India in New York - August 1, 2014 by India Abroad

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INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

‘To accuse me of causing racial tensions with the Indian community is ludicrous’ GEORGE JOSEPH

“I

f someone calls me a racist, I will be unbelievably angry,” said Rabbi Bernhard Rosenberg, of the Congregation Beth-El, in Edison, New Jersey, responding to reports about an argument with Edison Councilwoman Sapana Shah. The incident was an offshoot of the Edison Township Council’s proposal to raise property tax by 9 percent. June 25, a meeting was held to solicit public comment. Opposing the proposal to increase taxes, Rabbi Rosenberg said the local school district’s tax woes were made worse by large groups of people living in basements along Oak Tree Road, and students in Edison schools who do not belong there. Oak Tree Road is where the Indians and their businesses are centered. Shah said Rosenberg was using coded language to unfairly stigmatize South Asians and Indians. “I was a refugee myself,” Rabbi Rosenberg continued. “My parents were in the Holocaust and I lost most of my family to the Nazis. There is not a racist bone in my body. Anyone who has gone through such heartbreaking experiences cannot be a racist or hatemonger. I have always had great relations with the Indian community. While chairman of the Human rights Commission of Edison, I was among the first to help the Indian community.” Rosenberg later sent Shah an e-mail. ‘I apologize if my remarks were misun-

derstood,’ he wrote. ‘I meant no disrespect to a particular demographic — but was sharing my experiences with Jim Kukor who was concerned that the problem of illegals was costing Edison a lot of money and would eventually hurt Edison taxpayers.’ Shah, who could not be contacted at press time for this report, didn’t respond to the email. “I was not referring to illegal or undocumented current residents,” Rosenberg said, “but only what I saw first hand over 10, 15 years ago. We have illegal or undocumented students of all races who have been discovered in Edison schools. It costs of us of all races $18,000 a student and that is why I brought up the issue of undocumented people.” “I always say what I mean and do not use code words… I apologized for any misunderstanding, but the apology was not responded to.” “My synagogue hosted the Indian community by having them rent our facilities for many years. I had to make certain that the food that was brought in was vegetarian. I inspected the restaurants first hand.” “We also rented to Indian dance groups.” “To accuse me of causing racial tensions with the Indian community on purpose is ludicrous. It is important to my reputation that you let it be known that I am a friend to the Indian community. Yesterday (July 22) I attended an Iftaar party hosted by Muslims.” He said he mentioned students whose families do not live in Edison and yet give Edison addresses to get into Edison

SFJ petition guns for Prime Minister Modi GEORGE JOSEPH

petition against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming United States visit was started July 21 on the White House’s We the People Web site. The petition is headlined, ‘Cancel White House invitation to PM Modi — Organizer of 2002 massacre of Muslims. Ban BJP for 1984 attack on Golden Temple; In 2002, Indian PM Modi organized massacre of Muslims in Gujarat.’ President Barack Obama has invited

Narendra Modi

Rabbi Bernhard Rosenberg schools rather than to their area schools. “They should attend schools in the towns which are their legal residences,” Rosenberg said. “If they are using addresses in Edison — a relative’s address, so they can attend school in Edison — they should be returned to the legal residence school district.” He also spoke about overcrowding in houses, like 10 people living in the same house. He said he does not know Shah well, but said when she was member of the board of education, she proposed a Hindu holiday for schools and suggested removing one of the existing holidays. “We Jews have the same problems as the Indians or Muslims,” Rosenberg said. “We should be careful not giving ammunition to others to attack us.”

Prime Minister Modi for a meeting at the White House, September 30. In a week, the petition garnered 1,345 signatures. The petition must net 98,655 more signatures before August 20 to qualify for a response by the White House. Sikhs For Justice has initiated a social media campaign in support of the petition. Instead of hosting Modi at the White House, President Obama should condemn Modi and ban his Bharatiya Janata Party for ‘perpetrating violence against Muslims, Sikhs and Christians,’ the petition alleges. “The fact that the world’s largest democracy has elected a prime minister whose party is known for committing crimes against religious minorities should be a matter of grave concern for the Western world,” said Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal AMIT DAVE/REUTERS adviser to the SFJ.

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INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

$18 million New Jersey BAPS temple opens August 16 A CORRESPONDENT

he BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is set to inaugurate its sixth temple traditional stone temple in North America, in Robbinsville, New Jersey, August 16. The temple, made entirely of Italian marble, was built over three years and cost $18 million. It is 134 feet long and 87 feet wide, comprising 108 pillars and three inner sanctums. The intricately hand-carved temple has been covered by a permanent structure to increase the structure’s life and accommodate worship during the region’s harsh winter. The deities to be installed include those of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Shiv- The temple, made entirely of Italian marble, is the sixth of its kind in North America. Parvati, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Ganesh. The inauguration of this temple marks the completion of world peace, followed by a celebratory procession of the the second phase of the Swaminarayan Akshardham com- deities. plex planned for the site. The traditional deity inauguration ceremonies will be The inauguration ceremonies will begin with prayers for held August 9 and 10. The temple complex will be opened

to the public August 16 at a special dedication ceremony featuring Indian-American community and regional leaders. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the current BAPS spiritual leader, will attend the festivities along with a delegation of 40 priests from India to officiate at the installation rituals. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha inaugurated its first traditional stone temple in Stafford, Texas, a suburb of Houston, in 2004. The second such temple came up in Bartlett, Illinois, outside Chicago. In 2007, temples were inaugurated in Lilburn, Georgia, near Atlanta, and in Toronto, Canada. Chino Hills, California, followed suit in December 2012. Besides spiritual services, the temples host weekly activities for children and youth including music, language, education and career preparation, and Hinduism classes. BAPS has over 90 temples in North America, of which six are traditional stone-carved, and over 1,100 temples worldwide.

Countdown to Edison Janmashtami will be held from 3 pm till late evening. Performances will include Odissi dances by Sudha Grover and her students, bhajans by Sanjay Shah and his group, and Kuchipudi and Bharata Natyam dance dramas by the Siddhendra School of Dance, Chetan Hebbar and group, and the Shivajyothi Dance Academy of Tejaswini Raj. Varshini Narayanan and P Venkat Raman will perform flute recitals, while Asha Janaradhan and her students from the Naada Sudha Academy will chant invocations to the Lord.

Film screening at consulate A

Janmashtami at the temple last year.

SUMAN GUHA MOZUMDER

he countdown has begun for the Janmashtami celebrations at the Shri Krishna Vrundavana temple in Edison, the only temple in New Jersey devoted exclusively to the worship of Lord Krishna. “Like scores of other Indian Americans, we wait for this auspicious occasion every year,” said Baman Rao, an information technology professional from Princeton, New Jersey. The festival, which attracts up to 1,000 people, is traditionally held August 16 at the 12-year-old, 3.5-acre temple in South Edison.

August 17 will be for the children, who can dress up as Lord Krishna or participate in drawing competitions. “It is just awe inspiring that in the United States and right in New Jersey we have such a wonderful opportunity to witness these divine festivities and at the same time fulfill our cultural hunger through some impressive musical and dance performances,” Harvu said. A week after Janmashtami, Shri Guru Raghavendra — the temple’s other main deity — will be celebrated at the temple. “We have not had this kind of sequential celebration in the past,” Harvu said, adding that the temple has been engaged in hectic preparations since June.

With a temple built-up area of around 15,000 square feet, the shrine attracts devotees from neighboring states like New York and Pennsylvania. “It is helping individuals to be on the path of realization, by connecting to the supreme, fellow beings and nature,” said Mahesh Harvu, a longtime worshipper at the temple and a senior executive at Benjamin Moore & Co. in Montvale, New Jersey. In May, US Representative Tulsi Gabbard (Democrat, Hawaii), the only HinduAmerican Congresswoman, visited the temple. For Janmashtami, special pujas will be held from 10.30 am till midnight. In the temple auditorium cultural performances

s the first program of Club FilLit, an initiative by the Consulate General of India, New York to fuse films and literature, a rough cut of Fulbright fellow Siona Benjamin’s documentary Blue Like Me was screened at the consulate. Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay briefed the audience about the coffee table books being prepared about the consulate, and India’s imprint of India on New York and its neighborhood. Blue Like Me, produced by Hal Rifken, is abouit Benjamin’s experiences as an Indian Jew and the transformation of the Jewish community in India over the last 2,000 years. The screening was followed by a questionanswer session with Rifken, Aroon Shivdasani, executive director, Indo-American Arts Council, Benjamin, Eleanor Flomenhaft from the Flomenhaft Gallery, and Morgan Lawson who oversaw the movie’s animation.

An artwork by Siona Benjamin

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INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Fasting, feasting and bonding A CORRESPONDENT

bout 700 people cutting across communities attended an interfaith Iftar party organized by the American Muslim Council in Edison, New Jersey, July 22. ‘The purpose of this Iftar,’ said Sam Khan, founder and chairman, AMC-PAC, ‘is for our community to break bread with our Christian, Jewish and Hindu brethren during the month of Ramadan so we can come together to honor those who share our values of community service and working for the good of humanity.’ Guests included Rabbi Rosenberg, Reverend James Thomas of the First Presbyterian Church of Iselin, Hindu priest Ragu Sharma, and local and state elected officials including New Jersey Senator Linda Greenstein, Assemblywomen Nancy Pinkin, and Bonnie Watson, Assemblyman Upendra Chivikula, Freeholders Chalres Tomaro and Bilal Beasley, Franklin Township Mayor Brian Levine, Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavaro, and Plainboro Councilman Dr Nuran Nabi. AMC-PAC honored New Jersey Senator Peter Barnes III, Reverend Thomas, and Ghani Khan (of American Muslims for Hunger Relief ) with the Community Engagement Award. Other honorees at the event included Dr Inam Ul Haq, Dr Nuran Nabi, Mian Aziz, Asif Jamal of ARY digital TV, H R Shah of TV Asia, and Mahesh Shah of the Indian Business Association.

