Top Stories
V O I C E
O F
I N D I A N S
W O R L D W I D E
India Post www.indiapost.com
NEW YORK • WASHINGTON D.C. • CHICAGO • ATLANTA • CALIFORNIA
Sangita offers a hug to one of the mistreated elephants she met in Kerala
Temple Fest elephants ill-treated Details on page 60
GST Bill passage credit positive: Moody's Details on page 40
VOL 22, No. 1141
August 12, 2016
50¢
Periodical Postage
PM OFFERS DIALOG TO YOUTH OF KASHMIR BHABRA, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday August 9 reached out to the people of turbulent Kashmir and indicated willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. Breaking his silence on the over-a-month-long unrest which has claimed more than 55 lives, Modi said it was painfully to see innocent youngsters, who should be holding laptops, book and cricket bats, have been given stones and appealed to them to maintain peace and harmony in
the "heaven" on earth. He said Kashmir has the freedom which is felt by Indians everywhere and asserted that the Mehbooba Mufti government and the Centre are working together to solve the state's difficulties but some people, who are unable to digest it, are clinging onto the path to destruction. "When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister he had adopted the path of insaniyat, jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat and we walk the same road.
Raja gets support from Dallas community Details on page 31
J&K government to probe civilian deaths Details on page 6
Details on page 5
Ex-CM of Arunachal commits suicide See Pages 12-26 & 46-50
Details on page 6
Rajan leaves rates unchanged; warns of inflation
CONTENTS
Details on page 8
Bollywood -------------------------- 27
INDIA POST SURVEY
Classifieds ------------------------- 57
survey@indiapost.com
Date Book -------------------------- 51
This week’s question
Edit Page --------------------------- 62
Community Post -------------- 38-37
HealthScience Post --------- 52-53
PM Modi reacts very late to crises situations?
Horoscope ------------------------- 38 Immigration Post ------------- 44-45
Last week’s result
Sushma Swaraj has done great deal for Indians overseas? YES 82%
NO 18%
Life Style ----------------------- 60-61
FOG EXTRAVAGANZA BEGINS: Cosplay members of Northern California chapter seen at the Festival of Globe (FOG Film
Philosophy ------------------------- 59
Fest 2016) opening ceremony with costumes depicting Hollywood characters at Camera 12, San Jose Silicon Valley/San Francisco. (Details on page 28)
Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4 TechBiz Post ------------------- 40-41 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 54-56
Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”
2
India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
August 12, 2016
India Post www.indiapost.com
NEWS on your desktop www.indiapost.com
3
4 India Post
August 12, 2016
India Post
IndiaNewsweekly Post
www.indiapost.com The Weekly Newspaper Serving Indians Worldwide
Romesh & Sunita Japra Publishers Rajesh Verma Co-Publisher Vikram Paul President Krishan Sharma Mg Director & Joint Editor Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor Naresh Sodhi General Manager Amit Saini IT Director Ghanshyam Bisht Supervisor Graphics SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY Vidya Sethuraman Bureau Chief Vijay Thapar CPRO & Advertising Deepak Chhabra Promotions Ritu Maheshwari Director Promotions Sonia Sidhu Marketing Analyst Rakesh Kapoor Correspondent Ratika J. Paul Photo Journalist Sudesh Kumari Correspondent Priya Nayar Marketing Rakesh Kapoor Photo Journalist Archana Asthana Correspondent Sujata Singh Correspondent Manasi Maheshwari Youth Correspondent LOS ANGELES Mrs Shashi Trivedi Bureau Chief Mrs Prem Kishore Sr Correspondent Greg Heffernan Correspondent Ms Bobby Sharma Correspondent Babeeta Kaur Dhillon Correspondent Pavan Kaur Bhatia Correspondent CHICAGO Ramesh Soparawala Resident Editor A Q Siddiqui Correspondent ST. LOUIS Ashwin Patel Correspondent NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY Pinky Kaur Bureau Chief Srirekha N. Chakravarty Correspondent Nikita Japra Correspondent Sukhvinder Saini Circulation ATLANTA Sanjay Saggere Bureau Chief FLORIDA B K Madnani CANADA Firdaus Ali Correspondent BOSTON Gope Gidwani Bureau Chief
Mission Statement To empower the Indian Diaspora and make their voice strong and effective in countries of their adoption. RJ Media conglomerate offers a credible, professional and complete package of news, opinion, entertainment, networking and information.
Publisher’s Diary
N
ot even the Olympics can keep me from tagging Trump. And I am not the only one to be already hoping that Trump may withdraw from the Presi dential race any day soon. Okay, so politics and truth have never been known to make for ideal bedfellows. In fact they don't see eye to eye. If you read reports on the findings of independent fact checking websites like PolitiFact, you will see that 27% of Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's statements are false, whereas nearly 70% of those of the Republican Presidential nominee Trump are patently false. Even in knee jerk reactions, Clinton's falsities ranged at 2%, while those of Trump's were at 19%. I have to agree with CNN's Fareed Zakaria, who called Trump a bullshit artist - emphatically saying the bleep-worthy word on live TV. Zakaria was of course referring to Trump's capacity for lying through his teeth - lies that come more from absolute ignorance, machismo and pigheadedness than from a tendency to hide the truth. Trump simply does not know any better, that's all. But truth be damned and the millions of dollars that have already gone down the Trump drain also be damned, I think it would still be worth the humiliation if Trump simply drops out of the race. And I have a feeling he might. Just imagine him waking up tomorrow morning and saying: "You know what folks, you all have been terrific. But I was just doing this to prove a point that even bullshit artists can become the President of the United States. But you are lucky I have decided to drop out." But the joke would cruelly be on all of us if Trump does stay and go on to win the Presidency. Because it would mean that we are amongst Americans who have no respect for soldiers, especially if they happen to be non-White; Americans who have no respect for women; and Americans who still live like frogs in the well, thinking of themselves as superior to the rest of the world. And these are the angry, old, white men who never had any sense of humor.
Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com
DETROIT Ashok B Jain, M D Bureau Chief Gurminder Singh SAN DIEGO Neelu Bhardwaj Bureau Chief SACRAMENTO Madan Sharma Bureau Chief Janak Sidhra Correspondent Upen Shukla Correspondent CENTRAL VALLEY (CA) Dr Ram Saini Bureau Chief Sheila Rogers Correspondent YUBA CITY (CA) Satnam Tatla Correspondent CAROLINAS Nalini Raja Patel Correspondent INDIA Vinod Dhawan Senior Editor & Bureau Chief NEW DELHI Jyoti Vashisht PR & Marketing Vijender P Shah Graphics PUNJAB Shiv Japra Bureau Chief Anil Kanwar Senior Correspondent/ Marketing DOABA, PUNJAB Romesh Kaura Correspondent HYDERABAD M Sagar Kumar Bureau Chief MUMBAI Nidhi Soparawala Correspondent Frank Fernandes Correspondent
INFO-CENTER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-565-9993, Fax: 510-790-2806; E-mail: vidya@indiapost.com
HIGHLIGHTS Bollywood: Swim with sharks What made the trip to Maldives memorable for Jacqueline Fernandez was that she got to swim alongside a whale shark.
Cover Story: Dialog offer PM Modi reached out to the people of Kashmir offering dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity)
Community: FOG begins FOG 2016 had an amazing start with best in the class entertainers, celebrities and world class movie screenings.
27 5 28
Immigration: Stranded workers Saudi King Salman has ordered his officials to send back stranded Indian workers at the government's own expense
E-SUBSCRIPTION: Vidya Sethuraman Tel: 510-491-4867; E-mail: vidya@indiapost.com
44
Classifieds: Tel: 510-491-4867; E-mail: vidya@indiapost.com Graphics Inquiry: Tel: 510-936-9490; E-mail: ghanshyam@indiapost.com For Editorial: Vidya Sethuraman Tel: 510-491-4867; E-mail: vidya@indiapost.com
For advertisement rates call the office nearest to you: SAN FRANCISCO & SILICON VALLEY 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Tel: 510-938-8667 e-mail: nareshsodhi@gmail.com Vidya Sethuraman: 510-491-4867 e-mail: vidya@indiapost.com
LOS ANGELES
16224 Alpine Pl. La Mirada, CA 90638 Tel: 562-441-5511, shashi19@yahoo.com
CHICAGO 2543 W Devon Ave Chicago IL 60659 Tel: 773-973-7394; Fax: 773-973-7396; Email: sramesh@aol.com
NEW YORK
VADODARA, GUJARAT Vaidehi Patel Correspondent
Tel: 908-338-3752 (Marketing) Tel: 732-283-4939 (Editorial) E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com
India Post (ISSN-1064-3868) is published weekly for $30 for 52 issues yearly by India Post, 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538. Periodicals postage paid at Norwalk, CA and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the corporate headquarters: 1860 Mowry Ave # 200 Fremont, CA 94538 Copyright © 1994 Indamec, Inc. DISCLAIMER India Post assumes all advertisers to be reliable and responsible for all liability for their claimers
NEW JERSEY 21 Longfellow st., Carteret, NJ 07008 Tel: 732-969-1114; Fax: 732-969-3735 E-mail: indiapost2000@yahoo.com
BOSTON
Tel: 617-298-9200; Fax: 617-298-1104 GOPE; E-mail: ggidwani@aol.com
Life style: Celebrities in chains
ATLANTA 67 Peach Tree Dr., Ste. 102, Buckhead Atlanta, GA 30309, Tel: 404-425-3021 E-mail: sanjay@eBolo.com FLORIDA 8401 West Sample Road 30, Coral Springs, Florida - 33065
Sangita Iyer's documentary "Gods in Shackles" brings out the ill-treatment of captive temple elephants in Kerala
TORONTO, CANADA Tel/Fax: 416-744-8610 DELHI 230-A, 3 rd Floor, Jin Kushal Suri Complex, Masjid Moth, (NDSE Part-II) New Delhi - 110049 Tel: 11-26257769 E-mail:delhi@indiapost.com MUMBAI • Fernandes Mansion Tam Taloa, Bassien (W) Mumbai Tel: 09619 330159
Techbiz:
VADODARA
Travel:
• Vaidehi Patel 31/32 J\Jaysantosi Nagar Society, behind Utkarsh Petrol Pump, Karelibaug, Vadodara-390018. Gujarat (India) E-mail: v_patel83@yahoo.com Tel: 011 91 98797 79976
For editorial, contact: editor@indiapost.com or call 510-797-7799
8% growth? PM Modi has said 8 per cent plus growth over the next 30 years will bring the best of the world to India
Jallianwala Bagh Jallianwala Bagh unfolds the story of the most infamous massacre during British rule that left a deep scar on Indians.
60 40 54
Cover/Top Stories
August 12, 2016
India Post
5
www.indiapost.com
PM offers dialog to youth of Kashmir BHABRA, Madhya Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday August 9 reached out to the people of turbulent Kashmir and indicated willingness to hold
stones and appealed to them to maintain peace and harmony in the "heaven" on earth. He said Kashmir has the freedom which is felt by Indians ev-
jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat and we walk the same road. I want to tell the brothers and sisters of Kashmir from this great birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad that Kashmir has the same strength that has been given to (other parts of) India by our freedom fighters. Kashmir has the same freedom that every Indian feels. "Today, one feels pained to see that innocent youths have been handed stones. Politics of some people is clicking but what will happen to these gullible and simple youths? Humanity and Kashmiriyat will not be allowed to be hit. The path of democracy and dialogue is there," he told a public meeting here, the birthPrime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at the public meeting to mark the launch of 70th place of Azad. Freedom Year Celebrations, in Bhabra village, Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh on August 9
dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. Breaking his silence on the over-a-month-long unrest which has claimed more than 55 lives, Modi said it was painfully to see innocent youngsters, who should be holding laptops, book and cricket bats, have been given
erywhere and asserted that the Mehbooba Mufti government and the Centre are working together to solve the state's difficulties but some people, who are unable to digest it, are clinging onto the path to destruction. "When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister he had adopted the path of insaniyat,
Mehbooba visit Meanwhile, on an emergency visit to Delhi, which included sessions with Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urged the centre to remember the Vajpayee offer. The PM's remarks suggest a synchronicity between the centre and Ms Mufti that is often missing, with many pinning the gap on the fundamen-
tal ideological differences and uneasy alliance between the Chief Minister's party and the BJP. The PM thanked the main opposition party, the Congress, for standing with the government as it firmly warned Pakistan not to interfere in Kashmir. During a controversial trip to Pakistan last week, Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke of the perils of eulogizing terrorists as martyrs, taking on Islamabad for the tributes
government; we are saying we will also help in controlling the situation," Azad said."If security forces and people see each other as enemy, Parliament cannot just watch that. You must send an all party delegation there," he said. Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Sharad Yadav said: "Other than the ruling alliance, the House and the country does not know what is happening. You have kept it in your hands in a sectarian way."
"Today, one feels pained to see that innocent youths have been handed stones. Politics of some people is clicking but what will happen to these gullible and simple youths? Humanity and Kashmiriyat will not be allowed to be hit� its leaders have offered to Wani after he was killed. Debate in Rajya Sabha Opposition parties sought a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Opposition would only help in controlling the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the government to send an all party delegation to the state. "We are not just blaming the
Communist Part of India-Marxist (CPM) leader Sitaram Yechury said the government should "start consultation with all and try to restore normalcy." As the members had some arguments over the issue, Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien intervened to say there ought not to be any politics over the Kashmir issue. "Kashmir is not an issue to fight and to score political points. All of us are concerned it should be solved with the help of all people," Kurien said.-Agencies
Address root cause in Kashmir: Abdullah SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has asked the Centre to address the root cause of political instability and alienation in Kashmir, saying crushing the sentiment by use of force would not only be futile but also highly counter-productive. Every phase of political unrest in the valley, including the present one, is a manifestation of a prolonged, systemic erosion of faith
policy. "Unless the root cause of the political instability and alienation in Kashmir is addressed constitutionally and politically, crushing the sentiment by use of force is not only futile but also highly counterproductive," Abdullah said in a statement here. The former Union Minister expressed grief over the loss of lives. He cautioned the Centre over the worsening situation in the
"Those central leaders who are advocating a political solution to the Kashmir issue today have traditionally acquiesced with the conventional, tried and tested formulations of an operational handling of the issue� in Kashmir. "What happened on August 9, 1953 continues to remind the people of Kashmir about how New Delhi has chosen to either suppress the political sentiment here or deal with it through an operational prism with a perpetually short-sighted, fire-fighting
valley, saying it was important for the government to acknowledge that the genesis of the Kashmir turmoil lies in the "injustice of August 1953 when a popular, democratically elected Prime Minister of J-K (Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah) was illegally overthrown to suppress the political
sentiment in Kashmir". Abdullah welcomed parliamentary discussions on the current situation in Kashmir and said Parliament needs to acknowledge and understand the root cause of alienation and unrest in the valley and accepting the criminal nature of the injustice perpetrated against the people of J-K on August 9, 1953 would be a good start to an open-ended, broad-minded introspection at the national level. Prevarication and deflection of responsibility won't help anymore. The problem in Kashmir is about the people of Kashmir and their political aspirations, it is neither about any other country nor about terrorism. "New Delhi has to engage with the people of Kashmir who are the primary stakeholders in the political issue and also the rightful final arbiters of their destiny," he said. The NC president also batted for a sustained dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad for sustainable peace in the region.
"A sustained, comprehensive political dialogue on Kashmir between New Delhi and Islamabad is equally indispensable not only for a feasible and long-lasting resolution of the vexed Kashmir issue but also for the cause of sustainable peace and stability in the subcontinent," he said.
Farooq Abdullah
Abdullah said that "while it was heartening to see certain central leaders in New Delhi were now talking about the political nature
of the problem, it was a pity that the same leaders chose to not lend their voice of support when the interlocutors' report and the Sagheer Committee report was available for discussion and implementation." "Those central leaders who are advocating a political solution to the Kashmir issue today have traditionally acquiesced with the conventional, tried and tested formulations of an operational handling of the issue. "Their stand today is welcome and a positive development and I hope they don t go back to the conventional policy of validating an operational handling of the issue when seeking a political resolution might become less expedient for them," he said.-PTI
6
Top Stories
India Post
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
Former Arunachal CM commits suicide ITANAGAR: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress rebel Kalikho Pul, who stepped down from the top post last month after the Supreme Court ordered removal of his government, has allegedly committed suicide. As soon as the news of Pul's death spread, scores of his supporters gheraoed Chief Minister Pema Khandu's bungalow in Niti Bihar area and demanded a probe into Pul's "unnatural" death. They also set on fire an under-construction building of the Deputy Chief Minister and damaged two official bungalows. A top police officer said that 47-year-old Pul allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling fan in his bedroom. One of his wives found him hanging at the Chief Minister's official residence which he was yet to vacate. According to the doctors, the death occurred between 7 and 7:30 am. Pul, who is survived by three wives and four children, had not met any outsider for the past seven days, according to his family. Pul briefly served as the chief minister from February 19 replacing Nabam Tuki and remained in the post till July this year. Soon after the news of his death, Pul's supporters gheraoed Chief Minister Pema Khandu's bungalow area. They said they would not allow Pul's body to be taken out
from his bungalow and demanded that he be buried inside the premises. A coffin, which was brought from outside, was damaged and set on fire by the crowd before the assembled media. A section of the supporters
A high-level cabinet meeting was on and police reinforcements, including state police and ITBP, were sent to the high-security VVIP zone where the ministers' residences were located. Pul had served as CM for a brief time with the Supreme Court last
Kalikho Pul
headed towards the official residence of Deputy CM Chowna Mein, less than 100 meters away, damaged the outer wall and at least 10 vehicles parked in the premises. An under-construction premises of the Deputy CM was also set on fire, police said, adding there were no casualties Protestors also damaged the official bungalow of Industries Minister Tapang Taloh.
month reinstating Nabam Tuki who then made way for Pema Khandu who is presently the CM. Pul had led a group of dissident MLAs from Congress against Tuki early this year and was sworn-in as Chief Minister a few hours after President's Rule was revoked in the state on February 19. Pul's eldest wife has appealed to the public to maintain calm and not indulge in violence.-PTI
J&K government to probe civilian deaths JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir of the state. government will conduct a "de"Protesting youth are our own tailed inquiry" into the deaths of children and there is a need to liscivilians during the violent pro- ten to them," he said, tests that followed the killing of The best part of a democratic Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, system is that people are allowed and take stern action against to raise their voice and show anthose responsible. ger against the establishment, he "As soon as the situation re- said. turns to normalcy, government The senior PDP leader said the will conduct a detailed enquiry administration should not pave into the civilian killings and take way for more anger and instead stern action against the culprits," talk to protesters for restoring state minister and senior PDP normalcy. leader Zulfkar Ali said. "We will not let any culprit go scot-free and take stern action after The best part of a fixing responsibility," the minister for Food, democratic system is that Civil Supplies and Conpeople are allowed to raise sumer Affairs said. Addressing a series their voice and show of meetings in Poonch district, Zulfikar termed anger against the civilian deaths during establishment, he said protests as "unfortunate", and said no government wishes to harm civilians. Asking parents to keep a "close "No political party want loss watch" on their wards, the minisof life and everybody condemns ter said that there is a need to inkillings of civilians," he said, add- volve these youth in developmening the government is taking all tal activities and make them steps to normalize the situation as preachers of peace. soon as possible. Development is not possible in Zulfikar emphasized on the unrest, he said, and stressed on need to engage youth for produc- the need for collective efforts to tive purposes to save them from channelize the energy of the youth "exploitation by forces inimical to of the state for its development peace and development". and growth. "Peace and developReferring to violent protests in ment is interlinked and it is prior Kashmir Valley, he pitched for tak- condition for development to ing all stakeholders into confi- have peaceful atmosphere," he dence, especially the youngsters said.-PTI
China tells India to stay off SCS dispute BEIJING: India should avoid "unnecessary entanglement" in the South China Sea dispute during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi to prevent it becoming yet "another factor" to impact bilateral ties, a state-run Chinese daily has said. "India may want to avoid unnecessary entanglement with China over the South China Sea debate during Wang's visit if the country wishes to create a good atmosphere for economic cooperation, which would include reducing tariffs on made-in-India products exported to China amid the ongoing free trade talk known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership," an article in the state-run Global Times said. "India is expected to allow only moderate tariff reduction on made-
in-China products under the talks in a bid to preserve its domestic industries. If India wants China to be more generous in terms of tariff reduction, it would be unwise for the country to let its relationship with China deteriorate further at this moment," it said. The daily said it is puzzling that India is focusing on the South China Sea issue at this moment, a move which it said might risk "unnecessary side effects" to bilateral ties and potentially create obstacles for Indian exporters hoping to increase their presence in China, the world's second largest importer. Underlining that tensions between China and India have been increasing in recent months owing to a series of political incidents, it said, "Considering that
India does not face territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea, is it worth letting the South China Sea issue become
The daily said it is puzzling that India is focusing on the South China Sea issue at this moment, a move which it said might risk "unnecessary side effects" another factor that will impact India's cooperation with China? India should consider this." Amid unease in ties, Wang will arrive in India to hold talks with his
counterpart Sushma Swaraj on August 13 during which key regional and bilateral issues will be discussed, including the NSG issue. His visit comes ahead of the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou next month in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part. Following the ruling by an international tribunal last month which rejected Beijing's claims over much of the disputed sea area, China is campaigning against the issue to be raised in G20 Summit saying it is a matter to be resolved between parties concerned and outsider has no role. "In fairness, after dozens of countries have expressed support for China's stance in the South China Sea, India's attitude toward
the issue may not be as important as the nation had imagined," the article said. "While many Indian people have been focused on the South China Sea ahead of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's upcoming trip to the country, less attention has been paid to the recent fall in exports of made-in-India products to China," it said. It said India should move its focus from geopolitical competition to economic issues to stop a further decline in exports to China. "Under normal circumstances, defusing the tensions between the two counties will help lay a sound foundation for fostering closer economic ties. In this regard, Wang Yi's trip will offer concrete opportunities for India," the daily said.-PTI
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
India Post
7
8
Top Stories
India Post
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
Rajan leaves rates unchanged; warns of inflation MUMBAI: Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan has left interest rates unchanged in his last monetary policy review as inflation hit near 2-year high but said the central bank's stance remains "accommodative". Expecting "upside" risk to his March inflation target of 5 per cent due to pay hike of central government employees following the 7th
for the Reserve Bank to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at this juncture, while awaiting space for policy action. "As you will note from the policy statement, we have kept rates on hold, maintaining an accommodative stance while we await developments. We are within the inflation band given to us by the Government and expect
Continuing to vent his anger over bankers' reluctance to pass on benefits of lower interest rates and easy liquidity positions to borrowers, Rajan said the central bank will soon revise the marginal cost of fund-based lending rate framework to help fasten up process of policy transmission Pay Commission and sticky core inflation, which excludes food and fuel, he kept benchmark repurchase rate at 5-year low of 6.50 per cent. Rajan, who is to demit office after his 3-year term ends on September 4, said: "It is appropriate
to be around 5 per cent CPI inflation by March 2017, absent unforeseen eventualities." He was addressing the customary press conference after announcing the third bi-monthly monetary policy for 2016-17. Rajan said risks to the March
2017 target of 5 per cent for headline inflation, which climbed to a 22-month high of 5.8 per cent in June, "continue to be on upside" on factors like food inflation, services and the effect of the seventh pay panel implementation to government employees. The strong sowing and the positive progress of the monsoon augurs well for the food inflation, RBI said, adding that prices of pulses and cereals are rising. RBI welcomed the passage of the Constitutional amendments for transition to the Goods and Services Tax saying it "augurs well for the growing political consensus for economic reforms." RBI said the timely implementation of GST which has to kick in by April next year will be "challenging" but the indirect tax reform will be strengthening government finances over the medium-term, boost business sentiment and eventually investments.
on benefits of lower interest rates and easy liquidity positions to borrowers, Rajan said the central bank will soon revise the marginal cost of fund-based lending rate
Bankers' reluctance Continuing to vent his anger over bankers' reluctance to pass
framework to help fasten up process of policy transmission. Complaining that banks have
Raghuram Rajan
passed benefits only in a "modest" measure to borrowers, Rajan said a pick-up in credit demand that shall follow the economic recovery and competition for corporate loans after the ongoing balance sheet cleanup by the state-run lenders, will ensure softer lending rates. Rajan charged bankers with inventing newer alibi for delaying the rate cuts and pointed out that concerns over the FCNR(B) redemptions, despite RBI's public assurance of making it non-disruptive, are the latest one in a series. "Earlier, some bankers said it was lack of liquidity that was holding the rates high. Now, I hear from some that it is the fear of FCNR redemptions that is making them reluctant to cut rates. I have a suspicion that some new concern will crop up once FCNR redemptions are behind us," Rajan said.-PTI
Indian-US Moon Express to Parliament remembers freedom fighters take human remains NEW YORK: A private firm cofounded by an Indian-American and licensed to launch a spacecraft and land on the moon plans to take human remains to the Earth's satellite at USD 3 million per kilo, according to a media report. Moon Express, cofounded by Naveen Jain, was last week granted a license by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch a spacecraft and land on moon in 2017, becoming the first private company to get such approval. The breakthrough US policy decision provides authorization to the company for a maiden flight of its robotic spacecraft onto the Moon's surface, the company had said. The New York Post reported that Moon Express's plans for commercial cargo include taking human remains to the moon. Jain told the New York Post that the delivery of one's ashes for lunar interment would be based on a "payload" price of USD 3 million per kilo.
