raise funds from NRIs. IDFC Alternatives is currently raising a Rs.750-crore fund. "It's a new avenue to raise capital. We have incorporated NRI participation in our new domestic fund after the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) notification came in. The response has been okay and we expect about 10-20% of the fund to come in from NRIs," said Ritesh Vohra, partner, real estate, at IDFC Alternatives.
Raising funds from overseas retail investors is, however, not without its challenges. "While this opens up a wider window in terms of an investor base, there are two challenges. First, the fund manager needs to have a deep distribution network to access a foreign retail investor base, which is also an expensive affair, and, second, investors will also need to take the exchange risk keeping in mind the rupee depreciation factor," said Shashank Jain, partner, transaction services, PricewaterhouseCoopers India.
In Brief New Mexico advocates decry Court ruling ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: Immigrant advocates in New Mexico denounced Supreme Court ruling blocking President Barack Obama's immigration plan to shield millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation. Activists from around the immigrant-friendly border state vowed to fight any effort to deport immigrants living in the country illegally and said they would be active in the upcoming presidential election. ``We are very disappointed by the Supreme Court's split decision and as a movement of faith leaders, we believe the ruling further marginalizes the immigrant community and pushes families deeper into darkness,'' said Johana Bencomo of the Las Cruces-based advocacy group New Mexico Comunidades en Accion y de Fe. University of New Mexico graduate student Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera, 26, who has temporary relief as an immigrant student, said he wasn't surprised by the ruling but still was disappointed. ``I'm more afraid, and I continue to be more afraid, for my family member that won't be able to apply for DAPA and DACA Plus,'' said Mendiaz-Rivera, referring to the acronyms of various Obama executive orders. Immigrant groups said they would hold workshops around the state to help those affected by the ruling understand what it means to them. -AP
„ Neb Gov Ricketts: Obama plan undermined law LINCOLN, Neb.: Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is praising a U.S. Supreme Court decision that blocked President Barack Obama's plan to shield millions of people in the United States illegally from deportation. Ricketts said in a statement that the plan undermined the rule of law and separation of powers by unilaterally changing immigration rules. He says he supports an immigration system that welcomes ``freedom-loving people'' who enter the country legally. The Supreme Court deadlocked on the plan with a 4-4 vote, effectively killing it for the rest of Obama's presidency. Nebraska was one of 26 Republican-dominated states to challenge the program Obama announced in November 2014. Congressional Republicans also backed the states' lawsuit. -AP
Immigration
Nevada activists worried by court decision
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Details on page 46
Obama immigration plan blocked by 4-4 tie at Supreme Court WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court deadlocked on President Barack Obama's immigration plan that sought to shield millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation, effectively killing the plan for the rest of his presidency. The outcome underscores that the direction of U.S. immigration policy will be determined in large part by this fall's presidential election, a campaign in which immigration already has played an outsized role. People who would have benefited from Obama's plan face no imminent threat of deportation because Congress has provided money to deal with only a small percentage of people who live in the country illegally, and the president retains ample discretion to decide whom to deport. But Obama's effort to expand that protection to many others is effectively stymied. Obama said the impasse ``takes us further from the country we aspire to be.'' The 4-4 tie vote sets no national precedent but leaves in place the ruling by the lower court. The justices issued a one-sentence opin-
ion, with no further comment. A nine-justice court agreed to hear the case in January, but by the time of the arguments in late April, Justice Antonin Scalia had died. That left eight justices to decide the case, and the court presumably split along liberal and
In this case, the federal appeals court in New Orleans said the Obama administration lacked the authority to shield up to 4 million immigrants from deportation and make them eligible for work permits without approval from Congress.
Jackelin Alfaro, 7, of Washington, hugs her aunt Gelin Alfaro, of Veracruz, Mexico, during an immigration rally at the Supreme Court in Washington, June 23
conservative lines, although the court did not say how each justice voted.
Texas led 26 Republican-dominated states in challenging the program Obama announced in
November 2014. Congressional Republicans also backed the states' lawsuit. The Obama administration announced the programs - protections for parents of children who are in the country legally and an expansion of the program that benefits people who were brought to this country as children _ in November 2014. Obama decided to move forward after Republicans won control of the Senate in the 2014 midterm elections, and the chances for an immigration overhaul, already remote, were further diminished. The Senate had passed a broad immigration bill with Democratic and Republican support in 2013, but the measure went nowhere in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives. The states quickly went to court to block the Obama initiatives. Their lawsuit was heard by U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen in Brownsville, Texas. Hanen previously had criticized the administration for lax immigration enforcement. Cont'd on Page 46
Court upholds race bias in admissions WASHINGTON: In a narrow victory for affirmative action, the Supreme Court upheld a University of Texas program that takes account of race in deciding whom to admit, an important national decision that was cemented by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. The justices' 4-3 decision in favor of the Texas program ends an 8-year-old lawsuit that included a previous trip to the Supreme Court, filed by a white Texan who was denied admission to the university. Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his majority opinion that the Texas plan complied with earlier court rulings that allow colleges to consider race in pursuit of diversity on campus. ``The university has thus met its burden of showing that the admis-
sions policy it used ... was narrowly tailored,'' Kennedy wrote. The court's three more-conservative justices dissented, and Justice Samuel Alito read portions of his 51-page dissent, more than twice as long as Kennedy's opinion, from the bench. ``This is affirmative action gone wild,'' Alito said. The university ``relies on a series of unsupported and noxious racial assumptions.'' In a separate dissent, Justice Clarence Thomas repeated his view that the Constitution outlaws any use of race in higher education admissions. With the death of Scalia in February and with Justice Elena Kagan sitting out the case because she worked on it while serving in the Justice Department, just seven justices participated in the decision.