The AMCPAC Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Essex County Freeholder Beasley. July 19, the Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group held an Iftar party in Jamaica, New York. Attendees included US Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York City Councilman Rory Lancman, former deputy borough president Leroy Comrie, and Angel Vazquez, chief of staff to Assemblyman Mike Miller. ‘Iftar is a time for Muslim families to share and celebrate their rich cultural heritage and honored family traditions with their communities,’ said Celia Dosamantes, executive director, BAAG.

A snapshot from the American Muslim Council’s interfaith Iftar. Another interfaith event, ‘Fasting together, praying for peace’, was held at the Temple Sinai in Roslyn, New York, July 15. Jews, Muslims and Christians gathered to pray and break the fast together. The Jewish minor fast day of the 17th of Tammuz coincided with the 18th day of the fast of Ramadan. The groups came together under the auspices of the Long Island Board of Rabbis and the Islamic Center of Long Island, partnering with the Long Island Council of Churches, the Long Island Muslim Society, and the American Muslims and Jews in Dialogue.

Arangetram

Anjali Ravichandran, a freshman at Montgomery High School and daughter of Nilani and Ravichandran of Montgomery, New Jersey, presented her Bharata Natyam arangetram (debut performance) at the Edward Nash Theatre in Raritan Valley Community College, June 28. She began her dance training at age 4, participates in her varsity track team and is an avid lacrosse player.

Kwasi Enin, a William Floyd School student of immigrant Ghanaian parents, who was admitted to all eight Ivy League colleges, was honored by the nonprofit Volunteers of Shanti Fund in Hauppauge, Long Island. Dr Panna Shah, trustee, Shanti Fund, described the educational activities over the last two decades with local school districts. Paul Casciano, superintendent, William Floyd School District, thanked the Shanti Fund and its founder member Arvind Vora. Five Ghanaian diplomats attended the event along with Kwasi’s parents.

Cover Story INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

THE INDIAN CLOSET A

Masaba, Suneet Varma, Satya Paul bring desi fashion to the Big Apple. Chaya Babu watches out for the latest trends. Photographs: Andy Chang

crowd of Indian women gathered in the marble-floored area outside of Sirio, the restaurant at the Pierre hotel in Manhattan. It’s early in the day, before any of the shows have begun, and slowly more, in saris and big sunglasses, swoop in through the revolving door leading to the shaded sidewalk of Fifth Avenue. Things are already running behind, and the queue gets longer, bulging at the sides because nobody likes a line formation unless it’s going somewhere. A woman in what looks like an airhostess uniform is monitoring the door to what is, presumably, where the runway shows will take place. “Has anything started yet?” I asked her, looking at the large glowing 3:02 on my iPhone screen. 2 pm was the official event time. “Not quite yet,” she said. “Please wait a bit more and we’ll be opening the doors.” Her pillbox hat had an Etihad Airways logo on the front of it. The doors opened, and we flooded slowly into a dimly lit room, with a platform on one end, a shiny black catwalk bordered by rows of chairs. People mingled, sizing each other up as expected at a fashion show, before taking their seats. The lineup, put together by Splendid Indian Closet, was set to begin with Jaya Misra, followed by Satya

Satya Paul’s presence was felt through his lineup of lightweight contemporary saris — from a Warhol-esque piece to what appeared to be a cityscape imposed onto six yards, pictured here.

Paul, Amit Talwar, Saaj by Ankita, Samant Chauhan, Rosy A, Masaba Gupta, Joy Mitra, Siddhartha Tytler, and ending with Suneet Varma. SIC is a platform that represents Indian designers and aims to create a bridge between the appreciation of Indian fashion in the US and actual sales. Many of the designers featured were showing stateside for the first time; some lack American channels through which to sell their wares and haven’t broken into the market here at all in terms of awareness. Retail sites like Excusively.in and stores such as Soigne K in Manhattan exist to serve the South Asian American Diaspora, but many people in this demographic have no real way of grasping the moving trends in Indian style unless they are avid fashion media connoisseurs. Like myself, they end up running to Jackson Heights or Edison and buying a sari that their mother would wear — a totally different look from what was on the runway at the Taj-owned hotel. “It’s really nice to see what’s trending now versus some of what we think is still in style,” said Ami Gala,

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A highlight to many of the young folks in the audience was, Masaba, center. She chose inventive color combinations and did her usual thing of pairing her interpretation of old school pieces with unlikely chic creations.

Cover Story INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

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THE INDIAN CLOSET

sifting through racks in the expo area. “Sometimes, being from the States, it’s a little bit hard to find out what exactly is in fashion in India and what’s relevant at the moment.” Her friend Shimul Varghese agreed, “It’s amazing; it’s just exciting to see this stuff in person. For us especially, you don’t see a lot of these designs up close and personal. Getting to see them this way is a really unique experience. I’ve been to things like this, but not for Indian wear.” The women, living in New York, had heard about the event through Instagram because Gala follows Masaba’s account, which led her to the SIC Web site to register. They said the styles at the event were not always visible or accessible to them and that there was certainly a gap in knowledge about everything out there. Together, the shows made clear that anarkalis, mixing textures and prints, and a color palette of bright reds, pinks, and peaches are what’s in right now. But each collection had its own signature standout elements, from particular materials used in the garments to funky aesthetic concepts that have transformed the popular image of ‘Indian wear.’ o start, Misra’s vividly hued collection of layered and draped traditional looks for women was rich with bold metallic embroidery. High T Nehru collars, long sleeves, and various black-and-white patterned panels

A creation by Amit Talwar.

Joy Mitra’s pieces were traditional, but the vibrant color blocking and mix-and-match approach to embroidered decorations were fresh.

made appearances in her designs. A small menswear collection, regal with its structured jackets of jacquard and crushed velvet, pleated bottoms and simple scarves, was also shown. And the last piece that traipsed down the runway was a Bollywood bombshell bridal lehenga, a fiery hibiscus colored number, beaded and blinged out in tiny crystals — a must for topping off a lineup of opulent formalwear. “I’m just loving this,” said Misra, who was showing for the first time in New York. “It’s a new collection today. There was a lot of chiffon, georgette, and Chantilly in the first half of the show, and the second half was all weaves — Tana Bana and handcrafted elements and very elaborate work. All the materials are silk, dupion, tussar, and those kinds of things.” Next was Satya Paul, who could not be there but whose vibe was felt through his typical lineup of lightweight contemporary saris that floated down the center of the room. Flowing fabrics of mostly black and white with dashes of brilliant color, from a Warhol-esque piece to what appeared to be a cityscape imposed onto six yards, were the mark of the collection. Geometric prints, Chinese influences, and large florals combined for an abstract feel, which always places Satya Paul at intersection between modern and traditional. he schedule continued to run behind with models rehearsing between each show. The crowd shifted a little throughout the day as registration was on a T show-by-show basis. In the back area, there were tables set up where the design-

ers or those representing them were stationed. People tried on outfits and asked questions about the fabrics and the design process. There was a trunk show planned for the following day, which would be another opportunity to take home what was on display. Sapna M Vats, co-founder, SIC, was bustling about making sure all was in order. Shaheen Jilani, also on the organizing team, stood by the exit passing out flyers for Sunday’s trunk show. “This is a big deal for our community,” she said. “There’s a big market here for our clothing and jewelry… these designers are doing a beautiful job. The intricate needlework, the construction, everything is unbelievable. The styles really are a combination of East and West, and we think that’s something people here would really love.” Some of the collections that showed as evening approached were truly twists on Indian wear. amant Chauhan’s styles in white and neutrals, a more pared down aesthetic from what usually defines our fashion, were representative of the trend toward S more natural, earthy tones that has become more and more popular in Indian high fashion. He presented the best of five seasons, all inspired by Victorian and Rajputana motifs. In a few, heavy gold and bronze stitching, contrasting with the white silks and cottons, created dramatic angel wings, some suggesting a coat of

Jaya Mishra presented a vividly hued collection of layered and draped traditional looks.

PAGE 7 g Saaj by Ankita.

Cover Story INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

THE INDIAN CLOSET

f PAGE 6 armor. The wing theme was taken further, with one design covered in feathers — likely a look purely for the runway. “We produce a very unique kind of silk; it’s random in terms of its texture,” Chauhan said, explaining the process behind his work, some of which is sold at Anthropologie. “It’s from Bhagalpur in Bihar. In any part of the world, if you want silk, you have to kill the silk worm. But we don’t do regular sericulture. Our technique, which I didn’t discover, is that we collect the cocoon from the jungle, keep it for 10 or 15 days, and we allow the silk worm to cut the cocoon and come out. So you don’t get the regular filament of the silk. And all of our weaves are made in Bhagalpur. That’s the DNA of our brand.” A highlight to many of the young hip folks in the audience was, unsurprisingly, Masaba. Her collection was varied and yet cohesive, with consistent elements tying together disparate designs, all on models with a giant bindis donning their foreheads. She chose inventive color combinations and did her usual thing of pairing her interpretation of old school pieces with unlikely chic creations: long Nehru coats over bralettes and micro-patterned dhoti-style pants, cropped sari blouses coupled with palazzo bottoms, the tucks and folds of pleated saris topped with openback peplum tops — in bubble gum pink and cobalt with hand prints; crimson, sky blue, black, and gold; sea foam green with sunny orangeyellow accents and inked alphabet symbols. This was a real treat. And though Masaba was a tough act to follow, Joy Mitra, did not disappoint. The pieces were traditional, but the vibrant color blocking and mix-and-match approach to embroidered decorations were fresh and fun. Marigolds and blood orange stood starkly against turquoise, black, and royal blue. Sheer ivory sleeves, large leaf-shaped accents, tiny mirrors, and as always, lots of lush sindoor red graced the catwalk. Baubles hung down bare backs and mini pom-poms adorned the braidA design by Rosy A. ed and coiled hairstyles worn throughout the day. Mitra gave a playful boost to traditional lehengas and mid- and floor-length anarkalis. The day was long but impressive. Yet the question pops up: If you weren’t a bride, or something in that vein, would you buy anything here? Shazia Yahedna, in a floor-length white dress sitting in the Taj Pierre lobby waiting for the final show, said no: “You’d have to be a model or a celebrity to wear some of the stuff I saw today. And even with that, you’d have to be Deepika. If Katrina was photographed in it, people would say she needs to talk to her stylist. It’s just too crazy. It’s not realistic.” Still, the crazy stuff, cool by my account, was only some of it. The reality is that affluent professionals of the Diaspora want to be on trend when they go to Indian friends’ weddings and other similar functions where, if the attire was western wear, they would stop by a cute boutique and drop a bomb on an LBD. They can do that to for Indian attire as well. They want to.