"Since the cremated remains of adults generally weigh between 4 and 6 pounds, the indicated price range is USD 5.4 million to USD 8.1 million," the Post said, adding that the demand for such a service is high.
forward to ensure our survival and create a limitless future for our children," Jain had said following the announcement by FAA. "In the immediate future, we envision bringing precious resources, metals, and moon rocks
NEW DELHI: On the 74th anniversary of 'Quit India Movement', Parliament has paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters with a reminder to re-affirm commitment to uphold sovereignty, integrity, unity and diversity of the country. In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Hamid Ansari termed it as a his-
cherished dream of a fully developed India," he said. The day is a reminder to re-affirm "our commitment to uphold the sovereignty, integrity, unity and diversity of our country," added Ansari, who is the Vice President of the country. "The clarion call of 'do or die' by Mahatma Gandhi led to an up-
back to earth," he had said. The company was co-founded in 2010 by space visionary, Bob Richards, Jain and serial entrepreneur and artificial intelligence and space technology guru, Barney Pell, with the common vision to be at the forefront of commercial space exploration and innovation.-PTI
toric day and a reminder to cherish the gift of freedom. The day "exhorts us to draw inspiration from the words and deeds of our freedom fighters to unitedly face the challenges of the changing times and do our bit to ensure inclusive economic development and growth for all strata of society and realize the long
surge of nationalistic sentiments and heralded the attainment of Independence," he said. In the Lok Sabha, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said 'Quit India Movement' had helped bring the whole nation together against the British rule and was a major contribution towards the country achieving freedom.-PTI
Naveen Jain
"We already have a long list," it quoted Jain as saying. There have been no private space missions so far beyond Earth's orbit and only state agencies have performed outer space missions. "The sky is not the limit for Moon Express, it is the launchpad. Space travel is our only path
Top Stories
August 12, 2016
India Post
9
www.indiapost.com
India summons Pak HC over cross border terror NEW DELHI: Amid growing strain in ties, India on Tuesday August 9 summoned Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit and issued a strong demarche over Pakistan's continued support to cross-bor-
der terrorism in Kashmir, which has fuelled unrest in the Valley. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar called Basit to his South Block office and lodged a strong protest over the issue as he made a
specific reference to LeT terrorist and Pakistani national Bahadur Ali, who was captured recently in North Kashmir during an encounter. "Jaishankar called in the Paki-
Irom Sharmila breaks fast, wants to be CM IMPHAL: Breaking into tears, Manipur's 'Iron Lady' Irom Sharmila on Tuesday August 9 ended her 16-year-long hunger strike, the world's longest such campaign, and declared that she wants to become the chief minister so that she could repeal the contentious AFSPA.
Irom Sharmila
Outside a government hospital, a room of which was turned into a jail for her, the 44-year-old iconic rights activist turned emotional as she licked honey from her palm to end the fast that she undertook in protest against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). During her fast she was force-
fed through a nasal tube to keep her alive. Now the familiar Ryles tube hanging from her nose was missing as she broke the fast. "I want to be the chief minister of Manipur to make positive changes..... If I become chief minister, the first thing I will do is to remove the AFSPA," she told reporters here. "I need power. In Manipur politics is so dirty and everyone knows it. But people don't realize that the people are also involved in this dirtiness," Sharmila said, adding "I want to invite 20 independent candidates to join me and topple Chief Minister Ibobi". Asked about Narendra Modi, she said, "Mr Prime Minister, you need non-violence in this age. Without this draconian law (AFSPA) you would be able to connect with us. PM Modi needs to follow the path of non-violence of Gandhiji". She said that she would now stay in an Ashram and wouldn't need any security. "I don't like to be called a Goddess of Manipur. I
Lodha Panel tells BCCI to implement 15 steps NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court appointed Justice RM Lodha Panel has categorically instructed BCCI to implement a 15step reform by October 15 ranging from constitutional reforms to principles of awarding various contracts, including lucrative TV rights. As per instructions, BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke met the panel members and also carried a letter on behalf of President Anurag Thakur, who cited his 'Leave of Absence' as Parliament is in session. "The BCCI has been given a specific timeline by the Lodha Panel to implement 15 specific steps related to constitutional amendments by October 15. The honorary secretary, Ajay Shirke, has informed the panel that a first compliance report of the steps that are being taken will be submitted to the panel by August 25," a source close to the Lodha panel told PTI on conditions of anonym-
ity. Asked about the steps that need to be taken, the source stated that it primarily pertains to the amendments in the articles of Memorandum of Associations (MOA). "It refers to amendments in Memorandum of Association (MOA), the documents of the state cricket bodies' constitution, principles of awarding contracts," the source added. It was learnt that Shirke did mention about practical difficulties in implementation of some of the reforms (namely one state, one vote, age cap of 70 years, nineyear tenure and three-year cooling off period). According to sources, the panel members told Shirke that nothing can be done as there is"sanctity of a Supreme Court judgment." The BCCI secretary did inform the panel that the Board will be seeking a review petition.-PTI
am a human being," she said. Earlier in the day, Imphal West district's chief judicial magistrate Lamkhanpau Tonsing in his order said as the offence under section 309 (attempt to suicide) is a bailable offence he is inclined to allow her on bail on her furnishing a personal bond of Rs 10,000.-PTI
stan envoy and issued a strong demarche on continuing cross border terrorism from Pakistan. "Demarche made specific reference to LeT terrorist and Pak national Bahadur Ali who was apprehended recently," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. Ali, born in the Zia Bagga village of Pakistan, was arrested by Indian authorities in Jammu and kashmir on July 25 with weapons (AK 47 rifle, live rounds, grenades, grenade launcher etc) as also sophisticated communication equipment and other material of Pakistani/ international origin, according to the demarche issued
to Basit. "Bahadur Ali has confessed to our authorities that after training in Lashkar-e-Toiba camps, he was infiltrated into India. He was thereafter in touch with an 'operations room' of LeT, receiving instructions to attack Indian security personnel and carry out other terrorist attacks in India," it said. Basit's summoning comes on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to people of Kashmir, which has been witnessing widespread unrest for over a month triggered by the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with the security forces.-PTI
10 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
Top Stories
August 12, 2016
India Post
11
www.indiapost.com
50 Republicans warn against 'reckless' Trump WASHINGTON: Fifty top Republican national security experts, including veterans from Nixon to Bush administrations, have come out openly against party nominee Donald Trump, who they say would make "the most reckless
Donald Trump
president in American history" if elected. The reality TV star "lacks" the required character, values and self-control, said the group as it listed "dangerous qualities" in an individual "who aspires to become President and Commander-
in-Chief, with command of the US nuclear arsenal" that could the country's safety to risk. "None of us will vote for Donald Trump," said the group, that includes former homeland security chiefs, intelligence directors, senior presidential advisors and a former US trade representative, in a major blow to the 70year-old real estate tycoonturned politician from the party itself. They signed an open letter declaring that the reality TV star "lacks the character, values and experience" to be president and would "weaken the US' moral authority". "From a foreign policy perspective, Trump is not qualified to be the President and Commander-inChief. Indeed, we are convinced that he would be a dangerous President and would put at risk
our country's national security and well-being. "Most fundamentally, Trump lacks the character, values, and experience to be President. He weakens the US' moral authority as the leader of the free world," said the letter which has been signed by individuals who served in senior national security and foreign policy positions in Republican administrations, from Richard Nixon to George W Bush. "We are convinced that in the Oval Office, he would be the most reckless president in American history," it said. The letter questions his knowledge of and belief in the US Constitution, and says he has "demonstrated repeatedly that he has little understanding" of the country's "vital national interests, its complex diplomatic challenges, its indispensable alliances and the democratic values' on which the foreign policy should be based. It further laments that "Mr. Trump has shown no interest in educating himself". In its statement, the group said Trump appears to lack basic knowledge about and belief in the US laws and US institutions, in-
cluding religious tolerance, freedom of the press and an independent judiciary. "He lacks self-control and acts impetuously. He cannot tolerate personal criticism. He has alarmed our closest allies with his erratic behavior. All of these are dangerous qualities in an individual who aspires to be President and Commander-in-Chief, with command of the US nuclear arsenal." Trump hit back at the stinging rejection, calling the group "nothing more than the failed Washing-
would not vote for him as he lacks the "temperament" and "judgment" required for the post. “I will not be voting for Donald Trump for President," Collins, who represents the State of Maine in the US Senate, said in an op-ed in The Washington Post. "This is not a decision I make lightly, for I am a lifelong Republican. But Donald Trump does not reflect historical Republican values nor the inclusive approach to governing that is critical to healing the divisions in the country,"
The letter questions his knowledge of and belief in the US Constitution, and says he has "demonstrated repeatedly that he has little understanding" of the country's "vital national interests, its complex diplomatic challenges ton elite looking to hold onto their power" and saying they should be "held accountable" for making the world less safe. He said they were the reason the world is "a mess." The major setback for Trump was followed by top Republican Senator Susan Collins saying she
she argued. Collins, the most senior senator to split publicly with the presidential nominee, said her conclusion about Trump's unsuitability for office is based on his "disregard" for the precept of treating others with respect, an idea that should transcend politics.-PTI
12
India Post
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
INDEPENDENCE DAY IN RETROSPECT PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE SURENDRA ULLAL & RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
I
ndependence Day in USA, also known as the Fourth of July, is the national holiday of the United States of America. Independence Day honors the birthday of the nation. On July 4, 1776 the United States claimed its independence from England by signing the declaration of independence and democracy was born. Americans proudly fly the American Flag, sing songs and enjoy the day with camping out and partying with family and friends. It is celebrated as a Public Day with outings, picnics and lots of outdoor events like parades, air shows, barbecues, fireworks and musical concerts. Parades generally occur in the morning and the fireworks occur in the evening. Independence Day fireworks are usually accompanied with patriotic songs like "God Bless America", "The StarSpangled Banner", "America the Beautiful" etc. In India, Independence Day is observed on 15th August every year commemorating the victory of India over British imperialism. It triggers nationwide celebration in New Delhi and many other State capitals, schools and col-
leges. National flag is hoisted as teachers, leaders and politicians invoke memories of sacrifices of millions of patriots and leaders fighting for independence. Those who were present and living at this momentous period of Indian history still remember the address by the then Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru who said, "as the world sleeps India awakens to freedom with a promise to the millions that their sac-
Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the struggle and who led the country to freedom died a martyr becoming target of a disgruntled patriot, and Nehru also passed away leaving a considerable burden on the upcoming leadership. However India continues to move with confidence of its future and people's development and to its credit has been able to raise the standard of people who have reportedly become middle class,
At the present time, development continues under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Obstacles are numerous which are but expected while ruling a billion people belonging to different cultural and religious affiliations, especially India's notorious caste affiliations, pulling to as many directions as their opinions rifices will not be in vain as the new government will work for an all round development through all spheres of life, economical, social and political." In spite of early social and political challenges India has been steadfastly moving with a determination to fulfill the promise of equality and justice for all. Though the goal is hard to achieve Indian people and the leadership is struggling to fulfill its promise.
according to a report. The road to development is hazardous but people are steadily coming out of poverty. Education is expanding; position of women is constantly getting better, better than most countries in the world. Within a couple of decades, women in India have risen to high positions in government and industry. Sucheta Kripalani became the first ever Chief Minister of a State, the State of Uttar Pradesh. Within the next decade,
Indira Gandhi became the first ever Prime Minister of India, which is among the first in the world. Babasaheb Ambedkar, a Dalit but highly intellectual person, was entrusted with the work of writing the Constitution with other leading intellectuals of the time. He presented it to the Constituent assembly. It was universally praised for its vision and breadth. This is the document which is guiding the country successfully ever since. Thus India has marched ahead despite gargantuan problems. At the present time, development continues under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Obstacles are numerous which are but expected while ruling a billion people belonging to different cultural and religious affiliations, especially India's notorious caste affiliations, pulling to as many directions as their opinions. But India is working and keeps growing, which is what make her different, distinct and worthy of deep appreciation to understand her immortal spirit, flowing as incessantly as River Ganges, and standing as majestically as Indian Banyan tree, considered immortal. Interestingly it is considered a part of the Indian tradition and legend and thus considered National Tree of India, as Peacock is India's National Bird. Cont’d on page 14
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
13
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
14
Independence Day in Retrospect Cont’d from page 12
India Post, true to its years long tradition, conducted a small survey this year seeking the view of its readers about the impact of US Presidential elections on India, US relations as well as the performance of Indian government led by PM Modi The consensus emerged that the Indian community by large rates chances of Hilary Clinton winning the race more favorably and the opinion is also that the IndiaUS relations under her stewardship would improve a lot for two reasons 1) Her long experience in the administration and for-
eign relations and 2) her personal touch with India and Indian people. Some have expressed their confidence in Trump, because of his open-minded foreign policy and effort to preserve the edge of US in industrial production and not to lose the primacy of the US in areas especially defense, economy and social justice. Trump, many believe, should show some political expediency in dealing with criticism of Hispanic and Muslims and above all women, who have considerably dropped support to him. So, once invincible Trump who was voted to be nominated with high support
and got indeed nominated finds himself somewhat endangered; running a few points behind Hillary in the latest poll. But politics being what it is, anything could happen and he could even win! PM Modi has been winning on an allIndia level, though his support has not been as good in the states, many of whom are non-BJP and traditional Congress strongholds like Kerala and north eastern hill states. Ever since taking over, Modi has been working tirelessly with his main thrust on industrial development and clean and healthy India by introducing several
schemes in many parts of the country. His main opponents to his developmental works are Chief Ministers of Bihar and West Bengal, firstly both of whom are non-BJP and have their own agenda; mostly vote-bank policy. Both being large states commanding many MPS and state representatives, as the diplomacy demands, Modi has emerged as a prudent politician moving extremely cautiously. The unfortunate incident of Muslim riots in Gujarat is sometimes pushed by his opponents in forefront but it now lacks punch. All give huge kudos to Modi for enhancing Indian image across the world.
SURVEY PART-I
Bilateral ties strong
Stabilizing factors
NIRANJAN SHAH, a community leader and Chairman Globe Trotters Engineering Corporation, observed that Prime Minister Modi has done outstanding work in the last two years with international leaders especially in United States and Europe. India is recognized as a strong strategic partner by United States. That combined with high level of continued achievement by Indian Americans makes bilateral relations very strong. It matters little for India as to who will be the next President. Mrs Clinton or Mr. Trump will continue the momentum forward. PM Modi has brought a breath of fresh air in India. However opposition does have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the nation. Some time we wonder if they do so. Democracy has its flaws. And yet it is still the best form of government one can have. PM is not perfect. It is a process of growing up for an old nation but young democracy. It is also the journey following the principles of ancient wisdom.
ANIL SHAH, President of Word Money Exchange, said that India and US will have to pull together whoever heads the US government. Both have well entrenched democratic institutions and both could be stabilizing factors in geo politics. However, under Hillary Clinton's stewardship, the relations are likely to grow better as she has huge international exposure and traditionally Democrats are better for India. Also, some of the views of Donald Trump about H 1 Visa and immigration could be unwelcome road blocks in cementing ties. Shah said that PM Modi has done a reasonably good job during the past two years trying to clean mess created by ill-governance by his predecessors. He should keep up the unfinished task in this direction but at the same time he should be more assertive and make his position clear on many issues. "To many of us the readers of Indian scene, his silence is baffling. He should have clear cut views and policies with regard to domestic happenings and more so in dealing with countries like Pakistan. Our neighbor keeps pin pricking us and foments trouble. Modi should be more vocal," he said.
Hillary better choice
Trump 'drunk elephant'
MAFAT PATEL, the head of Patel Brothers empire and often described as Uncrowned King, said that democratic India and democratic USA are natural allies but for one reason or other they have not pulled together on many issues, including cross border terrorism or arming Pakistan. In the context of US elections and incoming new President, it would be worth a debate as to who could be better Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. Trump is a proven businessman but has near zero political experience while Clinton has been in politics at different levels and positions can claim to have a better track record. Trump also has stricter views about immigration issues including H1B Visa. How much would this be welcomed by India or Indians here or back home, is a debatable point Besides, Clintons - both Hillary and former president Bill Clinton - have good knowledge of India and Indians having visited the country a few times. President Barack Obama has also softened his attitude towards India after Narendra Modi came in. In view of these considerations, I believe that Hillary Clinton would be a better choice for forging closer India US relations. Mafat Patel observed that Modi has done well so far in many areas in improving the lot of the common man , cleaning politics and upping India's image globally. He can improve more in the field of addressing basic needs of India such as job creation, improving infrastructure, better education facilities, providing clean drinking water and taking care of medical needs.
Dr DAYAL MESHRI, Chairman Advance Research Chemicals, Inc., (ARC), was of the opinion that Hillary Clinton would continue Obama policies of friendlier relations with India. "Although I am Republican, I will like Hillary to be the President. Trump is getting wild and very arrogant. He is disrespectful to women, minorities and honestly I think he is out of his mind. Unfortunately, we do not have better candidates. Hillary may not be honest but she is at least more human than this wild horse or more likely, drunk elephant." With regard to India, Dr Meshri observed that PM Narendra Modi has been doing a great job as far as international relations are concerned. Better job than any Prime Minister of India has done or achieved so far. He needs to be congratulated and garlanded. But with domestic affairs he has been somewhat disappointing. Corruption is still going on, cities are still dirty. No one talks about doing anything about "black money" through which government is being ripped off. There are many selfish people and corrupt elements in BJP and this situation is far from acceptable. It is almost shameful the way we are handling Pakistan. We invite them to our defense area where they killed our soldiers! It amounts to bankruptcy of our foreign policy. We have not learned anything from Israelis. If they kill one, we should kill 100 of their soldiers One good thing is PM Modi's Make in India policy. This "Made in India" slogan will really spur industrial growth as has been done in China. The country would reap huge benefits in the long run. Cont’d on page 19
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
15
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
16
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
17
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
18
India Post August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
Cont’d from page 14
Historical significance ASHFAQ HUSSEIN, a young community activist in Chicaogland hailing from Hyderabad, said that the US presidential election of 2016 will be of great historical significance. Donald Trump the Republican candidate, turning 70 on 14 June, would be the oldest president in history, if elected. Hillary Clinton, the Democrat candidate, turns 69 before the election and will bag the honor to be the first woman elected to this office Trump is a great salesman and is using his best skills to sell his presidency. He is able to convince people that he has the best product that would solve all their problems. Hillary Clinton is one of the most wellknown women in 21st century. Apart from her prominence in the political spectrum, she will bring a number of potential strengths to the race, from her tenure as secretary of state to her perceived toughness and experience. She needs to make sure she is a competent politician, not just a policy mind. Relations between the world's two largest democracies have been great with New Delhi and Washington have shaping it with regular dialog and meetings between PM Narendra Modi and President Barack Obama. With the combination of strategic and economic interests, the current friendship between the two countries would grow. Stable and equitable India-US relations should be a cornerstone of US Asia policy whoever ascends White House in November.
Indian electorate gave a great mandate to PM Modi to restructure the country with new initiatives and news ideas. He selected experienced and young team to work with him for the development of the country and has constantly kept the ministers on toes. PM took great initiative to provide toilets in all schools, Swachh Bharat initiative was again a great mission started to improve the health and hygiene of the poor and keep the country neat and clean, Most of the middle class and common population use Indian Railways and there has been upgrade in the Indian Railways for the better.PM implemented the Jan Dhan scheme and opened more than 14 crore bank accounts for financial inclusion. His visit to different countries in last two years has resulted in spurring foreign investment in the country. His "Make in India" national initiative is designed to facilitate investments and enhance skill development. However, the government in my opinion should be focusing on job creation, curbing corruption, modernizing public transportation throughout India; solving the black money problem, providing a safer environment for citizens especially women; improve the educational as well as medical facilities for India to be called a developed country after 70 years of Independence. Besides, sabka saath sabka vikas should be practiced, cost of living to be reduced, push infrastructure development, review outdated polices, empower youth and support farmers.
Modi has done well CHANDRAKANT PATEL, a front ranking Dallas businessman heading State Bank of Texas, said that between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the latter will be better for India as the new head of the government because: (A) Traditionally Democrats have been good for India (specially Barack Obama forging personal relationship with PM Modi) (B) Clinton has been to India several times and knows the county and its people better than Trump. According to Chan Patel, the Modi Government has fared well considering the Indian political environment. It has done much better than what Congress would have achieved in the same period. More importantly Modi has brought India's reputation several notches up with his foreign visits and personal touch with heads of different countries. Such visits have increased the economic tie ups and helped speed up implementation of new projects like bullet train, cleaning up Ganges etc. Another area that the Modi government should focus on is removing red tape for NRIs. This aspect needs to be addressed with more emphasis.