Scalia, long opposed to affirmative action, almost certainly would have voted with his fellow conservatives. He was criticized for suggesting at arguments in December that some black students would benefit from being at a ``slower-track school,'' instead of Texas' flagship campus in Austin. At the very least, Scalia's vote could have made the result a tie and limited the high court to issuing a one-sentence opinion upholding the lower court ruling in favor of Texas. In that instance, the result would have been the same but without the Supreme Court endorsement offered by Kennedy. The university considers race among many factors in admitting the last quarter of incoming freshmen classes. The state fills most of its freshman class by guaran-
teeing admission to students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their Texas high school class. The high court ruled in the case of Abigail Fisher, a white Texan who was denied admission to the university in 2008. She contended she was rejected while African-American applicants with lower grades and test scores were admitted. The school said Fisher, who did not graduate in the top 10 percent of her class, would not have been admitted with or without race as a factor. But officials did conditionally offer to allow her to transfer in as a sophomore if she maintained a 3.2 grade-point average at another public college in Texas. Cont'd on Page 46
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Obama concedes game over on immigration plan WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama sought to reassure millions of immigrants in the U.S. illegally that he has no plans to deport them, while acknowledging that the Supreme Court's deadlock marks the end of the road for his push to reform the U.S. immigration system. Though Obama predicted an immigration overhaul is inevitable, he conceded it won't happen while he's president due to opposition from the current Congress. Working to lay the groundwork for the next president to pick up the effort, he cast the election in November as a referendum on how the country would treat its immigrants. ``We're going to have to make a decision about whether we are a people who tolerate the hypocrisy of a system where the workers who pick our fruit or make our beds never have the chance to get right with the law,'' Obama said. ``Or whether we're going to give them a chance, just like our forebears had a chance, to take
responsibility and give their kids a better future.'' Obama spoke at the White
portation and grant them work permits. Because the high court couldn't agree, a lower court's rul-
President Barack Obama speaks in the White House briefing room in Washington, June 23 on the Supreme Court decision on immigration. A tie vote by the Supreme Court is blocking President Barack Obama’s immigration plan that sought to shield millions living in the U.S. illegally from deportation
House in an appearance hastily arranged after a tie vote in the Supreme Court effectively killed his plans to shield millions from de-
ing blocking his executive actions remains in place, putting an indefinite freeze on what the White House had hoped would
be the heart of the Obama's legacy on immigration. Obama's plan aimed to temporarily remove the threat of deportation for up to four million immigrants, building on an earlier Obama plan affecting people brought to the U.S. illegally as children. Though the court's move means that expanded group won't be eligible for work permits, Obama said his administration would continue prioritizing deportations only for new arrivals and those with criminal records. ``As long as you have not committed a crime, our limited immigration enforcement resources are not focused on you,'' he said. Still, Obama called the outcome a ``frustration'' and said it was ``heartbreaking for the millions of immigrants who made their lives here.'' Obama had long said he didn't have the executive authority to expand his first deferred action program, telling activists they should focused their attention on
pressure Congress, not the White House. But advocates continued to blast Obama for tightening enforcement of current laws at the border. When a leading advocate called him the ``deporter in chief,'' Obama bristled at the label and within months had changed course. The president used the court's deadlock as a fresh opportunity to chide Republicans for refusing to consider his nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy. He lamented that policies he announced two years ago ``can't go forward at this stage until there is a ninth justice on the court to break the tie.'' Obama said the onus would now fall on the next president. In a veiled critique of GOP presumptive nominee Donald Trump and his calls for a border wall, Obama said the U.S. needn't ``wall ourselves off'' from those who look different. ``It is my firm belief that immigration is not something to fear,'' Obama said. -AP
Rise in citizenship applications tied to rhetoric FRAMINGHAM, Mass.: In the first quarter of the year, citizenship application rates in Massachusetts and around the country, have skyrocketed. Local experts have tied the rise, in part, to the presidential campaign and the divisive immigration rhetoric of Donald Trump. From January through March, the most recent data available, the Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services received 7,994 applications from offices in Massachusetts, a roughly 30-percent increase over the 6,141 received in the last quarter of 2015. Applications are up 35 percent over this time last year. ``A lot of people are motivated by fear,'' said Veronica Serrato, director of Project Citizenship, a Boston-based nonprofit agency that helps immigrants with the citizenship process. ``The rhetoric has been dramatic. It's increasing the fear about immigrants and what's going to happen.'' Trump, the Republican Party's presumptive nominee, has called for mass deportations and a border wall between the United States and Mexico. He called Mexican immigrants ``murderers and rapists.'' He claimed that the judge in an ongoing fraud lawsuit against Trump University is unfit to adjudicate because his Mexican descent makes him naturally biased against him.
In the wake of the Orlando nightclub massacre that left 49 people dead, Trump re-upped his call for a total ban on immigration of Muslims. While the anti-immigrant rhetoric has helped Trump galvanize a nationalistic base among white conservatives, it may have an unintended consequence. Experts predict more than a million new voters out of the recent surge in citizenship applications. Immigrants in MetroWest and the Milford area going through the
in time for the presidential election in November. If he gets the chance to vote, he said he'll vote for Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presumptive nominee. Trump, he said, doesn't seem to distinguish between the immigrants here that work and contribute to the economy and those that commit crimes. ``He doesn't care if they're good or not, just that they're immigrants,'' he said. Helemarcio Batista, a 40-year-
For immigrants without legal status, there are several visas available, but getting them isn't a sure thing, doesn't often provide a path to full citizenship and it can take years, said Serrato process confirmed the anxiety provoked by anti-immigrant rhetoric, but also cited patriotism - a desire to be a full citizen with voting rights in the country they call home. Antonio Cabral, a 55-year-old Framingham resident, filed his application for citizenship in March. ``I want to be an American, I want to be a citizen of this country,'' he said. ``I was born in Brazil but I want to die here.'' It's about a five- to seven-month wait for the application to process. He hopes he'll get his citizenship
old Framingham resident and owner of a small trucking company, has a different take. When he filed for citizenship in April, the presidential race didn't play much in his thinking. He's committed to living here his whole life, he said. He has a daughter and wants the full ``rights and obligations'' that come along with citizenship. But, while the anxiety provoked by Trump's rhetoric doesn't affect him personally, Batista said he sees it in his community. He said he worries about the people here without visas, who don't have the
opportunity to file for citizenship. Indeed, those are the people most at risk if Trump is ever able to execute his plan to deport the estimated 11 million immigrants here illegally. For immigrants without legal status, there are several visas available, but getting them isn't a sure thing, doesn't often provide a path to full citizenship and it can take years, said Serrato. ``Short of comprehensive immigrant reform. there's nothing new under the sun,'' she said. But the rise in citizenship applications among visa holders is undeniable. Nationally, 252,254 people applied for citizenship from January to March, compared to 187,635 from October to December last year. It's something she said ``could
