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VOL 21, No. 1132
June 10, 2016
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SWITZERLAND BACKS INDIA'S NSG BID
GENEVA: In a major boost to its diplomatic push for NSG membership, India has managed to win crucial support of Switzerland ahead of a key meeting of the 48-nation bloc even as the two countries agreed to step up cooperation in unearthing black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks. Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann announced his country's support to India's membership in the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a
range of bilateral and global issues. Switzerland is a key member of the NSG and its support to India's bid for membership of the grouping was seen as crucial in the backdrop of China harping on the need for consensus as India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "We have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of NSG," Schneider-Ammann said at a joint media interaction with Modi. Details on page 5
Details on page 16
US warns China on South China Sea
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani
Modi, Ghani inaugurate Afghan Dam Details on page 8
OFBJP welcomes Dr Harsh Vardhan in Bay Area Details on page 17
MoU signed for hassle-free entry of Indians into US Details on page 10
Large crowd greets Bhushans in Chicago
Details on page 8
Details on page 16
Hindu priest murdered in Bangladesh
CONTENTS Bollywood ---------------------- 28-29 Classifieds ------------------------- 48
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Community Post -------------- 16-25 Date Book -------------------------- 47
INDIA POST SURVEY
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HealthScience Post --------- 44-47
This week’s question
Horoscope ------------------------- 27 Immigration Post ------------- 44-46
Modi foreign policy wise, dynamic?
Life Style ----------------------- 50-53 Philosophy ------------------------- 49
Last week’s result
Can Pakistan also join Chabahar alliance? YES 37%
NO 63%
Publisher’s Diary ------------------ 4
HONORING SACRIFICE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the husband of late astronaut Kalpana Chawla and family members places a wreath at Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial in Washington D.C. on June 6. (Report on page 6)
Real Estate -------------------- 42-43 TechBiz Post ------------------- 12-15 Travel & Hospitality Post ---- 36-39
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am so tired of the inscribed-in-stone cliché about the denial of a US visa to Narendra Modi for his alleged involvement in the Gujarat riots of 2002 when he was the chief minister of that state. Do we really have to be reminded of it every time Modi is mentioned in any article in the US media, and more vexingly, hear about it from the Modi detractors among our desi crowd every time he visits the US? Literally, every single article dealing with Indian polity or Indo-US relations, unfailingly mentions the visa denial issue and equally diligently, Modi baiters in the Indian American community do not miss the opportunity to crow about it to whoever may be listening. And then there are these paid interests among US lawmakers who are stuck on the broken record about human rights abuses and religious intolerance in India; presently they are upset over members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom being denied visas to India. Religious minorities face threats to their freedoms in most countries today and the US is no exception. Oh yeah, think hate crime, think attacks on Sikhs and Muslims and Jews; think a possible Trump presidency. And on human rights, think American invasions, American bombings, think about the undeniable discrimination against the Blacks, a scourge that has only deepened with time. For better or worse, we cannot deny the fact that Modi is prime minister of the largest democracy in the world today and for all practical purposes his visits are singularly to promote India in his bid to better the lives of a billion plus people and not for any personal gain. The US today can no longer claim a self-appointed dominion on the pulpit to preach tolerance to the world or a bench on the moral court to judge other nations. Political leadership in each country today needs to deal with the bigots in their own backyards before accusing other countries of abuses. Bigotry is bigotry whether it is Trump rhetoric against Muslims in general or a mob lynching of a beef eater in India.
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Cover Story: Swiss backing India has managed to win crucial support of Switzerland ahead of a key meeting of the 48-nation NSG bloc
Community: Obama endorses Raja Raja Krishnamoorthi's bid for US Congress got a big boost with President Barack Obama endorsing his candidacy
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Immigration: Trump's problem Can Donald Trump coax enough support from voters who twice delivered the White House to Barack Obama?
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China adamant As India stepped up its campaign to become a member of NSG, China has declared there is no unanimity on it
Valley of Flowers Protected by snowy mountains, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand region glistens like a colorful carpet.
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Switzerland backs India's NSG bid GENEVA: In a major boost to its diplomatic push for NSG membership, India has managed to win crucial support of Switzerland ahead of a key meeting of the 48nation bloc even as the two countries agreed to step up cooperation in unearthing black money stashed by Indians in Swiss banks. Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann announced his country's support to India's membership in the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) after holding comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of bilateral and global issues. Switzerland is a key member of the NSG and its support to India's bid for membership of the grouping was seen as crucial in the backdrop of China harping on the need for consensus as India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). "We have promised India support in its efforts to become a member of NSG," SchneiderAmmann said at a joint media in-
teraction with Modi. May 12 which will be taken up for to trade in and export nuclear techIn his remarks, the Prime Min- consideration in its plenary meet- nology. Its membership will help ister thanked the Swiss President ings on June 9 in Vienna and June India significantly expand its for Switzerland's "understanding 24 in Seoul. atomic energy sector. and support" for India's membership of the NSG. He also said combating the menace of black money and tax evasion was "shared priority" for both the countries. The US and many other NSG member countries have supported India's inclusion based on its nonproliferation track record. The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country's vote against India Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Switzerland’s President Johann Schneider-Ammann at a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on June 6 will scuttle its bid. India has been pushing for membership of the The NSG looks after critical isThe Prime Minister is likely to bloc for last few years and had sues relating to the nuclear sec- raise the issue with the leadership formally moved its application on tor and its members are allowed of Mexico, another key member of
the NSG. India has stepped up its diplomatic outreach to various NSG member countries including China ahead of the group's crucial meetings. The NSG had granted an exclusive waiver for India in 2008 to access civil nuclear technology after China reluctantly backed India's case based on the IndoUS nuclear deal. The Swiss President said his country will "certainly contribute actively" to India's effort to get NSG membership and hailed India's contribution to non-proliferation of nuclear arms. During the talks, Modi and Schneider-Ammann agreed to expand cooperation in tackling the problem of Indians stashing black money in Swiss banks besides resolving to step up ties in areas of trade, investment and vocational training. He also said both the sides agreed to support each other for their respective bids for the nonpermanent membership of the UN Security Council.-PTI
PM invites Swiss business to invest GENEVA: Seeking to build 2-3 Switzerlands within India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought Swiss investment to upgrade infrastructure like railways, build metro train in 50 cities and five crore affordable homes. At a roundtable with chief ex-
a massive scale. "We need to build metro train services in 50 cities, have to construct 50 million affordable houses, railway network has to be expanded and upgraded and technology has to improve," he said. Keeping the climate change
and innovate. Inviting Swiss business to investment in India, Modi said he stood committed to GST and European Free Trade Association. Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with prominent business leaders from Swit-
create 2 or 3 Switzerlands. So scope for partnership is immense," he told the business leaders. "We want to have manufacturing of global standards. Hence Swiss model of skill development very relevant for us." India, he said, is not just a market of 1.25 billion. "We have skills and a government open to business." "We have stressed on good governance. Legislations are being improved following global
benchmarks," he said, adding that India has rapid improved on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business ranking. Modi said the target before him were to boost 'Make in India' as well as human resource development. "I want to improve skills of our workforce which can not just meet needs of India but also of the world," he said, adding India has 800 million people below the age of 35 years.-PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Switzerland’s President Johann Schneider-Ammann during delegation level meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on June 6
ecutives of leading Swiss firms, Modi spoke about the steps his government has taken to make it easier to do business in India and went on to list his targets including generating 175 giga watts of solar energy. For India to develop, it needs upgradation of infrastructure at
agenda in mind, India is targeting building of 175 GW of solar energy. "The experience of past two years has shown that we can complete it within time," he said. Prime Minister, however, wanted solar equipment manufacturers to also come to India
zerland including officials of ABB, Lafarge, Novartis, Nestle, Rieter and Roche. He told the Swiss watch industry that the diamonds on their watches come from Gujarat and "so I am fully sensitive to your concerns." "Within my country I need to
Narendra Modi shares lighter moments with Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleish, State Secretary for Economic Affairs at a business meeting in Geneva, Switzerland on June 6
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Modi pays homage to Kalpana Chawla WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldiers and paid homage to Indian-American astronaut late Kalpana Chawla at Arlington National Cemetery here. "Honoring sacrifice, saluting valor. Formal engagements begin with a solemn ceremony," Exter-
Desai Biswal were also present on the occasion. "All of us are very honored that he took time to come and acknowledge the shuttle catastrophe and the deep cooperation that we have with India in the space world," Williams told PTI after her brief interaction with Modi. "Personally it is commemorat-
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the Indian community on his arrival at Joint Base Andrews (JBA) in Washington D.C. on June 7 American astronaut Sunita Williams with her father Deepak Pandya at the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit on June 6
nal Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted. "In homage to heroism and indomitable courage," Swarup said in another tweet. He also had a brief interaction with the husband and family members of Chawla, senior officials from NASA, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her father at Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial. US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter accompanied the Prime Minister. Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, US Ambassador to India Richard Verma and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha
ing my friend (Kalpana Chawla)," Williams said. Modi spoke to Sunita's father in Gujarati and invited them to visit India. "With health permitting, I definitely look forward to visiting India," her father said. "The Prime Minister said come to India. Please come and visit," she said. Chawla's husband Jean-Pierre Harrison presented a set of books on the late astronaut, including a biography written by him, to the Prime Minister. The Tomb of the Unknowns is a monument dedicated to American service members who have died without their remains being identified. -PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the ceremony for return of idols with US Attorney General, in Washington DC on June 6
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an interaction with the Think-Tank heads in Washington D.C. on June 6
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Modi, Ghani inaugurate landmark Afghan Dam HEART, Afghanistan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani have jointly inaugurated a landmark dam, a Rs 1,700 crore showpiece infrastructure project by India in strategically important Herat province, reflecting India's strong commitment to reconstruction of the war-ravaged country. The Afghan-India Friendship Dam, earlier known as Salma Dam, on river Chist-e-Sharif in western Herat neighbouring Iran, will irrigate 75,000 hectares of land and generate 42 MW of power. Touted as a "landmark" infrastructure project, the dam located 165 km east of Herat town, is expected to significantly boost the agricultural economy of the province. The project has been executed and implemented by WAPCOS Ltd, a government of India undertaking under ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Ghani welcomed Modi to his "second home", Afghanistan, and said a "long standing dream" of the country has been realised after 30 years with help from India. "Today, we come together to make eternal India Afghan ties and friendship. This Dam will chart a new course of cooperation and Prosperity," said Ghani adding "Our
people identify India with roads, dams and over 200 small development projects." "Contrary to those who spread chaos and destruction, we two
Turkmenistan, and other parts of Afghanistan are considered strategically important. All equipment and material required for the dam were transported
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurating the Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam), in Herat, Afghanistan on June 4
countries have taken the joint decision to build and grow," said Ghani. The Herat province lies on the ancient trade routes of the Middle East, Central and South Asia. Roads from Herat to Iran,
from India to Bander-e-Abbas port of Iran via sea route and then along 1200 km by road from there to Islam Kila border post at Iran-Afghanistan border and then further 300 km by road from the border
US warns China on South China Sea BEIJING: US Secretary of State John Kerry has warned China against attempts to resolve the South China Sea dispute through "unilateral actions" while Chinese President Xi Jinping said the two countries must properly manage their differences avoiding "major disturbance" in ties. "The US will make it clear that we are looking for a peaceful reso-
only position we've taken is let's not resolve this by unilateral action; let's resolve this through rule of law, through diplomacy, through negotiation," he said. He urged all nations to find a diplomatic solution, rooted in international standards and rule of law, countering Chinese criticism of US interferences in the SCS dispute.
“The US will make it clear that we are looking for a peaceful resolution to the dispute the disputes of the South China Sea (SCS)," Kerry said speaking here at the opening ceremony of the two-day strategic and economic dialogue between the world's two biggest economies lution to the dispute the disputes of the South China Sea (SCS)," Kerry said speaking here at the opening ceremony of the two-day strategic and economic dialogue between the world's two biggest economies. "We are not a claimant. We have taken no position on any of the claims of any claimant. The
post to the site. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted India will extend cooperation to every part of war-torn Afghanistan
The SCS dispute has become flash point between the two countries as the US backed the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan to counter China's claims of almost all the SCS. China also declined to take part in the international tribunal which is currently hearing the Philippines' petition under the UN Con-
vention on Law of Seas (UNCLOS). Beijing accuses Washington of trying to expand its influence in the region taking advantage of the SCS dispute. Kicking off the talks, billed as the most important annual dialogue between the two countries, Xi said differences between China and the US are quite normal. "So long as the two sides tackle differences and sensitive issues in the principle of mutual respect and equality, the bilateral relations can avoid major disturbance," Xi said, adding that China and the US should strengthen communication and cooperation on Asia-Pacific affairs. Commenting on Xi's remarks that US and China followed two systems, Kerry said, "We acknowledge that. We respect that. But the value of our ties is most clearly respected and reflected in outside-of-government meeting rooms in busy work places, academic settings, scientific laboratories, music halls, athletic fields, and in the freedom of daily communication between our people."PTI
despite facing barriers of politics, geography and terror attacks on its mission here. Modi hailed the people of Afghanistan for denouncing terrorism and said division among them
will only help those seeking to "dominate" the nation from outside. "It was a war not of Afghan making, but it was one that stole the future of an entire generation of Afghans," the Prime Minister said, adding that the brave Afghan people are today sending a message that the forces of "destruction and death, denial and domination" shall not prevail. When Afghanistan succeeds in defeating terrorism, the world will be "safer and more beautiful", he said. "This dam has not been built by bricks and mortar, but by the faith of our friendship and the valor of Afghans and Indians. And, at this moment of pride, we also stand in grief and gratitude for lives sacrificed so that Afghan people will have a future they so richly deserve and so deeply desire," Modi said. Resolving to stand by Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said India's cooperation will extend to "every part" of the war-torn country and that the partnership will benefit every section of Afghan society. "In your clear eyes, I saw the deep well of affection for India. In your smiles, I saw the joy of this relationship. In the firmness of your embrace, I felt the trust in our friendship," Modi said in the presence of Ghani.-PTI
Awarded top Afghan honor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being conferred the Highest Civilian Honor of Afghanistan (Amir Amanullah Khan Award) by the President of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, in Herat, Afghanistan on June 4
HEART, Afghanistan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a brief visit to Afghanistan, has been conferred with Amir Amanullah Khan Award, the country's highest civilian honor. He was bestowed the honor by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani after the inauguration of the landmark Afghan-India Friendship Dam. "A true brotherhood is hon-
ored. PM is awarded the Amir Amanullah Khan Award, Afghanistan's highest civilian honor," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted along with a photo. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "My deepest gratitude to the Government of Afghanistan for conferring the Amir Amanullah Khan Award."PTI
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India, Qatar to combat hawala, terror financing DOHA: Pledging to take their relationship to new heights, India and Qatar have agreed to work together to check terror financing and illegal financial transactions as they signed seven pacts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting Qatari firms to "grab" vast opportunities in India. At the end of wide-ranging
The two sides decided to take the relationship beyond a trading one to that of partnership by exploring the possibility of joint investments and agreed to set up a high-level ministerial committee to chart the future path. Modi also took up with the Qatari leadership the issue of the welfare of Indian community,
The Indian side highlighted the interest of its energy companies to pursue opportunities of mutual interest in Qatar, with Qatar Petroleum and other companies, in order to jointly explore new fields as well as develop discovered oil and gas assets talks, Modi had with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani and the leadership here, the two sides highlighted the need to "isolate" the sponsors and supporters of terrorism and agreed that urgent action against all such entities, which support terrorism and use it as an instrument of policy, must be taken.
which is about 6.5 lakh strong, and received assurance about their security. With Qatar being the largest source of India's LNG needs, the two sides agreed to focus on enhancing cooperation in energy, covering the areas of training and human resources development and cooperation in research and
development and through promotion of joint ventures in petrochemical complexes and cooperation in joint exploration in India and other countries. The Indian side highlighted the interest of its energy companies to pursue opportunities of mutual interest in Qatar, with Qatar Petroleum and other companies, in order to jointly explore new fields as well as develop discovered oil and gas assets and exploit the existing resources of natural gas and crude oil in Qatar. Modi, before winding up his two-day visit here, expressed confidence that the bilateral relations will get "new strength" through the agreements signed. After the talks, the two sides signed seven MoUs, including one on sharing of information between Financial Intelligence Units for sharing of intelligence on illegal movement of money, termed as 'hawala'. The agreement is aimed at checking terror financing, hawala money as well as other sources of illegal financial transactions,
Modi invites Qatari businessmen to invest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Business Leaders, at Doha, Qatar on June 5
DOHA: Describing India as a "land of opportunity", Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Qatar's business leaders to take advantage of it by investing in the country and promised to address "bottlenecks" identified by them. "India is a land of opportunity. I have come to personally invite you to take advantage of this opportunity," Modi said in a roundtable meeting with Qatari business leaders, his first engagement on the second day of his visit to the oil-rich Gulf nation. The Prime Minister identified agro processing, railways and solar energy as very promising areas for Qatari investment. "All of you recognize the po-
tential of India. I will address the bottlenecks you have identified," Modi said. He described 800 million youth in India as the country's biggest strength. "India's 800 million youth are its biggest strength. Infrastructure expansion & upgradation & manufacturing are my other priorities," Modi said. He added that projects like smart cities, metros and urban waste management are geared towards upgrading quality of life of people. The Prime Minister also praised the role of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani in promoting India-Qatar business ties.-PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad AlThani during the welcome ceremony at Emiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar on June 5
Secretary (Economic Relations) in the External Affairs Ministry Amar Sinha said. "The two sides further agreed
to take action against illegal transfer of money," a joint statement issued after the talks said.PTI
Indo-Qatar pact for skill development NEW DELHI: India and Qatar have signed an agreement to forge cooperation in skill development and facilitate mobility of workers from India to the gulf nation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. Under the pact, Qatar will specify the areas in which it requires manpower and India will provide skill development to its nationals in those very areas before they go to the gulf country,
Qatar releases 23 Indian prisoners DOHA: Qatar has released 23 Indian prisoners in a special gesture just after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi, who had taken up the issue of welfare of Indians here with the leadership of Qatar, expressed gratitude to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for this gesture that coincided with the start of holy month of Ramadan. "A special gesture to mark the start of a special month...the Government of Qatar releases 23 prisoners, who will return home to India," the Prime Minister tweeted. "My deepest gratitude to the Emir of Qatar for the gesture," he said in another tweet.-PTI
an official said. It aims to enhance cooperation between the two countries on skill development and mutual recognition of qualifications to facilitate mobility of skilled workers from the Republic of India to the state of Qatar, an official release said. The cooperation also envisions establishing mechanisms for recognition of skills (with certificates from Qatar) for workforce who have not undergone any formal skill training but are already working in Qatar, it said. The State of Qatar will provide data on employers and jobs available (demand side) while the Republic of India will provide data on skilled and certified workforce (supply side). "Qatar is home to Indian expatriate community of nearly 5,45,000 people - the largest expatriate community in the Qatar. Recognition of Indian skill qualifications in Qatar would empower certified workers to access employment opportunities in the Qatar. "As Qatar would be the host country for FIFA World Cup, 2022, the demand for skilled workers particularly in job roles related to construction would increase steadily," Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.-PTI
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MoU for hassle-free entry of Indians into US WASHINGTON: India and the US have signed an MoU to facilitate hassle-free entry of Indians into America at selected airports by providing speedy security clearances for pre-approved, low-risk travelers from the country. India is only the ninth country with which the US has entered into this International Expedited Traveler Initiative (also known as the Global Entry Program), reflective of the growing relationship between the two largest democracies of the world. The move would take a few months to
implement and will provide speedy security clearances for pre-approved, low-risk Indian travelers upon arrival in US at selected airports. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Ambassador to the US Arun K Singh and Kevin K McAleenan, Deputy Commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection. "After joint scrutiny and clearance by both countries, the approved Indian travelers will be extended the facility of expedited entry into the United States through
automatic kiosks at select airports," a statement said, adding, the procedures are expected to be completed in the coming months. "Expedited entry for the Indian travelers under this program at the US airports will enable further easing of travel environment, and will have positive impact on all kinds of people-to-people exchange between our two countries," Arun K Singh said at the MoU signing ceremony. He said strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries has been at the very core of Prime Minister's vision
of India's bilateral relationship with the US. "In the last two years, several initiatives have been taken by the Government of India for easing travel from the United States to India, which includes issuance of long term visas and introduction of electronic-tourist visas for US citizens." "India's entry into Global Entry Program will further ease travel between our two countries and strengthen people-topeople ties," Singh said. The US is home to more than three million Indian-origin people who continue to maintain deep-rooted links with India, he said. "We see that more than a million of our citizens, from all walks of life - professionals, businesspersons, tourists and students - are travelling in both directions every year. This initiative will bring direct benefit to these travelers," he added. Currently, Global Entry Program is available at more than 40 US airports and 12 preclearance locations. More than 1.8 million people are enrolled in Global Entry and approximately 50,000 new applications for the program are filed every month. -PTI
Hindu priest murdered in Bangladesh DHAKA: A 65-year-old Hindu priest was killed here by three bike-borne assailants in Bangladesh while he was on his way to a temple, the latest murder in the Muslimmajority nation which has seen a string of brutal attacks on minorities and secular activists by Islamists. Ananta Gopal Ganguly was attacked at around 9:30 AM by three men who slit his throat with sharp-edged weapons in the western Jhinaigah district, Assistant Superintendent of Police Gopinath Kanjilal said, adding that militants carried out the murder. Police said they have recovered the body and sent it for an autopsy. An investigation was launched into the incident. There have been systematic assaults in Bangladesh in recent months specially targeting minorities, secular bloggers, intellectuals and foreigners. On Sunday, a Christian businessman was hacked to death by unidentified machete-wielding men near a church, hours after the wife of a top anti-terror police officer was shot dead by religious extremists. In April, a liberal professor was brutally hacked to death by machete-wielding ISIS militants who slit his throat near his home in Rajshahi city. In the same month, a Hindu tailor was also hacked to death by ISIS militants in his shop. The ISIS and Al-Qaeda in Indian Peninsula have claimed responsibility for some of the attacks although the government denies their presence in Bangladesh. -PTI
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Aus slashes tax claim for Indian couple MELBOURNE: Australian tax ANZ bank's senior officials had authorities have slashed the claim described the Indian couple as of 190 million dollars unpaid tax "two very unsavory characters" bill to just 32 million dollars for an with "no moral compass". Indian billionaire couple who has "We have to get through this launched a 1.5 billion dollars law- trial first. Everything depends on suit against the ANZ bank. that. Our daughters grew up in Pankaj and Radhika Oswal are Perth so they have a strong confighting the legal battle against nection," Radhika said. ANZ for allegedly undervaluing "My husband believes the shares of their fertilizer company Australian resources and energy to recoup millions in debts. sector is one of the greatest opThe couple, who returned from portunistic areas worldwide. Dubai in April this year, was I'm sure he would love to inbarred from leaving Australia af- vest in more downstream induster a Departure Prohibition Order tries here, if we are able to get juswas issued due to Australian Taxa- tice for the wrongs that have been tion Office's (ATO) 190 million dollars claim. ATO reduced its "My husband believes the claim against Radhika Oswal to just 32 million Australian resources and dollars, 'Herald Sun' reported, adding that it energy sector is one of the was not yet clear if that greatest opportunistic areas order would now be worldwide� lifted. The Oswals had argued the claim against them could only be for 32 million previously inflicted upon us," she dollars and maintained they owe said. nothing to ATO. Pankaj had earlier said that he Responding to recent revela- was prepared to spend a long time tions about alleged "racist re- in Australia and was eager to marks" by the ANZ top officials "seek justice in court". in 2009 emails, Radhika said that The Oswals have sued ANZ despite the emails, she has never bank for 1.5 billion after it allegconsidered Australia a racist coun- edly seized and sold their Westtry. ern Australian fertilizer company "Australians have been very for 560 million dollars which the friendly to us. It is only the banks, family claim was worth 1.385 bilthe receivers and there business lion dollars.The bank has denied friends who have caused us the claims and said the Oswals trouble," she said, adding the fam- misappropriated 150 million dolily would even consider a perma- lars from their Burrup Fertilizers nent return here. for personal use. -PTI
Jailed Indian drug dealer to pay millions LONDON: An Indian-origin drug dealer serving a 10-year jail sentence in the UK has been ordered to pay back 2.2 million pounds of his "dirty money" or face a further 10 years in jail. Nirmal Saund, 52, was jailed in February 2015 after being sentenced for conspiracy to produce drugs. The West Midlands Police's Regional Crime Unit has now invoked the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to initiate court action to regain some of his drugs empire cash. At a court hearing on May 27, he was given three months to comply with the court order or face further jail time, the 'Birmingham Mail' reported. His nephew, 32-year-old Darryl
Saund, who was sentenced to nine years for his role in the drugs operation, has been told to pay back 114,115 pounds at an earlier hearing. The uncle-nephew duo were arrested after West Midlands Police watched some of their cannabis factories and dismantled their network of fake names, passports and utility bills. Police also unearthed bank accounts used to stash drugs cash, which they splashed on luxury cars, expensive homes and a highend lifestyle. As part of a wider crackdown on "dirty money", police have also taken action against another Indian-origin thief Mann Singh Landa who stole money from gaming machines.-PTI
Axis Bank launches green bond at LSE LONDON: Axis Bank has raised USD 500 million at the London Stock Exchange after it launched India's first internationally-listed certified green bond to finance climate change solutions around the world.
bond, which is certified by the Climate Bonds Standards Board and raised USD 500 million. Axis Bank said the proceeds of the bond will be invested in green energy, transportation and infrastructure projects, reinforcing
One of India's leading private sector capital markets banks opened trading at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) with the
India's commitment to produce 175,000 MW of renewable power by 2022. "London Stock Exchange is a
world leader in green bond listings, home to international green finance from India and China. In partnership with the UK government, we remain committed to building London as the premier centre for green bond issuance and green finance and look forward to further collaboration with Axis Bank, as it continues to strengthen its presence in the UK and globally," said Nikhil Rathi, CEO of London Stock Exchange PLC and Director of International Development, London Stock Exchange Group. He described Axis Bank as a "long standing and distinguished equity issuer" on London Stock Exchange with the latest issuance building on the "far-reaching announcements made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit strengthening financial ties between the UK and India" in last November.-PTI
Tech News Nepali traders oppose India check post KATHMANDU: Traders in Nepal have expressed concern over India starting operations on its new Integrated Check Post on the Nepal-India border, saying trading through the ICP may hit commerce via the Raxaul-Birgunj customs point. India has started preparations to start operations at the ICP on its side of the Birgunj-Raxaul border in Bihar, but the infrastructure on Nepal's side was yet to be completed. Indian authorities have inaugurated the ICP on their side and all services required for export-import including customs, immigration, quarantine and banks were being built on the either side of the international border. Nepali traders voiced concern that commencing the ICP operations on Indian side could affect normal trade through the Birgunj customs point. They said they will now have to cover a long distance to reach the ICP for custom clearances, media reports said here. Indian authorities will conduct the clearance-related documentation at the ICP and send goods through the Birgunj customs.-PTI
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CTS to end production in Elkhart, cut jobs ELKHART, Ind.: Electronic components manufacturer CTS Corp. has announced it will end production at its base in Elkhart by mid-2018, cutting about 230 jobs. The company that makes sensors and other components for a variety of markets announced it will begin phasing out production in Elkhart next year and convert the plant there into a research and development center supporting the company's global operations. CTS makes products in North America, Europe and Asia. CTS said the end of Elkhart production is part of a corporate-wide simplification strategy dating to 2013. It said it also will take unspecified actions at other locations to simplify operations.-AP
China says divisions still persist in NSG over India's entry BEIJING: As India stepped up its campaign to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), China has said that the 48member nuclear club is divided on admitting new members and talks are still going on.
