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No Indian bank among the top: Naina Lal Kidwai SPECIAL INTERVIEW Details on page 37

Rajasekhara Reddy’s death widely mourned Details on page 11

Manan Trivedi runs for Congress from PA Details on page 10

Pak PM says LTTE behind attack on cricketers Details on page 7

26/11 hostage recalls terror night at Taj

VOL 15, No. 784

September 18, 2009

50¢

Periodical Postage

PC BRIEFED ON U.S. STEPS AGAINST TERRORISM

WASHINGTON: Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram held meetings here with senior Obama administration officials, including National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. (retired) James Jones, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the U.S. Attorney General Eric H Holder Jr. SECURITY UPDATE: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram Enhanced coduring his meeting with Senator Dianne Feinstein, operation between Chairwoman of the US Senateís Select Committee on Intelligence, watches as the Senator greets Indian India and US on Ambassador Meera Shankar in Washington on tackling terrorism September 9 particularly in South Asia dominated the discusThe thrust of his meetings was on sions, sources said. institutional exchanges between inPakistan's inaction in dealing telligence and law-enforcement agenPakistan's inaction in dealing with the cies of India and the US. perpetrators of 26/11 was also raised.

Details on page 6

Chidambaram observes Penn Station security SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Post 9/11, there's no better place in New York City than the teeming Penn Station to get an idea of how various security agencies coordinate to make life of the citizens safer without compromising the freedom of their mobility in a bustling metro city.

And so, on Sept 8, India's home minister P. Chidambaram, on a fourday visit to the US, got a first hand knowledge on securing the mass transit systems when he was given a thorough briefing by security officials at Penn Station

Pankaj Advani is World Billiards Champion Details on page 22

Appeal for AI flights from Washington DC Details on page 6

Musharraf to embark on 40-day US visit Details on page 7

Singh's visit to America will boost ties: Blake Details on page 6

Zardari, Mush believe Bin Laden is dead

Details on page 6 Details on page 8

US Open Doubles Champ is Indian

Govt sets up 'Invest India' JV to attract FDI

Details on page 8 Details on page 7

New York State bans use of term 'oriental'

CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 26-27 Classifieds --------------------- 48-50 Community Post -------------- 11-21

Details on page 8

Date Book -------------------------- 52 Edit Page --------------------------- 54

INDIA POST SURVEY

HealthScience Post --------- 40-42

survey@indiapost.com

Horoscope ------------------------- 43

This week’s question

Immigration Post ------------- 44-47

PC’s US visit will increase pressure on Pak?

Life Style ----------------------- 28-30 Philosophy ------------------------- 53

Last week’s result

CM’s death will harm Congress in Andhra?

YES 56%

NO 44%

Publisherís Diary ------------------ 4 Real Estate ------------------------ 25

Indiaís Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi with their doubles partners in action during their US Open semi-final matches, which they won. (Details on page 24). Pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

Sports Post -------------------- 22-24 TechBiz Post ------------------- 37-39 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 31-34

Certified by “CIRCULATION VERIFICATION COUNCIL Readership 117,765”

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Hindu Temple of St. Louis Celebrates

MAHAKUMBHABHISHEKAM (October 1 ² 4, 2009) Hindu Temple of St. Louis cordially invites you to the Mahakumbhabhishekam from October 1 st to 4th.

Kumbhateertha Prokshanam @10.30AM on October 4th Sunday. For sponsorship details and program schedule please visit www.hindutemplestlouis.org.

725, Weidman Road, Ballwin, MO 63011. Call - 636.230.3300 Visit - www.hindutemplestlouis.org

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Publisher’s Diary

T

hat was it. Wednesday night was President Obama's last pitch effort to push his healthcare reform to Americans and he went all out to do it with a nationally televised address to a joint session of Congress - killing two birds so to say, the nation and the Congress that is as split as the rest of the nation over the issue that has already become a platform for the next presidential elections.

It's intriguing really to see how resistant Americans have become to change considering it was the very same people who overwhelmingly voted for change when they elected Obama for President less than a year ago.

Needless to say, it is the Conservative propaganda machine that's gone on an overdrive in the past several weeks to rally people against anything that the President is trying to do. Come to think of it, they had even created a furor over President Obama's address to school students across the nation last week accusing him of attempting to brainwash the kids; and all the President was trying to do was put some sense into kids who think it 'cool' to drop out of school.

The same parents who were so 'outraged' at having the country's President wanting to talk sense to their kids, take no responsibility for children dropping out of school or cutting classes or doing drugs or indulging in risky sex and ending up in teenage pregnancies.

This whole healthcare reform debate beats me. Knocking out the vested interests, I do not understand why the common people are making such a big deal of it. Why would they not want to have a competitive option while they and they alone have the right to choose what they want?

I haven't seen a more determined and emotionally charged speech by Obama even in his campaign days than what I heard last Wednesday on the floor of the Congress. My fervent hope is that every American has had the good sense to watch it too - a kindergarten teacher could not have explained the A-for-Apple lesson better.

Romesh K Japra rkjapra@indiapost.com

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Bollywood Rebuffed again Kareena has no intention of going international. Not even for Gurinder Chadha, whom she has rebuffed twice.

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Cover Story: PC in Washington Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram held meetings in Washington with senior Obama administration officials.

Community: Community shocked Members of the Indian community have expressed shock and disbelief at the death of Andhra CM Rajasekhara Reddy.

Life Style: ‘India Calling’ On Sunday, Sept 20, Hollywood Bowl will present ‘India Calling’ -an exciting evening of music and dance.

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World Champion Pankaj Advani created history by becoming the second Indian to win the World Professional Billiards Championship.

TechBiz: Special interview Exclusive interview with Naina Lal Kidwai, Head of HSBC India, who was in New York recently.

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Travel: Bodhgaya It was in Bodhgaya under a Banyan tree that Buddha attained supreme knowledge to become the Enlightened One.

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PC briefed on US steps against terrorism WASHINGTON: Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram held meetings here with senior Obama administration officials, including National Security Advisor Lt. Gen. (retired) James Jones, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and the U.S. Attorney General Eric H Holder Jr. Enhanced co-operation between India and US on tackling terrorism particularly in South Asia dominated the discussions, sources said.

Pakistan's inaction in dealing Pakistan's inaction in dealing with the perpetrators of 26/11 was also raised.

The thrust of his meetings was on institutional exchanges between intelligence and law-en-

Enhanced co-operation between India and US on tackling terrorism particularly in South Asia dominated the discussions, sources said forcement agencies of India and the US. Officials of the FBI, intelli-

gence and security agencies briefed Chidambaram in detail on the anti-terror measures that they had undertaken after the 9/11 attacks.

"The objective behind this visit is to carry forward the dialogue with the US, especially with regard to the assessment of the security situation in South Asia and understanding counter-terrorism institutions," said a senior official of India's home ministry.

In his various interactions with heads of intelligence and security agencies and influential lawmakers, the home minister made a forceful case to seek

Business community calls for AI flights from Washington DC India Post News Service

NEW YORK: The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) has endorsed a call from the Indian American business community to have India's national carrier Air India start direct flights to India from the Washington DC area.

Following a meeting with USAsian, Kiran Pasricha, Deputy Director General of CII-US, pointed out that CII-US itself flies groups of Indian business leaders into and out of Washington DC at least 8-10 times a year in addition to coordinating visits of numerous delegations of US businesses. All the delegations travel in high value Executive and First class.

A flight out of Washington D.C. would be ideal for not only CII and its delegations, but also

for the whole business community in Washington, Virginia, Maryland as well as North and South Carolina in general, she said.

A flight out of Washington D.C. would be ideal for not only CII and its delegations, but also for the whole business community in Washington, Virginia, Maryland She also pointed out that The Technology Corridor in Northern Virginia, which leads to the Washington Dulles International Airport, is second only to the LA-

SFO Silicon valley. "This is lost revenue for our national carrier. It would be a good alternative to a direct flight, even if an Air India flight with a European halt was started from this region," she suggested.

CII is keen to have their delegations experience India from the moment they begin their journey till they are back home in the States. However, currently the only way to have such an experience is to spend a whole business day to get to JFK Airport to take the 5 PM flight to Delhi or 9:30 PM flight to Mumbai.

Therefore many people prefer other airlines going out of Dulles.

"With increased business and political relations between the two countries, it's about time we connect Capital to Capital, as it is a matter of national pride for us," she said.

Singh's visit to America will boost Indo-US ties: Blake WASHINGTON: Maintaining that India is a country with which the US shares increasingly convergent values and interests, a top Obama Administration official said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's forthcoming visit to America will boost strategic ties between the two countries.

Recalling Hillary Clinton's statement that Indo-US relationship is "overdue for an upgrade", Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said the Secretary of State's July trip to India served as the first step towards that vision.

"The relationship will get a fur-

Robert Blake

ther boost this fall when the US President will welcome Prime Minister Singh on November 24th for the first official state visit of the

Obama Presidency," Blake said in his address to Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.

He said the US President Barack Obama and Clinton have repeatedly stated their deep commitment to strengthen our partnership with New Delhi, "most importantly" India is a country with which the US shares increasingly convergent values and interests.

"Improved defense ties benefit both countries and contribute to our common interests in peace and stability in the region," he said, adding India already holds more military exercises with the US than with any other country. -PTI

Washington's intervention to make Pakistan take action against

Chidambaram also discussed these issues with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Eric H. Holder the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The home minister discussed the role of Pakistan in the Mumbai attacks and its non-action against the plotters on its soil with America's National Security Adviser General James Jones.

Chidambaram also discussed these issues with two other top Obama officials - Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Attorney General Eric H. Holder.

During his busy day, the Indian minister also met Senator Dianne Feinstein who heads the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Congressman Sylvester Reyes who is chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence.

Chidambaram observes NY counter-terrorism measures SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

gence agencies and Homeland Security on counter-terrorism measures.

Chidambaram was also briefed on the functioning of the coastal security facility in Staten Island, all of which assume immense significance in the after-

NEW YORK: Post 9/11, there's no better place in New York City than the teeming Penn Station to get an idea of how various security agencies coordinate to make life of the citizens safer without compromising Bomb-sniffing dogs, K-9 the freedom of their mocops, random bag checks, bility in a bustling metro automatic gum-toting city.

And so, on Sept 8, guards - he saw it all as they India's home minister P. seamlessly went about their Chidambaram, on a fourbusiness without hindering day visit to the US, got a first hand knowledge the passenger traffic on securing the mass transit systems when he was given a thorough briefing by math of the Nov 26, 2008 terrorsecurity officials at Penn Station. ist attacks on Mumbai where the Bomb-sniffing dogs, K-9 cops, terrorists had taken the sea route random bag checks, automatic to enter the city.

Indian officials said the gum-toting guards - he saw it all as they seamlessly went about minister's visit was aimed at cartheir business without hindering rying forward the dialogue with the passenger traffic, while being the US in regard to the assessbriefed by the officials and taken ment of the security in South around the main concourse of Asia and understanding the sethe station and the Amtrak plat- curity systems in institutions forms in the midst of the rush and structures in the US. FBI Press office spokesperhour crowds at 4.30 pm. son in New York told India Post the minister FBI Press office spokesperson was at the FBI offices "for an intelligence in New York told India Post briefing on matters of the minister was at the FBI mutual interest to both offices ‘for an intelligence countries." Apart from briefing on matters of mutual that he said he could not divulge specific interest to both countries’ details since it wasn't a public meeting. "Such The visit to Penn Station was briefings with foreign diplomats the last of the minister's stops or public officials are routine and in New York City where he ear- though not classified, it is not lier in the day had met with FBI public information," he said.

Chidambaram spent a little over and NYPD officials at the Joint Terror Task Force Centre of the an hour at Penn Station before takFBI, for an in-depth understand- ing an Amtrak train to Washinging of the functioning of intelli- ton DC.

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Musharraf to embark on 40-day US visit ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, currently in the UK, will embark on a long visit to the US from September 14 during which he will meet President Barack Obama, indicat-

"Musharraf is expected to meet Obama in the third week of October during his visit to the US," said Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, a member of the legal team appointed by the former military ruler

else is being paid more than this amount," he said.

Musharraf will deliver lectures in 17 American states, speaking on issues like Pakistan's national security, nuclear program, future of Afghanistan and impact of the Afghan situation on Pakistan, Hussain said. Another topic of his lectures will be the role of the Pakistan Army in the war against terror.

'I am not in exile'

Pervez Musharraf

ing that he is unlikely to return home soon where there is a clamor for putting him on trial.

Musharraf will be in the United States for 40 days during which he will deliver lectures at various universities, a close aide of the former President has said.

to defend him in Pakistani courts.

Hussain claimed Musharraf has been offered USD 300,000 per lecture by American think tanks and other institutions.

"Only former US President Bill Clinton is being paid as much for delivering a lecture and nobody

LONDON: Amidst a clamor in Pakistan for trying him for treason, Musharraf said here he was "not in exile".

Musharraf said his talks in US will focus on his expertise about Islamic militancy and will seek to redress Pakistan's poor international image.

"Pakistan is a most misunderstood country. I enjoy the opportunity to clear up misperceptions," Musharraf said.

He declined to comment on the controversy surrounding him back home.

During his lecture tour in the US, Musharraf is expected to be critical of Washington's close relationship with India - reflecting a view widely held in Pakistani military circles, the report said.-PTI

Govt sets up 'Invest India' JV to attract foreign investments NEW DELHI: Faced with declining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the government has decided to set up a joint venture company, Invest India, to attract overseas funds during the remaining period of the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12).

"The proposed company will be a joint venture between the government of India, FICCI and the state governments, and will be responsible for promoting foreign investments into the country in a more focused, comprehensive and

structure manner," Information and Broadcast Minister Ambika Soni told reporters here after a cabinet meeting.

The company would assist the government in its effort towards

Due to a global credit squeeze, foreign direct investment in the first quarter of 2009-10 dipped by about 30 per cent

projecting India as an attractive investment destination for foreign investors, she said.

To be incorporated as a nonprofit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, the Invest India would help foreign investors in identifying and realizing investment opportunities in India.

Due to a global credit squeeze, foreign direct investment in the first quarter of 2009-10 dipped by about 30 per cent to USD 7.01 billion from USD 10.07 in the corresponding period last year.-PTI

Pak PM says LTTE behind attack on cricketers ISLAMABAD: Sri Lankan authorities have evidence linking elements in the island nation to the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said here.

Gilani said Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had given him clues linking elements in his country with terrorist events in Pakistan, including the attack on the Sri

Lankan cricket team in March. Gilani had met Rajapaksa during a recent visit to Libya.

The premier said Rajapaksa told him that terrorists in Pakistan were financed from Sri Lanka and both countries are conducting investigations in this connection. Officials of Pakistan's interior ministry will visit Sri Lanka to exchange information, he added.

Gilani made the remarks while

speaking to reporters after visiting a hospital here to enquire about Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi, who was injured in an assassination attempt last week.

Eight persons were killed and over 20 others, including several Sri Lankan players, were injured when terrorists ambushed the team's motorcade at a busy traffic roundabout in Lahore on March 3.-PTI

Zardari, Musharraf believe Bin Laden is dead LONDON: Pakistan President decision the current military offenAsif Ali Zardari and his predeces- sive against militants. sor Pervez Musharraf believe that The former military ruler bethe world's most wanted terrorist lieves a combination of military Osama Bin Laden is dead though might and political solutions will top US officials say the Al-Qaeda ultimately destroy the Taliban, chief is alive and still operational. whom he called a "desperate band Zardari, in an interview to BBC, of militants with no frontline". said Bin Laden was dead but did "They (Taliban) are digging not put forward any evidence to their own grave by making Pakisupport his claim. stanis turn away from them," he Echoing Zardari's views, former said. military ruler Pervez Musharraf Citing the happenings in Swat said he has doubts whether Bin valley which was once a Taliban Laden had survived the eight stronghold, Musharraf said the "harsh" years since 9/11 attacks.

Echoing Zardari's views, "There is even a former military ruler Pervez doubt whether he is alive," Musharraf told Musharraf said he has doubts FOX news. "Because whether Bin Laden had right in the beginning he was a dialysis patient. survived the eight ‘harsh’ He was a kidney patient. years since 9/11 attacks Therefore, I wonder if he is alive," he said.

Zardari had earlier also claimed Taliban had a "very cruel behavthat Bin Laden was dead, which ior in Swat -- including the harsh was refuted by the top American imposition of religious law and military and political leaders. They slaughter of innocents" which say that they believe Bin Laden is had appalled the entire nation of 172 million people. still alive and operational.

Pakistan is united and remains Musharraf, who was a key ally of the US' war against terror, said an American ally, but a growing he had joined hands acting in divide is emerging because Pakigood faith for Pakistan -- not for stanis generally don't like the US, Musharraf said.

American benefits.

"For 42 years, until '89, we were "It was not for United States alone... it was for Pakistan," he the strategic partners of the West," he said, claiming the "lead said.

He said Talibanisation of Paki- role" of Pakistan in the Afghanistan will not be accepted by the stan War that lasted from 1979 until people and described as a right 1989.-AP

Transfer killer drones to Pakistan: Musharraf LONDON: Though Al-Qaeda has been "significantly diminished" in Pakistan, Taliban are thriving, former President Pervez Musharraf has said and pitched for transfer of 'killer drones' to his country so that it can take on the militants without the help of West.

"They (drones) have been controversial always. I personally believe that drones should be given to Pakistan because the sensitivity is to American troops or any foreign troops coming into Pakistan," Musharraf told FOX News.

Similar demands have been made by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. But United States, which is the only country in the world to have

armed drones, has not even shared this technology with its closest allies -- UK and Israel.

He said Al-Qaeda "has been significantly diminished in Pakistan, but the Taliban is thriving" and that he believes that the armed UAVs used by the US to target key militants in Pakistan should be handed over to his country.

The predator drones have given a big boost to American hunt for Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants in Pakistan's restive tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

At least 400 militants, including Pakistan Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud and six other top Al-Qaeda commanders, have been killed in the drone attacks in the last seven months. -PTI

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New York State bans use of term 'oriental' India Post News Service

NEW YORK: On Wednesday September 9, Governor of the State of New York David Paterson signed Bill No. A7698 into law at his executive office in New York City that bans the use of term "oriental" in documents used by state agencies, public authorities and municipalities when referring to persons of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage.

The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Grace Meng and Senator Craig Johnson and it passed both houses of the State of New York unanimously. Governor Paterson said that New York State champions the rights of immigrants and "I wonder why it was not passed earlier". Assemblywoman Grace Meng said the word "oriental" is derogatory and offensive in the category of race.

No state agency, public authority or municipality shall use the term "oriental" to identify or denote

( Left First Row) : Dr. Parveen Chopra (Board Member NYCLU & President/Founder Asian American Coalition USA Inc,† Governor David Patterson ( 3rd Left), Speaker of the New York State Assembly Sheldon Silver (5th left), †Assemblywoman Grace Meng, (Second Row): Councilman John Chae, Councilman Terrence Chin, Judge Darlene Cohn, Senator Craig Johnson†

26/11 hostage recalls terror night at Taj MUMBAI: The chairman of a private bank who was taken hostage by terrorists at Hotel Taj during the November 26 siege told the special court that his captors whipped and interrogated him.

They (terrorists) asked me whether I was an architect or a scientist, but I told them I was a teacher..." the banker, whose name was withheld, said.

"Hearing this, one of the terrorists, who was speaking on mobile, told the person at the other end that I was a teacher. ... After some time he got an-

‘Suddenly I heard gunshots outside the door, and the door was flung open. Two gentlemen came in.

One of them held a gun to my head’ gry and said to me: how can a teacher with salary of Rs 25,000 stay at Taj? "They whipped me." When asked whipped with what, he said, it seemed to be a rope. "I could not do anything as I was lying on the ground face down," the banker-witness said.

This witness is first of the hostages at Hotel Taj to depose before special court trying terrorist

Ajmal Kasab and two others.

Before the terrorists entered room no. 632 where he was staying, he had been alerted by the hotel reception about "emergency". He also saw report of terrorist attack on television.

So when around 11 at night he heard knocks on the door, with words "room service", he did not open.

"Suddenly I heard gunshots outside the door, and the door was flung open. Two gentlemen came in. One of them held a gun to my head while other struck a blow to my neck," he said.

Then the banker was taken outside and was made to knock on the doors of adjoining rooms.

He followed instructions but there was no response.

Then two terrorists pushed him back into the same room and asked him to remove his 'kurta' and 'payjama'. He was hesitant, but they hit him, so he followed.

The witness, a non-executive chairman of a private bank, said he was a professor in Bangalore university.

"They did not believe that I was a teacher and struck me and asked whether I was a smuggler, to which I said no. All through, one of the terrorists was speaking on mobile and seeking instructions from other end," the banker told the court.

The captors saw a sacred thread around his torso, and asked whether he was a Brahmin. Then the witness cried, and told them he was a blood pressure patient.

But they tied him up, and made him lie down, he said.

Four hotel boys were brought to the room by two other terrorists. They too were interrogated.

"We were five hostages and four terrorists in the room," he told the court. Around 2am terrorists took them to the floor below, to room no. 520.

The banker told the court that around 3am they heard a blast, but terrorists were not seen around. He said he managed to free himself and then freed the four hotel boys.

The hotel boys tied blankets

The banker told the court that around 3am they heard a blast, but terrorists were not seen around.

He said he managed to free himself and then freed the four hotel boys to make a rope and climbed down from a window. But the banker was nervous, so he instead went down to the third floor.

After seeing that light was on in one of the rooms on the floor, he went inside and saw fire brigade snorkel approaching from outside.

"At around 6 am on November 27, I was rescued by fire brigade officials."-PTI

persons of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage.

The word oriental has been used with negative connotations.

New World College Dictionary says that when used to describe a person as "oriental" it denotes a sense of disparagement.

Dr. Parveen Chopra who was invited by Governor Paterson to witness the signing of this bill indicated that it will remove another way of expressing bias or prejudice in government establishments and records and will help Asian-Americans to live bias free fuller life like all other Americans.

There must be equity and balance in justice system for all Americans.

Eliminating the use of word "oriental" in criminal justice services will free the system of its bias.

Dr. Parveen Chopra served as a Commissioner of Human Rights for two decades and currently serves on the New York Civil Liberties Board. He is also currently the President and founder of Asian American Coalition USA Inc. that was founded in 1988 and has leaders from fourteen Asian countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan in USA. Washington State passed a law in 2002 prohibiting the use of word "oriental". A Korean War orphan described in Seattle Times that the word "oriental" was first used to signify everything east of London and later to characterize people with flat noses, small eyes, black hair and mysterious ways.

Treatment meted out to Jaswant not good: Shekhawat NEW DELHI: Expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh found an ardent supporter in former vicepresident Bhairon Singh Shekhawat when the latter praised his book on Pakistan-founder M A Jinnah and also appeared to reprimand the party for asking him to quit PAC chairman's post.

"The way Jaswant was treated was not good. After reading his book, there is a need to praise him...If Jaswant Singh's book is read carefully, (one would find that) it is worth Bhairon Singh praising," Shekhawat told reporters soon after his meeting with Singh.

"There is a fall in standards in the party. Indiscipline has increased. According to the people, Jaswant should be with the party and I am with the people," Shekhawat added.

Singh called on the former BJP

leader here.

"I have known him since 1966.

I came to enquire about his health," he said after meeting 86year-old Shekhawat.