certainly have an impact'' on the outcome of the presidential election. Eva Millona, director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition said she saw a similar surge in applications when the Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002. Trump's rise and the implementation of the DHS have provoked similar fears of deportation, she said. On the threats Trump has made, Millona said, ``Of course it's being taken seriously. People are terrified.'' Most of the people MIRA works with say they apply for citizenship to protect themselves and their families from deportation, but there are many other reasons, said Milllona. Cont'd on Page 46
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Nevada activists worried by court decision LAS VEGAS: Several dozen protesters with bullhorns and handmade banners marched into the lobby of Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt's office, angry that he signed Nevada onto a lawsuit that is blocking President Barack Obama's unilateral effort to curb deportations. The Las Vegas protest, which was peppered with shouts of ``Shame on Laxalt,'' came the same day the Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 on the case, meaning a lower court's block on Obama's executive order stands. The decision doesn't necessarily mean a new wave of deportations, but legal experts say it dims hope for some people who are ``hanging by a thread'' in their quest to stay in the U.S. ``We're worried and we're saddened,'' said Jocelyn Cortez, an immigration lawyer in Las Vegas who spoke at the demonstration. ``This was going to be the thing to keep them here.'' Citing congressional inaction, Obama announced in November 2014 that he would expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that shields people from deportation if they were brought to the country illegally as children. He celebrated the expansion, which would also encompass parents of American citizens, with a rally in Las Vegas that
featured prominent Nevada DACA recipient and immigration activist Astrid Silva. But 26 states have since challenged the measure, saying Obama is wrongly circumventing Congress with the unilateral order. About 66,000 Nevadans could have benefited from the program, activists said. Laxalt, a Republican who joined
Activists say they're newly motivated to register people to vote and help legal residents become U.S. citizens in the hope they can change immigration policy the lawsuit early last year, called the outcome a victory for the rule of law and the balance of power between the president and Congress. ``Hopefully this decision will yet again signal to this president that he cannot act unilaterally within our constitutional system simply because Congress in his view, `fails to act,''' Laxalt said in a
statement. Laxalt did not come out to meet with protesters who crowded the lobby of his office, demanding he talk with them. Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, who tends to take more moderate positions than fellow Republican Laxalt and did not give prior approval to Laxalt signing onto the legal challenge, indicated his position on the matter hasn't changed. ``He believes our immigration system is broken and it is without question that bipartisan reform is necessary,'' Sandoval spokeswoman Mari St. Martin said in a statement. ``He continues to believe that the best course of action is a federal legislative solution rather than legal action or setting immigration policy by executive order.'' In the meantime, activists say they're newly motivated to register people to vote and help legal residents become U.S. citizens in the hope they can change immigration policy. They also scheduled a workshop to educate people on the implications of the court decision, which has added more uncertainty for people like 10-yearold protest attendee Yovanna Ozuna. ``I'm scared that I would come home and my mom isn't there, or my dad isn't there,'' she said. -AP
Court upholds race bias in admissions Cont'd from Page 44
Instead, she went to Louisiana State University, from which she graduated in 2012, and pursued her lawsuit. Fisher was recruited for the suit by Edward Blum, an opponent of racial preferences who has been remarkably successful in persuading the Supreme Court to hear cases challenging the use of race in education and politics. Blum was behind a major challenge to the landmark Voting Rights Act that resulted in the court eviscerating a key provision of the law, and he also led an unsuccessful challenge to states' widespread practice of counting all their residents, not just those eligible to vote, in drawing legislative districts. The Supreme Court heard Fisher's case once before and issued an inconclusive ruling in 2013 that sent it back to a lower court and set the stage for the current
decision. In 2003, the justices reaffirmed the consideration of race in the quest for diversity on campus. Their decision then set a goal of doing away with such programs in 25 years. ``The most important part of this case is that the court reaffirmed what it said in 2003 which is that diversity can be a compelling interest of a university in fulfilling its educational mission,'' said Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In a statement, Fisher said ``I am disappointed that the Supreme Court has ruled that students applying to the University of Texas can be treated differently because of their race or ethnicity. I hope that the nation will one day move beyond affirmative action.'' Separate legal challenges have been filed to affirmative action plans at the University of North
Carolina and Harvard University. Vanderbilt University law professor Suzanna Sherry said the outcome of the Texas case ``makes the universities' cases a lot stronger. The challengers have an uphill battle.'' Texas is unique in marrying the top-10 plan to a separate admissions review in which race is one of many factors considered. The university's current freshman class is 22 percent Hispanic and 4.5 percent African-American. White students make up less than half the school's freshmen. Eight states prohibit the use of race in public college admissions: Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington. Kennedy noted the long duration of Fisher's lawsuit in rejecting calls to send the case back to lower courts again. Alito complained the court should not side with Texas ``because it is tired of this case.'' -AP
Rise in citizenship applications tied to rhetoric Cont'd from Page 45
But, she said, there are barriers. The cost of about $680 to file an application keeps many working class people from applying. Organizations like MIRA help lowincome immigrants navigate a complicated fee-waiver program. With just under five months to election day, it's unclear whether many of the people who recently filed for citizenship will get it in time to vote. In Massachusetts, the voter registration deadline for mailed applications is Oct. 19 and, as application rates have soared, so has the backlog. Voters can register in person at the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Office in Boston, or at a local elections office the day before the election. The number of pending applications has steadily risen along with the applications received, according to Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services records. As of March 31, the last date of available data, there were 14,324 pending applications between the two Massachusetts offices, in Lawrence and Boston. That's up more than 2,000 from last December. Local advocates worry the boom in applications will drag out the process for those who already
applied. ``USCIS has seen an increase in naturalization applications in the last few months compared to the same time last year,'' said Paula Grenier, spokeswoman. ``Generally, USCIS strives to adjudicate naturalization applications within five to seven months; however,
In Massachusetts, the voter registration deadline for mailed applications is Oct. 19 and, as application rates have soared, so has the backlog many factors can affect processing times.'' For organizations including MIRA and Project Citizenship, lag is, in a way, a good thing. It means more people are going through with the naturalization process. But, advocates say there's a lot of work to do. In Massachusetts, Millona estimates there are 300,000 people eligible for citizenship who haven't yet applied. -AP
Obama immigration plan blocked by 4-4 tie at Supreme Court Cont'd from Page 44
elected, she could attempt to revive the programs or work with the new Congress on comprehensive immigration legislation. If Clinton wins, the Senate will at some point fill the vacancy created by Scalia's death - either with