SURVEY PART-II will appear next week
19
Looking back on the 70th Independence Day NIRANJAN SHAH
O
n this 70th Independence Day of country. India my thoughts go back to over While we all feel that India has not pro50 years ago when I had the oppor- gressed enough and there are many probtunity to attend engineering college. I grew lems including red tape and corruption, the up in a small village without running water fact is we have come a long way from where or electricity. My dad had a primary educa- we started. I know our founding fathers tion and ran a small grocery store in the were not less than the founding fathers of village. We grew up with in a very humble this great country. On this Independence background. Like many other families in rural India, My dad and my elder brother inspired my family suffered me to pursue higher education, espefrom economic hardship and had an uncercially in engineering. However, it would tain future. Though my father had only a not have been possible if some of the high school education, he understood the institutions of higher education had not value and power of been established post-independence. education to bring economic and social equality for our family. While I was not wise enough to realize and Day we salute and pay our respects to all appreciate his wisdom at my age of 16, I do of them. today and have enjoyed the fruits of the While we may not remember all their wisdom and foresight of not only my father names, we think of some of the top leaders but the leaders and especially the found- such as Mahatma Gandhi, a great political ing fathers of modern India. mind with purity of action and thoughts; My dad and my elder brother inspired Pandit Nehru, a champion of democracy and me to pursue higher education, especially Sardar Patel, a fearless, strong leader with in engineering. However, it would not have a soft heart within; and many others. been possible if some of the institutions of Niranjan S. Shah came to the U.S. in 1970 higher education had not been established and established a successful business. In post-independence. 2006, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the President My engineering college, Birla Engineer- of India, conferred upon him the Pravasi ing College, and the other colleges were Bharatiya Samman Award in established with the support of Sardar Patel acknowledgement of his outstanding near Anand, a few miles from Sardar Patel's achievement in the field of Community Leadbirthplace. Three leaders who played a very important part in its founding were Mr H. M. Patel, ICS, a former district officer in Sindh; Mr B.D. Patel, a project engineer from the Sukkar Barrage Dam and S. B. Junnarkar, principal of the NED Engineering College in Karachi. They started the engineering college with a handsome donation of Rs 25 lakh (probably today the equivalent of 25 crores) from Shri G.D. Birla. Lord Mountbatten, Governor General of India, came for the opening of the tworoom school. Of course Sardar's blessings helped to make some of these things happen. Over the past 70 File Photo: President Dr, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam giving away the Pravasi years, Birla Engineering Bhartiya Samman Award for Community Leadership to the Chairman College (known as Birla and CEO of Globetrotters Engineering Corporation, USA Mr. Niranjan Vi s h v a k a r m a S. Shah, on the last day of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, in Hyderabad on January 9, 2006 Mahavidyalaya - BVM), my alma mater, has provided education to thousands of young ership and in recognition of his valuable students. It has given young men and contribution in promoting the honor and women not only economic freedom but prestige of India and in fostering the intermade them proud of their family, village and ests of overseas Indians.
India Post August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
20
Looking forward - India & US scenarios DR SUDHIR BRAHMBHATT
W
hile PM Modi successfully con- cash cow for decades: China by running a tinues promoting India world huge trade surplus ($366 billion in 2015); Pawide, US 2016 election has cap- kistan by playing a double game, soaking tured the attention of the whole world and up US aid (more than $30 billion since 2002), India is no exception. India's relationship while pretending to fight radical Islam. with the United States can change signifiAll signs indicate that Trump, if elected, cantly depending on which of the nomi- would cut down on the flow of cash to both nees, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, suc- countries. The US has lost five million manuceeds in November. facturing jobs over the past 15 years, while On one side, Hillary China has seen rapid Clinton has excellent growth in its manufacexperience in foreign turing jobs. As a Presipolicy and is a balanced dent, Trump may be person; she is widely electorally committed to recognized as a "friend bringing a material numof India" and may take ber of lost manufacturUS-India relations to a ing jobs back to the US; new level. the only way he can do Her track record so will be to offset provides further eviAsia's (especially dence that a Clinton China's) labor cost adpresidency would bode vantage in manufacturwell for US-India relaing with a combination tions. As we know, she of tariff and non-tariff Dr Sudhir Brahmbhatt helped create a Senate barriers.Republican caucus focused on India in 2004, she wrote presidential nominee appears to have been in 2011 that "the United States is making a lauded for his perceived toughness on terstrategic bet on India's future," citing re- rorism, a sentiment that has also undergional security, trade integration, and sci- scored much of his support at home. entific development as areas which stood Incidentally, Just as in the United States, to benefit from increased dialogue between as disturbing as Trump's calls for the surthe two nations. veillance of and restrictions on the immiIt seems that Clinton's foreign policy gration of Muslims may be, they carry a could be a continuation of the agendas she unique weight in India, where Muslims pursued as Secretary of State - most nota- who accounted for 13.4 percent of the popubly, the Obama administration's pivot to- lation in the most recent census - have been wards Asia, which was mirrored by Indian the targets of similar rhetoric in tandem with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's revision of the rise of an increasingly vocal Hindu nathe country's "Look East" policy to a more tionalist movement. dynamic set of initiatives to "Act East." Mrs. Clinton is a known entity to Indian Quiet on India government officials: First Lady for eight Trump himself has been relatively quiet years, US senator for another eight, then, on the subject of India. The Republican Secretary of State for four years. nominee has directed the majority of his All the while she has been a friend of bombast at other regional powers, particuIndia. If elected President, it seems that she larly China. His overall lack of political exwill work the bilateral relationship compe- perience, with his prior engagement in Intently. dia limited to the construction of a Trump On the other side, most of what Trump Tower Mumbai, renders his potential interhas said about India, and about its neigh- actions with the country unpredictable to bors, suggests that he would lift the Indo- some degree. However, if his blatant disre-
US' political and economic relationships with India could both deteriorate under his command. Trump's protectionism is cause for concern among proponents of the economics that has strengthened ties between the two countries. What's more, the isolationist rhetoric of the Trump campaign has proved as alarming to Indians as it has to many Americans. Trump's anti-immigration stance "means that he isn't winning any friends in the Indian American population." A Trump administration, if it followed through on his campaign's repeated promises to implement mass barriers to immigration, could render it even more difficult for Indians aspiring to work or study in the United States to realize their goals. India has pursued an agenda of bilateral collaboration with the United States on issues ranging from the Paris climate agreements to civil nuclear cooperation. The
India has pursued an agenda of bilateral collaboration with the United States on issues ranging from the Paris climate agreements to civil nuclear cooperation. The U.S.-India relationship has even managed to transcend partisan politics in some cases U.S.-India relationship has even managed to transcend partisan politics in some cases. Modi, during his visit to the U.S. last month, was received with admiration by both Democrats and Republicans. His address to Congress focused in equal parts on his vision for the development of India and his hope that the country's partnership with the United States could be leveraged for good. This balancing act between national interests and international order has been a cornerstone of the U.S.-India relationship in the 21st century, but the results of the 2016 presidential elections are poised to rewrite the rules entirely. Overall it seems that Mrs. Clinton's willing to make an exception for the damage a Donald Trump presidency could do. Racism and other rhetoric that his campaign has relied upon so far only proves that a Trump win in November "will not be good for the world, and will not be good for India." Indian Scenario No leader in India, even with the best of intentions and a majority in both Houses of Parliament, can meet expectations considering the fractious pol-
File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting US Congress members before his address to the Joint Session, at Capitol Hill, in Washington DC, USA on June 8
US relationship out. As we know, China and Pakistan have been using the US as a
gard for the conventional wisdom of foreign policy thus far is any indication, the
ity, complexity, and magnitude of challenges confronted by the country.Modi won the election on the two issues - country's development and good governance. Modi government cannot achieve most things on its own. They need cooperation of state governments, independent institutions (e.g. RBI), even opposition parties and so on. Hence while the initiative and direction may have come from the Prime Minister's team, the credit for execution must be shared with appropriate partners. Per my perspective if we evaluate his activities, On external affairs, the Modi government has scored high marks in formulating and implementing foreign policy. Some analysts tend to term Modi's initiatives as a failure because of India's difficult and tense relations with its neighbors like Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Maldives. However, fractious relations with Pakistan and China have existed for a long time. Initiatives by the Modi
government have put India in a stronger position, although they might not have necessarily helped in improving bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi has been in office for merely 30% of his 5-year term. Even though the achievements below are decent, naturally many of his efforts during this period were sowing-the-seeds, so a lot more "tangible" fruits will be realized closer to the end of his tenure. With these limitations and significant resistance from the previous culture, he should be lauded for his following achievements: 1. Jan Dhan Yojna generated 6000 crores of deposits, bringing a lot of money back into the economy. This also liberates poor from the claws of private money lenders. 2. Pension schemes for poorenrolls 12.5 lakh subscribers, accident insurance schemes for poor farmers enrolls 123 million subscribers, life insurance scheme enrolls 29.2 million. These schemes help the poor, who often have one earning member supporting an entire family, survive in the event of a calamity or just old age. The schemes were just announced in 2015 but the high enrollment numbers suggest acceptance. I expect these numbers only to grow higher. 3. Make in India: In terms of tangible investments, India already attracted $31 billion FDI (higher than China and USA) in 2015. $11 billion investments have been pledged by various companies, Japan pledged $12.5 billion. Cont’d on page 22
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
21
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
22
Looking forward - India & US scenarios Cont’d from page 20
8. Rural electrification - Believe it or not, even in 2015 there are villages in India that have never received electricity. Power Ministry has been doing an excellent job bringing such villages on the grid every day. So far more than 3000 such villages have been electrified, with the final target to bring electricity to everyone by 2019. Another very important tangible outcome of this effort has been transparency, with regular posts on social media and even a mobile app to track which villages have been electrified each day. 9. Clean energy - India added 2,308.1 MW of wind power generation last year (10% of India's overall wind energy capacity added in just 1 year), and 2015 also saw $1 billion+ international investment in clean energy in India.A deal with Australia has been struck to satisfy our hunger for more fuel. Talks with Japan have advanced to the final levels. China and the US have agreed to cooperate with civil nuclear deals. Hydroelectric project agreement has been agreed with Bhutan that will also assist in flood control and irrigation. 10. The LED program saves Rs 61 lakh every day cutting down power load by
This is the beginning, and PM Modi continues to pitch Make In India globally. But more important than the monetary investments is job creation, which is an urgent necessity to absorb poor from the overemployed agriculture sector. 4. Make in India defense: India is one of the biggest importers of weapons, spending billions in the international market. But as part of Make in India, Defense Ministry approved $3.4 billion deals to purchase weapons produced in India. This is a start but strategic since not only does it prevent Indian money leaving the country, but also catalyzes defense technology development in-house. 5. India climbed 12 spots in ease of doing business global rankings, and India overtook USA to become #1 in the consumer confidence index in 2015. This is a tangible outcome of administrative improvements, policy reforms, and a growing middle class. 6. India became the fastest growing economy in the world at 7.4%. This is at a time when other comparable developing countries like Russia, Brazil are demonstrating negative growth India signed strategic nuclear (not growing slower deals with Japan, Russia, Canada but economy is actually shrinking), so one and France giving India access to cannot simply attribute this growth to unprecedented nuclear fuel global economic conditions. And this and technology growth is not widening the economic gap between rich and poor, as a global study points that poverty in 145MW. 11. Nuclear deals - India signed strateIndia has fallen from 21% to 12.4% over the gic nuclear deals with Japan, Russia, last two years. 7. Making PSUs profitable - Air India Canada and France giving India access to became profitable for the first time in ten unprecedented nuclear fuel and technology.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Make in India Centre in Mumbai
years, and BSNL saw growth "highest in the last five years". So these are no longer a burden on the taxpayer, but now actually contributing positively to the economy.
12. Indian Railways is undergoing many reforms too - upgrading the quality of coaches, investing $6 billion in a developing state like Bihar to create jobs (part of
Cities, Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, etc - which are being executed well and I expect them to yield tangible achievements in the coming years, but I have left out from this list for now. Under Modi, India has sought to diminish the significance of Pakistan in its foreign policy formulation and establish strategic partnerships with countries like the United States and Japan to enhance New Delhi's maneuverability to deal with the increasingly assertive behavior of China. Difficult and stressed relations with Nepal and PM Modi during Swachh Bharat Abhiyan the Maldives, meanwhile, are due to India "Swachh Bharat", and revenues increasing being sucked into the vortex of domestic politics in these countries. by 6.67% year-over-year. Modi's vision, energy, and infectious 13. Yemen evacuation - it is now internationally accepted that India led the world enthusiasm in strengthening relations with in carrying out one of the best executed big and medium powers like the United States, Germany, Japan, Russia, France, mass evacuations internationally. 14. Transparency - Modi government ASEAN, the U.K., Australia, South Korea, made the (previously infamous) coal and Central Asia, and West Asia have been prospectrum auctions transparent, which earned Indian government Rs 2 lakh crores and Rs 1 lakh crores respectively. Indian Railways also introduced transparency in recruitment and handing out contracts with the aim to eliminate low level corruption. 15. Delivered One Rank One Pension to armed forces after multiple decades of struggle (though some conductive as he has made foreign policy a tention still exists). 16. India's historic India's historic ap- significant element in India's domestic ecoproval of the Goods and Services Tax nomic development. Modi has used India's (GST) this week marked a milestone in soft power - yoga, culture, and philosophy Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two- - to good effect as well. Finally, he has acyear reign. Now comes the next step: tively and effectively reached out to the Getting a handle on the move's eco- Indian Diaspora to make them active partnomic impact. By replacing a confusing ners in India's progress and development. Modi's achievements have been submass of central, state, inter-state and local taxes-among the most common stantial although they might not measure complaints of foreign businesses-the up to the impossible hype and hope of GST is widely expected to transform In- "achhe din"(good days) enunciated two dia into a common market, bringing with years ago. In the coming year, Modi and his colit increased efficiency and productivity. 17. Stronger federalism - last year's leagues will need to ensure that macro polibudget gives states 42% of tax collected. cies get implemented efficaciously and that This is an important achievement which their impact is felt by the people. On the stops political manipulation of the state governance side it will be necessary to rein governments by the center (example in the extremist elements who tend to take from before). Indian federalism also got the focus away from development. The coming year will be of crucial siga boost when the old Planning Commission (a central body which allocates na- nificance in shaping Modi's legacy, which tional resources amongst states but he will present to the people in 2019 for state governments had almost no say) another chance at the prime minister ship. Sudhir R. Brahmbhatt, Ph.D, MBA is was replaced by NitiAyog which has a much stronger representation of the President and Founder - Center for Indian states, so they can collectively shape their Cultural Education Bal Vihar of St. Louis, own destiny (instead of practically begging MO (www.balvihar-stlouis.com) President and Founder-Technology the center like before). There are many other initiatives - Smart Services Inc. (www.TSINC-US.com) "Make in India" as opposed to outsourcing the contract to foreign countries), giving prompt support to passengers,cleaning 12 important railway stations as part of
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
23
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
24
Indian Freedom Struggle & Independence
I
n ancient times, people from all over the world were keen to come to India. The Aryans came from Central Europe and settled down in India. The Persians followed by the Iranians and Parsis immigrated to India. Then came the Moghuls and they too settled down permanently in India. Chengis Khan, the Mongolian, invaded and looted India many times. Alexander the Great too, came to conquer India but went back after a battle with Porus. He-en Tsang from China came in pursuit
The Indian Mutiny of 1857
of knowledge and to visit the ancient Indian universities of Nalanda and Takshila. Columbus wanted to come to India, but instead landed on the shores of America. Vasco da Gama from Portugal came to trade his country's goods in return for Indian species. The French came and established their colonies in India. Lastly, the Britishers came and ruled over India for nearly 200 years. After the battle of Plassey in 1757, the British achieved political power in India. And their paramountcy was established during the tenure of Lord Dalhousie, who became the Governor- General in 1848. He annexed Punjab, Peshawar and the Pathan tribes in the north-west of India. And by 1856, the British conquest and its authority were firmly established. While the British power gained its heights during the middle of the 19th century, the discontent of the local rulers, the peasantry, the intellectuals, common masses as also of the soldiers who became unemployed due to the disbanding of the armies of various states that were annexed by the British, became widespread. This soon broke out into a revolt which assumed the dimensions of the 1857 Mutiny.
manifested itself in many localized revolt during this period. However, the Mutiny of 1857, which began with a revolt of the military soldiers at Meerut, soon became widespread and posed a grave challenge to the British rule. Even though the British succeeded in crushing it within a year, it was certainly a popular revolt in which the Indian rulers, the masses and the militia participated so enthusiastically that it came to be regarded as the First War of Indian Independence. Introduction of zamindari system by the British, where the peasants were ruined through exorbitant charges made from them by the new class of landlords. The craftsmen were destroyed by the influx of the British manufactured goods. The religion and the caste system which formed the firm foundation of the traditional Indian society was endangered by the British administration. The Indian soldiers as well as people in administration could not rise in hierarchy as the senior jobs were reserved for the Europeans. Thus, there was all-round discontent and disgust against the British rule, which burst out in a revolt by the 'sepoys' at Meerut whose religious sentiments were offended when they were given new cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, whose covering had to be stripped out by biting with the mouth before using them in rifles. The Hindu as well as the Muslim soldiers, who refused to use such cartridges, were arrested which resulted in a revolt by their fellow soldiers on May 9, 1857. The rebel forces soon captured Delhi and the revolt spread to a wider area and there was uprising in almost all parts of the country. The most ferocious battles were fought in Delhi, Awadh, Rohilkhand, Bundelkhand, Allahabad, Agra, Meerut and western Bihar. The rebellious forces under the commands of Kanwar Singh in Bihar and Bakht Khan in Delhi gave a stunning blow to the British. In Kanpur, Nana Sahib was proclaimed as the Peshwa and the brave leader Tantya Tope led his troops. Rani Lakshmibai was proclaimed the ruler of Jhansi who led her troops in the heroic battles with the Brit-
The Hindu as well as the Muslim soldiers, who refused to use such cartridges, were arrested which resulted in a revolt by their fellow soldiers on May 9, 1857
The Indian Mutiny of 1857 The conquest of India, which could be said to have begun with the Battle of Plassey (1757), was practically completed by the end of Dalhousie's tenure in 1856. It had been by no means a smooth affair as the simmering discontent of the people
ish. The Hindus, the Muslims, the Sikhs and all the other brave sons of India fought shoulder to shoulder to throw out the British. The revolt was controlled by the British within one year, it began from Meerut on 10 May 1857 and ended in Gwalior on 20 June 1858.
End of the East India
Company Consequent to the failure of the Revolt of 1857 rebellion, one also saw the end of the East India Company's rule in India and many important changes took place in the British Government's policy towards India which sought to strengthen the British rule through winning over the Indian princes, the chiefs and the landlords. Queen Victoria's Proclamation of November 1, 1858 declared that thereafter India would be governed by and in the name of the British Monarch through a Secretary of State. The Governor General was given title of Viceroy, which meant the representative of the Monarch. Queen Victoria assumed the title of the Empress of India and thus gave the British Government unlimited powers to intervene in the internal affair of the Indian states. In brief, the British paramountcy over India, including the Indian States, was firmly established. The British gave their support to the loyal princes, zamindar and local chiefs but neglected the educated people and the common masses. They also
Queen Victoria
promoted the other interests like those of the British merchants, industrialists, planters and civil servants. The people of India, as such, did not have any say in running the government or formulation of its policies. Consequently, people's disgust with the British rule kept mounting, which gave rise to the birth of Indian National Movement. The leadership of the freedom movement passed into the hands of reformists like Raja Rammohan Roy, Bankim Chandra and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. During this time, the binding psychological concept of National Unity was also forged in the fire of the struggle against a common foreign oppressor. Raja Rammohan Roy (1772-1833) founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 which aimed at purging the society of all its evil practices. He worked for eradicating evils like sati, child marriage and purdah system, championed widow marriage and women's education and favored English system of education in India. It was through his effort that sati was declared a legal offence by the British. Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, estab-
lished the Ramkrishna Mission at Belur in 1897. He championed the supremacy of Vedantic philosophy. His talk at the Chicago (USA) Conference of World Religions in 1893 made the westerners realize the greatness of Hinduism for the first time.
Formation of Indian National Congress (INC) The foundations of the Indian National Movement were laid by Suredranath Banerjee with the formation of Indian Association at Calcutta in 1876. The aim of the Association was to represent the views of the educated middle class, inspire the Indian community to take the value of united action. The Indian Association was, in a way, the forerunner of the Indian National Congress, which was founded, with the help of A.O. Hume, a retired British official. The birth of Indian National Congress (INC) in 1885 marked the entry of new educated middle-class into politics and transformed the Indian political horizon. The first session of the Indian National Congress was held in Bombay in December 1885 under the president ship of Womesh Chandra Banerjee and was attended among others by and Badr-uddin-Tyabji. At the turn of the century, the freedom movement reached out to the common unlettered man through the launching of the "Swadeshi Movement" by leaders such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Aurobindo Ghose. The Congress session at Calcutta in 1906, presided by Dadabhai Naoroji, gave a call for attainment of 'Swaraj' a type of self-government elected by the people within the British Dominion, as it prevailed in Canada and Australia, which were also the parts of the British Empire. Meanwhile, in 1909, the British Government announced certain reforms in the structure of Government in India which are known as Morley-Minto Reforms. But these reforms came as a disappointment as they did not mark any advance towards the establishment of a representative Government. The provision of special representation of the Muslim was seen as a threat to the Hindu-Muslim unity on which the strength of the National Movement rested. So, these reforms were vehemently opposed by all the leaders, including the Muslim leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Cont’d on page 25
Raja Rammohan Roy
India Post August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
25
Indian Freedom Struggle & Independence Cont’d from page 24
Subsequently, King George V made two announcements in Delhi: firstly, the partition of Bengal, which had been effected in 1905, was annulled and, secondly, it was announced that the capital of India was to be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. The disgust with the reforms announced
Swami Vivekananda
in 1909 led to the intensification of the struggle for Swaraj. While, on one side, the activists led by the great leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal waged a virtual war against the British, on the other side, the revolutionaries stepped up their violent activities. There was a widespread unrest in the country. To add to the already growing discontent among the people, Rowlatt Act was passed in 1919, which empowered the Government to put people in jail without trial. This caused widespread indignation, led to massive demonstration and hartals, which the Government repressed with brutal measures like the Jaliawalla Bagh massacre, where thousands of unarmed peaceful people were gunned down on the order of General Dyer.
The Non-Cooperation Movement The Non-Cooperation Movement was pitched in under leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian National Congress from September 1920 to February 1922, marking a new awakening in the Indian Independence Movement. After a series of events including the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, Gandhiji realized that there was no prospect of getting any fair treatment at the hands of British, so he planned to withdraw the nation's co-operation from the British Government, thus launching the Non-Cooperation Movement and thereby marring the administrative set up of the country. This movement was a great success as it got massive encouragement to millions of Indians. This movement almost shook the British authorities.
movement.