Shekhawat expressed his unhappiness over the state of affairs in BJP, which has seen internal squabbles and tussle for leadership after the Lok Sabha poll debacle.

When Singh was asked about BJP's argument that as per convention the post of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should remain with the Shekhawat main opposition, Shekhawat intervened and answered on his behalf, saying, "BJP leaders should respect Parliamentary conventions and ethics.

On the problems afflicting BJP, Shekhawat said, "Mutual trust among BJP leaders is decreasing and because of this, there are fissures in the party."-PTI

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Hasina dispels 'security threat' US asks Pak to prosecute Mumbai attacks accused over Asian highway DHAKA: Premier Sheikh Hasina has blasted main opposition BNP for frightening people with "bogus boo" over trans-continental connectivity through India under the Asian highway scheme, asserting that Bangladesh's sovereignty and economic interests would not be affected by the project.

Addressing Parliament, she said Bangladesh would join the proposed Asian highway to promote "development, employment, business and infrastructural improvement" despite the opposition's 'India phobia' campaign.

"We are not afraid of any bogus boo and we can't live in isolation from the rest of the world by shutting our doors," Hasina told the house during Prime Minister's question hour, referring to a BNP campaign that the connectivity through India could endanger Bangladesh's "sovereignty and economic interests."

The Premier, however, said Bangladesh would have control over its parts of the routes that would make re-entry into India via Bangladesh.

"We got our independence through war. Our patriotism is not so fragile that we will not be able to protect the interest of our country," she said.

"We believe in the country's

independence and sovereignty and we fought and achieved our independence under the leadership of (ruling) Awami League and the allied Indian forces. So our government is well aware of the fact that what would be harmful for the country and what would be beneficial for it," she said.

Hasina's comments came four months after her government announced that Bangladesh would

If anyone checks with Google it will clear the confusion that the highway will not only connect Bangladesh with India, it will also connect it with many other countries like China and the Middle East and Europe join the Asian highway network accepting the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) prescribed routes, abandoning proposals for alternative ones as sought by the past BNP-led fourparty government of Hasina's arch-rival Khaleda Zia. Zia's regime had declined to sign the trans-national

UNESCAP-sponsored deal calling the proposed routes "not suitable for the country" as they would eventually give India the opportunity to use the country as a transport "corridor".

"Bangladesh's business potentials in northeastern Indian states will be frustrated as the prescribed routes will commercially link mainland India with its isolated northeastern region. Besides it is also not acceptable from Bangladesh's defense point of view," senior BNP leader (Retd) Maj Hafizuddin Ahmed said during a recent television dialogue.

Hasina said if anyone checks with Google it will clear the confusion that the highway will not only connect Bangladesh with India, it will also connect it with many other countries like China and the Middle East and Europe.

Hasina, however, said after signing the agreement there is a scope for further discussion on the alternative route and added that "it is not that Bangladesh's expectation is everything; ESCAP must have a say about it."

"We are already lagging behind" in signing the agreement when 27 countries including India and Pakistan inked it by 2005 and "we took the interest in the country's interest," Communication Minister Syed Abul Hossain recently told PTI. -PTI

Obama says he would like to have dinner with Gandhi, his hero WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has said given a chance he would like to have a meal with his "real hero" Mahatma Gandhi although the apostle of peace did not eat a lot.

Obama's response came to a question from a ninth grade stu-

Mahatma Gandhi

dent at the Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, who asked him if could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?

"Dinner with anyone dead or alive? Well, you know, dead or alive, that's a pretty big list," Obama said amidst laughter. The next moment he was serious.

"You know, I think that it might be Gandhi, who is a real hero of mine," Obama said. "Now, it would probably be a really small meal because he didn't eat a lot," he said.

He said Gandhi is someone who has inspired people across the world for the past several generations.

"He (Gandhi) is somebody whom I find a lot of inspiration in. He inspired Dr King (Martin Luther), so if it hadn't been for the non-violent movement in

WASHINGTON: A top Obama Administration official has asked Pakistan to prosecute those responsible for the Mumbai attacks and make concerted efforts to stop militant infiltrations across the Indo-Pak border.

"Both the countries must now undertake a sequenced series of actions to rebuild confidence and cooperation. Such actions must include progress by Pakistan to prosecute those responsible for the Mumbai attacks and concerted efforts to stop militant infiltrations across the Indo-Pak border," Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake said.

He said "in response, India has indicated it is prepared to re-

start confidence building measures."

Addressing students at Paul H Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University, Blake said "an important part of a successful strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan will be for New Delhi and Islamabad to restore relations to the levels of cooperation they enjoyed between 2004 and 2007".

Recalling the progress made during that period, Blake said "beginning in 2004, President Pervez Musharraf met with then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and pledged that Pakistan would not let territory under its control be used to support terrorism". PTI

India to sign, ratify BIMSTEC Convention on combating terror NEW DELHI: In an effort to combat international terrorism, India today said it proposes to join other BIMSTEC countries in providing a strong legal framework to its security agencies in tackling this menace.

The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, today approved a proposal for signing and ratifying the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

"This convention would pro-

vide a strong legal framework and much needed thrust to law enforcement agencies" in tackling these crimes, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said.

The Convention, which was adopted by the Joint Working Group on Counter-terrorism, is expected to be signed at the forthcoming conference of ministers of BIMSTEC member states.

Besides India, other BIMSTEC members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. -PTI

States told to set up depts for overseas Indians Barack Obama

India, you might not have seen the same non- violent movement for civil rights here in the United States."

Gandhi, he said, ended up doing so much and changing the world just by the power of his ethics. "I am always interested in people who are able to bring about change, not through violence, not through money, but through the force of their personality and their ethical and moral stances. That is somebody that I would love to sit down and talk to." -PTI

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Overseas Indians has asked the state governments to set up nodal departments to address issues relating to Indians living abroad and promote legal migration from the country.

Addressing a consultative meeting with the states, Secretary in the Ministry of Overseas Indians K Mohandas said the state governments must set up separate departments to handle matters relating to the Diaspora as well as those who want to go abroad to earn their livelihood.

"You should set up the nodal departments soon so as to ensure welfare of the overseas Indians and help those who want to migrate. Setting up of nodal depart-

ments will help in checking unscrupulous recruiting agents," he said.

Mohandas said a few states, including Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, have already set up such cells but others should also follow them.

He also requested the state representatives to vigorously launch skill development and pre-departure programs orientation programs for those seeking to migrate from the country.

"The state governments should initiate skill-upgradation and pre-departure orientation training to potential emigrant workers through optimum utilization of resources available with the states," he said. -PTI

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Marriage rumors affecting my career, rues Rani MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Rani Mukherji who is returning to the big screen after an year with 'Dil Bole Hadippa' says that rumors about her getting married have started to affect her career.

"These rumors have been going on for three years and they have now started affecting my career. Lot of filmmakers who approach me for roles start by asking whether I am getting married.

They have apprehensions whether I can commit myself to their project," Rani told PTI in an interview.

The 31-year-old actress said the baseless stories about her are getting stretched too far.

"I can't be getting married to so many men for the last three years," said Rani talking about her alleged link ups including the rumor about her marriage to filmmaker Aditya Chopra.

"I am the only daughter of my parents. When I get married, it will be announced publicly and will take place with pomp," Rani said.

The actress recalled that three years ago when the rumors about her marriage started, her father had to come on television to clarify.

"No father should be put through such misery. Despite clarifications, the rumors have continued. You have to believe what I am saying. But, if you still continue spreading stories about me, I can't stop you," Rani said.

Rani also admitted that she lacks the PR skills which forms a major part of her profession and that results in speculative stories

laughable" rumor was that she had left her posh Juhu bungalow because it had brought her bad luck and has moved back to her old flat at Andheri.

"I have made the new

house for my family from my hard work, sweat and blood. My house is my temple and how can I run away from it. I am being made to look like an insecure person which I am not," she said.

Talking about her latest venture, 'Dil Bole Haddipa', Rani said that the movie came to her at the right time when she got a feedback that she was crying too much on screen doing serious roles.

‘I can't be getting married to so many men for the last 3 years.

I am the only daughter of my parents. When I get married, it will be announced publicly and will take place with pomp’

about her.

"It is a shortcoming that I have as I don't like to talk about my daily life. The media has taken advan-

tage of my silence and communicated to my fans very wrongly," she said.

The actress said that the "most

Rani was last seen in 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic' in 2008, and is back with another Yashraj film after an year.

When asked about the fasci-

Afghan war gave 'space' to Pak to prepare N-bomb: Khan WASHINGTON: Pakistan was ready to test a nuclear bomb as early as 1984 as the US overlooked its clandestine atomic program in the initial years due to Islamabad's involvement in the American-led Afghan war against the Soviet Union, disgraced scientist A Q Khan has revealed. "...given the US and European pressure on our program, it is true that had the Afghan war not taken place at that time, we would not have been able to make the bomb as early as we did," Khan said in an interview to an Urdu Pakistani TV channel, a copy of translated version of which was obtained by 'Secrecy News of the Federation of American Scientists'.

Khan, who was slapped with sanctions by the US early this year on charges of proliferation of nuclear technology to "rouge" nations, also said that Sri Lankan Muslims based in Dubai were suppliers of the nuclear material

and equipment to Pakistan and to Iran and Libya.

Khan said Pakistan was ready to test a nuclear weapon just six years after it first began to enrich uranium. "It was 6 April 1978 when we achieved our first centrifugal enrichment of uranium... We had

News TV in the interview, which was translated from Urdu by the Directorate of National Intelligence's Open Source Centre.

But Zia ul-Haq, the military ruler, decided against testing the bomb, observed Khan, who was

Khan, who was slapped with sanctions by the US early this year on charges of proliferation of nuclear technology to "rouge" nations, also said that Sri Lankan Muslims based in Dubai were suppliers of the nuclear material and equipment to Pakistan and to Iran and Libya achieved 90 per cent (enrichment) by early 1983," he said.

"I wrote a letter to Gen Zia on 10 December 1984, telling him that the weapon was ready and that we could detonate it on a notice of one week," Khan told Aaj

put under house arrest by the previous Musharraf regime from which he was released early this year.

"We were allying with the United States in the Afghan war.

The aid was coming. We asked

Gen Zia and his team to go ahead with the test, but they said they could not conduct the test as it would have serious repercussions."

"They argued that, since the United States had to overlook our nuclear program due to our support in the Afghan war, it was an opportunity for us to further develop the program. They said the tests could be conducted any time later," Khan said and maintained that "the war had provided us with space to enhance our nuclear capability."

"The credit (for the nuclear bomb) goes to me and my team, because it was a very difficult task, which was next to impossible," the Pakistani scientist said.

He also said that Sri Lankan Muslims based in Dubai were suppliers of the nuclear material and equipment not only to Pakistan but also to Iran and Libya.-PTI

nation with the production house, Rani said, "I can do two three films at a time if there are great roles. I don't want to prove anything to my detractors that I work only in Yash Raj films. If Yash Raj offers me challenging roles, I will take up those projects," she said.

'I am not wearing bikini'

In context of her being the next 'bikini babe' of Bollywood with her latest film 'Dil Bole Hadippa' but the actress clarifies that she is not wearing a two-piece in the movie.

The 31-year-old actress is seen gyrating to the beats of the title track of the film wearing a revealing outfit which looks like a bikini.

"Bikini is a very strong word. I have just worn a bikini top with salwar. When you lose weight and tone your body, people are wanting to dress you up in a different way and there is no harm in trying that," Rani told PTI. She said the ultra glam look was for the music video of the film.

"In the film, I could not take liberties because the glam look would not go well with the character I play. But in the music videos, I could be portrayed differently," Rani said.

When asked about her views on losing her numero uno status, Rani said that the number games do not affect actors.

"The number games are for those who believe in it. The roles that I get make me the actor I am.

Getting challenging roles is the best part of being in any stage of your career. I am trying to reinvent myself as an actor and as a looker," she said.

Talking about her future projects, Rani said she cannot work in any random film. "I am waiting for a great offer. I want to work with Vishal Bharadwaj, Imitiaz Ali, Anurag Basu.

"But, they have to come up with something which I would like to do," the actress said. -PTI

Desi News Etihad Airways first Chicago flight lands at O'Hare ABDUL SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Etihad Airways' first non-stop flight to Chicago landed at O'Hare airport 20 minutes earlier than schedule on Wednesday, September 2 amidst cheers from a large crowd of travel agents, aviation staff and Etihad officials.

The largest ever gathering seen inside the terminal at Gate M11, a beautiful welcome set up and VIPs' presence to welcome the much awaited service only proved the enthusiasm of Etihad Chicago team led

by Start Up Manager Janet River. As the maiden flight to Chicago taxied near gate M11, it was given a watery shower from both sides by airport fire fighting engines.

COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA

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Details on page 17

Rajasekhara Reddy's death widely mourned

Details on page 13

Manan Trivedi runs for Congress from PA India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Decorated war veteran, primary care doctor and Berks County, Pennsylvania native, Manan Trivedi is running for the US House of Representatives in the 6th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Trivedi served as the Battalion Surgeon for a Marine Corps Infantry Battalion in the 5th Regiment between 2001 and 2003.

He served on the frontlines of battle, commanding a medical team that cared for over 1,200 of our troops and hundreds of Iraqi civilians.

Imam Shamshad leads daily study of Holy Quran

Iftekhar Shareef giving a warm send off to Dr YSR Reddy and his wife Vijaya Laksmi at Chicago's O'hare Airport May 7

MOHAMMAD GHOUSE & ASHWIN PATEL India Post News Service

CHICAGO: Members of the Indian community in Chicago have expressed shock and disbelief at the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash.

Dr Hyder Mohammad, presi-

"We mourn this unsustainable loss of this great statesman who has worked tirelessly to uplift the poor, downtrodden, backward and disenfranchised in the state of Andhra Pradesh. As the events show, he died while doing the business of people."

"Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy enthusiastically committed significant state resources to launch govern-

Iftekhar Shareef, a Trustee of FIA and a prominent Andhraite, said , " I am quite optimistic that we shall soon have a leader who imbibes these values of governance and takes the state of Andhra Pradesh to new heights of glory that our beloved Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy dreamed, conceived and relentlessly worked hard for. " "It was heart-breaking to hear the news of sudden tragic death of the hero of Congress Party of India Dr. YS Rajashekara Reddy in helicopter crash. He was a savior of the poor and under-privileged of the State of Andhra Pradesh.

He not only cared for all the agriculturist community but also for the Minorities of the State."

'Immeasurable loss for Telugu people' ST. LOUIS: Telugu Association of St. Louis conducted a memorial

Mahatma Gandhi Center in Manchester. Over 300 people attended the memorial. The mood was somber and the sorrow and grief palpable. Dr Reddy's classmates Madhav Vinjamoori, Radha Krishna Chunduri, Narisimha Reddy Gondapalli and other alumni shared their deep hurt and memories of their departed friend and philosopher. Each voice choked with emotion could say very little, but those who can hear with their heart heard a lot. Suren Pathuri, President of the Telugu Association of St. Louis, paid his tributes to the great leader and felt the loss is immeasurable and hoped Telugu people would be able to march forward with gusto befitting their beloved King.

It would haven't been possible with out Vijaya Lenka, Bandi Prasad, Dr Sudhkar Vaddi, Rajesh Pudota, Vinay, Sai and lot of other volunteers who pulled every thing within very short notice to make

Details on page 14

Vivekananda Vedanta Society anniversary SWAMI VARDANAND

CHICAGO: The Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago will celebrate the first anniversary of its relocation to the Sri Ramakrishna Universal Temple on Sunday, September 20. The Society founded in 1930, moved from its Hyde Park location to the new temple in Homer Glen on September 21, 2008.

Details on page 16

‘It was heart-breaking to hear the news of sudden tragic death of the hero of Congress Party of India Dr. YS Rajashekara Reddy in helicopter crash. He was a savior of the poor and underprivileged of the State of Andhra Pradesh’ dent of the Federating of Indian Associations (FIA) in a press statement said that "on behalf of FIA I would like to take this opportunity to express our collective shock at the sad premature demise of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Dr. Y. Rajasekhara Reddy."

ment programs that seek to promote education, health care, create employment, allocate housing to the poor, build transportation infrastructure, provide social security and support women's welfare projects, steering towards excellence in information technology, advancing Telugu cultural heritage"

Dr YSR Reddy with members of Telugu community during his visit to St. Louis MO, last year.

and candle vigil for Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy on Sept 4 at the

the event possible Cont’d on page 12

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APMGUSA condoles death of Andhra Chief Minister India Post News Service

Andhra Pradesh Overseas Congress members paying tribute to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Rajashakher Reddy at Hindu Temple in Queens in New York on Sept 7. (Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia)

NEW YORK: Members of Federation of Andhra Pradesh Medical Graduates in USA (APMGUSA) has passed a resolution to mourn the sudden demise of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr YS Rajashekhara Reddy (YSR) along with his officials in a helicopter crash last week.

The resolution offered sincere condolences to the families and friends of YSR, Principal Secretary S Subramanyam, Chief Security Officer ASC Wesley, Group Captain SK Bhatia and Captain MS Reddy.

Several members of APMGUSA have interacted with the dynamic YSR, himself a physician, and discussed with him the role of AAPI and APMGUSA in enhancing the healthcare in the State. YSR had a great admiration for APMGUSA and wanted Andhra Pradesh-origin physicians to do more the state. His

response was always positive and he translated the dreams into reality by providing free medical treatment to the poor at some of the best hospitals in Andhra Pradesh. "He

The resolution offered sincere condolences to the families and friends of YSR, Principal Secretary S Subramanyam, Chief Security Officer ASC Wesley, Group Captain SK Bhatia and Captain MS Reddy had a great vision for the upliftment of the State of Andhra Pradesh with various programs which are at different stages of implementation," said Dr. Mohan Mallam, president of the association.

More pics on page 14

Rajasekhara Reddy's death widely mourned Cont’d from page 11

Suren Pathuri, President Telugu Association of St. Louis, said "We, the Telugu community at St. Louis, Missouri, USA are deeply shocked and are under profound grief at the untimely and sad demise of our beloved Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy. We pray that

Suren Pathuri, President Telugu Association of St. Louis, said "We, the Telugu community at St. Louis, Missouri, USA are deeply shocked and are under profound grief at the untimely and sad demise of our beloved Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy’ his soul rest in peace and we express our sympathy to his family and especially his wife Vijaya Laxmi amma.

"With our deepest sympathy to other family members of Principal Secretary to CM, S Subrahmanyam and YSR's chief security officer ASC Wesley, Group Captain S K Bhatia and Captain M S Reddy, who lost their lives as well" "Please give us strength to continue your vision, of prosperous and green Andhra Pradesh."

Members of Indian Christian community pay homage to late Dr YSR Reddy

Memorial Service

by Christian community CHICAGO: The Indian American Christian Community of Greater Chicago hosted a solemn United Memorial Service to honor and celebrate the life of late Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Saturday Sept 5 at India Mission Telugu Church in Oak Park, Illinois Rich tributes presented by host of eminent community leaders and Church leaders was complemented by mellifluous melodies that gently overwhelmed the revered event. The united memorial service also adopted a condolence resolution. As a mark of keeping the memory of Dr YSR alive, the host committee agreed to institute a Dr YSR Day every year on September 2 and observe this day to recognize exceptional youth in the community who exemplify the ide-

als of the late chief minister.

Varghese Chacko, President of All American Bank and a renowned community leader eulogized Dr Reddy as an outstanding

As a mark of keeping the memory of Dr YSR alive, the host committee agreed to institute a Dr YSR Day every year on September 2 and observe this day to recognize exceptional youth public servant who epitomized noble spirit of selfless service to humanity not just within the boundaries of Andhra Pradesh, but the entire nation.

Members of the Christian community hold memorial service at India Mission Telugu Church in Oak Park

Keerthi Ravoori, Co-Chair of the memorial event, said Dr Reddy was a great statesman, an indefatigable leader, great humanitarian and above all a remarkable champion for the poor and the disenfranchised.

Dr. Jayachand Pallekonda, President of the Federation of Indian American Christians of Greater Chicago characterized Dr Reddy as an outstanding 'Good Samaritan'.

Austin D'Souza, the Governor of Lions Club International presented a slide show that illustrated the journey of the life of Dr Rajasekhara Reddy. The slide presentation drew applause and a quiet emotion as it reflected the great sojourn of Dr YSR that led up to his outstanding public life.

Lala Rosen, IAS, PhD gave a rousing summation of the life of Dr Reddy. Former Inspector General in AP state Rosen emphasized his noble and humble life in helping the needy people in Andhra

Pradesh.

Mrs. Rita Paul, Women's Leader of Christian Children's Ministry and a renowned educationalist, praised Dr Reddy for his deep devotion to women's empowerment. Louis Mitra, Co-Convenor of the Memorial event proposed a vote of thanks.

Earlier, Dr Rev. Samuel Vallabdas, Convener of the Memorial, observed that the Indian American Christian community should rejoice because Dr. Reddy was called for a higher calling and nobler purpose; therefore his departure from this world should be viewed in the context of this greater mission of Christian faith and our Savior's will.

The event was preceded by soulful musical selections from Telugu hymns led by Thomas Polepaka, Merari Bushpaka, Chandran Mallela, John Pulukuri, Ben Samson and Manu Madella that gently overwhelmed the memorial event.

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September 18, 2009

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Etihad Airways first Chicago flight lands at O'Hare ABDUL SIDDIQUI

CHICAGO: Etihad Airways' first non-stop flight to Chicago landed at O'Hare airport 20 minutes earlier than schedule on Wednesday, September 2 amidst cheers from a large crowd of travel agents, aviation staff and Etihad officials.

The largest ever gathering seen inside the terminal at Gate M11, a beautiful welcome set up and VIPs' presence to welcome the much awaited service only proved the enthusiasm of Etihad Chicago team led by Start Up Manager

Illinois Janet River.

As the maiden flight to Chicago taxied near gate M11, it was given a watery shower from both sides by airport fire fighting engines. The pilot and co-pilot waved UAE and USA national flags from both sides of cockpit.

The 286 passenger capacity wide body Airbus A340-600 aircraft flew in Chicago from Abu Dhabi non-stop for 14 hours.

Rosemarie Andolino, Commissioner Department of Aviation Chicago cut the inaugural ribbon in presence of Rohan Alee, Etihad airways Country Manager, USA,

The First Etihad Flight arriving in Chicago

Denis Harver Etihad Vice President Midwest, Janet River Manager Chicago and other Etihad officials.

Commissioner Andolino said that Etihad's arrival into Chicago gets O'Hare closer to Middle East and Asia. At present O'Hare serves to 53 airlines, connecting to 210 cities world over.

Rohan Alee said he had already made a sale for Etihad as he was on way to inaugural ceremony.

The Pakistani cab driver who got him from hotel to airport was thrilled to know about Etihad arrival and affirmed to him that he

Soon after the inaugural ceremony, the media persons and travel agents along with other distinguished guests were taken inside the aircraft for a virtual tour of Etihad's new service

will fly Etihad only.

Soon after the inaugural ceremony, the media persons and travel agents along with other distinguished guests were taken inside the aircraft for a virtual tour of Etihad's new service. While the First and Business class reflected sheer luxury and comfort on board, the economy seat configuration looked comfortable as well. Seats were well cushioned and have ample legroom with large monitors on each seat. Etihad airways aircraft has monitors in each cabin which are larger than seen on any

other airline.