PTI on a question on India's bid to get NSG membership. Sticking to its stand that new members should sign the NPT, the Ministry said, "the NSG is part and parcel of the international nonproliferation regime".
last year. This is exactly why the NSG has always made the 'NPT signatory status' a prerequisite to accept new members," it said. About Pakistan's application which China, a key member of the group, is reportedly backing, the
"Discussion within the NSG is still going on about the accession of non-NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) countries, and NSG members remain divided on this issue," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a written statement to
"The international community has forged consensus long ago that this regime is rooted upon the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, or NPT, which was reaffirmed in the New York NPT review session held in the mid of
Ministry said, "China has noted Pakistan's official application for NSG membership. Pakistan is not a party state to the NPT." Stating that divisions still persist in the NSG about the admissions of new members, it said,
60pc of Qatar population live in 'labor camps' DOHA: Almost 60 per cent of Qatar's 2.4 million population lives in what the government calls "labor camps", figures from an April 2015 census highlight the issue of the emirate's huge migrant workforce. The figures from the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics (MDPS) revealed that 1.4 million people live in what the department officially designates as "labor camps". At the time of the survey, the official population was 2.4 million. That works out at just over 58 per cent of the country's population. The overwhelming majority 1.34 million - were male, the statistics found. Since the census, Qatar's population has grown further to just over 2.5 million. The accommodation of migrant laborers working on Qatar's numerous infrastructure projects has long been a contentious issue. Qatar, which will host the football World Cup in 2022, has been condemned by human rights groups, including Amnesty International, for providing "squalid and cramped accommodation" for its large migrant workforce.-AFP
"This explains why China and many countries have always proposed thorough discussions on the accession of non-NPT countries so that agreement and final decision can be reached through negotiation." "China's position applies to all non-NPT countries including Pakistan," the ministry said. It, however, did not react to question about India signing Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation which seeks to prevent the proliferation of ballistic missiles that can deliver weapons of mass destruction. The response of China, which is still averse to India's membership while the US and several other countries backed New Delhi's entry on the basis of its clean nonproliferation record, came ahead of crucial NSG meetings this month. The extraordinary plenary of NSG is due to be held in Vienna on June 9 followed by another meeting in Seoul on June 24 during which India's application is due to come up. Ahead of the meetings, India stepped up its campaign with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying visit to the US, Mexico and Switzerland which are key members of the grouping. -PTI
US to change export control policy on India SINGAPORE: The US is working "very hard" on changing its "outdated" export control policy on India as the two strategic partners seek to continue working together on a large number of projects, including in the military sector, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said here. "The United States is working very hard on changing India's status in the US export system which is also somewhat outdated," he said in response to a question on what was expected from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US. He said he along with his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar would "identify new ways" to co-
operate in defense sector in advance of Modi's visit. The US and India are commit-
and co-production of military capabilities, Carter said at the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue here.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter
ted, as part of our growing security coverage, to co-development
"That is something we have not had since the birth of the modern
Indian state, and we had two systems which grew up apart and we are trying to bring them together that would be very productive thing to do," he said. "We have a large number of projects we are working on together which will be developed and launched in coming months" elaborated Carter, adding that he had recently visited India's aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. "Our laboratories are working together on a joint research and development projects technology, military equipment. There are many many things we are doing together," he said. Cont’d on page 32
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Indian-American brothers jailed for H1B visa fraud WASHINGTON: Two IndianAmerican brothers have been sentenced to over seven years in prison for committing fraud in H1B visa program, popular among IT and software professionals, to create a low-cost workforce in the US. Atul Nanda, 46, and Jiten 'Jay' Nanda, 45, were each sentenced
visa fraud, one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and four counts of wire fraud. The brothers, who have been on bond, were remanded to the custody of the US Marshals Service. "The H-1B visa program is a powerful and positive tool for businesses and foreign workers alike
They sponsored the workers' H-1B visa with the stated purpose of working at Dibon headquarters in Carrolton, Texas but did not have an actual position at the time they were recruited and knew the workers would ultimately provide consulting services to third-party companies by Chief US District Judge Barbara MG Lynn in Texas to 87 months in federal prison. Each was convicted on one count of conspiracy to commit
when properly used. When employers abuse the program, the foreign workers become a captive stable of cheap labor, victimized to the company's financial ben-
efit," said US Attorney John Parker. Owners of Dibon Solutions, an IT consulting company located in Texas, Nanda brothers recruited foreign workers with expertise who wanted to work in the US. They sponsored the workers' H-1B visa with the stated purpose of working at Dibon headquarters in Carrolton, Texas but did not have an actual position at the time they were recruited and knew the workers would ultimately provide consulting services to third-party companies located throughout the US. Contrary to representations made by the conspirators to the workers (and the government), Jay and Atul directed that the workers only be paid for time spent working at a third-party company and only if the third-party company actually first paid Dibon for the workers' services.
Chatwal-led group to open 6 new hotels NEW YORK: Bullish on the global luxury lifestyle hotel segment, Indian-American Sant Chatwal-led hotel group will enter the Middle East market with a flagship project in Doha and open five new hotels in the US under a major expansion worth USD 1.5 billion. Dream Hotel Group signed an agreement with Qatar-based Al Alfia Holding for development of its flagship 325-room property worth USD 300 million in Doha. The agreement was signed between Al Alfia's chief Sheikh Sultan Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani and Dream Hotel Group's Chief Financial Officer Rabinder Pal Singh at a ceremony here. Outlining his company's expansion plans, Chatwal, Chairman of the Dream Hotel Group, said his company will open lifestyle hotels in Nashville, Dallas, Palm Springs, Times Square, Long Island City in the US and in Doha. The six projects, worth a total of 1.5 billion dollars, will be built with independent hotel development partners and are expected to open by 2019.
"There are not too many lifestyle hotels in America and we want to bring the lifestyle experience with a focus on food and beverage not just in the US but also across the world," Chatwal told PTI here.
Sant Chatwal
He said the company is bullish on the Middle Eastern market and is making its foray there with the flagship property in Doha.
Chatwal said Dream Group will not invest in the hotel in Doha and will only manage it. The ambitious 325-room property, featuring nine dining and nightlife venues, is the first Middle Eastern development for the brand and a pivotal step in the expansion strategy. Joining Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa and Dream Bangkok in Thailand, Dream Doha marks the third international property for the group. Chatwal said construction has already started in Dallas, Nashville, Long Island and Times Square. Apart from Doha, the group is also looking at other destinations in the Middle East including Dubai and Turkey as well as markets in Asia like Bali and China. Chatwal said he will also be building fullyowned Dream Hotels in Jaipur and Goa at a cost of about 100 million dollars each and they are likely to come up in the next couple of years. "The company is now focused on developing lifestyle properties and bringing the experience of the Dream group to global markets," he said. -PTI
They falsely represented that the workers had full-time positions and were paid an annual salary, as required by regulation to secure the visas. This scheme provided the conspirators with a labor pool of inexpensive, skilled foreign
They made the H-1B visa candidates to pay the processing fees that according to the law should be paid by the company. Three others Siva Sugavanam, 37, Vivek Sharma, 48, and Rohit Mehra, 39, who each pleaded
workers who could be used on an "as needed" basis. The scheme was profitable as it required minimal overhead and Dibon could charge significant hourly rates for a computer consultant's services, the Department of Justice said. Thus, the Nandas earned a substantial profit margin when a consultant was assigned to a project and incurred few costs when a worker was without billable work. This scheme is known as "benching". Dibon actively recruited H-1B workers for the "bench", the Department said.
guilty before trial to one count of aiding and abetting visa fraud, were each sentenced earlier this month by Judge Lynn to two years' probation. Sugavanam was the lead recruiter for Dibon, Sharma acted as Dibon's office manager and Mehra recruited employees for the bench and transported benched employees to and from Dibon Headquarters. All three had knowledge of and/or involvement in the filing of false documents with the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in securing recruits' employment with Dibon. -PTI
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Defaulters won't sleep well: Jaitley OSAKA: Amid 10 state-run lenders suffering losses of over Rs 15,000 crore in the March quarter, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has promised greater capital support to banks while warning that defaulters cannot be allowed to "sleep well", leaving all the worry to bankers. He also rejected suggestions that huge losses being posted by public sector banks (PSBs) were like "skeletons tumbling out", say-
"Look at the balance sheets of these banks. Punjab National Bank operationally had a good profit, SBI had a good profit. It is the provisioning which makes it look like a loss," the Finance Minister told PTI. Stating that non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans have always been there, Jaitley said: "Whether you keep it below the carpet or you bring it into the balance sheet... I think a transparent
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
ing NPAs were mostly due to business-related losses in certain sectors, rather than due to frauds, and one must "distinguish between chalk and cheese". Jaitley, who was on a six-day visit to Japan to attract investments, said the losses were because of provisioning to cover for bad debt and most of the banks including State Bank of India and PNB had good profits at operational level.
balance sheet is the best way of doing business and that's what the banks are today doing. "I am very clear, the government will fully strengthen the banks and fully support the banks where needed. I have declared a figure in the Budget, but I am willing to look at a higher figure if that is necessary." On measures being taken to empower the banks, he said bankruptcy law is one empowerment
while the strategic debt restructuring (SDR) mechanism of RBI is also there. "What we are doing to several other recovery laws the Securitization, Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) itself is an empowerment. Therefore you cannot indefinitely have a situation where people who owe money sleep well and bankers have to worry. I think the people who owe these monies will also have to act," he said. Asserting that all NPAs are not bank frauds, he said there may be some improper loans but there were a large volume of loans resulting from business losses or on account of sectoral losses. "The loans were rightly given, sectors haven't done well. So to say that these are all skeletons stumbling out (is not correct). A business loss is not a skeleton. A skeleton is something which is done as a scam or a scandal and therefore we must be careful to distinguish between chalk and cheese as far as the banking NPAs are concerned," he said. Jaitley said: "In many ways it has also been obstructive. I say obstructive because there is lot more volatility today, lot more unpredictability today and more than that I think the shrinkage on global trade has impacted on all economies and therefore it has impacted on us." In a helpful global environment for an economy to grow much faster, at 8-9 per cent, is reasonably possible but when the global environment is much adverse, to then maintain a 7.6 per cent growth rate is extremely critical, he said. "Once the growth returns to the world, I think this 7.6 per cent, we have a reason to look forward to, to enhance," he said. The Finance Minister said a series of pro-growth policy initiatives as well as decisions on critical areas of spending have helped India maintain high level of growth. On the way forward, he said: "I still have my hands full in terms of structural reforms that we require. I have always said that as far as reforms are concerned India will never have a finishing line, so you will have to go on and on with the changed situation." The government, Jaitley said, is looking at the direct tax reform to bring down the tax rate as also the indirect tax reform through the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to create single sales tax for the country.-PTI
New norms soon for air ticket cancellation NEW DELHI: The Civil Avia- sought an explanation from the tion Ministry is likely to announce carriers over the issue. soon new norms for ticket cancel"We have been trying to comlation, baggage and denied board- pare (ticket cancellation charges) ing, amid the increasing number with international trends and like of complaints on these issues. that... It (analysis of cancellation The move also comes after do- charges) will take more time," mestic air passengers' body Air DGCA chief M Sathiyavathy had Passengers Association of India said last month. (APAI) had written to the civil aviaBudget carrier IndiGo had in tion ministry and aviation regula- April done away with the slab systor DGCA to address these issues tem for charging ticket cancellaincluding adequate compensation to fliers in the eventuality of "We are revisiting regulatheir flight getting can- tions concerning these celled or delayed. At present a passen- issues," a senior official gers gets between Rs said. The revamped norms 2,000-4,000 depending are expected to be made upon the duration of the public soon delay. In the case of denied boarding also, the compensation ranges in the same tion fee and made it uniform at Rs amount. 2,250. National carrier Air India too "We are revisiting regulations had in February effected a hike of concerning these issues," a senior Rs 500 for cancelling its flight tickofficial said. The revamped norms ets, which now stands at Rs 2,000 are expected to be made public per ticket. soon, the official added. "We certainly welcome the Significantly, after domestic air- (proposed) move. But at the same lines including the largest airline time we want a fool proof system by market share IndiGo and Gov- in place. If a passenger misses his ernment-run Air India hiked its connecting flight he should also cancellation charges, Directorate be compensated," D Sudhakara General of Civil Aviation had Reddy of APAI said.-PTI
US to change export control policy on India Cont’d from page 30
Carter expects the 'Make in India' policy and US' technology policies to come together in the same way that the America's rebalance and India's Act East policy have come together. "There is a lot going on and a lot more will be developing in the policy in the coming weeks and months," said Carter. He also highlighted the US-India military relationship, saying it is as close as it has ever been. "Through our strategic handshake with the United States reaching west in its rebalance, and India reaching east in Prime Minister Modi's Act East policy our two nations are exercising together by air, land, and sea. "And there's also a technological handshake: we re moving toward deeper and more diverse defense co-development and co-production, including on aircraft carrier design and construction," said
Carter in his presentation on 'The Asia Pacific's Principled Security Network' in this morning's Plenary Session. "If we continue to cooperate on security, I posited, we would one day be discussing a US-China-India multilateral maritime exercise, a Japan-Republic of Korea joint disaster response in the South China Sea, and an ASEAN-wide security network," said Carter. He also noted joint activities like this year's MALABAR Exercise, following which the US-Japan-India trilateral relationship is starting to provide real, practical security cooperation that spans the entire region from the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific. He also noted India's increasing training with Vietnam s military and coast guard on their common platforms, and added that the Japan-Australia-India trilateral meeting last June was a welcome development and addition to the region s security network. -PTI
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Telengana signs MoU with California HYDERABAD: Telangana government has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with California State of the US for cooperation in a number of sectors, including business innovation, alterna-
Telangana and Silicon Valley. I am confident that startups in both geographies would benefit immensely from this MoU," Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao said in a statement.
technology, health, agriculture, business innovation, technologybased industries, research and development, among others, for which a delegation led by Rao signed the MoU. Panorea Avdis, Director, California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GOBiz) said India and California have strong economic ties that make our respective regions natural partners. "The agreement with the Telangana government provides a framework for collaboration that will help innovative Indian com-
panies invest in California and help innovative companies in our state access the Indian market," Avdis said. "The MoU aims to connect the respective innovation programs and help foster economic cooperation and development, facilitate joint industrial research and development through their respective innovation ecosystems, and enhance business relationships and educational opportunities in areas such as renewable energy, cleantech, smart cities, water conservation, biotech and agri tech," an official release said.
"Through this agreement, the companies that participate in the Telangana T-Hub will have access to resources and contacts within the GO-Biz Innovation Hub (I-Hubs) network, which stretches from Redding to San Diego (in USA) and includes 15 distinct I-Hubs, making it the largest state-sponsored innovation network in the US," the release said. Likewise, this agreement opens opportunities for California companies to connect with the partners and companies within T-Hub network, it added. -PTI
India for security group to resolve disputes
At the MOU signing ceremony
tive energy and education. "This MoU will open new avenues for exchange of innovative ideas between startups in
The southern Indian state and the California Governor's office have pledged to work together in alternative energy, environmental
SINGAPORE: India has called for a regional framework for security management to peacefully resolve disputes, threat and use of force in the Indo-Pacific region, amid China flexing its muscles in the area to advance its maritime claims against its Asian neighbors. "Regional framework for security management must enshrine a commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, the threat or use
of force," said Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar in his address at the 15th Shangri-La Dialogue here. He also called for collective efforts to tackle terrorism which remains the foremost challenge to the region. "The security frameworks in our region still do not give enough attention to terrorism. This must change," Parrikar said. "Collective action and coopera-
tion is the way forward to deal with the maritime threat, like terrorism, piracy and natural disaster," said the minister, adding that such cooperation will build trust and confidence. "We need to oppose terrorism resolutely everywhere," said Parrikar, calling for resolute efforts by all to destroy the terrorism. Terrorism remains the foremost challenge to the region.-PTI
Desi News Enlightening talk on manual scavenging in India GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: Association for India's Development (AID) Boston and MIT chapters arranged an enlightening talk by Obalesh Bheemappa on a sensitive topic tilted, 'Toward Eradicating Manual Scavenging' on June 1, at MIT campus. The event was attended by MIT scholars, students and AID's members, among others, from the greater Boston area. Nimish Sane, the president of AID, Boston chapter welcomed the audience to the event along with his brief introduction of the speakers of the evening.
COMMUNITY ACROSS AMERICA
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RAMESH SOPARAWALA
Details on page 18
RAJINDER MAGO
CHICAGO: Sikh American community members of Chicago participated in the 146th Chicago Memorial Day Parade on May 28 with a float, flags, posters, banners and a walking unit to honor and commemorate Sikhs' contributions in World Wars I & II. It was the Sikhs' fifth year in a row participating in this Chicago parade. The banners and poster displays on the float featured photos and quotations which highlight the contributions of Sikh soldiers to the success of the Allied Troops during the World Wars. Details on page 22
Details on page 24
June 10, 2016
President Obama endorses Raja Krishnamoorthi for Congress India Post News Service
Sikhs participate in Memorial Day Parades
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Tamil IT pros celebrate Jayalalithaa's victory
CHICAGO: Raja Krishnamoorthi's bid for US Congress contesting from the 8th Congressional District of Illinois got one of the biggest boosts with the US President Barack Obama endorsing his candidacy Raja, a Democratic nominee, is in this year's open-seat race in the constituency which includes west and northwest Chicago suburbs. He has already elicited support from a number of Federal, State and local level leasers besides massive support from Indians, Pakistanis and Bangaldeshi voters in the area. "As the son of immigrants who worked their way into the middleclass, Raja understands both the challenges facing America's working families and the opportunities their work makes possible," President Obama said. "I know he'll fight
hard in Congress to create more good jobs, empower more Americans to start businesses, and help working families afford to put their children through college." Raja served Obama as issues
only seems like yesterday that the two of us ate dinner in my childhood home in Peoria before the beginning of his historic rise to the US Senate and the White House. A few gray hairs later, that dinner
Raja Krishnamoorthi and President Barack Obama
director in the President's successful U.S. Senate campaign in 2004 when Raja helped shape policy proposals that Obama embarked on in federal office. “I am honored and humbled to have the support of President Obama in my race for Congress," Raja said of the endorsement. "It
table conversation continues as we are focused on standing up for the middle class and working to make sure that we come together as a country instead of casting stones and insults at our fellow
Americans." Raja grew up in Peoria, Illinois where he graduated as a valedictorian of Richwoods High School. After college and law school, he served as a founding prosecutor in Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's anti-corruption unit and as Deputy Treasurer of Illinois. A lifelong progressive, Raja is running for Congress to stand up for middle class families and fight against attempts by House Republicans to cut Social Security and Medicare that are benefits his parents and millions of other Americans rely on. Raja Krishnamoorthi currently serves as president of Sivananthan Labs and Episolar, Inc., small businesses that sell products in the national security and renewable energy industries. He is a co-founder of InSPIRE, a non-profit organization that provides training to Illinois students and veterans in solar technology.
Large crowd interacts with Bhushans in Chicago MADHU PATEL
Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan
CHICAGO: Swaraj Abhiyan, an organization with a mission to educate and mobilize Indian citizens to ensure accountability of political leaders and reduce corruption
in public life attracts a good number of supporters and fans here too. Cont’d on page 19
Community Across America
June 10, 2016
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OFBJP welcomes Dr Harsh Vardhan in Bay Area India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Overseas Friends of BJP Volunteers of Bay Area met Dr Harsh Vardhan, India's Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, at luncheon on Friday, June 3. Chandru Bhambhra of OFBJP (USA) welcomed him with all the volunteers in an informal setting. The Minister highlighted the good work done by his ministry in particular, as well as Modi Government in general, over the past
two years. As part of Swachh Bharat project, the Minister said that the current government had built 1,92, 000 toilets across India. This was in fact achieved within one year. He said under the current administration, the economy is growing at a fast clip, yet various inflation indices continue to be relatively low. The Minister thanked OFBJP volunteers for their active support during the 2014 Indian general elections and suggested that the volunteers should remain well-in-
formed about the good work being done by Indian government and keep propagating the same in the right direction. He recollected
his own volunteering days from 40 years ago. The volunteers had many questions about the BJP party, the Gov-
Dr Harsh Vardhan with OFBJP members
Chandu Bhambhra with Dr Harsh Vardhan
ernment and the upcoming elections etc. Many volunteers spoke during the interaction. Cont’d on page 19
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June 10, 2016
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Enlightening talk on manual scavenging in India GEETHA PATIL
Obalesh Bheemappa and Prof Neeta Sane addressing MIT Meet on manual scavenging
BOSTON: Association for India's Development (AID) Boston and MIT chapters arranged an enlightening talk by Obalesh Bheemappa on a sensitive topic tilted, 'Toward Eradicating Manual Scavenging' on June 1, at MIT campus. The event was attended by MIT scholars, students and AID's members, among others, from the greater Boston area. Nimish Sane, the president of AID, Boston chapter welcomed the audience to the event along with his brief introduction of the speakers of the evening. He invited Prof. Neeta Sane, Sociology professor from Dnyanasadhana College (University of Mumbai) at Thane, Maharashtra to give a brief introduction of the topic to audience. Her research is on sanitation workers and
manual scavenging community in Maharashtra. She said that manual scavenging is the cleaning of human waste by communities considered low-caste, which is still practiced in India. It is estimated that around 1.3 million people in India are making their living through manual scavenging. She explained the difference between Manual Scavenger and Safai Karmachari. Manual Scavenger is used to describe the job of removing human excrement from dry toilets and sewers using basic tools such as thin boards, buckets and baskets, lined with sacking, carried on the head whereas Safai Karmachari denotes street sweepers. This scavenger community is called by different names such as Bhangis, Mehtars,
Madigas Daasu, Halalkh or Lalbegi Valmiki and others. This practice of manual scavenging underlines the social stigma that these castes are untouchable and perpetuates discrimination and social segregation. She stressed that their living conditions are still pathetic as the government has not implemented existing legislations aimed to assist manual scavenging community mem-
their organization -Thamate's interventions in Tumkur district. He explained their threefold approach: for youngsters they try to provide avenues and encouragement to stay away from this hereditary profession and take up alternative employment; for those who have been working as manual scavengers since decades, they fight for their rights such as minimum wages, provident funds, health insurThamate is also a part of the Safai Karmachari ance, safety equipment etc; Kavalu Samithi (Sanitation Workers Watchdog and for their Committee) in Karnataka, which investigates kids. T h e into atrocities committed on Safai Karmachari Thamate is tryworkers and fights for justice and compensa- ing to provide them sufficient tion in case of injury or death. educational support in the bers find alternative, sustainable liveli- form of after-school tuition classes to enhoods. sure their academic progress. Thamate is Obalesh Bheemappa, who was the main also a part of the Safai Karmachari Kavalu speaker of the evening, hails from the Samithi (Sanitation Workers Watchdog Madiga community, which is the most Committee) in Karnataka, which investigates marginalized even among the Dalit commu- into atrocities committed on Safai nities. The Madigas form about 95% of the Karmachari workers and fights for justice sweepers and manual scavengers in and compensation in case of injury or death. Karnataka. He narrated the pathetic life of He emphasized that the main goal of the manual scavengers in Karnataka and Thamate and their partners is just fact-findshowed many photographs that depicted ing and making serious legal advocacy eftheir horrible working conditions, accidents forts. and deaths while working in the manholes. These two speakers made the audience Devadasi system is widely prevalent in this to think seriously about the harsh realities community and many young uneducated that still exist in India and support such acgirls from this community are pushed into tivists to eradicate such evil practices. red-light areas. Nitin thanked the speakers for their time Obalesh has been working with his team and the audience for coming and supportto eradicate manual scavenging through ing AID's efforts.