Hanen sided with the states, blocking the programs from taking effect. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals also ruled for the states, and the Justice Department rushed an appeal to the high court so that it could be heard this term. Had Scalia still been alive, though, he almost certainly would have voted with his fellow conservatives to form a majority in favor President Barack Obama of the states. In practical terms, a victory by Obama's nominee, Judge Merrick presumptive Republican nominee Garland, or a Clinton choice. In eiDonald Trump could mean an end ther case, legal challenges to exto the programs anyway, since he ecutive action under her adminishas vowed to deport the roughly tration would come to a court that 11 million immigrants who are in would have a majority of Demothe United States illegally. cratic-appointed justices and, in all If Hillary Clinton, the presump- likelihood, give efforts to help imtive Democratic nominee, is migrants a friendlier reception. -AP
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Fri, July 15 • Qawali Night With Tabriaz Aziz Mian Qawal
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• Suhana Safar- A Musical Journey
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Venue: St. Demetrius Ukrainian Ctr, 591 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, NJ 07008 Time : 5:00 pm
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• KSHAAM-E-GHAZAL Venue: Empire Meadowlands Secacus, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, NJ 07094 Contact: 732-900-4200
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• Not Fair - Special Indian Standup Comedy Night Venue: Broadway Comedy Club, 318 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019 Time : 6:30 pm Contact: 646-543-8127
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find in the study of the various religions of the world that there are three different stages of ideas with regard to the soul and God. In the first place, all religions admit that, apart from the body which perishes, there is a certain part or something which does not change like the body, a part that is immutable, eternal, that never dies; but some of the later religions teach that although there is a part of us that never dies, it had a beginning. But anything that has a beginning must necessarily have an end. We - the essential part of us - never had a beginning, and will never have an end. And above us all, above this eternal nature, there is another eternal Being, without end - God. People talk about the beginning of the world, the beginning of man. The word beginning simply means the beginning of the cycle. It nowhere means the beginning of the whole Cosmos. It is impossible that creation could have a beginning. No one of you can imagine a time of beginning. That which has a beginning must have an end. "Never did I not exist, nor you, nor will any of us ever hereafter cease to be," says the Bhagavad-Gita. Wherever the beginning of creation is mentioned, it means the beginning of a cycle. Your body will meet with death, but your SHOONYO (AG NEGI)
W
hat do you want me to say? You want me to say nothing? ... Okay! I will say something on Nothing. Yes, my effort is to let everyone become 'Nothing'. Nothingness is the goal of all creativity, goal of the highest achievements. Whatever you want to achieve in life, worldly or other worldly, you will find 'Nothingness' to be very useful. A person who can become 'Nothing' can become everything. A person who can be the servant of all can be the master of all. A person who can become nothing today, can become very powerful. His power will be unlimited, provided he becomes zero. That is the secret. Zero itself has no value. It is the cipher. But look at the power of the cipher; it geometrically multiplies the numbers, once it is connected to a number. One zero makes so much of difference. So Nothing is very beautiful. Today we were talking of meditation. Meditation is attaining 'Nothingness.' In the moment 'you come at the point of 'Nothing, meditation. Whenever there is something inside you or outside you or above you or below you or right or left, whenever some-
soul, never. Along with this idea of the soul we find another group of ideas in regard to its perfection. The soul in itself is perfect. The Old Testament of the Hebrews admits man perfect at the beginning. Man made himself impure by his own actions. But he is to regain his old nature, his pure nature. Some speak of these things in allegories, fables, and symbols. But when we begin to analyze these statements, we find that they all
rity through his own actions. When we suffer, it is because of our own acts; God is not to be blamed for it. Closely connected with these ideas is the doctrine which was universal before the Europeans mutilated it - the doctrine of reincarnation. Some of you may have heard of and ignored it. This idea of reincarnation runs parallel with the other doctrine of the eternity of the human soul. Nothing which ends at one point
upon God. The all-merciful Father responsible for the sins of the world! If sin comes in this way, why should one suffer more than another? Why such partiality, if it comes from an all-merciful God? Why are millions trampled underfoot? Why do people starve who never did anything to cause it? Who is responsible? If they had no hand in it, surely, God would be responsible. Therefore the better explanation
Impossible that creation had a beginning
Swami Vivekananda
People talk about the beginning of the world, the beginning of man. The word beginning simply means the beginning of the cycle. It nowhere means the beginning of the whole Cosmos
teach that the human soul is in its very nature perfect, and that man is to regain that original purity. How? By knowing God. Just as the Bible says, "No man can see God but through the Son." What is meant by it? That seeing God is the aim and goal of all human life. The sonship must come before we become one with the Father. Remember that man lost his pu-
can be without a beginning and nothing that begins at one point can be without an end. We cannot believe in such a monstrous impossibility as the beginning of the human soul. The doctrine of reincarnation asserts the freedom of the soul. Suppose there was an absolute beginning. Then the whole burden of this impurity in man falls
is that one is responsible for the miseries one suffers. If I set the wheel in motion, I am responsible for the result. And if I can bring misery, I can also stop it. It necessarily follows that we are free. Excerpted from a lecture on Soul, God and Religion. The 114th death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda will be observed on July 4.
thing surrounds you inside or outside, you cannot be in meditation. When you are nothing from within and without, than alone you can be in meditation. And then you reach the highest point of creativity, the highest acme of existence. You become yourself all powerful, omniscient, omnipresent - you get into you all the qualities of the Lord, of God; you be-
is not being understood. You were showing me the pictures of my face when I was in meditation. In meditation, you have to leave your body. Only, then you are in meditation. Your body is left far behind. The world, of course, is left far behind. Your body goes, our mind goes, your intellect goes and with it our ego, everything goes. And transcending your mind, you immediately
which connects you to your body. You have expanded yourself and you are limitless. Your vastness and expanse has no limits, no boundaries, yet you are having your fulcrum within your own body. You are connected to it; you are anchored to your body. If you snap those ties also, if you cut that connection too, then you cannot come back. Shoonyo (AG Negi) was chief
Nothingness is the goal of all creativity When you are nothing from within and without, than alone you can be in meditation. And then you reach the highest point of creativity, the highest acme of existence. You become yourself all powerful, omniscient come God yourself, Godhood dawns upon you -when you are nothing. I was not saying anything. I was only trying to reflect you. I told you I have nothing of my own and yet everything is mine. It is not a controversial saying. Don't think I am saying something which
plunge into that state of superconsciousness. But you don't disconnect yourself from the body. If you do, you will not be able to come back. It may be very, very difficult to come back at all. So even if you are in a super conscious state, you do have a very thin, subtle energy-line
Once you know the nature of anger and joy is empty and you let them go, you free yourself from karma. -Bodhidharma
To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting. -Edmund Burke
Love means to love that which is unlovable; or it is no virtue at all. -Gilbert K. Chesterton
The worst state of affairs is when science begins to concern itself with art -Paul Klee
Nature never said to me: Do not be poor; still less did she say: Be rich; her cry to me was always: Be independent. -Nicolas Chamfort
The uglier a man's legs are, the better he plays golf - it's almost a law. - H. G. Wells
Shoonyo (AG Negi)
of the anti-terror squad of the Eastern Frontier states of India and General Secretary of Police in Haryana. Before that he served as a Professor of Philosophy in Punjab. Government of India honored him with its highest award. He continues to give satsang in northern India.