The first flight leaving out of Chicago was full to capacity. The departure lounge near Gate M11 was full with passengers leaving for Mumbai, Delhi, Coimbatore, Cochin, Karachi, Lahore & Islamabad. The Etihad Airways is the only airline to take Chicago passengers directly to both India and Pakistan. And on board, it has the delicious Indian and Pakistani cuisines to meet the taste of both countries. Special care is taken for Indian vegetarian passengers.

Cont’d on page 14

NJ governor makes campaign pitch at Indian mela

Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula meet and greet constituents on a walking tour of the Indo-American Festival on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Mercer County Park.

India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: Continuing to reach out to Indian American voters in New Jersey, state governor Jon S. Corzine visited the Indo-American Festival held at the Mercer County Park in West Windsor, over the Labor Day weekend.

New Jersey Governor Corzine was accompanied by his running mate Senator Loretta Weinberg, candidate for New Jersey's first-ever Lieutenant Governor, as he lit the ceremonial lamp to kick off the two-day event on Sept 5.

"New Jersey's Indian American community has made invaluable contributions to

our great state," Corzine said. "I'm always proud to have the opportunity to celebrate the Indian culture and traditions. I believe that New Jersey's diversity and pluralism is one of our greatest strengths."

Governor Jon S. Corzine - accompanied by running mate Senator Loretta Weinberg - checks out a cricket bat as Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula looks on at the Indo-American Festival at Mercer County Park in West Windsor; Harish Mehta, Deputy Vice-Chair of the N.J. State Democratic Committee and Rajesh Anand of the Indo-American Festival (Left to Right). (Pics: Gita Bajaj)

the Indian-American community to re-elect Governor Corzine in November."

Calling on Indian Americans to support the Corzine-Weinberg ticket, Assemblyman Upendra J. Chivukula called for the re-elec-

‘In my experience, Governor Corzine has attended more South Asian events than any Governor of New Jersey," said Rao. "This demonstrates his commitment to this community and to diversity’ "Diversity is the fabric of this great state," said Sen. Weinberg. "There is little that we cannot accomplish if we fight for our shared values together. I am proud to stand with

tion of Governor Corzine.

"Governor Corzine has been a great friend of the Indian-American community," Chivukula (D-Somerset) said. "In all my years as a legisla-

tor, I have yet to see a Governor as dedicated to multicultural issues as this governor. We must work hard to get him re-elected."

Also batting for the governor was Jigna Rao, Director of Drumthwacket, the Governor's official residence, who accompanied Gov. Corzine to the weekend event.

"In my experience, Governor Corzine has attended more South Asian events than any Governor of New Jersey," said Rao. "This demonstrates his commitment to this community and to diversity." The Indo-American Festival was the sixth such event held at West Windsor's Mercer County Park. Organizers say the annual event draws a crowd of an estimated 50,000. The festival's goal is to share and promote Indian culture with all Americans.

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Manan Trivedi runs for Congress from PA India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Decorated war veteran, primary care doctor and Berks County, Pennsylvania native, Manan Trivedi is running for the US House of Representatives in the 6th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Trivedi served as the Battalion Surgeon for a Marine Corps Infantry Battalion in the 5th Regiment between 2001 and 2003. He served on the frontlines of battle, commanding a medical team that cared for over 1,200 of our troops and hundreds of Iraqi civilians.

For his service, Lt. Commander Trivedi earned the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Commendation Medal, and his unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

After his tour of service, he returned home to Reading, where he now works as a board-certified internal medicine doctor at Reading Hospital.

"From my working class upbringing, to the ER and then onto the battlefield, I have been on the front lines of some of the biggest challenges of our time. And that is why I am announcing my candidacy for the Pennsylvania 6th congressional district," said Trivedi the day he announced his candidacy.

A son of immigrants from India, Manan Trivedi was born and raised with his brother

APMGUSA condoles death of Andhra Chief Minister

in Fleetwood, Berks County. His parents worked at the old Red Cheek apple juice factory. He attended public schools and graduated from Fleetwood High School. He went on to college and medical school before embarking on a Naval career that took him to the frontlines of the War in Iraq.

"I was raised in this district by workingclass parents and experienced what many families are going through now with the loss of their jobs and their pensions. But I also learned the importance of serving others and working hard for things that matter. These principles have guided my career, from the battlefield to the emergency room," says Trivedi.

Trivedi continues to say, "As the son of parents who worked at the Red Cheek apple juice factory, I am no stranger to the fear of lost jobs and lost pensions. As a primary care physician at Reading Hospital, I see people everyday who are in dire straits because they don't have the health care insurance they need.

And because of my time on the ground in Iraq, no one in this race understands the needs of our men and women in uniform better than I do. Our district has over 60,000 veterans and each day of this campaign and when I am in Congress, every single one of them and their families will know they have someone looking out for their interests."

Etihad Airways first Chicago flight lands at O'Hare

Etihad Chicago Manager Janet River Greets Vice President Etihad for Midwest Denis Harver Cont’d from page 13

Later an Iftaar dinner was hosted by Chicago Etihad team at Westin Hotel near O'Hare airport. Janet River welcomed the newly assigned Vice President for Midwest Denis Harver. Janet also made a video presentation for Etihad Airways current and future destinations. Established in July 2003, Etihad now operates to 50 destinations from

its Abu Dhabi hub across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

Etihad's pearl Business Class wide seats turn into six feet of comfortable flat beds with access for laptop for business travelers. The Diamond First Class cabin offers romantic "face to face" dining experience in uniquely rotating seats that also turn to full flat beds with Wi-Fi internet on board.

September 18, 2009

Community Across America

India Post 15

www.indiapost.com

Oscar Fernandes honored with Mandela award

India Post News Service NEW YORK: Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament Oscar Fernandes was given the Nelson Mandela Award for Minority Empowerment set up by the International Foundation for Minority Empowerment and Global Friendship, at the United Nations Church Center in New York City on Sept 5. The award was presented by Dr. Charles Steele Jr. a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement in America and president and CEO of SCLC, the Atlanta-based organization co-founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Award in the field of advocacy for minority causes is an honor given to individuals and organizations in recognition of outstanding achievements in promotion of minority affairs. Fernandes was accompanied by his wife Bloosom.(Pic Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia)

ISKCON-St. Louis celebrates Janmastami

NY Deepavali mela to ' go green' India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Sparkling fireworks, classical fusion performances, fun-filled children's activities, free health check up, booths with a variety of fine cuisine, handicrafts and gift items and rich and varied works of contemporary Indian artists will be some of the highlights of the 22nd Deepavali mela organized by the Association of

New York Rupa Sanatana Das

ST. LOUIS: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON of St. Louis, Inc.) celebrated its public Janmastami Festival at the Mahatma Gandhi Center again this year in August much to the delight of hundreds of devotees. The room was packed as the colorful events unfolded

St. Louis under the merciful glance of the deities of Krishna Balarama Mandir, 3926 Lindell Blvd.

The program commenced with the purifying chanting of the MahaMantra, which nicely engaged so many of the voices there.

The youth dramas charmingly brought to life the Lila of Lord

Jagannatha while the characterizations of the Dasa Avatars were brilliant, capturing the real mood of each incarnation. Following a most invigorating presentation on the glories of Sri Krishna's appearance by Romapada Swami, the whole audience was invited to

participate in a beautiful Gopal Abhishek. The high point of the evening came as the evening Aarti ceremony transitioned into a huge Kirtan as chairs were moved back to accommodate the swirling crowd of enthusiastic devotees, dancing and chanting the Lord's

holy names.

Of course no gathering would be complete without great prasadam. So as more bhajans and expert Bharathanatyam dancing kept the lingering devotees' interest. All the guests eventually made

The program commenced with the purifying chanting of the MahaMantra, which nicely engaged so many of the voices there their way to the dining hall, full with satisfying delights. In all it was a most gratifying evening; even some commented that it was the best ever.

According to Sushma Kotahwala, president of AIA- NY chapter, Deepavali mela is one of the landmark events of AIA-NY chapter and enjoyed by over 250,000 New Yorkers every year Indians in America (AIA), New York chapter at South Street Seaport in New York on Oct 4 between 12 noon to 8 pm.

According to Sushma Kotahwala, president of AIA- NY chapter, Deepavali mela is one of the landmark events of AIA-NY chapter and enjoyed by over 250,000 New Yorkers every year.

Cont’d on page 18

Community/Illinois

16 India Post

September 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Pratham annual gala slated for Sept 18

Vivekananda Vedanta Society to celebrate first anniversary

MANU VORA

SWAMI VARDANAND

CHICAGO: Pratham Chicago has announced holding its Annual Gala on Friday, September 18 at the Ashyana Banquets, in Downers Grove, a south west suburb of Chicago. The Gala theme is "Achieving Dreams through Education."

The highlights include keynote address by Indian Consul General Ashok Kumar Attri, and Dean Emeritus, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University Dr Dipak Jain. Jerome McDonnell, host of Worldview at the Chicago public Radio will be Emceeing for the event Dr Rukmini Banerji, Program Director, Pratham India will share the latest educational initiatives in India. Dr Madhav Chavan, cofounder of Pratham India will be in attendance to greet the Gala participants. The entertainment will be provided by Poonam Bhatia, a noted Bollywood singer.

Pratham is the largest non-profit organization working in the area of primary education in India. Its mission is "Every child in school and learning well". To achieve this mission, Pratham works in close

collaboration with the government and is a principal partner in many initiatives for both in and out of school children. It has become a unified effort between corporate houses, international institutions, foundations, central and state governments, NGOs and individual philanthropists. Its large scale en-

Pratham is the largest non-profit organization working in the area of primary education in India. Its mission is ‘Every child in school and learning well’ deavor has not only reached over 31million children, but has also encouraged policy makers to learn about India's primary education system through surveys and state reports. Pratham USA was formed to raise awareness about educational needs in India and to mobilize resources in the United States to support its programs.

CHICAGO: The Vivekananda Vedanta Society of Chicago will celebrate the first anniversary of its relocation to the Sri Ramakrishna Universal Temple on Sunday, September 20. The Society founded in 1930, moved from its Hyde Park location to the new temple in Homer Glen on September 21, 2008.

Swami Gautamananda, the head of the Sri Ramakrishna Math in Chennai and also a trustee of the Ramakrishna Math & Mission, is coming from India for the occasion. On Friday, September 18, at 7-30 pm, Swami Gautamananda will give a talk on "Vedanta for Modern Man". On Saturday, September 19, beginning at 9-30 a.m., he will conduct an all-day retreat, during which he will speak on "Sri Ramakrishna and Steps to Spiritual Life", "Yoga in Our Everyday Life", and "Prayer in Spiritual Life".

The Anniversary Celebration, which will begin on Sunday, September 20, at 10-30 am will include bhajans by Dr Ram Bala, Tapan Bhattacharya and Mridangam play

by Syamakrishna, the child prodigy who has been playing the mridangam

expertly since he was 1 ½ years old.

There will be an enactment of Sri Ramakrishna's teachings by Satvic Ray, and Aditya Ramachandran will recite Swami Vivekananda's speech at the 1893 Parliament of Religions. Then Swami Gautamananda will give a brief talk on "Vedanta & Ramakrishna Mission". Following

Nam on the second Saturday of each month, and celebration of special pujas, it now offers Sanskrit classes every Saturday and a free Health Clinic twice a month.

The Society also maintains a book shop with a large selection of books on Hinduism and other spiritual traditions. The Society recently planted 150 trees on its

During its first year in the Sri Ramakrishna Universal Temple, the Vivekananda Vedanta Society has been expanding its activities Swami Vivekananda

his talk, Swami Gautamananda will officially open the Library and inaugurate the Sunday School.

During its first year in the Sri Ramakrishna Universal Temple, the Vivekananda Vedanta Society has been expanding its activities.

In addition to regular classes on Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, Ram

15-acre property and plans to do more landscaping in the fall. Anyone who would like more information on the activities of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society can ask to receive the monthly bulletin by email or regular mail by contacting swamivaradananda@yahoo.com.

Community/California

September 18, 2009

India Post 17

www.indiapost.com

Sixth Annual Rafi Nite a big success India Post News Service

CANOGA PARK: On Saturday August 29, local performer Avtar Chadda held his sixth annual concert to pay homage to legendary singer Mohammed Rafi. More than 150 specially invited guests attended the event that was held at India Palace Restaurant.

The event was organized by Nirmal Sandhu and the emcee for the evening was Karan Chadda.

Leena Benjamin also performed that evening. The show started with Guest Artiste Noory, who sang "Maine Dil Se Kaha".

Details on page 18

Sept 12 is the Battle of Saragarhi anniversary JS BEDI India Post News Service

The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between twenty-one Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th Sikhs) of the Sikh Regiment of British India, defending an army post, and 10,000 Afghan and Orakzai tribesmen in a last stand. The battle occurred in the North-West Frontier Province, now a part of Pakistan.

The contingent of the twentyone Sikhs was led by Havildar Ishar Singh. They all chose to fight to the death. Sikh military personnel and Sikh civilians commemorate the battle every year on 12 September, as Saragarhi Day.

Imam Shamshad leads daily study of Holy Quran India Post News Service

CHINO, CA: Since the beginning of the holy month of fasting several hundred members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community gather at the Baitul Hameed Mosque daily - a half hour before

He said it is useless to go hungry and thirsty all day, every day, for 30 days, if one fails to improve his or her spiritual condition. The purpose of fasting is to attain nearness of God and to become godly oneself and reform one's own condition the opening/breaking of the daily dawn to dusk fast. They sit and listen to presentations on various aspects of the teachings of the Holy Quran.

These sessions began on Au-

Imam Shamshad delivering commentary on Holy Quran

gust 22 and will continue till September 19. On the first day, Imam Shamshad emphasized the purpose of fasting in Islam as per the teachings of the Holy Quran and the practice and sayings of the

purpose of fasting is to attain nearness of God and to become godly oneself and reform one's own condition. So he advised everyone to focus on improving themselves.

Cont’d on page 18

Journalist Rashmi Goel receives Emmy nomination JS BEDI India Post News Service

Details on page 20

BAPS Charities Walk to benefit Diabetes Association India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: BAPS Charities is taking part in 'United We Serve', by organizing a Walkathon on September 19 at Crossroads Park, Chino Hills. 'United We Serve' is a national effort launched by President Obama to engage Americans in serving their communities this summer. In keeping with its Walkathon theme, "Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time", part of the proceeds from this year's Walkathon will go to American Diabetes Association and Friends of the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library.

Details on page 21

Holy Founder of Islam, Muhammad.

He said, it is useless to go hungry and thirsty all day, every day, for 30 days, if one fails to improve his or her spiritual condition. The

Rashmi Goel at Emmys

LOS ANGELES: International Correspondent/Producer Rashmi Goel was the only South Asian woman to be nominated for an Emmy this year! In addition to being nominated she was also asked to present a category with political reporter Dave Bryant from CBS/KCAL 9 at the Local Los Angeles Area Emmys. She was styled by designer Bhavna Uppal from Mehr for the award ceremony, held at the Academy of Television of Arts and Sciences.

Rashmi Goel was nominated in the "Crime/Social Issues" Category for producing "End Homelessness'' - a thirty minute documentary depicting the lives of those fallen into homelessness in Los Angeles.

The documentary follows the lives of several individuals and further explains the problem of being homeless, possible solutions, and actions the general public can take to contribute a helping hand. She worked with a UCLA research team on the project. Goel was also a recipient of the STAR award this year for the documentary.

Goel is local reporter/host in Los Angeles as well as an international correspondent who has covered for networks such as ESPN, Times Now, ZEE TV, Sahara One, CNN-IBN and Warner Bros. Recently she covered Michael Jackson's death and funeral for Times Now, providing them with live coverage for India.

She also manages Bollywood Step

Dance, an internationally recognized and prominent Bollywood Dance Companyoffering dance classes, choreography, and performance for celebrities and local residents in California.

Living in the United States, Rashmi Goel has been one of the reporters who has been able to create a connection in news between

Rashmi Goel was nominated in the "Crime/Social Issues" Category for producing "End Homelessness'' - a thirty minute documentary depicting the lives of those fallen into homelessness in Los Angeles. The documentary follows the lives of several individuals and further explains the problem of being homeless, possible solutions, and actions the general public can take to contribute a helping hand the US and India. Based in Los Angeles, she has been able to create a media presence representing South Asians in the American press while also sending news from the States to India. From the Oscars to the Lakers Championship, she has covered many high profile events and celebrities both in Hollywood and Bollywood.

18

Community/California

India Post

September 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Sixth Annual Rafi Nite a big success India Post News Service

CANOGA PARK: On Saturday August 29, local performer Avtar Chadda held his sixth annual concert to pay homage to legendary singer Mohammed Rafi. More than 150 specially invited guests attended the event that was held at India Palace Restaurant.

The event was organized by Nirmal Sandhu and the emcee for the evening was Karan Chadda.

Surat Singh, who is well known for Kishore songs, sang Kishore Kumar duets with Pratibha Gunjal. ‘Hazar Raahein Mudke Dekhee’ was beyond description Leena Benjamin also performed that evening.

The show started with Guest Artiste Noory, who sang "Maine Dil Se Kaha". This was followed with great renditions from singer Aslam and Harinder Sidhu, who sang "Janam Janam Ka Saath".

Later Sunny Surat Singh, who is well known for Kishore songs, sang Kishore Kumar duets with Pratibha Gunjal. "Hazar Raahein Mudke Dekhee" was beyond description.

Cont’d on page 19

Avtar Chadda and Leena Benjamin

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Considered by far the largest attraction for Indian Americans from all over the tri-state, Deepavali mela will have music and dance programs and variety entertainment. Consul General Prabhu Dayal will be the chief guest of the evening and release a souvenir to be brought out on the occasion.

The 22nd Deepavali festival is very important to AIA as it is trying to work on a lofty ideal to 'Go Green'. "We will do our part to educate and impress the need to keep environment clean, tips for healthy living and how to save energy and the planet, to 'Go Green' at home and at work, teach children on the dire need to save the planet from destruction and spread the word about climate

aianypresident@gmail.com.

The festival's highlights are spectacular fireworks, a courtesy of Air India and includes children's area, food stalls, holistic centers, cultural extravaganza, meena-bazaar that sells popular Indian items, corporate booths to name a few.

The event will be held on Sunday, October 4 at South Street Seaport and attended by over 100,000 visitors.

Deepavali Festival is one of AIA's most popular events, enjoyed by over 250,000 New Yorkers every year since 1987.

Deepavali festival celebrates the tradition of a far away land in a new world. This celebration has itself become a tradition that unites New York in a world of myths, colors and harmony.

Exhibit areas displaying India's

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are working on promoting the use of recycled books, papers and re-useable bags.

With the help of Green companies, AIA is giving away recycled note books to children at the mela. The AIA-NY will be conducting an essay competition on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Go Greenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

AWhcW\ ^U APYPbcWP] Bd] B4? ! &_\

NY Deepavali mela to 'go green'

PRESENTED BY

change and global warming," Kotahwala said.

"We are working on promoting the use of recycled books, papers and re-useable bags. With the help of Green companies, AIA is giving away recycled note books to children at the mela. The AIANY will be conducting an essay competition on "Go Green" for children in the age group of 11 to 17 and the best entry will be published in the souvenir along with the photo of the winner.

Middle to high school students may participate and essays will be judged according to the age group. The deadline is Sept 20 and entries can be sent by e-mail to

technological growth and economic reforms, while simultaneously celebrates the rich and varied works of contemporary Indian artists will be part of the show.

Health Center will have physicians to advise visitors on day-to-day problems besides offering holistic guidance on keeping mind and body healthy.

AIA expressed gratitude to its supporters like Air-India, New York Life, Sony Entertainment despite the economic recession. This year, Pepsi-Co has joined the list of sponsors, said Sushma Kotahwala who said, "We are grateful to all our sponsors who make the festival a big success."

Community/California

September 18, 2009

India Post 19

www.indiapost.com

Imam Shamshad leads daily study of Holy Quran Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 17

He said we must avoid abusive language and treat one another with respect, dignity, love and honor and learn to forgive and seek peace in our surroundings and work to establish love for all, hatred for none.

Imam Shamshad also emphasized the need during this month to focus on worship of God with full attention and devotion and said that this is possible only if one develops love for God which flows naturally if one recognizes the bounties and graces of God on all of us.

Delivering commentary on the opening chapter of the Holy Quran, he said the Arabic word, Rahman, translated as Gracious, means one who bestows without being asked. He said this is an attribute of God that if one fully appreciates, makes one fall in love with God Who has made provision for all our needs and wants even before we were in a state of being

Imam Shamshad with a child who completed first reading of Holy Quran Celebration

a person is ignored by God and leads to the doer of good being bestowed God's blessings in abundance.

Imam Shamshad emphasized the teaching of Islam that we must gather together and offer the five daily prayers in congregation ev-

Listening to Imam Shamshad Commentary on Holy Quran

able to ask Him for such things.

Next, he said, the Arabic word Rahim, translated as Ever Merciful, means one who repeatedly rewards the one who does any good actions. Imam Shamshad said this also shows that no good action of

ery day. He said that the busier we get the more the need for us to pay attention to this since the greater we are involved in worldly pursuits the greater the need to return to worship of God together with others near and dear to us so

Sixth Annual Rafi Nite a big success Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 18

Following dinner, Avtar Chadda and Leena Benjamin kept the audience spell bound with their solo and duets. The variety and range can be gauged from the fact that the show started with "Dekha Hai Teri Aankhon Mein" and ended with "O Duniya Ke Rakhwale".

Speaking with this correspondent during the break, organizer of the show Nirmal Sandhu said, "Immense success of Mohd Rafi

nites has encouraged us to make this show a bigger event beginning next year.

There are plans to add more variety. Punjabi songs and dance sequence are in final stages of finalization. Even though the main event will still be Rafi Sahib specific, but it will be transformed into a cultural event catering to the taste of audience of all ages. Many talent groups are in contact with us to get their talents incorporated into the show".

that we do not forget our final abode, the life Hereafter in which our everlasting life shall be shaped by our good actions in the

The Arabic word, Rahman, translated as Gracious, means one who bestows without being asked. He said this is an attribute of God that if one fully appreciates, makes one fall in love with God Who has made provision for all our needs and wants even before we were in a state of being able to ask Him for such things present life.

Over 450 people listened to Imam Shamshad emphasize service to humanity and spending on

Renovated Baitul Hameed Mosque

the weaker members of society. He emphasized the need for us to spend in the way of God from all that He has bestowed upon us.

Imam Shamshad said this does not just mean donating money, rather

times when we ourselves may be in hard times. This service to humanity is what is needed to practically demonstrate that we believe in One God, Who is the Creator of all of us.

Each day, at the conclusion of

Listening to Imam Shamshad

it means sacrificing also our skills and time and honor and teaching this to our children.

It means taking care of our neighbors and the people who we live with in our streets and towns and country and doing it even at

these addresses, members ask questions and discuss any issues they need clarified with regard to Islam, the Holy Quran and the month of fasting. Also, each day someone or group of members host dinner for all who attend.

20

Community/California

India Post

September 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Sept 12 is the Battle of Saragarhi anniversary

The remains of Saragarhi Fort after the battle.

JS BEDI India Post News Service

The Battle of Saragarhi was fought during the Tirah Campaign on 12 September 1897 between twenty-one Sikhs of the 4th Battalion (then 36th Sikhs) of the Sikh Regiment of British India, defending an army post, and 10,000 Afghan and Orakzai tribesmen in a last stand. The battle occurred in the North-West Frontier Province, now a part of Pakistan.