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Hiremath talks about challenges facing India GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON : Association for India's Development (AID), Boston and MIT chapters presented another very informative and education lecture by S. R. Hiremeth on Friday June 3 at MIT campus.
the rights of rural and tribal poor over the natural resources and bringing about participatory and deliberative democracy through non-violence, trasperancy, and self-reliance. He spoke on the
illegal mining. He narrated how he had accumulated enough evidence by making several field trips to the Bellary area, and procured incriminating documents that revealed plunder
Prof Hiremath addressign the gatheirng in Boston
The event was attended by MIT scholars, students, and AID's members from the Greater Boston area. Nitin Gujaran, Treasurer of AID Boston chapter, welcomed the audience to the event along with his brief introduction
thoughtful topic, 'Whither, India? Where the nation is headed, its challenges and how do we deal with them.' He talked elaboratively on the challenges in the political, social, and economic spheres with focus
of natural resources on an unprecedented scale and succeeded in his efforts for social justice. He said that in his anti-illegal mining campaign, he faced many threats and challenges as part of his work. He also talked about fu-
A group of MIT students
of an eminent speaker of the evening. Hiremath is a political and environmental activist from Dharwad, Karnataka who worked ceaselessly for over 35 years for promoting people oriented policies, legislations, and protecting
on the marginalized communities, their livelihoods and their role in democracy.He talked about his relentless fight against the illegal mining mafia that took place in Karnataka and successfully challenged many political and government executives associated with
ture farming on a larger scale by pooling together small land holdings along with other occupations like agriculture, animal husbandry and sheep or goat rearing, for the development of the region, state, and the nation. Cont’d on page 20
OFBJP welcomes Dr Harsh Vardhan in Bay Area Cont’d from page 17
All appreciated the palpable progress being made by Indian Railways and Power Sector, among others. Shivu Vibhuti appraised the Minister about specific efforts that the group pursued. Mahadev Karadigudda stressed the need for various BJP support groups to be connected. Judhajit said that informing people about various government projects helps people
appreciate the efforts of Modi Government. Thippeswamy suggested that the technical expertise of members of Silicon Valley can help the Government and BJP connect with citizens better. On behalf of the volunteers, Chandru Bhambhra accepted a Book 'A Tale of Two Drops' from the Minister. This publication is an interesting and inspiring story about the visionary campaign for Polio eradication in Delhi, which became a model for the rest of the
country. The Minister also presented three publications of his ministry for all OFBJP volunteers. Raj Bhanot, Mahima and Bhriguraj Singh, Sunil Ganu, Dinesh N, Somanjana C, Raghavendran N, and Rajan S.T. were present amongst the volunteers. The meeting ended with a Vote of Thanks by Chandru Bhambhra who thanked the Minister for taking out time from his busy schedule to meet the OFBJP volunteers.
Large crowd interacts with Bhushans in Chicago Cont’d from page 16
- the plight of farmers and agriculture; problems in education; communal strife and continuing corruption. The BJP government is not serious about curbing corruption either as they had been sys-
This was evident when a group of supporters hosted an interactive talk with eminent lawyers and activists Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan on June 1 at Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, northwest side suburb of Chicago. The Bhushans' live talks were well attended despite it being a working day. Shanti Bhushan spoke about his vision of clean politics in India where parties and political leaders did not run after power and rather power ran after them because they were invested in solving the problems facing the common man and saw their term in office as a responsibility entrusted to them. Prashant Bhushan talked about in great detail about the start of IAC movement which galvanized the nation and created hope for clean politics, and how it translated into a political party and how step by step the party started compromising on its core values of zero tolerance for corruption, transparency, Shanti Bhushan addressing the meet accountability and decentralization or Swaraj to finally become like any other political party. He mentioned how tematically dismantling all antiSwaraj Abhiyan was launched so corruption institutions, he obthat all the selfless energy of served. Bhushan shared that Swaraj people who had wanted to see India change was not wasted and Abhiyan's Jai Kisan program has could be kept focused on India's been fighting for the rights of farmers and the relief for people in drought hit areas in India in over 12 States. Swaraj Abhiyan's recent PIL in Supreme Court fought by him was awarded a historic judgment where the Supreme Court has ordered the Central government to provide relief to the people in 12 drought hit States that it was obligated to do but had not done. Swaraj Abhiyan AntiCorruption Team has launched a nationwide citizens' whistleblowers forum and recently exposed the scam in the Augusta Westland helicopter deal involving crores of public money. He lauded NRIs for making significant contribuPrashant Bhushan addressing the meet tors in the anti-corruption drive and urged them to continue to support the fight for development. He pointed out that Swaraj clean politics keeping the elected Abhiyan is focusing on four key representatives accountable to problems facing the nation today work in public interest.
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June 10, 2016
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Amazon removes doormats with images of deities
Bharatiya temple in Indiana installs Murtis India Post News Service
India Post News Service
CHICAGO: Amazon.com, one of the biggest online retailers in the world, has bowed to the pressure and strong pleadings from members of the Indian community across USA to remove from its website doormats carrying images
Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism, and backed by Madhu Patel, founder president NRI Press Club, had made it known to the Amazon management about the views and feelings of the Indian community, principally Hindus, and feel elated that their voices are being heard by the
elements at the company who intentionally pinprick Hindus. "We need to get united and seek exposing these anti Hindu elements at Amazon," he said. Zed had earlier said that it was shocking to visualize that Amazon.com, for its mercantile greed, apparently persuading the
Doormats showing images of Hindu deities
of Hindu deities. The company has agreed to do so within 24 hours after a protest. Over 60 doormats which were available on June 4 depicting images of Hindu deities-Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna, Ganesha, Venkateswara, Saraswati, Murugan, Durga-Hanuman, Padmanabha; images of Hindu
concerned people at the company. However, Rajan Zed observed that an official apology from Amazon.com and its President Jeffrey P. Bezos to the upset Hindu community was still due as it was their third incident in the recent years trivializing Hindu deities. After protests spearheaded by Zed, Amazon.com removed
Deities depicted on the doormats sold at Amazon.com website were highly revered in Hinduism and were meant to be worshipped in temples and home shrines; and not for absorbing "water and dirt from shoes" or for sweeping on for cleaning or for drying wet feet and grabbing "dirt, dust and grime". temples and worship place-Sun Temple Modhera, Akshardham Delhi, Bhuleshwar Temple, etc.; and Saint Ragavendra-which Hindu devotees found objectionable; were not seen on the Amazon.com website when searched on June 5 morning. Community activists led by
women's leggings carrying images of various Hindu deities from its website in October 2014, while in January 2014 it removed the pants carrying image of Lord Ganesha. Madhu Patel said that this type of frequent trivializing incidents for Hindu deities fall into a pattern and obviously there would be some
world to scrub/wipe the soles of their shoes before entering a building on the faces of gods which Hindus worshipped. Deities depicted on the doormats sold at Amazon.com website were highly revered in Hinduism and were meant to be worshipped in temples and home shrines; and not for absorbing "water and dirt from shoes" or for sweeping on for cleaning or for drying wet feet and grabbing "dirt, dust and grime". Inappropriate usage of Hindu deities or concepts for commercial or other agenda was not okay as it hurt the devotees, Zed had noted. Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled, Rajan Zed had indicated. Zed had also pointed out that such trivialization of Hindu deities, temples and saint was disturbing to the Hindus world over. Cont’d on page 24
BAPS organizing planting of thousands of trees HARISH RAO
CHICAGO: Over 1100 members of the Indian community alongside Village of Bartlett Mayor and Trustee members have planned a Walk Green 2016 on Sunday June 12 commencing early morning 8 am from Eastern Avenue in Bartlett, a northwest suburb of Chica. The Walk is organized by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purshottma Swaminarayan
(BAPS) Charities. According to Vinod Shah, a spokesman, this is an event to raise funds for the Nature Conservancy and other charitable activities organized by BAPS Charities. This year, he said, the BAPS Charities will support The Nature Conservancy's efforts to plant and restore over 1.6 million acres of land by planting one billion
trees by 2025 through their Plant a Billion Trees initiative. It is believed that over 17,000 walkers in over 50 cities in North America will participate in the event and help BAPS Charities support the planting of 100,000 trees in 2016. It is also aimed to assist the Bartlett Park District's efforts to make the parks a better place for all community members.
LAFAYETTE: Bharatiya Temple & Cultural Center (BTCC) of Greater Lafayette in West Lafayette, Indiana, has completed traditional installation of statues of Hindu deities. BTCC, which formally opened in 2012, now reportedly has statues of Shiv-Parivar, Vishnu-Parivar, Ve n k a t e s w a r a Parivar, RamParivar, RadhaKrishna, Ganesh, L a k s h m i , Saraswati and Kartikeya; in addition to Navagrahas. BTCCGL was formed to provide a gathering place for members of the Indian community of Greater Lafayette to celebrate cultural as well as religious festivities. The facility is open to everyone, irrespective of race or faith, and the temple provides a place of worship for religions of Indian origin. Besides daily aarti, BTCC;
whose mission includes "To promote friendship and goodwill among people of all religions"; also conducts festivals, havans, yoga, meditation, discourses on Bhagavad-Gita, cultural programs,
Bharatiya Temple, Indiana
Bal Vihar and Bhangra classes, community lunches, charitable activities, etc. Bhavin Shah, Surya Dwadasi and Padma Subramaniam are President, General Secretary and Treasurer respectively of BTCC whose goal includes providing "avenues for religious, humanitarian, cultural and educational resources to the community". Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents. There are about three million Hindus in USA.
Hiremath talks about challenges facing India Cont’d from page 19
Hiremath observed that if we ignore what happens around us, it grows huge, unhealthier and spreads its impact to the entire community. It is therefore, necessary to create awareness among the people as to the ill-effects of exploitative practices, provide training for the concerned persons of Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) to handle challenges, hold media campaign to mobilize widespread public opinion against the irregularities and illegalities, and to take measures for
protecting the livelihood of local people, the ecology and environment of the region. Audience showed lot of curiosity in knowing more about the sustainability approaches and empowerment of rural poor in the Q and A session. Nitin moderated this session meticulously. He also thanked Shri Hiremath and Smt. Shyamala Hiremath for coming over to Boston and enlightening the audience about the present situations in India in general and Karnataka in particular. He also thanked the audience for their interest and making this event successful.
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19 Hindu festivals on NJ holidays list NEELA PANDYA
NEW JERSEY: In its recently adopted resolution - "The List of Religious Holidays Permitting Student Absence from School" New Jersey State Board of Education (NJSBE) has listed 19 Hindu festivals. It included four festivals in October itself, including Navaratri, which alone is listed for ten days. This "list of religious holidays on which it shall be mandatory to excuse a student", includes the Hindu festivals of Guru Purnima,
Naga Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Onam, Navaratri, Dussehra, Diwali, Goverdhan Puja, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Vasant Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Chandramana Yugadi, Souramana Yugadi, Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. It was heartening that the Board decision follows a request earlier by the Universal Society of Hinduism which had urged to include five festivals on the list and these
Kids in India lack timely vaccinations ASHOK JAIN, MD
ANN ARBOR: Two-thirds of children in India do not receive their vaccinations on time, prolonging their susceptibility to diseases and contributing to untimely deaths, according University of Michigan researchers. New research by U-M's School
of Public Health found that only 18 percent of children are vaccinated with the recommended three doses of DPT vaccine, while about a third receive the measles vaccination by 10 months under the government-supported immunization program. Their study is believed to be the first that looks at vaccination timeliness data for children up to 5 years of age, both with and with-
mended time period can have dramatic implications for a child's vulnerability to diseases." Shrivastwa also says a lack of good recordkeeping is part of the problem. When a child is born in India, the parents are given an immunization card to keep track of
the vaccines. But, if the card is lost or misplaced, the record for that child is lost. Sometimes, it also means a "missed opportunity," she says. A child may be in the hospital for one vaccine, but will not get another follow-up vaccination that was also due because there is no record. Although India is a leading producer and exporter of vaccines, the country has the greatest number of Although India is a leading deaths among children under 5 - the majority producer and exporter of are from vaccine-prevaccines, the country has ventable diseases. "Every year, 26 milthe greatest number of lion children are born in deaths among children India - the greatest number by far of any under 5 country in the world," said Dr. Matthew out immunization cards. Boulton, senior associate dean for "This is a systemic problem," global public health at the U-M said the study's lead author, Nijika School of Public Health and proShrivastwa, who recently finished fessor of epidemiology, health her doctorate in epidemiology at management and policy, and preU-M and is now at the South Caro- ventive medicine. lina Department of Health and Environmental Control. "Immunizing Cont’d on page 23 a child six months after the recom-
holidays are part of this list. Rajan Zed, the Society President, thanked NJSBE and its President
school because of a religious holiday may not be deprived of any award or of eligibility or opportu-
NJ Board and its President Mark Biedron
Mark W. Mark Biedron for being inclusive. According to the NJSBE resolution: "Any student absent from
nity to compete for any award because of such absence." "Students who miss a test or examination because of absence
on a religious holiday must be given the right to take an alternate test or examination." "Boards of education, at their discretion, may add other days to the list for the schools of their districts", and "Any absence because of a religious holiday must be recorded‌as an excused absence". The NJSBE, which meets monthly in Trenton, "adopts the administrative code, which sets the rules needed to implement state education law. Such rules cover the supervision and governance of the state's 2,500 public schools, which serve 1.38 million students". Joseph Fisicaro and Diane Shoener are Vice President and Director respectively of NJSBE; David C. Hespe is Commissioner of New Jersey Department of Education; and Chris Christie is the New Jersey Governor.
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Sikhs participate in Memorial Day Parades RAJINDER MAGO
CHICAGO: Sikh American community members of Chicago participated in the 146th Chicago Memorial Day Parade on May 28 with a float, flags, posters, banners and a walking unit to honor and commemorate Sikhs' contributions in World Wars I & II. It was the Sikhs' fifth year in a row participating in this Chicago parade. The banners and poster displays on the float featured photos and quotations which highlight the contributions of Sikh soldiers to the success of the Allied Troops during the World Wars. Sikh Soldiers gallantly fought
and sacrificed their lives for the success of the Allies in World Wars I & II. They bravely fought for the allies in France, Belgium, Italy, Israel and many other battle fronts. In the two world wars, 83,005 Sikh soldiers died and 109,045 were wounded while fighting for the Allied forces. The Chicago parade, started in 1870, is considered one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation. The two hour long parade organized by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events stepped off at noon and proceeded south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren
Sikhs participate in Itasca Memorial Day parade
Street. There were more than 150 emonies at Hoffman Estates Veterans Memorial Cemetery Site contingents in the parade. Lt. General Kenneth R. Dahl of and at St. Peter Lutheran Church the U.S. Army was the parade's in Schaumburg Illinois. Grand Marshal. The Chicago The program included recogMemorial Day Parade honored nition of deceased military memveterans as well as active duty personnel and drew nearly 10,000 The Chicago Memorial Day spectators. It commemorated the incred- Parade honored veterans ible work our soldiers as well as active duty perdo to protect this country as well as maintain sonnel and drew nearly our freedom. 10,000 spectators. The Chicago-land Sikh Americans also participated in another Memorial bers followed by a moment of siDay Parade in Itasca Illinois, a lence and musical tributes to milisuburb of Chicago. The Chicago tary personnel and veterans of the Sikh community also participated Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force in Memorial Day observance cer- and Coast Guard.
Sikhs participate in Downtown Memorial Day parade
St Louis Bal Vihar hosts Annual Day RAJ IYER
ST. LOUIS: Bal Vihar celebrated its Annual Day on May 15, marking the completion of 23 years of its existence, delivering cultures and values to the local community. The event was a grand success and cultural presentations by the students stole the limelight.
blend of ethnic culture, their talent and today's world. The show lasted 3+ hours with over 35 different skits, dances and songs performed to the folk and Bollywood songs. This year Bal Vihar conducted a "Kaun Banega Ramayana Expert" - a quiz on Ramayana to see how Through various songs and much our students know about this great dances, the students Indian Epic. At the anday event, the winshowcased how India and nual ners were honored and the efforts and awareits culture evolved over ness of all the students the years. was acknowledged. Prior to the annual day on May 1, it orgaThe theme for this year was nized a "Yoga/Bhajan Showcase". "Kal, Aaj aur Kal" (Yesterday, To- This is another annual event where day and Tomorrow). Through vari- students present to their parents ous songs and dances, the stu- and other family members what dents showcased how India and they learned as part of Yoga and its culture evolved over the years. Bhajan. It was amazing to see Many of the events showed a them perform so well and in tan-
dem. At this event, all the students who graduated from regular Bal Vihar curriculum to the "Youth Program" were recognized with a plaque. Bal Vihar youth students
ready. Bal Vihar continues to grow and influence the community in a very positive way. Last 5 years have seen consistent growth in enrollment. Thanks to all the teachers and volunteers.
dents age 5-18, its application and integration with the global multicultural and multifaceted society. Over last 20+ years it has helped groom a breed of multi-
Cultural presentation by Bal Vihar kids
get much more involved with community and inter-faith activities. These students also assist with teaching younger classes and serving as an example. Registrations for 2016-17 school year have already opened with enrollment topping 360 al-
Center for Indian Cultural Education - Bal Vihar of St. Louis, a non-profit organization, since its inception in 1992 has been serving the Metro St. Louis Indian community. The primary focus of this organization is to provide Indian cultural education to stu-
cultural global leaders of next generation that have been shaped by the best of the cultures from east and west. These youngsters understand the need and value of the cultural values that have been instilled in them through the rigorous program.
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Shreejidwar celebrates Eighth Patotsav
Shree Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree's 50th Birthday was celebrated by temple devotees Asian Media USA
CHICAGO: Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest celebrated in a grand way its 8th Patotsav under the auspicious presence of Goswami 108 Shree Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree at the Haveli in Addison, a northwest suburb of Chicago. The four-day Ashtasakha Festivities were about remembering the contribution of 8 close disciples of the Pushti Marg founder Vallabhacharya Kumbhandas,
There were four ManorathsDarshans: Rang Mahal, Vivah Khel, Pushpa Vitan, Ashta Sakha Darbar prepared by volunteers. On Sunday May 29, Shree Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshree 50th Birthday was celebrated by temple devotees. There was Garba and an entertainment program of classical Bhajans held during the four days celebration. On 18 July, 2014 the ground breaking ceremony for Haveli expansion took place in the auspicious presence of Shri
The four-day Ashtasakha Festivities were about remembering the contribution of 8 close disciples of the Pushti Marg founder Vallabhacharya Kumbhandas, Surdas, Krishnadas, Parmanand Dass and his son Gusaiji-Govindswami, Chhitswami, Chaturbhujdas, Nanddas. Surdas, Krishnadas, Parmanand Dass and his son GusaijiGovindswami, Chhitswami, Chaturbhujdas, Nanddas. Pushti Marg was founded by Shri Vallabhacharya around 1500 AD
Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri (Champaran -Kandivali) with blessing of JiJi -Shri Indira Betiji. Haveli is under major expansion in up-coming months. More than 1,000 devotees from
Devotees enjoy bhajans
Chicago land and Midwest participated in the event. The young became the volunteers and shouldered the responsibilities of event planning, parking, food, darshan management, etc. Devotees praised the excellent management of every activity. Ample parking was facilitated by dedicated volunteers in sunny heat. Shreeji Dwar Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest is a religious not for profit organization that promotes the teachings of Srinathji. They have the following activities available to all: Darshan at multiple times, Garba Raas event, Picnic, Diwali, Keertan (Bhajans) and other religious activities as seen throughout the Hindu calendar. Lal Bhava attends this Mandir. VSM has appealed to all to participate and visit Haveli and enjoy beautiful Darshans offered. Visit the web-site at www. Shreejidwar.org and know future festivities and upcoming Vallabhkul visits.
A section of the devotees attending Patotsav festivities
Kids in India lack timely vaccinations Cont’d from page 21
been made public yet. Shrivastwa said the government has the infrastructure to deliver vaccines but motivations for delivering all vaccination doses decreases over time. "Interventions like awareness building and follow-up with parents will be key to timely vaccinations in India," she said. India hopes to add rotavirus to its Universal Immunization Pro-
"Adding vast numbers of new children who need vaccination, while the older ones remain under or unvaccinated because of immunization delays, is like walking too slowly on a moving treadmill - you continuously fall further back." The researchers found that only 12 percent of children are vaccinated with the measles vaccine by the required age of 9 months, although 75 percent are vaccinated The government has the by age 5. This delay in vaccination can con- infrastructure to deliver vactribute to frequent outbreaks of measles in In- cines but motivations for dia. delivering all vaccination "Approximately, 95 percent vaccination is doses decreases over time. required in a population to successfully stop measles outbreaks," said Boulton, gram, a free government-approved a senior author of the study. vaccination program that was "India's childhood vaccination looked at in this study. "For rotavirus to be effective, rate is simply too low to successfully control transmission of dis- it must be delivered on time. Othease and prevent measles-related erwise, the child will not receive the disease-preventing benefit of childhood illnesses and deaths." The study looked at the vacci- the vaccine," Boulton said. The researchers agree that if nation rate of nearly 270,000 children in the District Level House- India is able to administer vaccihold and Facility survey data from nations on time, it will have a ma2008, a nationally representative jor impact on the global status of sample. The researchers utilized a childhood vaccinations and pubnew statistical analysis methodol- lic health. The study, "Vaccination Timeogy to examine data from children without immunization cards, using liness in Children under India's mothers' recall of vaccination sta- Universal immunization Program," is published in the Pediatric Infectus. DLHS was started in 1997 to tious Disease Journal. Other U-M assess government health care authors include Brenda Gillespie facilities and people's perceptions of the Center for Statistical Conabout the quality of services. A sultation and Research and James new DLHS sample was collected Lepkowski of the Institute of Soin 2013, but the results have not cial Research.
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June 10, 2016
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Tamil IT pros celebrate Jayalalithaa's victory India Post News Service
FREMONT, CA: Over hundred software professionals, mostly Tamils, converged at a common place to celebrate the historical victory of AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa in the Assembly elections. Joy knew no bounds for them following the massive mandate given by the people to make Amma take the reins once again for the sixth time. Abdulla Khan, an IT professional, took the initiative to mobilize software professionals, mostly Tamils working in different places in US. A native of Katrapalayam in Madurai, Abdulla Khan settled down with his family in Fremont City. Abu has been an ardent follower of Jayalalithaa right from his college days. He has been organizing functions to commemorate the birthday of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa every year. In a step further, Abu placed an ad in the front page of all editions of MakkalKural during Amma's 68th birthday on February 22 this year. Cutting cakes, distributing sweets and snacks marked the celebration of Amma's poll victory. Software professionals also organized a common feast as part of the fete in US. Abu says, "I was attracted towards her forthrightness in taking quick decisions keeping in view the welfare of people at large. Moreover, this time, she contested the polls sans any alliance partners since she was confident about winning with a majority to be back on the saddle." Abdulla said he made it a point to post her achievements in the portal he had developed during the last Lok Sabha elections. Jayalalithaa's pathbreaking initiatives as Chief Minister have been appreciated by Tamils living in different parts of US. Earlier also, Abdulla Khan had released a full page color ad to greet Jayalalithaa on her 66th birthday in 2014 in a popular Tamil magazine 'Thendral' being run by Tamils in US. This time, Abu conducted an election campaign through net by creating memes and write-ups on the achievements of Jayalalithaa.
Amazon removes doormats with images of deities Cont’d from page 20
Hindus were for free artistic expression and speech as much as anybody else if not more. But faith was something sacred and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers, Zed added. These doormats; some of which could be used as bath/floor mat or for "living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, hallway, etc"; and some "can be easily cleaned by sweeping"; were apparently sold from $14.49 to $25.74. Some of these clearly mentioned Lord Ganesh as God of Hindus on the website. Amazon.com, Inc., a Fortune 500 company founded in 1994, and headquartered in Seattle (Washington, USA), claims to offer "Earth's Biggest Selection" and "strives to be Earth's most customer-centric company".
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Kannada movie 'Game' premiers in Bay area India Post News Service
SUNNYVALE, CA: AMR Ramesh's most anticipated Kannada movie of the year, Game was premiered in Bay area on June 4th. The movie stars 'Action King' Arjun Sarja, Manisha Koirala, Shyaam, Aqsa Bhatt and Neha Saxena in the lead roles. The movie
is distributed and promoted all over Bay Area by Kasturi Media. Game is a mysterious thriller which unfolds the murder of a
high-profile woman, played by Manisha Koirala. It is her comeback movie in South. The rest of the plot revolves around the investigation by Arjun Sarja, who plays a smart Police Officer in the movie. There was a special Meet and Greet event at Vara Restaurant, Sunnyvale organized by Kasturi M e d i a . Kasturi Media was established in 2009 to create a global platform for Kannada cinema and culture in USA. They specialize in organizing events, movie distribution and promoting Kannada culture across North America, Australia, Europe. They have brought classical Kannada shows and have hosted most of the superstars of
Kannada film industry, Raghu Dixit, Rajesh Krishnan, Ramya Vasisht, Shamitha Malnad, Sihikahi Chandru to name a few. During the meet and greet event, Arjun Sarja and AMR Ramesh interacted with their fans, and spoke for about two hours on Game, movie industry, co-stars,
Readers Write...