Suneet Verma’s grand finale.

Siddharth Tytler’s creation.

Samant Chauhan presented the best of five seasons, all inspired by Victorian and Rajputana motifs.

Special

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Israel, Palestine, and the question of India’s stand SUMAN GUHA MOZUMDER

mid rallies in New York City both in support of Israel and against it, about two-dozen IndianAmerican Hindus from New Jersey joined an estimated 500 Jews at a rally in Lawrenceville in Princeton, New Jersey, recently to express solidarity with Israel. The event was organized by the Jewish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks in association with the Hindu-Jewish Coalition, which was formed over a year ago by a group of Jewish and Hindu leaders from Central New Jersey, and the Central New Jersey chapter of the American Jewish Committee. The coalition seeks to build, said John Rosen, a Jewish leader, in response to a question, meaningful relationships between Hindu and Jewish communities A snapshot from the event on shared interests in business, political, religious, social, and other relevant areas through ongoing communications, meetings, events, and advocacy activities within chapters of the Hindu-Jewish Coalition. The event started with the playing of a recording of a siren in Israel, which is sounded when a homemade Palestinian rocket is spotted in Israeli skies. Attendees to the event included Deputy Consul General of Israel at the Philadelphia Consulate and Rabbi Eric Wisnia, who has just returned from Israel, with his congregants. Speakers expressed their desire for the conflict to end, but they also felt Israel needs to defend itself against Hamas. “When we began the process of coordinating this rally with the Federation and the Board of Rabbis, it was with the hope that we would bring the community together in solidarity for Israel during these troubled times,” Michael Feldstein, the AJC Central New Jersey board president, told India Abroad. “Even so I do not think any of us anticipated the surge of community support — not only within the Jewish community but from our friends of other faiths who spoke so eloquently and, in particular Satya Narayana, our partner in the Hindu-Jewish Coalition, who spoke so powerfully on behalf of Israel’s right to defend itself, and who offered such solemn prayers of peace for Israel.” ‘The world needs to come together and stop this madness,’ Narayana of Hindu Human Rights said at the event. ‘It is sad to see the images of deaths but Israel has a right to defend itself. What if the rockets made it to people of Israel?’ Both he and other Jewish leaders acknowledged more Indian Americans were expected at the event. “But the event was organized hastily and invitations to

COURTESY: RICK GLAZER

attend it were sent at a short notice,” said one official. “That explains why more members of the Hindu community could not turn up.” Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi refused to yield to pressure from the communists and Congress lawmakers to censure Israel in Parliament, much to the chagrin of the opposition. And Sadanand Dhume, an American Enterprise Institute Fellow, wrote in The Wall Street Journal July 23 that even as pro-Palestinian protestors take to the streets of London and Paris, Israel’s ties with the world’s largest democracy were on the upswing. ‘For the first time in a decade, New Delhi appears ready to suggest publicly what many officials already acknowledge privately: A burgeoning strategic partnership with Israel matters more to India than reflexive solidarity with the Palestinian cause.’ But July 23, a week after the rally in New Jersey and soon after New Delhi had blocked resolution against Israel in Parliament, India’s vote in support of the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on Gaza surprised some Jewish community leaders who took part in the Princeton event. “There has long been a disconnect between India’s diplomatic stances at the UN and their close business and cultural ties with Israel,” Rosen told India in New York. “India has explained its opposition to Israel in the UN as being necessary given the hostility of their neighbors to Israel and also the sizable Muslim minority in the country.” David Harris, executive director, AJC, in a statement from New York, accused the UNHRC of not recognizing the part Hamas played in the conflict escalation and praised the United States for its support. The resolution was adopted with 29 nations voting in

favor, and 17 countries, primarily from Europe and Africa, abstaining. The US was the only country that opposed it. The statement did not make any reference to India in terms of why New Delhi voted in favor of the resolution, or why it did not abstain from voting, given the government had earlier said that it would like to take a neutral position. Narayana, a staunch Bharatiya Janata Party supporter who had spoken at the rally about the traditional bond between the Hindus and Jews, sought to defend India’s position, saying that the connection between people do not have to always be in consonance with political establishment or governments. “Countries take positions first in their best interest and then the rest of the world,” he told India in New York. “I understand earlier the Modi Government said it will not take sides on this issue. However, the high number of casualties as days went by and perhaps maneuvering by some Middle Eastern nations on whom India is dependent for oil could possibly have influenced the decision.” “Then there is the Muslim minority and the call for jihadi activities in India by extremist elements in the Muslim community could also have played a role. Given the mess India is left in by the prior Congress government, Modi’s government cannot afford to get distracted from urgent governance issues of the nation and they probably thought this as a safe decision.” But he exuded optimism that the Modi Government would establish closer ties with Israel once things settle down: “I understand PM Modi took Israeli help with farming techniques in Gujarat when he was the Chief Minister and that bond will become increasingly closer as days go by. India, Israel and the US have no choice but come together they want to counter Islamic terrorism.”

Aseem in New York

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Feeling for Gaza

activists; regular New Yorkers; men, women and children, chanting slogans such as “Free, Free Palestine!” Many carried placards with strong messages to Israel. ‘One Holocaust Does Not Justify Another!’ ‘Stop the Massacre!’ ‘Free Gaza!’ One woman in a black burqa and with her face covered, held a placard that read: ‘When you need he Israeli war in the to have hundreds of protests just to tell the world Palestinian territory of that bombing children is not okay, that is when Gaza has resulted in over you know that humanity has failed.’ 1,000 deaths, including over 200 At the beginning of the protest was a group of children. There have also been Hassidic rabbis, opposed to Zionism. Their bancasualties in the Israeli Defense ner read: ‘Authentic Rabbis Always Opposed Forces. While a tentative ceaseASEEM CHHABRA The protest at Times Square. Zionism and the State of Israel.’ fire was briefly enforced last It was a very energized protest, catching the week, there have been huge attention of tourists and office workers heading home. I protests around the world. 42nd Street down to 40th Street. There were people from stayed for about half hour, taking pictures, very moved by On Friday a protest in Times Square attracted a couple all segments of New York City – Palestinians and other the spirit of the protesters. of thousand people. The protest was two blocks long from Arabs, many wearing the black and white keffiyeh; college

Colin Firth and Emma Stone in Magic In The Moonlight.

oody Allen is 78 years old and continues to give us one film a year. Every few years one of his films turns out to be a huge success — critical as well as boxoffice success. Such was the case with Midnight In Paris, which won him the Oscar for best original screenplay (his fourth Academy Award) and last year’s Blue Jasmine. That film won the best actress Oscar for Cate Blanchett. Even a minor film by Allen is cause for celebration. If nothing else, we get a chance to hear the master’s terrific writing and admire his creative mind. Such is the case with his latest film, Magic In The Moonlight. It is certainly not his strongest film and many critics have not been very kind to it. But

he Asian American International Film Festival, a New York institution, is one of the oldest festivals in the city. This year it celebrated its 37th anniversary and opened at the Asia Society with Sold, a film set in Nepal and India and dealing with sex trafficking. Based on Patricia McCormick’s bestselling novel, Sold is directed by Jeffrey Brown, whose previous work has been mostly in television. The film has a large ensemble cast including Seema Biswas, who plays the mother of a young Nepali girl sold to a brothel in Kolkata, Tillotama Shome and Priyanka Bose. It also has some familiar Western actors, Gillian Anderson and David Arquette, and a big name executive producer, Emma Thompson. The New York audience — mostly Americans and Asians, but very few of South Asian origin — seemed moved by Sold, which recently won the audience award at the London Indian Film Festival. A film made with noble intentions does not translate into good cinema. Sold is quite over-the-top, at times very violent. There are issues about authenticity — the actors speak in a range of English accents, and there are cultural inaccuracies. The film tries to give an exotic feel to India, despite the ugly subject matter of brothels and young girls sold into the business. It may appeal to some Western viewers, but it will not play well with Indian audiences.

I enjoyed the light touch of romance between an older man, Colin Firth, who plays a magician debunking psychics, and a younger woman played by Emma Stone, who is out to fool the world with what she claims are her extrasensory powers. Magic In The Moonlight is not laugh-outloud funny like many of Allen’s classic films, but it has a whimsical charm. There’s Allen’s writing — one can almost visualize him laughing as he wrote the dialogues. And the period piece is set in sumptuous locations — Provence and the Côte d’Azur, with beautiful costumes and set designs. There is certainly a lot to enjoy in what will eventually go down as a relatively minor Woody Allen film.

A scene from Sold.

Bollywood INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Hrithik Roshan and Kunal Kapoor.

Aamir Khan with his daughter Ira. The actor, his family and many Bollywood personalities came out in full support of the charity football match in Mumbai recently. The match was organized by Ira. Right, among the highlights of the game was Aamir’s youngest son Azad, who tried his hand at football, as actor Salman Khan watched.

Soccer stars Bollywood’s favorites come together for charity match organized by Aamir Khan’s daughter Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar

Aamir’s elder son Junaid. Aamir led one side with the likes of Dino Morea, front row left; Kunal Kapoor, front row right; Rahul Bose, front row second from right; Hazel Keech, last row fourth from left, and Shabbir Ahluwalia, last row seventh from left. Abhishek Bachchan led the other with stars like Gurmeet Choudhary, last row fourth from right; and Karanveer Bora, last row eighth from right. Aamir’s wife Kiran Rao, fifth from left, also played on this team.