Partition of India and Pakistan At the conclusion of the Second World War, the Labor Party, under Prime Minister Clement Richard Attlee, came to power in Britain. The Labor Party was largely sympathetic towards Indian people for freedom. A Cabinet Mission was sent to India in March 1946, which after a careful study of the Indian political scenario, proposed the formation of an interim Government and convening of a Constituent Assembly comprising members elected by the provincial legislatures and nominees of the Indian
Simon Commission The Non-cooperation movement failed. Therefore there was a lull in political activities. The Simon Commission was sent to India in 1927 by the British Government to suggest further reforms in the structure of Indian Government. The Commission did not include any Indian member and the Government showed no intention of accepting the demand for Swaraj. Therefore, it sparked a wave of protests all over the country and the Congress as well as the Muslim League gave a call to boycott it under the leadership of Lala Lajpat Rai. The crowds were lathi charged and Lala Lajpat Rai, also called Sher-e-
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Jalianwala Bagh massacre of April 13, 1919 was one of the most inhuman acts of the British rulers in India. The people of Punjab gathered on the auspicious day of Baisakhi at Jalianwala Bagh, adjacent to Golden Temple (Amritsar), to lodge their protest peacefully against persecution by the British Indian Government. General Dyer appeared suddenly with his armed police force and fired indiscriminately at innocent empty handed people leaving hundreds of people dead, including women and children. After the First World War (1914-1918), Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi became the undisputed leader of the Congress. During this struggle, Mahatma Gandhi had developed the novel technique of non-violent agitation, which he called 'Satyagraha', loosely translated as 'moral domination'. Gandhi, himself a devout Hindu, also espoused a total moral philosophy of tolerance, brotherhood of all religions, non-violence (ahimsa) and of simple living. With this, new leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose also emerged on the scene and advocated the adoption of complete independence as the goal of the National Movement.
the movement and resorted to brutal firing, killing hundreds of people. Thousands were arrested along with Gandhiji and Jawaharlal Nehru. But the movement spread to all the four corners of the country. Following this, Round Table Conferences were arranged by the British and Gandhiji attended the second Round Table Conference at London. But nothing came out of the conference and the Civil Disobedience Movement was revived. During this time, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were arrested on the charges of throwing a bomb in the Central Assembly Hall (which is now Lok Sabha) in Delhi, to demonstrate against the autocratic alien rule. They were hanged to death on March
Dadabhai Naoroji
Punjab (Lion of Punjab) died of the blows received in an agitation.
Civil Disobedience Movement Mahatma Gandhi led the Civil Disobedience Movement that was launched in the Congress Session of December 1929. The aim of this movement was a complete disobedience of the orders of the British Government. During this movement it was decided that India would celebrate 26th January as Independence Day all over the country. On 26th January 1930, meetings were held all over the country and the Congress tricolor was hoisted. The British Government tried to repress
Mahatma Gandhi
23, 1931.
Quit India Movement In August 1942, Gandhiji started the 'Quit India Movement' and decided to launch a mass civil disobedience movement 'Do or Die' call to force the British to leave India. The movement was followed, nonetheless, by large-scale violence directed at railway stations, telegraph offices, government buildings, and other emblems and institutions of colonial rule. There were widespread acts of sabotage, and the government held Gandhi responsible for these acts of violence, suggesting that they were a deliberate act of Congress policy. However, all the prominent leaders were arrested, the Congress was banned and the police and army were brought out to suppress the movement. Meanwhile, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who stealthily ran away from the British detention in Calcutta, reached foreign lands and organized the Indian National Army (INA) to overthrow the British from India. The Second World War broke out in September of 1939 and without consulting the Indian leaders, India was declared a warring state (on behalf of the British) by the Governor General. Subhash Chandra Bose, with the help of Japan, preceded fighting the British forces and not only freed Andaman and Nicobar Islands from the Britishers but also entered the north-eastern border of India. But in 1945 Japan was defeated and Netaji proceeded from Japan through an aeroplane to a place of safety but met with an accident and it was given out that he died in that air-crash itself. "Give me blood and I shall give you freedom" - was one of the most popular statements made by him, where he urges the people of India to join him in his freedom
states. An interim Government was formed headed by Jawaharlal Nehru. However, the Muslim League refused to participate in the deliberations of the Constituent Assembly and pressed for the separate state for Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten, the Viceroy of India, presented a plan for the division of India into India and Pakistan, and the Indian leaders had no choice but to accept the division, as the Muslim League was adamant. Thus, India became free at the stroke of midnight, on August 14, 1947. (Since then, every year India celebrates its Independence Day on 15th August). Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minster of free India and continued his term till 1964. Giving voice to the sentiments of the nation, Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, Long years ago we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we will redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again. Earlier, a Constituent Assembly was formed in July 1946, to frame the Constitution of India and Dr.Rajendra Prasad was elected its President. The Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November 1949. On January 26, 1950, the Constitution came into force and Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected the first President of India.
More Supplement Pages on Page 26 & 46-50
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
26
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Jag Ghoomeya: Sultan 2 Sab Tera: Baaghi 3 Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai: Sultan 27 India Post
Aug 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
4 Ud-Daa Punjab: Udta Punjab 5 Salamat: Sarbjit 6 Chitta Ve : Udta Punjab 7 Bol Do Na Zara: Azhar 8 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 9 Cham Cham : Baaghi 10 Ikk Kudi : Udta Punjab
I
t was an adventure weekend for Jacqueline Fernandez and her mom in Maldives. Jacqueline is clearly a mommy's girl. Taking some time off from her shooting, the actress took off for a quick trip to the Maldives and ensured that mom Kim Fernz was pampered to the hilt. The actress told Mirror that the two of them are like peas in a pod, sharing interests, a similar sense of humor, and a love for mini vacations together. She recalls the trip to Koh
Samui and Bali which was really special for the both of them. "I could only afford the trip after I signed my third film and made sure I took mom along to celebrate my success," she reminisces. What made the trip memorable was that Jacqueline got to swim alongside a whale shark. "It's something I've been planning for a while now. Maldives was just the breather I needed and I definitely plan to visit this paradise and the whale sharks again," she asserts.
D
eepika Padukone has be come the highest paid actress. According an insider, Deepika is being paid Rs 12.65 crore for playing the Rani of Chittor in 'Padmavati'. The 'Piku' actress has hiked her fees enormously. This is her third film with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and with every film, she has increased her fees a lot. "For Ram-Leela she got Rs 1 crore, for Bajirao Mastani, which came two years later, it was Rs 7 crore, this time it is Rs 12.62 crore, making her the first Bollywood actress to break the Rs 10 crore barrier," Mumbai Mirror quoted a source as saying. Deepika's back to back success in Bollywood and her international stint has made her the most bankable actress in Bollywood. By hiking her fees, Deepika Padukone has apparently dethroned Kangana Ranaut who claimed to have charged around 11 crore per film.
I
f actors can turn singers, then sing ers too can try their hand at acting. That's what singer Sunidhi Chauhan is keen on these days. Having won several accolades for her singing, Sunidhi now wants to spread her wings and try hands at acting in Bollywood films. The 32-year-old singer recently made her acting debut with the short film, Playing Priya. Sunidhi said earlier she wasn't prepared to take on the role of an actor, even though she was fascinated by acting since childhood. "Earlier I wasn't ready to act but now I have reached a stage where I know this is the right time. I was inclined to acting since childhood. Now I want to do a lot of Bollywood films," said Sunidhi. "I am waiting for good roles and offers to come. I won't take up anything, I'll choose the right script and would definitely like to do a full length feature film," she said.
I was inclined to acting since childhood. Now I want to do a lot of Bollywood films
Desi News Raja gets support from Dallas Indian community ARVIND PATEL
DALLAS, TX: Several leaders of the Dallas Indian American community gave a rousing welcome to Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for US Congress as a Democratic Party candidate from the 8th Congressional District of Illinois. The fundraising banquet that was hosted on August 3 at the residence of a prominent Indian American community leader, Dr. Prasad Thotakura, in Colleyville, TX was very successful.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
28 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
Amazing start with best entertainers, celebrities and movies
Details on page 31
Unique presentation of Romeo Juliet in Kathak HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF) celebrated 400 years of Shakespeare with a unique presentation of "Romeo & Juliet" in collaboration with Kala Eternal Rhythms, July 10 at McAninch Theater, College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, a north side suburb of Chicago. A large audience consisting of Kathak enthusiasts and supporters attended this Shakespearian love saga as a Kathak Dance Drama The program began with a welcome speech by Dr. Shobha Sinha, Vice President of ASF. The first part of the program consisted of an enthralling Tabla performance by Pandit Swapan Chaudhari. Details on page 32
ISNA hosting largest American Muslim Convention RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: With likely attendance of about 15,000 members and guests from across USA and some from outside the country, the three-day 53rd Annual Convention in Chicago by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) will be one of the biggest of its type here. The theme of the Convention that is slated to open on September 2 and run thru September 5 this year will be Turning Points: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities. ISNA's Annual Convention usually is the largest gathering of Muslims in North America and this year will be no exception, according to organizers. Details on page 35
India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: FOG 2016 had an amazing start on Saturday, 6th August. Enthralling performances by Cosplayers and Brian Geynour created the joyful and exciting ambience at the Camera 12 Cinemas in San Jose. Thoughtful and incisive movies were also screened to the delight of audiences! It was a packed schedule with best in the class entertainers, celebrities and world class movie screenings. The day unfolded with a fabulous Red Carpet Meet and Greet. It was a glamorous show with 'Babylon 5' celebrity Patricia Tallman interacting with the crowd. The entertainment got into the high gear with the over 30 Cosplayers and a panel on entertainment, chaired by Barbara Crouch Roth and John Callison. Bryan Gaynor of "So You Think You Can Dance" regaled the hall with superb performance. The VIP Professional Cosplayers were dressed up as pirates, pirate wenches, a Capt. Jack Sparrow, machine-like characters and medieval ladies. Audiences were on the edge all
through the day with jaw dropping performances and entertainment. The performances were a feast to the eyes, with a deep immersion into the world of Cosplayers. At the end of the performance, entertainers shared many tidbits about their art. Their focus was to discuss how entertainers can impact social and societal issues like empowerment of women and children. Animation movie entries "Mermaids on Mars", a local Bay Area film, and "The 3 Burritos" from Australia kicked off the FOG Movie Fest marathon. N a n c y Guettier, the producer and writer of "Mermaids on Mars" mingled with the audience and shared behind the scene stories. Cont’d on page 30
August 12, 2016
Community Across America
India Post 29
www.indiapost.com
Summit discusses Sustainability & Future Trends MEGHNA NAIR
O
n August 7th, Festival of Globe (FOG) held a Summit that consisted of panelists that addressed the emerging trends in our world. The six speakers that attended this Summit were people who want to make each and every country as advanced as another country. Some of the topics that were addressed were new technologies, microbiomes, and many more. Each panelist explained about how they are trying to make the world a better place to live in. The keynote speaker of the Summit was Vivek Wadhwa. Wadhwa is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. His main goal is to get the technology that is used in the Silicon Valley transported to villages in India. Villages in India have young entrepreneurs that could really benefit from all the technologies used in the Silicon Valley. These entrepreneurs could also help make advances that people in the Silicon Valley have not thought of. Wadhwa stressed the importance of education in India. He said that young kids in India are not getting the education they should be getting. Wadhwa repeated many times that if children in India are taught properly from a young age, they can really help our world. The moderator of the Summit was Dr. Solomon Darwin. Dr Darwin is the Executive Director of the Center for Corporate Innovation. His goal is to have smart villages all over India. Smart villages will be full of new technologies that will help children all the way to adults. These villages will be the
Dr. Japra speaking at the panel (L-R) Joseph A Minafra, Kevin Surace, Penelope J. Boston, Dr Solomon Darwin and Vivek Wadhwa
future engines of economic growth in India. Darwin is looking to accomplish to this goal using new technology and a good business model. He believes that if the children in In-
Penny Boston is the Director of the NASA Astrobiology Institute. She was more focused on the medical side. She talked about microbiomes living in our body. Microbiomes are the microorgan-
Wadhwa’s main goal is to get the technology that is used in the Silicon Valley transported to villages in India. Villages in India have young entrepreneurs that could really benefit from all the technologies used in the Silicon Valley. dia can get the education that the children in US get, they will be able to do many great things. Dr. Darwin believes that if everyone can pitch in, his goal of smart villages can be accomplished. The next panelist who spoke was Penelope (Penny) Boston.
isms in a particular environment, including the body or a part of the body. "We depend on a vast army of microbes to stay alive: a microbiome that protects us against germs, breaks down food to release energy, and produces
vitamins." Penny stated that the world should be educated about microbes because they are the foundation of a human body; any disease or problem starts from microbes. Boston also stressed the importance of equality between men and women. She said that women are getting held back from doing great things because they don't get the same opportunities as men. Penny Boston believes that women all over the world should get more opportunities to become successful. The next panelist who spoke was Kevin Surace. Surace is CEO of Appvance. He talked about making the world an eco-friendly place. According to Surace, buildings use the most energies. Surace once saved a business $450,000 every year after changing the window panels in the buildings. Kevin
Bringing community together in peace & harmony India Post News Service
F.O.G. Silicon Valley's Community Unity in Diversity was held on Sunday, August 7 at the Camera 12 Cinemas in San Jose. In the wake of the shootings in Orlando, Dallas, Baton Rouge, Paris, Munich, our global community is faced with great challenges that we have never faced before. Everyone's lives matter in our community. California exemplary community leaders who have contributed greatly to our society are the following: Honorable Teresa D. Cox, Event Chair and Moderator & Ohlone Community College Trustee and Trade Advisor to the Obama Administration; Chandra Lopez-Brooks, Northern California Staff Director for SEIU-United
Service Workers West & Vice Chair of Santa Clara County's Commission on the Status of
Women and Girls; Frank Carabajal, Founder and President of EsTiempo; Assemblymember
Kansen Chu, District 25; Cont’d on page 32
stated that awareness of global warming increased at a time but now it is decreasing. Surace founded a business that uses disruptive technologies to reduce energy usage in buildings. Kevin believes that using solar panels, using electric cars, and cutting energy use in buildings can help decrease global warming. Finally, Joseph Minafra presented his views at the Summit. Minafra is the Lead for Technical Systems of Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute in NASA. His speech was mainly about robotics. Minafra runs a robotic program targeted at college students. He believes that robotics is a good way to express creativity without kids knowing that they are learning Math and English. He said that kids with fewer resources are the ones who are more creative. Minafra has already seen what kids in India and other countries have been able to do with robotics. He stated that if people in India can get the resources that Silicon Valley has, they can really advance the world of technology. There was a Q&A session at the end of the Summit. These were some of the questions that were asked: 1) Q: If you had a disease and you were taking medicines to try and cure the disease, could the microbes shrug off the medicine causing the medicine to not cure the disease? A: There are cases were the microbes have shrugged off the medicine. It is definitely possible for the microbes to act the opposite way. 2)Q: Is it really expensive to start your own robotic competition? A: No, it is actually very inexpensive to start a robotic competition. It will be even easier to start one if you had sponsors on board.
30 India Post
Community Across America
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
Amazing start with best entertainers, celebrities and movies Cont’d from page 28
She shared many interesting insights about her creative work as an author of children's books, illustrator, involving her children in her work, and the little tricks that can save a ton of money while making animation films. "Dreams of You and Me", a beautiful romantic feature film, directed by Angel Nieves was next. The director had an intimate and lively Q & A session with the audience. This was followed by "Home" (short film from Canada) and "Pursuing Dreams: Stories of Refugee and Immigrant Youth" (a local Bay Area documentary film) in California. At 7:00 p.m., the fans and viewers packed the theater for the show of "Arranged to Love", a multicultural short film from Bay area. Ranu Sinha and Leilani Arenzana, the directors of this film and many members of their cast and crew were present. With an outstanding start, FOG 2016 will continue to be an exceptional experience over the week of August 8th through August 14th.
August 12, 2016
Community Across America
India Post 31
www.indiapost.com
Raja gets support from Dallas Indian American community ARVIND PATEL
Raja Krishnamoorthi at Dallas Fundraiser with Indian American supporters. (L-R) Raja with community leaders Prasad Thotukara, MVL Prasad, CC Theophenie and Sridhar Thumala
DALLAS, TX: Several leaders of the Dallas Indian American community gave a rousing welcome to Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for US Congress as a Democratic Party candidate from the 8th Congressional District of Illinois. The fundraising banquet that was hosted on August 3 at the residence of a prominent Indian American community leader, Dr. Prasad Thotakura, in Colleyville, TX was very successful. In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Prasad Thotakura, a community leader, said "that the stage is set for Raja Krishnamoorthi to be one of the best US Congress members because he knows the pain and suffering of the common people. As a matter of fact, Raja has spent most of his childhood living on public assistance and on food stamps. Now, it is very heartening to note that Raja has the distinction of being endorsed by US President Barack Obama besides more than 100 leading Democratic leaders." MVL Prasad, one of the Host Committee Members introducing Krishnamoorthi said that Raja emigrated from New Delhi, India to Buffalo, New York with his parents when he was just three months old. He is a fine role model of the Indian American community who gives highest priority to education. Raja earned his bachelor's degree with summa cum laude in mechanical engineering from Princeton University and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School Responding, Raja Krishnamoorthi said that he is very proud of his Indian heritage that instilled principles, discipline, morale, ethics, respect, traditions and values in him. Raja stated that there is a lot of opportunity and room for others to serve the country by entering into mainstream US politics. He noted that Indian American community is doing exceptionally well in areas like education, entrepreneurship, medicine, technology, engineering, spirituality but is lacking participation in political arena. Raja stated that while there are more than 3 million Indian Americans in the USA, now there is only Indian American serving as US Congress member and he will increase that to 100% when he gets elected as US Congress member this year. Raja sincerely thanked for all contributors in general and the host team Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Paul Pandian, Sridhar Tummala, MVL Prasad and CC Theophine for organizing a successful fundraiser in Dallas to support him. Cont’d on page 34
32 India Post
Community Across America
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
Unique presentation of Romeo Juliet in Kathak HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: Anila Sinha Foundation (ASF) celebrated 400 years of Shakespeare with a unique presentation of "Romeo & Juliet" in collaboration with Kala Eternal Rhythms, July 10 at McAninch Theater, College of Dupage in
artistry with a dance to a bhajan composed by Maharajji himself. Pt. Birju Maharaj then took the stage enthralling the audience with traditional Kathak dance showcasing many intricate rhythmic patterns and dance compositions in
Kiran Chouhan, Birju Maharaj and Romeo Juliet artists
Glen Ellyn, a north side suburb of Chicago. A large audience consisting of Kathak enthusiasts and supporters attended this Shakespearian love saga as a Kathak Dance Drama The program began with a welcome speech by Dr. Shobha Sinha, Vice President of ASF. The first part of the program consisted of an enthralling Tabla performance by Pandit Swapan Chaudhari. He was joined on stage by his senior dis-
Teen Taal. A spell-binding performance by Pt. Birju Maharaj and Pt. Swapan Chaudhari ended the first half of the show. The audience was delighted to experience this rare combination of two stalwarts of their fields sharing the same stage to create an electrifying piece of art. The second half of the program showcased the Kathak ballet 'Romeo & Juliet'choreographed and directed by Padma Vibhushan
A scene from Romeo Juliet Kathak dance drama
ciple Sri Raj Deshmukh, a renowned Tabla teacher and President of Kala Eternal Rhythms. As an offering to her guru Pandit Birju Maharaj, Ms. Kiran Chouhan, the Artistic Director of Anila Sinha Foundation, displayed her Kathak
Pandit Birju Maharaj and Ms. Saswati Sen. It's original music score is composed by Pandit Birju Maharaj and Jazz artist Louis Banks. Cont’d on page 35
Swapan Choudhary, Raj Deshmukh and an artist
August 12, 2016
Community Across America www.indiapost.com
Bringing community together in peace & harmony Cont’d from page 29
Mujeeb Ijaz, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community; Doug Hollie, President, Northern California NFL Players Association; James Gonzales, San Jose Police Officer and Board of Directors of Police Officers Association; Dr. Romesh Japra, FOG Founder & Convener; Reverend Jethro Moore, Silicon Valley Chapter, NAACP; Father Jon Pedigo, Santa Clara County Interfaith Council; Parmeet Randhawa, Founder, Mr. & Mrs. Punjabi USA Pageant, and Tawney Warren, Ohlone College Student Trustee (Fmr.). Each community leader shared his invaluable insight and experience on how our community can help stop the violence and racism against our brothers and sisters. Angela Tirado, Singer, Voice of San Jose, concluded with Michael Jackson's song, "Man in the Mirror" on how we can make that change by starting with ourselves. Dr. Romesh Japra gave a warm welcome and presented awards to
each speaker assisted by David and Jacqueline Cox and congratulatory salute with F.O.G. Executive Steering Committee including Upendra and Seema Giri and Rajesh Verma. Music Recording Artist Kam was in attendance to support this Community Unity in Diversity and empower our community. Audience members came from Los Angeles and around San Francisco Bay Area to hear from these exemplary community leaders, their own stories, the challenges that they faced in their endeavors and the lessons they learned through their determination and perseverance. Striving to always do the right thing in the best interest of our community. In keeping with FOG's tradition of promoting and working with our global diverse community, we thank these community leaders for their courage, leadership, and dedication to discuss how we can bring our community together in unity, diversity, peace, and harmony.
India Post 33
34 India Post
Community Across America
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
Relax Kids Program getting momentum GEETHA PATIL
Relax Kids program in MA
CAMBRIDGE: The biggest challenge for families in present days is how to keep their children in the relaxed mood all the time. "Do not worry, Relax Kids centers have trained coaches to help your kids. Come and explore how our well-structured mindfulness and meditation programs can help your children manage their stress, anger, and improve their confidence" says Ms. Linda Singer, who works as a Relax Kids coach at Inner Space, Cambridge, MA. This center arranged free demo sessions for kids along with their parents and other adults on 7 August from 11am to 2 pm. Ms. Singer has a degree in early childhood education and practices Raja Yoga meditation. She got her Relax Kids Coach certification from London. She has been training for the last 11 years and Relax Kids have now trained over 2,000 coaches from 39 countries and currently have 7 books, 13 albums, and kids' friendly websites. In 2011, a Health Care project won the Nursing Standards National Award - using the Relax Kids methods. Cont’d on page 36
Raja gets support from Dallas Indian American community Cont’d from page 31
CC Theophine, one of the Host Committee members said Raja was able to raise a whopping $1.6 million more than his opponents and is considered to be a sure shot winner. He urged all US citizens to register to vote so that they should be able to vote in the upcoming elections. He requested the gathering to call their Chicago friends to support and vote for Raja. The Dallas Indian American Community members who attended and supported Raja for Congress included Dr. Prasad Thotakura, Sridhar Tummala, MVL Prasad, CC Theophine, Paul Pandian, Sai Sathish & Dr. Prasanthi Ganesa, Swarupa Thotakura, Krithika Ganesa, Murali Vennam, Amrit Kriplani, Mahesh Guduru, Ramki Chebrolu, Fatima & Taiyab Kundawala, Tanvir & Benazir Arfi, Abid Abedi, Vijaya & Laxman Vuppala, Dr. Sat Gupta, Mahesh Setty, Dr. C.R. Rao, Srikanth Polavarapu, Parimala, Dinesh, Sindhu, Chennakesavulu Mokkapati, Shiju Abraham, Raghavendra Kulkarni, Arvind Muppidi, Mohan Chandran, Muruganathan Palanisamy, Srinivas Kasu, Dr. Dhruv Balkondi, and Dr. Yogi Chimata.