Bhushans in Chicago: Opportunity missed? et me at the outset state that I am totally supportive of the broad objectives of Swaraj Abhiyan that seeks to have clean, honest and transparent government in India. I am one for that and all efforts earlier made by "For India activists" troubled by the state of affairs, created by the Congress and its allies for years to have a cleaner and responsive government moved well, but there was a bit misfiring in that Kejriwal got at the helm of affairs. He did not live up to the ideals he advocated and to many like me; he betrayed them while getting into power Shanti Bhushan and Prashant Bhushan supported Aam Aadmi Movement and exited on realizing that it is not going in the direction that it should. They started Swaraj Abhiyan which is a good move so far as it goes but it does not go far in as much as it is directing its criticism of the BJP government and PM Modi, who could turn out to be their natural allies. The aim should be to dis-
mantle the corrupt edifice created by Congress and its unprincipled allies. AAP leader Kejriwal in my opinion, fits into that category the way he somersaulted on many of his promises seeking to cling to power. One of the reasons for honest and principled activists here in USA and in India to leave him is that he proved to be no better than many a previous politician. Much can be said about the working of the Modi government but one has to understand that five decades of misrule, dirt and loots by previous leaders could not be wiped out easily whoever be at the helm. Besides, we have a number of fifth columnists in our country who would change their colors siding with their allies abroad. The crying need of the time is to change our Constitution and get done away with many discrepancies. Redefining secularism and ensuring real adherents to the idea, ending caste based reservation and finding out ways and means to lift socially and economi-
cally backward people alike, getting a strong center, preferably a Presidential form of government, that will do away with directionless Parliament hobbled by parties with communal, and caste affiliations, regional and linguistic loyalties and narrow interests groups many with links abroad. We need not only a purposeful government but also a strong government that upholds our Sanatan values and age old time tested norms. Bhushans are lawyers and many of us wish they use their time and energy to help the country and right minded Indians across the world to feel secure that Bharat is one piece and will remain one piece maintaining its rightful place in the world community Much can be said for better India that is Bharat. Interested readers can email me and we will talk. Madhu Patel Chicago, IL 60659 E mail 9chicago9@gmail.com:
Disclaimer :- India Post does not endorse opinions expressed in the letters.
founders of Kasturi Media. Arjun Sarja also launched the teaser of the movie "Dreamer", which is an initiative by Bay area local talent, "Yuga creations".
Security sought for Hindu temples in Malaysia India Post News Service
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upcoming projects. "Our company's passion is delivering quality Kannada entertainment to all our customers," say Ashitha and Govardhan,
CHICAGO: Reports that a second Hindu temple in Malaysia in less than six weeks was desecrated by vandals have been upsetting Indians, especially Hindus, across the country and the world. According to reports, a century
on the part of bigots and anti social elements, Madhu Patel, founder president of NRI Press Club here and Rajan Zed, President of Universal Society of Hinduism said that it was shocking for the hard-working and peaceful Malaysian Hindu community should be suffering this type of
A century-old Hindu temple has become latest target of the desecration of places of worship, this one in Central Seberang Perai, Malaysia
old Muthumariamman Temple in Seberang Perai Central (Penang) was vandalized damaging some statues of deities on the night between June 1-2. This was the second such desecration after a similar incident at Sree Muneeswaran Amman Temple in Ipoh (Perak) on April 24 where some statues were desecrated, reports suggest. Decrying this act of vandalism
indignity and to receive such signals of religious hatred. Zed urged the local administration in Malaysia to take swift and effective action to regain the confidence of the Hindu community. Madhu pitched for Malaysian government and the local authorities initiating measures to nab the culprits and provide adequate security to Hindu places of worship.
June 10, 2016
26 India Post www.indiapost.com
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Horoscope
June 10, 2016
India Post
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May June 10th - June 16th 2016 Please send your birthday, place of birth and time, so I can give you your zodiac sign, according to Vedic astrology. Send to Jaysastrology@gmail.com
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he professional matters need care.The health of the spouse looks better.The health of father may cause concern.Say no to involvement in speculation. Continue to work with patience up to September, 2016. It is better to avoid haste, conflicts and unnecessary driving. Take care of your health and don't get involved in arguments. Obstructions are likely in income up to September, 2016.
he week continues with anxiety and stress. Week brings some health concerns, May need to see doctor for check up. Some additional expenses and losses are likely. The new professional opportunities should be put on hold. Avoid conflicts with business. Avoid conflicting situations during 2016, and take due care of your health.
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he professional matters are vulnerable to sudden conflicts. Work with patience.The child may bring happiness. The health of the parents causes concerns. Week is difficult for those who are in foreign lands. Better to avoid conflicts and unnecessary driving. Exercise patience. Transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult. Transit weakness of planets can bring sudden mishaps and obstructions.
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void conflicts in professional matters. Handle relationships and health with patience. Health is vulnerable in June 2016.Child may need help. Avoid haste, conflicts, speculation, aggressive behaviour and unnecessary driving. Conflicts and financial concerns are likely to continue. Enemies are likely to trouble. Conflicts will put you to harm. Manage obstructions with due patience.
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he professional matters are ok. Some gains are likely.Some sudden health concerns are likely. Take care of yourself. If need be go for physical check up. Focus on Child needs extra care. The new professional opportunities are likely. Exercise patience and avoid unnecessary driving and risky behavior. The transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult.
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he professional matters may continue to face obstructions and stress. Though the health is better but some concerns persist. The new professional opportunities should be put on hold. Avoid haste, conflicts, unnecessary driving and travel.Handle obstructions and relationship matters with care up to September, 2016. Some additional expenses are likely. The transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult.
T
T
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he new professional opportunities should be put on hold. The week brings some good news for the family. The child may also bring some happy news.Those who are appearing in selections or promotions may get good results.Those who are in foreign lands need care. Work with patience. Avoid haste. Remedy for the week Patience. Avoid new ventures.
he professional matters face conflicts. Avoid disputes at work. Some sudden stress is likely.Some sudden health concern is likely.Focus on health and if need be see doctor. The incidence of difficulties is indicated for those who are in foreign lands.Better to avoid unnecessary driving. Work with patience. Take care of your relationship matters. Some immune disorder is likely.
rofessional matters face obstructions, and sudden setbacks. Take care of your health and exercise patience. See doctor for physical check up. Avoid aggressive behaviour and haste up to September, 2016.Some additional income is likely. Silence is golden for you. Better to avoid driving and conflicts. Avoid risky behavior and actions.
P
he professional matters are looking better. Some of you are likely to get promotion/recognition. Some health concerns are likely. Focus on it and check physical check up. Handle obstructions and setbacks with patience in new business initiatives Avoid conflicts anddisputes.The transit planetary influences caused by Rahu/Ketu are difficult.
P
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rofessional matters need constant alertness. Avoid disputes aand conflicts at work. New professional opportunities should be put on hold. Avoid conflicts and take care of your health. Get physical check up. Some sudden stress is likely. Child may need special attention upto September, 2016. Avoid speculation.Patience is the best medicine during this year. Take care of your health.
he professional matters face sudden concerns and obstructions. Some sudden health concerns are likely. Physical check up needed. The incidence of conflicts, obstructions and sudden setbacks continues specially for those whose ascending degree is around 18. It is better to avoid unnecessary driving, and risky behavior. Manage persisting difficulties with patience.
This weekly horoscope is more focused and accurate as these are based on ascending signs. The ascending sign is worked out on the basis of your date, time and place of birth. You will find the predictions at other places based on your Sun sign or Moon sign. The Sun remains in one sign of zodiac for one month whereas the Moon remains in one sign for about 54 hours. It is the ascending sign, which changes every couple of hours." That is how this site offers you more focused predictions.
JATIN P - ACHARYA MIHIR • JAYSASTROLOGY@GMAIL.COM • 630-675-7148
TOP TEN HINDI FILM SONGS
1 Kar Gayi Chull : Kapoor & Sons 2 Sab Tera: Baaghi 3 High Heels Te Nachche: Ki & Ka 28 India Post
June 10, 2016
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Ki & Ka 7 Bolna: Kapoor & Sons 8 Most Wanted Munda : Ki & Ka 9 Let's Talk About Love : Baaghi 10 Buddhu Sa Mann : Kapoor & Sons
Yasmin
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5 Bol Do Na Zara: Azhar 6 Ji Huzoori : +
fter meeting her beau and shooting for her item number in Budapest for Dinesh Vijyan's directorial debut, Deepika Padukone has finally returned to Mumbai. Recently, a video posted by her fitness trainer, Yasmin Karachiwala, gave a glimpse of the actress after what seems like a very long time. Till now, fans saw Deepika through the social media handle of celebs present on the sets of her forthcoming film'xXx: The Return of Xander Cage'. However, a fresh video of the 'Bajirao Mastani' star will surely give you serious fitness goals. In the short video, DP is seen sweating it out to perfection with her In the short trainer Yasmin, who revealed that this video, DP is is a new form of exercise that Deepika is getting her hands on. "This techseen sweating nique is called the side bend on the it out to Bodhi suspension system. Deepika was training with me when I caught perfection up with her in Budapest after a long with her trainer time," she shared.
anjay Dutt is all set to face the camera once again. According to reports, barely months after his release from Pune's Yerwada Jail , the actor is preparing for his role in Siddharth Anand's next venture. The role he plays requires the 56-year-old to perform commando-style stunts in the action flick. The actor has been training to build his physique for the project in his building's gym in Pali Hill, but he has made arrangements to keep the sessions away from the public eye. "He has been training at his building's gym which has grabbed the attention of his fans and passers-by, who tend to crowd the place. So, he has covered the area to avoid the disturbance," a source close to Sanjay Dutt was quoted as saying.
4 Jabra Fan: Fan
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hen Kriti Sanon set off to Budapest, Hungary to shoot for her upcoming film, she was not prepared for the chills. In fact even the film's director Dinesh Vijan did not expect the climate to be cold. A source close to the actress, reportedly, revealed, "The makers didn't expect the weather to be this cold, since these are the summer months in Budapest. But the temperatures are still very low." Kriti has been shooting there for almost two months. Required to wear summery clothes, she continued to shoot for the film without creating a fuss. "Kriti was required to wear summery outfits for a few scenes. Even though she felt really cold, she shot for them perfectly, and impressed the unit by not complaining about the cold at all," the source added. The film also stars Sushant Singh Rajput.
June 10, 2016
Bollywood
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hahid Kapoor doesn't think about whether he will ever again share screen space with his former girl friend Kareena Kapoor. However, he says he is open to the idea and that it will be great if it happens. Shahid and Kareena are a part of 'Udta Punjab', but they are not paired together. In the past, the audience has loved their chemistry in movies like 'Chup Chup Ke' and especially 'Jab We Met'. Asked if he is open to work with Kareena again, Shahid said: "I have always said 'yes'. I have been asked this question 30 times, and I have always said 'yes'. If it happens, it's great and if it doesn't happen, I have no problem. I really don't think about it beyond a point." For now, it's 'Udta Punjab' and fatherhood on his mind. The actor, who is married to Mira Rajput , is excited about the impending arrival of their baby.
D "There are times when many things written are derogatory but that is the challenge that all creative people face. If you are in a category which is called a public figure then you are bound to be facing all this.
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mitabh Bachchan seems to take criticism very well. The veteran actor says that criticism is a challenge that all creative people face. "There are times when many things written are derogatory but that is the challenge that all creative people face. If you are in a category which is called a public figure then you are bound to be facing all this. You have to reconcile to all these things. You can't call yourself a public figure and expect the public to not react. When they shout, scream and praise you take that well but when they throw brick bats at you, you say, 'Patthar mat pheko yaar.' How can you do that? It's not right or expected either. You should listen to criticism because that voice is not often heard. That is how I look at it. I feel it is essential that you should be pointed out your mistakes because it gives you an opportunity to learn," the actor was quoted as saying in The IndianExpress.com. The 'Piku' actor says that it is very natural to criticize him as all of us have our flaws. "If you keep hearing only good things about yourself, you will be a destroyed person. Nobody is perfect. We all have our flaws," he said.
irector-choreographer R e m o D'souza's 'ABCD' franchise was all about how a group of dancers struggle to make it big and gain recognition worldwide. And now, in a clear case of reel meets real, he has cast a group of dancers in an important sequence in his next directorial. A source says, "Remo was in Sangli for an event and was totally impressed by this group of nine girls, who go by the name Eli Angels. They showed off some freestyle and hip-hop moves and Remo was so smitten by their performance that he immediately cast them for his film, 'Flying Jatt'." The source continues, "Eli Angels will be seen in a song in the film and the girls have already started practicing for the same. Remo has asked them to audition for his upcoming dance reality show as well."
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India Post
SATYAGRAH SOULS Indian Americans Making A Difference
June 10, 2016
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ATYAGRAH SOULS is a monthly political series presented by Bay Area's community leader Rishi Kumar in highlighting the community involvement and success of role-model Indian Americans. This series seeks to inspire each of us in giving back to our local community. Indian Americans are going through a transitional evolution while getting entrenched in a new world, exerting zealous work ethics, supporting the American economy as entrepreneurs, high tech geeks, doctors, lawyers and more. We are definitely imposing the posi-
tive intentions and good citizen values upon this fantastic country. But can our involvement run a bit deeper with issues near and dear to our hearts, within our local city with the local public school that our children attend? Do we sometimes hear your conscience imploring us, "Am I doing enough?". Yes we can get involved just a bit more, push our comfort zone and enhance the learning and involvement. Our involvement can simply start with developing a healthy curiosity in our local community, instead of being 'busy' bystanders. Once we get involved, we
Community candidates incredibly qualified; need encouragement
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ongressman Bera, how does it feel to be the only Indian Ameri can currently in Congress?
It's a privilege to serve my friends and neighbors from Sacramento County in Congress. We've been able to help many people to navigate the federal government - our office has resolved over 6,000 constituent cases since 2013 and returned over $3 million to the taxpayers. I've also made it a priority to work with other representatives from both sides of the aisle that don't have a lot in common with me on paper. But we've tackled many problems that face working families of all stripes. Congress has a lot of problems, but making a point to work with my colleagues on common ground has been successful in many ways.
As a community, what else can we do to get more Indian Americans elected to office? When you ran in 2012, there were 14 Indian Americans running for Congress. Only 1 made it through - you. I'm humbled by the support of my supporters every day - they're the reason I'm in office now. We had hundreds of grassroots supporters who got out and knocked on doors and made phone calls on my behalf, and we were able to beat my opponent despite millions in outside money spent against me. I feel very fortunate to have that support, and I work to earn their support every day by delivering results for Sacramento County. What was your calling? From a medical professional to a congressional run? How
will quickly discover, how easy it is for us to make change happen and how receptive everyone around is to leverage our skills for the betterment. There are leaders waiting to be discovered, why not take that first step? More importantly, how freeing and energizing the experience is; personally rewarding and transformative at the same time. There are many who have made their mark in doing just that. With this monthly series, we want to highlight these SatyAgrah souls who are showing us the path. Here is a SatyaGrah soul, who has found the calling:
Congressman Ami Bera represents California's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A first-generation American born and raised in California, Bera is guided by a desire to serve his community. He attended California's public schools from grammar school through medical school, earning both his B.S. and M.D. from the University of California, Irvine. He credits much of his success to his country's investment in him, and he's working to ensure that we continue to invest in hard working Americans to keep the American Dream alive for the next generation. Bera is a physician with over 20 years of experience in the medical field, and he uses the skills he learned as a doctor to listen to the people of Sacramento County and to put their interests first. His top priority is to build an economy that works for the middle class by working with his colleagues regardless of party. A proponent for strengthening United States' strategic and trading relationship with India and Asia, Bera is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and a member of the House Foreign Affairs
did that come about? I grew up instilled with strong values: work hard, get a good education, and help other people by giving back to the community. I also credit the great education I received in public schools in California, from grammar school through college and medical school at University of California, Irvine. I was able to put myself through medical school, working part-time, taking advantage of federally-funded student loans, so I was fortunate to graduate with less than $10,000 in debt. I'm thankful for my country's investment in me and my education, and I'm working to ensure that we continue to invest in hard working Americans to keep the American Dream alive for the next generation. During my medical career, I've worked to make care more affordable and accessible
A MONTHLY POLITICAL SERIES - BY RISHI KUMAR
Congressman Ami Bera
Committee. Congressman Bera is the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He resides in Elk Grove with his wife Janine, who is also a medical doctor, and their daughter Sydra.
for people seeking quality treatment. I was able to put my medical experience to work for my community by serving Sacramento County as chief medical officer. I worked to reduce the cost of health care, create jobs, and deliver care to tens of thousands of my neighbors in Sacramento County. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work as a clinical professor of medicine and associate dean for admissions and outreach at University of California, Davis, where I taught the next generation of doctors. I also helped the University's studentrun clinics find innovative ways to engage with the community and deliver care to those who needed it most. That experience prepared me well to serve my constituents as their representative in Congress. Cont’ d on page 31
June 10, 2016
SATYAGRAH SOULS Indian Americans Making A Difference
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www.indiapost.com Cont’ d from page 30
What are some of the core challenges you are seeking to solve for your district? My district is facing challenges that middle class families are facing throughout the country. They're hard working families with both parents going off to work every day to make a better life for their family, but many feel like they're just not getting ahead like they should. We need to fix that. If you work hard and want to get a good education in America, you shouldn't be held back by the burden of student debt. People who have worked for years and responsibly saved for their retirements shouldn't be worried if they're going to be able to pay for their health care costs. These are the issues that my friends and neighbors raise with me when I speak with them, and it's important to me to find ways that the federal government can help them.
Community candidates incredibly qualified; need encouragement simple issue in the community to make life a bit better. Perhaps someone you know decided to make a run for school board, was appointed to the planning commission. Provide us your insights on Indian Americans locally and nationally who are making things happen. These perspectives will help construct roadmaps for our community to empower ourselves, to hopefully ignite a desire in all of us to represent our local communities as doers, leaders, establish and entrench ourselves in this glorious country of America and help make it a better place
What are the Indian American issues in this country that you are most passionate about? Indian Americans face the same challenges as other Americans: putting their kids through college, saving up to buy a home, and working hard to build a better future for the next generation. I hear the same concerns from people of all backgrounds. For me, this country invested in me through public education so I could become a doc-
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can be daunting to run when it seems like you don't fit the mold. We have incredibly qualified candidates that would be excellent public servants, but need a little encouragement. The great thing
nity, but the jump from medicine to politics was not one I anticipated when I was younger. I hope kids are inspired to get involved in their communities and be generous with their abilities. We have so many smart kids that can achieve their dreams if they work hard - that's what makes our country great. Ami thank you! We wish you success with all future endeavors. ******** Dear Readers Do you have a story to share? We invite you to introduce us to folks in your community who are making a difference - we would love to profile them. Are there similar stories you are familiar with locally. The ones who helped address a
tor, and I want to make sure that others have that same chance to do what they love. The Indian American community has a strong sense of family duty, and ensuring that our aging population has the resources they need to get quality medical care, as well as the ability to save for retirement, is a priority that I'm working on. Internationally, the United States has strong ties to India, and I'm proud to have worked to strengthen our economic and strategic defense ties with India, which has been beneficial to both nations. Is political empowerment important for the future of our Indian American community in this country? Absolutely. I think it's imperative for everyone to have a stake in what's going on in their community, whether that's the Indian American community or in their physical community with their neighbors. I'm proud to support other Indian candidates for office at all levels of government, because it
about America is that if you want to get involved, you can through hard work, and I hope more Indian Americans see that opportunity. What advice do you have for the young Indian American kid who is inspired by your leadership in Congress to make a political career? I'm humbled to be able to serve my district in Congress. It's an honor and a responsibility that I take very seriously. I work with people on both sides of the aisle that I may disagree with on a number of issues, but on common ground we can come together and make real change for our communities. I hope the next generation can learn from my example in this respect. I think my story is not a traditional one - lifelong Californian who worked hard to become a doctor and then got into politics as a result of wanting to help my community. It's a natural extension of how I was raised to help others and give back to my commu-
ABOUT RISHI: Rishi is Silicon Valley's community worker seeking to make a difference in his local community. As an elected city councilmember in Saratoga, CA and politically active in the state of California, he continues to follow his passion for community service, seeking to provide services to his citizens cheaper, faster and better. Rishi has community outreach and engagement a key focus for his political leadership. As Saratoga's community organizer, Rishi is host of many community events in Saratoga, many of which are free and always inclusive usually addressing a need or a cause. Rishi's day job is as a Silicon Valley hitech executive but his zeal for community service is effervescent. Rishi is also the President of the Bay Area Indian American Democratic Club (www.baiadc.org) whose charter is to further the interests and values of Indian Americans, work towards political empowerment and advance ethical standards in the political system. You can reach him via his website www.RishiKumar.com.
Health
Line
New protein can help treat cancer WASHINGTON: Researchers, including one of Indian-origin, have designed a new protein that can effectively kill cells linked to the development and progression of cancer and a number of other diseases. ProAgio, which is created from a human protein, targets the cell surface receptor integrin v3 at a novel site that has not been targeted by other scientists. The researchers from Georgia State University in the US found ProAgio induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of cells that express integrin v3. This integrin has been a focus for drug development because abnormal expression of v3 and is linked to the development and progression of a number of diseases. "This integrin pair, v3, is not expressed in high levels in normal tissue," said Zhi-Ren Liu, lead author of the study and professor at Georgia State. "In most cases, it's associated with a number of different pathological conditions. Therefore, it constitutes a very good target for multiple disease treatment," said Liu. Integrins are cell surface receptors that play a critical role in cells that attach to the extracellular matrix. They are composed of different combinations and subunits. Different types of cells have different pairs of subunits. Integrin v3 has been studied by many scientists as a potential target for drugs that prevent inflammation and the growth of new blood vessels. -PTI
Migraines increase risk of heart attack BERLIN: Women who suffer from migraines may have a slightly increased risk of developing heart attacks and strokes, and are more likely to die from these conditions than people who do not have migraine, a new study has claimed. The findings add to evidence that migraines should be considered an important risk marker for cardiovascular disease, researchers said. Migraine has been consistently linked with an increased risk of stroke, but few studies have shown an association of migraine with cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Researchers from Institute of Public Health in Germany and Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health in the US carried out a large prospective study to evaluate associations between migraine, cardiovascular disease and mortality. -PTI
Health Science 32 India Post
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June 10, 2016
New tool to predict spread of Zika virus Details on Page 35
Insurance rates going up: New concerns for Obamacare WASHINGTON: Fresh problems for ``Obamacare'': The largest health insurer in Texas wants to raise its rates on individual policies by an average of nearly 60 percent, a new sign that President Barack Obama's overhaul hasn't solved the problem of price spikes. Texas isn't alone. Citing financial losses under the health care law, many insurers around the country are requesting bigger premium increases for 2017. That's to account for lower-than-hoped enrollment, sicker-than-expected customers and problems with the government's financial backstop for insurance markets. The national picture will take weeks to fill in. With data available for about half the states, premium increases appear to be sharper, but there are also huge differences between states and among insurers. Health insurance is priced locally. Earlier this week, North Carolina's largest insurer said it will seek an average increase of 18.8 percent. A recent analysis of nine states by the consulting firm Avalere Health found that average premium increases for the most popu-
lar kind of plan ranged from 5 percent in Washington State to 44 percent in Vermont. Millions of customers will be shielded from price hikes by government subsidies, which typi-
dies and get no such protection. That demographic includes small business owners, self-employed people and early retirees. Under the law, most Americans are required to have health insurance
Affordable Care Act navigators hold an enrollment event at the Fort Worth Public Library in Fort Worth, Texas. Fresh problems for “Obamacare.” The largest health insurer in Texas wants to raise its rates on individual policies an average of nearly 60 percent, a sign that President Barack Obama’s overhaul didn’t solve the problem of price spikes.
cally cover more than 70 percent of the premiums. People who don't have access to a workplace plan can buy a policy directly on the health law's marketplaces. But many consumers aren't eligible for the income-based subsi-
or risk being fined. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has about 603,000 individual policyholders and, unlike other insurers in the state, offers coverage in every county. In a recent filing with federal regulators, a summary
of which is available on HealthCare.gov, the company said it is seeking increases averaging from 57.3 percent to 59.4 percent across its individual market plans. In a statement, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas said its request is based on strong financial principles, science and data. ``It's also important to understand the magnitude of the losses ... experienced in the individual retail market over the past two years,'' the statement said. The company says it lost $592 million last year and $416 million in 2014. Texas is the health care law's third-largest market, after Florida and California. Texas state regulators said the insurer's request is confidential and they can't comment on it. However, Insurance Department spokesman Ben Gonzalez said the state can withdraw approval if the request doesn't meet requirements and standards in Texas law. Wichita Falls insurance broker Kelly Fristoe said the burden of premium increases will fall hardest on rural communities where Blue Cross Blue Shield is in many cases is the only option. Cont'd on Page 35
Hijacking science for marketing purposes NEW YORK: It was a startling scientific finding: Children who eat candy tend to weigh less than those who don't. Less startling was how it came about. The paper, it turns out, was funded by a trade association representing the makers of Butterfingers, Hershey and Skittles. And its findings were touted by the group even though one of its authors didn't seem to think much of it. "We're hoping they can do something with it - it's thin and clearly padded," a professor of nutrition at Louisiana State University wrote to her co-author in early 2011, with an abstract for the paper attached. The paper nevertheless served the interests of the candy industry - and that's not unusual.