Aamir indulges a fan.

Abhishek Bachchan high fives Azad, as filmmaker Kiran Rao, Azad’s mom, looks on.

Bollywood

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

‘Acting is not an easy job’ Former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad speaks to Srikanth Srinivasa about testing new waters

Venkatesh Prasad in Sachin... Tendulkar Alla.

ormer Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad has found a new calling. The one-time bowling coach of the Indian team has bowled over critics with his performance in the Kannada film Sachin... Tendulkar Alla (Sachin not Tendulkar). The 44-year-old pacer plays a coach in the film co-starring Suhasini and Sudha Rani. Venkatesh spoke about his new experience. How was the transition from cricket pitch to tinseltown? I was not game to act in a movie. Whatever I have done today is because of director Mohan’s efforts. Suhasini and my wife Jayanthi are friends and it is through them that I got to sign this movie. When director Mohan requested me to act in his film, I told him he was committing a grave mistake by casting me. I told him I was just a cricketer and not an actor. He said it was not necessary for an actor to play the coach in a film. You had laid down some conditions before signing up. What were they? I said yes to this offer. But what if I am unable to deliver my lines properly? I told Mohan that he shouldn’t scold me if I didn’t do justice to the role. Fortunately, I never gave him an opportunity to shout at me. Mohan is responsible for that as well. He made me feel so comfortable on the sets and I executed whatever was expected of me religiously. Did you encounter any problems during the shoot? No, but during the dubbing, I had to work to get the diction right. Though I am a Bangalorean and have studied Kannada as my first language in school, I found it a bit difficult to get the pronunciation right. As a cricketer, I had lost touch with the Kannada language for the last 20 years as we were used to communicating in English and Hindi. Mohan guided me throughout the dubbing session and sorted it out for me. How is the working style in cinema different from cricket? Cricket is a mind game. We are always focused on winning the game and how it could be achieved.

Venkatesh Prasad with Suhasini Mani Ratnam Cinema is a different ball game. We don’t expect the film to become successful when we are shooting. We are only bothered about how best we can deliver our lines effectively. In cinema, people working in different disciplines are individually working towards achieving excellence. How do you explain your debut acting experience? People are critical of a bowler when he gets hammered by the batsman for a boundary or a sixer. I had imagined acting would be easier compared to what we experience on the cricket field. I always thought that an actor can get the perfect shot after a few retakes. But I found that acting is not an easy job! I came to know of the difficulties only when I faced the camera. Cinema is an awesome combination of so many things coming together — music, lighting, camera, sound... How did you feel when you faced the camera for the first time?

When the camera was switched on for the first time, I remembered Annavru (the late Kannada superstar Rajkumar). I have grown up watching Suhasini and Sudha Rani’s films. It is something else that I had to act with them. If I have to relate something like this in cricket, it is that I grew up watching Kapil Dev and his inspiring captaincy in lifting the 1983 World Cup. When I started my career as a bowler, I opened the bowling with Kapil Dev and I considered it to be an honor. Do you think after acting in this film it would be possible for mentally challenged children to get a platform to play cricket? It is difficult for children with special abilities to really make it big, as cricket is a highly competitive sport today. The message of this movie is more important: We have to treat such children on par with others. Snehith, who has acted as the affected child, is terrific. He had to maintain the character throughout with his expressions. Who were the actors that you looked up to in Kannada cinema? Undoubtedly, Rajkumar. Whenever a scene was narrated to me, I would imagine how Rajkumar would have acted in that scene. I simply adore Rajkumar for the variety and the manner in which he carried off all kinds of roles. I have met him. We cricketers from Karnataka used to talk about his films and his songs. I still watch his black and white films. I have immense respect for Vishnuvardhan, Ambarish, Anant Nag and so many others. Will you accept more film offers in the future? I don’t know. Coaching and cricket are my top priority. I have to thank director Mohan for giving me this opportunity. I may not say no to another offer if it comes my way. I can consult Mohan if something interesting comes up.

Bollywood INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Aditi Rao Hydari at the 2104 Vogue Beauty Awards in Mumbai. Among the stunners at the event were: Top row from left, Parineeti Chopra, Neha Dhupia and Nimrat Kaur. Second row, Huma Qureshi and Illeana D’Cruz. Third row, Siddharth Malhotra.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

A PEEK INTO THE WEEK’S GLITZIEST TINSEL TOWN EVENTS

PHOTOGRAPHS: PRADEEP BANDEKAR

Bollywood

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

From left, Hrithik Roshan, Kangna Ranaut, and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj were among those who turned up at the party.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Priyanka Chopra spent her 32nd birthday this year, July 18, shooting for Zoya Akhtar’s Dil Dhadakne Do in Turkey. So filmmaker and Mary Kom producer Sanjay Leela Bhansali threw a birthday bash for his leading lady over the weekend.

A PEEK INTO THE WEEK’S GLITZIEST TINSEL TOWN EVENTS

From left, producer Rhea Kapoor, actress Sonam Kapoor, actor Fawad Khan, director Shashanka Ghosh and UTV’s Siddharth Roy Kapoor at the trailer launch of Khoobsurat. Khoobsurat is the remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s classic comedy with Rekha in the lead role. At the trailer launch, Sonam, who has stepped into Rekha’s shoes, said, “I don't think I can do justice to what Rekha has done.” The film is set to release September 19.

PHOTOGRAPHS: PRADEEP BANDEKAR

Yesteryear actor Manoj Kumar celebrated his 77th birthday at his home in Mumbai, July 24.

Bollywood

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

hagyashree, still remembered as Suman of Maine Pyar Kiya, has returned to showbiz with the television serial Laut Aao Trisha. The actress who began her career on the small screen with Amol Palekar’s Kachchi Dhoop in the 1980s and acted in Aandhi Jasbaton Ki and Didi Ka Dulha talks about life away from the limelight and what prompted her return. Tell us about the new show. The story is bold and thrilling and touches on issues that plague society in a manner that is sensitive yet thought provoking. Against the backdrop of a child kidnapping, Laut Aao unravels the true intentions of each member of the Swaika family. Why choose a TV show as your comeback? The show is a finite series and the character of Amrita Swaika is very strong. The intricacies and layers of a relationship depicted in the story caught my attention. There are only a few films like English Vinglish where an artist of caliber and in that age group can perform. After you cross a certain age, you are relegated to playing a mother or bhabhi somewhere in the background. That’s not the kind of work that I want to do. I am able to play this particular character in the show with different emotions, which is giving me pleasure and excitement. Is that one of the reasons you have stayed away from films? I would like to do substantial roles. In Devdas, you remember Kirron Kher as much as you remember Aishwarya Rai. That is what you call a power-packed performance and a role that I would like to play as a character actor. How did your children react to you going back to work? I have very encouraging children. They have been after me for the last three years to do something. My 19-year-old daughter went to London to study last

proud of their mother’s achievement. They get to hear about it from their friends all the time. Are you in touch with Salman? We meet once in a while socially, but not on a regular basis. He is looking incredibly good now. All his films are good and his fans go only to watch him. There have been reports of Salman Khan launching your son in the film. I wouldn’t like to comment on this. Would you like to do more reality shows? I don’t want to do reality shows. I tried doing Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, but I was uncomfortable with the scenario because I want to keep certain parts of my life private. I don’t like to be forced into showing emotions just to garner TRPs. What kind of films did you do in the south? I did a couple of women-oriented films. In one Telugu film, I played a journalist and it was shot with real convicts. The first day it was scary when a huge man walked up to me with bodyguards and said, ‘Muje aap ki picture achi lagi. (I liked your film).’ I also acted in a Kannada film, which was not a run-of-the-mill kind of film. Post Maine Pyar Kiya, there were reports that you would only act in films with your husband. Some media person asked me if I were to do an intimate scene with whom would I like to do it? I said all intimacy would be with my husband obviously. Writers can tweak that any which way. But the offers have never stopped coming. The best of the best wanted to work with me. Whenever I met Yash uncle (Chopra) he would say, ‘Tumne kyun chhodha, Bhagyashree?Mein tumko ek thappad marunga.’ (Why did you leave? I could slap you for that). But my priorities were different then as my children were growing up.

Bhagyashree speaks to Rajul Hegde about her new television show

‘The offers never stopped coming’

it television show Bade Achche Lagte Hain has come to an end, and its lead star Ram Kapoor is already looking ahead. Bade Achche Lagte Hain has come to an end. It’s been a fabulous three-year ride. I will never forget this experience; this show has given me much more then I ever expected and because of that it will always hold a special place in my heart. Many viewers thought that the show started to drag towards the end. The first two years of the show were magical, but the third year, it began to drag. Will you miss shooting for this serial? I’m glad that the show is now over because it has run its course. But I will definitely miss shooting with the cast of the show because we became very close during these three years. I have formed some lifelong friendships. I will miss shooting with Sakshi Tanwar. She is truly amazing. Are you going to take time off from television to focus on your film career? I will never turn my back on television because it has given me too much. But yes, for the time being, I have to concentrate on my film career. Humshakals got a lot of flak from critics. Looking back at the experience, are you sure it was the right thing to do? Oh yes! For me, it was the best thing to do because I was dying to do a commercial film and I got the chance to do so withHumshakals. In fact, now because of Humshakals, I’m getting more commercial film scripts, and that’s what I wanted.

year. Before she went, she made me promise to live for myself and my work. Have your children seen Maine Pyar Kiya? Yes, they have. They are Salman Khan’s fans, and are

‘I’m glad Bade Achche Lagte Hain is over’

Ram Kapoor tells Subhash K Jha that he is ready for Bollywood

Among the many things we saw you do inHumshakals, you also dressed in drag.