I don't know what my path is yet. I'm just walking on it. -Olivia Newton-John
Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. -Joseph Campbell
Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs
50 India Post
MADRID, Spain: The Bollywood titans of 2015 "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" and "Bajirao Mastani" - emerged victorious at the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2016 with the Salman Khan-starrer winning best picture while Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus taking home best director gong. Director Kabir Khan heaped praise on his lead star as he accepted the best picture award at the 17th edition of the awards, held here. "Thank you IIFA, thank you Salman for starring and also producing the movie. He let me do the film the way I wanted to." Bhansali was honored with the award by his lead actors - Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. "No other film of mine has got so much love like Bajirao.... I am surprised to see how it has done so well this award's season. It is a special moment for me to get this award by my three favorite actors. I don't want to thank anyone for the film because a thank you is not enough," the director said. The historical romantic saga earned Ranveer the best actor trophy for his portrayal of the great Maratha warrior Peshwa Bajirao. The actor began his acceptance speech by thanking his director but did not miss a chance to show his affection towards rumored girlfriend Deepika. "I am so glad I won. I left Befikre shoot to come here. I have to thank Sanjay sir. I love you. "There's another special person I must thank. I was
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July 1, 2016
moved by her performance on Bajirao songs during the show. She is the Leeela to my Raam, Mastani to my Bajirao and I don't know what's next. Girl, you are so fine. Nothing makes me happier than you... I mean winning an award here with you," the actor said. Deepika, who was nominated for two films in the best actress category, won the honor for Shoojit Sircar's "Piku" thanks to her sincere performance of a cranky yet responsible daughter. The 30-year-old star dedicated the award to the film's writer Juhi Chaturvedi and all those, who work behind the scenes. "I want to thank Juhi, who made my performance worth while. I thank all spot boys, light men who work so hard," she said. Deepika also mentioned a "special someone" in her speech, though without naming the person. "I also thank my team and that special person. You know who you are." The night belonged to "Bajirao Mastani" as Priyanka was honored with the best supporting actress award. The actress said she wanted to share the honor with her co-star and fellow nominee Tanvi Azmi, who is the National Award-winner this year for her work in the movie. -PTI
July 1, 2016
India Post 51 www.indiapost.com
My success won't last forever: Priyanka MADRID: Her journey from being a beauty queen, a Bollywood star, an international singer and to now a Hollywood actress, has been a great success story but Priyanka Chopra is not reading too much into it as she MADRID: Many big Bollywood stars may have featured in Hollywood films, albeit mostly in small roles but actress Deepika Padukone, set for her international feature debut, hopes more A-listers from India now take the plunge in the west. Deepika features alongside Hollywood star Vin Diesel in the third installment of "xXx", titled "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage". When asked if more Bollywood stars should try their luck in Hollywood now, Deepika said, "I hope so, but I also feel different things excite different people. I have been offered roles in the past itself but I don't think I was ready and I don't think I was excited enough. "As an actor I don't think I was ready for the challenge before. You have to look everything that you get as an opportunity. There
is no role that's too small or big. It is all about what you make of the opportunity," Deepika said in an interview on the sidelines of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards here. Besides Deepika, Priyanka Chopra has created waves in Hollywood with her role on hit American TV series "Quantico" and is making her feature film debut with "Baywatch" movie alongside Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron. Irrfan is another actor from Bollywood, who has a successful career in the west having starred in films like "Life of Pi", "Jurassic World" and the upcoming Tom Hanks-starrer, "Inferno". Deepika wrapped the shoot of "xXx: The Return of Xander Cage", last month. During the movies shoot, the actress had chronicled her experiences on social media and going
by the photographs it seemed she had a great time working in the film, which also stars Vin Diesel, Ruby Rose and Nina Dobrev. Deepika feels "xXx" came to her at the right point in her career as she had been craving to do an action movie for a long time. "Sometimes certain things happen to you know when they are supposed to. Most importantly, it is an action film and I haven't done one since Chandni Chowk to China. "I treated the film like I would treat any other project. It is not like it is a Hollywood film so you would do some different performance. As an actor, at the end of the day, you want to challenge yourself. You want to do different things," she said -PTI
Firm barred from selling Louis Vuitton goods NEW DELHI: Delhi High Court has restrained a Ludhiana-based firm and three individuals from manufacturing, selling or dealing in goods bearing the trademarks and logos of well-known French fashion house Louis Vuitton Malletier. The interim order was passed by Justice Manmohan Singh on
the plea of the global fashion house which had alleged that the three individuals and their company, Guru Kripa, has been dealing in huge quantities of counterfeit goods bearing its registered trademarks. Taking note of this, the court said Louis Vuitton (LV), which
makes and sells luxury trunks and leather goods including ready to wear shoes, watches, jewellery and accessories, "has been able to make out a prima facie case for grant of an ex-parte ad-interim order. In case the interim order is not passed, the plaintiff (LV) will suffer irreparable loss and injury."