The contingent of the twenty-one Sikhs was led by Havildar Ishar Singh. They all chose to fight to the death. Sikh military

personnel and Sikh civilians commemorate the battle every year on 12 September, as Saragarhi Day. Saragarhi is a small village in the border district of Kohat, situated on the Samana Range, Pakistan. In August 1897, five companies of the 36th Sikhs under Lt. Col. John Haughton were sent to the North West Frontier Providence, stationed at Samana Hills, Kurag, Sangar, Sahtop Dhar and Saraghari.

Pashtuns attacked British personnel from time to time. Thus a series of forts, originally constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, were consolidated.

Cont’d on page 21

Soldiers of the 36th Sikhs stand on the wall of the ruined building of Saragarhi which was burnt

by Pathan tribesmen. The Pathans poured into the breach made by a few men dislodging stones causing the wall to collapse. The collapsed corner can be seen on the left of the picture.

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September 18, 2009

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India Post 21

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BAPS Charities Walk to benefit Diabetes Association India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: BAPS Charities is taking part in 'United We Serve', by organizing a Walkathon on September 19 at Crossroads Park, Chino Hills. 'United We Serve' is a national effort launched by President Obama to engage Americans in serving their communities this summer. In keeping with its Walkathon theme, "Building a Better Community, One Step at a Time", part of the proceeds from this year's Walkathon will go to American Diabetes Association and Friends of the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library.

"We are pleased to join this national effort and thank the President for making this call to service," said Nilkanth Patel, Presi-

dent of BAPS Charities. "BAPS Charities has organized nearly 125 events this summer including walkathons, health fairs, blood donation drives, and health awareness campaigns across the country and I encourage community members to volunteer and participate in these events."

"This will be a tremendous opportunity for two groups dedicated to the well-being of Chino Hills, to work together and serve this great community" said Kalpesh Mistry, Public Relations Coordinator at Chino Hills Mandir.

Over 35 BAPS Charities centers throughout North America will hold walkathons in their region.

Part of the proceeds from all the walkathons will go towards local causes.

BREAK THE RULES COMEDY: Comedy Sportz!, the improvising comedy team that breaks all the rules, came to Ohlone College on Friday, September 11. Comedy Sportz is an improvisational, spontaneous, and interactive comedy show, geared for the whole family! Two teams compete for laughs and points as they make up scenes, songs, and spoofs right on the spot. The audience votes for the winners while a referee calls the fouls.

Sept 12 is the Battle of Saragarhi anniversary Soldiers Lal Singh and Jiwa Singh reportedly carry the dead body of Bhagwan Singh back to the inner layer of the post.

The enemy breaks a portion of the wall of the picket. Colonel Haughton signals that he has estimated between 10,000 and 14,000 Pashtuns attacking Saraghari. The leaders of the Afghan forces reportedly make promises to the soldiers to entice them to surrender.

Reportedly two determined attempts are made to rush the open gate, but are unsuccessful. In an

Cont’d from page 20

Two of the forts were Fort Lockhart, and Fort Gulistan situated a few miles apart. Due to the forts not being visible to each other, Saragarhi was created midway, as a communication post.

The Saragarhi post, situated on a

A general uprising by the Afghans began there in 1897, and from 27 August - 11 September, many efforts by Pashtuns to capture the Forts were thwarted by 36th Sikh regiment rocky ridge, consisted of a small block house with loop-holed ramparts and a signaling tower.

A general uprising by the Afghans began there in 1897, and from 27 August - 11 September, many efforts by Pashtuns to capture the Forts were thwarted by

mously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest gallantry award of that time, which an Indian soldier could receive by the hands of the British crown.

The names of the 21 recipients of the gallantry award are: Havildar Ishar Singh, Naik Lal Singh, Lance Naik Chanda Singh, Sepoys Sundar Singh, Ram Singh, Uttar Singh, Sahib Singh, Hira Singh, Daya Singh, Jivan Singh, Bhola Singh, Narayan Singh, Gurmukh Singh, Jivan Singh, Gurmukh Singh, Ram Singh,

Gurmukh Singh, who communicated the battle with Col. Haughton, was the last Sikh defender.

He is said to have killed 20 Afghans. As he lay dying he was said to have yelled ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal repeatedly. This information came from Afghan sources’

A memorial to the martyrs erected by the British

36th Sikh regiment.

On September 12, 1897, 10,000 Pashtuns attacked the signaling post at Saragarhi, so that communication would be lost between the two forts.

Details of the Battle of Saraghari are considered fairly accurate, due to Gurmukh Singh signaling events to Fort Lockhart as they occurred.

Around 9.00am, around 10,000 Afghans reached the signaling post at Saragarhi. Signalman Gurmukh Singh signals to Col. Haughton in Fort Lockhart, that they are under attack.

Colonel Haughton states he cannot send help to Saragarhi.

The soldiers decide to fight to the last to prevent the enemy reaching the forts.

Bhagwan Singh is the first injured and Lal Singh was seriously wounded.

act of outstanding bravery, Ishar Singh orders his men to fall back into the inner layer, whilst he remains to fight. However, this is breached and all but one of the defending soldiers are killed, along with many of the Pashtuns.

Gurmukh Singh, who communicated the battle with Col. Haughton, was the last Sikh defender. He is said to have killed 20 Afghans. As he lay dying he was said to have yelled "Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal repeatedly. This information came from Afghan sources.

The Afghans later claimed about 180 killed and many more wounded during the battle against the 21 Sikh soldiers, but some 600 bodies are said to have been seen around the ruined post when the relief party arrived.

All the 21 Sikhs were posthu-

Bhagwan Singh, Bhagwan Singh II, Buta Singh, Jivan Singh and Nand Singh.

The battle has been compared to the Battle of Thermopylae, where a small Greek force faced a large Persian army of Xerxes (480 BC). It is important to note that during the Battle of Saragarhi, the British did not manage to get a relief unit there until after the 21 had fought to their deaths. At Thermopylae, the 300 Spartans also stayed after their lines had been breached, to fight to their deaths Every year the Sikh Regiment organizes a memorial Akand Paath to remember the fallen heroes.

Known as Saragarhi Day, the Indian Army pays solemn tribute to the twenty one lonely heroes who made the supreme sacrifice on that wind swept outpost 112 years ago.

Sports Track Team India captaincy interests Harbhajan

SPORTS 22 India Post

NEW DELHI: A coy Virender Sehwag does not want to lead the Indian cricket team but his feisty teammate Harbhajan Sigh does, saying it's a challenge worth a try.

Sehwag has already informed the selectors about his reluctance and requested them to groom someone for future.

Harbhajan, on his part, said incumbent Mahendra Singh Dhoni is doing an excellent job at the helm but he made no bones about his own ambition, saying he would not shy away if Team India captaincy ever comes his way.

"Whoever plays for India wants to lead the side at some stage and it's no different with me.

At the end of the day, it's a huge honour for a player," Harbhajan told PTI in an interview hours before his departure for the tri-series in Sri Lanka.

White stuff sees Australia to victory Southampton (England): Cameron White's maiden one-day international century was the cornerstone of Australia's six-wicket win against England here as they went 3-0 up in the seven-match series.

Australia, chasing 229 for victory under the Rose Bowl floodlights yesterday, finished on 230 for four with nine balls to spare as regular captain Ricky Ponting, back from his post-Ashes break, watched from the pavilion.

White, whose previous best of 53 came in Friday's series-opening four-run win at the Oval, made 105 before he hit Luke Wright to Ryan Sidebottom at mid-off with Australia needing nine runs off 16 balls for victory.

Together with stand-in skipper Michael Clarke (52), he shared a stand of 143 after Australia had been 52 for two.

Callum Ferguson and Michael Hussey completed the win.

Having survived two run-out chances, White should have been out for 92 only for Tim Bresnan at long-on to drop a routine chance off James Anderson.

Instead he went on to complete a 116-ball century with a six and nine fours in his 32nd match at this level.- AFP

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Ponting quits Twenty20 internationals

September 18, 2008

MELBOURNE: Australia captain Ricky Ponting has quit Twenty20 Internationals, hoping the decision would prolong his career in other formats of the game.

Ponting said he would no more feature in Twenty20 Internationals but would complete his contracts with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.-PTI

Pankaj Advani wins World Professional Billiards Championship LEEDS, UK: Pankaj Advani created history by becoming the second Indian, after Geet Sethi, to win the World Professional Billiards Championship at the Northern Snooker Centre here.

The 24-year-old Indian pulled off a huge surprise by defeating nine-time winner Mike Russell of Qatar 2030-1253 after having a 800plus lead at the break.

Advani made a break of 226 and six more centuries on his way to lift his first Professional billiards world title.

He has already won the amateurs world billiards and snooker Championships.

Geet Sethi was the last Indian to win in 2006, his first being in 1992. Russell had defeated Indian Rupesh Shah in the semifinal 1366-880, while Advani beat compatriot Dhruv Sitwala 1037-972.

Having achieved the only laurel that was missing in his cupboard, Advani says he can now play in peace.

"It's always tough winning any world championship, simply because you have to beat the best in the business," he said.

"It's a great feeling and I can now play in peace because no-

Indian billiards player Pankaj Advani holds the winnerĂ­s trophy of the World Professional Billiards Championship (WPBC) 2009 during his felicitation ceremony in Bangalore on September 8

body would come and tell me that I have not won a professional billiard title," the soft-spoken cueist said.

Advani became only the second Indian, after Geet Sethi, to win

the coveted title and the Khel Ratna awardee said it was a special feeling.

"Records are meant to be broken but when you think that you are only the second Indian to

achieve it, it makes the feeling all the more special," he said.

With this triumph, the five-time IBSF World Billiards champion ensured he has won all the major world titles.-PTI

Virat Kohli to replaces Gambhir in Lanka COLOMBO: Delhi batsman Virat Kohli will replace the injured Gautam Gambhir in the Indian team for the ongoing cricket tri-series in Sri Lanka.

Virat Kohli

"The All India Selection Committee has decided to send Virat Kohli as the replacement batsman to Sri Lanka for the tri-series," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

"Kohli will join the team at the earliest," he added.

Kohli was hurriedly drafted in after Gambhir was ruled out of the event a day before India plays its first match against New Zealand.

Gambhir strained his groin muscle and was subsequently advised 10 days' rest which ruled him out of the tri-series, also featuring hosts Sri Lanka. He will return home.

Gambhir's return means India will be without both their regular openers since Virender Sehwag is already out of action and recovering from a shoulder surgery.

Interestingly, conditions here would not be totally alien to the 20year-old batsman who has played all five of his ODIs in Sri Lanka last year before falling out of favor.

In those five matches, Kohli scored 159 runs at an average of 31.80 and with a 66.52 strike rate.

His highest score is 54 that came against Sri Lanka in August 2008.

The setback to Gambhir could not have come at a more inopportune time and it will no doubt disturb the combination at the top of the order.

With the regular pair of Sehwag and Gambhir sidelined, the experienced Sachin Tendulkar and Dinesh Karthik, who has opened the innings in recent times, could take up the responsibility.

The brief series assumes im-

portance for India as they are fully aware that a clean sweep in the tournament would make them the number one ODI team in the world.-PTI

Gautam Gambhir

Sports Post

September 18, 2008

India Post

23

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Radiant Info USA Twenty20 ends in spectacular finale of international cricketers who call USA their home.

Players and officials attended a banquet on Sunday evening where the Chief Guest was Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a member of the Indian team that won the 1983 World Cup. John Aaron, Secretary of USA Cricket Association and Shelton Glasgow, Regional Representative of the Atlantic Region, presented Sandhu with a plaque thanking him for his involvement in USA cricket. Aaron spoke about the reemergence of cricket in USA asked everyone to cheer for USA's Under-19 team that was well on its way to qualify for the ICC U-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

The tournament marked several firsts including the first time third umpires were used for all matches in a Twenty20 tournament in USA, the first Twenty20 event in USA where all matches were covered

sented to the top performers.

Speaking on the occasion, Kranthi Bayya, CEO of DreamCricket.com announced the Reebok Cricket SpiritAward to Washington Senators for the manner in which they conducted themselves from the time they were invited. A second Reebok Cricket Spirit Award was presented to Global Challengers for helping ensure that the ground was in a great condition.

The winners of the various individual awards were: Margaret Wong Best Batsman Award: Andrew Gonzales of Global Challengers; El Dorado Best Bowler Award: Neil McGarrell of Global Challengers; El Dorado Best Fielder and Collabera Wicket-keeper: Akeem Dodson of New York Destroyers; Reebok Man of the Series: Andrew Gonzales of Global Chal-

Winning team, New York Destroyers with Venu Myneni, CEO of Radiant Info India Post News Service

NEW JERSEY: The Bedessee New York Destroyers scored an upset victory in the finals of the Radiant Info USA Twenty20 against the well-established favor-

Global Challengers took home $2,000 and the runners-up trophy presented by Headstrong.

The Radiant Info USA Twenty20, which began with a ceremonial pitch by Upendra Chivukula, Deputy Speaker of the

Players and officials attended a banquet on Sunday evening where the Chief Guest was Balwinder Singh Sandhu, a member of the Indian team that won the 1983 World Cup. John Aaron, Secretary of USA Cricket Association and Shelton Glasgow, Regional Representative of the Atlantic Region, presented Sandhu with a plaque thanking him for his involvement in USA cricket ites Global Challengers of Greater NY. New York took home $5,000 in cash and a glittering trophy presented by Radiant Info.

New Jersey General Assembly, ended in the most spectacular manner in the grand finale on Sept 7.

Speaking about the

tournament's success, Venu Myneni, CEO of Radiant Info, the tournament's title sponsor, said: "Congratulations to all the teams for their fantastic performance and to DreamCricket.com for its pioneering effort in USA cricket.

No effort was spared to make this a benchmark tournament in USA. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the games over the last three days and I am sure that many Americans, if they are presented with an opportunity to enjoy the sport in this manner, will also come under the spell of the Twenty20 format."

The final was a thrilling lowscoring affair which gave the fans and spectators some nail-biting moments - a routine feature in the Twenty20 match format.

The six teams in the tournament featured several talented domestic cricketers and a good number

Barrington Bartley, Captain of New York and Man of the Match in the final

Balwinder Sandhu speaks to the spectators as the presentation panel looks on

live via the internet, and for the first time, all umpires were ICC-approved.

In a sign of things to come, all but two teams were sponsored by corporates.

At the award ceremony following the final, trophies were pre-

lengers.

Equipment sponsor Reebok gifted a Reebok bat to Neil McGarrell, Andrew Gonzales and Akeem Dodson for their individual performances and to the winners of the Reebok Cricket Spirit award.

Andrew Gonzales of Global Challengers was the Best Batsman and the Most Valuable Player for his 156 runs in four matches

24

Sports Post

India Post

September 18, 2008

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Indians in US Open Leander Paes and Dlouhy (CZE) enter the finals of US Open Tennis. The duo defeated Bob Brayan and Mike Brayan (USA) 6/4, 3/6,7(6)/6(8). Pics Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

Third seeded†Mahesh Bhupathi (Ind) and Mark Knowles (Bah) in action in the quarterfinals of the US Open. They defeated Ivan Ljubicic (Cro) and Michael Llodra (Fra) 6/4, 4/6, 7/6

Sudanwa Sitaram (Ind)/John Morrissey(Irl) pair defeated Gonzales Austin (USA) Bjorn Fratangelo (USA) by 4/6,6/3(10)/(5) in the Junior Boys US Open

Second seeds†Leander Paes (India) and Cara Black (Zim) in action in the Semi Finals of the Mixed Doubles US Open in New York. They defeated†fifth seeds Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE) and Kevin Ullyett (Zim) by 6/2, 3/6 (10)/ (5)

Vivek Kumar

Indian Umpires at US Open

Abhishek Mukherjee

NEW YORK: There are five umpires of Indian origin who are officiating at this year’s US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York. They are Abhishek Mukherjee, Abhaya Parthy, Vivek Kumar, Revathi Sudhakar and Mohan.

Abhishek says he has been selected for the Australian Open again.

He has also officiated at the Wimbledon for the last three years.

Another umpire Abhaya Parthy was born in Mysore but has been officiating in the Grand Slams for the last three years.

Vivek Kumar is another veteran of seven years at the US Open.

Pix Mohammed Jaffer-SnapsIndia

Abhaya Parthy

Realty Tidbits

Global firms in race for Mumbai development

MUMBAI: Sixteen global urban planning consultants are vying for a project to prepare Mumbai's next Development Plan (DP). The current plan expires in 2013 and the next plan must be ready by then so that it can come into force from January 2014.

Work on the plan commenced in 1976-77 and it was approved by the state government in March 1993.

The DP is an integration of land use and transport planning which aims to facilitate the growth of the economy and improve the quality of life of the citizens. However, hardly 20 per cent of the current DP has been implemented for lack of political will. The objective of the forthcoming DP is to give Mumbai a global quality of life. With its new DP, the city's civic body wants to open up saltpan lands and reclaim land from the sea for further expansion.

No sharp hike in property prices this festive season MUMBAI: Property prices will not rise sharply during the festive season as buyers are not ready to pay premium on flats.

Talking to media, Anuj Puri, Chairman and Country Head, Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj (JLLM) said, "Developers have realized that they can no longer increase the prices at will as the customer will just not buy the product," said Puri. Since consumers had returned to the market after a lull, developers were not keen to alienate them by quoting high prices. According to Puri, the current market rates were similar to that of mid-2006 levels when the market was just picking up.

Real Estate 25 India Post

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September 18, 2009

MUMBAI: After the lukewarm response to two recently-listed high profile scrips, companies on the brink of going public may have to settle down for lower valuations.

Share prices of Adani Power and NHPC that were heavily subscribed, have already fallen below their offer prices. The poor performance of these IPOs will bring sense in to the market, say analysts.

Noida's 'Green Boulevard' gets US award India Post News Service

NEW DELHI: The 3C Company has been awarded Leed Platinum rating in Core and Shell category

by US Green Building Council for its eco-friendly commercial project 'Green Boulevard', located in Noida.

Green Boulevard is now amongst the ten green buildings in the world to have been recognized with Platinum rating. The project, located in Sector-62 of

Noida respectively and two other Leed Gold rated buildings.

In its endeavor to reduce the carbon footprints on the earth, The 3C Company is moving ahead at a fast pace in creating environment friendly buildings. The company had recently launched India's largest green residential estate - Lotus Boulevard in Noida.

Expressing delight on this remarkable achievement, Vidur Bharadwaj, Director, The 3C Com-

Green Boulevard is now amongst the ten green buildings in the world to have been recognized with Platinum rating. The project, located in Sector62 of NOIDA houses companies like Accenture, Sapient, Nokia Siemens, among others NOIDA houses companies like Accenture, Sapient, Nokia Siemens, among others.

The 3C Company is the only team in Asia which already has to its credit two platinum rated Leed certified green buildings by USGBC - Wipro and Patni campuses at Gurgaon and

pany said, "We are extremely honored to be awarded the prestigious platinum rating under Leed, a culmination of our efforts to be environmentally friendly right from design stage. It is recognition to our hard work and the award will reinforce our mission to deliver

Green Boulevard, Noida

constructions which are user and eco- friendly. Green Boulevard will not only put forth India on an international map of green buildings but also elevate Noida for having two Platinum Rated Leed Certified Green Buildings now. “This has been possible only because of the dedication and expertise of The 3C team. Realizing that the Green building technology is the way forward for saving the planet and is pro- life, we will constantly

strive to make our projects to be safe, secure and a delightful experience for the occupants."

"The mission for developing green buildings has not only helped in saving huge operating energy costs for the benefit of end users but has inculcated a discipline within the organization to preserve the environment. Green Boulevard is another step in direction of preserving the environment." he added.

Karachi's Orangi township is Asia's biggest slum

a large area that even today continues to expand. Its thickly populated area accommodates a number of ethnic communities but predominantly Biharis. It is believed over a million people live or work here.

Dharavi, often associated with crime, filth and environmental deg-

No change in management of Maytas Properties HYDERABAD: Unlike Satyam Computers and Maytas Infrastructure, there won't be any legally enforced change of management of Maytas Properties.

While the government-appointed director in Maytas Properties has been asked to prepare a plan for its troubled Hill Country Residential Project in Hyderabad, there is no move to take away the ownership from the promoter family.

The government had removed all directors related to the Raju family from the board of Satyam before it was handed to the Mahindra group. Similarly, Maytas Infra was taken over by IL&FS under government observation.

IPO cos may have to trim valuations

MUMBAI: According to a report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Dharavi, a congested slum located in the heart Mumbai, said to be the largest slum in Asia, is actually not so.

The Human Development Report for Mumbai, compiled with the help of UNDP and released by the

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), revealed, "Dharavi is not Asia's largest slum, but Karachi's Orangi Township has surpassed it," it said.

Mexico City's Neza-Chalco-Itza barrio has four times as many people as Dharavi, the report said.

Unlike many other inner city slums, Orangi Town is spread over

radation mainly due to congestion, poor constructions, unauthorized trades and overpopulation, covers parts of suburban Sion, Bandra, Kurla and Kalina. Many premises in the area are being used as workplaces, adding to the risks, including fire and health, added the report.

1 Pyaari Pyaari - Whats Your Raashee

6 Mann Ka Radio -Radio

2 Pyar Ki Parsayee - Ruslaan

7 Ruppaia - Toss

3 Tum Jo Ho Kareeb - Three

8 Most Wanted Track - Wanted 9 Tanha - The Unforgettable

4 Rab Na Kare - Vaada Raha

10 Jazeeren - Love Khichdi

5 Bebo - Do Knot Disturb

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India Post

ll the talk of an international career is just talk for Kareena. She has no intentions of going international. Not even for Gurinder Chadha.

Apparently, Aishwarya Rai who did Gurinder's Bride & Prejudice and her husband Paul Berges's The Mistress of Spices, won't work with her...not after Chadha apparently went around blaming Ash for the failure of her husband's film.

Gurinder has also shown keen interest in working with Rani Mukherjee. And of course Kareena who is not impressed. For the second time she has said no to the Bend It Like Beckham director.

Says a source, "Three years ago Gurinder wanted Kareena for Bride & Prejudice. Kareena naturally presumed it was the lead. She was shocked to know the director actually wanted her

www.indiapost.com

September 18, 2009 for Aishwarya's youngest sister's part which finally went to Piya Rai Chowdhary. Kareena was shocked. She had turned down the authorbacked central role in Deepa Mehta's Water.

And here she was being offered the fourth lead.

She vowed never to work with her again."

Kareena admits this is the second time she has turned down Gurinder Chadha. "Who offers a role is not important. What is being offered is important. I'm really not that enthused by the idea of going international unless it's something really big. I don't even know if Gurinder's offer was with Johnny Depp. I was just not interested."

Interestingly, all the three topnotch NRI filmmakers have had problems getting an Indian cast. Deepa Mehta's Water went through several casting changes. Mira Nair originally wanted Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee for The Namesake. But Rani didn't want to play Abhishek's mother. And Gurinder is looking for an Indian heroine.

Kareena, for all practical purposes, is not interested in an international career. Neither are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan. They've all said no to lucrative international offers.

September 18, 2009

Bollywood

India Post

www.indiapost.com

I

t's raining endorsement deals in Katrina Kaif's kitty. The actress who is currently ruling the roost in Bollywood has been signed as the brand ambassador of international cosmetic giant Oil of Olay that launched the newly formulated White Radiance range in India.