It was definitely scary. But then I’m always looking to take on a challenge so I jumped into it completely. I’m happy I did it because now people in the industry know that I’m willing to do anything. What are your other movie assignments? My next project is called Patel Rap, with Sunny Leone. We start shooting in September in Malaysia. Do you feel Bollywood has made suitable space for your talent? I think my start has been good. I still have a lot more to do in order to fully cement my position. I’m in no hurry. It took me 10 years to make it to the top on television and I’m willing to put in the same kind of time for Bollywood too. Do you feel the need to experiment with roles in movies that would perhaps take you higher than where television has taken you? I want to experiment throughout my career because that’s what will make you grow as an actor. I want to keep growing. You are among the highest paid actors on television. Any regrets about leaving that affluence behind for the uncertainties of the movie business? No, regrets at all. In fact, I feel only the excitement of stepping into a new phase in my career. Money isn’t everything in life. I love taking up new challenges.

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IMMIGRATION NEWS LISTING THE FOREIGN NATIONAL’S QUALIFICATIONS ON THE PERM FORM – PART II By Cora-Ann V. Pestaina* (continued from last week’s article) The issue of making every attempt to set forth the foreign national’s qualifications on the ETA Form 9089 in a manner that ensures the Certifying Officer’s (CO) comprehension was also highlighted in the Board of Alien Labor Certifications (BALCA) case, Matter of The Clariden School, 2011-PER-02857 (January 30, 2014). In that case, the primary job requirements for the position of “AMI Montessori Elementary Teacher” as listed on the ETA Form 9089 included a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and AMI (Montessori) Certification. The Employer indicated in Section H.7 of the ETA Form 9089 that an alternative field of study was acceptable; specifically a Bachelor’s in Education plus AMI Certification. In Section H-8 the Employer also indicated that it would accept the alternative combination of a Master’s degree, and one year of experience. In Section H-14, the Employer noted that AMI Certification is required. In Section J.11 of the ETA Form 9089 which requires the Employer to list the highest level of education achieved relevant to the occupation, the Employer checked “Other” from a list of options that included “None,” “High School,” “Associate’s,” “Bachelor’s,” “Master’s,” “Doctorate,” and “Other.” The Employer specified in Section J.11-A that the “Other” classification was AMI Certification. The Employer reported that the Alien obtained the AMI Certification in 2006 at the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. The CO denied certification under 20 C.F.R. § 656.17(i)(1) on the ground that the application did not indicate that the foreign national met either the primary or the alternative educational requirements of a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a Master’s degree in any discipline. In its request for reconsideration/review, the Employer argued that it answered Section J.11 accurately because AMI Certification was the highest education level achieved by the foreign national and that such a certification is a level of education higher than Bachelor’s but lower than a Master’s or a Doctorate. The Employer pointed out that the motion for reconsideration was its first opportunity to explain and clarify its answer on the ETA Form 9089, Section J, and that it was supplying supporting documentation which included a document from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota stating that one of the admission requirements for its AMI Montessori Diploma program is that the applicant holds a Bachelor’s degree. The CO refused to bend and affirmed the denial arguing that the employer’s representation on the ETA Form 9089 that Other – AMI Certification is the highest education level achieved by the foreign national did not enable the DOL to verify from the face of the application that the foreign worker earned a Bachelor’s degree which is the minimum education level required. The CO then went on to present the novel argument that “there is sufficient free form space on the ETA Form 9089” for the employer to disclose, for example, that the foreign national possessed a Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in addition to AMI Certification. BALCA thankfully saw reason and held that while the initial denial could be understood since it is hardly intuitive that AMI Certification is a higher level of education than a Bachelor’s degree, the CO’s insistence that the Employer disclose the foreign national’s holding of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree be disclosed on the ETA Form 9089, even in the face of documentation on a motion for reconsideration showing that a Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the foreign national’s admission to the Minnesota Montessori Training Facility for its AMI certification program, was unreasonable and unsupported by the regulations. BALCA was not persuaded by the CO’s claim that the ETA Form 9089 had adequate free form text fields finding, as any reasonable person would, that the form actually does not have any obvious free form space for clarifying why a person would necessarily have at least a Bachelor’s degree to have obtained an AMI certification. Matter of Clariden and the recent PERM denials highlight the fact that practitioners need to find some way to list all of the foreign national’s credentials somewhere on the ETA Form 9089. While we await the DOL’s forthcoming FAQ, it is important to make every attempt to alert the CO that the foreign national possesses the qualification required for the offered position. If the offered position requires experience in specific technologies then these technologies need to be listed somewhere in the job descriptions of the foreign national’s past experience. If the offered position requires any license, certification, knowledge or anything other than work experience, it needs to be listed in Section K. This information can be listed in Section K.9 between asterisks or in capital letters or in any manner at the bottom of any job description for the foreign national’s past experience or it can be listed on its own in Section K.9. The moral of the story is basically that anything which could remotely be unclear to the CO should be explained somewhere on the ETA Form 9089, notwithstanding the space limitations. But with regard to the recent Section K denials, the hope is that once the FAQ has been published the DOL will apply its requirement prospectively rather than to already pending cases. In such matters, the DOL really ought to hold itself accountable for setting a precedent for how the ETA Form 9089 should be completed merely by its certification of all prior cases. * Cora-Ann V. Pestaina is an Associate at Cyrus D. Mehta and Associates, PLLC (CDMA) where she practices primarily in the area of business immigration law. She represents large global corporate clients, emerging growth companies and individuals in a wide range of industries including Information Technology, Finance, Healthcare, Automobile Manufacturing and Design. Ms. Pestaina regularly counsels clients regarding temporary employment-based nonimmigrant visas and permanent residence sponsorship for their foreign national employees. She also represents artists and investors. Ms. Pestaina received her J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law/Yeshiva University where she served as Annotations Editor for the Cardozo Women's Law Journal and was an executive member of the Black Law Students Association. She earned her B.A. in Political Science, graduating Magna cum Laude from Marymount Manhattan College. Ms. Pestaina is also a graduate of the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) where she earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts and was honored as the class valedictorian. She is admitted to practice in New York and is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association where she currently serves as co-chair of the New York Chapter's Department of Labor Committee.

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Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu in Paris

Isha welcomes a baby girl

ctress Isha Koppikar and her hotelier husband Timmy Narang welcomed their first child — a baby girl. Narang, who married Isha in 2009, said, ‘Yet another woman in my life! Isha and my baby girl are doing fine.’

Soha, Kunal get engaged COURTESY: INSTAGRAM/KHEMSTER2

tar couple Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu, who have been in a relationship for four

years, recently got engaged. Soha tweeted July 23, ‘It gives me great happiness to share

with you all that Kunal proposed to me in Paris with the most perfect ring in the world and I said yes.’

SRK coming to New Jersey

fter doing the rounds of the film festival circuit, Sold, directed by Oscar and Emmy winner Jeffrey D Brown and executive produced by Oscar winner Emma Thompson, is being readied for an Indian theatrical release. But under the shadow of a lawsuit. Siddharth Kara, an adjunct lecturer in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and an expert on contemporary slavery, has filed a case in the Delhi high court, alleging that the film’s script is based on his book Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery. Along with Brown, the others named in the case include producer Jana Charles and Indian filmmakers Anurag Kashyap and Guneet Monga. ‘In 2012, I became aware that the film’s script has several similarities to unique elements present in my script and book. I alerted my concerns to the producers and they said that they felt there was no infringement of any kind,’ Kara told the Hindustan Times. ‘Anurag agreed that he had read my script, and was touched. But he also said he was only involved in helping find cast, locations, permits in India.’ Kashyap and Monga’s association, however, seems to be fringe if the

Isha Koppikar and Timmy Narang.

War over words Siddharth Kara

COURTESY: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

film’s Web site and IMDB page are anything to go by. The latter only mentions them for a ‘special thanks.’ Also, Soldthemovie.com credits the film as an adaptation of Patricia McCormick’s eponymous book. Kashyap told the newspaper, ‘Dr Kara is delusional. I guess Dr Kara has probably written only one thing in life and he thinks no one else in the world would be working on the subject of human trafficking.’

efore the release of his next film, Happy New Year, superstar Shah Rukh Khan will perform in North America with the cast. He shared the poster of the event and wrote: ‘SEDUCE u...LOVE u...AMAZE u...go MAD with u! SLAM The Tour from the Happy New Year Team.’ Joining him on the tour are Abhishek Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone, among others. Starting in Houston September 19, they will head to New Jersey (September 20), Toronto (September 21), Chicago (September 26), Vancouver (September 27), San Jose (September 28). Happy New Year is slated to release October 23.

Kangna Ranaut at a recent event in Mumbai

PRADEEP BANDEKAR

New York behind her

ith her stint at film school in New York behind her, Kangna Ranaut is ready for the sets once more. She will start shooting Tanu Weds Manu 2 with R Madhavan this month. “I am teaming up with Madhavan again and am quite excited about it,” she said. She scoffed rumors that she is demanding more money now post the success of Queen: ‘There is nothing like that. I have not increased my fee after Queen. It’s just not about the price. I am not taking up projects like people expected me to do. They thought I will sign some 10 films after it. That’s not what I am doing.’ She has only one release, Ungli, lined up this year. She will begin shooting Reema Kagti’s project next year while Divine Lovers, a French production starring her and Irrfan Khan, will go on the floors by the year end.

Bollywood INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Ayan, Ranbir reunite

A scene from Finding Fanny

lia Bhatt will be seen opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Ayan Mukerji’s next film. Filmmaker Karan Johar revealed that the film would be made under the Dharma Productions banner and was slated to begin mid next year and release December 23, 2016. After Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, this will be Ranbir and Ayan’s third film together.

Notting Hill editor to work on Finding Fanny ick Moore, the editor of Hollywood films like Notting Hill and Love Actually, has been roped in to edit the international version of Deepika Padukone and Arjun Kapoor-starrer Finding Fanny. NMoore will edit the movie for its release in non-Diaspora markets. The film, directed by Homi Adajania, will be released

Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. INSTAGRAM/ALIA BHATT

in screens in the United States, Europe and the Far East. “It’s the same story, but will be told in a way that the foreigners understand better,” Homi said.