Community Across America
August 12, 2016
India Post 35
www.indiapost.com
ISNA hosting largest American Muslim Convention RAMESH SOPARAWALA India Post News Service
CHICAGO: With likely attendance of about 15,000 members and guests from across USA and some from outside the country, the three-day 53rd Annual Convention in Chicago by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) will be one of the biggest of its type here. The theme of the Convention that is slated to open on September 2 and run thru September 5 this year will be Turning Points: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities. ISNA's Annual Convention usually is the largest gathering of Muslims in North America
ISNA speakers at the Media meet Azhar Azeez, ISNA President, Salman Azam, Media Co Chair, Convention Steering Committee and Hazem Bata, ISNA Secretary General. -Pic Asian Media USA
and this year will be no exception, according to organizers. ISNA is widely regarded as the
most significant convener of Muslims in North America. Last year, its Convention drew tens of thou-
ISNA officials: Faryal M Khatri, Communication Department, Ashfaq Syed, Secretary, Convention Steering Committee, Hazem Bata, ISNA Secretary General, Azhar Azeez, ISNA President, Mir Khan, Convention Steering committee, CoChair and Salman Azam, Media Co Chair, Convention Steering Committee.
Bollywood Night in Aurora on Aug 13 MADHU PATEL
T
he Indian American Commu nity Outreach Board (IACOB) of the City of Aurora has organized a Bollywood night on August 13. The event is to be held at Philips Park, 1000, Ray Moses Dr, Aurora, IL. The evening will begin with live dances at 7.30 with the Hindi film, "Om Shanti Om" (starring Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone) being screened at sunset. The film with plenty of songs and dances in the best Bollywood tradition, promises family friendly entertainment. Non-Hindi speakers will not miss out on the fun, because the film has English sub-titles. For those who attend, it could be an evening of entertainment with live dances by talented performers, and a choice of Indian appetizers.
For non-Indians the evening could be an introduction to Bollywood, now the largest film industry in the world in terms of the number of films produced. The IACOB acts as a liaison between the City of Aurora and the Indian American and mainstream community. In the recent past it has organized a civic engagement forum with speakers ranging from the Police Chief of Aurora to the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Aurora Mayor and officials from the Aurora Public Library. The objective of the forum was to make the general public aware of the working of the City, Police Force and the Aurora Library. The next major event organized by the board is the Diwali Night on October 22 at the Waubonsee High School in Aurora.
sands of attendees.One of the main public attractions is the annual bazaar which features over 500 vendors including clothing designers, booksellers, non-profits and much more. Addressing a well attended media meet on Devon Avenue in Chicago, Azhar Azeez, ISNA President, said that ISNA is the largest and oldest Islamic umbrella organization in North America. It seeks to foster the development of the community through convention, conference, education forums, interfaith activities, youth programs, civic engagement and other avenues. ISNA's annual convention isn't merely about bringing together the Muslim community. "In the face of issues like Islamophobia, our goal is also to unite people across different faiths and backgrounds in the spirit of peace and better understanding. ISNA has invited a rich list of speakers, scholars, community leaders, and public servants. We live in challenging times. By showcasing a diverse array of voices, stories and viewpoints, we hope to continue shaping a new narrative around what it means to be a mainstream Muslim today," he
said. Highlighting the program at the 53rd Convention, Mir Khan, Convention Steering Committee Co-Chair, observed that the Convention will have plenary sessions, main sessions, parallel sessions, table discussion, health fair, young professionals sessions, around 200 renowned speakers, inspiring and leadership lectures, art exhibit, meet the author, largest bazaar in America with 550 booths, interfaith reception, entertainment, film festival, fashion show for ladies, young professionals banquet, photography exhibit, qira'at competition, matrimonial banquets, community service recognition luncheon, children's program, babysitting, basketball tournament and more. There will be many featured speakers at this year's Convention, such as Dr. Tariq Ramadan, Sh. Hamza Yusuf and Muslema Purmul as well as community leaders such as Dalia Mogahed, Linda Sarsour, Mehdi Hassan, he added. Ashfaq Syed, Convention Steering Committee Secretary, said that the three-day convention will unite both Muslim and interfaith individuals, families, businesses and non-profit organizations for a full schedule of lectures, discussions, debates and entertainment.
"ISNA will have over 20,000 plus guest attending the 53rd ISNA Convention during the long Labor Day Weekend from September 2-5 at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 9291 Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL. This convention will have attendees from across the globe and there are more than 200 volunteers working hard since three months to make this convention successful," he said Salman Azam, ISNA Convention Media Relations Chair, invited media to cover the Convention. Local, national and international media have been invited to cover the Convention during the three days. Faryal M Khatri, ISNA Communications Director, thanked all media houses for attending the press conference. She encourages all to follow the conversations and discussions of the Convention on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat using #ISNA53. ISNA has its roots with the Muslim Student Association (MSA) from 1963 and ISNA was incorporated in 1981.Its headquarters is located in Plainfield, IN. ISNA has a wide variety of services and programs including education forums for Islamic schools, webinars, regional conferences, youth development, community resources, scholarships, mosque development, chaplaincy endorsement, matrimonial services, community outreach and
interfaith programs. For more information and registration, visit www.isna.netOr Contact: Faryal Khatri, ISNA Communications Department, (317) 373 0246, fkhatri@isna.netSalman Azam, ISNA Media Relations Chair, (773) 354 3123, Salman.Azam@gmail.com
Unique presentation of Romeo Juliet in Kathak Cont’d from page 32
A team of over 30 top notch professional Kathak artists travelled all the way from India to participate in this production. Several local artists auditioned for and were lucky to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of this grand show. The mesmerizing dancing, intense emoting and melodious music left the audience
spell-bound. Founded by Dr. Birendra Sinha, the mission of ASF is to promote and propagate the classical arts of India mainly Kathak by teaching, performing, and organizing Kathak related events and shows. The immense success of this show was a proud moment for ASF and encouragement to continue serving the community by hosting many such programs in the future.
36 India Post
Community Across America
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
HAF condemns attack on Indian chef India Post News Service
WASHINGTON DC: Leaders of the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) have condemned the hate crime attack on Suthahar Subburaj, age 30, a Hindu American chef of Indian descent at Kurry Xpress in
ing a black sweatshirt, repeatedly punched Subburaj in the face and kicked him in the leg, while telling him, "ISIS, get out of my country." The man then fled on foot. A police report said an unidentified man wearing a black hoodie punched Subburaj in the face and
"Mr Subburaj is a victim of the growing xenophobia towards people across the country of South Asian and Middle Eastern descent, citizens and recent immigrants alike," said Jay Kansara, HAF Director of Government Relations Omaha, Nebraska. The attack occurred on July 15 outside the restaurant where Subbaraj works. One man, wear-
kicked him in the leg. The man told him, "ISIS (expletive), get out of my country." Subburaj has been living in
Omaha for about two years but doesn't have any family in this country. He said he was punched multiple times in his forehead, face and mouth. The bone above his teeth may have been fractured. He said he hopes his attacker is punished but also is taught about different religions and races. The police report characterized the incident as a hate crime against a religion. It did not list anyone as a suspect. The Anti-Defamation League condemned the possible hate crime in a press release "We must all stand together against bigotry, hatred and prejudice," regional director Mary-Beth Muskin said in a statement. "We urge law enforcement to investigate this incident as a possible hate crime and hope that the perpetrator will be apprehended swiftly and brought to justice."
"Mr Subburaj is a victim of the growing xenophobia towards people across the country of South Asian and Middle Eastern descent, citizens and recent immigrants alike," said Jay Kansara, HAF Director of Government Relations. "Law enforcement and government authorities must work closely with local community members of all racial and religious backgrounds in order to effectively address these types of attacks while confronting the hate and ignorance that fuel them." The attack is now more than two weeks old and details remain sketchy, though local police are investigating. HAF will continue monitoring the case, and will assist law enforcement and the local community in any way possible.
HAF focuses on human and civil rights, public policy, media, academia, and interfaith relations. Through its advocacy efforts, HAF seeks to cultivate leaders and empower future generations of Hindu Americans.It is not affili-
Suthahar Subburaj
ated with any religious or political organization or entities. HAF seeks to serve Hindu Americans across all sampradayas (Hindu religious traditions) regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, caste, gender, sexual orientation, age and/or disability.
Relax Kids Program getting momentum Cont’d from page 34
ety issues. Relax Kids' strategies mimic clinically-proven anger management and mitigation treatments such as therapeutic exercise and yoga, breathing and mindfulness exercises as anger management tools, meltdown moments or methods to make time-outs constructive rather than punitive. A friendly and smiling Merrillyn
Ms. Singer proudly explained that there are a number of ways you can introduce relaxation into your home: before and after school, at bedtime, setting up a Chill out Corner, Weekly Family Chill Night. Introducing a routine of relaxation will bring wealth of benefits for you and your child. She also mentioned that her Relax Kids tech- Its techniques have had a niques are widely used positive effect on children in schools, nurseries, with autism, hyperactivity, special schools, behavioral units, children's stress, sleeping problems, homes, foster homes, trauma, and Obsessivehospitals, dentists, doccompulsive disorder (OCD) tors' surgeries and libraries. They help children cope with a Hener, who is a Coordinator and range of stressful situations in- Meditation teacher at the center, cluding bullying, exams, divorce, says that Relax Kids is an exciting bereavement, long term illness, event that teaches kids of all ages hospital and doctor's appoint- to learn about inner values in a unique and fun way. "It taught me ments. According to Relax Kids, its several ways to make them more techniques have had a positive imaginative and creative and build effect on children with autism, their self-confidence" said a hyperactivity, stress, sleeping mother of two kids. To get more information Relax problems, trauma, and Obsessivecompulsive disorder (OCD), dis- Kindsactivities, hours, and materuptive behavior, depression, low rials visit their website: http:// self-esteem, and anger and anxi- www.innerspaceharvardsq.org
Community Across America
August 12, 2016
India Post 37
www.indiapost.com
Gurdas Mann coming to Chicago RITU CHANDER
CHICAGO: Gurdas Maan, a highly admired singer from Punjab, will be at Copernicus Center in Chicago on August 12 for a concert "Ki Banu Duniya Da" with live orchestra presenting Punjabi folk, Sufi and Bollywood music.
A songwriter, choreographer and actor, Gurdas Mann sings live with musicians and with no technological assistance for fourhour durations at times. He has recorded 34 albums, written over 305 songs, worked with legends like Jagjit Singh, and is now
connected to MTV Coke Studio India. He shot to fame with his hit song 'Dil Da Mamla Hai'. Soon after came 'Mamla Gadbad
Grand tribute planned to Subbulakshmi at UN PM SWAMY
NEW YORK: To commemorate the birth centenary of legendary Carnatic music vocalist Bharat Ratna Awardee M.S.Subbulakshmi, Sankara Nethralaya in Chennai, is organizing a grand musical tribute by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman at the United Nations General Assembly hall in New York on August 15, India's 70th Independence Day. Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, who helped organize the UN events, said India has produced some of the best musicians in the world and among them was Subbulakshmi. She enhanced the prestige of the nation by singing at the UN General Assembly in 1966, he said. The gala musical evening also coincides with the completion of 50 years of M.S.Subbulakshmi's performance in the very same venue in 1966. Subbulakshmi was the first Indian musician ever to be awarded Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor conferred by the Government of India and also became the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award, often
M.S.Subbulakshmi
considered Asia's Nobel Prize. Subbulakshmi, one of the greatest Carnatic musicians of the century, was invited by the then United Nations Secretary General U Thant and the then Chef de Cabinet C.V. Narasimhan to perform in the UN General Assembly Hall, considered a great honor for India and the music world. She thus became the first Indian to perform at the UN General Assembly. Sankara Nethralaya in its mission of paying international tribute to Subbulakshmi is arranging a grand Carnatic music concert
by Padma Bhushan awardee Sudha Raghunathan, a leading Carnatic vocalist and her troupe, also at the United Nations on October 2. As a finale to the global celebrations, Sankara Nethralaya is also organizing a musical concert featuring world renowned Indian-origin composer Zubin Mehta, Anoushka Shankar and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at Lincoln Center in New York City on November 5. Subbulakshmi sang the everlasting benediction in Sanskrit "Maithreem Bhajatha" especially composed by Maha Periyava His Holiness Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swami of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam in Tamil Nadu to invoke world peace. That song brought her a standing ovation at the world body. The Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam that runs the worldfamous Venkateswara temple has erected a statue of her in Tirupathi town. Dr S.S. Badrinath, Chairman Emeritus of Sankara Nethralaya, said as an organization for the society and by the society - Sankara Nethralaya has been blessed with the support of numerous individuals and organizations since its inception in 1978. One of the main patrons of the hospital who supported the community efforts of Sankara Nethralaya was M.S. Subbulakshmi, he said. US-based Sankara Nethralaya Ophthalmic Mission Trust (SN OM Trust) is also planning six concerts by Sudha Ragunathan in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Chicago and Washington DC during September under "Voice for Vision" musical series to raise funds for its charitable activities. S.V. Acharya, President of Sankara Nethralaya Om Trust in the US, said the Trust is also seeking corporate sponsors on creating a Chair for Music in the name of Dr. M. S. Subbulakshmi in one of the universities in the United States. The Trust is also working to raise sufficient funds to perform at least 3,000 free ophthalmic surgeries in honor of Subbulakshmi at Sankara Nethralaya in India.
Gurdas Mann
Hai' and 'Chhalla', and most recently 'Ki Banu Duniya Da'. In 2013 he announced the launch of his YouTube channel to stay connected with his fans via video blogs and old as well as new music videos. Maan received an honorary degree of Doctor of Music from the University of
Wolverhampton in 2010. His most noted films are Waris Shah-Ishq Da Waaris and Shaheed-E-Mohabbat. This particular show is completely different from what he has done before, according to Dr. Siraj Ahmed of DCA, President and Founder of Deccan Cultural Academy, Savi Singh of Starz Entertainment and Anoop Mamtani of Atlantic Travels, the organizers . The show is also sponsored by Chicago Motor Cars, Qatar Airways, Holiday Inn and many other businesses. DCA was established in 2004 by Dr. Siraj Ahmed, for the sole purpose of promoting Art & Culture in North America. DCA is an Indiana 501(c) 3 non-profit organization run by volunteers and supporters of the Arts. Since it is a nonprofit organization, DCA's main focus is to maximize the exposure and benefits to the artists in North America. DCA strives to promote local and new artists/talents from North America, as well as established artists from Indo-Pak subcontinent.
Horoscope
38 India Post
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
August 12th - August 18th 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
T
he professional matters and income may continue to face obstructions. Focus on health of father may cause concerns. Handle relationship matters with patience, the week makes you emotional. Continue to work with patience up to September 2016. It is better to avoid haste, conflicts and unnecessary driving. Focus on your health and don't get involved in conflicts and arguments. Be Patience.
he professional matters are looking better this week. Some of you may be rewarded or you get recognition at work. If your birth planets are strong those who are expecting promotion, may get the same. Expect social activities and interactions to increase. Week is good for the children. New professional opportunites are likely. Take care of your health. Be patience.
T
he professional matters looking better this week. Mental and dosmetic peace is seen. Handle your relationship matters with patience, don't argue and get in conflicts. Focus on children they may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behavior and unnecessary driving. Conflicts and financial concerns are likely to continue. Take care. Eniemies are likely to trouble.
he professional matters are starting to look better this week. Handle problems with relationships and property matter with extra care and with patience. Be vigilant and focus on the care of the health of the parents and children. Sudden obstructions and delays are there so it is better to exercise patience and avoid conflicts and unnecessary driving.
T
T
T
his week looks good for professional matters and for students who are appearing in competitions. Some of you will get recognition and promotion. Those whose are appearing in selections may get good results. This week bring good news for the family. The children may also bring some happy news. Work with patience. Put hold on new ventures and relationships.
T
his week professional matter looks better. Some sudden obstructions and delays are likely. Some health concerns is likely for parents. The incidence of difficulties is indicated for those who are in foreign lands. Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Focus and work with patience. Take care of your relationship matters. Some immune disorder is likely. Loss of sleep due to expenses.
he professional matters face concerns, can lead to losses and expenses and loss of sleep. Fortune helps to some extent. Can invest in real estate and business ventures are starting to look up. Better social interaction is seen. Relationship and business partners seems to work smoothly. Mental peace at home is there. Can travel to foreign land for business or pleasure.
T
ocus on professional matter as it needs care. Better mental peace is seen at home. Enjoy time with family, parents. Some additional income is likely. Stay away from manipulations. Be vigilant and focus on your health see doctor if needed. Avoid aggressive behavior and haste up to Sept 2016. Silence is golden for you. Better to avoid driving and conflicts.
F
T
P
T
T
rofessional matters needs attention may need care. Some additional income is likely. Put a hold on new ventures as many planets are in bad houses. Expect mental stress remedy take rest , drink fluids and relax. Work with patience, take care of your health. Avoid haste, conflicts, unnecessary driving and travel. Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care up to Sept 2016.
he professional and in come matters need to be focused on. Sudden setback in income is seen. Look after father. Put a hold on new business ventures and also don't be to aggressive in relationship matters. Focus on your children, may need special attention up to sept 2016. Avoid investing in stocks and speculations. Patience is the best medicine during this year.
he professional matters looks good this week, can even get recognition or promotion. This can create new gainful opportunities are likely. Avoid conflicts in family and relationship matters and manage with patience. Look after father. Can invest in real estate and enjoy time with younger siblings. Short journey is seen. Sudden obstructions and delays, loss of inheritance is seen.
he professional matters looks rough, can face problems. Avoid arguments and confrontations at work. Focus on your health it can be of concern, especially private parts and kidneys. The incidence of conflicts, obstructions and sudden setbacks continues. Health of spouse may cause concerns. It is better to avoid unnecessary driving. Manage persisting difficulties with patience.
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
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
India Post 39
Tech News No target set for income declaration: CBDT KOLKATA: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has not set any collection or declaration target under the income declaration scheme that closes on September 30. "There is no target for collection or declaration, but we are trying our best to communicate to tax evaders that it is their golden chance to evade action against them," Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Member Gopal Mukherjee told PTI. "We have information about concealed transactions in our data warehouse and the number of them is 7.5 lakh. The tax department is issuing letters based on our intelligence information." He was in city for promoting the scheme at the annual conference of Direct Taxes Professionals' Association. Under the Annual Information Returns (AIR), various types of high-value transactions are being reported to the Income Tax Department. These include reporting of cash deposits of Rs 10 lakh or more in a savings bank account, sale/ purchase of immovable property valued at Rs 30 lakh or more and the like. Many of these transactions do not have PAN linked to them. The department has details of about 90 lakh such transactions for 200910 to 2016-17. -PTI
Tatas firm to execute river rejuvenation job NEW DELHI: Infrastructure firm Tata Projects has kicked off the Rs 1,676-crore rejuvenation project of the Dravyawati River in Rajasthan. "The consortium of Tata Projects and Shanghai Urban Construction Group has received this project worth Rs 1,676 crore from the government of Rajasthan," it said in a statement. The foundation stone was laid by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in presence of Tata Sons Chairman Cyrus Mistry, it added. It is first of its kind river rejuvenation attempt in a dry and arid landscape in India and post rejuvenation, the river would be developed into an environmentfriendly tourist destination that would prevent flooding of nearby areas. The 47-km long Dravyawati River, which is located between Jaisalya village at the foothills of the Nahargarh Fort and the river Dhund, has deteriorated into a nallah over the last 100 years. -PTI
TechBiz 40 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
Non-bailable warrant issued against Mallya NEW DELHI: In more trouble for Vijay Mallya, a non-bailable warrant has been issued against him in a 2012 cheque bounce case by a Delhi court which said that coercive steps were required to ensure his appearance. Metropolitan Magistrate Sumeet Anand passed the order for bringing Mallya in court on November 4, with the direction that the nonbailable warrant be sent to him by Ministry of External Affairs as he is reportedly in London. The court noted that despite repeated orders, Mallya did not appear in the court and it was inevitable for the state machinery to intervene and ensure his presence. -PTI
Growth rate of 8% for 30 yrs to give India best of world: PM NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said 8 per cent plus growth over the next 30 years will bring the best of the world to India, even as he lamented being questioned for every "wrong" right from the Panchayat level. Advocating accountability at every level to ensure good governance, he said everyone responsible should be answerable and held accountable. In a democracy, he said, people give the elected government a "five year contract" and if they do not like the performance in the next election the mandate is given to some other political party and hence there was a need for accountability. "Our country has always believed that good governance is bad politics. After winning one election, government keeps thinking how to win the next election. They are focused on how to increase political base and ways to get more votes and hence going forward it collapses," he said.