A source close to Kats adds, "Katrina is a youth icon of today. The international brand found Kats to be the apt model to market their product."

This year, Katrina has been the top choice for endorsing brands. Only recently she was chosen by leading jewelry brand Nakshatra as their brand ambassador and now she has bagged yet another plum endorsement deal with Oil of Olay. The future certainly looks bright for this gorgeous actress.

F

ive years of relationship and then a break-up, Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor have now moved on in life. Though Shahid always remained tight-lipped as to what went wrong in their relationship, he has now revealed that Kareena Kapoor had been his support system.

It was Farah Khan who made Shahid to speak about his past relationship with Kareena Kapoor on the chat show, 'Tere Mere Beech Mein.' Talking about dating Bebo, he says, "I knew that she was Raj Kapoor's grand-daughter, her sister was Karisma Kapoor. I had danced behind Karisma in "Dil to Pagal Hai" and I knew this too will be a big issue."

Farah popped the question whether it were his repeated flops that soured their relationship. Shahid responded, "She had become my support system. I think emotionally also that she had become my support system, so there was no chance like that. The real thing in life is relationship. Success and failure come and go. They stand by you with time so you have to give priority to your relationship."

S

hilpa Shetty is exasperated. "It's not happening in October, November, December or any of the dates that have been fixed for my wedding in the media. Raj Kundra and I will announce the date from rooftops and invite the entire press corps to be part of the baraat when it happens. In the meanwhile, please leave us alone."

As for the wedding, "There's no reason on earth why Raj I wouldn't want to get married at the earliest. At the moment we've our hands full with many new exciting ventures. We need to get the space in our lives to plan and enjoy this wonderful event. Haath peele karne ke liye haath khali to hone chahiye."

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Kailesh Kher

28

India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 18, 2009

PREM KISHORE India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: On Sunday, Sept 20, 7.00 pm, LA Philharmonic will present as part of KCRW's World Festival, "India Calling" -an exciting evening of music and dance featuring Malkit Singh, Kailesh Kher's Kailasa, Anoushka Shankar, the Ravi Shankar Centre Ensemble curated by Ravi Shankar, Rhythm of Rajasthan and other guest artistes.

Tom Schnabel will host the program.

Pre concert festivities begin at 4.00pm. National Geographic will host a

unique crafts festival featuring Indian village artisan handicraft demonstration. dance lessons, henna tattoos, photo exhibits, trip opportunities, free gifts and more on the grounds of the Hollywood Bowl, in Los Angeles.

The program promises to be a lush, exuberant, diversely textured and vibrant

one which will have the mystique of sitars interposed with the magnificent desert songs of Rajasthan, interweaving with the wild, irresistible Bhangra beat.

Malkit Singh, the beloved King of Bhangra from the UK, whose music and rich vocalizing has been featured in many a Bollywood film and around the world will reverberate in the Hollywood Hills as he creates possibly the happiest vibes in world music, bringing thousands of spectators onto their feet.

The Ravi Shankar Ensemble, curated by the legendary maestro Ravi Shankar, will enthrall the audience with

Malkit Singh

Anoushka Shankar

The ebullient group, Rhythm of Rajasthan will introduce traditional melodies, from the Langa and Manganiar community made up of Muslim musicians

their finesse and passion while Anoushka Shankar, the daughter of Ravi Shankar will grace the stage as one of the leading figures in World Music. Deeply rooted in Indian classical music, she has also explored a variety of genres including electronica, jazz, flamenco and Western classical. Collaborating with Lenny Kravitz, Joshua Bell, Mstislav

Rostropovich (cellist) and others, she creates her own innovative music at world festivals and has recorded many bestselling albums with impeccable technique and radiant sound.

Kailash Kher who began life in New Delhi and the judge of Indian Idol (2008-2009) is one of the most accomplished and powerful singers of Sufi-folk rock and funk. He brings a wide ranging repertoire and emotional immediacy to his music and has recorded on Cumbancha records due for an early release.

The ebullient group, Rhythm of Rajasthan will introduce traditional melodies, from the Langa and Manganiar community made up of Muslim musicians

who often sing in praise of Hindu deities.

Pulsating rhythms from the tabla and dholak, morsing and satara, the double flute will reflect the joy of this culture.

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 30

September 18, 2009

India Post 29

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September 18, 2009

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I have incurable cancer: Lisa Ray

NEW DELHI: Actress Lisa Ray, who played the beautiful but tragic widow Kalyani in Deepa Mehta's Oscar nominated film 'Water', has revealed through her blog that she is suffering from a rare and incurable form of cancer.

The 37-year-old actress, who started blogging to give people an insight into her struggle with the disease, first broke the news in a post on 7 September.

"I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma on June 23rd.

Started my first cycle of treatment July 2nd. Not long ago," wrote the model-turned actress who first shot to fame in India with the racy Bombay Dyeing advertisement which saw her in a black swim suit.

Ray who was born to a Bengali father and a Polish mother in Canada has made clear her plans to continue working and fight back the disease.

"First the facts. Myeloma is

incurable...I believe it can be cured.

That's the Dirty Realist in me," wrote the actress who made her Bollywood debut with 'Kasoor'.

"But so far I've kept up a punishingly normal schedule even during treatments. I take meetings, write, sign contracts,

Ray who was born to a Bengali father and a Polish mother in Canada has made clear her plans to continue working and fight back the disease read scripts, buy and barter furniture, teach yoga, buy a house, begin to renovate said house," said the actress who was featured in the Canadian edition of Hello magazine as one of the '50 Most Beautiful People' of the country. -PTI

Film industry resumes romance with Kashmir NEW DELHI: Filmmakers have once again started rolling their cameras and the valley is filled with the voices of 'cut' and 'action' now that the film industry has resumed its romance with Kashmir.

The land of breathtaking beauty with its snowcapped mountains, majestic Chinar trees and the beautiful Dal Lake, Kashmir was Bollywood's favorite setting for romances like "Do Badan", "Kashmir Ki Kali", "Jab Jab Phool Khile", "Aarzoo", "Kabhi Kabhi" and "Bobby".

But it is not the mere beauty of the place that is luring the filmmakers back to the region after a gap

of two decades. They want to depict its troubled past and the aspirations of the young generation, making Kashmir their latest muse.

Movies like "Yahaan", "Shaurya", "Tahaan", recently released "Sikander" and national-award winning filmmaker Rahul Dholakia's upcoming "Lamhaa" indicate that filmmakers are looking towards Kashmir with a renewed interest.

"Kashmir is a beautiful place and no one can dispute that but I think there is more to the place than its beauty only. Kashmir has a history and it is time that it reflected in our cinema," Dholakia, who has directed "Lamhaa" told PTI. -PTI

Sights & sounds of India!

Cont’d from page 28

Arvind Manocha, Chief Operating Officer of the LA Philharmonic Association is very enthusiastic as he oversees operational, production and construction related activity and the programming of music both at Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall. I ask him how this exhilarating, collaborative program came about. He tells me: “We have a Board and we planned together to bring about a sense of diversity, regionalism, longevity, traditional, classical, and modern fusion sounds. The program melds folk rhythms, contemporary, Sufi and vibrancy of Bhangra. This is in a way representative of India” IP: How different is it networking with Indian artists as opposed to Western performers?

A pleasure and a surprise. Each artist has his own idiosyncrasy and personal interest. We have a long tradition of working with hundreds of artistes and find there is much flexibility and support when devising a program such as this.

IP: Why is India suddenly important in Hollywood Bowl?

We have featured Ravi Shankar in the 70s and we have had AR Rahman two years ago and hope to have many more artists in the future.

IP: Why are all the artists from North India?

It is not possible to feature every region. This is the age old problem.

IP: With such a vast store house of Indian music and

dance how did you decide on these artists?

Ravi Shankar ensemble and Anoushka Shankar have always contributed to Walt Disney Concert Hall and other concerts and India Calling would be a great venue for their music. We have been looking at Rajasthan musicians for a while as they performed in Los Angeles over the last year and they bring a great deal of vitality and color. Malkit Singh is a big stage name in the Asian community and is very well known and he brings upbeat party music and

‘There is a great deal of interest in Indian music and we expect people from diverse backgrounds to turn up’ with this spectrum of artistes the festival of music promises to be an evening to remember.

IP: Who is your audience for India Calling?

When AR Rahman performed to a sold out crowd the audience was 50-50.We had South Asians and people from all parts of the world. I suspect in this case a large number of people will definitely be South Asians. But there is a great deal of interest in Indian music and we expect people from diverse backgrounds to turn up.

IP: Due to the recession, are fewer people buying tickets?

This is a difficult time but the

Hollywood Bowl is holding up very well. Our ticket prices are reasonable, we have excellent transportation, you can bring your own food and wine, and it is pure family entertainment. We hope it will be full capacity that night.

IP: Why do you incorporate local dance groups?

We are lucky to have these groups. Wonderful troupes of all genres who contribute greatly to our programs. Brazilian, Armenian and now Indian. The dancers in LA are extremely talented. We are bringing dancers from the Sher Foundation to perform Bhangra and they will also be inviting the audience to take lessons in Bhangra before the program.

This would be in the many booths that our collaborator National Geographic is setting up prior to the concert. You must have seen the billboards "Incredible India" promoting tourism and visitors to India. National Geographic will be organizing booths with Indian crafts and are bringing Indian artisans to exhibit their skills.

There will also be a curated photo exhibition showcasing India. This is the year the Ministry of Tourism is encouraging tourists to go to India.

IP: How has music influenced your career?

I grew up on rock and roll, literature and Indian music in Ohio.

I learned management skills , how to get things done, the business angle and a set of skills which I merged with my interest in music that spans all genres, classical, pop, rock, blues, world music.

Chinese couples flock to get married on 9/9/9 BEIJING: Thousands of young Chinese are flocking to get married believing that the date 9/9/9 will guarantee a life on cloud nine for them.

Though Wednesdays are not the popular days in China to enter wedlock, but an estimated 10,000 couples are rushing to get hitched as "nine, nine, nine" or "Jiu, Jiu" in Chinese also means for a long time.

The couples believe that the date considered extremely lucky in Chinese society will bring longevity to their wedding and life, China Daily reported.

Hundreds of people were quoted as saying, "Today has three nines symbolizing extreme good luck."

"We want to be happy throughout our lives and this triple nine day will give it to us," Li Shaozhong, a 28-year-old engineer who is one of those lucky to get married said.

Hundreds of others changed the date of their wedlock saying that though they had planned to get married much earlier, they changed to 9/9/9 as they believe it would fetch them luck and fortune.

The number of youngsters tying the knot today, China Daily said would surpass the previous highest total of people who got married on 8/8/8, which was also considered an auspicious day in

Chinese calendar.

The paper reeling out figures said 3,500 couples had made online booking to marry in Beijing, another 5,000 in the biggest Chinese city of Shanghai and 6,100 couples registered to get married in Guangzhou.

There may be tens of thousands more, who the paper said had not registered, but may take the plunge on the 9/9/9. -PTI

B

odhgaya is one of the most important and sacred Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the world. It was here under a Banyan tree, the Bodhi Tree, that Gautama attained supreme knowledge to become Buddha, the Enlightened One. Born in the foothills of the Himalayas as a Sakya prince of Kapilvastu (now in Nepal), most of the major events of his life, like enlightenment and last sermon, happened in Bihar.

Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through his preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living. Significantly, the state's name of 'Bihar' originated from 'Vihara' meaning monasteries which abounded in Bihar.

Several centuries after Buddha's passing away, the Maurya Emperor Ashoka (234-198 BC) contributed tremendously towards the revival, consolidation and spread of the original religion. It is the monasteries, Ashoka built for the Buddhist monks and the pillars known as Ashoka Pillars erected to commemorate innumerable historical sites associated with the Buddha's life, mostly intact to this day, that helped scholars and pilgrims alike to trace the life events and preaching of a truly extraordinary man.

Buddhism as a religion was really born in Bihar and evolved here through Buddha's preaching and the example of his lifestyle of great simplicity, renunciation and empathy for everything living

31 India Post

September 18, 2009

There is a magnificent Mahabodhi temple and the tree from the original sapling still stands in the temple premises. The temple is an architectural amalgamation of many centuries, cultures and heritages. While its architecture has a distinct stamp of the Gupta era, it has later ages inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar and China between 7th and 10th century AD. It is perhaps still the same temple Hieuen Tsang visited in the 7th century.

What to See Mahabodhi Temple: The temple stands in the east to the Bodhi Tree. Its architectural effect is superb. Its basement is 48 square feet and it rises in the form of a slender Pyramid till it reaches its neck, which is cylindrical in shape. The total height of the temple is 170 ft. and on the top of the temple are Chatras which symbolize sovereignty of religion. Four towers on its corners rise gracefully giving the holy structure a poise and balance. This sacred edifice is like a grand banner unfurled by time to proclaim to the world the pious efforts of the Buddha to solve the knots of human miseries, to ascend above worldly problems and to attain transcendental peace through wisdom, good conduct and disciplined life.

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 34

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Furthermore, the Elite Rewards promotion gives American's most loyal flyers the opportunity to add to the valuable benefits they already receive as an AAdvantage elite status member - and they can get there faster by combining this with American's Double EliteQualifying Miles offer. The special rewards vary based on the customer's elite status level as of Dec. 31

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LA Zoo debuts endangered snow leopard cubs up to two to three times their weight, snow leopards are very adept hunters. Their primary prey are ibex, markhor, goat and wild sheep. Unfortunately, due to the depletion of their natural prey, snow leopards are now hunting

Snow Leopard Cub India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: A pair of rare snow leopard cubs was born at the Los Angeles Zoo on May 26. The LA Zoo unveiled the brother and sister duo on Thursday, September 10.

Native to remote mountains in Asia, snow leopards are extremely rare. It is estimated that only 5,000 to 7,000 snow leopards remain in the wild.

These cats are well adapted to

life in high, rugged terrain, partly because of their thick fur, which allows them to keep warm and long tail they can wrap around themselves for added warmth. They can tolerate extreme temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit down to 40 below zero. Snow leopards also have well developed chest muscles for climbing and their long tail helps them balance.

Thanks to their outstanding night vision, ability to leap 45 feet in the air and capability to kill prey

Living at the top of the food chain, the snow leopard is an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;indicator speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for the fragile mountain ecosystems of Asia domestic farm animals, which brings them in closer contact with humans.

Living at the top of the food chain, the snow leopard is an "indicator species" for the fragile mountain ecosystems of Asia.

This means that the ecosystem is considered healthy if it can support a large predator like the snow leopard.

Maldives may levy green tax on tourists MALE, Maldives: Maldives, a popular tourist destination, plans to levy USD 3 as "green" tax on visitors to fight global warming in the country, President Mohamad Nasheed said here.

There are fears that rising ocean levels could swamp this Indian Ocean archipelago. Maldive's island's average 2.13 meters above sea level making it the lowest-lying nation on Earth.

The government proposes to slap USD 3 "green" tax on tourists

to fight global warming in the country and provide a sustained eco tourism for the benefit of all, Nasheed told visiting journalists.

Nasheed has announced plans for a fund to buy a new homeland if the 1,192 low-lying coral islands are submerged in the sea.

Maldives, with a population of 350,000 will be made world's first carbon-neutral nation within a decade, Nasheed promised.

Rich and poor countries need to look beyond national interests if the

world is to reach a deal on fighting climate change, he said. Nations will meet to negotiate a successor to the Kyoto Protocol at talks scheduled for Copenhagen, Denmark, in December.

Nasheed said the issue of climate change is too important to allow disagreements. Climate change soon will be seen as a national security concern, not just an environmental one, as countries compete for natural resources, he said. -PTI

J&K to illuminate monuments, forts JAMMU: Monuments and forts in Jammu region are all set for a massive face-lift with the Jammu and Kashmir government mulling an ambitious project to illuminate all historical buildings in the region.

Giving details of the project on the sidelines of a power presentation by a Delhi-based firm, which has been approached to execute the same, minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora said historical buildings and forts across Jammu region, which give a glimpse into Dogra heritage and culture, would be covered under the proposed illumina-

tion projects.

He said that the illumination of these places would add to their tourist attraction.

Asserting that promotion of non conventional tourism is among top priorities of the state government, Jora said that illumination of these places would help in showcasing the rich heritage and culture of the state in a more impressive manner.

Later, the minister also inspected conservation work of the Mubarak Mandi complex and sought details about the conservation work. -PTI

India Post

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Bodhgaya: Buddha attained Enlightenment here Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 31

Inside the temple, in the main sanctum, there is a colossal image of the Buddha in

of them are extremely elegant in structural beauty. The ancient railings, which surround the temple, are of the first century BC and are among the very interesting monu-

Bodhi Tree

sitting posture touching the earth by his right hand. In this posture the Buddha accomplished the supreme enlightenment. The statue is of black stone but it has been gilded by the devotees. The entire courtyard of the temple is studded with large number of votive stupas. These stupas are of all sizes built during the past 2500 years ago. Most

ments of the century.

Animesh Lochan Chaitya: It is believed that the Buddha spent one week here looking towards the great Bodhi tree out of gratitude, without twinkling his eyes.

Bodhi Tree: The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had at-

tained enlightenment. Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat in meditation gazing east, under the Bodhi tree.

Chankramana: This marks the sacred spot of the Buddha's meditative perambulations during the third week after pious enlightenment. It is believed that wherever the Buddha put his feet lotus sprang up.

Ratnagarh: The Buddha spent one week here, where it is believed that five colors came out of his body.

The present Bodhi Tree is probably the fifth succession of the original tree under which the Buddha had attained enlightenment.

Vajrasana, the seat of stability, is a stone platform on which the Buddha is supposed to have sat Other Treasures of Bodhgaya: 80 ft Statue of the Buddha, Lotus Tank, Buddha Kund, Rajayatana, Brahm Yoni, Chinese Temple & Monastery, Burmese Temple, Buddhist Monastery of Bhutan, International Buddhist House & Japanese Temple, Thai Temple & Monastery, Tibetan Monastery, Archaeological Museum. Sujata village (2 kms), Dungeshwari Hill (Prag bodhi) (22 kms by road), Maitraya Project (3 kms).

Sun Temple (32 km): It is a famous temple of the Sun God at Deo and has a beautiful architecture similar to the Konark Temple in Orissa. This place is famous for the 'Chhat' festival which is held in the month of October-November.

Pretshila Hill (12 km, Gaya): This hill

adds to the beauty of Gaya. It is about 10 kms from the Ramshila hill. Just below the hill is the Brahma Kund. After taking bath in this pond people go for the 'Pind Dan' which involves performance of religious rites and offering donations and charity for the peace of souls of one's parents and ancestors. On top of the hill the Queen of Indore, Ahilya Bai, built a temple in 1787 popularly known as Ahilya Bai Temple. This temple is an attraction due to its unique architecture and magnificent sculptures.

Vishnupad Temple (12km, at Gaya): In 1787 Queen Ahilya Bai built the Vishnu temple on the banks of river Falgu. The temple has some great architecture and design. A 30-meter high octagonal tower overshadows this temple.

Barabar Caves (41 km): This is an important archaeological site. The caves carved out from solid rocks bear details of the life of the Buddha. The interior of these caves is chiseled to a wonderful polish. The carvings in the caves reflect the skill with which these caves were carved out. These caves were built in the 3rd century and are fine examples of skill.

How to Reach Air: The nearest airport is at Gaya (7 kms) and Patna (135 kms.) Indian Airlines and Sahara Airlines connect Patna to Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi, Ranchivarious other cities.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Gaya (17 km).

Road: Bodhgaya is well connected by road to Gaya (17km), Nalanda (101 km), Rajgir (78 km), Patna (135km), Varanasi (252 km), Calcutta (495km) Local Transport: Taxis, tongas, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws are available.

Bus: Regular direct bus services are available from Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Rajgir, Varanasi. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation run buses from PatnaBodhgaya route twice a day.

Best Season: October to March.

Caravan tour packages set for launch soon NEW DELHI: 'Caravan' tour packages, popular in Europe and USA, will soon hit the Indian shores to attract elite segment tourists, particularly foreigners.

Caravan, a new concept in India, is being envisaged as a niche tourism product to be launched in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh in the first phase.

"We have finalized the Caravan policy and guidelines for state governments to implement the same," a senior Tourism Ministry official said.

States including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh have shown interest in the Caravan scheme, the official said.

Under the Caravan or a 'home on wheel' packages, tourists are provided air-conditioned vehicles with all modern facilities such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mini bar, TV besides bed and toilets.

"Efforts are on to launch Caravan tour-

ism in the state in a big way and we are buying two caravans. We have finalized the Bhopal-Tawa-Panchmarhi sector as our first caravan route to be launched in January.

Later on, Gwalior-Orjha-Shivpuri-

States including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh have shown interest in the Caravan scheme, the official said Khajuraho and Indore-OnkareswarMaheswar-Mandu routes would be added as part of the Caravan tourism," Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Aswani Lohani said. -PTI

September 18, 2009

India Post 35 www.indiapost.com

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Tech News India's cheapest 3G phone by Micromax & MTNL MUMBAI: Micromax India has launched the first 3G HSPA handset in India the H360 in association with state owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and have priced the new handset for just Rs 5,499.

The H360 will come pre-loaded with applications to enable video calls, mobile TV, social networking, wireless business solutions through web browsing and other Internet-based services.

"Delivering best of the technology and path breaking innovation has always been our priority. We work towards bringing exclusive technology in the hands of the masses. A 3G Mobile is still considered an expensive piece of technology, but H360 is here to break all the rules.

Dell, MTNL join to offer3G wireless mobility MUMBAI: World's number two computer manufacturer Dell Inc have partnered state owned Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) to offer 3G wireless mobility solution on selected range of laptops and netbooks offered by Dell.

These laptops and netbooks connected by MTNL products would be available through Dell's established distribution channels in Mumbai and Delhi very soon.

The solution includes an embedded 3G Ericsson module with GPS, and MTNL SIM on Dell's select range of laptops and netbooks, plus a 3G pre-paid mobile broadband data package with national roaming facility from MTNL. -Agencies

Revo unveils color touchscreen radio

R

evo Technologies Ltd, a privately owned designer and manufacturer of award-winning digital radio products, has unveiled a new digital radio which is tipped to be worlds first ever color touchscreen radio device. "Revo Ikon" is a multi-format digital radio that has been designed after combining the benefits of a full color 3.5" touch-screen, icondriven user interface, multi-standard radio capabilities and iPod and iPhone docking.

The all new digital radio Ikon, besides providing the usual DAB (Eureka-147) radio offers access to DAB+, internet radio, FM with RDS and even your Last.fm. -Agencies

TechBiz 37 India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 18, 2009

Airtel deal with South Africa's MTN likely MUMBAI: The most talked about telecom deal between India's Bharti Airtel and South Africa's MTN is still under course.

The South African (SA) Treasury is currently scrutinizing an application filed by MTN in accordance to various exchange control regulations for the proposed transaction with Bharti Airtel which involves an estimated overseas cash transfer of as much as 2.9 billion rand.

A spokesperson for South Africa's National Treasury informed PTI "The National Treasury received an application via the South African Reserve Bank from MTN which relates to various exchange controls regulations, and re busy processing their application." -PTI

No Indian bank among the top: Naina Lal Kidwai SRIREKHA N. CHAKRAVARTY India Post News Service

NEW YORK: Naina Lal Kidwai, Head of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) India, was in New York recently to meet with the World Women's Banking officials here. In an exclusive interview with India Post, she talked about her perspectives on micro-financing, the role of foreign banks in India's growth story, need for deregulation of the Indian banking sector and her 27-year journey through the world of finance.