Bang Bang to release in three languages

ang Bang, starring Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif, is looking forward to capturing a bigger audience by releasing in three languages — Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The film, which will clash at the box office with Vishal Bhardwaj’s Haider, starring Shahid Kapoor, October 2, has been directed by Siddharth Anand.

AMITABH SHAMITABH

CREDIT: COURTESY: TWITTER.COM/SRBACHCHAN

After a vacation in Brazil, Amitabh Bachchan has resumed shooting for R Balki’s next film, Shamitabh. He shared a picture from the sets: ‘’Shamitabh’ in the day .. its quite an effort to live with that hair all day!! Work energises! many would disagree .. I agree and agreed hard.’ ‘And its divine to doze off on set while they “light up” .. feel refreshed and new almost .. ready to take on the next one head on!’ The film also stars Dhanush and Akshara Haasan.

idya Balan’s Kahaani is getting a Hollywood version in Deity with Niels Arden Oplev of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo fame to direct the Yash Raj Films project for an international audience. Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries) and Richard Regen (Tehran) have adapted the Sujoy Ghosh film. ‘It’s an incredible step by YRF,’ Ghosh said. ‘Years back, Aditya Chopra had said he wanted to make Kahaani for a global audience... I thought he was kidding. But obviously not. YRF has left no stone unturned on making the English version. The new script by Jose Rivera and Richard Regen is perfectly suited for the Western audience and what I am really looking forward is to see Niels direct this version.’ A scene from Kahaani. The new movie will have an thriller with complex and interesting charAmerican woman go to Kolkata in search acters. A neo-realistic style to story and of her missing husband. images will take the audience deep into ‘Niels is the perfect director to transform Kolkata’s many different levels. A fascinatthe appeal of Kahaani to Deity,’ said Uday ing clash between American and Indian Chopra, chief executive officer, culture,’ Oplev said. YRF Entertainment. The film begins production in February. ‘Deity will be a compelling and exciting

KAHAANI GETS HOLLYWOOD REMAKE AS DEITY

American Desi

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

The Dentist with a passion for mangoes When Dr Bhaskar Savani arrived in America 24 years ago, he worked four jobs. He now manages 60+ dental offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey; started the Mission Mango program and acquired a biotech firm. Interview and photograph: Paresh Gandhi

came to America on an immigration visa sponsored by my parents. My parents themselves came on an immigration visa in 1988 sponsored by my uncle Dr P G Patel I arrived on August 31, 1990. My dream of being a dentist was fulfilled here. I was not able to do so in India. Truly, this is a land of opportunity. The biggest challenge for me when I arrived was the depression caused by the Iraq war. I could not get a job in the field of chemistry – the subject I had studied in India. In the recession, I worked four jobs while attending dental school. I delivered pizza door to door on Friday and Saturday nights, worked at a gas station all night on Friday and Saturday, then worked as a dental assistant from Monday to Thursday evenings and also worked as a lab technician and made dentures. I grew up in the Saurashtra-Kathiawad region of Gujarat. My childhood was spent in four different places: Hirana, Mota Bhamodra, Matirala and Damnagar. I grew up watching my uncle making dentures and extracting teeth. I grew up dreaming of being a dentist. I grew up eating mangoes. My biggest achievement to date is being an accomplished dentist, creating jobs for over 1,000 people and surpassing the goal of having multiple dental offices in

conjunction with the creation of other successful businesses. At a personal level, I have another achievement. I accomplished the lifting of the ban on Indian mangoes which connects every Indian to the motherland. My first life changing event was when I left my motherland and landed in America. When I graduated from my dental program that was a dream come true. Another life impacting experience was when I lost all my savings in commodity and stock trading. All my three businesses — dental, biotech and agricultural — give me an opportunity to connect with the local as well as international community. The dental business gave me the skill-set to lay the foundation of my business, cash flow to do other things in life, and the satisfaction of helping and serving the community. In the biotech business I learned more about life sciences and plunged myself into the research arena. The agriculture business brings a different drive and energy as I come from a farming family in India. It connected me back to my roots. Serving a small farming community in India and connecting them with the international marketplace gave me the highest satisfaction. The Mango Mission not only helps small farmers but also connects wild habitats and creates corridors through native mango plantations. Great team building, empowering people and giving them more responsibilities helps me create more business

and makes it easier to manage multiple businesses. At Savani farms we started a small experiment about creating green spots in rural areas. It not only provides income but a sanctuary for wildlife to migrate and gives them a sense of the habitat they have lost. Around our farm we had not seen any wildlife 10, 15 years ago. Now we have about 25 lions, a few leopards and antelopes roaming freely in and around our farms. Having plantations of trees native to the region not only provides shelter for wild animals but also provides them with water resources and food by helping to maintain the food chain. My typical work day begins around 6.30 in the morning and finishes around midnight. I carry out administrative work, contracts, business development, data monitoring and analysis of business. The Indian-American community is individually very successful. I personally feel we can still do a better job if we are more united as a community. Now we are seeing a little more involvement in politics, but we need to be involved a lot more in the political arena. Indian Americans are playing a very vital role in narrowing the gap between the world’s largest democracies. In 10 years from now, I hope to grow my business in several states and create a dental education institute. I also want to accomplish Mission Mango and help the small farming community across the globe.

Special

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

‘I am Chinnu, I am 13, and I dream of being an engineer one day,’ he wrote. This year's Click Rights campaign focused on Child Labor and the attempt was to get the children to chronicle their own story and involve them in their campaign against Child Labor.

‘This is my workplace, the vegetable market...’ This is how Chinnu — one of the children from CRY’s Public Action Group areas in Bengaluru, who participated in the Photo Workshops conducted by CRY volunteers — captioned this photograph.

CHINNU’S STORY A child from CRY’s Public Action Group areas in Bengaluru gives a heartbreaking peek into his life through a CRY Photo Workshop ‘That's my pet goat.’

‘A place where I go after school (this is Chinnu's workplace)... ideally I would like to play...’ More than 200 million children worldwide are still in child labor and a staggering 115 million at least, are subject to its worst forms. In India, according to the National Sample Survey 66th Round (200910), there are 4.98 million child laborers.

‘That is my school. I love going to school, but I do not like to go to work...’

Food

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Coolers

Mulberry and lemon mocktail

for a scorching day

Ingredients 1/3 cup of mulberry pulp The juice of one lemon A cup of crushed ice Method Blend all the ingredients together Take shot glasses and brush lemon juice over its rims Dip in salt for the perfect ‘salty rim’ Now add the juice and serve it chilled. Note: If it is too tangy, add a couple of spoons of brown sugar.

Healthy mocktail recipes that will help you beat the heat this summer Raw mango and mint mocktail Ingredients 1 cup of raw mango chunks, peeled 1/2 cup sugar A few mint leaves Crushed ice Method In a pan add sugar to a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Once the sugar dissolves add the mango chunks and cook on low flame till they are tender. Let it cool. Put it in a blender and blend it till the mixture is smooth. Put the raw mango pulpy juice in a bowl. Add mint leaves. Muddle it well using a hand blender. Place crushed ice in a glass and pour the cool minty juice over it. Garnish with mint leaves and serve chilled.

Khus and lemon mocktail Ingredients 4 tablespoons each of garden cress seed, khus syrup and kewra water Juice of one lemon A large bottle of a lemon soft drink Crushed ice

Indian Gooseberry and Honey Ingredients 4 Indian gooseberries (amla), seeds removed and chopped A few amla candies — chopped — for the garnish A pinch of star anise 1 tbsp honey 1 cup of crushed ice Method Mix the amla and star anise together in a cup of water. Blend them well in a blender. Strain the juice. Add honey to the juice. Mix well. Put crushed ice and a few pieces of chopped amla candies in a glass. Pour the juice and serve chilled.

Method Soak the garden cress seeds in water for half an hour. Drain it and keep aside in a covered dish. In a cocktail shaker, add the lemon juice, khus syrup and kewra water and shake. Add crushed ice and shake again. Pour in tall cocktail glass and top it with the lemon soft drink. Garnish with the garden cress seed and serve chilled.

Peach and cinnamon mocktail Ingredients 5 peaches (don’t use the over ripe ones) ½ a cup of sugar 2-3 small cinnamon sticks Juice of half a lemon 2 soda bottles Crushed ice

Method In a pan, take two cups of water. Add the peaches, sugar and cinnamon sticks. Boil on low heat. Cook till the fruit is tender. Strain the liquid and keep it aside, covered. Peel the peaches and remove the seeds Add the pulp in a mixer with the strained liquid and the lemon juice. Blend till smooth. In a glass put some crushed ice and pour the peach drink. Top it with soda. Garnish with cinnamon powder and a peach slice.

Arthur on Broadway

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

MICHAEL LE POER TRENCH

This Les Miz is a super watch Cliff Saunders and Keala Settle as The Thenardiers.