The comment was found in thousands of pages of emails obtained by The Associated Press through records requests with public universities as part of an investigation into how food companies influence thinking about healthy
ture and generates headlines. "Hot oatmeal breakfast keeps you fuller for longer," declared a Daily Mail article on a study funded by Quaker Oats. "Study: Diet beverages better for losing weight than water," said
It's not surprising that companies would pay for research likely to show the benefits of their products. But critics say the worry is that they're hijacking science for marketing purposes, and that they cherry-pick or hype findings. eating. One of the industry's most powerful tactics is the funding of nutrition research. It carries the weight of academic authority, becomes a part of scientific litera-
a CBS Denver story about research funded by Coke and Pepsi's lobbying group. The studies have their defenders. Food companies say they follow guidelines to ensure scientific
integrity, and that academics have the right to publish no matter what they find. Many in the research world also see industry funding as critical for advancing science as competition for government funding has intensified. It's not surprising that companies would pay for research likely to show the benefits of their products. But critics say the worry is that they're hijacking science for marketing purposes, and that they cherry-pick or hype findings. The thinner-children-atecandy research is an example. It was drawn from a government database of surveys that asks people to recall what they ate in the past 24 hours. Cont'd on Page 24
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Kansas City mental illness chapter closes KANSAS CITY, Mo.: They're going to tell their stories of mental illness, the old fear and pain and unfair feelings of shame be damned. One reason is that they can't offer a proper requiem for NAMI-KC - the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater Kansas City - without telling. The Kansas City Star reports that funding problems and staff health issues have compelled NAMI-KC's small staff and board to shut down the 36-year-old chapter that launched a nationwide service for families. That's why you'll hear how it was NAMI that Joe and Heidi Custin called for help from behind their locked bathroom door when their 20-year-old son stormed on the other side in the grip of his illness. Sybil Noble will tell how she had slipped back into illness and defiantly disappeared, and how NAMI helped her frightened husband get past hospital privacy barriers to locate her and see that she was safe. Co-founders Joan and Jim Smith will tell how they started NAMI when their blind hopes for a cure for their son led them on a desperate search for other families in mental illness's anonymous sea. And there is another reason to tell. Not only did NAMI help families find one another, it ignited their courage to step out of the dark so that families like theirs would not have to starve for help and understanding. ``NAMI gave us our life back,'' Joe Custin said. It couldn't cure their son, Adam, of
the late 1970s after the state university in Rolla, Missouri, out of the blue called and told them to come get their suddenly sick son, Mark. Jim Smith's work on oil refineries took him to far-away shores, often leaving Joan Smith alone with an angry, out-of-control son and four other adolescent children at home. It is also hard to talk about how their chapter of NAMI, which they founded in 1980 to save themselves and others like them, has come undone after all these years. ``Where will (families) go when they need help?'' Joan Smith said. If there is some comfort, it's that for now the support groups and classes that NAMIKC provides are carrying on because the volunteers who run them are continuing to meet. The mental health training for police officers that NAMI championed goes on. In Jefferson City, NAMI's statewide director, Cindi Keele, called the Kansas City chapter's shutdown a ``transition, not a retreat.'' The state organization will support Kansas City services, she said, while NAMI looks for a way to bring back a local office. The Kansas City office had been struggling with its finances, a difficult time made worse because key members of its small administrative staff were in ill physical health. Nearly 30 percent of NAMI-KC's revenue came from a share of the Jackson County Community Mental Health Fund tax levy. The executive director of that fund, Bruce Eddy, and its staff had grown increasingly concerned that NAMIKC needed to reorganize. Not only did NAMI help families find ``As a friend and one another, it ignited their courage to supporter, it was frankly step out of the dark so that families like heartbreaking to watch this struggle,'' Eddy theirs would not have to starve for help in an email to The and understanding. ``NAMI gave us our said Star. life back,'' Joe Custin said. For several months the fund intensified schizophrenia. But it allowed them all to communication and oversight, he said, face it with grace. ``hoping to help move the focus beyond For about 2 1/2 years, the disease gave day-to-day survival toward making the adthem a reprieve. A blissful time when the mittedly difficult business decisions needed medications worked and they dared imag- to remain open.'' ine a fruitful life for their ``sweet son.'' But NAMI-KC was ultimately dropped But when the disease roared back, they from the fund. left behind the old explosions and bitter ``I continue to believe,'' Eddy said, ``that fights, able now to wrestle with it openly, reorganizing would be the best course of knowingly and lovingly. action for the organization and the commuIn a bit of dark humor, Adam even wrote nity.'' scripts for his parents to yell at the voices It's mostly out of the hands of its in his head that tormented him - the voices founders, now in their 80s and many years of multiple Josef Stalins living inside him. past their son's death from brain cancer in ``He had us shout at them, in words I 2003. don't want to say, to shut up!'' Heidi Custin The fresh frustration over Kansas City's said. closing contrasts with a rich legacy that That last time around, Adam stayed with now includes nearly 1,000 NAMI state and his medications and not the deadly drugs local chapters reaching every state, includoff the street. And though the disease de- ing 12 in Missouri, 14 in Kansas, 37 in New stroyed his mind, the family held together York, 64 in California, six in Alaska and three in love, patience and empathy to the end. in Hawaii. NAMI made that possible, his mother None of that existed for families in 1979. said, ``and that was a gift.'' Doctors unloaded diagnoses on the Smiths Some things are hard for Joan and Jim for their lost, angry, swearing son, condiSmith to talk about. tions they'd never heard of - schizophreLike those desperately lonely years in nia, maybe, or schizoaffective disorder, or
perhaps bipolar disorder. First they stumbled around, Jim Smith said, looking for someone to tell them ``the cure.'' Then they suffered alone, with no help in how to cope. Are there any other families out there? Joan Smith wanted to know. Yes, said Shirley Fearon, the director of Research Mental Health Services in Kansas City, which would become ReDiscover. There were others. And she helped the Smiths connect with some of them.
``So many members' kids have killed themselves, but they can't tell anyone,'' he lamented. ``Why? Because they're ashamed? No. By 1980, the Smiths had met with similarly distressed families in St. Louis and Madison, Wisconsin, and they created the first local NAMI chapters as well as a national organization, registered in Jefferson City. In those first years, the Smiths gathered information for pamphlets that Jim's busi-
ness printed for him and that they put together in their basement. The word spread and chapters began forming, even beyond the Smiths' knowing. In 1990, Jim's work took the family to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for two years. Soon after they moved in, he looked in the Baton Rouge phone book. And there it was, a NAMI chapter. The Kansas City chapter soon had funders, an office, a staff and a director - a post Guyla Stidmon has filled for years becoming a pre-eminent resource for families. Joan Smith rests her head in her hands. Jim Smith stares past her out their mobile home's window. The work can't stop now, he says. So much has happened since 1980, but there is still so much to be done. ``So many members' kids have killed themselves, but they can't tell anyone,'' he lamented. ``Why? Because they're ashamed? No. It's because people are still ignorant of the facts of mental illness.'' You wouldn't know it now, but Sybil Noble has been living with schizoaffective disorder some 36 years, since she was about 15. Medications, forever with their frustrating side effects, are serving her as well as she could hope. She's at ease in her home with her husband, Jerry Armstrong. -AP
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Hijacking science for marketing purposes Cont'd from Page 32
The data "may not reflect usual intake" and "cause and effect associations cannot be drawn," the candy paper authors wrote in a section about the study's limitations. The candy association's press release did not mention that and declared, "New study shows children and adolescents who eat candy are less overweight or obese." The headline at cbsnews.com: "Does candy keep kids from getting fat?" Carol O'Neil, the LSU professor who made the "thin and clearly padded" remark, told The Associated Press through a uni-
bias or pressure to deliver results. "The same kind of questions you're asking me, you should be asking (National Institutes of Health) researchers," Fulgoni said. It's true that industry-funded studies don't have a monopoly on the problems in scientific research. Still, Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University (and no relation to the food company) said unlike other research, industry-funded studies "are designed and produced to be useful in marketing. The hypotheses are market driven." In the past year, 156 of the 168 industry-funded studies Nestle reviewed showed favorable results for sponsors. She said play-
In the past year, 156 of the 168 industry-funded studies Nestle reviewed showed favorable results for sponsors. She said playing up nutritional perks has become a critical marketing tool in the competitive food industry. versity representative that data can be "publishable" even if it's thin. In a phone interview a week later, she said she did not recall why she made the remark, but that it was a reference to the abstract she had attached for her co-author to provide feedback on. She said she believed the full paper was "robust." The flood of industry money in nutrition science partly reflects the field's challenges. Isolating the effect of any single food on a person's health can be difficult, as evidenced by the sea of conflicting findings. The ambiguity and confusion has left the door open for marketers. Since 2009, the authors of the candy paper have written more than two dozen papers funded by parties including Kellogg and industry groups for beef, milk and fruit juice. Two are professors: O'Neil of LSU and Theresa Nicklas at the Baylor College of Medicine. The third is Victor Fulgoni, a former Kellogg executive and consultant whose website says he helps companies develop "aggressive, science-based claims about their products." Their studies regularly delivered favorable conclusions for funders - or as they call them, "clients." In a phone interview, Fulgoni said industry-funded studies show favorable results because companies invest in projects with the "best chance of success." He said any type of funding creates
with industry ties. "I'd like to monitor the fallout from this story, and give a little bit of distance to our research piece. I do not want to put you in the crossfire of a media on a rampage," wrote Laura Muma of FoodMinds, an agency that represented the candy association. Fulgoni said the group runs manuscripts by clients to check for errors or omissions. "It's more using them as a set of eyes to make sure we haven't forgotten something," he said. O'Neil said she takes only "grammatical corrections from the clients - I can't speak for the others." For the paper about candy and children, Chris Gindlesperger, a spokesman for the National Confectioners Association, said the group was given "the courtesy of reviewing the manuscript" and that its suggestions did not change results. He pointed to another paper that came to the same conclusion by analyzing multiple studies, including the one funded by the candy association. O'Neil said she believed it was important to research foods such as nuts and milk to know whether they're good for you, and that it is difficult to get government funding for such studies. She said Fulgoni's consulting business, Nutrition Impact, gets most of the funding for their projects and that she receives reimbursements for costs such as travel, but no salary compensation. As research faculty, O'Neil is expected to publish. A Baylor College of Medicine representative, Lori Williams, said all research funding goes through the college. She said the college did not receive payment from the candy association or Nutrition Impact for the paper on children and candy co-authored by Nicklas.
ing up nutritional perks has become a critical marketing tool in the competitive food industry. "The only thing that moves sales," she said, "is health claims." The documents show how researchers can be motivated by financial concerns. In 2010, Nicklas said in an email she decided against attending a General Mills health summit because she didn't want to "jeopardize" a proposal the group planned to submit to Kellogg. For another project, Fulgoni advised O'Neil against adding data. "I suggest we focus on these first and 'hook' Kellogg for more funding before conducting more analyses," he wrote. For the paper on candy-eating children, a disclosure says the funders had no role in the "design, analysis or The records obtained by the writing of this manuscript." But emails ob- AP show Nicklas sent Nutritained from LSU show the tion Impact an invoice for National Confectioners $11,500 for three manuAssociation made a numscripts in 2011, including ber of suggestions. "You'll note I took most $2,500 for "candy." but not (all) their comments," Fulgoni wrote to O'Neil The records obtained by the about the paper in 2010. AP show Nicklas sent Nutrition "I have finally waded through Impact an invoice for $11,500 for the comments from NCA. At- three manuscripts in 2011, includtached is my attempt to edit based ing $2,500 for "candy." After beon their feedback," he wrote about ing provided a copy of the ina similar paper on candy con- voice, Williams said the school sumption among adults. began a review "surrounding The trumpeting of their re- funding and disclosures on this search was also carefully timed. research." In June 2011, a candy association "We take this very seriously, representative emailed O'Neil a and your information is of significritical article about a professor cant concern to our leadership at
the College," Williams wrote. Papers co-authored by O'Neil and Nicklas also list support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture - general funding the two professors receive from the department through their respective universities for research work. Another paper by the co-authors found a link between chickpeas and hummus and better nutrient intake. It was funded by Sabra Dipping Co. and a disclosure says funders had no input in drafting the manuscript. But Sabra provided feedback that was incorporated. For a line on the benefits of "recipes made from chickpeas," for instance, it suggested tacking on, "such as hummus."
tained from West Virginia University, where one of the researchers is the dean of the school of public health. The roles of scientists and marketers sometimes blurred. In 2013, a University of South Carolina professor, Steven Blair, asked Coca-Cola to fund a "Research & Message Management Strategic Plan." "We must prepare and publicize 'our message' rather than let the media and other forces control the perception of our work," the plan said. It noted an upcoming study that would "generate enormous press" because of its findings about mothers and obesity. "In other words, if you're fat,
In addition to studies that crunch data, companies pay for clinical trials that test the effects of food in humans. PepsiCo has funded and co-authored studies showing the benefits of oats as its Quaker empire has expanded to include oat-based treats Sabra said it received a courtesy review for "providing clarifying notes and ensuring accuracy of product data." The International Life Sciences Institute, which is funded by companies including McDonald's, Red Bull and Unilever, encourages scientific collaboration with industry. Eric Hentges, its executive director, said sponsors have long been able to provide comments to ensure excellency, but that authors have the final say. Hentges said the goal is to improve quality - not change the results. For a study comparing breakfasts for children, the American Egg Board asked a University of Arkansas researcher to explain in a progress report the implications of her study for the egg industry. "This could lead to increase(d) sales and profits," wrote Jamie Baum, an assistant professor of nutrition. In a statement, Baum said it is standard for funders to ask about industry implications. She said she applies the same scientific rigor regardless of the funder. An egg board representative, Mitch Kanter, said opinions about industry implications are irrelevant to the integrity of the research. -Coca-Cola's former chief science officer, Rhona Applebaum, referred to industry critics as "trolls" in one of her regular emails with company-backed researchers, according to documents ob-
blame your mother's inactivity," the plan explained. The media strategy included online videos responding to critics, magazine articles and "a series of bylines (instead of opeds)." Blair has been criticized for emphasizing the role of physical activity in preventing obesity and shifting blame away from food and drinks. A university representative, Wes Hickman, said the school stands behind Blair's research and that any suggestion that Blair ignored diet implications "is simply false." In a statement, Coca-Cola said it is evaluating how it approaches health projects so that it can be a more "helpful and credible partner." Oats and Standards In addition to studies that crunch data, companies pay for clinical trials that test the effects of food in humans. PepsiCo has funded and co-authored studies showing the benefits of oats as its Quaker empire has expanded to include oat-based treats like biscuits and "breakfast cookies." In 2011, the company tested the hypothesis that its Quaker oatmeal and cold cereal would each be more filling than Honey Nut Cheerios, which is made by rival General Mills. The oatmeal was more filling among the trial's 48 participants, but results were mixed for the cereal, Quaker Oatmeal Squares. -AP
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Opioid painkillers may lead to chronic pain WASHINGTON: Opioid-based painkillers such as morphine paradoxically prolonged pain in rats, according to a new study that could have far-reaching implications for humans. The study led by researchers from University of Colorado Boulder in US showed that just a few days of morphine treatment caused chronic pain that went on for several months by exacerbating the release of pain signals from specific immune cells in
the spinal cord. The results suggest that the recent escalation of opioid prescriptions in humans may be a contributor to chronic pain, researchers said. "We are showing for the first time that even a brief exposure to opioids can have long-term negative effects on pain. We found the treatment was contributing to the problem," CU-Boulder Assistant Research Professor Peter Grace said. The study showed that a peripheral nerve injury in rats sends a message from damaged nerve cells to spinal cord immune cells known as glial cells, which normally act as "housekeepers" to clear out unwanted debris and microorganisms.
The first signal of pain sends glial cells into an alert mode, priming them for further action. When the injury was treated with just five days of opioids the glial cells went into overdrive, triggering a cascade of actions, including spinal cord inflammation. According to Professor Linda Watkins, the initial pain signals to the spinal cord and the subsequent morphine-induced treatment is a two-hit process, which she likened to slapping a person's face. "You might get away with the first slap, but not the second. This one-two hit causes the glial cells to explode into action, making pain neurons go wild," she said. The team discovered that the pain signals from a peripheral injury combined with subsequent morphine treatment worked together to cause a glial cell signaling cascade. The cascade produces a cell signal from a protein called interleukin-1beta (IL-1b), which increases the activity of pain-responsive nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. That can cause increases in pain duration lasting several months. "The implications for people taking opioids like morphine, oxycodone and methadone are great, since we show the shortterm decision to take such opioids can have devastating consequences of making pain worse and longer lasting," said Watkins. "This is a very ugly side to opioids that had not been recognized before," she said. The researchers have found ways to block specific receptors on glial cells that recognize opioids. This could allow for some pain relief while potentially preventing chronic pain. -PTI
Insurance rates going up: New concerns for Obamacare Cont'd from Page 32
Metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin attract more insurers. ``This is going to be a very big disrupter of the market,'' said Fristoe. Some relatively healthy people ``would probably be willing to roll the dice and take their chances'' by dropping coverage, even if it means they might be fined. The insurer cautioned that the average premiums filed with regulators don't represent the true bottom line for individual consumers. Some people may find that even with a higher premium, the coverage remains a good value. Regulators can request more information from the company, but the federal government can't order Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas to roll back the increases, said Larry Levitt, an expert on the health care law at the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation. ``Given how much money (the company) lost, it's likely that a substantial rate increase is merited,'' Levitt said. The Obama administration said concerns about 2017 premiums are premature
and overblown. In a statement, the Health and Human Services Department said the Texas rate request is just the beginning of a process. Consumers in Texas and other states will have lower-premium options when sign-up season begins Nov. 1. If they don't like what their current insurer is charging for 2017, they can switch. ``Consumers will have the final word when they vote with their feet during open enrollment,'' said the statement. Big premium hikes from a single insurance company have had an impact on the health care debate before. Back in early 2010, when Obama's health care legislation appeared stalled in Congress, WellPoint's planned 39 percent increase for some California customers galvanized the White House and its supporters to action. Obama signed the landmark legislation a few weeks later. WellPoint is now Anthem, the nation's second-largest insurer. In its home state of Indiana, it is currently seeking premium hikes from nearly 20 percent to 41 percent for coverage under the health care law. -AP
New tool to predict spread of Zika virus TOKYO: Japanese scientists have developed a new tool that can predict the risk of Zika virus importation and local transmission around the world. Countries that are well connected to/ from Brazil have been at particularly high risk of importation, researchers said. However, subtropical and tropical countries with a history of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases have the greatest risk of the virus spreading once it arrives in the country, they said. This means many nations in South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean, face the highest risk of infection and should take measures to prevent mosquito bites, researchers said. France, southern parts of China and the UAE also fall into this category having experienced previous outbreaks. "We have shown that the predicted risk of local transmission was frequently seen in tropical and subtropical countries with dengue or chikungunya epidemic experience, while the risk of importation was more scattered around the world," said Hiroshi Nishiura, a professor of hygiene at Hokkaido University. The Zika virus was first found in Uganda
in 1947, and then detected in 39 countries around the world, including the US, India and Japan, researchers said. In early 2015, a Zika virus outbreak in Brazil was soon followed by a high number of microcephaly cases, in which babies are born with abnormally small heads. The link between the two is not definitively understood, but is strongly suspected. Since the Brazil outbreak, Zika virus has been detected in an additional 39 countries, including in Europe, the UK, South America and Asia. Many researchers are working to anticipate the virus's potential spread, especially given that it can be carried by lightly infected travelers and then passed onto others by mosquitoes. Global concern and attention are elevated with thousands of visitors set to attend the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this summer. Nishiura and colleagues predicted the virus' potential of importation and local transmission by the end of this year using a survival analysis model, information about airline transportation networks, and transmission data for dengue and chikungunya viruses, which are also transmitted by the same mosquito species. -PTI
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sprawling expanse of 87 square kilometers in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, Valley of Flowers is set in the backdrop of the majestic Zanskar Ranges. This virtual paradise on earth was unknown to the outside world till the great Mountaineer Frank S Smith discovered it in the year 1931. Bhyundar Valley, as the locals named it, the Valley of Flowers bears a close association with monkey god
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Hanuman. It is believed that it was from here that Hanuman brought Sanjivani to the ailing Lakshman. The presence of rare and exotic varieties of medicinal herbs in the valley upholds this legendary belief. A world heritage site, the valley is situated at a very remarkable area, which is the conversion point of Himalayan ranges, Zanskar and Western and Eastern Himalayas. This fairyland located in the high altitudes of Himalayas is protected by snowy mountains. Bounded by the magnificent mountain ranges and glittering glaciers, this place unfolds the charisma and
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charm of nature at its best. Unspoiled by human invasions this imposing land lay iced up in the colder months, and burst into its majestic boom on the arrival of hotter months. During these months the valley sheds its somnolent nature with its multitudes of exotic flora. When the monsoon clouds began to drizzle, the valley shows its flowery face and the entire region would glisten like a colorful carpet. A scenic place where the nature blooms with its entire vista can be accessible by a tedious but lovely stroll. Eye catching spectacles like the cascading waterfalls, small
streams and above all the flowery meadows await the visitors all through the way. With the flamboyant paddocks, crystalline streams and majestic peaks, this baroque of flowers is a worthy watch spectacle. Tourist Attractions Nanda Devi National Park: Stretched over a large expanse, Nanda Devi National Park is a natural habitat to bizarre and scarce species. Cont’d on page 38
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IATA questions high taxes on aviation NEW DELHI: Global airlines' body International Air Traffic Association (IATA) has asked the government as to why the aviation sector was being taxed "punitively" like that of alcohol or tobacco industry, saying such fees were weakening its ability to be a force for good. Noting that there were "nearly 2,000 government-imposed aviation taxes and charges" in its data base - of which 230 were statutory taxes imposed on tickets, IATA said "the number seems to grow with each government budget cycle, most increases are incremental, but they add up." "It is not unusual for the net impact of government taxes and charges to reach 20 per cent or more of the cost of travel nearly four times the airlines' average net margin. Airlines are a force for good creating jobs and spreading wealth. Why then are we taxed as punitively as the 'sins' of alcohol and tobacco?" asked IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler. Addressing the IATA annual meet in Dublin, Tyler said, "Many governments are simply not doing the maths" and creating an environment for the aviation sector to function as any other industry, generate jobs and enhance connectivity. Tyler maintained that reduction or abolition of most taxes would lead to "a net positive benefit for government finances, national
economies and individuals", an IATA release said. Referring to heightened regulations in the aviation sector, Tyler said, however, "Not all regulations have the same galvanizing clarity of focus. Passenger rights rules, for example, often seem more intent on penalizing airlines than
mented to solve real issues while respecting global standards. Regulation must stand up to rigorous cost-benefit analysis," Tyler said. He also referred to aviation safety and security issues and mentioned recent incidents including those involving aircraft of
IATA Director General and CEO Tony Tyler
helping passengers enjoy the benefits of efficient travel." Stressing that the regulations must stand up to rigorous cost benefits, Tyler said "as a force for good, we need smarter regulation, clearly defined rules easily imple-
EgyptAir, Malaysian Airlines and others, saying "we face real threats. Government and industry must be nimble, share information, use global standards and keep a risk-based mindset when developing counter-measures. -PTI
Tourist influx in TN to cross 30 lakh UDHAGAMANDALAM, Tamil Nadu: Tourists arrival in Tamil Nadu is expected to go beyond 30 lakh mark during the cur-
rent year, State Tourism Minister Vellamandi N Natarajan has said. A little over 29.38 lakh tourists had visited the state during
2015 and till date 8.84 lakh have visited, Natarajan said at the valedictory of Annual Summer Festival in the district. The growth record indicates that the tourist arrival is expected to surpass the 30 lakh mark, he added. Under Vision 2023 program, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had sanctioned Rs 10 crore to develop infrastructure at tourist destinations, as a result of which about 1.05 crore foreign tourists are expected to visit the state, he noted. Meanwhile, the gate collection at the just concluded three-day Flower Show has touched a whopping Rs 36.30 lakh, which includes entry fee and charges for both still and video cameras, as over 1.25 lakh people visited the show, official sources said. -PTI
GoAir gets first A320 neo NEW DELHI: Wadia grouppromoted budget carrier GoAir has become eligible for international operations with the induction of its 20th aircraft in the fleet with the arrival of its first Airbus A320 neo plane at the Indira Gandhi international Airport here. GoAir has also become the second operator to have this latest fuel-efficient aircraft from the European aviation major, Airbus. "GoAir is delighted to welcome A320neo (new engine option) into its fleet. With the induction of the first of our 72 NEO aircraft on order, we have reached a fleet strength of 20 aircraft," GoAir Chief Executive Officer Wolfgang Prock-Schauer said in a statement.