Addressing his first townhall, Modi stressed upon the need for providing grievance redressal system that not just listens to complaints of citizens, but also redresses them in a time- bound
over the next 30 years, we can have whatever best we see in the world," Modi said at the event to mark two years of the government's citizen partnership app MyGov.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
manner. "With rapid and continued economic growth of over 8 per cent
Modi said India has become the fastest growing large economy in the world with a growth rate of
GST Bill passage credit positive: Moody's NEW DELHI: The passage of GST Bill in the Rajya Sabha is "credit positive" for India's sovereign rating as the rollout of Goods and Services Tax regime will have a favorable impact on growth and tax revenues, Moody's Investors Service has said. "The short-term sovereign credit implications of the GST bill will be limited, given that effective implementation will take some time, and as the GST rates are likely to be chosen as revenue neutral," Moody's said. It added: "The GST will support economic activity and government revenues over the medium term by removing a key hurdle to the smooth movement of goods and services, and reducing corporates' and the
over 7.5 per cent which is credible despite global slowdown and two consecutive years of drought. The Prime Minister also said that without good governance the benefits of government-run schemes will not benefit common man. "To bring about a change in the country, last mile delivery of government benefits are as important as rules and regulations," he said, adding government will lose its goodwill if the benefits of a scheme does not reach the intended beneficiary. "Today if something happens at the Panchayat level, I am asked questions; if something happens at Nagar Panchayat level, I am asked questions; if something happens at zilla parishad, I am asked questions; if something
government's tax administration costs, thereby improving compliance and raising tax receipts." In a report titled, 'Upper House Passage Paves Way for GST Bill Implementation, a Credit Positive', Moody's said the new tax regime will be broadly positive for Indian non-financial corporates, although the overall impact will vary
corporates, and over time, improving the overall cost competitiveness of corporate India. It will also likely translate into swifter mobility of goods between states by removing the barriers present under the existing regime, it said. "The overall impact is likely to vary across sectors, with some
across sectors. GST will lead to much simpler administrative framework, reducing tax governing costs for
of the highest tax payers under the current regime, such as automotives, standing to gain the most," Moody's said.-PTI
"To bring about a change in the country, last mile delivery of government benefits are as important as rules and regulations," he said happens at nagar palika, I am asked questions; if something happens at Mahanagar Palika, I am asked questions; if something happens in states, then also reply is sought from the Prime Minister. "Politically it is fine, for TRP also it might be fine, but it creates problem for the Prime Minister," Modi said. Modi stressed upon participatory democracy as being necessary for good governance, saying it can be achieved only when government hears the voice of people and acts on their grievances. "Good governance is a necessity and there should be system to listen to grievances of common man and they should be responded and resolved to within a timeframe. We should not shut them up. Cont’d on page 41
TechBiz Post
August 12, 2016
India Post
41
www.indiapost.com
'Confident of April deadline for GST rollout' NEW DELHI: The government is confident of rolling out the GST regime from April 1 next year but the deadline may be difficult to meet if resolution of issues like the rate of tax and items to be exempted take longer, Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia said here. The GST Council, comprising Union Finance Minister and representatives of all 29 states, will decide on the central and state taxes that are to be subsumed in the national sales tax (GST) as well as the cesses, he told PTI in an interview here. Adhia said the GST Council shall make recommendation to the Centre and states on the cesses and surcharges levied by the Union, states and local bodies which may be subsumed in the Goods and Services Tax (GST). "Which all cesses will merge will depend upon the decision of the GST Council. If all cesses are merged in the GST, the requirements of revenue for Union Government would have to be assessed higher, because the income coming to Union from GST instead of cess will now have to be de-
volved at the rate of 42 per cent to the states," he said. While the taxes to be subsumed under GST are to be decided by the Council, he said the taxes which will not have separate identity include excise duty, VAT, service tax, additional excise duty,
bling, among others. "As of now we are optimistic of achieving the target of April 1, 2017. We have already made a plan for training of 60,000 officials, which has already started. 5,000 officers are already trained. The IT backbone will be ready for testing
Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia
CVD, special additional duty of customs, entertainment tax, luxury tax, Octroi, entry tax, purchase tax, taxes on lottery, betting and gam-
by January, 2017," he said. Stating that the government will do its best to achieve the target date of rollout, Adhia said the
Basu hails GST: Any price rise to be short-term KOLKATA: Hailing the passage of the GST Bill, World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu has said any immediate "price jerk or inflation" would be a one-time affair, but the tax reform's longterm growth benefit will be immense. "People are talking about price concerns, but the immediate price impact is a small concern, positive or negative, but the biggest impact of the GST is the long-term benefit through cutting down of transaction cost," Basu said. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Indian Institute of Management, Calcuttaorganized Arijit Mukherjee Memorial Lecture. "The GST will cut down transaction cost and double taxation at different points and it will make India a common market. It will give a big fillip to the growth rate in the long run," the outgoing World Bank chief economist said. When asked about his name doing the rounds for the post of RBI Governor, he declined to comment. Regarding GST, Basu said he does not have any answer to whether there will be any impact on inflation as the World Bank
does not do those calculations. For faster movement of goods as envisaged in the Bill, Basu said that the government should make a rule not to stop trucks midway but only at start or end points for taxes. He said that India is already the
fastest growing major economy in the world with about 7.5 per cent growth projection for 2016. He said that both monetary and fiscal policies have been well executed in the country, aided by low oil prices paving the way for growth.-PTI
Growth rate of 8% for 30 yrs to give India best of world: PM Cont’d from page 40
We are working towards that. Lot of our problems can be solved by good governance," he said. He added that there is indifference to issues like good governance, establishment of institutions, scope for checks and balances, scrutiny in every step, responsibility with accountability. Modi said because of lack of good governance, lakhs and crores of rupees are going waste and hence there is a need for balanced relation between development and good governance. On the agriculture sector, he said it has potential to boost the economy and farmers need to move away from traditional form of agriculture to modern form.
The government, he added, is trying to provide all farmers soil health care that will give analysis of the land they have to cultivate and help increase crop productivity. Simultaneously, awareness of use of right kind of seeds as well as not resorting to indiscriminate use of fertilizer is needed, he said. Modi asked farmers to adopt three pronged approach to agriculture - while farming for his crop, timber can be grown on boundary wall of the farm land and simultaneously do animal husbandry, honeybee culture and fisheries as insurance against drought. The three pillars will help him face any crisis, he said.-PTI
only concern remains resolution of issues by the GST Council. "If the resolution of various issues in the GST Council takes more time than expected, then there would be difficulty in achieving the target," he said. In case the deadline is missed, it is theoretically possible to roll out GST from the middle of the year but the trade and industry will need to be consulted as some of the big companies have to change their software to accommodate the new taxation regime, he added. On the GST rate being talked about in the range of 18-20 per cent, he said, "The rate and rate structure can only be based on facts and figures on the existing revenue of states and Centre which are to be discussed in the GST Council. "At the moment it is not possible to say yes or no to any such artificial number. The decision on rates will also depend on list of exempt items, list of demerit commodities, among others." The GST, he said, will bring down burden of taxes on the common man. "However, unless the rate structure is finalized, it is not possible to predict which items will get relief," he said. On worries of a spike in service tax rate from current 15 per cent, Adhia said it is important to take care of services sector at the time of finalizing the rate structure. "We cannot suddenly spike the tax on the services sector.
The facility of giving input tax credit on goods against services will also give relief to the services sector. "We will have to fit services in the slab which is neither too high or low at the time of deciding the final rate structure," he said. The official said GST is unlikely to cause loss to the GDP. "However, if projections of GST do not go through then it may have an impact on the fiscal deficit to that extent. Also, the requirement of compensation to be given will have to be included while calculating share of central government in GST," he said. Asked about the government's fiscal deficit being impacted because of compensation it has to pay to states for any loss of revenue due to GST, he said the arithmetic has to be done correctly so that the Centre does not end up having a huge fiscal deficit. "Of course, it is the responsibility of the central government to devolve all taxes including GST under the Constitution. So it is not a worry," he added. Asked about exemptions to be given under GST, he said exemptions are supposed to be eliminated under the GST regime. "Most of the exemptions which are already given will have to be converted into direct subsidy through the budgetary route of Central and state governments, if they have to be continued," he said.-PTI
42 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
August 12, 2016
India Post 43 www.indiapost.com
FOR ALL YOUR
TRAVEL NEEDS INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC
AIR INDIA AND ALL OTHER MAJOR AIRLINES.
PACKAGE DEAL TAJ TOUR-SOTC
SEEMA WORLD TRAVEL, INC. One of the Oldest Travel Agencies in St. Louis
Competitive Rates & Confirmed Seats for All Major Airlines 10635 Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132
Tel: (314) 423-9990 or (800) 55 SEEMA CALL:
Sita Ram Patel @ 847-568-0535 New York (Hicksville)
AIRWING TRAVELS INC.
Tel: (516) 931 4600
Est. 1991 Toll Free: (866) 532 3413
New Jersey (Iselin)
Tel: (732) 658 5450
Lowest Fares / Confirmed Seats to INDIA & Other Destinations Worldwide Save upto 40% on First and Business Class OPEN 7 DAYS - Call or Email : AIRWINGTRAVELS@GMAIL.COM
Fax: (314) 423-0391
In Brief Trump targets Somalis during forum PORTLAND, Maine: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump targeted Maine's Somali community while making a point about immigration and radicalized Muslims. Trump told supporters at packed Merrill Auditorium in Portland that Maine is a ``major destination'' for Somali refugees and that they're coming from some of the world's ``most dangerous places.'' Speaking in the nation's whitest state, he said the nation's acceptance of refugees ``has to stop.'' Mardo Ngandu, who's from Angola, lashed out at Trump during a demonstration outside the auditorium. ``Trump is crazy. We don't need Trump in Maine,'' said the Portland resident, who was joined by other friends from Angola. ``How he's going to make American great without people _ the Mexicans and Africans?'' Thousands of Somalis, and immigrants from other African nations, currently live in Portland and Lewiston. Portland teacher Laura Nichols, who's married to an Ethiopian, said she fears for her Somali students because of the current political rhetoric. -AP
„ IRCTC offers City of Lakes package NEW DELHI: With a long weekend coming in the first fortnight of August, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has planned a semi-luxury train tour that would take travelers from Delhi to the famous historical and religious places of Rajasthan, including Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, Ajmer and Pushkar. The unique circuit planned for the long weekend of August 1216 also includes visits to Chittorgarh and Mt. Abu in the itinerary, which begins from Delhi Safdarjung station, said a senior IRCTC official. The all-inclusive 4 nights/5 days package includes quality food, travel outside railway by airconditioned vehicles, housekeeping and security arrangements. In addition, IRCTC will provide services of tour escorts throughout the trip. He said a special feature of the itinerary is that it is the only tourist train in mid-segment with an air conditioned dining car. Travelers on board can congregate in the dining car for interactions with each other while having their food. -PTI
Immigration 44 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
'Trump has black soul, needs counseling' Details on page 45
Saudi to send stranded Indian workers back at its own expense NEW DELHI: The crisis related to joblessness of hundreds of Indians in Saudi Arabia has been resolved "satisfactorily" with its ruler accepting India's requests and instructing officials to address the issue in two days, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told Parliament. The Saudi government will give exit visas to the stranded Indians, provide free medical facility and food to the workers living in camps and allow those eligible to seek reemployment with other companies, she said in suo motu statements in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. "I am happy to inform the House that the Saudi ruler has taken note of the plight of Indian workers... Saudi King has instructed his officials to resolve the issue in two days," she said. "The matter has been satisfactorily resolved," she said and thanked the Saudi King and his government for it. Swaraj credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in building strong personal ties with the Saudi King and also between the two countries during his recent
visit to the Islamic nation for the outcome. She said her deputy V K Singh, camping there for a few days, will return after formalizing the arrangements for the Indian work-
said the Saudi government has not only agreed to give them exit visas, as sought by India, but also offered to transport them to India at its expenses. "Government of India will not have to spend a
Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
ers. Earlier, Swaraj had informed Parliament about the crises and given details of the efforts being made by the government to help out stranded workers. Speaking of the progress, she
penny on that," she said. The Islamic nation has also permitted workers to take re-employment if other companies find them suitable, she said, adding that before departing, the Indian workers will register their claims of unpaid
salaries and other dues with the Labor Office of Saudi Arabia. Indian Embassy in Riyadh will follow up with the Labor Office of Saudi Arabia to get all the dues of workers cleared, she said. The Minister said the Saudi ruler has also issued orders to provide free medical facilities and food to Indian workers lodged in the camps apart from taking care of cleanliness. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad complimented the Indian and the Saudi governments for reaching a solution on the issue. In the Lok Sabha, Jyotiraditya Scindia (Congress) took a jibe at the government, saying other ministers should follow her practice of responding to concerns raised in the House. He said the government should also speak about relations with China, Pakistan and Oman. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said there should not be politics on every issue and if something good has happened, it should be praised. "You should at times compliment them (government)," she told Congress leaders.-PTI
Is Trump shifting his immigration rhetoric? CLEVELAND: As he turns his attention to the general election, Donald Trump is signaling that he is ready to tone down his fiery rhetoric on illegal immigration - at least behind closed doors. At the same time, Republican officials appear eager to push him in a more moderate direction, telling Hispanics that he has abandoned his divisive primary pledge to deport the estimated 11 million people living in the country illegally - even if Trump hasn't said so publicly himself. ``Trump has already said that he will not do massive deportations,'' Helen Aguirre Ferre, the Republican National Committee's director of Hispanic communications, told reporters at a Spanish-language briefing at the party's convention two weeks
ago. Instead, she said, ``he will focus on removing the violent undocumented who have criminal records and live in the country.'' It's a statement that may come as a surprise to Trump's legion of loyal followers, many of whom were first drawn to Trump because
the length of the southern border and use a ``deportation force'' to track down and deport anyone in the country illegally. ``You're going to have a deportation force, and you're going to do it humanely,'' Trump said in a TV interview last fall. He estimated
Donald Trump
of his hard-line views on immigration and border security. Trump has vowed to build a wall along
in a separate interview that the process would take between 18 months to two years.
But those who would like to see Trump move in a more inclusive direction say that Trump has indicated that he no longer advocates that plan. As evidence, they point to several vague sentences from an interview Trump gave earlier this summer to Bloomberg News during a whirlwind trip to Scotland to visit his golf courses. ``President Obama has mass deported vast numbers of people - the most ever, and it's never reported. I think people are going to find that I have not only the best policies, but I will have the biggest heart of anybody,'' Trump told the outlet. Pressed on whether he would issue ``mass deportations,'' Trump responded: ``No, I would not call it mass deportations.'' Cont'd on Page 45
Immigration Post
August 12, 2016
India Post 45
www.indiapost.com
'Trump has black soul, needs counseling' WASHINGTON: Lashing out at Donald Trump, the father of a fallen Pakistani-origin Muslim American soldier has said the Republican presidential nominee has a "black soul" who needs counseling on "empathy". "This person is total incapable of empathy. I want his family to counsel him, teach him some empathy. He will be a better person if he could become -- but he is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country," Khizr Khan told CNN. Khan, father of Army Capt Humayun Khan who was killed in Iraq in 2004 in a suicide terrorist attack, came to national spotlight after he delivered an electrifying speech at Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia wherein he slammed Trump for his rhetoric like banning Muslims from entering the country. He asked Trump to "go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America". "You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one." Trump hit back over the remarks that he has "sacrificed nothing" for the country and mocked the soldier's mother for keeping
silent, triggering a bipartisan backlash. Following a national backlash, Trump made a u-turn and described Humayun as a hero, but called for "vigilance in defeating radical Islamic terrorism". Khan, who now lives in Vir-
stitutional principles," he said. He slammed Trump's suggestion that his wife, who was also on stage at the DNC, was not allowed to speak. He said she has high blood pressure and didn't want to speak for fear she wouldn't be able to hold herself together
Khizr Khan
ginia, said that Trump is "unfit" to be the leader of the US. He said Trump's "policy, his practices, do not reflect that he has any understanding of the basic, fundamental constitutional principles of this country." "He talks about excluding people, disrespecting judges, the entire judicial system, immigrants, Muslim immigrants. These are divisive rhetoric that are totally against the basic con-
discussing her Gold Star son on stage. "For this candidate for presidency to not be aware of the respect of a Gold Star Mother standing there, and he had to take that shot at her, this is height of ignorance. This is why I showed him that Constitution. Had he read that, he would know what status a Gold Star Mother holds in this nation," Khan said. "This country holds such a
person in the highest regard. And he has no knowledge, no awareness. That is height of his ignorance. She is ill. She had high blood pressure. People that know her looked at her face, and she said, 'I may fall off the stage'. And I told her that, you have to assemble yourself and stand for the beauty of this tribute that is being paid," Khan said in response to a question. Responding to a question, Khan said he appreciated the statement of Trump in which he described Humayun as a hero. "I appreciate his response, his press release confirming that he accepts my son as a hero of this country," Khan said. "But his policies, his practices do not reflect that he has any understanding of the basic fundamental constitutional principles of this country, what makes this country exceptional, what makes this country exceptional in the history of the mankind," he said. "There are principles of equal dignity, principle of liberty. He talks about excluding people, disrespecting judges, the entire judicial system, immigrants, Muslim immigrants. These are divisive rhetoric that is totally against the basic constitutional principle," he said. Khan refuted Trump's allegations that his speech was written
by the Clinton campaign. "There is no truth to that. Over there, I had limit of the time. I had written a longer speech. I am going to say the rest of the speech to you right now. There is no Clinton campaign here. There is no prompter here," he said and then went out to read, what he said was the second part of his speech. "I am an articulate person. I can utter my thoughts and utter my feelings. And I address -- which my wife asked me to not include those things, but this is the time to say those things I wanted to address, and I address them now," he said. Khan called on House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to withdraw their support for Trump. "It is a moral obligation -- history will not forgive them," he said. "This election will pass, but history will be written. The lack of moral courage with remain a burden on their souls." "In addition to this, there was in the speech that my wife asked me to refrain from saying. I wanted to say, we reject all violence. We are faithful, patriotic, undivided loyalty to this country. We reject all terrorism. She asked me not to say that because that was not the occasion for such a statement," Khan said.-PTI
Is Trump shifting his immigration rhetoric? Cont'd from Page 44
``We are going to get rid of a lot of bad dudes who are here,'' he was quoted as saying. It remains unclear whether Trump was taking rhetorical or ideological issue with the phrase, and Trump has not made similar comments at any point since. Asked how he would manage the deportations at a press conference in Florida, Trump said only, ``We're going to have a whole policy on that over the next three weeks.'' This kind of ambiguity is not unusual for Trump, whose vague statements often leave room for numerous, sometimes conflicting interpretations. But for some who are supporting Trump and want to see him moderate, the meaning is clear. ``Two or three weeks ago, (Trump) conceded in an interview in Bloomberg in which he said the term `massive deportation' is not used by him, and it was planted by a journalist,'' said the head of Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, Alfonso Aguilar, who recently signed a letter along with several other Latino conservatives endorsing Trump.
Aguilar said that he had seen in Trump's comments ``something very interesting, which can be the beginning of an openness toward the center on immigration. He said he wants to remove only people with criminal record, not people without criminal record. It could be the openness toward a legal-
Trump, they say, has been signaling that he is open to embracing a less punitive immigration policy that focuses on ``compassion'' ization.'' A similar interpretation has also developed among Hispanic and religious leaders who have met with Trump privately in recent months. Trump, they say, has been signaling that he is open to embracing a less punitive immigration policy that focuses on ``compassion'' along with the rule of law.
Seizing on what they see as an opportunity to steer the candidate, several have formed an informal advisory committee that has been working on a series of recommendation they hope Trump will consider. ``He realizes that there are a lot of good people that are in the shadows. He wants some proposals on how to work on that,'' said Ohiobased televangelist Frank Amedia, who is helping to lead the effort. Hillary Clinton told ``Fox News Sunday'' that her priority if elected would be to deport violent criminals and those linked to terrorism. ``But don't go rounding up hard working mothers and fathers, taking them out of the factories or the hotels or the homes where they're working, making them disappear and leaving their children alone,'' she said. ``That doesn't make any sense to me.'' A record 27.3 million Latinos will be eligible to vote in the 2016 presidential elections, according to the Pew Research Center. While much of Trump's backing comes from white males, he could gain an advantage in a tightening race if he makes gains with this critical demographic.
Trump, Amedia said, has expressed interest in a plan that would quickly deport ``the undesirables'' from the country. But the group has also been exploring various options to deal with the millions of otherwise law-abiding immigrants living in the shadows, who are often afraid to report crimes or abuse for fear of deportation. ``It's not satisfactory for them to stay in that position,'' Amedia said. ``They too need to have recourse where they can walk out of the shadows and into the light.''
Pastor Herman Martir, the president Asian Action Network, who is also involved in the effort, said that after meeting recently with the candidate to discuss his community's concerns, he expects to see a ``change of tone in terms of being inclusive.'' ``I think because of that dialogue, he understood the need to put together something that will work for everybody,'' he said. ``The approach is more compassionate, not so much about gathering everyone and pushing them aside and turning them back.''-AP
PRADEEP ROY-SINGH B.A. LL.B. M.B.A. J.D. Attorney-at-Law
Former Assistant StateÂ’s Attorney
Civil & Criminal Litigation Felonies, Misdemeanors, Inc DUI 1 Personal Injury, Business, Divorce etc. 1 Property Tax for Commercial Properties 1 1
http://www.proy-singh.com
2335 W. Devon Ave., Suite 204, Tel: 773-381-1820 Chicago, IL 60659
India Post August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
46
History of the National Flag of India
T
he National flag of India is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron (kesari) at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel which represents the chakra. Its design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Its diameter approximates to the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes.
The first national flag in India is said to have been hoisted on August 7, 1906, in the Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park) in Calcutta now Kolkata. The flag was composed of three horizontal strips of red, yellow and green. The second flag was hoisted in Paris by Madame Cama and her band of exiled revolutionaries in 1907 (according to some inl9OS). This was very similar to the first flag except that the top strip had only one lotus but seven stars denoting the Saptarishi. This flag was also exhibited at Evolution of the Tricolor a socialist conference in Berlin. It is really amazing to see the various The third flag went up in 1917 when our changes that our National Flag went political struggle had taken a definite turn. through since its first inception. It was dis- Dr. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak covered or recognized during our national hoisted it during the Home rule movement. struggle for freedom. The evolution of the This flag had five red and four green horiIndian National Flag sailed through many zontal strips arranged alternately, with vicissitudes to arrive at what it is today. In seven stars in the saptarishi configuration one way it reflects the political develop- super-imposed on them. In the left-hand ments in the nation. Some of the historical top corner (the pole end) was the Union milestones in the evolution of our National Jack. There was also a white crescent and Flag involve the following: star in one corner. During the session of the All India Congress Committee which met at Bezwada in 1921 (now Vijayawada) an Andhra youth prepared a flag and took it to Gandhiji. It was made up of two colors-red and green-representing the two major communities i.e. Hindus and Muslims. Gandhiji suggested the addition of a white strip to represent the remaining communities of India Unofficial flag of India in 1906 and the spinning wheel to symbolize progress of the Nation. The year 1931 was a landmark in the history of the flag. A resolution was passed adopting a tricolor flag as our national flag. This flag, the forbear of the present one, was saffron, white and green with Mahatma Gandhi's spinning wheel at the center. It was, however, clearly stated that it bore no communal significance and was to be interThe Berlin committee flag, first raised by Bhikaiji Cama in 1907 preted thus. On July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly adopted it as Free India National Flag. After the advent of Independence, the colors and their significance remained the same. Only the Dharma Charkha of Emperor Asoka was adopted in place of the spinning wheel as the emblem on the flag. Thus, the tricolor flag of the Congress Party eventually became the tricolor flag of Independent The flag used during the Home Rule movement in 1917 India.
The flag unofficially adopted in 1921
Colors of the Flag: In the national flag of India the top band is of Saffron color, indicating the strength and courage of the country. The white middle band indicates peace and truth with Dharma Chakra. The last band is green in color shows the fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land.
The Chakra: This Dharma Chakra depicted the "wheel of the law" in the Sarnath Lion Capital made by the 3rdcentury BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. The chakra intends to show that there is life in movement and death in stagnation. Flag Code On 26th January 2002, the Indian flag code was modified and after several years of independence, the citizens of India were finally allowed to hoist the Indian flag over their homes, offices and factories on any day and not just National days as was the case earlier. Now Indians can proudly display the national flag anywhere and anytime, as long as the provisions of the Flag Code are strictly followed to avoid any disrespect to the tricolor.
The flag adopted in 1931. This flag was also the battle ensign of the Indian National Army
The present Tricolor flag of India
25 Interesting Facts about India
I
ndia is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only." These are the words of the great Mark Twain. And here are 25 Indians facts to support his statement: 1. A floating post office
Chandrayaan- 1 using its Moon Mineralogy Mapper detected water on the moon for the first time. 3. The wettest inhabited place in the world Mawsynram, a village on the Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, receives the highest recorded average rainfall in the world. Cherrapunji, also a part of Meghalaya, holds the record for the most rainfall in the calendar year of 1861. 4. Bandra Worli Sealink has steel wires equal to the earth's circumference It took a total of 2,57,00,000 man hours for completion and also weighs as much as 50,000 African elephants. A true engineering and architectural marvel.