IP: How is the World Women's Banking (WWB) working in the Indian context; and what is HSBC's commitment to the promotion of micro-financing in India?

Kidwai: WWB is a global Microfinance partner for HSBC. India is already supporting such initiatives, which could be in the form of loans, grants or technical assistance.

We look at ways of supporting the sector by going beyond loans and assist MFIs in coming out with new products targeted at addressing environmental/energy efficiency issues, livelihood creation or vocational education in rural areas.

Realizing that the women in rural areas have needs that go beyond credit for income generation, HSBC India has started two key

projects -- the first enables women clients to buy solar lanterns, which is expected to have a positive impact on their health and livelihoods.

Here we not only intend to provide loans but also have provided the seed fund for the initiative; in the second, HSBC provides on-lending funds to support MFI clients

and also other products.

IP: Micro-financing for women has worked with amazing results in most developing countries. How has it evolved in India over the years?

Kidwai: The microfinance model through microfinance institutions and self-help groups has

Special Interview India as well, but the RBI, at least a year before the market crashed, had identified this risk and taken steps and ensured that banks' exposure was managed and covered Naina Lal Kidwai

by funding their education and thereby get gainful employment.

The basic idea is to leverage the strong network created by MFIs to provide women borrowers with credit plus services.

I believe that Microfinance enables us to reach rural clients and provide them financial services

been extremely successful in India as well, with a near perfect repayment record. Despite efforts by many banks and microfinance institutions, the penetration still remains low, (only 10% of the eligible receive microfinance) and there is still great potential to expand the footprint and keep tweak-

ing the models to adapt to different regions in the country.

IP: The worst of the global economic downturn did not impact India much, especially its banking sector. What is your perspective on this and also on how HSBC India fared during this time as compared to HSBC operations in other countries?

Kidwai: India has avoided the recession. While the growth rates across the rest of the world are flat or negative, the fact is that India is one of the few economies that will see a 6% or more growth rate.

This is due to several factors • India has had limited exposure to the toxic assets of Western banks; • The key role played by the Indian banking regulator, the Reserve Bank of India in remaining alert to systemic risks and taking steps to avert them. For example, there was a real estate bubble in India as well, but the RBI, at least a year before the market crashed, had identified this risk and taken steps and ensured that banks' exposure was managed and covered.

• The Indian economic fundamentals remain strong. The limited impact that India has had is primarily because of sentiment as result of what has been happening in the US and Europe.

Cont’d on page 38

Xerox develops reusable paper

P

alo Alto Research Centre (PARC) which is a subsid iary of Xerox Inc has developed a type of paper that, combined with a special printer, can print documents that erase themselves after a day so that the paper can be reused.

According to Xerox almost 25 percent of all documents can be recycled the same day they are printed, and that 44.5 percent are intended only for a single viewing. Using the new printer and paper for one-shot documents like daily menus, work summaries and office memos could vastly reduce paper and energy use, the com-

pany said.

"Think of the Google map you printed to get here," PARC Area Manager Eric Shrader said at a product demonstration. "Thirty

mation, there is still a strong dependence on the printed page for reading and absorbing content," said Paul Smith, manager of Xerox's new materials design and

Tests by Xerox found that if it was not torn or crumpled, a single piece of paper could be put through the print-and-erase cycle hundreds of times years ago, we said the future was paperless."

"Despite our reliance on computers to share and process infor-

synthesis lab.

The new paper is coated with a chemical that turns dark upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radia-

tion. In order to create a document, the printer simply bombards the paper with UV radiation in the appropriate places.

While the "ink" will eventually fade on its own, after 16 to 24 hours, the printer can also be used to erase a page and print something new. Tests by Xerox found that if it was not torn or crumpled, a single piece of paper could be put through the print-and-erase cycle hundreds of times.

The erasable paper and ink are available in a variety of colors.

Xerox expects to take the new product commercial within the next few years. -Agencies

38 India Post

TechBiz Post

September 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com

No Indian bank among the top: Naina Lal Kidwai Cont’d from page 37

• Indian growth has come about thanks largely due to a robust domestic demand, and that still remains strong; and • The advantageous demographic profile; the growing middle class.

As far as HSBC India is concerned, it was affected to a certain extent because of a challenging credit environment and depressed market sentiment. However, it has managed to put in a robust performance and continues to be the 9th largest contributor to Group profits.

IP: Did government regulation really help cushion the Indian banking sector from being impacted by the financial crisis? Do you think the Indian government will hold this as an "excuse" for not going for further deregulation?

Kidwai: It is true that India has weathered the financial crisis better than most. It is equally true that government regulations, and more importantly, the supervision of those regulations have played a key role in insulating India from the crisis. Now, as far as your perception is concerned that the Indian government will hold its success during the financial crisis to avoid further deregulation, I do not believe it is true. Like governments all over the world, it is concerned about the state of the financial system all over the world, and has hence deferred its decision on this matter. However, my experience with the regulator and the finance officials tells me that it will take a

measured approach before taking any decision, will see how the dust settles in the global financial system, and will adopt a balanced policy. I also strongly believe that deregulation will happen - Indian banks need capital to grow, and the government acknowledges the fact, but it will determine the pace, bearing in mind the interests of the Indian economy.

IP: With impressive GDP rates, the world is still looking to India as the emerging economic powerhouse. How much has the Indian banking sector contributed to

partner in the endeavors, Indian banks will need access to lots more capital. There is no Indian bank in the list of Top banks in the world, even after the financial crisis, and this situation has to change. Consolidation therefore is a must. I also believe there needs to be a strong secondary debt market in the country, which I hope will be a reality soon.

Apart from the financial requirements, there are also some infrastructural gaps that have been identified by the government, and those need to be addressed with urgency, for India to make that next leap of growth.

India and China, which the (HSBC) Group and I personally, believe would lead the global economic revival, would have a major role to play in turning around global sentiment, but they will also need to collaborate with other economies this and what needs to be done to leverage that economic leap for the country?

Kidwai: India continues to power on as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and given the global aspirations of the various companies in the world, the role of the banking sector will be even more important. One has already seen a spate of overseas acquisitions by Indian companies - large and small over the past few years, and I believe that this trend will only accelerate in the future. In order to meet those global aspirations and play the role of a

IP: What are the key factors lagging the Indian economy and what role can foreign banks play to remove them?

Kidwai: Some of the gaps, I have already identified in the previous response. As to the role of foreign banks, I believe, banks like HSBC that have been present in India for well over 150 years, and have participated in the growth story as the economy has emerged, have lots of experiences and best practices to share. Foreign banks, with access to capital, will be able to partner with Indian companies in their global aspirations and overseas companies as they set up operations in India. At the same time, everyone, no matter which segment we belong to, have to realize that there is only so much that we can do, and that all banks government, private and foreign, have to work in a concerted manner for the development of the economy.

IP: As new international economic equa-

tions begin to emerge, do you see India and China emerging as bitter competitors or as partners steering global economy?

Kidwai: I think it will be both. Whether India or China, each country has its strengths and weaknesses, and the role of each country in the global marketplace is going to be defined by these qualities. There will be some spaces where one country will take a good lead while in others, we will see collaboration. This financial crisis has taught us the folly of being reliant on just some economies, and some kind of diversification of risk would be a must. India and China, which the (HSBC) Group and I personally, believe would lead the global economic revival, would have a major role to play in turning around global sentiment, but they will also need to collaborate with other economies - developed and emerging, around the world to ensure that this growth is sustainable.

IP: On a personal note, from being the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School, how has your journey been in the Indian corporate and financial sector? What are your personal goals for the future?

Kidwai: I look back on the last 27 years with some satisfaction at having shaped some of the institutions and organizations that support India's capital market which today is seen as being amongst the strongest equity infrastructures in the world. I remember when we set out to encourage the setting up of the National Savings Certificate (NSC), the dematerializing of stocks, the Self Regulatory Organizations (SROs) for investment banking and working on the first privatizations and disinvestments for the country. While there were frustrating moments along the way I would not have traded this in for any other experience. I continue to hope to contribute to the strength of India's financial sector.

Adlabs to become Reliance MediaWorks Limited, MUMBAI: The Adlabs Films Limited is all set to have a brand transformation to meet to the current stance of its operations.

Adlabs, now a part of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group has revealed its plans to change the name of the film and media services company to Reliance MediaWorks Limited, subject to shareholders and other requisite approvals.

The proposition has been made in order to reflect the changes and the diversified operations being adopted by the company. Adlabs Films started with being a film processing laboratories. Post the acquisition by Anil Ambani Group in 2005 from Manmohan Shetty; today the company operates in the areas of exhibition, film and media services and television software.

Over this Adlabs Films Chief Executive Officer Anil Arjun says, "The name Reliance MediaWorks Limited more accurately reflects our identity as a diversified film and media services company with a global presence. We are privileged to draw upon the international recognition of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group brand, to further strengthen our leadership position in the media and en-

tertainment business."

Functioning in various arenas of the film production value chain, Adlabs' businesses includes digital post-production, digital cinema mastering, studios/shooting floors, film and TV equipment rentals, visual effects and image enhancement, film restoration BPO and other value added services. It also has a television venture by the name of BIG Synergy

‘The name Reliance MediaWorks Limited more accurately reflects our identity as a diversified film and media services company with a global presence’ which is among the leading players in India in the television programming industry.

Separately, the company has recently appointed Prasoon Joshi, adman and lyricist to the Board of Directors of the company. He replaces Pradeep Shah who has resigned due to some preoccupations.- Agencies

TechBiz Post

September 18, 2009

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Indian telcos looking to connect to Bangladesh to the southeastern Cox's Bazar's submarine cable's landing station.

This fiber network acts as the major infrastructure that helps Bangladesh to communicate on the global level.

Despite, the fiber connectivity Bangladesh faces communication

The two companies want to build a fiber optic link to Assam from western Meherpur through Kolkata-MeherpurDhaka-Jaflong route disruption most of the times due to technical reasons or theft of the optic fiber cables linked with the submarine cable. During these times satellite services act as backup with limited bandwidth.

Observing the situations, Airtel and RCom are looking forward to tie-up with any Bangladesh-based fiber optic operator to provide telecom services to India's geographically disadvantaged states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

The two companies want to build a fiber optic link to Assam from western Meherpur through Kolkata-Meherpur-DhakaJaflong route with an option of an alternative route through Kolkata-Meherpur-DhakaComilla-Agartala.

The officials at Bangladesh are yet to decide on the proposed fiber linking. Also, the link, if developed, would be beneficial for both the nations financially. Even the disruptions at Bangladesh would have a better alternative to stay connected internationally.

Recently, RCom deployed first terrestrial cable link with China Telecom to connect India and China.-Agencies

Advertising outlook brightens; to grow by 65% MUMBAI: The latest Pitch Madison Media Advertising Outlook 2009 foresees the advertising revenues to revert from the negative affects of the economic downturn and grow by 65% in the JulyDecember period.

The Indian media industry is valued at Rs 21,000-crore. It witnessed a negative growth in the first-half of 2009. According to the review, the media industry grossed a mere Rs 7,452 crore in the firsthalf of 09, which was a whopping Rs 1,414 crore less than what it mopped up in the same period last

year, the review said.

Releasing the mid-term review Madison Media Chairman, Sam Balsara, said "Our detailed forecast for the July-December period shows that while the media industry earned only Rs 7,452 crore in the first-half, we estimate the industry to net Rs 12,325 crore in the second-half." "This will be a massive 65 per cent jump over the first-half," he added.

Balsara also mentioned the growth would be driven by a combination of increase in ad rates and an increase in ad volumes. The

economy is showcasing positive signs of recovery pulling the industry out of the gloomy period.

The review states that the print media saw advertising revenues decline 32%, while television witnessed 19% drop. Cinema and outdoor advertising were affected on a larger scale with the drop being 37% and 30% respectively. For the radio stations there was only a moderate decline of 5% in ad revenues. The report also mentions that the internet media is the only format that recorded a growth during the first half, with a 16% growth.-Agencies

Yahoo to launch Meme as Twitter rival

T

he success story of Twitter has prompted major competitor Yahoo Inc to launch Meme, a new micro blogging site to take on Twitter.

After launching Meme in Portuguese and Spanish a month ago, Yahoo have now launched Meme in English just days after closing down SpotM, the Indian social network site.

Meme is currently in an inviteonly mode, similar to few microblogging services like Tumblr, Twitter, Pownce and others. After creating the account, users get a blank blog for microsharing text, images, music, videos or mash up of all these things.

It also offers the facility to add new friends by searching the

internet, which is quite similar to Tumblr and Twitter.

Yahoo's previous efforts of matching Twitter turned out to be futile miserably with the failure of

The setting panel has minimal options like Meme title, 100 character description, avatar/ photo and notifications 'Know Your Mojo' along with SpotM, which was closed down less than a year after its launch.

Meme does not allow much in terms of customization. The users

cannot customize the themes with background images and custom CSS to style the text, as this facility is available with Twitter and Tumblr. Both these services have a rich faux-cabulary, which defines how a person uses the service.

The setting panel has minimal options like Meme title, 100 character description, avatar/photo and notifications. It also shows the comments posted by the users recently.

Yahoo Meme can have a big advantage over Twitter in terms of reliability. Twitter's image has suffered for frequent service outages, with its "Fail Whale" graphic appearing whenever the site is overloaded, emerging as the company's unofficial logo.-Agencies

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An official from BTRC has made confirmation in respect of the report and said that as per the proposal Bangladesh could use the companies' undersea cable network as an alternative to lone submarine cable SEA-ME-WE-4.

Currently, the seven north eastern states in India receive telecom services through VSAT (very small aperture terminal) at a high price. At the same time, the existing optical fiber line links Dhaka

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Health Line Washington, Oregon get money to expand insurance WALLA WALLA, Wash.: Washington and Oregon are among 13 states getting federal money to expand health care insurance for uninsured residents.

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports that Washington state is in line for $1.2 million, while Oregon will receive $9.9 million.

The 2009 grants are part of $70.9 million awarded under the federal government's new State Health Access Program.

Dave Wasser with the Washington State Health Care Authority says the money will be used to provide health insurance to employees of small businesses in Washington. -AP

More mosquito pools testing positive for West Nile CHICAGO: Cook County health officials say more mosquito pools are testing positive for the West Nile virus.

The Cook County Department of Public Health says it's important for residents to continue taking precautions like wearing insect repellant and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Symptoms of West Nile illness may include flu like symptoms, rash and swollen lymph glands.

Only about 20 percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito will get sick. The illness is usually mild but can be serious or fatal.

Last week, Illinois officials said a 50-something person in southwestern Illinois was the state's first human case of West Nile virus for 2009. -AP

NH receives over $750,000 to help stop infections CONCORD, N.H.: New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services says the state is getting over $750,000 in federal aid to help prevent infections in a health care setting.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is distributing a total of $40 million to states.

The CDC says health care-associated infections are one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the country.

Prevention efforts will focus on bloodstream infections and surgical site infections.-AP

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September 18, 2009

Medicaid pharmacy case before Mississippi high court JACKSON, Miss.: Mississippi Medicaid officials have appealed a Hinds County judge's decision that blocked implementation of some cost controls in the health care program, including that one reduced payments to pharmacists.

Details on page 42

Obama exhorts lawmakers to join him on healthcare reform WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has urged the US lawmakers to join hands with him in achieving the ambitious goal of health care reform, which has been on the agenda of every president for nearly a century now, but none have been successful so far.

Addressing an unusual joint session of the US Congress, which Bill Clinton had unsuccessfully attempted at some 16 years ago for the same cause, Obama said, "I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last."

Urging Congressmen to work with him in achieving this goal, Obama said, "Well the time for bickering is over. The time for games has passed. Now is the season for action. Now is when we must bring the best ideas of both parties together, and show the American people that we can still do what we were sent here to do. Now is the time to deliver on health care."

Unveiling the basic tenets of his health care reform bill, Obama said it will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance. It will provide

US President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress on his embattled healthcare reform plan at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on September 9

As soon as I sign this bill, it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick or water it down when you need it most insurance to those who don't.

And it will slow the growth of health care costs for families, busi-

nesses, and government. .

"It's a plan that asks everyone to take responsibility for meeting

this challenge, not just government and insurance companies, but employers and individuals.

It's a plan that incorporates ideas from Senators and Congressmen, from Democrats and Republicans and yes, from some of my opponents in both the primary and general election," Obama said.

Under this plan, it will be against the law for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

"As soon as I sign this bill, it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick or water it down when you need it most.

They will no longer be able to place some arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you can receive in a given year or a lifetime.

We will place a limit on how much you can be charged for out-ofpocket expenses, because in the United States of America, no one should go broke because they get sick," he said.

For the tens of millions of Americans who do not currently have health care, the new bill will offer them with quality and affordable health insurance.

Cont’d on page 41

WHO cautions on a winter surge in flu cases India Post News Service

KATHMANDU, Nepal: Although Pandemic (H1N1) is spreading faster than any other flu in the past, prompt use of public health measures combined with a sound strategy for case management can control and mitigate the impact on health services and economy.

"WHO continues to closely monitor the geographical spread of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Member States will need to continue updating their plans accordingly.

"It is important to allocate appropriate resources and maintain the overall pandemic preparedness", said Dr Samlee

Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

"A winter surge is a real possibility in the South-East Asia Region. WHO is closely monitoring the virus for genetic mutation and drug resistance", he added. Dr Plianbangchang was speaking to

tancing measures such as voluntary isolation for slowing down the surge, need to be emphasized to the public. In general, identifying sick students and keeping them at home is mo re beneficial than school closures. Health systems and hospitals in Mem-

The pandemic flu vaccine may not be available in time for the winter surge.

'Vaccine manufacturing capacity is finite' journalists at WHO's South-East Asia Regional Committee meeting in Kathmandu.

The importance of public health measures such as frequent handwashing, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, and social dis-

ber States need to remain prepared for a surge of severe cases requiring active case management with antiviral and other supportive measures.

WHO is actively providing assistance for increasing vaccine

production capacity in SouthEast Asia. The organization has transferred technology and development funds to three major vaccine manufacturers in the Region. These manufacturers will have a collective capacity of about 220 million doses annually, with a surge capacity for another 200 million doses over one year.

However, the pandemic flu vaccine may not be available in time for the winter surge. "Vaccine manufacturing capacity is finite. We have to ensure rational distribution of this vaccine when available" said Dr Plianbangchang.

WHO will continue to guide countries in prioritizing vulnerable groups for vaccination.

Health Science Post

September 18, 2009

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Appeal to Congress in the name of Kennedy WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has asked the Congress to pass his health care reform bill "this year" in honor of Senator Tedd Kennedy, who in a letter to him before his death hoped that the great unfinished business of the society would be accomplished in the year 2009.

Senator Edward Kennedy, brother of the former US President John F Kennedy died last month. He was one of those who vigorously pushed for health care reform.

Addressing a joint session of the US Congress, Obama said a few days ago he received a letter from Kennedy.

He had written it back in May, shortly after he was told that his illness was terminal. He asked it be delivered upon his death, Obama said.

"In it (letter), he expressed confidence that this would be the year that health care reform - that great unfinished business of our society -- would finally pass," he said.

"He repeated the truth that health care is decisive for our fu-

Senator Tedd Kennedy

He had written it back in May, shortly after he was told that his illness was terminal. He asked it be delivered upon his death ture prosperity, but he also reminded me that "it concerns more than material things," the President said.

"What we face," he wrote, is above all a moral issue.

He wrote that at stake were not

just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country, Obama said, adding, the former senator advocated health care in America as a right and not a privilege.

In his letter to the President, as released by the White House, Kennedy wrote: "because of your vision and resolve, I came to believe that soon, very soon, affordable health coverage will be available to all, in an America where the state of a family's health will never again depend on the amount of a family's wealth."

He further wrote: "When I thought of all the years, all the battles, and all the memories of my long public life, I felt confident in these closing days that while I will not be there when it happens, you will be the President who at long last signs into law the health care reform that is the great unfinished business of our society."

"For me, this cause stretched across decades; it has been disappointed, but never finally defeated. It was the cause of my life," Kennedy wrote. -PTI

Obama exhorts lawmakers to join him on healthcare reform Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 40

Under his plan, Obama said individuals will be required to carry basic health insurance just as most states require you to carry auto insurance.

Likewise, businesses will be required to either offer their workers health care, or chip in to help cover the cost of their workers.

"While there remain some significant details to be ironed out, I believe a broad consensus exists for the aspects of the plan I just outlined: consumer protections for those with insurance, an exchange that allows individuals and small businesses to purchase affordable coverage, and a requirement that people who can afford insurance get insurance," Obama said.

Responding to his critics, he said his health insurance reform would not give insurance to illegal immigrants. There are also those who claim that our reform effort will insure illegal immigrants.

This, too, is false the reforms I'm proposing would not apply to those who are here illegally.

And one more misunderstanding I want to clear up under our plan, no federal dollars will be

used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place" he said.

Obama said his insurance reform would make the health insurance companies accountable and has no plan to get them out of business. "But an additional step we can take to keep insurance companies honest is by making a not-for-profit public option available in the insurance exchange" he added

Obama said his insurance reform would make the health insurance companies accountable The public option, Obama said would also keep pressure on private insurers to keep their policies affordable and treat their customers better, the same way public colleges and universities provide additional choice and competition to students without in any way inhibiting a vibrant system of private colleges and universities. -PTI

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Health at high risk from climate change India Post News Service

KATHMANDU: According to the World Health Organization, climate change has caused over a million deaths globally in the past eight years. Health Ministers attending the Sixty-second Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, resolved to urgently gear up health systems to protect human health from climate change.

"The poor are most vulnerable to climate change. Scarcity of drinking water will swell outbreaks of diarrhoeal disease and reduced food production will negate efforts to bring down malnutrition among poor children. Climate change will have dramatic cost implications for the health sector.

Countries in South-East Asia need to take urgent action to prepare for the added disease burden," said Dr. Samlee

Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

The direct consequences of climate change on health are severe.

It can cause significant loss of life and widespread illness due to heat strokes and cardiovascular disor-

'Countries in South-East Asia need to take urgent action to prepare for the added disease burden,' said Dr Samlee Plianbangchang, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia ders; asthma and allergies; injuries, disability and drowning; water- and vector-borne diseases; and psychosocial stress. Coastal flooding due to sea level rise could trigger mass migrations, resulting in social conflicts, which would

especially affect those with limited means to cope.

WHO has been working with Member States in the South-East Asia Region to strengthen health systems and health professional capacity, increase awareness and empower local communities to become resilient to health threats from climate change.

WHO's Regional Committee for South-East Asia adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening national capacities to empower local communities to become more climate change resilient.

The focus will be on increasing awareness and improving knowledge of health professionals (as well as professionals in other sectors) on the health consequences of climate change. For this, national authorities will introduce climate change and health dimensions into educational curricula at all levels, in particular in medical schools.

Medicaid pharmacy case before Mississippi high court JACKSON, Miss.: Mississippi Medicaid officials have appealed a Hinds County judge's decision that blocked implementation of some cost controls in the health care program, including that one reduced payments to pharmacists.

The Mississippi Supreme Court has scheduled arguments in the case for Sept. 29. The case is among dozens the Supreme Court will consider during the September-October term.

Several pharmacists' organizations sued the Division of Medicaid after it adopted new pharmacy reimbursement rules in 2008.