"Till the next date of hearing, the defendants (firm), their partners, if any, officers, servants, agents, distributors, stockists and representatives are restrained from manufacturing, selling and/or offering for sale,.... or directly or indirectly dealing in goods/labels, ... bearing the trademarks Louis
Vuitton, the LV logo, the Toile monogram pattern, the Damier pattern and the LV Flower pattern, or any similar trademark amounting to an infringement of plaintiff s registered trademarks, copyrights as also passing off," the court said. It also issued summons to the defendants (Guru Kripa and its proprietors) and listed the matter for further hearing on October 4. The court appointed two local commissioners who were asked to visit the Ludhiana-based firm and make an inventory of all the infringing goods and demand disclosure of the outlets "from where the infringing goods are sourced, stocked and sold by the defendants within Ludhiana and any other cities in India". LV in its plea has sought a permanent injunction against the firm and its proprietors from making or selling or dealing in any manner in goods bearing any of the registered trademarks and logos of the fashion house. LV has also sought damages of over Rs one crore from the firm and its proprietors. -PTI
says all the fame and glory will go away one day. The 33-year-old actress' dream career in the west began with the launch of her single "In My City" in 2012 , which was followed by
her leading role on American TV series "Quantico". There has been no looking back for Priyanka since then and she is making her Hollywood debut with "Baywatch" movie as its main antagonist. "I believe that you have to be who you are. I don't take success for granted. Nobody should. It goes away in a wink. I am sure it will go away with me also. But I am someone who is an achiever, so you just have to be able to evolve into different things," the actress said in an interview on the sidelines of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards. The "Bajirao Mastani" star said times have changed today and opportunities galore for people who are ready to grab it with both hands. "Young people should not restrict themselves to one thing. They should not think that there is one thing so I should only do that. "We live at a time when anyone can do anything, be anything at any age. You shouldn't shut down the possibilities, you need to have an open mind," she said. PTI
'Hope I get to work with Anil Kapoor' MADRID: Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra may be launching Anil Kapoor's son Harshvardhan in his upcoming romance saga "Mirzya" but the director says it is his father that he has been wanting to work with for many years now. "Mirzya" is based upon the tragic love story of MirzaSahiban. The trailer of the movie, which also stars Saiyami Kher, was released here during a press conference on the sidelines of International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards celebrations, which kickstarted in the Spanish capital. "I always wanted to work with Anil and I still do. But I never got an opportunity. Now I am working with his son. I am launching him in my film. It is very important for me," Mehra said. "This is also emotional because it is Harsh's first step into the world of cinema. I have a feeling that you will be seeing a lot more of him," the filmmaker said. Anil, who has had a long col-
laboration with IIFA, took to the stage to welcome his son in Bollywood and thanked Mehra for
Harshvardhan
launching the youngster in his movie. "It is my son's first film. It is an emotional moment for me. I can't thank Mehra enough. There are a lot of people in the world who don't know I have a son. They know I have two daughters Sonam and Rhea," Anil said. -PTI
52 India Post
July 1, 2016 www.indiapost.com
Super 30 founder getting strange requests NEW DELHI: Anand Kumar, the founder of Super 30 which has been helping underprivileged students prepare for IIT JEE, often gets strange requests like action against a wife-beating man or saving someone wrongfully convicted of a crime. "Almost every day, no less than 10 people come to Anand with requests of varying natures someone's husband hits them, someone wants their children to be educated, someone has been wrongfully convicted of a crime," writes Biju Mathew in the book "Super 30: Changing the World 30 Students at a Time." They all think Anand can help him but he is helpless. Everywhere Anand goes, youths in great number come out to hear him; to be part of the revolution in education. "Some people think Anand is a big personality and often some poor woman would come to Anand begging him to teach her nineyear-old son. There have been also cases when a woman whose family was harassing her for dowry turned to Anand for help," Mathew writes. The book, published by Penguin Books India, tells the story of Anand, a mathematics teacher who defied all challenges to set
up one of the most successful and innovative initiatives in the world -Super 30. Born in Gaudiya Math in Patna, Anand secured a place at Cam-
to 28 of the 30 students crack the exam every year. After making up his mind on doing something for underprivileged children, he decided to hold an entrance exam to
ber 30 after much pondering - 50 would have been beyond their means but he felt 30 was a number they could strive towards," the book says. Anand was hailed as a hero by People magazine, and his unique initiative was celebrated as one of the four most innovative schools in the world by Newsweek magazine. While describing the atmosphere outside Shanti Kutir, the Super 30 house, just before the IIT JEE 2008 were to be declared, the author writes, "Expectations were sky high as twenty-eight students had cracked the covSince its inception in 2002, Anand Kumar’s (third from left) Super 30 has made extraoreted IIT entrance exam dinary results in JEE exam and the feat was appreciated around the world the previous year, in 2007." bridge University, but couldn't at- test their potential. Anand fielded calls from jourtend because he had no money Out of these, he would pick the nalists who had grown close to him and sold papads in the evenings top 30 students and prepare them over the past few years as Super instead. He dealt with his own dis- for the IIT JEE free of cost. And he 30's fame spread. appointment by setting up the in- would house the students nearby "I hope the result doesn't disnovative school in 2002 to prepare and provide them food cooked by appoint, prayed Anand, as 9 am underprivileged students for the his mother. ticked nearer. Outwardly, he was IIT JEE examination. the picture of calm - reassuring the Super 30 has an astonishing But why 30? students, charming the media. success rate and, on average, 27 "Anand had arrived at the num"At about quarter to nine,
123,000 same-sex marriages since court ruling NEW YORK: A new Gallup survey estimates that 123,000 samesex marriages have taken place across the U.S. in the year since the Supreme Court ruling that legalized such unions nationwide. Gallup says the proportion of gay and lesbian cohabiting couples who are married has increased from 38 percent to 49 percent during the year. The results are based on tracking interviews conducted throughout 2015 and 2016. By Gallup's estimates, there are now about 491,000 same-sex marriages in the U.S., up from roughly 368,000 a year ago. Gallup estimates that 3.9 percent of U.S. adults are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Of these adults, 9.6 percent report being married to a same-sex spouse, up from 7.9 percent before the court decision on June 26, 2015, Gallup said. There was a gender difference - 10.5 percent of the men and 8.8 percent of the women reported being part of a same-sex marriage. At the time of the court ruling,
same-sex marriages were taking place in 37 states and remained banned in 13 states, although many same-sex couples in those states got married elsewhere. Gallup said the same-sex marriage rate rose over the past year by 13 percentage points in the states whose bans were struck down by the high court, and by 10 points in the other states.