India has the largest postal network in the world with over 1, 55,015 post offices. A single post office on an average serves a population of 7,175 people. The floating post office in Dal Lake, Srinagar, was inaugurated in August 2011. 2. Water on the moon was discovered by India In September 2009, India's ISRO
5. The highest cricket ground in the world At an altitude of 2,444 meters, the Chail Cricket Ground in Chail, Himachal Pradesh, is the highest in the world. It was built in 1893 and is a part of the Chail Military School. 6. Shampooing is an Indian concept Shampoo was invented in India, not the commercial liquid ones but the method by use of herbs. The word 'shampoo' itself has been derived from the Sanskrit word champu, which means to massage. Cont’d on page 47
www.indiapost.com
25 Interesting Facts about India Cont’d from page 46
7. The Indian national Kabaddi team has won all World Cups India has won all 5 men's Kabaddi World Cups held till now and have been undefeated throughout these tournaments. The Indian women's team has also won all Kabaddi World Cups held till date. 8. Kumbh Mela gathering visible from space The 2011 Kumbh Mela was the
largest gathering of people with over 75 million pilgrims. The gathering was so huge that the crowd was visible from space. 9. Science day in Switzerland is dedicated to Ex-Indian President, APJ Abdul Kalam The father of India's missile program had visited Switzerland back in 2006. Upon his arrival, Switzerland declared May 26th as Science Day. 10. India's first President only took 50% of his salary When Dr Rajendra Prasad was appointed the President of India, he only took 50% of his salary, claiming he did not require more than that. Towards the end of his 12-year tenure he only took 25% of his salary. The salary of the President was Rs 10,000 back then. 11. The first rocket in India was transported on a cycle The first rocket was so light and small that it was transported on a bicycle to the Thumba Launching Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 12. India has a spa just for elephants Elephants receive baths, massages and even food at the Punnathoor Cotta Elephant Yard
Rejuvenation Centre in Kerala. Now that's a BIG step for the country. 13. India is the world's secondlargest English speaking country India is second only to the USA when it comes to speaking English with around 125 million people speaking the language, which is only 10% of our population. This is expected to grow by quite a margin in the coming years. Cont’d on page 48
India Post August 12, 2016
47
India Post August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
48
25 Interesting Facts about India Cont’d from page 47
14. Largest number of vegetarians in the world Be it because of religious reasons or personal choices or both, around 20-40% of Indians are vegetarians, making it the largest vegetarian-friendly country in the world. 15. The world's largest producer of milk India recently overtook the European Union with production reaching over 132.4m tonnes in 2014. 16. The first country to consume sugar India was the first country to develop extraction and purifying techniques of sugar. Many visitors from abroad learnt the refining and cultivation of sugar from us. 17. The human calculator Shakuntla Devi was given this title after she demonstrated the calculation of two 13 digit numbers: 7,686,369,774,870 Ă— 2,465,099,745,779 which were picked at random. She answered correctly within 28 seconds. 18. Rabindranath Tagore also wrote the national anthem for Bangladesh Rabindranath Tagore is credited not only for writing the Indian national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, but the Bangladeshi national anthem, Amar Sonar Bangla, as well. He was also offered knighthood by the British but refused the honor after the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. 19. Dhyan Chand was offered German citizenship After defeating Germany 8-1 in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Major Dhyan Chand, the wizard of hockey, was summoned by Hitler. He was promised German citizenship, a high post in the German military and the chance to play for the German national side. Dhyan Chand however declined the offer. 20. Freddie Mercury and Ben Kingsley are both of Indian descent Freddie Mercury, the legendary singer of the rock band 'Queen'
was born a Parsi with the name Farrokh Bulsara while the famous Oscar winning Hollywood star Ben Kingsley was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji. 21. Astronaut Rakesh Sharma said India looks saare jahaan se achcha from space Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked the first Indian in space, Rakesh Sharma, about how India looked from space. His response was our famous patriotic song, "Saare Jahaan Se Achcha." 22. Havell's is purely an Indian brand & named after its first owner Though the company was bought for just 10 lakh Rupees a long time ago and is now a multibillion electrical goods company, it's an Indian company and is still named after its original owner, Haveli Ram Gupta. 23. Diamonds were first mined in India
Initially, diamonds were only found in the alluvial deposits in Guntur and Krishna District of the Krishna River Delta. Until diamonds were found in Brazil during the 18th century, India led the world in diamond production. 24. A special polling station is set up for a lone voter in the middle of Gir Forest Mahant Bharatdas Darshandas has been voting since 2004 and during every election since then, a special polling booth is set up exclusively for him as he is the only voter from Banej in Gir forest. 25. Snakes and Ladders originated in India Earlier known as Moksha Patamu, the game was initially invented as a moral lesson about karma to be taught to children. It was later commercialized and has become one of the most popular board games in the world.
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
49
www.indiapost.com
India Post August 12, 2016
50
Datebook
August 12, 2016
India Post 51
www.indiapost.com
NEW JERSEY Upcoming Sun, Aug 21 • Dream Team Star live Concert 2016
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Sat, Aug 13 • Indian Clothing-Jewelry Show By Neeta Expressions
Fri, Aug 12 • Roaring with DJ - Akbar Sami from Bollywood in Hollywood!!
Venue: Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102 Time : 7:00 pm
Venue: Comfort Inn, 16 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205 Time : 12:00 pm
Venue: Project Club LA, 6356 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Time: 10:00 pm
Sat, Aug 27
Sat, Aug 13
• South Asian Theater Festival 2016
• DesiParty Featuring Bollywood Beats By Dj Harsh
Sat, Aug 13
Venue: George Street Playhouse, 9 Livingstone Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ Time: 2:30 pm
Venue: LEXICON, 226 E 54th St, New York, NY 10022 Time : 10:00 pm
Venue: Oracle Arena Oakland, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621 Time: 07:00 pm
Fri, Sep 9 • Bollywood Gents/Boys Night Out
Sun, Aug 14 • Gurdas Maan ‘Ki Banu Duniya Da’ Tour
Sat, Aug 20 • Dream Team Star Show - The BIGGEST STAR
Venue: Akbar Restaurant, 21 Cortlandt St, Edison, NJ 08837 Time: 07:00 pm
Venue: Colden Center, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367 Time : 8:00 pm
Venue: The Forum, 3900 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90305 Time: 07:30 pm
• Dream Team Star Concert 2016
Wed, Aug 31 • gFive Event Venue: The Comedy Store (Main Room), 8433 Sunset Boulevard , Los Angeles, CA 91502 Time: 01:00 pm
Sat, Sep 3 • Desi RockStar Reloaded 2016 - Bay Area Venue: Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 7:00 pm
Sun, Sep 18 • Sonu Nigam and Atif Aslam Live in Concert - Los Angeles Venue: Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, 300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802 Time: 6:00 pm
CHICAGO
Upcoming Sun, Aug 14 • Independence Day Celebrations Venue: Rainbow Park, 6155 Rainbow Drive, San Jose, CA 95129 Time: 12:00 pm Contact: 408-573-7307
Sun, Aug 21 • Kailash Kher Live in Concert 2016 - Bay Area Venue: Performing Arts Center - Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Boulevard, Hayward, CA 94545 Time: 07:00 pm
ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Aug 20 • Gurdas Maan Live in Concert in Atlanta Venue: Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30303 Time: 7:00 pm
Fri, Aug 26 • Imagine Music Festival Venue: Atlanta Motor Speedway, U.S. 19, Hampton, GA 30228 Time: 3:00 pm Contact: 770-240-0377
Fri, Sep 16 • Sonu and Atif Live in Concert 2016 Atlanta Venue: Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097 Time: 8:30 pm
ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Swami Ishatmananda • Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662
• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822
„ Health
Line
India to host summit on tobacco-control NEW DELHI: India will host a crucial global summit in November to eliminate the illicit trade of tobacco products in which delegates from 180 countries will take part. "India is hosting the 7th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC)," Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. She said the summit scheduled from November 7-12 at the Indian Exposition Mart in Noida will aim "to eliminate illicit trade of tobacco products." About 1,000-1,500 delegates from 180 countries along with observers in official relations with the WHO FCTC are expected to participate in the summit, Patel said. "India has ratified FCTC in 2004 and is a party to it." Patel, however, said that no decision has been taken yet on the composition of the Indian delegation for the event. Replying to another question, she said according to the Indian Council of Medical Research National Cancer Registry data, the estimated number of cancer cases in the country stood at 14.5 lakh in 2016. -PTI
„ Veterinary varsity to train 'Pashu Mitra' MATHURA: The state government has chosen a veterinary institution here for imparting training to 'Pashu Mitra' in order to help farmers provide better health care to their animals. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu-chikitsa Vigyan Viswavidyalaya Evam GoAnusandhan Sansthan VC KML Pathak said, "First batch of training for 60 Pashu Mitra, would start from August 1." He said this is also an effort to generate employment and make available experts at the farmers' doorstep. The 'Pashu Mitras' duties include monitoring of animal husbandry schemes at village level, timely vaccination of cattle and artificial insemination among others. "Besides, getting opportunity of self employment, youths would also work for improving health, guiding proper nutrition and upgradation of cows," he said, adding it would prove boon for the 'Kamdhenu Scheme' of the state government also.-PTI
Health Science 52 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
Cloud computing beneficial in health Details on Page 53
Over 40 pc Delhiites diabetic, Mumbai, Ahmedabad close behind NEW DELHI: Over 40 per cent of Delhiites are diabetic, a new study has claimed as it placed the national capital in the first position among cities closely followed by Mumbai and Ahmedabad. "The study reveals that about 42.5 per cent of Delhi's population suffers from this disease, which in the case of Mumbai is estimated at 38.5 per cent of its total population. In Ahmedabad 36 per cent people are diabetic. In Bangalore 26.5 per cent, while in Chennai the percentage is estimated to be 24.5 per cent. "In Hyderabad and Kolkata, the number of diabetic patients is estimated at 22.6 per cent and 19.7 per cent of the total population, respectively. Even in rural areas, people are increasingly becoming victims of diabetes," an Assocham study 'Diabetes on the Rise in India' said. The study also found that if changes in lifestyle and food habits are not made, 125 million Indians are likely to become victims of Diabetes by 2035. Besides the cost burden imposed by the disease, the impact on quality of life and productivity
of individuals is particularly severe, especially in later years, it said. It said that Delhiites consume high amount of oil, ghee or butter in various cooked products which has evidently led to increase in the number of obesity and hyper-
followed by 30-39 years (26 per cent), 40-49 years (16 per cent), 50-59 years (2 per cent) and 60-69 years (approximately 1 per cent). The study was able to target private employees from 18 broad sectors, with maximum from IT/ ITes sector (17 per cent).
tension cases, pushing up the figures with regard to diabetics. The Assocham study said the increase in diabetes cases among men grew by 25 per cent, while among women by a whopping 42 per cent. It said around 55 per cent of the respondents covered were in the age bracket of 20-29 years,
The study included major cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Dehradun and others. A little over 500 employees were selected from each city on an average. The Assocham health committee warned that uncontrolled dia-
betes can affect various parts of the body, including blood vessels, heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves, and advised that adequate preventive measures needed to be adopted to further control the spread of the disease. An estimated 85 million people in India suffer from pre-diabetes, a condition in which the patients have high blood glucose level but are not in the diabetes range. These people are at high risk of getting diabetes, it said. Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide and fourth leading causes of death in the developed world. The paper has projected that the number of diabetes patients worldwide would go over 450 million by 2025, with a percentage increase of 150. The paper concludes that larger intake of vitamins such as Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid can keep human populace off diabetics. Assocham said it will hold over 85 diabetes screening camps in Delhi over the next 100 days.PTI
Those living with cows have no asthma CHICAGO: Forget Fluffy and Fido. Bessie the cow just might make a healthier pet. That idea stems from new research in two farming-based religious communities that shun modern ways but have dramatically different childhood asthma rates. The goal was to find an explanation for why asthma is so uncommon among Amish communities, where children run barefoot in dairy barns and farm fields, but much higher in the other group. Blood samples, house dust and mice experiments revealed some tantalizing clues, suggesting something in the dust was protecting the Amish children. The study was published in New England Journal of Medicine. It involved 60 school-aged
children - 30 each from an Amish community in Middlebury, Indiana, and from a Hutterite colony near Mitchell, South Dakota. Amish and Hutterites both origi-
nated in Europe, share old-style Protestant beliefs and lifestyles and have similar genetic ancestry. But Hutterites live on large highly industrialized communal farms, use modern agricultural machinery, and children are more isolated from livestock. By contrast, the Amish have family-run farms, they use horsedrawn plows, their barns often are located near their homes and their children have daily exposure to farm animals, the researchers explained. Asthma is a lung disease involving narrowed airways and episodes of wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties. Its cause is unknown but scientists be-
lieve genes and the environment play a role. Having a family history of allergy or asthma increases the risk, and pollution, dust and pet dander are among triggers in susceptible people. No Amish children and six Hutterites had asthma. Other studies have found rates of about 5 percent in Amish schoolaged children versus up to about 20 percent in Hutterites and 10 percent for U.S. kids. Reasons for the higher Hutterite rate aren't known but exhaust from farm machinery is an unlikely explanation because they typically don't come in close contact with it, said study coauthor Carole Ober, a University of Chicago geneticist. Cont'd on Page 53
August 12, 2016
Health Science Post
India Post 53
www.indiapost.com
Cloud computing beneficial in health COIMBATORE: Application of cloud computing and big data analytics in public health systems would help prevent spread and occurrences of diseases and also reduce morbidity rate, a top official of ANZ has said. After inaugurating EMC Centre in Sri Krishna College of Technology here,
If identified early, medical professionals can prevent diseases and can control the death rate, he said and suggested use of application for the benefit of society Krishnakant, Head of ANZ, said use of data analytics in the health field would easily identify occurrence of diseases and also clearly portray the health deterioration in the body. If identified early, medical professionals can prevent diseases and can control the death rate, he said and suggested that public health systems in each country use the
application for the benefit of society. Stating that data analytics is now able to discover the criminal behavior in people and mention the places where crimes may happen, he said crime rates can be minimized if applied in the police force. He said London police has followed these techniques and predicted where and when crimes happen, as a result of which crime rates were drastically reduced there. By using big data analytics, one can predict crimes, control and reduce the number of crimes, he claimed and said new revolutions in the computer field discover many Apps by using cloud computing and big data analytics, which may forecast people's mood and behavior. Online retailers are now using the same model and observe the buying behavior of customers. Developed countries now use these big data analytics and identify availability of oil and petroleum, coal in mines, expanding business opportunities in the insurance sectors and financial institutions, predicts the nature of the vehicle and accident rates, Krishnakant said.-PTI
Those living with cows have no asthma Cont'd from Page 52
Blood tests confirmed both groups of children had similar genetic profiles. But Amish children had far more white blood cells called neutrophils _ important in fighting infections. Plus, these cells looked younger in Amish kids, suggesting their immune system was constantly stimulated by exposure to germs to produce more. Other blood cells called monocytes were found in similar numbers in both groups. Previous studies suggest these cells are hyperactive in allergy-prone children but the cells showed signs of being less responsive to allergy triggers in the Amish kids, said co-author Anne Sperling, a University of Chicago immunologist. ``This was a phenomenal difference,'' she said. ``We were blown away.'' She said the second ``gee-whiz moment'' came after researchers collected Amish and Hutterite house dust and tested it on special mice sensitized to develop asthma symptoms. Hutterite dust triggered breathing troubles and inflamed airways in the mice; Amish dust did not. What exactly is in Amish house dust that might protect children is not known and
more research is planned to find out, but the study authors theorized it could be microbes including bacteria from dairy cows. ``We could just say put a cow in everyone's house and no one would have asthma anymore but of course that's not easy,'' Ober said with a chuckle. But if protective germs can be identified, it might someday be possible to create an asthma blocker for all children, she said. A journal editorial said the study bolsters evidence that exposure to germs from traditional farming may protect against asthma. The results also support the socalled ``hygiene hypothesis,'' which theorizes that relatively germ-free homes of modern society make infants more vulnerable to allergies and asthma. Dr. Talal Chatila, an allergy expert at Boston Children's Hospital who wrote the editorial, said the study doesn't answer when and how often exposure to farm dust might be needed to protect children and if it needs to begin before birth. Ober noted that research has shown that infants whose families have dogs are less likely to develop asthma and allergies but that acquiring a dog later on doesn't make a difference. -AP
J
54 India Post allianwala Bagh unfolds the story of the most infamous massacre during the British rule that left a deep scar on Indians. Spread across a sprawling area of 6.5 acre, Jallianwala Bagh is a public garden situated in the pious city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab. Holding immense national importance, this memorial site was inaugurated on the occasion of Punjabi New Year on 13th April in 1961 by the then-President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Owing to its historical significance, Jallianwala Bagh has attracted every tourist visiting the state. The name Jallianwala Bagh itself evokes a spirit of patriotism in every Indian, bringing back the memory of the worst tragedy in the entire history of India's freedom struggle. It was here that the British Army led by General Dyer launched open fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children during a peaceful public meeting. The incident, which took place on 13th April, 1919, resulted in the death of hundreds of innocent civilians of India.
www.indiapost.com Remembering the Martyrs In 1961, a memorial was constructed on the site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre to commemorate the sacrifices of people who became victims of the ruthless firing. To this day, the bullet marks visible on the boundary wall of the park serve as reminders of the appalling massacre. The well into which many people jumped and drowned in an attempt to guard themselves from the onslaught of bullets is also preserved inside the park. At the entrance of this public park is a memorial tablet that gives an account of the history. Another part of the garden has the 'Flame of Liberty', an eternal flame of remembrance lit in the memory of those who died during the tragic massacre at Jallianwala Bagh. Managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, this park-cum-memorial is open to public every day, from 6 am to 9 pm in summer and from 7 am to 8 pm in winter. Cont’d on page 56
August 12, 2016
August 12, 2016
Travel & Hospitality Post
India Post 55
www.indiapost.com
Kerala bags 6 National Tourism awards NEW DELHI: Kerala Tourism has bagged Malabar Coast that was the starting point for six National Tourism awards for 2014-15 in Kerala's spice trade with the rest of the world. the marketing category for states. 'The Great Backwaters', a brochure in It received two more awards, including German language, detailing the unique, the one for its Responsible Tourism (RT) standalone and once-in-a-lifetime experience initiative in Wayanad. of the Kerala backwaters to the international Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan pre- travelers, was adjudged the best in foreign sented the awards to Principal Secretary language segment. Venu V and Director U V Jose in the presThe third award for Kerala Tourism in ence of Union Tourism Minister Mahesh 'Tourism Promotion and Publishing' catSharma at a function at Vigyan Bhavan here. egory came for its most innovative use of Kerala Tourism received three out of the information technology for the website desix awards for states in the Tourism Promo- signed by Invis Multimedia and social metion and Publishing category, including the dia managed by Stark Communications. one for 'Most Innovative use of InformaKerala Tourism has 12.8 lakh Facebook tion Technology' - social media/mobile app. followers, the largest figure for any TourThe Wayanad initiative, which has trans- ism Board in India. formed the hilly district's economy through intensive participation of the local people, was selected for the award in the 'Responsible Tourism' category. Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, a small but thriving village in Kozhikode, fetched the award for Kerala Tourism in the Rural Tourism project category. "The awards are a heartening and robust reaffirmation of our Responsible Tourism initiative, which has emerged as a trailblazing tourLok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan presents the ism product for the entire country. National Tourism Awards 2014-15 as Minister of State We also received three national for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Sharma and Secretary awards for our brilliant marketing of Ministry of Tourism Vinod look on. initiatives which are designed to Turtle on the Beach, Kovalam, was the woo travelers from both inside the country and abroad," Kerala Tourism Minister A C adjudged the best hotel in the Five Star category; Coconut Lagoon, Kumarakom, Moideen said in a press release. Kerala Tourism Director U V Jose said bagged the award for Best Heritage Hotel the national awards have come in the wake in Classic Category; Coconut Creek Farm of Kerala Tourism winning two PATA (Pa- and Homestay, Kumarakom, was given the cific Asia Travel Association) Gold Awards award for 'Best Incredible India Bed and Breakfast Establishment' approved by State for its brilliant marketing initiatives. Kerala and the Spice Routes, a coffee- Governments / Union Territory Administratable book designed by Stark, won the award tions' and Somatheeram Research Institute in the category of Excellence in Publishing and Ayurveda Hospital Pvt. Ltd, Thiruvananthapuram, was declared the in English language. The book takes readers through the Best Wellness Centre.-PTI
'Farm Tourism' in Haryana a success CHANDIGARH: The 'Farm Tourism' concept is fast "gaining ground" as six new farm houses in Haryana have been registered under the scheme raising the number to 19, a top state tourism official said. Principal Secretary (Haryana Tourism) Sumita Misra said many farmhouse owners are now coming forward to get registered under the scheme. "By increasing the window of registration of farm house owners from three to five years, many farmhouse owners are now coming forward to get registered," she said. The houses, registered recently, are located in Gurgaon and Jhajjar districts. Earlier, 13 farmhouses in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Karnal, Jhajjar, Mewat and
Rohtak were registered under the scheme, she said. "The newly registered farmhouses offer a host of facilities and activities for tourists, including tented accommodation, conference hall, mud baths, ayurvedic treatment, adventure sports, mini golf course, archery and boxing," she said. "For registration, preference is given to the farms that have 3-4 acres agricultural land attached with it. It is mandatory to have two rooms to sublet and the farmhouse owner is supposed to provide home cooked food, lodging facilities and introduce the visitor to different agricultural practices to give a glimpse of the ethnic way of life," she added. -PTI
MP receives award for tourism development NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh was adjudged the best state for comprehensive development of tourism, followed by Gujarat and Karnataka respectively, at the National Tourism Awards for the year 2014-2015. The Ministry of Tourism annually presents National Tourism Award to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. While Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur railway station received the Best Tourist Friendly railway station award, Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport got the Best Airport award. Telangana's Warangal received the best heritage city award. Monuments of Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh were declared the best maintained and disable-friendly monument. Among the hotels, Taj Exotica, Salcette, Goa was conferred the best hotel award under the five star deluxe category. Best heritage hotel awards in three different catego-
ries were given to Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur, Coconut Lagoon at Kumarakom in Kottayam and Gajner Palace in Bikaner. The Lalit in New Delhi received an award under the category of hotel providing best facilities for the differently-abled guests. Apart from these, there were also awards for tour operators, bed and breakfast establishments, tourism promotion and publicity, best chefs, et al. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan was the Chief Guest and Union Minister for Tourism Mahesh Sharma presided over the event. Addressing the gathering Sharma said, "We attract less than one per cent of tourists globally. Prime Minister's dream is to turn tourism industry into a strong pillar for employment generation and foreign exchange earnings... "By 2020 we aim to attract one per cent tourists and by 2025 we should get two per cent of tourists globally." -PTI
Travel & Hospitality Post
56 India Post
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
Cont’d from page 54
Those opting for Jallianwala Bagh tourism can take out time to visit nearby popular attractions like the Golden Temple and Wagah Border.