The airline in a gesture towards conserving water in the face of the drought in certain parts of the country, decided not to accept the customary water canon salute to the new aircraft on its arrival. Globally, when an airline starts its operations to a particular airport or flies a new aircraft, a water canon welcome is given from two fire tenders when the plane lands at the destination airport. With this expansion GoAir will be able to strengthen its domestic network and will also be available to fly on international routes, he said. The existing regulation requires
an Indian carrier to have a minimum five years of domestic flying experience and a fleet of at least 20 planes to fly overseas. GoAir, which commands 8.5 per cent market share in domestic traffic, plans to induct as many as eight A320neo planes in the fleet by March next year, a senior GoAir official had said. The Mumbai-based airline had, in June 2011, placed order for 72 new A320 neo aircraft, valued at about Rs 32,400 crore on list price, with the European aviation major Airbus. The A320neo incorporates a host of innovations, including latest generation engines and large Sharklet wing-tip devices, the statement said adding these allow for 15 percent in fuel
savings from day one and 20 per cent by 2020. This is equivalent to a reduction of 5,000 tonnes of CO2 per aircraft per year, it added. According to the statement, GoAir is also the first airline to use this aircraft in Spaceflex configuration with 186 seats enabling better service and availability during peak seasons, without compromising on the comfort of the traveler. The fleet enhancement is also expected to boost GoAir's plans to get listed on the bourses in the current fiscal. -PTI
MoU with Qatar likely on tourism NEW DELHI: The government has given its nod for inking of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism. "The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Qatar for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism," an official release said. The main objectives of the MoU include creating favorable conditions for long-term co-operation in the field of tourism and exchange of expertise and informa-
tion related to the sector, it said. The MoU also aims for exchange visits of tour operators, media persons and opinion makers for promotion of two-way tourism and encourage public and private sectors to invest in the sector, among others. Qatar is an emerging tourism source market for India with over 6,300 tourist arrivals from it in 2015. Besides it offers vast opportunity for India in terms of medical tourism, the release said. "The signing of MoU with Qatar will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this emerging source market," it added. -PTI
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Beautifully placed in the midst of snowy mountain ranges of the Himalayas, this National Park proffers the lovely companionship of animal kingdom and Mother Nature. A lovely place that has been a dream destination of nature lovers and mountaineers, Nanda Devi National Park is suitably complimented by the tender countryside of the Valley of Flowers.
The park boasts of rich bio-diversity with so many exotic varieties of Himalayan plants and endangered animals. Rare species like the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, blue sheep and brown bear are on the verge of extinction and the park gives them a natural environ to inhabit. This park is gorgeous with the awesome paddocks of alpine orchards and majestic scenery. Its large variety of flora include many high value medicinal plants apart from the other extinct flora. Besides this, the park comes within the ambiance of the Western
Himalayas Endemic Bird Area where some of the endangered bird species are spotted. Nanda Devi National Park is a part of the Himalaya Biographical Zone and it has got the acclamation of national park in the year 1982. Hemkund Sahib: A unique pilgrim centre where the Hindus and the Sikhs go hand in hand. Hemkund Sahib boasts of a rich tradition of religious tolerance.
Placed at an altitude of 4329 meters, the Hemkund Lake houses Lakshman temple and a Sikh Gurudwara. It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh and Lakshman meditated on the banks of this majestic river. A sacred pilgrim centre where people from all faiths come and pay their reverence, Lokpal or Hemkund reflects a harmonious coexistence of varied faiths. Enclosed by seven snowy mountains and their allied glaciers, Hemkund Lake replicates its surrounding beguilingly on its sparkling waters. A serene atmosphere
and the enchanting scenery are sure to give a soothing effect to all those who visit the sacred premises of this holy place. Trekking: The trek towards the Valley begins at Govind Ghat. The crisscross mule trail uncurls all the way through valleys of lovely fields and shrubbery. After three kilometers of trek, there is a tiny locale by name Pulna from where the ramble becomes much enticing with the views of glitt e r i n g snowy peaks, gushing cascade and marvelous streams. The entire field looks as if painted with delicate colors. One can get some refreshments from the teashops on the wayside. In between the
flowery meadows, majestic Laxman Ganga rolls down and unites with Alaknanda. Trek through the left bank of Lakshman Ganga needs strengthening since trekking paths become sharper and stiffer. After two kilometers of tiresome trek, the trekkers reach the base camp, Ghanghria. Trekking the Valley of Flowers uncurls the pictorial beauty of nature and trekkers are expected to
keep up the serenity of the surroundings. Best Season to visit Valley of Flowers is between July and October. Valley of flowers has a cool but pleasant climate all through the year. How to reach By Train: The nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 213 km. Dehradun and Haridwar railheads can be accessed, which are about 320 km By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 319 km from Valley of Flowers National Park. By Bus: Joshimath is the nearest town at a distance of 17 km from Valley of Flowers. From Joshimath the distance has to be trekked. Bus services are available to Joshimath from Dehradun and Rishikesh.
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Encroachments at tourist spots in J&K SRINAGAR: CPI (M) MLA M Y Tarigami has demanded an enquiry into illegal constructions at various tourist spots of Kashmir after former Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah raised the issue in the state Assembly. "An inquiry should be ordered on the encroachments and violation of building
Updated Ford museum to reopen soon GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will reopen soon after months of renovations. The updates include a simulation of a 1944 typhoon that threatened the aircraft carrier on which Ford served during World War II and the chance to stand behind the 38th president's desk in a replica of the Oval Office. The museum in Grand Rapids reopens June 7 after being closed since last fall for renovations, a project that included construction of the 8,000-square-foot DeVos Learning Center, which is designed to foster civic engagement among students. New lighting and special effects will create the sensation of being on the deck of the USS Monterey as it got pounded by huge waves and caught fire from planes crashing into each other, The Grand Rapids Press reported. ``We had to tone it down a little bit because we didn't want people to get too dizzy,'' said Joe Cavalruso, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. The museum also features several new large photographs on the walls, more visual elements such as short films and interactive kiosks where visitors can explore documents and artifacts about
topics such as Ford's high school years. A replica of the Oval Office, which already was an attraction, now offers visitors the chance to stand behind the president's desk. Ford was a congressman from Grand Rapids before becoming vice president and then president following Richard Nixon's 1974 resignation. Ford died in 2006, but his family and some members of his administration will attend a June 6 gala. Museum Director Elaine Didier has said that the core exhibits ``will now tell the complete life story'' of the former president and first lady Betty Ford, who died in 2011. The Ford Presidential Foundation said more than $15 million was raised for the learning center, exhibit updates and other work. Related projects include the digitalization of important papers at Ford's presidential library, which is located in Ann Arbor. -AP
permissions at tourist spots. It is a matter of serious concern raised by Omar Abdullah. He is the former chief minister of the state," Tarigami said during the Question Hour. Omar was speaking on promotion of Tosamaidan as a tourist destination, which was vacated by the army in 2014 after 50 years of use as artillery firing range. The former chief minister, who represents Beerwah constituency, asked the government about its plans to protect Tosamaidan as violations of building laws were rampant in other tourist places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. "We have seen 40 rooms being constructed when the permission was granted for only 10 rooms (in Gulmarg and Pahalgam)," he said. Omar also raised concern over the incomplete demining process of Tosamaidan, two years after army vacated it, saying by conducting tourism festival at the picturesque spot, government was endangering the lives of the people. "The Chief Minister has expressed con-
cern over the demining process. Why did you hold the tourism festival then? You are endangering lives of the people there," he said. Omar also asked the government about its plans for improving the road connectivity to Tosamaidan area. "The Chief Minister went by a helicopter to Tosamaidan which takes only few minutes. For taking tourists to the place, you need to have roads," Omar said. Replying to the question, Education Minister Naeem Akhtar said the government "will not allow Tosamaidan to be turned into a concrete jungle". "It will be developed as a biosphere and promoted for ecotourism. No concrete constructions will be allowed but Kothas will be refurbished with facilities for those tourists who want to stay there," he said. He said an amount of Rs 73 crore has been earmarked in the Prime Minister's Development Plan for the state for developing Yusmarg-Doodhpathri-Tosamaidan circuit. On the demining of the meadows, the minister said Army has informed the government that 65 sq km of Tosamaidan had been demined and the area was safe for any civilian activity. -PTI
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Realty Tidbits
Century-old farmstead to become apartments SIOUX FALLS, S.D.: The last remaining piece of a century-old farmstead in northeastern Sioux Falls might soon become multistory apartment buildings. A portion of the Lacey Estate for 115 years has survived urban sprawl and now stands amid roads, homes and schools. Lois and Kelly Brown still keep a few horses in a barn on the 6-acre parcel. The Browns put the land up for sale three years ago. They and the company buying the property now want the city to rezone it to make way for an apartment complex with six buildings and up to 143 units, the Argus newspaper Leader reported (http://argusne.ws/ 22xsT5H ). ``We're trying to look at the site overall and see how best to make it a development,'' said Erica Beck, vice president of development for Lloyd Companies, which hopes to break ground on the project next spring. City planners are recommending approval of the rezoning request, saying the property is an ideal fit for a multi-housing development because schools, libraries and parks already exist in the area. Neighbors aren't so pleased. They worry about the effects of hundreds of additional residents on traffic and the look of the area. -AP
Man duped investors of Rs 800 cr
NEW DELHI: Police have arrested a 32-year-old man for allegedly duping depositors to the tune of Rs 800 crore after promising huge returns on investment in his real estate firm, with its branches spread across at least 25 cities. Mukesh Baghel, a native of Madhya Pradesh, duped people after promising huge returns on investment in fixed and recurring deposit policies in BNP Real Estate, with one of its branches in south Delhi's Hauz Khas area, DCP (South) Ishwar Singh said. In 2009, the company changed its name to Sunshine Infra Build Corporation and transferred cash and data to the new company. The company was shut four years later. The company has eight co-directors who, along with Baghel, fled with the money, estimated at around Rs 800 crore. So far the police have come across over 15 complaints against the accused. Based on a tip-off from their counterparts in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi Police arrested the accused from Hauz Khas area, a senior official said.-PTI
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Jackson crackdown on illegal rentals JACKSON, WYO.: The town of Jackson has warned about 20 homeowners so far this year to stop illegally renting their homes to tourists. Before this year the town hadn't cited anyone for illegal short-term rentals. Town officials pursued a new policy on illegal shortterm rentals because they wanted to crack down on the practice. They have argued that it simultaneously eats into the town's already limited housing stock while also hurting community character by inserting tourists into neighborhoods.-AP
Crown Point at Stonebrae Country Club in Hayward is now open India Post News Service
HAYWARD, CA: It's time to discover where country club living comes with a view. With beautiful new models now open, Brookfield Residential has issued an invite to experience Crown Point at Stonebrae Country Club, Brookfield Residential's newest neighborhood in Hayward. In a press release, Brookfield Residential says, "A rare place of beauty and opulence, Crown Point puts you at the center of it all, presenting exceptional living with stunning new residences in a picturesque country club atmosphere. With breathtaking golf course, Oakland and San Francisco views and an exclusive selection of new single-family homes, this is where country club living reaches a new level of luxury. Visit to tour the models and see why there's no better place to call home than Crown Point."
Located on the fourth hole and surrounded by beautiful open space and green hillsides, new homes at Crown Point present a
Three two-story floor plans range in size from approximately 3,946 to 4,657 square feet and offer up to six bedrooms and four-and-one-
delicate balance of refined elegance and tranquil ambience.
half baths, presenting all the room needed to indulge in personal luxury.
Plus, spacious plans feature great rooms for connecting with family and friends, whileequally impressive lofts and downstairs bedrooms makethe perfect space for guests to relax in comfort. Pricing at Crown Point starts from the high $1.4 millions. Residents will enjoy gourmet kitchens boasting stainless steel Bosch® appliances, elegant quartz countertops and convenient islands. In addition, each home will include a luxurious master suite, gracious living areas, top-tier finishes, premium features and personalization opportunities like optional California rooms and Cont’d on page 43 en-suites.
Sebi launches auction for PACL assets NEW DELHI: To recover funds totaling about Rs 60,000 crore for repayment to investors in the PACL case, markets regulator Sebi has initiated sale process for the attached assets of the group and said an e-auction would be held for some properties on July 5. Two properties of PACL, also known as Pearl Group, in the national capital - a spacious office property in the central Connaught Place area and a residential plot in Nangloi - would be put up for an e-auction on July 5 at reserve prices of Rs 29.59 crore and Rs 90 lakh respectively, Sebi said. The interested bidders can inspect the property on June 9, and they would need to deposit 10 per cent of the reserve price as earnest money by June 27. PACL, which had raised money from the public in the name of agriculture and real estate businesses, was found by
Sebi to have collected these funds through illegal collective investment schemes over a period of 18 years. Pursuant to a Supreme Court order, Sebi had set up a high-level committee to ensure that refunds
are made to the genuine investors after sale of attached PACL assets. Subsequently, Sebi has roped in HDFC Realty for the auction. The panel, chaired by former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha, is overseeing the process of dis-
posing of properties to refund money to investors after verifying their genuineness. The market regulator has already issued a detailed set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in 13 languages, including English and Hindi, about the refund process. Last December, Sebi ordered attachment of all assets of PACL and its nine promoters and directors for their failure to refund more than Rs 60,000 crore due to investors - the biggest amount for any such case. PACL had raised Rs 49,100 crore from nearly 5 crore investors that it needs to refund along with promised returns, interest payout and other charges, which took the total amount due to over Rs 55,000 crore, as per the Sebi order. Besides, PACL's group firm PGFL "illegally mobilized more than Rs 5,000 crore and failed to refund the same in spite of directions of Sebi and SAT", the regu-
lator had said while initiating the recovery proceedings. The proceedings were initiated against PACL Ltd, as also its promoters and directors Tarlochan Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Subrata Bhattacharya, Nirmal Singh Bhangoo, Tyger Joginder, Gurnam Singh, Anand Gurwant Singh and Uppal Devinder Kumar. Recovery proceedings were launched "for their failure to refund an amount of Rs 49,100 crores with return due to investors, along with further interest and all costs, charges and expenses incurred in the recovery proceedings". Sebi had asked them to refund the money in an order dated August 22, 2014. The defaulters were directed to wind up the schemes, and refund money to the investors within a period of three months from the date of the order.-PTI
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Questions to ask before buying a condo Dear Real Estate Adviser, I'm considering buying a condo. How do I determine if the condominium complex has any litigation pending against it? I ask because a relative of mine lives in a condo development that went south because of a big legal settlement. What are the questions to ask when buying a condo? - Sandra B. Dear Sandra, Great questions! There are thousands of condominium owners across the land who wish they'd been as duly diligent as you when they first pondered buying into a condominium complex. How a condo homeowners association, or HOA, is run, you see, is every bit as important as its asking price and location. In most jurisdictions, you're entitled to copies of the condo's HOA balance sheet, yearly dues, revenue, reserve fund balance,
notices of any pending lawsuits, the percentage of units in arrears on dues and any recent special assessments (fees) imposed on member-owners for maintenance, repairs and upgrades. What to look out for
reserve fund, by the way, should always hold in balance at least 25% of its gross annual income for adequate maintenance. Also request copies of the condo board's meeting minutes from the past year or so to give you an idea of how the place is
Huge red flags include lawsuits, sizable ebbs and flows in spending, emergency borrowing, frequent (hence, usually unexpected) special assessments and imminent big-ticket repair items. A condo
run, what the most common complaints are, how the association is handling those complaints and how it's handling any lawsuits. And tour the complex at night. Are the walkway lights and street
Crown Point at Stonebrae Country Club in Hayward is now open Cont’d from page 42
Stonebrae Country Club unveils a lifestyle brimming with the everyday luxuries you desire in an ideal location near the East Bay, the Peninsula and San
market), a division of Brookfield Residential Properties Inc., is a premier lifestyle provider that strives to create the best places to call home. It is a team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals who have the passion and experi-
And, at TPC Stonebrae, a par-72, 7,200yard championship golf course layout features a new clubhouse, health and wellness center, fine dining at the Dormy House, tennis and bocce courts Francisco.Surrounded by beautiful rolling hillsides and home to prestigious TPC Stonebrae, this exclusive community offers a gated entry, picturesque country club setting, wide open preserved spaces and scenic trails. And, at TPC Stonebrae, a par-72, 7,200-yard championship golf course layout features a new clubhouse, health and wellness center, fine dining at the Dormy House, tennis and bocce courts, full-service golf shop and 25-meter lap pool. Residents can also enjoy concierge services that range from housecleaning services to mobile car detailing. Crown Point is located at 3 Country Club Drive, Hayward, California 94542. For more information, visit BrookfieldNorCal.com or call (510) 886-2107. Brookfield Residential Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area
ence to craft exceptional new homes, neighborhoods and communities. In the San Francisco Bay Area market, it is respected as an
award-winning innovator and is recognized for delivering consistent quality, design details and an outstanding customer experience. Please visit www.BrookfieldNorCal.com for more information. Brookfield Residential Properties Inc. is a leading land developer and homebuilder in North America. It entitles and develops land to create master-planned communities, sell lots to thirdparty builders and operate its own homebuilding division. It also participates in select strategic real estate opportunities, including infill projects, mixed-use developments and joint ventures. Further information is available at BrookfieldResidential.com.
Portland apartment complex sold for $7 m PORTLAND, MAINE: Following a recent trend of multi-family housing structures changing hands, an apartment complex in Portland that was originally built as a hotel in the 1920s has been sold for $7.3 million. Real estate broker Vince Ciampi told the Portland Press Herald that the sale of the 86-unit Ambassador Apartments to Ambassador LLC closed on May 19. The sellers were Shirley Quirk and the es-
tate of John J. Quirk & Sally Quirk. The Ambassador features 82 studio apartments and four onebedroom units. Most of the units are currently occupied. Ciampi says brokers are continuing to see a strong demand for apartment properties both large and small in the Portland area. A Massachusetts investment firm purchased two adjacent apartment complexes in South Portland for $87.5 million earlier in May.-AP
lights working? Does it seem safe? Are there questionable stragglers roaming about? Investigate the building's owner Find out who owns the building, too. If the developer went belly up and a lender took over, the HOA may be struggling to maintain the building on its budget, so you can expect reductions in services and more of those painful assessments. Another key consideration is the occupancy percentage of renters, assuming there are any renters, compared with owners. For a condo buyer to gain approval for a low down-payment FHA loan, at least 51% of the units must be owner-occupied. That's in part because a high percentage of renters tends to result in less maintenance as well as unit devaluation, making condos harder to resell. The lender may also want to see proof of the condominium complex's required "fidelity bond"
insurance policy, designed to protect it from embezzlement or misappropriation of funds. Other questions to ask when buying a condo Also ask if there's a professional property manager or if the complex is self-managed. Pros have more economies of scale and experience in negotiating bids and they typically provide more consistent and cost-effective service. And don't be shy about talking with current owners about the complex's challenges, culture and the composition (and professionalism) of the condo board. The fewer amateurs actively involved in such a self-governing entity, the better. All this may seem like a lot of research, but you're making a big investment. Besides, your due diligence shouldn't take more than a few days, assuming management is forthcoming. If it's not, flee. And fast. -Bankrate.com
New York Gov. Cuomo to address homelessness ALBANY, NY: New York state has unveiled the start of a $10 billion plan to address homelessness. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration has announced that it is seeking to open 1,200 housing units that come with mental health care, workforce training, or other specialized services. The state is also working to make more than 500 beds available in state-run facilities for homeless people in New York City. It's part of a five-year, $10 billion homelessness plan to add 6,000 supportive housing units over five years and improve services for homeless people throughout the state. A report issued earlier by hous-
ing advocates faulted the Democratic governor and lawmakers for
It's part of a fiveyear, $10 billion homelessness plan to add 6,000 supportive housing units over five years not doing enough to address homelessness, noting that the number of people in homeless shelters has gone up 41 percent since 2011.-AP
In Brief Child-care license blocked for detention center AUSTIN, TEXAS: A judge extended her order that at least temporarily blocks a residential childcare license for one of the nation's largest detention centers for families caught crossing the southern U.S. border illegally. State District Judge Karin Crump issued a temporary injunction in Austin, blocking the state from licensing the privately owned and managed, 2,400-bed South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley until a full hearing scheduled for September. An activist group contends the center is a prison inappropriate for family detention. The licenses are needed because a federal judge ruled last year the center would have to eventually release the immigrant children without them. Crump had issued a restraining order in May. A spokesman for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, which issues the licenses, declined to comment. The Dilley center is about 70 miles southwest of San Antonio. Grassroots Leadership, the Austin, Texas-based group fighting to block the license, also wants the judge to strike down a temporary residential childcare license already issued to the privately owned and managed, 500-bed Karnes County Residential Center in Karnes City, about 50 miles southeast of San Antonio. ``Family detention camps are prisons; they are not child-care facilities,'' Bob Libal, executive director of the activist group, said in a statement. -PTI
„
J-K Rs 2K cr scheme for PoK refugees
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has submitted a Rs 2,000 crore-scheme for rehabilitation of displaced persons of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Chamb to the Centre. "For the displaced persons of PoK and Chamb, necessary scheme has been drawn up by the state government and submitted to the central government for approval and release of financial assistance of Rs 2,000 crore for its onward distribution among the identified 36,348 families," state Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu said in his budget speech in the Legislative Assembly. He said the cash assistance to migrants of Jammu province has been also recently enhanced and brought at par with Kashmiri migrants with effect from November 18 last year. -PTI
Immigration
Criminal investigation of Sheriff Arpaio sought
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Trump's movement campaign needs adjustments at margins TAMPA, FLA.: Donald Trump calls his presidential campaign a mass movement, but he must show he can coax enough support from voters who twice delivered the White House to Barack Obama. The billionaire businessman depended almost exclusively on conservative and GOP-leaning whites - a majority of them men to secure the Republican nomination. Now he must look ahead to a wider, more diverse voting population in his likely general election matchup with Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton. His ability to seize on marginal shifts in the electorate may determine whether he can pull off a victory once unthinkable. Trump's task is critical to flipping back into the GOP column some of the most contested states that Obama won twice. This challenge is perhaps most evident in Florida, a culturally, racially and ideologically varied state where Obama defeated Republican Mitt Romney four years ago by
fewer than 75,000 votes out of more than 8.4 million cast. That means small shifts anywhere in the electorate could make a difference - from turnout changes among white small-town
nating bouts, choosing third-party candidates or declining to vote at all; and if Trump can't close the gaps in Florida, he has little shot at winning key Rust Belt and Great Lakes states where Obama's ad-
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Omaha, Neb. Trump touts his presidential campaign as a mass movement, yet the billionaire’s Oval Office ambitions are likely to hinge on marginal shifts in an American electorate that twice gave Barack Obama comfortable victories.
and rural Republicans or urban, nonwhite Democrats to partisans, embittered by contentious nomi-
vantages were greater. ``We still elect presidents using the Electoral College ... de-
pending on states that are made up of diverse electorates,'' cautions GOP pollster Whit Ayres. ``There aren't enough angry white people to create a majority in the new America of 2016, (and) running up your numbers with white males in Mississippi doesn't get you one more electoral vote than Mitt Romney.'' One of Trump's vanquished primary rivals, Sen. Marco Rubio, told reporters Trump can win Florida, which has gone with the winner in every presidential contest since 1996, as long as he can ``continue to be Donald.'' That brash outsider pitch has sewn up support from white men like Jack Oliver, a 66-year-old construction worker from West Palm Beach and 84-year-old Frank Papa, a retired grocery manager from Clearwater. Oliver cites Trump's hard line on immigration and calls him a leader ``who will finally give a damn about people like me.'' Cont'd on Page 46
Complete sealing of Indo-Bangla border ordered NEW DELHI: The BJP-led NDA government has ordered complete sealing of Assam's border with Bangladesh by June next year, fulfilling an electoral pledge of BJP within a week of assuming power in Assam to check illegal immigration from the neighboring country. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh issued the order at a highlevel meeting attended by top Home Ministry officials here. During the meeting, the Home Minister directed that the IndoBangladesh border in Assam should be sealed completely," a Home Ministry official said. In the run up to recent Assam Assembly elections, BJP had promised to seal the IndoBangladesh border in the state completely to check illegal immigration from the neighboring country. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has said that sealing of the borders with Bangladesh in two years is one
of his two top priorities. The Home Minister also directed that full use of technological solutions be made to secure sensitive areas along the borders. This will involve networking of equipments like high resolution cameras, radars, unattended
Home Minister Rajnath Singh
ground sensors, optical fibers, infra red sensors, aerostats, handheld thermal imagers etc. and integration of these with command
and control architecture. The total length of the IndoBangladesh border is 4,096 km of which 284 km falls in Assam. The meeting was told that besides deployment of adequate number of battalions of Border Security Force in Assam, 224 km fence has been constructed for sealing of IndoBangladesh border in Assam. However, there are 122 locations (60.7 km) in Assam where physical barrier is not present. In order to achieve the objective of sealing the Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam, it was decided that 100 locations covering 11.9 km will have physical barrier i.e. fence and 22 locations covering 48.8 km. of riverine areas will have nonphysical barriers including technological barriers which will be achieved by June, 2017, the official said.