Hinds County Chancery Judge William Singletary blocked Medicaid from implementing the changes. Medicaid appealed Singletary's ruling.

Singletary ruled that Medicaid put a new reimbursement scheme in place without approval from the Legislature. He said the Legislature wrote into the law specific payments and rates of reimbursement for drugs and outlined specific guidelines by which Medicaid to make changes.

Singletary said state law provides for three methods of determining how much a pharmacist would be reimbursed for dispensing generic drugs. He said Medic-

aid sought to redefine those guidelines and add a fourth method without the Legislature amending state law.

Singletary rejected Medicaid's explanation that it was acting with its authority to define drug costs and reimbursements.

He said Medicaid sought to reduce annual expenditures for certain drugs by $7.8 million in state funds.

Medicaid ``attempted to use a

Hinds County Chancery Judge William Singletary blocked Medicaid from implementing the changes. Medicaid appealed Singletary's ruling legislative loophole to create a rule that is otherwise outside the scope of its authority,'' Singletary said. ``It is obvious that this attempt is still a violation of the statutory mandates ... that prohibits changes in rates of payment without a legislative amendment.''

The Supreme Court will decide a number of cases based on briefs filed by attorneys rather than hearing oral arguments.

Among them is Jonathan Barfield's appeal of his 2008 conviction in the shooting death of his girlfriend. Barfield was sentenced to 20 years in prison for manslaughter in Harrison County.

Prosecutors said the body of 17-year-old Tiffany Talley was found Dec. 27, 2006, inside Barfield's trailer in Gulfport.

Barfield contended the shooting was an accident. Barfield testified that he answered Talley's knocks at the door of his FEMA trailer with a gun because he said living in a FEMA park was dangerous. He said Talley bumped him as she entered the trailer and the gun went off.

The Supreme Court also will rule on the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance's recommendation of a public reprimand for Madison County Judge William Agin. The commission said in June that Agin failed to render an opinion in a civil case ``in a timely manner.''

The commission said it had previously cautioned Agin for similar conduct.

The latest case involves a motion filed in November 2007. The commission said Agin didn't rule on the motion until Jan. 12, 2009, after the Mississippi Supreme Court had been notified about the slow pace of the case. -AP

Gamma Knife treats brain tumors without surgery ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: Doctors scanned Roxanna Meyers' brain a year and a half ago and found the same type of tumor her mother had about 30 years before.

Meyers' mother had brain surgery to remove a much larger tumor, requiring a shaved head and a long stretch in the hospital.

"She's never been quite the same,'' says Meyers, president of Century Sign Builders in Albuquerque. ``It just really altered her personality.''

Meyers' tumor was treated on a Thursday in May. She left with a full head of hair and was back at work the following Monday.

The difference is the Gamma Knife, technology that delivers highly focused radiation to damaged brain tissue in a single day's outpatient treatment. The technology has been in the state for almost six years, offering what doctors call a remarkable treatment to more than 700 New Mexico residents, most with tumors.

For many years, says Dr. Andrew Metzger, a neurosurgeon and the state's Gamma Knife medical director, traditional surgery was the accepted way to treat many tumors.

These surgeries could be risky, and although neurosurgeons learned to improve the technique of removing difficult tumors, even through the base of the skull, Metzger says the patients ``didn't fare very well'' after the procedures and had weeks of recovery in store.

Gamma Knife patients tend to be in and out in one day, usually a Thursday. They are told to take off work Friday and are generally able to return to normal the following week.

Other non-surgical treatments, the most common form of which is full-brain radiation, have heavy costs.

Full-brain radiation can last

weeks, with multiple exposures, Metzger says, and can cause hair loss, sunburns on the scalp and even cognitive problems. Gamma Knife patients typically have none of these.

Gamma Knife centers throughout the world treated almost 450,000 people at 257 sites between 1991 and 2007, according to a report from Elekta, the device's maker.

Before 2003, when the only Gamma Knife center in New Mexico opened at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque, patients had to travel to Arizona or Texas to receive the treatment. ``I like to think it's had a very positive impact on giving people options they didn't have before,''

Gamma Knife centers throughout the world treated almost 450,000 people at 257 sites between 1991 and 2007 Metzger says. ``It means being able to offer people a treatment that has some advantages over the alternative.''

Dr. Bob Hoppman, manager of the Gamma Knife Center New Mexico, says the machine has 201 cobalt-60 radiation sources that can be directed with extreme precision at targets inside the brain.

On the day of her procedure in late June, doctors gave Doni Carpenter, 78, four hefty shots of numbing medication, then screwed on pins for the boxlike metal frame used to keep her head immobile.

Carpenter then sat for a brain scan, which her doctors including Metzger used to plan her Gamma Knife treatment. -AP

Free healthcare screening

by Access Services India Post News Service

ANAHEIM, CA: Access California Services is collaborating with St. Joseph Hospital's Puente A La Salud Mobile Clinics to provide free healthcare screening on Wednesday September 30 from 8 am - 12 pm at 2180 W. Crescent Ave, Suite C. The free screening will be for the following: • Cardiovascular Screening

• Blood Pressure Checks • Cholesterol Testing • Glucose Testing Community health educators and registered nurses will be on site at every screening.

Access California Services Are dedicated to the prevention, early detection and treatment of heart disease. Patients are advised not to eat or drink (except for water) after midnight the night before the screening.

Horoscope

September 18, 2009

India Post

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ARIES Mar 21-Apr 20 Strong Venus will improve revenues and you may lay your hands on some easy money this week. Business trip will be beneficial as you will get the commitment quickly. You will be very aggressive on phone and resolve several small issues. It is a very favorable week for people out of job for quite some time.

LEO Jul 23-Aug 22 Your projects will need more that budget. People in business will need to pour in more to stay ahead of competition. You will try to take time out of busy schedule to attend an important event. Do not make any impulsive move in career for new few weeks. You will devote more time towards prayers and may visit a holy place with family.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23-Dec 22

September 18 to September 24

Spouse may feel irritated and loose temper frequently. Money will come but run out quickly. You may be working on a future long distance trip. It will be a better week for people connected with financial world. Boss will listen to your argument but will take time to come up with solution. Children will do well in school.

NEWS at your doorstep www.indiapost.com

Readers Write... www.indiapost.com

Deeply saddened by YSR demise

W

e NRIs are deeply saddened at the news of sudden demise of Shri YSR in air crash. Our heart felt sympathies for his family and entire Telugu people. He will always be remembered as champion of poor. He was one of the strongest CMs in the history of Andhra Pradesh.

We would like to request the Indian Government to create some standards and norms for VIPs travel since air crashes have become very frequent.

Vijay Chavva, Chairman & Biksham Palabindla, President Telangana Cultural Association, USA

Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.

TAURUS Apr 21-May 20 Expenses will not leave you alone and you may continue charging on cards.

You will get your chance to speak your mind in front of boss and soon you will have the positive results. It will be very favorable week for people in high tech industry. You will visit a holy place with family. You may gather the courage and call an old friend for advice.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sept 22 You will start to regain control over life.

Hard work performed in the past should start to pay off now. You will have many reasons to celebrate. Money will go on buying gifts for others. You may spend extra hours in order to finish an important project before deadline. You will spend quality time with a close older family member this week.

CAPRICORN Dec 23-Jan 19 Saturn will bring an opportunity to improve revenues but at a price. Your concerns about an older family member will grow. You will become more health conscious and make big changes in food habits. Very favorable time for people looking to start a new relationship. You may miss to attend an important event because of last minute engagement.

GEMINI May 21-Jun 20 Changes will occur at very fast pace.

Control your excitement and try to take short breaks. You will lay your hands on some real easy money. It will be easy to convince others and settle the accounts. Chances of getting some money out of legal channels are very strong. It will not be that smooth to implement your plans, there will be opposition.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct 22 People prone to litigations should not let their guards down even for a minute. Saturn's transit in twelfth can cause some financial loss through land or investment property you have been holding onto for quite some time.

People in jobs may have to settle for an assignment away from home. You will call an expert for advice.

AQUARIUS Jan 20-Feb 18 You should be careful when making any long term financial commitment or starting a new venture. You will be working with a very smart and focused person. Observe carefully and Try to learn something from him. An old friend will make a short stop at your place. A child will need more attention and some medication to overcome minor illness.

CANCER Jun 21-Jul 22 Planets in second gives you a big chance to make quick bucks. You will sign an important contract, which will bring financial benefit for long. Some of you may initiate a law suit to prove your point and get what you really deserve. There will be some sudden changes at place of work; all you have to do is sit patiently.

SCORPIO Oct 23-Nov 22 Things will keep improving in career and you will start to enjoy company of a new colleague. Savings account will keep growing steadily. You may be able to avert minor surgery with the help of a new over the counter medication.

You will find yourself leaning more towards religion. Family will be working on a short vacation plan.

PISCES Feb 19-Mar 20 A Business relationship is on the verge of breaking. You will be invited to attend a political event. Be careful when it comes to money and avoid buying things which are rarely used. There will be an increase in religious activities and you may even visit a holy place. You will be seriously thinking of making an investment in properties.

In Brief AG warns NJ deputies about immigration law role TRENTON, NJ: New Jersey's attorney general is warning three law enforcement agencies to follow the rules when questioning people about their immigration status.

The Monmouth County Sheriff's Office, Morristown Police Department and Hudson County jail have been accepted into a federal program that allows them to act on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

Hudson County has been approved since August 2008 to make the checks, the other two are still in the process of being trained.

State Attorney General Anne Milgram told the departments officers can only ask about immigration status after they have arrested a person on suspicion of a serious crime, not as part of an â&#x20AC;&#x153;onthe-street encounter.'' -AP

Contractor is sentenced for hiring illegals BALTIMORE: The owner of an Annapolis painting business has been sentenced to six months in a halfway house for hiring illegal aliens and money laundering.

Forty-seven-year-old Robert Bontempo's sentence was part of three years probation.

Bontempo pleaded guilty in April to hiring as many as 24 workers who weren't U.S. citizens or weren't authorized to work in the US. Federal prosecutors say he paid them in cash from 2003 to 2005 when he started paying them by check. Prosecutors also say he didn't require the workers to provide documentation of their work status or citizenship status. -AP

Marchers in Chicago demand immigrant rights CHICAGO: Marchers frustrated by the lack of national immigration reform legislation took to the streets of Chicago and surrounding communities.

Organizers say about 4,000 demonstrators marched in downtown Chicago. They left from Union Park on the city's West Side and ended in Federal Plaza for a rally.

Marchers say they feel betrayed by President Barack Obama, who they say promised immigration reform would come within the first 100 days of his administration.

In suburban Glen Ellyn, members of Immigrant Solidarity DuPage also held a rally. -AP

Immigration 44

India Post

www.indiapost.com

September 18, 2009

Calif. corrections worker held wife captive LODI, Calif: A Northern California corrections worker is being held on suspicion of sexually abusing his Chinese immigrant wife and holding her captive for nearly two years.

Details on page 47

Year ending, 20,000 H-1B visas still up for grabs WASHINGTON: About 20,000 H-1B visas, one of the most sought after for overseas professionals including Indians, are still up for grabs in the US which is struggling to fill up the allocated number of 65,000, even as less than a month remains before the start of the next financial year.

Primarily meant for computers and information technology professionals, the H-1B visas have been one of the most sought after for foreign professionals in previous years.

USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received The US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has been receiving several times the number of the allocated quota. However, this year, the USCIS is struggling to fill up the 65,000 H-1B visas as mandated by the US Congress.

This is mainly attributed to the

strict approval policy adopted by the USCIS this year and the ongoing economic recession, which has resulted in a 26-year high unemployment rate of 9.7 per cent in the US. "As of August 28, 2009, approximately 45,100 H-1B cap-subject petitions and approximately

20,000 petitions qualifying for the advanced degree cap exemption had been filed," the USCIS said in a statement.

USCIS will continue to accept both cap-subject petitions and advanced degree petitions until a sufficient number of H-1B petitions have been received to reach the statutory limits, taking into account the fact that some of these petitions may be denied, revoked, or withdrawn, it said.

The next financial year starts from October 1.-PTI

DHS to rescind social security no-match rule CYRUS D. MEHTA

O

n August 19, 2009, the Department of Home land Security (DHS) proposed to rescind the amendments promulgated on August 15, 2007, and October 28, 2008, relating to procedures that employers may take to acquire a safe harbor from receipt of nomatch letters.

Implementation of the 2007 final rule was preliminarily enjoined by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on October 10, 2007. After further review, DHS said it plans to focus its enforcement efforts relating to the employment of unauthorized workers on increased compliance through improved verification, including participation in E-Verify, the ICE Mutual Agreement Between Government and Employers (IMAGE), and other programs.

DHS noted that in fiscal year 2010, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services plans to improve the E-Verify system's ability to automatically verify international students and exchange visitors through the incorporation of ICE's Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) data into E-Verify.

By incorporating SEVIS nonimmigrant student visa data into the automatic initial E-Verify

check, the number of students and exchange visitors who receive initial mismatches should be reduced, DHS said. In 2010, ICE will launch a new version of SEVIS (SEVIS II), which will include employment eligibility information that E-Verify will be able to access electronically. Currently, the SEVIS database is checked manually by immigration status verifiers after an initial mismatch occurs.

DHS's proposed rule is available at edocket.access.gpo.gov/ 2009/pdf/E9-19826.pdf.

visa application) into one interactive format, and allows applicants to upload a photo. It is hosted on the Consular Electronic Application Center, which eventually will host online immigrant visa and passport applications, online fee payments, "possible queuing systems," and an online appointment system.

When an applicant fills out and submits the form online, the cable noted, he or she receives a confirmation page with a barcode that allows consular officers to locate

By incorporating SEVIS nonimmigrant student visa data into the automatic initial E-Verify check, the number of students and exchange visitors who receive initial mismatches should be reduced State Dept. Introduces Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form The Department of State (DOS) recently posted a cable sent to the field in May 2009 introducing the new DS-160 Web-based nonimmigrant visa application form, which is part of the Visa Office's effort to automate the visa process to the extent possible. DOS noted that at least 12 posts currently require applicants to use the DS-160. The new form incorporates all of the current NIV forms (DS-156, 157, 158, 156K, 3032, and parts of the E

the applicant's case in the Consular Consolidated Database system and load it into the nonimmigrant visa system.

As noted above, 12 posts (including some Mexican and Canadian posts, Dublin, Hamilton, Hong Kong, and Tripoli) are requiring use of the DS-160 by their applicants.

These posts' applicant volume makes up about a tenth of the worldwide NIV applicant workload, DOS noted. This summer, the agency is expanding DS160 use to two additional posts in

Mexico, as well as Australia. Current server capacity, however, does not allow DOS to expand DS-160 use more rapidly.

The form is available in English and Spanish, but translations into Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Serbian, and French are being developed. DOS hopes to have it available to all posts (and in the above languages) by the end of 2009.

The DOS cable is available at travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegrams/telegrams_4547.html.

Seventh Circuit Affirms Time Limits on Labor Certifications The US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed a Department of Labor amended regulation setting time limits on grants of labor certification. Specifically, the amended regulation states that an approved permanent labor certification granted on or after July 16, 2007, expires if not filed in support of an I140 petition within 180 calendar days of the date the Department granted the certification; and that an approved permanent labor certification granted before July 16, 2007, expires if not filed in support of an I-140 petition within 180 calendar days of July 16, 2007.

Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d on page 47

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September 18, 2009

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Clark Co to require check of workers' legal status

Local wants others included in immigration debate LAS VEGAS: A leader in the National Federation of Filipino American Associations says she is trying to make sure AsianAmericans and Pacific-Islanders are part of the debate about immigration reform.

Rozita Lee, of Las Vegas, is the group's vice chairwoman. Some in the Asian-American and Pacific-Islander community say Congress should consider immigration reforms focusing on family reunification.

Others want a merit-based approach to help highly educated, skilled individuals more easily become U.S. citizens.

In 2006 the Asian American Justice Center named Las Vegas one of five emerging communities for the rapid growth of its Asian population. -AP

quirement that mandates federal contractors to use E-Verify takes effect. That rule is for contracts that cost more than $100,000, last more than 120 days and don't consist entirely of commercially available products.

The county's new rule will only affect a handful of contracts those

‘In government, there is no perfect system,’ she said. ‘There's always going to be flaws’ over $1 million. That mostly includes road projects and some social service contracts.

Expectedly, foes and advocates of illegal immigration in Clark County reacted differently to the rule. ``We can take this victory here and go to all the other cities in Clark County,'' said Chuck Miller of Camas. His group Washington Citizens for Responsible Govern-

ment _ has lobbied local government to check illegal immigration.

Miller added he expects other cities and towns in the region to follow the county's lead.-AP But a local advocacy group said that requiring E-Verify will only drive undocumented workers further into ``the underground economy'' if Congress doesn't pass a bill overhauling the nation's immigration rules.

Meanwhile, Maria RodriguezSalazar, an advocate for undocumented workers said the county needs to pay attention to the minority of people who may be incorrectly denied work. ``In government, there is no perfect system,'' she said. ``There's always going to be flaws.''

E-Verify allows employers to enter the name and social security number of any prospective employee and check whether those match. The site also includes pictures of individuals.

The program must be used during the hiring process, not after the worker is hired. -AP

Immigrant who took VA laptop illegally enters US LAREDO, Texas: A Salvadoran man who was previously convicted of stealing a laptop containing the identities of nearly 20 million veterans has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States.

Jesus Alexi Pineda, 22, was deported in 2007 after serving time on a burglary conviction in Rockville, Md. During the burglary, he and two other thenteenagers broke into the home of a Veterans Affairs employee and stole a laptop and external hard drive that contained the names, Social Security numbers and birth dates of 19.6 million veterans and active-duty military personnel.

The equipment contained information on veterans discharged

since 1975 and was considered the worst-ever breach of government data at the time.

The equipment was recovered and the encrypted data never used after someone turned in the laptop for a $50,000 reward.

Authorities said the men didn't target the VA employees' home and didn't know what was on the hard drive until the case was publicized.

Pineda was caught in April

by Border Patrol agents while walking on a ranch north of Laredo. He pleaded guilty in June to illegal entry and has been sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, said Angela Dodge, a spokeswoman for the US Attorney's Office. -AP

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VANCOUVER, Wash.: Companies contracted by Clark County for projects worth more than $1 million will be required to check their workers' immigration status in the United States, county commissioners have decided.

The Vancouver Columbian reports that the new rule will require contractors in this southwest Washington county to use the federal E-Verify program, which checks a person's legal status in the United States. ``It's important that we get into the 21st century with federal regulations,'' said Commissioner Tom Mielke, who backed the new rule.

The new rule also includes subcontractors, said Mark McCauley, the county's general services director.

Commissioners passed the new rule on a 3-0 vote. The county joins a growing number of municipalities and businesses in the state that use E-Verify. Arizona and Mississippi require all companies to use E-Verify.

Next week, a similar federal re-

46

Immigration Post

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September 18, 2009

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Unexpected arrest made in bias probe at NY church Affidavit of Support Adjustment of Status ALL IMMIGRATION FORMALITIES U.S. CITIZENSHIP/GREEN CARD

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PATCHOGUE, NY: At first glance, the break-in at the Iglesia Evangelica Refugio de Salvacion looked like another sign of anti-immigrant sentiment on Long Island.

The trespasser left behind three angry notes on the altar of the Latino church, including one that said, ``Hispanics don't rule, whites do.''

But the case turned in an unexpected direction after a Hispanic man with ties to the congregation was charged in the incident.

Suffolk County police said Christhian Munguia Garcia, 25, turned up at the church and tossed a log and a bottle at people leaving the building.

Parishioners gave chase, grabbed Garcia and held him until police arrived.

Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri Jr. told Newsday the altercation appeared to be the result of a dispute between Garcia and the church pastor. The pastor, the Rev. Roberto Sanchez, told the newspaper Garcia had previously been kicked out of a service because of bad behavior.

The mayor said, ``What concerns me is that people immediately jump to the conclusion that

it's a white-on-Hispanic hate crime.''

The notes were left the same day the Southern Poverty Law Center released a report saying Latino immigrants were routinely harassed and taunted in largely suburban Suffolk County, which stretches across eastern Long Island.

Suffolk County police said Christhian Munguia Garcia, 25, turned up at the church and tossed a log and a bottle at people leaving the building An Ecuadorean immigrant was knifed to death near the church last November; seven teenagers have pleaded not guilty to hate crime and other charges in the attack. Another Ecuadorean man was beaten and robbed in the same area by attackers yelling ethnic slurs last month, police said; two teens and a 20-year-old face a hate

crime charge in that incident.

Police spokesman Tim Motz said authorities still considered the incident at the church a bias crime because it was directed at religious practice. Garcia was charged Saturday with attempted assault as a hate crime, trespassing and aggravated harassment.

He wasn't immediately able to post $7,500 bail.

An assistant district attorney said Garcia was part of a group of four people upset with the church who had also been involved in an earlier rock-throwing incident.

An attorney for Garcia said she hadn't seen any evidence linking him to the notes. She said his anger at the church concerned ``economic practices,'' not religion.

Hispanic activists rallied outside the church despite the twist in the case.

State Sen. Ruben Diaz said the shifting circumstances didn't change the larger issue of ``antiimmigrant rhetoric'' in Long Island's suburbs. ``We are not blaming the whole community. It is a nice community.

But there are some people who give a bad name to the community,'' he said. -AP

Murder suspect deported to El Salvador DES MOINES, Iowa: The US Immigration and Enforcement Bureau says a man arrested in Marshalltown, Iowa, earlier this year has been deported to El Salvador to face murder charges in the Central American nation.

Bureau officials said that 34year-old Manuel De Jesus Gonzalez-Villalta was ordered deported and was delivered to authorities in El Salvador.

They say Gonzalez-Villalta and two other men were wanted in El

Salvador for the murder of a woman in 2000, and they learned of the outstanding warrant when he was arrested in March on domestic violence charges. GonzalezVillalta pleaded guilty to the Iowa charges in May. -AP

Immigration Post

September 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com

Calif. corrections worker held wife captive LODI, Calif: A Northern California corrections worker is being held on suspicion of sexually abusing his Chinese immigrant wife and holding her captive for nearly two years.

Authorities say Michael O'Riley, 60, a social worker at a prison outside Sacramento, was arrested after his 44-year-old wife called police and reported he was threatening to kill her. The woman told police O'Riley forced her to perform sex acts, deprived her of food and took her places against her will over the last 22 months after he married her four years ago and brought her to the United States, said Cpl. Dale Eubanks, a Lodi police spokesman. ``It got to the point where she feared for her life,'' he said.

When officers were near the home, the woman ran toward the patrol car and jumped through an open passenger window.

O'Riley was arrested as he was loading several firearms into his

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;She was under the impression that if she came forward and he went to jail, she might be deportedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; truck, Eubanks said. He was apparently carrying $23,000 in cash.

He was being held at the Lodi City Jail on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment, making

terrorist threats, spousal battery, various sex crimes and failure to provide for a spouse.

Police had been called to the home at least twice before, but officers saw no signs of abuse and the woman said she was OK, Eubanks said. ``She was under the impression that if she came forward and he went to jail, she might be deported,'' he said. ``She was basically misled by him.''