MICHAEL LE POER TRENCH

s I watch the audience stream out after watching Les Miserables, I notice something you don’t often see on Broadway. A substantial number of the audience are in their 20s, animatedly discussing the melodramatic, but engaging and rousing, musical which has been streamlined and revived since its last appearance in New York. Inside the Imperial, the young are among the first to jump to their feet at the end of the show and give it a vigorous ovation. Throughout the show, you hear thunderous applause from the 20 plus demographic, more than from any one else. And I can bet you, a lot of the sobbing you hear during the show is coming from young women. The musical is set against the coming French Revolution and based on Victor Hugo’s much beloved novel about injustice and the fight for redemption. Over 80 million people have watched the musical in more than a dozen countries. The hit film version, starring Hugh Jackman, has likely driven audiences to see the spectacle live on a big stage. On Broadway, the musical continues to be one of the handful of shows (among the two dozen musicals) that grosses about $1 million each week. Some critics will condemn any version of Les Miserables, but even a cynical Broadway visitor would find it difficult to resist the show’s grandeur

Will Swenson as Javert.

and sweeping emotion. The hit songs we have been hearing for decades — I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, and The People’s Song — sound more rousing and inviting this time. The revival has an appealing cast, especially the powerhouse singer and performer Ramin Karimloo as prisoner 24601/Jean Valjean, and Will Swenson as his unrelenting nemesis, Inspector Javert. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s all-singing mega-musical breezes along, making the three hour-long spectacle feel much shorter. This reboot is faster, emotionally more stirring than the long running first edition and certainly far superior to the ho-hum 2006 revival. Directors Laurence Connor and James Powell keep the show moving at a brisk tempo, filling it with dramatic life, also making sure that the singing is always superb. Celebrated for his musical theater performances in London, Karimloo in his Broadway debut offers a stirring performance as the brooding Jean Valjean, transformed from a wronged young man into a loving father and sacrificing soul. His Bring Him Home, a prayer to save a young man’s life from a mob, is one of the show’s highlights. The applause is delayed as the audience takes sometime to recover from

the overwhelming scene. Swenson as Javert, the police inspector who makes it his life’s mission to hunt down Valjean and return him to a life of servitude, is quite formidable. He has two big solos, Stars and Soliloquy, and is splendid in interpreting them. Compared to the powerful male leads, the women in the show sound rather pale. But as the reluctant prostitute Fantine, Caissie Levy offers a spirited interpretation of I Dreamed a Dream. Nikki M James inspires empathy as Eponine, and Samantha Hill moves the audience as Cosette Broadway has seen many revivals of musicals in recent years. Some like Anything Goes were excellent, a few were duds. As in previous years, the critics are divided over the show, but those who liked Les Miz are not apologizing. ‘Critics of Les Miserables call it bombastic,’ wrote The New York Post. ‘So what? Bitching that Les Miz is overwrought is like complaining a Dalmatian has too many spots: It’s the nature of the beast.’ Les Miserables Imperial Theatre, 249 W 45th St. lesmis.com/broadway

The Week That Was INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

Man who got Doniger book pulped is ‘must reading’ in Gujarat schools Nine books authored by Dinanath Batra, the man whose civil suit this year had led to the pulping of American scholar Wendy Doniger’s book on Hinduism, have now become compulsory reading in government schools in Gujarat. In the books are suggestions drawing a map of India with countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Burma in it. Meanwhile, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, an organization affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has set up the Bharatiya Shiksha Niti Aayog, the first commission of its kind in the non-governmental sector, to study ‘the present education system and suggest corrective steps to make it Bharat-centric.’ Likely to be headed by Batra, this body is being seen as the RSS’s effort to mount pressure on the Narendra Modiled government to implement the Sangh agenda of ‘saffronization’ of education.

The world’s largest naval exercise

The Indian navy Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate INS Sahyadri transits to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in preparation for participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2014. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC through August 1, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. Considered the world’s largest maritime exercise, this series began in 1971.

Sania is daughter-in-law of Pakistan: BJP leader Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party leader K Laxman flayed the state government’s decision to appoint tennis star Sania Mirza as the brand ambassador of the newly carved-out state, calling her a ‘daughter-in-law’ of Pakistan. Sania is married to Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik. “Before you question why I am targeting someone from a particular community, you should ask K Chandrashekar Rao, the chief minister of Telangana, why he is hell-bent on appeasing the Muslims,” Dr Laxman told Rediff.com Sania issued a statement saying, ‘I am an Indian, who will remain an Indian until the end of my life.’ Meanwhile, in Delhi, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar didn’t support his colleague, instead saying, ‘Sania Mirza is a pride of India. Sania Mirza has an international standing on her own... So, we have no objection. I am sure she is pride of India. She is brand ambassador of India.’

Modi will develop India into a Hindu state: Goa minister Days after his minister brother Sudin Dhavalikar triggered a controversy by demanding a ban on bikinis on Goa’s beaches, Cooperation Minister Dipak Dhavalikar waded into another July 24, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi would develop India into a Hindu nation.

15 years after Kargil

India observed the 15th Vijay Diwas July 25 with the army top brass paying homage at the Kargil war memorial in the Drass area of Jammu and Kashmir. Each year since 1999, the army observes Vijay Diwas to remember its soldiers who laid down their lives in the most serious IndiaPakistan conflict since the war of 1971.

US Congressman mistakes Obama officials for Indians A freshman lawmaker committed a faux pas during a Congressional hearing when he mistook two Indian-origin American officials as representing the Indian government, quizzing them about ‘your country’ and ‘your government.’ US Congressman Curt Clawson, who has apologized for the gaffe, was giving his maiden speech during a Congressional hearing on India held by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and

MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 2ND CLASS BRIAN T GLUNT/US NAVY PHOTO

the Pacific.

Cops book Rambha for abuse of sister-in-law

Government may consider reducing age of juveniles

Former actress Rambha and her family were booked for alleged dowry harassment. Her sister-in-law Pallavi alleged that her husband Srinivas had been harassing her for additional dowry for the past one year.

The Indian government said July 22 it might consider the suggestion to reduce the age of juveniles tried for crimes. Debates have been raging about reducing the age of juveniles from 18 because of several reports of crimes against women in which juveniles were involved.

Can’t withdraw AFSPA from Kashmir now: Government

Once again, youth from Northeast beaten to death in New Delhi

The government said July 23 that the time was ‘not appropriate’ for withdrawal of THE Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Jammu and Kashmir. India’s Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told Parliament,

A youth from Manipur, Salouni, was beaten to death July 21 by five men in New Delhi, an incident which again raised concerns over the security of Indians from the Northeast living in the national capital. The assailants, captured on CCTV cameras installed in the areas, have all been arrested. In January a 20-year-old student from Arunachal Pradesh was beaten to death in Delhi and there have been several instances of violence against people from the Northeast in the capital.

Encephalitis claims 165 in Assam Japanese Encephalitis and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome have claimed 165 lives in Assam, prompting Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to call an emergency meeting with health officials July 23.

Sena MP ‘force-feeds’ fasting Muslim staffer Eleven Shiv Sena members of Parliament are reported to have forced a Muslim worker to break his Ramzan fast and eat a Chapati, at the Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi. The MPs were apparently dissatisfied by the fact that they had not been served Maharashtrian food. The worker has said that he was in uniform and was wearing the name tag.

Senior cop accused of rape A case has been registered against Maharashtra Deputy Inspector General Sunil Paraskar, after a model-turnedactress accused him of rape and molestation last year, the police said July 24. The actress has featured in television advertisements and is making her debut in a Bollywood film.

PAGE 27

The Week That Was

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

A PRISON MEAL Customers eat inside a restaurant run by the authorities of Tihar Jail, South Asia’s largest prison complex. The Tihar Food Court in Delhi is a rehabilitation effort that opened in July on an experimental basis while awaiting formal clearances. The inmates who work there were trained by a hotel management school.

ANINDITO MUKHERJEE/REUTERS

f PAGE 26

National Board for Wildlife to be toothless

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a toothless National Board for Wildlife without the mandatory non-government members. Under the law, the Board must have 10 non-government wildlife and ecology experts and five non-government expert institutions on board, beside government officials. The Center has approved the Board with two non-government experts: A retired forest service officer from Gujarat and an elephant ecology expert. In the name of non-government institutions, it has a Gujarat government body called the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation. The Gujarat chief minister heads the board of governors of this institute.

Madhya Pradesh has been sentenced to death by a local court for an acid attack on a woman following which she died.

Listening devices found in Gadkari’s home A media report claimed that listening devices were found in the bedroom of the official residence of Nitin Gadkari, India’s Minister of Road Transport and Highways, in Delhi. It said the discovery was ‘accidental’ and a debugging exercise was immediately ordered. Speculation and accusations covered everything from the NSA to the former United Progressive Alliance regime and

Faces of sorrow

No country for little girls

Even as Bengaluru raged over the rape of a six-year-old girl, the body of an 8-year-old girl who had gone missing in East Midnapore district, West Bengal, was found July 24 in a field. Locals lynched one man they claimed was part of the group that had gang-raped and murdered her, police said. In Haryana, a three-year-old girl was raped after being abducted from her home by an unknown person. She was admitted to hospital in critical condition. In Guwahati, the principal of a private school was suspended after a student alleged that he had sexually harassed her. A police case has been filed against him.

Man gets death sentence for acid attack on woman In a significant judgment, a youth in

even factions of the ruling National Democratic Alliance.

Letter to Mumbai police threatens ‘revenge’ for Gaza attack Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria received a letter July 25 threatening a terror attack in the metropolis to ‘take revenge for Gaza’, following which an alert was sounded in Mumbai.

Wadia threw burning cigarettes at my face: Preity to cops Actress Preity Zinta said her former boyfriend, businessman Ness Wadia, had thrown burning cigarettes at her and locked her up in a room even before the May 30 incident at the Wankhede Stadium after which she filed a police complaint. ‘Ness’s behavior towards me is getting more and more aggressive and violent over a period of time. From throwing burning cigarettes at my face to locking me up in rooms and manhandling me, I have seen it all with him,’ she wrote to the Mumbai police commissioner.

Saharanpur erupts in conflict At the site of a collision between a train and a school bus in Telangana, July 24. The collision killed at least 19 children and the driver, police said.

REUTERS

Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh erupted with violence involving Sikhs and Muslims last weekend, reportedly set off by a dispute over a piece of land near a gurdwara in the city. It resulted in three deaths, curfews and shooton-sight orders to police.