According to Gallup, the percentage of LGBT Americans living with a same-sex domestic partner declined from 12.8 percent to 10.1 percent over the past year, reflecting couples who got married and those who ended their partnership. Half of LGBT Americans continue to identify as single or never married, Gallup said. -AP
Anand positioned himself in front of the computer screen with a list of roll numbers in hand. The students huddled around and more and more people pressed themselves into the cramped room. At 9.01 am, Rakesh Kumar was in! A cheer went up, Rakesh was thumped on the back, a journalist surreptitiously tried to lead him outside so he could get an interview." Anand Kumar still had 29 more names to go. "...A few minutes later, Jai Ram had made it through! And now it was 18 on 18. Anand was perspiring freely but a hint of a smile played on his lips. He went on checking result after result sometimes it would pop up immediately, leading to raucous cheers and in other moments, the error page would come up. "Nearly an hour and a half later, it was just Anand and Ranjan Kumar, the thirtieth student left at the computer. 'Chinta mat kariye, sab achha hoga,' Anand said to the white-faced Ranjan. He had made it. He hugged Anand tightly and started laughing, and then crying, and then shouting garbled victory cries." History had been made. Super 30 had achieved a cent per cent result. -PTI
US diplomat's wife sings Rabindrasangeet KOLKATA: After fate brought another set of seven songs. her to Kolkata as the wife of an "One day I heard a consulate American diplomat, Meeryung staff singing one of the Tagore Hall, a well-known Western clas- songs. I loved it so much and desical singer, has been enchanting cided to learn it. 'Alo amar alo' was audience here by belting out the first song I learnt," Meeryung Rabindrasangeet songs in Bengali. told PTI. During the last few months of Often accompanying her on the her stay in piano is musician Kolkata, Hall, wife and fashion designer Rajlakshmi of US Consul who has been General Craig Hall, teaching nuances has given a number of public perof Tagore songs to formances in the her. "Piano with her city including at vocals is a deadly combination. It is the Raj Bhavan, said that the esAmerican Centre sence of Tagore is and ICCR auditorium. in elegance and Every time w h e n Meeryung Hall Meeryung, of Rabindrasangeet is played with the South Korean origin, takes up the stage the audi- piano it reflects the essence," ence is left amazed with her flaw- Rajlakshmi said. less rendition of Bengali lyrics in Describing the envoy's wife as a Western style. a proficient and sincere student of Taking regular classes in Tagore, she said she translates evRabindrasangeet, she has mas- ery word of the Bengali song in tered at least seven Tagore songs English and explains her the meanand is in the process of learning ing of the tune. -PTI
July 1, 2016
India Post 53 www.indiapost.com
Spring men's fashion show in Paris PARIS: The world's fashion watchers cried ``Bonjour Paris'' as they bid good-bye to Milan and headed to the City of Light for the last installment of menswear shows for spring-summer 2017. Here are some highlights: VALENTINO'S UNFINISHED BUSINESS Twenty-four-year-old Chinese superstar actor Yang Yang hit the front row for Valentino, alongside ``American Psycho'' musical star Benjamin Walker. The American actor rocked a check Valentino suit that hit a dapper note very much in keeping with the collection's opulent venue - the 19th century mansion Hotel Salomon de Rothschild. The show was all about the ``unfinished.'' Faded denim cowboy shirts and jackets had pockets ripped off to produce color contrasts; and random-looking intarsias on coffee cup brown coats - and on oversize outerwear - had a deconstructed effect. Mottled camouflage prints on a slim fitting sweater, meanwhile, had a blurry incomplete feel. Camouflage is now a signature for Valentino's designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli, who have only been doing men's
fashion for a few years. While many of these looks made the ``incomplete'' statement in a creative way - with random badges and accessorizing motifs the styles greatly benefited when the designers widened their repertoire: Like a standout black coat with studs sprinkled, almost haphazardly, on the collar.
guzzling couriers crisscross Paris to deliver personally to fashion insiders the ever-elaborate, often hand-made, show invites. Top houses vie for the wackiest or most imaginative idea. Louis Vuitton and Dior Homme employ trusted calligraphers who immortalize the names of each guest in baroque ink swirls _ works of art that usually end up
THE ART OF THE INVITATION The age of email and rising ecological awareness doesn't seem to have left a mark on the fashion industry's antiquated system of invitations. Season after season, gasoline-
thrown on the runway floor immediately after the presentation. This season, an invite for a jewelry house show, Surplus Sound System, was a 7-inch black vinyl record, with the show details on the B-side. It drove home the point that old school is the style of
'Let's have awards for returning of awards' MADRID, Spain: From taking a dig at the CBFC, its chief Pahlaj Nihalani to the last year's 'National Award returning' controversy, actors Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor were in their element while hosting the 17th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. During their opening monologue, the duo, who reprised their Pappu and Raju avatars from earlier IIFA editions, touched upon the row that saw many filmmakers returning their National awards to express solidarity with protesting FTII students. "There were many controversies last year. The returning of award was one of them. So, this time we have decided that at IIFA we will have awards for returning of awards. The nominations are Farhan for
'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', Riteish Deshmukh for 'Bangistan', Boman Irani for '3 Idiots'," Shahid said. To which Farhan quickly
added, "Shahid Kapoor for 'Haider'." The point to be noted is none of the above mentioned got National Awards for these films. The censor board and controversy go hand-in-hand these days
and naturally, Shahid took potshots at the film body, which had major issues with his latest movie "Udta Punjab". When Farhan said, "Let's talk about censor board'," Shahid corrected him, saying, "It's a certification board, whose work is 'chhatna' (selection) not 'katna' (omission)." Taking a dig at Nihalani, the "R‌ Rajkumar" star said, "And according to them (censor board), we from the film industry have no 'Pahlaj and sharam'." The CBFC has often come down heavily on films over use of expletives and the "Dil Dhadakne Do" star had a term for it, "beepomania". He noted that if things go this way then very soon there will be only beeps in films in place of dialogues.-PTI
choice for Paris fashion. The invitation to Dries Van Noten's show was a heavy tablet of pottery with the information stamped on. LEMAIRE The trend for the outdoors and the utilitarian has been seen in myriad Milan spring shows - such as in Prada's backpacks, Moncler's multi-pocketed clothes and Gucci's rainwear. It also infused Christophe Lemaire's designs for his eponymous Paris-based menswear house. And the City of Light, which has seen historic flooding and torrential downpours burst the banks of the Seine River in recent weeks, is one city that could do with a summer raincoat. A hardy long golden brown, with zippers, flapping lapels and a large asymmetrical pocket opened the collection - setting the out-in-theelements theme. This was carried on in trekking sandals. A long Arabic tunic mixed contrasted nicely with tailored menswear pants, a moss green loose, jazzy 80s shirt and factory-worker
styles. But the touch of panache by the former Hermes designer was see in the color palette - brightly colored coats and overalls - in ochre, saddle brown, Siberian snowflake, deep black and Prussian blue. Y/PROJECT It was psychedelic genderbending for Belgian designer Glenn Martens at his wacky collection for Y-project that saw models don slippers on the high-fashion runway. A loose-fitting yellow satin shirt began the show twinned with cadet gray gathered silken sweat pants - and followed by an oversize lilac suit with tight 80s lapels. With the show venue's low shimmering ceiling and speckled lighting, proceedings had a distinct glam-rock vibe. There was more than a whiff of Pierre Cardin in some spaceage oversize buttoned cuffs and silken moon pants. Alongside the excessive use of color, they seemed overly outlandish. But there were some standout pieces in Martens' creative pot like a fabulous cobalt sweater with an exploded cable knit motif. -AP
Feeling fit & healthy from inside Y
oung Aditya Roy Kapur is gung-ho about fitness. According to reports, he believes keeping fit is not about six-pack abs, rather, it is about feeling fit and healthy from inside. And he also tries to help others as and when he can by providing them tips, emotional support and a lot of encouragement when it comes to working out. Recently, it was reported that a girl in his gym was struggling and was ready to quit when he went up and spoke to her, encouraging her about going on with her fitness routine. His tips about diet and exer-
cises combined with his suave and charming attitude, turned the girl around. His motivation urged her to give her best and now
Aditya Roy Kapur
thanks to Aditya's efforts, the fitness has become her way of life.
54
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Why not call it radical Islamic terrorism?