Additional Director General, Border Security Force and Additional Director General (Border) CPWD are already on site visit on Indo-Bangladesh border in Assam to prepare comprehensive plan for sealing the border by June, 2017 by means of physical and non-physical barriers. Besides the Home Minister, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju reviewed various aspects of the border management in the country. Secretary (Border Management) in the Home Ministry, Susheel Kumar along with senior officials briefed the Ministers about the progress of border security infrastructure, programs of border management and the way forward. It was informed that 4,374 km fence, 5,329.6 km border roads, 3,974 km floodlights and 2420 nos Border Out Posts (BOPs) have been constructed along the different international borders for security of the frontiers.-PTI
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Tourist visa for Yoga course in India NEW DELHI: In a first, India will give tourist visa and e-tourist visa to foreigners willing to undergo short term course on Yoga in its bid to popularize the ancient spiritual and ascetic practice globally. Realizing the spread and importance of yoga world over, the government has decided to include attending a short term yoga pro-
has taken a decision to include short term yoga programs in tourist visa and e-tourist visa, an official spokesperson said. Presently, a tourist visa is granted to a foreigner whose sole objective of visiting India is recreation, sight seeing and casual visit to meet friends or relatives, short duration medical treatment or ca-
gram in the list of permissible activities under tourist visa. Besides, the government has decided to include attending a short term yoga program and short duration medical treatment under Indian systems of medicine in the list of permissible activities under e-tourist visa. The Ministry of Home Affairs
sual business visit. All Indian Mission abroad and Foreigners Regional Registration Officers (FRROs)/ Foreigners Registration Officers (FROs) in the country have been requested to take action as per the latest decision, the spokesperson said. TVoA (tourist visa on arrival), enabled by Electronic Travel Au-
thorization (ETA), popularly known as e-tourist visa scheme, was launched on November 27, 2014. Under the e-tourist visa scheme, an applicant receives an email authorizing him or her to travel to India after it is approved and he or she can travel with a print-out of this authorization. On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorization to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country. Till now, the scheme has been extended to 150 countries at 16 Indian airports designated for providing e-tourist visa service. Since the launch of the scheme, more than around 9 laky visas have been issued. At present, on an average, 3,500 e-tourist visas are being granted daily to foreign nationals. In addition, Japanese nationals are given visa-on-arrival facility, a move that is expected to boost inflow of tourists and business visitors. The visa-on-arrival for Japanese is issued in business, tourist, medical and conference categories. It has a validity of 30 days.-PTI
Dalai Lama says 'too many' refugees in Europe BERLIN: The Dalai Lama said in an interview that Europe has accepted "too many" refugees, and that they should eventually return to help rebuild their home countries. "When we look into the face of every single refugee, especially the children and women, we can feel their suffering," said the Tibetan spiritual leader, who has himself lived in exile for over half a century. "A human being who is a bit more fortunate has the duty to help them. On the other hand, there are too many now," he said, according to the German translation of the interview in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "Europe, for example Germany, cannot become an Arab country," he added with a laugh, the daily
reported. "Germany is Germany. "There are so many that in practice it becomes difficult." The Dalai Lama added that "from a moral point of view too, I think that the refugees should only
be admitted temporarily". "The goal should be that they return and help rebuild their countries." Germany last year took in 1.1 million people fleeing war and mis-
ery in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries, but the flow was reduced sharply by the decision of Balkan countries to close their borders to people travelling through Turkey and into northern Europe. The Dalai Lama also said in the interview, conducted in Dharamsala, seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile in northern India that he hopes to one day return to Tibet. "Maybe in a few years," said the 80year-old. "If an opportunity for my return arises, or at least for a short visit, that would be a source of great joy." Thousands of Tibetans have fled their Himalayan homeland since China sent in troops in 1951, and many have settled in India. AFP
880 killed in Mediterranean shipwrecks GENEVA: Survivors' accounts now indicate the dangerous Mediterranean Sea crossing from Libya to Italy claimed at least 880 lives in the last week as unseaworthy, overcrowded smuggling boats capsized and sank under the weight of their human cargo, the UN refugee agency has said. The deadliest known tally in over a year could foreshadow disasters ahead in the next few months during the region's traditional summer-fall spike in human trafficking as the weather and water grow warmer. UNHCR spokesman William Spindler said this year is proving to be "particularly deadly" on the Mediterranean, with some 2,510 lives lost compared to 1,855 in the same span a year ago. International organizations had
UNHCR said survivors who landed in Augusta, Italy, over the weekend indicated that 47 other migrants were missing at sea in a separate incident after a raft carrying 125 migrants deflated. "Eight others were reported separately to have been lost overboard from another boat, and four deaths were reported after fire on aboard another," UNHCR said. Spindler said authorities were still trying to understand the jump in deaths, even as they know the region is moving into its high season for human trafficking. UNHCR cited unconfirmed accounts that smugglers might be trying to "maximize income" before the Ramadan holy month, which begins in the first week of June. Spindler also said he had never heard of smugglers using
The Italian Navy Marina Militare shows migrants being rescued at sea. Survivor accounts have pushed to more than 700 the number of migrants feared dead in Mediterranean Sea shipwrecks over three days
reported that over 700 migrants and refugees had perished in three Mediterranean shipwrecks on three straight days last week. Further interviews with traumatized survivors who were brought to Italian ports prompted UNHCR to increase the estimated number of dead from those wrecks and others. Saying UNHCR has "better figures now," Spindler cited new estimates that about 100 people died in a shipwreck Wednesday, some 550 others died in another capsizing Thursday and a third sinking on Friday left 170 others missing and presumed dead.
such risky tactics as having one overloaded boat tow another one overflowing with hundreds of people. Joel Millman, spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, also pointed to a new tactic used by smugglers in recent weeks. "Traffickers and smugglers working out of Libya are using much bigger boats now, carrying as many as 750 people, where for the last 12 months, we've been seeing a lot of smaller rubber inflatable dinghies," Millman said at a Geneva news conference alongside Spindler. -AP
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Immigration Post
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Criminal investigation of Sheriff Arpaio sought PHOENIX: Immigrant rights advocates who pressed a racial profiling case against metro Phoenix's sheriff are urging a judge to recommend that a criminal investigation be launched against the lawman and his top aide for his defiance of court orders. Lawyers in the case chimed in on proposed remedies to a ruling two weeks ago that found Sheriff Joe Arpaio in civil contempt of court for ignoring the judge's orders in the profiling lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Murray Snow had concluded that Arpaio knowingly ignored a 2011 order to halt his immigration patrols and deliberately misstated facts when he denied in court that he had conducted an investigation of the judge. The finding is expected to bring greater court oversight of the sheriff's office and could lead to a criminal contempt case that could
expose Arpaio to fines and even jail time. The judge has scheduled a hearing to examine ways to remedy Arpaio's violations. Attorneys who won the profiling case three years ago said the judge should recommend that prosecutors conduct a criminal contempt investigation against Arpaio and his second-in-command, Jerry Sheridan. They also suggested that such an investigation should include perjury and obstruction-of-justice allegations against both lawmen. They say Arpaio should be required to pull $300,000 out of his own pocket to help Maricopa County taxpayers compensate Latinos who were illegally detained in violation of the order to stop his immigration patrols. Asked to respond to the call for criminal investigations, the sheriff's office issued a statement saying it's committed to address-
ing the judge's ruling. The sheriff's attorneys said Arpaio and Sheridan are willing to
Sheriff Arpaio
contribute a combined $100,000 to a Hispanic civil rights organization and publicly acknowledge their contempt violations. While the county's costs for
Trump's movement campaign needs adjustments at margins Cont'd from Page 44
Papa, a New Jersey native, says Trump ``speaks my language, talks and thinks like me.'' But Trump must expand his reach. ``If he can't unify Republicans, there really isn't enough votes for him to make up elsewhere,'' said Steve Schale, who ran Obama's 2008 campaign in Florida. He said Florida elections have been close for decades, noting 41 million combined presidential votes have been cast since 1992, with fewer than 131,000 votes separating the combined totals of Democratic and Republican nominees. Trump gives lip service to the electorate's diversity, suggesting ``the Mexican people'' will ``vote for me like crazy'' and that he can win 25 percent of African-Americans. The highest number of African-Americans won by any GOP nominee since 1980 is about 12 percent. He said recently he could lure ``40 percent'' of voters backing Clinton's primary opponent, Bernie Sanders. Some nonwhite Floridians mock Trump's claims about his own appeal. ``I haven't heard any of my (black) friends say they'll vote for Trump,'' said Tanisha Winns, 39, a black Democrat in Lakeland, located along central Florida's Interstate 4 corridor that twice helped give Republican George W. Bush the statewide victory before
swinging in Obama's favor. ``If anything, I'm hearing my white friends say they won't,'' Winns added. For now, Florida polls suggest Trump and Clinton are running about even, with about 15 percent undecided. But there are variables that should give Trump pause. In 2012, nonwhites accounted for almost a third of all votes cast in Florida, compared to 28 percent nationwide. But population growth, driven by Hispanics, sug-
``I haven't heard any of my (black) friends say they'll vote for Trump,'' said Tanisha Winns, 39, a black Democrat in Lakeland gests both numbers could be higher come November. Obama beat Romney among Florida's black voters, with 95 percent. The president won Hispanics by a 60-40 margin, closer than his 71-27 advantage nationally, with many of Florida's conservative Cuban-American voters accounting for the difference. Those numbers still left Romney too reliant on whites. He managed 61 percent of Florida's white vote - bet-
compensating the victims are unknown, taxpayers have spent $41 million in the case over the last
ter than his 59 percent nationally but he needed to get closer to 63 percent to win the Sunshine State's 29 electoral votes. Demographers and pollsters from both parties say Trump likely would have to push into the midto high-60s with whites - a level no candidate has reached since Ronald Reagan's 1984 landslide to have a chance nationally. That's even more daunting considering an AP-GfK poll, taken in April, that found two out of three white women view Trump negatively. Among them are Republicans the nominee absolutely must get. In Clearwater, Republican Barbie Sugas says she's always voted for the GOP nominee, but the 47-year-old surgical technician said she's ``kind of leaning toward Clinton'' because she doesn't ``trust Trump'' with international affairs. To be sure, Clinton also must shore up her Democratic base, still divided with Sanders in the race. Jennifer Perelman, a Sanders supporter, says she won't back the former secretary of state. But she won't vote for Trump either. Her plan: to vote for Sanders as a writein candidate. Ayres, the Republican pollster, affirmed that it's ``not impossible'' for Trump to fashion a winning coalition. But, he says, ``You're basically arguing that somehow, a constant 20-year-plus demographic trend is just going to magically stop.''-PTI
eight years, and another $13 million is set aside for the coming year. An attorney representing Maricopa County sent Arpaio's lawyers a letter last week saying the county may not be financially responsible for intentional violations of court orders.
Arpaio, who earns $100,000 a year as sheriff and owns more than $2 million in commercial real estate, has never had to pull money from his own pocket to pay for legal costs directly tied to his official duties as sheriff over the last 23 years. Snow also had offered a bruising critique of Arpaio's efforts to conduct his internal investigations into alleged misconduct by his officers, saying disciplinary actions are sometimes decided by employees who are biased and have conflicts of interest in deciding such matters. The judge is considering whether to invalidate several internal investigations, get an independent investigator to re-examine the allegations and take away Arpaio's power to reverse discipline in those cases. Arpaio's attorneys agreed to have an outside investigator reopen the investigation, but said Arpaio has sole responsibility for firing employees.-PTI
UK charges 2 with immigration offenses LONDON: Two British men have been charged with immigration offenses after the weekend rescue of 18 Albanians whose small inflatable boat was taking on water in the English Channel, UK officials said. The Home Office said that Mark Stribling, 35, and Robert Stilwell, 33, appeared at Medway Magistrate's Court and will be kept in custody until the next court hearing on June 27. The Albanians are being questioned by UK Border Forces in Dover. There have been few cases of migrants trying to cross the English Channel in small boats but several recent incidents are raising safety and security concerns. Some migrants stymied by heightened security at the Channel Tunnel linking England and France are turning to dangerous, illegal boat trips. The charges filed suggest people traffickers are organizing illicit trips. John Vine, formerly chief inspector of borders and immigration, said that migrants could end up drowning in the English Channel as they have in the Mediterranean. He said the British government does not have a contingency plan to deal with a possible rise in people trafficking. ``In the context of small ports, we just don't know the extent of
this,'' he told BBC Radio. ``Clearly if this is now the start of something new, then really that needs to be reassessed and resources need to be put in.'' Britain has only three cutters actively patrolling its coastline, which has hundreds of small ports with accessible harbors.
Officials do not know how many people fleeing poverty and warfare have entered Lucy Moreton, general secretary of the Immigration Services Union, said much of the coast is unprotected and officials do not know how many people fleeing poverty and warfare have entered. She said it is ``inevitable'' that numbers will go up because so many migrants are in transit. Officials said two Britons and 18 Albanians were on the boat when it got into trouble off the coast of Kent. It's not clear if the two Britons on board are the men charged. The early Sunday rescue involved a search-and-rescue helicopter and lifeboats from several English ports.-AP
Datebook
June 10, 2016
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Upcoming
Upcoming
Upcoming Sat, Jun 18 • Kalyanji Anandji Laxmikant Pyarelal live music Venue: Montgomerry High School, 1016 County Road 601, Montgomery, NJ 08558 Time: 04:00 pm Contact: 732-501-5753
Sat, Jul 16
CHICAGO
Upcoming
Venue: LEXICON, 226 E 54th St, New York,
Venue: La mirada, 102 West 1st Street, Los
NY 10022
Sun, Jun 12 • Shri. R. Suryaprakash – Vocal South India Fine Arts
Angeles, CA 90012
Time : 9:30 pm
Venue: CET - Soto Theater, 701 Vine St, San
Time: 07:00 pm
Sat, Jun 18 • Desi Saturdays New Yorks Weekly Saturday Night
Sat, Jun 25
• Suhana Safar- A Musical Journey
• Rachna Sarang Academy: Kathak Dance Festival
Venue: St. Demetrius Ukrainian Ctr, 591 Roosevelt Avenue, Carteret, NJ 07008 Time : 5:00 pm
Venue: Miller Theatre, 2960 Broadway, New
Sun, Aug 7 • IFMP Annual Summer Picnic
Sat, Jun 30
Venue: Mercer County Park East, 1346 Edinburg Rd, West Windsor Township, NJ 08550 Time: 11:00 pm
Sun, Jul 10 • Sensational
India Post 47
York, NY 10027 Time : 07:00 pm
• Sensational Heartthrobs Venue: Colden Auditorium, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, NY 11367 Time : 08:00 pm
Singing
heartthrobs
Sat, Jun 16 • Sunidhi Chauhan and Ayushmann Khurrana Live
Jose, CA 95110 Time: 07:00 pm
vention and Entertainment Center, 300 East
Fri, July 15 • Qawali Night With Tabriaz Aziz Mian Qawal
Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802
Venue: Paradise Ballrooms, 4100 Peralta
Time: 6:30 pm
Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94536
Venue: Terrace Theater - Long Beach Con-
Time: 07:00 pm
Sat, Jun 18 • 2nd Annual Morgan Hill Yoga Fest Venue: CRC Community Park, 171 W Edmundson Ave Morgan Hill, CA 95037, 171 West Edmundson Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 Time: 8:00 am Contact: 408-859-2496
Fri, July 1 • Bollywood Night Summer 16 presents DJ Hans Venue: Studio 8 – Downtown San Jose, 8 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113 Time: 10:00 pm
Sat, Aug 20 • Dream Team Star Show - The BIGGEST STAR Venue: The Forum, 3900 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90305 Time: 07:30 pm
ATLANTA Upcoming Sat, Jun 11 • Bhari Lau Aakhma Zindagi (Gujarati Comedy) Venue: Gujarati Samaj Hall, 5331 Royal Woods Parkway, Tucker, GA 30084 Time: 8:00 pm
ILLINOIS Upcoming 1st and 3rd Sunday of Month • Chicago Children's
Venue: Vogelei Center, 650 W. Higgins Road, Hoffmann Estates, IL 60192 (Next to Nissan Dealership) Contact: Ajay & Arti Chandhok @ 630-561-4807
Bal Mukund Character Building Program and Hindi Literacy Classes
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
Mondays and Fridays • Free ESL - English as Second Language Classes Where: Metropolitan Asian Family Services Venue: 9015 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL, Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Contact: 773-465-3105
July 5 - 9 • Chinmaya Mission Atlanta Summer Camp 2016
Swami Ishatmananda
Venue: Chinmaya Niketan, 5511 Williams Road, Norcross, GA 30093 Time: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Contact: 678-717-9814
Venue: Public Library-95th Street 3015 Cedar Glade Rd Naperville IL 60564 Time: 1st friday of every month 7-8 pm Contact: 630-637-0662
Sun, Jul 10 • Thaikkudam Bridge Live In Atlanta!! Venue: Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta, GA 30066 Time: 5:00 pm
• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophy of life
• India Eternal: From the Vedic Age to the Present Venue: Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago 10915 N. Main Street Glendale Heights, IL 60139 Time: 10:00 pm Contact: 630-655-8822
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June 10, 2016
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Philosophy
June 10, 2016
India Post 49
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T
he emphasis of the Upanishads is on WHOLE NESS. Remember, it is not on perfection but on wholeness. The moment one becomes interested in being perfect, the ego enters in. The ego is a perfectionist the desire of the ego is to be perfect - and perfection drives humanity towards insanity. Wholeness is totally different; its flavor is different. Perfection is in the future: it is a desire. Wholeness is herenow: it is a revelation. Perfection has to be achieved, and of course every achievement takes time; it has to be gradual. You have to sacrifice the present for the future, the today for the tomorrow. And the tomorrow never comes; what comes is always today. Existence knows nothing of future and nothing of past; it knows only the present. Now is the only time and here the only space. The moment you go astray from now and here you are going to end into some kind of madness. You will fall into fragments; your life will become a hell. You will be torn apart: the past will pull a part of you towards itself and the future the other part. You will not know anything of bliss, you will not know anything of ecstasy because the past exists not. And people go on living in
KEN WILBER
S
tates of consciousness do not hover in the air, dangling and disembodied. On the contrary, every mind has its body. For every state of consciousness, there is a felt energetic component, an embodied feeling, a concrete vehicle which provides the actual support for any state of awareness. Let's use a simple example from the wisdom traditions. Because each of us has the 3 great states of consciousness-waking, dreaming, and formless sleep-the wisdom traditions maintain that each of us has 3 bodies, which are often called the gross body, the subtle body, and the causal body. 3 bodies? Are you kidding me? Isn't one body enough? But keep in mind a few things. For the wisdom traditions, a "body" simply means a mode of experience or energetic feeling. So there is coarse or gross experience, subtle or refined experience, and very subtle or causal experience. These are what are philosophers would call "phenomenological realities," or realities as they present themselves to our immediate awareness. Right now, you have access to a gross body and its gross energy, a subtle body and its subtle en-
the memories which are only footprints left on the sand; or they project a life into the future, which is also as non-existential as the past. One is no more, the other is not yet, and between the two one loses the real, the present, the now. Wholeness is of the now. If you can be simply here, then this very moment the revelation! Then it is not gradual, it is sudden, it is an explosion! The word upanishad is tremendously important. It simply
the presence of the Master is overwhelming. His silence starts reaching to your very heart. His presence becomes a magnetic pull on you: it pulls you out of the mud of the past and the future. The Upanishads were born nearabout five thousand years before. A secret communion, a transmission beyond the scriptures, a communion, a transmission beyond the scriptures, a communion beyond the words... this is what UPANISHAD is - you sit-
the word. When a Master speaks, those words are coming from his innermost core. They are full of his color, of his light. They carry some of the perfume of his being. If you are open and vulnerable, receptive, welcoming, they will penetrate into your heart and a process is triggered. The Master cannot cause your enlightenment. It is not a scientific process, it is far more poetic. It is not a law like the law of cause and
Master pulls you out of mud of past & future Wholeness is of the now. If you can be simply here, then this very moment the revelation! Then it is not gradual, it is sudden, Osho Rajneesh
it is an explosion!
means sitting down close to a Master; it is a communion. The Master is living in wholeness; he is living herenow, he is pulsating herenow. His life has a music, his life has a joy, a silence of immense depth. His life is full of light. Just to sit silently by the side of a Master is enough, because the presence of a Master is infectious,
ting silently, not just listening to my words but listening to my presence too. The words are only excuses to hang the silence upon. The silence is the real content, the word is only a container. If you become too much interested in the word you miss the spirit. So don't be too much interested in the word. Listen to the heartbeat of
effect; it is far more liquid, far more loose, far more flexible. The Master cannot cause the enlightenment to happen in you, but he can trigger the process, and that too only if you allow, not against your will. Excerpted from a talk on Isha Upanishad on 11 October 1980 in Buddha Hall, Rajneeshpuram, in the state of Oregon, USA
ergy, and a causal body and its causal energy. What's an example of these 3 bodies? Notice that, right now, you are in a waking state of awareness; as such, you are aware of your gross body-the physical, material, sensorimotor body. But when you dream at night, there is no gross physical body; it seems to have vanished. You are aware in the dream state,
far-off places, wild and radiant images cascading to the rhythm of the heart's desire. When somebody like Martin Luther King says, "I have a dream," that is a good example of tapping into the great potential of visionary dreaming, where the mind is set free to soar to its highest possibilities. As you pass from the dream state with its subtle body into the deep-sleep state, even thoughts
being, an expanse of consciousness that seems almost infinite. Along with this almost infinite expanse there is an almost infinite body or energy-the causal body, the body of the finest, most subtle experience possible, a great formlessness out of which creative possibilities can arise. Of course, many people do not experience that deep state in such a full fashion. But again, the tradi-
3 states of consciousness and 3 bodies
body into the deep-sleep state, even thoughts and images drop away, and there is only a vast emptiness, a formless expanse beyond
yet you don't have a gross body of dense matter but a subtle body of light, energy, emotional feelings, fluid and flowing images. In the dream state, the mind and soul are set free to create as they please, to imagine vast worlds not tied to gross sensory realities but reaching out, almost magically, to touch other souls, other people and
and images drop away, and there is only a vast emptiness, a formless expanse beyond any individual "I" or ego or self. The great wisdom traditions maintain that in this state-which might seem like merely a blank or nothingness-we are actually plunged into a vast formless realm, a great Emptiness or Ground of
The mind is using you. You are unconsciously identified with it, so you don't even know that you are its slave. -Eckhart Tolle The most sublime truth of all has never been stated or written or sung. Not because it is far away and can't be reached, but because it is so intimately close. -Gangaji The practice of mindfulness, teaches, is like the power of the sun. It allows you to illuminate the aspects of your life that are in darkness. -Thich Nhat Hanh If you want to free what is stuck and loosen that which is bound, simply remove all traces of mental activity. - John Daido Loori
As you pass from the dream state with its subtle
any individual "I" or ego or self.
Most people are concerned only with what they can get from the world, but it is what we are able to give to others that determines the quality of our life. -Mata Amritanandamayi
Ken Wilber
tions are unanimous that this formless state and its causal body can be entered in full awareness, whereupon they, too, yield their extraordinary potentials for growth and awareness. Kenneth Earl Wilber II is an American writer on transpersonal psychology and his own Integral Theory
The ego is a fluke of evolution, a by-product of the thinking process, and when one sees this clearly, it will be a guide to keep you free from a lot of nonsense being taught about what Enlightenment is. -Melvyn Wartella
Insure yourself FIRST. Call Sahanis, (Arish, Priya or Shiv) for your Insurance needs 718- 271- 0453. Serving for last 35 yrs
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Suchir Tumuluru, 12 of St. Charles prepares to bowl during practice of the American Cricket Academy at the O'Fallon Sports Park
Aman Daggumati, 12 of O'Fallon, Mo,. hits out during practice with the American Cricket Academy at the O'Fallon Sports Park
ST. LOUIS: The St. Louis region makes plenty of room in its parks for sports such as soccer and baseball. Some residents are pleading with cities to make room for just one more: cricket. Why cricket? It has the second-largest fan following in the world, after soccer. It's similar to baseball but came before it. For many residents who immigrated from In-
dia, largely concentrated in St. Louis and St. Charles counties, it's the sport - not Cardinals baseball, not Blues hockey - that they grew up loving. The number of area residents with such ties to India has grown quietly over the past two decades. In St. Charles County it rose to 3,456 people in 2014 - six times larger than it was in 2000 - and grew 84 percent to 11,401 people in St. Louis County dur-
ing that same period, according to U.S. Census estimates. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that in the past few months, some of those residents have been knocking on cities' doors to plead for a cricket pitch, only about half a dozen of which exist in the St. Louis region for at least 600 players. A fledgling cricket club for children, the American Cricket Academy, celebrated when it convinced Dardenne Prairie's Board of Aldermen to build a cricket field at
Members of the American Cricket Academy listen to their coaches after practice at the O'Fallon Sports Park in O'Fallon
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A fledgling cricket club for children, the American Cricket Academy, celebrated when it convinced Dardenne Prairie's Board of Aldermen to build a cricket field at BaratHaven Park.
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BaratHaven Park. The parent-run group is fronting the nearly $27,000 needed to build it, but the city will reimburse the group in the next five years by waiving and reducing field reservation fees. The co-ed academy started last year not just to teach children how to play, but also to get this soccer and baseball-loving region to make room in their hearts and minds - and their parks - for cricket. ``If more kids play the game, then hopefully in the next few years things might change,'' said Ranjeet Singh, the founder of St. Louis'
oldest cricket club. ``What we are saying is, try this sport, too. Unless they try the game, they do not know.'' Cricket, which has roots in 16thcentury England, is simultaneously similar to and different from baseball. There are no strikes or balls, there are essentially only two bases and one inning, the bat is flat like a paddle, and instead of a straight pitch, a ball is ``bowled,'' or bounced at high speed, to a batsman on a 66-foot-long strip of firm ground called the pitch.