Sports

INDIA IN NEW YORK AUGUST 1, 2014

COOK, BALLANCE,

Ishant Sharma

STEADY ENGLISH INNINGS

misses out

fter Ishant Sharma missed out on the third Test against England, India’s bowling coach Joe Dawes was apprehensive about the bowler’s fitness. ‘Ishant has a sore leg,’ Dawes said after the first day’s play. ‘We need to do a few more tests, but we have 11 days before for the next Test, so we will watch him carefully.’ Fast bowler Pankaj Singh replaced Ishant in the Indian squad. Asked at what juncture the team decided to leave Ishant out, Dawes said, ‘Pankaj was named in the first 12 yesterday. Ishant had a bowl in the morning before the toss but he felt sore and then around 10.20 am (about 10 minutes before the toss) it was decided.” ‘Maybe it was not the best day for our bowling attack, but Pankaj coming through was a real positive for us,’ Dawes said. ‘He could have easily got a couple of wickets but things didn’t go his way. We are working on the consistency of our bowlers.’ Dawes said the young Indian bowling attack had dinner with West Indies great Michael Holding ahead of the third Test. ‘The bowlers had a lot of questions for him,’ the coach said. ‘It was a good time spent with the royalty of fast bowling.’

kipper Alastair Cook marked his return to form with a dogged 95 while youngster Gary Ballance hit his second successive century as England reached a comfortable 247 for two against India on the opening day of the third Test at Southampton, July 27. The highlight of the day was Cook’s dour batting after getting a reprieve on 15 when Ravindra Jadeja dropped a sitter at third slip off England versus India 3rd Test Southampton debutant Pankaj Singh’s bowling. Cook, who missed out on a 26th Test century by *Alastair Cook c Dhoni b Jadeja 95 (231) five runs, has gone withSam Robson c Jadeja b Shami 26 (59) out a three-figure mark Gary Ballance not out 104(204) in 29 consecutive Ian Bell not out 16 (46) innings. Joe Root Once he got a ‘life’, Moeen Ali Cook decided to grind it Jos Buttler Chris Woakes out as he played 231 balls Chris Jordan hitting nine fours frusStuart Broad trating a pedestrian James Anderson Indian attack in the Extras: 6 byes:1 leg byes:5 no balls:0 wides:0 process. Total: 247-2 (90) Cook added 158 runs India: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 22-7-58-0, Mohammed Shami with the in-form 18-3-62-1, Pankaj Singh 20-3-62-0, Rohit Sharma 6-0-21-0, Ballance who struck his Ravindra Jadeja 22-6-34-1, Shikhar Dhawan 2-0-4-0. third Test century, and second on the trot India team: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, against the visitors, Pankaj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Shikhar remaining unbeaten on Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Murali Vijay, 104 at the end of the Ajinkya Rahane, *MS Dhoni day’s play.

England 247-2 (90)

PHILIP BROWN/REUTERS

livid Board of Control for Cricket in India has made it clear that it is not satisfied with the fine imposed on Ravindra Jadeja for his on-field spat with England pacer James Anderson. The BCCI said it is fully behind Jadeja after the all-rounder was docked 50 percent of his match fee by match referee David Boon after finding him guilty of ‘conduct contrary to the spirit of the game’ during

*captain

BCCI angry at Jadeja fine the first India-England Test at Nottingham. ‘The BCCI wishes to make it clear that it is not satisfied with the verdict,’ the cricket body said in a statement. ‘The BCCI reserves its right to appeal against the sentence. The BCCI believes that Mr Ravindra Jadeja was not at fault, and supports him fully.’

Boon found Jadeja not guilty of the original level 2 offence charged by the England team management. The incident occurred during the lunch break on the second day’s play at Nottingham. The Indians said Anderson had allegedly ‘abused’ and ‘pushed’ Jadeja as the players were making their way into

the dressing rooms. The England team management, which initially described it as a ‘minor’ incident, later filed a countercharge against Jadeja. Boon held a two-hour hearing in Southampton, which was attended by both players, their legal counsel, witnesses as well as the BCCI’s M V Sridhar, Phil Neale and Paul Downton of the England Cricket Board, and the International Cricket Council’s ethics and regulatory lawyer.

India in New York August 1, 2014

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12 1

Eastern Air Couriers, Inc 0 060515AY

40-03 170th St., Flushing, NY 11358 RELIABLE • DEPENDABLE • PROFESSIONAL FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION • New Business Set-Ups • Payroll & Sales Tax Returns • Computerized Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Services • Tax Returns for: Individuals, Corporations, Partnerships, Proprietorships. CALL ASHOK JAIN, EA, ABA

050815AY

Accountants / CPA

020615AY

BUSINESS/SERVICES DIRECTORY

ASTROLOGY

446-6060,

Free Psychic Phone Reading Psychic Hope Spiritual Healer Solves Problems Love Specialist Removes Negativity Reunites Love For Immediate Help.

Call: (512) 491-8180

THANKSGIVING A PRAYER TO ST. JUDE

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever, O Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us. St. Jude, Worker of Miracles, pray for us. St. Jude helper of hopeless, pray for us. Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us. Thank you St. Jude. St. Jude works. Say this prayer 9 times a day for nine days. Never fails. Publication may be promised.

112114AY

Closing Day for BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY ADS Wednesday at 4.00pm Call: 646.432.6026

BEAUTY INSTITUTE

NY Flushing Beauty Institute NEW YORK STATE LICENCED BEAUTY SCHOOL • Cosmetology (Hairs) • Esthetics (Skin Care) • Nail Technology • Waxing

Knowledge is Power

WE PROVIDE THESE TUITIONS Nails, Skin Care, Cosmetology, Waxing

YES! You Can.

36-09 Main St., 6 FL, Flushing, NY 11354

718.461.5252

NY INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL CAREERS NURSE AIDE $589 EKG TECHNICIAN $399 PHLEBOTOMY TECHNICIAN $399 PHARMACY TECHNICIAN $749 EKG & PHLEBOTOMY $589 MEDICAL ASSISTANT $3500 • Open 7 Days • Easy Paymnet Plan • Job Placement Assistance • National and State Exams on premises Licensed by NYS Education Dept. WE ACCEPT WORKFORCE VOUCHERS

Call: (718) 565-9500 (718) 406-9290/(718) 565-9501

TRAVEL

India in New York August 1, 2014

CLASSIFIEDS Matrimonial Bride

PARENTS invite alliance for daughter, 1980/5’2”, pretty and petite/MBA, visiting relatives in Ohio; from well-placed south Delhi family. Email biodata w/recent photo: lotus042@hotmail.com

ARORA family, SA4 daughter, MBA, 30/5'6'', single, never married, beautiful, slim, working in NewDelhi, Willing2 relocate, Cousins in CT. sachindhingramd@gmail.com

Business / Finance Business Opportunities

CONV. STORE WITH PROPERTY IN EASTON, PA. Very Profitable with Huge Potential. Need $400K+ and Excellent credit to obtain bank financing. Call (732) 261-8970

Business For Sale

INDIAN RESTAURANT for sale. Please call (716) 830-6432.

Services Available

WANTED volunteers for charitable services to share link for donations. Help build followers for Homeless outreach http://www.gofundme.com/aqy6tk

Employment Help Wanted

#INDIA EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

Estb 1982. Bkkpr-A/C,Secy, data entry, Clerk, CSR,Import/Prod/ Merchandiser/designer, legal, chemist/pharmacist, lab tech, warehouse Mgr, sales/mktg, engineer, tvl agt. Interview in NYC by appt only. (212) 564-0620

A Position for Front Desk is open, we will provide room at the motel for the applicant, candidate should be speaking fluent English. Call (804) 433-6306 Downtown Manhattan Stationery Magazine Store Needs Honest, Experienced Person Immediately Will train. Legal must. (212) 529-1146 EXECUTIVE CHEF $55K-$60K North/ South/ Tandoor. Located in Wisconsin. Send resume to: skpholdings@gmail.com

HIRING FRONT STAFF Servers/ Manager/ Operating Partner & South Indian Cook for successful fine dining Indian restaurant in SaltLakeCity. Good pay/ accommodation for suitable candidates. Call (801) 232-3284

NUTRACEUTICAL Company in central Jersey looking for Warehouse manager. Good pay starting $17/hr. Contact (732) 296 1990. RECEPTIONIST/ MEDICAL ASSISTANT Full-time vacancy in Brooklyn/ Park Slope. Busy office. Experienced preferred, basic computer /good communication skills must. chokshi.patel @ gmail.com

WANTED HELP For deli/ grocery in Queens to work cash register/ lotto. Day/ night shift & part-time. Call Paramesh (516) 236-6129/ (718) 883-1334

EXPERIENCED waiters needed in Indian Restaurant. Excellent salary, free messing and accommodation. Call (615) 638-4444 QUEENS: Banquet Hall, looking for On Call Hostess, Tandoori/Curry Cook, bartender, waitress, coat room attendant & other event personnel. Call (718) 704-4243

PROCESS Engineer exp in RESTAURANT HELP: Cook, Tandoori manufacturing, CNC programming & Cook, Helper, Waiter. Call (716) 837Auto CAD. Call (212) 564-0620 0460. (716) 830-6432.

Household Help Wanted

HOUSEKEEPING, cooking and childcare. Live-in help needed. Call (205) 520-4694

Babysitting Services

FOR excellent babysitters & nannies for Manhattan families, call (646) 4070008.

Services / Miscellaneous REAL ESTATE House For Sale

GORGEOUS OCEANVIEW ATLANTIC BEACH, NY Updated home, corner lot, conveniently located. 4000sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 4 full-baths with 2 Jacuzzis, plus nanny suite with full-bath. Sauna, beautiful IG heated pool, expansive deck. Vaulted ceilings in large great room with grand stone fireplace. Family room, formal dining room, kitchen with granite and built in Jenn air grill. 85'x100' Lot size. A must see home! Price: $1,149,999.00 Call (516) 458-9481

House/Flat Sale/Lease:India

FOUR Bedrooms & Bath Approx 1500 sq ft near Hazra J.D. Station Kolkata. Call - Arun Mukerjee Ph # 91-3324541185

FOR

SPECIAL

RATES &

DISCOUNTS PLEASE CALL

800-822-3532

Place your ad online www.indiaabroad.com/classifieds

India in New York August 1, 2014

Mobiles

Laptops

Watches

Perfumes

Jewellery

Sarees

Make Up

Bags

For Sister

For Brother

Place your orders before August 4th on rakhi.rediff.com

India in New York August 1, 2014