India Post
JOSEPH D'SOUZA
I
am a religious leader from India, where we know something about extremism. That's why it didn't surprise me that just days before the terrorist attack in Orlando, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India warned both houses of the US Congress that the global fight against terror needs to be unified. India, and Prime Minister Modi in particular, have done an effective job of protecting our country against myriad terrorist threats. This is in part because India is a very religious country that understands how religious heresy can foment into terrorism. While every country has its own problems with extremists, groups like ISIS have globalized terror, and their own ideological and tactical unity demands the same amongst those who oppose them. They can infiltrate borders without visas. They can recruit, train, and deploy suicidal jihadis from thousands of miles away. They can incite terrorism from within
Each of the world's major religions must be called out when their religious or political leaders incite violence against civilians in the name of religion. Such violence is evil and it is religious. Germany is still recovering from the self-inflicted wounds of its WWII-era anti-Semitism. The Catholic-Protestant clashes in Ireland demonstrated co-religionists, too, can unleash terrorist violence against each other. The large scale genocide against Kurds in Iraq stands as a bleak reminder of the atrocities ethnic and religious discrimination breeds. Political correctness in the face of such terrorism does not deal with the problem. Actually, it exacerbates it. It shifts the blame from the true source of violence - the actions of radicalized and religiously motivated people - to the inanimate instruments used to perpetrate their crimes. The question we must ask ourselves then is what ideology birthed the Orlando massacre?
Mourners hold candles during a vigil downtown for the victims of a mass shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida
nation states by dispensing of traditional training camps in places like Afghanistan for digital training camps that make radicalization simpler than ever before. This modern threat calls for global action, but it must begin with clear understanding. That's why it's depressing to observe that the US discourse on the Orlando horror has degenerated into shrill voices screaming at one another about gun control and whether or not the term "Islamic terrorism" is politically appropriate. But why not call this type of violence for what it is: radical Islamic terrorism?
The first step to answering this question is naming the violence for what it is. Calling the Orlando incident an act of "radical Islamic terrorism" does not take away the good and noble in Islam, but it identifies the problem and tells us we need to do something about it. The same would apply to radically violent right-wing Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Atheism. No matter the religion or philosophy, we can all agree that taking the life of another human being is wrong. We can also agree that the radicalization of an ideology leads to violence as quickly as almost any other form of
radicalization, and this kind of violence crosses political or social divides. It is a crime against all of humanity. What perhaps is most disturbing about Orlando is that it could have been any of our sons or daughters killed that night. Our children are increasingly unsafe in the world. At any moment bullets and bombs can go off in Orlando, London, Mumbai, Karachi, Paris, Jakarta, or Jerusalem. This is a very dangerous world, but the Orlando kind of violence does not come announced. There are always warning signs that are first visible within the religious community within which they worship. That is why this fight against terror requires great will and vigilance. It also requires increased focus on understanding how religion can be used to radicalize young people. Those of us who believe our faith teaches love and peace must practice it and report those among us who do not. Our unity in this fight must cross our religious divides and diverse identities. The best thing any Christian, Muslim or Hindu can do to combat religious violence is to call it what it is when it appears. It is religious. It might be heretical but it is religious nonetheless, and we must speak against it from within our religious communities to those who hijack our religion. We must do so with the same intensity with which they believe in their heresy. The history of Europe and the world would be different if the Nazis were not defeated. Yet the ideology of religious and racial supremacy survives in today's terrorism. Yet it is no longer isolated within the borders of a single nation state. It is an outsourced ideology that grows like religious disease in every nation state in the world. Religion is both the cause and solution to this problem, but we'll never solve it if we don't call it what it is: religious extremism. In this case it is "radical Islamic terrorism." Dr. Chris Seiple, the chairman of Washington D.C's Institute for Global Engagement, is right to say, "The best of faith defeats the worst of religion." The writer is Bishop Moderator of Good Shepherd Church and Associate Ministries in India
Journey to Brexit
F
rom the 'Sun never sets on British Empire' to 'Brexit' has been the inevitable journey of the little island of England still known as Great Britain. Britons forced themselves on India, and on many other countries, as immigrants. But they came to rule over docile native people who did not know why would some from a remote island leave their own country and lord it over others, through arms as well as deceit. After a few centuries ordinary people from other lands are coming to Britain as immigrants, to work there and earn a decent living which they were denied in their own countries. They have not come with arms or secret motives to dominate. But still their coming has been resented by the local people so much that they have driven themselves out of the comfort zone of the European Union (EU). What irked them was the EU policy to let citizens of EU countries enter and live in any other country of the union. Used to living in great comfort, the British citizens have revolted at the first sign of discomfort. They hate the immigrants coming from EU countries. It seems the cycle is coming full circle. Britain while giving independence to India, forced a Partition on it which cost millions of lives and the division of the country continues to be a threat to peace. Departing Britain wanted it this way. They wanted to prove that in the absence of a paternal power presiding over it, India would go to pieces. And to ignite that process it encouraged Hindu-Muslim differences and the natives have still not reconciled to the fact that the differences were sown by the British for their own ends. Otherwise Hindus and Muslims had lived in peace in India for centuries. But the division of Britain is not going to be through a fratricidal war. They are too civilized for that. Together with Scotland and Northern Island, the small English island is known as Great Britain or United Kingdom. In the June referendum, Scotland and Northern Island voted to remain in the European Union. Now the two constituents of the union are left to go with the larger group to exit EU. Since it is not acceptable to the Scots, they would rather leave the 'Great' Britain or the United Kingdom and leave it a divided kingdom. An earlier referendum in Scotland to leave UK was rejected by its populace but it seems they are now inching towards a fresh referendum which will let them stay in EU but get out of United Kingdom. Scottish National Party (SNP) leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has warned that the Scottish Parliament could veto Britain's decision to quit the bloc. She has also called for another referendum on Scottish independence following Brexit, saying it is "very much on the table". The SNP's Alyn Smith received a standing ovation in the European Parliament after pleading: "Please do not let Scotland down." He begged the EU to change the rules for Scotland's admission. Rumblings are also being felt in Northern Island. Just like Scotland, Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. Eleven of the country's 18 constituencies wanted to stay, including all the border regions. The status of the border with the Republic of Ireland has become a major issue, leading to calls for a fresh referendum and fears about the economy and stability in the region. In the immediate aftermath of the vote, Irish republicans Sinn Fein called for a referendum on a united Ireland. They said it was unacceptable that the people of Northern Ireland were being dragged out of the EU against their wishes. Are we then going to see a break up of Great Britain and shall we see now a Divided Kingdom instead of United Kingdom? After their dubious role in India, they had it coming.
July 1, 2016
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56 India Post
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July 1, 2016