How to reach To reach Jallianwala Bagh, tourists can either fly to Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport or take a train to Amritsar Railway Station. Situated a short walk away from the famous Golden Temple in
the city, the park is easily accessible via public transportation like auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and buses, or via rental cars. Weather
Activities along coastline to be expanded NEW DELHI: Government is working on a policy to expand various activities along the country's coastline, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said here, asserting that good development and environment could co-exist and were not contrary to each other.
no impediment in initiating development and setting up of new ports. "The country has a total of 7,516.6 kms of coastline. While the world is earning a lot from coastal areas through tourism, but in India we have just let it go. "We are seriously trying to
Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave
Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, he said he would soon have a meeting with all MPs from coastal areas to discuss the issue. The Minister said there will be
evolve a new policy and are ensuring that while preserving our world heritage sites, how can we expand activities along the coastal areas. We are working on it seriously and thinking about this," he
said. Dave said because of the Coastal Regulation Zone, people living there now want not only new houses, but new technology for improving shelf-life of their fish, which was not there 40-50 years ago and added that the government was working on how to address these demands. "As per law, there are many problems arising out of CRZ and it is not related to houses and infrastructure alone. We are seriously working in this regard. We will have to seriously think about CRZ and we would need cooperation of all in this regard. "I will sit with all MPs soon from coastal areas and discuss with them and evolve a policy soon," Dave said. He said the Sagarmala project was in a very initial stage and development of a port is being worked out, but there is no proposal so far for clearance of this project. "There is no proposal for its environment clearance before us," he said. -PTI
Jallianwala Bagh has extreme summers and winters while the temperature is moderate during the monsoon season. Best time to visit
The park can be visited throughout the year but, the best time for Jallianwala Bagh tourism is during the cooler months of October through March.
Norms relaxed for foreign tourists visiting Ladakh SRINAGAR: The Centre has decided to relax the requirement of a Protected Area Permit for foreigners visiting various parts of Ladakh including the Nubra valley, Jammu and Kashmir government has said. "At the intervention of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Union Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to relax the Protected Area
emphasized the resolve of her government to boost tourism infrastructure in the state and open up new areas in Kashmir as well as Jammu province for tourists. Mehbooba has directed the Tourism Department to expedite necessary approvals and initiate work on various tourism infrastructure projects for which DPRs have already been submitted for ap-
Permit for foreigners visiting various parts of Ladakh and as a consequence foreign tourists will be now able to visit various parts of Nubra Valley," an official spokesperson said. He said notification has been issued by the MHA in this regard. Expressing satisfaction over the development, the Chief Minister
proval of the central government. In addition to boosting the tourism infrastructure in destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg, the Chief Minister has directed adequate attention be paid to upcoming places like Yusmarg, Doodpathri, Khilanmarg, Kokernag and Tosamaidan to attract more tourists. -PTI
Classifieds
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
For Classifieds Ads Call NORTHERN CA (Sonia) Tel: 510-938-8668 sonia@indiapost.com (Priya) Tel. 510-275-4467 priya@indiapost.com SOUTHERN CA (Shashi Trivedi) Tel: 562-441-5511/ Fax: 562-947-0632 shashi19@yahoo.com
on your desktop www.indiapost.com
NEW YORK (Pinky) Tel: 908 338 3752 pinky@indiapost.com
www.indiapost.com
NEWS
CHICAGO (Ramesh Soparawala) Tel: 773-973-7394 / Fax: 773-973-7396 sramesh@aol.com
India Post 57
58 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016
Philosophy
August 12, 2016
India Post 59
www.indiapost.com
Page Sponsored by Sahanis SRI AUROBINDO
H
ow shall we recover our lost intellectual freedom and elasticity? By reversing, for a time at least, the process by which we lost it, by liberating our minds in all subjects from the thralldom to authority. That is not what reformers and the Anglicized require of us. They ask us, indeed, to abandon authority, to revolt against custom and superstition, to have free and enlightened minds. But they mean by these sounding recommendations that we should renounce the authority of Sayana for the authority of Max Muller, the Monism of Shankara for the Monism of Haeckel, the written Shastra for the unwritten law of European social opinion, the dogmatism of Brahmin Pandits for the dogmatism of European scientists, thinkers and scholars. Such a foolish exchange of servitude can receive the assent of no self-respecting mind. Let us break our chains, venerable as they are, but let it be in order to be free, - in the name of truth, not in the name of Europe. It would be a poor bargain to exchange our old Indian illuminations, however dark they may have grown to us, for a derivative European enlightenment or replace the superstitions of popular Hinduism by the superstitions of materialistic Science. SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI
A
lertness is a skill. Therefore, to develop it is like picking up any other skill, like swimming. We learn to swim by swimming. We learn to drive by driving. And we become alert by being alert. Before any skill is acquired, there is a learning type of activity. When we learn to drive, for example, there is a driving instructor sitting beside us and a "driverin-training" sign on the car so that everyone in the road will know to keep a certain distance. In this way, over a period of time, we pick up the skill of driving. Here, also, we begin by being alert in areas where we are not usually alert. We start with behavior because this is an area where the skill of alertness can be developed. There are certain mechanical aspects to behavior that we consciously become conscious of. In other words, we start with the simple avoidance of actions which betray mechanicalness, like fidgeting. Fidgeting happens because of something in the mind that expresses mechanically in some external movement of the body. We have all seen people sitting and jiggling one leg while they are talking. This is usually referred as
Our first necessity, if India is to survive and do her appointed work in the world, is that the youth of India should learn to think, - to think on all subjects, to think independently, fruitfully, going to the heart of things, not stopped by their surface, free of prejudgments, shearing sophism and prejudice asunder as with a sharp sword, smiting down obscurantism of all kinds as with the mace of Bhima. Let our brains no longer, like European infants, be swathed with
like the infant Krishna bound to the wain, and move forward dragging with it wain and all and shattering in its progress the twin trees, the twin obstacles to self-fulfillment, blind mediaeval prejudice and arrogant modern dogmatism. The old fixed foundations have been broken up, we are tossing in the waters of a great upheaval and change. It is no use clinging to the old ice-floes of the past, they will soon melt and leave their refugees struggling in perilous waters. It is
potch and then triumphantly call it the assimilation of East and West. We must begin by accepting nothing on trust from any source whatsoever, by questioning everything and forming our own conclusions. We need not fear that we shall by that process cease to be Indians or fall into the danger of abandoning Hinduism. India can never cease to be India or Hinduism to be Hinduism, if we really think for ourselves. It is only if we allow
Let us not allow Europe to think for us
Sri Aurobindo
It would be a poor bargain to exchange our old Indian illuminations, for a derivative European enlightenment or replace the superstitions of popular Hinduism by the superstitions of materialistic Science.
swaddling clothes; let them recover the free and unbound motion of the gods; let them have not only the minuteness but the wide mastery and sovereignty natural to the intellect of Bharata and easily recoverable by it if it once accustoms itself to feel its own power and be convinced of its own worth. If it cannot entirely shake off past shackles, let it at least arise
no use landing ourselves in the infirm bog, neither sea nor good dry land, of a secondhand Europeanism. We shall only die there a miserable and unclean death. No, we must learn to swim and use that power to reach the good vessel of unchanging truth; we must land again on the eternal rock of ages. Let us not, either, select at random, make a nameless hotch-
Europe to think for us that India is in danger of becoming an ill-executed and foolish copy of Europe. Our first business as original thinkers will be to accept nothing, to question everything. That means to get rid of all unexamined opinions Excerpted from 'Essays Divine and Human.' The 144th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo will be celebrated on August 15.
mannerism, but all mannerisms are really problems because they are mechanical expressions of the mind. There is no thinking involved, no conscious expression. Therefore, we start with these mannerisms, these mechanical actions. We either stop them altogether or convert them into conscious action. We can even be conscious of opening and clos-
that he is a person of great discipline. Thinking he is a great yogi, people keep giving him money. Of course, not blinking and just keeping the eyes open and looking, is definitely an accomplishment. It is a discipline and he is very good at it. But this accomplishment does not necessarily mean that his mind is enlightened.
your thoughts can help because, by doing so, you become aware of the ways of thinking. Once you are aware of the ways of thinking, there is no mechanical thinking and any expression will be a conscious action. To accomplish this, however, we need to have a value for alertness and conscious expression. Alertness and conscious ex-
Becoming alert & remaining so is a discipline
A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and comprehensively; he must put himself in the place of another and of many others; the pains and pleasures of his species must become his own. -Percy Bysshe Shelley
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. -Albert Einstein
In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision. -Dalai Lama
Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow. -Helen Keller
Find a place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain. -Joseph Campbell
Your smile will give you a positive countenance that will make people feel comfortable around you. -Les Brown
Certain forms of meditation are also helpful in developing alertness. Witnessing your thoughts can help because, by doing so, you become aware of the ways of thinking. Swami Dayananda Saraswati
ing our eyelids. There is a renunciate in Rishikesh who has become quite famous by controlling the blinking of eyelids. He sits outside of the Lakshmanjhula temple. He is the picture of a traditional yogi, complete with a T-bar on which to rest during his long period of meditation. He looks at people directly and does not blink. This kind of control means
He may be a beggar who is alert in this particular area. Becoming alert and remaining so is a discipline, nothing more. Controlling one's blinking is a very difficult thing to do. If this can be done, any other movement can also be controlled. Thus, we can start with simple mannerisms. Certain forms of meditation are also helpful in developing alertness. Witnessing
pression also imply being careful about what we say. Words also can be mechanical. Being alert we say what we want to say, which entails talking whenever necessary. Excerpted from Arsha Vidya Gurukulam 3rd anniversary souvenir, 1989. The 86th birth anniversary of Swami Dayananda Saraswati will be celebrated on August 15.
I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day. -Vincent Van Gogh Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact. -William James
Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs
www.indiapost.com
60 India Post
August 12, 2016
Lakshmi, is among the many elephants who are held captive by religious authorities in Kerala to be used in the state's globally popular temple festivals. Sangita hugs one of the mistreated elephants she met in Kerala
I
TRISHA MUKHERJEE
n November 2014, when Toronto based biologist, Sangita Iyer visited her "soul-animal" Lakshmi, in her hometown in Kerala, she was devastated to see the elephant reeling under pain having been blinded by her mahout. Lakshmi, is among the many elephants who are held captive by religious authorities in Kerala to be used in the state's globally popular temple festivals. "It was devastating to witness how they treated my soul animal Lakshmi. She was tortured to blindness. I still remember when I first met her, she had gorgeous honey brown eyes. She is one of the few female elephants in Kerala and I bonded with her on a much deeper level. "But, when I saw her in 2014, my jaw dropped because her left eye was swollen shut and tears
were constantly streaming out. When she opened her eye, I saw a white scar in her eye. When I asked around, I learnt that her mahout beat her mercilessly because she ate his food that was left unattended. One of his blows struck her in the eye and she became blind," Iyer says. In the absence of a veterinarian who was supposed to treat Lakshmi's eye, the local people nailed the ailing elephant to make her lie down and forced open her eye with their "filthy hands" to pour in the eye drops, she narrates. To bring the plight of captive elephants like Lakshmi to the attention of the concerned authorities and create an awakening within the larger public, in 2015 she came out with a documentary titled, "Gods in Shackles," which was screened here recently. Cont'd on Page 61
Many of the elephants Sangita saw were suffering from serious wounds
August 12, 2016
India Post 61 www.indiapost.com
My best is yet to come: Divya
D
ivya Khosla Kumar dons many hats - director, so cial worker, model, actress, wife and mother. After her last film Sanam Re, featuring Pulkit Samrat and Yami Gautam, she has already started work on her next, a contemporary movie still in the initial stages. "Casting will begin once the script is complete," Divya says. After that, an announcement is expected in September. Shooting shall commence next year. "I'm just out of two movies. Direction is extremely challenging. I wanted a little break," says Divya who recently returned from a trip to Austria. She is known to give breaks to newcomers, having cast several in her directorial debut, Yaariyan and the relatively new Yami-Pulkit in 'Sanam Re.' But her next film will
be different. "The character I'm writing is layered so I'm not sure if a newcomer can pull it off," she says. She is happy modeling too. "I started as a model in Delhi. I recently walked the ramp at the India Couture Week. I'm modeling again so I guess life has come around a full circle. When I started, I was still learning. It is my first love," she says. Divya performed an item number, 'Humne Pee Rakhi Hai' in Sanam Re and isn't against facing the camera again. "I've got offers before but I couldn't accept because I was busy with my own films. If the role is good, I don't mind acting," she says. Divya is also big on philanthropy. She's one of the brand ambassadors of Smile Foundation. "I'm very happy to be associated
with them. The organization looks after kids' education and nutrition. Life is so fast paced that if you don't do your bit for society, you eventually lose all happiness. Success is not enough. I feel enriched by doing something for the society," Divya confides. She may be a career woman but marriage and motherhood haven't taken a backseat. "It was believed that a girl's life and career got over once she's married but I'm driving my career even more fiercely after marriage. When I was getting married I was told my career will be over. But I'm happy to have proved them wrong," she says, adding, "Women are finally coming of age in India. I believe in gender equality. After marriage, it's very important for a woman to get her husband's support for whatever she does. Working makes you
Celebrities in chains Cont'd from Page 60
"I saw that they were shackled so tightly, they had massive tumors on their hips and raw bleeding wounds on their ankles. Many blind elephants were being paraded in the sun as tears streamed down their eyes. It was heartbreaking and I knew that I had to do something about it. That's how I decided to make this film," she says. The 92-minute documentary follows the lives of four "celebrity" elephants for a year, including Lakshmi. A fifth male elephant named Sundar who made international headlines for having been able to break the shackles of captivity has also been featured. " In the span of the two years and a half during which Iyer made the film, she visited Kerala at least eight times to collect footage and collaborated it with scientific researches carried out by non-profit organizations like The Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Location Centre, The Animal Welfare Board of India and The Asian Nature Conservation Foundation. According to her findings, out of the 40,000 Asian elephants from across the globe, India is home to at least 27,000 of them. She also points out that the country also has the largest number of captive elephants - 3,000 - who are used for various commercial purposes like tourism, culture and religion. "The government of India has to really pay attention. I believe
it has a moral obligation to take care of India's heritage animal because what we have is a global treasure and we need to protect it," she says. The objective of the film, she says, is to awaken the masses and to empower them with knowledge so that they can take conscious action and demand that using elephants for any commercial purpose be stopped. "On one hand they worship Lord Ganesh and on the other
cry," she says. The film also features a cellphone clip from March 2015, that shows a temple elephant breaking loose and running amuck the residential areas in the city causing panic. Here, the nature and wildlife filmmaker argues that captivating elephants only results in a "lose-lose situation" where not only the animal is harmed but also people get into danger. "Overall it is neither good for people, nor is it good for people.
Thrissur Pooram is perhaps the most famous temple festival in Kerala
they torture his very embodiment; they say it is about culture but really it is about commerce. "I also felt that there is a vast majority of people who are completely ignorant of the truth but there is also a group who are turning a blind eye willfully and these are the people who need to be jolted and shaken up and that can be done only through public out-
It is such a lose-lose situation. This year alone there have been 12 elephant deaths and nine human deaths. "What is the point of having these festivals and celebrations when people are getting killed, elephants are getting killed. They are running amuck causing damage to both life and property," she says.-PTI
feel more fulfilled," she says. Talking about husband Bhushan Kumar, Divya says, "In
roles Divya doesn't want to be limited to epithets like director, actor and model. She likes to refer to
a relationship everyone needs their space. If I would've just sat at home waiting for him, I would've driven him crazy! I think it's equally important for me to be independent and creative. It's fun when you don't consider your work as a job." Having dabbled with so many
herself as, "An Indian woman. I cherish that role and want to give my 100 per cent to everything. You get one life and you need to do your best. I work hard every day and try to realize my potential. There's so much more to do and I feel my best is yet to come," signs off the pretty woman.
Varun to recreate 'Kuch Kuch' magic
F
or those growing up in the Nineties, the Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' is a cult movie which had the young generation grooving to its peppy music. After 18 years of its release, Varun Dhawan is all set to recreate its magic in an upcoming musical tour of USA and Canada. And it is definitely music to the ears of Hindi movie fans in these two countries. Varun and his 'Dream Team' comprising Alia Bhatt and Parineeti Chopra will perform live across six cities in USA and Canada. According to Varun, in addi-
tion to dancing to the number 'Saur Tarah Ke' from 'Dishoom', the actor is hopped up about recreating a song from Shah Rukh Khan's 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' with Alia and Parineeti. We learn that Parineeti will be performing to 'Jaaneman Aah'. Even Karan Johar will be seen shaking a leg or two to the evergreen song 'Shava Shava'. Varun is optimistic that the NRI fraternity in America will enjoy their performance as Hindi movies are very popular there. The actor will have a jugalbandi with Katrina Kaif. The first show of Dream Team will kick off on August 12 in Houston.
62
Edit Page
India Post
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
No need to worry over Trump's foreign policy
India Post
CHINTAMANI MAHAPATRA
N
ever before did the American foreign policy draw so much limelight during an election year in the US as it has now. Likewise, the global anxiety over the outcome of a presidential election in the US has become more palpable today than ever in the past. Similarly, rarely have allied and rival countries of the US expressed their disquiet and angst over the foreign policy statements of an American presidential nominee as it is being witnessed during the 2016 election campaign. Yet, another new history in the ongoing US presidential election campaign is the vigorous oppo-
the US. When Trump questioned the usefulness of the nuclear weapons by asking, "If we have them, why can't we use them," his "mental stability" came under suspicion. Libertarian Vice Presidential candidate Bill Weld said "He's a showman‌a pied piper‌a music man" and more seriously "the noun that comes to my mind is a "screw loose." Significantly, the Republican Party's senior officials and leaders too are miffed with Trump's foreign policy statements. More particularly, a group of former cabinet officers, senior officials and career military officials,
Donald Trump
sition to their nominee's positions on foreign policy issues by senior officials of his own party. All these because of unconventional foreign policy views of Republican nominee Donald Trump that have unsettled both allies and enemies of the US to varying degrees. Trump's prickly tongue has invited bitter invectives against him as well. Incumbent US President Barack Obama declared Trump "unfit" to serve as the Commander-in Chief of the US army. Incumbent US Vice President Joe Biden said, "threats are too great, and times are too uncertain" to elect Trump as the next US President, since he "has no clue about what makes America great", even though he vows to make America "great again." Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta have accused Trump of making "disgraceful statements that betray" the "long standing values and national interests" of
in an open letter in the Washington Post challenged Trump's position on Europe, NATO and Russia, saying "We find Trump's comments to be reckless, dangerous and extremely unwise" that go against "core, bipartisan principle found in every U.S. administration‌." This is where both the Democrats as well as the Republicans seem to be united against Trump. So are some American allies. For instance, French President Francois Hollande reportedly thinks that Donald Trump's comments are "vomit-inducing." America's trade partners are apprehensive about Trump's opposition to free trade. American allies are concerned about his position that unless they pay adequately for it, they should fend for themselves in defense and security matters. The US' neighbors appear concerned about his ideas to build walls to prevent illegal movement of people. There is little doubt that shal-
low remarks and use of obnoxious language have earned Trump several enemies within his country and abroad. But will Trump, if he wins the election, build a wall along the Mexican border? Will he disband NATO? Will he ask Japan and South Korea to make nuclear weapons to defend themselves? Will he endorse the spread of Russian influence? Will he flex muscles against China? Will he walk away from trade deals his predecessors have concluded? Will he wage a unilateral war against the Islamic State? The answer is perhaps in the negative. It is important to separate rhetoric from reality to assess the US' role under a possible Trump administration. In the heat of the campaign, all the candidates make promises, issue statements and indulge in strong criticisms, and once a nominee wins the election and assumes office, the whole world suddenly looks strikingly different. In this complex dynamics of domestic politics and intricate web of international relations, a single American president simply cannot do what he desires or dreams or promises. This will be more applicable to Trump than to his rival, Hillary Clinton, since the former is completely raw on foreign policy/national security issues and the latter is a proven diplomat. However, Trump and his campaigns have already begun to change course. He has begun to find faults with the foreign policy weaknesses of the Obama Administration, build his own vision of a world order where the US would have restored its prestige, power and economic weight in the world. He harps on making "America great again" in the backdrop of declining US influence in the world order; he wants to make common cause with Russia and give an option to China to productively cooperate or risk having its own separate path; manage the huge trade deficit and restore the manufacturing primacy to keep jobs at home; confront radical Islam and stabilize regional orders than export the Western version of democracy; concentrate on domestic developments and not on nation-building abroad. All these ideas are expected to win votes and not please allies or displease rivals abroad. The writer is Rector and Professor, JNU, & Columnist, IPCS
Credit & blame P
rime Minister Narendra Modi has recently sounded pained when twice reprimanding cow vigilantes for killing or harassing Dalits. He went to the extent of dramatically declaring to such elements to shoot him instead of killing Dalits. The Prime Minister also complained that he is expected to be answerable even when an incident takes place in any state, district or mohalla. The BJP is fond of chest thumping and taking credit. It is true a lot has been achieved in the two years it has been in power, in spite of the hurdles put up by the opposition, an entrenched bureaucracy and a prejudiced media. The image of Narendra Modi has been of a strongman who will deliver at the Center just as he did in his state of Gujarat. When someone takes credit, blame is also attached to him if something goes wrong. If incidents against Dalits had taken place under UPA rule, no one would have blamed Manmohan Singh because he was not only powerless he behaved like he is powerless. But here, in the case of Modi, he himself makes claims about how he has improved the economy and through projects like Jan Dhan Yojana lifted the lives of the poor. In view of these claims and such others, if things start going wrong, the life of the poor Dalits is in danger and his party men are running amok as vigilantes, Modi has to be blamed because he has the power to stop them. Why did he not stop them earlier? And instead of reprimanding them publically why could he not have acted to ensure that such fringe elements are punished or at least disciplined. The Congress and other political parties have reacted by saying the PM's statement is too little and too late. And questioned why no action is being taken against such party enthusiasts who have taken the law into their own hands. Such BJP sympathizers or elements exploiting their proximity to ruling groups, are giving the impression that for the party, the life of a cow is more important than that of a human being. It is only after it became apparent that the harassing of Dalits in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh will affect the BJP's chances in the upcoming polls that the Prime Minister has chosen to speak against such vigilantes. But he has neither taken nor ordered any action against such people. Is it once again an electoral strategy where he is afraid to touch such BJP sympathizers because they might form a larger group of voters than the Dalits. In spite of appropriating the legacy of BR Ambedkar and other moves to woo the Dalits, the BJP has not been sure that it had won over the Dalits from the hold of Dalit leaders like Mayawati. But by talking action against its own party sympathizers like the cow vigilantes, the BJP might be jeopardizing its chances with its own Hindutva elements. That is why Modi only made an appeal to these groups and did not order any action. It is a curious dilemma with the BJP. The Hindutva elements are with it but they are no so many in number as to win elections for it. So it has to woo other sections. This superficial wooing has been exposed for what it is with sections of the party openly maligning groups like Dalits and Muslims and making it impossible for such groups to view the BJP with nothing but suspicion. Times of India has rightly commented that given modern means of communication, the country "is a vast echo chamber. Growing Hindutva has coincided with growing Islamisation in Kashmir. In that sense what begins in UP - a little riot here intended to polarize votes or lynching there to appease the gau rakshak lobby - doesn't stay confined to UP." So, is Modi ready to rise above electoral politics?
August 12, 2016
www.indiapost.com
India Post 63
64 India Post
www.indiapost.com
August 12, 2016