O'Riley worked at the Rio Cosumnes Correctional Center in Elk Grove, Calif., according to police. He has been placed on administrative leave, said Sgt. Tim Curran, a spokesman for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, which oversees the prison. -AP

DHS to rescind social security no-match rule Contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d from page 44

Between March 2001 and May 2007, 14 unaffiliated Illinois businesses filed applications for labor certification on behalf of 15 potential employees. Thirteen were approved before the amended regulation took effect on July 16, 2007; the other two were approved after that date. After the Department of Homeland Security rejected eight of the workers' visa petitions because of expired labor certifications, the 14 businesses and 15 workers sued the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security.

Among other things, the plaintiffs sought a judgment that the Department of Labor's promulgation of the amended regulation was beyond its authority or, alternatively, that retroactive application of the amended regulation was unlawful.

The eight workers also sought a writ of mandamus against the Department of Homeland Security to

compel the agency to process their visa petitions.

The Seventh Circuit ruled in favor of the government, noting among other things that when the Department of Labor amended its regulation to establish a 180-day time limit for previously approved labor certifications, the plaintiffs' right to the certifications' indefinite validity ended, and the plaintiffs did not possess any vested right that the amended regulation could impair.

The case is available at adnetnyc.com/Article/durable.pdf.

Employment-Based Fourth Preference Categories Unavailable for September The Department of State's Visa Bulletin for September notes that heavy applicant demand for numbers in the employment fourth, and employment fourth "Certain Religious Worker," categories has resulted in their becoming

"Unavailable" for September. This unavailable status took effect immediately in August because the annual limit for those categories was reached. Therefore, the Department said, no further requests for numbers in those categories can be processed during fiscal year 2009.

The employment fourth preference is expected to return to "Current" status in October, the first month of the new fiscal year. The employment fourth "Certain Religious Workers" category is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2009, and future availability will depend on legislative action.

The latest Visa bulletin is available at http://travel.state.gov/visa/ frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4558.html.

(To be continued) * Cyrus D Mehta, may be contacted at 212-425-0555 or info@cyrusmehta.com

India Post

47

48

Classifieds

India Post

September 18, 2009

www.indiapost.com

MATRIMONIALS BRIDEGROOM WANTED

Parents looking for a groom for their beautiful daughter, American Citizen, 31years, 5'3" tall, Caste No Bar. Please send your picture and biodata to P.O.Box # 342, India Post 29274 Union City Blvd.,

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PUNJABI SIKH PARENTS INVITE CORRESPONDENCE FROM WELL ESTABLISHED FAMILIES FOR DAUGHTER, 24 YRS, BEAUTIFUL, SLIM, 5’3", MASTERS-HUMAN GENETICS, LIVING IN INDIA. PROFESSIONALS PREFERRED. PLEASE SEND BIODATA WITH PICTURE. gundeepsingh8@gmail.com PH:562-201-1130

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MUMBAI BASED GUJARATI VAISHNAV VANIK BOY OF 26 AGE, HAVING MASTER DEGREE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FROM USA, CURRENTLY WORKING IN LOS ANGELES LOOKING FOR SUITABLE (GUJARATI) FAIR AND GOOD LOOKING BRIDE OF 5'.1 "TO 5'.6" HEIGHT, HAVING GOOD EDUCATION.SEND DETAILED BIODATA AND PHOTOGRAPH TO

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Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted at the Alameda County Social Services Agency Contracts Office, 2000 San Pablo Avenue, 4th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP EAS 2009-10 ñ SSA EMPLOYER AGENT SERVICES 2009-2010, Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 9:30 a.m. ñ Alameda County Social Services Agency Eden Area Multi-Service Center, 24100 Amador Street, Shooting Star B, 6th Floor, Hayward, CA NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP EAS 2009-10 ñ SSA EMPLOYER AGENT SERVICES 2009-2010, Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 1:30 p.m. ñ Alameda County Social Services Agency North Oakland Self-Sufficiency Center, 2000 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley Room, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA Responses Due by 3:00 pm on October 6, 2009 County Contact: Karen Obidah at (510) 267-8608 or via email: kobida@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org.

9/18/09 CNS-1685811#

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSA-Purchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900631 for Mobile Medical Clinic, Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 2:00 p.m. ñ Public Works Agency, 951 Turner Court, Conference Room 230A, Hayward, CA NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900631 for Mobile Medical Clinic, Wednesday, September 23, 2009, 10:00 a.m. ñ Lakeside Plaza Building, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room 222, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on October 23, 2009 County Contact : Ann Marie Romero (510) 208-9742 or via email: annmarie.romero@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications and bid copies regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County GSA-Purchasing Department or the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org.

9/18/09 CNS-1686976#

Classifieds

September 18, 2009

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NEW YORK Upcoming

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Sat Sept 19

NEW JERSEY Upcoming

Sat Sept 19

• Navratri in Long Island New York

• Vibha DC Disco Dandia 2009

Venue: Navali Navratri, Long Island, New York Time: 8pm to 11:45pm Contact: 516-921-2621

Venue: Herndon High School Gym, 700 Bennett St., Herndon, Virginia Time: 7pm to 11pm Contact: 408-922-9572

Sun Sept 20 • Mimicry Super Star Chinne Jayanth Venue: Lakshmi Hall, Community Center of Sri Ganesha Temple Holly Avenue, Flushing, New York Time: 4pm Contact: (917) 353 4545 Highlights: Present your talents on stage before Chinnie Jayanth. Each item should not exceed five minutes and it can be mimicry, jokes, mini-skit, stand up comedy, song etc.

Sat Sept 26 • Rhythm of Rajasthan Venue: Peter Norton Symphony Space, Broadway at 95th Street, NY Time: 8pm Contact: 212-545-7536

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Every Saturday

Tues Sept 22 to Thurs Sept 24

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• Quality Midwest Conference

Venue: Basement hall at, 477 Lincoln Hwy ( Rt. 27 North), Iselin , NJ 08830, (One building over from Sai Baba Mandir/ old India House) Time: 11am to 1pm Contact: Swami Radeshwaranand Ji - (718) 298-5545 Highlights: Lecture by close disciple of Shree Ashutosh Ji Maharaj, Bhajans, free meditation and mahaprasad.

• International Children's Festival Venue: Wolf Trap National Park, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, Virginia, WDC Time: 2:30pm Contact: (703) 642-9558

Fri Sept 18

Fri Sept 25 to Sun Sept 27

Sat Sept 19

• Sanskriti Durga Puja 2009

• Navratri - 2009

Venue: Damascus High School, 25921 Ridge Road, Damascus, Maryland, WDC Contact : 703 629 3853 Cultural Program: Attractive cultural program with four overseas artists (Two for each day) including SaReGaMa Little Champion Sanchita.

Food: Delicious menu (coming soon).... Lunch, Afternoon Snacks and Dinner for both days.

Venue: Ocean Township Intermediate School, 1200 West Park Avenue, Ocean, New Jersey Time: 9pm Contact: 732-692-7723

• Chand Raat 2009 Venue: Holiday Inn, 3050 Woodbridge Ave., Edison, NJ Time: 4pm to 1am Contact: 732-277-6687

Fri Sept 25 • Durga Puja Celebration Venue: Ukranian Church, Somerset, New Jersey Contact: 732-632-8082

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Gayatri Mantra Saturday - 11 AM - To 12 PM by Gayatri Pariwar Contact: Naresh Sethi (For Jagrata). TEL: 510-825-1927, 510-487-2544

Sundar Kand Ka Paath on 3rd Saturday of everymonth from 10:30 am to 12: 00 pm 24 hrs Akhand Ramayan, 9/19/09, 10:00 am to 9/20/09 10:00 am Mata ka Jagran 9/26/09 (Saturday, 8 pm to 1 am) Dashaharaa celebration on 9/29/09 at 1:30 pm

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Venue: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, (Chicago) Rosemont, Illinois Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Contact: 1-310-996-9431

Sun Sept 18 • Pratham Chicago Gala 2009 Venue: Ashyana Banquets, 1620 75th Street, Downers Grove, Illinois Time: 6pm Contact: 866-PRATHAM

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Thurs Sept 17 to Sat Sept 19 • Bliss Dance Company Present ìMy Secret" Venue: Ohlone College Smith Center, 43600 Mission Blvd. in Fremont, CA Time: 8pm Contact: 510-659-6031 Highlights: Lead by Artistic Director Cassie Begley, this all-female dance company brings artistry to support women's issues.

Fri Sept 18 • Ohlone College Smith Center Presents: Rhythm of Rajashan Venue: Smith Center at Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd. in Fremont Time: 8pm Contact: 510-659-6031 Ticket: $20-$100 Highlights: Legends of heroism and romance are captured in the vibrant evocative music and dance of these native performers from the Desert of Rajasthan.

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Upcoming Every 4th Sat every Month • Durga Mata Ka Jagaran Venue: 2335 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, DBC Center, Diamond Bar, CA Time: 6:30pm Contact: 909-519-1579, 626-810-2345

Sun Sept 13 to Fri Sept 18 • Bhagvat Venue: 16540 Aston Street, Irvine, CA 92606 Time: 7:15 to 8:30pm - Bhagvat, 8:30 pm - Arti & Prasad, Sept 19th: 11am - Navaratri Yagna, 1pm Arti & Prasad, Contact: 949-222-2283 Highlights: Pujya Mahamandaleshwar, Dr. Swami Shashwatanandji Giri (From Kurukshetra)

Sat Sept 19 • Navratri Chauki Venue: 16540 Aston Street, Irvine, CA 92606 Time: Sept 19th - 11am - Jayanti Sthapana, Every Day 7 pm: Durga Ji's & Radha Krishna Aarti, 19th Sept. Chauki 6.30-9pm, 26th Sept. Ashtmi 5.30 to 7pm, 27th Sept.

Navami Havan 11am Contact: 949-222-2283

Sat Sept 19 to Sat Sept 26 • Navratri Garba & Dandia Ras Venue: 16540 Aston Street, Irvine, CA 92606 Time: Sept 19th: 7:30am Mataji's Handi Sthapana, Sept 19,20,25 & 26th: 7:30pm Garba & Dandia Ras, Sept 26th: 5pm Ashtami Havan Contact: 949-222-2283

Sat Sept 19 • BAPS Charities Walk 09 Venue: Crossroads Park, Chino Hills Time: 9am Contact: 909-636-6739 Highlights: American Diabetes Association and Friends of the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library

Philosophy

September 18, 2009

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Page Sponsored by Sahanis nation or a healthy society. No body has a problem in formatting a hard drive of a computer when it gets infested with viruses or spy ware. Krishna is similarly concerned about the hard disk of the entire existence.

Right and wrong is a good idea for a healthy society. It has a utilitarian value for Krishna. It is like driving a car on the right side in USA and driving on the left side in England. Krishna would not get disturbed if he has to drive on the wrong side in special situations.

Contd from last week rjun is concerned about death of his loved ones.

He becomes emotional about this. He is about to fight a war of his life, but is overcome by emotions. He starts talking about what is right and what is wrong.

Krishna's arguments are flawless.

It is hard to counter Arjun's logic even in today's times. Many in fact believe that Arjun had been right.

Mahatma Gandhi came to a conclusion that Mahabharat did not happen because of this. How could Krishna advocate a war?

This is hard to conceive and justify for many.

Morality survives on right and wrong. Dharma is not. Dharma needs to be upheld and Krishna would go to any extent to get that done because health of the value system is important for a healthy

T

DR KRISHNA BHATTA

Morality needs enforcements. You need rules of right and wrong because there is chance to become amoral

Right and wrong are relative to a Dharmic person. A moral person draws firm lines. Dharmic person does not believe in lines. Morality needs enforcements. You need rules of right and wrong because there is chance to become amoral.

A Dharmic person cannot be amoral. This possibility does not exist in a Dharmic person. Krishna can dance with several Gopis at the

not exist for them. In other words, whatever they do is works out to be right for that moment.

We can also understand this if we can get there. Krishna tells us the pathways. Buddha tells us the pathways; Buddha even calls his book Dhammapada (the feet of Dharma).

What does meditation have to do with Dharma? Before we get to that question we need to under-

mind gets training of how to deal with anger. I am happy. I can control my anger now. I have the tools.

I go back in the real world. Anger arises inside same as before. I have learned to moderate it now.

One day I explode because all the suppressed anger now breaks out.

The scenario in case of meditation is different.

To be continued

the laws of eugenics and morality.

He was not the teacher of a special darsana, like the system of nyaya, or yoga or sankhaya, and He did not wish to keep one class of men above, and another class below, teaching them to hate each other. He extolled Truth, and set Karma, Vidya and Dharma above wealth and high birth.

Karma is good deeds bearing good fruits: Vidya is science of trade,

lesser and greater precepts. One for the Householder, the Agarika, and another for the Ascetic (Anagarika) who renounced the life of the householder. The former was intended for those who wished to enjoy a life of pleasure, engaged in arts, trade, agriculture, to produce wealth.

The Anagarika saw a burden in the family life; he therefore wished to be free from the cares and anxieties of the family man.

not tend to elevate life, and the Buddha in opening the gates of immortality, welcomed to the Bhikkhu life, men of all castes, trained in the Tathagata Vinaya, the Discipline of the Tathagata, and they were sent among the people to preach and teach.

The Bhikkhu settled in the village opened his school, got the village children together, taught them morality, science and religion. The Vihara School became the centre of the village, and once in a week men, women, and children assembled in the village Dharmasala, to listen to the teachings of Buddha's Law of Love. It was a comprehensive morality.

The first principle of the Religion of the Buddha was prevention of cruelty to animals, followed by the five principles to be observed daily by every householder, viz., to abstain from killing, from taking illegally things which belong to another, from violating women who were under guardianship of their own kith and kin, from lying and slander, and from taking intoxicating liquor and drugs.

Excerpted from Maha Bodhi Journal, Vol. 19.

Buddha: Do not ask my caste, ask about my conduct

ANAGARIKA DHAMMAPALA

The same question was put to the Great Teacher by the Brahmans 2500 years ago. What is your caste? And the Buddha in reply said, "Do not ask my caste, ask about my conduct", and the Buddha by His all-embracing Doctrine of Love taught that a man whatever his caste, can become great, provided he follows

stand that Dharma does not exist in a vacuum or a void. It exists relative to our existence. We are the ones who raise or lower the index that Dharma is.

Our level of existence directly affects the level of Dharma index. Meditation is a process that changes our level of existence. All other changes are like a make up which is washed off with pouring water.

I am an angry person. I can find reason to be angry in any situation. I want to change. I go to a course for anger management. My

Dharma is not concerned about right & wrong

A

he religion of the Buddha was intended for all castes. He made no distinction between the Brahman and the Sudra. To all He gave the ambrosia of the eternal Dhamma.

As we see today, the first query which a man has to answer when he is confronted with another native of India, is about his jati, and on that depend the treatment he is expected to get.

same time. He can be intimate to several women at the same time. His interiority can still stay un-attached.

There is no possibility of getting involved. We do not understand such a person because we measure them with our standards.

We look at them relative to how they behave compared to our behaviors in similar situations.

We need to conform to morality and right and wrong because we can cross over to the other side.

Krishna or Buddha do not need this because the other side does

He founded a Religion with the lesser and greater precepts. One for the Householder, the Agarika, and another for the Ascetic (Anagarika) agriculture, industrialism and navigation: Dharma is righteousness.

To make all happy contented, loving and to practice the virtue of mercy was His object, and in fulfillment of this great mission, He set to work, and succeeded in discovering a Path which is safe, and a path in which all can travel.

He founded a Religion with the

The twice-born class had his Bible, and he had also the Brahman priest to officiate at his altar and propitiate the family god, but the non-Brahman of the Sudra class, was debarred by the law-givers from reading the Veda, and taking part in the Brahman rituals.

What was he to do?

To be a perpetual slave does

The 145th birth anniversary of Anagarika Dhammapala falls on September 17

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. -Bible Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

-Buddha Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If there is sin, this is the only sin?

To say that you are weak, or others are weak.

-Swami Vivekananda The real doer is the Lord himself and all glory belongs to a form of his Shakti missioned in the nature and not to the limited human personality -Sri Aurobindo Addiction to knowledge is like any other addiction; it offers an escape from the fear of emptiness, of loneliness, of frustration, the fear of being nothing.

-J Krishnamurti Comfort comes as guest, lingers to become host and stays to enslave us.

-Swami Chinmayananda If you have love, you can correct people without saying anything to them because love is a supreme intelligence -Ma Nirmala Devi

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Russia seeks role in 'Af-Pak' JYOTSNA BAKSHI

O

n assuming office, President Barack Obama spoke of 'resetting buttons' of America's relations with Russia.

Henry Kissinger's article which appeared on 26 February 2009 in the Washington Post, reaffirmed a shift in thinking on Russia in the context of the Afghan war. Kissinger argues that the US cannot withdraw from Afghanistan as the jihadist victory there will have ominous consequences for the stability of the entire region. Nor can it win the war by the methods employed so far.

He suggests that the Afghan issue be tackled through international effort, involving all of Afghanistan's neighbors, India and permanent members of the UNSC and not by unilateral US effort. Owing to geographical reasons, he termed cooperation with Russia and Pakistan as crucial and added that Washington had to choose between a partnership or adversarial relations with Russia.

Despite intense competition between Moscow and Washington for influence over the Eurasian space, the two share common concerns regarding religious extremism and militancy. These forces threaten peace and stability in Russia's soft underbelly.

If these forces succeed in establishing a foothold in Central Asia's populous Fergana Valley - as they aspire to, there will be no stopping them from advancing further north.

Russia seeks to counter this threat through a pro-active policy in the southern direction.

There are also economic reasons propelling Moscow's southward move. Russian expert Yuri Krupnov opines that while Russia exports mainly hydrocarbons and raw materials to Europe and China, it can export industrial products to the countries towards its south and thus, revive its dilapidated industrial base.

In a landmark agreement on 6 July, during President Obama's recent Moscow visit, Russia allowed 4,500 overflights - about 12 per day - carrying military cargo for US/ NATO troops deployed in Afghanistan. Earlier, Moscow only permitted the transit of non-military cargo.

More than two-thirds of all supplies for US and NATO troops in Afghanistan have been traditionally sent by the much shorter and cheaper land route across Pakistan.

However, due to repeated militant attacks, this route has become unsafe. With the projected increase in the US/allied troops in Afghanistan, the search for a reliable alternative supply route had become critical.

Through this move, Russia has assured for itself a role in the Afghanistan conflict, which it was

denied ever since the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan in 1989. As a quid pro quo, Russia is now likely to be involved in training the Afghan forces.

Earlier, Washington had regarded the reassertion of Russia's influence as the biggest threat to its Eurasian strategy. This author was told by visitors to Afghanistan that the US officials there denied the Russians any role in reconstruction projects. The Chi-

Russia for the first time.

Following recent intensification of military operations against Islamic militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan, many Central Asian fighters living in the Pak-Afghan border areas have reportedly returned to their homelands. This has aggravated the threat of Islamic militancy to secular Central Asian states.

Tajikistan, which shares more than a 1000 km border with Afghanistan, is particularly vulner-

India Post Indians & austerity

J Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, Russian President Dmitry Medadov, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and Afghan President Hamid Karzai at a Quadrilateral Summit held in Dushanbe, Tajikstan.

nese were regarded as less of an immediate rival by the West and were allowed to bag a hefty US$3 billion project to exploit Afghanistan's Aynak copper deposits as also the railway infrastructure development project.

Moscow is also directly cultivating Afghan and Pak regimes. On 30 July, the first four-nation summit of the Presidents of Russia, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Paki-

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reportedly strove hard at the Yekaterinburg SCO summit held on 15 June, to bridge the gap between Russia and the US. India is interested in peace, stability and development in its neighborhood stan took place in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. All sides discussed cooperation in infrastructure projects, energy, transport, and security and ways to curb the drug menace.

They agreed to meet regularly to push forward multifarious cooperation. The possibility of the export of hydroelectricity from Tajikistan to power-deficient Afghanistan and Pakistan, including from the Russian-built Sangtuda-1 project on Vaksh River was also discussed, with the participation of

able. While Moscow wishes to remain the main guarantor of security to Central Asian states, it must contend with tough competition from the West, led by the US and the growing economic and military muscle of China.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reportedly strove hard at the Yekaterinburg SCO summit held on 15 June 2009, to bridge the gap between Russia and the US. India is interested in peace, stability and development in its immediate and strategic neighborhood. It has made a sizeable US$1.2 billion investment in development projects in Afghanistan. The opening of transport routes and energy corridors, possibly through combined international effort, can greatly boost South Asia's (including India's) trade with Central Asia and direct the flow of energy resources southwards.

India should welcome the reduction in trade and travel barriers while protecting its territorial integrity and sovereignty. However, the formation of closed groupings to the exclusion of or at the expense of India, need to be countered at the very outset.

As part of her recent visit to Moscow, President Pratibha Patil also visited the Tajik capital, Dushanbe. India needs to pursue a carefully calibrated, pro-active policy to promote its interests.

History shows that the developments in the region have always affected India's security and political and economic interests.

The writer is Former Research Fellow, IDSA. Courtesy IPCS

Krishnamurti once said, "It must require a very thick skin to be rich in India." He was referring to the insensitivity of it.

When millions go hungry or are underfed and lack proper shelter, if some people amass a great deal for themselves they must be blind to the plight of their fellow men, really hard hearted.

Mahatma Gandhi tried to introduce a different culture. He sought to co-opt the humblest, the poorest Indian in his project of securing freedom for India. In order to appeal to the poorest, to communicate with them in that age when there was no proper media, he decided to dress in bare lungi like the poorest. He chose to look like them in order to win their confidence. It was real leading by example. There was symbolism as well purpose in his project. He was not merely looking for freedom for India; he wanted freedom for every Indian, particularly the humblest.

Gandhi has become irrelevant in his country of origin. The majority wants to emulate the prosperity of the West and reach it as quickly as possible, by means fair or foul. Globalization has ushered in an era where greed has become respectable. To be materially wealthy in itself is a virtue. People are unable to distinguish between greed and aspiration, between an Ambani and a Narayan Murthy, between fair means and foul.

Exposure to the West has had its blessings too. What Indians can't see or refuse to see has been brought home to them by the critical western media, which has been relentlessly focusing on the still considerable section of the deprived to which governments of the day pay only lip service. Under pressure to do something for the poor, the Manmohan Singh government has introduced a number of schemes for the rural poor but the delivery of the benefits is riddled with leakages and corruption.

While aiming to work for the poor, it is the luxurious style of living of the ruling politicians which exposes the hypocrisy of the ruling party. They live in palatial bungalows in Lutyen's Delhi fawned upon by a retinue of servants and hangers on. After they are elected, the politicians give little thought to their constituents.

Had it not been for the drought in the country, the politicians' way of living would not have attracted much notice in the euphoria of India's GDP growth despite recession. The focus of the media, largely owned by rich industrialists, is not surprisingly totally commercial. There are hardly any serious stories on the plight of the poor. Whatever is there has to be preferably sensational stuff.

Only one paper, the Hindu of Chennai, keeps on its staff a rural affairs editor.

To be fair to her, Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been appealing to party leaders and ministers to strictly observe austerity ever since she took up the party post. Only recently the Central Government issued austerity directives to various ministries and departments. In this context it was embarrassing for the Congress to find an expose in the media about how two of its new ministers were living in five-star hotels.

Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna and his deputy Shashi Tharoor have since moved out of the hotels after pointing out that they paid the bills on their own and not a single penny of government money was used. True, but the amount of government money used in renovating and refurbishing the bungalows of the ministers makes a mockery of all the sweet talk about austerity. There is a mismatch between what the Congress preaches and practices.

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