Aromal Kozhikal 9, of O'Fallon, Mo., bowls on the pitch during practice
Cont'd on Page 53
June 10, 2016
India Post 51 www.indiapost.com
Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest ' exits the ring PHOENIX: He was fast of fist and foot - lip, too - a heavyweight champion who promised to shock the world and did. He floated. He stung. Mostly he thrilled, even after the punches had taken their toll and his voice barely rose above a whisper. He was The Greatest. Muhammad Ali died on June 3 at age 74, according to a statement from the family. He was hospitalized in the Phoenix area with respiratory problems earlier, and his children gathered around him. With a wit as sharp as the punches he used to "whup" opponents, Ali dominated sports for two decades before time and Parkinson's Syndrome, triggered by thousands of blows to the head, ravaged his magnificent body, muted his majestic voice and ended his storied career in 1981. He won and defended the heavyweight championship in epic fights in exotic locations, spoke loudly on behalf of blacks, and famously refused to be drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War because of his Muslim beliefs. Despite his debilitating illness, he traveled the world to rapturous receptions even after his once-bellowing voice was quieted and he was left to communicate with a wink or a weak smile. Revered by millions worldwide and reviled by millions more, Ali cut quite a figure, 6 feet 3 and 210 pounds in his prime. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," his cornermen exhorted, and he did just that in a way no heavyweight had ever fought before. He fought in three different decades, finished with a record of 565 with 37 knockouts and was the first man to win heavyweight titles three times. He whipped the fearsome Sonny Liston twice, toppled the mighty George Foreman with the rope-a-dope in Zaire, and nearly fought to the death with Joe Frazier in the Philippines. Through it all, he was trailed by a colorful entourage who merely added to his growing legend. "Rumble, young man, rumble," cornerman Bundini Brown would yell to him. And rumble Ali did. He fought anyone who meant anything and made millions of dollars with his lightning-quick jab. His fights were so memorable that they had names "Rumble in the Jungle" and "Thrilla in Manila." But it was as much his antics and his mouth - outside the ring that transformed the man born Cassius Clay into a household name as Muhammad Ali.
"I am the greatest," Ali thundered again and again. Few would disagree. Ali spurned white America when he joined the Black Muslims and changed his name. He defied the draft at the height of the Vietnam war - "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong" - and lost 3 1/2 years from the prime of his career. He entertained world leaders, once telling Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos: "I saw your wife. You're not as dumb as you look." He later embarked on a second career as a missionary for Islam. "Boxing was my field mission, the first part of my life," he said in 1990, adding with typical braggadocio, "I will be the greatest evangelist ever." Ali couldn't fulfill that goal because Parkinson's robbed him of his speech. It took such a toll on his body that the sight of him in his later years - trembling, his face frozen, the man who invented the Ali Shuffle now barely able to walk - shocked and saddened those who remembered him in his prime. "People naturally are going to be sad to see the effects of his disease," Hana, one of his daughters, said, when he turned 65. "But if they could really see him in the calm of his everyday life, they would not be sorry for him. He's at complete peace, and he's here learning a greater lesson." The quiet of Ali's later life was in con-
and made $57 million in his pro career, but the effect of the punches lingered long after most of the money was gone. That didn't stop him from traveling tirelessly to promote Islam, meet with world leaders and champion legislation dubbed the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act. While slowed in recent years, he still managed to make numerous appearances, including a trip to the 2012 London Olympics. Despised by some for his outspoken beliefs and refusal to serve in the U.S. Army in the 1960s, an aging Ali became a poignant figure whose mere presence at a sporting event would draw long standing ovations. With his hands trembling so uncontrollably that the world held its breath, he lit the Olympic torch for the 1996
trast to the roar of a career that had breathtaking highs as well as terrible lows. He exploded on the public scene with a series of nationally televised fights that gave the public an exciting new champion, and he entertained millions as he sparred verbally with the likes of bombastic sportscaster Howard Cosell. Ali once calculated he had taken 29,000 punches to the head
Atlanta Games in a performance as riveting as some of his fights. A few years after that, he sat mute in a committee room in Washington, his mere presence enough to convince lawmakers to pass the boxing reform bill that bore his name. Members of his inner circle weren't surprised. They had long known Ali as a humanitarian who once wouldn't think twice about
getting in his car and driving hours to visit a terminally ill child. They saw him as a man who seemed to like everyone he met - even his archrival Frazier. "I consider myself one of the luckiest guys in the world just to call him my friend," former business manager Gene Kilroy said. "If I was to die today and go to heaven it would be a step down. My heaven was being with Ali." One of his biggest opponents would later become a big fan, too. On the eve of the 35th anniversary of their "Rumble in the Jungle," Foreman paid tribute to the man who so famously stopped him in the eighth round of their 1974 heavyweight title fight, the first ever held in Africa. "I don't call him the best boxer of all time, but he's the greatest human being I ever met," Foreman said. "To this day he's the most exciting person I ever met in my life." Born Cassius Marcellus Clay on Jan. 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali began boxing at age 12 after his new bicycle was stolen and he vowed to policeman Joe Martin that he would "whup" the person who took it. He was only 89 pounds at the
gang, which started when he and a friend were refused service at a Louisville restaurant. The story may be apocryphal, and Ali later told friends he simply misplaced the medal. Regardless, he had made his point. After he beat Liston to win the heavyweight title in 1964, Ali shocked the boxing world by announcing he was a member of the Black Muslims - the Nation of Islam - and was rejecting his "slave name." As a Baptist youth he spent much of his time outside the ring reading the Bible. From now on, he would be known as Muhammad Ali and his book of choice would be the Koran. Ali's affiliation with the Nation of Islam outraged and disturbed many white Americans, but it was his refusal to be inducted into the Army that angered them most. That happened on April 28, 1967, a month after he knocked out Zora Folley in the seventh round at Madison Square Garden in New York for his eighth title defense. He was convicted of draft evasion, stripped of his title and banned from boxing. Ali appealed the conviction on grounds he was a Muslim minis-
During his banishment, Ali spoke at colleges and briefly appeared in a Broadway musical called "Big Time Buck White." Still facing a prison term, he was allowed to resume boxing three years later time, but Martin began training him at his boxing gym, the beginning of a six-year amateur career that ended with the light heavyweight Olympic gold medal in 1960. Ali had already encountered racism. On boxing trips, he and his amateur teammates would have to stay in the car while Martin bought them hamburgers. When he returned to Louisville with his gold medal, the Chamber of Commerce presented him a citation but said it didn't have time to co-sponsor a dinner. In his autobiography, "The Greatest," Ali wrote that he tossed the medal into the Ohio River after a fight with a white motorcycle
ter. He married 17-year-old Belinda Boyd, the second of his four wives, a month after his conviction, and had four children with her. He had two more with his third wife, Veronica Porsche, and he and his fourth wife, Lonnie Williams, adopted a son. During his banishment, Ali spoke at colleges and briefly appeared in a Broadway musical called "Big Time Buck White." Still facing a prison term, he was allowed to resume boxing three years later, and he came back to stop Jerry Quarry in three rounds on Oct. 26, 1970, in Atlanta despite efforts by Georgia Gov. Lester Maddox to block the bout. Cont'd on Page 53
52 India Post
June 10, 2016 www.indiapost.com
Horse industry booming in Johnston County SELMA, N.C.: The horse industry in Johnston County is booming, and a recovering economy should guarantee continued growth, stable owners and trainers say. ``It's really taking off, and I think interest is growing, especially in Johnston County,'' said Michael Hubbard of Clayton, who has opened Blue Skies Stables near Selma. Some people in Johnston's
People from across the country have moved to Johnston County specifically to live in Portofino, Norwood Thompson said. ``We're trying to create a lifestyle,'' he said. The equestrian center, Mr. Thompson added, is the community's crown jewel. ``We call it the Ritz for horses,'' he said. Many horse owners apparently agree. The 22-stall barn has a waiting list, and the Thompsons rou-
Mia Braundel, 15, and her horse, Cash, jump a bench obstacle at Portofino Equestrian Center in Clayton.
growing equine industry have ridden for decades. Among them is barn manager Lisa Thompson of Portofino Equestrian Center in Clayton. Other people simply enjoy being around horses. ``You don't have to ride to be interested in them,'' Hubbard said. Norwood and Sandra Thompson are the developers behind Portofino, a residential community built with horse owners in mind. The equestrian center where Lisa Thompson works has a 22-stall barn and several riding arenas. Surrounding the center are acres of pasture and nature trails. Many of the homes in Portofino have private barns.
tinely field inquiries about pasture boarding, all of which has prompted expansion plans. ``About 400 acres for more horse lots and arenas,'' Norwood Thompson said of plans for newly acquired property. In addition to more custom homes with barns, he is considering a covered arena like the one at Blue Skies. The Thompsons note that the equestrian center hosts events that are open to the public. ``We want people to come out and see this,'' Mr. Thompson said. Portofino has plenty of company in Johnston County. A cursory internet search reveals nearly two dozen stables in Johnston, with
many more either straddling county lines or just across the Johnston line in southern Wake County. Blue Skies is a smaller undertaking than Portofino, with Hubbard saying he wanted to keep the focus on what lured him to the industry in the first place - his 12year-old daughter, Haydn. ``I put her on a horse, and look at her now,'' he said. Hubbard and his wife Jen had no equine industry experience when they decided to launch Blue Skies Stable, but their horse sense was on target. Their 16-stall barn filled up with boarders soon after opening. In addition to boarding, Blue Skies offers training, primarily in the hunter and jumper styles, and prides itself on being a safe, family-friendly environment for all to ride. Hubbard said a family is forming among the Blue Skies riders. ``We have a really great group here now, and we all get along really well,'' he said. The growing horse industry is good for Johnston County and its economy, Hubbard said. ``We're seeing such big, booming growth all over, and it's also attracting ancillary businesses that serve equestrian centers and barns,'' he said. ``It's becoming an economic engine, and we're attracting talented people. It's not just Johnston either. It's really the whole Triangle. It's blowing up.'' Portofino trains riders in eventing, jumping, dressage and other skills. And the training is at a high level, the Thompsons say, thanks to trainers like Holly Hudspeth, who was shortlisted for the 2004 Athens Olympics and has competed at the highest level in other competitions. Hudspeth is training several students at
Portofino, including 15-year-old Mia Braundel who has aspirations to become an Olympian herself. At Blue Skies, Sally Henry heads up the training. Henry was a member of the equestrian team at the University of South Carolina, where she helped her teammates to an SEC championship and brought home an MVP award
horse shows for nearly two decades, but participation has increased, with events now held numerous times a year. Toni Hall is owner of East Coast Equestrian and co-manager of Hillcrest Farms near Smithfield. She also oversees the Johnston County Horse Show Series, whose events are open to all skill levels
Haydn Hubbard, 12, rides her horse, Dane, at Blue Skies Stables near Selma.
for herself. Hubbard and Lisa Thompson said the level of talent in students and trainers speaks well of the equine industry in Johnston County. ``I can't believe the level of talent we have here now,'' Lisa Thompson said. ``And it's just going to get better.'' ``We're getting bigger and bigger'' as an industry, ``so we're going to keep seeing bigger and better talent relocate here,'' Hubbard said. ``And we're also going to see bigger and better talent come out of Johnston County.'' That talent, by the way, can literally strut its stuff without ever leaving Johnston County. The county has been home to
and held either at the Johnston County Livestock Arena or the Hunt Horse Complex in Raleigh. Upcoming shows are slated for June, August, September and October. Hall, who came to North Carolina from New York, taught at the Apex Equestrian Center before moving her horse, Rosie, to Hillcrest Farms. She likes Johnston County for the quality and cost of its horse industry. ``When my husband and I decided to move south, we wanted to move where we got more for our money,'' she said. ``This area is growing, and the horse industry in Johnston County is more affordable than most places.'' -AP
Comic actor Razak Khan passes away
R
azzak Khan, whose trademark comic villainy produced guffaws galore in films such as ' Baadshah', 'Hello Brother' and ' Ankhiyon Se Goli Mare', passed away following a heart attack in Mumbai on June 1. The actor was rushed to suburban Bandra's Holy Cross hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. He was 65. Not every Hindi film lover knew him by name. But for most, Khan was an easily recognizable face. The actor will be remembered as much for his distinctive dialogue delivery as for playing some of the most colorfully-named characters in popular Bollywood-Lucky
Chikna, Ninja Chacha, Babu Bisleri, Usman Khujli, Faiyyaz Takkar, Dilphenk Hyderabadi, Munna Mobile and more. In a career spanning two-andhalf decades, Khan acted in over 150 films. He also worked in several TV serials such as Chamatkar. According to IMDB, a cinema-information website, he had an astounding 47 releases between the years 200002. In 2001 alone, he had 17 films to his credit. Most roles were cameos-Khan relished playing the smalltime bhai-but he generally left a strong impression. His exchange with
Govinda as F a i y y a z Takkar, a goon who breaks everything with his
head, in ' Ankhiyon Se Goli Mare' is rip-roaring in hilarity. Actor Rakesh Bedi said, "Quite unlike his screen persona, Razak bhai was a very refined and cultured person. He was well-versed with Urdu literature and poetry. In films, he had created his own style. In fact, I met him in Dubai last month where we were doing different plays for the same group. We shared jokes, had breakfast together. The news of his death has come as a shock to me." Bedi had worked with him in films such as ' Beti No 1'. Fellow actor Viju Khote, who was with him in Shah Rukh Khan's 'Baadshah', too was stunned by
his sudden demise. "I met him about five days back in Andheri. He seemed perfectly ok," he said. Khan's death was mourned by fans and fellow actors on Twitter. The hashtag, #RazakKhan, trended on the micro-blogging website throughout the day. Actor Rishi Kapoor tweeted, "RIP. Razak Khan, a colleague of many a film. Condolences to all concerned!." Arshad Warsi posted, "Funny man Razak Khan has also passed away. May his soul rest in peace." TV comedy star Kapil Sharma tweeted, "A very nice person n talented actor. May your soul rest in peace Razak bhai."Agencies
June 10, 2016
India Post 53 www.indiapost.com
Cricket revolution in St. Louis Cont'd from Page 50
The shortest matches last about six hours and the longest last days. But the goal is the same - to whack a ball with a bat and score
religious following, especially in the Indian subcontinent, where it's as integral to popular culture as baseball and football are to the US. Cricket is also highly popular in Britain, Australia and the West Indies.
Anusha Bhaghwat,7, of lake St. Louis, works on batting during practice
more runs than the other team. The sport enjoys a practically
In the U.S., the sport was eclipsed by baseball's introduc-
tion in the mid-1800s, and cricket remains a sport that, despite having billions of fans, most Americans know little or nothing about. Still, cricket has been played in St. Louis for at least the past 140 years, most of that time at a field on Cricket Drive in Forest Park. Now, there are at least three adult leagues and two youth leagues, including the 4-year-old Missouri Youth Cricket Association. MYCA started the effort to make cricket a youth sport in St. Louis, by teaching the sport in its league and in schools in cities from Ferguson to Kansas City. The Kutis team of St. Louis plays Kansas City's Kansas Originals in a cricket match in Forest Park on May 27, 1962. Now St. Louis has cricket fields in Ballwin, St. Charles, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Hazelwood and O'Fallon, Missouri - several of them because cricket groups came to them asking for a field.
The parents running it have avoided advertising the program because they say they don't have field space for more children. But the academy still ballooned to more than 100 children by word of mouth since launching last sum-
Aman Daggumati (right), 12, of O'Fallon, Mo., hoists 4-year -old Krish Patel, the little brother of one of their teammates so that Noor Sandhu, 12, of St. Louis, can place a helmet on him after practice
Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest ' exits the ring Cont'd from Page 51
He was still facing a possible prison sentence when he fought Frazier for the first time on March 8, 1971, in what was labeled "The Fight of the Century." A few months later the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the conviction on an 8-0 vote. "I've done my celebrating already," Ali said after being informed of the decision. "I said a prayer to Allah." Many in boxing believe Ali was never the same fighter after his lengthy layoff, even though he won the heavyweight championship two more times and fought for another decade. Perhaps his most memorable fight was the "Rumble in the Jungle," when he upset a brooding Foreman to become heavyweight champion once again at age 32. Many worried that Ali could be seriously hurt by the powerful Foreman, who had knocked Frazier down six times in a second round TKO. But while his peak fighting days may have been over, he was still in fine form verbally. He promoted the fight relentlessly, as only he could. "You think the world was shocked when Nixon resigned," he said. "Wait till I whup George Foreman's behind."
Ali won over a country before he won the fight, mingling with people as he trained and displaying the kind of playful charm the rest of the world had already seen. On the plane into the former Congo he asked what the citizens of Zaire disliked most. He was told it was Belgians because they had once colonized the country. "George Foreman is a Belgian," Ali cried out to the huge crowd that greeted him at the airport. By the time the fight finally went off in the early morning hours of Oct. 30, 1974, Zaire was his. "Ali booma-ya (Ali kill him)," many of the 60,000 fans screamed as the fight began in Kinshasa. Ali pulled out a huge upset to win the heavyweight title for a second time, allowing Foreman to punch himself out. He used what he would later call the "rope-adope" strategy - something even trainer Angelo Dundee knew nothing about. Finally, he knocked out an exhausted Foreman in the eighth round, touching off wild celebrations among his African fans. "I told you I was the greatest," Ali said. That might have been argued by followers of Joe Louis or Rocky Marciano or Sugar Ray Robinson, but there was no doubt that Ali was just what boxing needed in the early 1960s. -AP
Sai Tumuluru, one of the coaches at the American Cricket Academy
Meanwhile, two cricket pitches have been torn down in the last decade. The city tore Forest Park's cricket pitch out about a decade ago after the club that had been using it left for a higher-quality facility, said Singh, who has been active in St. Louis cricket since 1998. Maryland Heights' jewel of a sports facility, SportPort International, had a cricket pitch that the Maryland Heights Cricket League used for years, but it was torn down this year to make a parking lot exit road, SportPort controller Vince Doder said. SportPort has been growing and needed more access to the lot, he said. The academy currently uses two cricket pitches and holds practice three times a week for two hours apiece, each time handling two dozen to 60 children.
to host their own matches. They've won less than a quarter of the matches. That could change if they get more fields to practice on, Krishnamurthy says. ``Dallas has 40 cricket fields,'' he said. ``We are trying to do with
mer, said Ganesh Krishnamurthy, a board member and coach. Parents have driven and flown their children to Dallas, Indianapolis, Atlanta and other cities to have another team to compete with, because they haven't been able to secure a cricket field on weekends
Pooja Ganesh, 8. Of Chrsterfield, practices bowling
four here. And that is a troubling amount of folks who play cricket here but are unable to enjoy or nurture the sport.'' Those who run the academy think a cricket revolution can start in St. Louis if people just learn what it is. The academy has sent representatives to school assemblies to teach cricket and donate cricket sets. It held an after-school cricket program for about 70 students at Green Tree Elementary in Wentzville and shows physical education teachers how to teach the sport. ``We are getting more and more people from around the world coming to our schools, and when we say we don't know anything about it, I think that's kind of sad,'' said Char Wagman, a Green Tree physical education teacher. ``We tend to think that everybody needs to do things the American way. I think it's better if we know there are a lot of other ways.'' -AP
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India rebooting ties with Iran with Chabahar
India Post
ANU ABRAHAM
T
he Chabahar deal and the India-Iran-Afghanistan trilateral dialogue that took place during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's May visit to Tehran have generated much debate. While there is a larger focus within the country on India's foreign policy push, it is also being viewed with much suspicion in Pakistan and with interest, in Iran and Afghanistan. India's larger objectives in reviving the relationship with Iran, its investment in Chabahar port and whether the latter is pursued as an alternative or competition to Pakistan's Gwadar port, are interesting questions to address. Iran: Reviving the Relationship India has been looking forward to renew its relationship with Iran, especially as the bilateral has faced some serious challenges in the recent years. Particularly, following the US-India Strategic Partnership and the Indo-US nuclear deal, there were some developments that impinged on New Delhi's relationship with Tehran. The recent
As a part of the recent agreements, India has promised investment worth USD 50 million towards setting up of industries including aluminum and urea plants; exchange of cultural programs, speakers, interactions between think-tanks, encouragement of foreign trade; and cooperation in science and technology. The highlight, however, has been the understanding on the Chabahar port. Importance of Chabahar Chabahar is a strategic port from the perspectives of India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Other than the easy access from the western coasts of India, it plays several significant roles. Firstly, by having access to the port, India can save one-third of its time to reach Central Asia. Secondly, the link between Afghanistan and India could be built bypassing Pakistan, which could help in building up the already set relationship between Kabul and New Delhi on security ties and economic interests. Thirdly, if Iran builds Chabahar as a transit hub for im-
Chabahar Port
nuclear deal with Iran has provided India an opening for India. India's transfer of USD 6.4 billion - part payment of total sum owed to Iran that was held up due to sanctions- earlier this year could be a stepping stone for the bilateral relationship. The May 2016 dialogue - the first New Delhi-Tehran bilateral meeting in 15 years - signifies a clear strategy for India's interest in Iran. Tehran has been New Delhi's friend and the revival of the bilateral depended on the lifting of sanctions.
mediate access to markets in northern regions of the Indian Ocean and Central Asia, it would help India in gaining access to those markets directly. Fourthly, India's previous relationship with Iran with New Delhi being the second largest buyer of Iranian oil will work as an add on to fasten the process. Fifthly, through Chabahar India can use the road access to four cities in Afghanistan - Herat, Kandahar, Kabul and Mazar-eSharif. This will help India further develop its trade with Afghani-
stan. Chabahar: Competitor for Gwadar? There have been numerous concerns in Pakistan that India is using Chabahar to thwart Gwadar. Situated in the Makaran coast, parallel to Chabahar, Gwadar is being developed by China. If Chabahar functions in full swing, Gwadar would take a back seat. India taking the Chabahar port seriously can also reflect on the Sino-Indian relationship. Via Gwadar, China can monitor the US and Indian naval activity in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea while Pakistan as a proxy can control the energy routes from there. Will a fully functional Chabahar port challenge Chinese investments in Gwadar? If China and Pakistan bear such perceptions, a competition (and perhaps even a dispute) between the two ports could commence in the future. To conclude, India is Iran's second largest crude oil importer after Beijing. Iran exported oil to India at a subsidized rate even during problematic times. Iran also wanted to help India during the Gujarat earthquake. India unfortunately pursued a few strategies against Iran during the sanctions period. Under pressure from the US, India even voted against Iran at the IAEA. India also backed out from the pipeline project. India seems to be rebooting its ties with Iran now. The recent agreements signed between the two countries during Prime Minister Modi's visit are beyond just investing in Chabahar port. However, there are challenges for India's pursuit of such a reboot as well. Will this create new tensions with China? This is a question New Delhi has to address, and adopt strategies accordingly, so that there are no negative side-effects. The writer is Research Intern, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru
Warming up B
ollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has been among the many Indians harassed at US airports. The late President APJ Abdul Kalam also suffered indignities at the hands of US immigration officials. Since they belonged to the VIP category, there was lot of hue and cry about the treatment given to them by a paranoid US security. But there are lesser mortals among Indians who are routinely harassed at US airports but the media takes little notice of them. If it is Muslims who attract the most thorough and insulting scrutiny it is because of the various incidents of terrorism, not merely in India and rest of the world, but in the US itself in which the perpetrators were owing allegiance to the religion of Islam. But Sikh gentlemen are also looked at with suspicion and even told on many occasions to remove their turbans so as to see "what is in their heads," as one victim pointed out wryly. With their beards and turbans they look like Osama bin Laden to the supposedly educated US security. This scenario is going to change a little now that India and the US are getting into a closer embrace with the fourth visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US. On the eve of Modi's latest visit, India and the US have signed an MoU "to facilitate hassle-free entry of Indians into America at selected airports by providing speedy security clearances for pre-approved, low-risk travelers from the country." This is a very encouraging development considering India is only the ninth country with which the US has entered into this International Expedited Traveler Initiative (also known as the Global Entry Program), reflective of the growing relationship between the two largest democracies of the world. According to the MOU signed between the two countries in Washington DC, the move will provide speedy security clearances for pre-approved, low-risk Indian travelers upon arrival in US at selected airports. These are some of the easy gains that can be obtained from the last year of the present US administration under President Obama. There are other low hanging fruits which can be plucked now that there is greater eagerness in the Indian administration also to make the maximum gains from the rising affection for the largest democracy from the oldest democracy. There is a new mood in US administration of helping India in every way encouraged by equal warmth coming from the side of Narendra Modi administration. Even in Defense matters, in which the US used to have some reservations, The US has been declaring that it is "committed" to help India build its defense capabilities until it can be the "net provider of security" in the Asia-Pacific region. Many commentators in the US media are linking this building up of India as a US effort to counter China, particularly in the South China Sea. India has consistently refused to accept that it is showing greater interest in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China. It points out that Indo-Pacific region is important for India for historical reasons as even during the British rule, Indian influence spawned the region. According to the New York Times, The United States is encouraging the rise of India as a giant Asian partner to balance China, and India is trying to accelerate its economy with an injection of investment from American companies. The Wall Street Journal quoted a senior administration official as saying that Mr Obama sees a gradual change in India's role in the world as one of his major achievements. "India made a big shift under Prime Minister Modi," the official said. "It's really hard to overestimate the rapid pace of progress in our defense relationship." Obama may be bowing out soon but he has made enough efforts to make the relationship with India a robust one. It is hoped the next US President will take over from there.
June 10, 2016
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